Archive for November 3rd, 2009
A Primer for Men and Cosmetic Surgery: Three Things You Should Discuss With Your Plastic Surgeon
While cosmetic surgery has been popular with women for at least two decades, it is only recently that Dr. Haven Barlow, a well-known and respected plastic surgeon in Fairfax, Virginia, has noticed an increase in the number of men who visit his practice. Some of the more common procedures men are interested in include Botox, microdermabrasion, liposuction, and neck lifts.
Botox® is a botulinum toxin used to temporarily paralyze nerves within one’s facial appearance. Men may choose to have this safe, non-invasive procedure done to reduce the lines that may furrow their brows, or forehead.
Microdermabrasion is another common procedure used to improve the appearance of one’s skin by removing areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. Liposuction, a surgical procedure used to removed unwanted fat from the hips, legs, arms or backs can create a more youthful and athletic physique for men.
“Men are feeling more comfortable with being invested in their appearance,” says Dr. Barlow. “They notice how great their wives look, or they wish they looked differently, and aren’t afraid to ask how to gain back their younger-looking selves.”
As the population ages, many successful, vibrant men are re-thinking their attitudes to dieting, face-care products and cosmetic surgery. Wanting to look youthful and appear dynamic well into one’s 40s, 50s and 60s means that some men will turn to a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Barlow for advice on how to regain a youthful appearance.
From 2000 to 2005, there was a 44 percent increase in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures among men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are those that do not require surgery and therefore mean a quicker return to the office and everyday life.
“Men are seeking out those treatments that will affect the way they look with the least possible fuss,” says Dr. Barlow. “They want to try something that is not a huge investment in time, like Botox. But they are also seeking out information on male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia, calf-implants and liposuction. Most of the time, they come in knowing what they want. But after spending some time discussing their goals, I can suggest some other procedures that may fit better with their expectations.”
For most men, discussing these procedures may at first feel uncomfortable. Dr. Barlow has three suggestions for men when discussing what their goals are for plastic surgery:
1. Identify exactly which physical attributes are making you uncomfortable. Do you wish you looked slimmer, more youthful or would you like to change the shape of your ears, nose or chest? Do you have a clear goal in mind? These will help your plastic surgeon determine the best plan of action.
2. Bring in a picture of yourself when you were younger, or a celebrity whose looks and physique you admire. This will help guide both you and your plastic surgeon toward your ultimate goal.
3. Keep an open mind about the procedures and techniques you are willing to try. Dr. Barlow’s number one goal with all his patients is to be sure they understand the benefits of each procedure, so they can make an informed decision about how to proceed.
Looking to the future, Dr. Barlow says he expects tummy tucks and body lifts to become even more popular among men. Men are also electing to have liposuction under the chin, to minimize any unattractive bulges that may occur when wearing a tie.
Get Ready for Your Nose Surgery From: Dr. Mazin Al Hakeem
Dr.Mazin Al Hakeem is a board certified plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California. Dr. Hakeem graduated in biological science from the University of California.
He then completed his training in aesthetic surgery at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and AL.
Dr.Mazin Al Hakeem served surgical residencies at the Plastic Surgery Nassau County Medical Center, East Meadow, NY, General Surgery Yale – New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT and the General Surgery Mayo Graduate School of Medicine Rochester, MN.
Dr.Hakeem has done extensive research in molecular biology at University of California, Irvine, Genentech, Inc., and Mayo Clinic. He has been presented with the President’s Undergraduate Fellow Research Award by the University of California, Irvine, CA.
Dr.Hakeem is a member of many major medical associations including the American board of plastic surgery and American medical association.
Dr.Mazin Al Hakeem is dedicated to achieving the best results for rhinoplasty procedure.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mazin Al Hakeem visit us at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California by clicking here.
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Plastic Surgery Benefits
Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person’s body. Plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments require educated decision-making. Board Certification in Plastic Surgery can only be awarded by the The American Board of Plastic Surgery. Plastic surgeons typically mold and reshape the following tissues of the body: bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and skin. Only 5 per centof patients undergoing non-cosmetic plastic surgery were taking similar drugs.
The techniques of anesthesia became established, all surgery on healthy tissues involved great pain.Common techniques used in plastic surgery are excision electrosurgery liposuction. Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body. Probably the most vital tool for a plastic surgery patient, is the right plastic surgeon. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries like those from dog bites or burns, or the aftermath of disease treatments like rebuilding a woman’s breast after surgery for breast cancer.
By using the flat, smooth surface of round synthetic sponge, pour little foundation on the sponge and apply it in dots and dab all over the face. One can use finger to apply it. Unify the foundation in up and downward direction. Do not forget to cover the small areas such as creases of nose, under eyebrows and along the jaw line. To soak up surplus oil and for a natural glance, blot the face with a tissue after using the foundation.
Where does plastic surgery is used?
This is used for the various parts of body by doing plastic surgery it can give beautiful appearance. Some of them are as follows
Breast Aesthetics
Chin and Cheek Augmentation
Facial Rejuvenation
Lip Augmentation
Facial Surgery
Body Aesthetics
Male Breast Reduction
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Modern Medical Solutions: Plastic Surgery
Modern medical technology has brought a number of amazing medical miracles into the arena of everyday treatment. For a vast array of health concerns, there is an equally vast array of options. Many plastic surgeons exist for the sake of helping others to achieve the peace and health that is associated with feeling comfortable and confident in one’s own skin.
For many, plastic surgery has become an increasingly important field, one which is life altering and perhaps even beyond words. There are a great number of patients who seek out the care and expertise of professional and experienced plastic surgeons who focus their life’s work on improving the livelihood of their patients. There are a great many types of procedures which play into this even currently growing medical field. Various patients all over seek out alterations in their appearance in a number of different ways to achieve a common goal: to feel comfortable in their skin, to be at peace with their appearance and their self-image, and to stay as healthy as possible. The reasons of course may differ in their specifics from person to person, but plastic surgery is largely becoming a way to help people feel better, overall, in their own skin, with their own body and thus their own mind and heart. The connection to inner life with outward appearance is vast, and cannot be denied. Many patients merely seek the opportunity to align the two so that a greater degree of happiness and peace can ultimately be achieved.
It cannot be ignored as well that the field of plastic surgery involves situations where patients are not clear on what their motives are, what the purpose of having surgery performed is, and how it is bettering their life in some sort of substantial way. Having said this, it is the patient’s personal responsibility to get crystal clear on what surgery will bring into their life, how it will positively alter their self image and their lifestyle, and how they are benefiting in a psychological way. Getting clear on the motives behind the surgery are very important. Furthermore, it is the patient’s responsibility to understand any benefits as well as any risks. It is thus vital that patients ask plenty of questions, do research on the surgery in question, get a second opinion, and seek professional advice and care. It may also be good to seek out more than one plastic surgeon and to find one who is trustworthy, obviously confident in their field of expertise, and willing to help their patients toward a greater understanding of the procedure from beginning to end. These are all important questions to ask ourselves and important bits of information which ultimately lead to a far more satisfactory experience should surgery be decided upon.
Understanding how plastic surgery will alter your life is not always immediately visible prior to surgery and so it is very important to appreciate the severity of surgical procedures and to respect their ability to create change, whether that change is for better or for worse. For some patients, plastic surgery is not an option and it is required for their peace of mind. In such cases, the benefits may be clearer than the risks, yet both ought to be equally and thoroughly considered prior to any action being taken.
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What is Safe Plastic Surgery?
The popularity of plastic surgery in Los Angeles is increasing. As a plastic surgeon, I am frequently asked by my patients whether plastic surgery is 100 % safe.
No plastic surgeon or any other type of surgeon can guarantee 100% safety. Many things that we do in life carry a possible risk of complications. For example, there is a risk of injury when driving cars, flying on airplanes, skiing etc. However, there are effective ways to minimize the risk of plastic surgery complications.
First of all, it is important to know that your plastic surgeon is a true plastic surgeon. Not every surgeon who performs plastic surgery completed a plastic surgery residency. Your plastic surgeon should perform the procedure you desire on at least a weekly basis. You surgeon should be willing to show you before and after plastic surgery pictures of his patients. The more plastic surgery pictures you can see the better. You should have an opportunity to talk to other patients of your surgeon.
Where you surgeon performs plastic surgery is a very important safety factor. Of course, having surgery in a hospital provides the safest possible environment. For this reason, I perform most of my surgeries at the hospital where my office is located. In addition, many of our plastic surgery patients have an opportunity to spend the night after surgery in the hospital. This is a particularly good option for patient who live further away or undergo combined surgical procedures. These patients typically stay in a private room where they are cared for by experience nurses. The next day I visit my patients in their room before they are discharged home. Many Los angeles plastic surgeons perform surgery at surgical centers. Surgical centers that have proper state or national accreditation also provide safe environment to perform outpatient plastic surgery.
It is important to assure that patients do not have any serious medical conditions prior to undergoing plastic surgery. In my practice, any patient who is over 45 years of age or has medical problems will need to be evaluated by a primary care physician or a cardiologist prior to surgery. My goal is to provide every patient with a plastic surgery procedure that is effective and safe.
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Recovering from Cosmetic Surgery
The terms plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery are often used interchangeably. But in reality there is a difference between the two procedures. Cosmetic surgery is usually elective, a choice. People choose cosmetic surgery to fix a part of their body that they are not happy with. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, can also be called reconstructive surgery. Plastic surgery is used to correct birth defects and in the case of accident victims plastic surgery is used to rebuild. Sometimes plastic surgery is medically necessary. However, both plastic surgery procedures and cosmetic surgery procedures change the way a person looks and should only be performed by doctors that are Board certified.
While the outcomes of plastic and cosmetic surgery are quite desirable it is a long road to get there. By definition cosmetic surgery itself is a medical procedure. Like any other surgery the procedure can be painful, often requiring stitches to close up incisions. Like a magician, the cosmetic surgeon will strategically place these cuts in parts of the face or body that are not immediately apparent to other people. This way any scarring as a result of the surgery will remain hidden. Pain medications and local and/or general anesthesia will be administered as needed.
Many people instinctively know what I have just told you – but what is often overlooked is the recovery period after the operation is complete. Once again a cosmetic surgery is just that – surgery. That means that the patient will need time to heal and get better. After the surgery, if anesthesia was administered, time will be needed in the hospital or doctor’s office for the anesthesia to wear off. The affected area will be wrapped in gauze and there may be some bruising as well as some swollen areas. The site of the surgery will need to be treated tenderly so the stitches are not compromised and the incisions do not tear. Not only will the patient need to relax for a period of days but it may be necessary to have someone, like a close family member, around to assist and care for the patient.
There will be follow up visits to the doctor over the course of the next few days. Also, the patient will want to have emotional support during the healing process. Usually the desired results are not apparent until much later, which can be discouraging.
The time needed for healing will vary by procedure. But having a good rapport with the cosmetic surgeon and having a strong personal network available will go a long way towards improving the patient’s morale and the overall cosmetic surgery experience.
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Pros and Cons of Bargain Plastic Surgery Offerings
Due to safer, more precise methods, plastic surgery has become an attractive option for many. A variety of procedures involve less recovery time, creating affordability through the growing use of outpatient facilities. However, the consumer is, by nature in constant search of a bargain. However, once you locate a bargain, how do you tell if it’s worth it? You should learn the pros and cons of bargain plastic surgery offerings.
The Cost of Plastic Surgery
The cost for cosmetic plastic surgery may include several variables. Cost is determined based on geographic location, expertise of the surgeon and the time and complexity of the procedure. Other factors that contribute to cost are the operating facility, anesthesiologist fee and lab fees.
Depending on the plastic surgery procedure you are looking into, many minimally invasive and non-invasive alternatives may be available. As an example, the cost for a traditional face lift can range from $6,000 to $25,000. More affordable options to the traditional face lift range from $150 to $6,500.
Pros and Cons of Bargain Plastic Surgery: Minimally Invasive Face Lift Surgery
There are two forms of minimally invasive facial plastic surgery: a thread lift and mini face lift. A thread lift involves small incisions and surgical thread to lift and tighten problem areas. In some cases, the patient does not require anesthesia and can comment on the progress during the procedure. Thread lifts cost between $2,000 and $6,000.
A mini face lift is a minimized version of the traditional face lift. The procedure requires fewer incisions and has less scarring. Results are a subtle, preventative approach to the aging process. A mini face lift can cost anywhere from $3,500 to $6,500.
Bargain Plastic Surgery: Results of Minimally Invasive Face Lift Surgery
Both procedures provide delicate results. However, these options seem to be more suitable for younger patients with mild skin laxity and good skin tone. Mini face lifts and thread lifts are less expensive, but only target small problem areas. Older patients may find better results through traditional facial plastic surgery.
Bargain Plastic Surgery Offerings: Non-Surgical Options
Non-surgical alternatives to cosmetic surgery are quickly gaining acceptance. The most popular option is Botox, an injectable used to diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Other popular injectables are hyaluronic acid and collagen. Dermal fillers can also soften features and improve skin tone.
Injectables are a money-saving alternative to facial plastic surgery. The cost for a Botox session is around $400, while collagen and hyaluronic acid treatments are between $300 and $500. Treatment can be performed in an outpatient facility and recovery is practically non-existent.
Pros and Cons of Bargain Plastic Surgery: The Limits of Non-Surgical Treatment
Injectables have many benefits, but bear in mind the limitations. While effective for improving appearance, they will not provide the dramatic results of a surgical face lift. Depending on the product, results can last for up to six months, requiring additional treatments to maintain.
Pros and Cons of Bargain Plastic Surgery Offerings Abroad
A number of patients elect to save money on plastic surgery through medical tourism. Also referred to as “vacation surgery,” medical tourism offers plastic surgery for a bargain. Other selling points are recovery on the beach and the privacy of being away from home.
The Risks of Bargain Plastic Surgery Offerings Abroad
Medical tourism can involve substantial, unnecessary risk. If you choose to travel overseas for plastic surgery, remember to factor in the cost for hotel and travel. The procedure may be affordable, but travel expenses can be quite costly.
You can decrease your risks by locating a surgeon who is an abroad member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Verify that the operating facility certified by an accredited organization, such as Joint Commission International. Remember to ask out about the level of after care you will receive during recovery.
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Optimize Your Appearance With Breast Surgery
As the technology in breast augmentation surgery grows, more women welcome the procedure to improve their confidence, appearance, and physical appeal.
Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a form of breast surgery undertaken to reshape the breasts, creating a fuller look. In general, breast surgery is sought by women who have small or underdeveloped breasts – or women who have lost weight and find that their breasts are no longer the size and shape that they once were. Breast implant surgery is capable of restoring the volume of breasts lost as a result of multiple pregnancies and loss of weight.
With safe procedures and time-tested methodology, breast augmentation involves the implantation of prosthesis to achieve the perfect size and volume.
How breast augmentation improves your appearance
If you are not happy with your current breast size, you do not have to live with your insecurities. Whether you live on the West Coast or Asia, Honolulu’s best plastic surgeon can help you optimize your beautiful appearance. With a skilled procedure, breast implants can:
• Increase the fullness of the breasts, as well as the projection, to give you a youthful, voluptuous look
• Improve the overall balance and shape of your figure
• Assist you in developing more self-confidence and an improved self-image
It is important to be aware that breast implants can also be used for women who have suffered an injury to one or both of their breasts due to an accident, as well as for women who have undergone a mastectomy.
What breast surgery cannot accomplish
A woman contemplating breast surgery must understand the limitations of the procedure. You need to have realistic expectations about the outcome, or you will be disappointed with the end result.
If your breasts are extremely saggy, regardless of the reason, this type of surgery will not correct the problem. However, if you desire to have your breasts lifted and returned to a fuller appearance, then your Hawaii plastic surgery specialist may suggest a breast lift, followed by breast augmentation.
In some cases, the two procedures can be conducted simultaneously, but in other instances, they must be divided into two separate surgeries. Plastic surgeons look at each unique case to make the appropriate breast surgery decision.
Is breast augmentation right for you?
You should never have breast surgery to make anyone else happy. Only undergo breast implants for yourself to look and feel better about your body. After all, it is your body, and you will live daily with the results of the surgery.
Breast surgery is a good fit for you if you meet the following criteria:
• You are in good physical health
• You have realistic expectations for the outcome of the breast augmentation surgery
• You are over 18 years of age and your breasts are fully developed
• Your breasts vary in shape or size
• One or both of your breasts did not develop in a normal way
• You are disturbed by the change in shape and volume of your breasts as a result of childbirth, loss of weight, or the aging process
• You are tired of having small breasts and feel self conscious about them
The techniques utilized by Honolulu’s best plastic surgeon, along with other national leading specialists, mean that you undergo safe procedures that can create the look you desire for your body. Whether you want to improve your appearance or regain your youthful figure, breast augmentation may be a great way to achieve the body you deserve.







