Cosmetic Plastic Surgery With Modern Medical Technology

One of the most talked about forms of surgery in the medical industry today is the result of a desire to feel comfortable in one's own skin, the desire to be attractive, and the desire to feel at peace with one's image. Though there are other factors at play here, many choose to undergo procedures meant to enhance their appearance to feel more comfortable with themselves. It is this desire that has etched a unique place in the medical industry.

Cosmetic plastic surgery is a booming business in the medical world, with numerous doctors, surgeons, and medical personnel focused on helping their patients to attain their desired look. There are of course benefits as well as risks that must be considered prior to allowing cosmetic plastic surgery into your life, or under your skin. With this in mind, there are a number of reasons why people look for ways to improve, alter, or change their appearance. It is important to get clear on the motives behind any surgical operation and be 100% clear on the risks and benefits associated with it. Understanding what the procedure will do for you and how it will benefit your health is a great way to make sure that the procedure is mandatory for your peace and wellbeing. All too often procedures are undergone without a solid understanding of the purpose or the risks. Since there is no 100% guarantee as to how the body will handle or respond to any given surgical procedure, it is always important to understand how the procedure might potentially change not only your appearance but your life.

The benefits associated with cosmetic plastic surgery are primarily psychological ones. For many, the alterations that are made possible by advancements in medical technology and the experience of surgeons make creating a more pleasing appearance easier and more minimally invasive in some ways. Depending on the procedure at hand, patients are offered ways minimize their recovery time as well as pain and swelling, blood loss, and a number of adverse side effects. For many, altering their appearance, especially where there is some deformity or lack of function in a body part can contribute to a happier and more comfortable body image. This benefit is often all patients need to undergo a cosmetic procedure, and the psychological effects of feeling insecure and self-conscious day in and day out are not the key to a happy life. Rather, where there are options to alter the appearance of the body, and when that appearance brings great emotional suffering, a patient may opt to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery.

With all surgeries there are risks, as mentioned, and it is vital that patients make responsible and informed decisions about their health and their wellbeing. There are a number of helpful and quality surgeons out there and the key is finding them. As with any prevalent business, there are a number of so-called medical professionals who are not credible and who do not perform par excellence. With this in mind, patients must be suspicious and research and ask questions throughout the process. This is the best way to ensure that cosmetic plastic surgery will go well.

By Elisa Cruz

Plastic Surgeons Offer Custom Calf Implants

For many, the use of cosmetic surgery is a viable option to help alter any emotional or mental challenges associated with image related insecurity. Cosmetic surgery has come a long way and plastic surgeons are using some of the most advanced technology available to keep their patients looking and feeling their very best.

The option of calf implants is not necessarily a common request in the cosmetic surgery world but it certainly is an available procedure which many have sought out. Calf implants are a way to gain thicker, fuller, and more muscular looking calves. There are a number of different reasons why one would seek out calf implants. For many, the desire to have proportionate looking calves as opposed to the rest of the body, in particular the thighs and buttocks, is an important part of the aesthetic image. Men and women alike can seek out calf implants to find a way to alter the balance and structure of the calf area. The surgical procedure itself requires an experienced and special cosmetic surgeon who is familiar with the implantation of synthetic calves. The calves themselves are comprised of silicone and must be fitted to meet the patient's body shape and type. This is obviously a meticulous procedure that is best left to a professional who is familiar with the process. Obviously, it is best to seek out a cosmetic surgeon who performs the procedure on a regular basis. Asking plenty of questions is always a good idea, so that the patient can be fully informed throughout the entire surgery.

During the recovery period after the surgery, patients must first allow the legs to heal from the initial surgical procedure. This includes any pain, swelling, bruising, stitches, and the overall healing of the skin. This can take a few weeks to be fully healed but every body is different. During this period, any movement that stresses the wounds is discouraged and the legs should be elevated most of the time. Only short walking distances should be managed and nothing long distance which can put stress on the legs or cause blood to pool in the lower half of the legs. The legs should be treated with care. Following this initial period, the patient must gain the composure necessary to move around at higher rates and for longer periods of time with the new implants in place. Since the skin around the surgery area will need time to adjust to the new calf implants, the patient may notice some tightening in the area as it heals. This is normal and will subside as the skin gets used to the new shape underneath. Patients should not engage in any rough or extensive activity which requires heavy use of the legs for at least a month or perhaps longer depending on your body's healing capacity. Each patient is different. Furthermore, any scarring on the leg will need to be treated with a scar cream which will prevent any marks. It is thus also good to avoid heavy sun exposure while the skin is healing and scars are being removed with medications.

By Elisa Cruz

Cosmetic Surgery - Should Ads Carry Health Warnings?

As plastic surgery becomes more and more accepted around the world, problems arise followed by outcry for strict regulations. Some countries have little to no regulation while others are extreme.

The Irish health care system is universal or socialized, meaning everyone is entitled to receive care under the public health care system which is funded by taxes. Since private health clinics are not funded by the universal system, they are not licensed or regulated; As a result, patients are having difficulty in separating good surgeons from bad because there is no official training in cosmetic surgery.

Australia on the other hand is a mixture of universal care and private health care. There is formal training for cosmetic surgery which is an additional 8-10 years after obtaining their medical degree and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have a hot line that can be called at any time to verify whether a doctor is in training. The problem is that technically, anyone with a medical degree can perform cosmetic surgery.

The United States require plastic surgeons to undergo 8 years training between pre-med and medical school plus additional years of internship, residency followed by specialty training and fellowship. Each state requires doctors to be licensed and surgeon specialties (such as plastic surgery) have their own association, which certifies techniques and practices as well as requiring continuing education in the field.

Plastic surgery usually makes headlines when something is perceived to have gone wrong. Such is the case of Donda West who died of heart disease the day after a cosmetic procedure. California lawmakers are now trying to put through Donda's bill. This would have required a medical clearance, from a licensed physician prior to surgery

In Florida, eighteen year old girl died during what has been reported as either breast reconstruction surgery or breast augmentation procedure. The cause of her death is believed to be a reaction to anesthesia due to a rare genetic disease. No matter, any death is a tragedy. Does this mean that everyone considering Cosmetic surgery should be genetically tested?

Plastic surgeons in the United States are regulated by their peers, by the FDA as well as the medical community. Trying to legislate every single situation that ever goes contrary to plan, is unrealistic.

However, there are areas of plastic surgery that still needs some attention. There are medical spa's that offer what is termed "non-invasive" procedures such as Botox injections, photo facials and laser hair removal. California for one is looking closely at this unregulated cosmetic treatment business, since there are no rules on who can operate these lasers that are burning and scarring patients.

Currently, there is not even a regulation that says a doctor has to be on premises with one of his staff to use the lasers. Just as certifications have changed as technology has changed, so should the regulation of who is operating the machines that hold the capacity to burn and scar patients.

Ask questions and be aware of the cosmetic surgery practice when receiving non-invasive treatments. You should only consider a surgeon's office that is fully trained and certified.

The consumer has a responsibility to educate themselves and not to take things for granted. The consumer needs to find out who is behind that mask that will operate on them, or inject them, or shine a laser on their face. An example of that would be Priscilla Presley and her botched silicone injections. Here is an educated woman who should have been asking a lot more questions from the man who was not a doctor and she allowed him to inject her face with what turns out to be silicone that he smuggled into the US from another country. Be aware.

Doctors have been trained in medicine, who practice their art and do the best they can. Patients should not put blind faith in every doctor. Both need to work together, in full communication of skills and conditions, so that the final outcome suits them both.

Cosmetic surgery gains in popularity every year. It is recommended to consult a board certified surgeon for beautiful, effective results. Dallas Plastic surgeon put great efforts into giving you the best surgery. To know more, visit http://www.usaplasticsurgery.com/.


By A Aaronson

Places To Go And Facts To Know About Offshore Plastic Surgery

In April of 2005, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) issued a report that clearly contradicts traveling abroad for surgery. Without doing proper research, one would conclude that traveling overseas for plastic surgery is a bad choice. Perhaps the ASPS statements is only giving out info that could possibly weigh the risk or cost savings of pursuing medical tourism. Below is a context from the briefing paper.

"Cosmetic surgery tourism is a price-driven phenomenon that has experienced increased growth over the past decade. Numerous companies offering all-inclusive vacation packages that include cosmetic surgery are popping up all over the world and can be easily located via the internet. The offers generally include private hospital services and tout "highly trained" and "credentialed" medical staff. Since elective cosmetic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance, price is the major selling point of cosmetic surgery tourism, with entire vacation/surgical packages costing less than individual procedures in the United States."

The context is clearly true, but ASPS strongly disfavored cosmetic surgery being a price driven phenomenon. Members of the society are working to solve the crisis on the cost of their medical procedures. Their goal is to devise lower cost and less invasive techniques, however, U.S. Cosmetic surgeons are unable to compete on price with their counterparts in Central and South America and Asia.

ASPS also urges the potential complications, unsatisfactory results and risks to general health that may occur. The society cautions that it may be difficult to assess the training and credentials of surgeons outside of the United States. Patients may take unnecessary risks, when choosing cosmetic surgery vacations, by unknowingly selecting unqualified physicians and having procedures performed in non-accredited surgical facilities.

According to Jeff Schult in his book Beauty from Afar, "A patient who has done sufficient research is very unlikely to end up in such a position, but one must be mentally prepared to not go through with surgery if one develops serious doubts even if it means cutting your losses on the expense of traveling there."

It is advisable for patients to consult with their personal physician first before going overseas for plastic surgery. Extensive research followed by personal advices from other patients who have experienced medical treatment outside the country are also things to do. Patients should utilize the internet and look for medical tourism sites that offers their surgeon's profile. Most medical tourism agencies provides a page for their surgeons for patients to view and verify via chat, email or voice call. Also, look for providers that offers clinics that have high standard surgical equipments and facilities. This way patients can rest assure with the outcome of their surgery.

What country offers the surgery I need?

Argentina - For plastic surgery, Argentina is one of the top choices. Plastic surgery in Argentina recently increased in demands these past few years. Tourist numbers have increased year on year by around 10% since 2003, with Argentina proving particularly popular with British visitors. The number of UK tourists is up by more than a quarter (27%) on last year, with an increasing number of Britons coming for plastic surgery in Argentina. The clinics of Buenos Aires's surgeons began filling up with foreigners soon after the economy imploded and the currency devalued in 2002. As a result, plastic surgery in Argentina costs around a third of UK prices.

Mexico - Among the border line countries, plastic surgery in Mexico is undoubtedly a solid choice for patients who are looking for inexpensive but high quality make over. According to the U.S. Department of State, more than 15 million U.S. citizens head south of the border every year to acquire quality low cost plastic surgery in Mexico. Mexican surgeons have their own English web sites where they publish their credentials, years of training and accreditation. Another major advantage of plastic surgery in Mexico is proximity. With just a few hours of travel, U.S. patients can acquire quality service of Mexican surgeons.

Costa Rica - With medical communities that have been in the medical tourism business since 1970's, any patient that seek for affordable plastic surgery in Costa Rica gives out positive testimonies about the country's expertise in medicine. Prospective patients that are longing to get affordable plastic surgery in Costa Rica are convinced by word of mouth from former patients that took their medical procedures in the country. Plastic surgery in Costa Rica attracts patients because of its price, but patients come back again for its quality.

Brazil - Among the countries that are fast maturing in medical tourism business, Brazil has the most potential. Brazil is not the place for unqualified doctors, the country is firm with the repute of its surgeons. The quality of plastic surgery in Brazil is perfect for the average North American or European who wants quality medical procedures at a lower price than to what is offered locally. Plastic surgery in Brazil is one of the most considerable options for state of the art aesthetic make over.

Paul D. Johnson can provide expert witness testimony concerning: affordable cosmetic surgery, dental implants, fertility treatments, gastric bypass surgery, low cost tummy tuck, weight loss surgery. An analyst and one of the medical experts of GoSculptura, a medical tourism leader in the organization of packages for plastic surgery, gastric bypass, cosmetic dentistry and assisted fertilization procedures.


By Paul D. Johnson

Women's Self Esteem - Cosmetic Surgery

A women will appraise her own body image and if this is less then flattering she may consider cosmetic surgery. When considering cosmetic surgery the woman will learn a lot about the process through television, talking with her friends and a surgeon. The woman then knows exactly what to expect throughout the procedure.

Leading to cosmetic surgery there is advice to diet and exercise the body so that any surgical technique will return the optimum results. When this advice is followed the body will respond and the changes seen by the woman will be very encouraging.

However there will still be those problem areas that won't shift no matter how much exercise and diet the woman does. It will be these areas that liposuction or cosmetic surgery will be focused on. Maybe the procedure is for facial surgery. Just a little tweak here and there will produce profound results in a woman's appearance.

The woman will consider cosmetic surgery as she sees it as an answer to her problem areas and the improvement will improve her confidence and ultimately her self worth. To consider surgery the woman has obviously identified an area in her life that she wants fixed and by doing so will improve her own feelings of self worth.

Feeling good about yourself and viewing your self worth is building self esteem. When a woman looks good she will feel good. These feelings will provide the woman with self confidence and this will allow her to approach any situation whereas once before surgery she was hesitant to do so.

It is with cosmetic surgery that the woman is repairing part of her body that she is not happy with and once repaired the problem has been resolved allowing the woman to move onto the next problem and fix that. So if you have a loved one or friend who is considering cosmetic surgery then your approach should be of support and share the joy the woman will have when the procedure has healed.

It is inevitable in life that a woman can not fix every problem she may have and cosmetic surgery is one procedure available to a woman that will ultimately improve her self worth and build her self esteem.

Terry Glass has been a counselor for many years and speaks openly about his experiences and provides real strategies to deal with low self esteem. There are many techniques to improve self esteem, self worth and self confidence in men, women, children and teenagers. The main website can be found at Women's Self Esteem - Cosmetic Surgery


By Terry Glass

The Four Reasons Why Denver Is A Plastic Surgery Center

1. Denver is the epicenter of an important growth area for this country. From a demographer's perspective, the Denver - Aurora metro area has over two and a half million residents. Expand the metro area to include Boulder (and it does) and you are at three million residents. Denver is a good sized cosmopolitan city, claiming the tenth largest downtown shopping district. Its days as a Rocky Mountain cow town are long gone.

All that growth and wealth means that Denver is a self-sufficient urban area providing every service and product that any modern U.S. resident could want. That includes cosmetic plastic surgery, which is well represented in the medical services provided in the Denver Area.

2. The University of Colorado's medical school is based there. While it is physically located in Aurora, it is part of the University of Colorado at Denver. It is the only medical school within five hundred miles and its graduate residents work in a number of Denver acute care facilities.

It is the largest medical school between Chicago, Texas and the West Coast. Plastic surgery is part of the curriculum at the Aurora campus; Colorado is generating its own crop of plastic surgeons that are taught and trained in Denver.

3. Boulder contributes depth and breadth to Denver's social structure. Boulder is very much a part of the Denver metro area. The University of Colorado has its major campus there; it has long been a haven for artists, retirees and Coloradans who enjoy the relaxed lifestyle.

Boulder has its own selection of clinics, medical centers and spas that provide many cosmetic treatments and procedures. The collision of affluence and a contemporary lifestyle make Boulder one of those places where cosmetic surgery is a mainstream pursuit.

4. Denver's outdoor lifestyle contributes to the importance of physical condition and appearance. Coloradans in general take advantage of the Rockies for both winter and summer sports. Sports injuries probably contribute to the high number of plastic surgeons in the Denver area; broken ankles and hands often need reconstructive surgery.

Denver and Boulder also provide medical support to Aspen, Vail and many other ski resorts. Those areas provide an additional affluent population that provide cosmetic surgeons clients with high standards. The result is a general elevation of cosmetic surgery services throughout the metro area.

By Mary Hart

Cosmetic Surgery - Cost And Benefit Analysis

Have you almost decided to have a plastic surgery procedure? Are you still wavering? Have you done a cosmetic surgery cost and benefit analysis to determine whether the decision is right for you?

Many people believe that having cosmetic surgery will increase their confidence levels and self-esteem. They blame poor work performance or relationship difficulties on low self-esteem. They believe that changing their physical appearance will change some aspect of their personality as well.

This may be true for people who have experienced severe trauma because of physical injuries or birthmarks. Most people, however, will not suddenly find themselves able to carry on a conversation more effectively because they have Lasik surgery and no longer need to wear contact lenses. In reality, most cosmetic surgeries effect only minor physical changes.

Lasik surgery, however, can be beneficial for people who experience severe vision problems. In addition, the cost of the procedure is much less in the long term than the cost, over several years, of replacing corrective eyewear. Because of the risk of infection and blindness, it is very important to seek a skilled physician who will perform the surgery safely and with a minimal risk of complications.

Sometimes, people may elect to have plastic surgery procedures to reverse youthful decisions. For example, laser procedures are now available to allow people to remove unwanted tattoos. These procedures can be expensive, but are often very appealing to people who feel they made a mistake in getting a tattoo.

These procedures can eliminate a significant degree of emotional distress. They can, however, be dangerous if performed by persons who do not have proper training. If you decide to have a tattoo removed with laser surgery, select a competent professional who is careful to minimize the risk to your skin.

Two final factors important in determining the benefits and risks of any type of cosmetic surgery are cost and complications. Research potential complications carefully and decide whether you are willing to assume the risk of adverse surgical outcomes. If you are, then decide if the procedure is worth the financial cost involve.

After you have carefully considered your cosmetic surgery cost and benefit analysis, make the decision on whether to proceed with the surgery. You can seek advice from any number of people, but only you can decide whether the procedure you want is really worth the cost and the risk involved. It's your decision!

By Adam Hefner