The Basics of Breast Augmentation

The Basics of Breast Augmentation in Nashville

By Andrew W John

Women have so many reasons for wanting to have a breast augmentation procedure done. For a lot of women it is about looking more attractive or feminine but for some it could be because they feel self conscious about the size of their breasts. Whatever your motive is for having a breast augmentation it gives you a boost of self confidence that you may not have had after you gave birth, got older, or for medical reasons such as a mastectomy.

Many women are born with the unfortunate problem of having disproportionate breasts. It is much more common then you may think, and a lot of women complain that one breast is bigger than another. For some women this can lead to a life of being very self conscious about wearing certain types of clothes or even finding a well fitted bra. Although some women strictly get breast augmentation to make themselves feel better, other women do it because it will make them feel normal again.

There may be a time when you aren't even sure if you are going to go through with the breast augmentation. However, it is still essential that you see a reputable doctor who can explain the breast augmentation surgery in detail. They will sit down with you and get a good sense of why this is important to you, and what they can do to enhance your breasts. Breast augmentation is an important issue, and for some it is life changing so it is important to have a consultation before making your final decision. That way you firmly understand the risks and the benefits of breast augmentation surgery.

During the consultation it is also important that you talk to your doctor about your feelings about the surgery. Some women go in to this thinking that their lives will be drastically changed, and they may even have certain expectations. By being honest and forthright about your feelings, you can often talk about those expectations to make sure that they are as reasonable as they can be.

The next question you want to consider is if you are doing this for yourself or to please someone else. It may sound like a dumb question but there are many women who do this to please their boyfriends or their husbands. It is not them who will live with this change in your life, it is you. It is your body, and before you make your final decision, make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.

The surgery will not take place until the doctor full goes over your health history with you. In certain cases of a younger patient, they may question whether your breasts are fully grown and whether you are mature enough to have the surgery. If you are still developing or still considered to be in puberty they may not allow the surgery or ask you to postpone it until you have reached a certain age or are full grown.

During the consultation, your doctor will ask you some very personal questions regarding your health and the reasons why you are looking into breast augmentation. The best thing to do is to be perfectly honest, no matter what the reasons are for wanting it. This procedure can be life changing, and only your doctor is going to be able to prepare you for what you are going through, both physically and mentally.

Before scheduling the surgery, your doctor will want to know of any medication you are currently or have recently been taking. This is essential as there may be a reaction to the drugs that they give you. This includes at home remedies, natural or herbal supplements, as well as any over the counter medication. If you have any medical conditions now is the time to disclose it, as well as any history of breast cancer.

Now that your doctor has discussed all of your feelings and the facts about the surgery, together you can make a more informed decision about what you are planning on doing. This is the time to get it all out in the open so that when you leave the office, you know if breast augmentation is right for you.

About the Author:

As cosmetic surgery gains in popularity, it is important to select the best plastic surgeon for your needs. If you are considering Nashville breast augmentation, we invite you to visit our site to arrange a consultation.

Melanotan

Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedure Warning

Dangers of Using Melanotan

Health experts have warned that using melanotan I and II could damage the immune and cardiovascular systems as well as triggering other problems.

Use of the drugs have been linked to problems such as vomiting, high blood pressure and facial flushing. The drugs are not currently licensed for any kind of treatment so anybody selling them is breaking the law.

A letter to the British Medical Journal reports a ‘concerning’ new development. The letter says that two recent users of the drug had visited a skin clinic after moles on their bodies had rapidly changed in size and “darkened over a few weeks”. Both women had injected Melanotan I and II, which they had bought over the internet, shortly before their moles changed in appearance. The authors advise that there is a cause for concern with the increasing use of Melanotan, and that healthcare professionals should be aware of this when presented with patients with altered moles.

Anyone currently using Melanotan should stop doing so immediately for their own safety. The drug has not been safety tested by the UK medicines safety agency. Users are advised to consult their GP for advice.

What is Melanotan and how does it work?

Melanotan is a synthetic hormone and is injected under the skin to encourage it to darken. The drug increases the levels of the pigment melanin in the skin. This pigment is part of the body’s natural response to the sun, and increasing levels of melanin results in skin darkening or tanning. There are two forms available, Melanotan I and II, which are diluted in water before being injected.

Who decided that it is illegal?

All medicines that are used in the UK have to be licensed by a government agency called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA ensures that all medicines are effective and safe enough for use before granting them a licence for use.

Melanotan has never been through this licensing process and it is therefore not legal to market or supply this product. The MHRA has issued a warning not to use Melanotan. They are also contacting companies that advertise or supply Melanotan to notify them that it is illegal.

Why is it illegal?

Melanotan is illegal and has not had the stringent safety and effectiveness testing that all medicines need before they are licensed for use. This means that the side effects of this treatment are not known.

In addition to the possible side effects of Melanotan itself, there are also other potential dangers. Using non-sterile water to prepare the injections can cause serious blood infections, and sharing needles spreads blood-borne diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Injections by untrained individuals can cause skin and tissue damage, and might result in permanent or life-threatening injury.

I've used Melanotan, what should I do now? You should stop using the products immediately. Consult your GP and tell them if you think you have had an adverse reaction to Melanotan, if you may have used a shared needle, or if you have re-used needles.

If I shouldn’t use this, what is a safer way of getting a tan? Intentional tanning in the sun or using sunbeds should be avoided as they accelerate skin ageing, and can lead to skin cancer. People should remember to follow Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart rules for sun exposure:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.
• Make sure you never burn.
• Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
• Remember to take extra care with children.
• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.

Fake tanning lotions and sprays may represent a safer option than using Melanotan for those who want to have tanned skin, but is it safe for pregnant women to use Melanotan? It should be avoided by pregnant women. Unlike for adults there is ZERO information about the safety of the melanotan peptides for embryos. In the best interests of wanting to give birth to a healthy baby this unknown risk should not be taken.

Article Source: www.nhs.uk

Plastic Surgery for Stretch Marks: Is It For You

Plastic Surgery for Stretch Mark: Is It For You

by Maia Pells

There are several treatment choices to select from and one option is plastic surgery for stretch marks. If you want to avoid experiencing a lot of pain or ending up with more scars than before you got your marks treated then choosing one out of the three minimally invasive surgeries can be your solution to a scars free skin.

Chemical Peels

Method of Chemical Peeling - Chemical peeling is a method which involves the application of a chemical solution on the skin. The chemicals strip off the dead skin cells to make way for new and healthy skin. The new skin is usually smoother and more even in color. This makes chemical peels an effective yet minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks.

There are different types of acids used in chemical peeling. The commonly used chemicals are glycolic, trichloracetic, lactic, and salicylic acids. Light or mild peels only penetrate into the surface of the skin. This kind of peel gives what they call a “freshening” effect and the patient will experience only a sunburn-like redness after every procedure. But more often than not, a series of procedures will be required and sometimes the strength of the acids is increased but this is dictated by the tolerance level of the skin. The redness that results from a mild peeling can be easily covered up with make-up.

Medium type peels have more effect because it penetrates deeper into the skin. The patient will feel more of burning sensation after the procedure and the skin will need a week of healing and minimal sun exposure. With this type of procedure, there is a possibility of swelling and some blistering that may crust and turn brown but this will peel off after a week or so. The deep kind of peels penetrate even deeper into the dermis and can sometimes be a risky process. Some doctors would rather utilize laser technology than perform deep chemical peels.

Laser Surgery

Treatment Prices - The cost and pain that accompanies laser stretch mark removal has gone down in recent years. This method uses a controlled beam of light that focuses on the affected areas to break down scar tissues. The lasers also stimulate new collagen growth. The new collagen works to thicken and plump the skin so that new skin cells can fill up stretch marks from the bottom up.

Different Results - Not all stretch marks are the same and the effectiveness of laser surgery will depend on a number of things. These factors can include the age and severity of stretch marks. A person’s genes and hormones can also affect the results of the treatment. There is proof that laser surgery is more effective when used on fresher scars. Some people combine other methods with laser therapy to get better results.

Dermabrasion

Another minimally invasive plastic surgery for stretch marks is dermabrasion. This quick procedure has some success in treating stretch marks. It only takes a few minutes per procedure but the patient will need more than one session to see results. The skin is frozen first then a specialized instrument is used to “sand” the skin. This abrasive action removes the area of the skin with visible stretch marks showing only the “new” skin which has no stretch marks on it. The now smooth skin is usually pink but gradually fades over a six to eight week period. However, the patient is advised to avoid any direct or indirect sun exposure for the next three to six months after the procedure. If the treated area is exposed to the sun, this will cause temporary or worse, permanent darkening of the skin.

About the Author:

Does stretch mark surgery work? Know more regarding plastic surgery for stretch marks.

Weight Loss Surgery | Lap Band Surgery

5 Things to Consider before having any Weight Loss Surgery

By Amy Nutt

Weight loss surgery is a serious decision to make because it is also life altering. It involves you making lifestyle changes that you have to more or less stick to for the rest of your life. If you don't, then the entire procedure can reverse itself and the weight will come back. That is something you certainly want to avoid.

Because of the lifestyle changes that must be made, there are things that must be considered before having lap band surgery. Five of those considerations are:

- Anyone with alcohol or drug dependency will not be eligible for the procedure. The doctor may say that small amounts of red wine are okay, but anything other than that cannot be ingested after the lap band has been put in place. This is because individuals with addictions such as drugs and alcohol can cause severe harm to themselves and they can reverse the process.

- Thinking of lap band surgery can be quite exciting, but you have to make sure you take into consideration the fact that the lifestyle changes are major. Your eating is easier to control because the band is placed around part of the stomach through a minimally invasive surgery, creating a small pouch. This is why those with lap band cannot eat as much as they used to. You have to be willing to stick with your portions and change the food you eat. This means minimal junk food.

- Another important consideration is that you will have to exercise at some point. The weight loss surgery alone can do great things, but exercise can do even greater things. This is because the body needs toned up during and after the weight loss. The weight loss can be so incredible that the body needs to take on a shape. You will also feel more energetic and feel like you can do more things on a day-to-day basis.

- Keep in mind that there are complications that can occur with weight loss surgery. Those complications include large chunks of food becoming trapped in the passage between the smaller stomach section and the larger section, constipation, acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, abnormal stools, and there are also complications that can occur with the band.

- The band may have to be adjusted. Because there is a small port to the band that is right under the skin, port displacement can become an issue. The port is so the doctor can inject saline into the band and aspirate it if the band needs to be looser for comfort reasons. It may take a while to find the right comfort level.

Weight loss is exciting because you can watch yourself transform right before your own eyes. However, it has to be done right. When done right, the results are amazing. You will feel better, look better, you are adding years onto your life, you are doing your family an amazing favor, and life is going to be better in general.

When you stick with the plan that your doctor places you on after your weight loss surgery, you will see the best results. Any deviation from that plan can result in the small stomach pouch becoming larger. That is something to be careful of because the stomach is expandable. The stomach being expandable is one of the reasons why so many individuals can eat so much food. It takes so much to fill their stomach. With lap band surgery, that problem is eradicated. As a matter of fact, a lot of problems that exist before lap band surgery are eradicated.

About the Author:

Weight loss surgery clinic offers the safest sustainable results in weight loss by reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold. Learn how the adjustable gastric banding procedure can help you lose weight without hunger and feel full longer.

What Is Laser Skin Resurfacing?

By A Nutt

Laser skin resurfacing is a cosmetic procedure used to treat wrinkles and skin irregularities, typically on the face. It utilizes concentrated light beams aimed at the skin and pulsing in a short pattern to burn away the layers of skin. This procedure is sometimes called a laser peel or lasabraision.

Types of Laser Skin Resurfacing

There are two main types of laser skin resurfacing currently being used by cosmetic surgeons. CO2 laser resurfacing uses ultrapulsed, or short pulsed, light energy and scans the area to remove the skin's layers. It can be used on most facial abnormalities, including enlarged glands, skin cancers, warts, scars, birthmarks, and wrinkles. It works best on abnormalities that are somewhat superficial.

Erbium laser resurfacing is used for deeper wrinkles on the face and other areas of the body. This technique causes fewer side effects than the CO2 laser and also has a shorter recovery time. Those treated with a CO2 laser typically have a two-week recovery time, while the erbium laser requires only one week of recovery time.

The Procedure The procedure is typically the same no matter what type of laser is used. Laser skin resurfacing is an out patient procedure and begins with local anesthesia to block the pain. Some doctors will administer sedatives as well to keep you calm during the procedure. A full-face treatment takes between an hour and a half and two hours, while a partial procedure is done in 45 minutes or less.

The Recovery Recovery takes between one and three weeks. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities as soon as their pain allows, but the treated area will be red and tender for a few weeks after treatment. Be prepared for the fact that the treated area will both look and feel like a moderate sunburn after treatment, complete with peeling skin, itching, and burning sensations. This is normal, and it will fade with time.

Wound Care Laser skin resurfacing burns away the damaged skin layers, so it does create a slight wound. The area that is treated will be covered with a dressing immediately after the procedure. This will be removed within three days of the procedure in most cases. After this, patients will cleanse the area several times a day with a saline solution, and then cover it with an ointment as prescribed by the doctor. This prevents any unsightly scabs from forming. After 21 days at most, the area should be healed.

Once the wound has healed, most patients notice a slight pink color to the skin. This is temporary, but it can last as long as six months, so most patients choose to wear a concealing makeup over the area. As long as the wound is healed this is fine.

Complications As with all medical and cosmetic procedures, there is a chance of complications with Laser Skin Resurfacing. Some patients will experience milia, which looks like small white bumps on the healing area. These can be gently removed with a damp towel.

Sometimes patients will have increased or decreased pigmentation in the area treated. This can be bleached or covered with makeup. If you have laser skin resurfacing near your mouth and have ever had a cold sore, it may come back. Anti viral medications can prevent this, but talk to your doctor first.

Some patients will have a bacterial infection as a result of the procedure. Some doctors will recommend a preventative antibiotic before and after treatment. This is particularly important for patients who have lowered immunities.

The treated area will swell after the procedure. If you sleep on an extra pillow, this can reduce the swelling. Ice can also be used to treat swelling. Scarring is possible, but not very common. Finding a skilled, highly qualified physician to perform the treatment will lessen the risk of scarring and other permanent side effects from the laser skin resurfacing treatment.

About the Author:

Once you have a list of names of potential plastic surgery doctors, you can now begin your research about them. Check for possible disciplinary actions so it is an important factor when choosing your doctor. Find out some surgical procedures at the Liposuction Surgery.

Aesthetic Dentistry vs Cosmetic Dentistry

The Difference Between Aesthetic Dentistry

And Cosmetic Dentistry

By Amy Nutt

Dentistry is dentistry, right? Well, that's not necessarily so because there are different types of dentistry that serve various different functions. Of those types of dentistry are aesthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. Some confuse the two, thinking that their functions are generally the same, but there are some vast differences between the two. It is important that you know the differences so that you are aware of the type of dentist you are seeing or need to see.

The Aesthetic Dentist

The aesthetic dentist is sometimes called an 'implant dentistry specialist.' This is because they specialize in implants.

Implants refer to any sort of tooth implant that can full in the space of a missing tooth. As a matter of fact, these implants look just like the real thing, so no one ever has to know that the tooth isnt real. More and more people are catching on to this and they are finding that they dont have to have gaps in their smiles, especially with all of the financing options that are available.

In aesthetic dentistry, they will take care of dental crowns, tooth implants, dentures, veneers, lumineers, and bridges. Many times, they will do what is called a smile makeover. They can take every aspect of your smile and construct it into something you never had based just on what was already in your mouth. It is rather amazing how they can rebuild everything from hardly anything.

A single implant can make a considerable difference in a persons smile. This also makes a considerable difference in self-confidence and how a person sees him or herself in a mirror.

The Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentists fix a wide range of dental issues just like an aesthetic dentist can. The most common issues that they fix are teeth that are cracked or broken. They may fill in the cracks, reshape your teeth, or even use veneers to improve your smile. They can do implants, but this is usually when the cosmetic dentist is also an aesthetic dentist. There are dentists who will be both for the fact that they want to provide their patients with every service. They don't want to whiten your smile for you and then send you off to have your missing teeth implanted.

Basically, their functions are 100% cosmetic. They do what they can to make your smile look better. When your smile looks better, you are in a much healthier situation because a healthier smile is one that can prevent a lot of health problems from occurring. For instance, gum disease can be prevented and gum disease has been found to be linked to heart disease and various other conditions.

It doesn't matter if your teeth are crooked or as yellow as your favorite yellow shirt, your cosmetic dentist can solve a lot of these issues. When they do, you feel a lot better about yourself. You also don't have to worry about that favorite yellow shirt 'bringing out your smile.' The cosmetic dentist has become very important in the world of dentistry.

As for such tasks as braces, retainers, fillings, and caps, that can be done by your regular dentist. The cosmetic dentist in London Ontario or the aesthetic dentist is the one that your regular dentist refers you to when you need cosmetic procedures done that will improve your smile. Your regular dentist just keeps it clean and healthy so that you don't have to deal with the other health problems that can be caused down the road. This just shows how important your oral health and even its appearance can be.

About the Author:

Cosmetic Dentist London Ontario offers cosmetic dentistry services for the whole family, dental exams for kids, dentures, porcelain veneers, inveigling and teeth whitening. Visit our office to get any kind of cosmetic Dentist London Ontario procedure performed.

Are you planning on having Liposuction Done?

By A Nutt

Liposuction often gets a bad wrap, some people think that the only people who are getting liposuction are stuck up rich people with vanity issues, but there has to be some valid reasons that liposuction is, by far, the most popular form of plastic surgery.

The sheer quantity of liposuction patients in recent years is astounding; in fact the numbers are in excess of a quarter of a million people a year who undergo the procedure. The reasons that the number of liposuction procedures have become so great in recent years is that there are a number of benefits to having it done, aside from the usual stigma of vanity.

Breast Reduction This is one of the most often overlooked reasons for having liposuction, and this reason can have tremendous health benefits for the patient. Women who have unusually large breasts can regularly suffer from upper and lower back pain, neck pain and sometimes severe headaches. Liposuction can effectively reduce the size of the breast in a minimally invasive procedure and virtually eliminate all of these problems, thereby improving the overall well being of the patient

Improved Appearance and Increased Confidence People from all walks of life struggle with their appearance and body image issues every day. This isn't a scenario that's limited to pseudo-celebrities who are too lazy to go on a diet or to put time in at a gym. There are people who work hard every single day to try and achieve their desired results without ever being able to get to where they want.

Liposuction should never be considered just another way to lose weight, but for those who have exhausted all other methods of getting the results that they can be happy with - those who have been on diets prescribed by nutritionists and have spent the time sweating and exercising in the gym, but still can't get the desired shape to their bodies, liposuction is a very viable option to obtain those results.

There is a misconception among the general public that the morbidly obese can just waltz into a clinic and have every ounce of fat sucked out of them, that they can suddenly be fit and trim without having to put in any work or effort at all. This really couldn't be further from the truth, the process of liposuction can only really remove small amount of fat from a person at a time, usually less than ten pounds in a session; so Liposuction Montreal can't really be considered as an end all weight loss option for someone who is severely overweight, but it is a very good choice for someone who's worked their way down to the last few stubborn pounds that just won't come off with regular exercise and a sensible diet plan.

What to Expect The procedure of liposuction will begin with either a local or general anesthesia before the surgeon makes several tiny incisions in the area of the body from which the fat will be removed. The incisions are so small (often smaller than a quarter of an inch) that some surgeons don't feel the need to stitch them, which helps keep the bruising down after the procedure is complete.

A very thin vacuum is inserted into the tiny incisions and rapidly pulled back and forth (in an in and out motion) to break up the fat cells and allow for their removal. A reasonable amount of blood and fluid is removed with the fat, so patients are normally hooked up to a simple IV for the duration of the procedure.

During the initial stages of recovery the patient will experience some pain and swelling, and will most likely be wearing a compression garment to aid in drainage, but usually within a week or so recovery is to a point where the patient can move freely and normally.

If you are planning on having liposuction done for health or appearance reasons, don't let yourself be swayed by naysayers. Do the appropriate research and consult a specialist in your area for an interview to find out if liposuction is the best option to remedy your health issues.

About the Author:

Chirurgie Esthetique plastique Montreal provides a variety of cosmetic procedures to help you refine your appearance. Cosmetic Surgery Montreal offers tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, nose correction, face lifts and more.

Inexpensive and Illegal Buttock - Boosting Injections Not Pretty

Inexpensive and Illegal Buttock - Boosting Injections Not Pretty:
Nonsurgical Cosmetic Procedure Warning

Inexpensive and Illegal Buttock - Boosting Injections Not Pretty

Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety Cautions of the Complications and Consequences of Growing and Dangerous Practice

(Vocus/PRWEB ) February 18, 2009 -- Life-threatening kidney-failure is a strong and convincing reminder for consumers that unapproved injections and unqualified injectors are a true threat to beauty and to health, cautions Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety. Recent headlines from Tampa, Florida focus on an unlicensed, non-medical provider who allegedly injected two women with a homemade combination of industrial silicone oil and saline to augment or enhance the shape of their buttocks, with both women now hospitalized with critical, potentially irreversible illness. "This is a truly tragic example of the countless cases where consumers take unnecessary risks for what they believe will be treatments that improve appearance and in fact result in grave complications," said Renato Saltz, MD, of Salt Lake City, a leader of the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety.

More tragic is that this is not the first incidence of severe or life-threatening complications after injections by unqualified injectors or with illicit and illegal substances. In 2006, the New England Journal of Medicine reported on respiratory failure and subsequent death in a patient after injection of illegal and illicit silicone


The Coalition, charged with educating consumers on safe choices for legal, FDA approved cosmetic injections provided by qualified physicians in appropriate medical settings, has seen a steady growth of conversations and coverage on-line of people who are unaware of inevitably dangerous practices. "There are blogs filled with conversations among women and men who knowingly seek what are unresearched, unaccepted and dangerous injection treatments from enhancing the buttocks, to melting fat," noted Coalition leader Dr. Julius Few, of Chicago, Illinois. "The reality is that any treatment that is not administered or prescribed by a physician and any treatment that is not FDA approved or part of a known and appropriately conducted clinical trial is simply a game of Russian Roulette. You are taking chances with your life." Dr. Few has seen complications from botched procedures by unqualified or unlicensed practitioners on the rise his own community, as have 75% of Coalition members according to an October 2008 study by the Coalition (http://www.injectablesafety.org/downloads/InjectableSafetySurveyResults1029.pdf).

"Branded, FDA approved injectables have an outstanding record of consistent cosmetic results and safety when administered by appropriately trained physicians," said Dr. Saltz. "The complication rate for dermal fillers is less than 1 in 11,000* cases when known brands are administered by trained plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, ophthalmic plastic surgeons and dermatologists. This great record of success and safety absolutely does not translate to the counterfeit, illegal and non-medical practices that lure consumers with false promise and bargains." *An independent study by research group Industry Insights of FDA compiled data in November 2008, specifically states the rate and type of adverse events reported to the FDA, and is available at www.injectablesafety.org.

"On-line information can be helpful to the consumer education process regarding cosmetic injections when these sources are from credible medical organizations, such as the Coalition, or plastic surgery and dermatologic specialty societies or from legitimate manufacturers and pharmaceutical company's web sites, even from the U.S. FDA or the regulatory agencies of one's home country," said Dr. Few. "No consumer should accept the credibility of information or accept treatment that is offered through blogs and chat rooms, that is provided by a non-physician in a non-medical setting, or that lacks proper medical procedure including the informed consent process. There simply is no greater warning to safety."

The Coalition, charged with educating consumers on safe choices in cosmetic injections and eradicating the use of counterfeit and illegally imported cosmetic injectables, suggests all consumers follow these steps to ensure safe and effective treatment:

* Doctor: Ask your doctor or injector for qualifications. Choose a doctor who specializes in treating all cosmetic concerns of the face, such as a board certified plastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon or dermatologist. Examinations and procedures should take place in a licensed and properly equipped medical facility. Establish a positive and on-going relationship with your doctor and follow-up as directed. A nurse or physician's assistant may perform your injection if you elect, but a licensed physician must prescribe the treatment.
* Brand: Ask specifically for the brand name of the injectable recommended for you, the approval status of regulatory agencies in the country where you will be treated (the FDA in the United States) and about any potential outcomes and the likelihood of adverse events. If your doctor does not offer, ask specifically to see the packaging and identifying marks that can verify authenticity, including the serial and lot number (which as a matter of proper procedure must be recorded in your medical chart). For reference, images of all US FDA approved brand logos and packaging are available at: www.injectablesafety.org/html/ataglance.php.
* Safety: If you suspect your injector is not properly trained, is not following proper procedure or is injecting you with a non-branded, non-approved or unsafe substance, do not accept treatment. Follow-up by anonymously reporting suspected illegal activity to your local FDA field office that can be found at http://www.fda.gov/consumer/updates/oci072307.html.


To learn more about the benefits of cosmetic injections, the uses for approved cosmetic injectables, to plan for your treatment, see video of live, appropriately administered injectables and more, visit www.injectablesafety.org.

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Denver Abdominoplasty Surgery Patients Have New and Improved Option

Denver Abdominoplasty Surgery Patients Have New and Improved Option

At his Denver plastic surgery practice, a Colorado surgeon now offers patients a "no drain" tummy tuck, which increases comfort and improves mobility after surgery, allowing for an easier post-operative recovery.

Denver, Colorado (PRWEB) February 13, 2009 -- For men and women in the Denver area, abdominoplasty surgery remains a popular and effective choice for improving the appearance of a protruding, saggy midsection. Now Colorado abdominoplasty surgeon Dr. Steven Vath (http://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/cosmetic-surgeon-vath.cfm) is offering a variation on the traditional tummy tuck, which uses progressive tension sutures to eliminate the need for post-surgical drains during recovery.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries, and is particularly popular among weight loss patients and women whose abdomens have been overtaxed by pregnancy. However, until recently, abdominoplasty has required that suction drains be left in place for several days after surgery to prevent seromas (fluid accumulation). These plastic drainage tubes are sutured to the skin causing marked discomfort and limiting patients' mobility after surgery.

"There is no question that the surgical drains were the biggest cause of discomfort for most patients following abdominoplasty at my Denver plastic surgery center," says Dr. Vath. "The vast majority of calls I received from patients in the days following their abdominoplasty involved issues with their drains." These issues include concerns about the drains becoming dislodged, pain or irritation at the drain site exiting the skin, and limitations on movement and showering.

In a traditional abdominoplasty procedure, drains are used to prevent fluid accumulation in the "open space" created beneath the abdominal flap (skin and fat) and above the muscle. Through a fairly simple modification of the surgery -- the use of progressive tension sutures -- Dr. Vath can eliminate this space, as well as securely advance the flap with tension distributed over a broader area. "The addition of the sutures is an improvement to an already effective surgical procedure," reports Dr. Vath, who adds, "Surgical time is marginally increased by five to ten minutes, and the result is well worth it."

The use of progressive tension sutures secures the abdominal flap to the underlying fascia, distributing tension over a larger area. This prevents seroma formation as there is no longer any space in which fluid can accumulate. Furthermore, with this technique, tension is spread out, rather than concentrated at the wound closure site. According to Dr. Vath, "Not only does this approach allow for the procedure to be done without drains, it decreases the risk of other complications associated with having most of the tension on the wound closure, such as hypertrophy of the scar."

Dr. Vath has achieved excellent results through incorporating progressive tension sutures into his abdominoplasty procedures. There is mounting evidence within the plastic surgery research journals and at international meetings supporting this method of avoiding drain placement during tummy tucks. Since Dr. Vath has abandoned the use of drainage tubes, he has found no increased risk of seroma formation. His patients report fewer post-operative concerns, and are significantly more comfortable and mobile during the first week following their surgery.

According to Dr. Vath, only a small number of plastic surgeons nationwide are beginning to offer the no drain abdominoplasty. However, "with results that are so overwhelmingly positive, this technique may become the standard for abdominoplasty in the years ahead."

Dr. Steven Vath (http://www.thecenterforcosmeticsurgery.net/) is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Denver, which offers a full range of cosmetic procedures for the face and body. He completed his General Surgery residency at George Washington University and received his Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery training at the Louisiana State University Medical Center and Charity Hospital. He completed further specialized training in cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles at one of only a dozen fellowships in the country accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Eyelash Extensions Not Fake LATISSE

LATISSE is a non-surgerical cosmetic procedure that creates eyelash extensions, Not Fake Not False your own natural eyelashes.

Long and Lovely Lashes by LATISSE(TM) Now Available Through Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg
— Doctors with Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg are the first plastic surgery group in the area to offer LATISSE(TM), the new FDA-approved prescription treatment for inadequate or insufficient eyelashes, growing them darker, fuller and longer. LATISSE's maker, Allergan, has launched several medical aesthetic offerings such as BOTOX(R) and Juvederm(TM).

FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire/ --

The active ingredient in LATISSE(TM) was initially approved as a medical product to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma. Patients who were treated for this eye condition experienced noticeable eyelash growth as a side effect.

Available only through a doctor, LATISSE(TM) is prescribed as a daily treatment applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a single use, sterile applicator. Patients can experience longer, fuller and darker lashes in as few as eight weeks, with full results in 16 weeks. To maintain the benefits of LATISSE(TM), continued treatment is required. If the product is discontinued, eyelashes will eventually return to where they were prior to treatment over a period of weeks to months. As with all prescription products, it is important to use LATISSE(TM) under the close supervision of your doctor. Prospective users are encouraged to visit www.latisse.com.

"Many of our patients are looking for lash extension," says Lesi Beamon Mackey, practice administrator for the group, "and a non-surgical option that has both FDA approval and is available only through a doctor's office can provide the safety, assurance and satisfaction most women are looking for so they can look their best."

To view before and after images click here.

About Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg

Since 1983, Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg has been the premier provider of cosmetic plastic surgery in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area, south of Washington, D.C. Drs. Howard Heppe, Harold Bautista and Todd Ginestra are board certified and dedicated to achieving superior, natural-looking results through their team approach to patient care. They employ state-of-the-art equipment and proven techniques in their accredited medical facility. For more information, please call (540) 371-7730 or visit www.plasticsurgeryservices.com.

SOURCE Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg

Links from www.latisse.com

How to Apply | Applying LATISSE™ is easy and can lead to longer, fuller, darker lashes

What to Expect | Set your sights on growth with LATISSE™

In the News | LATISSE™ is making headline news

LATISSE for natural Not Fake Not False eyelash extensions.

Taking Years Off Your Face | Without Plastic Surgery

1010 WINS New York's #1 source for local news, traffic and weather - Taking Years Off Your Face - Without Plastic Surgery

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A tool called the Derma-Roller -- the latest in non surgical plastic surgery -- could do just that.

The technique, also called micro-needling or micro-channeling, uses a little wheel with thorn-like needles attached to a roller about the size of a razor. When the tool is rolled across your face it makes like holes or channels in your skin that can be filled with goodies to make your body produce more collagen.

The tool can also break up pigment to make your skin look healthier and younger. The tool has also been know to help scar victims retain pigment as well.

"You can't see them ( the channels formed in the skin) and by opening them it stimulates new collagen to form and also breaks up the positive pigment and evens it out," Dr. Nelson Novick, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine says.

You can use it anywhere including those pesky legs and buttocks area with the dimples that just won't go away . Dr. Novick has even used it to apply topical to hair loss victims.

The cost for the treatment will only set you back a couple hundred dollars as opposed to a few thousand for plastic surgery.

"It's low-tech, super efficient, and not particularly expensive," Novick says.

Joan Rivers Talks About Plastic Surgery

Joan Rivers new book Men are Stupid and Like Big Boobs, a just released guide to beauty through plastic surgery. "I did this book because I've done a lot of plastic surgery."
Rivers is unapologetic about her life decisions, most notably about her choice to go under the knife repeatedly. She's had two complete face-lifts, a nose job, an eye lift, a tummy tuck, Botox, lip injections and more. (She has also admitted that she was having liposuction when her husband, Edgar Rosenberg, committed suicide in 1987, an event that left her suicidal and estranged briefly from Melissa.)

Rivers has poked fun at her appearance since her early years onstage. So she took advantage of the flak she's gotten for her fondness of surgery, cracking jokes about it in a Geico commercial and a 2004 stint on "Nip/Tuck."

"I know I look good for my age," she says. "I went out to dinner last night with a couple of friends. We walked into the restaurant and I knew I looked good for who I am and where I am. And that's very nice. When you get to be my age, you'll understand how nice that is. Nobody wants to be shoved in a corner."

WHAT SHE SAYS ABOUT COSMETIC SURGERY

* "God bless the Internet." You can do a little background check on the guy (or woman). "With Kanye West's mother's doctor, Oprah said the guy was good. But the guy had DWIs."
* Ask your hairdresser. "They see everything."
* Choose a doctor who you feel comfortable talking to. who answers your questions thoroughly.
* Go to a specialist. "If you're getting your eyes done, go to an eye guy. If getting your breasts done, go to the breast specialist. It may be boring for them, but so what?"
* If you can afford it, get a cardiologist to sit in during the surgery. "Just in case."
* With Botox and other injectables: "Better they put in too little than too much. I don't want to look like Liza Minelli."
* "Don't be cheap about it. This is you. You can't leave this in the car."
* "Put the money where they can see it."
* When going in for collagen or other injections, make the doctor numb your face or get a presciption for the stuff that numbs you before you go in. "You want to feel nothing."
* "Ask, ask, ask before you go for it."

AND ON SELF-IMPROVEMENT BY MEDICAL MEANS

* "Anyone who doesn't use Botox is an idiot. No, I want to look like a Sharpei; of course you do it."
* "A butt lift is terrific. Of course you don't want to walk around with your butt dragging on the ground."
* "Tightening up the inner arm? How great to be able to wear sleeveless dresses as you get older!"
* The Catholic Church came down on (plastic surgery) early on. "That's why we have ugly nuns."
* "If there hadn't been World War II and the innovations in reconstructive surgery, I'd look terrible."
* "I had my first tummy tuck when I went in for a hysterechtomy. I thought I might as well, since they're slicing me open anyway. When I came out of surgery, I was the only woman smiling in the place.
Everybody else was crying, 'Oh, I can't have children.' I said, 'I can't wait to hit the beach.'"
* Surgery at 90? "I'll let you know, but if you're healthy enough, why not?"
* "At my 50th class reunion at Barnard, half the women looked like us, like they took care of themselves. I didn't want to stand with the others there, the grandmas."
* "I had my breasts made smaller because I wanted to wear great clothes. I never regretted it. That's shallow, but true."


When interviewing celebrities on the red carpet, she states that many people in the business have had some work done. "They will tell you how much money they have. They will tell you about their sex life. They will tell you they murdered their child, and then you'll say, 'Who did your face?' and it's 'Well, I didn't have my face done.' " jokes Rivers. "I find that fascinating. It's the last secret."

While still in college, she went to a dinner party at the home of a family friend, who happened to be Marilyn Monroe's lawyer.

"She was there. I sat next to her," Rivers said. "Marilyn whispered to me, 'Men are stupid and they like big boobs,' though she actually used another term that couldn't be put on the cover of a book."

"I listened to her," Rivers said, portraying herself as a shy innocent at the time and unused to such topics discussed at the dinner table. "I was 18. 'Oh, thank you,' I said."

"But she was right."

Rivers, however, believes that plastic surgery is not about what others, men and women, perceive when they look at you.

"It's about you looking in the mirror and feeling good about what you see," she said. "When you look good, you act differently."

The book is dedicated to all women who are too scared to ask about plastic surgery procedures, the risks and costs," Rivers said. "It's also for my daughter, Melissa, who should take a good look in the mirror."

The comedienne, 75, has had several cosmetic procedures over the past 45 or so years, recounting that she never feared going under the knife from the time of her first nose-thinning experience.

"It never occurred to me to be afraid of the doctor," she said, explaining that she grew up with a physician father and had several relatives in the medical profession.

"Any time you go under, you're taking a risk," she said. "Something can happen."

Choosing the right doctor is essential, Rivers said, though she is a realist when it comes to picking the surgeon she feels most comfortable with, who is the most qualified for the specific procedure.

"Even a thoroughbred trips once in a while," she said. "It could be he's having a bad day or he sneezes."

If a woman has any hesitation about a cosmetic procedure, Rivers advises not going through with it. "Do something little," she said. "Once you've overcome the fear, then do more."

"She's right on point," said island dermatologist Layne Nisenbaum at the conclusion of Rivers' discussion of cosmetic enhancements. "We share the same less-is-more philosophy."

"She takes on a very serious subject, but, you know, makes light of it," "I think it's best to take baby steps if there's any fear involved."