Plastic Surgery Advice

There is often some confusion about these terms, as different people and websites use them differently. Here’s how they should be used.

• Plastic Surgery – is the over-arching term, including the other two

• Reconstructive Surgery – is done for functional reasons on abnormal body structures which have resulted from congenital or developmental defects, trauma or disease

• Cosmetic Surgery – is done for esthetic reasons on normal body structures, to improve or enhance a person’s attractiveness, and it might also address minor function issues in the process

Basic Training

To perform reconstructive or cosmetic surgery, a physician must be qualified as a plastic surgeon. That means a minimum of:

1. Graduation from medical school

2. Licensing by a State Licensing Board

Legally speaking, nothing more is necessary, but you would not want to entrust your health to a physician who had no more qualification than that. Board-certification is highly important in assuring you that the doctor has gone further in his specialty training.

Specialty Training

So you would want to look for a surgeon who is:

3. Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) This is one of 24 accredited specialty boards recognized by the American board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Professional Memberships

The best plastic surgeons also have memberships in other medical organizations such as:

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

• The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)

• The American College of Surgeons (ACS)

• The American Medical Association (AMA)

These memberships keep a physician in touch with his peers, and up to date with new ideas, techniques, and technology. They require high standards of their members.

Reconstructive Surgery

Reconstructive surgery is a very wide field and has subdivisions. It often works on children who are born with an abnormality such as a cleft palate, large disfiguring birthmark, or hand deformities.

Burn patients are another large category and often need reconstructive surgery where the entire skin and areas beneath it were destroyed. Accident victims may need replantation, which is the reattachment of a lost body part like fingers, ear, nose, arm or penis. Blood flow must be reconnected, the bones and muscles reattached, and nerves repaired.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) collects statistics each year, and for 2006, the most often performed reconstructive surgery was removal of cancerous tumors (3,905,831 such procedures). The procedure second in frequency, and very far behind, was laceration repair, at 312,855 procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery is a growing field and involves enhancement or recontouring of the face and body, as well as a spectrum of skin treatments. The ASPS gives these surgical procedures as the top five for 2006:

• Breast augmentation (329,000) – implants to enlarge the breasts

• Rhinoplasty (307,000) – recontouring of the nose

• Liposuction (303,000) – removal of fat from selected body areas

• Eyelid surgery (233,000) – removal of excess fat, skin and muscle to restore youthfulness to the eyes

• Tummy Tuck (146,000) – removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen, and tightening of the abdominal muscles

Skin improvement treatments are continually being developed, such as various chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Injectable fillers are very popular, such as Restylane, Sculptra and Radiesse. Botox injections are often given to smooth out frown lines and forehead creases. These are all non-invasive procedures, as opposed to invasive (surgical) procedures, but modern cosmetic surgeons offer them all the time.

A patient’s choice of cosmetic surgeon can have a huge impact on the outcome of the surgery he or she requires. For instance, a LA plastic surgeon might be able to successfully administer botox treatments, and provide other services, but another surgeon might be more adept at correcting inborn nasal defects. Before settling on a doctor, determine which category your desired surgical procedure falls under and find the best doctor with the most experience in the specific procedure you need to undertake.

There are two main types of plastic surgery — reconstructive and cosmetic. Reconstructive plastic surgery is typically administered to correct abnormal body structures that are either congenital or caused by tumors or diseases. Congenital defects such as cleft and lip palates can be rectified by reconstructive surgery. Procedures such as breast reconstruction and scar revision are reconstructive plastic surgeries that seek to augment irregularities brought about by cancer and accidents. Although reconstructive surgery usually aims to improve function, it can also be a way to normalize the appearance of a bodily structure.

The second type of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, is endured for aesthetic purposes. In image-conscious LA, plastic surgeon clinics of this type abound. Cosmetic surgical procedures try to improve one’s appearance, and consequently, self-esteem. Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgeons do not have to worry about making a feature functional, as these kinds of procedures usually just require reshaping.

Some of the more popular cosmetic surgery procedures are breast lifts and augmentations, liposuction, blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, face lifts, rhinoplasty or nose jobs and tummy tucks. For patients in LA, a plastic surgeon can help determine the procedures necessary to safely achieve the desired results.

Dr. Randal Haworth of the Haworth Institute is experienced in various cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. He is a LA plastic surgeon who can help you with your plastic surgery needs. Visit http://www.drhaworth.com or call 310-273-3000 for more information.

Safety tips in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

The things that you should consider when planning any cosmetic surgery procedure are results, quality and safety. The following article is prepared, in order to educate and guide prospective clients in cosmetic surgery on how to choose the right surgeon to attain their goal.

1. Any surgery with the main purpose of improving the physical aspect of the human body aesthetically, as well as function, is an artistic challenge for us plastic surgeons, and should be a worthwhile experience for the patient. All cosmetic procedures, minor or major, should be done according to certain standards imposed and set by local authorities, in terms of safety. Once your goal is obtained after the procedure, this brings emotional fulfillment and satisfaction to both the surgeon and the person seeking the procedure. But patient’s safety and health should be the main priority of your surgeon.

2. Inquire about your surgeon’s academic profile and formal training in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It takes 6 to 8 years of formal training in burns, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at an accredited institution after medical school before a physician could call himself a Plastic Surgeon.  This would include 3 to 5 years of General Surgery Program and 3 years of Burns, Cosmetic/Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery training. In the Philippines, there are only few training institutions with plastic surgery program that are accredited and recognized by the local association of surgeons (Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Board of Plastic and Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). Nowadays, there are still a lot of doctors (even non doctors), though board certified, but definitely not in plastic surgery, who perform plastic procedures. With the complexity of the plastic surgery specialty, it is not enough for a physician to just undergo months or even a year of observership or training in an unaccredited establishment, in order for them to comprehend all the principles and applications in the field of plastic cosmetic surgery.

3. A surgeon, equipped with a firm foundation in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He must be able to discuss with you, all possible options and its associated risks and advice you which procedure is best to attain your desired results. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, your surgeon should be knowledgeable about this and be able to tell you its advantages and disadvantages. Please be aware that there is no such thing as standard cosmetic procedure that would fulfill the desired result of all patients. Each patient should be approach and treated individually, since we have our own personal definition of beauty.

4. Do not look for the cheapest doctor, more so ,do not be deceived by unrealistic offer.  Know your surgeon’s training and academic profile. Take note of his offer, if it is safe and attainable. You could inquire from any physicians’ association, regarding the authenticity of your surgeon’s specialty or training; lastly, ask friends and previous patients regarding his credentials. Try visiting their website, if he has one. Your surgeon must be able to provide you details of his training, specialization and the number of years he underwent training.

5. Your surgeon must be able to extensively discuss with you all your possible options. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, a good plastic surgeon must be able to entertain all your inquiries regarding your desired procedure. Through this, the surgeon can establish rapport with their patients and establish a comfortable environment.

6. Don’t allow yourself to undergo liquid silicon injection at your nose, breasts, or any part of your body. The use of silicon oil injection has long been abandoned and condemned because of its unpredictable result and complications, not to mention its untoward results such as extrusion and infection. Your doctor must be able to provide you data or clinical study regarding the use and safety of the product he is trying to promote.

7. Don’t be attracted to newer procedures, drugs and prosthetics without proven long term studies with regards to result, efficacy and safety. Inquire about its approval for use by local and foreign regulatory agency such as US-FDA, Department of Health, etc. Take into consideration the quality, safety and efficacy rather than the cost.

8. Take note if your surgeon’s clinic or cosmetic center were able to meet certain standard of safety and certified by the local Health Department. But be informed, that there are certain procedures that are best done in a hospital setting.

9. Ask your surgeon regarding affiliations or membership to any local Plastic Surgery organization that is recognized by both local and international body of Plastic Surgeons. In the Philippines, only the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons under the umbrella of the Philippine College of Surgeon is recognized internationally by other foreign Plastic Society. This organization usually require their members certain standard in terms of training and competence in their specialty.

For more information on affordable cosmetic procedure, selecting qualified cosmetic plastic surgeon and to know all your options for the procedure you want to have you may visit :

www.cosmeticphilippines.com www.philcosmeticplasticsurgery.com

Author:

Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Filipino Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Manila, Philippines. He is a Board Certified and fully trained Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon, with 6 years of formal training in the field of Aesthetic, Reconstructive and Burn Plastic Surgery. Dr Rino Lorenzo is a Diplomate of the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery and Fellow of the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.

Disclaimer: “ Webmasters are free to reprint this article provided that it is not edited, the author’s information is included, and the links are included as live links.”

Resource box text: “Dr R Lorenzo  is the author of http://www.philippinecosmetic.com , a free guide to affordable cosmetic plastic procedures, choosing the right surgeon and safety tips in cosmetic plastic surgery, affordable and safe cosmetic surgery tourism”

Safety tips in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

The things that you should consider when planning any cosmetic surgery procedure are results, quality and safety. The following article is prepared, in order to educate and guide prospective clients in cosmetic surgery on how to choose the right surgeon to attain their goal.

1. Any surgery with the main purpose of improving the physical aspect of the human body aesthetically, as well as function, is an artistic challenge for us plastic surgeons, and should be a worthwhile experience for the patient. All cosmetic procedures, minor or major, should be done according to certain standards imposed and set by local authorities, in terms of safety. Once your goal is obtained after the procedure, this brings emotional fulfillment and satisfaction to both the surgeon and the person seeking the procedure. But patient’s safety and health should be the main priority of your surgeon.

2. Inquire about your surgeon’s academic profile and formal training in the field of cosmetic/aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. It takes 6 to 8 years of formal training in burns, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery at an accredited institution after medical school before a physician could call himself a Plastic Surgeon. This would include 3 to 5 years of General Surgery Program and 3 years of Burns, Cosmetic/Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery training. In the Philippines, there are only few training institutions with plastic surgery program that are accredited and recognized by the local association of surgeons (Philippine College of Surgeons, Philippine Board of Plastic and Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). Nowadays, there are still a lot of doctors (even non doctors), though board certified, but definitely not in plastic surgery, who perform plastic procedures. With the complexity of the plastic surgery specialty, it is not enough for a physician to just undergo months or even a year of observership or training in an unaccredited establishment, in order for them to comprehend all the principles and applications in the field of plastic cosmetic surgery.

3. A surgeon, equipped with a firm foundation in Cosmetic/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He must be able to discuss with you, all possible options and its associated risks and advice you which procedure is best to attain your desired results. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, your surgeon should be knowledgeable about this and be able to tell you its advantages and disadvantages. Please be aware that there is no such thing as standard cosmetic procedure that would fulfill the desired result of all patients. Each patient should be approach and treated individually, since we have our own personal definition of beauty.

4. Do not look for the cheapest doctor, more so ,do not be deceived by unrealistic offer. Know your surgeon’s training and academic profile. Take note of his offer, if it is safe and attainable. You could inquire from any physicians’ association, regarding the authenticity of your surgeon’s specialty or training; lastly, ask friends and previous patients regarding his credentials. Try visiting their website, if he has one. Your surgeon must be able to provide you details of his training, specialization and the number of years he underwent training.

5. Your surgeon must be able to extensively discuss with you all your possible options. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, a good plastic surgeon must be able to entertain all your inquiries regarding your desired procedure. Through this, the surgeon can establish rapport with their patients and establish a comfortable environment.

6. Don’t allow yourself to undergo liquid silicon injection at your nose, breasts, or any part of your body. The use of silicon oil injection has long been abandoned and condemned because of its unpredictable result and complications, not to mention its untoward results such as extrusion and infection. Your doctor must be able to provide you data or clinical study regarding the use and safety of the product he is trying to promote.

7. Don’t be attracted to newer procedures, drugs and prosthetics without proven long term studies with regards to result, efficacy and safety. Inquire about its approval for use by local and foreign regulatory agency such as US-FDA, Department of Health, etc. Take into consideration the quality, safety and efficacy rather than the cost.

8. Take note if your surgeon’s clinic or cosmetic center were able to meet certain standard of safety and certified by the local Health Department. But be informed, that there are certain procedures that are best done in a hospital setting.

9. Ask your surgeon regarding affiliations or membership to any local Plastic Surgery organization that is recognized by both local and international body of Plastic Surgeons. In the Philippines, only the Philippine Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons under the umbrella of the Philippine College of Surgeon is recognized internationally by other foreign Plastic Society. This organization usually require their members certain standard in terms of training and competence in their specialty.

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery you may visit www.philippinecosmetic.com or email us at peregrinovii@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: “ Webmasters are free to reprint this article provided that it is not edited, the author’s information is included, and the links are included as live links.”

Most of the people nowadays find themselves busy on the things that will make them look beautiful. They would go to salons to have their faces be applied with make-ups, they would let their hairs be styled, let their finger and foot nails be polished with colorful manicures, and they would enjoy the service of foot spa and body massage. But if you are going to ask about where can you best expressed your beauty, what would be your answer?

Yes, you are right! You can best expressed beauty on the face, and an ideal and beautiful face for everyone is one that is symmetrically equal on every side (left and right) and has crystal clear eyes, pointed nose, rosy cheeks ,and a kissable lips. How about this one: a cleft lip and palate, sagging eyelids, nose fracture, etc., what can you picture out, is it a beautiful face? All of you would of course say, “No”, well your all right! These are just examples of what we called facial deformities. People having such condition consider themselves as an outcast that they are different from the normal ones and the society vilifies them. These facial deformities hinder them from showing up their selves to the world. What a great misfortune? But don’t you know that these facial deformities can still be corrected and brought back to its original and normal form, and that is through plastic surgery operations.

Plasticos Foundation is a plastic surgery organization that has the primary goal to put an end to the misfortunes of the people having facial deformities through plastic surgery. This non-profit organization visits deprived communities around the world and identify people particularly the children having such condition. Plasticos Foundation provides free reconstructive plastic surgery operations to these children.

Reshaping lives through plastic surgery is what Plasticos Foundation aims and believes. They assure that there is always a better result in every operation that they are doing. Plasticos as a plastic surgery organization believes that people with facial deformities also deserve beauty.

What is beauty and life if you have facial deformity is indeed a great misfortune, but through Plasticos Foundation’s life changing service many deformed lives have been reshaped. Thank you Plasticos for your great philanthropy!