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.