3 Ways to Make Sure You Don't Become a Victim of Bad Face Lifts

Bad face lifts are probably the most major concern any woman has when considering getting a facelift. We all know they exist-- we've heard the horror stories, seen the pictures, and often know more than one person who it's happened to. So if you're ready to make the move towards a more youthful, vibrant, and alive you, how can you make sure that you don't end up being another victim of bad face lifts?

There are three things you need to do to make sure that you'll be getting the results you want. One, you'll need to research and choose the right face lift procedure. Two, you'll need to select a top notch doctor. And three, you should definitely make sure that you've looked into facelift alternatives and that the procedure that you're considering really is what you need. If you make sure to do all three of these things, you shouldn't have to worry about bad face lifts.

Choosing the right procedure is very important. Just because you know someone who had a certain kind of facelift and looks absolutely incredible doesn't mean that it's the right choice for you. Each different kind of facelift technique-- both surgical and non-surgical-- is suited for different areas of concern, and for different candidates. Some techniques only work well for people with a light complexion, and others only help in the lower part of the face, and some are just best for creases around the eyes. One of the most common causes of bad face lifts is when someone goes into a facelift procedure that's not really right for her and her face, so choosing the right technique is a must in avoiding bad face lifts.

Making the right choice in a face lift surgeon is also vital. Bad doctors give bad face lifts, and there's simply no way around that. Look for a surgeon who's board certified and has lots of experience with the particular technique that you're interested in. A good doctor will also interview you extensively to make sure he knows exactly what you want and may give suggestions about other techniques that can help you achieve your goals. Get real live references, and not just before and after pictures. Doing an online search for your surgeon will also show you if there are any bad face lifts that people have reported getting from him.

Finally, trying out some face lift alternatives is a great way to avoid bad face lifts. While you might be certain that the only way to achieve the look you want is to actually have some sort of face lift procedure, that just might not be the case. There are some truly incredible face lift creams on the market today, and you may be very pleasantly surprised by the results. You might realize that you don't need as complex a procedure as you thought you did, and that a less invasive or expensive technique will be sufficient. Or, having those crow lines and creases around your mouth disappear might give you such dramatic results that you realize you really don't need a facelift after all.

Bad face lifts are truly devastating, but if you follow the guidelines in this article you'll be able to make sure that you never have to experience one yourself. By making sure to take a good doctor, get the right procedure for you, and to try alternatives first, you can ensure that bad face lifts are something you'll only read about in magazines and will never have to experience first hand.

Get more information about the latest in face lift techniques and alternatives at MyFaceLiftAdvisor.com. Start looking younger now!

How to Know If the Quick Lift Face Lift is Right For You

It seems that one of the main things that people want from a facelift today is speed, and the Quick Lift Face Lift provides just that, along with astonishingly good results. The Quick Lift Face Lift is a rather unique procedure in that while it is very much real surgery-- incisions included-- it takes only an hour and is done under local anesthesia. It's a very specific kind of facelift, but it provides truly remarkable results for optimal candidates. There are a lot of really great things about the Quick Lift Face Lift, but keep in mind that since it is a relatively new technique, there isn't a full consensus about the results.

One thing you should know when considering a Quick Lift Face Lift is that you're definitely having surgery. It is outpatient surgery, often done in the doctor's clinic as opposed to a hospital, but you're going to have two incisions made in front of your ears. These do scar, and while the scarring is not particularly noticeable and does fade, it's one of the main reasons that women say they'll choose one of the nonsurgical face lifts out there over the Quick Lift Face Lift. Doctors often make the procedure seem like less of a big deal than it is, but women who've had it done say that there definitely is more pain and recovery time than they were told to expect. Still most women will be going back to work after two to three weeks.

The Quick Lift Face Lift will provide results in the middle and lower of the face. This makes it a great choice for people who have sagging jowls and loose skin on the neck, or disappearing cheeks. It's similar to an S-lift in terms of the underlying area that's tightened. The result is a you that looks about five to ten years younger. It's also a very natural look, not pulled tight at all.

Keep in mind that the Quick Lift Face Lift does not help erase wrinkles around the eyes. But then again, after you see how much more youthful you look, you may decide that you don't really need to change things there. After all, most people who go for a facelift aren't trying to look like they're 20, just younger and more vibrant than they do now.

How long will results last? Some sources say five years, others say ten. The Quick Lift Face Lift is not a permanent solutions, and you are definitely still subject to the aging process. A lot also depends on how you treat your skin and how much sun exposure you get. And like any kind of facelift, a lot depends on the doctor that you use.

There are a limited number of doctors trained in the Quick Lift Face Lift, but don't let yourself feel pressured into using someone simply because they're the only one in your area. A good doctor will have not just before and after pictures to show you, but will also be able to provide references. Make sure you speak to other patients who have used your doctor for a Quick Lift Face Lift before you go under the knife.

Think the Quick Lift Face Lift sounds right for you? Find out everything you need to know about both surgical and non-surgical facelifts, as well as how to avoid bad face lifts, at MyFaceLiftAdvisor.com. Start looking younger now!

Liposuction of the Male Abdomen and Waistline

A trim and sculpted abdomen and waistline is a desire of many men no matter what their age is. Most men battle their waistline for much of the adult life. Many of today's teenagers and younger men are beginning this fight at even an earlier age. Because of the strong tendency for men to gain weight almost exclusively in the 'middle', the goal of a trim figure is elusive for many.

While a consistent long-term diet and exercise program is an integral part to a successful fight against unsightly fat deposits, liposuction is an option to consider. But an underlying thought when considering liposuction is...should I do it to help or are these ill-gotten gains that will be short-lived?

When considering liposuction, men should ask themselves three important questions. First, have I made some type of commitment to optimize the surgical results and maintain them afterwards? This, of course, refers to a lifestyle change in diet and exercise. There is no sense in spending thousands of dollars if a year from the surgery you are back to where you started. Second, at what weight and shape do I want to be in for the surgery? For some, losing as much weight as possible and then having the surgery is best. For others, liposuction may be considered a jumpstart or a front end approach to beginning the process. Contrary to popular perception, either method is acceptable and that consideration must be individualized and thought through with good counseling and education at the time of the plastic surgery consultation. In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I have seen both approaches work...as well as fail. Lastly, how much recovery can I afford to go through? Liposuction of the mid-section, where every body movement affects, is always more difficult and prolonged than most men assume. Your work and lifestyle schedule must have a realistic amount of time built in to accommodate this issue.

While numerous types liposuction exist, I currently prefer Smartlipo or laser liposuction for abdominal contouring. Some plastic surgeons use the term abdominal sculpting but for most men undergoing the procedure that term is overstated. Abdominal sculpting is for the already thin male who is getting muscular etching and waistline indention. Most male liposuction strives to get the abdomen flatter and not having waistline hangovers around the beltline. Smartlipo, in my experience, appears to be better as more fat can be eliminated due to the collateral damage from the heat of the laser. Laser liposuction is more than just zapping fat that the end of the probe hits. (traditional liposuction only sucks out fat that the tip of the cannula touches) The overall heat build-up that occurs in the treated area from the use of the laser damages fat cells that the end of the probe never touches.

Successful abdominal shaping in men is a combination of integrating liposuction into a long-term body plan, having a realistic expectation of the potential outcome, and making sure one has enough time for the recovery needed.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

Cosmetic Surgery Continues to Grow in Popularity in the UK

The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed in the UK jumped during 2008 as both women and men took the decision to modify their body, primarily to improve their self-confidence.

Indeed, the amount of people opting to undertake cosmetic procedures has soared over the past five years. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPs) a record number of 34,100 procedures were performed during 2008 - a rise of almost 320 per cent since 2003.

The most popular treatments during 2008 included female breast augmentation, rhinoplasty (nose) and tummy tucks, but another that is rapidly gaining in popularity - male breast reduction - also saw a 44 per cent rise in the number of procedures performed. Even though the vast majority of procedures are performed on women, BAAPs has discovered that the number performed on men is increasing year on year, and indeed the most popular procedure for men was rhinoplasty - alteration of the nose.

For women, the most popular cosmetic procedure is currently breast augmentation, which has seen an increase of 30 per cent over the figures recorded for the previous year. Almost 8,500 women opted for that treatment during 2008, with a further 3,300 opting for a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty.

The most popular UK location to have cosmetic surgery is London, although regional clinics are rapidly gaining in popularity especially in larger cities such as Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. And those cosmetic surgery specialists that aren't regionally based still may offer regional consultations, with the surgery ultimately performed in London.

Although nine out of ten cosmetic procedures are currently carried out on women, the amount of men opting to go under the knife for cosmetic reasons almost doubled during 2008. Reasons for undergoing cosmetic surgery can vary, but for the majority of patients it comes down to improving their confidence, regardless of their gender. Whether an alteration to the size and shape of their nose, increase or decrease in breast size, or the removal of unsightly fat and skin around the stomach, these can all lead to people feeling better about the way they look.

If you are considering cosmetic surgery in London - or any location within the UK for that matter - then make sure that the surgeon you intend to use is on the Special Register of the General Medical Council and FRCS(Plas) accredited. That way you can be assured that they are professionals who, as well as being skilled surgeons, understand the importance of safety and patient care.

When is Female Breast Reduction Necessary?

Most women have a breast size that is in standard proportion to their body. There are some women who have large beasts that can cause discomfort or even pain. For those women, choosing a breast reduction becomes a viable option.

A female breast reduction, also referred to as a reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of extra fat, glandular tissue, from the breast thereby reducing breast weight and size.

Many refer to the process of breast reduction is usually considered cosmetic surgery because the patient's life is not in danger. In other words, there is not a significant life or death risk that requires the reduction. However, there are cases where large breasts can cause physical pain and emotional anguish.

Reasons for Breast Reduction
Many women choose breast reduction as a way of alleviating or eliminating chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain. Women who receive the surgery will improve mobility and functionality. There is less skin irritation in the folds of the breast. As well, those women with very large breasts find that the procedure improves their physical appearance. Their self confidence is boosted. They find themselves better able to find clothes that fit. They are also able to participate in more sports activities. There is some evidence that a breast reduction may decrease the chances of developing breast cancer. Although research into breast reduction and breast cancer is still in process, there is some evidence that breast reduction may reduce the chances of acquiring breast cancer.

Breast Reduction Qualifications
To qualify for cosmetic surgery, you will normally require a referral from a general practitioner. You will then consult with a plastic surgeon and possibly a psychiatrist. They will decide if you qualify for the surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will explain the risks associated with your particular case. Risks can include scarring and possibly different sized breasts, and the inability to breast feed. The surgical process will also be explained. Your skin condition, age, size, and shape of your breasts are important considerations when assessing your candidacy for surgery. The surgeon will then examine and photograph your breasts for use during surgery. You may also be required to have a mammogram.

Surgical Procedure
The patient is normally given a general anesthetic. An incision is made around the areola, the brownish area around the nipple. Then, the incision is moved down the breast and along the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes the excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast. The length of the surgery can vary from 2 to 4 hours.

Results of Breast Reduction
The type of breast reduction surgical method that is used often will usually determine results. After surgery, breasts will be much smaller. The results are immediate as patients have reported an improvement in comfort and less pain. Scars and swelling can vary and can last a varying amount of time. Scars can be covered using clothing, bras, and swim wear. Patients have reported that within a month, there pain has almost completely diminished, their scars faded within about six months, their clothing fit better, and they have an improved self-image.

If you have health and self esteem issues regarding the size of your breasts. It is important to have an in-depth discussion with your medical professionals that includes your doctor, plastic surgeon, and psychiatrist/psychologist. By doing so, you will maintain reasonable expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery.

Facelift Surgery - Understanding What is Actually Lifted

The plastic surgery treatment of the aging face often involves a facelifting surgery. A facelift is one of the top ten cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Despite its frequent performance and its recognition by the public, it is a procedure that is usually misunderstood.

The most common misconception of a facelift is that it does very little for much of the face. It is a procedure that has its impact on the neck and jowl areas. The rest of the face is untouched by the operation. While other procedures are often done with it, such as eyes and brows, these procedures are not part of the a traditional facelift operation. A facelift should more properly be called a necklift or a neck-jowl lift.

Another misconception about facelifts is what is actually lifted. Everyone understands that face and neck skin is lifted and moved back, but what goes on underneath the skin layer is a frequent point of misinterpretation. Patients often ask me if I am going to lift and tighten the 'muscles'. From an anatomic standpoint, lifting the facial muscles is an impossibility. Most facial muscles are attached tightly to the underlying bone and moving them would not only be very difficult but would not have any positive benefit. There is only one muscle that is often tightened in a facelift and that is the platysma muscle in the neck, which is often separated due to aging. It is never lifted per se but it is tightened in the middle, from the chin down to the adam's apple, to help sharpen the neck angle.

The layer underneath the skin that patients misinterpret as muscle being moved is actually a different tissue altogether. Between the skin and the muscles is a layer of tissue known as the SMAS. This is an acronym for a more anatomic name but for simplicity of understanding think of the SMAS as another layer of skin underneath. This layer can be raised up off the muscles and re-suspended up higher on the face. The combination of SMAS and skin tightening together generally makes for a better facelift result that may last somewhat longer.

There is great controversy in plastic surgery about how to most effectively deal with the SMAS during the facelift operation. Many facelift surgeons tout their own techniques and may even have their own names for their 'type' of facelift based on their version of SMAS manipulation. While SMAS management in any form of a facelift is a plus, there is no proven superior method of what to do with it. If one single SMAS facelift technique was genuinely best, we all would be using it.

In a facelift, the underlying tissues that are manipulated is the SMAS layer not muscles. SMAS tightening does usually make for a better facelift result that is more durable. However, time and aging will eventually outlast any facelift result no matter how it is done. And the overall goal for most patients is to ultimately outlive their facelift result....or at least I would think so.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com

Facial Analysis Before Plastic Surgery

As a plastic surgeon, analyzing a patient's face before surgery is obviously important. For anti-aging facial plastic surgery, a great detailed analysis of a patient's face is not usually necessary as you are 'nipping and tucking' loose sagging skin...essentially trying to restore their look of years ago. For plastic surgery involving actual changes in the foundation of the face (moving bone or adding implants), however, a detailed analysis is much more important.

Analyzing facial asymmetries or how the face may look after implant augmentation has much greater significance than a typical facelift patient for example. In this type of facial patient, you are really changing the way they look. While that may be what the patient desires, some patients may find the change different or troubling after surgery. I have found this issue to be particularly relevant in the patient who receives multiple facial implants or other foundational facial changes. Over the years, I have had more than one patient who required revisions of facial implants because of changes that they could not accept even though I and others may have found them to be a good improvement.

Any form of facial analysis before plastic surgery that helps the surgeon and patient have a better understanding of potential outcomes is always welcome. I have come across recently a novel website service that provides facial analysis at a very low cost. At Thatsmyface.com, they offer free online facial analysis and facial statues. Based on a frontal and profile view that you upload into their server, they will generate a facial profile which includes your face aged 10, 20 or 40 years, your face in different ethnicities and sexes, your caricature, identify facial asymmetries, give you an attractiveness rating, and compare yourself to others that may look like you. In addition, you can have customized 3-D statues made. All for very reasonable costs of $29 and up.

I find this website service to be potentially very useful for a small subset of my facial patients. Rather than using black and white photographs with hand-drawn grids on them or other methods of tabletop analysis, this form of facial profile analysis is more detailed and accurate with a quick turnaround time. I or the patients can do it themselves.

While no form of preoperative assessment or computer imaging can guarantee any surgical outcome, any method that allows better presurgical analysis or improve surgeon-patient communication and understanding is valuable.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (http://www.eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at http://www.exploreplasticsurgery.com