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March 29, 2011

Have you had complications following a cosmetic procedure?

British citizens travel abroad in hoards of thousands every year for medical treatment. They are prone to cosmetic surgery and dental work.

Having said that, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons discovered that in 2009 there was a significant increase in the number of patients who have experienced complications after travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery.

When you think about the nature of cosmetic surgery, it’s not very hard to see why this happens. Cosmetic surgery involves complications and risks that may include bleeding, infection, thrombosis and vein clotting. Reputable surgeons are more likely to let patients know about these potential risks ahead of time and give them the opportunity to change their minds. Some of the longer operations such as the “tummy tuck” that require a general anaesthetic typically have higher rates of complication because patients lack mobility after the surgery.

Travelling overseas for treatment might be less expensive than undergoing surgery in the UK, but standards vary abroad. You might find an excellent surgeon for cheap but you might also find shady or poor quality doctors who charge outlandish prices. It may also be more difficult to research a surgeon’s record. The hospital might not even be up to your standards. Aftercare can also be a lengthy process and in many cases, complications won’t arise until patients have already returned home.

As of right now there are approximately 100,000 cosmetic operations conducted annually in the UK but the National Confidential Equiry into Patient Outcome and Death discovered that in 2010, many locations that were carrying out cosmetic surgery failed to both assess and care for their patients in a proper manner. It was found that more than half of the operating locations were equipped poorly. One fifth lacked any emergency readmission policy and monitoring throughout the procedure was insufficient.

March 26, 2011

Looking for Cosmetic Surgery?

Eight general practitioners in both the Western Cape and Gauteng are currently being monitored by the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive surgeons of Southern Africa. The reason being that they have failed to properly care for patients who experienced complications due to their malpractice. These patients have suffered from complications such as septic infections, bodily denting from liposuction and even different sized breasts and hips. The issue here lies in the fact that the Health Professions Council of South Africa is doing little to protect the public from these poorly qualified doctors who are offering cheap surgery.

One committee member of the Plastic Surgeon’s Association has stated that there are around seven general practitioners who are being carefully watched. Each practitioner is estimated to have an average of three or four complaints against them. There may be even more.

If you go to a qualified surgeon, the average price for a tummy tuck is somewhere around R32000. Breast implants or reductions cost about R28000 and 30 minutes of a liposuction is R14000. Doctors who lack the proper qualification for plastic surgery will often attract customers by undercutting the price to R7000 for half an our of liposuction.

There are many potential patients who will look around for the cheapest price before deciding on a doctor because they have to pay out of pocket for the operations. They will often not report complications and unless these problems are reported, then there is not much that can be done about them.

A general practitioner from Kempton Park was found guilty of unprofessional conduct in May for conducting a breast reduction and not recognizing the ensuing complications.

The acting CEO and registrar for the HPCSA has stated that if a practitioner is found guilty, the organisation will ensure that he or she will be given the appropriate penalty.

The aforementioned practitioner was suspended for one year from the register on the condition that he would cease to perform cosmetic surgery for at least three years.

Patients should be advised to verify that their practitioner has the proper qualifications and experience before having cosmetic surgery.

March 23, 2011

Genital Cosmetic Surgery

The importance of appearance for dating and mating, particularly for women, points to another domain apart from the stereotype about age and facial wrinkles. There is overwhelming evidence that attractiveness influences woman’s romantic experiences. Although some aspects of attractiveness, such as preferences for perfect body weight, shape and measurements are culturally constructed, many other requirements may be biologically and psychologically constructed and connected to physical and mental health. One such standard that seems to evaluate attractiveness in women in the modern world is the appearance of private parts.

Genital cosmetic surgery on women has increased as much as other cosmetic procedures and more physicians are now offering procedures to enhance genital features. As the attitudes toward these procedures are increasingly favorable and pretty pleases in personal relationships, genital cosmetic surgery has provided individuals bothered by their genital appearance a solution, and researcher such as one from Macquarie University is hoping to find the exact reason for motivation behind the decision to undergo these surgeries, despite any significant illness.

Plastic surgeons and other physicians involved with cosmetic procedures are packing various conferences and surveys to learn more about lesbians and straight women who opt for genital cosmetic surgery. Anthropology PhD student Lindy McDougall who is conducting an Australia-wide study regarding this, is urging women to participate in surveys and take her research to a significant step further based on the survey result. She gathered information from doctors which indicate that when lesbians have surgery, usually both girls agree with the decision, while hetero women do the “correction” to improve their self-esteem and doesn’t involve their partner’s approval. According to her, higher levels of attractiveness achieved through cosmetic surgery are associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, a more positive and balanced affect, and a substantial impact after marriage, but for a woman to decide on labiaplasty and vaginal tightening, the reason is much complex than that.

Although not well understood, genital cosmetic surgery among women can be a means of achieving favoritism with current or potential partners, and some regard the surgery as a tool to assert some control over their visible signs of aging, especially for single women who face an increasingly tight “dating and marriage market” as they age. As a matter of fact, plastic surgery in this field has come a long way since practitioners engaged in cosmetic work catered basically to celebrities, professional beauties and upper-class women, overcoming ethical dilemmas. 

March 20, 2011

New Steps In Fat Grafting Allows For Detailed Reconstruction Surgeries

Those looking for alternatives to complicated surgeries or implants to reconstruct body parts have a new option to choose from. “Lipo Modeling” is a technique whereby fat is removed from the patient’s body to be used, as grafts, in re-sculpting another area. This is a particularly welcome technique for those who have asymmetrical body features due to trauma, surgery, or even birth defects. Using fat grafting is much safer and more effective then surgery or expensive implants.

Fazel Fatah, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, performs liposuction in his personal practice. Fatah uses a newer liposuction technique that involves using a laser to melt fat beneath the skin before sucking it out. This is a much quicker and more efficient method then the simple vacuuming the fat out of the body used in traditional liposuction.

Fat grafts obtained from liposuction have been proven effective in cosmetic surgery procedures, but surgeons like Fatah have been using fat grafts for purposes of reconstructive surgery. The fat is removed by use of small syringes and thin tubing call “cannula” that suck the fat out. The fat is then placed inside a centrifuge that removes all the oil and liquid from the fat.

The fat must then be formed into thin lines comprised of multiple tiny “beads” of fat. This prevents the fat from bunching and leaving unsightly globules in whatever area is being reconstructed. Furthermore, shaping the fat into lines allow for very detailed and accurate three dimensional reconstruction. This technique has been used for cosmetic surgeries like face lifts and such, but the applications for reconstructive surgery is tremendous. In breast reconstruction, traditional methods can often leave breasts lumpy and asymmetrical. Fat grafts can be used in addition to the standard breast implants to even out the breasts and make them look natural. In other cases, patients have been born missing parts of their pectoral muscles; fat grafts are used to create the missing areas.

Lipo modeling is greatly improving the quality of life for those who have been inconvenienced or embarrassed because of cosmetic asymmetrical problems. The natural look and feel of the fat grafts give patients a new lease on life.

March 16, 2011

A New Hair Loss Medication

Experts in the field of science located in Phoenix, AZ, have found a new development involving hair loss. Scientists were researching a gastrointestinal disease and learned accidentally that treatment for this disease may also help prevent baldness, pattern hair loss and alopecia.

Hair loss is a condition that affects approximately 25 per cent of men prior to their reaching age 30. Additionally it affects two thirds of them prior to age 60, some even experience hair loss in their teen-age years.

Reports issued by scientists have described examining mice when they tested a chemical substance on them. These particular mice had been changed genetically to increase their production of corticotrophin-releasing factor, a stress hormone, which caused the mice to drop their coat when they became older.

For this research the mice that were losing their hair were injected five times daily with a new stress reducing hormone called astressin-B. Once injections were completed the mice were placed back into their habitat.

After a three month time period the researchers followed up on their study, and were surprised to find that all of the mice had regrown their coats. The study found this to be the case 100 percent of the time. The scientists used the injections with mice that had not lost their coat yet, and found that the treatment prevented the loss of their fur.

The researchers also discovered that the anti-stress hormone was beneficial for the gastrointestinal system, the cardiovascular system and other areas of the mice’s bodies where receptors are found.

Scientists were excited by the fact that the hormone reactivated the hair follicles. They are hoping that these results can help those who suffer from baldness, hair loss when having chemotherapy and for individuals with alopecia.

Researchers involved with the study have stated that it will take time to discover if the hormone will help humans who suffer from hair loss. The next phase in the study will involve investigating how the stress reducing hormone is able to reactivate the hair follicles. They will also look into which cells in particular are benefiting from the treatment.

For those who aren’t yet ready to embrace a clean shaven head, this treatment may be able to regrow lost hair. It can help regain lost self-confidence that can happen when hair is lost and may be safer because it causes the follicles to reactivate. It may also help other parts of the body.

March 13, 2011

The Non-Surgical Facelift

The Tenor Treatment is non-surgical facelift that does not require the use of a knife. In the simplest terms, the use of heat will increase collagen resulting in a tighter and firmer skin appearance.

What’s the process?

The physician will prep the skin by putting on an anti-bacterial gel. Since, the procedure involves the use of heat, the gel will serve to protect the skin. After the face is rubbed with cream, the heat will be delivered through a probe that will massage the skin. It will take approximately 20 minutes to work the face. Afterwards gel will be sprayed on, to lock the heat in. For almost 12 hours, the collagen will be stimulated.

How does it work?

The body is always at work to repair any damages. The body is tricked into pumping more collagen because of the heat. The deep tissue will feel the radio waves and send out collagen in an effort to repair any damages. The skin will be firmed and most recipients look younger immediately after the procedure.

What does it feel like?

It slowly builds up to very hot temperature. After the procedure, the skin may feel a little sensitive and have minor discomfort.

Who’s it for?

This treatment is for anyone who wants to rewind time, and appear youthful again. It can help deep wrinkles, under eyes bags, and dark circles. The Tenor Facial was designed to fix typical problem areas on the face by noninvasive means. It can also accentuate the cheekbones and jaw lines.

The upside?

The first one is no scars will be left and you’ll be able function normally soon after. The face will be firm, toned and glowing. Not to mention, you would have saved a considerable amount of money compared to a surgical procedure.

How long does it take?

The first treatment includes a consultation, therefore, will take roughly 30 minutes. The treatments after that will take about 20 minutes.

March 10, 2011

Appearance Does Matter

Appearance does matter as the people create their first impression about us by noticing our looks. Due to this all of us are much concerned about our appearances. We normally and rightly believe that if we will look good we get more attention. That enhance our confidence and we try hard to maintain or improve our appearance.

It is common that with the growing age, some age spots appears at our body. They can emerge on face, neck, hands or any where else at ones body. There are four common ways or anti aging guidelines to encounter this problem. The best thing is to consult with your family physician or any professional skin specialist that which treatment will be best suited for you.

Liquid Nitrogen – Liquid nitrogen is a trouble-free and successful treatment to get rid of age spots and moles. The dermatologist prefers this method because of the very high success ratio. The liquid nitrogen is sprayed on the spot with sheer force which causes the treated area to peel off and after some time the new skin replaces the old and affected skin.

Chemical Peel – In chemical peel a light acid is utilized to get fresher and healthier cells by removing the upper layer of the dead skin cells. This treatment helps in better skin texture, reducing lines around eyes and mouth and also in other skin discoloration issues.

Fractional Resurfacing – Here the laser light has been utilized to destroy the upper skin layer. Fraxel and Pearl Laser which are the common devices used in this way of treatment also stimulates the fresh cells growth. After some time when the affected areas healed up, the patient will get much better, much tightened and much desired skin.

Lightening Products – Number of products are easily available for skin tone treatments and also for the lightening of the skin. There are both synthetic beauty products and natural ways to make use of. Elure from Syneron is a useful product in this regard. The natural ways includes the use of Aloe Vera, Lavender, Fennel and Marigold for excellent tone treatments.

An ideal tip for staying away from the age spots is the extensive and regular use of a good sun block against the injurious UV rays. Interaction with your family physician or skin specialist and act according to his advice will be really helpful in getting better results for your appearance.

March 7, 2011

Eat Soup and Lose Weight

In a recent study, it has been found that if you take each one of your meals, and blend them into a soup, it will help to stave off hunger. All you need to do is take the same portion of food for each meal, put a little water in it, and blend it all together. What this does is keeps your stomach full longer and takes more time to digest. This way, it will reduce your hunger in between meals, resulting in less snacking as well as eating less.

This is one of the 10 Things You Need to Know about Losing Weight, according to a recent BBC programme. They are:

  • Put restrictions on what types of food you eat, so you eat less
  • Eat at regular intervals, don’t leave out a meal
  • Eating low fat dairy foods help you to eliminate more fat
  • When eating, use a smaller plate
  • Exercise because your body will burn fat, even while sleeping
  • Be sure to count how many calories you are taking in
  • Don’t use your metabolism as an excuse
  • Keep moving and you will lose more weight
  • Eating soups keeps you feeling fuller, longer
  • Higher levels of protein in your diet will keep hunger at bay

If you have looked into weight loss surgery, you know that once the procedure is done that you will only be able to handle a liquid diet. This allows the body to heal, but given these new facts, it will also keep you fuller longer. If you were still stuck on the dieting roller coaster, then perhaps bariatric surgery would be the best solution.

Although dieting will help you to lose a few pounds, many people still struggle with their weight because of the vicious cycle of dieting. If you do not lose as much weight as you want, or are having difficulty losing any weight at all, many find themselves depressed because of it. This, in turn, causes stress eating and binging.

Bariatric surgery is a permanent solution to the weight loss roller coaster. It can help you to live a more full and active life. Although any kind of weight loss surgery is not easy, it can and does help many people change their lives.

March 5, 2011

Aspiring Model Dies During Plastic Surgery to Enhance Rear End

Claudia Aderotimi was a pretty 20-year-old girl. Her family came to Britain from Ghana. She often talked of how she wanted to be an actress or model. Some suggest that she wanted to appear in hip-hop videos. She frequently posted pictures and YouTube videos of herself dancing with her friends on the internet.

By most accounts, she had a nice, round bottom. Yet, it seems that this was not enough for Claudia. It appears that Claudia was obsessed with having a bigger rear end. In many of the YouTube videos where she is seen shaking her bottom with her friends, she is often seen wearing pads that make her rear end look bigger. This obsession with having a bigger bottom is what made her decide to get plastic surgery, which proved to be the biggest mistake of her life.

Claudia traveled to America to have plastic surgery because she thought she would save money. She ended up paying for the surgery with her life. She didn’t know that the person who performed the surgery had no medical qualifications whatsoever. The surgery took place inside a cheap hotel room near Philadelphia. The plan was to pump industrial silicone into Claudia’s rear end, but instead Claudia died because of the procedure.

It would seem that plastic surgery is only a matter of having enough money to get the procedure performed. The general public seems to be developing an obsession with surgical makeovers in hopes that it will boost their morale. It is common for TV programs here in Britain to show people who undergo various forms of plastic surgery who also claim that they lead a better life this way. The media could as well be the reason why the demand for plastic surgery has tripled in the last couple of years.

Here in Britain, what we need are less makeover shows that mislead the public and more responsible doctors that follow stricter plastic surgery regulations. The world could also benefit if something was done to fight the obsession people have with meeting entertainment ideals. This way Claudia Aderotimi would not have died in vain.

March 2, 2011

Information About Surgical Drains

Maybe you’re considering plastic surgery? One part of recovery that might be unsettling to you, is post-op surgical drains. Below is some information that may help with going home with the surgical drain attached to you.

What is a Surgical Drain?

Surgical drains are used for heart, abdominal, and other in-depth surgeries. For cosmetic surgeries, the drain will likely be made out of tubing that will be coming from the site of surgery, and ending in a bulb that will collect the fluid.

Why Would a Surgical Drain be Necessary?

Surgical drains direct fluid away from the place that the surgery occurred. The most apparent reason is to avoid fluid build-up.

There’s several benefits to using drains, according to surgeons that use them. A great reason is that the drains support a quicker, and healthier healing process. Correct healing requires the skin to stay attached to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. The healing takes longer when fluid piles up between the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and skin.

Also, fluid build-up is a perfect place for bacteria to grow, so its important the fluid leaves. Fluid build-up can cause physical soreness during the healing, too.

What Procedures Need Drains?

Your surgeon will more then likely want you to have a drain or a couple of them if your surgery is very insidious. An example would be heart surgery. Minor surgeries like facelifts, and breast augmentation don’t require drains.

How Long Does the Drain Typically Stay In?

Depending on the surgery you have and how quickly your body heals, you may have your drains for a few days or a couple weeks. If you have a somewhat insidious procedure, you can expect your drains to stay in for a few days. You’ll be asked to monitor them to make sure fluid is leaving the wound. By the time you are feeling like yourself again, and are ready to presume with your regular activities, the drains will likely come out.

If you do happen to have the drain bulb in for an extended period of time, your surgeon will tell you how to care for it, and what to monitor.

What Problems Can Possibly Occur?

Obstacle, and seepage around the drain and infection are rare, but can occur.  If your surgeon does use a drain as part as your recovery, keep in mind that they have your best interest at heart.