Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery can be confusing terms; often used interchangeably they are two distinct disciplines. Plastic surgery is commonly used as a general term for operative or instrumental treatment performed for aesthetic reasons. In reality, plastic surgery is the field which addresses corrective or functional surgeries and procedures. The plastic surgeon is often at work due to the effects of accidents, burns or disease, and has a full surgical residency and strict medical requirements governing their certification.
Cosmetic surgery is a subfield of plastic surgery, and addresses aesthetic or elective procedures in order to enhance features a patient finds unflattering about themselves. Cosmetic surgery is also performed on bodily parts for health purposes, such as breast reductions. The other area of plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery, which takes place when a part of a patient has been damaged in something like an accident or a fire.
In an age where looks are more important than ever before, many people, and especially women, are availing themselves of the many opportunities to have cosmetic procedures on parts they do not like. This cultural reality is reflected in shows such as Extreme Makeover and other hit medical shows that document bodily changes.
More and more, however, people are becoming addicted to cosmetic surgeries. The fact is, that once a person sees how very easy it is to get something they don’t like fixed, the more about themselves they do not like and want remedied. Prime celebrity examples of this include Michael Jackson and Joan Rivers.
Cosmetic surgery should never be undertaken without psychological as well as medical consultation. It is imperative that the patient not undertake the operation lightly, with full knowledge of the hazards and the risks of becoming an addict.
It is also very important for a potential patient to do research on the surgeon that will be performing the procedure. There is a lot of money to be made in the cosmetic surgery industry, and all sorts of frauds and quacks are out to get a piece of action. With most things in life, it is important to remember that cheap prices mean cheap work, there is simply no way around it. Those looking for surgeons must choose wisely, or the results could be even more operations and even greater risks.
Saturday 25 April 2009
Monday 13 April 2009
Plastic Surgery - Types of Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is a medical specialty that uses a number of surgical and nonsurgical techniques to change the appearance and function of a person's body.[1] Plastic surgery procedures include both cosmetic enhancements as well as functionally reconstructive operations. In the former case, where aesthetics are considered more important than functionality, plastic surgery is sometimes referred to as cosmetic surgery. Most procedures involve both aesthetic and functional elements.
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Just because the name includes the word "plastic" doesn't mean patients who have this surgery end up with a face full of fake stuff. The name isn't taken from the synthetic substance but from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold (and which gives the material plastic its name as well).
Plastic surgery has a long history. Susrutha, an Indian surgeon, is the first known plastic surgeon, providing nose reconstruction services in the 8th century BC. The Romans were known to perform plastic surgery procedures to alter the appearance of ears. John P. Mettauer is generally agreed to be the first plastic surgeon in the United States, practicing in the 1820s. Plastikos is the base word for plastic surgery, meaning to mold something in Greek.
In more modern times, plastic surgery has come on strong as a method for changing appearances. The most common procedures with most popular first are liposuction, breast surgery, nose reshaping, eyelid lifts, tummy tucks and facelifts. In the last ten years, the number of plastic surgery procedures has quadrupled as the specialty has gained greater acceptance and publicity on television shows.
When one thinks about plastic surgery, most assume it is women having their appearances modified. In general, this is true. Roughly 80 percent of all plastic surgery patients are women, but the demographic is starting to change. While 20 percent of patients are now men, the figure is growing. Like women, men seek liposuction, nose reshaping, tummy tucks, and lifts. No, they don’t go in for breast enlargements, although breast reductions are growing in popularity.
Types of Plastic Surgery
Surgeons can reshape the appearance of body parts through cosmetic surgery. Some of the most common body parts people want to improve through surgery include
* Breasts: Increase or reduce the size of breasts or reshape sagging breasts
* Face: Remove facial wrinkles, creases or acne scars
* Hair: Fill in balding areas with one's own hair
* Eyes: Correct drooping upper eyelids or remove puffy bags below the eyes
* Nose: Change the shape of the nose
* Tummy: Flatten the abdomen
What Is Plastic Surgery?
Just because the name includes the word "plastic" doesn't mean patients who have this surgery end up with a face full of fake stuff. The name isn't taken from the synthetic substance but from the Greek word plastikos, which means to form or mold (and which gives the material plastic its name as well).
Plastic surgery has a long history. Susrutha, an Indian surgeon, is the first known plastic surgeon, providing nose reconstruction services in the 8th century BC. The Romans were known to perform plastic surgery procedures to alter the appearance of ears. John P. Mettauer is generally agreed to be the first plastic surgeon in the United States, practicing in the 1820s. Plastikos is the base word for plastic surgery, meaning to mold something in Greek.
In more modern times, plastic surgery has come on strong as a method for changing appearances. The most common procedures with most popular first are liposuction, breast surgery, nose reshaping, eyelid lifts, tummy tucks and facelifts. In the last ten years, the number of plastic surgery procedures has quadrupled as the specialty has gained greater acceptance and publicity on television shows.
When one thinks about plastic surgery, most assume it is women having their appearances modified. In general, this is true. Roughly 80 percent of all plastic surgery patients are women, but the demographic is starting to change. While 20 percent of patients are now men, the figure is growing. Like women, men seek liposuction, nose reshaping, tummy tucks, and lifts. No, they don’t go in for breast enlargements, although breast reductions are growing in popularity.
Types of Plastic Surgery
Surgeons can reshape the appearance of body parts through cosmetic surgery. Some of the most common body parts people want to improve through surgery include
* Breasts: Increase or reduce the size of breasts or reshape sagging breasts
* Face: Remove facial wrinkles, creases or acne scars
* Hair: Fill in balding areas with one's own hair
* Eyes: Correct drooping upper eyelids or remove puffy bags below the eyes
* Nose: Change the shape of the nose
* Tummy: Flatten the abdomen
Monday 6 April 2009
Choosing a Laser Eye Surgeon
If you have read everything there is to know about laser eye surgery and you know that you a good candidate the next thing you must do is choose a surgeon. You may think that there are not that many risks involved with laser eye surgery to warrant thoroughly checking out your eye doctor before agreeing to surgery but you would be wrong.
As you talk with different ophthalmologists, you should have a list prepared of questions you want to ask to you will be able to compare their answers to ensure that you are choosing the correct laser eye surgeon for yourself.
First, be sure that they are licensed and have the proper training for laser eye surgery. Not all eye doctors or even ophthalmologists are licensed to perform this type of surgery.
Next, learn the preferences of the eye doctors. Do they prefer to perform laser eye surgery with or without blades? Therefore, you know the difference. LASIK is done by using a small blade to create a flap in the top layer of the cornea. InterLase is done without the use of any blades. Lasers are used to create the flap. Ask them questions about why they prefer the method they do and which one they perform the most often.
Do not use an eye doctor only on the fact that he has more experience. If you do not feel comfortable talking with him or her about your personal health and your expectations, then you should keep looking.
Do not believe any eye doctor that guarantees 20/20 vision after laser eye surgery. Most individuals do not attain perfect vision after surgery. Watch out for any type of money back guarantee. Remember, this is your eyesight that we are talking about.
You can check with the Better Business Bureau to learn if anyone has filed any complaints and even go as far to know what the complaints were about. It could be no more than their own expectations were not met or it could be something a bit more serious.
Speak up and ask questions. If you do not understand the procedure, what will happen after surgery, or even the complications that might arise, ask. It is your right to understand every step of the way what to expect and what is normal or abnormal in your particular situation.
The type of laser that is used during surgery should be something that you know. The FDA has set a standard that list all the approved laser for surgery and you should ask your eye doctor which type he has and learn if it is on the list prior to agreeing to surgery.
As you talk with different ophthalmologists, you should have a list prepared of questions you want to ask to you will be able to compare their answers to ensure that you are choosing the correct laser eye surgeon for yourself.
First, be sure that they are licensed and have the proper training for laser eye surgery. Not all eye doctors or even ophthalmologists are licensed to perform this type of surgery.
Next, learn the preferences of the eye doctors. Do they prefer to perform laser eye surgery with or without blades? Therefore, you know the difference. LASIK is done by using a small blade to create a flap in the top layer of the cornea. InterLase is done without the use of any blades. Lasers are used to create the flap. Ask them questions about why they prefer the method they do and which one they perform the most often.
Do not use an eye doctor only on the fact that he has more experience. If you do not feel comfortable talking with him or her about your personal health and your expectations, then you should keep looking.
Do not believe any eye doctor that guarantees 20/20 vision after laser eye surgery. Most individuals do not attain perfect vision after surgery. Watch out for any type of money back guarantee. Remember, this is your eyesight that we are talking about.
You can check with the Better Business Bureau to learn if anyone has filed any complaints and even go as far to know what the complaints were about. It could be no more than their own expectations were not met or it could be something a bit more serious.
Speak up and ask questions. If you do not understand the procedure, what will happen after surgery, or even the complications that might arise, ask. It is your right to understand every step of the way what to expect and what is normal or abnormal in your particular situation.
The type of laser that is used during surgery should be something that you know. The FDA has set a standard that list all the approved laser for surgery and you should ask your eye doctor which type he has and learn if it is on the list prior to agreeing to surgery.
Friday 3 April 2009
Preparing For Plastic Surgery
Many people seem to think that just having plastic surgery done will change everything. However, it is important to note that proper preparation is vital to a successful experience. This is important not only for people who have plastic surgery done for reconstructive purposes, but also for people who are having it done for cosmetic reasons. Plastic surgery changes things about you, and some people need emotional, as well as physical, help adjusting to those changes. This is especially vital for plastic surgery patients who need to have the surgery as part of a recovery from a severe accident or illness.
For emergency surgery, or for reconstructive surgery, there is very little physical preparation that can take place. The person undergoing the surgery may not even be aware of it. This is why it is important for someone close to the patient to prepare for when the person is confronted by the new reality he or she is living in. A psychologist or counselor can help with this process. Additionally, it would not hurt for a close friend or relative to consult on what he or she can do to help the patient. A good support system needs to be prepared in such cases.
But a good support system is necessary in any case of plastic surgery, even the cosmetic surgery cases. Someone may not fully realize the emotional impact a new look can have on her or him until the surgery is complete. Many ethical and conscientious plastic surgeons make sure that the prospective patient has a psychiatric evaluation before performing the surgery, and some require a couple of counseling sessions prior performing the surgery. This is especially true in cases of plastic surgery that involve gender changes. Proper preparation before such a plastic surgery procedure is extremely necessary. Even though someone might feel as though he or she is finally getting the body that always belonged to him or her, the immensity of the change can still come as a shock.
Physical preparations for plastic surgery are also in order. When the plastic surgery includes procedures to reduce weight, it is important to begin exercising and changing eating habits. Even after the surgery, the body can revert back if no lifestyle changes are made. Exercise and proper eating can also help the body boost its overall wellness, meaning that you will be able to better handle the surgery. It is important that you are as healthy as possible when going in for cosmetic surgery. Even if the surgery is meant to correct obesity, it is possible for you to improve your overall health before going in for surgery.
Finally, many plastic surgeons offer advice and a checklist of things to do in order to get ready for the surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully, so that you have the best possible outcome from your surgery. The directions given by a plastic surgeon are for your own good, and they will help you have a better recovery, both physically and emotionally.
For emergency surgery, or for reconstructive surgery, there is very little physical preparation that can take place. The person undergoing the surgery may not even be aware of it. This is why it is important for someone close to the patient to prepare for when the person is confronted by the new reality he or she is living in. A psychologist or counselor can help with this process. Additionally, it would not hurt for a close friend or relative to consult on what he or she can do to help the patient. A good support system needs to be prepared in such cases.
But a good support system is necessary in any case of plastic surgery, even the cosmetic surgery cases. Someone may not fully realize the emotional impact a new look can have on her or him until the surgery is complete. Many ethical and conscientious plastic surgeons make sure that the prospective patient has a psychiatric evaluation before performing the surgery, and some require a couple of counseling sessions prior performing the surgery. This is especially true in cases of plastic surgery that involve gender changes. Proper preparation before such a plastic surgery procedure is extremely necessary. Even though someone might feel as though he or she is finally getting the body that always belonged to him or her, the immensity of the change can still come as a shock.
Physical preparations for plastic surgery are also in order. When the plastic surgery includes procedures to reduce weight, it is important to begin exercising and changing eating habits. Even after the surgery, the body can revert back if no lifestyle changes are made. Exercise and proper eating can also help the body boost its overall wellness, meaning that you will be able to better handle the surgery. It is important that you are as healthy as possible when going in for cosmetic surgery. Even if the surgery is meant to correct obesity, it is possible for you to improve your overall health before going in for surgery.
Finally, many plastic surgeons offer advice and a checklist of things to do in order to get ready for the surgery. It is important that you follow these instructions carefully, so that you have the best possible outcome from your surgery. The directions given by a plastic surgeon are for your own good, and they will help you have a better recovery, both physically and emotionally.
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