Friday

Review on PlasticSurgery.com

Your one stop site for the most updated and current information about plastic surgery and plastic surgeons across the country.

Within PlasticSurgery.com you will discover explanations of the most popular cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, Thermage, Botox, eyelid surgery, breast reduction, facelifts, and more. If you want to know what is involved in a facelift or how liposuction takes off unwanted pounds, PlasticSurgery.com explains it in our Procedures section. Through this site, you can get in touch with a particular plastic surgeon, read about his or her qualifications and specialties, and view before-and-after photographs. Plus, you can see images of the doctors' offices, staff, and location.

Furthermore, we offer articles about the latest trends in plastic surgery and the newest advancements in the field. We have researched medical spas, recovery centers, plastic surgery vacation spots, skin treatments, and new plastic surgery procedures in order to help you become as knowledgeable as possible.

Altogether, these resources are designed to help you make an informed decision about the procedure you want, where you want to have it, and the surgeon you would prefer to perform your plastic surgery.

So, if you are considering plastic surgery, you may want to first think about PlasticSurgery.com.... Because true beauty is in the details!

To Get more Info - visit http://www.plasticsurgery.com

Websites and Articles on Celebrities and Cosmetic Surgery

# Awful Plastic Surgery - chronicle of celebrity plastic surgery disasters.
# Michael Jackson@
# Mystery of Britney Spears' Breasts - event by event description of the change in Britney's breasts.
# Pamela Anderson Lee's Breasts - provides charts, graphs, and photographic timetable.
# Britney Rumors: True or False? - analyzes evidence and attempts to prove that Britney does not have breast implants.
# E! Online: Nips & Tucks - E! examines the good, the bad, and the plastic in Hollywood.
# AskMen.com: Celebrities and Cosmetic Surgery - brief article on the current history of cosmetic surgery.
# Celebrity Tattoos - descriptions and photos of tattoos worn by historical figures and modern day celebrities.
# Japander.com - celebrates western stars who use their fame to make large sums of money in a short time by advertising products in Japan that they would probably never use.
# Smoking Gun: Arresting Images - perhaps the most candid photos of celebrities (and other public figures) that you'll see. From The Smoking Gun.
# Famous Mugshots - showcases celebrities and an array of infamous people who have been in trouble with the law.
# Celebrity Atheist List - a surprising collection of godless big shots.
# Who Is That With Jeremy? - father's large collection of photos of his son taken with various celebrities.
# Swingin' Chicks of the '60s - from Marilyn to Batgirl, Twiggy to Jeannie, Annette to 99, the swinginest decade's swinginest chicks unite for a loving, laughing, respectful celebration of swingin' style.
# Forbes Celebrity 100 - chosen and ranked according to their income and the media buzz they generate.
# What Ever Happened To... - online compendium of pseudo-celebrities.
# CelebrityPalace.com - contains photos, biographies, links, chat, and gossip on a growing selection of celebrities.
# Best Celebrity Sites - rates, ranks, and reviews sites devoted to popular celebrities.
# Celebrity Site of the Day
# Celebrity Zone - provides photos and biographical info on your favourite stars.
# Iconophile's Celebrity Pantheon - an angry web geek's multimedia reliquary of the lesser, harder-to-find goddesses and saints of the celebrity pantheon.
# Celebrity CD - includes Hollywood star pictures, news, and forum.
# FamousIdiot.com - exposing the hypocrisy of anti-American celebrities.
# Citizens Against Celebrity Pundits - standing against wealthy Hollywood celebrities abusing their status.
# Bomis Babe Report - web log and discussion board that covers the world of glamorous female celebrities.
# AbsoluteNow: Celebrities - includes biography, filmography, pictures and more.
# People Say I Look Like... - meet and date your favorite celebrity lookalike.
# Splash News + Pictures - offers news, gossip, and pictures.
# Hot Celebrities
# NNDB [pick] [read review] - aggregator that tracks the activities of noteworthy people, both living and dead, and documents the connections between them.
# Pop Idols - news and profiles about Asian celebrities and pop culture.
# Snarkywood [pick] [read review] - celebrity pictures with catty commentary.
# Asian-American Celebrity Page
# Entwagon.com - supermodels gallery, pictures, biography, birthdays, addresses, news, info, and more.
# Chinastar Celebrity Directory
# Famous Network - biographies and pictures of famous women.
# Who2: Celebs Missing Fingers - contains a list and brief description of celebrities who are missing some or part of their fingers.
# Celebrity Search
# OneWorldLive - celebrity advice, stories, and profiles.
# Like.com - discover what the people you like, like in music, film, fashion, and more.
# Who2 Loops - collections of famous people who share something in common. Includes Actors Who Do Cartoon Voices, Death By Car, Oscar Night Gaffes, TV Psychics, and Mauled By Lions.
# Babes and Hunks of the World - contains biographies and photo galleries of Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities.
# Cheeba Design - bringing you celebrity images.
# BiggestStars.com - find information on entertainment's legends to today's biggest stars. Browse a wide variety of topics related to celebrities, movies, music, and sports.
# CNN.com/Time.com: America's Best: Society and Culture - profiles high achievers in the U.S.
# Lucycarr.com - Peter Stringfellow's girlfriend, Lucy Carr, reveals celebrity gossip, and offers photos, reviews, competitions, and more.
# Mrs. Neugast's Fan Worship Site - a place for the idol minded.

What is Plastic surgery

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Plastic surgery is a general term for operative manual and instrumental treatment which is performed for functional or aesthetic reasons. The word "plastic" derives from the Greek plastikos meaning to mould or to shape; its use here is not connected with modern plastics.

The principal areas of plastic surgery include two broad fields.

* Reconstructive surgery, including microsurgery, focuses on undoing or masking the destructive effects of trauma, surgery or disease. Reconstructive surgery may include closing defects with flaps - that is by moving tissue from other parts of the body.
* Cosmetic (or aesthetic) surgery is most often performed in order to change features the patient finds unflattering. In a few cases, however, there may be medical reasons (for example, breast reduction when orthopedic problems are present).

History

The history of cosmetic surgery spans back to the ancient world. The Romans were able to perform simple techniques such as repairing damaged ears. In the Middle Ages, there were techniques to restore a severed nose by attaching the arm to the face and letting a blood supply form, then removing the arm from the new nose. Nevertheless, it was not until modern times that its use became commonplace.

Physicians in ancient India were utilizing skin grafts for reconstructive work as early as 800 B.C. However, it didn't move very quickly so it wasn't really until the 19th and 20th centuries that it was actually performed. The U.S.'s first plastic surgeon was Dr. John Peter Mettauer. He performed the first cleft palate operation in 1827 with instruments that he designed himself.
[edit]

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgical techniques were developed rapidly in the period after the First World War when patients with survivable but disfiguring injuries required new approaches. The English military hospitals of the period trained surgeons from the world over in these new techniques. These surgeons then returned to the Americas, the Pacific and to Europe to propagate their advances. The main advances were with flap surgery�moving tissue from one location to another with an intact blood supply.

Ultimately, plastic surgeons have championed the use of microsurgical techniques to transfer remote tissue. They have for the past several decades been able to connect blood vessels that may be as small as 1-2mm in diameter to reperfuse the transferred tissue, thereby allowing coverage of a soft tissue defect when no local tissue is available.

Common cases of reconstructive surgery are breast reconstruction for women who have had a mastectomy, facial- and contracture surgery for burn victims, closing skin- or mucosa defects after removal of tumors in the head and neck region.

Sex reassignment surgery for transsexual people is another example of reconstructive surgery.

Foreskin restoration for men who have undergone circumcision is sometimes performed using reconstructive surgery.

There is a definite gray area between reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. For instance a "bat ear" correction is not considered cosmetic surgery, even though having prominent ears is not a debilitating or dangerous condition.

Cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a very popular avenue for personal enhancement, as demonstrated by the 11.9 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. alone in 2004. Although some may harbor a dim view of cosmetic surgery, seeing it as frivolous, the upsurge in number of procedures performed annually shows that cosmetic surgery has become acceptable to the mainstream American household.

However, it should be noted that elective procedures involve risk like any operation, and should therefore not be undertaken lightly. Within the US, critics of plastic surgery have noted that it is legal for any doctor (regardless of speciality) to perform plastic surgery; a practice which may lead to a suboptimal result. It is best to check a physician's credentials, looking for those MD's most commonly trained in cosmetic techniques (such as Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, Otolaryngologists, and Opthalmologists).

In addition, there is increasing concern about cosmetic surgeries not done in the United States, especially liposuctions performed at the Dominican Republic: while that type of surgery there is considerably cheaper, six women were reported in 2004 to have returned to the United States from the Dominican Republic with an infection after having liposuctions there, and, in 2001, a Puerto Rican woman died, in a very widely publicized case by Puerto Rican newspapers, after contracting an infection during liposuction surgery, also in the Dominican Republic.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular as less expensive and better techniques are being developed. There are numerous types of cosmetic surgery that can be performed. The most prevalent are listed below. Most of these types of surgery are more commonly known by their "common names." These are also listed when pertinent.

* Abdominoplasty (or "tummy tuck"): reshaping and firming of the abdomen
* Blepharoplasty (or "eyelid surgery"): Reshaping of the eyelids or the application of permanent eyeliner, including Asian blepharoplasty
* Augmentation Mammaplasty (or "breast enlargement" or "boob job"): Augmentation of the breasts
* Chemical peel: Removal of acne scars and sagging skin not technically surgery and can be performed by a cosmetologist
* Mastopexy (or "breast lift"): Raising of sagging breasts
* Rhinoplasty (or "nose job"): Reshaping of the nose
* Otoplasty (or ear surgery): Reshaping of the ear
* Rhytidectomy (or "face lift"): Removal of wrinkles and signs of aging from the face
* Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (or liposuction): Removal of fat from the body
* Circumcision: Removal of the foreskin of the penis, esp. without any diagnosis
* Chin augmentation: Augmentation of the chin with an implant (e.g. silicone) or by sliding genioplasty of the jawbone.
* Cheek augmentation
* Collagen injections

Related disciplines

* Hand surgery is not strictly a field of plastic surgery, as it is also performed by many orthopedic surgeons, as well as fellowship trained general surgeons. However, many hand operations (such as reconstruction of injuries, replantations, rheumatoid surgery and surgery of congenital defects) are performed by plastic surgeons.
* Maxillofacial surgery (surgery involving the jaw) is not usually considered a field of plastic surgery, although there is significant overlap of techniques and operations.
* Craniofacial surgery mostly revolves around the treatment of pediatric congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other disturbances in facial growth and development.

Addiction to cosmetic surgery

Some people appear to become addicted to cosmetic surgery, possibly because of body dysmorphic disorder. Sufficient amounts of repeated cosmetic surgery can lead to irreversible damage to the normal body structure. However, due to the high cost of repeated cosmetic surgery, this disorder is generally one limited to the wealthy.

How to Select a Qualified Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is a very popular subject these days. Make a search on the internet for cosmetic or plastic surgery and you will get millions of results - web sites of plastic surgeons of different nationalities, various procedures available, advice for cheap plastic surgery, before and after photos, celebrity patients, clinics and surgery travel packages for various countries, news from around the world, and more.

There is an increasing number of individuals from all walks of life who undergo cosmetic surgery each year. How should someone considering plastic surgery select a plastic surgeon and make an informed decision? Patients considering cosmetic surgery should know that choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision they will make. Today, many doctors perform cosmetic plastic surgery but not all of them have trained as plastic surgeons. Once doctors get their medical degrees, they may practice any specialty, even if they have not completed advanced training in that field. And so, a doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery is not necessarily trained as a plastic surgeon. He may have merely observed the procedure or taken a short course or workshop. To ensure the best results for the surgery you are considering, choose an authentic plastic surgeon with the specialized training and experience that is necessary for the success of your surgery.

As you visit the websites of plastic surgeons, they should provide you with basic information about plastic surgery and the various procedures available. You should be able to find information about the surgeon's formal training and experience. From the website, you should also be able to get an idea about the surgeon's basic approach and philosophy on cosmetic surgery and patient care.

Training

Select a surgeon who has completed at least five to six years of formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in accredited training hospitals. This includes three to five years of general surgery residency and two to three years of plastic surgery residency. In the Philippines, these doctors are either board-eligible or board-certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons. Many doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials.

Experience

Good credentials provide a reasonable indication of a doctor's qualification to perform cosmetic surgery, and should serve as the basic starting point. Patients should then ask the surgeon about his experience. How long has he been in practice and how many times has he done the procedure you are considering? The broader your surgeon's experience, the greater your chances for a successful surgery.

Hospital Privileges

Another factor to consider is whether the surgeon has hospital privileges. Before a hospital grants privileges to physicians, they usually require certain standards of training and competence to be met. Although many cosmetic surgery procedures may be safely done in outpatient clinics, others should only be done in a hospital setting. It is best to choose a surgeon who has hospital privileges.

Consultation

Find a plastic surgeon whom you feel comfortable with. You should be able to communicate easily with him, ask him all your questions and discuss your needs and expectations. Make sure you have all the facts you need in order to make an informed judgement.

A good plastic surgeon should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He should be able to educate you about your options and give you advice about the best technique for your needs. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, the surgeon should be able to tell you about them.

Realize that pre- and post-operative photos of the surgeon's patients can be useful in helping you understand the surgery but are no guarantee that your results will be similar. Every individual is different.

Beware of any doctor who tells you there are no possible risks involved in surgery. There are always risks, and these should be discussed frankly.

Never allow a doctor to talk you into any procedure you don't want. A reputable plastic surgeon will let the patient suggest what he or she wants done and then advise them on what is or is not possible.

Be skeptical of any doctor who seems to avoid talking about his or her training and professional qualifications.

Price

Although price is definitely a factor when considering elective surgery, don't "bargain shop" for plastic surgery. Any surgery is still surgery and has some uncertainty and risk involved. When price is the primary factor for choosing a plastic surgeon, risks increase. The success of your surgery is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon and professional qualifications and experience should be your main consideration in selecting your plastic surgeon. Even when you go to popular clinics where a number of surgeons practice as a group, take a look at the qualifications of the particular surgeon who will be handling your case.

Good plastic surgeons may charge relatively affordable fees, especially if they practice in Asian countries like the Philippines, where cost of living expenses are low and if they can keep overhead costs low by having modest outpatient surgery clinics. But think twice if the surgeon you're considering charges much lower than other plastic surgeons in the same country. Especially if the procedure to be done is in the face, like a rhinoplasty (nose surgery), blepharoplasty (eye surgery) or rhytidectomy (face lift), you could end up having to stare at your "cheap" doctor's mistakes in the mirror every day. No wonder there are also so many searches made for "awful plastic surgery".

Dr. Carlos Lasa Jr. is a Filipino plastic & reconstructive surgeon who trained at the University of the Philippines, Institute of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Georgia, USA, & Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Ohio,USA. He is currently based in Metro Manila, Philippines. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, rhinoplasty (noselift), breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhytidectomy (facelift), and more. For more information about having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines, visit his site at http://www.cosmeticsurgeryphil.com or email clasamd@cosmeticsurgeryphil.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Hyaluronic Acid Newest Celebrity Beauty Secret?

We can always count on celebrities to serve as guinea pigs for the latest cosmetic and beauty treatments. During the Botox craze, even director Martin Scorsese commented that he couldn't find actresses who could frown anymore! Perhaps actors, politicians, musicians and the like all grew tired of looking like Stepford wives because the latest cosmetic craze involves Hyaluronic acid, a key component of human tissue, providing the body with essential moisture and a viable way to erase wrinkles without the loss of facial expression. Hyaluronic acid is available in facial injections reportedly favored by celebrities like Charlie Sheen, Tommy Lee Jones and Oprah Winfrey who have chosen Restylane, a Hyaluronic acid wrinkle-filler that works to lift the lip, wrinkle or fold and create volume. Hyaluronic acid injections do not relax muscles but instead fill in areas most affected by wrinkles and fine lines.

There are also several new, non-invasive beauty products that contain Hylauronic acid or work to stimulate the body's own Hyaluronic acid production. Apparently full lips a la Angelina Jolie are a must-have because celebrities of all ages are going gaga for City Lips, a cutting edge product developed by City Lips Cosmetics. The City Lips product stimulates lips to produce their own collagen and Hyaluronic acid, painlessly increasing the size of lips. According to Karen Rauen, Good Housekeeping Institute's chemistry director, "The City Lips lip plumper, we found, plumps people's lips an average of three millimeters. Celebrities like Desperate Housewives stars, Teri Hatcher and Nicolette Sheridan, Jamie Lynn Discala, Virginia Madsen, Melissa Rivers, Angela Bassett, Lacy Chabert, Lake Bell, Eliza Dushku, Bijou Phillips, Haylie Duff, Kathy Griffin, Tracy Ross, Marlee Matlin, Shannon Elizabeth, Michelle Rodriguez, Faith Evans, Giuliana Depandi, Debbie Matenopoulos and Princess Ann Claire, are reportedly huge fans of City Lip Cosmetics.

There are other Hyaluronic acid boosting lip plumpers on the cosmetic market including Lucky Lips which allegedly increases Hyaluronic acid levels by 148% just 48 hours after use. Other celeb Hyaluronic acid beauty favorites include Hydrating Gel Cream from Prada Beauty, a lightweight, sheer cream featuring Hyaluronic acid and Rest-A-Line Face Treatment by Joey New York, an anti-aging cream rich with Hyaluronic acid which helps the skin hold 1000 times its weight in water, causing a natural plumping effect. All in all, between facial injections and non-evasive beauty creams, it seems like there is much hope on the frontier for finding that elusive fountain of youth; for celebrities and for common folk, alike!

Hyaluronic Acid Resource is dedicated to promoting an understanding of Hyaluronic acid, a major ingredient in many medical and anti-aging therapies and to highlighting places where you can safely purchase Hyaluronic acid products. For more information go to E-Hyaluronicacid.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Facts About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is big business now, the advances of science and technology meaning it has become more affordable and much more accessible for anyone to consider it. Far from breast enhancements being the only option anymore, there are operations that can be done on virtually any part of your body to aesthetically enhance your appearance. Getting the body beautiful has never been such a viable option as it is now.

Types of cosmetic surgery.

Reading any daily newspaper (usually the tabloids) will give a good indication as to the types of cosmetic surgery that are available. It seems that nearly every popular celebrity has had Botox injections or a face-lift to improve their appearance but cosmetic surgery isn't just about improving your appearance to fit in. Disfigurations can have a detrimental effect on many people's lives, and cosmetic surgery is a reasonable answer to the psychological problems that can accompany them.

Acne scar removal is a relatively simple operation and can change lives in a matter of weeks. Pierced ear repair and tattoo removal are also becoming very popular as more and more young adults are having body piercing and tattoos only to want them removed later in life.

Then, of course, there are the physical changes that some people feel are required to keep them at the peak of their physical appearance. Botox, (curiously enough, was originally a form of germ warfare!) , has become very popular as Botox injections are considerably cheaper than having surgical lifts. Botox works by temporarily paralysing muscles and fixing parts of the body in certain positions. It can be effectively used to remove laughter lines or wrinkles but is only temporary so regular visits are needed to keep the appearance they give.

Breast enhancement and reduction are as popular as ever with women, and many breast cancer victims have breast-rebuilding treatment in order to regain their natural body shapes and confidence. Face lifts help mask the natural signs of aging by pulling the skin tight and removing wrinkles and bags. Tummy tucks, Rhinoplasty (the political correct version of a nose job) and Liposuction are also available. These are a few of the more popular versions of cosmetic surgery but if there is a part of your body you aren't happy with there is bound to be a surgeon somewhere that can do what is required.

Is cosmetic surgery safe?

Unfortunately, due to the money involved in cosmetic surgery, there have been a number of more unscrupulous surgeons offering their services at reduced costs. These surgeons usually have little or no qualifications and avoiding them is the most important thing you can do if considering cosmetic surgery.

Selecting the right clinic can take time, and definitely isn't something you should rush into. Always select a clinic that boasts recognised qualifications; a little research on the Internet will tell you whether a qualification has been earned, bought or simply printed. Only consider using a clinic that offers a one-on-one with a surgeon before operating. They should be able to advise you on all aspects of your chosen surgery from the benefits, the look and feel, the actual operation and any side affects that may be associated with it. If they don't offer this, then you should reconsider using that particular clinic.

What should I ask my surgeon?

You may have a little knowledge or you may have a lot of knowledge about your chosen surgery, but you should always research a little yourself before you visit the clinic for your one-on-one. Know what you are stepping into. By looking on the Internet and perhaps ringing around several clinics asking for information you will probably be presented with a few questions you want to ask. Do not be afraid to ask the questions, no matter how trivial or how stupid they seem.

There are a number of questions you should always ask a surgeon or a clinic before you make that all-important final decision. These questions should include, but not be limited to, asking about any side effects. If you are told there are no side effects you should be very wary indeed. Consider the side effects on a tub of painkillers you can buy over the counter. The list is seemingly endless, and having cosmetic surgery will undoubtedly have a longer list of potential side effects than taking a couple of Paracetemol. Question your surgeon about his experience and qualifications. Usually the certificates will be framed on the wall of their office, if not, do not be afraid to ask. A reputable surgeon will be only to please to show you his certificates.

Ask how long the treatment will take and how much time will be needed to recover. Ask is there are any alternatives, surgical or non-surgical. Once you have all the facts you will be in a position to make a better informed and accurate decision.

The bottom line on cosmetic surgery.

Many people consider and have cosmetic surgery and the decrease in price has brought with it a wider array of potential treatments. Surgery isn't always necessary but, if you have your heart set on it, then be sure to thoroughly research every aspect of your treatment, the clinic you intend to use and the surgeon who will carry out the procedure. Ask plenty of questions about experience, qualification and side effects. Once you have all the knowledge, and if you are sure you want to proceed then at least you know you have done as much as possible to make sure your cosmetic surgery is done safely.

Jenna Keys

Jenna Keys is editor of http://www.cosmetic-surgery-resources.biz - a website dedicated to providing news, information and resources to anyone considering undergoing cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

What Do Plastic Surgery Pictures Look Like?

The plastic surgery pictures usually come in pairs. One shot is taken before the operation, the other - after it. You can see them almost at every plastic surgery website and finding them is not a problem. Trouble begins when you want to use them to make up your mind about the results of the plastic surgery you want to have.

Which plastic surgery pictures are the good ones?

It is very easy to retouch these pictures. And I'm not talking only about using Adobe Photoshop - such plain dishonesty won't work in the long run. But plastic surgery pictures can be taken in such way that they will hide more than they will show. Look only for the pictures that have the qualities described below:

(1) There should be several plastic surgery pictures of one patient. They should be taken from different angles to give you better view of what actually has changed.

(2) The patient should not wear any makeup. It is quite common to take before shots when patients don't wear any makeup and after shots - when they wear it. Such plastic surgery pictures are almost useless.

(3) The lighting should be similar in both before and after pictures. Playing with lighting can change things in the plastic surgery pictures just as good as the Acrobat Photoshop.

How can we actually use them?

The first usage is quite obvious: we use plastic surgery pictures to see what we can expect from, for example, breast augmentation. But there is also one more way we can use them. You simply HAVE TO see the plastic surgery pictures of you prospect doctor's patients. Almost all patients in plastic surgery clinics are photographed, so all the photos should be available at the clinic. If they refuse to show them or if they don't match the good plastic surgery pictures description (see above), you'd better reconsider your decision. Even if they aren't the effects of doctor's dishonesty, they tell about sloppiness of the clinic's work. If they can't take the proper pictures, how can they perform the serious and delicate surgery?

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources, a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgery Advancements

First the definition of Plastic Surgery is: Surgical repair of congenital or acquired deformities and the restoration of contour to improve the appearance and function of tissue defects. Development of this specialized branch of surgery received impetus from the need to repair gross deformities sustained in World War I. By the grafting of tissue or the use of artificial materials such as silicone, some remarkable restorations have become possible. Severe burns and the removal of fairly extensive skin cancers leave scars that must be covered by skin grafts; breast reconstruction after mastectomy is another application. In addition to correcting a disfigurement, plastic surgery is often needed to restore vital movement and function of tissues that have been destroyed. It is also performed for purely cosmetic purposes, such as improving the shape of a nose, bringing outstanding ears closer to the head, or lifting the skin to erase wrinkles. Modern plastic surgeons often employ CAT scans to produce computer-generated images that are used to plan or simulate complex reconstructive surgeries.

The very first descriptions of skin grafts date back to India circa 800 B.C., where they served to obstruct the facial hole resulting from nose amputations. During the Renaissance, Ambroise Par� developed the art of suture, leaving records in which he describes both the instruments and the technique employed. In the 19th century, new methods for operating were developed, ending earlier rudimentary and painful procedures. However, at that time the Catholic Church was strongly opposed to the advancement of science in general, and specifically opposed remodeling the human form. But in the 20th century, when Europe was confronted with the seriously mutilated faces of soldiers returning from the fronts of WWI, the imperative to repair them grew, and plastic surgery finally gained a respectable place in the medical profession.

Then World War II came and once again, plastic surgeons used their skills to help their countrymen. This led to more plastic surgery advances. Then by the 1950s, plastic surgery was fully integrated into the medical community. In the 1960s, the concept of plastic surgery grew in the consciousness of the American public as more physicians performed plastic surgery procedures. Plus in this decade, silicone started being used in plastic surgery and started becoming a part of our culture. Now in the 1970s, the plastic surgeon became one of the leading medical professions. And in the 1980s, plastic surgery was expanding all over the country. By the 1990s, there thousands of board-certified plastic surgeons and the numbers continue to grow, even today. Now there are thousands of plastic surgeons, offering a variety of plastic surgery procedures to patients not just in the United States, but all over the world.

Plastic surgery were it once was just for the very rich has become affordable for almost all Americans. Plastic surgery has truly come a long way and continues to make advancements in the complexity of procedures performed today.

You are welcome to reproduce this article: Plastic Surgery Advancements as long as a live link to http://www.sleepingswan.com is provided.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Where's The "Plastic" In Plastic Surgery?

Don't be looking for the Dupont Company sales rep the next time you visit a Plastic Surgeon's office because, despite popular belief, there's no "Plastic" in Plastic Surgery. The name is taken from the Greek word "plastikos" which means to "mold or shape."

Initially plastic surgery procedures were limited to facial and body reconstruction caused by accidents, trauma, illness or birth defects. As people began to see the purely cosmetic possibilities, many surgeons expanded their services to include facelifts, rhinoplasty (nose jobs), breast augmentation and liposuction.

It's important to know the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, especially if you're planning on having your insurance company foot the bill for your procedure.

Cosmetic surgery is performed solely to improve a person's outward physical appearance and self-esteem by correcting naturally occuring conditions that the patient is unhappy with. Cosmetic surgery may be performed by either a Plastic Surgeon or a Cosmetic Surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is generally not covered by health insurance.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to correct or reduce the effects of congenital defects, accidental trauma injury, infections, tumors, and other health-related conditions. It's primary purpose is rarely to simply improve appearance except for extreme cases involving major facial or bodily damage resulting from automobile accidents, etc. Plastic Surgery may only be performed by a Plastic Surgeon.

In most cases insurance does pay for plastic surgery although there are some cases where your claim may be reduced or denied completely. That's why it is always important to coordinate the planned procedure with your health insurance provider BEFORE you get the procedure.

Often times the difference between whether or not your insurance company will cover the bill is the REASON for the procedure. If, for example, you are having your nose reshaped because you're unhappy with your profile -- no deal. You're on your own. However, get that same nose job because your doctor has diagnosed a chronic breathing problem that results in the potentially dangerous condition known as "Sleep Apnea" and you could end up with a new nose courtesy of your health insurance provider!

If you are planning to visit a Plastic Surgeon, keep the following items in mind:

Your plastic surgeon should be "Board Certified" by the American Board of Plastic Surgery;

If your doctor will be using anesthesia then make sure that only a licensed Anesthesiologist administers the medicine and make sure that the facility where the procedure is being performed is accredited by at least one of the following organizations:

American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities(AAAASF)

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)

Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

Although making sure that all of these certifications are present is no guarantee of a trouble-free experience, NOT having these certifications means that both the doctor performing plastic surgery, as well as the people who run the facility, have a serious lack of regard for your health and well being! You should NEVER use an uncertified plastic surgeon or facility. The risk is simply not worth it.

Credit: Mike Jones of BodyFAQ.com, the health, body & beauty information site. For related information on Cosmetic Surgery: http://www.bodyfaq.com/cosmetic-surgery.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Orange County Plastic Surgeon Search

The main problem is that of abundance. Finding an Orange County plastic surgeon is easy, the problem is to find THE Orange County plastic surgeon - the one who will meet your expectations. Start from searching the Internet. There you will probably find about fifty plastic surgeons for a start. When you have the list, start contacting them, one by one. I know this is time consuming, but the plastic surgery is a surgery, not some kind of magic. Narrow your list to those who specialize in the kind of surgery you want to have and visit the clinics.

How can you find the best plastic surgeon available?

Every Orange County plastic surgeon worth choosing will offer you a short walk around the clinic to show you what's going on there. If they ask you to sight tight in an office, it's a big minus. The second checkpoint is the plastic surgery picture. Ask them to show you the before/after photos of patients that had similar surgery to yours. Even in Orange County, every plastic surgeon will have to show you the pictures. Check them carefully - if in any of them you will see makeup, resign. All these photos are used for medical purposes and taking photos in makeup means only that there is something to hide. If both the walk and the pictures' check went good, you can get down to business.

Things you should check before the surgery

The prices are quite high in Orange County. Every plastic surgeon living there is a professional, so the prices are professional too. Don't worry about the money, though. You are about to have a surgery any saving $300 and risking some surgery complications instead isn't a too bright idea. Remember, it's the professionalism you're looking for, not a discount. Every Orange County plastic surgeon is a professional, but you want to get the best of the best, don't you? The money you will spend is only a secondary problem then. I say this because we tend to forget about it during any purchases or negotiations and we start thinking only about our money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Should You Get Plastic Surgery?

These days, plastic surgery is often much maligned, and while the apparent levity with which it is sometimes undertaken and its almost epidemic-type spread can seem rather worrying, the benefits of plastic surgery can easily be overlooked. While there is an overwhelming array of various plastic surgery horror stories reported in the press, the quiet stories of success often remain untold. For the right candidate, plastic surgery can truly be a life-enhancing procedure.

It would be wonderful to live in a world where everyone is truly accepted, regardless of their physical appearance, and while this type of world might one day evolve, these days, being different is undeniably difficult. For those people who suffer under the weight of a single feature that seems to swallow the rest of them whole, plastic surgery is simply the door to a new life. One of the first things that many patients notice after surgery is how the correction of this feature can bring a sense of balance to their whole appearance. For the woman with big breasts or the man with prominent ears, the hated feature can dominate their self perception, and its alteration to a state that blends in more easily with those of others, truly allows the rest of their self, both physically and spiritually, to blossom.

The most important element of the plastic surgery picture is the surgeon who will perform the procedure. A good plastic surgeon will first evaluate the patient's suitability for treatment, both physically and emotionally, and will help them to approach the surgery with realistic expectations. A good surgeon will adapt the problem feature to match not only the patient's physical appearance, but their personality also, allowing the person who has been hiding behind the perceived imperfection to really shine. Because this is what plastic surgery does, at its best - it does not have the power to change the way a person feels about themselves, but in changing something that has been oppressive to the patient, it allows them to find their confidence again.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong Not Just News

As with just about anything in life, there are many things that can go wrong with plastic surgery. But just as we don't hear news reports about the millions of planes that have taken off and landed safely, there is not the same attention devoted to the many success stories of cosmetic surgeries as there is to plastic surgery gone wrong. There are risks involved with this type of surgery, as there are in undergoing operations of any kind, but the usual difference is that while no doctor can force a patient to have surgery of any kind - even if it is a life-saving operation to remove a cancerous tumor - plastic surgery is generally a little more elective than the other.

And perhaps this is why we seem to delight in hearing about plastic surgery gone wrong. Nowhere is our interest in celebrities as heightened or as vicious as in this arena. While assigning the delight we find in the personal disaster of another human being to jealousy might be overly simplistic, there is doubtlessly a sense here of revelling in the fall of someone we thought - or felt they thought themselves - to be untouchable.

It seems that regardless of the expensive doctors they might have access to, the rich and famous are as susceptible to the vagaries of happenstance as the rest of us - sometimes, things simply just go wrong. Plastic surgery has literally been the death of some, and side effects can be life threatening. Even relatively minor mishaps can be unsightly and embarrassing, and plastic surgery gone wrong includes an enormous range of problems, from capsular contraction in breast implants (where the implants harden painfully) to problems with the wound and the slippage of implants inserted in a range of locations, including cheeks, chin, and butt. Surely we wouldn't wish these accidents on our worst enemies - unless they were in the public eye.

So celebrities might have thousands of things we think we want, but they are as subject to the whims of higher powers just as the rest of us are. Above all, we are all human, and plastic surgery gone wrong, regardless of the paycheck of the life it affects, is a painful and upsetting time. Let's just hope they get well soon.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Best Plastic Surgeons

Who can I trust to find me a best plastic surgeon?

Yourself! knowledge is power only when you use it. The more information you know about your surgeon and surgery, the more likely your chances of having a successful operation. If a company claims to have the best plastic surgeons database, find out everything you can about the company. Does the company specialize in researching only the best doctors ? Remember, there are many web sites: anyone can have a doctor database. The question is, do doctors pay to be listed in their database? Do they actually research every single doctor? Is the company a credible source ?

Where are the best plastic surgeons located?
Nowadays, you find them in the smallest to the biggest cities. The five most popular states where plastic surgeons practice are Florida, New York, California, Texas, and Illinois.

What should I look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?
Tips on what to look for when shopping for a plastic surgeon?

* Always make sure the surgeon is an MD who is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
* Find out if the surgeon is fellowship trained in plastic surgery or in a field relevant to their current specialty.
* Spas and Salons are spreading like wild fire use caution and research your plastic surgeon thoroughly.
* Go to Google and type the plastic surgeon's name. Search for surgeons that pioneered a surgical procedure, wrote publications, taught Med students, etc. Often times, this information is displayed online.
* How many years of practice does the plastic surgeon have under their belt?

How do I select the best plastic surgeon for me?
Many services and even magazines often times list the best doctors according to surveys conducted. Their surveys are usually based on doctors who are voted by their peers. Though it's a good starting point, it's only one component in finding the best plastic surgeons. Here's why:

* Surgeons are extremely busy and rarely participate in these types of surveys, so results are limited.
* Surgeons can nominate their buddies and ask them to return the favor, to attract new clientele.
* Some surgeons are asked to nominate one of their peers in a certain area only.

What are the 4 Critical Components in finding the best plastic surgeons?

* Education They earned a degree from an accredited medical school.
* Experience How many cosmetic surgeries have they performed?
* Recognition Are they well recognized among their peers, patients, and medical societies, and/or involved in their communities?
* Training Does their residency and/or if fellowship focus on plastic surgery?

Bottom line:
When having plastic surgery you will be looking at your surgeons work for the rest of your life. Doing a little homework could be a wisely investment.

Hugo Gallegos is an expert in researching & recognizing the top medical doctors in America. He is the founder & president of MDNationwide.org.

Looking for a doctor? From the top cardiologist to the best plastic surgeons Browse through our best doctor database.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgery - A Risky Business

Choosing to have plastic surgery on any area of your body is likely to be one of the biggest decisions you will ever make, and should not be undertaken lightly. Like any other kind of medical procedure, there are risks involved, and these must be carefully weighed before surgery. When it boils down to basics, anyone considering plastic surgery must decide whether the possibility of what they might gain is more powerful than the risk of losing what they already have, however unattractive that might seem.

Medical science is, it seems, improving almost every day, and so plastic surgery does not now involve the risks it once did. We all, however, have heard horror stories about people who have been permanently scarred by surgery that has gone wrong, and have even lost their lives. While we might all in theory say that we would give anything for a butt like J-Lo, we have to ask ourselves before surgery how realistic a statement this really is.

The best protection against surgery mishaps is choosing a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, so do your research before selecting a doctor. The plastic surgery industry is an extremely buoyant one, and while this means that there is a huge choice of surgeons available, it also means that those who are less skilled can find a niche in the market by offering low prices to vulnerable people. This is not to say that the more expensive the better, simply that knowledge is power. Talk to former patients of any doctor you are considering, and find out how happy they were with their surgeon's work.

Plastic surgery involves an operating room that is remarkably similar to the one in which cancerous tumors are removed, and other surgeries that we would not choose to have performed unless we had to. Lives are lost in every OR, so before going under the knife weigh the risks carefully, and make sure that you are putting yourself in the hands of the best.

Steve Brink is the founder of Cosmetic Surgery a website decicated to plastic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

All About Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgery has become a multi-million dollar one, as both men and women employ more and more extreme tools in order to reach the ever more ubiquitous image of perfection that torments us. It sometimes seems as though the tiny people of Hollywood have been constructed entirely out of plastic in a conspiracy to make the rest of us feel like ogres. And in a world where beauty is a highly rated currency, it is little wonder that many of us succumb.

And while plastic surgery is not a bad thing in and of itself, it is still an invasive procedure as dangerous as any other type of surgery, and should not be undertaken lightly. But if the growing number of people who choose surgery every year is anything to go by, then surgery is becoming the quick fix of the masses.

But if anything needs fixing, surely it is a society where people undergo risky surgery in order to feel okay about themselves. We pride ourselves on the advancements we make as a society every moment, and while attractiveness has historically always been of value, is it not now time that we rebel against the status of beauty as the primary currency in our society? But beauty is more powerful that ever, and combined with our enormous technological knowledge, we are at a point when we have the tools to look almost exactly as we wish.

Perhaps the world of 'The Stepford Wives' is really not so very far away. As people make appointments daily for surgery that will make them look like someone else, we are at risk of losing our individuality to a cult that simply wants us all the same. They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it seems that as time progresses, we are all beginning to see through one blighted eye. What will we do once we are all finally beautiful? Perhaps then we will begin to look a little deeper. Or perhaps we our notion of beauty will change, as it has done countless time through history, and we will all be left to start from scratch again

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The Dangers of Plastic Surgery

There is very little in this life that comes without risk, and the dangers of plastic surgery are a prime example of this. Most of us have been reminded by elderly relatives that our lives could be cut short any day simply by crossing the street; this adage is usually quoted to remind us to live each day to the full, and to do the things that will bring fulfilment to our lives, despite the many risks inherent. While it is true that the sensible among us put the inevitable risks of daily life to the back of our minds in order, simply, to stay sane, a balanced life is perhaps knowing risks to pay attention to, and which to ignore.

There is little doubt that the dangers of plastic surgery are multiple, but its popularity nevertheless continues unabated. These dangers, clearly, are for many people acceptable one, and plastic surgery seems to be something that offers potential benefits significant enough to plough on regardless.

But there is also an element in the human condition that clings to the tenet that ignorance is bliss, that it won't happen to me anyway, and perhaps there is something to be said for that belief. Constantly thinking of the possible dangers of life will only immobilise us with fear. We would never take a chance on anything; never seek to better ourselves, or our world. And while plastic surgery has its detractors as well as its advocates, surely even those opposed to the surgical alteration of a healthy body can applaud the willingness to take a leap of faith towards something believed in?

They say that knowledge is power, and the making of an informed decision is only possible with all the facts to hand. Perhaps you will choose to continue on your desired route despite understanding the risks and dangers of plastic surgery, but you will be making a decision based on something real, rather than the foolhardy belief that things cannot go wrong.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgery - Can I bring a lawsuit against my surgeon if he destroyed my breasts?

Q: I just had a breast implants put in and I don't like the way they came out. Can I bring a lawsuit against my plastic surgeon if he won't fix them for free?

A: There are two issues here. The first is your unhappiness with the result of the breast implants. The second is whether you can sue if he does not repair the first result for free.

First- the fact that you had breast implants suggests that you were not satisfied with your physical appearance to begin with. Breast implant and plastic surgery cases are inherently bad cases for me to take because they involve subjective feelings, opinions and impressions by the patient. Specifically, the patient is not happy with how they appear initially, and after the procedure, they are still not happy with the result. Just because you are unsatisfied with the breast surgery results does not mean that there was evidence of malpractice.

There are always risks associated with any surgery. I am positive that your plastic surgeon gave you a detailed form called an Informed Consent sheet that described the procedure. You may have also been given brochures or reading material describing the risks, benefits and alternatives to this breast surgery you were going to have. Again, I assume that since you went forward with the surgery, you signed this consent and recognized that there was a possibility the outcome might not be perfect.

The second point is that you must address your displeasure with your plastic surgeon. There are times when the doctor will agree to revise the procedure at no cost to you. At other times the doctor believes he or she did a good job, but other factors contributed to the poor outcome, and he may not be agreeable to revise the procedure for free.

Remember, you are free to bring a lawsuit, but the question is whether your case really has merit, and whether it is financially beneficial for you and your attorney to proceed.

In my opinion, I do not accept plastic surgery cases unless it is clear, based upon expert medical review, that there are departures from good care (not just that the patient is unhappy with the outcome of their boob job, or nose job), that the departures were a substantial factor in causing injury, and that the injury is permanent.

Attorney Oginski has been in practice for over 16 years as a trial lawyer practicing exclusively in the State of New York. Having his own law firm, he is able to provide the utmost in personalized, individualized attention to each and every client. In our office, a client is not a file number. Client's are always treated with the respect they deserve and expect from a professional. Mr. Oginski is always aware of every aspect of a client's case from start to finish.

Gerry represents injured people in injury cases and medical malpractice matters in Brooklyn, Queens, New York City, the Bronx, Staten Island, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. You can reach him at http://www.oginski-law.com, or 516-487-8207. All inquiries are free and totally confidential.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Is Cosmetic Surgery Right For You?

For many of us, we go through most of our lives paying minimal attention to our skin. Sure, we moisturize and hopefully use our SPF30 on a regular basis but pampering our skin on a daily basis is not practical for most people.

Then one day we wake up and notice that the face we've paid little attention to over the years has just started looking a little worn. We might begin to see a few more noticeable lines or we might look a little tired with bags under our eyes. Our eyelids may look a bit droopier and our cheeks might sag a little more than they use to.

Ten to twenty years ago there weren't many options to droopy, saggy, wrinkled skin but today we have lots of them and cosmetic surgery is looming to the top of the list as one of the most popular remedies around.

Did you know that according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for 1.2 million cosmetic procedures in 2004? It's a known fact that men don't want to look any older than women do.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) the top 5 cosmetic procedures were:

For women:
1 Liposuction
2 Breast Augmentation
3 Eyelid Surgery
4 Facelift
5 Chemical Peel

For Men:
1 Nose Reshaping
2 Eyelid Surgery
3 Liposuction
4 Hair Transplantation
5 Breast Reduction

The new five-year trending data shows cosmetic procedures are up 24 percent from 2000.

Also in the running are the non-surgical procedures which have increased as much as 7% in 2004. They include such procedures as:
- Botox
- Laser hair removal
- Chemical peels
- microdermabrasions

So is cosmetic surgery right for you?

Well, I can't speak for everyone but there are a few things to consider and some questions you should ask yourself before going under the knife..

First and foremost, cosmetic surgery is surgery and it hurts - ouch! As with any surgery, there is a healing period and there is swelling and puffiness immediately afterwards. Don't expect to look beautiful right out of surgery. It's going to take some time and patience.

Understand that a nose job or a face lift won't necessarily make you beautiful and it probably won't change how the world feels about you. In fact, patients have been known to feel a sense of disappointment after their procedures and for this reason it's important to understand how significant the changes will be, they may only be very subtle.

If you're considering plastic surgery ask yourself these things first:

Why do I want cosmetic surgery? Who am I doing this for?

If it's because your friend says you have a big nose or if you think looking more beautiful for your husband he will pay more attention to you then,you're a poor candidate. Hoping to impress your friends or hoping your husband will be more attentive are poor reasons.

A new face, nose or body won't change how others feel about you and if it does, it will only be temporary.

Can I afford This?

Most cosmetic surgery is not covered by health insurance unless it is health related. If you have to scrape money together to do this you're better off looking into non-surgical or less invasive treatments.

What if the results are not what I expected? Again, there's a chance that expectations won't be met. Be sure you are ready financially and emotionally to undergo more treatment if you're results are underwhelming.

As with any high cost, risky procedure, think it through. Don't act on a whim. Discuss the procedure with relatives and friends. Get some outside opinions.

If you're still interested in pursuing cosmetic surgery be sure you are in good health. A good candidate doesn't smoke, is emotionally stable and does not experience any major health disorders such as heart disease, diabetes or blood pressure issues.

Elizabeth McGee is an online skincare consultant who reviews skincare products and their benefits.

Visit Elizabeth's website: http://www.fine-skin-care-products.com and receive your free 'Beauty and Weight Loss Tips Guide'.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Bariatric Surgery Contributes to Rise in Body Contouring Procedures in Michiana

Elkhart, IN A newly released report from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) details statistics and consumer attitudes toward cosmetic surgery in Indiana, and many of the numbers mirror similar trends in Michiana, according to Dr. Ronald Downs and Dr. Patrick Viscardi of The Centre, P.C.

ASAPS reports that 2003 saw a large increase in the number of body contouring procedures, with liposuction being the number one surgical procedure for both women and men. Other body contouring procedures increased by the following percentages: tummy tucks, 42%; lower body lifts, 127%; thigh lifts, 109%; and upper arm lifts, 68%.

Some of these increases are attributable to the rise in bariatric surgery, said Dr. Ronald Downs, a member of ASAPS. Bariatric surgery is a relatively new procedure that helps people lose massive amounts of weight. Such massive weight loss can leave skin sagging, so people choose these body contouring procedures to remove excess skin and fat. We are seeing that bariatric surgery in Michiana is also on the upswing.

As Indiana consumers continue to become more focused on looks, the facial procedures are also rising. The popularity of Botox in Indiana, for example, contributed to a dramatic rise nationwide in nonsurgical procedures (a 22% increase in 2003). Surgical facial procedures were also up by the following percentages: eyelid surgery in Elkhart and forehead lift in Michiana, 17% each; facelifts, 1% (the number of facelifts on men increased by 23%).

We are finding that new techniques that help reduce recovery time for many facial procedures contribute to an increase in their popularity, said Dr. Patrick Viscardi. Most people find a lengthy recovery period inconvenient and costly. With these new techniques, people are back to their daily lifestyle more quickly.

The Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank, sponsored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), is the most comprehensive collection of data available on the number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. ASAPS is the only organization providing 7-year multi-specialty data on the 38 top cosmetic procedures in Indiana. To see the complete set of ASAPS statistics go to www.surgery.org. The Centre, P.C. is a comprehensive Indiana plastic surgery practice that delivers expert professional care to patients in the Michiana area. With specialists in the fields of hand surgery and therapy, reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery and skin health, The Centre offers a unique variety of services and treatment options, including an Injury Prevention Program for businesses and their employees. Contact The Centre, P.C. at 574.296.9100 or visit http://www.thecentrepc.com, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at plasticsurgery.org, or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at surgery.org. Imagine the Possibilities

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Eyelid Plastic Surgery

Blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat, skin and muscle from the area around the eyes. As people age, their skin loses elasticity, they accumulate more fat and their muscles lose tone. This aging process can make the arms or stomach or breasts sag, but on the face this loss of tone and elasticity can make you look tired, angry, upset, sick and much older and can even impair vision. Eyelid surgery can be frightening because complication risks, like infection, involve the eyes and your vision. However, a vast majority of people who have undergone eyelid surgery are happy that they did so.

As with most cosmetic procedures, patients undergoing eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) are given either general anesthesia, which will require a longer stay at the medical facility and a person to take care of the patient for 24 hours following surgery, or they are given local anesthesia and a sedative, so they are awake but they cannot feel the area being operated on and they are much calmer about the procedure because of the sedative.

Blepharoplasty can be done on either the upper or lower eyelids or all four. The variation will determine the length of the surgery. In eyelid surgery, tiny incisions are made along natural creases in the upper eyelid and below the lash line on the lower eyelids. The skin of the eyelid is then separated from the fat deposits and muscle so the fat can be removed. Depending upon the patient, the skin and muscle can then be trimmed as well before they are sewn back together. Recovery can be uncomfortable because of the swelling associated with any surgical procedure which will, in this case, dry out the eyes and sometimes prevent them from comfortably closing fully before the swelling goes down.

Blepharoplasty does not remove wrinkles, dark circles or a sagging brow. For this reason, eyelid surgery is commonly performed in conjunction with other facial cosmetic procedures such as brow lifts.

Want more Information about Eyelid Surgery?

Find a qualified Cosmetic Surgeon in Your Area at http://www.sleepingswan.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cosmetic Surgery Vanity or Healthy Choice?

Cosmetic and plastic surgery has long been associated with vanity, but mounting evidence suggests that in many cases cosmetic surgery can offer substantial health benefits. Nose jobs can offer real health benefits in addition to improving the symmetry of the face. Face lifts have been shown to increase life expectancy. And eyelid surgery can create significant vision benefits for some people. All of these examples show the lines between aesthetics and real health benefits can blur when examining plastic surgery procedures.

Rhinoplasty, or nose jobs have health benefits beyond the aesthetic appeals of the procedure. In many cases, rhinoplasty can substantially improve breathing difficulties. In cases where people have broken their nose, the cartilage can become constricted, creating breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can alleviate this, along with snoring problems associated with constricted nasal passages. Many people who have persistent sinus problems have remedied the issue with rhinoplasty.

Face lifts have long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure for people to fight the effects of aging. However, evidence shows that face lifts actually can have health benefits. A study performed at the Mayo clinic reviewed data from 250 women who had undergone face lifts in the 70s. The data showed that on average, women who received face lifts outlived their counterparts in the general population by 10 years. The self esteem factors attributed to looking and feeling younger as a result of the face lift are cited as possible reasons why these patients lived longer.

Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty is a procedure to remove fat--usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. While the procedure does have cosmetic benefits, it can also provide real health benefits to those who have vision problems caused by excess skin around the eyelids.

Gastric Bypass surgery, while not often considered cosmetic surgery can be viewed as a surgery to improve appearances. Like liposuction, it reduces an individual's weight through surgical means. However, the health benefits of losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight are well documented and accepted. Losing weight is a perfect example of how health benefits and aesthetic benefits can both result from the same surgical procedures.

Most who have significant dental problems will view fixing those problems as a mandatory concern. Braces were once considered strange, but now are commonplace. People who lose teeth in accidents don't think twice about the vanity associated with replacing those teeth. Indeed, they argue that replacing broken or lost teeth is necessary for healthy eating function, as well as restoring appearance. Improving speech through dentistry has been long accepted for its benefits, and without the taboos associated with many cosmetic surgery procedures.

Cosmetic surgery is not just for vain people who want to improve their aesthetic appeal. In many cases, the real benefits of cosmetic surgery make the aesthetic improvements just an added bonus when compared to the health benefits the procedures can provide. As cosmetic surgery becomes more common, the lines between purely cosmetic and self esteem benefits and real measurable health benefits will increasingly blur. As the health benefits of cosmetic surgery become more apparent and documented, the acceptance of the procedures by the public at large will continue to climb.

Rex Ryan maintains a website on cosmetic surgery procedures: http://www.aboutcosmeticsurgery.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgery Breast Augmentation, Miami

Nowadays you can find a lot of places where you can have the breast augmentation. Miami is one of the biggest plastic surgery centers in the USA, so if you live there you're in the right place. But in order to be really satisfied with the surgery's result, you have to know a few things and answer to a few questions first.

What exactly do you need from the breast augmentation?

What do you want from the breast augmentation? Miami or not, plastic surgeons can be only as good as you let them. If you don't know exactly what you need, they won't be able to do that. It's not a problem when there are obvious or medical reasons to perform the surgery, but when you just want to look better, you need to know what exactly you would like to change. Especially when you don't live there, having breast augmentation in Miami only to find out that's not what you really wanted is not a very bright idea.

How to find the best doctor?

There are two things that can show how good the doctor is. The first one is openness. You must be able to see almost the whole clinic to check if it looks like it should. The second one is checking the �before/after� photos from surgeries that were similar to yours. Breast augmentation in Miami is so popular that there should be no problem in seeing at least dozen sets of the pictures. If they aren't available for any reason, think twice before deciding on surgery at this clinic. It is very probable that they (a) haven't got much experience or (b) the surgery results are not as good as they claim. Anyway, it means that you have to find another place to have your breast augmentation. Miami is a big city.

Good and bad sides of breast augmentation.

When you decide on the breast augmentation surgery, keep in mind that it is not a kind of magic, but a surgery. It means that your breasts will essentially remain the same - the only difference you may notice is that their size and shape are a little different. And even there you will not notice any drastic changes - the surgeons can do only as much as you body permits. So there is no chance to have Pamela Anderson's breast in one go.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Plastic Surgey: The New Beauty Norm?

This is a good topic to discuss especially now since the popularity of all the make-over shows. I have always been curious as to why people, mostly women, have this idea that they are expected to look a certain way in order to "fit in" with society.

We all would like to believe that quaint saying, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but how true and meaningful is that phrase when the beholder has been brainwashed, so to speak, into subscribing to the belief that beauty is the artificial look we see on glamour mags, in TV commercials, and even in some children's books? For some time now, that image has consisted mainly of white women and the "white standard of beauty".

I decided to take this question of plastic surgery and the search for beauty and see how it can affect some women in the African-American community. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, African-Americans make up only 6% of plastic surgery patients. Why is this? Do African-American women have a more positive self/body image or is it that many cannot afford it? And for the 6% who do have surgery, to which standard of beauty were they trying to aspire?

I chose to start my search for the white standard of beauty in 1960. I chose that year because at the time, a TV show was airing that sought to teach moral and societal lessons through fantastical tales. Two episodes of this show were very telling and prophetic, and they both dealt with how society viewed beauty and the expectations placed on women to be "beautiful". That show was, The Twilight Zone.

Beauty in 1960... Rod Serling offered us a tale of beauties and beasts in episode #42 entitled: Eye of the Beholder. Here's a brief synopsis of the show I found at The Twilight Zone Guide: Janet Tyler anxiously awaits the outcome of her latest surgery. Janet, who's abnormal face has made her an outcast, has had her eleventh hospital visit - the maximum allowed by the State. If it didn't succeed, she will be sent to live in a village where others of her kind are segregated. As her bandages are removed, she is revealed to be very beautiful. The doctor draws back in horror. As the lights come on we see the others, their faces are misshapen and deformed. As Janet runs from her room crying, she runs into another of her kind, a handsome man named Walter Smith. He is in charge of an outcast village, and he assures her that she will eventually feel she belongs. He tells her to remember the old saying: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Although the show was filmed in black and white, we can clearly see that Ms. Tyler is Caucasian. The doctors appear to have darker skin, nevertheless, the idea here was that the viewers empathized with Ms. Tyler because she was the classic blonde, slender beauty commonly seen in 1960's fashion magazines. As the show closes, the narrator speaks: "Now the questions that come to mind. Where is this place and when is it, what kind of world where ugliness is the norm and beauty the deviation from that norm? The answer is, it doesn't make any difference. Because the old saying happens to be true. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in this year or a hundred years hence, on this planet or wherever there is human life, perhaps out among the stars. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Lesson to be learned...in the Twilight Zone."

1964: The Standard Continues Episode #137, in Season Five, is called, "Number Twelve Looks Just Like You", and was adapted by a short story called "The Beautiful People". In this episode, we meet Marilyn, a young woman who is about to go through a rite of passage in her community. This rite is called "The Transformation" and it requires citizens to choose among several models of bodies into which they will be transformed. The message here is that this society only sees one standard of beauty and that one will not be happy unless they look and act just like everyone else. Opening Narration: "Given the chance, what young girl wouldn't happily exchange a plain face for a lovely one? What girl could refuse the opportunity to be beautiful? For want of a better estimate, let's call it the year 2000. At any rate, imagine a time in the future when science has developed a means of giving everyone the face and body he dreams of. It may not happen tomorrow--but it happens now, in the Twilight Zone."

Once again, the beautiful people are all white and we don't see any women or men of color. What was this episode trying to tell black women about beauty? The closing narration: Portrait of a young lady in love--with herself. Improbable? Perhaps. But in an age of plastic surgery, body building, and an infinity of cosmetics, let us hesitate to say impossible. These and other strange blessings may be waiting in the future--which after all, is the Twilight Zone."

Beauty 40 Years Later

Some aspects of beauty standards have changed, but not much. We do see more black models and beautiful black women, but when you look at the majority of the more famous ones, (Tyra, Halle, Janet, Vanessa Williams, Beyonce, a few of whom have had plastic surgery, on their noses and other body parts), you can see straight away that they have many Caucasian attributes: small, pinched noses, lighter complexion, lighter eyes, straight, lightly colored hair. It is rare that you will see a model with very dark skin, a tight afro, wide, round, larger nose, and full, large lips. Flip through any issue of Vogue or Glamour and look for that image I just described. Then look for the first image I described.

So, are black women trying to aspire to the white standard of beauty when they seek plastic surgery?

According to Cynthia Winston, assistant professor of psychology at Howard University in Washington, D.C., We really don't know much about how blacks are influenced. Most of the research focuses on perceptions related to skin color. Foe most African-Americans, perception can be shaped by their environment. For example, an African-American woman growing up in an all-white neighborhood in Nebraska may be more likely than an African-American woman raised in inner-city Detroit to compare herself with white images of beauty.

(Source: African-American Women & Plastic Surgery: Self-Improvement or Self-Hatred? By Angela D. Johnson, Sept. 2, 2003)

Now What?

I suppose, it all comes down to how one feels inside about themselves. But there is this viscous cycle of doubt that women constantly face so it's often hard to reconcile your inner voices with the outside images thrown at you everyday. Many women buy into the trends and fashions that dictate beauty. TV shows and print ads abound with images of sexy women. Fitness clubs persuade women to join not so they will lower their risk of heart disease, but so they will aspire to be beautiful on the outside. No one tries to sell things that will help them on the inside.

In the end, you can look at all of this and say that there will always be standards of beauty and those who aspire to live up those standards, and those wanting to make a profit off those standards (cosmetic companies, ad agencies, modeling agencies, fashion designers, plastic surgeons, psychotherapists). The media portrays what people want to see and apparently, it's sex and "beauty".

Ms. Martin currently resides in sunny Southern California with her son. When she's not writing, she works part-time as a preschool teacher where she hopes to help all children develop positive self and body images.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

What You Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is any surgical procedure that is designed to enhance your physical appearance. Unless the cosmetic surgery is required as the result of an accident, injury, or birth defect, the chances are the procedure will not be covered by your insurance.

Although cosmetic surgery may change your appearance and give you the confidence to face the world with a whole new attitude, it doesn't change who you "really" are inside. If you were lazy and unmotivated before your new nose, you're likely to still be lazy and unmotivated after.

The most common cosmetic surgery procedures are face lifts, liposuction, breast enhancement, "nose jobs" and "tummy tucks" but this is by no means the extent of what a cosmetic surgeon can do for you.

Cosmetic surgery is performed by a doctor who has undergone specialized training in either plastic or cosmetic surgery. When choosing a doctor always make sure that they have been certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). They should have the certification document in plain view in their office.

You'll want to ask the following questions when you are interviewing the doctor:

How often have you done this procedure?

How long have you been doing this procedure?

What are the best and worst case results that I can expect from this procedure?

What are the potential risks or complications of this procedure?

What do I need to do to prepare myself for this procedure?

How much time will I have to lose from work or normal social activity?

How much pain or discomfort is associated with this procedure?

How much will this procedure cost?

Will I require any follow-up treatment and is it included in the price?

Will I require any prescription drugs?

Will my insurance cover all or part of the costs?

Most cosmetic surgery doctors will have a book of "Before and After" pictures that have been taken of patients who have given their permission to be included in the book. Not only should you ask to see the book, but also ask if you can receive a discount by agreeing to have your pictures added.

One of the worst reasons for having a cosmetic surgery procedure performed is because "everyone else is doing it". What may be right for one of your friends may not be right for you. That's why it is important to have a frank discussion with your doctor before having any procedure done. Tell your doctor what your expectations are and then listen very closely to the answer. If you think that having a face lift is going to get you a better job, then you may need to reconsider your thinking. Most people's lives do not change radically after cosmetic surgery is performed.

In fact, there are often unexpected results that accompany cosmetic surgery. You may wonder why someone with as much money as Barbara Streisand has never had her nose "fixed". When she was younger her doctor told her that changing the shape of her nose would alter her voice! That was a risk that Barbara was not willing to take.

Cosmetic surgery should not be rushed into. Take your time, shop around for the best doctor and make sure that you have a solid grasp on your expectations. The chances are you will have to live with the results of the procedure for the rest of your life.

Credit: Mike Jones of BodyFAQ.com, the health, body & beauty information site. Click here for related information on Plastic Surgery: http://www.bodyfaq.com/plastic-surgery.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Best Plastic Surgeon for the Money

If you have made the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, then you have clearly done a cost benefit analysis and decided that the large expense of having a plastic surgery operation done does not outweigh the benefits to be accrued from the plastic surgery. If you are so unhappy with some physical feature that you think about it all the time or it inhibits you from living a full, successful life, or if you have a special occasion coming up and want to enhance your appearance for it, or you are in pain that could be alleviated through plastic surgery, then the benefits of plastic surgery could be great.

Now you want to get the most bang for your buck. You want the best doctor to perform your surgery. You want a board certified plastic surgeon so you can trust that the person operating on you has had training and experience. You also want to find a surgeon who specializes in the area of plastic surgery that you want a procedure. Some return patients may want to find a single doctor to trust who can do all of the procedures that they may want done over the course of their life. Others may want a specialized doctor because if, for example, you want botox treatment, a plastic surgeon who focuses only on skin and facial procedures will be better practiced and perhaps a better choice than a doctor who performs a wide range of procedures and perhaps spends more time doing breast augmentation than botox.

Cosmetic surgery is expensive, and prices vary according to region and . On average procedures run:

Forehead Lifts: $3000

Facelift, Neck Lift: $3000 $12,000

Blepharoplasty (Eyelids): $1500 - $7000

Eyelid Ptosis: $3250

Lip Enhancement: $300 - $5000

Rhinoplasty (Nose): $3000 $12,000

Otoplasty (Ears) $2800 - $4500

Torn Earlobe Repair: $450 - $650

Inverted Nipple Sculpture: $1400

Breast Lift: $2800 - $9000

Breast Augmentation: $5000 - $7000

Breast Reduction: $4200 $10,000

Gynecomastia: $2700 - $9000

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): $3800 - $9000

Naval Surgery: $1800

Thigh Lift: $3500

Arm Lift: $2750

Liposuction: $1800 � $10,000

Find a qualified Cosmetic Surgeon in Your Area at http://www.sleepingswan.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Why Use A Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon?

Beverly Hills is Mecca of all people looking for plastic surgeons, though not many of prospect patients really know why. Beverly Hills and plastic surgeon are two phrases that are almost inseparable now. Thanks to Extreme Makeover and Dr. 90210 TV shows every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon is by definition a good one. And, unlike many other TV-created myths, this one is generally true.

The best specialists are practicing in Beverly Hills.

Almost every plastic surgeon has tried to establish the business there. As the result competition increased and those worse or unable to keep up with competitors were forced to leave. Almost every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with over three years of practice there is worth their money. Almost every kind of plastic surgery is performed there, and there is virtually no chance of falling into hands of some half-learned doctors who will train their skills on your body. All plastic surgeons from Beverly Hills are top professionals in their industry and there is almost no risk of any complications resulting from the lack of necessary skills.

Looking for Beverly Hills plastic surgeon for you.

Not every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon specializes in film stars. Every year more and more everyday people find there some help in enhancing their personal beauty. The surgeries are becoming more and more popular, easier, quicker and less painful. At the moment you read it, there are tens of people in plastic surgery clinics and hundreds of people who are recovering now after the cosmetic surgeries. Beauty has become one of the mass-produced goods and there is nothing to be afraid of anymore.

Where's the catch?

The catch is still in the surgery price. Beverly Hills is an expensive place and every Beverly Hills plastic surgeon has to send you high bills just to have enough money to rent the house. Unfortunately the top quality means top prices and there is almost no chance that it will change soon. It seems that if you want to avoid risk, you just have to pay them. But don't hesitate - they are surely worth your money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon: Treat Yourself to Surgery at Its Best

Los Angeles is the city as infamous as it is famous, as notorious a city as you can find. It is a city that is known the whole world over, even by millions who have never visited it, and it is surrounded by an intriguing mysticism that few can resist. This is where the famous people live, the young, the rich and the beautiful, a city that houses people so gorgeous that the plastic surgeons must be the best in the world! Many people travel here from all over the world to have their surgery performed here by the very best. But if the city and its surgeons are that good, surely the prices must be as high-flying too?

Because it seems that Los Angeles people have to be beautiful people too, you can be sure that Los Angeles plastic surgeons will be plentiful and highly skilled. The disproportionate demand for cosmetic surgery in this city compared with other parts of the country means that the competition within the industry here is huge - so professionals have to be top-notch in order to survive. Making an appointment with a Los Angeles plastic surgeon almost guarantees that you will be meeting a professional who is well qualified and experienced, with knowledge of all the latest innovations at his or her disposal. The success of the industry in this part of the world pushes it on to bigger and better things, so if you are looking to avail of all the most up-to-date techniques, then this is the city to visit.

The popularity of plastic surgery here means that surgeons can charge what they like - but the very multitude of professionals means also that they must remain competitive in their price structure. There are a number of great deals to be had. The city's booming industry also means that sometimes hacks can flourish, offering half price operations at half the standard of the true professionals. Always check out the credentials of your surgeon before you submit to their knife - in a city filled with the best in the world, you don't want to be one of the unlucky ones who falls prey to the unscrupulous. Even the cheapest deal in the world is not worth that.

Finding the best deals in town will take some homework - use the Internet, local press, or even ask around to find the best deals offered by the best surgeons. You might have to pay a little more to avail of the services of a Los Angeles plastic surgeon, but the gorgeous results will make you glad you spent the money.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/