Cosmetic Procedures
Ever wondered how much a tummy tuck costs… or how long it takes to recover from breast augmentation? Thinking about saving up for a chin lift, but aren’t sure how much it will cost?
We’ve researched all of the plastic surgery topics for you. We’ll tell you how much it costs, how long the results last, how long recovery lasts and what the potential risks are.
Browse through the procedures below to find out more.
Aging is a dreaded process that seems to sneak up on us out of no where. One day we look in the mirror and realize… oh my gosh, I’m… old. Come on, I’m not the only one who has had this feeling!
Following are a few anti aging treatments from our experts that will have you looking happily in the mirror, keeping your fine lines and wrinkles to a bare minimum.
Anti Aging Treatments
Most fine lines especially around the eyes, (frequently not known!), are due to dehydration, caused by lack of water in the body, also smoking!
As a facialist the most popular anti-aging treatments on my menu are:
- Iontophoresis, using electrical current to transfer amazing products to the deepest layer of the skin, a long lasting and visible effect.
- Facial massage, with lymphatic drainage, and muscle stimulating technique, using rose oil and rose quartz crystal for skin illumination
- Deep exfoliation, with microdermabrasion crystals and sonic cleansing brush.
All the above will greatly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially carried out on a regular basis.
Marianne Byrne, Make-up artist, Busting Diva
Relax Facial Wrinkles
More options have become available to help reduce the signs of facial aging without plastic surgery. New neuromodulators which help relax facial muscles, such as Dysport and Xeomin, may help reduce forehead wrinkles or Crow’s feet that were previously only treated with Botox Cosmetic. Treatment is performed in the office without anesthesia and results last several months.
Aging is a natural part of life, but that does not mean it is impossible to slow the formation of wrinkles and signs of aging on the skin. Though healthy habits prevent damage to the body that speeds aging, it is through cosmetic surgery, injections or products that natural aging is slowed. One cosmetic option that is often used to fight the signs of aging is botox.
For many women who have braved a mastectomy (the surgical removal of one or both breasts usually because of cancer), recovery involves rebuilding the self emotionally as well as physically. Advances in medical research have made breast, nipple, and areola reconstruction a safe, realistic possibility for many cancer survivors.
We would like to take a few moments here to review some frequently asked questions regarding mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery in order to help better assist you in your decision-making process.
Is Breast Augmentation Right For You?
Although the mean age is about 35, women of various ages from 18-60 elect breast augmentation for many different reasons: Breast asymmetry from birth, lack of proportional development, loss of volume after babies and sagginess that may develop from gravity may all be reasons for choosing breast enhancement.
These factors generally define good candidates for breast augmentation procedures:
- You can clearly define why you would like a breast augmentation.
- You understand what breast augmentation surgery can and cannot accomplish.
- You accept the risks of breast surgery and your responsibilities as a patient.
- You are healthy, emotionally stable and secure.
- You accept that implants are not for life and that you may need follow-up and eventual implant replacement.
- You are looking for a proportional, natural and restored breast result.
- You have realistic expectations and are willing to accept minor asymmetries.
There is no proven link between breast augmentation and breast cancer. The FDA still stands behind their studies which state that breast implants are safe and approved.
Don’t Overcomplicate It
One thing I know from years of experience as a plastic surgeon is that like all plastic surgery, women have breast procedures for their own personal reasons. It isn’t about trying to please someone else or even to be noticed. In fact most of my patients want a natural look that doesn’t stand out.
For example, with the mommy makeover they typically just “want their old body back.” So with that in mind, my advice is don’t overcomplicate it. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with a lot of conflicting information online and from friends and acquaintances. So get reliable information from a trustworthy source-a board certified plastic surgeon (specifically the American Board of Plastic Surgery, not one of the “wannabe” boards.)
Be honest with your goals and take your time to decide. A good plastic surgeon will make sure that you have all the information you need to make the right decision. Timing is a consideration depending on the procedure. For example a breast lift might be best postponed until you are not planning to have more children. A breast reduction or augmentation could be considered whenever the breasts are fully developed, depending on a number of other factors.
Does bigger breasts mean bigger confidence? As we discuss the reasons why breast augmentation or reduction is a decision we want to explore, it is important to ask ourselves – why are we considering it in the first place?
Our expert contributors have written us with much information regarding the benefits and risks associated with altering our breasts using a cosmetic procedure. Decidedly, our motive is the first thing to determine whether altering our breasts is a benefit or a risk, which largely depends on our answer to the question, “why?”.
Enhancing your appearance using reconstructive surgery is a big decision. Many women look at their bodies and long for something about themselves to be different, a flatter tummy, a smaller nose, thinner thighs, or… larger or smaller breasts.
We asked our panel of expert contributors the question, Should I alter my breasts using a cosmetic procedure? What are the health risks involved? They came through in a big way and provided us with loads of useful information while weighing the risks and benefits of this type of surgery.
Our expert contributor and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson tells us:
Are New Breasts Best? A Personal Decision.
If you are contemplating breast augmentation or breast reduction, explore 3 very important areas.
1. Ensure your breasts are healthy and your general health is good too.
2. Examine your pyschosocial circumstances; your expectations, motivations, goals and support. Does your desire for a change outweigh your hesitation over cost, recovery and possible complications?
3. Finally, your board-certified plastic surgeon should share your vision, understand your needs, and feel that he/she can deliver your anticipated result.
If all of these factors are in place, then go for it! There is no link between these types of procedures and breast cancer. In fact, women who have breast reductions are less likely to develop breast cancer because they have less breast tissue. And women with breast augmentation who develop breast cancer are more likely to discover it at an earlier stage than women who develop breast cancer without breast augmentation.
Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Donaldson Plastic Surgery
There are many options available today for men and women to surgically alter their appearance. Each one of us is different and should be happy and confident in the way we look. When deciding on a surgery of any kind it is most important that we ourselves are comfortable with our appearance.
Breast implants and reductions are very popular procedures. This week we will be discussing these types of surgeries as they pertain to cancer. The question is, should I alter my breasts? Is there a health risk in doing so?
Our expert contributor and breast cancer survivor, Jessica Stone Baker, shares with us her decisions about having reconstructive surgery after her mastectomy.
Get the most out of your next plastic surgeon or dermatologist appointment by preparing yourself ahead of time. Read the following advice from our experts on how to make the most of your next visit!
We received an excellent question from one of our valued readers. “What is the difference between the tummy tuck and the panniculectomy that many insurances will cover?”
Thank you for asking! We went straight to our experts to find the answer for you. One of our Board Certified Plastic Surgeon’s was able to clarify the difference between these similar procedures.
First, we asked the experts. Today we went straight to the source: Real women who have experienced tummy tuck recovery.
Read about these three women who have shared their experiences with us. They discuss popular myths they’ve encountered, post-procedure recovery, and, most importantly, their results!
