Allergan, Inc. states that this new implant has more cross-linking than other models which provides users with an implant that feels more firm than its competitors. This FDA approval came after 7 years of data from nearly 1000 women. As with any medical procedure, some patients complained of complications after breast augmentation surgery. Their complaints however, were not unlike those of similar implant patients. Some women experienced tightening of the area around the implant, infection, or breast asymmetry.

Allergan is still conducting studies that will follow 2,000 women who have received the newly approved implants for the next 10 years to gain a more comprehensive understanding of long-term effect possibilities. If any patients of their studies wish to have their implants removed for any reason, the manufacturers will study the implants once they are removed to determine how they’ve held up along the years.

The battle for FDA approved gel implants has been hard fought. The use and access of gel implants was restricted by the FDA in 1992. Since then, the administration has required extensive research and testing before they would allow the implants to enter the cosmetic surgery market.

Manufacturers like Allergan were required to undergo rigorous studies that could attest to the long-term safety of these new implants. The studies determined that the effectiveness, outcome, and risks associated with the implants were not unlike those of similar products on the market.

In the United States, there are four silicone-gel implants that hold FDA-approval. Of those FDA approvals, there are three manufacturers who make the gel-filled implants: Allergan, Mentor, and Sientra. Allergan and Sientra have also received approval for a gel-filled implant that contains highly cohesive silicone.

These approvals could mean a lot to the cosmetic surgery industry within the next few years. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery states that in 2011 alone, over 300,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation. They also point out that most women prefer gel implants as they provide a more natural feel than their popular counterpart; saline breast implants.

Some men complain of lines and wrinkles on their face in the same way that women do. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the most popular non-invasive method of treating the signs of aging for men were Botox injections.

Dr. Jennifer Hein, a board-certified surgeon, points out that Botox injections require multiple treatments to reach their full level of effectiveness. It’s important to have a solid understanding of the amount of procedures it may take before you see your desired results. Men who wish to have more permanent results are turning to the more invasive procedure; a face-lift.

As many women race to increase their bust size with breast implants, men have found that aging causes their chest area to appear more breast-like. Men tend to develop fat on their chest area, which can lead to the appearance of breasts. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from male breasts and account for the recent popularization of male breast reduction surgery. In 2011 alone, male breast reduction was one of the top five plastic surgery procedures for men. The medical term for male breasts is gynecomastia and can lead to a negative body image.

Luckily for men, this accumulation of body fat can be removed quite simply using liposuction. The surgeon will cut out the excess glandular tissue to leave the males with a more chiseled looking chest. The entire procedure usually takes a few hours and can often be completed on an outpatient basis. Although some men find scarring around their nipples, the scarring often decreases over time as their chest heals. Any swelling or bruising that appears will also reduce significantly as the patient begins to recover from the surgery.

Men who suffer from the popularly coined, “beer belly” can also look to plastic surgery. Some men tend to develop a beer belly simply because of genetics. If diet and exercise don’t seem to be shrinking the size of your gut, some men might be better off considering liposuction. Similar to the breast reduction, the surgeon will remove the excess fat to leave you with a more flat stomach.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that stomach liposuction was the most popular procedure among men in 2011. Some men combine their liposuction with a tummy tuck to achieve the toned stomach that they want without worrying about saggy skin.

Despite your desired results, if you or someone you know is considering plastic surgery, it’s important to ensure that you only allow board certified surgeons to treat you. Take time to discuss your treatment options while considering recovery time, expenses, and longevity of the results.

Dr. Jennifer Hein, a board-certified plastic surgeon, notes that as we age, our hands lose volume, fat, and elasticity. As the fatty layer on the hand disappears, the skin can appear to be more translucent. Most adults don’t appreciate the underlying structure of their hands and wish to have hands that don’t display their bone structure, tendons, or veins. If your hands don’t seem to match your lifestyle, you may be a good candidate for a hand-lift. A hand-lift procedure, which has grown more popular over the last few years, is a procedure, which can carry a price tag that cost well below many other cosmetic surgery procedures.

In some cases the surgeon will use synthetic fillers like Radiesse, Juvederm, or Perlane to increase the space between your skin and your underlying bone structure. The injection is placed under the first layer of skin to create a more plump hand that doesn’t display signs of aging. Intense pulsed light and CO2 laser resurfacing to remove brown spots or sunspots can also accompany the entire procedure. The skin treatment will add additional cost to your bill but you’ll ideally leave the office with more plump, spot-free hands.

As with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. Instead of operating on your stomach, your surgeon will have to carefully maneuver around the tendons in your hands. Don’t allow a surgeon to inject botox into your hands as such treatments often inhibit muscle movement without treating the skin discoloration.

Side effects of the hand-lifts are varied but can include infection, skin discoloration, nodule formation, asymmetry, and skin necrosis. Take time to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon and if available, ask to see photos of their more recent work.

Some patients, who wish to avoid the potential risks of filler substances, will opt for their own body fat to be used in their hand restoration. A patient can request to have liposuction performed on a part of their body that contains excess fat. That fat can then in some cases be injected into their hand to restore their youthful plumpness. Most patients opt for fat from their buttocks or thighs as they find that the results are more long-lasting that those that accompany synthetic injections. A patient can reduce the chances that their body will reject the alien substance if they use their own body fat.

Surgeons like Dr. Jennifer Hein, foresee a market for hand-lifts in the future as more and more people become aware of the treatment. Patients often find that they’ve achieved success on their bodies but find it hard to accept that their hands show their age. Prior to making a firm decision regarding a hand-lift, consult with a board certified surgeon. Feel free to ask questions about recovery time and potential risks. As this procedure is slightly new to the plastic surgery community, it’s perfectly normal to take a cautionary attitude.

As you begin your hunt for the perfect surgeon, establish the prerequisite that you will only work with board certified surgeons. Also, learn which boards they are certified by. This should be your initial criterion before you move on to any other deciding factors in your decision. This is most important because a board certified plastic surgeon ensures that someone who graduated from an accredited medical school and has successfully completed at least 5 or more years of training as a resident who completed a fellowship performs your surgery.

Board certified plastic surgeons are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and have performed additional training at an accredited program. These surgeons have undergone rigorous comprehensive testing to ensure that they have successfully devoted time to studying and understanding plastic surgery.

Although there are multiple plastic surgery boards, The American Board of Plastic Surgery is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties, which means that these surgeons have been certified to perform the full spectrum of plastic surgery. Whether you require reconstructive surgery or cosmetic surgery, board certified surgeons have devoted years to understanding and properly administering plastic surgery.

You should feel comfortable enough to do your homework on your potential surgeon. You can check the status of your physician’s license by accessing your state’s medical licensing board website. Check www.fsmb.org to ensure that your surgeon’s license exists and is accurately verified.

At your consultation, consider the following questions for your surgeon:

• Are you board certified?  If so is it by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or other?
• How many procedures have you performed?
• What kind of support will I receive after my surgery?
• Will nurses be available to answer my questions or concerns during my recovery time?
• Do you have any photos of your results or recommendations?

Feeling comfortable with your surgeon can create a much less-stressful experience. You should feel completely comfortable talking with your surgeon about your questions and concerns. It’s important to overcome any insecurities that you may feel about your body so that you can give your surgeon a comprehensive understanding of the body you want to work towards. You should go into your procedure with confidence that your board certified surgeon has your best interest at heart.

Prior to making steps towards plastic surgery, you must ask yourself what kind of change you’re looking for. Some surgical procedures, like breast implants or breast augmentation, can in many cases guarantee dramatic results. Although immediate results may be your primary goal, you should also keep in mind that such dramatic changes may alter your overall lifestyle.

Changes in your physical appearance can alter your lifestyle in more ways than one. Dr. Jennifer Hein, a board-certified plastic surgeon who works in the Chicago area, also notes that patients often need a new wardrobe to accommodate their new bodies. It’s also important to consider how drastic body changes may affect the people closest to you.

Your friends and family might comment on your new appearance and you should be prepared to choose whether or not you wish to discuss your surgical procedures with them. If you feel that these lifestyle changes are of no negative consequence, you may be a good candidate for surgical procedures that offer drastic body changes.

Most patients are encouraged to research surgical procedures and decide which ones are the most affordable for their specific budget. Although plastic surgery has become increasingly more affordable over the years, most patients still have a budget that they wish to maintain.

Surgeries like a tummy tuck are always going to be more costly. If cost is a big factor in your decision, you should discuss less invasive options with your physician. It is never a good idea to make cost the only determining factor when it comes to surgery.  It is also important to keep in mind that although less invasive options are cheaper, some require multiple treatments. If you decide to undergo botox injections instead of a face-lift, bear in mind that multiple botox injections will be necessary and the results may only last three to six months and will not address many pre-existing wrinkles.

It is vital to consider how long the results of your preferred treatment will last. Procedures like liposuction tend to offer more long-term results. Similarly, patients who undergo breast augmentation or a face-lift find that their desired results last for many years. If longevity is important to you, take time to discuss how long results will last for your particular procedure.

Now you know what procedure you want, how much it’s going to cost, and how long it will last. Before you settle in and start picking dates for your procedure, you must also have a thorough understanding of recovery time. Surgical procedures are more invasive and will require longer recovery times. Take time to talk with your surgeon and discuss what your body will feel like in the days after a procedure.

If you find that the side effects and recovery time are too much, discuss non-surgical options before making a final decision. The foundation for this experience comes from a trusting relationship between patient and surgeon. Although it is very important to consider these factors before going under the knife, it’s more important to choose a surgeon that you’re comfortable with first.

How Lasers Remove Hair

A laser is a beam of pulsating light sometimes coupled with radio frequency. When the light is passed over the skin, it passes into the hair follicles. The force of the light destroys the pigment, which destroys the follicle, preventing future hair growth. Lasers only destroy hair follicles that are in an active state. Any dormant follicles will remain intact, which is why most people need several treatments.

Hair that Can Be Removed

Since the laser affects the melanin, or pigment, of the hair, the treatment is often most effective on people who have dark hair. Hair can be removed from almost any area of the body, with the exception of the eyelids and area near the eyes. Both men and women can benefit from laser hair removal if they have unwanted hair.

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal

People who don’t have a lot of excess body hair might not see the benefit of choosing laser hair removal. But the option is usually good choice for people who have a lot of excess hair or who are tired of or physically unable to use other methods, such as waxing or shaving. Compared to other methods, laser hair removal is relatively quick. The process can take a few minutes if just a small amount of hair needs to be removed. Larger areas will take longer, usually up to an hour  per treatment.

Laser hair removal can also deliver consistent results. While the method might not be fully permanent, most people see longstanding, nearly permanent results after 6 to 8 treatments. The procedure also can for some be considerably less irritating to the skin than shaving, waxing or using chemical hair removers.

Who to See

A person has several options when it comes to laser hair removal. The person who performs the hair removal can be a registered aesthetician,  a registered nurse or a physician. Aestheticians have lower education requirements than registered nurses and physicians and typically attend a beautician school versus a college of nursing or medical school. They also depending on the laser manufacturer may use a less intense laser beam, so the entire process may take longer and they may be unable to perform certain types of laser treatments.  The procedure can be performed at a spa or at a medical center.

What a Facelift Corrects

A facelift is typically performed to correct several signs of aging. Although the procedure improves a patient’s appearance, it does not reverse the aging process or stop time. Facelifts are typically performed to correct:

• Deep creases below the eyelids, in the forehead and along the sides of the nose
• Displaced or fallen fat
• Jowls, which form as a result of a loss of muscle tone
• Fatty deposits and loose skin under the jaw that make it look as though someone has a double chin.

Some patients decide to undergo a facelift in addition to other cosmetic procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery. Hair removal on the face can also help a person look younger.

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is part of the facelift procedure. During the consultation, a patient should explain to the surgeon why she wants the procedure. She should also reveal her medical history, including past procedures, medications, and history of smoking. Facelifts are usually not recommended for people who smoke or for people who have health conditions.

During the consultation, the physician will examine the patient’s face. It’s likely that she will take photos of the face to keep in the patient’s medical record and to use when planning the procedure. The surgeon will also fully explain the surgery to the patient, explain any other options, and make her recommendation.

Concerns and Risks

The surgeon should paint an accurate picture of all the risks involved in a facelift before the surgery begins. Patients should feel completely comfortable with their surgeon and should feel that they can ask the doctor any questions. Habits and behavior of the patient can increase her risk for complications after surgery.

For example, a history of smoking, even if the patient has quit, can lead to damage of the skin. Damaged skin might be slow to heal after the facelift. Some patients might have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Other common risks include infection, bleeding, and numbness.

Recovery Time

Typically, patients will experience numbness and pain after the surgery. In many cases, a patient should be able to return to her day to day life within a few days or weeks after the surgery. Most patients can completely resume their normal activities shortly thereafter.

After the procedure, the patient’s face is bandaged to control swelling. A tube might be inserted under the skin to help fluid drain. The surgeon will provide medications to help control pain and swelling and will recommend a follow-up appointments to make sure there are no issues.

Considering Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, like any cosmetic procedure, isn’t for everyone. A patient considering a nose job should realize that it will not be a magic cure all. It’s important that patients have realistic expectations for the procedure and that they not expect it to fix all of their problems.

Your health and age are important as well when considering rhinoplasty. Surgeons will typically not perform the procedure on very young people who are still growing. It’s possible for a person to grow into her nose as a teenager, for one thing. If the procedure is performed too early, the effect might be damaged as the face continues to grow.

It’s recommended that patients who want surgery to alter their nose not smoke. Being in a good state of health is also important to reduce any risks during the procedure. Taking certain medications can also increase complications and risks, so having a consultation with the surgeon before surgery is an essential step.

Consultation

An initial consultation should take place before the surgery. The consultation allows the patient and surgeon to get to know each other and to determine if the procedure and relationship will work out. During the consultation, the patient should tell the doctor of any medical issues and medications she might be taking. The doctor will examine the patient’s nose, provide her with information on the surgery, and give her an idea of the final result.

The Procedure Itself

Rhinoplasty is performed while a patient is under general anesthesia. There are two ways to perform the procedure. A closed rhinoplasty does not leave any visible scars, as all incisions are made inside the nose. If a patient undergoes an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made on the tissue that separates the nostrils.

During the surgery, the doctor reshapes the nose by removing or adding pieces of cartilage to the nose. If the purpose of the surgery is to fix a deviated septum, the surgeon will straighten the septum. After the nose is re-shaped, the skin is draped over it once again and any incisions are closed. A splint will be placed next to the nose to hold it in place as it heals.

Recovering

The recovery process can take up to a year following rhinoplasty. Over that time, the nose will slowly change, until it is ideally the shape and size the patient wanted. Although subtle changes take place over 12 months, most people are able to resume normal activity after a few weeks or months, according to the surgeon at Womens Institute of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.

Listen to Your Surgeon

One of the best things you can do after surgery is follow the advice of the plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will tell you what medications to take to ease pain and swelling after the procedure and which activities you need to avoid. It’s absolutely essential that you take her advice, as taking certain medications, such as aspirin, after a surgery, can put you at increased risk. Performing an activity that your surgeon advises against can lead to to injury.

Certain procedures require certain treatments afterwards. For example, surgery on the face might require you to apply ice afterwards to bring down swelling. You might also need to keep your face elevated after a neck lift to keep swelling down.

Be Realistic

Sometimes, things look worse before they look better. That is definitely the case after most plastic surgery procedures. Your body  needs time to heal and recover. It’s likely that there will be bruising and swelling after the surgery. What’s important is that you manage your expectations and avoid worrying that you don’t look the way you realistically expect to right away.

Take Care of Things Before the Procedure

To aid your recovery, you might consider taking care of certain details from your personal life before the surgery. For example, make sure all of your bills are up to date. Arrange for a babysitter for any children or pets. You might also need to get a friend, caregiver or relative to help you out in the days immediately following the surgery. Take time off from work so that you aren’t stressed.

Remember to Follow Up

One mistake patients often make following plastic surgery is to skip or cancel their follow-up appointments. These appointments are an essential part of the healing process. Even if you feel great, still check in with the surgeon from time to time. She is trained and able to detect small problems that you might not even notice. If caught early enough, small complications and issues can be corrected before they become major problems.

The above items are only designed to help answer a few of the many questions a patient should ask when it comes to cosmetic surgery.

How Liposuction Works

Even after weight loss, some people struggle to lose stubborn deposits of fat in certain areas of the body. The amount of fat that a person has might depend more on her genetics than on her health or how much she weighs. Liposuction removes the fat, often permanently, as long as a person maintains her weight. The procedure is most commonly performed in the following areas:

• Thighs
• Hips
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Cheeks and neck
• Upper arms

Candidates for Liposuction

Liposuction isn’t the right procedure for everyone. Like any surgery, it does have its risks. A good candidate for the surgery is a person who is at a stable weight, has elastic and firm skin, and who is in good health. Certain conditions make the procedure more risky, such as diabetes, heart disease, and weak immunity.

Getting Ready for Liposuction

Most plastic surgeons will meet with the patient first before performing the liposuction procedure. The initial consultation allows a patient to decide if the surgery is the right option for her. It also allows the surgeon to assess the patient’s health and fitness for surgery. There are cases where another procedure might better better suited to a patient and might allow her to reach her goals better.

During the consultation, it’s important that a patient tell the surgeon of any health concerns she has or of any medications she is taking. She might need to stop medication prior to the surgery. For example, some pain relievers, such as aspirin, increase the risk for bleeding. Patients are also advised to stop smoking before liposuction.

The Procedure Itself

There are several different methods of performing liposuction on a patient. In some cases, a patient will only receive  a local anesthetic and will be awake for the procedure. Depending on where the surgery is performed, a patient might also receive general anesthesia, so that she is not awake during it.

Before the fat can be suctioned out of the body, it needs to be broken up. One way to break up the fat is to use a mixture of salt water, ephedrine, and an anesthetic. Another method is to break up the fat using ultrasound or a cannula .

The fat is removed from the body using a cannula. Small incisions are made in various areas and the cannula, or tube, is inserted into the cuts. The cannula is attached to a vacuum and used to suction the fat out.

Recovery and Results

After the surgery, the area is usually wrapped with a compression bandage to aid recovery. Bruising and swelling in the area usually fade after about four weeks. As long as a  patient maintains her weight, the results from liposuction are typically permanent.

The above paragraphs just mention a few of the many questions one should ask before considering liposuction.  A great place to start is with a consult from a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.