Archive for November 2nd, 2009
Plastic Surgeon Certification To Look For
When you want to find a good plastic surgeon, everybody tells you, “Make sure that they are certified.” Certification is one of the most important things to look for in a plastic surgeon, but what does it mean?
Most often, you will hear people talk about “board certification.” If a doctor is board certified, that means that they are trained to do certain types of procedures.
There is a different board certification for every type of medical practice, and these have been established by the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS).
For example, there is a board for dermatology, one for OB/GYN, one for pediatrics, and so on. Likewise, there is the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that is what you want to look for.
Don’t Let A Dermatologist Do Your Plastic Surgery!
Here is a warning, the government does not regulate who can practice cosmetic surgery or where they can do it. In other words, all of these certification boards involve certain training programs that ensure the doctor is fully trained in that specialized area.
But, where a board certified doctor can practice is not mandated by law. This decision is totally up to the hospitals and clinics who hire doctors.
This means that a dermatologist could be working in a cosmetic surgery clinic – The dermatologist would be “board certified” but certified only in dermatology unless it specified American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified.
The good news is that no reputable plastic surgery clinic would hire another type of doctor to perform their cosmetic surgery work.
If you see a plastic surgery clinic whose prices are way lower than the rest, this might be a tip-off that they’ve got a doctor performing cosmetic procedures, but this doctor may not be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, this is what you should look for. Make sure they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Otherwise, you might have surgery from someone not trained in that specialty.
How Do I Find Out If My Surgeon Is Qualified?
There is an easy way to see where and how your cosmetic surgeon is certified. You can call the American Board of Medical Specialists toll free. If you give them the name of the surgeon, they can tell you when and where they were certified to perform cosmetic surgery.
Also, make sure that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They also have a toll free number and contact information on their web site.
There are other boards, like the Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, that have not been approved yet by the ABMS. These boards are far less strict in their training, and in some cases offer surgeons a less expensive and less intensive way to get certified. Until recognized by the ABMS, it’s best to not consider these certificates.
If you let an uncertified doctor practice on you, you may end up with complications after surgery, or you may find that the job is lacking the quality you expected. Make sure that you get the beautiful cosmetic procedure you want, and check to see if the doctor is certified in that specialty.
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Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeons – What to Look For, What to Avoid
Salt Lake City is, by current standards, a relatively small metropolitan area. The city itself has about 180,000 residents and the metro area just over one million. There is a larger geographic statistical area running from Ogden town through Salt Lake City called the Wasatch Front. All of that territory holds just over two million residents.
It remains a small city surrounded by hundreds of square miles of beautiful and rugged territory. That does not mean, however, that the city lacks cosmopolitan features. The University of Utah is headquartered there along with their medical school.
The plastic surgery division of Utah U’s medical school has a long and venerable history. It was founded in 1967 by a physician recruited from Florida named Clifford Snyder. According to the school’s web site, the plastic surgery department in its early years “developed an international reputation in mandibular distraction, microsurgery, hand reconstruction, treatment of venomous snake bites…”
You won’t see that snake bite specialty at just any plastic surgery department in just any med school. You’re still in the high desert regardless of the banks, office buildings and churches anchoring Salt Lake City. There’s a lot of civic pride in Salt Lake City and while the state is thought of as conservative it is changing with the times; there is a well established group of plastic surgeons in the area.
• If you opt for a plastic surgery clinic, avoid those that have part-time physicians or management. In the days when there was not much call for breast augmentations or liposuction in Utah, some physicians opened up facilities in other cities as well. Some are still splitting time between Salt Lake City and, for instance, Las Vegas. If the facility is owned or managed by a doctor who is in and out of town it is less likely to be as organized and tightly run than one whose staff is on hand all day, every day.
• The University of Utah not only has a long-standing plastic surgery department, the school is dedicated to teaching the full range of cosmetic procedures and intends to open up a clinic for just that purpose.
According to their web site, “The Division of Plastic Surgery plans a central facility for cosmetic surgery and body contouring. The resources of the University will be centralized at this facility to provide both preoperative and postoperative care as well as state-of-the-art plastic surgery.” Don’t think that locally educated plastic surgeons may not have quality training. In fact, the medical school might be a worthy source of referrals, even on an informal basis.
Find information about all types of cosmetic surgery procedures including breast implants, breast augmentation face lifts, and liposuction. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Resource.com is the place to locate a Plastic Surgeon in Salt Lake City.
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Advice on How to Mentally Prepare for a Forehead Lift
A forehead lift can rejuvenate your face and literally take years off your appearance. While this procedure can be tremendously beneficial, it is important to prepare yourself for surgery mentally. Millions of people opt to have some type of cosmetic surgery each year, but many patient information guides unfortunately focus solely on the physical aspects of plastic surgery. Research has demonstrated that people who are both psychologically and physically prepared for surgery are far less likely to experience dissatisfying outcomes and complications. By following a few simple tips, you can make sure that you are mentally ready to face your forehead lift.
Understand the Psychological Impact of a Forehead Lift
While many patients focus only on the physical concerns associated with plastic surgery, it is essential to give serious thought to the psychological factors that may play a role. From your initial decision to have a face lift to the months that follow your surgery, it is important to understand the mental and emotional dynamics that play a role. Surgery can produce a wide range of emotions, from excitement and elation to fear and despair. The key to successfully navigating these feelings is to be aware of the emotions your surgery may trigger. By being aware of your emotions, you will be able to mentally prepare yourself for your forehead lift procedure.
Learn How to Manage Stress
In addition to understanding the psychological impact of surgery, you should also focus on learning ways to effectively manage stress. While you may be looking forward to your forehead lift, the fact is that there is bound to be some degree of stress involved. Start by learning a few proven relaxation strategies, such as deep breathing or meditation. Another way to help minimize stress is to try to visualize your surgery as well as the eventual results. Imagining yourself happy and healthy following your forehead lift is a great way to boost your mood and minimize stress levels.
Rely on Friends and Family for Support
Both before and after your forehead lift, it is important to have people that you can talk to about your goals and concerns. Having a strong support system is an important part of mentally preparing for your surgery. Whether you tell just one person about your surgery or dozens, the key to success is to have people who are willing to talk about your experience, support you during the difficult times and provide care in the period immediately following your surgery. By having these needs met, you will feel much more mentally prepared for your forehead lift procedure.
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Bruce Jenner Undergoes Corrective Cosmetic Surgery
Bruce Jenner is known to many people as an Olympic hero. In the 1976 Olympic Games, Jenner broke the world record for points when he won the decathlon. In a gesture that has since been emulated by many athletes, a bystander handed him an American flag and he held it high as he ran his victory lap, cementing his place in the hearts of many viewers.
In the thirty plus years since the Olympics, Jenner has become a spokesman for Wheaties cereal and appeared on many television shows, most notably Keeping Up with the Kardashians, which he stars in with his wife and children. What has come to light recently has been Jenner’s past plastic surgery mishaps and his recent procedure to correct failed facelift operations.
Over twenty five years ago, Jenner went against the advice of doctors and had a facelift and rhinoplasty. The result was far from what he had expected. While Jenner was certainly not disfigured or horribly scarred, his appearance changed rather dramatically, sparking a flurry of rumours over the years, ranging from horrific surgery tales to the rumour that he was burned while fleeing a burning house with his family. The truth is far less dramatic.
Jenner received an ill advised partial face lift as well as rhinoplasty. He has never spoken publicly about the surgery, and refused until recently to publicly acknowledge the incident. That all changed recently, however, when Jenner decided to have reconstructive cosmetic surgery to repair the results of his former surgery. The results were revealed on his television show with his supportive wife and children by his side. Daughter Kim called the episode “heartfelt” and stated that viewers gained an insight into how the initial procedure affected Bruce Jenner throughout the years.
There is little doubt that cosmetic surgery is popular among stars. When you put your face and body in the right hands and listen to the advice of a qualified surgeon, the results can be remarkable. The tiniest changes can produce remarkably dramatic results. Bruce Jenner had the unfortunate experience to go against surgical advice, and he lived with the results for over two decades. The world finally has a chance to see the new and improved Bruce, and his family seems more than impressed by the results. Whether you know him for his acting or his Olympic heroism, there is little doubt that it is excellent to see Bruce Jenner looking so good and healthy again.
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Botox – Is the Right Choice for You?
Over time, our looks fade, it’s a part of the natural aging process. Sometimes we don’t notice aging. Sometimes we notice all of a sudden. Many people consider plastic surgery but decide that going under the knife a little too drastic. If you are feeling a little worse for wear, Botox is a great option to rejuvenate your looks without spending a fortune of undergoing invasive surgery. Botox provides a compromise that reverses the signs of aging process without a large output of expense, time or risk.
Botox is nothing new, it’s a naturally occurring protein and has been used to treat muscle spasms since the 1960’s. The discovery of Botox as a treatment for aging was quite by accident, patients being treated for face spasms noticed a major improvement in the appearance of their wrinkles.
Botox injections work to decrease the signs of aging by weakening, or paralyzing, selected muscles in your face. This allows the skin around them to flatten out, diminishing wrinkles. Only in severe cases does Botox stop you from being able to make particular facial expressions. If Botox brings to mind images of celebrities with that plastic doll look, know that these are very severe cases. It takes a lot of Botox to reach this stage. Most people who use Botox don’t really look that different from the rest of us, just a little more younger, fresher and rejuvenated.
In Australia, Botox must be prescribed by a qualified medical doctor and administered by a trained professional. When performed by a qualified medical professional, Botox injections are completely safe. While Botox is a toxin, the miniscule amounts required are safe. Finding the right practitioner to administer Botox is integral. There are several shady operators out there, so make sure the one you chose is legitimate. Ask for referrals from friends or do your own research before hand. Botox Sydney is quite common, there are plenty of practitioners in the city area.
About three days after your Botox injections you’ll start to notice the difference. At fourteen days the process peaks. Don’t worry if your face seems a little too tight or pulled. A few days later the results will subside to how they looked at about ten days after the injections. Botox lasts for between three and six months, the results varying between the individual. You do need to go back for follow up appointments. In Sydney Botox practitioners are many, so you cab find one that is convenient for you so follow up appointments are easy.
Some people experience swelling or bruising from the injection and a small amount of people report feeling nauseous or light headed. These side effects are temporary and only experienced by a small number of people.
Some people love the results of Botox so much, they stick with it for life. A thirteen year study of two identical twins, one who had Botox injections over the course of the study and the other who did not, showed that not only does Botox reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, it also stops new ones from appearing.
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Facts About Financing Plastic Surgery
In some cases, reconstructive plastic surgery may be covered by the patient’s medical insurance. Getting a cosmetic plastic surgery however may be a procedure that you have to finance yourself using a loan.
Now, there are already several options for people who can’t afford a cosmetic surgery. Before we look into those options, let’s take a look at what else you should know about financing plastic surgery.
Don’t Go for Bargains
You may be tempted to pick a surgeon who asks for less if you do not have clear options for financing plastic surgery. This is however, the worst possible mistake you could ever make. Plastic surgery costs are usually steeper if the surgeon who will conduct the procedure is already seasoned and an undisputed expert. An expensive doctor however is also more likely to be a safer option and eventually a more cost effective one. Cheap doctors may also have cheap services that may result in more financing plastic surgery problems because you would have to pay for corrective surgery on a botched up work.
Costs and Plans Vary
The extent of work to be performed, the type of procedure and the region you belong to are also some of the other factors that affect the cost of plastic surgery. Doctors and clinics will also therefore have different payments schemes or offers for financing plastic surgery. You would have to discuss this aspect as extensively as the procedure itself. Be warned that there may also be hidden costs or miscellaneous fees that you may not have asked about and may not be included in offers for financing plastic surgery.
No Plan Scheme
Some clinics and plastic surgeons don’t allow financing plastic surgery or will not allow you to present loan or installment plans. Some patients may not immediately realize it but such a policy may be as much for the patient’s advantage as it is theirs. This is because such a strict policy will ensure that a patient can truly afford the procedure and its corresponding after surgery costs.
Some clinics will even ask for a complete payment before a procedure to secure patient assurance. This may be potentially dangerous though especially if accidents happen.
Finance Companies and Banks
Now, there are already several finance companies and banks that provide options for financing the procedure. Individuals can now fill up forms for approval to cover cosmetic plastic surgery. Most companies will tell you that they have affordable and flexible rates but the truth is that applying for a loan may be a little more difficult than imagined especially in banks.
Plastic surgery loans are actually unsecured by collateral. This means that a bank or company may have to meticulously investigate your credit history and report to find out if you are capable of paying. Even if you do pass an application for financing plastic surgery, some companies may have higher interest rates than others simply because it is their only security if you are suddenly unable to pay.
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Plastic Surgery After Massive Weight Loss
While most men and women lose pounds through diet and exercise, some need a little extra help. If you were frustrated by years of diets and exercise that never gave you any consistency, and you turned to bariatric surgery for help, you may be left with a great healthy body, but lots of sagging skin.
This group of patients, and even some of those who are able to lose weight through more traditional techniques, is often left with excess hanging skin and fat deposits in places on their bodies that can only be smoothed and contoured with plastic surgery.
Exercise and diet will get you only so far in sculpting your body if you have undergone a major weight loss. Plastic surgery is then required to deal with the excess skin and fat deposits on those people who have undergone a massive loss of over 100 pounds; the body just can’t take care of it on its own.
Weight loss surgery is increasing in popularity, as the population of the U.S. continues to recognize the need for a healthy lifestyle.
More and more plastic surgeons are seeing patients in their offices who are in need of body contouring procedures to help the patient who just lost a massive amount of pounds to look even better and feel even better in their new bodies.
Generally, patients looking to have cosmetic procedures after a weight loss are looking to remove excess skin and fat deposits which are left in the areas of their face, neck, arms, breasts, abdomen, back, and thighs.
While weight loss patients are usually very interested in plastic surgery procedures, it is important to note that patients who have undergone a rapid and extreme loss have skin which is much more lax than those who have lost over time or who were not overweight at all.
This means that weight loss patients will see results from the procedure; however, the results are likely to be less than expected than those who not lost massive weight.
It is acknowledged that tummy tucks are often one of the first procedures performed post weight loss.
There are many surgeries to consider if you have undergone a serious weight loss. They include:
* abdominoplasty (tummy tuck),
* circumferential lower body lift,
* breast lift,
* arm lift,
* face lift,
* neck lift,
* and other body contouring procedures to make your body look so great after your hard work.
If you’re considering having plastic surgery, it is advisable that you speak with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area and discuss your options and expected outcomes.
By working with an experienced cosmetic surgeon they can help you to understand what your body could look like and what the risks of having the surgical procedures might be.
If you are looking for improvement to your new slim body and are otherwise in healthy condition, plastic surgery might be just what is needed to help you slim the abdomen or contour your legs and arms to look great!
Gen-Xers Adopt More Positive Outlook On Plastic Surgery in Latest Trend
Plastic surgery is still a growth industry, even while people find more and more cosmetic treatment options that do not involve surgery.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, average annual growth rates are 7.5 percent for plastic surgery and 27.9 percent for non-surgical procedures. This means, for example, that a few more people are asking for facelifts, while many more are opting for Botox injections.
Doctors say consumer awareness is growing, advertising budgets are beefed up, and technology has made surgeries and treatments more available.
A typical facelift costs about $4,800, while a Botox treatment goes for about $500.
Dr. Peter Bela Foder, an editorial consultant to plastic surgery magazines, gives a step-by-step description, “People are starting to realize that there are ways to look better, and if you look better, you feel better, and as a result, you perform better at your job and have an overall better quality of life.”
More than 3 million Americans received some form of plastic surgery in 2007, and more than 8 million received non-surgical cosmetic treatments. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is still compiling numbers for 2008.
In the past, plastic surgery was viewed mainly in terms of getting a facelift or a nose job. Breast implants entered the picture during the 1970s, and liposuction came along during the past decade. Botox is the in-vogue treatment in recent years.
One reason for optimism among plastic surgeons is an improved image for their profession. In a survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 69 percent of young adults ages 18 to 24 had a favorable view of plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment, compared to 41 percent of senior citizens.
An example of higher profile advertising to younger people carries a “before the wedding” theme. If she really loves him, and if he really loves her, then this marketing theme asserts that both will want to look their very best. This means that the Botox injection should take place two weeks before the special day for maximum impact. Botox won’t just make you look younger; it prevents underarm sweating at the altar.
Liposuction should happen a month before the wedding, and the same goes for breast implants, according to some of plastic surgeons who are promoting these procedures.
In another trend, plastic surgeons are promoting combined procedures and treatments. For example, one way to reduce wrinkles and crow’s feet is to inject so-called fat fillers in conjunction with a Botox treatment. At the same time, fullness can be added to lips through a third procedure. Then you may want to throw in a neck lift and maybe a tummy tuck, too.
Plastic surgeons are making their services more accessible by advertising “micro” and “mini” procedures such as mini facelifts, micro liposuction and mini tummy tucks. These are geared to people who would shy away from more invasive forms of plastic surgery.
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.






