Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Breast Lift Surgery Popular in Miami

Recently, a study has found that certain cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are more popular in varied locations throughout the country. In Los Angeles, Botox ® is highly requested, while New York natives opt for rhinoplasty, and Miami residents are more likely to undergo breast lift surgery.

Typically, a breast lift is designed to help patients reduce the appearance of sagging in the breasts. This breast enhancing procedure is commonly requested by women who have experienced pregnancy, aging, and/or massive weight loss. Through incisions made around the nipple and vertically down the breast, into the crease, the breast can be repositioned to a more youthful location. A qualified plastic surgeon can help patients regain lost volume with this procedure. In some circumstances, breast implants may be used to achieve a more voluminous appearance. Should the surgeon determine that there is minimal sagging, incisions can be limited to placement that is necessary for breast augmentation – underneath the breast, around the nipple, or in the armpit. Additionally, those who have excess fat deposits often combine liposuction surgery with their breast lift procedure.

If you are in the Miami area and would like to learn more regarding breast lift surgery, breast augmentation, or liposuction, you can contact Ary Krau, M.D., F.A.C.S. An experienced breast and body surgery specialist, Dr. Krau can help you meet your ideal body shape.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Understanding the Long Term Impacts of Breast Augmentation


Breast augmentation, along with liposuction, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures today. But while many women are flocking to plastic surgeons to have implants put in, few consider the long term impacts – both in terms of their health and their pocketbook. A recent study by implant manufacturer Allergen found that about one in three women return to the doctor for a follow-up operation within four years of receiving a breast augmentation. This, however, comes as no surprise to most plastic surgery patients who have undergone the proper consultation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted long ago that the majority of patients will need to have their implants removed or replaced either due to a rupture or other complications.

For the consumer, these concerns have touched off much consternation over which breast implants have the highest safety record and the most longevity. Lingering cautionary tales warn that certain breast implant types may require “surgical tune-ups,” which would mean increased medical risk and out-of-pocket expenses for life.

But much of this scrutiny and self-guided research is misplaced. Many breast implants carry lifetime warranties that cover the cost of the implant itself if it ruptures. The operating room expenses and the surgeon’s fees, however, are not covered. This is because the techniques and skill level wielded by the surgeon are far more variable and critical than the type of implant that is used. Choosing which implant and breast augmentation surgery will be best for a patient’s specific goals is a conditional judgment call which draws upon the expertise and experience of the doctor. Because of this, it is best for patients to engage in thorough consultations with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Recognizing this importance, many doctors, such as Dr. Miguel Delgado, a Marin breast augmentation specialist, offer free consultations for prospective breast implant patients. Dr. Delgado’s consultation includes a detailed discussion of the long-term impacts as well as computer imaging which allows patients to visualize their surgical plan. Extended consultations are the key to ensuring that patients have realistic pre- and post-surgery expectations.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Abroad?

While there are risks involved with medical tourism, plastic surgery is often seen as a luxury to those who have the financials means of paying for it. For some, going to other countries where it may appear cheaper is increasingly becoming a worldwide trend; recently, an Australian teen was said to be heading to Malaysia in order to undergo body rejuvenating procedures. In Beverly Hills, Stuart A. Linder, M.D., F.A.C.S. often sees patients from afar. Along with individuals from across the country, those from out of the country have also inquired about plastic surgery procedures at Dr. Linder’s office.

A specialist in breast and body enhancing procedures, the practice of Dr. Linder is often visited by patients from such countries as Canada, Australia, Spain, and Norway. His qualifications and experience have led to several successful outcomes. Some of his most commonly requested procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery. In fact, many women who have experienced multiple pregnancies often undergo a combination of these surgeries in order to attain optimal results. When meeting with Dr. Linder, you can discuss your problem areas and learn of your body contouring options.

If you are interested in undergoing a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure with internationally known Dr. Linder, you may visit his website to schedule an appointment. You may also view before and after photos of those who have previously undergone body enhancing procedures in Beverly Hills.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Laser Resurfacing with Dr. Paul Vanek

Dr. Paul Vanek is a double board certified general and plastic/reconstructive surgeon with advanced training and expertise in body, facial, and breast surgery. With years of experience in providing enhancement through surgery, such as when he traveled to Haiti and provided his services after the devastating recent earthquake, Dr. Vanek also specializes in non-surgical procedures. This includes skin and body treatment with the use of the Sciton laser.

He is proud to offer men and women the chance to refresh their appearances through laser rejuvenation. Maintaining a youthful look and clear complexion is valued by most individuals, which inspires them to seek the assistance of a professional specialist, such as Dr. Vanek.

Those who suffer from such problems as wrinkles and fine lines, post-traumatic scars, acne scars, sun spots, freckles, and/or aging and sun-damaged skin, need not fret when in the care of Dr. Vanek. Using the Sciton ProFractional™ laser resurfacing system, he can improve these wide range of skin conditions with ease while refreshing the overall appearance of the skin. A laser resurfacing specialist near Lake County, Dr. Vanek ensures a safe experience, which offers patients the opportunity to be in and out with minimal downtime.

In addition to using the Sciton laser for the facial fractional resurfacing procedure, the special, innovative laser can be used for a variety of skin and body procedures, such as laser peels, skin tightening, laser hair removal, and phototherapy. The Sciton laser is also an effective tool in treating vascular and pigmented lesions.

Every patient’s skin is different; this is why the consultation is so important. It gives Dr. Vanek the chance to assess the patient’s condition and do a thorough evaluation of the skin. The type of treatment best recommended by Dr. Vanek will be determined by several factors, such as the patient’s goals and severity of his or her problem areas.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Medical Tourism Could Be a Risky Ride


Medical tourism is the latest trend in both cosmetic surgery and travel. Here’s the set up: patients can fly to an exotic location, such as Dubai, and get cosmetic plastic surgery performed for a fraction of the price they’d pay back at home. With the money they save, they can afford to splurge on a fancy hotel or resort, where they can recover in peace, quiet, and luxury.

It seems like a win-win situation. Patients get a vacation and a makeover all at once and can come back looking “refreshed” after recovering away from the prying eyes of neighbors and co-workers. Meanwhile, the local economies get a nice financial shot in the arm while they are there. It sounds too good to be true, and it just might be.

A language barrier between you and your cosmetic surgeon isn’t particularly conducive to getting bespoke results from your breast augmentation or facelift. But that’s not the biggest danger. In the United States, patients can recognize qualified doctors by their board certifications, from such recognized associations as the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Overseas, there is no such luxury and even less recourse – both medically and financially – if something goes wrong.

The worst case scenario was illustrated recently, when a woman from Chula Vista, California chose to visit a cosmetic surgeon just across the border in Tijuana. The woman went in for a liposuction treatment – a procedure which is very low risk when performed by qualified plastic surgeons – and tragically died from a heart attack, presumably related to medical complications during or after surgery. Investigations are still underway, but already, officials have found deficiencies in the clinic’s operating areas and record-keeping procedures.

While death is a rare and extreme consequence of visiting an under-qualified cosmetic surgeon, getting disappointing results or altogether botched procedures which must then be corrected back at home, happens all too often.

With this in mind, patients may want to re-evaluate the merits of medical tourism over visiting a Newport Beach liposuction clinic or an Orange County breast augmentation specialist closer to home. Destination plastic surgery is not a wholly bad idea if in the presence of a qualified doctor. It should not be just about getting a bargain discount.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Gynecomastia Surgery: A Weight Off Your Chest

“Gynecomastia” is a little understood condition for one good reason: Men don’t like to talk about it. In spite of any stereotypes about male fixation with women’s breasts, their attitudes quickly change when the breasts are their own. They leave their shirts on at the pool, avoid standing up in front of crowds and, for many of them, avoid acknowledging the issue at all. Instead, portrayals of gynecomastia—that is, enlarged breast tissue in men—are relegated to jocular references in sitcoms (Seinfeld) or poignant depictions of lost masculinity, as embodied by the former bodybuilder with DDD breasts played by Meat Loaf, whom the main character in Fight Club meets at a “Remaining Men Together” meeting. These pop culture discourses put a disturbing notion into the heads of men with gynecomastia: Male breasts are not only subject to derision, but also make you less of a man. This one-two punch to their ego’s gut often drives men to bury their anxieties over their breasts in shame. But this is ultimately to their detriment.

Gynecomastia is often mistakenly believed to be a symptom of being overweight. As such, many men attempt to improve this problem through rigorous exercise and dieting. But the nature of gynecomastia dooms these men to frustration. In most cases, aggressive weight loss and muscle training won’t significantly reduce the size of a man’s breasts. In fact, bodybuilders are among some of the most common sufferers of gynecomastia.

In reality, the cause of gynecomastia typically stems from a hormonal imbalance. Too much estrogen triggers glandular tissue growth and the development of breasts. As such, in order to correct gynecomastia, surgery is generally required. Dr. Miguel Delgado, a gynecomastia specialist in San Francisco, can remove both fat and glandular tissue through liposuction and other minimally-invasive surgical procedures to treat gynecomastia. Cost estimates for gynecomastia surgery vary on a case-by-case basis but average between $3,000 and $4,000, which is less than the typical costs of a female breast reduction. For many men, this one-time gynecomastia surgery is the only way to get rid of their breasts. But for now, awareness of gynecomastia and its proper treatment remain the biggest barrier to helping men get this troublesome weight off their chests

Friday, June 25, 2010

Hollywood Wants Real Faces

In a time when the media is openly discussing plastic surgery procedures and the fight to maintain a youthful appearance, many Hollywood casting directors are steering in the other direction. Mothers, fathers, and grandparents are no longer easily cast due to the various facial and body enhancements that the older generation is inevitably undergoing. It seems as though aging gracefully has been replaced with looking young no matter what the individual’s age may be. There are fewer and fewer “real” faces in Hollywood due to cosmetic plastic surgery and the pressure to compete with younger, incoming actors.

Although both men and women are guilty of undergoing surgical rejuvenation, there is a greater number of female patients who seek enhancement. The most commonly performed procedures include breast augmentation Botox ® injections. While some actresses have chosen to enlarge their breasts with breast implants proportionate to their body shape, others have gone larger and possibly put their chances for a role at risk. The advent of Hi Def TV and films has caused many actresses to succumb to the likes of facial injectables and laser resurfacing, which diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result, casting directors are passing them over due to lack of “character” and uniqueness. Plastic surgery in moderation is often best when an actor would like to continue working in Hollywood.

Those who are interested in a natural-looking enhancement in the San Francisco area may wish to consult Dr. Kimberly Henry. Attracting patient from neighboring towns, including Greenbrae, Petaluma, and Davis, Dr. Henry has the experience and skills to perform breast augmentation and Botox injections. Further information is available on her website.