Friday, August 25, 2006

Complications After Silicone Injection Therapy

Complications after silicone injection therapy in aesthetic plastic surgery

Silicone injection therapy plays a significant, but limited, role in soft tissue augmentation. It is confined only to a tissue defect, folds, and deep wrinkles of the face. It is important to use only a small amount of injectable silicone (1–2 ml) in one area of the face at a time. Massage is applied over the injected area for 5–6 minutes. The following side effects and complications are observed: diminished volume, descending of silicone fluid due to the gravity, and silicone granuloma formation.

The risks associated with soft tissue augmentation typically depend on the chosen implant or filler and the amount injected . Complications can occur many years post treatment; they are irreversible and can not be treated or corrected . Injected silicone may create a variety of medical problems. Documented reactions have included respiratory distress, infection, toxic shock syndrome, granuloma, scleroderma, cancer, neuropathy, lymphadenopathy, rheumatic symptoms, synovitis, and severe autoimmune and connective tissue disorders. Use of dirty needles places the individual at risk for HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases .

Liquid silicone should be available, for the time being, only to surgeons for experimental purposes, because of the danger of complications and abuse. In this experimental study, the author applied 1,677 silicone injections (only in the face).

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Laser Resurfacing, Less Discomforting Skin Surgery

Laser resurfacing is a new procedure of facial surgery that is slowly gaining popularity because of its minimal bleeding and bruising. Post-operative discomfort is likewise at a minimum in a laser resurfacing operation.

Skin resurfacing is necessary for those who want to repair skin damages such as wrinkles caused by years of facial movements like smiling, chewing and laughing. Sun exposure and lifestyle factors also cause wrinkling like smoking and alcohol consumption. Facial wrinkling does not come only to older people; it can happen to anyone at any age.

Skin resurfacing is likewise available for any one at any age, thus this is the most helpful procedure if you want to make sure you can face the world with young looking skin.

If you are considering skin resurfacing to ensure you will look young and fresh, inquire with your dermatologist on the best procedure to undergo.

Depending on your current condition, your dermatologist will be able to assess you well and refer you to a certified and experienced plastic surgeon. Never allow anyone to touch your face without the benefit of experience; this is your only assurance that your reasonable expectation will be met.

Your plastic surgeon may recommend either a chemical peel,skin dermabrasion or laser skin resurfacing. Oftentimes, laser skin resurfacing is the recommendation because post-operative discomfort is minimal in laser skin resurfacing. Although, if your need for skin resurfacing is only superficial, a chemical peel may be enough.

Understanding your current need and condition may help you and your surgeon to choose the most effective and fit procedure. If he says chemical peel,then do so, however, if you want to ask me, I may opt for the laser resurfacing procedure because I am want the less bleeding and bruising in this procedure.

Laser skin resurfacing uses carbon dioxide laser to remove skin layers by vaporizing them. Depending on the depth of penetration necessary, your plastic surgeon will specify the amount of energy to transmit to your skin surface.

Superficial skin resurfacing may need lesser recovery time. However, there are instances that in order to reach the desired outcome, you may need to repeat the procedure, which is going to be uncomfortable and tedious.

Some patients may also opt to undergo face lifting or eyelid surgery at the same time the skin resurfacing procedure is being performed. This is often recommended, because you will undergo only one surgery doing two different procedures.

Although, it may need reasonable time to heal, but of course, undergoing two operations in one will make the discomfort happen only once.

It is however recommended that before you undergo any procedure, discuss with your plastic surgeon your fears and expectations. You may also need to discuss medical history especially if you have the tendency to be allergic to certain substances.

Your plastic surgeon may also need to discuss with you the risks and possible effects in order for you to be prepared to the possibility of failure and outcome.

Having reasonable expectation and understanding the risks involved before undergoing cosmetic surgery is necessary to avoid feeling depressed and dissatisfied with your appearance later on.

Additionally, do not take for granted your plastic surgeon's recommendation on the post-operative care. This will ensure that you will benefit from the result of the surgery for reasonable time.

Finally, I may need to mention that if you are already scheduled to undergo skin resurfacing procedure, your plastic surgeon may recommend application of special creams, lotions or gels to prepare your face for the operation.

Follow this recommendation strictly to ensure you will not have any problems during and after operation

James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of http://www.ResurfacingPro.com and writes expert articles about resurfacing.