For many centuries, people have corrected their eyesight using glasses, and later on, contact lenses. For a long time, it was believed that this was the most excellent technology. Albeit it was a trouble for most people, it was something they did, and still doing everyday.
Nevertheless, with the advent in new technologies and new treatments, we are able to fix out eyesight problem with corrective laser eye surgery. This is a way to correct your eyesight, without the need of external objects such as glasses or contacts.
There has been much discussion today about what exactly is eye laser surgery. It has turn into something that many people assert to know about, and many people try to have done for themselves. However, it is a surgical process, so there are some things that you should be familiar with about eye laser surgery before you make a decision if its right for you.
The foundation behind laser eye surgery is just as it sounds. Lasers are used to correct the parts of your eyes that do not work, and in this way, your eyesight becomes clearer and much improved. The level of operation you are going to go through depends on how poor your eyesight is and what type of problems you have to cause your eyesight to worsen. You are going to see different results in how much better your eyesight will get when you are finished with the corrective laser eye surgery treatments.
What Does Laser Eye Surgery Involve
Whether you get a Lasik laser eye surgery in California or anywhere else in the country, the procedures are about the same. You will need to perform an eye examination with a qualified surgeon who will perform the procedure. You will also have to proof that your eyesight has not changed for at least a year and you need a recent medical examination sheet that states your present state of health.
The whole process of the Lasik laser eye surgery may take couple of hours but the surgery itself takes only a few minutes. In most cases, you will not have to be hospitalized. However, it is advisable to have a family member or friend to be along with you because you will be sedated and may not be able to drive or even see well right after the surgery.
Is Eye Laser Surgery For Everyone?
Like any surgical process, eye laser surgery is not for everybody. Although it can assist most people with eyesight problems, there are just some people who cannot be helped by eye laser surgery. To ensure that you are one of those who can be helped by eye laser surgery, you should check with your eye doctor to find out precisely what is wrong with your eyes and to confirm it is something that can be fixed.
Also, you should recognize that eye laser surgery is usually not undertaken until someone's eyes have stopped altering. Frequently, as we grown-up, our eyes will arrive at a point where they won't get any worse. At the moment, many people decided to have laser surgery. Take note that it is not going to work well if you have the surgery before your eyesight have stopped altering. If you insist on doing the surgery, you will find that you have to go back to glasses and contacts.
Are There Any Risks?
Like any surgery, there are definitely risks to LASIK laser eye surgery. First of all, it is still a somewhat new method, which means many things could still go wrong. However, almost in every case, only one eye is operated at each surgery. This is the make sure that if the operation turns out to be a failure, you are still not totally blind. This may sound scary but, in the vast majority of cases, there are no complications. Statistics show that approximately 92% of patients are happy with the Lasik laser eye surgery. People are simply able to see better, clearer and they do not have to rely on contact or glasses for the rest of their lives.
Even with the existence of risks, eye laser surgery is still something that has helped millions of people and it could help you too. If you are the right candidate for such procedure, it is something that worth considering.
Monday 29 June 2009
Saturday 27 June 2009
LASIK Eye Surgery Risks - Small But Real
Anyone facing surgery for any reason is concerned about the risks; those facing LASIK eye surgery are no different. The idea of having any sort of procedure done on their eyes is enough to make most people nervous; the prospect of living in a world grown forever dark is not one anybody likes to face.
And the extreme sensitivity of our eyes makes us cringe at the thought of the pain which might accompany eye surgery. So an examination of the LASIK eye surgery risks might be helpful for those considering it. You may, however, be worrying needlessly about LASIK eye surgery risks if you haven’t determined whether you are qualified for the surgery. There are many reasons why you might not be.
Determining Whether You Qualify For LASIK Eye Surgery
If you’re below the age of eighteen, your eyes are still changing and you’re not a candidate for LASIK surgery; and if you’re over sixty, you may not be a candidate if your corneas are weakened. Your ophthalmologist will be able to determine if they are.
If you have an underlying disease, like diabetes, which can cause your vision to deteriorate, you may not be a candidate for LASIK surgery, although there may be alternative surgical procedures which can help you. If you have a specific eye condition, you may still qualify for the surgery once the condition has been treated and cured.
Finding The Right Doctor
Once you’ve determined that there is no reason why LASIK eye surgery is inappropriate in you case, you can start to concern yourself with LASIK eye surgery risks. The best way to reduce Your LASIK eye surgery risks is to do your homework when choosing an eye surgeon.
Find a list of surgeons in your area and set up preliminary appointments with some of them. Don’t be afraid to question them on their credentials, and call the nearest local medical watchdog association to find out if they are the subjects of disciplinary action.
When you’ve which eye surgeon gives you the best feelings of confidence, make an appointment for your pre-surgical eye exam. If you still feel comfortable with him or her following the exam, then you will very likely be happy throughout the surgical process.
As with all surgical procedures, the LASIK eye surgery risks diminish proportionately to the degree with which technological skills and information is shared community of optical surgeons. From the late 1990s, when the occurrence of complications from LASIK eye surgeries was about 5%, advances in technology and education in surgical techniques have reduced the rate of complications to 1%.
LASIK Eye Surgery Risks
But LASIK eye surgery risks, even at a 1% rate, do exist. While the LASIK surgical procedure itself is both fast and painless, it can lead to unforeseen complications.
While many people seek LASIK eye surgery to correct their irregular astigmatism, one of the more common LASIK eye surgery risks is that, if the procedure is not positioned properly, it can actually cause irregular astigmatism. People suffering from irregular astigmatism may experience either double vision or “ghost” vision. But, because both symptoms often occur temporarily after even successful LASIK procedures, it may take some time to determine the surgery resulted in an unwanted irregular astigmatism.
Other LASIL eye surgery risks include the development of corneal flaps, lamellar keratitis, oversized pupils, and decentered ablations. These post-operative conditions will surface as double vision, halos and starbursts, or decrease night vision, but many of them improve over time or with the use of eye drops. One of the rarest LASIK eye surgery risks is that a patient will develop dry eye, and require further surgery to alleviate it.
And the extreme sensitivity of our eyes makes us cringe at the thought of the pain which might accompany eye surgery. So an examination of the LASIK eye surgery risks might be helpful for those considering it. You may, however, be worrying needlessly about LASIK eye surgery risks if you haven’t determined whether you are qualified for the surgery. There are many reasons why you might not be.
Determining Whether You Qualify For LASIK Eye Surgery
If you’re below the age of eighteen, your eyes are still changing and you’re not a candidate for LASIK surgery; and if you’re over sixty, you may not be a candidate if your corneas are weakened. Your ophthalmologist will be able to determine if they are.
If you have an underlying disease, like diabetes, which can cause your vision to deteriorate, you may not be a candidate for LASIK surgery, although there may be alternative surgical procedures which can help you. If you have a specific eye condition, you may still qualify for the surgery once the condition has been treated and cured.
Finding The Right Doctor
Once you’ve determined that there is no reason why LASIK eye surgery is inappropriate in you case, you can start to concern yourself with LASIK eye surgery risks. The best way to reduce Your LASIK eye surgery risks is to do your homework when choosing an eye surgeon.
Find a list of surgeons in your area and set up preliminary appointments with some of them. Don’t be afraid to question them on their credentials, and call the nearest local medical watchdog association to find out if they are the subjects of disciplinary action.
When you’ve which eye surgeon gives you the best feelings of confidence, make an appointment for your pre-surgical eye exam. If you still feel comfortable with him or her following the exam, then you will very likely be happy throughout the surgical process.
As with all surgical procedures, the LASIK eye surgery risks diminish proportionately to the degree with which technological skills and information is shared community of optical surgeons. From the late 1990s, when the occurrence of complications from LASIK eye surgeries was about 5%, advances in technology and education in surgical techniques have reduced the rate of complications to 1%.
LASIK Eye Surgery Risks
But LASIK eye surgery risks, even at a 1% rate, do exist. While the LASIK surgical procedure itself is both fast and painless, it can lead to unforeseen complications.
While many people seek LASIK eye surgery to correct their irregular astigmatism, one of the more common LASIK eye surgery risks is that, if the procedure is not positioned properly, it can actually cause irregular astigmatism. People suffering from irregular astigmatism may experience either double vision or “ghost” vision. But, because both symptoms often occur temporarily after even successful LASIK procedures, it may take some time to determine the surgery resulted in an unwanted irregular astigmatism.
Other LASIL eye surgery risks include the development of corneal flaps, lamellar keratitis, oversized pupils, and decentered ablations. These post-operative conditions will surface as double vision, halos and starbursts, or decrease night vision, but many of them improve over time or with the use of eye drops. One of the rarest LASIK eye surgery risks is that a patient will develop dry eye, and require further surgery to alleviate it.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Weight Loss Surgery - 7 Myths that Will Surprise You
Have you seen all the ads on TV for weight loss surgery? They certainly sound appealing, don't they? Tame that hunger! Rapid weight loss! But what's the real story? Here are seven myths about weight loss surgery that will truly surprise you.
Myth # 1: You Will Never Regain Your Weight
Untrue. In fact studies have shown that most weight loss surgery patients regain at least some of their weight. Weight loss surgery provides you with a tool that helps you to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. But the patient must eat a healthy diet and exercise for the rest of their lives in order to maintain that weight loss. True, it is much easier to accomplish that after surgery. However you can't take for granted that you will be thin forever without working at it.
Myth # 2: Weight Loss Surgery Is Becoming so Popular
Untrue. In the U.S., there are between 8 and 10 million morbidly obese people who qualify for weight loss surgery. Morbid obesity is determined by checking your Body Mass Index which is a computation between your height and your weight. Of the 8 to 10 million morbidly obese people, there are only between 1% and 2% of them who have weight loss surgery. In 2007 there were approximately 200,000 weight loss surgeries performed in the United States. In fact, weight loss surgery is a very rare procedure compared to millions who need it.
Myth # 3: You Will Have To Eat Tiny Meals Forever
Untrue. Just after surgery, your capacity to eat is very small. An ounce or two will fill you up. However, over time your capacity to eat more normal sized meals will increase so that what you are able to eat approximates what a normal weighted person would eat.
Myth #4: It's the Easy Way Out
Untrue. Weight loss surgery is not without its risks. The mortality rate is .5% to 1% and an additional 5% suffer complications. The complications vary from developing a possible abdominal leak so that what you eat enters your abdominal cavity (potentially lethal) to simple nausea. Many weight loss surgery patients lose up to 50% of their hair (which grows back) because of their inability to eat enough protein just after surgery. Most gastric bypass patients experience dumping syndrome which causes a sweating, shaking and nauseous reaction after eating something sweet. Some people outgrow this, others do not. There are many complications with this surgery making it anything but the easy way out.
Myth # 5: Weight Loss Surgery Will Save My Marriage
Untrue. In fact the divorce rate for weight loss surgery patients is higher than the national average. Often the spouse cannot take the new attention being paid to their partner who is looking better and better as the pounds melt away. On the flip side, the patient who is losing weight sometimes does not know how to handle all the new attention causing a strain on the marriage.
Myth # 6: My Body Will Look Great After I Have Lost Weight
Untrue. Most patients who lose more than 140 pounds are left with hanging skin requiring plastic surgery which is often not covered by insurance.
Myth #7: I Won't Be Able to Have Children after Surgery
Untrue. Patients should not get pregnant within the first year following surgery. During that initial time of rapid weight loss, they are not able to eat enough to sustain themselves as well as a growing fetus. However after the first year, there is no barrier to pregnancy. In fact, those patients have a much lower risk pregnancy because they are much healthier.
Myth # 1: You Will Never Regain Your Weight
Untrue. In fact studies have shown that most weight loss surgery patients regain at least some of their weight. Weight loss surgery provides you with a tool that helps you to lose weight and maintain that weight loss. But the patient must eat a healthy diet and exercise for the rest of their lives in order to maintain that weight loss. True, it is much easier to accomplish that after surgery. However you can't take for granted that you will be thin forever without working at it.
Myth # 2: Weight Loss Surgery Is Becoming so Popular
Untrue. In the U.S., there are between 8 and 10 million morbidly obese people who qualify for weight loss surgery. Morbid obesity is determined by checking your Body Mass Index which is a computation between your height and your weight. Of the 8 to 10 million morbidly obese people, there are only between 1% and 2% of them who have weight loss surgery. In 2007 there were approximately 200,000 weight loss surgeries performed in the United States. In fact, weight loss surgery is a very rare procedure compared to millions who need it.
Myth # 3: You Will Have To Eat Tiny Meals Forever
Untrue. Just after surgery, your capacity to eat is very small. An ounce or two will fill you up. However, over time your capacity to eat more normal sized meals will increase so that what you are able to eat approximates what a normal weighted person would eat.
Myth #4: It's the Easy Way Out
Untrue. Weight loss surgery is not without its risks. The mortality rate is .5% to 1% and an additional 5% suffer complications. The complications vary from developing a possible abdominal leak so that what you eat enters your abdominal cavity (potentially lethal) to simple nausea. Many weight loss surgery patients lose up to 50% of their hair (which grows back) because of their inability to eat enough protein just after surgery. Most gastric bypass patients experience dumping syndrome which causes a sweating, shaking and nauseous reaction after eating something sweet. Some people outgrow this, others do not. There are many complications with this surgery making it anything but the easy way out.
Myth # 5: Weight Loss Surgery Will Save My Marriage
Untrue. In fact the divorce rate for weight loss surgery patients is higher than the national average. Often the spouse cannot take the new attention being paid to their partner who is looking better and better as the pounds melt away. On the flip side, the patient who is losing weight sometimes does not know how to handle all the new attention causing a strain on the marriage.
Myth # 6: My Body Will Look Great After I Have Lost Weight
Untrue. Most patients who lose more than 140 pounds are left with hanging skin requiring plastic surgery which is often not covered by insurance.
Myth #7: I Won't Be Able to Have Children after Surgery
Untrue. Patients should not get pregnant within the first year following surgery. During that initial time of rapid weight loss, they are not able to eat enough to sustain themselves as well as a growing fetus. However after the first year, there is no barrier to pregnancy. In fact, those patients have a much lower risk pregnancy because they are much healthier.
Thursday 18 June 2009
Is Gastric Bypass Right for You?
Gastric bypass is a form of weight-loss surgery done on a lot of Americans today. The reason is because more and more Americans are suffering from obesity and excessive weight problems. In some cases, a gastric bypass is the only way to make losing weight possible. For most of us, gastric bypass is merely an option. The American Society for Bariatric Surgery reports that there were more than 63,000 of such surgeries being done in the United States alone in the year 2002.
However, it is important to note that a Gastric Bypass is not the right surgery for everyone. Think carefully because a gastric bypass is a very important surgery. It is not the magical solution to your weight problems and you will need to do extensive research before you commit to it. We have to emphasize that Gastric Bypass has a very high rate of complications although the procedure may sound relatively simple and effortless. Most doctors who perform gastric bypass would advise the patient to undergo a low-calorie diet for at least 6 months before they go for gastric bypass surgery. Undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, you may have to bear with the consequence of a possible life-threatening complication as a result of the gastric bypass surgery. Your doctor would be in the best position to advice you on whether you’re right for gastric bypass. Emotional and physical issues may have to be taken into account because this is essential to your recovery after the gastric bypass surgery.
However, because of the many possible dangers of undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, the Bariatrics Society designed and launched a program called the mini gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgeries are the less extensive versions of the more commonly used gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgery actually reconfigures the stomach so that absorption of food is reduced irregardless of how much food that person consumed. A mini gastric bypass surgery also changes the way food is absorbed. The mini gastric bypass surgery takes a shorter time to perform and the recovery for the patient is quicker too. However, there aren’t that many researches and studies done on mini gastric bypass surgeries as opposed to a major gastric bypass surgeries, therefore, many insurance companies cover the major gastric bypass surgery but not the mini gastric bypass surgery!
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.obesity-solutions.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
However, it is important to note that a Gastric Bypass is not the right surgery for everyone. Think carefully because a gastric bypass is a very important surgery. It is not the magical solution to your weight problems and you will need to do extensive research before you commit to it. We have to emphasize that Gastric Bypass has a very high rate of complications although the procedure may sound relatively simple and effortless. Most doctors who perform gastric bypass would advise the patient to undergo a low-calorie diet for at least 6 months before they go for gastric bypass surgery. Undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, you may have to bear with the consequence of a possible life-threatening complication as a result of the gastric bypass surgery. Your doctor would be in the best position to advice you on whether you’re right for gastric bypass. Emotional and physical issues may have to be taken into account because this is essential to your recovery after the gastric bypass surgery.
However, because of the many possible dangers of undergoing a gastric bypass surgery, the Bariatrics Society designed and launched a program called the mini gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgeries are the less extensive versions of the more commonly used gastric bypass surgery. The mini gastric bypass surgery actually reconfigures the stomach so that absorption of food is reduced irregardless of how much food that person consumed. A mini gastric bypass surgery also changes the way food is absorbed. The mini gastric bypass surgery takes a shorter time to perform and the recovery for the patient is quicker too. However, there aren’t that many researches and studies done on mini gastric bypass surgeries as opposed to a major gastric bypass surgeries, therefore, many insurance companies cover the major gastric bypass surgery but not the mini gastric bypass surgery!
Dakota Caudilla, journalist, and website builder Dakota Caudilla lives in Texas. He is the owner and co-editor of http://www.obesity-solutions.net on which you will find a longer, more detailed version of this article.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Plastic Surgery Vs Cosmetic Surgery
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a crucial difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.
Plastic surgery is generally used to correct, restore, or repair skin and tissue problems caused by congenital defects, illness or injury, especially where the defect seriously affects health or quality of life.
Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is usually used to improve the patient's appearance, for purely aesthetic reasons. Unlike plastic surgery, most cosmetic surgery is elective surgery - that is, the patient chooses to undergo the procedure even though it is not essential for their health.
However, these definitions are flexible, and there are often cases where surgery that would normally be considered cosmetic, such as breast reduction, can also be essential for health if it is causing back or shoulder problems.
This flexibility is important since most plastic surgery is covered by the NHS, whereas purely cosmetic surgery is not and can cost many thousands of pounds. Your GP will be able to advise you whether the treatment you would like is covered by the NHS or not.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is used in a wide range of circumstances, including:
Skin repair of badly burnt or scarred tissue
Facial reconstruction or congenital disfigurement
Prosthetic reconstruction after breast or testicular cancer surgery
Nose, ear, or eye reshaping where their function is impaired
One of the most common procedures is the skin graft, where healthy sheets of skin from the thigh or back are used to repair or replace skin lost elsewhere. This vastly improves healing and reduces the impact of long term scarring. These techniques have been advancing rapidly in recent years, culminating in a successful full-face transplant in France.
Plastic surgery will usually be carried out free of charge on the NHS where there is a health issue involved.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery can be chosen to enhance, augment, or improve almost any area of the body, including:
* The removal of unsightly marks such as moles, birthmarks, and tattoos
* Breast enhancement by the use of implants (augmentation mammoplasty)
* Breast reduction through skin and fat removal (reduction mammoplasty)
* Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
* Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
* Pinning back prominent ears (otoplasty)
* Face lift (rhytidectomy)
* Liposuction
Over 70,000 people have cosmetic surgery in the UK each year, and its popularity is growing all the time with treatments up 50% over the last five years.
Unlike plastic surgery, which usually involves considerable invasive procedures, cosmetic surgery can range from simple, non-surgical techniques, such as Botox or collagen injections, to major surgery such as a tummy tuck. Naturally, the price rises in line with the complexity of the operation and the length of stay at your chosen clinic.
Why choose plastic or cosmetic surgery?
In cases where plastic surgery is necessary for your health or well-being the decision to have surgery is quite straightforward. The risks in these cases are generally far out-weighed by the rewards.
For cosmetic surgery, however, the process is more complex. It's important that you have the surgery for the right reasons and that you have realistic expectations of the results. For example, there can be many reasons for a lack of self-esteem, and cosmetic surgery will not necessarily put any of these right. That said, many patients benefit immensely from increased confidence as a result of surgery, and consider it worth every penny.
Your GP and surgeon may well ask you to undergo a psychological assessment or counselling before they agree to your treatment, to be sure that surgery is the right course of action. Since the effects are often dramatic and permanent, it's vital you give informed consent, fully understanding the implications of your treatment.
The next step
It is important to consult your GP, even if you're having your cosmetic surgery done privately. Not only do they know you and your medical history, and can therefore offer you the best advice, but a GP referral also gives your surgeon full access to your medical records.
There are many factors that will affect you choice of surgeon, including location, experience, and of course, price. However, there are certain checks you should always apply to be sure of a safe, successful procedure:
* Make sure your surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council
* They should also be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
* The clinic should be registered with the Healthcare Commission
* The clinic should allow you access to their inspection reports
Given the importance and lasting nature of the surgery, it's well worth spending time comparing clinics both through brochures and websites as well as in person, before making your choice. Remember, cost is not the only factor you should consider.
Plastic surgery is generally used to correct, restore, or repair skin and tissue problems caused by congenital defects, illness or injury, especially where the defect seriously affects health or quality of life.
Cosmetic surgery, on the other hand, is usually used to improve the patient's appearance, for purely aesthetic reasons. Unlike plastic surgery, most cosmetic surgery is elective surgery - that is, the patient chooses to undergo the procedure even though it is not essential for their health.
However, these definitions are flexible, and there are often cases where surgery that would normally be considered cosmetic, such as breast reduction, can also be essential for health if it is causing back or shoulder problems.
This flexibility is important since most plastic surgery is covered by the NHS, whereas purely cosmetic surgery is not and can cost many thousands of pounds. Your GP will be able to advise you whether the treatment you would like is covered by the NHS or not.
Plastic Surgery
Plastic surgery is used in a wide range of circumstances, including:
Skin repair of badly burnt or scarred tissue
Facial reconstruction or congenital disfigurement
Prosthetic reconstruction after breast or testicular cancer surgery
Nose, ear, or eye reshaping where their function is impaired
One of the most common procedures is the skin graft, where healthy sheets of skin from the thigh or back are used to repair or replace skin lost elsewhere. This vastly improves healing and reduces the impact of long term scarring. These techniques have been advancing rapidly in recent years, culminating in a successful full-face transplant in France.
Plastic surgery will usually be carried out free of charge on the NHS where there is a health issue involved.
Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic surgery can be chosen to enhance, augment, or improve almost any area of the body, including:
* The removal of unsightly marks such as moles, birthmarks, and tattoos
* Breast enhancement by the use of implants (augmentation mammoplasty)
* Breast reduction through skin and fat removal (reduction mammoplasty)
* Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
* Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
* Pinning back prominent ears (otoplasty)
* Face lift (rhytidectomy)
* Liposuction
Over 70,000 people have cosmetic surgery in the UK each year, and its popularity is growing all the time with treatments up 50% over the last five years.
Unlike plastic surgery, which usually involves considerable invasive procedures, cosmetic surgery can range from simple, non-surgical techniques, such as Botox or collagen injections, to major surgery such as a tummy tuck. Naturally, the price rises in line with the complexity of the operation and the length of stay at your chosen clinic.
Why choose plastic or cosmetic surgery?
In cases where plastic surgery is necessary for your health or well-being the decision to have surgery is quite straightforward. The risks in these cases are generally far out-weighed by the rewards.
For cosmetic surgery, however, the process is more complex. It's important that you have the surgery for the right reasons and that you have realistic expectations of the results. For example, there can be many reasons for a lack of self-esteem, and cosmetic surgery will not necessarily put any of these right. That said, many patients benefit immensely from increased confidence as a result of surgery, and consider it worth every penny.
Your GP and surgeon may well ask you to undergo a psychological assessment or counselling before they agree to your treatment, to be sure that surgery is the right course of action. Since the effects are often dramatic and permanent, it's vital you give informed consent, fully understanding the implications of your treatment.
The next step
It is important to consult your GP, even if you're having your cosmetic surgery done privately. Not only do they know you and your medical history, and can therefore offer you the best advice, but a GP referral also gives your surgeon full access to your medical records.
There are many factors that will affect you choice of surgeon, including location, experience, and of course, price. However, there are certain checks you should always apply to be sure of a safe, successful procedure:
* Make sure your surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council
* They should also be a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
* The clinic should be registered with the Healthcare Commission
* The clinic should allow you access to their inspection reports
Given the importance and lasting nature of the surgery, it's well worth spending time comparing clinics both through brochures and websites as well as in person, before making your choice. Remember, cost is not the only factor you should consider.
Friday 12 June 2009
Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are bandied about so much people often confuse them. While both involve the improvement of your appearance, there are distinct differences.
Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery
Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.
Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one’s appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.
The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.
Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.
Plastic Surgery vs. Reconstructive Surgery
Both plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery are designed to improve the appearance of a person. This can be done through lifts, tucks, reshaping and so on. The correct usage of the terms, however, is dependent upon the underlying reason for the surgical procedure.
Plastic surgery is an elective surgery. In its most basic form, plastic surgery takes a normal part of the body and improves it in a manner desired by the patient. Common plastic surgery procedures include liposuction, breast enhancement or reduction, nose reshaping, reshaping of the abdomen and the well-known facelift. All of these surgeries are based purely on a voluntary desire to improve one’s appearance.
Reconstructive surgery is often elective, but can also be medically necessary. Reconstructive surgery differs from plastic surgery in one significant way. It is focused on making improvements to a damaged or abnormal part of the body. For example, a person may suffer damage from trauma or disease that leaves a part of the body looking abnormal and functionally deficient, such as breaking facial bones in an automobile accident. Reconstructive surgery will be undertaken to repair the facial structure so that it both performs and appears normally. While appearance is important, most reconstructive surgery focuses on functionality first.
The differences between plastic and reconstructive surgery often blur. Breast enhancement or reduction surgery is a form of plastic surgery. Repairing breasts after the all too common complications of breast cancer is considered reconstructive surgery. Repairing the septum of the nose is considered reconstructive surgery, but simply reshaping the nose is considered plastic surgery. This blurred line is repeated in other areas as well.
Ultimately, the dividing line between reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery is mostly an academic debate or vary obvious given specific circumstances. Regardless, it is important to understand that there is a distinction.
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Acne Scar And Plastic Surgery - Drastic But Sometimes Necessary
In the past plastic surgery was only for the rich, however, recently it has become more affordable. Here are some facts about acne scarring and the benefits of plastic surgery.
There is'nt anything as unpleasant as the ugly acne scars that disfigure a persons skin and it is something that affects acne sufferers everywhere. there are Some people that are fortunate in that their acne scars melt away with the over time, unfortunately others are less fortunate and the residual marks are there till something is done about them. The deep scars that are caused by acne will need specialist treatment and could possibly even warrant plastic surgery, this of course depends on the advice given by your specialist and the type of scar left by the acne condition.
A serious alternative to ineffective treatments
Disfigurement of the person's face is something that many unfortunate people suffer from and the extreme scarring often results in seeking them advice about plastic surgery as other normal methods are inadequate . For some people, the only course of action open to them would be considering acne scar and plastic surgery, which although is a drastic alternative, is one which should definitely be explored. Acne scar and plastic surgery is a viable option for those wishing to permanently remove all evidence of their scars, and should always be considered only as a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted or deemed to be inadequate.
There are obviously risks associated with acne scar and plastic surgery and patients may even find that the scars may return in spite of having had plastic surgery. this can happen when , the layers of skin at the affected area are below the surface and a are subsequently too deep for surgery.
It is also be noted that it is expensive to have acne scar and plastic surgery which may deter many people from exploring this form of treatment. However, people should think hard as plastic surgery may be your only option because you may find that some of the other procedures are not able to remove the scars. Contrary to what the advertising slogans may say there is also no cure-all for acne scars. You should also exercise caution when believing claims of the non-invasive procedures and take care when purchasing over-the-counter- remedies that claim to instantly work on acne scar removal.
some deep acne scars like the "poc" marks and 'ice pick' scarring is particularly difficult to erase and will more than likely take a considerable length of time using home treatment before there are any noticeable results. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, will almost certainly remove them and will vastly improve the area of scarring. You can then follow this up with skin conditioners and topical medications as prescribed by your doctor. It should be noted that anyone considering acne scar and plastic surgery, must ensure that they are in good health and not be suffering from any active disease or pre-existing and serious medical condition, and also not have any unrealistic expectations of the outcome of the surgical procedure.
There is'nt anything as unpleasant as the ugly acne scars that disfigure a persons skin and it is something that affects acne sufferers everywhere. there are Some people that are fortunate in that their acne scars melt away with the over time, unfortunately others are less fortunate and the residual marks are there till something is done about them. The deep scars that are caused by acne will need specialist treatment and could possibly even warrant plastic surgery, this of course depends on the advice given by your specialist and the type of scar left by the acne condition.
A serious alternative to ineffective treatments
Disfigurement of the person's face is something that many unfortunate people suffer from and the extreme scarring often results in seeking them advice about plastic surgery as other normal methods are inadequate . For some people, the only course of action open to them would be considering acne scar and plastic surgery, which although is a drastic alternative, is one which should definitely be explored. Acne scar and plastic surgery is a viable option for those wishing to permanently remove all evidence of their scars, and should always be considered only as a last resort when other avenues have been exhausted or deemed to be inadequate.
There are obviously risks associated with acne scar and plastic surgery and patients may even find that the scars may return in spite of having had plastic surgery. this can happen when , the layers of skin at the affected area are below the surface and a are subsequently too deep for surgery.
It is also be noted that it is expensive to have acne scar and plastic surgery which may deter many people from exploring this form of treatment. However, people should think hard as plastic surgery may be your only option because you may find that some of the other procedures are not able to remove the scars. Contrary to what the advertising slogans may say there is also no cure-all for acne scars. You should also exercise caution when believing claims of the non-invasive procedures and take care when purchasing over-the-counter- remedies that claim to instantly work on acne scar removal.
some deep acne scars like the "poc" marks and 'ice pick' scarring is particularly difficult to erase and will more than likely take a considerable length of time using home treatment before there are any noticeable results. Plastic surgery, on the other hand, will almost certainly remove them and will vastly improve the area of scarring. You can then follow this up with skin conditioners and topical medications as prescribed by your doctor. It should be noted that anyone considering acne scar and plastic surgery, must ensure that they are in good health and not be suffering from any active disease or pre-existing and serious medical condition, and also not have any unrealistic expectations of the outcome of the surgical procedure.
Wednesday 3 June 2009
Before your Procedure - Plastic Surgery Do's and Don'ts
Well, the New Year is finally here and now it’s time to put into action all those great resolutions you made! Is this the year of the “new you”? For many of you that will include a new diet and a little more exercise to get in better shape. For others this may be the year that you take that big step and you finally make that appointment with Dr. Back’s office and find out what all this plastic surgery stuff is really all about! Perhaps I can help you before you even come in. Scheduling an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon may be the biggest and possibly most important step in you’ll take in seeing what cosmetic surgery can do for you. How about a few “tips” before you come in for that appointment?
1) Do make sure your plastic surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Unfortunately, there are many physicians who might advertise or promote themselves as Board Certified but they don’t necessarily mention what they are specifically Board Certified in. (These are not the doctors you should be going to for Cosmetic Surgery!) In addition, The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the most respective, definitive and legimate certifying body of plastic surgeons in the U.S. Beware of “sound-alike” imitations such as Board Certified “Cosmetic Surgeon”. Only the most qualified plastic surgeons have earned the right to call themselves Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and would not use such a designation.
2) Don’t enlist the services of a physician who does not have operating room or admitting privileges at a local accredited hospital as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If the physician you are contemplating seeing doesn’t have these privileges, it means the hospital or surgi-centers in his area don’t recognize his qualifications as being good enough to be on their staff. The Plastic Surgeon you want will have proper qualifications and have these privileges.
3) Do ask to see before and after photos of the doctors’ work on other patients. A busy and popular Plastic Surgeon will probably have before and after photos very similar to yourself. Even better: A patient that has had this procedure within the past year or so that might be willing to talk to you about their experience. Computer simulations are great but they are just “simulations”. Before and after photos will show you what the doctor has actually accomplished for other patients.
4) Do get a second opinion consultation. Different doctors have different styles and sometimes different approaches to the same problems. You should make sure you have a nice comfort level with the plans and options that have been reviewed with you. More importantly, you should have a comfort level and confidence in the doctor and his staff.
5) Don’t make a decision solely on the basis of price. It may sound trite but this will only get you into trouble. Qualified surgeons will all have prices in a very similar range and will generally be very fair in making sure their charges reasonably reflect the amount of work you are considering having done. Beware of the pricing that seems like a bargain - you may want to recheck those credentials on this one.
6) Do ask what facility your doctor will perform your surgery in. The safest and most reliable surgicenters will be high quality, accredited and state licensed facilities. These facilities have the best equipment, the most qualified staff and nurses and the appropriate systems and equipment to deal with potential emergencies.
7) Do ask your doctor about estimated recovery times and restrictions with respect to your particular procedure. If you do not have the ability to organize your business and social or familial obligations or might not be able to limit your physical activities as your doctor recommends, you are only going to be short-changing yourself on the quality of your recovery and possibly the overall level of success with your surgery. Beginning your journey on your cosmetic procedure already knowing that you’re going to compromise and take “short cuts” for the instructions in your after care is a major mistake. Any doctor who minimizes the after care needs and tells “you’ll probably be ok…..Don’t worry about them” may be doing himself a favor but is giving you bad advice.
8) Don’t ask for multiple complex procedures at once, like they do it on the “Extreme Plastic Surgery Makeover” TV shows. In the real world (meaning not on TV), people have jobs, children, social obligations and responsibilities that go beyond their cosmetic procedure needs. It is unlikely after your cosmetic procedure that you will be placed in a Three Star hotel for the next two months with your every meal and need catered to and no other responsibilities other than appearing on camera. You should be more focused on recoveries that will be simple, straight-forward and limited. It is much more realistic and much less risky to limit the amount of surgery you are having so that you will ultimately have a reasonably quick and uncomplicated recovery to enable you to get back into the swing of your normal life in a stream-lined way.
Lyle M. Back, M.D., F.A.C.S. is Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in the full range of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. He served as a Professor of Plastic Surgery at Temple University and St. Christopher’s Hospital for children. He is a well-known, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has been in private practice in Cherry Hill for almost 15 years. He has appeared in numerous magazines, on the radio and on TV as a “Top Doc”. You can contact Dr. Back regarding your questions or schedule a personal complimentary consultation with him. Call us toll-free at 1-87-75-IMBACK and schedule your appointment today!
1) Do make sure your plastic surgeon is Board Certified in Plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Unfortunately, there are many physicians who might advertise or promote themselves as Board Certified but they don’t necessarily mention what they are specifically Board Certified in. (These are not the doctors you should be going to for Cosmetic Surgery!) In addition, The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the most respective, definitive and legimate certifying body of plastic surgeons in the U.S. Beware of “sound-alike” imitations such as Board Certified “Cosmetic Surgeon”. Only the most qualified plastic surgeons have earned the right to call themselves Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and would not use such a designation.
2) Don’t enlist the services of a physician who does not have operating room or admitting privileges at a local accredited hospital as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If the physician you are contemplating seeing doesn’t have these privileges, it means the hospital or surgi-centers in his area don’t recognize his qualifications as being good enough to be on their staff. The Plastic Surgeon you want will have proper qualifications and have these privileges.
3) Do ask to see before and after photos of the doctors’ work on other patients. A busy and popular Plastic Surgeon will probably have before and after photos very similar to yourself. Even better: A patient that has had this procedure within the past year or so that might be willing to talk to you about their experience. Computer simulations are great but they are just “simulations”. Before and after photos will show you what the doctor has actually accomplished for other patients.
4) Do get a second opinion consultation. Different doctors have different styles and sometimes different approaches to the same problems. You should make sure you have a nice comfort level with the plans and options that have been reviewed with you. More importantly, you should have a comfort level and confidence in the doctor and his staff.
5) Don’t make a decision solely on the basis of price. It may sound trite but this will only get you into trouble. Qualified surgeons will all have prices in a very similar range and will generally be very fair in making sure their charges reasonably reflect the amount of work you are considering having done. Beware of the pricing that seems like a bargain - you may want to recheck those credentials on this one.
6) Do ask what facility your doctor will perform your surgery in. The safest and most reliable surgicenters will be high quality, accredited and state licensed facilities. These facilities have the best equipment, the most qualified staff and nurses and the appropriate systems and equipment to deal with potential emergencies.
7) Do ask your doctor about estimated recovery times and restrictions with respect to your particular procedure. If you do not have the ability to organize your business and social or familial obligations or might not be able to limit your physical activities as your doctor recommends, you are only going to be short-changing yourself on the quality of your recovery and possibly the overall level of success with your surgery. Beginning your journey on your cosmetic procedure already knowing that you’re going to compromise and take “short cuts” for the instructions in your after care is a major mistake. Any doctor who minimizes the after care needs and tells “you’ll probably be ok…..Don’t worry about them” may be doing himself a favor but is giving you bad advice.
8) Don’t ask for multiple complex procedures at once, like they do it on the “Extreme Plastic Surgery Makeover” TV shows. In the real world (meaning not on TV), people have jobs, children, social obligations and responsibilities that go beyond their cosmetic procedure needs. It is unlikely after your cosmetic procedure that you will be placed in a Three Star hotel for the next two months with your every meal and need catered to and no other responsibilities other than appearing on camera. You should be more focused on recoveries that will be simple, straight-forward and limited. It is much more realistic and much less risky to limit the amount of surgery you are having so that you will ultimately have a reasonably quick and uncomplicated recovery to enable you to get back into the swing of your normal life in a stream-lined way.
Lyle M. Back, M.D., F.A.C.S. is Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery and specializes in the full range of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. He served as a Professor of Plastic Surgery at Temple University and St. Christopher’s Hospital for children. He is a well-known, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and has been in private practice in Cherry Hill for almost 15 years. He has appeared in numerous magazines, on the radio and on TV as a “Top Doc”. You can contact Dr. Back regarding your questions or schedule a personal complimentary consultation with him. Call us toll-free at 1-87-75-IMBACK and schedule your appointment today!
Monday 1 June 2009
Plastic Surgery - is It for You?
In the past, it was only the rich and famous who opted to get plastic surgery nips, tucks, and lifts, but it has become more and more common as it becomes more affordable and accessible to the general population. Although the tabloids still love to speculate on who has had “work” done, it is not seen as such a big deal anymore to try to recapture youth or to enhance a feature. But it is a big deal. If you are considering any type of plastic surgery, you should consider your options very carefully. Surgery is serious no matter what type, and if you decide to have it done, you need to have a wonderful, qualified surgeon and all of the facts first.
For those who suffer from a serious burn, injury, or an unsightly birthmark, plastic surgery can be a great confidence booster. Reconstructive technology has come a long way in the last few years and there have been some nearly miraculous developments. In this situation, the surgery may almost be considered a medical necessity.
On the other hand, much of the cosmetic surgery that is done today is done as an elective procedure. The patient may feel uncomfortable about some feature or may just want to enhance their looks with plastic surgery. This can also be a confidence booster for some individuals. But, the patient needs to know what they can expect as far as the outcomes of the surgery. If the surgeon dismisses any fears and tells the patient that everything will be “perfect” you may have cause for concern. Realistically one to four percent of plastic surgery patients may experience difficulties.
Difficulties associated with surgery may include problems with symmetry (the sides don’t match,) infection, swelling, and even death in extreme cases.
This is why it is so important to choose the surgeon for your plastic surgery carefully. You can contact your state Board of Medical Examiners to find out about any claims or complaints against any surgeon, and also find out what the outcomes of those complaints or claims were. If you know anyone who has had the same type of plastic surgery you are considering ask them about their experience. You can also go online and find reviews and ratings of doctors.
Ask your potential surgeon how may plastic surgery procedures of your type they have done. Experience is a really important factor. Ask them to see before and after pictures of patients if they have them. Talk to them about what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. Find out about recovery time and follow up care after your plastic surgery. If your potential surgeon is not comfortable, or does not want to take the time to answer your questions, you may want to look elsewhere.
Cosmetic surgery can be a real confidence booster for many. It is not a cure-all, but it can be a start.
For those who suffer from a serious burn, injury, or an unsightly birthmark, plastic surgery can be a great confidence booster. Reconstructive technology has come a long way in the last few years and there have been some nearly miraculous developments. In this situation, the surgery may almost be considered a medical necessity.
On the other hand, much of the cosmetic surgery that is done today is done as an elective procedure. The patient may feel uncomfortable about some feature or may just want to enhance their looks with plastic surgery. This can also be a confidence booster for some individuals. But, the patient needs to know what they can expect as far as the outcomes of the surgery. If the surgeon dismisses any fears and tells the patient that everything will be “perfect” you may have cause for concern. Realistically one to four percent of plastic surgery patients may experience difficulties.
Difficulties associated with surgery may include problems with symmetry (the sides don’t match,) infection, swelling, and even death in extreme cases.
This is why it is so important to choose the surgeon for your plastic surgery carefully. You can contact your state Board of Medical Examiners to find out about any claims or complaints against any surgeon, and also find out what the outcomes of those complaints or claims were. If you know anyone who has had the same type of plastic surgery you are considering ask them about their experience. You can also go online and find reviews and ratings of doctors.
Ask your potential surgeon how may plastic surgery procedures of your type they have done. Experience is a really important factor. Ask them to see before and after pictures of patients if they have them. Talk to them about what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure. Find out about recovery time and follow up care after your plastic surgery. If your potential surgeon is not comfortable, or does not want to take the time to answer your questions, you may want to look elsewhere.
Cosmetic surgery can be a real confidence booster for many. It is not a cure-all, but it can be a start.
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