Plastic Surgery Advice

If you have been recently diagnosed as having breast cancer, your doctor may recommend a full mastectomy or a partial one.

On the other hand, you may already have had a mastectomy or a partial mastectomy and you’re left with a number of questions about how to best take care of yourself at this point. This article will try to answer some of your unanswered questions if you’re facing surgery or have already had it.

To help you organize your questions, it will be beneficial for you to carry around a small notebook on which you can jot your questions as well as the answers your doctor gives you. For example, you need to know what your doctor recommends — should you have a full mastectomy or a partial one? Do you want a second opinion at this point? How long will your hospital stay be? Have your lymph nodes been affected by cancer? How will your body react after one or more lymph nodes has been removed? What is the best method of taking care of your incision? How much scarring is anticipated by your doctor after surgery? Will removing one or more lymph nodes affect the range of motion of your shoulder and arm? Have you considered how you will care for the areas of your body that are effected by surgery after your operation?

It’s often a good idea to have a support group standing behind you at this tough time of your life. Having someone who’s already been through this experience to share what they went through could help you get an idea of what’s going to happen to you as well.

You’ll be wanting to know how long a full recovery will take when you are back on your feet again. After the removal of one or both of your breasts, your sense of balance may be affected. In time your body will adjust to this. However, the services of a physical therapist may help you a lot to regain your former agility. There are special exercises you can do to help remove the stiffness and help you feel better after surgery.

After breast cancer surgery, you will need to take care of yourself and be specially careful about the arm and hand on the side where lymph nodes were removed — if any lymph nodes were found to contain cancer cells.

Following surgery, your arm on the side where your lymph nodes were removed may swell. You need to protect your arm and hand on that side after your operation by paying attention to the following tips:

1. Don’t use that arm to carry heavy packages or other items.

2. Avoid wearing tight clothing.

3. Don’t wear snug bracelets or watches.

4. Don’t receive shots or other medical procedures on your affected arm and hand.

5. Don’t use harsh cleaning solutions unless you protect your arms and hands by wearing plastic or rubber gloves.

6. Be sure to wear protective gloves when you do heavy-duty cleaning or gardening.

7. Be on your guard against sunburn.

8. Be especially careful when trimming your nails and cuticles to avoid cutting them.

9. Wear an elastic sleeve if your arm swells.

10. Protect your affected arm from cuts and insect bites.

If your lymph nodes are going to be removed or have already been removed, be sure to see your doctor if your arm bothers you.

Today there are numerous medical advancements that help women overcome the effects of breast cancer, so take advantage of the medical advice your doctor can provide for you.

Nasal Attraction

By Jullene Du Toit

South African Dr Pieter Swanepoel is one of the top five nose surgeons in the world. He has pioneered the next great step forward in nose jobs in South Africa.

A kindly aunt of mine once offered me a nose job. “Unfortunately you’ve inherited the Du Toit beak,” she said briskly. “And you know that noses only get longer the older you get. I’ve just come into a bit of money, so if you ever have the urge…”

I spared a wistful thought for my aunt while sitting under twin spotlights, every bump obvious on the computer screen showing my image from a digital camera.

Now, as you can see,” said Dr Pieter Swanepoel, wielding a pen-shaped mouse and special pad, “your nostrils are not symmetrical, and the tip is maybe too pointy. If we just smooth this part here…”

I blinked as the tip of my nose waggled on the computer screen and Dr Swanepoel started doing a virtual resculpting, shortening it, smoothing it and lifting it up ever so lightly at the end. Rather nice, I thought, gazing at the colour print-outs at the end of the session.

The Nose Clinic in Pretoria East is tucked into a sprawling property of indigenous bush, completely private and hidden from the road. It is one of the best in the world, so highly respected that Dr Swanepoel is to present a paper on his method of using local anaesthetic to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in New York later this year.

He has pioneered the next step forward in rhinoplasty – painless, quick-healing, and much less stressful to the body than going under general anaesthetic.

It’s a technique known as ‘conscious sedation’ or ‘regional sensory nerve blocking’. A special computer linked to a microneedle measures and injects tiny quantities of anaesthetic under the skin – a gentle, painless procedure. You have the op in the morning, are conscious throughout, and in the afternoon someone can take your woozy self home to sleep it off. In ten days or so all the bruising and swelling is gone and you have yourself a beautiful new nose, and chin too, if that’s needed.

Dr Swanepoel is one of seven surgeons worldwide testing the procedure, and is the only one using local anaesthetic for nose and reconstructive surgery.

Then of course, there’s the specially designed American software that allowed him to tweak my nose into something of beauty. It’s only used by one other plastic surgeon in South Africa. All the rest, I’m afraid, are still sketching noses onto photographs and drawings.

Rhinoplasty, according to the good doctor, is the surgery of minutiae of millimetres. Tiny changes make big differences. You change an imperfect nose, and suddenly the face looks different.

“That’s because the human eye always focuses first on imperfections. The nose is the centre focus of the face, the fulcrum, so to speak. You cannot hide it with clothes or hair. Once a defect is rectified, the attention goes to the strongest part of the face, usually the eyes. In fact the Americans have a saying: A good rhinoplasty is seen in the eyes.”

That’s why it fascinates him so much. Dr Swanepoel has super-specialised in this niche, from qualifying as an ear, nose and throat specialist. But within this very narrow specialisation, he does a wide variety of work. Apart from the plastic surgery, he also does reconstruction for those who have had accidents or some kind of trauma, and functional surgery for people with blocked sinuses or deformities. The three can also be combined. “It’s very challenging surgery – demanding, exacting and variable.”

It’s also half art, half technique and technology, says Dr Swanepoel. Like many plastic surgeons, he’s an artist too, and sculpts in clay, sometimes working with it to figure out how he’ll operate on a particular patient.

Plastic surgery is not the cure-all though, and patient and doctor need to know the limits. Michael Jackson’s first nose job was very good, “an excellent result”, says Dr Swanepoel. But Jackson wanted it perfect. “I always say perfection is the enemy of good, and now he’s gone well over the peak of the bell curve. As my uncle used to say, the worst disease a surgeon can suffer from is itchy fingers.”

It was his uncles who inspired him to become a surgeon when Dr Swanepoel was growing up on a farm between the tiny towns of Koster and Ventersdorp. “It seemed like magic to me that they could hear people’s hearts with a stethoscope, and that they could heal people. They’d sometimes throw a white cloth over my parent’s kitchen table, and operate on emergency cases like appendix or even Caesarians. I would hide underneath and peep at what was going on.

“One day, I’ll never forget. They caught me there, and my dad was going to take me out, but his eldest brother who was very stern, looked at me and said: “No, let him stay. Who knows, maybe one day he’ll become a doctor too.”

I darted discreet looks at Dr Swanepoel’s less than beautiful schnozz. Would he ever have his done, I asked. “Well, I know it needs some work,” he mused fingering it. “But there’s no one in this country I’d lie down for. There are maybe two in the States I’d consider, but otherwise no,” he said, eyes twinkling.

Did you know?

- Nose surgery began about 3 000 years ago, in response to the lopping off of noses in battle, or in India, because of infidelity. Surgeons would graft rolld up skin from the forehead onto the gaping wound.

- Noses have 240 anatomical variations.

- Twenty years ago, a nose job would have cost the same as a small house. Now they’ll set you back about R12 000.

- Before an operation, avoid pain pills, curries, chillies and arnica. They all thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding and bruising. Arnica should only be used afterwards.

For more information on The Nose Clinic, visit www.newnose.co.za or call

(012)807-1147

Birth defect or accidents may unfortunately leave you with a rather unshapely nose that does not match your face well in shape or size. Rhinoplasty surgery, which is a branch of plastic surgery, was developed initially for corrective surgery on the nose to fit in better proportion to the face. This surgery was also intended to correct the shape of the nose to eliminate the problem of constricted breathing. Apart from these benefits from corrective surgery, rhinoplasty in recent years is increasingly being viewed as a way to bring aesthetic changes to the face.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures today, with hundreds of thousands of patients undergoing rhinoplasty surgery each year. Despite its popularity, rhinoplasty is viewed as one of the most difficult cosmetic procedures. Motives for having rhinoplasty surgery may differ, be it improvement in the breathing process, reduction or enhancement in the nose size, or eradication of injury marks. Depending on the patient’s condition the rhinoplasty surgeon can use local or general anesthesia. This nose reshaping procedure generally does not take more than two hours in most of the cases.

There are two main techniques involved in the procedure of rhinoplasty, namely closed and open rhinoplasty.

Closed Rhinoplasty

If a minor reshaping is required, most rhinoplasty surgeons prefer to make incisions within the nose and then to insert an instrument that separates the skin of the nose from the bone and cartilage. After being exposed in this manner, the bone and cartilage are removed. They are then reshaped and rearranged to give the nose the desired shape. After the rearrangement is complete, the nose tissues are spread over the newly shaped structures. Towards the end of the procedure the original incisions are closed up.

Open Rhinoplasty

When it involves a major nose reshaping job, rhinoplasty surgeons prefer not to make incisions inside the nose. In case of a major reshaping, the incisions are made over an area of the nose called the columella which is a vertical strip of skin that separates the nostrils. This is a comparatively more complex procedure and referred to as “open” rhinoplasty.

After the reshaping of the nose is complete, incisions are closed up immediately in both the cases. Some puffy materials are used inside the nose to support the renewed structure along the nasal air passages. In addition to that, an external splint is also applied to the nose for at least six to eight days to help the nose keep its new shape. This splint also helps the nose through the healing process.

Clip from the film Jubilee of Adam and the Ants performing Plastic Surgery, as well as a scene including Adam Ant. www.imdb.com

A crackdown on western influences in fashion may make you think Iran is an unlikely hotspot for cosmetic surgery. Record numbers of people are going under the knife in Tehran to get that perfect nose. Ali Reza Ronaghi reports. … nose job cosmetic surgery al reza ronaghi iran aljazeera jazeera al-jazeera

Recovery time after cosmetic surgery varies widely from person to person. The amount of time it takes to fully recover often depends largely on the type of surgery that was performed, but there are steps patients can take to ease the process and ensure the best possible results. No matter what procedure was performed, the recovery process involves both physical and emotional issues. The following five recovery tips can help you through this crucial period after cosmetic surgery.

1. Understand the Recovery Process

One of the most important things to remember is that the recovery process can be tough. In many cases, you will likely end up looking worse before you’ll look better. Bruising, swelling, drainage and soreness are all possible after effects of any cosmetic surgery. Because of this, the positive impact of your surgery may not be evident for several days or even several weeks. Depending on the seriousness and invasiveness of the surgery, you might need to remain in bandages for an extended period of time. By understanding exactly how your recovery is expected to proceed, you will be better able to cope with this process. As the swelling and bruising begins to recede, you will then be able to see the results of your surgery.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations

The exact nature of your recovery will depend greatly on which surgical procedure you have chosen. In some cases, your doctor may order bed rest or direct you to keep the affected area elevated. Always follow your doctor’s suggestion precisely. Brushing off this valuable medical advice can seriously impact the overall results of your surgery. Your doctor is in the best position to understand your unique needs as well as the possible effects of your surgery, so following his or her recommendations is absolutely essential.

3. Talk to Your Doctor Before Trying New Recovery Techniques

In some cases, people might be tempted to start taking vitamin supplements and herbal remedies to hasten the recovery process. However, you should always discuss the matter with your doctor before attempting such a strategy. The pain medications and other prescriptions you are taking can have an impact on how these additional supplements act on your body, which means that you must inform your doctor of any non-prescription vitamins, herbs, and supplements you are taking. In some cases, combining medications with vitamins and herbs can have a devastating impact on your health or even cause major complications such as organ damage or failure.

4. Enlist the Help of Friends and Family

The period immediately following your surgery is crucial to your recovery. During this time, it is important to have the help and support of friends and family. This support system can help you with basic after-care and ensure that your basic needs are met. With some surgeries, you may actually need someone to provide care for a two to three day period after your surgery. By getting the support that you need during this critical time, you will be able to focus the proper attention on your recovery.

5. Consider the Psychological Impact of Surgery

While cosmetic surgery has obvious physical implications, the emotional and psychological impact is often more subtle yet equally important. All too often, people expect an immediate boost in self-confidence and personal esteem. In truth, any type of surgery is often following by a wide array of emotions, ranging from happiness to depression. The best way to cope with the psychological elements of cosmetic surgery is to have realistic expectations as well as to understand the possible emotions you might experience after surgery.

There are many different procedures in use today, each with its own range of advantages, risks and limitations. Before having any type of surgery, always consider factors such as what you need, what you expect, and the possible cosmetic surgery cost. All of these issues can not only have an impact on your recovery, but they can also impact your results and an ultimate satisfaction with your cosmetic surgery experience.

Making the choice to undergo plastic surgery is a very personal decision. Some people choose to have plastic surgery to correct the effects of an accident or disease. Others choose plastic surgery to reform the shape of their body after serious physical changes such as weight loss or pregnancy. Plastic surgery can be used to create dramatic results, or very subtle ones that slightly repair or rejuvenate a patient’s appearance. Choosing a plastic surgeon is just as personal a choice as the plastic surgery that you want to have.

If you live in a major city like New York or Los Angeles, you should have a plethora of very qualified plastic surgeons to choose from. However, there are many talented plastic surgeons throughout North America. If you do not live in or very close to a major city, you still may be able to find a wonderful doctor to perform your surgery. However, if you live very far away from any major hospitals, you might have to travel to find a plastic surgeon who can perform your procedure. For more information on how to find plastic surgeons in your area, visit www.docshop.com.

How Can I Choose the Right Plastic Surgeon?

One of the best ways to find a good plastic surgeon is to rely on recommendations. Get in touch with other people who have already undergone the plastic surgery that you hope to have. Find out about the doctors they went to. If you keep hearing good things about one or two particular doctors, then do a little bit of research on them. You may have found your plastic surgeon!

Talk To Your Physician

Not only will your physician be able to tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for the surgery, but he or she might also be able to make some recommendations. Your doctor probably knows the medical community in your area very well. If there does not happen to be a good plastic surgeon in your area, your physician might be able to recommend well-respected plastic surgeons in other parts of the country. It is important to note that you should always speak to your physician before undergoing any procedures like plastic surgery.

Interview the Candidates

Once you have a list of possible plastic surgeons, do a little bit of research on their background. You may want to find out if the surgeons use the best and latest medical facilities and equipment. Ask to see each surgeon’s portfolio of before and after photos. Finally, make sure that you choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. You will need to speak to your surgeon very frankly about your reasons for undergoing the plastic surgery and your expectations from it. Therefore, it is best to work with a doctor with whom you feel comfortable.

Additional Assistance in Finding a Plastic Surgeon in Your Area

B.A., Natural Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD M.D., Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY, NY General Surgery Residency, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA Plastic Surgery Residency, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA

Board Certification

Diplomat, American Board of Plastic Surgery, 1999 Diplomat, American Board of Surgery, 1997

Professional Memberships

Fellow, American College of Surgeons Member, American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Member, Plastic Surgery Research Council Council Member, California Society of Plastic Surgeons George Henry Rudkin, MD, FACS completed both his general surgery and plastic surgery training at UCLA, where he is now an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery. Dr Rudkin is also the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Hospital, and continues to teach and instruct residents in the prestigious UCLA training program in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Rudkin has extensive experience in aesthetic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction and body contouring, breast surgery and cosmetic injectables (Botox and facial ‘fillers’ such as Restylane and Radiesse). He also has expertise in the treatment of skin cancer and related reconstruction.

Dr. Rudkin has research interests in skin cancer and bone regeneration, having an exceptionally strong background in the molecular biology of intercellular communication. Dr. Rudkin is a recipient of the Veterans Administration Career Development Award (1998-2001), studying the effects of retinoids on skin cancer. He is a co-investigator for the active VA Merit Review Grant: “Stimulation of Osteogenesis in a Three-Dimensional Cellular Scaffold” (2006-2010).

Dr. Rudkin is a member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Plastic Surgery is a wonderful tool that can be used to help both women and men look their best. Today there are so many options, both surgical and non-surgical, that the real ‘secret’ to plastic surgery is finding the right procedure and the right surgeon for your individual needs. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and trained at UCLA Medical Center in Plastic Surgery, I am committed to working with my patients to find safe, proven and effective methods for aesthetic enhancement and reconstruction. Contact us today for plastic surgery in Beverly Hills.

In the past two decades, there has been a complete turnaround in the number of people globally who seek and undergo cosmetic surgery. The fact that more people aim to alter, modify and improve physical and aesthetic appearance is very obvious and is simply uncontested. However, there has been a drastic change in the cosmetic surgery sector. Globally, many people go abroad to undergo different cosmetic procedures.

While in the past, cosmetic and plastic surgery were usually preferred to be conducted at developed and sophisticated facilities in the United States and in other first-world countries, nowadays, the emergence of medical tourism has made going to other countries a viable and reasonable option. Despite the fact that quality of such medical procedures has not deteriorated in developed countries, many people now prefer to ‘be done’ elsewhere.

The dominating trend in the sector for global cosmetic surgery is governed by affordability. Prices abroad of common and special aesthetic surgical procedures, like liposuction, breast augmentation, face lift, tummy-tuck, rhinoplasty and laser hair removal, are drastically lesser compared to costs of having such procedures done in the US or in UK, for example. Further, aggressive marketing strategies implemented by offshore plastic surgeons and their clinics are persuading more people to fly to other countries for any cosmetic operations.

Medical tourism is providing more people chances to finally take the cosmetic surgery procedure they need and want. The growing marketplace abroad for such medical procedures is further lowering consumers’ expenses. As for safety, much to rave about is the fact that most plastic surgeons and professional staff in clinics abroad have also received medical education and training in Europe or in the US. Almost all are also striving to secure international accreditation and certification to assure potential patients of their safety, reliability and standard quality of services.

When choosing a country for plastic surgery, it is important to focus on overall safety. Many countries, especially in the third world, are offering the lowest costs. Do your research and determine the safety and satisfaction rate in such clinics. If you have colleagues or friends who have undergone cosmetic surgery abroad, you might ask them advices or recommendations. While it is your goal to save on costs, remember not to miss on making sure your overall safety is not compromised. Here are some additional guidelines.

Choose cosmetic clinics in nations near your home country. Patients in the American continents could travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama and Brazil. The Asia Pacific region has the most aggressive and less costly plastic surgery offerings in Thailand, the Philippines, China, India and Malaysia. In Europe, Turkey, Ukraine and Malta have good, reputable and very cheap cosmetic surgery clinics.

Plan well and ahead of schedule. In the United States and UK, it may take months before cosmetic surgery procedures push through, despite high costs. In other countries, scheduling can be finalized within just days. Just make sure you do not travel during peak tourist seasons to avoid travel hassles. Allot a few days for recovery after the face surgery, tummy-tuck, breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. Traveling by air after surgical procedures is not advised as doing so may lead to pulmonary embolisms or blood-clot formations. Take several days to rest, relax and recover.

Many medical travel tours even offer vacation packages. After your surgical operation, there will be several additional days of vacation at beaches and tourist sites, included in package deals. Just be careful not to enjoy too much as it may cause bleeding and infection to the wound. Just relax and enjoy your getaway.

Do a simple research about the overall security and consumer protection legislations in the country of your choice. Is the country notorious for not imposing laws that guarantee patients’ and consumers’ overall safety and protection? If the country could not offer safety blankets to its citizens, at least when it comes to cosmetic surgery procedures, do not expect it to extend such provisions to traveling patients and medical tourists.

Plastic surgery can be an excellent way to improve your appearance, increase self-confidence and get a fresh look on life, but it’s important to remember that it isn’t right for everyone. Having plastic surgery is a big decision, and it certainly isn’t a choice that should be taken lightly. In order to decide if cosmetic surgery is right for you, it is important to consider a number of different issues before you decide. Spend some time researching your options, discuss your concerns with a qualified plastic surgeon and consider thee following five factors before you decide to have plastic surgery.

1. Personal Expectations

What do you expect to gain from having plastic surgery? Always remember that surgery is never a quick fix for life’s problems. Going into a procedure with the belief that it will dramatically change your life can lead to disappointment, frustration and even depression. Your goal should be to have realistic expectations about what plastic surgery will truly accomplish. Whether your trying to look younger or fix perceived flaws, never assume that simply having surgery is the “magic bullet” that will solve your problems.

2. Physical and Emotional Health

Before any type of plastic surgery, your overall health status will be thoroughly assessed. In addition to your physical health, you doctor will also consider your psychological and emotional well being. Individuals suffering from depression or other mental illnesses are typically not considered good candidates for plastic surgery. Before you decide to have plastic surgery, think about your own physical and emotional health. Are you generally healthy? Are you emotionally prepared to deal with the effects of plastic surgery? Discuss both of these important issues with your doctor in order to determine if you are a good candidate for plastic surgery.

3. Cost

The total costs of a plastic surgery procedure just might be the deciding factor for many people. Elective surgery is typically not covered by insurance, which means that you will need to fund the procedure yourself. While there are many different financing options for cosmetic procedures, you need to give serious thought to whether the surgery fits into your budget and your lifestyle.

4. Surgeon Qualifications and Credentials

In order to achieve the best possible results, it is absolutely essential to choose a plastic surgeon that is qualified, skilled and experienced. There are many ways to find a good surgeon, including asking for referrals from area doctors and hospitals. Once you have been referred to particular doctor, check his or her qualifications and credentials with your states medical licensing board. Then, schedule a consultation appointment to discuss your options. As you are talking to the doctor, ask yourself a few key questions. Does the doctor have good patient skills? Do you feel comfortable talking about different procedures with the doctor? Does he or she fully explain the possible risks and benefits of the procedure you are considering? All of these factors can play a major role in your decision, so always take the time to fully consider the qualifications and credentials of each potential surgeon.

5. Recovery Time

The length of time it takes to recover from a particular procedure may also play a large role in your decision to get plastic surgery. Each procedure can vary dramatically. Some procedure require only a few hours of recovery time before you can return to most of your normal activities, while other procedures can requires weeks of recovery time. You need to determine how much of your time you are able to give toward the recovery process. Recovery is an essential part of the plastic surgery process, and failing to follow your doctor’s orders can seriously compromise your final results.