Plastic Surgery Advice

Some patients require neither a breast augmentation nor reduction. They have lost the elasticity of the skin of the breast either after pregnancy or weight loss. For these patients a breast lift is performed.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is an operation to remove excess skin that has been stretched during pregnancy or weight fluctuation. The amount of skin removed is related to the degree of drooping of the breasts. Breast implants may by used at the same time when the breasts have lost substance due to pregnancy

Although there is some scarring with this procedure, women are pleased with the restructured shape and size of their breasts as well as with the way they appear in clothing and swimwear.

The patient undergoes general anesthesia with the surgery lasting three to four hours.

A breast lift surgery is normally safe when significant by a qualified surgeon. Significant complications from breast lifts are not frequent. Thousands of women go through surgery, without experiencing major problems and are pleased with the results.

Following a breast lift surgery, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple may vary slightly, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisional surgery may be helpful where incisions have healed poorly. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are not common, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce the risks by clearly following your physician’s advice before and after surgery.

Reasons for undergoing a breast lift: Breasts that lack substance or firmness. Some of the candidates have breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size. Nipples and areolas that point downwards, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease. Loss of elasticity, weight loss, pregnancy and breast-feeding affect the shape and firmness of the breasts.

A breast lift surgery is normally safe when significant by a qualified surgeon. Significant complications from breast lifts are not frequent. Thousands of women go through surgery, without experiencing major problems and are pleased with the results. Following a breast lift surgery, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple may vary slightly, permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revisional surgery may be helpful where incisions have healed poorly. Bleeding and infection following a breast lift are not common, but they can cause scars to widen. You can reduce the risks by clearly following your physician’s advice before and after surgery.

Waking up from any surgery can be unpleasant, but when you are awakening from a cosmetic surgery, there is the added suspense of wondering what you`ll look like. Did the surgeon do a good job? Will you be as beautiful as you imagined?

The sight that meets the patient`s eyes immediately after surgery is usually one of swelling, bruising and bandages. Very few people are able to see a realistic version of what they will be looking at for the rest of their lives until the recovery period is over. Certain procedures are more likely to need extra time than others, of course, and it`s important to keep this in mind.

For example, a nose surgery can take up to a year to completely get rid of the swelling, so it`s necessary to wait a year at least to see if you like your new nose or not, though you`ll have an idea of what the end result will be within a couple of weeks of surgery. Breast implants are usually far faster and it`s easy to see the results as soon as the initial swelling goes down, within a week or two.

Are Patients Happy with Their Body After Surgery?

To tell the truth, it can be a bit disappointing to wake up and find yourself looking more like something out of The Mummy than Pretty Woman. However, after the initial recovery period, most patients are thrilled with their new look. Even a simple change can make all the difference in how someone sees their body and how they feel going out in public. A flat chested woman, for example, might have felt very self-conscious and judged every time she walked down the street. With cosmetic surgery, she can now walk confidently, knowing that she looks as feminine as she wants.

Body image is something that changes drastically, even with a relatively small change to the person`s appearance. How you feel about your looks really does affect everything you do and for some people, it is to the point where they actually refuse to do some things because of how they feel about their body. Cosmetic surgery can change all that for the better, even if the change isn`t terribly noticeable to others.

Most patients (not counting perpetual patients, those who have an obsession with perfecting their bodies) are happy with the changes wrought by cosmetic surgery. They feel renewed and beautiful and will be more likely to do things they avoided before. Depending on the extent of the cosmetic surgery, things could be very different from before. Most doctors try to preserve the characteristics of the patient while enhancing them, which also helps with body image. You aren`t looking at a stranger when you wake up, you`re looking at the new and improved you.

A few things help patients with body image after cosmetic surgery:

• Realistic expectations: Knowing what to expect when they come out of surgery.

• An honest and skilled doctor: One who offers realistic advice and errs on the side of caution.

• Proper research: Reading up on plastic surgery and knowing what it entails.

Going into surgery prepared greatly enhances the chances of the patient coming out happy and pleased with the new look. A good surgeon will ensure that the patient has a good understanding of what is to come and how long the recovery period will be. This is part of the reason it`s a good idea to find a doctor with people skills, as well as cosmetic surgery skills.

Cosmetic surgery can be a huge blessing. Most patients are thrilled with their new and improved look and have increased self-esteem after surgery.

Cosmetic treatments have become a popular elective surgery for many people in today’s society.  Cosmetic surgery involves having a surgical procedure carried out by a plastic or cosmetic surgeon to improve the aesthetics of a particular part of your body. There are a number of surgical and non surgical cosmetic treatments available from cosmetic skin treatments to face treatments, body and even hand treatments. Cosmetic surgery procedures can not only improve physical appearance but it can also have positive emotional and psychological effects. Cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation or a tummy tuck can have a great influence on an individual’s self esteem and confidence levels.

One the most popular cosmetic treatments is breast implant surgery, many women feel their breast are not well portioned to their bodies.  Breast implant surgery enhances the overall appearance of the figure by highlighting breast size and providing a more shapely body contour. Because silicone breast implants vary in shape and size a breast augmentation surgeon can provide custom shaping that suits the patients figure. Breast lift surgery and breast reduction are also a popular option if breast have sagged and lost shape due to ageing.

If you want a more youthful appearance there are a range of cosmetic skin treatments that can turn back the hands of time. A facelift can correct sagging skin and prevent further wrinkles and lines to preserve a more youthful complexion. If you want a less invasive treatment, ant wrinkle treatments, wrinkle relaxers and dermal fillers might be ideal options for you.  These less invasive treatments can reduce wrinkles, enhance check bones and enlarge lips.  To find out more about the range of cosmetic treatments available might want to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic in Perth or your local area.

ROAD ACCIDENTS AND FIRST AID

Author – Dr.Jimmy.M.L.

1. Accident rate and ‘golden hour’

The major cause for death below fourty years of age in the world population is road traffic accidents. Hence it is called pandemic of twenty first century. The Indian R.T.A. rate is six percent of the total world rate, even though the total number of vehicles in Indian roads is one percent of the total world number. R.T.A. death rate in India is double that of the developed world.

The chart of deaths occurring after road traffic accidents can be grouped into three peaks. First peak of deaths occur immediately after the accidents. The major reason for death in this group is head injury. It is usually non preventable. The second peak of deaths occurs within first four hours after the accidents. This period is called `Golden hour’. The main cause of death in `Golden hour’ is blood loss. The third peak of deaths occurs three weeks after the accidents. This is due to multy organ failure. This has to be treated in the hospitals. If we can give correct first aid and shift the patient to the optimum hospital as early as possible; then we can reduce three fourths of R.T.A. deaths and can also improve the quality of life obtained after the treatment completion of accident victims.

2. ‘Control’ at the accident site

First of all, the care providers or volunteers should protect themselves from getting injured at the accident site. Then, off the `ignition’ of the involved vehicle. Abstain from carelessly throwing lighted cigarettes or other ignitable materials at the accidents site. Otherwise it may ignite the spilled fuel from the vehicle and produce major fire. The accident victims should be removed from the vehicle to a safer place by slowly removing the heavy objects fallen on their body instead of pulling them. If there are more volunteers at the accident site, then we should take their help also instead of doing everything by ourselves. We may send some volunteers to inform the police, ambulance, the hospital where we are going to carry the victims and relatives of the victims by phone.

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3. ‘Triage’ and order of the first aid

When many persons are involved in an accident, they are sorted by an expert and are given different colour cods according to the order of priority in which they are to be shifted to the hospitals. This is called ‘triage’. The victims who are to be shifted immediately to the hospital are given red, second priority victims are given yellow and the persons who may be shifted at a later time are given green color codes. Dead persons are given white and the persons who are very serious but will not survive even after shifting them to the hospital are given pink colour code. The first aid provided to the accident victims are conducted in the order of A, B, C or airway, breathing, circulation, bandage, splintage, and transport.

4. First aid for `breathing’

First step in the R.T.A. first aid is examination of the airway. The breathing is checked by placing fingers in front of the nostrils. If breath air flow is absent, examine the mouth and nose to check for any obstructing objects such as loose artificial dentures, mud etc. If the bones of the face are broken, place the `airway’ that makes a passage for the air from outside to enter in to the lungs. If the air is not entering the lungs after the airway is kept, pierce the trachea with five or six large bore injection needles to let the air in.

Next examine the breathing, by observing the chest movements or by using Stethoscope. If the victim is not breathing; give artificial respiration by `mouth to mouth’ breathing. This is given by making the victim lie on the floor and then extend the head of the victim and open the mouth by holding on the jaw. Keep a towel in front of the mouth of the victim. The provider takes deep breath and then exhales to the mouth of the victim by placing his mouth over the towel. This is repeated twelve times in a minute.

5. First aid for `circulation’

Next examine the `circulation’ or the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Usually the heart function is assessed by palpating the `pulse’. Usually `radial pulse’ is palpated to assess the heart function. This is palpated by placing three fingers just below the front of the wrist, on the side of the thumb of the victim and the volunteers thumb on the back. Feel for the repeated elevations of the three fingers. 2

If the radial pulse is not available; look for carotid pulse. This is felt by placing the fingers of the provider in the upper part of the neck, just below the corner of the jaw. If this is also impalpable; then it can be concluded that heart is not beating sufficiently.

If the heart is not functioning sufficiently, artificially squeeze the heart from outside for sending the blood to entire body and this is called `cardiac massage’. For this; make the victim lie on a firm place and place the heel of the palm one above another on the lower part of sternum. Keeping the elbow and wrist straight, press the chest by giving force from the shoulder so as to press down the chest to one and half inches. This is repeated seventy two times in a minute. In children use one hand so as to press down the chest to one inch and in infants use two fingers so as to press down the chest to half an inch. Cardiac massage is continued till the functioning of the heart returns or up to half an hour. Once the heart starts functioning; Place the patient in the side position or in the `recovery’ position. If both the heart beating and respiration are absent; give the ‘cardiac massage’ and ‘mouth to mouth breathing’ in the ratio of 30:2 which means 30 ‘cardiac massages’ followed by two ‘mouth to mouth breathings’.

Next, search the body to identify bleeders. If the bleeding is occurring from the limbs, keep them elevated to reduce the blood flow. After that, give `pressure bandage’ by using pads and tie them with pressure. ‘Tourniquet’ or tying the limbs with rope may produce further damage to the limbs and hence must be avoided.

6. Rapid examination and fluid `shock’

Examine the head, eyes, nose, ears, chest, abdomen, pelvis and limbs to detect wounds, contusions etc. Ask the victim to move the toes, fingers and the limbs to check their movements or function. With the help of two volunteers keep the victim on the side position, identify the wounds on the back and check the tenderness behind the centre of neck and vertebral column. These examinations are to be done with in two minutes.

Fractures in the pelvic bones may produce oozing of blood to the abdominal cavity. This may cause death. Hence such a victim has to be shifted immediately to the hospital. A condition called `shock’ develops; when more than forty percent of the whole body blood is lost due to multiple bone fractures, deep wounds or pelvic bone fractures. The feeble pulse, cold and pale skin, fast and shallow breathing and loss of

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consciousness are the signs of the `shock’. In such a stage; the legs should be elevated to shift the blood to the vital body parts like brain. At the accident site; penetrating objects should not be removed from the body of the victim because it may cause death due to internal bleeding.

7. Bandage, splinting and transport

Cover the all the significant wounds by using pads and bandages. The abnormal movement in the chest and breathing difficulty due to fractures of many ribs can be reduced by strapping the chest with cloth. If the abdominal viscera went outside the abdomen due to wounds, relocate it to the abdominal cavity and cover the abdomen with clean cloths.

Use splints in the case of fractures to prevent further damage to the near by tissues, blood loss, pain and edema. The available materials like wooden bars, Umbrella etc. may be used as splints to immobilize the fractures by tying them around the fractured limbs. A square shaped cloth may be folded to form a `triangular sling’. This is used for immobilizing upper limb fractures. A fractured lower limb may be immobilized by tying it to the uninjured lower limb with the help of four cloths.

The possibilities for vertebral fractures are high, if there is tenderness behind the centre of the neck. If the neck moves in such a victim, spinal cord may be damaged by the fractured vertebral column to produce paralyses of the limbs. Hence in such persons, the neck should be immobilized using hard cervical collar. If there is tenderness on the back of the centre of chest or abdomen, the victim should be shifted to the ambulance by four persons like a `log of wood’ or without bending the victims body.

8. Matters related to the hospitals

The decision to shift to the respective hospital is made after considering the financial status of the victim and the type and seriousness of the injuries. If the treatment for the specific injuries of the victim are available, it is better to shift to the near by hospital. The head injuries patients are to be shifted to a hospital were C.T. Scan and Neurosurgeon is available. The amputated body parts should be placed in a clean plastic bag which is placed in another plastic bag containing ice cubes and the bag is tied safely. This should be carried within 6 hours to a hospital with micro

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vascular surgical facility. Victims with severe muscle or soft tissue loss are to be shifted to hospitals where facilities for plastic surgery are available. Hand injury victims may have tendon cuts which require suturing and hence they are to be shifted to hospitals having orthopaedic or plastic surgery departments.

In order to undergo anesthesia for major surgery, the patient has to abstain from taking food and drinks for six hours. The seriously injured victims should not be given food or drinks after the accident because they may require major surgery. After transporting the victim from the accident site; instead of forsaking the victims in the hospitals, intimate their relatives, give the doctor necessary information to write the police intimation and also if necessary arrange for blood transfusion.

9. Causes and solutions

Driving after consuming alcohol must be avoided because even with minor quantities of alcohol; decision making capacity, co-ordination, muscle strength, vision and hearing may be impaired. Drunken driving, sleepy driving, over speed, non use of seat belts or helmets, use of mobile phones during driving, carelessness and disobeying of traffic rules may cause R.T.A.s or make the injuries more grievous and hence must be avoided.

Those who drive the vehicles must rectify their health problems by undergoing time to time health check ups and treatments. Those who are in diseases like fever which causes tiredness, those with recurrent heart pain, fits and dizziness etc. and those who have taken medications that causes tiredness like that for allergy, should not drive vehicles. In the circumstance of increasing R.T.A.s and treatment expenses, every one must take R.T.A. health insurance. Well equipped first aid box in the vehicles and first aid training to all vehicle drivers and travelers can cause reduction of R.T.A. deaths and improve the quality of life obtained after the treatment completion of the injuries.

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While the overall number of male plastic surgery procedures performed in the past decade is up, women still far outnumber male patients by about 10:1 in most parts of the country. While male plastic surgery patients undergo some different procedures than women, their motivations for undergoing face and body changes are also different.

While both men and women undergo plastic surgery to look physically better, you have to dig beyond this obvious level to understand what their true motivations are. The desired physical concerns or desired changes are just a reflection of their unspoken concerns. Generally speaking, most women undergo plastic surgery for internal self-image motivations. They want to fell better about themselves. Correcting a physical flaw is one approach to self-improvement. (and perhaps the easiest?) Whether it is a tummy tuck to look better in clothes or t have their eyes done to look more refreshed, plastic surgery for women is mainly about improving themselves and is not necessarily for others. I hear this over and over…’my husband says I look fine the way I am’…or…’my friends say I look fine’. But yet, women want to have the surgery anyway…because they to effect an internal self-image change. Men, conversely, often undergo plastic surgery because they want things. Whether it be to have more women, sex, money or power…it most always deep down is motivated by a desire for external or more tangible things. As a plastic surgerycorollary to ‘Men are Venus, Women are from Mars’…Women do things for themselves, Men usually do things for somebody else. or other external raesons.

The male plastic surgery patient is also different from the female patient in other ways as well. They often do not prefer to undergo radical procedures that make a drastic change in appearance, have less pain tolerance, follow postoperatve instructions less carefully, do not want a prolonged physical or social recovery, and can be more vocal about the outcome of the surgery. (or they are at least more vocal) Much of this has to do with the general greater impatience of men who want to get to the final result quickly…and usually more discretely. This is why smaller more subtle procedures for men are often better, even if the result is not as significant. Men get no accolades, and certainly little support, in society for suffering through a plastic surgery recovery. And the aging of men is generally better accepted in all societies. Women, conversely, garner more empathy if they are suffering to look more ‘beautiful’. In fact, our society expects them to do so.

The handling of the male plastic surgery patient, I have found, is quite different from a female patient. Because of the male mentality, some plastic surgeons do not enjoy working with men. They often require more time and patience than most female patients. And the demands of the younger male patient are higher than that of an older man. The young male patient, who often is more consumed with his personal appearance, can be quite demanding and is most likely to require more than one surgery to make happy.

You don’t have to turn into a zombie for this type of plastic surgery – but it might help!

Although the bizarre moniker “twilight surgery” has eerie ramifications of Rod Serling’s popular Twilight Zone television program of yesteryear, it actually is becoming an increasingly popular way to undergo some cosmetic procedures – without the administration of general anesthesia.

It might sound scary or perhaps even a little bit shocking, but in reality the benefits of twilight surgery are numerous. In fact, if you think you can handle the idea of a plastic surgeon cutting off part of your face, manipulating the bones in your nose or shaving off some ear cartilage while you’re wide awake, this could be the surgery for you.

Why Twilight Surgery?

Twilight surgery, which originated in the United States but is now becoming popular virtually worldwide, is carried out while patients are awake, although they are put under heavy sedation before going under the knife. In some cases patients wake up having no recollection of the procedure; in others, they remember every nip, cut and tuck.

How it works is simple. Instead of administering a general anesthetic, the surgeon uses a local one along with a sedative, one that makes the patient feel comfortably drowsy and relaxed. This allows him or her to talk during the surgery, in some cases, and actually move and be responsive to the surgeon when required.

Also known as twilight sleep, conscious sedation or monitored sedation, twilight surgery is not for the squeamish, even though both the local anaesthesia and sedative are administered by a qualified anesthesiologist. The latter may include nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or intravenous medications, and for patients who do not want to run the risk of general anesthesia, the benefits are obvious.

General anesthesia can be dangerous for certain people, such as heavy smokers, those who are dangerously overweight or those with certain medical conditions. Often patients worry that they will be put under and never wake up. When it comes to elective surgery, which plastic surgery more often than not is, twilight surgery can take away a considerable risk.

Local anesthesia as opposed to a general is beneficial for other reasons as well. For procedures such as a facelift, twilight surgery will allow patients to smile, laugh and frown during the course of the operation, so that the surgeon can check the movement of facial or wrinkles and, ultimately, achieve better results. With liposuction, the surgeon can ask the patient to stand up so her or she can access the result of their handiwork once gravity has taken its toll. This would not be possible under heavier sedation.

Types of Twilight Surgery

As far as plastic surgery is concerned, the consensus is mixed. Most surgeons would agree that facelifts, tummy tucks, eye lifts, ear pinning and nose jobs, also known as a rhinoplasty, can be carried out advantageously as twilight surgery. Others say that invasive procedures such as a breast enlargement operation can also have good results, while others believe it’s unsafe.

The decision, ultimately, is up to you and your surgeon – but make sure you only use one accredited by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or its equivalent, for best results. And as twilight surgery is relatively new, only use a surgeon who has done the procedure before many, many times before. Remember, you only live once – so ensure you do the best to take care of your health while you can, and don’t stint on money when it comes to something like an operation.

Disadvantages of Twilight Surgery:

In some case, twilight surgery is there to alleviate anxiety if a patient has had a traumatic experience while under general anesthesia. So if the thought of being awake during your operation causes you evenmore undue stress, perhaps you should opt for a general anesthetic.

Other disadvantages include…

In some cases, the patient could move or flinch during the operation, not a good idea when a surgeon is wielding a large knife…

Patient could suffer a bad experience during the operation and later feel traumatized

Often patients can feel a minor pulling and/or tugging during surgery, which some may find unpleasant

Advantages of Twilight Surgery:

The advantages are numerous, although remember that twilight surgery is not suitable for every type of cosmetic procedure…

Patient can respond to surgeon and move face or other body parts during the operation

Quicker recovery period than surgery performed under general anesthesia

No complications or difficulties associated with general anesthesia

Shorter hospital stay, in most cases, as opposed to surgery done under general anesthesia

No breathing tube required during surgery or after

Many patients say they have less bruising and bleeding afterwards, as well as no post-operative nausea, which is a common after-effect of general anesthesia

Twilight sleep is commonly used during dental surgery with few complications, although some people worry (unduly) that they will reveal some embarrassing secret to their dentist while they are under, or will do something they will regret. Remember that everyone has a different reaction to specific medications, and that a true professional will not even notice if you act a bit more brazen than usual – they may even enjoy it!

However, twilight surgery is not for everyone, especially the squeamish or those who experience deep anxiety when even contemplating an operation. But if your plastic surgeon believes you will have better results with twilight surgery, as in the case of a facelift, nose job or liposuction – or if you have had a bad experience with general anesthesia – this may be a good option for you.

Remember, many common operations, such as eyelid surgery, dental surgery and nose jobs, are done with twilight sedation and local anesthesia. It all depends your own comfort level, as well as the comfort level of your plastic surgeon. If the two of you make a joint decision that twilight surgery is the best plan to follow, then by all means go with it. Just make sure you don’t wake up looking like Rod Serling!

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.

Of the breast plastic surgery procedures performed in 2006 in the US, 329,000 were for breast augmentation. For cosmetic breast plastic surgery in some countries, health insurers will only reimburse insertion of breast implants for clinical indications, meaning, congenital abnormalities, sex-reassignment surgery or breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. Today if you’re considering breast plastic surgery, it’s important to know all the pros and cons related to the type of procedure that you want.

In the mid 1980s, advances in manufacturing principles brought about elastomer-coated shells to decrease gel bleed. They are filled with a thicker, more cohesive gel. These implants are sold under restricted conditions in the US and Canada, but are widely used in other countries.

There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled implants. Since the saline implants are empty when they’re surgically inserted, the scar is smaller than the scar for the silicone gel breast implants which come filled with silicone before they are placed.

It was mostly the silicone implants that were designed in the 1970s that were involved in the class-action lawsuits against Dow-Corning and many other manufacturers in the early 1990s. Compared to the silicone gel implants, saline implants are more likely to cause cosmetic problems likes rippling and wrinkling, and can be more noticeable to the eye or to the touch. There have been several types of breast implants developed other than the saline filled and silicone gel filled, including polypropylene string and soy oil, but these are not commonly used, if at all today. Leakage of oil into the body cavity during a rupture would not be good.

Saline-filled implants are the most common implant used in the US due to some of the restrictions on silicone implants, which may change; but they are seldom used in other countries.

Some of the local complications that can occur with breast implants include breast pain, post-op bleeding, fluid collection, surgical site infection, alterations in nipple sensation, interference with breast feeding, visible wrinkling, asymmetric appearance, wound dehiscence with potential implant exposure, thinning of the breast tissue, and disruption of the natural plane between the breasts.

Studies of the newer type saline-filled breast implants approved by the FDA in May 2000 showed rupture and deflation rates of 3-5% at three years and 7-10% at five years for breast augmentation patients. Thousands of women have claimed they have become ill from their breast implants; the complaints include neurological and rheumatological problems.

Recently the FDA recommended that MRIs should be considered to screen for silent rupture starting at about three years after implantation and then every two years thereafter. Rupture is one reason for needing to go back to surgery. Among the of rupture is damage during implantation or other surgical procedures, trauma to the chest, pressure from hard ‘bear hugs’, and the pressure from mammograms. Countries outside of the United States have not endorsed any routine MRI screening, and have taken the position that MRI’s should be reserved only for cases involving suspected clinical rupture or to confirm mammographic or ultrasound studies that suggest there is a rupture.

Since the early 1990s, a number of independent reviewers have examined studies concerning any links between silicone gel breast implants and systemic diseases; the consensus of these reviews is that there is no clear evidence of a causal link between the implantation of silicone breast implants in breast plastic surgery and any systemic disease. One should always find out who is funding these studies and taken into consideration. One study reported that only 30% of ruptures, in patients with no symptoms, are accurately detected by experienced plastic surgeons, compared to 86% detected by MRI.

A contracture due to scar tissue is a complication that can be very painful and distort the appearance of the implanted breast and is quite common. It’s important to remember that breast implants don’t last a lifetime and at some time or other would need to be removed permanently or removed and replaced.

Although the general international consensus is that silicone implants in breast plastic surgery has not been shown to cause systemic illness, one must keep in mind that many women have reported a connection between the symptoms they’re having and to their breast augmentation. As with any decision, make sure to weigh all the benefits and risks carefully before proceeding with any type of breast plastic surgery. If you decide to proceed, make sure you choose the best breast plastic surgeon based on some good research. Ask health professionals you know for referrals. Get references from the surgeon’s patients.

It is obvious that the biggest stars in Hollywood would rather talk about who designed their latest gowns, suits or jewelry rather than talk about who their plastic surgeon is or what particular plastic surgery makeover they have done over the weekend before the highly anticipated red carpet movie premiere or awards night.

It is but normal for A- or B-listers to deny plastic surgery rumors. After all, plastic surgeons should not have built secret passages in their plastic surgery clinics to cater to the needs of these highly sensitive demands of stars to be discreet with their makeovers, if they are just going to admit it right away in public.

However, their denials seem stupid when everyone can plainly see the modifications they have done with their bodies. There are plastic surgery makeovers that one can have a hard time keeping from the public’s scrutinizing eyes. Breast augmentation, for instance, is hard to conceal. Those newly enlarged set of boobs are supposed to be displayed, aren’t they? Women flaunt them, not hide them.

This is why celebrity boob jobs will always be the most popular thing among celebrities because they are so obsessed with having huge knockers. To most female celebrities, having a flat chest is not anymore the fad these days. They want a fuller bust line and a prominent cleavage to go along with their flirty dresses. Thus, they go to their favorite plastic surgeons discreetly to get breast implants. Weeks after, they go out with the new set of boobs on display and they could have never been more proud.

And of course, a celebrity plastic surgery blog is always on the lookout for such juicy events. There is nothing more entertaining than to see our favorite stars in their newly reconstructed breasts, jaws, and bodies. That is total entertainment in itself. And when a botched plastic surgery procedure arises, celebrity blogs are there to present the gory details. Take Tara Reid’s case for instance. She has had many procedures performed on her such as breast augmentation and liposuction and that latest boob job did it for her. She came out in the open though and chronicled her experience via the Today show.

The thing is, no matter how hard Hollywood stars deny their plastic surgery endeavors; it always remains a fact that going under the knife is part of the regimen that they use before they go to the Oscars or the Golden Globes. Even musicians seem to have this insatiable need to look 10 to 15 years younger when they receive their Grammy’s. Everyone wants to look their best and plastic surgery offers the quickest fix possible. And now that non-invasive procedures have emerged, our dear celebrities have all the more relied to cosmetic surgery to address their ever growing demands in looking good and feeling good.

Plastic surgery has become increasingly popular and accessible in the world today. Still, it’s important that you ask yourself if you’re really a good candidate for cosmetic procedures. A little self-reflection – along with the following criteria – will go a long way when considering plastic surgery.

No. 1: Your Physical Health

There are a number of factors that determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate for plastic surgery. The first consideration is whether or not the patient is healthy enough to undergo the surgery. If you have a shaky medical history, do not respond well to certain types of medication or anesthesia, or have a weak or compromised immune system, plastic surgery might be risky for you. Make sure to discuss your plans for plastic surgery with your primary care physician before proceeding with the surgery. Also, be sure that your plastic surgeon is fully briefed on your medical history before you have your procedure.

No. 2: Being Emotionally Prepared for Plastic Surgery

Being a good candidate for plastic surgery is more complicated that simply being in good physical health. It is important to be emotionally healthy and prepared for the mental effects of the surgery.

Depending on your reasons for undergoing plastic surgery, the procedure and time period afterwards can be an incredibly emotional time. It is important to know that many patients go through a few days of mild depression after plastic surgery. It is also important to be prepared for this and know what to do if the depression does not subside. (If your depression does not subside after three days, contact your physician and plastic surgeon immediately.) Being emotionally prepared for plastic surgery also means being in an emotionally stable place in your life. Sometimes people turn to surgery thinking it will help them through a difficult period in their lives. Getting plastic surgery directly after a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one or a divorce is often a bad decision.

No. 3 and 4: Being Realistic About Your Goals and Understanding the Risks of Surgery

It is very important that plastic surgery patients to have realistic goals for their bodies. A patient who is 200 pounds overweight will not look like a supermodel the week after bariatric surgery. It can take many years of surgery, physical therapy and proper diet and exercise to completely transform one’s body in such a dramatic way. Furthermore, a complete transformation can require numerous surgeries.

In addition to being realistic about your goals, be sure you understand the risks of your surgery. No matter what kind of surgery you are having, cosmetic or otherwise, there is always risk involved. Be sure to speak frankly with your plastic surgeon about all of the possible outcomes of the surgery, even the negative ones. Being completely informed is the best and healthiest way to enter into this decision.

No. 5: Being Prepared to Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

After plastic surgery, you may be in a very delicate physical state. People who choose to have breast augmentation surgery, for example, must refrain from any rigorous physical activity during their recuperation period. During this period, even light exercise could cause one of the implants to shift or one of the sutures to open. Be sure that you are completely prepared to follow all of your surgeon’s orders during your recuperation period. Be sure that you know how to take care of your body in an ongoing way.

What if I am Not a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?

If you are in poor health or, for some reason, your doctor does not feel that you are a good candidate for cosmetic plastic surgery plastic surgery, he or she should tell you so. A doctor who practices with solid medical ethics, and who has your best interests at heart, will not authorize a procedure if it is too risky for you.

Chosing who to trust to do your plastic surgery can be a difficult task.  Depending on where you are located, lax regulation may make it possible that your ‘plastic surgeon’ is not a surgeon at all.  Or they may be a surgeon with training in general surgery, or otolaryngology.

Plastic Surgery is one of the most competitive specialties to get into. It usually ranks in the top 3 which means that medical students go through a rigorous process to be selected into these residencies. (This means, in addition to getting superior grades in medical school, that they do research projects, publish a lot, and do a lot of electives in Plastic Surgery.) These medical students then go through a rigorous residency where they learn everything they need to know about Plastic Surgery. Sometimes, they pursue additional training (fellowship) in Plastic Surgery subspecialties. In the end they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (in Canada). This is the certification that you want to be looking for. It doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it guarantees that a responsible body has assessed this surgeon and determined that he was a safe and knowledgeable Plastic Surgeon.

Beware of ‘fake’ certification. Anyone can create a ‘Society’ and distribute certificates. Family doctors and other surgeons then pay a membership fee to these societies which in return issue a certificate of membership. These can be Am Soc of Laser Surgery, or Am Soc of Liposuction or International Society of Cosmetic Surgery etc…… They sound good, their certificates look impressive, but they only guarantee that the surgeon has paid his membership fee. There is no exam, no certification process involved (no, a two week course in liposuction is not a real training experience).

In conclusion, you want Am Board of Plastic Surgery or Royal College of Physician and Surgeons in Plastic Surgery. If you don’t know… ask another doctor or your family doctor.

Martin Jugenburg, MD (http://www.plastica.ca)