5 Questions To Ask Before Getting Plastic Surgery

One of the scariest parts of getting a plastic surgery is the possibility of receiving a botched surgery. Luckily, one of the most important factors of a successful plastic surgery story is in your control as the patient.

Successful surgeries always begin with successful consultations, and many unfavorable plastic surgery experiences could have been avoided if the patient got more out of their consultation. You should definitely be more than adequately prepared for your consultation as its your chance to figure out whether the plastic surgeon and the surgery is not only in well-qualified and capable hands, but also that it’s right for you at that moment.

While there might not be such a thing as a bad or dumb question, there are certain questions that are necessary to ask during your consultation. These questions are absolutely critical in ensuring that your plastic surgery experience will meet strong standards of quality and safety.

So, in any plastic surgery consultation, make certain that you ask these following questions (and don’t continue the process unless your surgeon provides you with satisfactory answers in return): 

1.    Are you board certified?

This question is of the utmost importance, and we recommend you start here. Begin the consultation by asking whether the plastic surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. By confirming that the surgeon is board certified, you will get the answer to many other highly importantly questions regarding the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, training, and patient safety standards.

By ensuring they are board certified, you can feel well-assured that you will undergo your surgery in a nationally-accredited and state-certified facility that upholds a very safe and professional setting. You can also ensure that your plastic surgeon has spent more than enough time going through extremely intensive and highly specialized training.

These are very important things that you need to be careful of because here in the U.S. any physician can legally perform cosmetic surgery even without any previous training in cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately, there are many under-qualified plastic surgeons out there, so make sure yours is board certified.

2.    How often have you performed X procedure?

Another important question you should ask in order to avoid a bad plastic surgery is how many times and how often the surgeon performs the particular procedure you are looking to undergo. By figuring out how practiced the surgeon is in regards to a particular procedure can help you figure out how comfortable you are having them perform it on you. While they may not always specialize in your procedure, make sure they performed it before and continue to do them every so often.

You can also ask related questions with this, like whether they have before and after pictures of patients who underwent the procedure with that plastic surgeon. You can even ask if you can talk with any past patients about their experience.

3.    Should I get plastic surgery?

Once you determine you’re talking to a well-qualified and practiced plastic surgeon, you can figure out whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Don’t let the surgeon cheat you out of a comprehensive answer. Remember, what’s mostly business for the surgeon is your everyday, real-life body, so don’t be scared of being extra sure.

4.    What should I expect for recovery and possible complications? 

This is very important in determining whether the surgery is right for you or whether the time is right for you. Make sure the plastic surgeon outlines a very extensive recovery plan you can expect to make sure it works well with you and your life at that point.

Also, when discussing possible complications, never accept any answer that basically says there are no risks or possible complications as there always are with surgery, especially many cosmetic procedures. This is also a good time to figure out whether the plastic surgeon or one of their nurses will be readily available to speak with you for any questions or concerns after the surgery.

5.    How much will the procedure cost in total?

Again, it’s important to remember that this is half business for the plastic surgeon, which means any advertised or listed prices can be misleading. With facility costs, surgeon fees, and anesthesia costs among many other small fees and costs, you want to make sure you completely understand what you’re getting yourself into pricewise. Make certain that you leave your consultation with a total cost you can expect to pay so there’s no surprises when it comes time to pay (so long as everything else checks out too).

At the end of the day, what questions you will ask the plastic surgeon during a consultation depend on your wants and needs. However, the questions described above are essential to ask in every case, so make sure you don’t forget to ask those. Never feel like you’re asking too many questions, dumb questions, or the wrong questions. Surgery of any kind is a very serious matter and you need to be definite that you are putting yourself in the right situation for you. 

By Russell McBurnie

Using Computer Programs For Cosmetic Surgery Facial Planning

Technology really is incredible. You used to just subtly alter your appearance with Instagram filters, and now there are apps like YouCam for makeup application or Virtual Hairstyle to see a haircut before you commit to it.

But what about the more permanent changes? What if you’re considering something more permanent like cheek augmentation, or lip fillers, or a face lift? Turns out there are some apps that can help with that too.

At Research Gate, you can read a great, in-depth research paper about new technology associated with plastic and reconstructive surgery. This technology analyzes your face and can actually make suggestions for ways to keep your face similar but more harmonious.

If you already have something in mind, a change you’ve always wanted to make, there’s Crisalix.

You simply register and upload three standard pictures of your face or body: a front view, right, and left profile. The program will then offer you a 3D simulation of your desired changes. The program is approved by the International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery.

It’s a pretty interesting concept, but the program costs $99, and it is not a guaranteed outcome nor an exact representation of what you’ll look like after the procedure.. The 3D imaging technique is typically used as a teaching tool, and only a doctor can paint you the most accurate picture possible of your body following a plastic surgery procedure, like a lip augmentation or chin augmentation.

Some doctors prefer to show their patients real before-and-after photos of patients with similar features, but many do appreciate the overview that a program like Crisalix provides. So, computer programs can be considered a great asset to the research phase of the process. It can answer questions like, “Will I like this?” “Is this what I want to look like?” If the answer is yes, and you like what you see, make sure you continue the conversation with a great plastic surgeon, and ask for examples of his or her past work.

Written by: Joanna Hynes

Risks and Benefits of Facelifts

In 2016, plastic and reconstructive surgery are more popular than ever. You definitely don’t need to live in L.A. anymore to know someone who just got a nose job, and you certainly don’t need to be Kylie Jenner to get lip injections. However, despite a rise in popularity, people still might not know too much about certain procedures.

For instance, when most people think of a facelift, they think of it as a costly option for an extreme makeover. Of course, there are more risks involved with getting a facelift than the risk of emptying your wallet, and there are more benefits involved than merely getting an intense makeover.

A facelift is a surgical procedure that is performed to enhance the appearance of the patient’s face in a way that is meant to give it a more youthful look. It is important to fully understand all the risks and benefits involved with a procedure especially if you might choose to undergo one someday. So, if you’ve ever thought to yourself, “Should I get a facelift?” then you should understand the risks and benefits involved with getting it, so here they are:

Risks:

While there might seem like there is a lot of risks involved, it is important to keep it mind that facelifts are typically safe procedures when performed by an appropriately-trained professional, so keep then in mind when searching for a plastic surgeon.

·       There’s always the possibility of suffering from an infection following the procedure and experiencing soreness and pain, just as with any surgical treatment.

·       Since they’re making incisions in the skin, there is always a risk of excess swelling, bruising, bleeding, and fluid accumulation especially in the area of the incisions.

·       There is a chance that the wounds will heal poorly and you might suffer skin loss from the procedure.

·       You could possibly experience numbness or other changes in your skin’s sensations.

·       There is also a chance that you might experience skin complications and irregularities such as skin discoloration.

·       There is a rare chance that you could experience facial nerve injury with weakness.

·       You might also experience temporary, and sometimes even permanent, hair loss in the area of the small incisions.

·       There are all the risks associated with going under anesthesia, so it is important to understand the risks of anesthesia.

·       And lastly, of course there is a risk that you might be dissatisfied with the end result due to asymmetry or inadequate results due to other factors.

Benefits 

Don’t feel discouraged by the risks involved, just be aware of the possibilities. There are also plenty of benefits to undergoing a facelift procedure.

·       Enhanced appearance in the one spot everyone sees – your face! The enhancements usually involve youthful looking skin due to tighter, healthier looking skin.

·       Enhanced appearance without any noticeable scars – most facelifts are performed in a manner where there are no obvious traces of cosmetic surgery.

·       Reduce and eliminate the lines, wrinkles, and sagging in your facial skin with the ability to focus on areas such as the forehead, cheek area, eye area, neckline, and jowls.

·       Facelifts are easily and often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures saving you time and money while increasing the cohesiveness of your enhancements.

·       Facelifts can be performed uniquely to each patient’s need maximizing the likelihood that they will be satisfied with their results.

·       Improved feelings about the way you look, feel, and live – there’s no need to stress over whether people can tell if you’re old, but if you do feel that stress, decreasing any stress can increase your life quality exponentially!

At the end of the day, the risks involved with getting a facelift are typically unlikely to occur, but it is important to understand the risks as they do exist. Facelifts are surgeries, and you can never be too careful when it comes to understanding the risks of a surgery you are electing to undergo. If you have any worries, questions, or concerns, don’t be hesitant in asking your doctor to see what is best for you and your needs. 

By Russell McBurnie

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

When most people think about cosmetic surgery, they most likely think of rich people living in L.A. getting boob jobs and nose jobs. Well, surprisingly, cosmetic surgery is not only for people in Hollywood and not every cosmetic procedure is extremely pricy. Certain procedures can actually be pretty cheap!

Specifically, laser hair removal can be quite affordable. For those who don’t know, laser hair removal is exactly what it sounds like – a minimally invasive procedure that stops and slows hair growth. For more information about how laser hair removal works, you can click the link above, but for more information about how much it costs, here you go:

Typical Costs 

The typical cost of laser hair removal can be anywhere between $200 and $500. According to 2014 statistics from the American Society of Plastic surgeons, the average cost of laser hair removal was $289. Of course, the cost of a treatment can be higher depending on a few factors, so it’s important to understand which factors influence the cost of a treatment.

Cost Factors 

While the price of a treatment will depend on each individual patient and their body, there are certain factors that will ultimately determine a price range for the treatment.

Size of the Treated Area: One of the most significant factors that determine the price range of your treatments is the size of the treatment area. Usually, the smaller treatment areas are accompanied with the lowest costs, and vice versa.

For instance, the cost of laser hair removal in an area that’s small, such as the bikini area, usually costs between $200 and $400. The underarm area is normally accompanied with the lowest price as it usually costs between $150 and $350. By contrast, the typical costs of a larger area, such as the back, usually costs between $600 and $900 per treatment.

Laser Hair Removal System: The hair removal system also influences the cost. So, depending on the length of the treatment and the difficulty of the treatment, the typical cost might vary. For instance, removing hair on the face and neck is most comparable to the cost of removing hair on the back. So, despite the smaller size of the treatment area, removing facial hair and neck hair typically costs between $600 and $900.

Number of Treatments Needed: Another important thing that you must consider when estimating the cost of laser hair removal is the fact that it takes multiple sessions for the hair removal to be most effective. So, the number of treatments that you need will also influence the overall costs. Most patients need to undergo 4 to 6 sessions to permanently reduce hair growth in the most common places such as the face, back, legs, bikini, arms, and other areas.

However, this also means that patients willing to buy all of their sessions at once usually are offered some sort of discounted price per session. So, don’t forget to talk with your plastic surgeon or your medical care provider to see what options might be available to you. 

At the end of the day, the cost of laser hair removal will range depending on each individual and their particular body. However, the costs tend to be quite affordable especially compared to other procedures. While the treatments tend to be cheaper than other cosmetic procedures, don’t be scared to ask whether financing options are available to you as most plastic surgeons offer some sort of finance option for most procedures.

Always remember, though, that you should never let the cost of any medical treatment compromise the quality of the treatment. If you need help, there’s plenty of tools to help you find qualified professionals that provide cosmetic procedures. You can use this link if you need help searching for places where you can receive the best plastic surgery. 

By Russell McBurnie

5 Things To Do While Recovering From Chin Augmentation

Lucky for you the recovery time for a Chin Augmentation is about a week. This is just enough time to get things done around the house, but not enough time for you to go crazy from boredom. While in the recovery process, it helps to keep your head elevated to reduce swelling, so it’s alright to be on your feet as long as the activity is not too strenuous. Check out the list below for some ideas on how to pass the time during your chin surgery recovery. Take advantage of your mini vacation, what else are you going to do?

Catch up With a Series

The latest season of The Bachelorette started last week, take this time to catch up on what you’ve missed… and to do some background research on the contestants.

Tackles That Spring Cleaning

Spring has already sprung, but if you didn’t “hop to” your spring-cleaning now is a great time to clean behind those cabinets like you’ve been wanting to for weeks.

Make Someone’s Day

Write a letter. Think about how special it feels to receive a nice handwritten letter. Whether it be a thank you, I’m thinking of you, I love you, or anything in between… its easier than you think to make someone’s day.

Learn Something New

Do you have a camera? Do you know how to use your camera? Take this time to make yourself familiar with the settings on your digital camera. Your future self will thank you.

Donate Clothes You Don’t Wear

Purge! Because it feels so good to cleanse. This is a big project but we all know: the bigger the risk, the greater the reward. Start in your closet but be careful… once you start it can be easy to stop. When you’re done make sure to check out your local Salvation Army. Click here to find the one nearest you. 

Written by: Maren Burns

Fillers: How Each Type Changes Your Face Shape

If you wake up, and ask “Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” then you are probably either a little kid who loves Disney, or you might be older and beginning to worry about your aging appearance. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay looking young! For those who don’t want Botox and its troubles, and don’t need anything too serious or costly, like a facelift, then dermal fillers might be right down your alley.

What Are Facial Fillers?

As a minimally-invasive procedure, fillers (or injectables) will not drastically and permanently solve the issue of aging skin, but they do offer possibilities to enhance the youthfulness you’ve been missing in your face’s appearance with very low risks. Fillers help bring youth back to your face’s appearance in a number of ways! Fillers can often fill in the fine lines, deep creases, and wrinkles that always seem to remind you how old you’re turning later this year. Fillers can also enhance the appearance of other imperfections on your face, such as scars and burns.

Fillers don’t just battle against age marks in your facial skin, they also can change the shape of your face in certain areas that will enhance your face in a way that brings out youth. Fillers can fill in wrinkles in and around your lips and they can also fill out thin lips and enhance their volume. Fillers can even plump up your cheeks to make them look much more youthful and full. They even help contour areas around your face, such as your jaw line, which sharpens your facial features in a way that can shave off years from your appearance.

Of course, exactly how, and how well, facial fillers work depends on the certain filler that a patient uses as well as many other factors. While you discuss which specific filler will work best for the certain areas you wish to treat, here is a quick breakdown of the various types of fillers and how they work differently:

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers:

This is the most popular type of filler, and it uses a substance naturally present in the body already – hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid helps the skin by acting as a cushion and lubricant for the skin’s tissue, enhancing its volume and texture. Hyaluronic acid works well in the human body, which is why its commonly used as a lip filler, as well as a treatment for facial skin to aid wrinkles, wounds, lines, ulcers, and many other issues in the skin.

Hyaluronic acid fillers can work from anywhere between 3 months to as long as three years. It even has been connected with stimulating your body’s collagen production helping your body’s natural response to later aging and injury. These fillers also work more effectively each time you get the injections, which only adds to why they are among the most popular types of fillers out there.

Collagen Wrinkle Fillers:

While collagen fillers do not last quite as long as other fillers (only lasting 1-9 months per injection), they produce the most natural looking enhancements. Collagen is also naturally produced in the human body as it is the main structural protein in connective tissue. Also one of the most abundant proteins, collagen plays a huge role in strengthening skin tissue in the patient’s face, enhancing the appearance of the face very naturally.

Collagen fillers are usually purified forms of collagen extracted from animals, especially cows. While they work well, as they are extracted from animals they are also the prone to causing allergic reactions. This, however, is usually very little issue for patients as simple allergy testing before the procedure can alert the doctor of which fillers may cause a reaction. As fillers advance, these side-effects decrease very rapidly.

Synthetic Wrinkle Fillers:

Doctors have formulated and created synthetic collagen fillers for patients, and synthetic collagen is among many other synthetic substances used in filler formulas. Synthetic filler is the least popular type of filler used for cosmetic procedures, and that is mostly because if they are not used correctly, synthetic fillers can cause disfigurement and long-term effects. While the side-effects include more serious risks than the other types of fillers, the benefits of synthetic fillers include long-lasting effects, which can even be permanent, and more of a whole enhancement to the appearance of the patient’s face because it can utilize all of the other techniques at once.

Autologous Wrinkle Fillers:

The last type of filler requires the least - at least in regards to necessary substances. This is because autologous fillers use the patient’s own fat (or sometimes blood) to enhance the volume and appearance of the patient’s face. The doctor surgically removes fat from the patient’s thigh, butt, or stomach, then treats or purifies it to some degree, and then injects it into the area being filled. This works well will the body in typical cases, and the results are even semi-permanent and last at least 12-18 months. While there might be little risk involved with these fillers, the results are less natural looking than those from collagen and hyaluronic acid fillers.

In the end of it all…

While some types of fillers have slightly different risks involved, like the increased allergy rate for collagen fillers, most of the side effects are similar for each type of filler. Fillers and injections always come with a risk of bruising, swelling, and redness, especially at the time of the injections. For more serious risks, it will depend on the patient’s specific circumstances, so keep that in mind when you talk with a doctor.

So, at the end of the day, you can fill out the lines, wrinkles, shape, volume, or any other facial blemish with all of the various fillers. But, different fillers work in different ways, and those differences are extremely important. Don’t forget you should always talk with a doctor about which filler would best suit your needs. It is also important to remember that while fillers can be very effective, they are usually subtle.

So, if you are in major need of bringing out youth in your face and its skin, you might want to look into other cosmetic options, like maybe lip augmentation, cheek augmentation, or chin augmentation. Otherwise, always remember that there is no substitute for healthy habits! Regardless of how many fillers, surgeries, and facelifts you get, you will always need to minimize sun damage, stay hydrated, and take care of your skin on a daily basis if you expect to keep looking young and healthy.

Written by: Russell McBurnie

The Top 10 Plastic Surgery Blogs

As you’ve probably heard if you’ve ever talked about computers with someone over 65 years old, it is absolutely crazy how much information people can access over the web. Whether on Facebook, Wikipedia, or YouTube, you can discover just about anything on the web, from what your friend had for lunch to the history of Greece to how to change the oil in your car. It really is quite remarkable.

As a major platform for relaying information, online blogs play a substantial part in how the web educates its readers. Now, an important principle when it comes to comprehensive learning is to avoid limiting your perspective by limiting yourself to a single source. Your information is usually only as good as where it came from, so make sure your information is good by checking more than one source.

This principle holds true with plastic surgery too, which is why we compiled 10 of the top plastic surgery blogs for you to learn effectively from. So, here they are, in no specific order:

1.     The Plastic Surgery Post – What better way to start a list of some of the best plastic surgery blogs than beginning with a blog written by members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons? This blog is written by many of the nation’s top-tiered surgeons, which provides readers with access to some of the best information available as the ASPS collects all of the yearly statistics for plastic surgery.

2.     Real Self Plastic Surgery – This Real Self blog provides readers with incredibly useful information in a highly interactive manner. Their format is unique as its foundation is interactive. This blog has useful tools such as many forums, over 2,000 Q&A’s, guides, and videos all relaying very useful information.

3.     Spire Cosmetic Surgery Blog – The writers for Spire Cosmetic Surgery do a fantastic job answering everyday questions readers might have about cosmetic surgery. They effectively break informative advice down to a very readable level, providing people with a great tool to learn about the basics.

4.     Daily Beauty Reporter – Allure does an amazing job of relaying useful information about cosmetic surgery to the world around us as new beauty trends take place constantly. This blog provides a very entertaining twist on useful information.

5.     American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Blog – Although relatively similar to the first blog listed, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery also has access to some of the best information available, but it provides such info to a whole array of readers from your average joe to plastic surgeons themselves.

6.     CosmeticSurg – This blog is written by Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD., provides readers with information about plastic surgery from the unique perspective of a himself. With the experience of a cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Rodriguez does an incredible job integrating his information into video and other forms of media breaking things down into straightforward material.

7.     The Plastic Surgery Group – This blog carries a hefty arsenal of material as their blog covers topics within over 40 categories! So, if you are looking to have an online destination that holds information for anything about plastic surgery, this might be your stop.

8.     PSB – This Orlando plastic surgery blog is mostly written by Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC. Dr. Fiala does a magnificent job providing his insights about plastic surgery while relating it to plastic-surgery related news. This blog also features his commentary to his patients’ frequently asked questions, which is very useful for possible new patients looking to undergo some sort of plastic surgery.

9.     Dr. Reath’s Blog – Again, Dr. Reath provides readers with multiple categories to choose from. While providing useful information, he also is able to bring it down to a level for any reader as he does a great job connecting his blog with social media. Dr. Reath just loves to write and keep people updated with plastic surgery information, which he makes clear in his post about his top 10 most important posts for anyone who might have missed them.

10.  WebMD – Of course, there is WebMD. For those who do not know, WebMD is a very popular medical website that provides very clear and useful information regarding most medical topics, including plastic surgery. WebMD also provides readers with access to information from their specialized experts.

Now, while this list certainly includes very notable blogs that provide very useful information about plastic surgery, they are not the only ones out there. The beauty of the internet is how vast and full it is with information about almost anything, including cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. So, if for some reason you do not find any of the information about plastic surgery in these blogs that you were looking for, don’t feel discouraged. There is the whole internet world waiting to be found and read, and you can always begin your search here. Just remember, your information is usually only as good as where it came from, so be careful!

Written by: Russell McBurnie

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Following people like Snooki and Kim Kardashian for the past few years, people have become pretty familiar with the idea of plastic surgery recently. Although they have both meshed into being thought of as one thing, there’s two different types of plastic surgery: cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Of course, just because people might consider them as one common thing, they are different things.

So, what makes them different?

Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are similar in that they both surgically improve a patient’s body in one way or another. Although they both aim to improve a patient’s body, they differ from each other in the reasons for why they are attempting to do so.

Cosmetic surgery focuses completely on enhancing the patient’s appearance. So, all of the procedures, techniques, and principles of cosmetic surgery focus primarily on improving the patient’s aesthetic appeal by enhancing their body’s symmetry and proportion.

On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses mainly on improving the patient’s body by fixing any defects due to things like birth disorders, trauma, burns, and diseases. While reconstructive surgery is mostly intended to improve the body’s functions, reconstructive surgery also tends to result in producing more of a normal look to the patient’s body.

A quick history and how they developed:

Plastic surgery has existed to certain extents for much of human history. Both ancient Romans and Indians used forms of reconstructive surgery to repair wounds of war such as ripped earlobes and broken noses. Many forms of plastic surgery have resulted from war throughout history. Accordingly, recent breakthroughs in plastic surgery as we know it today were a result of surgeons and their efforts to repair various injuries from war.

Specifically, advancements in technology, anesthesia, and surgical procedures around the time of World War I brought about significant progress in reconstructive surgeries for wounded soldiers. These advancements were aimed at not only improving impaired bodily functions, but also at achieving more of a normal appearance for the wounded soldiers, especially in regards to facial reconstruction. With such success in helping soldiers, people started to think about the possibilities of using surgery even on individuals who were not injured. Thus, the idea of cosmetic surgery was born. 

As a result of the increased popularity and commonplace of plastic surgery, surgeons formed the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in 1931. Surgical procedures continued to evolve and elective, cosmetic surgeries became more and more popular as advanced technologies made plastic surgery procedures more accessible to people with healthy, normal bodies.

Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery Today:

Today, surgeons still perform reconstructive surgery on patients with abnormal structures of the body that are caused by things such as developmental abnormalities, birth and congenital defects, infection, trauma, tumors, disease, and other such things. While reconstructive surgery is done to improve certain bodily functions, reconstructive surgery is almost always coupled with cosmetic-based procedures in order to approximate a more normal appearance. Because of its purpose, most health insurance policies cover certain reconstructive procedures to some extent.

Unlike reconstructive surgery, cosmetic surgery is entirely elective and is only performed to improve the patient’s appearance and self-esteem by reshaping certain parts of their otherwise healthy and normal body. Being a completely elective procedure, health insurances almost never cover cosmetic surgeries. However, cosmetic surgery has become extremely popular, as over $10 billion was spent on cosmetic procedures last year in the United States.

Are cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery merging into one?

Despite any differences, cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery are deeply connected. Since cosmetic surgery evolved as an extension of reconstructive surgeries, they are often performed as one in the same. Many reconstructive surgeons are cosmetic surgeons as well, despite being more specialized in surgery than surgeons who are only trained in cosmetic procedures. Because of how deeply connected they are, there is a lot of gray area between when a procedure is reconstructive versus purely cosmetic. To emphasize their connection and relation, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 1999.

However, it is important to remember that although the specialties of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery are very closely related, there are key differences. There are also differences in the training and specializations of reconstructive surgeons versus solely cosmetic surgeons, so it is always important to keep such distinctions in mind when searching for somewhere to possibly get a procedure. Plastic surgery is still surgery; so make sure any procedure you undergo is being performed by a well-trained professional. 

Written by: Russell McBurnie

Skin Rejuvenation: 5 Cosmetic Treatments For Younger Looking Skin

With aging comes many good things like wisdom, grandchildren, and time to travel the world. Of course, age does not only bring good things. Along with possible medical complications, menopause, and witnessing the newest generation’s fashion trends, age also might worsen the condition of your skin. Since you are literally covered by skin, skin plays a very important role in the way you look. Although it is impossible to avoid aging, maintaining a youthful appearance can help you feel good as you begin to age a little. Feeling young is an important aspect of life as you get older, so it seems to follow that younger-looking and younger-feeling skin would go a long way in feeling good about your age.

If you’re starting to age a bit then it’s a good time to really keep in mind that you should protect your skin as much as you can, as it plays a huge role in your health and psyche as you age. However, sometimes you just cannot prevent the lines, wrinkles, and blemishes on your skin that come with age. Instead, you might be looking to rejuvenate your skin in order to bring about the youthful look. If you are looking for how to go about skin rejuvenation, then check below as we’ve created a list of 5 very effective cosmetic treatments for younger looking skin.

Skin Rejuvenation Methods:

1.     Botox

Botox is among the most popular and commonly known cosmetic procedures. Botox utilizes a neurotoxic protein also known as botulinum toxins to bring a more youthful appearance to a person’s facial skin. Botox injections paralyze tiny facial muscles, which results in facial lines and wrinkles being smoothed out. This smoother appearance obviously causes younger looking skin. Botox effects last between three to six months, depending on the way it reacts with your facial muscles and how many times you’ve gotten injections before. So, as long as your doctor believes it to be a good idea, Botox can definitely help you rejuvenate the appearance of your skin.

2.     Cosmetic Surgeries

Perfectly in line with a Botox treatment is the cosmetic surgery approach. There are many different cosmetic surgeries that can produce a tighter appearance to the whole facial structure, especially the skin. Some of the most popular facial cosmetic surgeries are cheek augmentations - which can slightly tighten the skin around the cheeks as a result of the surgery, chin augmentations - which can slightly result in tightened skin around the neck and chin, and blepharoplasty - which tightens the skin’s appearance all around the eyes. Of course, the most effective way to bring youth to your facial skin is to get a facelift, which lifts the skin all over the face and neck. The advancing surgical technology has enabled these surgeries to be more effective and less detectable, as most of them use small incisions in difficult-to-detect areas like under the hairline. These procedures can be very expensive, but they can make people look years younger permanently, so they work well in rewinding the clock for people’s skin.

3.     Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can cause younger looking skin in a way much different than Botox and cosmetic surgery. Microdermabrasion fine, tiny particles or a very hard diamond-tipped wand to slough off cells from the top layer of skin. Removing this layer results in new skin growth. The skin recovers quickly from the procedure, which is not usually a painful one. To be completely effective in bringing youth to the skin’s appearance, you might need multiple procedures. Exactly how many depends on how tough or light the buffer technique is. This procedure is not very expensive, but since the effects are not permanent or long-term, this treatment might not be for everyone.

4.     Laser Skin Removal

Laser skin removal works very similar to laser hair removal. Using a very concentrated, high-intensity light, this treatment zaps the skin and improves the look of wrinkles and lines by tightening loose, aged skin. This process can even be used to help improve the appearance of scars. While the particular effects of the treatment and recovery depend on the intensity of the treatment and the individual circumstances, the results usually last between 2 and 5 years. The treatment can cost about $3,000, but it usually produces effective results bringing a decently long-term youth to your skin.

5.     Facial Creams – Retinoid/Peptides

Facial creams, though the cheapest and most accessible, are some of the most effective forms of treatment for skin rejuvenation. Retinol, or retinoid (the prescription form), has been proven to effectively reduce the appearance of both wrinkles and acne. Different retinol creams can definitely help make your skin look more youthful, and so can other creams such as peptide creams. Strong peptide creams help rebuild the collagen that your skin loses as it ages. Collagen helps strength the skin and its elasticity, so peptide creams can help fight wrinkles and thinning. Both peptide and retinol products can range from under $20 to above $150, and they both are among the best natural alternatives to Botox treatments.

While you may not be able to avoid growing older and preventing your age from taking over your skin, you can certainly battle against it. So, if you wake up one morning and notice that your skin has begun to wrinkle and age, do not panic! There are many things that you can do to bring back younger-looking skin, such as the 5 cosmetic treatments described above. However, it is very important to remember that in order to age like fine wine, you need to take care of your skin throughout your life.

The best way to prevent your skin from appearing as aged and wrinkled is to prevent it entirely. You should always avoid too much sun, dehydration, and other things that might damage your skin. In the end, you need to consistently care for your skin to keep it looking youthful and healthy, but sometimes we can’t help that our skin gets old or damaged. Regardless, there are always ways to improve the appearance of your skin!

Written by: Russell McBurnie

The Most Popular Cosmetic Surgeries By Age Range

It’s 2016, and it’s no secret that a lot of people get a lot of plastic surgery. Maybe your friend got lip injections to look like Kylie Jenner, or maybe your wealthy aunt just got a nose job so she can start dating again. Regardless, it is not uncommon to know someone who has had cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery has become a lot more common because it’s more accessible, and overall it has gotten cheaper.

Staying updated on social trends can matter for a million reasons, including cosmetic surgery trends. Whether you are interested in getting a certain surgery yourself and want to see how common it is or you’re just suspicious why your coworker’s boobs look a little different, it might be useful to know some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries your peers undergo. So, here’s a list of the most common cosmetic surgeries, in 2015, by age ranges according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

13-19 Years Old:

1. Rhinoplasty – 30,276 nose jobs were given to people between 13 and 19 years old in 2015. Rhinoplasties, or nose jobs, seems to fit well as the most popular for such an age range because if anything, it makes sense that children in this range could’ve broken their noses while playing on their high school sports team, for instance.
2. Breast Augmentation – 7,840 young ladies received boob jobs at younger than 19 years old. Maybe these were all weird 18th birthday presents, or maybe they were too impatient to wait for their last growth spurt after first moving away from home. Either way, there’s no surprise here.
3. Breast Reduction in Men – 7,021 young men underwent this procedure between 13 and 19 years old. It’s no secret that if you have full breasts and you’re a male, then something’s probably wrong. So, it seems reasonable to undergo this procedure when you realize there’s an issue. This is especially true if you can imagine what it’s like to have full breasts as a younger teenage boy among other heartless high-schoolers, so why not avoid being bullied if you can.
4. Ear Surgery – 6,472 people underwent cosmetic ear surgery in this age range, making it the 4th most common cosmetic surgery for this age group. Maybe this helps people in this age range hear better in class?
5. Dermabrasion – 3,805 teenagers underwent dermabrasion procedures in 2015, which again makes sense as when else would acne be one of the more important things in your life?

20-29 Years Old:

1. Breast Augmentation – 79,640 people between 20 and 29 years old received boob jobs in 2015. This makes sense as you would most certainly realize just exactly how big your boobs are going to be during these years.
2. Rhinoplasty – 69,378 nose jobs were given in 2015 to people in this age range. While there doesn’t seem to be a direct reason for this, maybe it correlates with people beginning to make a significant amount of money for themselves and then deciding to spend it on something extra, like a new nose. OR, maybe there’s a different reason.
3. Liposuction – 33,985 people underwent liposuction procedures last year. It seems as if these are the people who learned earlier than the rest how inconvenient dieting and exercising can be when you are trying to get your life together in every other way too.
4. Breast Lift – 13,666 women got a breast lift last year in this age group. If you’re between 20 and 29 years old and your boobs are sagging excessively, it makes sense that you might want surgery because that certainly does not seem to be because of your age.
5. Tummy Tuck – 12,103 tummies were tucked in 2015 in this age group. Since you should be in your physical peak in your 20’s, it would make sense if early Moms and other people are worried enough about any excessive fat and skin on their stomach and take surgical action.

30-39 Years Old:

1. Breast Augmentation – 102,585 women got boob jobs in their 30’s last year. This could easily be the result of some extra efforts to find love after a couple of failed attempts before. Or, maybe these are the women that have finally set aside enough extra money to treat themselves to an upgraded chest. Regardless of why, a lot of boob jobs are given in this age range.
2. Liposuction – 74,848 people in their 30’s underwent lipo last year. This seems to be fitting as a lot things happen in your life by the time you reach your 30’s that can easily take the place of any gym time, like having kids. After all, you only have time to do so much each day.
3. Nose Job – 51,468 people in their 30’s underwent rhinoplasty procedures in 2015. Maybe these are the people who are finally getting around to their broken noses in high school, or maybe these are single men and women hoping for better luck in their love lives after fixing up their noses a bit.
4. Tummy Tuck – 45,206 people in their 30’s had their tummies tucked. Again, this might be because of failed gym promises, or this could be the result of Moms’ third kid really doing a number on her body. Of course, it’s probably a combination of both.
5. Breast Lift – 29,899 women 30 to 39 years old decided to get a breast lift last year. Either they aged a little early, or these are very precautious women. Regardless, having sagging boobs in your 30’s might easily warrant cosmetic surgery.

40-54 Years Old:

1. Eyelid Surgery – 89,733 people in this age range underwent eyelid surgery. They could be seeing early signs of their eyelids sagging, or they could be beginning to lose their vision. In either case (or any other possibility), quite a few people of this age range decided to touch up their eyelids in 2015.
2. Liposuction – 86,917 people underwent a lipo procedure from this age group in 2015. This is a good time in life to worry about excess fat as it might jeopardize your health as you age at this point. It’s also a lot more difficult to pull off gym miracles in your 40’s and 50’s.
3. Breast Augmentation – 82,251 women got a boob job in this age group in 2015. Women enjoy boob jobs at any point in life it seems. So, whether they are rehooking their husband, hooking a husband period, or just doing what they want, boob jobs certainly are not uncommon for this age range.
4. Tummy Tuck – 52,956 of the people in this age group tucked their tummies in 2015. Again, this seems to be because of how difficult such an extreme thing can become at the gym especially with the raising importance of health as age increases.
5. Rhinoplasty – 45,116 nose jobs were given to people between 40 and 54 years old in 2015. Nose jobs might bring out a certain look you desire, but just remember that nose jobs do not reverse age and gray hair.

55 Years and Older:

1. Eyelid Surgery – 97,800 people over 55 years old underwent eyelid procedures. This fits with a certain time in life that people really become concerned with how youthful their appearance is especially concerning facial skin.
2. Facelift – 82,389 people over 55 years old got facelifts in 2015. As you age, your skin weakens and grows thin and wrinkly. Although age brings many great things to life, wrinkling skin is not one of them. Facelifts reverse the clock for you and your skin.
3. Dermabrasion – 35,024 people in this age group underwent dermabrasion procedures in 2015. Just as your teenage years, the appearance of your face might be crucial to how feel, as people over 55 would be quick to tell you.
4. Liposuction – 22,760 people in this age range decided 2015 was the last of their excessive fat stage of their body. Whether they became fat in adult life, just stopped working out, or have always carried extra weight, liposuctions can be very integral to maintaining your health at such an age.
5. Forehead Lift – 22,456 people got forehead lifts in 2015. Maybe it’s wisdom, but some people’s forehead begins to weigh down the rest of their faces as they grow older, causing undesired wrinkles and lines. A forehead lift is the solution for many of these people.

Everyone knows that some people get things such as boob jobs, nose jobs, Botox, and lipo, but there are quite a few plastic surgeries that are very common for people to get. Just as there are distinct differences between the most popular surgeries for women compared to the most popular for men, there are distinct differences depending on age. All these differences really stand as a testament to how popular plastic surgery has become nowadays. So, if you are concerned about who tends to get what surgery when, these lists should help. Just keep in mind that you should never make any decisions about surgery based on ranking lists, so always check with your doctor before making any serious decisions. 

Written by: Russell McBurnie

Examining The Risks And Benefits Of A Face Lift

If you’re reading this blog post there is a chance you’re sitting at your computer wondering, “Should I get a Face-Lift?” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this facial reconstruction surgery is best practiced among healthy, non-smoking individuals, with realistic expectations.

The first thing to do if considering plastic surgery is talk to your doctor. He will able to discuss pricing, desired results, as well as the risks and benefits of a face-lift. The cost of a face-lift is mostly determined by the location of the surgery as well as the surgeon’s own references, so do your researching to find the surgeon who best suits you.

It’s encouraged to speak with individuals who have received the reconstructive surgery prior, in order to learn about their own experiences with the process.

During the recovery period it is important to remember that everyone is different, and the healing process will vary from one individual to the next in terms of swelling, duration, etc.

The benefits of having a face-lift can be, well, uplifting…but it’s important to remember that this is facial surgery, and with that comes its inherent risks. Take a look at the risks and benefits below to answer the question, “Should I get a Face-Lift?”

Benefits:

1.     Decreases sagging in the face

2.     Prevenst deep creases around the eyes

3.     Helps patients gain confidence

4.     Undo the effects of fat drooping like a double chin

Risks:

1.     Anesthesia risks

2.     Infection during the recovery process

3.     Prolonged swelling

4.     Discoloration of the skin

5.     Unsatisfactory results and/or scarring

6.     Hair loss at incisions

As with any other plastic surgery procedure, getting a face lift isn’t a decision that should be made lightly. It’s important to weigh the pros, cons, and costs of the procedure in order to determine whether it’s really something that’s right for you at this stage in your life.

Written by: Maren Burns

5 Alternatives To Botox

When you think of someone looking plastic, one of the first things that may come to mind is Botox. Botox is among the most popular cosmetic procedures especially due to its minimally-invasive nature compared to the other most popular procedures, which all happen to be surgeries. Botox prevents the development of wrinkles by paralyzing certain facial muscles. Botox has become a beloved procedure by many because the results are very fast and effective. Results can be seen as quickly as 3-5 days, and full results take about 2 weeks.

However, Botox is not merely known as an entirely good thing. There are also a few concerns about Botox, such as the cost and dangers. Botox can be very pricy, and it only lasts between a few weeks to a few months, so Botox patients can expect to spend quite a bit of money. Botox is made from the neurotoxic protein known as botulinum toxin, or BTX. Botulinum is one of the most acutely lethal toxins known, and any complications involving Botox can result in things as severe as botulism, which is a potentially fatal illness caused by botulinum. Considering the costs and risks, it makes sense that you might want to consider one of the more natural cosmetic remedies as an alternative to Botox. So, we made a list for you here:

Alternatives To Botox:

1.     Antioxidants 

Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as selenium, help improve the quality and overall health of your skin. Antioxidants help to reverse and prevent future discoloration and wrinkling of your skin because of aging. They do so by improving the skin’s natural repair systems and then directly preventing future damage that may affect the repair systems’ effectiveness. Other antioxidants, such as retinoic acid, help restore elastic fibers in your skin, keeping your skin tauter and lessening the presence of wrinkles. Antioxidant creams cost between $20-$200.

2.     AHAs

Alpha hydroxyl acids are groups of compounds that many wrinkle and acne-reducing products are based on, including chemical peels given by dermatologists. Some of the most popular forms of these acids are lactic acid, citric acid, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid. These acids essentially exfoliate the entire top layer of skin, which results in a new layer of skin that is much more even and smooth than before. Various anti-wrinkle serums use different formulas that contain a certain percent of an AHA, and these formulas often treat both skin lines and blemishes. AHAs cost anywhere between $25-$150.

3.     Peptides 

There are many different forms of peptides that help your skin, but they all function in the same manner. Peptides builds collagen, which ultimately lessens wrinkles and decreases lines in your skin. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and it is a part of the connective tissue in the skin that helps firmness, suppleness, and constant renewal of skin cells making it absolutely crucial for healthy skin. Since wrinkles occur due to a loss of the collagen layer, different anti-aging serums containing various peptide combinations help tighten the skin in wrinkling areas. Peptide serums cost anywhere between $50-$275. 

4.     Retinol/Retinoid

Retinol, or the prescription-form being retinoid, is one of the most studied and recommended anti-wrinkle products that you can purchase. Retinol helps push skin cells up which makes them turn over in a healthier way preventing lines and wrinkles. Also, like peptides, retinol helps produce more collagen, which also helps flatten wrinkles and lines. Retinoid works very quickly, and it also treats other facial blemishes such as acne. Mild retinol creams will help hydrate and smooth out the skin, while more intense retinol formulas might cause redness or flaking. Regardless, retinol-based creams are among the most effective alternatives and they cost anywhere between $30-$300.  

5.     Vitamin B3/Niacinamide

Vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, helps to better quite a few facial conditions, such as wrinkles and acne. Vitamin B3 effectively lessens wrinkling by reinforcing the skin barrier and preventing any swelling action of the skin cells. The inflammation of skin cells often leads to deeper, more pronounced lines and wrinkles, so niacinamide helps prevent wrinkling by negating inflammation. Niacinamide is known to work well in combination with sunscreen ingredients by improving the texture and pigment of your skin. Niacinamide formulas cost between $15-$115.

Finding the youth in your skin again might seem like a daunting task, but do not panic and rush to a plastic surgeon for Botox. There are many alternatives to Botox that can work just as well for you. While they are all different, and work differently for everyone, they all help. Of course, however, the key to maintaining a healthy appearance to your skin is to stay healthy! It is important to avoid over-tanning as well as overdoing anything that might be unhealthy for your skin before it is too late. It is also crucial to always stay hydrated as that keeps your skin system working well. Otherwise, if your skin is starting to age and you want to try one of these alternatives, the most important thing between each alternative (as well as Botox) is consistency! None of these options will work overnight and keep your skin looking youthful forever, so you must stay consistent with your health!

Written by: Russell McBurnie

How Does A Tummy Tuck Work?

It’s no secret that many people desire flat and firm abs, and it’s definitely not a secret that toning your stomach can be quite the challenge after your teenage years. While some people flatten their abs and tone their stomachs with diets and exercise, some people cannot achieve the results they desire through diets and exercise. Even people of average weight wish to have a more appealing stomach because their abdomen protrudes or just has a loose and saggy look to it. Stomachs can have excessive fat and excessive skin for quite a few reasons, like aging, hereditary causes, pregnancy, prior surgeries, or even just significant weight fluctuations in the past.

In the case that someone desires flat and tightened abs, but might not be able to do so with sit ups and salads, there might be another option – a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgical procedure that removes most of the excess fat and excess skin. A tummy tuck will also remove the weakened and separated muscles in the abdomen area, providing the patient with a much smoother and firmer look for their stomach. Not surprisingly, tummy tucks were one of the most popular plastic surgeries for both men and women. So, for all those who wish they had well-toned abs but struggle to get them, here’s how a tummy tuck works.

How a Tummy Tuck Works:

Depending on whether it is a complete abdominoplasty or a partial one, the surgery usually takes about 1-5 hours or 1-2 hours, respectively. Some patients might have to stay overnight at the hospital, while some may be able to leave later that day. In either case, however, it is important that patients bring someone along with them as they cannot drive home from the hospital, and they should also remain under supervision for 24 hours in case of any severe complications such as blood clotting.

Step 1 – The doctor provides a patient with something to ensure comfort during the surgery. Depending on certain factors, such as allergies and prices, the patient is usually either given intravenous sedation or anesthesia.

Step 2 – The doctor will make a horizontally-placed incision somewhere between the pubic hairline and the belly button area. Although a complete abdominoplasty involves an incision from hip to hip, the specific size and shape of the incision depends on the exact amount of excess skin that the patient has and how much work is being done under the skin. Patients can also undergo a partial abdominoplasty or an extended one, which involves a shorter or longer incision, respectively. In the case of complete abdominoplasty (and extended), the doctor will make another incision to free the navel from the skin surrounding the belly button.

Step 3 – Once the incision is made, and the skin is lifted, the doctor repairs any weakened or separated muscles. In most cases, the doctors tighten the muscles with sutures. Depending on whether the patient is undergoing a complete tummy tuck, or a partial tummy tuck (a “mini” tuck), the doctor will repair different portions of the weakened and separated muscles. In addition to the muscle repair, liposuction is usually used to refine and better contour the transition areas in the stomach’s profile. The liposuction helps remove the excess fat that’s contributing to the patient’s loose and saggy stomach.

Step 4 – After the muscle is repaired and any excess fat is removed, the doctor pulls the upper skin down as if it were a window shade until the skin reaches a tight, fitting form. At this point any excess skin can be trimmed and then the remaining skin can be sutured using skin adhesive, stitches, tapes, clips, etc. If the patient is undergoing a complete tummy tuck, then the belly button will be popped through to the surface after the skin is reconfigured.

Other Things to Consider:

A tummy tuck procedure begins well before the actual surgery, and it’s important to prepare properly for the surgery. While each and every patient will have their own specific preparation requirements provided by their doctor, here are some of the common instructions: patients must quit smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure as it severely affects their healing abilities, patients must eat a whole and balanced diet for the two weeks leading up to the surgery, and patients must report any medicines they take leading up to the surgery. Always remember to follow any preparation instructions very carefully because if not, they can have significant and negative effects on the surgery.

On the other end, after the procedure, there are also very important instructions to follow. Again, the doctor will provide each patient with specific instructions to follow to ensure the best recovery for each patient and their specific needs, but there are common instructions among all patients. Patients may need to take some form of a pain relieving medicine, wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and bruising, and rest for up to four weeks following the surgery. Patients also need to avoid nicotine for a month after the surgery. It is absolutely crucial that patients listen to their doctor’s recovery instructions and keep in contact with a doctor in case of any complications.

Tummy tucks are generally very effective procedures with long term effects that can last forever as long as you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. So, if you like your new flat, firm, and smooth stomach, then do not forget to follow any instructions carefully. Otherwise, enjoy those tight abs you have been waiting for!

Written by: Russell McBurnie

10 Things To Do While Recovering From A Rhinoplasty

Recovering from plastic surgery isn’t easy. It’s a long (and often painful) process, and how long your recovery takes depends on what type of procedure you had done. A Rhinoplasty, or nose job, usually takes about 2-3 weeks to fully recover from. Yep, you read that right. Almost three weeks. It can be a little bit different for everyone, but that’s the general timeline, and yes. That’s a crazy amount of time.

You might find yourself wondering what you could possibly do to fill three weeks’ worth of time. You might even be viewing the time off as an inconvenience…don’t. Your rhinoplasty recovery could be the best thing that’s ever happened to you! Think about it. Two to three weeks to do whatever you want. Still struggling to figure out how you’ll fill your time? We’ve got a few suggestions. Here are 10 things you could do while recovering from your rhinoplasty:

1.     Have a harry Potter Marathon.

2.     Paint your nails, and check out essie.com for the latest trends.

3.     Read a good book, or three!

4.     Try cooking something new; get Chrissy Teigen’s “Cravings” here.

5.     Catch up on Greys Anatomy…all 12 seasons...

6.     Fall in love with a vampire on Vampire Diaries.

7.     Call a friend that you miss, just to say hello.

8.     Organize your closet; who doesn’t love color coordination?

9.     Paint a picture; check out Pinterest.com for great tutorials.

10.  Get an adult coloring book from Marshalls.

Doesn’t sound so bad after all, right? Recovery can take a while, but there’s no reason why you shouldn’t try to make the process fun! That being said, make sure that you’re following your doctor’s not-so-fun recovery recommendations as well.

Throughout recovery period it is recommended to avoid dusty, dry places because the nose cannot be blown and this could lead to infection. Take this time inside to get to know your new nose. While swelling may occur it will not be severe, and you will be able to immediately see the effects of the reconstructive surgery. Smiling in the mirror is a great way to avoid feeling self-conscious in the few weeks following the nose job as the tip of the nose may still feel numb.

Following the surgery patients are often anxious about causing harm to the recovery process. While it is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise for two weeks, touching the nose and feeling its new shape will not harm the nose or recovery.

Now sit back, relax and read a book… you have 2-3 weeks recovery time. How are you going to spend it?

If you came across this page researching a rhinoplasty or nose job, check out this blog post to learn about How a Rhinoplasty Works.

Written by: Maren Burns

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

Plastic surgery has become increasingly more popular throughout recent years. When most people think of popular cosmetic surgeries, they think of boob jobs and nose jobs, but laser hair removal is also among the list of popular plastic surgeries. Laser hair removal does exactly what it says it does – it removes undesired hair with a laser. This might not sound like your typical surgical procedure, so you might be wondering just how laser hair removal works.

So, how does it work?

Laser hair removal uses a highly concentrated beam of light, in the form of a laser, to damage the hair follicles in the desired area of the body in order to inhibit future hair growth. The pigment in the targeted area absorbs the light, which then damages the follicles in that area. Laser hair removal prevents the growth of hair for any time between several months and a few years depending on the person undergoing the procedure. The procedure is not permanent because hair grows in indeterminate cycles, so once the cycle restarts some time months or years down the road, hair growth will recontinue. Because of this, a procedure works best if the lasers damage the hair follicles during the growth phase of the cycle.

The procedure itself is very precise as the lasers have the capacity to target individual follicles. Additionally, the laser removes hair at an extremely fast rate. The laser is able to zap multiple follicles within a concentrated area in a fraction of a second. Since the removal works so quickly, the procedure itself can be quick. For instance, in an area like above the lip, the laser hair removal only takes about a minute. But, for larger areas, such as the back of the legs, it can take up to an hour. So, the duration of the procedure can be very quick, but it can also take a decent amount of time if the targeted area is large.

Before and after the procedure:

The process of laser hair removal begins before the procedure starts in the medical facility. The procedure itself depends on certain things before and after the laser removal itself, so it’s important to understand what to do before and after the procedure to maximize its effectiveness. As we mentioned above, the pigment absorbs the laser’s light, so the procedure is most efficient if there is less surface pigment to absorb the light before it makes it to the hair follicles. Because of this, it is best not to get a significant amount of sun or tanning at salons starting six weeks before the procedure and six weeks after the procedure. This could have a huge effect on the effectiveness of the procedure, so don’t take this warning lightly.

Also, patients that are to undergo laser hair removal are strongly advised to avoid waxing and plucking starting six weeks before the procedure because these techniques tend to remove the root of the hair. If there is not root at the time of the procedure, there is no follicle to zap, and the hair will grow back normally instead of having its growth obstructed.

In addition to warnings regarding tanning and waxing/plucking, it is very important to take care of skin after the procedure. While this may not directly affect the procedure itself, it will have an impact on the overall quality of your experience, just as taking care of your skin after a tattoo affects the overall quality of the tattoo. The doctor will likely prescribe a specific treatment, but some of the typical post-procedure routines involve some sort of an OTC hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial lotion, and anti-inflammatory. However, like most procedures, the specifics of laser hair removal will vary slightly depending on the different conditions of each individual patient.

Important things to know:

Of course, there are many other important things to know in order to better understand laser hair removal, from how painful the procedure is to how much the procedure will hurt your wallet. Laser hair removal will feel different to each person that undergoes the procedure, but it can be painful. Some individuals describe the pain as being similar to that of gentle pinches, but others experience something more like a snapping rubber band. So, the pain will depend on your pain tolerance, but you will certainly feel something if you undergo laser hair removal. As for the hurt on your wallet, laser hair removal can cost up to $1000 per session depending on the size of the targeted area. However, laser hair removal typically requires three different sessions in order to effectively zap all of the hair in the targeted region. So, like any plastic surgery, it is unwise to expect a cheap procedure.

In the end, how the procedure works depends on many factors, and how well the procedure works strongly depends on your understanding of the procedure. Laser hair removal is a surgical procedure, so treat it like one. Pay attention to the details of how it works in order to ensure that the overall quality of your laser hair removal is as good as it can be. After all, you don’t want to get caught in another hairy situation because you skipped out on understanding the entirety of the process.

Written by: Russell McBurnie

Find Out The Cost of a Boob Job

People undergo many different types of breast surgeries, like breast lifts and breast reductions, but the most popular cosmetic breast surgery is the boob job. Although this may come as no surprise, there are still many things to know about breast augmentation surgery besides the fact that it’s the most popular cosmetic surgery.

1. How much does a boob job cost ON AVERAGE?

Although there is not a single, standard boob job price, they typically cost between $3,000 and $11,000. For people who don’t just have an extra few thousand dollars laying around, there is good news. The average price for boob jobs has been dropping consistently since 2010. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of breast implants in 2014 was $3,704. Obviously this is not pocket change, but breast implants used to cost a bit more on average.

2. Why aren't all boob jobs the same price?

Each plastic surgery center has the discretion to price their plastic surgery options. So, there should be no surprise that there’s a bunch of additional fees when you get a boob job no matter what plastic surgery group you choose. While there’s no definitive answer to what additional fees there will be, we can layout the groundwork for things to expect. Each plastic surgery center factors costs for a breast augmentation differently. However, the following may increase the price of the boob job offered at a specific practice: 

3. what factors affect the price of a boob job?

8 Most Common Plastic Surgeries For Men

When most people think of cosmetic surgery, they think about all of the plastic surgery for the “Barbie” girls in the world. Yet, many people overlook the fact that men also get a significant amount of cosmetic surgery. Now, obviously men aren’t not out getting too many boob jobs or lip augmentations, but they are getting chin augmentations and cheek implants.

Whether you’re an interested man wondering how you might be able to improve the way you look, or you’re simply a curious reader, it helps to know some of the most common cosmetic procedures that other men in the world tend to get. So, for those of you who are interested, here’s a list of the 8 most common cosmetic surgeries for men in 2015 according to statistics compiled by American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

8.    Ear Surgery

Ear surgery can benefit the shape, balance, and position of your ears. People get ear surgery if they are born with slight birth defects that develop as they grow older or if they plainly just don’t like the appearance of their ear. It’s always shocking to realize just how much the shape and appearance of your ear affects how you look, which is why it’s no surprise that 9,718 men underwent ear surgery in 2015.

7.    Hair Transplantation

You never know what you have, until it’s gone, and this is especially true in regard to your hair. It makes sense that hair transplantation procedures are among the most common cosmetic surgeries for men. Doctors have been performing hair transplantation procedures for over 50 years now, but the procedures have gotten much more effective as they’ve developed new techniques recently. Balding can be a rough experience, so if you’re slowly (or quickly) losing your hair, you might want to consider this one. According to the report, 11,336 men had hair transplantations in 2015.

6.    Dermabrasion

Acne has haunted everyone at some point in their life, but it becomes much worse when the acne leaves scars. Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that sands your face, in a sense, and removes the upper layer of skin allowing a new layer to grow in once it heals. This procedure can help people overcome any type of trauma to their facial skin, such as acne, scars, and other kinds of facial damage. In 2015, 11,577 men underwent a dermabrasion procedure.

5.    Facelift

Old ladies aren’t the only people in the world who get wrinkly skin! A facelift gives the patient more of a youthful look to their face by tightening the skin to remove any wrinkles or sagging. And, since men get old too, men also get facelifts. According to the statistics reported, 11,963 men had facelifts in 2015.

4.    Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery for both men and women, as you can see in the 8 Most Common Cosmetic Surgeries for Women, too.  It’s not a surprise that men tend be overweight just like women, it’s just a surprise that they also care enough to do something about it. Liposuction is the suction-assisted surgical removal of extra fat all around the body. This improves your body’s contours and reshapes your body back to the way you want it. 25,656 men had liposuction in 2015.

3.    Male Breast Reduction

This one might come off as a bit of a surprise, but it makes sense that men wouldn’t want boobs. Whether you have extra fat or glandular tissue because of genetic reasons, because of the side effects from some medicine, or any other reason, male breast reductions are relatively common and very effective. So, if you want to restore a flatter, firmer, and manlier appearance to your chest like the 27,456 men that had a breast reduction in 2015, then this procedure might be your answer.

2.    Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, or a blepharoplasty, can improve the appearance of your eyes and eyelids in a number of ways. Either by removing sagginess in your eyelids (which might even affect your vision), removing bags under your eyes or in your lower eyelid, or treating the excess fat deposits that make your eyes puffy, eyelid surgery can have a huge effect on the appearance and functioning of your eyes. This surgery is the second most common for men as 29,906 men underwent eyelid surgery in 2015.

1.    Nose Job

And for all those broken noses back in your glory days as the high school quarterback, there’s a nose job! It’s not too much of a surprise that the most common cosmetic surgery for men is a rhinoplasty. Nose jobs can be to reshape your nose after an injury, or just fixing the way it looks because you don’t like it. Whether it’s just crooked, large noses, or finally fixing the broken nose from that one championship game senior year in high school, 53,246 men got nose jobs in 2015.

For some readers, it might have come as a surprise that men actually get enough cosmetic surgery for there to even be a list of the top 8 most common surgical procedures. And for those of you who might be thinking this – no, you do not need to be gay to get cosmetic surgery as a man, but you might need to be rich. Besides money, though, the only thing you need to be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery is some sort of perceived defect. So, maybe your hair is on its way out quick, or your nose never healed properly after breaking it in high school. Regardless, cosmetic surgery might be the best way to fix those issues, and if it is, don’t worry – you aren’t alone! Men get all types of cosmetic surgeries.