Making The Breast Reconstruction Decision

With today’s advanced surgical procedures, most women who undergo surgery for breast cancer are candidates for breast reconstruction. There are various types of reconstruction, and they are available to women who have had a mastectomy, partial mastectomy, or lumpectomy.

 

The decision of whether to have breast reconstruction arises at a very emotional time usually at the same time a woman learns she has breast cancer and needs surgery. It is a time when many questions come up about reconstruction, the most common of which are answered here briefly:

 

Is age a factor?

 

As long as a woman is in good general health and chooses a procedure that is compatible with her physical condition, age is usually not a factor. Breast reconstruction is frequently done for women in their 70s.

 

Who should not have breast reconstruction?

 

Women who are in poor general health, who have psychological problems that would be exacerbated by the surgery, or who have severe diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, a recent stroke nine-art attack, or severe lung disease usually should not have breast reconstruction.

 

Do I have to make a decision about having reconstruction before I have the mastectomy?

 

No, but the best time to think about breast reconstruction and to consult with a reconstruction surgeon is before you have your mastectomy. Depending on the type of mastectomy you have, you may be able to undergo immediate reconstruction while you’re still on the operating table. There are advantages and disadvantages to having immediate reconstruction (see below). Not all mastectomies lend themselves to this approach, however, which means it is important for you to understand all your options prior to mastectomy. Then if you choose to delay reconstruction, you at least were given the opportunity to make an informed decision.

 

Are there any health conditions that could have a negative effect on reconstruction?

 

Women who smoke are more susceptible to postoperative infections and slow healing, so if you smoke it is best to quit before surgery. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia, blood clots in the legs, and complications related to anesthesia. The results of both types of reconstruction (implant and flap, both described below) are frequently unsatisfactory in obese women.

 

How many operations are involved in breast reconstruction?

 

Most breast reconstructions can be completed in two operations. The majority of the work is done during the first procedure, and the second usually involves reconstructing the nipple and areola, improving symmetry of the breasts, and making any minor adjustments.

 

Does breast reconstruction cause cancer?

 

There is no evidence that breast reconstruction causes or contributes to the development of cancer.

 

How will my breast reconstruction look in 5 to 10 years?

 

The long-term results of breast reconstruction are different for each woman and depend on the type of procedure you have, your weight, and whether you experience intervening infections or other breast problems.

 

Immediate Reconstruction: Yes or No?

 

Once you know you must undergo mastectomy, it is usually difficult to also have to think about reconstruction. This is the time to surround yourself with supportive individuals, be they family, friends, health care providers, or breast cancer support group members. It is also the time to educate yourself about reconstruction. This is a way to take charge of your health, to have some control over the direction your life is taking.

 

When it comes to the question of whether you are a candidate for immediate or delayed reconstruction, ask your breast and reconstruction surgeons to explain why they are recommending one or the other.

 

The primary factor that determines the best approach is whether the cancer has affected the lymph nodes and to what extent. Chemotherapy usually is not started until 2 or 3 weeks after mastectomy to allow for healing. If your surgeons believe you must begin chemotherapy immediately to get the best possible outcome, they may recommend delaying reconstruction.

 

Combining mastectomy and reconstruction adds days and occasionally weeks to the healing period, which would significantly delay chemotherapy and possibly have a negative impact on your prognosis.

 

If your surgeons say immediate reconstruction is an option for you, you must decide if it’s best for you.

 

To help you make a decision, it may help to look at the pros and cons (outlined below) and to discuss your concerns with those close to you. The best candidates for immediate reconstruction are women with early breast cancer who are in good general health, women with small breasts, and those who need both breasts reconstructed. However, even if you are ready physically, you may not be mentally or emotionally prepared. In that case, it may be better to delay reconstruction.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Immediate Reconstruction

 

PROS

 

· Avoiding an additional surgical procedure.

· One less procedure means less chance of complications.

· Less recovery time needed.

· Costs less money

· Less time to dwell on the cancer.

· Less negative impact on body image.

· Faster opportunity to get on with your life.

 

CONS

 

· Less time to gather information to make an informed decision.

· Surgical procedure is longer, which increases the chances of complications.

· Possible dissatisfaction with the results

· May delay mourning period for the missing breast

 

This article is not designed as a substitute for personal medical advice but as a supplement to advice for those wishes to understand more about their condition.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

Stretch Mark Removal Surgery…What You Need to Know

One major example of a stretch mark removal surgery is the tummy tuck or the abdominoplasty. Some physicians still argue that it is not the best solution for your stretch marks, although the procedure is available for almost everyone. There are many reasons behind this argument; therefore, it would be wise to learn about them and also everything else about the procedure before undergoing a treatment as serious as this.

Finding The Right Surgeon

The most crucial and initial step is to find a surgeon you can trust. Obviously, the surgeon you end up selecting has to have five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery. He or she should be trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures and should only operate in accredited medical facilities. The surgeon should also strictly follow code of ethics, and standards in patient safety. Most importantly, the physician that you choose should be certified by the board of plastic surgeons in your country and area. 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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

How To Prepare For Surgery

Once you have your surgeon, you can start to discuss your expectations and desired outcome. During the consultation, the surgeon will also take the opportunity to evaluate your general health status because having heart or digestive or vascular system problems can hinder your being able to undergo tummy tuck. Right before surgery, you may be asked to take certain medications to aid in the procedure, as well as avoid taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding. At this time, your doctor should have already explained to you the possible risks and costs involved.

Possible Risks and Costs

These are the possible risks followed by the costs you may have to experience once you decide to undergo this treatment.

- Ugly scarring – Infection – Poor wound healing – Bleeding – Anesthesia risks – Persistent pain – Possibility of nerve damage – Blood clots – Surgeon’s fee – Anesthesia fees – Hospital costs – Prescriptions and Medications

Once you’ve decided that the benefits far outweighs the risks, the third step would then include the plastic surgeon or staff asking you to sign consent forms to ensure that you have fully understood the procedure that you will undergo and any possible complications.

What Happens During Surgery

Surgery starts with an intravenous sedation and general anesthesia administered to the patient. Once they have taken effect, the surgeon is now ready to start the operation. A full Abdominoplasty will require a horizontal incision in the area between the navel and pubic hairline. With the incision, the surgeon can now repair weakened abdominal muscles and excess fat and skin is removed. If you want excess skin in the upper abdomen removed, a second incision around the navel has to be made. Once completed, the surgeon will use sutures, skin adhesives, and clips to close up the incisions.

Road To Recovery

The success of the stretch mark removal surgery also depends greatly on the final step which is post-surgical care. Dressings or bandages may be applied to the incisions to minimize the swelling and a compression garment will help support the abdomen as it heals. Within a week or two, the patient will be able to stand upright comfortably once again and the swelling would have subsided.

 

Upcoming Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery has enjoyed a long and illustrious history not only in the United States but also around the world. Medical tourists are able to enjoy a wide selection of minimally invasive, surgical, and reconstructive cosmetic surgical procedures in the future as trends continue to attract the attention of baby boomers, all socioeconomic demographics and genders both domestically and abroad.

 

While techniques and methods used in a variety of cosmetic procedures are continually advancing, 2008 saw a large increase in injectable and noninvasive treatments such as Botox, as well as breast augmentation procedures. Studies have shown that over 10 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed in the year 2007 alone, a nearly 40% increase since the turn of the new century. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the global market now exceeds $30 billion, with a sustainable compound annual growth rate in the range of 25%.

 

The trend seems to be showing a desire to minimalize and reduce the effects of aging, and this desire does not seem to be limited to baby boomers. Individuals as young as 25 and 30 years old are engaging in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox and laser skin resurfacing as well as dermabrasion.

 

Statistics also show that men are among the growing number of individuals seeking cosmetic and plastic surgery, especially for minimally invasive treatments. In a mere six years, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted a 202% increase in the number of men requesting Botox injections and a 49% increase in the number of men opting for laser skin resurfacing treatments.

 

In addition, cosmetic and plastic surgery is no longer limited to the Beverly Hills crowd, and minorities and middle-class citizens throughout the country are enjoying nearly 24% of cosmetic procedures performed in the United States alone.

 

The growth of Medical tourism has given consumers more options than ever before in the type and cost of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgical procedures. Some of the most popular destinations, which include Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand and India, offer procedures that save medical travelers tens of thousands of dollars.

 

The increase of technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques and procedures has made cosmetic surgery increasingly attractive to a wide range of demographics not only around the states, but the world. The 21st century has seen a large portion of society seeking to reduce the damage and destruction caused by a multitude of factors, including overexposure to the sun, poor nutrition, obesity, and the damaging effects of polluted environments.

 

Customer demand and the availability of a wide range of plastic and cosmetic surgical techniques such as laser technologies and injectable and noninvasive treatments have taken much of the fear and uncertainty out of cosmetic procedures such as face lifts, tummy tucks, and breast reductions and augmentations.

As with any surgical procedure, it is advised that consumers take the time to research various facilities and surgeons and ensure that both their doctor and facility of their choice has received adequate accreditation from governing boards of plastic surgeons and foundations in their country of origin

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

Job Seekers Turn to Cosmetic Procedures for an Edge

With the job market getting tougher, some workers who have been laid off or plan to return to work are making changes to their appearance in hopes of getting hired. For the past decade, Kara Regal has been focused on raising three young daughters. But in this tough economy, she and her husband realized it was time to reevaluate.

 

“Our financial picture has changed dramatically,” said Kara Regal, a patient. “So we made the decision that I need to go back to work and help with the bills.”

 

Regal just got a new job in sales, a highly competitive atmosphere that puts a premium on appearance.

 

“I look in the mirror and see somebody who looks so much older than I used to,” she said.

 

To regain her confidence, Regal decided to have a few cosmetic procedures.  She’s just one of dozens of patients plastic surgeons have seen recently, returning to the working world and wanting to look younger.

 

“It would seem that [their appearance] is a priority for many patients,” said Dr. Dale Isaacson. “It’s as important as getting hair cut, nails done.”

 

Those doctors say they’re also seeing an influx of patients who have been laid off.

 

“We’ve had several who have been laid off, who are coming in to look more refreshed and youthful in job interviews,” added Dr. Isaacson.

 

Even though money is often tight right now, doctors say that hasn’t stopped many patients from having work done — but typically those procedures are less-expensive and less-invasive. For Regal, that included Botox for lines on her forehead, Juvederm to fill her cheeks and chin, and intense pulsed light therapy to smooth her skin. She says she’s excited about returning to work, and hopes her new look will be a great confidence boost.

 

“I feel good about being back out there,” Regal said.

 

Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Many plastic surgeons are offering discounts right now for those people short on cash who believe cosmetic procedures will give them the competitive edge.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

Is Facial Microdermabrasion Effective For Anti Aging Skin Care?

If you’ve been noticing more fine lines and creases around your eyes, you’ve probably sighed and chalked it up to aging, thinking there is nothing you can do about it. While it’s true that the lines are a sign of aging, there is something you can do to combat the process.

 

Wrinkles, adult acne and age spots are not flattering for anyone, and can be downright embarrassing in social settings or the work environment. Is there a solution? One of the most popular solutions that is being used to avoid these unflattering age-related skin issues, is facial microdermabrasion treatments.

 

You may have heard about microdermabrasion, which is often referred to as microderm. It’s a cosmetic procedure where the outer layer of dead skin (called the stratus corneum) is removed. What’s the big deal? The removal of the outer layer of dead skin has a tremendous effect on wrinkles, scars and other skin conditions. It has a great impact on the appearance.

 

If you want to remove age spots, crow’s feet and finer wrinkles, microdermabrasion can be a good treatment option for you. If you have deeper scars, it may not be completely effective in the removal of them, even though it is effective on scars that are raised above the skin’s surface.

 

There are different types and methods so it’s easy to find the one that works best for your specific needs. One of the most common types is crystal microdermabrasion. This process uses small crystals to basically sand blast your skin, thus exfoliating, your skin.

 

Another microdermabrasion option is the diamond method. With this method, the skin is exfoliated using a single-head instrument with a diamond tip. Even though the crystal method can be safe, the diamond method is safer for use in the eye areas of the face, which is where the treatment is often most applied.

 

If you are allergic to any drugs, you’ll appreciate the fact that microdermabrasion can be used without any type of medication. In most cases, not even an anesthesia is needed. Further, there are no negative side effects, with the exception of some possible light swelling for a short time afterward. The process is not painful at all, though you may feel a little tingling sensation during the treatment.

 

When you use a skin microdermabrasion treatment, it doesn’t mean you have to do away with your other favorite anti aging treatments. Microdermabrasion can be combined with your favorite anti wrinkles creams and lotions for truly great results. You will notice that after a treatment, your skin will absorb skin care products quicker than before your skin was exfoliated, because the fresh skin is more absorbent than the previous dead skin was. Proper moisturizing is a key factor in offsetting the return of wrinkles and other signs of aging.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

Plastic Surgery Outcomes Delayed by Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to ensure optimal results for your plastic surgery procedure.

The reason? Smoking damages the blood vessels and complicates surgery, especially for: Tummy tuck patients, Breast reduction procedures, Body shaping and Face lifts.

 

Why those patients? Because the first three require long incisions. In a tummy tuck, for instance, the incision often runs hip-to-hip. Plus, the blood supply comes from a longer distance and cannot withstand any restriction.

 

Consider the situation for face lift patients who smoke: Badly healed scars are usually raised, reddish and have deep bruising. That’s something nobody wants for an enhanced appearance. The problem? Nicotine shrinks the blood vessels. That in turn, lessens blood flow and makes healing much more difficult. Because it is the blood that brings healing nutrients and oxygen to a wound.

 

Added expenses can be sky high. Smokers’ skin and other tissues involved could possibly die, requiring a trip to the hospital and much more expensive treatment – which a health insurance company would not cover because the problems resulted from cosmetic surgery.

 

Not only must cosmetic plastic surgery patients stop smoking weeks before the procedure, they must forgo tobacco use as long as four weeks afterwards to allow for optimal healing.

 

Some plastic surgeons recommend Chantix. Anti-smoking gum can’t be used because it contains nicotine. (Click here to learn more about smoking and plastic surgery.)

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

Plastic Surgeons Warn of Malnutrition in Body Contouring Patients

Identifying malnutrition before surgery in massive weight loss patients seeking body contouring will significantly decrease surgical complications, accelerate wound healing, improve scar quality and boost patient energy levels, according to a study in the December issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Optimizing nutrition with the addition of supplements, such as powder drinks and multi-vitamin tablets formulated for massive weight loss patients, is vital to successful body contouring surgery, the study reveals.

 

The study was performed in two parts; First, medical literature regarding nutrition’s effect on healing from the 1940s to the present was reviewed. The authors then compared healing and wound problems in 75 of their massive weight loss body contouring patients from 2001 to 2005 who did not receive supplementation, with 37 patients from 2006 to present, who participated in a uniquely designed nutritional supplement program prior to surgery. The study also noted the role of each nutrient in wound healing and immune response.

 

The study found that complications and wound problems occurred in 66 percent of the 75 patients who did not receive supplementation before 2006. In the 37 patients on the nutritional supplement regimen after 2006, major complication rates were reduced to 19 percent. The study found specifically that improving nutritional deficiencies in massive weight loss patients improved the healing process, wound tension, and scar quality, in addition to increasing patients’ energy levels.

 

Because of reduced calorie intake for massive weight loss patients, they are highly susceptible to malnutrition, the study observed. At one year after bariatric surgery, most patients’ food intake remains at about 1,000 calories per day, not even close to meeting standard recommendations regarding calories and protein intake. The study also noted the role various nutrients play in wound healing: Protein, vitamins A, B complex, C, arginine, glutamine, iron, zinc and selenium promote wound healing, collagen production and immune response; Vitamin B complex has also been associated with reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

 

According to ASPS statistics, nearly 67,000 body contouring procedures after massive weight loss were performed in 2007.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

How Cosmetic Surgery Can Improve Your Life

If you just lost a lot of weight, excess skin may be causing you to feel ashamed and embarrassed. Wrinkles, due the early signs of aging, and unwanted body hair are just a few of the many imperfections that individuals, just like you, want to treat. The good news is that you likely have a number of different options, including cosmetic surgery.

 

As nice as it is to hear that cosmetic surgery is an option that you can choose, you may be unsure if it is the right decision. With the costs and the risks, many individuals wonder if the impact that cosmetic surgery will have on their life is really worth it. For you to make a decision, you should first review a few of the many ways that cosmetic surgery can improve your life.

 

For starters, it is important to examine your self-confidence and self-esteem. If you have an imperfection on your body that is easily visible to others, like unwanted body hair that just won’t stay away, your self-confidence may be poor. Other than that unwanted hair, you may feel beautiful and attractive. Once the problem is taken care of you, you are likely to notice an improvement in your self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. For many individuals, this is more than worth the costs of cosmetic surgery.

 

Along with an improvement in self-confidence and an improvement in self-esteem comes the ability to socialize better. Those with noticeable body or skin imperfections, even small, often hide themselves from others out of fear of being embarrassed or poorly judged. The good news is that if you use cosmetic surgery to seek treatment, you don’t have to hide or live in fear of embarrassment any longer. If you are currently single, you may enjoy spending more time with your friends or even approaching others for dates!

 

Even if you are not single, but married, there is still a lot that cosmetic surgery can do for you. There comes a point in just about every marriage where husbands and wives reach a comfort zone. One of the first things to go is appearance. Cosmetic surgery can help to make your spouse fall in love with you all over again, like it was when you first met. Also, the increase in self-worth and self-confidence, which was touched on above, may do wonders for your marriage, namely where sex and communication is involved.

 

Cosmetic surgery, depending on what type of procedure you are looking to undergo, may also give you an advantage in the working world. Do you have poor teeth? Could you use a visit to a cosmetic dentist? Veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, and gum lifts are common cosmetic procedures that will give you a happy, healthy, and professional smile. While we should be judged on our qualifications in the workplace, you may be surprised to learn just how big of an impact appearance does have.

 

As you can see, there are a number of different ways that undergoing cosmetic surgery can help to improve your life. If you are ready to get started, contact one of your local cosmetic surgeons or surgery centers today to schedule a consultation appointment. During this appointment, your physician can work with you to determine if you are an ideal candidate for cosmetic surgery, as well discuss your procedural options.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008.

 

 

Different Techniques and Procedures For Breast Reduction Surgery and Enlargements

Thankfully the techniques of breast augmentation have advanced considerably since the days at the end of World War II when Japanese prostitutes used to inject silicone directly into the breasts to add to their ‘appeal’ to US servicemen. During the 1950s, the process advanced in as much as polyvinyl sponges were then used as primitive implants but, as they tended to both harden and shrink within a year, as well as frequently result in infection, it was not until the late 1980s that the procedure really became established and safe enough to start to attract women in the numbers it does today.

 

The process of breast enlargement, or augmentation, consists of the surgeon making an incision which will create a ‘pocket’ into which a breast implant can be accurately positioned. There are two basic options for the type of implant placed in the breast. Saline implants are filled with sterile water which will affect the shape and firmness of the breast. The alternative, silicone implants, are filled with a gel which feels and moves in a manner very similar to natural breast tissue.

 

Saline implants, should they leak, release a fluid which will be naturally absorbed and expelled by the body whereas silicone implants have raised more concerns over the years should they collapse or leak. Because of these concerns, there are different regulations in various countries about what can and cannot be used. Needless to say, you need to ensure that the clinic you select for any breast augmentation procedure is totally conversant with the laws that apply in your particular location. The best type of implant can also depend on the patient’s own particular requirements.

 

There are several different incision techniques used in breast enlargement procedures. The ‘Donut’ lift – sometimes referred to as the Peri-areolar incision or the Benelli lift – is an incision made solely around the perimeter of the areola and is considered especially suitable for women with a mild or pronounced degree of sagging. The so-called Crescent lift involves an incision along the upper side of the areola leading to the removal of a crescent-shaped piece of skin. This is usually thought best for patients with a very minimal amount of sagging as it cannot accomplish the same degree of lifting as the donut lift. Additionally, incisions can be made in the crease just below the breast, under the armpit or, occasionally, through the navel.

 

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, in order to allow women – and increasingly, men – to have smaller and better proportioned breasts also has a variety of techniques. The major advances in recent years have resulted in nipple sensitivity being maintained along with the ability to lactate, both of which were problematic just a few years ago.

 

A procedure using liposuction only has become increasingly common, especially with men, in which fat is simply removed from inside the breast. Other common procedures involve the Inferior Pedicle and the Vertical Scar techniques. The Inferior Pedicle technique – often known as keyhole surgery or the Weiss method – takes the form of an anchor-shaped incision around the areola, extending downwards along the breast’s natural line. Through this incision, excessive fat, glandular tissue and skin can be removed before the nipple and areola are ‘moved’ to their new, higher placement. This is often considered to be most suitable for women with extremely large breasts.

 

The Vertical Scar method – otherwise known as Short Scar breast reduction – is becoming more and more common, especially in the USA. Here, vertical incisions only are employed and, in comparison with the Inferior Pedicle method, there is much less resultant scarring.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008. Visit us at www.thepatientsadvantage.com.

 

 

Sagging Economy Not Stopping Cosmetic Surgery Patients

Harsh economic times are not deterring cosmetic surgery patients from getting their fix. Even if many more costly procedures like tummy tuck, facelift, or liposuction seem out of reach, plastic surgery patients are doing anything they can to get the look they want.

 

Although instead of more invasive and costly plastic surgery procedures, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, and other wrinkle filling injections have increased dramatically in the last year. Botox and wrinkle fillers helped boost cosmetic-enhancement spending 7.8 percent to $12.4 billion, for a total of 11.8 million procedures.

 

Although even minimally invasive cosmetic procedure patients are cutting back a bit. Madeline Vaccare, a dental hygienist in West Los Angeles, said she waits six months between Botox shots with her cosmetic surgeon instead of four months. Botox, made from the botulinum toxin, smoothes wrinkles by paralyzing the muscles.

 

And for the more costly plastic surgery procedures, many patients are turning to financing programs. Many plastic surgeon offices offer their own financing or through programs like Care Credit, Reliance Medical Finance, or SurgeryLoans.com. The bottom line is, where there is a will there is a way. Nowadays people of every walk of life can afford cosmetic surgery, even if it means skipping out on other expenses.

 

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 7,000 people with plastic surgeons in 2008. Visit us at www.thepatientsadvantage.com.