Plastic Surgery Advice

jewellery asked:

Breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, restores a more youthful appearance to a woman’s breasts. Over the years breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, nursing and loss of skin elasticity, causing them to sag. Mastopexy will raise and reshape breasts slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure can reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

The breast lift is commonly performed in conjunction with breast augmentation (implants) to increase breast firmness and size. This may appeal to women who have lost breast volume after pregnancy. Pregnancy and nursing often result in stretched skin and therefore decreased volume. If you are planning a future pregnancy, it is advisable to postpone your breast lift as pregnancy will likely cause further stretching.

As with all plastic surgery, realistic expectations and emotional stability are important. Though breasts of any size can be lifted, women with smaller breasts enjoy longer lasting results.

The Procedure

Though not a simple operation, a breast lift is normally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Mastopexy is occasionally performed in a hospital, but more often is done in an outpatient facility. Breast lifts are usually performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia may be used with a sedative if the incision is small; you’ll be awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort.

The breast lift surgery may take between 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. A more common approach involves an incision along the natural contour of the breast where excess skin will be removed. The nipple and areola are then repositioned. The skin surrounding the areola is brought together to reshape the breast, with stitches around the areola and the lower breast area.

The plastic surgeon may be able to perform a minimal incision, ’scarless’ mastopexy. This lift is done entirely through an incision around the areola.

Possible Complications

As with any surgery, there are possible complications. A patient may suffer an adverse reaction to the anesthesia (rare), or experience bleeding and infection following a breast lift, causing scars to widen. Poor healing and wider scars are more common with patients who smoke.

Because milk ducts are left intact, mastopexy will not affect your ability to breast-feed.

For best results, follow your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.

After Surgery: What to Expect

After your breast lift in Los Angeles, your stitches will be covered with gauze and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and you may experience some mild discomfort for a couple of days. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication. A soft support bra replaces the bandages or surgical bra after a few days. In the recovery stage, it is important to wear the bra at all times.

After a week or two, you will return and the stitches will be removed. Some noticeable, permanent scarring is normal, but easily covered by your bra or bathing suit. The scars may be red and lumpy for a few months, eventually fading and becoming less obvious. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts.

To ensure proper healing, plan to stay at home for at least a week before returning to work. You will need to avoid lifting anything over your head for 3-4 weeks and avoid strenuous sports for a month.

jewellery asked:

By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD

1. Don’t be a victim of deception, false advertisement and publicity regarding the specialty of Plastic Surgery. While the internet is a very powerful tool for advertisement and promotion, keep in mind though that not everything in the net is likewise necessarily true.

2. Do check and make sure that you are consulting and putting your trust in a certified plastic surgeon; one who has completed training according to the standards set by the official Board of Plastic Surgery in your country. Nowadays cosmetic surgery is so lucrative that some doctors, medical personnel and even non doctors attempt to learn and practice the specialty without the proper and formal training. Remember that there are no shortcuts to establishing a good foundation for plastic surgery. A strong foundation, whether we like it or not, does have a significant effect on preoperative planning, course of surgery and final surgical outcome.

3. Feel free to further inquire about your plastic surgeon’s background and training. This is one way of establishing trust, confidence, rapport and making yourself comfortable as well. A formally trained surgeon would not be expected to hide his hard earned credentials.

4. Do not hesitate to ask anything and everything about your problem and/or desired operation. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. A good surgeon would be reasonably patient in hearing all his patients’ concerns. It may take several visits if necessary to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things.

5. Understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. It is just not possible. Cosmetic plastic surgery is supposed to enhance and improve on existing physical features. Remember that you can never “shop” for a nose.

6. Make sure you completely and wholeheartedly understand not only the benefits of your contemplated surgery but also the risks involved in each procedure. This is the reality that each patient must face and the surgeon will expertly address if necessary. Remember that just like as we go about in our daily lives, there are risks involved in everything we do whether it be big or small, minor or major. It is indeed something universal. The certified plastic surgeon however is trained to handle all possible complications. This comes with adequate surgical exposure and long years of training.

7. Be aware that during your surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide the highest level of skill, judgment and care. He has undergone extensive training as to equip him with such. Likewise always remember that no physician in his right mind would want to deliberately or accidentally inflict any harm on his patients. Surgeons are forever guided by this doctrine of “First, do no harm”.

8. Understand that despite long briefing and discussions prior to surgery, a good plastic surgeon knows that post operatively, a patient may still have anxieties and newfound concerns. Don’t hesitate to call up or get in touch. A compassionate surgeon will most often provide that comforting response. Remember that the commitment and care of your surgeon doesn’t end with the last stitch.

9. Make sure all instructions post operatively are fully understood and followed religiously. Cooperate with your plastic surgeon to minimize problems and complications.

10. No two sides of the human body are perfectly symmetrical and equal. It follows that surgical outcome will never have perfectly equal measurements. Remember that literally nobody is perfect.

11. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patient and surgeon are but human, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good, satisfying and realistic results.

12. The patient has every right to inquire regarding details of the fees and other charges. Discounts may be reasonably given at the discretion of your surgeon. However the patient must always keep in mind that he/she is not shopping for the cheapest pork around. It could be a disastrous decision if one would be solely guided by just searching for the cheapest surgical package. Remember to always treat your plastic surgeon and his specialty professionally and in turn you will surely get great value for your money.

admin asked:

The beautiful city of Beverly Hills is famous for the glamorous lifestyle of its citizens. Many of today’s Beverly Hill’s moms like to maintain their looks and body post pregnancy.

The plastic surgery procedures like the mommy makeovers have gained popularity amongst the modern moms of Beverly Hills.

The

mommy makeovers are specially designed to help modern women get rid of the post pregnancy stretch marks, sagging waistline, abdominal fat, bulging stomachs etc.

Mommy makeover procedures help moms save tremendous amount of money and recovery time.The Plastic Surgery Institute of California, Beverly Hills has some of the most accomplished plastic surgeons in the plastic surgery business.

Our mommy makeover packages are formulated keeping the body structure of women in mind and are personalized differently for women with differing age and body types.

The Beverly Hill’s clinic of the Plastic Surgery Institute of California has the latest equipments and technologies to keep any possible complications to the minimal.

For more information on mommy makeovers you can get in touch with the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, Beverly Hills by clicking

here.

admin asked:

 

 

 

More and more Canadians are seeking plastic surgery for many reasons based on a combination of aesthetic, social, professional and emotional factors.

 

Along with the increase in popularity is the increase in concerns from the patients. The decision to undergo any type of elective surgery is extremely personal. They want to ensure how to select the most qualified plastic surgeon for their particular surgery.

 

 The Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS) and the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) encourage Canadians to educate themselves before their trip to the plastic surgeon’s office.

 

 “As surgeons, we understand that it can be intimidating for many people considering plastic surgery to speak openly and honestly with their surgeon about the procedure and about the surgeon’s qualifications and experience, but we’re concerned to see that so many Canadians still go into a surgeon’s office undereducated and even misinformed,” said  Dr.Yvan Larocque, President, Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

 

“We therefore felt it was important to speak out, and as leaders in the plastic surgery field, provide guidance for Canadians on how to find out more about their surgeon to ensure that they are speaking with someone who is qualified to perform the procedure”.

 

We asked Dr. Frank Lista and Dr. Richard Warren to share their knowledge for anyone seeking information on plastic surgery.

 

They encourage patients to “Ask questions, consult with more than one plastic surgeon, and check their credentials and specialty; so, you are able to make an informed personal decision.”

 

Like many fields, plastic surgery has undergone significant technological and conceptual changes in recent years. There are constantly new advances; which translate into a faster patient recovery and more natural appearing results. Education is an important part of the activity of these organizations both to the membership and to the general public. Annual scientific meetings are held to share knowledge and expertise in order to improve our quality of care and advance the practice of plastic surgery.

 

Dr. Frank Lista is often called upon to share his expertise with his peers, especially breast implant surgery techniques.

 

“All specialists are now required to maintain their competency; to keep their specialty certificate they are required to attend continuing medical education sessions. Patients should visit more than one surgeon for a personal consultation and research the surgeon’s specialty by visiting  www.royalcollege.ca Although the College of Physicians and Surgeons verifies the surgeon’s medical license it doesn’t determine their specialty”  explains Dr. Lista.

 

 

We all want to feel comfortable with the surgeon we choose and we want to feel that we can communicate openly and honestly with him or her.

 

 “The relationship between patients and their plastic surgeon is very important, especially with surgeries requiring more technical skills like breast augmentation and liposuction. Our primary goal is to make sure that any Canadian who is seeking a cosmetic procedure is fully informed and is receiving the best standards of care by a certified surgeon,” said Dr. Achilleas Thoma, President, Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons.

 

 “Most importantly, patients need to feel comfortable talking with their physician, before and after surgery and we hope that by raising awareness of available tools that Canadians can use, we will achieve that and discard the myths that exist  around plastic surgery.”

 

There are advertisements suggesting that breast implants have to be changed every 10 years and replaced with cohesive gel implants. We asked Dr. Lista and Dr. Warren their opinion on this confusing advertising message. We want to know why a woman would or should replace her implants, especially if she is absolutely okay.

 

“Any elective surgical procedure carries some risk. Problems and a higher rate of complications can incur when you introduce a second risk. There is no medical evidence to suggest that breast implants should be replaced if there are no problems.

 

 Plus, there is a huge misconception that one implant is better than another. There is a difference in implants and a good surgeon uses whatever implant is right for that particular patient.”  Dr. Lista further explains that he does not use just one supplier’s brand or style of implant. “It depends on the patient”.

 

Just as important as your choice of surgeon is the comfort to know that your surgeon has the knowledge of several options for your personal surgery.  We suggest that you ask your surgeon why he or she would chose a certain type of implant and what surgical technique is suggested for your own body type.

 

 “There are basically two types of breast implants: saline and silicone.  Saline implants can spring a leak and deflate – something which can only be corrected by having an operation to insert a new implant.  I would not recommend unnecessary surgery to replace saline implants when there is nothing wrong with them.

 

 However, older silicone implants like those banned in 1992 were often filled with a liquid form of silicone which could potentially leak and get into the surrounding tissue.  There have been two main changes to silicone implants: a more durable shell (thicker and stronger), and the gel inside is cohesive, which means that if a crack develops in the shell, the gel will stick together, and not leak out like a liquid filler would.” explained Dr. Warren

 

 

 

Obviously we would want to know for sure before we would replace breast implants, but,  is there a suggestion that women replace their cohesive gel implants, just in case?

 

Dr. Warren explained further that, “If the shell of a silicone gel filled implant is thought to be ruptured, most surgeons will recommend its replacement.  However, it is difficult to determine if such a shell has become broken.  Currently, the best means to detect a crack in the shell of a cohesive gel implant is with an MRI and that is not 100% accurate. Also, some surgeons feel that a cohesive gel implant with a crack in the shell may be left alone because the body creates a protective layer of scar tissue around any object.  This thin layer, which is similar to Saran Wrap, will contain the gel if there has been disruption of the implant shell.”

 

Another surgical procedure we wanted clarification on was liposuction and the mixed opinions surrounding tumescent liposuction (does not always mean without general anesthetic).

 

“Tumescent is a technique used in liposuction where large volumes of dilute local anesthetic are injected into the fat.  This method can be used with the patient awake or under general anesthetic. With local anesthetic there is a risk of xylocaine toxicity, because of the amount of xylocaine( local anesthetic) needed to inject while the patient is awake. General anesthetic has made significant advances; with new drugs and safety measures the patient is barely asleep.

 

Even with light anesthetic I ensure it is administered properly by an anesthetist with me during surgery to ensure safety and eliminating any toxicity concerns.”clarified Dr. Lista.

 

 Problems and dissatisfaction can be minimized by fully understanding and having realistic expectations. It is extremely important to choose a surgeon who will clearly and thoroughly explain potential side effects and risks. He or she should also have proper and extensive training, along with an accredited facility.

 

Dr. Warren explained, “Unless you are doing liposuction on a small section at a time, most plastic surgeons believe a better result can be achieved if the patient is  under general anesthetic. Certainly, if large or multiple areas of the body are to be done for a patient who is awake, it is difficult and potentially dangerous to achieve complete freezing of all areas because of the large amount local anesthetic which must be injected.

 

Based on the person’s weight, surgeons can calculate the maximum dosage of local anesthetic which can be given to any patient and determine if general anesthetic is in the patient’s best interest.”

 

A clear understanding of the qualifications of the surgeon you choose is imperative.  He or she should also have proper and extensive training, along with an accredited surgical facility if not operating at a hospital. Check  to verify accreditation and regulations concerning a private surgical facility.

The aim of the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities is threefold:

To establish facility and equipment guidelines that facilities must meet before being accepted for membership; To designate appropriate qualifications for individuals working in an ambulatory surgical facilities; To ensure that these standards are maintained in the day-to-day operation of the facility

 

 

Canadians interested in plastic surgery should visit the plastic surgery association website to find a qualified plastic surgeon and learn more about procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts. A Canadian plastic surgeon is a well-trained, qualified specialist who has passed the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons examinations and is certified to practice Plastic Surgery. The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery are the Canadian organizations to which practicing plastic surgeons belong.

                        

Bring questions and take notes during your consultation; decide if you feel at ease with the surgeon and the surgeon’s staff, the surgical facility and most importantly do you feel comfortable with the surgeon’s qualifications and experience?

 

 Ask friends who have had plastic surgery or that may know someone who has. Check with your family physician, as this is also a reference point to see if he or she has seen any patients who may have had plastic surgery. 

 

Typical questions you should ask during your consultation are:  What happens if I have a problem after the surgery? Is there someone I can call 24/7?  Is there a support person I can speak to if the surgeon is not available? Are there before and after pictures of previous patients that I can see?

 

After you have done your homework; the decision is…a personal choice.

 

Background on physicians quoted:

 

Dr.Yvan Larocque, MD, FRCSC,

President, Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Professor in Plastic Surgery at the University of Montreal

 

Dr. Frank Lista,MD, FRCSC

 Board certified specialist in plastic surgery in Canada and the United States.

Medical Director of the Plastic Surgery Clinic, Mississauga

Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Trillium Health Centre (The Mississauga Hospital) for over 10 years.

 Founder and Past President of the Ontario Society of Plastic Surgeons.

 Past President of the Canadian Society of Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery

Chairman Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery

 

 

 

Dr. Achilleas Thoma, MD, MSc, FRCS(C), FACS

President, Canadian Society for Plastic Surgeons

Clinical Professor, Division of Plastic Surgery, McMaster University,

Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, an Associate Member of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics

 Director of the Surgical Outcomes Research Center (SOURCE), McMaster University

 

Dr. Richard Warren,MD, FRCSC

Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery, University of British Columbia

Public Relations Chairman, Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons

Medical Director of the Vancouver Plastic Surgery Center

 

 

 

admin asked:

Dr. Brian West’s commitment to addressing the specific needs and personal objectives of his patients has helped him to become one of the most respected

plastic surgeons in California.

His outstanding reputation is based both on his ability to achieve natural results and the high degree of satisfaction among his patients. Dr. Brian West attended the Stanford Medical School where he received his bachelor’s of science in medical microbiology.

Later on he received his doctor of medicine degree from the University of California at Irvine.

His surgical internship took place at many of the finest institutions in America like the UCLA Medical centre, University of Kansas Medical Centre, the Burnett Burn Centre of Kansas City, the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and the Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children-Los Angeles.

Dr. Brian. West has been formally trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric plastic surgery and pediatric burn reconstruction. Dr. West has many articles published in the various medical journals to his credit.

Dr.West is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons and American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Brian. West is a board certified plastic surgeon at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California who is dedicated to achieving the best results with the fastest recovery time for the chin surgery procedures.

For an expert advice and consultations on chin surgery from Dr.Brian.West you can contact the Plastic Surgery Institute of California by clicking here.

For more details, please visit us at:

http://www.chinsurgerybeverlyhills.com

jewellery asked:

Plastic surgery in India is getting popular as the country provides facilities and services of experienced surgeons giving best results at very low costs. If you are looking for international healthcare medical facilities at low prices, Delhi & Mumbai in India is the best place to visit. Plastic surgery centers here are equipped with latest technology facilities providing them an international status for beauty enhancement. Delhi and Mumbai cities are very popular for having the best hospitals for plastic surgery in India, where some of the most complex plastic surgery procedures can be done in just a few days, at a fraction of the cost. Every year patients from all over the globe visit India for various medical treatments. This number is increasing year by year since most of the patients are getting most satisfactory care and packages for their comfortable and convenient medical tour to the country. As compared with the prices of surgery in U.S.A and U.K we can save upto 50% cost by having surgery in India,

Plastic surgery in India implements the latest technology for the following various plastic surgery from head to toe. It includes

1) Face lift Surgery,  2) Hair implants, Hair restoration, hair flaps, and scalp reductions,  3) Eyelid Surgery,  4) Otoplasty ( Ear Surgery),  5) Rhinoplasty Surgery ( nose jobs ),   6) Laser Hair,  7) Lip Augmentation,  8)  Liposuction Surgery,  9) Tummy Tuck Surgery, 10) Breast Surgery ( breast augmentation, breast reduction , breast lift ), 11) Gynecomastia Surgery,  12) Body lift Surgery etc

 

People residing in U.S.A and U.K are opting India as a destination for getting beauty enhancement through plastic surgery since India is providing it at a low cost and without compromising with the international healthcare standards within less time.  The best plastic surgery hospitals in India are at Mumbai and Delhi. They have a base of highly skilled and well-experienced plastic surgeons, who are qualified as specialists and are registered with the recognized Indian medical council. The latest developments ensure that they can deliver safe and successful results with minimal complications for plastic surgery in India at reasonable costs. Benefits include low cost, no waiting lists and a high quality healthcare standard. For more details on plastic surgery in India please visit http://www.tour2india4health.com and enquiry@tour2india4health.com

 

admin asked:

Beverly Hills is a fast paced city in the western part of Los Angeles County, California is known worldwide as the Mecca of cosmetic surgery. There is absolutely no other place on Earth that can match the options made available by this city. 

The TV show 90210 that ran successfully on Fox during the 1990s popularized Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills as a way to improve looks. It shattered all the myths that prevailed in the general public and portrayed Beverly Hill cosmetic surgeons as the best and most skilled surgeons.  

There are not many places in the world that can match the quality of Breast Implants Los Angeles, or Breast Augmentation Beverly Hills. Doctors and experienced surgeons have made millions of patients feel confident about flaunting their body in public. Since cosmetic surgery is witnessing a huge upward trend, many skilled surgeons are migrating from other states and countries to Beverly Hills. This has made plastic surgery an extremely competitive field for medical clinics which sometimes have to offer discounts to patients in order to retain them.  

This competition in Plastic Surgery California has proved beneficial for commoners who base their decision on the quality assurance feeling that each clinic provides. Most of these clinics boost of the riskless procedures that they perform and even offer money back guarantee if something goes wrong after the treatment.  

Many surgeons use laser techniques to complete the procedure without any pain and cut. Patients can walk out immediately after the non invasive surgery and can return to their normal routine. However, there are some treatments like breast augmentation that require a woman to be admitted for 24-48 hours after the treatment. It is done to avoid any post operative infection. Being in a nursing home after operation insures that the vital stats of the patient are monitored at every step and proper medication can be given i the time of emergency.

admin asked:

As society changes and becomes more accepting of physical makeover treatments like cosmetic surgery, the industry has blossomed into an exceedingly popular one, with millions of individuals from all backgrounds, all across the world, discovering what cosmetic treatments can do for them.

Whether you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery on your face, such as a facelift, rhinoplasty or pinning back your ears, or you want to change something about your body – such as flattening out your tummy, ridding your thighs of stubborn fat cells or undergoing a breast augmentation to achieve the chest you’ve always desired, it’s no secret that cosmetic surgery is a life-changing experience.

Such a decision should not be made without professional advice, however, which is why it’s essential that before making any sort of choice about cosmetic surgery, you should consult with a reputable plastic surgeon who can offer you expert advice on what sort of treatments would best suit your needs, as well as the results you could expect from undergoing them.

Your consultation will also serve as a way for you to ask the questions about cosmetic surgery that cause you any worries, such as issues of pain, recovery time and how to look after your newly-treated area once the surgery is over and you’re allowed to go home. A consultation can really put your mind at rest regarding all the niggling worries you’ve been facing and ensure that, should you decide cosmetic treatment is definitely for you, you’ll be able to go into the hospital feeling confident and comfortable that you’ll cope with the treatment just fine.

Cosmetic surgery can really enhance your life and give you the confidence you need to enjoy your life to the fullest. Whatever type of treatment you’re thinking about getting, by seeking the appropriate advice in a consultation, you’re showing that you’re not rushing the decision and ensuring you have all of the facts before making your choice – this is an essential part of the process that will not only put your mind at ease, but those of your friends and family too.

Speaking to a qualified surgeon will ensure that when it comes to undergoing the procedure, you can feel at ease because you know your body is in the care of an expert you can trust.

Cosmetic surgery is not for everyone, but for those that undergoing surgical treatment for physical improvement makes sense to, it can work wonders for your self-esteem and give you the body you’ve always dreamed of.

jewellery asked:

It’s a common situation.  You’re sitting with a friend and a gorgeous woman walks past the both of you.  Your friend leans in to you and says, “You think those are real?”  You respond, “Totally implants.  Those can’t possibly be her real ears.”  Luckily, otoplasty (better known as cosmetic ear surgery) does not help you hear any better, so the gorgeous woman doesn’t overhear your conversation.

What is it?

Otoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that aims to reduce the size of large, floppy ears.  While there are many different scenarios and procedures within the field of otolaryngology (an English word so suspiciously long, one might suspect it’s somehow German), the most common is referred to as “pinning back the ears”, which helps to correct ears that protrude too far from the head (2 cm from the back of the head, to be exact, though I’m not sure what ear impresario decided that).

The surgery lasts somewhere around two hours and consists of a small incision being made behind the ear, in the crease where the ear and head meet.  From there, the surgeon can remove skin and cartilage or possibly even reshape or trim the cartilage.  Lastly, your newly sculpted cartilage will be secured by permanent stitches.  The recovery period is generally quick (at least quicker than most plastic surgery procedures) and will probably require wearing soft dressings over the ears or possibly even a headband (maybe consider going on tour with Willie Nelson for the entirety of your headband/recovery time).

Besides pinning back the ears, otoplasty can cover mostly all of your cosmetic ear needs.  Ear deformities can be corrected, such as “lop-ear deformity”, which occurs when the raised cartilage, which shapes the upper portion of the ear, does not form completely.  Torn earlobes can also be corrected, and if you’re missing an ear (perhaps Mike Tyson bit one of them off) you can opt for a brand new artificial ear, primarily constructed out of rib cartilage, soft tissue, and maybe a biomedical implant.

Who needs it?

Ear deformities completely justify otoplasty, first and foremost.  It’s less easy to justify surgery that generally ranges between $2,000 and $5,000, because you think your ears stick out too far from your head.  But if you’re willing to pay, and there are always people willing to pay, then shoot for some otoplasty if you feel it will raise your self-esteem.  In all honesty though, after perusing through many different “before and after” pictures, I sometimes had trouble identifying which was the “before” and which was the “after”.

That being said, otoplasty is considered to be one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures among men, probably due to the higher visibility of the ears on account of shorter hair (excluding Fabio of course, who isn’t so much of a man as he is a stallion).  However, otoplasty will benefit children, as young as four or five, more than anyone.  It makes sense, considering that the only time you will probably ever be harassed for having “retarded” ears is during adolescence.

Benefits

One of the biggest benefits of cosmetic ear surgery is that it has one of the lowest risk rates among plastic surgery.  On top of that, otoplasty can correct a wide range of ear deformities, such as large ears, small ears, protruding ears, cupped ears, cauliflower ears, and folded ears.  But of course, the most evident benefit is psychological (this is cosmetic surgery, folks), which means you feel less likely to be a target, naturally raising self-confidence by eliminating bullies.

Risks

Though otoplasty is considered low-risk, complications can possibly occur, such as infection, overcorrection, and, in extremely rare cases, altered hearing.  In addition to that, common side effects from the procedure are postoperative pain, itching, and occasional numbness, though all of these can be easily treated with medication.

The bottom line

Due to its low risk nature, otoplasty is can be a quick fix for deformed ears, whether naturally deformed or deformed from an accident.  However, it’s a lot of money for a problem that, in terms of adults, seems rather trivial, especially if your ears are only slightly larger than normal.  The procedure appears to be more appropriate for children… but let’s face it, children getting plastic surgery seems a little dubious as well.  And plus, look what great things big-eared people have done with their lives: Martin Lawrence had his own sitcom and was nominated for an MTV movie award for his portrayal of “Big Momma” in the unforgettable Big Momma’s House; Prince Charles is a freaking prince; Will Smith, who is technically a prince as well, wrote and performed “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”, which is considered by some (me) to be the national anthem; and come on, let’s not forget our president, Barack Obama, letting big-eared kids all around the country know that someday they can be president too.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

jewellery asked:

Cosmetic surgery tourism is a price driven phenomenon that has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Popular destinations for cosmetic surgery tourism include Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, and Thailand.  What does the Philippines have to offer over other popular cosmetic surgery hotspots?

The primary advantage of having surgery done in the Philippines is the cost. Because of the present exchange rate (1 USD: 41 Pesos as of April 2008), the cost of plastic surgery in the Philippines is only a fraction of the cost in other countries particularly the United States and Europe.  On the average, a typical breast augmentation will cost around 7000-8000 USD in the United States. In the Philippines, this will cost around 3000-4000 USD at the present market rate.

Although cost is a primary consideration, it should not be the only factor to determine one’s choice of surgeon. Wherever you are in the world, choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important decision you will have to make. In the Philippines, there are a number of fully trained and highly skilled Plastic Surgeons who underwent formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.  The Philippine Association of Plastic Recontructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc (PAPRAS) is the only organization that accepts fellowship training for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. After training, they undergo certification by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery (PBPS) which is the only organization tasked by the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS) to grant board certification in the field of Plastic Surgery.

State-of-the-art technology and professional medical expertise are offered by most Philippine hospitals and out-patient surgery centers. Patients can be assured of first class healthcare comparable to world class standards.  Be sure to ask if the center is accredited by the Department of Health.

Filipinos are known to be cheerful, caring, and compassionate. They are warm and very hospitable. Nursing care provided by Filipinos in Britain is legendary as is in the United States. This holds the same for doctors. Their unique characteristics makes them excel in the healthcare industry. 

The language barrier can be very frustrating especially for patients.  Imagine trying to convey something to your surgeon and all he does is nod or shake his head. Most Filipinos are fluent in English.  This is an important advantage in healthcare professions. Communication between patient and surgeon is of utmost importance during initial consultation as well as the post-operative period.  It helps make the surgical experience a more “pleasurable” one.

Surgery in the Philippines offers distinct advantages to potential patients of cosmetic surgery. Low costs, highly qualified plastic surgeons, and world class facilities makes the Philippines a potential site in the cosmetic tourism industry.

Article by JOEL UNSON MD, a fully trained Plastic Surgeon from the Philippines. For more information on plastic surgery procedures in the Philippines, you may visit his website at http://plasticsurgery.unson.com

Other related articles: Cosmetic Surgery in the Philippines