Monday, July 24, 2006

Liposuction For Your Chin Area

Facelifts are often viewed as the only method for redefining the face. Liposuction, however, offers an alternative that more and more people are pursuing.

Liposuction For Your Chin Area

In today's society, there is no such thing as aging gracefully. From Hollywood stars to soccer moms in minivans, everyone wants to look and feel younger than their age. For some people, using a new brand of makeup or a new haircut is enough to make you feel young again. For others, the only alternative is plastic surgery. We have all heard of face lifts and brow lifts, but the neck can show age too. That is why some people are now opting for liposuction to slow the aging process on their lower face.

Liposuction is a procedure where fat is removed from under the chin and in the neck, in order to reduce the size of this area. This procedure can help those who suffer from the effects of aging or obesity, as it adds definition to the face and chin. Liposuction can be performed through a small cut in the inside of your mouth, so there is no scarring or through a small cut externally. The basic idea, however, is to get in there and remove the pockets of fatty material that no amount of exercise will ever touch. A defined chin goes a long way to making a person look younger than they really are.

To see if you are a candidate for chin liposuction, you will want to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. He or she will take a look at your face and see if you will benefit from this type of neck lift surgery, and will assess you to see if you are in the proper health for any surgical procedure. Since this surgery does require invasive procedure, you will be under anesthesia for the submental liposuction.

There are risks with this type of liposuction, just as there are risks with any surgery procedure. Swelling, bruising and infection in the incision site are just a few of the side effects that can happen while having submental liposuction performed on your body. After effects can include a lumpy appearance and other unwanted effects, so be sure to find a certified plastic surgeon to perform your surgery.

The cost for this liposuction procedure varies, depending on the area needing to be treated and many other factors, but it is generally in the range of $1500-$3800. Question your surgeon thoroughly about costs and other items regarding your surgery before having it performed. It is not covered by health insurance, as it is a cosmetic procedure.

With all the different types of surgery available to make you look younger (or even just slimmer) facially, it may seem hard to choose which procedure is right for you. Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon about your individual case, and find out if liposuction is the right course of action for your facial surgery needs.

Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons.

Friday, July 21, 2006

Microdermabrasion Alternative to Facelifts

Microdermabrasion as an Alternative to Facelifts by Charles Kassotis

If you are looking for a way to get a sort of "facelift," without having to deal with the inconveniences and invasiveness of things like plastic/cosmetic surgery, Botox injections, and chemical peels, microdermabrasion may be the thing for you. This is a treatment that many in Hollywood have been using for quite sometime, but that recently began making a move into mainstream. You can get a microdermabrasion treatment in a variety of places: the spa, your dermatologist, and even in your own bathroom. Different tools and products are used to get rid of the uppermost layer of your skin and expose the newer skin beneath.

For the most part, microdermabrasion works with the help of tiny, rough grains. Some of these are crystals (which are often used in spa and dermatologist treatments) and some of them are miniscule grains that look a lot like sand (usually in facial scrubs you use at home). No matter which method is used, however, you will find that microdermabrasion works the same way, no matter where you have it done.

Your skin actually exists in many layers. The top layers are called the epidermis, and the lower layers are known as the dermis. However, the outer part of the epidermis has its own name: the stratum corneum. This layer acts to protect all of the layers of skin below from the ravages practiced by the world. Pollution, chemicals, and make-up can all affect the skin and how it looks. Eventually the stratum corneum looks rough, dull, and old. However, simply face washing is not enough to slough off this layer of skin. Something more vigorous is need to get the skin off. This is where microdermabrasion comes in. All of that dead, unattractive skin is removed with the help of these tiny particles.

When the dead skin is removed, the entire layer, a new layer is revealed beneath. This new layer is healthy, young, and bright. The dullness gives way. Additionally, this outer layer of skin is often the one on which blemishes appear. Wrinkles and age spots make their homes in the stratum corneum. When this layer sloughs off, the appearance of such blemishes is reduced. This can help you look longer, and help your face look smoother.

Additionally, this process of microdermabrasion can be used on other places on the body. Your hands, feet, chest, and neck can all benefit from this technique. Instead of rough, cracked hands, you can reduce the look by getting rid of the top layer of skin. However, it is important to use moisturizer after this sort of microdermabrasion treatment. This way you can replenish the lost water. This is especially important when you have used microdermabrasion on the face. You can look years younger and and healthier when you take advantage of this non-invasive way to improve the quality and look of your skin. Whether you go to a professional to receive treatment, or whether you take care of it yourself in the bathroom, microdermabrasion can help you look and feel years younger.
About the Author
To learn more about microdermabrasion, and many other skin care and moisturizing products visit The Skin Moisturizing

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Facial Modifications with Collagen

Facial Modifications with Collagen by Ricardo de Silva

There are many different procedures that plastic surgeons can use to restore and rejuvenate the human face. Facelifts, Botox, brow lifts and many other procedures can all be used to create a more youthful and smooth appearance. Of this group, collagen is undisputedly one of the more popular options for enhancing facial areas.

Collagen is a natural substance produced in the human body that helps to form connective tissue. It also provides hydration and strength for the skin. Collagen is made in less quantity as we age. This reduction results in skin losing its elasticity, softness and tightness. Typical effects include sagging skin, wrinkles on flat plains of the face, as well as deep creases on the forehead and the neck. Both collagen and fat harvested from your own body can be used to plump up these areas that are sagging and creased. Collagen can also be used to plump up thin lips, a personal favorite of many celebrities as you no doubt have noticed!

Collagen is made using collagen harvested from animals, so there is a slight chance that your body may react to it. Also, collagen enhancements are not permanent. You will need to have repeat injections later on to maintain the look that you want. Besides collagen, other materials such as Alloderm and Goretex can be used to create the desired look without any cutting or major surgery. Recovery time is slight and the procedure is much less expensive than traditional surgery. No general anesthesia or operating room is involved. In fact, you can be in and out of most procedures in under an hour.

Side effects from collagen enhancements are rare, but there is always a chance they can occur. Side effects include bruising, swelling and allergic reactions. Some people also have allergic reactions to the local anesthetic used to numb the site. As the materials used are foreign to your body, you should discuss any medications you are taking and things you are allergic to with your plastic surgeon. To avoid reactions, of course, you can always choose to have the material drawn from your own body. Hips and buttocks are the most typical harvesting areas.

With collagen, there is a temptation to shop by price. Don't! We are talking about modifications to your face. It is strongly suggested that you use a board certified plastic surgeon that can show you before and after pictures of his or her previous patients. This will allow you to understand the possible results and get the best care.

About the Author
Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com - a directory of plastic surgeons.

Monday, June 19, 2006

Botox injections

Botox injections by T.Going

Botulin toxin is widely known and sold under the name Botox. It is a very strong neurotoxin that is widely used in many areas of modern medicine. Currently Botox injections are the most popular form of non-surgical cosmetic treatments in the United States today.

It was a man named Alan Scott, who first applied tiny doses of the toxin to patients who had crossed eyes and uncontrollable blinking. A company called Allergan, Inc. then helped Scott gain regulatory approval to market his discovery as a drug. In 1988 Allergan bought the drug and in 1989 it received approval by the FDA. The drug was then named Botox.

Cosmetic benefits of Botox® were soon noticed after the frown lines between eyebrows appeared to soften following treatment for eye muscle problems. This led to clinical trials and FDA approval of the drug in April 2002.

Today Botox treatment is growing in record numbers as it is finding enormous new potential in several therapeutic areas including treating migraine headaches, eyelid muscle contraction and axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating). Other uses of Botox include urinary incontinence, nasal fissure, spastic disorders, stroke, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Currently, the most popular use of Botox has been used cosmetically to reduce the wrinkles around the eyes. This non-surgical procedure treats areas of the eye commonly referred to as 'crow's feet' and creases on the forehead through an injection with a tiny needle. Depending on where it is injected side effects may include a headache, droopy eyelids and nausea. Temporary bruising around the injection area is also common.

To learn more about Botox® injections, Miami cosmetic surgery ,or Ft. Lauderdale cosmetic surgery.

Saturday, June 17, 2006

The Reduction of Breasts

Liposuction For The Reduction of Breasts by Ricardo Silva

While people tend to focus on breast implants, breast reduction is a very common procedure for both men and women. Few people realize there may be a liposuction element.

Liposuction For The Reduction of Breasts

There are many cosmetic procedures that can be done regarding a woman's breast size. Many women opt for implants, feeling that their breasts are too small. Others want a breast lift, where the breasts are operated on, tissue is removed and muscles are "lifted", so that the breast has a younger and perkier appearance. Finally, some women need to have breast reduction because they feel that the size of their breasts is too large.

Traditional breast reduction requires a doctor to make large incisions, or cuts, underneath the breast and then remove fatty tissue. Many women who need breast reductions do not want to have to deal with the large scars and long recovery time. If you fall into this category, you should be aware that reduction by liposuction is an option.

Liposuction, of any area, requires only small cuts in the skin to insert the tubing and other equipment needed to vacuum out the relevant fatty cells. In breast reduction, a small cut is made in the crease of the breast. It is so small that it is very difficult to see with the naked eye. The plastic surgeon then will remove fatty material in the breasts to obtain the desired result. You might be surprised to learn that very large quantities of breast tissue, up to 1000 cc of fluid, can be removed in many cases. This equates to over two and a half bra cup sizes. This removal of tissue also allows the "breast envelope" to contract, which makes the breasts elevate. The result is a perkier look and a rise in the breasts of up to two inches.

There are many advantages to having reduction by liposuction. If you are a younger patient, having your breast size reduced in this way allows you to retain the ability to breast feed later on as the milk ducts are not damaged. The recovery time from liposuction is shorter than that from traditional breast reduction. Additionally, there will be less scarring and potentially fewer side effects such as swelling and pain because this method is less invasive. Also, since less damage will be done to the nerves in the breast area, you may retain better sensation in the breast.

Breast reduction should be considered major surgery. This means you should discuss the best medical options with your plastic surgeon and gain an understanding of the results you can reasonably expect. Some reductions are covered by insurance if there is a medical reason for the surgery, so make sure to explore this issue with your health insurance carrier and surgeon.

About the Author
Ricardo de Silva is with PlasticSurgeonPractices.com

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Liposuction Facts

Liposuction Facts by Matt Shupe

Liposuction is a surgical procedure which allows a surgeon to go into your body to remove extra fat deposits and to shape or reshape your body. The excess fat is removed by going under the skin with an ultrasonic probe which will then emulsify the fat and it will be removed with the suction.

Liposuction is not just for the stomach and abdominal area. You are able to get liposuction on many areas of your body including; your hips area, neck, butt, arms, calves, face, or back. You also have the option of getting liposuction done on more than one area at the same time. For example, you could get liposuction on your stomach, back, and arms in the same day.

More men have started to opt into getting liposuction done also. The most common area for men is the chest area to reduce breast size or to remove lipomas, or fat tumors. However, please note than liposuction is not an alternative to a healthy diet and exercise plan. Liposuction only helps to remove the areas of fat that have not responded to a traditional weight-loss method.

Liposuction can be performed by plastic surgeons or by dermatologists, although any authorized physician can perform liposuction. Most physicians' professional associations highly recommend training for liposuction, even though no standardized training is mandatory.

Always make sure to ask whether or not your doctor has had specialized training in liposuction and have had success with it in the past. However, there is always the chance of the liposuction procedure having complications. This surgery is a bigger risk for those who have medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, poor blood circulation, diabetes or who have had surgery recently. Inform your doctor of any medical conditions you might have.

Liposuction surgery has helped many people transition into a healthier lifestyle easier and has also helped to raise the self-esteem and well-being in those individuals also.

Liposuction is the permanent removal of fat. This procedure is recommended only to those who are obese (excessively overweight), as this procedure removes large amounts of fat over several sessions of surgery. Anywhere from four to six liters of pure fat is able to be removed in each session.

The most common areas for women to get liposuction are in the abdomen, chin, hips and thighs. Men have also gone with liposuction to reduce the size of their stomachs.

Liposuction is one of the safest forms of cosmetic surgery there is and is performed as day surgery and requires only the use of a local anesthetic.

Liposuction can be performed on people of all ages, but older patients do not receive the same result, as their skin elasticity is less than a younger person who has tighter skin.

Any procedure, including liposuction, involves many risks and complications. Before going through with the surgery, make sure that the surgeon you have chosen is recommended and has a reputation of being honest and safe.

About the Author The author is a regular contributor to Better Body Now where more liposuction and plastic surgery information is available.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery

Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery by Ricardo Silva
www.plasticsurgeonpractices.com/

Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.

Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one's appearance.

Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.

The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.

Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Collagen Injections On the Forefront

Collagen Injections On the Forefront of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery by jo

Cosmetic plastic surgery boosts your confidence the way you look. And increase in self-confidence in the look can encourage you to focus your energy on other areas like family and career. There may be certain flaws in your body and face that makeup, diet and exercise can't help mask. There you should look into the ultimate in makeover, i.e., cosmetic plastic surgery.

The advancement of corrective body and facial surgeries has made the cosmetic procedures easy, affordable and less invasive. This has led many to go for pure cosmetic procedures where aesthetic value comes first.

But, cosmetic procedures are not totally different from reconstructive procedure. Cosmetic surgery also considers your general health conditions and particular physical traits. That's why you should not plunge into a procedure just for look alteration.

Of many cosmetic procedures collagen injection is a popular procedure embraced by many women to achieve that fuller and perfect lip, and to remove the facial wrinkles.

Collagen injections are all-purpose fillers to fix problems on the face. Collagen is filled into the areas that need plumping-up. For removal of wrinkles, scars, and different marks these are the most suitable stuffs. Collagen can add volume to face giving it smooth appearance.

We all have collagen, a kind of protein, between the skin and the underlying tissues. This collagen helps to build fascia, the network of fibers that gives skin its bounce, volume and softness. That's why collagen injections are popular in celeb circles and administered as: collagen lip injection , facial collagen injections, buttock collagen injections and scar collagen injections.

Why do we need collagen injections?

Well, we have the collagen in our tissues. But its amount over ages goes on decrease after youth and the skin loses elasticity. Collagen injection helps replenish this condition. The idea behind injecting collagen is to replenish this underlying skin structure so that it regains its ability to bounce back. Collagen replacement therapy helps smooth facial lines as well as reduces the look of most types of scars. Taking a collagen injection is as easy as taking any other injection.

Rarely, it does involve some complications like bruising, redness and puffiness of skin. In severe cases, the collagen migrates to other parts of the body. But the complications can be avoided with proper consultation with a surgeon by doing collagen acceptance/rejection test in one's body.

What are different types of collagen?
  • Bovine collagen: Derived from the tissues of cow, the bovine collagen is very compatible with human skin. It has fewer cases of allergy and rejection. Zyderm is the most popular names in bovine collagen.
  • Human collagen: It comes from a human donor. Human skin readily accepts this. Zyderm and Zyplast and the two most popular human collagen.
Harry John is an expert author. He has authored books on collagen lip injection and facial collagen injections .