Weight loss surgery is a serious surgical procedure that decreases the size of the stomach, reduces food intake and can enable you to lose a significant amount of weight. It is a permanent procedure that requires a lifetime commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Weight loss surgery not only helps you to lose weight, but can help improve your overall health, well-being and self-esteem.

Types of Weight Loss Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery, Lap-Band surgery and the gastric sleeve procedure are the three most widely practiced types of weight loss surgery.

During gastric bypass surgery, the weight loss surgeon staples the smaller, upper part of the stomach, separating it from the rest of the stomach. The net result is that the amount of food you can eat is reduced. The small intestine is rerouted and connected to the smaller stomach pouch.

In Lap-Band surgery, the surgeon places a silicone rubber band around the top of your stomach; this creates a very small stomach pouch. When you eat, you feel full very quickly. Food slowly flows from the smaller pouch into the lower part of the stomach and then into the rest of the digestive tract.

Gastric sleeve surgery uses a keyhole approach that involves the use of a laparoscopic tool that is inserted through small incisions. The laparoscopic tool provides a visual guide to the inside of the abdomen during the procedure.

Weight Loss Surgery Consultation
It is best to consult a surgeon who specializes in bariatric surgery to determine your options for treatment. If you are significantly overweight and you have been unable to achieve or maintain a healthy weight with diet and exercise, or if your weight is causing medical problems, you may be a candidate for weight loss surgery.

A physician will also evaluate your existing medical conditions that may complicate surgery, your medical conditions that will improve after surgery and whether you are ready to adopt a dietary lifestyle change.

A bariatric surgery consultation also provides an opportunity for you to learn more about the procedure and how you can expect to feel, physically and emotionally, after the surgery. Prior to the consultation, you may want to make a list of questions to ask your surgeon, such as:

• Which type of bariatric surgery is best for me (gastric bypass, Lap-Band or gastric sleeve resection)?
• What is the recovery time for weight loss surgery?
• What are my dietary guidelines after surgery?
• How will my health improve after surgery?
• How much weight can I expect to lose as a result of surgery?
• Will I need to have plastic surgery after bariatric surgery, and if so, which procedures?

Asking questions like these can help you feel more comfortable with the procedure and help you prepare to make lifestyle changes to ensure that your long-term outcome is successful.

How Is Weight Loss Surgery Performed?
Weight loss surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take one to four hours for gastric bypass surgery, 30 minutes to one hour for Lap-Band Surgery and up to four hours for gastric sleeve resection. A hospital stay may be required.

After Weight Loss Surgery
After weight loss surgery, resuming your normal life can be a challenge. The most significant change is the amount of food you will be able to eat. Most weight loss surgeries reduce stomach capacity to a few ounces or less of food or liquid. At first, you may have less energy for daily activities. Recovery time varies, but many people can return to normal activities within six weeks of the surgery.

The reduction in the amount of food you can eat can help you lose a significant amount of weight. Many people who lose considerable weight are left with loose or excess skin.

To remove this skin and improve body contour, some people undergo cosmetic procedures. For example, a body lift removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. 

Abdominoplasty tightens muscle and removes excess abdominal skin.

 

 

 

Obesity is a disease that affects 34 percent of adults age 20 and over in the United States, which amounts to more than 72 million people. About 33.3 percent of American men and about 35.3 percent of American women are obese.*

The number of overweight and obese Americans has increased almost continuously since 1960. About 66 percent of U.S. adults were estimated to be either overweight or obese by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The rate of obesity differs from state to state, which is probably a reflection of various lifestyle, age and economic factors. The rankings below are based on data from 2004 to 2006.

If you are obese, you may have inherited it, because it has a strong genetic component. Your environment is another contributor. Our culture fosters the tendency toward obesity: physical activity isn't often required in our society, and the foods that cost the least often contain the most calories and the fewest nutrients.

There are a number of dangerous consequences. Obesity increases your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cancer of the breast, prostate, and colon. In fact, obesity increases your risk of death. And that’s not all. The lesser known effects of obesity may also include asthma, pregnancy complications, Infertility and even Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder.

About 3 percent of Americans, or 6.8 million adults, were morbidly obese in 2005, according to the non-profit think tank Rand Corporation. (In the Rand study, "morbidly obese" was defined as having a body mass index or BMI of 40 or higher.
You don't have to be skinny to reduce these risks. If maintained, even weight losses as small as 10 percent of body weight can improve your health.

Causes of Obesity
Knowing the various reasons that people become obese can help you understand your own struggle more clearly.
Whether you decide to have weight loss surgery or not, understanding your condition is vital for losing weight and keeping the weight off. Here are the most common causes of obesity:

• Genetics: Obesity can often be traced to genes, and the brain can induce appetite tendencies.
• Illness: Hypothyroidism, Cushing Syndrome and depression.
• Psychology: Mental illness and emotional problems.
• Lifestyle habits: Poor diet and low levels of daily activity.
You may be able to lose weight and improve your health by addressing the causes of your obesity.

But sometimes these attempts do not work without surgery. If you have been losing the battle with obesity, it may be time to consider bariatric surgery. To help you make a decision, talk to a qualified bariatric physician and surgeon.

 

Posted by: yourbariatricsurgeryguide

Preparing for Lap-Band Surgery
Lap-Band surgerycan change your life for the better, but it requires a commitment on your part. You must be ready to make important lifelong changes in how you eat and how you live to truly benefit from your Lap-Band surgery. These changes should start even before your surgery. Some Lap-Band surgeons may suggest that you start eating several small, balanced meals in the weeks before your surgery to get used to this new way of eating. It is also helpful to cut down on between-meal snacks, and try to sip eight cups (64 ounces) of low-calorie, non-carbonated fluids each day. If you are a smoker, quitting is a must as smoking can interfere with the healing process. It may also be helpful to start a moderate exercise program (if you are able).

Losing weight before your surgery is a win-win. If you lose 5 to 10 percent of your excess body weight before your surgery, you will likely have a shorter hospital stay and lose your remaining weight more quickly after your surgery, according to a study in the Archives of Surgery.

Your surgeon should go over any other specific preoperative instructions. Make sure you tell your surgeon what medications you take on a daily basis. Some drugs such as aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase your risk of bleeding, and should be discontinued in advance of your surgery. Herbal supplements count, too. Just because they are natural does not mean that they are safe to take before surgery. Don't leave anything out when you tell your surgeon about your daily medication regimen. Never stop taking any prescription medication without first getting clearance from your doctor. It is also important to ask what, if any, vitamin and mineral supplements you can take prior to surgery.

Your Recovery from Lap-Band Surgery
Arrange to have someone take you home after your surgery, as you will likely be groggy from the anesthesia. You may be sore, but your surgeon can prescribe pain medication to help you get through the pain. Your mouth may feel dry and cottony, but you can only have an occasional sip of water or suck on an ice cube during the first several hours after surgery. You will want to get a lot of rest when you return home, but try to walk as much as possible. Early walking will decrease your risk of developing a blood clot. Do not lift anything heavy or engage in exercise until you get the "all-clear" from your surgeon. In general, most people can return to work within a week. If you have a physically demanding job, you may be out longer. You should also be able to return to normal activity and regular exercise within four to six weeks.

You must slowly get re-accustomed to eating solid foods after undergoing Lap-Band surgery. Individual recommendations vary, but in general, a liquid-only diet is recommended for the first two weeks to allow the swelling in your stomach time to abate. Be prepared and stock up on ice chips, clear broths, skim milk and sugar-free popsicles and fruit juice for the first two weeks after your Lap-Band surgery. Your surgeon may recommend a diet of semi-solid, pureed foods for the following two to four weeks. You will likely be able to eat solid foods again six weeks after your surgery. During recovery, it is important to drink plenty of water, although never with your meals. You will also need to follow a post-weight loss-surgery nutrition plan that includes vitamins and minerals for as long as you have the Lap-Band. If you have any questions about your diet, ask your surgeon or a registered dietician for guidance.

Lap-Band Fills
Your stomach needs to heal from surgery before your first fill, so the first adjustment is usually around six weeks after surgery. Many people who have undergone gastric banding surgery report that they can still eat relatively normal amounts of food until the first fill. Many may even start to get hungry after a month after surgery, which is a normal sign of healing. Band adjustments are painless, quick, and can be done during routine surgeon's office visits. Fills can help people with Lap-Bands get over weight loss plateaus. They can also be performed to minimize side effects.

Life After Lap-Band
Weight loss with gastric banding tends to be gradual. You may lose up to two or three pounds a week in the first year after the surgery, but one pound a week is the average. This slows in the 12 to 18 months after your surgery. On average, gastric banding produces a loss of about 40 percent of excess weight in the first year and 55 percent of excess weight in the second year.
After you recover from your surgery, your new life begins. Many people find comfort and answers by accessing online resources.

For example, Lap-Band manufacturer Allergan's online support program is called My LAP-BAND® Journey. The companion site offers interactive and personalized support services such as a weight loss and exercise tracker, as well as Lap-Band friendly recipes, including Hamburger-Mushroom Saute with Rice, and a vegetarian stir-fry. The site also offers a datebook feature that helps manage your doctor's appointments.
Both virtual and actual support groups may help you adjust to your new life. These groups allow you to connect with others and discuss your triumphs and frustrations. Make sure to ask your Lap-Band surgeon about local support groups.

Many people who shed massive amounts of weight with Lap-Band or other forms of bariatric surgery find that they are left with hanging fat or flab. Additional post-bariatric body contouring surgeries — such as the arm lift, thigh lift, panniculectomy, bra-line back lift or lower body lift — may be necessary down the road.

Lap-Band Side Effects
Weight loss surgery is not a quick fix, and certain complications may occur with the Lap-Band such as nausea, vomiting, ulceration, gastritis (irritated stomach tissue), gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn, bloating, difficulty swallowing, dehydration, constipation and/or weight regain.
Adhering to some dietary guidelines can help you avoid problems such as nausea and vomiting. They include:
• Do eat very slowly
• Don't drink and eat at the same time because this may increase the chance of discomfort and vomiting.
• Do drink at least six to eight cups of water per day between meals.
• Do chew your food thoroughly and eat small bites so it fits through the opening to your stomach pouch.
• Do eat small meals throughout the day.
• Do stop eating when you feel full.
Lap-Band Risks
While extremely safe, there are complications that can occur during or after Lap-Band surgery. They include:
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Slippage of the band, which can occur with persistent vomiting
• Erosion of the band into the inside of the stomach
• Spontaneous deflation of the band due to leakage
• Enlargement of the stomach pouch
• Blockage of the stomach (stomach outlet)
• Switching to an open surgery (if laparoscopy is not successful)
• Anesthesia complications

Consult a Qualified Surgeon
Choosing a qualified bariatric surgeon will reduce your risk of complications and maximize your weight loss. Ask your surgeon or potential surgeon how many Lap-Band procedures your surgeon has performed. Ideally, this number should be greater than100. Also inquire about the services he or she offers such as nutrition counseling, psychological counseling and support groups.

How Much Does Lap Band Surgery Cost?
The cost of Lap-Band surgery varies from about $12,000 to $25,000, depending on where you live. Fills or adjustments can cost $35 to $200. Most insurance companies require a history of previous attempts at weight loss before agreeing to cover the costs of Lap-Band surgery. Make sure you are aware of your insurer's policy before you agree to undergo Lap-Band surgery. Follow-up body contouring procedures, if necessary, will further increase your costs.

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Cosmetic surgery is also for men

Earlier, thinking of a cosmetic surgery was a very unusual idea. Many people thought that cosmetic surgery was only for "Rich and Famous." That was beyond the reach of ordinary people - men and women
 “Clínica de Cirugía Cosmética e Integral”

Many people ask if cosmetic surgery has a place in male patients. Today, Men take up an important place in cosmetic surgery consultations, and every day the number of surgical procedures increases.

The most popular cosmetic surgeries for men are, in first place Rhinoplasty (nose surgery), followed by Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), liposuction or liposculpture (elimination of excess fat in the abdomen and neck) and recently one of the surgical procedures of growing demand is Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Cosmetic Procedures for Men:

Liposuction or Liposculpture
It can be done anywhere in the body where there is evidence of excess fatty tissue, the most common areas in men are: chin, abdomen, back and waist, chest or also known as "male breasts" that provide a non-masculine look.
In men, a procedure such as liposuction or liposculpture, the result is spectacular! Men have better skin and muscle characteristics are more evident, which allows more definition of structures such as abdominal packs (six pack), pectorals and back. Surgical time and anesthesia techniques depend on the amount and location of fat to be remove, recovery would take between 5 to 10 days

"Men tend to have a liposuction around the waist, or to eliminate the" male breasts (Gynecomastia), and under the chin and neck to improve facial features and achieve a more youthful appearance (Facial liposuction)”

Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery designed to solve the aesthetic problems of the nose and improve its shape and appearance. The nose is a very important element of the facial features, because it provides facial harmony, therefore is an important symbol of beauty. To accomplish this results Rhinoplasty can be the answer, being one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures.

Rhinoplasty can correct various problems of the nose, such as reducing its size (reduction rhinoplasty) or increase (augmentation rhinoplasty), changing the shape of the tip, correct a hump (bone that protrudes from the back of the nose like a hump), deviations to the left or right, correct the position and shape of the tip, etc.

Mentoplasty
A very simple procedure with surprising results, that provides more definition to the jaw line, contributing to a stronger masculine face. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and take about 45 minutes. A silicone implant can be placed or fat can be use to contoured the chin.

Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition where glandular breast tissue overdevelops in men. The breast tissue is usually less than 1 to 1 1/2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) in diameter, and is located directly below the nipple. Gynecomastia may be present in one or both sides. This condition can cause chest discomfort. The procedure removes fat and glandular tissue of the breasts, and in extreme cases skin removal, resulting in a flat firm and well contoured chest.

Pectoral Implants
 Indicated for people who want to enhance the volume of their chest, either due to lack of muscle development or any disease.  Silicone gel implants of various sizes are used to suit every type of person and of a stronger silicone substance than implants used for breast augmentation in women. They are placed through an incision inside the armpit and the results are truly amazing, recovery time and limited physical activity for about a month.

Abdominoplasty
Indicated in patients with significant deterioration of the abdominal muscular wall and excess skin, or men who have been subjected to different methods for large weight lost. Its objectives are the reconstruction of the abdominal muscles, removal of fat in the abdomen and the skin flaps that have lost elasticity, normally combined with liposuction on the back and sides. Recovery consists of 15 days, after which you can restart exercise routines.

Buttock Augmentation
Buttocks enhancement can be done with two techniques: The placement of silicone gel implants through an incision in the cleft and below the buttock, requires a specific postoperative management and recovery takes between 5 and 7 days. The second option consists of using fat from the same person (which is taken with liposuction technique), it undergoes a special cleaning treatment and it is injected specifically in the desired areas giving a more athletic and prominent buttocks; recovery is much faster, less painful and with very natural results.

When you are faced with the need of making a decision to improve your physical appearance, do not hesitate on the fact that you are a man, remember that we are seeing more men in the hands of experts undergo cosmetic surgery, because vanity is not selective; plus the vast majority of procedures are done to enhance the masculine features and define structures that are only attractive and unique in men

Vaginoplasty - Vaginal Tightening Surgery Procedures | Indications, Methods and Recovery Times.
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Perhaps surprisingly, vaginal tightening surgery is becoming increasingly common.
Vaginal tightening along with labia restoration or labioplasty, hymen repair and G-spot enhancement surgery are among a growing selection of 'designer vagina' surgery procedures. Vaginal tightening surgery is a relatively simple procedure with little risk of complication and the recovery time is quite short. This article reviews the basic facts about vaginal rejuvenation surgery.

Why are vaginal tightening procedures sought out?
During vaginal child birth, women often must have an episiotomy to widen the birth canal to accommodate the infant’s head. An episiotomy involves surgically widening the vaginal opening. While the surgical incisions of an episiotomy are closed, the vaginal orifice is often wider than it was prior to the pregnancy. Women often seek information on vaginal tightening procedures post-childbirth, to restore their vagina to its pre-pregnancy tightness. Vaginal tightening surgery promotes increased sexual pleasure for both the man and woman during vaginal intercourse. While it is possible for childbirth to cause bladder control problems, a separate operation is usually performed to help restore this function or in combination with vaginal tightening.

Which part of the vagina is affected?
The muscles at the back of the vagina are greatly affected by pregnancy and childbirth. This posterior wall is usually brought together, from side-to-side, during surgery. The sides are stitched together to shorten them with dissolvable sutures, and the excess skin is removed. Alternatively, other types of vaginal relaxation can also be treated with vaginoplasty.

What types of vaginal relaxation conditions can vaginal tightening surgery treat?
The conditions that vaginal tightening surgery can correct include: cystostele, enterocele, rectocele, vaginal vault prolapse, uterine prolapse, urethrocele and perineal relaxation. Patients are advised to find a surgeon that has experience with several different types of vaginal tightening surgery and vaginal corrective procedures.

Risk and recovery
The risks of tightening the vaginal muscles are minimal, but do exist. Scarring may actually decrease your sexual sensation, and as with any wound, infection is possible. Risks are greatly increased when patients are diabetic, smoke or are overweight. Surgeons will ideally work with patients to reduce risk factors before performing vaginoplasty surgery.

Recovery may take up to 8 weeks and is recommended by some doctors though most people heal before this. It is best to have a follow-up appointment after vaginal tightening surgery if you want to resume sexual activity prior to the recommended time period.

Who can undergo surgery to tighten vaginal muscles?
Vaginoplasties will produce good results in most patients though it is possible to have little noticeable effect in others. If your surgeon cautions that your results will be likely be minimal, or that your skin elasticity or vaginal shape is not ideal to undergo the procedure, weigh this information carefully before consenting to vaginal tightening surgery.

As with any elective, cosmetic procedure it is important to consider the risks and benefits.

Excess Baggage – Eye Bag Removal
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It is hard to argue that bags under the eyes are attractive. Those fatty, wrinkly, sometimes dark areas under the eyes are unappealing and are the most commonly occurring aesthetic problem of the eyelids. Bags under the eyes are not necessarily caused by excess fatigue or obesity, in fact, well rested, athletic and thin people can develop eye bags and festoons, as they are called. Bags under the eyes make people look old beyond their years and appear chronically tired (whether or not they really are!). If we could easily get rid of eye bags, most of us would. Fortunately there is a cosmetic surgery that makes eye bag removal a reality.

Bags under the eyes form when the fat deposits around the eye protrude (herniate) past the tough membrane that normally holds the fat pad more deeply on the face. Eye bag removal surgery, also known as blepharoplasty to remove lower lid festoons, involves treating both the cosmetic deficiency and the causative problem. The procedure begins with an incision in the lower eyelid, right as the line created by the lower eyelids. First, the cosmetic deficiency is treated by removing the fat pad that is causing the lower eyelid bulge in the first place (the real eye bag removal). The second part of the surgery involves tightening in the muscles that run under the eye so that they are better equipped to “hold back” the fatty pockets while at the same time giving the face a “lift” over the area of the cheeks. In fact, many patients undergoing eye bag removal surgery opt to have a face lift performed at the same time.

One relatively recent innovation in the field of blepharoplasty is laser eye bag removal. Not to be confused with laser skin resurfacing, laser eye bag removal uses laser energy to cut the skin and dissect out the fatty bags. One benefit to the laser eye bag removal technique is that it immediately cauterizes the surgical wound. Moreover, the sagging muscle that is responsible for the baggy lid appearance can be tightened by treating it with the laser directly. Laser eye bag removal, while new, may prove superior to traditional blepharoplasty techniques.
Eye bag removal is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries on the eyelids. Since the surgery is more technically challenging than most, it is important to carefully select a surgeon that routinely performs blepharoplasty of this type.

Given the technical skill required to perform successful eye bag removal cost can be rather high. The average eye bag removal cost for surgeon fees in 2009 was approximately $3,000 according to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons report. The cost of the procedure is not covered by health insurance. Therefore it is important to fully discuss eye bag removal cost with your cosmetic surgeon prior to the procedure.

Information on Gynecomastia Surgery
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Gynecomastia is defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as the development of abnormally large breasts in males. This is not to be confused with simple fat deposition that occurs in the chest of obese people. Men that have gynecomastia develop abnormal quantities of breast tissue. Despite this clear definition, what qualifies as gynecomastia differs among medical practitioners. There is no consensus as to what degree of breast tissue in males is clinically relevant. In some boys and men, even a small degree of breast tissue can result in significant emotional trauma, especially during puberty and adolescence, when gynecomastia begins to develop. Other men live their entire lives with gynecomastia with no apparent problems.

 If one includes the presence of any palpable or visible breast tissue in men, then gynecomastia is extremely common. In some estimates, approximately 40% of healthy men have gynecomastia and as many as two thirds of men above the age of 60 have some degree of breast tissue formation. Given the prevalence of gynecomastia it is perhaps not surprising that breast reduction surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in men.

Gynecomastia surgery is performed through either liposuction, surgical resection (cutting and removal), or a combination of these procedures. The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to remove glandular breast tissue and fat and contour the pectoral region to provide a more masculine appearing chest. Perhaps counter intuitively, men sometimes choose to have pectoral implants placed at the same time as breast reduction surgery. In truth, pectoral implants are much higher on the chest than where gynecomastia breast tissue forms. While men with gynecomastia have loose and sometime pendulous breast tissue, pectoral implants provide broad, flat areas that appear like pectoral muscles.

Before gynecomastia reduction, it is important to have a medical work-up; not simply to prepare for the cosmetic surgery itself, but to rule out the more serious causes of gynecomastia. Often certain medications like steroids or drugs that are similar to estrogen in chemical structure cause gynecomastia. These drugs may be easy identified in patients who developed gynecomastia later in life, after starting a new medication. The most serious cause of gynecomastia is when it results from a hormone secreting tumor. While this is a rare cause of gynecomastia, a hormone secreting cancer should be considered in cases where other signs of cancer are present or if the male breast tissue is exceptionally fast growing. It is not uncommon for men with testicular cancer to develop gynecomastia, either from the surgical removal of the testicles or from the hormonal therapy given as treatment.

Despite being very psychologically troubling for boys and men, gynecomastia reduction surgery is not usually covered by health insurance. It is considered a cosmetic procedure and, as such, must be paid for out of pocket. Recent surveys by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimate the average gynecomastia surgery cost to be about $3,400 for the surgeon fees alone. The cost for anesthesiologist and facility fees for gynecomastia surgery may be an additional $1,500.

A perfect nose?

How experts define the perfect nose through the famous celebrities who have made this cosmetic procedure.

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Posted by: New Beauty Magazine
Spring - Summer 2010
newbeauty.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Common Myths and facts about Cosmetic Surgery

Myth: Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are one and the same.

The terms "plastic surgery" and "cosmetic surgery"

Are not interchangeable. Confusion about the terms has led to public misconceptions about the two specialties. Cosmetic surgery is the surgery of appearance. It is elective and focuses on the aesthetics of beauty.

Fact: Cosmetic surgeons are qualified to conduct cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgeons are dedicated to the art of cosmetic surgery. Their strong knowledge base, high level of training and practical experience make them among the most qualified physicians to perform cosmetic procedures. In fact, Botox®, laser technology and tumescent liposuction (widely regarded as the best type of liposuction) were developed by ophthalmologists and dermatologists.

Fact: Cosmetic procedures such as Botox®, microdermabrasion and liposuction are increasingly popular among men.

More and more men are seeking cosmetic surgery. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery's most recent procedural survey the top five most popular procedures among men are Botox, hair transplantation/restoration, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and liposuction, in that order. Our members report that they continue to see more and more men visit their offices. And the recent Consumer Survey conducted by the AACS shows that 12% of men plan to have cosmetic surgery at some point in the future

Fact: A majority of men believe that personal appearance affects their ability to succeed professionally or get promoted.

According to the recent Consumer Survey conducted by the AACS, 83 percent of men believe that personal appearance plays a role in their professional success and advancement.

Myth: Breast augmentation will fix droopy breasts.

Breast augmentation will not lift droopy breasts. This is best addressed by having a breast lift

Fact: It's safe to breast feed if you have breast implants.

According to the Mayo Clinic, breast-feeding with implants is safe. While your breast milk could absorb some of the silicone from breast implants the amount is not considered harmful to your baby. Because breast milk is the best thing you can feed your baby, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) encourages women with breast implants to breast-feed if they're able to do so.

Myth: Breast implants increase your risk of breast cancer.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) found evidence that breast implants do not cause breast cancer or the recurrence of breast cancer. However, it's still essential to undergo routine screening for breast cancer (breast self exams, mammograms and clinical breast exams) just as you would if you didn't have breast implants

Myth: Liposuction is an easy way to lose weight.

Your cosmetic surgeon will ask you to lose as much weight as you can first. The results will be better if you are as healthy as possible prior to surgery

Myth: Liposuction removes cellulite.

Because tight bands of fibrous tissue cause cellulite, extracting the fat layer that resides just under the skin may actually worsen the dimpled look. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to discuss expected results from liposuction and whether the procedure makes sense for you

Myth: Fat comes back after liposuction.

Fat does not come back after liposuction. At birth, the body stops producing fat cells, but they do get bigger or smaller depending on your weight. Liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in targeted areas. Once the fat cells are removed they're gone forever.

Posted by: The Official Magazine of Cosmetic Surgery

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Facelift

Procedure Description: A facelift can firm and tighten the skin of the face and neck, all in one step. Surgeons can offer patients different degrees of face lifting, depending on the amount of correction needed. The incision for your facelift usually begins in the hair near the temple and continues in front of the ear, around the ear lobe, behind the ear and into the hair. The muscles and sagging tissue are tightened, excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is repositioned to create a more youthful look. The surgeon will close the incision with stitches, or with metal clips on the scalp. If the neck needs lifting, a small incision may be made under the chin.

Length of Procedure: A facelift takes an average of two to three hours and can be performed using either a local or general anesthesia.

Recovery : Patients usually feel and look okay surprisingly quickly after a facelift. Despite the fact that it is a large operation, there is usually very little pain. Swelling disappears within a few days, and bruises are usually gone by two weeks. Patients generally feel a sense of tightness and numbness that should gradually return to normal within several weeks. It is important to follow a careful plan on return to strenuous activity, in order to avoid tension on the wound (which could lead to worse scarring). The scars will remain pink for a few months before maturing to less visible white scars, which can be hidden with makeup. Furthermore, the scars are often hidden within your hair and in the normal creases of your skin. Thirty years ago facelift surgery required a 4.5 day hospital stay, and today, most patients are home on the same day. Surgical techniques, anesthesia and technology advancements have been responsible for this along with the establishment of in office accredited surgery centers.

Risks: A facelift is a surgical procedure, subject to all of the usual problems that accompany surgery. Bleeding from the cut tissues, leading to bruising and possible accumulations of blood under the skin, is a possibility in any surgery. Smoking can increase complications from all types of surgeries, but particularly from those procedures that involve undermining the skin, such as a facelift.

Results: While a facelift cannot stop the aging process, it can often make a person appear to be a decade younger. After recovery, patients can expect a more rested and often youthful appearance. Although a facelift can last for many years, patients continue to age. Therefore, it is impossible to predict how long it might be before an individual would consider a second lift. Some believe that a facelift also helps prevent the skin from sagging again, by holding it tighter to the face. The results of a facelift are different for each person. The people who look best after a facelift are those who looked the best before the procedure. Some people have one facelift in a lifetime, while others have a second surgery seven to 15 years later.

Posted by: Surgery.com