Magic of Cosmetic Surgery

Each body shape is different and every tummy tuck is unique as well. When it comes time to tighten up the belly region, a person will want to make certain to get the proper procedure that is right for their physique.

Another name for a tummy tuck is an abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon in order to slenderize and flatten the midsection. There are actually four different levels of the operation which are geared for different figure problems. Which one is right for you?

1) The mini procedure: This is the one designed for a person with the least amount of belly bulge. If there isn't a huge amount of fat and excess skin, this may be the proper selection. The area addressed by the mini is between the pubic bone and the navel. The incision type is a small curving line with a nearly invisible scar hidden along the pubic hair region.

2) Next up is the standard abdominoplasty. This is the proper choice for those with a bit more tissue and fat which must be removed. The belly button will most likely need to be relocated, as well, due to the larger amount of skin removal and repositioning. The internal connective tissue, sometimes referred to as the "inner girdle", will need to be tightened up, as well. If this internal girdle is loose, the body's organs will press outward, creating a protruding abdomen.

3) For another step up in belly tightening, there is an extended version. Although it is similar to the standard method, it is extended somewhat further into the hips and flanks. A person with redundant skin and bulges on the sides of their body, as well as their front, would be a good candidate for method #3.

4) The most aggressive of the abdominoplasty surgeries is called a body lift, or circumferential tuck. With this procedure, the surgeon makes an incision completely around the body's circumference. The front, back, hips and buttocks would all be slenderized and tightened up.

Along with each of these four options, liposuction is often performed in order to get rid of excessive fatty deposits, as well. Liposuction is a method of fat removal in which the plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the region and then suctions it away via a cannula and a vacuuming device. A cannula is something like a magic wand, a slender tube which is able to produce a great physical improvement.

These tummy tuck procedures would be performed by a cosmetic surgeon in a hospital or clinical setting. An overnight stay may be required and drains will be placed in order to alleviate the build up of fluid. A compression garment or abdominal binder will need to be worn for several weeks as the body adjusts to its new shape.

This procedure is ideal for patients who have light skin and darker hair. While the technique works to effectively slow growth, it is important to note that the results are not permanent. The treatment may need to be repeated several times in order to provide the best results, depending on the patient. Periodic touch ups may be required as well in the further down the road.

Some of the most frequently treated areas include the legs, armpits, chin, upper lip, and bikini line. Though, it is possible to treat pretty much any area on the body. The overall tone and color of the skin and hair play a big part in the success of the treatment. The procedure sees a higher success rate in people who have light skin and dark hair due to that fact that the laser targets the pigment in the hair. Those who have darker skin may also attempt the treatment, but it may have an affect on the melanin in the skin. Treatment isn't generally recommended for those who have white, gray, or blond hair, though advancements are constantly being looked into.

Some common side effects of the treatment include:

• Skin irritation - Temporary crusting, scabbing, or irritation is possible post-treatment on the targeted area.
• Pigment Changes - Treatment may lighten or darken the affected skin. This is typically temporary. This condition generally affects those with darker skin, especially if an incorrect laser is used incorrectly.

Those interested in the procedure should choose a physician who specializes in the treatment and is board certified in an area such as dermatology or cosmetic surgery. It is also a prudent choice to select a surgeon who has a long history in the field.

Prior to treatment, schedule a consultation with the physician. During this visit, he or she will:

• Review your medical history
• Take photos to allow a comparison post-operation.
• Outline a treatment plan
• Discuss any risks, expectations, and benefits

During the procedure, your physician will press a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type used, a cooling gel may be used to help protect your skin.

When the beam is activated, it will pass through the skin, and into the follicles where hair growth comes from. The follicles are damaged by the beam, thus inhibiting growth. Depending on the extent of the area being treated, an appointment can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

Getting rid of heavy jowls and batwing arms no longer requires cosmetic surgery. The latest skin tightening treatments do not need general anesthesia and can be performed outpatient by clinic or medspa technicians with the proper training. Laser, sclerotherapy, radio frequency and infrared techniques cost less than surgery, averaging $1000 per session multiplied by 4 to 6 sessions often advised to ensure visible outcomes, and also heal faster, in 1 or 2 weeks. Upkeep is easy as results stay for 1 year or more.

Skin tightening treatments generally use heat to pressure the growth of new collagen and elastin, or proteins that keep skin elastic, in the dermis, or the concealed layer of the skin. One of them is ReFirme, which combines infrared and radio frequency therapy to tighten skin on the chin, chest and rest of the body. Priced at $500 to $800 up to $5000 per treatment, its results remain for 2 years. Thermage uses radio frequency energy and works on the face and body. Fetching $1000 to $4000, its effects remain for more than 1 year.

LuxIR, Titan and Polaris each makes use of infrared energy to constrict collagen and elastin. Priced at $500 to $3000, its outcomes stay for 1 year. Bodily skin also enjoys the benefits of fractional laser resurfacing, a highly targeted method using a fraction of light, comprising thousands of dots per square inch, to reach smaller problem areas without touching the other healthy areas in between. The first fractional laser machine approved by the US FDA for acne scars and age spots, Fraxel was used to provide a non-surgical facelift and now body lift.

Outside skin tightening treatments, laser technology provides acne scar, wrinkle, discoloration, lesion and vein removal. Compared with transcutaneous methods, those from the epidermis or the top layer of the skin, laser liposuction offers true ablation with the use of laser fibers inserted into the dermis, which holds collagen and elastin. Based on the sclerotherapy approach, Sculptra utilizes injectable fillers of collagen mainlined directly into the skin, such as the cheeks and jaw line. Dermatologists sometimes integrate techniques, like infrared, radio frequency or laser plus Botox and injectable fillers.

Breast augmentation: This is the most common plastic surgery procedure that most of the women considering in today's society. Balance and proportions are the cornerstones of today's standard of feminine beauty. When you want to consider breast augmentation, one of the hardest and most important decisions is to choose right implant size. Type of the implants, where it will be placed and the location of incision are the most important decisions that you need to take.

During the breast augmentation surgery, your surgeon will place the breast implants according to the decisions made during the planning stage. Usually, this process takes one to two hours.

Eyelid surgery: This surgery can restore youthfulness to your skin around the eyes. Under-eye bags and sagging upper eyelids that can come with age can be corrected with this procedure. This procedure can refresh the appearance of the face and leave it looking years younger.

This surgery is accompanied by removing the excess skin and pockets of fat from the upper and lower eyelids. Most of the patients like to combine this procedure with various other treatment like brow lift for eliminating drooping eyebrows and various cosmetic dermafillers to treat cow's feet.

Liposuction: It is the removal excess fat from hips, abdomen, thighs, flanks and other areas. This procedure is most commonly used in conjunction with various other plastic surgery procedures. It varies based on what your ultimate cosmetic goal is and whether you are combining liposuction with other plastic surgery procedures.

There have been many advances in liposuction procedures over the last few decades, making it one of the safest and most popular body contouring surgeries in the world.

Rhinoplasty: Nose plays a major role in facial aesthetics. There are two main rhinoplasty techniques - open and closed. Both of these techniques are widely used by qualified plastic surgeons.

Rhinoplasty helps in decreasing or increasing the size of the nose, narrowing the bridge, removing the ridges, perfecting the tip narrowing or changing the shape of the nostrils. This plastic surgery procedure improves your appearance and enhances surrounding features. Also, this procedure helps to correct structural defects that may cause breathing problems.

Tummy tuck: Having a tighter, flatter abdominal area is the goal of every woman. For this tummy tuck procedure is the appropriate choice for achieving the slimmer, and more aesthetically appealing abdominal contour. The abdominoplasty procedure can be customized to each patient's specific goals and may include liposuction or be combined with other body lift procedures.

Whether you are a suitable candidate for these types of plastic surgery procedures, can only be determined with the help of qualified plastic surgeon. To find out whether you are candidate for plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with a qualified surgeon in your area.

Prices for plastic surgery depend not only on the type of the procedure performed but also on the area, country, region and clinic.

As it ages, skin loses elasticity and tissue begins to sag and droop, and this causes folds and lines on the skin. Some of these folds and lines can be removed through facelift surgery, or a rhytidectomy. A rhytidectomy can erase the signs of aging and restore your face to its former, line-free glory. This, in turn, will improve your self-confidence and give you a new perspective on life.

What the Procedure Helps

Facelift surgery is not the magic cure-all for wrinkles. Fine lines and small wrinkles, for instance, are not affected much by the procedure. This procedure, rather, eliminates the look of deep wrinkles, facial lines, and loose neck skin. It can also tighten jowls and saggy skin.

Makes You Appear More Alert

In addition to making you appear younger, facelift surgery can give you a more alert appearance. Often the lines and sagging skin that are removed with this procedure not only make you look older than you are, but they also give your face an overall appearance of tiredness. Many patients return to work after their procedure to be asked if they went to a spa, because they look so refreshed and rejuvenated with a simple cosmetic procedure.

Little Risk, Much Benefit

As with all surgeries, facelift surgery carries a few risks. You will be put under anesthetic for the procedure, which has some measure of risk. You will also have incisions, which will create scars and can introduce infection. That said, this is a very routine procedure that doctors have been performing for years, and most procedures go off without a hitch. The benefits of a more alert, younger looking appearance far outweigh the small risk associated with this common procedure.

Are You a Good Candidate?

You must determine if you are a good candidate for facelift surgery. Look at your face, and notice whether or not the lines and wrinkles are deep and due to sagging skin. If they are, you can benefit from this procedure, so start looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon. Study before and after pictures of the procedure to see the results you should expect. If you find that your face has more fine lines than deep lines, consider a different cosmetic procedure that deals more specifically with your particular aging signs.

Eye wrinkles are usually the first that manifests on our face. You find crow's feet around your eyes, which can be unsightly to many. There are many wrinkle removal options for you to choose from, which is understood better if you first understand what causes this

As eyelid skin is the thinnest on our face, it is the most susceptible to sun damage and aging. Moreover, this thin skin gets easily deformed when it's underlying muscle contracts and pulls the skin into folds. Once the skin ages, it starts loosening and these folds and lines become permanent wrinkles.

In addition to this, as it is the upper portion of your face; viz your eyes, forehead and cheeks that get the most sun exposure, the sun's UV radiation easily destroys the collagen in this skin and creates wrinkles.

Removal options

Botox is a great eye wrinkle removal option as it weakens the facial expression muscles and lets them relax. This leads to the disappearance of lines and folds that are caused by muscle pulls. All you require is a small amount of botox

Fractional laser resurfacing can be used on the peri-ocular skin found around the eyes to remove wrinkles and sun damaged skin. This method facilitates faster recovery; however it is necessary to use some eye protection during treatment.

Non-ablative fractional laser resurfacing treatment does not lead to any peeling of skin, so there is minimal recovery time here. However though this technique can be used to remove wrinkles on the crow's feet area, it is not effective for wrinkles on the eyelid. For best results from this method, you need to wear some eye protection and go through 4 treatments at a span of 3-4 weeks.

Some people may suggest blepharoplasty for eye wrinkle removal. However though blepharoplasty can effectively remove puffiness, bags and dark circles under the eyes, it does not remove eye wrinkles.

As prevention is always better than cure, it is better to prevent with regular use of a good anti-aging cream. Then of course, wrinkles are inevitable; though you may prevent it, one day, you will get wrinkles and one day, you will have to consider using any of these eye wrinkle removal options to remove your eye wrinkles.

So you have decided to have a face lift? Congratulations, because making the decision is the first step in having a youthful facial features again. Now you need to choose your surgeon. The best surgeon will produce the best possible results, with minimal scarring and the smooth facial features you have been dreaming about.

The fist step is getting a few names. If you know others who have had cosmetic procedures, ask them what surgeon or clinic they used. Talk to your general practitioner about plastic surgeons they recommend. Compile a list of recommended surgeons to start with in your search.

So how do you choose your doctor from this list of recommended individuals? The first place to check is with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. You should work with a board certified surgeon. If the doctor is certified, he or she likely also is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From these groups you can learn the doctor's credentials and training, such as where the surgeon went to school. Also, check the surgeon's state medical license, as you want a doctor who is fully licensed.

After eliminated any non-licensed or non-certified surgeons, if there were any on your list, make an appointment with the ones you are still considering. Talk to them about your desire for a face lift. Ask specific questions about the procedure and the recovery, and note how well the doctor answers your questions. While at this initial meeting, inquire about malpractice insurance. Good doctors carry adequate, current malpractice insurance. While you likely will not need to make a claim, you do want to know that you coverage is in place if something happens.

To help narrow down your choices, ask specific questions. For example, ask the doctor how many face lift procedures he or she has performed and what the complication rates are for the procedure. Proceed with caution if the medical practitioner does not know the complication rate or claims that the procedure is "completely safe with no complication risk." Quality surgeons will openly discuss risks with you.

Make sure you choose a one that has hospital privileges. Even if your surgery will occur outside of the hospital, you want the confidence that you will receive the right care if something happens during the surgery that requires admittance to the hospital.

Once you have chosen two or three doctors you wish to consider, ask to see before and after pictures. Ask for references, and call those references if you are comfortable talking to complete strangers about your upcoming face lift. If he does not have photos or references, choose a different one.

While this may seem like a lot of work to choose a specialist, doing your homework is invaluable when you are choosing a medical practitioner for a face lift. You have to live with the results of your procedure for the rest of your life, so you need to be confident in the skills and talents of the person who performs it.

If you've been thinking about surgery as a way to begin to look and feel better about yourself, then you've probably considered options such as lap band surgery and liposuction. However, there is another version of this type of surgery, ultrasonic lipsuction. The key thing to remember here is that although this style of surgery can help you to feel better about what is on the outside, it cannot help the inside. That is, it will still be up to you to get healthy by eating right, exercising and getting enough rest at the end of the day. That said, you will also want to consider if you are truly a candidate for this surgery as well.

Ultrasonic liposuction, although easily found, might not be the right thing for you. Consider for a moment that this is designed more to help your self-image and the way people see you rather than overall health, although fatty deposits are removed. Something else to consider is that you may in fact not be able to have the surgery if you are overweight (obese in this case), pregnant or have some other physical issue. The thing to thing about is that liposuction can only do so much. It is up to you to ensure that you are a candidate first and foremost and that you are in fact healthy enough to have the surgery in the first place.

That said, when it comes to ultrasonic liposuction, you really need to do your research. Depending on the areas or areas you want to have the surgery for, you will need to understand the full costs involved as they can vary depending on where on your body you want the procedure done. Also, consider the fact that there will be some hospital stay and recovery. You won't just be able to have the surgery and walk out.

In short, with ultrasonic liposuction you need to ensure that you are prepared and know exactly what you're getting into and how this will affect your life for the short-term. Ultimately, though the key to any successful surgery is how healthy you are to begin with, so make this the priority. Why? The healthier a body is, the easier and quicker it will be to recover from the surgery and get back to enjoying your life and making good life choices.

When I turned fifty I thought I was over the hill. Twenty years of raising two kids and all of the trials and tribulations of daily life had started to catch up with me. I felt like I had lost my youthful appearance and that it would never come back. Now that I had time for myself I started doing what I could to develop a younger look.

I did Pilates and exercised regularly in addition to modifying my eating habits. Sure enough in a few months I had the body of a woman twenty years my junior. On the other hand when I looked in the mirror it was still that fifty-year-old mom looking back.

That is when I started thinking about having a facelift. At first I was skeptical because I had seen the results when I was younger and thought that it looked unnatural, but my friend told me that there have been great strides in the field of cosmetic surgery. She said that she had had a facelift five years earlier and I never would have guessed, although I had always wondered how she kept such a young look about her.

With her confidence I went to the doctor and learned a lot I had never known. Before I had my facelift I didn't know much about this procedure, and with how happy I am now I want to share my knowledge with others. Typically the procedure entails removing the excess skin and fat around the face in order to tighten and smooth loose areas.

Today's surgeons are able to put the incision in such a way that it is hidden by the hairline and the front of the ear. After tightening and lifting the skin the doctor uses stitches or staples to close the incision and usually leaves a small tube for drainage before bandaging up. This can all be done in an outpatient clinic in many instances.

My doctor told me I had to quit smoking before the surgery and couldn't start again until a month after the procedure but after I saw how great I looked I didn't want to start back up at all. The pain afterwards is minimal although there is considerable swelling and discomfort and so I definitely recommend taking a little time off from work.

In two to three months all of the healing is done and the only person who has to know you had some work done is you. This is all moot if I don't elaborate what a change this has had. My facelift removed the creases under my eyes along with the drooping of my eyebrows and now my eyes look brighter and livelier than they have in years.

The small double chin I had developed over the years is completely gone and I now have a strong defined jaw line. Specifically the deep creases from my mouth to my nose are gone but generally the whole of my complexion is smoother since my facelift. Even my husband has been amazed by the results and says he feels like he is dating a girl twenty years his junior. Overall the experience was fantastic and the results are amazing.