Plastic Surgery-- Tools to Help Imagine Your Results Before Surgery

Trying to imagine what you might look like after plastic surgery can be a difficult undertaking. But making plastic surgery decisions such as which breast implant size to choose or just how you'd like your nose reshaped requires some pre-op visualization. For those contemplating plastic surgery, websites such as Reshapr.com and Loveyourlook.com can be valuable tools. But one shouldn't believe the results they see in the computer images are the exact ones they will get in real life.

Reshapr.com and Loveyourlook.com allow users to upload photos of themselves and make changes such as enlarging the breasts, trimming the stomach, or re-shaping the nose. Though these computer images can be helpful, plastic surgeon Dr. William Adams warns us on The Plastic Surgery Channel that "patients need to understand that what they see on the computer-generated model may not indeed be what they are able to attain realistically with the procedure." Factors such as a patient's individual characteristics affect which specific looks can and cannot be created through plastic surgery.

The Plastic Surgery Chanel recommends the website be used only as a visualization tool to give one a general idea of what they might look like after various plastic surgery procedures.

Though it may not be possible to see one's specific results of a procedure before surgery, websites such as Reshapr.com can be used as a communication tool between a patient and his or her plastic surgeon. Patients can show the types of looks they like and in turn, the surgeon can communicate whether or not that general look can be attained.

For those considering such plastic surgery procedures as rhinoplasty, liposuction or breast augmentation, Toledo area plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Kelly offers great information on his website. Or, to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you, visit plasticsurgery.org.

Plastic Surgery-- To Thine Own Self Be True

When it comes to body image and public perception, there's really no winning. We stand in the grocery store line surrounded by tabloids pointing out which celebs are too fat or too thin on any given day. Celebrities are seen as plastic and vain in their physical perfection, but if they're revealed to have a little bit of cellulite, God Help 'em. And we reward beauty contestants for possessing a very specific set of physical traits (when was the last time a small-breasted woman won a major crown?) but flay them in the media for undergoing cosmetic enhancement. And though most of us aren't celebrities and don't face such harsh public scrutiny, we are judged in the same way to a smaller degree all the same.

Though it is quite true, the world is filled with happy, healthy, productive people with cellulite, flab, small breasts, big noses and wrinkly skin, there's no denying that extra bit of positive attention, admiration, and even financial success those with beautiful noses, beautiful lips, and beautiful breasts are rewarded with-- everyday, by everyday people in the everyday world-- even by those who dislike or distrust plastic surgery, whether they admit it or not.

True, if you're a sad person, breast implants aren't going to turn you into a happy one. If your husband doesn't love you with a that extra bit of flab on your thighs, he's not going to love you without it either. But most who seek plastic surgery understand this. Unfortunately, plastic surgery seems to be one of those issues everyone feels they are an expert on-- offering advice, opinions, and alternate views on how you should see your body, your self-esteem, your life. But ultimately, it's up to you.

Sure, there are those who undergo procedures who shouldn't. Disreputable surgeons who will perform procedures on anyone. But there are more who bend over backwards to offer professional results to good candidates, either out of a true desire to help people and/or to protect their practices from malpractice suits, a poor reputation and the headache of having to field endless patient complaints.

So, if you think you're too flabby, you're nose is too big, your breasts are too small or your neck is too saggy, you're in good company, because most of us have at least some of the same concerns. If you decide to address a cosmetic issue or two with plastic surgery, do it if it makes you happy. It's not up to anyone else to give you permission.

For those considering plastic surgery procedures, such as a tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation or breast augmentation, Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Regenass offers attentive consultations and great information on her website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to find a skilled plastic surgeon in your area.

Houston breast augmentation before and after

Houston breast augmentation patient before and after pictures help those considering surgery in their decision making. Photo courtesy Dr. Bob Basu.

Body Contouring for Bariatric Patients

As more and more Americans seek the many benefits of bariatic surgery, the demand for post weight loss plastic surgery grows. After considerable weight loss, the body is often left with excess skin and pockets of fat that cannot be reduced through diet or exercise. In turn, a patient may experience great health and self-esteem benefits from their weight loss while substantial cosmetic issues remain.

For individuals in this situation, plastic surgery techniques known as body contouring can offer the improvement they seek. Body contouring removes excess fat and skin from various areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, buttock and arms for a trimmer look and feel. For those interested in body contouring, Houston, TX plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu says evaluation of the patient's all over health is essential, including nutritional habits, exercise, stability of weight and other factors.

According to Dr. Basu, ideal candidates for body contouring tend to be those who have reached their goal body weight and have maintained it for 4-6 months. For his patients in Houston, breast lift, tummy tuck, thigh lift and other body contouring procedures can offer great cosmetic improvement, but he recommends they maintain their weight for at least 6 months prior to surgery for the sake of safety and optimal results.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, patients who undergo body contouring while still obese tend to have more complications than those who wait until they reach and maintain their goal weight before surgery.

Plastic Surgery as Art?

Recently, the topic of plastic surgery as an art form was explored at New York City's Apexart. The exhibit, "I Am Art: An Expression of the Visual & Artistic Process of Plastic Surgery," curated by New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony C. Berlet, explored the artistic value of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures through videos and photographs of patients before, during, and after such procedures as rhinoplasty, facial reconstruction and breast augmentation. Though the exhibit was a bit graphic for many, its intent was to show the work, artistry and skill behind transforming skin, cartridge, fat, and other body tissue into a more visually pleasing form.

According the the New York Times, Dr. Berlet suggests many plastic surgery procedures should be considered as art, but he draws does draw distinctions. Facelifts, for example, "can be taught to almost anyone" according to Berlet, while other procedures, such as rhinoplasty, require much more aesthetic sensibility.

"To understand [the nose] structurally and to be able to alter it to the point where you can say this is what I want to create for you, this is how I'm going to create it, I think that takes artistic skill, a good eye and a certain amount of creativity," said Berlet.

The exhibit showcased Berlet's own surgical work as well as the work of three of his colleagues, Itallian pediatric plastic surgeon Dr. Antonino Cassisi, Baltimore breast augmentation specialist Dr. Michael Cohen, and New Jersey plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring techniques Dr. Scott Spiro.

For an alternate take on plastic surgery as art, French artist Orlan, has explored the issue as well throughout her career, though instead using plastic surgery to conform to an accepted contemporary Western beauty ideal, she's pushed the envelope, using various mediums (including her body, as well as her surgical procedures as performance art) to explore ideals of beauty throughout art, time and the world. Her plastic surgery "performances" have been filmed and broadcast in institutions throughout the world.

Of course, for most of us, plastic surgery is a way to acquire a look we want-- flatter abs, a slimmer nose, or a fuller breast. For those considering plastic surgery procedures such as rhinoplasty, body contouring or breast augmentation, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. White offers great information on his website. Or, consult plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Celebrity Plastic Surgery and Why We Love to Mock It!

Almost everyone has taken their jabs at the numerous celebrity plastic surgery horror stories out there. Joan Rivers, Dolly Parton, Michael Jackson, Pamela Anderson, Kenny Rogers all take their turns at the end of the gossip-rag skewer. How we all love to make comments like, "Just who does he think he's fooling?" and "My God! She really needs to stop now!" as we stand in our sweat pants in the grocery store check out line. Many of these celebs even take regular pokes at themselves. Joan Rivers once said, "I wish I had a twin, so I could know what I'd look like without plastic surgery." And Dolly Parton, always with a great sense of humor, is quoted as saying, "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!" But for every celebrity plastic surgery joke, there are dozens of success stories that slip beneath the radar, because good plastic surgery doesn't draw attention to itself.

Websites like Makemeheal.com/, Celebrityplasticpics.com Goodplasticsurgery.com/, and its counterpart, Awfulplasticsurgery.com draw their fans by watching for changes, subtle or not, in celebrity faces and bodies and speculating on the procedures they've undergone.

Some famous celebs that appear in these sites' "good plastic surgery" column include Mira Sorvino, Charlie Sheen, Scarlett Johansson, and Winona Ryder, all with results noticeable only when compared with "before" pictures.

For those of us who don't reside on the silver screen, subtle results are also important. For this, shopping around for a good plastic surgeon, one who offers consultations rather than sales pitches, is important. For those considering cosmetic enhancement, such as breast augmentation, rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck, Charlotte, NC plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick O'neill offers great information on his website. Or visit plasticsurgery.org to locate a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Mommy Makeover-- Do Something for Yourself this Mother's Day

We all know how much moms sacrifice for their children-- time, money, energy, solitude, and the list goes on. A youthful-looking body, however, doesn't have to be a permanent part of that sacrifice. Though pregnancy does take its toll on such areas as the breasts, abdomen, thighs, and hips, there are numerous cosmetic procedures available to help. As Mother's Day approaches, some moms are opting to do a little something for themselves. Sure the cards, the brunches, the flowers are all nice, but a rejuvenated body is even nicer.

A mommy makeover is a combination of procedures used to roll back the clock on the body after pregnancy. It can consist of any combination of such procedures as:
*Liposuction
*Breast Augmentation
*Breast Lift
*Tummy Tuck

After one or more pregnancies, woman's breasts often lose shape or volume, abdomens can be left with loose skin and stretched abdominal muscle, and the body may be left with stubborn areas of fat. Despite a healthy diet and regular visits to the gym, these issues just don't go away. Instead of just accepting it as part of motherhood, more and more moms are consulting their plastic surgeons.

For more information about such mommy makeover procedures as liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift or abdominoplasty, The Woodlands plastic surgeon Dr. Sugene Kim offers great information on her website.

Macrolane Boob Jab-- Does it Live Up To the Hype?

Recently, Alice Hart Davis, a London beauty journalist reported on her experience with temporary breast enhancement using Macrolane injectable gel rather than breast implants. The hyaluronic acid gel is made by the makers of Restylane, a popular dermal filler used to smooth facial wrinkles and folds. Though not approved for breast augmentation use in the United States, Macrolane is being used for temporary, conservative breast enhancement in Europe and Japan. The injections are said to offer enhancement up to a cup size and require no anesthesia, incisions or breast implants. The treatments generally take 1-2 hours to administer.

Though initially, Ms. Davis reports being happy with her Macrolane results, as time went by, some issues started to arise-- leading her to eventually refer to the treatment as her "big boob jab disaster."

"...by August, one breast had mysteriously gone rock hard while the other had shrunk to half its size," she reports. "On holiday I resorted to padding out my sundress with a sock, to even them up."

Returning to her surgeon, he assured her the hardening was caused by scar tissue and could be corrected by massage. The unevenness had to be corrected with another injection, one that would have cost her a pretty penny if she been paying for the treatments herself instead of undergoing them for an assignment. Within a few weeks, another lump developed, which required more massage to soften. The second incident prompted her to do a little more research into Macrolane and it's use for breast augmentation.

"I went to Q-Med's official Macrolane website, which states carefully that Macrolane is a type of non-animal hyaluronic acid that has been 'clinically proven and well documented in facial aesthetics for over 10 years with Restylane'. But have they been proven on the breast? That's where things begin to get hazy," she reports. The company's website places most of its stock in a 2006 Japanese study "which found that out of 1,100 people treated for (Macrlolane) breast augmentation, there were no long-lasting side-effects and breasts remained 'soft and natural' for up to 12 months. Q-Med acknowledges that 'longer term follow up would be desirable'."

Aside from issues with hardness and lumps, not all doctors agree on the safety of injecting the gel into the breast. London plastic surgeon Dr. David Ross warns, “I have significant reservations about injecting artificial materials into the substance of the breast,” he says. “While many of the hyaluronic-acid-based materials have been shown to be safe when used around the face and in small volumes, we have to be much more cautious when injecting material in and around the breast. We have to be certain it doesn't interfere with breast screening. Several years down the line, will there be changes, even benign changes? If there is infection or bleeding around the Macrolane, that will cause scarring in the tissue, which again may affect the interpretation of mammography. ”

The article points out that "Macrolane for breasts was approved in the EU on the basis of a study into its use for correcting liposuction deformities, and a currently unfinished study on its use on breasts in 24 people. Neither examined long-term effects, so people who are using it now are guinea pigs. "

Another drawback of the procedure is its cost. Though the price for this temporary treatment is near that of breast implants, breast implants last roughly 10 years or more while Macrolane treatments are temporary, with results lasting a mere 12 to 18 months.

For those of us in the US, Macrolane breast augmentation is not even an option. It has not been approved by the FDA and there are currently no clinical studies to enroll in. If you'd like more information on traditional breast enhancement, Houston breast augmentation specialist Dr. Basu can answer your questions during consultation.

Saline or Silicone Gel?

Though silicone gel implants have been back on the market for awhile, the debate over which implant is the best option continues. Of course, the answer is one each woman needs to explore and answer for herself, based upon her own goals and concerns.

To make this choice a little easier for those considering breast augmentation, Savannah plastic surgeons at Coastal Empire Plastic Surgery explore some the pros and cons of each implant type on their website.

Some of the points they cover include:

*Incision size required for each option. (Saline generally require smaller incisions than silicone.)
*Patient safety if implant ruptures. (Saline can be absorbed naturally by the body while silicone cannot.)
*Availability to women of various ages. (Silicone are only available to women 22 or over.)
*Size adjustability. (The size of saline implants can be adjusted during surgery while silicone gel cannot.)
*Implant feel. (Silicone gel tends to feel more natural than saline.)
*Skin rippling around the breast. (Saline implants sometimes ripple, causing an unnatural look, while silicone gel do not.)

For more information about breast implant options, consult the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' website or webmd.com

New Anti-Aging Cookbook!

Can you’re diet help keep you looking young? According to Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Regenass, antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients go a long way to keeping you looking and feeling young and beautiful. In fact, Dr. Regenass recently published the Dr. Heidi's Anti-Aging Cookbook, filled with delicious, nutritious recipes designed to keep you looking young and vibrant.

Though Dr. Regenass offers surgical techniques for turning back the clock, such as facelifts, eyelid lifts and brow lifts at her plastic surgery practice, she believes health and nutrition should be the first step anyone takes toward restoring that youthful look.

In her book, Dr. Regenass uses power foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, in easy to prepare recipes that prevent cell damage which can cause skin to look dull, damaged and wrinkled. Foods rich in anti-oxidants, such as blueberries, cranberries, artichokes, beans and other fresh vegetables.

Using Stem Cell Research To Grow Your Own Breasts

Some day soon it may be possible to grow your own breasts. Stem cell researchers are working on ways that fat and other tissue from your body can be made in a laboratory, and added to your breasts. Using fat tissue would create much more natural feeling breasts than the synthetic augmentation options.

According to an article in the Daily Mail, scientists in Japan have successfully implanted fat tissue in women's breasts, and the results have been fantastic. Fat cells were taken from other parts of their bodies, and grown in the laboratory. They were implanted with no problems, and the breasts feel totally natural.

The surgery will, hopefully, be available to everyone in the next five years. It should be noted, the procedure does not offer as much additional volume as saline or silicone implants. Enhancement of approximately a half cup-size is the average.

For the time being, scientists are still running tests and doing check-ups to make sure there are no problems.

For more information on available methods of breast enlargement, Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Bob Basu can answer your questions.