Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Teens and Plastic Surgery

Adults are not the only ones choosing to have plastic surgery today. Young people are catching onto the trend and are coming to see the benefits to them. Here we take a brief look at teens and plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery is not just for adults. It is fast becoming an area that is catching the attention of teenagers. What is interesting to note according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is that teenagers offer different reasons for wanting to have plastic surgery as compared to adults. Young people want to have it to fit in with the crowd and to be more like those in their clique. On the other hand most adults wish to have it in order to not just look better but also to stand out from others and look more uniquely like themselves.

More and more teenagers are choosing to go under the knife to make changes to their appearances. As reported by the ASPS in 2005 an estimated 333,000 individuals 18 years and younger had a surgical procedure of the cosmetic variety in 2005. This was up from the 306,000 junior high school and high school students that had cosmetic operations in 2000.

Plastic surgery can provide a means of correcting a defect on your face or body that is a source of embarrassment for you. Even if you do not have a defect you may simply want to change your look, such as having a nose job to give your nose a more attractive shape. It is very common for adolescents to not be happy with the way they look. This can also affect their self-esteem and how others view them. The most common procedures that young people opt for include acne scar treatment, nose reshaping, breast reduction (for males, known as gynecomastia), breast implants and ear surgery.

Friday, November 19, 2010

If I'm Overweight, Can I have Liposuction?

There's not an easy, straightforward answer to this question. In short – it depends.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that will remove fat on a permanent basis. The fat is removed through small incisions via a device known as a canula. It is generally only used in areas that have external fat and you need to review these exact areas with your plastic surgeon.
Liposuction is generally only recommended as a fat removal for localized problem areas that have be resistant to diet and exercise. These limited problem areas like the hips, thighs or abdomen can be helped. While liposuction can also be performed on other areas of the body, such as the back and arms, most people find that diet and exercise can help these areas.
For some people being big does not necessarily mean that they are overweight. There are individuals who are large framed, or are committed to lifting weights and have increased their body size without adding an excessive amount of fat.
The best indicator that physicians use to calculate your body fat is a BMI calculation. BMI (body mass index) of 30 or higher is considered an indication of being overweight. But some individuals with a larger skeletal frame or extra muscle may have a higher BMI and not necessarily be overweight. These people may still be good candidates for liposuction.
So, the answer is that if you have stubborn, isolated problem areas of fat, liposuction is a good choice for you. If, however you are overweight with internal fat in your abdominal cavity (visceral fat - the type doctors warn you about), a plastic surgery may ask you to lose weight before undergoing liposuction.
Young people (especially those under 21), will be encouraged to diet and exercise before considering liposuction. Young adults generally have better success dieting and losing their excess body weight safely due to youthful metabolism.
Consult a plastic surgeon if you're considering liposuction. They can examine your problem areas and let you know if liposuction is the answer.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Surgery Prices are Too Good to be True … for a Reason

Have you seen those commercials offering expensive plastic surgery operations at reduced rates much lower than other competitors? Did that flashy banner advertising breast augmentation or rhinoplasty catch your eye because the price seemed too good to be true?

If so, it is worth your time to read a recent article by Scottsdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Patti Flint, on how not all plastic surgeons are created equal and how not all doctors are qualified to do plastic surgery.

What?! But I thought a doctor was a doctor, you might say. How can one doctor be different than another? And how can a doctor perform plastic surgery if they are not qualified?

According to Dr. Flint’s explanation, Arizona state medical license boards do not limit a physician to practicing medicine in the field they trained. Many doctors may be qualified to deliver babies, but opt to supplement their practice with facelift operations as well. As such, you can’t be sure what type of training or experience you are getting if you choose a physician that is licensed in an area other than plastic surgery.
Scottsdale plastic surgeon, Dr. Flint suggests to maximize the results of your surgery and ensure you are happy for years to come, it is better to do a little research before entering the operating room. Check out the accreditation, licensure, and affiliations of your surgeon. Is he or she a licensed plastic surgeon? Does he or she have at least five years of experience in the particular operation you are interested in? Answering those simple questions will go a long way to improving the recovery period and results of your plastic surgery.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Should you consider Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery figures continue to increase even in the face of today's challenging economy. Technological and surgical techniques have reduced the cost and downtime involved in cosmetic surgery. Both of these factors have made plastic surgery more available and commonplace in the general public.

In 2009, there were about ten million cosmetic procedures done in the United States. Everyone has something about themselves that they'd like to change and today it's easier than ever to remedy that situation.

Plastic Surgery is a very personal decision and can have a very positive effect on someone's life. Not everyone is super self-confident enough to accept every imperfection of their physical features. Really, if it's possible to fix something that bothers you, why wouldn't you?

So if you have an aspect of your appearance that you don't like be it your nose, your breasts, or an aging face that makes you look tired or angry, fixing it can be a new lease on life. Many patients say that after their surgery they feel 100 times better. Surgery allows them to go on with their lives without ever having to think about their past physical issues every again.

No one thinks that braces on your teeth are vain. No one believes that correction of birth defects or removal of scarring is done for vanities sake. Why can't other cosmetic procedures be viewed in the same way? Correcting an issue, any issue that has always bothered you is your very personal decision.

You may have been shy and withdrawn because of a physical trait. Now since you no longer have that to hold you back, you can blossom socially or in your career. Gone are the days of meeting new people and feeling that they are judging you based your appearance.

If you're one of those people who's always been bothered by an aspect of your appearance, plastic surgery may be for you. A skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve a natural looking enhancement that will help you feel better about every aspect of your life.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Breast Augmentation Today

Nowadays, it seems that virtually every woman has had a breast augmentation, and implants are so realistic that it's difficult to speculate who's had the procedure done and who hasn't. While a La Jolla breast enlargement surgery isn't right for everyone it does offer a variety of benefits.

In today's image conscious society in La Jolla, breast augmentation has become such an integral part of our culture, it's rare that anyone even gives it a second thought. Everyone from Hollywood actresses to real estate moguls to stay-at-home moms seem to be opting for the boost of self-confidence that many women experience as a result of the procedure, unsurprising when considering over 65% of American women claim to be dissatisfied with their breast size. In fact, breast augmentation is so common that 4 out of 10 women in the United States have implants. While there's no doubt that in a culture highly focused on sexuality and physical attractiveness, larger breasts create a greater sense of self-confidence and sexual self-image for many women, is the focus on bra size going just a bit too far?

The truth is that for most women in La Jolla, breast augmentation is a helpful procedure, especially for those who may experience a loss of self-esteem or interest in physical intimacy following the loss of a breast. Other women, small-chested by nature, are amazingly impacted by the change in appearance alone. Implants often help enhance the figure, ensuring that clothes fit better, and the body is better proportioned. Whatever the reason for choosing implants, as long as a patient is properly advised about the risks and benefits of the procedure prior to surgery, the result is most often a positive one. While breast augmentation isn't going to change a woman's life, heal the scars left by a difficult past or lack of self-esteem, or allow her to suddenly find happiness with herself, it can certainly make a difference in how she looks and feels on a daily basis.

The surgery is a relatively safe and simple one and done on an outpatient basis. Before determining whether or not a patient is a good candidate for breast enlargement, a La Jolla plastic surgeon must perform a medical evaluation to ensure she is in good health and able to withstand both undergoing general anesthesia, and the discomfort of the recovery process. Most patients take a week or two off from work and any physically demanding obligations in order to recover uneventfully. Within two weeks, the sutures will have been removed and the patient able to return to her normal lifestyle.

Implants are offered in a variety of sizes and materials, so it's important for a patient to discuss all the options with her cosmetic surgeon. La Jolla women with a more active lifestyle may do best with smaller implants for instance. "Sizing" can help provide an idea of what to expect once the implants are done, and what size and shape is most suited to a particular body type. Also, look for pictures of breast sizes that you would like for yourself and show those to your surgeon and see if that size and shape makes sense on your body type and torso.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Breast Augmentation Now for Summer Fun Later!

In a recent press release, Dr. Joseph G. Bauer, plastic surgeon of Atlanta-based Swan Center for Plastic Surgery, lets women know that there is still time to get breast implants for summer.
He says in the release that "in no time, our patients can be enjoying the confidence that goes along with feeling good about their body." He is a specialist in this area and can have you filling out your bathing suit top in no time.
Once the decision to have Atlanta breast augmentation has been made, the majority of the healing takes place in the first month or two. So, there is plenty of time for the swelling to go down and the incisions to heal enough so they are less visible. Of course, as noted in the release, the incisions will be hidden under the top, the arm or the breast anyway.
Dr Bauer notes that this should not be a rushed decision just because summer is coming. You should be thoughtful and research all the aspects like implant type, size, texture, profile and a number of other issues.
If you want to take advantage of the time left before summer, call (800) 816-1057 or (770) 667-0904 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bauer. You can also get a lot of information on The Swan Center’s Website at www.swancenteratlanta.com.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Breastfeeding-- Does it Really Cause Breast Droop?

Though it's commonly believed that breastfeeding adversely affects breast shape, a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal says differently. According to the study, other factors, such as body mass index, smoking habits, number of pregnancies, age, and pre-pregnancy cup size are the true factors in post-pregnancy breast droop.

Before this study, very little evidence existed as to whether breastfeeding actually had an affect on the aesthetics of the breast. But according to the study's lead author, plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Rinker, breast appearance is still one of the major reasons cited for women choosing not to breastfeed.

Though the decision to breastfeed is a very personal matter, the benefits are many. It not only provides essential nourishment for the baby, but protects the infant against illness, and offers the economic advantage of saving money on formula as well as health care costs.


Though breastfeeding may not be the cause of post-pregnancy breast droop, pregnancy still take it's toll on the appearance of the body. For mothers considering post-pregnancy cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, a breast lift or a tummy tuck, Orange County plastic surgeon at Dr. Ambe offers great information on their website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.