Archive for June, 2010

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The New Facelift

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Chances are, if you’re looking into the possibility of getting a facelift, that you’d like the most advanced and professional procedure available. Perhaps you’re looking for an operation that didn’t result in any scars, without the risk of obtaining that old unnatural, pulled-back look we’ve come to associate with the treatment. Well, thankfully, this dream has become a very available reality. In this article, we tell you about the subperiosteal endoscopic facelift. Here’s how this revolutionary treatment really works:

As the main signs of aging generally occur in the mid-section of the face, the procedure bases it’s focus here. Non-visible incisions, spanning less than an inch, are made around the face and mouth. Specially designed instruments are used to gently elevate the tissues of the brows, cheeks, forehead, and temple area. An endoscope, or a glass rod that conducts light, is connected to a digital chip camera, which provides high magnified visibility to the surgeon.

As tissue are set free, sutures are placed on the cheek’s underside, passed through to the temple area, and secured to the connective tissues that lie over the muscles in the temple area. Through the technique of placing sutures in the appropriate place, the cheeks are then folded. The entire process elevates each cheek in both outward fullness, and vertical dimension.

Due to the fact that the earliest aging signs include sagging in the brow, lower lid, and cheek areas, this procedure helps to correct these issues long before a traditional facelift is ever required. In fact, only when large excess’ of skin in the neck and jowl area occur is it ever necessary to make an incision in front of the ears. Many patients are finding that even in their fifties, they are able to have this treatment serve as the main procedure in the quest for a more youthful appearance.

In addition, if the complete rejuvenation program is followed by adherence to sun protection and a regimen of alpha-hydroxy and retin-a acids and anti-oxidants, individuals are able to look younger longer. And when combined with today’s laser technologies, the entire process is a win!

To find out more about this wonderful treatment, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. He or she will be best able to evaluate your individual situation and inform you of your available options. They will also be able to address any questions, concerns, or discussion topics you would like better clarification on.

All About Liposuction

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Overall, there are a few different ways to go about the removal of fat:

• Traditional – This method involves the insertion of a long, thin tube called a cannula through a small incision in order to vacuum the fat cells. The operating surgeon moves the device back and forth through the layers of fat to break it up, and then suction out the excess.

• Ultrasound – This method uses a special cannula, which is inserted through a series of access incisions. The cannula emits sound waves that help to break up fat deposits, making the removal process all the more easier.

• Power-Assisted – A method in which a motorized cannula is used to break up fat tissues.

• Laser-Assisted – This method involves a small incision, into which a laser fiber probe is inserted. The probe produces a burst of energy and liquefies the fat prior to removal.

• Based on the operating surgeon’s experience and specialty, he or she will decide on a method of anesthetic, along with the wetting solution and exact method of liposuction.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are of relatively healthy weight, but who have isolated pockets of fat that have not responded well to diet and exercise programs. Skin should be elastic and firm, while showing excess of fat deposits in certain body area. Remember that the procedure removes fat, and not excess skin.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon will provide you with a list of instruction pertaining to what one should do and not do in the dates leading up to the operation. This may include instructions regarding food and beverage choices. In addition, your surgeon will almost definitely discuss the importance of quitting smoking a month prior to treatment. Smoking greatly increases the risks of any surgery, and liposuction is far from any exception. Additional instructions may pertain to medications or activities.

Post treatment, the areas will be swollen and bruised for several days. Generally, suction sites will be wrapped with an elastic bandage. Support hosiery or a girdle may be worn over in order to help compress tissue and control any bruising or swelling.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting procedure, the best place to begin is by contacting a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. He or she will best be able to help you evaluate your available options while making recommendations regarding your specific case.

Face Lift – Choosing Your Surgeon

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

So you have decided to have a face lift? Congratulations, because making the decision is the first step in having a youthful facial features again. Now you need to choose your surgeon. The best surgeon will produce the best possible results, with minimal scarring and the smooth facial features you have been dreaming about.

The fist step is getting a few names. If you know others who have had cosmetic procedures, ask them what surgeon or clinic they used. Talk to your general practitioner about plastic surgeons they recommend. Compile a list of recommended surgeons to start with in your search.

So how do you choose your doctor from this list of recommended individuals? The first place to check is with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You should work with a board certified surgeon. If the doctor is certified, he or she likely also is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From these groups you can learn the doctor’s credentials and training, such as where the surgeon went to school. Also, check the surgeon’s state medical license, as you want a doctor who is fully licensed.

After eliminated any non-licensed or non-certified surgeons, if there were any on your list, make an appointment with the ones you are still considering. Talk to them about your desire for a face lift. Ask specific questions about the procedure and the recovery, and note how well the doctor answers your questions. While at this initial meeting, inquire about malpractice insurance. Good doctors carry adequate, current malpractice insurance. While you likely will not need to make a claim, you do want to know that you coverage is in place if something happens.

To help narrow down your choices, ask specific questions. For example, ask the doctor how many face lift procedures he or she has performed and what the complication rates are for the procedure. Proceed with caution if the medical practitioner does not know the complication rate or claims that the procedure is “completely safe with no complication risk.” Quality surgeons will openly discuss risks with you.

Make sure you choose a one that has hospital privileges. Even if your surgery will occur outside of the hospital, you want the confidence that you will receive the right care if something happens during the surgery that requires admittance to the hospital.

Once you have chosen two or three doctors you wish to consider, ask to see before and after pictures. Ask for references, and call those references if you are comfortable talking to complete strangers about your upcoming face lift. If he does not have photos or references, choose a different one.

While this may seem like a lot of work to choose a specialist, doing your homework is invaluable when you are choosing a medical practitioner for a face lift. You have to live with the results of your procedure for the rest of your life, so you need to be confident in the skills and talents of the person who performs it.

Eyelid Surgery – 5 Common Questions

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Eyelid surgery is also referred to as blepharoplasty. This is an operation performed by a plastic surgeon in order to reduce the sagging skin that often occurs in the eye region as a result of aging. Many people have opted for this procedure and have achieved excellent results. Here are 5 of the more common questions about blepharoplasty:

Is eyelid surgery covered by health insurance? Although many people opt for blepharoplasty because of cosmetic reasons, there is also a medical issue connected with saggy skin surrounding the eyes. In many cases, this drooping tissue is hanging in the line of vision and obscuring it, especially the peripheral portion. This is a danger and concern, especially in driving. For this reason, health insurance will often pay for the procedure. If the operation is strictly for cosmetic reasons, the patient will be required to pay out of pocket. An appointment with the physician and a vision screening will provide the answers to all insurance quandaries.

What’s the difference between surgeries for the upper lid vs. the lower lid? In the upper region, excess skin usually needs to be removed while in the lower region; fatty deposits are usually the culprit. The upper region is often the area which obstructs vision.

Is an overnight stay required for this operation? Usually, this is considered to be an outpatient treatment, which means that the patient will go home that same day. Occasionally an overnight stay will be required, especially if other treatments are done at the same time.

How long is the recovery time? A patient will usually be able to return to work within a couple of weeks. The stitches will be removed within a couple of days. There will be redness, swelling and bruising initially as well as a feeling of tightness in the area. Liquid tears may be helpful in the early days, as well as adequate rest to promote healing.

How much does this procedure cost? Prices vary from doctor to doctor and state to state. Some surgeons charge as little as $2,000 while others charge as much as $7,000. The average cost is somewhere in the middle, close to the $4,000 range. When calculating fees, always be sure to add fees for the operating room and the anesthetist. Remember, though, if vision is being hampered, insurance may step in to foot much of the bill.

If a person has further questions about their specific eyelid surgery needs, they should make an appointment with a plastic surgeon that specializes in blepharoplasty. An initial consultation should provide complete details and answers.

Liposuction – Know What it Is

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

For a person considering body contouring through liposuction, part of the preparation is to be fully informed. To help you, here is information about how the process works and what to expect.

What is it?
The term lipo means fat. Modern liposuction evolved from medical work done in Italy in the 1920′s and then later in France.

While performed in the U.S. starting around the early 1980′s, it took several years for the procedure to become refined enough to generate widespread popularity. Early attempts received bad publicity for large amounts of blood loss. The procedure was originally performed by dermatologists until becoming one of the techniques to fall under the specialty of plastic surgery.

Throughout the history of liposuction, improvements and advances mean that the procedure can be performed with less blood loss less discomfort and less risk.

The Surgical Process
Because the FDA only approves liposuction equipment, when selecting a surgeon, a candidate might consider verifying that use of cannulas and other equipment. The FDA does not regulate a doctor’s practice.

It is generally performed on an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. It generally takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of the work to be done. During the procedure, the doctor makes small cuts in the skin.

The fat is removed from under the skin with the use of a vacuum-suction cannula, which is like a hollow, pen-like instrument. In some methods, liquids or anesthesia is injected under the skin along with the suction device. Other techniques will use be laser assisted. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Results
It may be performed on many areas of the body during one surgery. While you may hear results of 50 or more pounds of fat being removed during the method, most doctors will not do so. Removal of such large amount of fat is complex and creates a higher surgical risk and may often result in lumps or dents in the skin.

The best results are going to be experienced by people who are already at an ideal weight, but struggling with stubborn fat deposits. A healthy diet and exercise plan needs to be maintained after surgery in order for the results to be long lasting.

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