Plastic Surgery Advice

If you channel surf your television set for more than a few hours, it’s more than likely you’ll come across one of the many shows about people undergoing cosmetic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 11 million cosmetic surgeries were performed in 2006. These are actual surgeries, and do not include cosmetic procedures, such as wrinkle-filling injections.

Less often, reconstructive surgery is portrayed or discussed. But, in 2006, more than 5.2 million people received reconstructive surgery too. This type of surgery, in general terms, is to repair damaged or malformed tissues, organs or bones.

Sometimes, the two are hard to separate. For instance, if a person has gone through a traumatic situation, he or she might opt to have both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery at the same time. For example, if a man has broken bones in his face and body in a motorcycle accident: an orthopedic and plastic surgeon will likely fix all the structural damage on his body so all the parts can perform their regular tasks.

Taking this example further, the man’s eyes, nose and shoulder may work well again, but they may not look the same. Say there are burn marks on his shoulder, and his eyes are slightly pushed aside. He may opt for refinement of these issues by a plastic surgeon so as to appear more like they did before the accident. Thus, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries sometimes work in tandem.

Generally, both types of surgeries are designed to better one’s appearance.

Procedures done in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries include cutting, lifting, tucks and reshaping.

Reconstructive surgery can also be elective, but it’s mostly done out of medical necessity. Its purpose is to “fix” or make improvements to a diseased, damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, reconstructive surgery would have been the procedure that would have repaired any broken bones on the motorcycle accident victim above. In other words, it focuses on function first, appearance second.

Bad plastic surgery isn’t something that happens everyday. Statistics show that it rarely happens, even. You would be one unlucky person however if you happen to be the victim of a rare bad plastic surgery procedure. How can you avoid the experience?

Be Sure of Your Surgeon

Although an unsuccessful plastic surgery may not always be your surgeon’s fault, he can still be the number one factor that can contribute to terrible results. Your surgeon could be badly trained or is not up to date with recent trends in plastic surgery. It is also quite possible though that your doctor may have misjudged your condition or performed a procedure that does not fit your condition.

It would be a good idea to ask your close friends or acquaintances to recommend you a good doctor. It would however be a better idea to perform your own extensive research to avoid bad plastic surgery. Do not just interview one doctor but visit the clinics of several and interview each of them. You should also always check with state boards to find out if your doctor has the right qualifications. Some helpful online sights may also be able to provide you with doctor reviews and comprehensive details on a doctor’s record of practice.

Check the Facilities

Of course, there is reduced risk if you have it done in an accredited hospital. This also makes more sense because a good hospital is fully equipped to handle emergency situations. Plastic surgery procedures however can also be safely and privately conducted in a doctor’s facility. Clean and state of the art facilities are a sign that your surgeon takes his field seriously. You should also make it a point to check if the facility is accredited.

Be in Good Health

Your health should be properly evaluated by your surgeon before you go under the knife. If you are seriously sick you will not be allowed to undergo plastic surgery. Even healthy people however are given certain guidelines to avoid bad plastic surgery. Your doctor may tell you to stop smoking or maintain a specific diet.

Also, it’s important for you to follow the surgeon’s tips and instructions. Other than pre operation instructions, you should also follow your doctor’s post operation instructions to make sure that a good job doesn’t get messed up.

Tone Down Expectations

Surgeons say that some bad plastic surgery are labeled as such not because of the procedure gone awry but because the patient just have very high expectations on the result. Disappointment can make you judge the results in a different light. You may have to constantly remind yourself that plastic surgery can only really improve your appearance but not make you look stunning or perfect.

Surgery as a Last Resort

Treat the procedure as your last resort. Try exercise, diet and other natural ways to get the look you want. Resort to plastic surgery only when there is no other choice.

the artificial beauty=photoshop+plastic surgery and make up

Lionel discusses the dark side of plastic surgery. www.lionelonline.com

Tara Reid got a lot more than she bargained for when she had abdominal liposuction and a boob job. Instead of looking svelte and sleek with an incredibly hot rack, the actress was left with a body she was embarrassed to show off in public. In fact, she looked so bad that when the news of her botched operations leaked out, she quickly became a national figure of ridicule.

“I was on the Web sites as having the ugliest boob job in the world,” the American Pie actress said in an interview with Us magazine. Her boob job, she said, was to rectify the fact that she had asymmetrical breasts, while she had lipo to give her the six-pack she felt was out of her reach, despite diet and exercise.

“First of all, I asked for big Bs, and he [the surgeon] did not give me big Bs,” Reid said. “He gave me Cs, and I didn’t want them. At all. Right after the surgery, I had some bumps along the edges of my nipples, but the doctor said, ‘Don’t worry. It’s going to be better.’ But after six months of ‘it’s going to get better,’ it started to get worse and worse.

“Guys I was dating would be like, ‘What’s wrong with them? They look really bad. You know, you should really get them fixed.’ [It's so] embarrassing,” Reid said. “I mean, you definitely need to turn off the lights, that’s for sure.” Her tummy, she added, was “the most ripply, bulgy thing.”

Luckily, Tara had the foresight – and the money – to have reconstructive surgery, and says she was able to get her life on track. But many people don’t. The result of bad plastic surgery can be a lot worse than just a bumpy boob job – and can include infection, skin-eating necrosis, and sometimes even death.

So how can you find a good surgeon you trust?

Finding the Right Surgeon

Choosing the right surgeon for the job is arguably the most important decision you’ll make when it comes to having plastic surgery. The American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) offers the following guidelines when looking for the right person for the job:

Choose a Board-certified surgeon, one that is accredited by the ASPS or its equivalent. ASPS surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have completed at least six years’ surgical training and experience (this includes 36 months or more in plastic surgery). They operate only in accredited medical facilities (not in their living rooms or a rented space adjacent to a nail salon) and continue updating their medical and educational qualifications. They are also duty-bound to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Make sure he or she is willing to answer all your questions, and will do so thoroughly. If a surgeon fobs you off, is condescending or tells you “not to worry your pretty head about it”, then go somewhere else.

Ensure that your surgeon asks your opinion about the treatment recommended, and doesn’t pressure you into anything – or suggest hundreds of non-related procedures they can sell you at a bulk rate. They should also offer alternatives, when necessary and appropriate. If you’re 19 and considering a face lift, a good surgeon should offer non-invasive alternatives, such as a good facial or massage, and not give in to your demands.

Discuss all prices beforehand, and find someone who welcome questions from you about their payment policies. They will also be happy to answer any inquiries about their professional qualifications, what the procedure will entail etc.

Find someone who gives you all the information about the procedure you want and explains all possible risk, but in the long run leaves the decision to you. They might know better – from a purely professional viewpoint – but this is your body and the decision to have it altered should be entirely yours.

Top Tips

Other considerations should also be taken into account when looking for the right plastic or cosmetic surgeon. These top tips should help…

Don’t believe everything you hear. The Internet is full of surgeons offering cut-price procedures, as are many women’s magazines. A healthy skepticism is vital for making the right choice. And if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Shop around. Make sure you have a consultation with at least three surgeons so you can do a bit of comparison-shopping, not only price but type of procedure etc. Most initial consultations are free so make the time and effort – not only your appearance could depend on it!

Check before-and-after pictures, and investigate the hype behind the headlines. Talk to former patients, if possible (see below) and make sure they are satisfied not only with the end result, but with the care given, the price etc.

Don’t base your final decision on the price of a specific procedure. Remember, this is your body – and price isn’t everything.

Go with your gut instinct. If something doesn’t look right, feel right or even smell right, it’s probably not the right place for you. Your surgeon may be qualified to the highest standards and have an enormous list of satisfied patients. But if the two of you don’t get along and you feel uncomfortable or scared in his or her presence, look elsewhere.

Advice from a Pro

In her recent book, Men Are Stupid …And They Like Big Boobs: A Woman’s Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery, comedienne Joan Rivers offers advice to women who are contemplating going under the knife – and need to find a good surgeon. She advocates asking everyone you know, including your friends and acquaintances, your gynecologist, and even your hair stylist.

“He sees the hidden scars in hairlines and behind the ears day after day. He looks down blouses for hours, even though he’s got absolutely no interest,” she writes. “He’s seen good boob jobs and lousy ones. Believe me, he’s an expert on who does great work and who doesn’t.”

Once you’ve found someone, Rivers advocates checking their qualifications through the websites of both the American Board of Medial Specialties and the ASPS. Once their credentials have been verified, look at their website, call their office, and finally meet up face-to-face.

“In the waiting room, you’ll get to talk to some of his patients, see how happy/unhappy they’ve been. Believe me, unhappy patients will be bursting to tell you their complaints. Often, in the waiting room, doctors have binders of before-and-after photos to flip through – an excellent way to pass time,” Rivers writes.

“His waiting room should also have comfortable, clean seating, current magazines, nicely arranged, and some soothing music piped in. You’ll be spending a lot of time there. Why shouldn’t every aspect of the experience be pleasant?”

Finally, she issues two warnings which every woman must follow. “Warning #1: I beg you, do not be tempted by the classified ads in the newspaper, the type that screams, ‘Three-Area Lipo, No Money Down!’ The low prices might catch your attention. But is hiring a surgeon the right time to go bargain hunting? As a plastic surgeon friend puts it, “Doctors know what they’re worth, and they create a price list based on that.

“Warning #2: Get ready for sticker shock. The flat belly of your dreams? It may cost you the price of a renovated bathroom. A breast reduction? That’s your anniversary vacation in Paris. A year of Botox Cosmetic? Good-bye Hamptons rental. It’s about priorities. Do you want a new face or a new patio? Even if you’ve got a two-hour commute, you’ve got a twenty-four-hour face.”

If only Tara Reid had read Rivers’ book before she had the botched boob job…

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.

People who receive plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments aren’t all upper-income patients, in spite of the stereotype, and this means the tough economy will have an impact on the plastic surgery industry in 2009.

In a 2008 survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, some 27 percent of patients said they were considering less expensive options. That figure is up from 20 percent during the past years.

For example, a person may consider injections rather than a major surgery. Doctors say they might cut prices, depending on further feedback.

Before the economic recession took hold, the society polled more than 600 people who said they were considering plastic surgery during the next two years. Plastic surgeons were stunned to learn that:

- 30 percent reported annual incomes of less than $30,000.

- 41 percent made between $30,000 and $60,000.

- 16 percent made between $60,000 and $90,000.

- A mere 13 percent reported incomes higher than $90,000.

So much for associating plastic surgery exclusively with Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

According to the people surveyed, their main reasons for plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments are to improve their looks and often to enhance their romances or their prospects for romance. They said that they did not feel that they were vain or self-centered. Many wanted to remove or alter an irritating physical feature.

Nearly half of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are between 35 and 50, but nearly a quarter are younger than 35.

As for gender, 91 percent of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment patients are women, but the number of men undergoing plastic surgery is growing rapidly.

The society reported that 11.7 million Americans spent money on either plastic surgery or cosmetic treatment during 2007. Figures for 2008 still are being compiled. Plastic surgery patients spent $8.3 billion on plastic surgery during 2007, led by liposuction and breast augmentation, and another $4.7 billion for cosmetic treatments, led by Botox injections for younger-looking skin.

Some doctors say they specialize in convincing insurance companies to help pay for various plastic surgeries and cosmetics, and patients often are surprised to learn that they qualify.

Through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, doctors also reported their standard fees for dozens of procedures and treatments. Here are a few examples, followed by total amounts spent in a year:

- Breast augmentation, $3,600 ($1,185,920,285)

- Breast lift $4,200 ($437,952,317)

- Remove breast implants $2,319 ($63,669,776)

- Nose reshaping $3,511 ($1,047,697,610)

- Liposuction $2,750 ($832,747,086)

- Tummy tuck $5,063 ($740,343,243)

- Facelift $4,856 ($505,305, 441)

- Botox injection $492 ($2,011,283,275)

- Chemical peel $686 ($729,527,236)

- Cellulite treatment $192 ($6,453,888)

Most people who undergo plastic surgery can avoid paying for a hospital bed. Seventeen percent of procedures were performed in hospitals, 29 percent in free-standing surgi-centers and 54 percent in doctors’ offices.

Caucasian Americans comprise 67 percent of the population and received 78 percent of the plastic surgeries and cosmetic treatments over the course of the survey year. Hispanic Americans are 14 percent of the population and comprised 9 percent of patients. African Americans are 13 percent of the population and comprised 6 percent of patients. Asian Americans are 5 percent of the nation and were a matching 5 percent of patients.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

The song Plastic Surgery Slumber Party By Jeffree Star

Knee Replacement is pretty scary, but you can do it, especially if you are prepared! After you and your Doctor have decided you need your knee replaced, it’s time to make preparations.

First and foremost, check with your insurance company to make sure which benefits you have. Find out specifically how long they will allow you to stay in the hospital. Many insurance companies will make you leave the on the fourth day after the operation and they may send you to a “rehabilitation facility”, which in their jargon could mean a nursing home.

In my experience, I was transferred to the nursing home on a Friday. This meant I would not be evaluated by their visiting physical therapist until Monday. Because of that, I declined from a 90 degree bend in my new knee to a 70 degree bend, in just three days. All my rehab in the hospital had just gone down the drain and I had to start all over again. Just so you know, you will be working towards a 125 degree bend after the Knee Replacement Surgery.

It is very important to know how the insurance company will deal with you before, during and after the knee surgery.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask the following questions:

Find out with whom you are speaking, their position and their extension number.

I want to know what benefits I have for a total Knee Replacement.

Do I have skilled Physical Therapy benefits in the hospital where the surgery takes place for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they?

Do I have Rehabilitation benefits for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for the services?

Do I have Rehabilitation equipment and supplies covered for the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Is there a co-pay?

Do I have ongoing outpatient therapy benefits for after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Where may I go for services?

Do I have home therapy benefits after the Knee Replacement? Yes or No? If yes, what are they? Which Home Health agencies may I use after the Knee Replacement?

To maintain your independence at home, after your Knee Replacement Surgery, buy a bar refrigerator that will go on a table next to your bed. This will be invaluable when you do come home. Stock it with water, sodas, milk, Jell-O’s and individual pudding snacks. Fresh fruit is also a good snack. Purchase the 2 oz boxes of cereals and stack them beside the refrigerator. Put a large plastic drinking cup next to the bed and weight it with a golf ball, which will hold plastic utensils, knives, forks and spoons (the golf ball keeps it from tipping over). Use a plastic bowl for the cereal and throw it away when you’re done. Bumblebee Tuna makes an individual lunch kit that comes pre-made with crackers and a little wooden spoon.

These little things will help you feel independent by being able to get breakfast, snacks and an occasional lunch on your own. It also gives your care giver a little break. I found that there were some days that I had no appetite due to pain and/or medication so I kept a stock of Slim Fast or Boost in the refrigerator for basic nutrition.

If you smoke, now is the time to stop or at least cut down. Smoking constricts your blood vessels which is not a good thing when you’re going in for major surgery. If you tend to be a little over weight try to lose a few pounds. A little less weight on a new knee joint means a little less pain. Okay, no more preaching.

Line up the people that will be helping you after your Knee Replacement Surgery and, believe me, you will need them. If you can afford it, hire someone to come in for 4-6 hours a day. They will help you get out of bed, shower and get dressed. They prepare your meals, help you with your therapy exercises, keep you company and give your spouse or significant other, a break. Interview them now and let them know what your timing is. Your church would be a good place to find someone, or if you live near a retirement community, many times they have companions of their own that are looking for some extra income.

This isn’t essential but I think wise. Donate two pints of your own blood in case of an emergency. Make sure that this is completed at least a week before the surgery. You have to donate one pint per week. If you are taking antibiotics wait five days before giving blood. The blood bank will give you a card with the unit number on it that you present upon admission to the hospital.

You will need Grab Bars put into your shower/tub (don’t use your towel bars). Put them in before you have the surgery, installation is not that difficult and you will be grateful for the assistance over the next couple of months. This is a major safety issue. Balance will be tough after your Knee Replacement Surgery especially the first couple of weeks. You should buy a shower stool so you can sit while bathing. Your doctor may supply you with a cast protector to keep your new knee dry.

Purchase three rubber mats, one for in the shower/tub and the other two to be lined up parallel outside the shower/tub. You do not want to slip on a wet bathroom floor.

There is a product; a disposable body wash cloth, available that you can use to bathe in your bed. They can be placed in the microwave to be heated up and you can use them on days that you just can’t face the shower. They come in packs of eight. While they say to use all eight for one bathing I found that four were sufficient. Just close up the remaining four and use save them for the next time.

You will need a pair of slippers that cover the entire foot with a non skid bottom, flip flops are just too dangerous. You will also need a pair of lace up shoes for stability.

Some other items that you may need are:

TV with Remote Control

Telephone/emergency numbers

A night light for the bathroom

Handi-wipes

Bedside Commode/Toilet paper

Tissues

Dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste

Bell to ring for assistance

Another suggestion is to clear all the pathways in your home. Scatter rugs and cords are often the cause of falls, so are pillows and magazine. Remove articles from around the bed and chairs. Keep your pets under control. A dozing cat or a playful puppy in the wrong area can cause accidents.

Please see my other article on what you need to know about the day of knee replacement surgery and your rehabilitation.

Copyright, Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.

This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has reported that the number one top surgical procedure in the United States for the year 2005 was liposuction. In that year alone, 455,489 liposuction treatments were done in America, 402,946 were women and the rest was men. The majority of the patients fall under the ages between 35 to 50 years old.

Second on the list was breast augmentation, totaling 364,610 cases in that year. The report revealed that 83.4 per cent of the patients used the saline device and 16.6 percent the silicone implant. The results of recent research demonstrate that women with saline implants are significantly more likely to express satisfaction with augmentation than women with silicone gel-filled implants.

There are no actual statistics on the numbers of transvestites since it involves some legal issues in many countries, but it has been reported that thousands of cases were done. Bangkok is known to be the premier place to go for sex change surgery. In fact, that is one of the top 10 procedures for which patients visit Thailand. A growing number of Americans are taking that path, traveling to countries like Thailand for cosmetic, orthopedic and heart surgeries and other medical and dental treatments that cost 20 to 80 percent less than at home.

For example, American surgeon’s fee for a full face-lift averaged $4822 in 2004, not including hospital costs, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At Bangkok, it costs only 3,500 USD for a Face lift surgery (cheek bone area lift, cheek area lift, chin lift and neck lift). This cost is included hospital expenses.

The growth is in accordance with Thailand’s aim to establish Thailand as the “Center of Excellent Health of Asia” and this plan focuses on medical services, healthcare services and Thai herbal products. In 2004, as many as 20 billion Baht was generated by foreign patients seeking treatment in Thailand.

Many people want to take “cosmetics surgery holidays” in destinations that offer both tourist attractions and state-of-the-art plastic surgery technologies. Although when including the air fares and accommodation, the price is not lower than treatments in their home country, medical tourists get more than a better look from this type of vacation – they get better, revitalized feelings from the destination’s refreshing atmosphere too. “My partner and I had originally planned to fly in and have the surgery done straight away. As luck would have it, we got to fly to Thailand 5 days earlier than planned and decided to spend them in Pattaya, holidaying. I would definitely recommend this. The time to relax is a bonus, not to mention the additional shopping time….” said Bangkok Plastic Surgery Clinic’s Australian patient Rebecca who underwent breast augmentation surgery in 2006.

The statistics for the year 2006 is yet to come, but it is expected that the rankings will not change much, but the number of procedures might change due a greater variety of options.