Five Tips to Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon in San Diego

1. Find a surgeon who insists on discussing all your options.

When many people make the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery, they a) aren't exactly sure what they want; or b) aren't aware of all the options available for surgically improving one's appearance. That calls for a plastic surgeon that can provide you with tips on all the latest techniques and technology in use and be straightforward on cost and effect.

2. Find a surgeon who will help you decide exactly what you want.

The decision to seek aesthetic surgery or physical alteration of any kind is a big one. Many people are simply unhappy with the way they look and may not be sure just what "fix" will make them happy.

That's why a good cosmetic plastic surgeon is both physician and counselor. A frank discussion with a medical figure that can be trusted helps many people find the focus they need on the improvements they want.

3. Would you prefer a female surgeon?

If so, there are plenty to be found in San Diego. Cosmetic surgery has become a socially acceptable, mainstream option that middle class women can afford. More and more female medical school graduates are moving into the field and becoming board certified plastic surgeons.

If it's easier discussing cosmetic surgery with a female friend than with a husband or boyfriend, the odds are pretty good that you'd be more comfortable with a female plastic surgeon. There are some cosmetic surgery centers today that are run solely by women for women.

4. The best research may be through networking.

Enough people have pursued cosmetic surgery and other, less intrusive spa treatments that there should be a number of friends or friends of friends that you can consult. Find out how the decision making process worked for three or four people who may had the same general interests as you.

Why did they choose a facial lift over botox? What's the best way to develop a comprehensive price comparison? And most important, get some detail on what the thought process was in selecting a plastic surgeon, clinic or service center.

5. Make sure your surgeon is willing to discuss all the effects.

If you're considering breast augmentation, your surgeon needs to explain what maintenance those implants might require five or ten years from now. If you're exploring the use of botox, your surgeon should be honest about how long it lasts and how often it can be repeated.

Your plastic surgeon should volunteer this sort of information. If you have to ask, you might consider finding someone who is straightforward about both the limitations and the long term impact of cosmetic surgery.

By Mary Hart

Four Features that Make Houston a Great Plastic Surgery Center

1. For Once, the Big City is Convenient

Houston's economy has a broad industrial base in the energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and technology; only New York City is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters. It is the largest city in Texas and fourth largest in the United States. Unlike New York, however, it is very much a horizontal urban area - the city itself spreads over 600 square miles and the metro area at least twice that.

That means that outlying areas are going to have a complete array of commercial services. The Baylor College of Medicine is affiliated with the Children's Hospital and Clinic in the city; in nearby Sugar Land is the West Houston Medical Center and the Sugar Land Medical Center; the Texas Medical Center is a teaching hospital and clinic in town; and as the city spreads out so do the pockets of medical service.

2. Appearance Counts

Houston is a cosmopolitan city with its own arts and cultural scene and a large, affluent business community. The wealth and immensity of the place has helped set a standard for appearance that rivals California's Santa Barbara or Orange County. Women in Houston dress well and take great care with their appearance. That means the facilities area available to maintain and enhance personal appearance, and that they are available throughout a large area.

3. Acceptance

Cosmetic surgery in many of Houston's communities is a given. There is little or no social stigma attached to surgical improvements; Houston's plastic surgeons are an established and accepted part of the city's social structure. The impact of this sort of acceptability is that it draws accomplished professionals. A large, wealthy city where cosmetic surgery is a mainstream procedure is enticing to professionals entering the cosmetic enhancement professions.

Another critical element of social acceptance is the opportunity to network. Talk with women who have sought cosmetic surgery or outpatient treatments and get treatment recommendations as well as reputations for established practitioners.

4. Competition

Houston's large consumer base for cosmetic surgery has resulted in a large body of professionals to provide services. That has led to healthy competition, because it has forced competition among the professionals that keeps prices under control and that results in an interesting variety of treatment options.

Houston is known for its day spas with every degree of luxury and an astonishing array of physical improvement services. Often cosmetic plastic surgeons are affiliated with these facilities. The result is that you can walk through the entire range of cosmetic improvement options, from spa treatments to full surgical lifts. One stop shopping is a luxury in itself.

By Mary Hart

Plastic Surgery - Accelerate Your Recovery

The amount of pain, swelling and recovery time is determined by the extent and type of plastic surgery you have. However, no matter what the procedure, you can be sure that there will be some kind of recovery involved. Fortunately, there are ways to make this time easier and the healing faster and less painful. The following are a few steps that you and your surgeon can take to make your recovery as easy as possible.

Follow all of your doctor's instructions. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is easy to get lazy and skimp on some of the steps. For instance, if he tells you to ice the incision site for twenty minutes, three times a day, just do it. Icing helps to reduce swelling. Also, take the prescribed pain killers and any other medications he has given to you. If there is a salve or cream he wants you to apply to the site, make sure to do this as prescribed. All of these steps will help reduce your pain, swelling and bruising and move your recovery along.

Talk to your surgeon about types and locations of incisions. Sometimes there is a choice, depending on the type of plastic surgery procedure, about where your incisions are made and certain places heal faster than the others. Also, smaller and fewer incisions will make your recovery faster and less painful.

Learn about the types of anesthesia. If you do not absolutely need a general anesthetic for your procedure, then you can choose a local. The risks are lessened and your recovery will be better. Have a general talk with your surgeon beforehand about the medications called prophylactic anti-emetics that you can take to reduce the effects of the anesthesia as you come out of it.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage: The lymphatic system's job is to rid the body of waste products like bacteria, fatty acids and dead cells. These things tend to gravitate to injured spots like your surgical site. The presence of these waste products in the tissue slows down the healing process and actually promotes swelling and irritation. Massaging the lymph nodes increases the circulation of the lymphatic fluid and thereby sweeping out the waste products from the surgical site. If you choose this type of treatment, make sure the person administering it, if not your doctor, is familiar with the technique. It is a very specific process, using gentle strokes and light pressure.

Be prepared. Before going in for your procedure, have all the items needed for your recovery at home and ready for you. This includes prescriptions, ice, pillows and a supportive family.

Wanting to accelerate your recovery is fine as long as it is done in a safe and sensible manner. Following all pre and post-operative instructions is extremely important. But, before you even get to that point, you need to do your homework. Find the right doctor for you and make sure he is board certified to perform plastic surgery. Check out the facility. Are they using state-of-the-art equipment? Is the staff friendly? Is the facility clean? During your consultation, you can address your options for a safe and speedy recovery with your doctor. Let him know what your expectations are and he can help devise a plan for you to get back on your feet as soon as possible. Do not cut corners when it comes to taking care of your own self.

By A Aaronson

Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgery - There Is No Better

Where will you find the best cosmetic surgeons? All you have to do is look for the super wealthy areas, like Beverly Hills, and you will find a dozen of the top surgeons in the country. Plus with the California sun those that live in California are exposed to damaging UV rays more often and spend more time out in the sun. This causes them to age faster and since they can afford to look younger they are very likely to get Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery.

Most of those rich individuals that are in search of the Fountain of Youth end up finding their surgeon in Beverly Hills. In order for a surgeon to open a practice in Beverly Hills one must be at the top of his or her game and be well respected by many. If they are not a top notch practitioner they will not last in the Beverly Hills area.

Dr. 90210 is one of the major reasons that getting cosmetic work done in the Beverly Hills area became so popular. Being able to watch other people "go under the knife" and come out looking fabulous allowed for the confidence of others, in cosmetic surgery, to soar. The basic idea is that if you want to look like the Hollywood stars do, then you go to Beverly Hills and get plastic surgery done.

Not all people seeking Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery, of course, work in the film or television industries. There are plenty of people who just want to enjoy the California lifestyle, and know that doing so means they will have to look their best. And because the California life style means sun, sun, and more sun, fighting the signs of sun induced aging with Beverly Hills cosmetic work is an ongoing battle.

You don't have to be a star or filthy rich to seek our a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. You can get a simple chemical peel or a collagen injection for a reasonable price. You can also find great, newer cosmetic surgeons that are very talented and willing to do the same work as others for a lower price. You don't have to be a movie star to be able to enjoy looking your best in the California sun.

Even though it is going to cost you more to have Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery done, than to get it done in another area of the country you will notice the difference tenfold. Every penny you spend will be worth it because you will come out looking the way you want to and you will be happy with the results.

By Benjamin Robert Ehinger

Plastic Surgery for Stretch Mark - What You Need To Know

There are several treatment choices to select from and one option is plastic surgery for stretch marks. If you want to avoid experiencing a lot of pain or ending up with more scars than before you got your marks treated then choosing one out of the three minimally invasive surgeries can be your solution to a scars free skin.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peeling - Chemical peeling is a method which involves the application of a chemical solution on the skin. The chemicals strip off the dead skin cells to make way for new and healthy skin. The new skin is usually smoother and more even in color. This makes chemical peels an effective yet minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks.

There are different types of acids used in chemical peeling. The commonly used chemicals are glycolic, trichloracetic, lactic, and salicylic acids. Light or mild peels only penetrate into the surface of the skin. This kind of peel gives what they call a "freshening" effect and the patient will experience only a sunburn-like redness after every procedure. But more often than not, a series of procedures will be required and sometimes the strength of the acids is increased but this is dictated by the tolerance level of the skin. The redness that results from a mild peeling can be easily covered up with make-up.

The medium type of peels penetrate much deeper and has more effect on the skin. The patient will feel more of burning sensation after the procedure and the skin will need a week of healing and minimal sun exposure. With this type of procedure, there is a possibility of swelling and some blistering that may crust and turn brown but this will peel off after a week or so. The deep kind of peels penetrate even deeper into the dermis and can sometimes be a risky process. Some doctors would rather utilize laser technology than perform deep chemical peels.

Laser Surgery

Treatment Prices - The cost and pain that accompanies laser stretch mark removal has gone down in recent years. This method uses a controlled beam of light that focuses on the affected areas to break down scar tissues. The lasers also stimulate new collagen growth. The new collagen works to thicken and plump the skin so that new skin cells can fill up stretch marks from the bottom up.

Different Results - Not all stretch marks are the same and the effectiveness of laser surgery will depend on a number of things. These factors can include the age and severity of stretch marks. A person's genes and hormones can also affect the results of the treatment. There is proof that laser surgery is more effective when used on fresher scars. Some people combine other methods with laser therapy to get better results.

Dermabrasion

Another minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks is dermabrasion. This quick procedure has some success in treating stretch marks. It only takes a few minutes per procedure but the patient will need more than one session to see results. The skin is frozen first then a specialized instrument is used to "sand" the skin. This abrasive action removes the area of the skin with visible stretch marks showing only the "new" skin which has no stretch marks on it. The now smooth skin is usually pink but gradually fades over a six to eight week period. However, the patient is advised to avoid any direct or indirect sun exposure for the next three to six months after the procedure. If the treated area is exposed to the sun, this will cause temporary or worse, permanent darkening of the skin.

By Maia Pells

Breast Actives VS Breast Surgery

More than 350,000 women are expected to get breast enhancement surgery this year. What are the pros and cons of this extraordinarily popular procedure?

The pros are obvious. Most women already know that:

Implants can improve a woman's appearance.
They can renew self-confidence, self-image, and sexual worth.
Differences in size between the right and left breasts can be improved.
Many women report they are satisfied with the results.
However, many women are not quite as familiar with the drawbacks of breast enhancement surgery. In addition to the obvious one of expense (the average cost is $7,000), other potential problems include:

Breast implants don't last forever--you'll eventually have to get them replaced. "I tell my patients that the implant is on loan," says one plastic surgeon.
Any surgery on breasts can, and often does, damage nerves and reduce skin sensation.
Scars are permanent and often remain highly visible for a year following surgery.
It's often difficult, if not impossible, to nurse a baby after surgery.
Implants can rupture, ripple, harden, change shape, and shift position.
They can also interfere with finding breast cancer during mammography.
Many doctors performing breast surgery are not qualified. Most states allow anyone with a medical degree--even dentists--to take a weekend course and do plastic surgery.
But there's something even more important that most women don't know: There are safe, natural alternatives to enhancing the size, feel, and look of your breasts. For example, one of the most highly-rated natural breast enhancement programs is called Breast Actives.

When you join the Breast Actives program, you receive three things: a special cream that you massage onto your breasts every morning, an herbal supplement you take like a vitamin, and a unique exercise routine that focuses on building up your breasts.

The herbal ingredients in Breast Actives essentially boost the production of human growth hormone (HGH) in a woman's body. HGH then stimulates the glands that are responsible for producing new breast tissue. Your body will experience something like a "second puberty," resulting in breast enhancement, but you won't gain weight anywhere else. And Breast Actives is perfectly safe to use.

Breast Actives is easier, cheaper, and safer than any breast enhancement surgery. With Breast Actives, you experience all the benefits of surgery without any of drawbacks. And it even comes with a no-questions-asked money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied, so there's really no risk at all. Now that's not something you can say about breast surgery, is it?

By Eileen Henderson

Cosmetic Surgery Costs - More Than Just Money?

The majority of medical procedures are fairly expensive. Cosmetic surgery costs are no exception to this rule. Furthermore, they are not typically covered by insurance. Sometimes, however, the cost involves more than just money.

Cosmetic surgery also requires a significant amount of time. Surgeries are not without complications, and the decision to proceed with a surgical procedure should not be made lightly. Take time to carefully consider your decision and be sure that this is right for you.

If you have decided to proceed with the surgery, the next step is locating a skilled physician to perform your procedure. Take time to interview potential surgeons until you are comfortable with their skill level and experience. Failing to take this extra time could cost you significantly in terms of recovery and potential complications.

Complications can add significantly to the cost of cosmetic surgery. If, for example, you develop an infection after the procedure, you will spend additional money for antibiotics and repeat physician visits. If a severe infection should develop, you may have to have additional surgery or medications.

Unfortunately, the costs of these surgeries, because they are a result of the cosmetic procedure, are not always covered by your insurance. Furthermore, operations to treat infections are often performed by specialists, and can be quite expensive. In addition, severe infections often require long-term intravenous antibiotics, which are very costly and can themselves cause undesirable side effects.

Some surgical procedures may entail the risk of many other complications as well. You may experience bleeding, blood clots, or scarring. Medications used to treat these complications can also be very costly, and may or may not be covered by your insurance.

In addition to the actual cost of the cosmetic surgery, you may face additional time away from your job if you experience further complications. This can also be costly. If you are unfortunate enough to be away from your job for an extended time, you could even lose your job.

Most of the time, people have few or no complications as a result of these procedures. Be aware, however, that these problems can and do occur. When you are evaluating all of the details, be aware of these additional cosmetic surgery costs. Don't allow your desire to improve some aspect of your appearance blind you to the real possibility that you may pay much more than the listed price for your plastic surgery!

By Adam Hefner

Breast Lift Recovery - Will I Have Scars After Breast Lift Surgery?

While the breast lift surgery does in fact take out a portion of your skin as a means to remove any sag from the breasts and lift them up by the means of raising the nipple, in most cases the scars will only be temporary. It is still possible to end up with unsightly scars no matter what the surgeon does to prevent them but it ha been determined in a large percentage of these cases that the patient's own anatomy causes the scars to more apparent.

After undergoing a breast lift procedure, you will be informed that the surgeon most likely used two types of sutures. The first type is the ones that you can see and are of the standard form. The second types of sutures are found under the skin and are of the dissolving type. These are used as a means to help support the mammary glands and other underlying tissue while the recovery period happens. Also, you will most likely have a very busy time during your first month following the surgery because you will be called in the surgeon's office from time to time so that he or she can add more stitches if necessary. All of this is done as a means to relieve the stress on the main incision sutures so that there is a far less chance of forming an unsightly scar.

Getting scars following any type of surgery is a normal occurrence. While in many cases, especially those in the plastic surgery profession, the scars are practically invisible, they are still there. After you undergo a surgery, these scars will be very noticeable until the skin has finally had a chance to completely heal and allow itself to start pigmenting. It is the main reason why they are very noticeable during the first year, but after about 8 or 9 months they will have already turned to a pinkish color and are starting to blend in with the surrounding skin.

There may also be a very slight chance of hyperpigmentation in which the pigment never returns to the scar making it visible even after a year. This is not much to worry about though because they can still be repaired through a laser resurfacing procedure.
By Dr. Jim Greene

Crescent Breast Lift Surgery

When it comes to a breast lift, there are several different incision types, each of which has there own purpose as well as outcome potential. One of these incisions is known as the crescent incision or crescent breast lift. This incision, a semicircle incision is made on either the top or bottom side of the areola depending on the amount of lift that is needed. After this procedure or semicircle incision is made, a second incision is made only a slight distance from the first creating the shape of a crescent.

The effect of the two incisions means that there will be a crescent shaped piece of skin that will be removed. What this does is it slows the surgeon to pull the loose sagging skin from three sides of the breasts tighter and the result is a lift in the breasts.

After these incisions are made and the excess skin is removed, the surgeon will then pull the opening closed and suture it shut. Before he or she does though, in the event it is needed, they may use dissolving stitches to hold everything together as well as support the breasts in such a way as to release the pressure from the visible stitching. After this support suturing is performed your incisions will be closed and then dressed with tape and compression bandages which will remain on for roughly a week with regular changing.

The procedure is considered to be the least invasive of the incisions and it also therefore has a shorter recovery time. The other incision types make a full incision around the nipple completely detaching it other than the actual milk ducts.

It is important that when you are choosing a surgeon to perform your procedure, that you make sure that he or she is a certified surgeon with the board of plastic surgeons. What this means is that basically the surgeon has shown that he or she is knowledgeable and that they are experienced enough to perform the procedure alone. Furthermore, the fact that the surgeon is considered to be experienced and knowledgeable also means that there will be a lesser chance of having a complication associated with your procedure as well as a faster recovery period and a better outcome.

By Dr. Jim Greene