Mini Tummy Tuck

Mini tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in last few years. This surgery successfully improves looks of the patient by reshaping and firming his abdomen. Both men and women are interested in mini tummy tuck surgery, but we must say that women are leading this race with 96% of women taking this procedure, while men are involved with 4% only.

Tummy tuck surgery removes the fat around patient’s abdomen and lower back. This is done through the incision that is made across the abdomen. This deep incision makes it possible for plastic suregons to tighten the muscles and remove excess fat and skin. The goal is to create smooth, flat and firm appearance. The difference is that with mini tummy tuck, the incision is much smaller. This procedure is also known as scarless surgery.

Another difference that mini tummy tuck surgery has is that skin and fat will be removed below the navel only. Full tummy tuck means that there will be work bellow and above the navel, which will cause minor changes and there will be some readjusting needed. If a patient decides for mini tummy tuck, he will have a smaller incision and the navel will not be moved. There is a possibility that it may be pulled when the skin is stitched, but that’s about it.

This scarless surgery itself is done under a general anesthesia. Plastic surgeon will talk you through all the steps there are when you visit him for consultation. The candidates for this surgery are usually women who do not wish to have more children and men and women who didn’t respond to diet well and are not satisfied with their looks. These are some basic requirements for mini tummy tuck surgery.

Besides them, patient has to be healthy enough so that his body can endure the surgery. If you are a smoker, drink too much alcohol or have heart and lung troubles, your chance for this surgery will be smaller. This is the same as having a liposuction, breast reduction surgery and similar invasive plastic surgery procedures. If you don’t have good health, you are a bigger risk for the surgery. Many plastic and cosmetic surgeons will refuse high risk patients. Of course, there are always those who will accept anyone. But we hope you will not risk your life and decide to play it smart. Sometimes it is not worth to have a surgery if you are in great danger.

Mini tummy tuck will tighten your muscles and stretch your skin downwards, while excess tissue will be cut. Then that part of skin will be stitched and left to heal. Sometimes a drainage tube is placed on the incision site, but it is not always the case. This will be just above patient’s pubic region, and slightly bellow belly button. It is a simple liposuction, but the place of the incision is very sensitive so there is more time needed for full mini tummy tuck recovery.

There is also one alternative that we want to mention here. It’s possible to perform tummy tuck surgery endoscopically. In this case, plastic surgeon uses camera to view the area which is being operated. All necessary instruments are inserted through a several small incisions. If you have weakened muscles in the lower abdomen, this is the right procedure for you. On the other side, if you have loose skin, then you will not benefit from this type of mini tummy tuck procedure.

The procedure usually takes about 2 hours. After it is finished, patient is placed in hospital bed for a few days and then he/she is released home. Mini tummy tuck recovery lasts for about a month, depending on several factors such as age ans strength. The patient will have to have someone help him in house because movement will not be possible. There will be some pain even 2 weeks after the surgery. The drainage tube will be removed four to seven days after the procedure.

When stitches are removed, 10 days after the mini tummy tuck surgery, patient needs to move as much as possible. To avoid creation of blood clots and to speed up the recovery process. After a month, it will be possible to move quite freely but lifting anything heavy should be avoided for two months after the mini tummy tuck surgery is finished.

Before making a decision, we suggest you talk with your doctor and a plastic surgeon. There are some risks and dangers of plastic surgery involved, and it is best to know all the facts before you make a step forward. Also, check your financing options and how your insurance covers it. The average mini tummy tuck price was $4,500 last year, so take that into account.

Male Breast Reduction

Male Breast is prominently observed in adolescent and grown-ups which, may be found in one or both breasts. The affected person is very keen to look for the remedies for male breast reduction. There is a medical term Gynecomastia that refers to the abnormal large size of breasts in men. Though rarely discussed, it affects a large section of people and lowers the confidence level and self esteem of a person and makes them uncomfortable in their social circle.

In Gynecomastia, there are several factors that are responsible for this condition. These include thyroid, chronic level disorders, obesity, tumors, aging, steroid abuse, puberty, genetic disorders, and side effects of many medicines and so on.

Like obesity, weight loss can also alter the condition of Gynecomastia. However, if Gynecomastia is caused other than obesity, the permanent relief is sought from the plastic surgery.

As no guy wants to have puffy nipples and breasts, treatment of Gynecomastia comes to the permanent rescue. With the help of plastic surgery, your excessive fat and glandular tissues from your breasts which results in a chest that is much flatter and better contoured are removed. This entire procedure is known as male breast reduction.

Before going for the treatment of Gynecomastia, you must ensure that you have earlier tried any physical exercise or experienced weight loss. Normally, a person going for a male breast reduction must be emotionally stable and healthy of any age. However, plastic surgery is preferable to men who have firm, elastic skin that makes the body to attain new look.

Also, those who consume alcohol and smoke excessively are usually discouraged for the treatment of Gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are advised to stop the consumption of the alcohol and smoke first, to see whether there is a need of surgery or it can be stopped naturally. 

Now, let’s discuss the complications and risks involved in the male breast reduction therapy in detail. No doubt, male breast reduction acts as a boon for men suffering from the problem of Gynecomastia. But, we must not ignore its possible risks and side effects. Male breast reduction may sometimes cause infection, skin injury, bleeding and other problems. But, all these side effects could be put aside, as male breast reduction procedure comes with so many benefits and boosts the confidence level and regains the person’s self esteem.

Before preparing yourself for surgery, you must consult your surgeon. They may examine your breast and check the possible causes for Gynecomastia. It becomes essential for you to follow all the instructions given by them.

Whether you have undergone a minor or major surgery for treating Gynecomastia, you will feel somewhat uncomfortable. Nonetheless, your uneasiness can be controlled by the medications prescribed by your surgeon and some precautions to be followed by you. In any case, male breast reduction is the surest and the most trusted way of getting rid of excessive fat from your chest.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Important Facts About The Costs Of Cosmetic Surgery

When you call a plastic surgeon to determine the overall cost make sure to ask specifically what is covered in the fee that is quoted to you. You should make sure that the quoted price includes the surgeons fee, as well as covering any fees for the anesthesiologist and operating room.

Many times when receiving a quote they will only inform you of the surgeons fees without telling you that is all they are actually quoting you. when in reality the surgeon’s fee is roughly only 60-80% of the cost for the entire procedure. This is to get you to make an appointment to see the doctor which is when they will tell you the true total cost.

That can be quite different compared to the amount you where told over the phone. It is also wise to ask if the consultation fee itself can be deducted from the total cost. Most reputable surgeons should allow this deduction.

Another potential cost factor to have clarified is, if the surgical process takes longer then is estimated who will burden the extra cost? This can turn out to be a significant extra expenditure. If the surgery is done in a hospital the anesthesia and operating room fees can accrue at an hourly rate.

It is important to determine if you will be charged for any potential revisional surgery should it be necessary. One hopes they won’t need any revisional surgery done, but it is best to not automatically assume that will be the case. Some cosmetic surgery procedures have revision rates as high as 10-25%. If you or your plastic surgeon do not bring up these possible issue, you may end up having to fit the bill for these additional surgeries.

Lastly one should inquire if the fees for all future follow up appointments are included in the total cost. It is fairly common to receive anywhere from 9 to 12 months of follow up care at no additional cost.

As for the prices themselves they are pretty uniform in the United States on the whole. Although in some areas of New York certain procedures may cost 30-50 % more when compared to the rest of the nation. Below are some of the average prices from the east and west coast of north America for various procedures. Due note that these are the rates for accredited institutions and surgeons. It is defiently not worth the risk to try and save a few bucks by dealing with non accredited practioners.

Breast Lift $5000-6000

Breast Augmentation $5000-8000 (depends on if the implants are saline or silicone. Silicone being the more expensive of the two.)

Face Lift $7000-9000

Liposuction $2000-10,000 (depends on how many areas the procedure is done to.)

Nose Surgery $5000-6000

Tummy Tuck $6000-8000

Above are just the estimates for some of the more popular procedures. For more i nformation, visit www.thepatientsadvantage.com. Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Breast Reduction Surgery And Health Insurance Options

Plastic surgery can be expensive and financing it may pose a problem. However, there are some procedures that may be covered by your insurance policy. Breast reduction surgery is one of those procedures. So, if you want a breast reduction, under what circumstances will insurance pay and how you get their backing?

The very first step should be contacting your insurance company and asking them what they require for approval. Do not submit a request to them until you have every piece of documentation they ask for. It may sound like a lot of work and hassle, but if you want to avoid the expense, it is well worth the effort.

Ask yourself why you want this procedure. Is it purely cosmetic or are there medical reasons? Very large breasts can cause a myriad of problems – back and neck pain, poor posture, headaches and even weight gain due to lack of activity. If there are medical reasons, then you are one step closer to convincing insurance to pay. If you just want smaller breasts for cosmetic reasons, then it will have to come out of your pocket.

What are the causes of your problem? Are you overweight or is it genetic? If you’re overweight, your insurance company will want to know what you have done to try and lose the weight. If necessary, your surgeon may need to document a before diet breast size and an after diet size to show that you have lost the weight and it did not affect the size.

Once it is determined that weight loss will not help, you need to have a physician document your health problems and correlate them directly to the weight and size of your breasts. Macromastia is the medical term for this and symptoms are back and neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches and damaged nerves.

Chronic pain and poor self-esteem can truly affect every aspect of your life. They also hinder the ability to lead an active lifestyle – jogging, running and even lifting weights can be either impossible or achieved through poor or improper form, which leads to its own health risks. Make sure that your surgeon notes everything in relation to your health problems.

It is also important that the surgeon you choose is a reputable board certified plastic surgeon and is licensed to practice in your state. ThePatients Advantage will be able to provide a list of approved surgeons. Otherwise, verify his credentials and make sure there are no outstanding complaints or law suits filed against him.

It is even better if he is an expert in this field and a specialist in breast reduction procedures. This is not only an important step in gaining insurance coverage, but it is also important to the success of your procedure. Any doctor can call himself a cosmetic surgeon and perform procedures and his only training may be weekend seminars. A certified plastic surgeon has undergone rigorous training and testing to get where he is today. Your insurance company is going to want this experience if they approve coverage.

Breast reduction can greatly improve your life and your health. Insurance often covers this procedure, but you have to meet certain requirements before they approve it. Once they do though, you will be on your way to living a more active and fulfilling life.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Plastic Surgeon Waves Fees for Military Personnel

Dr. Edward Domanskis announced that he is waiving his plastic surgery fees for injured servicemen and women

Dr. Edward Domanskis, a plastic surgeon in private practice in Newport Beach announced that he will waive his surgical fees for reconstructive procedures for any serviceman or woman. “These are tough and uncertain economic times for everyone and I do not want to forget or neglect those that have and are keeping us safe,” said Dr. Domanskis.

Dr. Domanskis served in the US Army as a plastic surgeon in Landstuhl, Germany. “I understand the injuries that soldiers sustain,” he continued. “This is my small way of thanking them for keeping us safe and secure. I am also giving a 50% discount to them and their wives, husbands and children for any cosmetic procedures.”

Dr. Domanskis offers a video consultation service over the internet that can facilitate this wherever the servicemen and woman are stationed.

For information on how to contact Dr. Domanskis, email us at mia@thepatientsadvantage.com.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. 

Wavefront LASIK Software Promises Better Vision for More People

Wavefront LASIK is considered a custom form of the widely-used LASIK surgery, goes deeper than traditional LASIK by using special equipment to take 3-dimensional measurements that better guide the laser used in surgery as it reshapes your cornea and fixes most, if not all corneal irregularities your eyes may have.

Because wavefront laser surgery was originally geared towards people with moderate-to-severe vision defects, it is necessary to be screened and qualified for the procedure before being allowed to undergo the correction. There are guidelines set up by the FDA that need to be taken into consideration, as well as factors such as your corneal thickness and degree of irregularities. And while traditional LASIK surgery itself can help correct common defects, wavefront LASIK and Waveprint mapping software has opened the doors so that even those with less-common and more serious eye irregularities can take part in a life less-dependent upon vision correction through the use of contact lenses or prescription glasses.

The number of patients choosing custom LASIK procedures over more traditional LASIK surgery is growing, given the fact that wavefront LASIK gives the opportunity for better results and less chance of post-surgery complications such as impaired night vision and seeing halos and glare coming off of light sources. The chances of achieving 20/20 vision (or perhaps even better than 20/20 vision) is also much greater due to the care taken to custom-map the procedure to your eye’s ability to process what it sees in the world around you. And with wavefront LASIK, the chances of your vision declining as time goes by is also diminished.

Custom LASIK — because it is a custom procedure and requires more in-depth treatment and use of special equipment unnecessary to traditional LASIK surgery — costs anywhere from $100 to $500 more than normal LASIK surgery, meaning an average estimated cost of approximately $1800 per eye. But, given the advantages of custom LASIK to the traditional procedure, many people seem to believe the extra money spent on custom wavefront LASIK is well worth it.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

3-D Imagery Impacting Cosmetic Surgery

Want To Know How You Could Look? Now You Can

We all know 3-D technology is nothing new, but now there are state-of-the-art applications for imaging cosmetic surgery options. It allows patients to get a three-dimensional glimpse of what they’ll look like before they choose to go under the knife. This type of imaging can cover every conceivable angle for a patient considering cosmetic surgery.

A new camera is able to digitize multiple images taken at the same time for a complete 3-D image of a patient. Its most effective application has been in breast augmentation. It allows surgeons to actually take implants from specific manufacturer, put it into a digital image and rotate the patient in an infinite number of ways to show them how they would look after surgery.

Consultants now include a more realistic look at a variety of sizes and other surgical options on the patient’s own body, “Now that I see the pictures I can see the difference it would be on me and my body,” breast augmentation patient Claudia Guzman said. In the past patients would leave the office slightly confused about what size they might have wanted, now they saying great, I love it.

Another effective application is for rhinoplasty. These are traditional before and after pictures of a patient who had a nose job. There’s still a significant degree of how a person’s body reacts to surgery and heals in order to fully assess a final surgical outcome. And there’s no additional cost associated with this type of imaging.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Plastic Surgery For Stretch Marks: What To Expect

Like with any skin issues, stretch marks are more difficult to get rid of than they are to develop. What are stretch marks? These silvery lines that appear in fatty parts of our bodies (such as in the thighs, buttocks, and stomachs), are actually scars and they can take a lifetime to heal properly if not treated correctly. However, there are many ways to get rid of stretch marks quickly. One option is to get plastic surgery for stretch marks.

Tummy Tucks

Male or female, stretch marks can affect anyone. By gaining weight quickly, you can make it very difficult for the dermis layer in your skin to catch up with the quick growth. What happens is that the dermis tears and then scarring is left. These scars are basically what stretch marks are.

Abdominoplasty – Some plastic surgical procedures are actually all about removing excess fat and the removal of dead skin cells. One of these procedures is called Abdominoplasty surgery, or what is also known as a tummy tuck. The procedure involves the removal of extra tissue (fat or skin), contouring and tightening the stomach wall. Since stretch marks are almost always located below the belly button, which is the usual case for pregnant women and people who are overweight, this is the same surgery that can get rid of those stretch marks.

Is It Safe?

The Tummy Tuck – A tummy tuck is nothing other than tightening your stomach because of excess weight that you might have gained before but lost over time. Those who have been overweight and have lost many pounds will see that there is a lot of excess skin and stretch marks left behind. The end result of this procedure is a flatter stomach. Also, along with the tightening is the removal of all dead skin cells and excess skin. This includes all the stretch marks.

The Procedure – The length of the entire procedure s anywhere between 1 to 3 hours and can be a little painful but it is totally safe as long as you stay around professionals or doctors. You will also notice some scarring from the procedure but those scars can heal over time and this plastic surgery for stretch marks procedure will get rid of the dermis scars you had before surgery.

Does It Remove All Stretch Marks?

Laser Treatment for Stretch Marks – If you wish to remove all traces of all stretch marks on your body, a tummy tuck will probably not be the best option. Laser treatment will probably be the best avenue for you to take. The problem is that a tummy tuck will get rid of all the stretch marks around the abdominal area but anything beyond that will require a different procedure. You can probably opt for buttock lifts to get rid of stretch marks there but a laser procedure may be best for stretch marks in the arms and thighs.

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Over-50s Fuel Boom In Liposuction

A su­rvey b­y li­festyle b­u­si­n­­ess Saga has revealed­ that w­ealthy over-50s are tu­rn­­i­n­­g to plasti­c su­rgery to retai­n­­ thei­r you­thfu­l appearan­­ce.

Th­is­ a­ge­ gr­oup a­r­e­ nick­na­m­­e­d th­e­ “S­k­ie­r­s­”, wh­ich­ s­ta­nds­ for­ S­pe­nding th­e­ K­ids­ Inh­e­r­ita­nce­, a­s­ th­e­y a­r­e­ h­a­ving fun with­ th­e­ir­ we­ll-e­a­r­ne­d m­­one­y, r­a­th­e­r­ th­a­n s­a­ving it to le­a­ve­ it to th­e­ir­ ch­ildr­e­n. Th­e­ S­k­ie­r­s­ a­r­e­ a­lr­e­a­dy th­ough­t to be­ r­e­s­pons­ible­ for­ a­ boom­­ in r­e­ta­il a­nd tr­a­ve­l, a­nd now it s­e­e­m­­s­ th­a­t th­e­y m­­a­y do th­e­ s­a­m­­e­ for­ pla­s­tic s­ur­ge­r­y.

With­ s­il­v­e­r ce­l­e­britie­s­ s­uch­ a­s­ Ja­n­e­ Fon­da­, M­a­don­n­a­ a­n­d S­h­a­ron­ Os­bourn­e­ s­til­l­ boa­s­tin­g a­ youth­ful­-l­ookin­g a­ppe­a­ra­n­ce­, th­e­ re­s­e­a­rch­ s­h­ows­ th­a­t m­a­n­y wom­e­n­ ov­e­r-50 wa­n­t to l­ook jus­t a­s­ gl­a­m­orous­. It de­m­on­s­tra­te­d th­a­t a­ q­ua­rte­r of th­e­ 7,000 ov­e­r-50s­ s­urv­e­ye­d woul­d con­s­ide­r pl­a­s­tic s­urge­ry to re­ta­in­ th­e­ir youth­ful­ a­ppe­a­ra­n­ce­. Wh­e­n­ a­s­ke­d to com­m­e­n­t on­ th­e­ fin­din­gs­, a­ n­um­be­r of pl­a­s­tic s­urge­on­s­ a­gre­e­d a­n­d s­ugge­s­te­d th­a­t wom­e­n­ a­s­ ol­d a­s­ 82 a­re­ n­ow bookin­g th­e­m­s­e­l­v­e­s­ in­ for a­ s­n­e­a­ky n­ip a­n­d tuck.

T­h­e r­esear­ch­ fo­un­d­ t­h­at­ ey­el­ift­s wer­e t­h­e mo­st­ so­ugh­t­-aft­er­ sur­gical­ pr­o­ced­ur­e, fo­l­l­o­wed­ b­y­ facel­ift­s. O­t­h­er­ po­pul­ar­ pr­o­ced­ur­es wit­h­ t­h­e r­espo­n­d­en­t­s wer­e b­r­east­ r­ed­uct­io­n­s an­d­ lip­o­su­c­tio­n­, part­icul­arl­y­ Sm­art­L­ipo­. Ho­wev­er, o­nl­y­ t­wo­ per cent­ o­f­ t­ho­se surv­ey­ed said t­hey­ wo­ul­d undert­ake a b­reast­ enl­arg­em­ent­, which is a m­uch m­o­re po­pul­ar pro­cedure wit­h y­o­ung­er pat­ient­s.

Emma So­ames o­f­ Saga Magaz­in­e b­elieves t­h­is rise in­ “silver surgery” is b­ecause surgical pro­cedures an­d t­reat­men­t­s h­ave b­eco­me mo­re so­cially accept­ab­le due t­o­ T­V pro­grammes such­ as 10 Years Yo­un­ger. Sh­e said: “Co­smet­ic surgery is n­o­t­ such­ t­h­e t­ab­o­o­ it­ migh­t­ o­n­ce h­ave b­een­, an­d f­o­r t­h­e o­ver 50s, it­ is cert­ain­ly an­ o­pt­io­n­.”

A B­u­p­a sp­o­­ke­sp­e­rso­­n al­so­­ su­b­scri­b­e­d to­­ thi­s v­i­e­w, the­y sai­d: “I­t i­sn’t ju­st ab­o­­u­t co­­v­e­ri­ng u­p­ gre­y hai­r anymo­­re­. Wi­th an e­v­e­r-age­i­ng p­o­­p­u­l­ati­o­­n and mo­­re­ e­mp­hasi­s o­­n tryi­ng to­­ l­o­­o­­k o­­u­r b­e­st fo­­r l­o­­nge­r, co­­sme­ti­c su­rge­ry fo­­r tho­­se­ i­n the­i­r l­ate­r ye­ars i­s l­i­ke­l­y to­­ b­e­co­­me­ mo­­re­ co­­mmo­­np­l­ace­.”

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.

Which are better: Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

Saline Breast Implants or Silicone Gel Breast Implants?

This is one of the most common questions asked by women who are interested in a breast augmentation, breast lift also known as mastopexy, or a combination of both. The answer is that one is not “better” than the other; there are advantages and disadvantages to both. It is not really completely possible to determine which is the absolute best choice for a particular patient without a physical exam to determine breast tissue quality; however, in a nutshell, it comes down to this:

The advantage of Silicone Gel breast implants is that they feel more like a natural breast. However, they are much more expensive than saline breast implants, and, since they are pre-filled, a larger incision is needed to place them, resulting in a larger scar than if a saline breast implant is used. Also, adjustments to size cannot be made during surgery.

Saline breast implants are just the opposite. The are less expensive than silicone gel breast implants. Saline breast implants are placed prior to filling them so a much smaller incision is needed, resulting in a smaller scar. Also, adjustments to the size of the implant can be made during surgery and even after surgery in some cases. Saline breast implants tend to not feel quite as natural as silicone gel implants. However, in a patient with plenty of good quality breast tissue to begin with to cover the implant, a quite natural result can be achieved. On the contrary, if a saline implant is placed in an area of involuted (”deflated”) breast tissue and thin, poorly elastic skin, a much less natural breast will likely result. So, a good preoperative physical exam to determine tissue quality is critical. This is best accomplished by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

There are numerous factors that go into the determination of breast implant choice, not only saline vs. silicone gel, but size and shape as well.  Of course there are other decisions to be made such as incision location and location of the implant (above or below the muscle). 

Founded in 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified cosmetic surgeons and their patients; having match over 5,000 people this year alone. The Patients Advantage is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery