Breast Reduction Surgery – An Overview
Many women seek breast reduction surgery as a way to treat excessive enlargement of the mammary glands. This condition is one which typically happens during puberty or directly afterward. In addition, some women end up experiencing symptoms during pregnancy only to find that it persists after child birth. In this article, we will outline the procedure in hopes of providing insight to treatment options and preparations.
Are You a Candidate?
There are quite a few factors that determine candidacy for the procedure. Ideal patients are well adjusted women whose oversized breasts cause medical and health concerns, disrupt sleep, interfere with activities, or suffer self conciousness issues associated with the condition.
Male Reduction
Roughly ½ of all men have gynecomastia, or the male version of the condition. Male enlargement can be the result of drugs such as blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, steroids, marijuana, and others. Gynecomastia is not a condition that can be improved though proper exercise and diet. The reduction procedure can be performed through the use of a scalpel or liposuction, depending on the exact anatomical requirements.
The Procedure
The operation is generally performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep throughout the surgery. Prior to entering the operating room, your surgeon will draw a series of markings on your chest. These markings will provide a sort of map with which to make incisions.
Each incision is made along the marks. Flaps are then made on each side of the breast and excess fat, skin, and tissues are extracted. The nipple and areola are generally moved to a new position, but typically remain attached to the blood vessels and nerves.
Once all excess materials have been removed, the flaps of skin are refolded beneath and around, pulled to the front, around the nipple, and then sutured into place.
Risks
The surgery is generally quite successful, and patients typically feel quite pleased with the end result. However, with any surgery, there is always a chance of running into complications.
Surgery increases the risk of reduced blood flow and nerve damage to the nipple area. In such cases, sensation may be lost either temporarily or permanently. In some cases, it may be necessary to completely remove the nipple and areola and reposition them to a new location. This may also result in loss of sensation.
If you are interested in pursuing this treatment option, the first step is the process is scheduling an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon. He or she will best be able to evaluate your specific needs and concerns, while outlining the various options you have available.
Plastic Surgeon Qualifications to Look For
A plastic surgeon has become quite a common doctor these days. This is due mainly to the need and demand for these doctors to do cosmetic surgery. It is this demand that also increases the number of quack doctors and wannabe surgeons who try to pass themselves off as qualified physicians. These are just a few of the reasons why it is imperative to choose and screen the doctor who is to perform surgery.
Academic Qualifications and Then Some
Where the plastic surgeon went to school is just the tip of the iceberg when choosing one. One might have graduated from a prestigious school but it may not signify whether he is qualified or not. Grades from school are usually screened by the hospital where the doctor is supposed to have had medical training and surgical experience. It is not important anymore to get the actual academic grades but it is important to be able to know his or her medical training qualifications and surgical experience. These indicate how qualified the doctor is in his or her chosen field of surgery.
Board Certification
A certified plastic surgeon should be certified by the board of plastic surgery and not just any medical board. Some doctors may branch out from their medical fields and try their hand at cosmetic operations even if they are not actually qualified to do so. Many surgeons from other fields may be good at their designated fields but not adept at all in cosmetic surgery. There are also several different kinds of plastic surgery boards to which he may affiliate himself.
While being affiliated is not an actual guarantee of being an excellent doctor, it does signify that he or she is constantly upgrading his or her craft. This is due to the fact that many boards insist on their members attending courses, seminars and other meetings that basically upgrade their status and learning.
Surgical Experience
This is the more important aspect of choosing one. The actual experience that a doctor has accumulated is one of the things that a prospective patient should consider. Of course, success ratio should be taken into consideration as well since a surgeon might have performed several operations with disastrous results. It is best to ask around the hospital and clinic for recommendations from patients. Some doctors have web pages where they may have posted before and after pictures that the patient can view.
Makeup For Eye Surgery Patients
Eye surgery patients should avoid wearing makeup for a stipulated period. This may range from three days to a week and sometimes even more, depending on the scale of the surgery. The doctor may also prescribe other restrictions such as not washing the face for a certain length of time.
The reason for avoiding all contact with foreign substances is to avoid any infection that might. The operated eye is very fragile and vulnerable after surgery. Even a minor speck of dust might spark off a full-fledged infection. Even washing the face with soap and water can aggravate the infection. In fact, touching the area around the eye with a finger might be harmful.
After the completion of the stipulated period, doctor might allow the patient to start wearing makeup. However, one must still avoid all forms of eye makeup. Now, the patient may start wearing makeup foundation, lipstick, blush, and so on, as long as she applies it far from the eyes. The patient might also wear powder and facial lotions as long as the cosmetics stay away from the eyes.
The doctor might also impose this ban on makeup before the operation. The reasons are the same. Any amount of cosmetics can irritate the eye and thus, making it difficult to perform the surgery. This irritation might also lead to further complications during or after the surgery.
Beauty cosmetics used after the surgery should be water-based. This is because water-based cosmetics are easier to remove and therefore, will reduce the risks associated with post-operative makeup. Even when the patient finally starts applying eye makeup, it is best to use easily removable cosmetics, so that one does strain the eye with excessive products.
Makeup foundation and powders in cream form or pressed form are more preferable, as the chances of flakes flying into the eyes are reduced. Additionally, one should not apply excessive makeup foundation around the eye.
It is best to apply eye makeup after the eye has healed entirely. However, in the event that the person cannot avoid the application during the latter half of the healing process, he/she should apply the cosmetics very lightly and sparingly around the vulnerable area.
Excessive cosmetics around this area can put strain on the eye. In addition, the more makeup one puts around the eye, the more the risk of poking or hurting arises. To get around this, many people may apply eye shadow and liner using their fingers. However, the risk increases even more, as the bacteria on the fingers might find a way to enter the eye and obstruct the healing process.
Thus, after and before the eye surgery, it is best for the patient to avoid cosmetics altogether, unless it is imperative to apply. Even in this case, one should not apply too much makeup and need remove it as quickly as possible. Since the removal of water-based makeup is easier than waterproof makeup, the former should be the preferred type of makeup. After all, it is only a matter of days before one can start applying proper makeup again.
Vaser Liposelection
Vaser Liposelection and Hi-def Liposuction:
VASER (Vibrasion Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is one of the newer technologies applied to conventional mechanical liposuction, to achieve superior results and safety. VASER, simply means that liposuction cannula is additionally powered with ultrasound energy at the tip.
Conventional liposuction involves introduction of hollow metal blunt tip cannulas with side holes (similar to straw) into the fatty layer under the skin through small cuts, under anaesthesia. Cannula is attached through tubing to a negative pressure liposuction machine.When surgeon moves the cannula back and forth into the fatty layer, it breaks through softer fatty tissue with causing relatively less damage to tougher surrounding tissues namely blood vessels, nerves and fibrous connective tissue. Fat is usually loosened prior to liposuction by injecting tumescent fluid, which also helps in shrinking blood vessels and thus reducing blood loss. Limitation of conventional liposuction is blood loss which can be significant when larger than 5-7 percent of body fat is aspirated in a single sitting. Additionally it gets tiring for the surgeon to remove larger amounts of fat especially from tougher areas like back, male chest and abdomen.
VASER liposelection is 3rd generation ultrasound assisted liposuction technique. After injection of tumescent solution special solid titanium VASER cannulas with grooved tip, is introduced into fatty layer through small cuts in skin and surgeon moves the cannula gently back an forth delivering ultrasound energy evenly to the tissue. Ultrasound selectively breaks down fat cells without causing collateral damage to blood vessels, skin, nerves or fibrous tissue. This is why its called VASER liposelection. After the fat is liquefied with VASER energy, it is suctioned out with hollow cannulas as usual.
Advantages of VASER liposelection over conventional liposuction:
1. More fat can be removedby vaser liposelection, with minimal blood loss leading to faster recovery
2. Vaser liposelection helps surgeon to perform larger procedures with less exertion
3. Fibrous areas like back, male chest and abdomen can be treated easily
Vaser liposuction works best for:
1. Liposuction for men
2. Liposuction of back in men and women
3. Gynaecomastia
4. When liposuction of fat more than 5-7 percent of person’s body weight is planned
5. When one is having liposuction along with another major surgery like breast reduction and blood loss is expected
6. When multiple sittings of liposuction are planned VASER can reduce the gap between sittings due to less anaemia
7. Liposuction in people with borderline hemoglobin
8. For achieving 6 pack abdomen with hi-definition liposuction.
Ergo Baby Carrier - ERGO baby carrier design supports a natural sitting position for babies, eliminating compression of the spine and hips that can be caused by unsupported suspension. The baby carrier also balances the baby’s weight to parents’ hips and shoulders, and alleviates physical stress for the parent. Get the best cloth diapers from ThanksMama.com by calling +1 (617) 817-6262.
Latest Techniques in Rhinoplasty
Technology moves faster than you can say “Blu Ray.” The minute something is out, it is already old, as more and more technological advances are made everyday. The same is true in the world of plastic surgery. Because of this, some patients are beginning to wonder if the surgeon they are seeing is up to date on the latest techniques available. For example would you want a heart surgeon using techniques from the 1950′s with a 50% mortality rate or a limited incision procedure with a high success rate? While rhinoplasty has been around for more than 100 years, it has changed in recent years with some advances making the procedure a more predictable procedure and creating a higher success rate. Without doubt, rhinoplasty ranks as the most difficult plastic surgery procedure to perform.
One such leader in the field of rhinoplasty is Dr. Anil Shah. He has learned from several masters in the field and now has his own unique approach to the procedure. He has a completely different approach to the nose, making the nose into a work of art. He does this by doing one nose a day, giving him the artistic ability to create a masterpiece. He uses a combination of techniques learned and developed to create a nose which is both natural and beautiful.
Some of these techniques involve minimization of recovery, bruising and swelling. This allows most patients to be able to be in public as soon as one week after surgery.
“By creating a boutique, couture practice, for the nose, patients are able to look and breathe their best.” says Dr. Shah. “It is very important to stay up to date on the latest techniques and procedures.” Shah continues, “Every surgeon should evolve their technique, so that each and every patient receives care that is perfectly tailored to their case.”
History of Liposuction
In the 1920s, a French doctor named Charles Dujarier first used suction to remove fat from the human body, however, one of his procedures eventually led to the death of a famous model of the time from gangrene. This unfortunate occurrence put an end to liposuction for over half a century. Over the decades, attempts at removing fat without suction failed because large incisions had to be made to pull out fat and this usually left an imperfect and asymmetrical appearance.
Dr. Gorgio Fischer and his son of the same name, both Italian gynecologists, invented the first safe fat suction technique in 1974. Dr. Fischer made use of a tube like instrument called a cannula. A rotational scalpel at the end of the tube feeds fat tissue to the cannula which is attached to a rubber hose with suction. The new procedure was able to pull fats out of the body through a much smaller incision while leaving a more natural and symmetrical appearance.
The Fischer procedure was soon modified by Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz with the use of a blunt tipped cannula device. The previous sharp tipped cannula used by the Fischers caused traumatic blood loss, nerve damage and limited asymmetry. The use of a blunt cannula allowed a surgeon to avoid cutting and damaging nerves and blood vessels which causes excessive bleeding and loss of sensation in the area of surgery. While not prone to cutting nonfat tissue, the blunt tipped device goes through fat easily. The use of this new cannula caused faster recovery times and less complication in patients as well as fewer deaths on the operating table.
By the 1980s, the European procedure caused interest in the United States. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other kinds of physicians who were interested in the procedure traveled to Europe to observe and brought it back to the United States. Liposuction then became part of a unique shift in plastic surgery in the 1980s when cosmetic surgery became more prominent. During this time, the safety and effectiveness of the relatively new procedure was enhanced further as different kinds of practices joined the vigorous competition to make money in cosmetic surgery.
Compared to other plastic surgery techniques fat suction was invented relatively recently, but it has been quickly innovated to add safety and fast recovery to the patient’s experience. For such a recent addition to the world of plastic surgery, it certainly took the industry by storm.
Plastic Surgery, is it Worth the Risk?
Plastic surgery is a medical specialty concerned with the correction or restoration of form and function. The word “plastic” is derived from the Greek plastikos meaning to mould or to shape; it is not connected with the synthetic polymer material known as plastic.
Aesthetic plastic surgery involves techniques intended for the “enhancement” of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining and restoring normal appearance, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal. Media and advertising play a large influence why a lot of people are willing to undergo plastic surgery; however researchers believe that some plastic surgery obsession can also be linked to psychological disorders like Body Dysmorphic Disorder. It is a disorder in which a person is obsessed in achieving physical perfection. People with this disorder are so preoccupied with their looks that it takes over their lives.
In 2006, nearly 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States alone. Nearly 12 million cosmetic procedures were performed in 2007, with the five most common surgeries being liposuction, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty nasal surgery, and eyelid surgery. In Europe, the second largest market for cosmetic procedures, cosmetic surgery is a $2.2 billion business.
Here is a list of most prevalent aesthetic/cosmetic procedures done.
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Browplasty;
- Blepharoplasty (“eyelid surgery”) e.g. Asian blepharoplasty;
- Otoplasty (“ear surgery”/”ear pinning”): Performed on both children and adults to decrease social anxiety and is done for purely cosmetic purposes and does not improve hearing.
- Midface lift (“cheek lift”);
- Rhytidectomy (“face lift”);
- Fillers injections like collagen, fat;
- Chemical peel: minimizing the appearance of acne, chicken pox, and other scars as well as wrinkles, solar lentigines (age spots, freckles), and photodamage in general.
- Cheek augmentation;
- Rhinoplasty (“nose job”);
- Lip enhancement;
- Chin augmentation;
- Mastopexy (“breast lift”);
- Mammoplasty/Breast augmentations (“breast implant” or “boob job”);
- Reduction mammoplasty (“breast reduction”) done to reduce back and shoulder pain in women with gigantomastia and/or for psychological benefit men with gynecomastia;
- Abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”);
- Buttock augmentation;
- Buttock lift (“Brazilian butt lift”);
- Suction-assisted lipectomy (“liposuction”);
- Labiaplasty;
Many people ask the wrong questions to their cosmetic surgeon. You need to make sure you ask this very important question upon consultation, “What is the chance of real damage, and if it happens, what might the extent of it be?” Ask to see their book of before and after pictures. You may also wish to see and speak with the surgeon’s other patients in person to see the effects in your naked eyes. Prepare a list of questions, it does not matter how many or how trivial or stupid you feel they are. Always remember, this procedure is most of the time irreversible and you’re the one that will live with the results so take all the necessary precautions as possible.
Tummy Tuck – The Cost of
Known medically as an abdominoplasty but in layperson’s terms as a tummy tuck, the cost for this cosmetic procedure is not the same for every plastic surgeon. It is also not the same from state to state. In other words, there is not one uniform cost for everybody. That is why it is so imperative that you shop around and do your homework.
The total cost of having a tummy tuck can actually be broken down into three fees. There is a fee for the services of the surgeon, a fee for the anesthesia and a fee for the facility. The surgeon’s fee is not something that can be quoted to you before the procedure has been done. This is because the surgery may be more complex than originally anticipated and/or there could also be complications that could arise during the operation. As well, the fee for the surgeon is connected to his experience and qualifications. The surgeon’s fee makes up the largest percentage of the whole.
While costs vary from place to place, in a very general sense the cost of tummy tuck surgery in the United States ranges anywhere from $3,000 to $8,500. The fee for the surgeon is somewhere between $3,000 to $6,000. The facility fee is likely to be anywhere between $700 to $1,000, while the anesthesia fee will fall in the range of $500 to $700.
If you want very much to have an abdominoplasty but are bothered by the fact that you do not have the financial means to do so then the good news is that most plastic surgeons make available to their patients an affordable payment plan. Some doctors may require a down payment or lump sum while others may be perfectly fine with receiving payments from you on a monthly basis.
Some individuals may require a more extensive tuck than others. This is factored into the final price tag. The more fat and skin that must be removed from your body the more you will pay. The same can be said for the duration of time it takes for the surgical procedure. The longer you spend on the operating table the more money you will be charged. For example, a full tuck will take longer and therefore cost you more than a mini tuck.
The price you ultimately will pay for your procedure also has to do with the location for your tummy tuck. While most patients will have their tucks performed in a hospital, others may have it done in an official surgical suite or a private clinic.
Rhinoplasty – Do You Need One?
It has been proven by studies that the nose is a center-point feature that the brain focuses on upon seeing another person’s face. By measures of symmetry and proportion, the nose has been proven to be the most important factor contributing to the characteristic or beauty of a face; a deformed nose can affect a person’s social life, attractiveness, and confidence highly.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty refers to restoring the normal shape and function of the nose after being damaged from an autoimmune disorder, congenital abnormality, traumatic accident, intra-nasal drug abuse, previous injudicious cosmetic surgery, or cancer involvement. Septoplasty may also be performed to improve nasal breathing function. Primary rhinoplasty refers to first-time rhinoplasty whether it is performed for functional, aesthetic, or reconstructive purposes.
Rhinoplasty is performed under a general or local anesthetic. There are two possible approaches to the nose: closed approach and open approach. Skin incision for an open rhinoplasty may be “v-shaped” or a “stair-step” shaped incision. This helps the surgeon attain a precise closure and camouflaging of the resulting scar. The incisions for a rhinoplasty are hidden inside the nose with a small incision across the base of the nose, depicted by a dotted line.
The patient returns home after the surgery with antibiotics, pain and steroid medication mostly recommended. Though it is safe to be outdoors, most people choose to remain home for a week. External sutures are usually removed 4 to 5 days after surgery while the external cast is removed at one week. Internal stents are usually removed at four days to two weeks and the periorbital bruising usually lasts two weeks. There is moderate shifting and settling of the nose due to wound healing during the first year. Post operative bleeding is uncommon but often resolves without needing treatment. However, it is always best to report to your surgeon if bleeding occurs.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty or “non-surgical nose job” refers to reshaping the nose with injectable substances. It can be performed in the outpatient setting without anesthesia. Another non-surgical and temporary option is through the use of flexible “nose inserts”. They are placed in the nostril area between the nose tip and back of the nose and reshape one’s nose only while worn.
Although rhinoplasty is usually considered to be safe and successful, several complications can still arise like infection, adhesion which is rare but if it occurs, it needs to be cut away ASAP to avoid nasal obstruction which could affect breathing. Septal perforation can also cause chronic nose bleeding, crusting, difficult breathing and whistling with breathing. Variable degree of numbness to the nose for months can also be present if the incision is made across the collumella (open-approach).
“Pig-like look”, “Pinched look” “Saddle nose”, “Polly break” are the names of the deformities if there is even a slight mistake done during the procedure. Certainly, there are a lot of questions playing in your mind right now.
Laser Hair Removal – The Basics
This procedure is ideal for patients who have light skin and darker hair. While the technique works to effectively slow growth, it is important to note that the results are not permanent. The treatment may need to be repeated several times in order to provide the best results, depending on the patient. Periodic touch ups may be required as well in the further down the road.
Some of the most frequently treated areas include the legs, armpits, chin, upper lip, and bikini line. Though, it is possible to treat pretty much any area on the body. The overall tone and color of the skin and hair play a big part in the success of the treatment. The procedure sees a higher success rate in people who have light skin and dark hair due to that fact that the laser targets the pigment in the hair. Those who have darker skin may also attempt the treatment, but it may have an affect on the melanin in the skin. Treatment isn’t generally recommended for those who have white, gray, or blond hair, though advancements are constantly being looked into.
Some common side effects of the treatment include:
• Skin irritation – Temporary crusting, scabbing, or irritation is possible post-treatment on the targeted area.
• Pigment Changes – Treatment may lighten or darken the affected skin. This is typically temporary. This condition generally affects those with darker skin, especially if an incorrect laser is used incorrectly.
Those interested in the procedure should choose a physician who specializes in the treatment and is board certified in an area such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery. It is also a prudent choice to select a surgeon who has a long history in the field.
Prior to treatment, schedule a consultation with the physician. During this visit, he or she will:
• Review your medical history
• Take photos to allow a comparison post-operation.
• Outline a treatment plan
• Discuss any risks, expectations, and benefits
During the procedure, your physician will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type used, a cooling gel may be used to help protect your skin.
When the beam is activated, it will pass through the skin, and into the follicles where hair growth comes from. The follicles are damaged by the beam, thus inhibiting growth. Depending on the extent of the area being treated, an appointment can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.