Learning About Breast Reduction

Plastic surgery breast reduction is also called mammaplasty. In the process of a plastic surgery breast reduction, excess breast fat is removed from your body along with the glandular tissue and skin, so that you are not uncomfortable any more with overly large breasts.

 

Causes

 

Very large breasts can cause some women to have both health and emotional problems. Women can actually be in pain and discomfort, because the weight of the excess breast tissue can be a hindrance to be active. The emotional discomfort and self-consciousness are very important issues for women, and a plastic surgery breast reduction is often necessary if there is genuine pain and discomfort with it.

 

If you are physically healthy and have realistic expectations, and your breasts hang low with the skin getting stretched, you should decide to have a plastic surgery breast lift. It is a highly individualized procedure, and it is important for you to take the decision to have the surgery for yourself, and not because of some other reason.

 

First of all, it is important for you to have the plastic surgery breast reduction at the hands of an experienced surgeon. Your surgery can be successful if you have a detailed consultation with your doctor, in which you freely discuss your health, your desires and your lifestyle. Also, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions before and after the surgery.

 

Procedure

 

During the procedure of plastic surgery breast reduction, incisions are made on your breasts and the excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. Liposuction is also used to remove excess fat, especially if there is a large amount of excess fat. Several techniques are used, but the one that will be used on you is dependent on the size of your breasts, your health condition, and breast composition, amount of reduction desired, your personal preferences and the advice of the doctor.

 

The plastic surgery breast reduction is done by administering anesthesia for the comfort of the patient. The incision is then made around the areola and these generally remain visible as permanent scars. In the next step the tissue is removed, especially the underlying breast tissue, and it is sometimes lifted and shaped. The nipple is repositioned at the same time.

 

The incisions are then closed by reshaping the now smaller breast. In order to create and support the newly shaped breasts, sutures are layered in the breast tissues deep inside. You can see the results of the plastic surgery breast reduction immediately. With time, the post-surgical swelling will subside and the incision scars will disappear.

 

Risks

 

There can sometimes be damage to deeper structures in the body like nerves, blood vessels or muscles. Healing is sometimes slow and there could be skin discoloration and permanent pigmentation changes. It is therefore important to educate yourself on plastic surgery patient safety and make a choice of the best doctor in town.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

 

Men Are Changing The Way We Look At Cosmetic Surgery

When most people mention cosmetic surgery, they usually think of it from a female perspective. After all, a great majority of the procedures are performed on women.

 

But as baby boomers move into the 50 and 60+ age group, men are increasingly looking to cosmetic surgery to help them look younger and more attractive. They are discovering the benefits of cosmetic surgery in record numbers, and it’s helping them both personally and professionally.

 

The fact is cosmetic surgery has become more popular and more affordable. And it no longer carries the stigma of vanity that it once did. Cosmetic surgery is now simply a way to look as great as you feel – with a little help from your surgeon.

 

In 2005, men made up nine percent of all cosmetic procedures, with the number of procedures reaching nearly one million. Top surgical procedures for men were liposuction, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery, while non-surgical procedures included Botox, microdermabrasion and Restylane.

 

Men are choosing cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons. A business executive may decide to improve his appearance especially if he meets with a lot of clients. The baggy eyelids and tired appearance can easily be corrected by eyelid surgery or a complete facelift.

 

A 50 year old spending several nights of the week in the gym may be in great physical condition, yet still have the body of a 50 year old. With liposuction, he can eliminate those love handles that have built up over the years, and give him a slimmer, trimmer body.

 

And let’s face it; our society does put a premium on youth. If you’re going to keep up with the young guys, why not look as youthful as possible too.

 

And as women increasingly continue their quest for a youthful appearance, they’ll demand that their men keep in pace beside them.

 

Start out by easing into it at a comfortable pace. Visit a salon or spa, and have a facial, toning treatment or try out a skin product line.

 

When you’re comfortable with that, visit a few cosmetic surgery centers, and gain information on the specific procedures. Thanks to the Internet, you can visit a number of centers virtually, and browse through their content. Sign up for newsletters or reports to further your knowledge.

 

And when the time is right, make an appointment to discuss your options. A reputable cosmetic surgery center will provide you with a consultation, and help you arrive at the best solution for you.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

Having A Support Person After Breast Surgery Is Important

Breast implant surgery is one of many procedures that can be performed on an outpatient basis. This doesn’t, however, mean that patients should take the procedure any less serious than they would other major operations. To this end, it is imperative for women to make certain they have a support person to help care for them in the immediate 24-hour period following breast augmentation surgery.

 

A support person plays a very important role in the healing process and can also be a vital safety net in the case of complications. A designated support person will need to be aware of the things to expect following a boob job and also what responsibilities they will assume and even warning signs to watch out for that might indicate complications.

 

What To Expect Following Breast Augmentation

 

A support person can expect a few things following breast implant surgery. The woman will:

 

* Be in pain – This is an unavoidable side effect of breast implant surgery. Pain is caused not only by the incisions, but also due to the stretching of tissue by the implants. How a woman will react to the pain is impossible to tell prior to the surgery. Some patients only experience mild discomfort, but others face rather severe pain.

 

* Be rather drowsy – To head off problems with pain, most surgeons will make certain that women are sent home with painkillers to assist them over the first few rough days. It is best for the woman to rest as much as possible under the watchful eye of a support person.

 

The Responsibilities Of The Support Person

 

A designated support person will have a number of responsibilities following breast enhancement surgery. They include:

 

* Administering medicine – The support person should keep up with medicine dosing and be certain it is given to the patient on time and in the proper amount.

 

* Food preparation – The support person should make sure that meals are prepared, or arranged for, the patient and that other minor household chores are seen to.

 

* Basic supervision – The main role of a support person following breast implant surgery is simply watching out for the patient and making sure she is as comfortable as possible.

 

Signs To Watch Out For

 

Breast implant surgery is a very real, serious surgical procedure. Inasmuch, complications can arise in the post-operative period. Support people should watch out for:

 

* Fainting – This can occur after any surgical procedure. If a patient does faint, she should be made to lie flat on her back in a cool environment. Do call the doctor for further instructions. Generally, the patient will come around in a short time and be just fine.

 

* Bleeding – Support people should be watchful for any signs of excessive bleeding. The doctor should be notified.

 

* Infections – Any signs of infection should be reported to the doctor immediately.

 

* Other complications – If serious complications are expected, an ambulance should be called immediately.

 

A support person plays a very important role in the hours following breast implant surgery. Although this procedure does allow for an almost immediate discharge home, it does not mean that aftercare is not vital for healing.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

How and Why You Should Use the Internet to Research Cosmetic Surgery

Are you thinking about undergoing cosmetic surgery? No matter what type of procedure you are looking to undergo and regardless of your reasons for doing so, it is important that you first do your research. The good news is that this research is easy to do online.

 

Before focusing on ways that you can use the internet to research cosmetic surgery, you may be curious as to why you should do so. For starters, you may have already decided that you want to undergo cosmetic surgery, but what are your reasons for doing so? Are they good? Do you have any other alternatives? Although cosmetic surgery will likely provide you with the results you were looking for, as the success rate is very high, do you know that there are still dangers and risks associated with it?

 

Now that you know just a few of the many reasons why you should take the time to research cosmetic surgery online, you may be curious as to how you can go about doing so. The good news is that you do have a number of different options.

 

First, we urge you to perform a standard internet search with the phrase “cosmetic surgery dangers.” There are dangers and risks associated with surgery and they are important to know. Typically, you will find information on how cosmetic surgeons can make errors, how you may have a bad reaction to the anesthesia, or how you are at risk for developing an infection if you don’t properly follow your recovery instructions.

 

If you are still interested in undergoing cosmetic surgery, even after knowing the dangers and risks associated with doing so, you will want to learn more about your procedure. Cosmetic surgery encompasses a number of different procedures. For that reason, you will want to perform a plastic surgeons search with the specific procedure you are interested in having, like liposuction, a face lift, or breast enlargement. The websites that you find will likely be medical in nature. They should give you valuable information, including information on what steps will be performed during the procedure, as well as what the recovery process will be like for you.

 

Learning as much as you can about the cosmetic surgery procedure you are about to undergo is extremely important. Why? Because it can help you determine if it is really something that you can handle. For example, if you are required to change your bandages or apply antibiotic ointment to your spot three times a day, will you be able to do so?

 

It is also a good idea to examine before and after pictures online. What you will want to do is perform a standard internet search with this or a similar phrase “liposuction before and after pictures.” If possible, examine before and after pictures from the cosmetic surgery center or surgeon you are interested in seeking treatment from. This can also give you an idea as to what type of individual results you should expect from them.

 

Finally, it is a good idea to read cosmetic surgery patients stories online. These stores are often found on the online websites of cosmetic surgery centers, but they can also be found with a standard internet search. Reading patient stories gives you a unique, inside look at cosmetic surgery. Patients often share their reasons for undergoing cosmetic surgery, what the procedure was like, how the recovery process went, as well as whether or not they were satisfied with the results.

 

It is also important to note that you can use the internet to find and research a cosmetic surgery center or a cosmetic surgeon in your area. When doing so, you have two main options. You can perform a standard internet search similar to this one “New York cosmetic surgeons,” or you can use an online business directory. As an important side not, do not just pick the first surgeon that you come across. Instead, research their fees, examine their success rate, and their background in the surgical field.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

Good Post-Op Lasik Care

One of the most marvelous advancements using modern technology is the Lasik vision correction procedure, where in the space of fifteen minutes many people can reduce or eliminate their reliance on glasses or contact lenses. There is very little preparation for the surgery on the Lasik patient’s side, and the Lasik procedure itself takes less than twenty minutes.

 

With current technology and an excellent Lasik physician, there is a very high success rate for nearly all Lasik surgeries. Though not all patients get or keep exactly 20/20 vision, there is a vast improvement in the Lasik client’s vision and dependence on corrective eyewear. The two most important factors under the patient’s control is the choice of the physician and good post-operative care.

 

After visiting a few physicians or clinics that perform Lasik procedures, the client should have a very good idea of how they will be treated as a patient of that doctor. It is important to find a Lasik physician whose staff is responsive to questions and worries, and who are willing to see a post-operative Lasik client who is having a problem with their care.

 

This is one of the more common complaints of those folks that undergo a Lasik procedure: insufficient information about post-operative Lasik side effects, or a staff that simply says “Lots of people experience that, no problem,” when the patient actually should be seen by a member of the staff. A visit where the prospective Lasik patient talks with both the physician and one or two members of the staff will get an idea of how well a patient is welcomed once the Lasik procedure is completed.

 

During this initial investigative visit, the client should ask the Lasik staff for a list of common, temporary side effects that can be experienced after a Lasik procedure. The staff member should describe any cases where the patient should make a point of contacting the Lasik center, rather than just enduring the side effect. Cases of pain, intense itching, or seriously blurred vision may indicate an infection or other serious problem, and should be seen promptly. It is truly very rare that any of these complications exist after a Lasik procedure, but make sure that the center is willing to see the patient if they think something is more than mildly wrong.

 

One of the more common side effects after a Lasik operation is some form of dry eye, which often occurs during the nighttime while asleep. Not only is this uncomfortable, but if the eyelid sticks even slightly to the eye itself, it may dislodge the surgical flap done in the Lasik procedure, and delay healing of the eye. If this occurs, the Lasik center has several different viscosities, or thicknesses, of eye drops to alleviate this problem. The staff should be promptly notified so this problem can be addressed immediately.

 

A good, responsive staff surrounding an excellent Lasik physician is the most important component in how to select a doctor. Interviewing the physician and staff about all aspects of the Lasik procedure, both the procedure itself and post-operative care, is the best way to make an excellent choice.

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

Reconstruction may help physical, emotional breast cancer recovery

Choosing to have reconstruction after breast removal may help patients take positive control of their breast cancer diagnosis and begin the emotional healing process, say plastic surgeons at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

 

“Our research has shown there is a significant implication that the life of the breast cancer patient improves after breast reconstruction,” said Dr Lior Heller, associate professor in the Center for Aesthetic Surgery at BCM. “Breast cancer patients come to us very distressed and terrified of the unknown. When we teach them about their options for reconstruction, they feel in control of the diagnosis and feel that they are a partner in the treatment.”

 

A woman newly diagnosed with breast cancer may be overwhelmed with unfamiliar information and faced with tough choices about her course of treatment. Reconstruction is a difficult part of treatment, but it is very important that physicians help patients with the difficult decisions through education and an explanation of their options.

 

There are common myths about reconstruction, including the fear that reconstruction may interfere with treatment and cause their oncologist not to detect a recurrence of the cancer. Patients should talk with their plastic surgeon and oncologist about any concerns. The means of reconstruction have improved and women are more comfortable making this decision. It is important for plastic surgeons to educate patients on their reconstruction options and reassure them of their decision. More and more patients are well-informed.

 

“You can see a huge sigh of relief come over the patients after the surgery,” Heller said. “The change in the mood is amazing.”

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons so far in 2008.

Cosmetic Dentistry Goes Online

How do you find a dentist that’s a true expert in cosmetic dentistry?

 

Most people don’t do the Yellow Pages anymore. Instead they start their search by going to Google and typing something like ‘cosmetic dentistry’, and their city name. What dentists are you going to find when you do that? Will it be the best cosmetic dentist in your city? Or will it be the dentist who invested the most in building an online presence?

 

The latter of course. Though it’s true that often the most experienced cosmetic dentists are also the ones who have realized the importance of marketing their business online. Many dentists still get by just fine without even a website, while other dentists who seek new business are investing marketing dollars into online search advertising and sophisticated website design.

 

There is a better way!

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons so far in 2008!

Cosmetic laser surgery reduces wrinkles by half, study suggests

The surgery, called carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, has previously been linked to side effects including scarring and acne. New research suggests that the treatment is safe and that after two years patients see an average 45% reduction in the number of wrinkles and fine lines on their face.

 

It works by removing layers of damaged skin as well as stimulating the face to produce more collagen, the elastic material which helps give skin its shape, filling in the wrinkles.

 

The treatment is commonly used to remove fine lines and wrinkles from the whole face or can be used to target certain areas, such as crow’s feet around the eyes. It can also be used to tighten the skin, especially in the jaw area.

 

Researchers looked at 47 patients, with an average age of 52, who received the treatment between 1996 and 2004. They found that while around half of the patients developed either acne or darkening of the skin as a result of the procedure most of the side effects had cleared up within two years. At that stage the volunteers were measured according to an agreed score to determine the reduction in the number of wrinkles.

 

On average patients had 45 per cent fewer lines and wrinkles across all areas of their face than before the laser surgery, although some had up to 50 percent fewer, the findings show.

 

Patients who undergo the treatment can often go home the same day, although they are advised to stay out of the sun for at least a few weeks as their faces are left extremely susceptible to sun damage.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people with plastic surgeons so far in 2008!

Botox Injections Bring Relief to Victims of Stroke, Spine, Brain Injury

Best known for its use by individuals, celebrities and models to stave off “Father Time” and eliminate facial lines and wrinkles, the Botox injection is gaining increasing attention for its use in the treatment of a debilitating and painful condition known as spastic paralysis.

 

Also referred to as spasticity, spastic paralysis often occurs following a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury. It is estimated that spasticity affects from 19 to 38 percent of stroke patients, often affecting the hands and wrists. Spastic paralysis results from the damage to the portion of the nervous system that controls and coordinates the movement of voluntary muscles (which are the muscles that allow us to walk, throw a ball, grip a pen, play the piano, sit in a chair, etc.) Spastic paralysis leads to stiffness and lack of mobility in these muscles, disrupting mobility, reclining as well as dressing, hygiene, washing, and other activities of daily living.

 

In the same way that Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles that contract to form lines and wrinkles, it can relax the muscles of patients with spastic paralysis.

 

Botox (Botulinum toxin) is a protein that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, the culprit of the food poisoning, botulism. The bacterium relaxes muscles by blocking the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, which triggers muscles, prompts excitability, arousal, and reward, and activates learning and short-term memory. A small dose of Botox injected directly into the spastic muscle(s) blocks the acetylcholine so that the muscle can loosen and relax, resulting in increased flexibility and mobility and reduced pain.

 

Patients experience relief within three to seven days following an injection. Relief typically lasts three to six months, so repeat injections are usually required. Patients can receive the injections for several months or many years after their disability.

 

A recent study led by Indiana University neurologist Allison Brasher, MD, on the benefits of Botox in reducing spasticity, found that people who had severe spasticity in their hands and fingers after a stroke were twice as likely to get relief from Botox injections as compared to patients who did not receive them. In the study, which was published in The New England Journal of Medicine, half of 126 stroke patients received injections of 240 units of Botox and half received injections of a placebo. Over the next 12 weeks the patients were asked to rate their improvement on one of four self-selected criteria: improvement in personal hygiene, dressing, limb position or pain. Sixty-two percent of those who were given Botox injections found relief of their symptoms, while only 27 percent of the patients taking the placebo reported improvement.

 

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people in 2008!

How Effective is Microdermabrasion?

Since it first appeared in Europe the skin care treatment known as microdermabrasion has grown in popularity year after year. Today it is one of the, if not the, most popular treatments on both sides of the Atlantic ocean. Utilizing a microdermabrasion machine fine crystals of aluminum oxide are blown, under pressure, onto the surface of the skin. The crystals remove the dead and dying skin cells on the surface which are then sucked back up into the machine.

Microdermabrasion is described as a non-invasive cosmetic procedure and, as such, the treatment carries little or no risked when it is performed by a professional who has been suitably trained and fully understands the nature of skin. Although the process is simple and can now be performed, using professional techniques, in the home with equipment costing as little as $200 the professional machines are far more powerful and, obviously, produce far better results (depending upon the skill of the technician).

One of the most immediate benefits that you will notice is the increased tightness of the skin and the fresh look and feel of it. Immediately following a session the skin can sometimes appear slightly red but this quickly settles to a healthy glow. Your skin will also have a nice sheen and far fewer open pores giving an incredibly youthful appearance which can improve of a course of treatments.

One of the most exciting benefits of microdermabrasion is gained by those people who suffer from acne. Sadly there is little scientific knowledge that is undisputable about acne but one thing is known, microdermabrasion can help reduce acne breakouts considerably! It is generally accepted that part of the development process of acne involves the formation of comedones (plugs found blocking pores in blackheads and whiteheads). By using microdermabrasion regularly you can reduce the number of comedones dramatically therefore reducing new acne lesion formation.

There has been much written about how great microdermabrasion is for curing acne. Unfortunately it is not used extensively in this field and there are a great many people who would find such treatment to be “the miracle cure” they have been waiting for. Acne is a devastating illness which has a profound effect upon a sufferers life. So great is the effect that many sufferers spend small fortunes on acne remedies. By treating unaffected areas of skin it is possible to vastly reduce the amount of acne to the point that it has almost disappeared and, together with other acne treatments it can be brought under control.

Because we understand so little about acne there is not a general cure all treatment and, in most cases, a selection of treatments may be used. This has led to a number of treatments being developed and, because it appears to be extremely effective, microdermabrasion is quickly becoming known as one of the best ways to bring acne under control.

Many people find that after acne they are, sometimes, left with scarring. Luckily microdermabrasion can be very effective at removing (or vastly reducing the visibility of) acne scars. As well as removing acne scars it can also remove other skin blemishes and also have a profound effect upon freckles. However most people know of the treatment because of it’s excellent reputation for being able to remove spider and fine lines together with fine wrinkles. It can also greatly reduce the visibility of deeper wrinkles.

It is most probably because of the profound and varied benefits of microdermabrasion that it continues to be one of the most popular skin treatments available. Furthermore, nearly everyone can benefit from regular treatments and as more places offer it as a service competition increases which drives down the price. In some areas, where competition is high, virtually anybody can afford to incorporate the treatment into their skin care regime.

Since 2004, The Patients Advantage is fast becoming the largest matchmaker of board-certified elective surgeons in the world and is recognized as a leading information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery – matching over 6,000 people in 2008!