Plastic Surgery Advice

Cosmetic surgery has become one of the most popular means by which to improve one’s appearance and get rid of unwanted characteristics. Whether you are having a nose job or a tummy tuck, there is a procedure that can help. As with any other type of surgery, however, there are risks that you should be aware of before you decide to go under the knife.

Before you will be able to have a cosmetic procedure, you will need to know if you are even a good candidate. While this is not always a crucial detail, it can matter. While it is certainly possible to have such procedures done no matter what age you are, good health and realistic expectations are necessary. Keep in mind that improve, not perfection, is the goal of any cosmetic procedure.

Sometimes the question arises concerning age. While, as stated above, cosmetic surgery can be performed at any age, there are situations where a specific age is preferable. For example, someone under the age of 18 would not be able to obtain a nose job without a parent’s consent.

Another common question is whether or not more than one procedure can be performed at once. The answer is generally yes, but this needs to be discussed in thorough detail with the surgeon. The answer will most likely depend on what types of procedures you wish to have performed, and what parts of your body they will affect. The surgeon may decide to split certain procedures into sections. For example, facial surgeries may be performed at the same time, while surgery on another part of the body may be performed at a later date.

Another main concern is the scarring that will occur after surgery. It is not possible to eliminate them from happening, but it is possible to properly care for them so they will become more difficult to see over time. Surgeons, however, are trained to help hide most, a procedure that is most often successful. It really depends on the type and extent of the surgery. In any case, be sure to take the advice of your surgeon and properly care for yourself after the surgery. This is crucial to the healing process, and to the overall success of the surgery. It can also keep you from needing additional surgeries. Before making the decision to have cosmetic surgery, talk to your surgeon and know what you should expect. Understand the proposed outcome.

Sir. Arvin Gumato Pareja, BSN, RN, MBA

Our society places a high value on looking young and fit. Today, men of all ages and all walks of life are requesting plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. Men’s goals include a more balanced nose, a rejuvenated face, a trimmer waistline. The procedures used to achieve these goals must take into consideration are factors such as skin thickness, beard growth, or body type.

This article reviews some of the special considerations for men contemplating a cosmetic procedure. It won’t answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything you don’t understand about the procedure you plan to have.

Planning Your Surgery

Good communication between you and your plastic surgeon is essential when planning your surgery. In your initial consultation, you’ll be asked to explain in detail why you want the procedure and how you hope to look and feel afterward. It’s important to set aside any awkwardness you might feel, and speak candidly about the changes you’d like to see. You should feel completely assured that you and your surgeon understand one another.

Your doctor will also evaluate your health, conduct a physical exam, take pre-operative photographs, and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you. You’ll discuss the type of anesthesia to be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the possible risks, and the costs involved. Medical insurance usually doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures. However, some plastic surgeons offer special financing plans for cosmetic surgery or accept credit cards.

Tell your surgeon if any part of the consultation makes you uncomfortable, or if you have any special privacy requests. Above all, it’s important to have realistic expectations about your surgery. Remember, your doctor can offer significant improvement, but not perfection. Keep in mind that your age and health may play a role in the quality of the outcome.

The Surgery

Extensive information about the particular procedure you plan to have will be provided during your consultation. While going over the steps of the procedure, your doctor will discuss a number of issues that may influence your surgery. Make sure you fully understand these considerations.

Facial surgery: If you are planning facial surgery or neck surgery, your doctor will evaluate your entire head-face-neck region. Is the hairline receding? How full are the sideburns? Does the beard-growing skin extend up the cheeks or down the neck? Are there facial scars? Is the skin sun-damaged? Is the neck skin loose or drooping?

In general, it’s known that male facial skin has a richer blood supply than female facial skin. Male faces bleed more during surgery and are at greater risk for forming a temporary collection or pooling of blood under the skin, called a hematoma, after surgery.

Also, any scarring that may result from surgery may be more difficult for men to hide, since they don’t wear make-up or style their hair toward their faces, as many women do.

Hair growth and beard growth may play a major role in the outcome of a facelift. If you are balding or have thinning hair, surgical artistry may be required to hide the facelift incision, especially in the temple area. If the hair-bearing skin of your upper neck is pulled behind your ears during surgery, you may find that you must shave behind your ears or the back of your neck. However, sometimes electrolysis can correct this problem. Be sure to discuss these possibilities with your surgeon.

A fatty or “jowly” area beneath the chin is also a concern for many men. In younger patients, liposuction alone may be sufficient to correct the problem. Older patients may require a full facelift and necklift, which may include the removal of excess skin and tightening the platysma muscles, which run down each side of the neck. These muscles are usually thicker in men than they are in women, but do not pose a greater challenge for your plastic surgeon.

“Refinishing” treatments for facial skin: Shaving must be postponed for about 3 weeks after a skin-smoothing treatment such as chemical peel or dermabrasion. Because these procedures strip away the surface layers of skin, you can expect your face to remain sensitive, swollen, and bright pink for several weeks after surgery.

Some men are happy that the beard growth helps conceal the pinkness of their recovering skin — especially if they feel uncomfortable using camouflage make-up.

Men who feel self-conscious about their condition are also advised to give up alcoholic drinks for about 4 weeks. Alcohol causes the areas of treated facial skin to become noticeably red and flushed.

Changing the facial features: Cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery, nose surgery, and facial-implant surgery are performed essentially the same way for men and women. However, it’s important to let your surgeon know if you are seeking a more masculine look to your facial features — a chin with better projection, more prominent cheekbones, a stronger nose.

Hair replacement: The primary consideration for men contemplating hair-replacement surgery is the time involved. Natural-appearing hair replacement usually requires multiple surgical procedures, with long recovery intervals. A full regimen of hair transplants may last anywhere from 18 months to 2 years or more.

You should be aware that incisions or transplant sites may be noticeable to others, especially in the early stages of the hair transplant process. If your work or lifestyle isn’t compatible with a long treatment period, ask your surgeon about alternatives to hair-transplant options, such as flap surgery or scalp reduction.

Liposuction/body contouring: The ideal male body shape is considered to be trim and athletic-looking, with broad shoulders and chest, a flat abdomen, and a narrow hip-thigh area. However, as men age, areas of fat tend to accumulate around the abdomen, the flanks (”love handles”), the breast area (a condition called gynecomastia), and along the chin and neck. Men sometimes seek liposuction to remove these fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

In many cases, liposuction alone can effectively correct these problem areas. Men retain their skin elasticity longer than women do, and the areas of fat beneath the skin tend to be firmer and more vascular than those in women. Because of these and other factors, liposuction in men is usually very effective.

Men who have some loose, hanging skin as well as areas of excess fat may opt for a traditional excision procedure (surgical skin removal) in addition to liposuction. An excision may also be performed on gynecomastia patients whose breast enlargement is made up of mostly glandular tissue, rather than fat.

Abdomen reduction: A full abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may be chosen by men who have hanging abdominal skin (usually the result of massive weight loss), loose abdominal muscles, and/or neglected hernias. It is a major surgical procedure that removes excess fat, tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall, and trims the waistline. Men who have a full abdominoplasty are often surprised at the long recovery period. Some patients aren’t able to return to work up to 4 weeks after surgery.

Men with good skin elasticity who have only a moderate amount of excess abdominal fat may benefit from liposuction alone.

Muscle-enhancing surgery: In recent years, plastic surgeons have developed ways of improving muscle contour with cosmetic implants and “sculpting” techniques.

Calf implants, which were originally developed to restore leg contour in accident or polio victims, are now sometimes used to create cosmetic fullness in the lower leg. Similarly, pectoral implants, which are used to build the chests of men with Poland’s syndrome, can also be used to “bulk out” the existing pectoral muscles of healthy men.

A small number of doctors have begun offering their male patients abdominal etching, a new liposuction technique that creates a muscular, rippled appearance in the abdominal area.

Men who consider cosmetic muscle enhancement should keep in mind that these procedures are still relatively new. It is best to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon who has received adequate training in these methods.

After Your Surgery

The days and weeks immediately following your surgery are critical to obtaining a good final result. Therefore, it’s essential that you follow your doctor’s orders to the letter. Following orders may mean taking adequate time off work; wearing bandages or tight compression garments; getting enough rest; staying out of the sun; saying no to alcohol and cigarettes; and avoiding strenuous activity, exercise, sports, and even sex.

However, plastic surgeons understand that it’s sometimes difficult for men, who are programmed by society to be stoic, to remain in bed for very long or to accept help from others during recovery. Studies have shown that men often deny their pain and feel foolish about asking for help after surgery. Men who reject help may have an especially difficult recovery if post-operative depression sets in during the weeks following surgery.

To avoid post-operative problems, it’s important that you arrange to have a support person available to help you — both physically and emotionally — for about a week after surgery. If you get the help and rest you need, you’ll improve your chances of a quicker recovery — and you may see your results a lot sooner.

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Many consumers are seeking cosmetic surgery help, as Botox, longevity, beauty, anti aging and so on are large issues. There exist many ways to go about locating a good plastic surgeon. You’re also seeking affordability as well. It’s possible to cut costs and still get high quality. There exist more ways than before to find a good buy on cosmetic surgery help and still receive quality.

Many people are seeking a good plastic surgeon, but how can you go about finding cosmetic surgery help? Finding referrals from people you personally know and also trust is a good way to begin. The individual to talk with in your regional area will take in close friends and family who can lead you to a plastic surgeon. This is a ideal way to find cosmetic surgery help because it is direct from someone you actually know and also trust. They also directly know you and can tell if it’s a good match. Also, it’s actually possible that your referrer may have varying, conflicting needs than yours. Think of this when receiving advice on cosmetic surgery help from a  friend.

There exist still additional areas to look for a plastic surgeon in your city. Many people find good success in going through area women’s circulars, cosmetic magazines, wellness fliers and others. These are good because they are filled with local sources. Your ares newsletters and circulars may likely have specials on cosmetic surgery help in advertisements and the classifieds. This is not as ideal as getting a recommendation perhaps, but it can a good way to start.

The Internet is an apparent although also underused way to find a plastic surgeon. You may scour the Internet as many special area and city guides will have linkage to plastic surgeon websites.  Searching the Internet for “Botox”, “Collagen”, “plastic surgeon” or “cosmetic surgery help” will probably leave you with many options. Because longevity, beauty, anti aging are in demand, the Internet is a good area to also read reviews direct from those who have had excellent experiences with cosmetic surgery help in your area. With the Internet, make sure to use different search methods, since they also are likely give different results.

Also, cosmetic surgery help has various professional organizations associated with it. Look at professional groups like The American College of Surgeons, British Association of Plastic Surgeons, The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine. Reputable organizations such as these have great standards and may be viewed as a seal of quality. This is really one of the ideal ways to find cosmetic surgery help if you do not get a actual referral.

Another good area of recommendations are additional related professionals. These include make up artists, general practitioners, hair removal specialists, naturopaths and others. They could know of other cosmetic surgery help options in your area. These people also have excellent professional thoughts that are valuable and useful, because of their background. Because their professionalism is involved, their recommendations are given often with much care.

With longevity, beauty, anti aging being so required, cosmetic surgery help is in large demand. And, saving money on cosmetic surgery help is straight forward if you realize where to look. A plastic surgeon will likely provide good discounts plus special prices. Again, deals may be presented in women’s circulars, cosmetic magazines, wellness fliers and the like. Searching through the newspaper again may be of help. Also, the Internet. Also, because of the large supply of cosmetic surgery help, prices on items like Botox, Collagen and Restylane are actually going down in many cities.

Keep in mind: true, saving money is a necessity, do not do this at the loss of a quality experience. This is another reason to get a good referral, in tandem with saving money. Because of the growth of cosmetic surgery help, you can find specials in any city. It is also likely to find a great buy on cosmetic surgery help while additionally getting good quality.

Face lift surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can improve appearance by reshaping the muscles and skin around certain areas of the face. Face lift surgery may be a physical process, but emotional preparation is vital. Read on for key advice on how to prepare for a face lift mentally.

Research a Face Lift Procedure

A face lift is an elective procedure that requires thoughtful consideration. While many of your questions can be answered with a consultation, self-directed research is a crucial part of the process. DocShop.com has an abundance of informative articles that can guide you through the process of understanding the risks and benefits associated with a face lift. You can also get help located a qualified cosmetic surgeon in your area.

Mentally Prepare for a Face lift With a Consultation

A face lift consultation with your plastic surgeon allows you to lay out expectations from the procedure. The doctor will conduct a medical examination and identify any potential risks. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and get a realistic picture of your potential with face lift surgery.

Your confidence in the doctor and facility is essential. You should request information regarding the qualifications of your cosmetic surgeon. Find out about the educational background and board certifications from an accredited organization such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons that your surgeon has. Check that the operating facility is adequate and ask whether the anesthesia will be local or general, as this may affect the face lift cost and recovery time.

Mentally Prepare for a Face Lift by Understanding Risks, Recovery and Results

All surgeries include risk, as does a face lift. Mentally prepare by acknowledging the risks and take surgeon-directed measures to reduce possible complications. Some potential difficulties may include excessive bleeding, scarring, discoloration and an adverse reaction to the anesthesia.

Following the face lift procedure, it’s crucial that you adhere to the doctor’s directions. Postoperative recovery requires plenty of rest during the first week. Expect significant swelling and bruising for about two weeks. You may also experience depression after surgery. Full recovery and results from a face lift occur gradually and may not be apparent for several weeks.

Best Candidate for a Face Lift

As the primary focus of a face lift is to address sagging, loose skin and deep wrinkles, most patients experience moderate to advanced signs of aging before the procedure becomes necessary. A good candidate for a face lift is a healthy individual with adequate skin elasticity. Candidates should have realistic expectations about the benefits and limitations for this type of procedure.

Mentally Prepare for a Face Lift With Realistic Expectations

A face lift can refresh and erase years from your appearance. However, there is no cosmetic procedure that will stop the aging process. Following surgery, your face will continue to age. Many patients find it necessary to repeat the procedure within ten years.

Your surgeon may recommend additional procedures in order to achieve desired results. Typical procedures combined with a face lift are eye lid surgery, a neck lift or brow lift. Additional cosmetic procedures may help to create a more natural appearance.

If it’s good enough for Joan Rivers, it’s good enough for you. In her latest book, Men Are Stupid …And They Like Big Boobs: A Woman’s Guide to Beauty Through Plastic Surgery, the mega-star has admitted the she has had loads of operations, on her eyes, arms, lips, breasts, tummy and nose. Plus, she regularly gets Botox injections as well as a host of other anti-aging treatments to keep the Grim Reaper at bay – or at least allowing him to see her looking damn good before she passes on.

As Rivers – who’s amazingly now 75 years old – knows, the more we age, the more we tend to droop and sag. It’s sad fact of life, as the effects of gravity begin to take their toll on those with even the most elastic of skin. Clever plastic surgeons, however, have ways to revere the effects of aging, and make us look younger than we really are. But which procedures are really right for us?

While every individual is different, most of us follow a similar pattern when it comes to aging – and most of us can benefit from procedures designed for people at a certain age in their lives. Here are the most commonly performed operations for people in a specific age group. Read about them and see if they appeal to you – or if they make you want to run the other way!

The 20s

Most of us still look youthful at this age, and aging doesn’t play an enormous role when it comes to the type of cosmetic procedures offered to people in this age group. Skin care treatments are usually popular, both to get rid of leftover acne and/or scars, and to ward off wrinkles in future. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

THE PROBLEM: Specific problems that plague an individual, regardless of age. While most people in this age group respond well to exercise, genetic problems might still remain, such as a saggy butt, flat cheeks (on the face, that is), flat chest or skinny legs.

THE RECOMMENDATION: The most common procedures performed in the US among people in their 20s were liposuction, boob jobs and rhinoplasty ops (that’s a nose job, dummy). Less invasive procedures such as Botox (yes, even in your 20s!) and dermal fillers to augment the lips are also popular among the twenty-something set. A butt, cheek of calf implant may be desired as well, for those who are active at the gym but still can’t achieve the perfect body – or face – they so desire.

The 30s

Youth is beginning to wane, and wrinkles are accumulating on the face, as well as fat deposits collecting in the chin and other areas. The body is also showing signs of wear and tear, and doing it on your own just doesn’t cut it.

THE PROBLEM: Good skin elasticity means a variety of facial treatments are available that can work to good effect. However, diet and exercise don’t have quite the same effect they did in the past – plus the result of pregnancy may have taken a toll – so body contouring treatments might be warranted. Your metabolism has slowed down, and everything is harder work. Surgery can help.

THE RECOMMENDATION: Loads of skin care treatments can turn back the clock, such as microdermabrasion, Thermage and laser skin tightening. To make it look like you’ve never had a baby – and certainly never breastfed one – why not try a breast uplift and augmentation, as well as a tummy tuck, stretch mark removal surgery and a course of lipo?

The 40s

Things are starting to slide south faster and faster, the skin is losing its elasticity and it takes about five hours to work off one Krispy Kreme donut. Why? Welcome to the 40s!

THE PROBLEM: Loose skin makes the face – and other areas of the body – look saggy and droopy. Excess fat is accumulating faster than you can say “Malibu Beach Diet”, and for those who postponed having kids until now, the post-baby jelly belly is here to stay. Nobody wants to watch every mouthful they eat, so there has to be another way…

THE RECOMMENDATION: Get rid of fine lines and wrinkles, or at least the appearance of them, with non-invasive treatments such as Botox and Thermage. More invasive measures would include a brow lift and eyelid surgery. Some people even have complete face lifts at this age, or at least a thread or mini lift (studies have shown that people in their late 40s who get face lifts are the most happy with the results). Old faves include tummy tucks, boob jobs and lipo, and if your neck is showing signs of looking like a turkey, you might want to have a neck lift – or at least some lipo – in the neck area before it gets a lot worse.

The 50s

Facial surgery is a big thing for women and men of this age, as the first real signs of aging appear on the face. Lack of volume in the face plus gravity can make you droop and look haggard and/or constantly tired. Perk yourself up with a spot o’ surgery!

THE PROBLEM: Saggy face and neck, hollow cheeks, lack of vitality in the face, a youthful visage that has disappeared with age. Even if you splashed out $3,500 on a fab designer outfit, spend a grand on a haircut and eat nothing but lettuce leaves for a month, your face will still give you away.

THE RECOMMENDATION: Anything that can plump up the face and make it look younger is popular among people this age. This can include obvious techniques such as a face lift and fillers, but also can include the less obvious: cheek implants, neck lift, browlift. Non-invasive treatments to look better are also popular, such as laser and pulsed-light therapy. Women who have had surgery for breast cancer etc might also be investigating reconstructive surgery at this age. Saying that, most people who want boob jobs etc will have already had one – or two, or three – by the time they hit the big 5-0.

Beyond…

As Joan Rivers has proven, anyone can look younger – or drastically altered, as if they’d had a myriad number of procedures performed on their body and face – through plastic surgery. Whether you’re 21, 51 or 81, there is a surgery out there to suit you – and a surgeon willing to do it.

If you are considering surgery, however, do your homework first and think long and hard about whether the outcome is really what you want. If you don’t have realistic expectations of what surgery can do for you – give you better breasts, for example, not give you a better life – then the whole plan could hideously backfire.

“I believe in plastic surgery,” Rivers said in an interview not long ago. “Eventually, you will look in the mirror and you will know. You will hit 40 and say, ‘that isn’t quite right’. Anyone out there who thinks they don’t like their nose? Do something about it! You go through life once. Fix your teeth.

“My motto is, ‘Better a new face coming out of an old car than an old face coming out of a new car’. Spend your money on you.”

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.

If you have suffered or are suffering from severe acne problems you are already aware that there is nothing quite as bad as the ugly scars that are left on your face. Acne scars are affecting people all over the world. For some the scars will go away with time, but for the less fortunate these scars will stay and affect your look and probably your self confidence as well. For the most serious cases the need of acne scars and plastic surgery will be the final solution.

The Final Solution When all else fails

Unfortunately for those who suffers from extreme scarring, where you face is disfigured, the normal treatments far acne scar removal are just inadequate and useless, they just don’t work in those cases. In these particular cases, acne scars and plastic surgery is probably the last solution available. There is no doubt that acne scars and plastic surgery is a very drastic measure, but in some cases this is the only way to remove all evidence of acne scars. My Only advice would be to use it as a last resort measure when everything else fails.

Before even thinking about removing acne scars with plastic surgery you should be aware that this procedure is not always effective. In some cases the scars can return even after the procedure, in those particular cases the skin at the affected area is located below the area where the surgical procedure is performed.

On top of that the price of the acne scars and plastic surgery procedure may act against choosing this form of treatment. I would strongly advise to choose this procedure only as a last resort; you should at least try the other available acne scar removal options before spending your hard earned money on surgery.

You should also be aware that in some cases that even if home remedies can be effective it can take a while before seeing noticeable results, especially in the case of deep acne scars. For this particular type of acne scars, plastic surgery can remove and even improve the quality of your skin. In most cases acne scars and plastic surgery will be followed with home topical medications as well as chemicals, helping you obtain better results in short period of time.

Before thinking about acne scars and plastic surgery you want to make sure you are not suffering from any other “medical condition” and make sure you are aware that even this technique is limited, do not assume that your skin will be perfect even after such a drastic procedure.