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

Face-Lifts Are a Viable Aging Skin Treatment

Face-lifts are becoming increasingly popular as an aging skin treatment. While some consider going into surgery for cosmetic improvements a bit extreme, plastic surgery remains a viable option for those whose experimentation with other less intensive measures have failed to provide them with the desired results.
For a long time, many were hesitant about undergoing plastic surgery, haunted by concerns about the infamous "surgical look" that was oftentimes the effect. The practice, however, has been gradually gaining acceptance as techniques have improved leading to less invasive surgery and more natural looking results.
Face-lifts are now considered the most effective aging skin treatment. The cost and invasiveness of the surgery is dependent on the amount of work needed for the desired outcome. Procedures range from simple skin extensions to tissue and bone reconstruction.
A major criticism of earlier face-lift procedures was the protracted recovery time - a serious drawback for those with busy schedules. To overcome this problem, the surgery was made less invasive, resulting in less trauma, fewer scars, and a lesser need to recover after the surgery was completed.
As we mature and age, facial fat distribution and bone structure change to make us appear older. Face-lifts reconfigure these elements back to the way they were when we were younger. Simply stretching the skin fails to address these structural components that must be adjusted to achieve natural looking results.
With the advent of tumescent anesthesia, shorter incisions and scars, and less recovery time, face-lifts of late have improved greatly over earlier procedures. This has done a great deal to improve their acceptance.
There are many aging skin treatments in addition to the one principally discussed in this article. To remain up-to-date on the latest advances in the field, www.health-and-skin-care.com is a source of valuable information.

How Does an Upper Body Lift Differ From a Lower Body Lift?

The excess skin and fat from extreme weight loss often creates a circumferential hanging effect at many levels of the body. While many think of the body lift as only one contouring procedure, they are only thinking of the lower body lift or circumferential body lift procedure. There is another body lift procedure for the upper body, not surprisingly called the upper body lift.
Like the lower body lift, the upper body lift is a combination of three body contouring procedures. A frontal breast procedure (for both women and men), a side chest wall lift, and an upper back lift. In some cases, the cut out of loose skin may extend into the arms as well. This combined operation leaves long scars around the upper body but are usually a worthwhile trade-off for the dramatic improvement in the shape of the upper body. The resultant scars across the back and on the side of the chest are horizontal, much like the lower body lift. The change is in what occurs across the chest/breast area. Usually I like to keep it in the lower chest/breast crease and make it horizontal also. It can certainly be combined with a breast lift or a gynecomastia reduction if needed. But the one thing you don't want to do is cross the midline/lower sternal area with a scar if you can avoid it. The risk of scar widening is very likely in this area, not to mention being very noticeable particularly in women. Therefore an upper body lift is not always completely circumferential as a lower body lift would be.
Upper body lifts are not as common as lower body lifts because it takes a very extreme amount of weight loss to create enough skin to justify the operation. Usually the patients must have lost 150 to 200 lbs after their bariatric surgery. The upper body lift has its greatest effect in the problematic area of the side of the chest wall and upper back. As a result, it would not be uncommon to just do a partial upper body lift stopping short of the chest/breast area and not crossing the exact middle of the back. Upper body lifts have the same riska and postoperative issues as lower body lifts including poor scarring, small areas of wound separation, and fluid build-up after the drains are removed.

Correcting the Chest Deformity in the Massive Weight Loss Patient

Currently, men make up a minority of patients presenting for body contouring surgery after weight loss. However, their numbers are increasing and they have several different body concerns that women. One of these is that of the chest area. The skin sag and the presence of excess fat under the nipple creates a relatively new type of problem. Some call this chest problem gynecomastia but that is inaccurate. It is really pseudogynecomastia as it has more skin and less actual fat.
Most male chest deformities after weight loss require dealing with the extra skin. Some patients may need liposuction only but this is not common in my experience. When a male patient is motivated to undergo chest reconstruction, they almost always have a significant problem. It usually requires removal of skin and then what to do with the the sagging and often stretched out nipple. The skin part is relatively easy. The overhanging skin (that which sags below the lower chest crease) is horizontally removed with the goal of making the chest flat and keeping the final scar low enough so that it hopefully lies in the natural skin crease at the lower end of the chest muscle.
The more difficult choice is how to manage the sagging nipple. Choosing a new location is based on standard measurements but how to get there is another. The nipple can be removed and replaced like a skin graft or the nipple can be moved while attached to some underlying breast tissue. (similar to how it is done in a female breast reduction. Both methods are reasonable but they have slightly different outcomes. Free nipple grafting gives one the flexibility to place it anywhere on the chest but the nipple will not have sensation and make look a little artificial and stuck-on. (plus there is no guarantee it will survive and it may lose some color after it is healed. ) Pedicled nipple grafts are harder to perform and are more limited in where they can be placed. But they usually look more natural and have better color. In some cases, the amount of sagging chest skin dictates which nipple technique can be used. But in others, it is a matter of the patient's choice and their level of concern about the look of the nipple.
For male extreme weight loss patients, the chest deformity is right up there in concern just behind the abdominal and waistline areas. Men are most interested in how their chest looks in clothes and want a relatively flat appearance in shirts.

Breast Implant Surgery - Financing Options

The body looking back at you in the mirror is not the one you remember or the one you wanted. Whether you've lost the voluptuous curves and cleavage or you never had them to begin with, you've decided it is time for a change. There's no reason why you can't have fuller breasts that make you feel good about yourself. Well, maybe one - money.

For all the good breast implants can do for a woman's self-esteem, they can really hurt the wallet. For the entire breast enhancement procedure, including the implants, anesthesia, hospital fees, etc., the cost averages about $7,000. Depending on where you live and the kind of surgeons in your area, you could end up paying as little as $5,000 or as much as $10,000. That's a lot of cash for anyone! So, what are your options when it comes to paying for breast enhancement surgery?

* Savings: If increasing your bust size isn't an urgent desire, you can set aside funds until you've raised enough to pay for the procedure, or at least part of it. This of course, is the best way to go because you pay up-front and it's over and done with. No interest fees or monthly payments to worry about.

* Bank Loans: If it isn't realistic to hope that you can wait long enough until you've saved up that much money, getting a bank loan to finance the procedure is an option. Many financial institutions now have specialized loans that cover cosmetic procedures. The key is to shop around and get the best rate before committing to any one bank. If your bank doesn't offer these specialized loans, there are also personal loans and lines of credit you could apply for to pay for the procedure.

* Clinic Payment Plan: Many cosmetic surgery clinics also offer their own financing and payment plan options. Again, compare what they offer to the loan you have independently researched. Go with the best rate and terms and conditions.

* Insurance: For some breast augmentation procedures, insurance will cover all or a portion of the cost. Check with your insurance provider if the implants are part of reconstructive surgery. For breast cancer patients who've had a mastectomy, breast implants are often a part of the recovery and healing process.

Another candidate for an insurance-covered procedure is someone who has been disfigured in an accident or from a birth defect. If the enlargement surgery is simply for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not pay. If you have any doubts, it never hurts to check.

When you are comparing prices of surgery in your area, don't go with the bargain basement price or the most expensive. This is surgery and you don't want to go in with a coupon, right? Its possible that the cheaper doctor may be also the better surgeon. So do your homework. Talk to former patients and see what they have to say. Make sure the plastic surgeon is board certified and licensed. Even better, find out if he specializes in breast augmentation. At the very least, find out how many he has done and look at before and after photos.

Weigh all your breast surgery financing options and choose the best one for your situation. Breast implants are supposed to make you feel better about yourself and improve your confidence. If you are constantly worrying about money as a result, well then was it really worth it? Be smart about your financing so you can enjoy the results.

Our Savannah plastic surgeons at Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery perform popular breast cosmetic surgery procedures to help you obtain the look you hope for. Learn more about the breast enhancement procedures they offer.

Breast Augmentation Vs Breast Lift

There they are, out front for all to see, shrunken, sagging or just flopping around. They were your pride and joy in your twenties and their shape now feels like a betrayal. Pregnancy, weight loss, age and gravity have taken a toll on the shape and size of your breasts.

You're forced to buy super support bras, water bras and underwire - you wear a support bra even to bed, just to tame their unruliness. You start thinking that maybe you should have some kind of cosmetic surgery to put them in their place permanently, but you're not sure what you need.

Should you get implants with breast augmentation surgery or just a breast lift? Looking in the mirror, you're thinking you might need both. So, what is the difference between the two procedures and how do you know what you need?

Breast augmentation is used to increase the size or fill empty space left by breast tissue loss. It involves placing implants in the body to increase the size of the breasts. A breast lift raises sagging breasts and puts them back in their normal position.

If you've lost a lot of tissue, say from weight loss or pregnancy, your bust size actually shrinks. You may be smaller than you ever have been. Your breasts will also have a tendency to sag, because they have been stretched out and then shrunk.

If you haven't lost any tissue or fat, but notice they are no longer high and perky, it means gravity is taking over. Again this is fixable. A breast lift is just that - it pulls everything up to where it is supposed to be.

An implant, either saline or silicone, fills the space left by the fat loss, and also perks the area up a bit. Your surgeon can place the implant so that it has a natural seat on the chest. Your surgeon will make an incision around the nipple and under the breast, remove excess tissue and pull the skin taut and back into the normal position.

Often, both procedures are used to correct severe sagging and fat loss, and it is not unusual for both procedures to be performed at the same time. This is especially true if you have had extreme weight loss or multiple pregnancies.

In these cases, fat tissue will be lost and everything has been stretched a great deal. This leaves behind severe sagging as well as shrinkage. Your surgeon will lift the area and then insert the implants, to give you the desired look and size you want.

The best thing to do is to seek out a board certified and licensed plastic surgeon with a lot of experience in breast enhancement procedures. During your consultation, he will evaluate your body and determine exactly what you need, to get the look you want.

Have him show you before and after pictures of a breast augmentation, a breast lift and then both. This will also help you determine what you need and what to expect. For whatever reason, your body has changed, but you don't have to just accept it. Take action now and get your breasts back in shape.

The Future of Cosmetic Injectable Fillers

The current popularity of injectable treatments is based on placing synthetically-derived compounds and drugs into and under our skin. At best, these are well tolerated agents that create their effect and then are gone after a relatively short period of time. The future of injectable cosmetic treatments will likely be somewhat different. And we are getting a glimpse of that potential paradigm shift right now.

Spurred by the discovery in the 1990s that fat contains a rich supply of cells similar to the stem cells found in bone marrow, developments and techniques to use stem cells from fat for injectable cosmetic and reconstructive procedures is being worked on around the world. A stem cell is a cell from which other types of cells develop and they lie in a resting state amidst many of our tissues. Fat has proven to be a rich source of stem cell populations. The theory behind this new injectable approach is that fat may be processed or handled in a way that allows the stem cells to create a blood supply for the transplant that helps the fat survive after injection. Or perhaps have the stem cells convert after injection into fat cells to replace those regular fat cells which did not survive the transfer process. During a single operation, fat is obtained by liposuction from the stomach or thigh for example and then processed using a special technique.. The 'treated' fat is then injected into the desired area. Because the patient is the donor, there is no risk of tissue rejection. This concept is being used in other parts of the world right now for breast augmentation and small breast reconstructions. I currently use a similar approach for my fat injections for cosmetic facial improvements and for those patients who desire buttock augmentation with fat grafts rather than a synthetic implant.

Botox® and synthetic injectable fillers are here to stay and will be the backbone of office and non-invasive cosmetic treatments of the face for years to come. The use of one's own fat remains theoretically appealing, however, and current research suggests that it will ultimately have a slice in the injectable 'pie' in the near future. Because it involves more effort and costs, it role will always be more limited than off-the-shelf products. But its rich source of stem cells and its lack of any rejection issues makes fat a filler material worth working on.

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

What to Expect From Breast Augmentation

It is very understandable to have a lot of questions about every stage of a breast augmentation procedure - from the moment you decide you want it done to the moment you are standing in front of the mirror admiring your new figure.

Knowing what to expect before you go ahead with the procedure is very important, as it will help you to understand what happens at each stage. While the surgery itself is extremely important and is the key to ending up with the right size and shape breasts that you first imagined, knowing what happens before that and what you should expect from the procedure itself will go a long way to helping you prepare in the right way.

Having realistic expectations

Some women have unrealistic expectations of how their life may change after the operation. While having breast implants put in can make you feel more confident and give you more self esteem, it is important not to rely on the surgery to give you this.

If you choose a good doctor you should be able to talk to them about your feelings and why you want to have the surgery, so they can give you the benefit of their wealth of experience in performing the same operation for lots of other women.

What to expect before the operation

You will see your surgeon for a consultation to decide the exact nature of your breast augmentation procedure, and to educate yourself on exactly what will happen.

The surgeon will tell you when your surgery will take place and how long it is likely to take. A couple of hours are normally about right for the length of the operation, which may be done either under local anaesthetic while you are awake, or under a general anaesthetic.

Your surgeon should also tell you what to expect afterwards, and how long healing will take to be completed.

Making the right choices

Many women expect to finally get the breasts they desire from a breast augmentation procedure, and indeed the vast majority of them do achieve this. But it is important to emphasise that the best results are achieved when you listen to the suggestions made by your doctor and take them into account when making the decision on what size you want to be after the surgery.

There may be certain limitations on what the ideal size will be for you, depending on your physical frame and the size your breasts are before the operation. Your doctor will be able to advise you of what will look natural and the size of implants that your body can accommodate comfortably.

In the end knowing what to expect from breast augmentation is a simple matter of finding out as much as you can beforehand - about both the surgery itself and how to make the right decisions about sizing and appearance beforehand.

A lot of this comes down to choosing the right doctor - if you select one you get on well with, then it becomes much easier to get the information you need and feel confident about what to expect from this procedure.

The Downsides to Breast Reduction Surgery!

There are many reasons why some ladies want their naturally large breasts reduced. There are physical problems with large breasts, such as neck and back pain, headaches, and even trouble breathing. There are also physiological issues, like unwanted attention from men...and even other women too. Because of these issues, some large breasted ladies opt to have a breast reduction.

The most common method of reducing breasts is breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty. In this type of surgery, fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed from the breasts. It makes the breasts smaller and better shaped. However, there are major downsides to this surgery...


Possible complications and risks with Breast Reduction Surgery
As with most surgeries, there are risks. These include: bleeding and infection, or there could be an abnormal reaction to anesthetics, since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Sores around the nipples may occur. Some patients may end up with breasts that will look slightly different from one another. They may also have unequally positioned nipples after the procedure.

There is a risk, especially if breasts are extremely large, to permanently loose the sensation in the nipples and areola area. If breasts are extremely large and drooping, the surgeon may need to detach the nipples from their natural vessels and nerves, which then results in a loss of sensation in these parts of the breasts.

In very rare cases, the tissue of the nipples and areola may die. Additional surgery will then be needed and the nipples and areola will be reconstructed using the tissues from other parts of the body.

Breast Reduction Surgery leaves Scars
All scars of surgical nature are permanent. The more skin that is removed from the breast during surgery, the bigger the possibility to have deeper scars after it. The scars are visible around the nipple, go vertically down from the nipple and are typically under the breast as well. The scars fade as time passes but they still are wide and will smooth out over 3 to 6 months.

Breast Feeding may not be Possible after the Surgery
As glandular tissue and many milk ducts are removed from the breasts during the surgery, breast-feeding may not be possible in the future. Therefore, it is not recommended to have this type of surgery performed for women, who plan to breast-feed a baby in the future.

The Cost for a Breast Reduction
There are a variety of factors that influence the price of a Breast Reduction Surgery. Total cost depends upon the physician, region and state or province. Total price includes the surgeon's fee, hospital fees, and fee for anesthesia. The total cost is between $5,000 and $12,000.

In conclusion...

Some people understand all of these downsides and still feel that Breast Reduction surgery is right for them. And that's great. I'm not here to pressure anyone against the surgery. But I do want to inform you that yes...there is another option. An option WITHOUT all of these downsides.

I had an all-natural Breast Reduction with the Dream Breast System, and it was fantastic! There were no pills, creams, herbs or funny massaging. There were no risks or possible complications...no scars...and the price tag was very reasonable!

All I did was fall asleep each night with headphone on, listening to a wonderfully relaxing visualization, and my breasts reduced. I went from popping out a DD bra to very comfortably fitting into a D bra.

It sounds crazy, I know! That's how I felt when I first heard about it! But it worked. And I would recommend this program to anyone who is looking to enhance, reduce, and / or lift their breasts.

Tips For Having the Perfect Liposuction Surgery

People tend to form very strong opinions when talking about liposuction surgery. The subject itself can turn into a very heated and touchy argument for those that either love it or hate it. As with anything, you certainly have the group that is pro-liposuction and those that are not. Some people wouldn't even give it a second thought about under-going a liposuction procedure. If you are currently contemplating having the procedure performed, be sure to make the decision for yourself as it truly is a decision that only you can make that would be right for you. Here are a few things for you to ponder while processing the decision to have liposuction surgery.

Do some homework:

Ensure that you thoroughly research the liposuction procedures that are available to you as there are a handful at your disposal these days. When doing your analysis, you need to find the balancing point. The balancing point will include information about the procedure itself and both positive and negative results. Study and know what the individuals risks are of each type of liposuction procedure. People tend to get stuck in a certain mode as well so be sure to vary your sources of information and by all means don't just finalize your decision based on one finding. Include different liposuction clinics and doctors as this will help you find reputable establishments when you are building your case for liposuction. By finding the balancing point that fits your individual situation you will have enough information at your disposal to make an informed and educated decision with your physician on what the appropriate procedure should be instead of just relying on what someone is telling you.

Select the Right Doctor:

Even though most liposuction doctor's are licensed and registered, you will not find recommendations for certain physicians over others from reputable sources like the FDA as they are not allowed to suggest this type of information. Some of the best resources that could aide you in finding the appropriate liposuction doctor for you could be friends that have had the procedure and former patient testimonials. These are great resources to start your search and begin your short list selection. After you have your short list, setup some initial meetings with these doctors. You are going to want to find one that is knowledgeable and that you are comfortable with performing this type of surgery on your body. If you are uncomfortable with the doctor you will more than likely be uncomfortable with the surgery.

What to ask:

Because liposuction surgery is an elective cosmetic surgery you must always remember that it is nothing more than a service that the doctor is performing on your body. Most people wouldn't purchase a car without asking the car dealer some tough questions and you shouldn't be afraid to ask the doctor tough question about your liposuction procedure. There is no place in this to be embarrassed about asking a particular question to the doctor you are speaking with. If they can't answer the hard questions it might be a signal to move on. They should be able to explain to you not only what happens during the liposuction procedure itself but what you can expect before, during and after the surgery. If they side step any of the questions revolving around the potential problems that can occur during a liposuction treatment that you have researched and you are not comfortable with their answers, it should immediately throw up some warning signals in your brain. Above all else do not be pressured into any situation. Just because you spoke with a doctor about liposuction doesn't mean that you have to go through with the procedure with that doctor. It's not a decision to be made lightly. Take your time and decide for yourself if liposuction is right for you.

A word of caution:

Advertisements are everywhere. Just remember their main purpose, to sell you something. When visiting facilities or doing research you will see a ton of localized and specialized advertisements aimed directly at the type of liposuction procedure you are researching. Of course they are going to tell you of the perfect appearance you will have after a procedure so take them with a grain of salt so to speak. They are not going to say anything atleast visibly legible to warn you of any of the potential problems that could arise from said procedures. And by all means simply do not base your decision for liposuction surgery solely on cost. You don't have to settle for the first doctor or procedure or price that is offered to you. Always remember that liposuction is an elective cosmetic surgery and one that doesn't need to have a decision made today.

What is Mesotherapy?

There are many types of cosmetic procedures available today that can treat a whole host of conditions and concerns. The aging process can bring effects with it that many do not like, including wrinkles, excessive fat and sagging skin. Cellulite is another concern of many women and until now, there were few good solutions for the treating this unsightly condition. However, all that has changed with the introduction of a particular medical procedure that is non-invasive and fairly effective.

Mesotherapy involves injecting a combination of homeopathic and traditional medicines and vitamins into the affected area. Some of the most common places where mesotherapy is done include the typical places where cellulite lurks, like the buttocks and thighs, and areas where fat accumulates, like the chin, abdomen and arms. Other areas where sagging skin is found can also be successfully treated with this procedure.

These treatments will show results within a matter of weeks, and the more treatments that are done, the better the results. Doctors will often recommend 10-15 treatments for maximum benefit. The only side effect that has been associated with this procedure is some heaviness or discomfort at the point of the injection. There is not really a recovery time required after this procedure since it is non-invasive in nature.

Mesotherapy is a good choice for anyone who is interested in getting rid of cellulite or excess fat without an invasive procedure. It is a good idea to check with a doctor who specializes in this procedure to see if this treatment is the right choice.

Ranges of Cosmetic Surgery Costs

Cosmetic surgery costs for a complete facelift can the highest, although there is a new procedure called a lower body lift which is priced even higher than a facelift. The cost for breast reduction or augmentation surgery is also quite high. When looking at prices, be sure to ask for the costs of the procedures as well as for the anesthesia that is required.

Cosmetic surgery costs for a new nose, because of its complexity, is also quite high. The cosmetic surgery costs for a less-complex procedure, such as an eyelift, are more reasonable simply because this surgery is less involved than other procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery Costs for Qualified Surgeons

It's a fact that some surgeons are more skilled than others. Those with board certification can set higher fees for their services. A new trend has arisen recently where people are traveling to a foreign country because the cosmetic surgery costs are less. The danger, however, is that the surgeons may not be highly qualified. This could be risky for it's not as easy to learn the facts about the qualifications of the surgeons there.

People travel to Thailand, India and other countries because of the savings in fees. Each person should be cautious, since these surgeons may not have the skills of the surgeons in the United States.

Some plastic surgeons living in foreign countries may possibly have been trained in the United States so their qualifications are similar to surgeons practicing in the states. On the other hand some of these surgeons may have been trained in other countries where the standards are not as stringent as they are in the United States. Only you can make the decision if saving on cosmetic surgery costs is worth having a plastic surgeon who was trained in a foreign university.

Cosmetic Surgery costs may be lower in a foreign country, but if there are problems with the surgery, then the subsequent corrective surgery would increase the costs substantially. That is no savings.

You can also find more info on Types Of Cosmetic Surgery. Cosmeticsurgerybliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Beauty.

Forehead Lift and Brow Lift Surgery

People who have deep frown lines or worry lines across their forehead can use a number of different cosmetic procedures. One that can be done is a brow lift or forehead lift. In this procedure, the skin of the forehead is literally lifted, making the eyebrows higher and tightening the skin. The result can be a younger looking face. But there can be complications as well, so it is essential to do your research if you are considering this.

During a brow lift, your hair will be tied back, and may be trimmed at the hairline. The incisions are made either in front of the hairline or at the temples. In a conventional forehead lift, excess skin is removed, and what remains is lifted, and then sutured into place. A brow lift can also be done endoscopically, using a thin tube with a tiny camera attached to it. This camera is inserted under the skin, so the surgeon can watch what is going on during the procedure without making as large an incision.

The typical candidate for a forehead lift is a man or woman over the age of 40, who has drooping eyebrows, sagging skin on the forehead, or a lot of deep wrinkles on the forehead. A brow lift can help enhance the appearance, making the eyes look larger and the face look younger. But there are risks to consider. Potential complications include infection and nerve damage. This is also done under anesthesia, so there is that to consider.

It's also important that after a brow lift, you try to minimize scowling, frowning or furrowing your brow. These are the facial expressions that created the problem in the first place, and they can un-do the changes made by your cosmetic surgery.

Which Cosmetic Surgery Clinic is Right For You?

Often, a cosmetic surgery clinic may be far away from the noise and distractions of city life. In fact, it's not unusual to find a clinic situated in a countryside -- a place that is fairly secluded and that offers privacy, and that has a staff of dedicated surgeons to offer patients the very best in care.

Who Is In Charge?

In addition to checking out the location of the cosmetic surgery clinic, there is the all-important factor of "who is in charge." The chief surgeon should have impeccable credentials and be recognized by a reputed association. Most professionals of such caliber will normally be pressed for time. However, the cosmetic surgery clinic must allow for prior consultation with the surgeon in order to establish the type of cosmetic surgery required as well as the action plan, and of course, settling on the final costs.

Most cosmetic surgery clinics offers a wide range of different types of cosmetic surgery procedures. Some may specialize in certain kinds of procedures, such as face lifts, that sets them apart from other clinics. In spite of the excellence in expertise, one should still expect to find affordable costs. Otherwise, the clinic will only be catering only to the well-do-do, and those who have the kind of resources required to undergo expensive treatment at a cosmetic surgery clinic.

Some cosmetic surgery clinics are known to combine work with vacation and offer services that include tailoring a vacation around the specific requirements of the patients. If this interests you, simply fill out required information forms and the Cosmetic Surgery clinic will arrange for you to have cosmetic surgery and a vacation that is especially planned to meet the your needs.

There are several ways to locate a qualified cosmetic surgery clinic. Begin by browsing the internet, or you may want to check out the classified ads in local newspapers. Abundant clinics can be found all across any state, as well as all over the country, and beyond. Be sure that you research the facilities as well as the competence of staff and surgeons before you choose a particular cosmetic surgery clinic.

You can also find more info on Cosmetic Surgery. Cosmeticsurgerybliss.com is a comprehensive resource which provide information about Beauty.