http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/is-cosmetic-surgery-for-you_1.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/is-cosmetic-surgery-for-you_1.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:32:54 -0500
This field is also known as aesthetic surgery, and it refers to an elective procedure that is performed on healthy patients, not those with health problems. The goal is to improve one's physical appearance. These procedures can often give the patient a dramatic new look. Other times, they can make a subtle change that can be very pleasing to patients.
Plastic surgery is a broader field and includes the surgical repair of either genetic or accidental physical defects. Some examples of reconstructive plastic surgery are hand surgery, craniofacial surgery, and burn surgery. The best way to describe cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery is that the latter is a "need" while the former is a "want." Both disciplines have their appropriate places and usefulness.

Below is a list of popular cosmetic surgeries:

* Augmentation Mammaplasty - The most common procedure in cosmetic surgery is enhancing the size of a woman's breasts. In a world where many women do seek larger breasts, the surgery continues to be a very popular procedure. The procedure also often helps women who do not like the shape of their breasts, or whose shape and position has changed with time or pregnancy, or who have asymmetry. The implants used may be either saline or silicone.

* Abdominoplasty - Also known as "tummy tuck" this includes a reshaping of the abdominal area. Many people, especially women, experience sagging mid-sections after giving child birth. As the years takes their toll on the abdominal skin, this procedure can give people the confidence to once again show off their abs and wear more revealing clothing without the worries of a bulging tummy. We also are doing more and more of these procedures on men and for people who have had large weight loss and are left with loose skin.

* Liposuction - This is another procedure that continues to grow in popularity. It is minimally invasive and offers people the chance to remove unwanted fat. This of course carries great appeal to people. Los Angeles liposuction is also very good and bringing bodies into proportion and addressing stubborn areas that do not improve with diet and exercise.

* Chemical Peel - Facial enhancement is the goal of this procedure, reducing or eliminating pimples and acne, facial scars due to acne, pock marks, and even wrinkles and skin blemishes. The use of different chemical acids are used to perform this procedure. Trichloroacetic acid or TCA, salicylic acid or BHA, and carbolic acid or Phenol are the active ingredients in peeling in order to improve facial skin with a peel.

* Rhinoplasty - Also known as the "nose job," this procedure is common for people who want to make their noses proportionate to their faces. Sometimes the procedure is done to remove a bump on the nose, while other times it is done to make the nose more narrow. There are also occasions when the procedure can also improve breathing function by having nose surgery.

There are many other common elective procedures within Beverly Hills plastic surgery. These include laser surgery, eyelid surgery, facelift, breast lift, breast reduction, thigh lift, buttock augmentation, ear pinning and more. The field is constantly growing in its diversity of procedures and advancing in terms of their sophistication. The most important thing is to have reasonable expectations of what cosmetic surgery will accomplish, and then you are most likely to achieve a satisfactory result.


--
Los Angeles tummy tuck specialist Dr. Lloyd Krieger focuses on cosmetic procedures including Los Angeles rhinoplasty.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/what-is-plastic-surgery.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/what-is-plastic-surgery.html Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:53:20 -0500
There are two focuses of the specialty: cosmetic and reconstructive. Reconstructive surgery refers to correcting a problem due to an accident or deformity, for example a cleft palate. Cosmetic surgeries are those that are performed on a healthy patient who wants an aesthetic alteration of their body for beauty and improvement.

Plastic surgery's goals include correction of a disfigured body or face, restoration of a damaged body function, and improvement of the physical appearance. Generally "plastic" from the Greek word "plastikos" means to mold or shape. Plastic surgery molds and shapes bones, fat, cartilage, skin and muscle. Tissues may be altered and removed in order to fill a depression or swathe an injury caused by an accident to improve the patient's appearance. In some cases, tissues are removed to modify the contour of the body. The field works to improve both form and function during its procedures.

Benefits

Plastic surgery has helped many people improve their appearance and self esteem. Here are some examples of how this is the case.

Deformities caused by heredity, or which are congenital in nature, often can be corrected by plastic surgery. Some examples of these deformities include cleft palate, cleft lip, or a deformed hand. In some cases the surgeries can be performed shortly after birth, while in other situations the procedures are done as the child grow older.

People often want to change a physical issue that causes them concern, because these "imperfections" may be the source of embarrassment. Correcting this deficiency can improve self confidence. Examples include removing a bump on the nose, or correcting breast asymmetry. A Los Angeles tummy tuck is a procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the midsection, and is often performed on women following pregnancy.

With the aid of modern technology, surgeons have now developed microsurgery. This technique allows for complex reconstructions by moving tissues from one part of the body to a distant part. This is a method of transferring tissues, tissue flaps, muscle, fat or bone. Veins and arteries and nerves can be reconnected even if they are as small as 1 to 2 mm in diameter by the use of suture. Microsurgery is often used to treat traumatic injuries. It is also commonly a part of cancer reconstruction, in places such as the face and breast.

Another common procedure is skin grafting, which is a common plastic surgery procedure. This is a method of transplanting skin or tissues into other affected parts of the body. It is often performed to help burn victims who have lost some of their skin as the result of their injuries. Other tissues can also be used as grafts, such as bone and cartilage and even nerve.

Beverly Hills plastic surgery is also concerned with wound healing. This includes treatments to help chronic wounds, and using advanced techniques when doing such cosmetic procedures as breast augmentation. There are many new biotechnology products which aid plastic surgeons as they work to achieve optimal wound healing.

Hand surgery is often also performed by plastic surgeons. This can include repair of injuries, such as broken bones or cut tendons. It can also relieve pain from such causes as carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand surgeons also reconstruct hands in children born with deformities.

Plastic surgery is a broad field, and is now often divided into subspecialties. For example, not all doctors offer rhinoplasty. Some examples include hand surgery, microvascular surgery, craniofacial surgery, burn surgery, maxillofacial surgery, and cosmetic surgery. But whatever part of the discipline, the unifying principles continue to be applied. Specifically, plastic surgeons aim to improve or restore form and function.




--
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon is pleased to answer questions by email.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/laser-skin-resurfacing-says-goodbye-to-damaged-and-wrinkled-skin.html http://www.articletrader.com/self-improvement/laser-skin-resurfacing-says-goodbye-to-damaged-and-wrinkled-skin.html Fri, 08 May 2009 11:49:21 -0500
What is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing is a procedure that is most often used to remove fine lines and wrinkles that have appeared around the eyes and mouth. It is also successful at removing superficial wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks. Skin that has a weathered look can also be effectively treated with laser skin resurfacing. Any number of benign skin lesions can be lessened and eliminated all together thanks to the work of laser skin resurfacing.

This type of procedure can also help to reduce and/or soften the appearance of scars on the face (such as those caused from acne, diseases such as chicken pox, and scars due to traumatic events) and improve areas where there is uneven pigmentation. Skin that has been damaged due to the sun will respond well to this type of skin procedure as well.

It is important for anyone considering laser skin resurfacing to be aware of the fact that this procedure is not geared towards wrinkles that are deeply engrained in the skin's surface. The treatment may help these wrinkles somewhat, but it will not make eliminate them completely.

Medical Conditions that Benefit From This Procedure

There are some medical conditions that will show improvement after laser skin resurfacing is undertaken. These include:

-Chronic actinic cheilitis
-Angiokeratomas
-Cutaneous lesions
-Balanitis xerotica obliterans
-Erythroplasia of Queyrat
-Hailey-Hailey disease (benign familial pemphigus)
-Lupoid cutaneous leishmaniasis
-Rhinophyma (which is caused by an extreme case of acne rosacea)

The Consultation Stage for Laser Skin Surgery

It is essential that you explain to the plastic surgeon what skin improvement you are seeking when it comes to CO2 treatment (another name for laser skin resurfacing). The results will not be the same for everyone. The procedure can be performed on the entire face or for spot treatments. Some patients choose to have laser skin resurfacing done at the same time that they are having another form of surgery on their face, while others opt for singular treatment. This decision is up to you and is dependent on the problems you are experiencing with your skin.

The surgeon will review your medical history with you, as well as take a close look at your skin and the pigmentation of your face in order to decide if you would benefit from laser skin resurfacing. It is vital that you tell the doctor any pertinent information that is related to your skin, such as sun sensitivity, if you have ever had any viral skin infections, or what skin treatments you have had in the past six months (such as chemical peels, Accutane treatments or microdermabrasion).

Individuals who are presently suffering from skin inflammation due to acne are not good candidates for this type of procedure. People who have been using Accutane for a period of six months to a year would be better off considering other types of skin resurfacing procedures, such as peels and even then only until well after the treatment with that medicine has ended. Those who are prone to keloids should avoid laser skin resurfacing. People who have dark complexions, such as those that are olive in appearance, are more likely than people with lighter complexions to develop hyperpigmentation as a consequence of laser skin surgery.

Innovative Nature of Laser Skin Resurfacing

The laser used in CO2 treatments is a carbon dioxide laser that is considered to be an innovative, exciting advancement is cosmetic surgery. During the procedure, the water found in the top layer of the skin is heated, which prompts peeling when a gentle rubbing motion is applied to it. The skin will be red afterwards and crusting can take place if the patient does not keep the area moist by applying the proper dressings and ointment to the area.

It is essential to follow the instructions from your Los Angeles plastic surgeon in order to allow healing to take place following laser skin resurfacing. If you experience any problems afterwards, do not hesitate to get in touch with the office for assistance.


--
Lloyd M. Krieger is a Los Angeles plastic surgeon, specializing in procedures such as liposuction.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/the-benefits-of-liposuction.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/the-benefits-of-liposuction.html Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500
Liposuction removes fat deposits from beneath the skin by means of a hollow steel tube called a cannula. This tube is attached to a strong vacuum. It is generally done under general anesthesia in an operating room. In some cases, it can be done under heavy sedation or with only local anesethesia. The incisions created in the skin for the procedure are generally quite small and usually heal up so they are difficult to see.

The current standard for doing liposuction uses a technique called tumescent liposuction. This involves firming up the fat by injecting local anesthetic and other medicines into it. It is very safe and creates less pain following surgery, as well as during. Surgeons can modify this procedure by using both general anesthesia and local anesthesia.

Liposuction can be done without pain using several different forms of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used depends on the patient and on how much tissue is to be removed. Not all anesthesia techniques are equally safe. It is therefore important to come up with a plan that works best for your needs.

Liposuction is both a medical procedure and a form of artistic expression. The doctor must have the goals of perfection in his workmanship, a quest for continual improvement, clinical experience and a goal to see that patients are happy with their outcome. Being artistic and being safe are interdependent on one another. For example, if the patient wants it all done at once and the doctor thinks that would give an unacceptable outcome, the doctor must explain the patient the benefits of several small operations.
There are risks of liposuction. These include removing too much volume of fat. This can result in an uneven appearance after healing. If the surgeon attempts to do too much in one day, there can be dimpling of the skin and an unacceptable result. Using the wrong sized cannula can result in a poor result.

The Tumescent Technique
The tumescent liposuction technique is a very safe approach to liposuction. In general, the use of local anesthetic technique cuts down on the amount of surgical bleeding. This technique also uses small suction tubes that take only small amounts of fat at a time. This is a precise way of doing the procedure, and allows for a smoother cosmetic result. Larger cannulas can form depressions and irregularities of the skin that do not go away even following healing.

After liposuction, some bloody fluid remains under the skin and is gradually absorbed by the body over several weeks. Some doctors use drains to allow the fluid to drain out faster, though this practice is now quite uncommon.

Cost of Liposuction
We are all concerned about costs. And while the cost of Beverly Hills liposuction is important as a factor in determining where to go, the quality of surgeon and the facility must be considered along with these cost issues. In many cases, going with the lowest price can ultimately cost you the most money. One must balance cost with the overall desired result and decide who is most likely to provide the most value in terms of smooth and well-sculpted tissues without large scars or uneven skin tone.
Issues that influence the price are the size of the patient, surgical time, preoperative fees, operative fees, or related expenses.

Time of Operation
The time to perform liposuction procedure depends on many factors. It depends on the number of body areas to be treated, the size of the patient, and how challenging the procedure is to perform. The procedure is not a “race to the finish line” and should be performed carefully and without rushing. Most procedure take anywhere between one and four hours.
Liposuction offers good candidates a chance to remove areas of unwanted fat, resulting in a more pleasing body shape. It can provide great boosts to self-confidence. But is it a real surgery, and care must be taken to select an experienced and qualified surgeon to perform the procedure and to allow time at home for recovery.


--
Lloyd Krieger specializes in cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills liposuction.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/your-guide-to-tummy-tuck.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/your-guide-to-tummy-tuck.html Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

What is a Tummy Tuck?

If you’ve tried every sit-up and stomach crunching move there is, and are still far from your goal of a flat-as-a-board belly, then a tummy tuck could be the right choice for you. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at removing excess flab from the abdominal area, and tightening the abdominal muscles. Like all cosmetic procedures, it’s not a “one size fits all” option. A tummy tuck is not a weight loss measure and should never be treated like one. It’s a procedure for people who want to firm and tone up their abdominal muscles, and have exhausted all their options. A tummy tuck is an invasive surgery, and those who elect to have it should take the time to educate themselves before making a final decision.

Who’s Eligible for a Tummy Tuck?

The number one requirement for anyone considering a tummy tuck is a clean bill of health. Men and women who are in good physical condition in general are eligible for this cosmetic procedure. The best candidates for tummy tucks are women who have delivered babies and notice excessive sagging abdominal skin. A tummy tuck is also the ideal option for those who have recently lost a large amount of weight, and have loose skin around their abdominal area that is unaffected by regular exercise.

Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

Those who have a history of heart and vascular problems are advised against having tummy tuck surgery. In addition, if you have digestive problems that might affect your eligibility for a tummy tuck. Additionally, if you plan on losing more weight, then a tummy tuck might best be deferred until you are finished with your weight loss. A tummy tuck is not a quick fix solution to weight problems, and should not be used in situations where a diet and exercise schedule can give you your desired results.

What to Expect During and After a Tummy Tuck Procedure

An abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases local anesthetics may also be used. The surgery can last between 2 to 4 hours. Typically, the more skin and fat to be removed, the longer the duration of the procedure.

Remember that a Beverly Hills tummy tuck is a type of surgery; that means you can expect some swelling following the procedure. Generally, prescribed painkillers are all you’ll need to alleviate the discomfort during your recovery. You may also experience some degree of soreness, numbness, and bruising that may last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. You’ll probably also notice some general fatigue which should also correct itself in a few weeks.

The Importance of the Recovery Period After Your Tummy Tuck

If you think that having a tummy tuck means you can bounce off your surgery bed and into a bikini, think again! The incision area will be bandaged and will need to be taken care of properly to avoid infections. Your surgeon will be able to advise you regarding this. Any kind of strenuous physical activity is also a strict no-no, at least for six months after the surgery. The scars, although they will lighten considerably over time, will never completely disappear. Once you’re sufficiently recovered, your surgeon will prescribe lotions that will speed up the lightening process.

A tummy tuck does not magically endow you with perfectly sculpted washboard abs. This Los Angeles plastic surgery does, however, give you a more contoured and tauter outline than before. The improvements are often dramatic, and people who have had tummy tucks are some of our most happy patients.


--
Lloyd Krieger is a Los Angeles plastic surgery specialist with extensive experience doing tummy tuck.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/seven-facts-about-tummy-tuck.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/seven-facts-about-tummy-tuck.html Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500
With a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed surgically from the abdominal region and the underlying muscles are tightened to create a slimmer and smoother contour. The procedure also better defines the waist. This plastic surgery procedure is a major surgery and does require some recovery. Like any plastic surgery, not everyone is a candidate, but if you are considering a tummy tuck, consider these facts about this common cosmetic procedure.

1. Your physical condition determines whether you are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. Ideally, men or women who are in reasonably good physical condition make the best candidates for the removal of excess fat bulges and loose skin, especially if they have already tried to get rid of it with diet and exercise.
   
2. If your excess skin and fat is mostly concentrated below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. In this procedure, there is a shorter incision and the belly button is not moved. There is also a shorter recovery from a mini tummy tuck than from a standard or full tummy tuck.
   
3. Because a tummy tuck is a surgery that requires a long incision, you will be left with a scar. To reduce this negative consequence, we place the scar in the lower abdomen that will typically be covered by underwear and bathing suits. And, with proper healing, the scar often becomes very faint.
   
4. Smoking interferes with recovering from surgery and increases the risks of complications following a tummy tuck. If you are a smoker, you will have to face quitting smoking two weeks before your surgery and during your recovery. Permanently quitting would certainly be best for many reasons.
   
5. You should be aware that liposuction may be used in conjunction with your tummy tuck. Indeed, liposuction might be all that is needed to achieve the desired result on your abdomen. Be open to the possibility that you may only need the less invasive procedure of liposuction. When you meet your plastic surgeon, he or she will examine you and help determine the best option.
   
6. When you visit your Beverly Hills plastic surgeon for a consultation about a tummy tuck, be candid about your body-shaping goals. Your surgeon will be evaluating the skin and fat deposits of your body along with your expectations about results. Then, your surgeon will discuss with you what can be realistically achieved with a tummy tuck.
   
7. The results of a tummy tuck can be very long lasting if you eat sensibly and stay active. If you overeat and gain weight excessively, then your skin and tissues will be forced to stretch out into new bulges.
   

A final thought for you to consider about tummy tucks is that nothing is standard with plastic surgery. Each body is unique with its own shape and underlying physical attributes. A plastic surgeon must assess each person individually and perform a tummy tuck that is suited to each body. If you get a tummy tuck, it will be the tummy tuck for your body and it will not necessarily look like the tummy of another person who also had the procedure.


--
An excellent resource about the Beverly Hills tummy tuck can be found on the web site of this plastic surgery specialist.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/botox-%AE-risks-and-benefits.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/botox-%AE-risks-and-benefits.html Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
To briefly explain BOTOX ®, it is a protein derived from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Very small amounts of this protein are injected into the muscle tissue beneath the skin on your forehead, between your brows, and near your eyes. BOTOX ® paralyzes these small facial muscles and causes the fine wrinkles to diminish within a couple days. The effect is temporary and lasts for approximately four months.

When applied appropriately and under the correct medical supervision, the risks of using BOTOX ® are minimal. The problems generally go away after a few days.

Problems experienced by people receiving a BOTOX ® treatment include:

1. Headache soon after treatment
   
2. Respiratory infection
   
3. Flu syndrome
   
4. Forehead and/or eyelid drooping
   
5. Nausea
   

The side effects listed above are short term. Other problems at the site of injection can occur in some people. These injection site difficulties include:

1. Pain (often treated with a topical anesthetic)
   
2. Redness and swelling
   
3. Bruising
   
4. Bleeding
   
5. Numbness
   
6. Muscle weakness
   

The chance of these uncomfortable problems can be reduced by making sure you do not rub the injection sites and by having a skilled medical professional administer the treatment. It is important to note that if you have allergies to egg products, then you may react negatively to a BOTOX ® treatment. Discussing your medical background and health with a physician is the best way to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for BOTOX ®.

The benefits of BOTOX ® are why it is so popular and you have probably heard about it. The treatment has proven to be very effective for most people, who enjoy the reduction of fine lines between their brows and on their foreheads. Although the treatment only remains effective for about four months, you can repeat treatment when necessary.

Benefits of BOTOX ® Cosmetic treatments:

1. Fast application – A treatment typically only takes 10 or 15 minutes.
   
2. Affordable, especially when compared to facelift surgery.
   
3. Non-surgical. The treatment only consists of small injections.
   
4. No down time from work or play.
   

The development of BOTOX ® for the temporary reduction of frown lines and crow's feet has allowed many people to revisit the faces of their youth. Whether an indulgence for a special occasion or part of an ongoing beauty regimen, as a California plastic surgeon I found that BOTOX ® is an attractive option for many people.


--
Lloyd Krieger is a California plastic surgeon
that offers physician-administered BOTOX in Beverly Hills.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/what-you-should-know-about-cosmetic-surgery.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/what-you-should-know-about-cosmetic-surgery.html Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Although people are a lot more up-front about cosmetic surgery than they used to be, the fact is that going under the scalpel is not for everyone. While TV shows might sing its praises, and gush about how a little tweaking here and there can send your self-esteem sky rocketing, it isn’t quite that simple.

Do You Need Cosmetic Surgery?

To answer this question it’s important to understand the nature of the term. Cosmetic surgery
helps you alter physical features or parts of your body that function perfectly well, but might still make you unhappy. Contrary to popular perception, those who seek out cosmetic surgery aren’t usually people who are chronically dissatisfied or unhappy with their appearance. On the contrary, most people who choose to alter their appearance are basically happy and well-adjusted.

This is where the question of “need” comes in. If you’re chronically depressed enhanced breasts or perfectly arched brows aren’t going to bring about any changes in your state of mind. In fact, if done for the wrong reasons, cosmetic surgery can be a dangerous tool for your self image. For the most part, those who seek out cosmetic procedures are people who are reasonably happy with their appearance but wish they could have something (usually a minor aspect) about their physical appearance altered so they’ll look and feel better.

What Cosmetic Surgery Can Do for You

Although your cosmetic surgeon can give you a realistic picture of your physical appearance post surgery, he or she can’t and shouldn’t guarantee any change in your psychological well being. If chosen judiciously, however, cosmetic surgery can bring about positive emotional changes. Research conducted on patients after cosmetic surgery reveals that most patients indicated increased self-confidence, and an enhanced quality in their personal and social lives. This isn’t hard to understand. When you look better you feel better. This enhanced self-perception has a positive effect on your relationships.

Making Cosmetic Surgery Work for You

Now that you’ve made the decision to have cosmetic surgery it’s necessary to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the surgery. Expect enhancement of your present looks, not movie star perfection. The less realistic your expectations, the more you set yourself up for disappointment when the bandages come off. Your surgeon should be able to give you a fair picture of what the end results might be.

Don’t expect a miraculous makeover of your entire life. In other words, the work of a cosmetic surgeon isn’t a magic wand that can set right a troubled marriage or end loneliness. If you expect your newly enhanced looks to correct other personal issues you might have, that’s not going to happen. In fact, if you’ve just been through a traumatic experience such as a death in the family, have recently gotten divorced, or lost a job, you should probably postpone any plans for cosmetic surgery. The surgery will only compound these life stresses and increase the possibility of heightened expectations.

Also, understand that cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure and as such there is always an element of risk attached. Complications can occur.

At the end of the day, cosmetic surgery can be a powerful way to realize your physical potential, which in turn can lead to beneficial effects in your personal, social, and professional lives. If you do your research, ask questions and are realistic in your expectations, there’s no reason why cosmetic surgery won’t enhance the quality of your life as it has for so many others.


--
Lloyd Krieger, MD is a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/cosmetic-surgery-facts.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/cosmetic-surgery-facts.html Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600
Although people are a lot more up-front about cosmetic surgery than they used to be, the fact is that going under the scalpel is not for everyone. While TV shows might sing its praises, and gush about how a little tweaking here and there can send your self-esteem sky rocketing, it isn’t quite that simple.

Do You Need Cosmetic Surgery?

To answer this question it’s important to understand the nature of the term. Cosmetic surgery
helps you alter physical features or parts of your body that function perfectly well, but might still make you unhappy. Contrary to popular perception, those who seek out cosmetic surgery aren’t usually people who are chronically dissatisfied or unhappy with their appearance. On the contrary, most people who choose to alter their appearance are basically happy and well-adjusted.

This is where the question of “need” comes in. If you’re chronically depressed enhanced breasts or perfectly arched brows aren’t going to bring about any changes in your state of mind. In fact, if done for the wrong reasons, cosmetic surgery can be a dangerous tool for your self image. For the most part, those who seek out cosmetic procedures are people who are reasonably happy with their appearance but wish they could have something (usually a minor aspect) about their physical appearance altered so they’ll look and feel better.

What Cosmetic Surgery Can Do for You

Although your cosmetic surgeon can give you a realistic picture of your physical appearance post surgery, he or she can’t and shouldn’t guarantee any change in your psychological well being. If chosen judiciously, however, cosmetic surgery can bring about positive emotional changes. Research conducted on patients after cosmetic surgery reveals that most patients indicated increased self-confidence, and an enhanced quality in their personal and social lives. This isn’t hard to understand. When you look better you feel better. This enhanced self-perception has a positive effect on your relationships.

Making Cosmetic Surgery Work for You

Now that you’ve made the decision to have cosmetic surgery it’s necessary to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for the surgery. Expect enhancement of your present looks, not movie star perfection. The less realistic your expectations, the more you set yourself up for disappointment when the bandages come off. Your surgeon should be able to give you a fair picture of what the end results might be.

Don’t expect a miraculous makeover of your entire life. In other words, the work of a cosmetic surgeon isn’t a magic wand that can set right a troubled marriage or end loneliness. If you expect your newly enhanced looks to correct other personal issues you might have, that’s not going to happen. In fact, if you’ve just been through a traumatic experience such as a death in the family, have recently gotten divorced, or lost a job, you should probably postpone any plans for cosmetic surgery. The surgery will only compound these life stresses and increase the possibility of heightened expectations.

Also, understand that cosmetic surgery is a medical procedure and as such there is always an element of risk attached. Complications can occur.

At the end of the day, cosmetic surgery can be a powerful way to realize your physical potential, which in turn can lead to beneficial effects in your personal, social, and professional lives. If you do your research, ask questions and are realistic in your expectations, there’s no reason why cosmetic surgery won’t enhance the quality of your life as it has for so many others.


--
Lloyd Krieger, MD is a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/liposuction-your-safety-and-choices.html http://www.articletrader.com/health/beauty/liposuction-your-safety-and-choices.html Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
What is Liposuction and What Can it Do for Me?

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that involves removing fat deposits that just don’t seem to respond to the traditional methods of diet and exercise. It is sometimes called liposculpture. It is a surgical procedure, and that means that the safest way to have Beverly Hills liposculpture done is to choose a plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure. This is an important point, as this is a medical procedure that can be legally performed by a variety of medical doctors, not just plastic surgeons.

Depending on the amount of fat to be removed, a local or general anesthetic can be used during the procedure to keep you comfortable and prevent pain. During the lipo procedure, a hollow tube, called a canula, is used to suck out the fat, which – depending on the specific type of liposuction performed – can be either scraped and dislodged, or liquefied. The most common liposuction procedures in use today use the tumescent liposuction method, in which liquid is infused as part of the procedure. This liquid serves to loosen the fat, and has a local anesthetic to prevent pain as well as a medicine to prevent bleeding.

There will be some swelling afterwards. Typically, bandages or special clothing items that are designed to apply sufficient pressure are used to help keep swelling and bruising to a minimum. The full results of the procedure will not be apparent until the healing process is completed. The amount of time that it takes for the body to heal depends on the type of liposuction performed, the volume of fat removed, and the area of the body where it is performed. There will be small scars remaining afterwards at the entrance points of the canula, but with time these generally heal to the point of being very hard to see.

Liposuction is a remarkable procedure and very effective at removing fat deposits. However, just like all procedures it is important to have realistic expectations concerning what it can accomplish. Body contouring and shaping also has to do with the elasticity of the skin in the area, not just the removal of fat via liposuction. Make sure to thoroughly discuss this with your plastic surgeon. You need to have an accurate understanding of what your expected outcome will be before you have liposuction done, and remember, it is not meant to be used as a substitute for weight loss.

Who Should Perform My Liposuction?

Beverly Hills liposuction is a procedure that is best performed by an experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in the procedure. That is your safest choice and the choice that will best ensure that you are satisfied with the results of your liposuction. It is legal and possible for other medical professionals to perform liposuction. However, choosing a surgeon with experience and education in your specific procedure is the safest option as you consider the procedure.

Your surgeon should do the procedure in a real operating room, in a surgery center that has been inspected and certified by the government. This will provide the highest level of safety and also allow you to achieve the best cosmetic result. It will provide a sterile environment to help minimize the risk of infection, among many other necessary benefits. Prior to scheduling the procedure, confirm with your plastic surgeon where your liposuction will be performed. Skill and cleanliness are essential to good results and proper, infection-free healing. This is just as true of liposuction as it is for other plastic surgery procedures done by a Los Angeles plastic surgeon.

Choosing the right surgeon for the job, and having realistic expectations, will directly impact your satisfaction with the results of a liposuction procedure. When performed by a reputable, experienced professional, liposuction is a wonderful way to deal with the stubborn fat deposits that interfere with your desired body shape.


--
Lloyd M. Krieger, MD is a plastic surgeon and founder of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California. More information is available on Beverly Hills liposuction and the work of this Los Angeles plastic surgeon.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>