Not Just for the Ladies – Men Have Plastic Surgery Too

While cosmetic surgery is commonly linked with women, men also go under the knife to look better.

Our culture commonly represents plastic surgery as a largely feminine phenomenon—from tummy tucks to breast implants to facelifts, the more popular plastic surgeries seem exclusive geared to women. However, many cosmetic surgery procedures are popular among men. The ability to appear invigorated and youthful is something that gentlemen are beginning to view as helpful in the workplace and in their personal lives. The increasing popularity of plastic surgery for men is often relegated to some specific procedures.

Plastic surgery in the face and neck areas are some of the most requested procedures for men. Botox injections, facelifts, dermabrasion, and chin and nose surgeries can lend a youthful appeal to the male face. Chin surgery and nose surgery often go hand in hand for males, as the facial proportions may change due to either procedure.

Some men have surgery to sculpt their jaw line, resulting in a more pronounced or “masculine” face. Chemical peels and dermabrasion can help the skin of the face to look younger and smoother without the more complicated side effects, longer recovery time, and uncertain results of more invasive types of plastic surgery.

Finally, of course, hair implantation or body hair removal are becoming increasingly popular, as a lack of hair on the head may be considered unattractive, and an overabundance of hair growth elsewhere on the body might be viewed similarly.

Often dubbed “moobs” or “man boobs” Gynecomastia is a condition which causes large breasts in men. Sufferers may choose to undergo a breast reduction surgery, a surgery which is gaining momentum as an option for men who are insecure about the appearance of their chest. Hormone levels can result in changes that cause the male breasts to become swollen or misshapen which, in addition to being rather painful, can also be extremely embarrassing. Procedures to correct this condition don’t have to include surgery, as hormone pills may balance the issue; however, when surgery is necessary, many plastic surgeons can use surgical procedures to fix the chest proportions of gentlemen.

Male pectoral implants are also a popular procedure among men to provide attractive muscle tone and definition. Additionally, Vaser Hi-Def sculpting can remove fat in key areas so that the chest and abs appear chiseled and well-defined.

A body lift, which reduces the appearance of fat throughout the midsection, or liposuction, are very popular among males who feel as though a sagging belly must be dealt with quickly and effectively. Persistent fat in the midsection might be an issue even when proper diet and exercise procedures are followed completely. Liposuction achieves a slim appearance by surgically removing the excess fat from the body, resulting in a thinner and more appealing midsection. This procedure may be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty, which reduces excess skin and fat and attempts to remove stretch marks from the skin.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the cosmetic surgeon search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

 

Jury’s In – Liposuctioned Fat, A Viable Alternative to Breast Implants

There’s been some debate over the safety and effectiveness of fat injections for cosmetic breast augmentation primarily due to a lack of research and concern that fat may calcify and obscure mammograms, be mistaken for cancer growths, or be re-absorbed by the body. But a new study presented at the Plastic Surgery 2009 conference, Oct. 23-27, in Seattle, found using liposuctioned fat for breast augmentation may be a viable option for some women. The study looked at 50 women, ages 17-63, who had 55 fat grafting procedures (5 women were grafted twice) to their breasts with fat taken from their upper thighs, etc. To help make room for the injected fat and to increase the grafts’ survival rate, patients wore a bra-like (external) tissue expander device several weeks before and after surgery. Long-term follow-up on patients ranged from 9 months to 5 years, with an average follow-up of 3 years.

The authors found:

• The procedure did not obscure mammography.
• No suspicious breast masses, nodules, or lesions that might interfere with cancer detection were reported.
• Excellent long term graft survival was achieved – graft survival averaged 85%.
• Average increase in breast volume at 6-12 months was 210 ml.
• Patients were pleased with the natural feel of their breasts and improved appearance of the liposuctioned areas.
• Procedure can safely be performed in 1.5 hours.
• Drawbacks included changes in breast volume were proportionate with BMI fluctuations and poor patient compliance with the use of the tissue expander device negatively affected breast volume.

By the Numbers:

Breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2008, with more than 307,000 procedures performed. It’s also the most commonly requested procedure among women.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the cosmetic surgeon search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

 

Breast Cancer Awareness

It has been ten years since former President Bill Clinton signed into law The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (WHCRA), which helps protect many women with breast cancer who choose to have their breast rebuilt (reconstructed) after a mastectomy.

 Yet in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report.

Newly released statistics shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 – a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis.

Women need to understand all of their options to make an informed decision. Those who are diagnosed should be immediately referred to a full team of physicians that can provide breast care, and plastic surgeons need to be included as part of that treatment team.

Taking the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if any reconstruction option is best for her, The Patients Advantage has launching an ongoing effort to bring public awareness to breast reconstruction issues, including education, access, and a team approach. Because early involvement by plastic surgeons and other physicians can allow development of an optimum treatment plan for each individual patient, collaboration amongst specialties is essential. As such, it’s suggested that primary care, general surgery, radiology, pathology, oncology, gynecology, and plastic surgery be available from the onset of treatment to ensure the greatest possible outcome for the patient.

It is also important that patients actively participate in their treatment. Though a common misconception, eligible patients should not assume that anyone other than a board-certified plastic surgeon affiliated with an accredited facility is qualified to perform breast reconstruction. While technology has made breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and reconstruction better than ever, it does not negate the need for medical expertise within each specific area of care.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

 

Healthcare Champion Finalist

This has been a difficult year for a lot of businesses – big and small.  While we were no exception, The Patients Advantage really has made a name for itself with not only our patients but our member surgeons as well. The cosmetic surgery industry is certainly not recession proof. Our member surgeons have told us their practices are down an average of 30% in this economic recession. This is where The Patients Advantage comes in.

Regular readers to this blog know us as the online cosmetic surgeon finder. The Patients Advantage is much more than that. We are breaking down the stereotype that cosmetic surgery is for the vain. Not true. Tell that to the men and women who fight for our freedom over seas and come home with visible signs of their courage and want to be made whole again. Tell that to the women looking to regain their shape after a long and tough battle with breast cancer. The list goes on and on…

When it comes to cosmetic surgeons, the Patients Advantage only works with the best of the best. While prospective patients are grateful for working with the best surgeons, we are also educating them on the procedures they have an interest in. We are letting them know the risks involved, how to prepare for surgery and the post-op care.

With San Diego being at the forefront of biotechnology and other medical related fields, it is inspiring to see all the innovation in this ever expanding industry. The San Diego Business Journal recognizes the work being done and hosts the Healthcare Champion Awards. If you ever have the opportunity to attend a San Diego Business Journal event, do yourself a favor and go.  Armon Mills, Reo Carr and the rest of the team always put on first-class events.

Our work in cosmetic surgery has not gone unnoticed. Being nominated in the Community Outreach catagory for this year’s Healthcare Champion Awards is an honor. Being recognized by leaders in the industry and becoming a finalist in the Community Outreach catagory is awe-inspiring. When we think about the work being done at Scripps Health, UC San Diego, Ronald McDonald House Charities, etc…it’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be mentioned in their company.

Thank you!

You Get what You Pay For

When you are selecting a cosmetic surgeon, you should always ask for their prices. It can be attractive to go for the most affordable options, but it’s important that you almost always get what you pay for. When you interview and have your consultation with the lowest priced cosmetic surgeon, you should ask yourself why they are able to offer the lower prices. If the prices are drastically lower, you should really question the processes and equipment, unless of course the lower priced surgeon is in another area or region, in which case the location might account for the lower rates. It’s also important to remember that simply choosing the highest priced cosmetic surgeon might not be the best idea. Find a surgeon that offers all the professional qualities that you want in a surgeon and next consider price. You can find a qualified physician that may not be the cheapest, but will be affordable.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

Look, if you got this far you obviously want to search for plastic surgeons. Click here and give it a shot!

Sticking to Your Cosmetic Surgery Plan

If after taking a breather, you have decided that you are ready to go ahead with the cosmetic surgery, be sure that you stick to your cosmetic surgery plan. It can be easy at the last moment to suggest having another procedure that you have been thinking about. It’s better to have just the surgery that you planned on having done this time around and go back later on, if you decide that you would still like another procedure done. Since you have done all your mental and financial planning and preparing around the initial cosmetic surgery plan, it’s a good idea to stick to it! Remember, cosmetic surgery is in fact surgery, and it is not something that you should decide on a whim, even if you trust the cosmetic surgeon that you have chosen to work with.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

Taking Time before Cosmetic Surgery

So, you have taken some time in finding possible cosmetic surgeon candidates, and you have interviewed and had a consultation with each. Now, you have it narrowed down to one and you feel ready to proceed with the big surgery. This is the time when you should take a deep breath and then step away from the planning for at least a week. A week sounds like a long time when you are excited to have cosmetic surgery performed, but this week can allow you to really step back from the situation and determine if this is really something that you want to do. What will the consequences of the surgery be? Can you afford the cosmetic surgery? How long will you need to recover and be back to your normal everyday activities? Taking this break will allow you to be certain that this is the time and the procedure that is right for you. Many individuals change their mind or decide to wait before going through it when they take this breather.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

Cosmetic Surgery Environment

When you visit with your cosmetic surgeon, you should be sure to look around the office to see what you can see. Does the office appear to be of a professional quality? Does the office appear to be clean and sterile? Are the reception and nursing staff knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to answer your questions? A legit doctor can usually provide a clean, professional atmosphere that will make the most hesitant patient feel as though they are in the hands of a qualified cosmetic surgeon. You don’t have to look for a cosmetic surgeon that will put you up at the Ritz, but it’s a good idea to ensure that you are working with a cosmetic surgeon that knows the importance of a clean, sterile environment. If you want to take it a step further, you can also request to see the actual operating room to see if it meets your standards.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

Sales or Care?

When you visit the cosmetic surgeon, you will want to consider whether they are offering you the procedures and care that you want or need, or are they simply trying to sell you on a service? Many individuals visit the cosmetic surgeon for a smaller procedure such as a rhinoplasty, and when they leave the office, they have signed on for $50,000 in more care than they had planned. Sometimes the doctor may suggest other surgeries that you may want to consider in the future or as long as you are going in for surgery. Be sure that you aren’t being pressured into doing something that you do not want to do. Unfortunately, there are some cosmetic surgery specialists that try to sell their clients on more surgery than they may need. Be sure you are dealing with a doctor that wants to provide the services and care that you want or need and nothing more.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.

Check, Check, and Check Again before Cosmetic Surgery

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a big decision, even though it has become quite commonplace in the last five to ten years. The fact is, cosmetic surgery is surgery and if things do not go well, it can have serious consequences. This is why when you interview and consider any cosmetic surgeon, you should check into the doctor as much as possible. First, interview with him or her and get an idea of their abilities, their professional style, and their attitude toward their patients. Next, you will want to ask about credentials. Where did they go to school? What did they specialize in? Has there ever been a lawsuit for neglect or malpractice against them? Are they recognized as a certified cosmetic surgeon by any boards or associations? Checking into all these things is important and can help you be sure that you are working with someone that has the skills necessary to complete your cosmetic surgery.

The Patients Advantage is the premier online search website for finding plastic surgeons. The Patients Advantage is responsible for matching over 11,000 patients with surgeons per year proving that it IS possible to find great plastic surgeons online. We have quickly become a leader in the internet search industry because of its advanced features and matching systems, and most of all, because it’s 100% FREE – there are no charges, ever.