Now, ultrasound technology has also been used in the world of cosmetic surgery. The use of ultrasonic pressure in cosmetics is particularly geared towards the reduction of body fat. Recently, VASER liposuction–which is a new form of ultrasound liposuction–has garnered much attention and favor from patients looking to lose their excess fat permanently.

How ultrasound burns fat

To better understand how this cosmetic procedure works, it may be helpful to explain a few things about ultrasound technology first. Ultrasound are cyclic sound waves that can focus pressure on a targeted matter to the point of fracture. You may have heard of opera singers who can break glass with a high-pitched note; well, this is just like that. Ultrasonic waves that are well above the hearing capacity of human beings, are very powerful. Energy from these ultrasonic sound waves are able to disintegrate matter even on the microscopic level.

Now, when applied to the task of removing fat from the body, ultrasound has been found to be capable of disintegrating fats. And this is the basic principle behind Vaser liposuction. This procedure is a form of external ultrasonic liposuction which involves the injection of a certain chemical that works with the application of ultrasonic pressure in order to break down fat.

More about Vaser lipo

It can be said that this new method of liposuction is a kind of hi def lipo procedure. This is because ultrasound Vaser technology enables surgeons to effectively remove fat found in ‘hard-to-reach’ areas. Fat from such areas are hard to get rid of despite strict diets and severe exercise regimes. Parts of the body, like the arms, hips, chest, breasts, knees, ankles, waist, stomach, chin, back, buttocks, neck, and thighs, are really inclined to store (and keep) fat on them. This predisposition is caused by one’s genetic make-up, and so there is virtually nothing exercise and diet can do about it.

However, experts now offer Vaser lipo for patients looking to get their bodies more toned and their assets more defined. By this procedure, focused ultrasonic energy allows for the elimination of fats in specifically targeted areas. Thus, not only does the patient lose excess fat, his/her body is also finely sculpted and contoured as well.

Benefits of Vaser liposuction

Vaser liposuction is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. As such, it is much safer than the conventional forms of liposuction which require the patient to risk open surgery in order to extract fat. In fact, because Vaser lipo uses ultrasound technology, the results of this procedure with the patients’ overall appearance are better than results yielded by past liposuction methods.

The vibrations is caused by a cylinder which rotates and vibrates due to air pressure. It uses low frequency acoustic infrasonic waves which is proven to effectively break down fat. It has a whirling nutational pattern that has various advantages in areas of fibrosis since it produces minimal heat. The fat is aspirated the same time as the device gyrates. The design allows precision contouring with reduced edema and bruising. The procedure itself experiences nothing but mild discomfort.

Another good point in tickle lipo is that the trauma left by the vibrations stimulates collagen production, which helps tighten and smooth the skin. A supplementary effect to the skin is that it will naturally produce these hormones and promote a healthy glowing look.

The custom acoustic operation starts with the administration of anesthesia. Depending on the site of reduction, the patient can be given local or general sedation. If the client decides to get multiple areas done, they may choose to use an IV or an oral anesthesia. The site of treatment is then lacerated then inserted with a NIL device that automatically shuts off when approaching the skin or nearby muscles. Once the desired amount of fat has been taken out, it is closed by sutures.

The procedure is actually designed to mold the body shape rather than to remove fat. However, in cases that it becomes a substitute for reducing large fat deposits, patients are advised to get skin tucks and other skin tightening procedures. In fact, persons with healthy and elastic skin are great candidates for tickle lipo.

Clinically speaking, tickle lipo is an out-patient operation, meaning the patient experiences no or minimal downtime and may return to their usual activities right after leaving the clinic. This also proves itself worthy of consideration by reducing the price of the operation because unlike other techniques, it requires no sedation and huge operating rooms.

While the procedure may be deemed too good to be true, there are a few drawbacks in getting a tickle lipo such as blood clots and injury if not done properly. There is also a risk of infection, one of the reasons why some physicians prescribe antibiotics after the procedures as well. Aside from these possible disadvantages, the operation can sometimes leave bumps and small nodulations but can easily be countered by massages and other body shaping methods.

All in all, this gentle non-thermal infrasound operation is a good economical alternative to people who want to have a speedy recovery despite having a fat reduction.

Most of the contributing factors to the aging of our face include the environment, sun exposure, lifestyle, and the pull of gravity.

Aging contributes a lot to a person’s self-esteem. As a matter of fact, the older you look, the more your self-confidence starts dwindling. Thanks to modern medical science and dermatology, however, avenues for keeping the signs of aging away have been created. One such procedure is rhytidectomy.

Rhytidectomy?

Probably one of the oldest facial surgeries ever known to plastic surgery is the face lift, although this procedure is technically called the rhytidectomy surgery. This is a type of cosmetic surgery operation that involves the removal of facial skin, either tightening or loosening the tissues beneath, and fixing the skin on the face and the neck of the patient. Basically, it simply aims to remove the signs of aging from the face, such as wrinkles.

Through this procedure, millions of individuals have been able to bring back youth to their faces, helping them look closer to the way they did several years before. This is the best procedure that can be used to correct many facial blemishes and flaws, plus premature aging.

The Process

Rhytidectomy surgery is a tedious process. The surgeon initially lifts your skin by making an incision the hairline in the temple, circling around the ear, and going back to the original point. The skin is then lifted outward as the surgeon shifts the position, and tightens muscles underneath, as well as the connective tissue, all the while removing fat and excess skin.

Beard lines are considered for men, but all the same, incisions are positioned throughout the skin’s natural creases. The skin is closed with the use of fine metal clips or sutures after trimming the skin. When all is complete, bandages will be applied to protect the incisions made.

Is Rhytidectomy for You?

The most basic thing that you need to think about before considering this surgery is whether or not you really need to go through with it to enjoy your life even more. You should be able to understand the limitations of rhytidectomy, and your composure if the results are not exactly what you wished for.

The objective of this treatment really is to improve the appearance of your skin. A lot of factors such as ethnicity, skin type, skin elasticity, body healing mechanics, bone structure, and attitude are considered prior to this surgery, and can become points of concern during your consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Although it can be performed on patients in their thirties, rhytidectomy is most successful among patients with advanced years, since the likelihood of wrinkles are bigger then. It must be remembered that this will not stop aging; it can only help your face look healthy and more youthful.

A medical tourist may avail of any kind of procedure. The most common procedures medical tourists have include bypass surgery, joint replacement, and cosmetic surgery.

Facts and statistics

It was reported that in 2008, about 1.3 million Americans went overseas seeking medical attention, and current estimations show that the medical tourism industry is worth approximately $20 billion. By 2012, it is predicted that the industry will become a $100 billion market.

The four most common reasons people give for going abroad in order to seek medical attention are:

• that facilities in other countries are more technologically advanced;
• patients believe that healthcare quality is better elsewhere;
• it is their opinion that their medical needs will be attended to more quickly abroad; and
• medical services in other countries are cheaper.

Parts of the globe that are currently doing well in the medical tourism industry include; Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Africa, Latin America, and Mexico.

Planning out your vacation

Due to the growth of the industry, companies and associations have been founded to offer the patient information on global medical resources as well as reasonable medical tourism vacation packages. These vacation packages typically include the following services; counseling on what kind of procedures the patient needs, guidance in choosing the appropriate destination, finding a suitable doctor for the patient, a concierge during the trip, as well as planning and overseeing the patient’s recuperation.

Concerns regarding medical tourism

With the people’s show of interest in cosmetic procedures today, concern for patients’ safety and security has been growing in professional medical communities around the globe. Medical tourists can be easy targets for fraudulent healthcare providers. Some cosmetic procedures are fairly easy to perform, and such may be offered by non-certified doctors in exchange for a cheaper deal. Such examples of medical tourism pit falls are likely to jeopardize the patient’s health, or worse; endanger the patient’s life.

International associations

In order to prevent these kinds of situations from happening, doctors all over the world have formed associations that aim to provide patients with extensive information about their medical options. One such association is the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

ISAPS has been around for over 25 years. It aims for the homogenization of plastic surgery standards world wide. ISAPS has been responsible for facilitating the exchange of new knowledge in the field of cosmetics, particularly in the area of disseminating new technological know-how to developing countries involved in medical tourism.

The ISAPS website offers people information on all kinds of cosmetic surgery. It educates patients on the benefits as well as the possible risks of undergoing a certain procedure.

Besides this, ISAPS ensures prospective patients of the qualifications of its members. Doctors and surgeons that are part of the organization are guaranteed to be trained and certified medical practitioners in their respective countries.

Because of this, people are hitting the gym, and spending a lot of time going over fitness instruction manuals. There are also all sorts of diets available for people who are willing to work that hard for a lean and sexy body.

Cosmetic doctors have also developed liposuction techniques for people who do not wish to diet and exercise. People now have the option to shed the extra fat instantly. But, whether a person loses weight through liposuction or just plain diet and exercise, sometimes, remnants of the bulge still remain.

After having generally slimmed down, most people find that they are stuck with stretch marks, cellulite, or some fatty deposits here and there. These things do not easily go away with just exercise. And although liposuction can remove huge amounts of fat, it does not do very much for getting the body in tone.

In this case, cosmetic doctors have come up with a number of procedures that are focused on removing fats from small targeted areas in the body. They specifically aim for areas that have a natural tendency to accumulate fat. One method that is getting a reputation today is lipodissolve. Also called mesotherapy, lipodissolve is a way to get rid of small amounts of fat from specific areas through injection.

How it works

Cosmetic doctors prepare a special chemical solution when administering mesotherapy. The chemical solution is commonly referred to as PCDC. It is composed of two compounds; phosphatidylcholine (PC) and deoxycholate (DC). This solution of PCDC actually breaks down fat, thus dissolving it.

Phosphatidylcholine, or lecithin, is a naturally occurring substance in the human body. It is present in the cells, and can also be obtained from food stuffs like soy and egg yolks.

Deoxycholate, on the other hand, is a form of acid. Deoxycholic acid is a natural bile excretion produced by bacteria in the intestines. This substance assists in the metabolic process as it helps make fats more soluble. It breaks down fats into simpler substances so that the nutrients may easily be absorbed by the body. In medicine, deoxycholate is normally used to get rid of gall stones which are hardened fatty deposits.

When lipodissolve was approved in Germany, a PCDC solution prepared for the procedure would consist of 5% phosphatidylcholine, and 4.75% deoxycholate. The solution is administered through a series of injections. The cosmetic doctor is to inject PCDC into specific areas which had extra fat deposits.

The benefits of undergoing mesotherapy is that it only takes a few minutes. It is also more cost-effective than a liposuction. A patient would also not have to risk open surgery when undergoing lipodissolve. And although the procedure has not yet gained approval from the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is very popular in Europe and Australia.

The VASER Hi-Definition body sculpting technique is a liposuction method that utilizes ultrasound energy to melt the excess fat in a particular area of the body. The procedure is less invasive than other liposuction options. In addition, the selective characteristic of the method ensures that the tissues surrounding the fatty deposits would not be harmed or damaged during the procedure.

Once the target area for liposuction is determined, a special liquid is introduced to the fat cells in the area. This emulsifying agent breaks down the fat tissues further, which are already loosely attached to one another in the first place. Ultrasound frequencies are delivered to the fatty deposits by using a wand that is probed into the area. The ultrasound energy would break up the unwanted fat further, making the fat extraction easier and less painful.

This high definition body sculpting method provides several benefits to patients. For starters, the procedure is very precise. It is possible for smaller, targeted areas to be treated.  Since the VASER Hi-Def method does not damage muscles, nerves, joints and other bodily tissues around the target area, the underlying structure of the body is highlighted after the contouring procedure. Common post-surgery manifestations like bruising and swelling are not expected side effects of the high definition body sculpting method. The saline solution applied to the target area prior to the fat removal shrinks the veins, reducing the risks mentioned above. The minimal surgical actions involved allow patients to experience less pain and discomfort while they are being operated on, as well as in the post-liposuction period. For the same reason, the recovery times of VASER Hi-Def patients are relatively short.

While fewer side effects might occur with this variety of high definition body sculpting, there is no way to completely eliminate the risks associated with any liposuction procedure. The formation of fat and blood clots are possible side effects, although the tendency for these to occur are quite low. However, it is very dangerous when these clots do form. The clumps may travel to the lungs and subsequently cause major complications. The ultrasound wand is safer than the traditional liposuction wand, but it still carries the risk of damaging other parts of the body, especially if the operator is inexperienced in the VASER Hi-Definition body sculpting treatment.

This type of high definition body sculpting procedure is ideal for people who do not have a lot of excess fat in the first place. The primary goal of this liposuction method is to bring out muscle tones and bone structures that may be hidden under a layer of fat.

Cosmetic dentistry is a term coined to simplify the conglomerated discipline of cosmetic and dental surgery. In other words, this is a practice that uses dental work to give better appearance and utility to an individual’s set of teeth. It concentrates on improving a person’s teeth, smile and mouth. As differed from traditional dentistry that deals with treatments that are restorative and are really needed, this field focuses on elective or desired services. Wearing veneers, braces, and whitening of teeth are some examples of the workings of cosmetic dentistry.

The beginnings of cosmetic dentistry only concerned itself with the improvement of the smile by whitening teeth, putting braces to straighten misaligned teeth, and replacing lost teeth with veneers. In the event that all the teeth are gone, an artificial veneer is made. Eventually, the scope of cosmetic dentistry moved away from the smile; the teeth, after all, weren’t just concerned with the smile alone. The whole set also worked as supporters and shell of the face.

Replacing teeth with veneers cannot replace the support that the face gets from teeth. Fortunately, current technology has now realized that the importance of the teeth’s proper placement means a better, more pleasant smile. This was a developmental milestone in the development of the dental facelift.

The dental face lift can also be called the face lift dentistry. It is a restorative and bite reconstructive treatment that is intended to actually improve facial appearance through the restoration of the teeth. This took off from a study that proposed that the wearing out, loosening, and weakening of the facial muscles might be caused by the loss of teeth. This works on the premise that the teeth and the bones in the face support facial tissues and muscles. Other issues which did not usually bother many dental practitioners such as TMJ problems, thin lips, facial wrinkles and a short lower face, are now being addressed by this surgery.

Face lift dentistry’s most special aspect is the geometrical, functional and three-dimensional analysis of the face. The whole face, not just the smile, is treated by this specialization. Through the manipulation of certain teeth arrangements, the face is rejuvenated.

Short dark yellow teeth placed with old fillings and crowns which are inappropriate exaggerates our age. Within two visits, the old fillings and crowns would be replaced via dental face lift. Bite reconstruction, on the other hand, can restore facial height and support.

Normally, this procedure has an easy recovery period. There are no stitches and facial surgery, enabling the patient to get back to work the day after the operation, provided that the dentist is efficient, patient and concerned.

Many people are self-conscious with their nose. The shape of their nose maybe is a result of heredity or may have been changed due to an injury or prior surgery. From the time nose surgery became popular, thousands of people have considered this surgery.

Nose surgery, also referred to as rhinoplasty or nose job, is one of the five cosmetics plastic surgery performed every year. it is a surgery that enhances the appearance and proportion of one’s nose adding facial harmony and self confidence to an individual. Other than for cosmetic reasons, this surgery may alleviate breathing problems and correct deformities from birth or injury.

Rhinoplasty can modify many things, including nose size, width at the bridge, large or upturned nostrils, nasal asymmetry and deviation, drooping nasal tip, as well as visible humps on the bridge of the nose.

Nose surgery has the same risks as any other surgery. Risks include infection, poor wound healing, hematoma, and anesthesia as well as rupture of small surface vessels, scarring, skin contour irregularities, and many others

Before deciding to have this procedure, these are important factors to discuss with the surgeon. This is done to find out of this kind of surgery is suited for the patient. This includes medical history, physical examination such as laboratory tests to know what changes need to be done, photographs for reference, and patient’s expectations.

In preparation for this procedure, surgeons give a list of instructions to be followed strictly.  In general, no eating or drinking after midnight on the evening before is discouraged as well as smoking cessation, drinking alcohol, and discontinuing of certain medications.

Types of Nose Surgery

There are two major types of nose surgery.  One is open nose surgery.  This is for major nose reshaping in which incisions are made in the vertical strip of skin separating the nostrils.  The other major type is closed nose surgery which is for minor reshaping, incisions are made within the nose.  These two primary nose surgeries can take one to three hours in surgery.

In addition to closed and open surgeries, there are also other types of nose surgeries.  One is the revision nose surgery which is performed to correct problems after a previous nose surgery and this surgery is more difficult.  This can be done either open or closed procedure and the procedure can take much longer.  The next type is the filler nose surgery.  Injectable fillers are used to fill depressions, smooth out sharp angles, or change the angle of the tip of the nose.  This can take only 15 minutes, but the results are not permanent.

It is strictly advisable to follow physician’s instructions to achieve the success of the surgery.  Doctors will give specific instructions on proper care such as how to care for the surgical site, medications, and follow up consultation, to name a few.

The patient may not be able to breathe through the nose because of nasal packing for the first day.  Soreness can be experienced as well as nausea and pain but can be controlled with pain medicine.  Applying cold compress can be done to reduce swelling.  Nose blowing is strictly prohibited.

The key to nose surgery is patience.  The results are satisfying.  Even minor changes can have pleasing results, although complete results are not seen immediately and it is fully evident up to a year.  Only 85% of swelling may have gone down by a month and the remaining swelling may take up to one year.

Cost of Nose Surgery

Cost wise, nose surgery varies, such as surgeon’s experience and geographic location.  It can also include surgeon’s fee, hospital or facility costs, anesthesia, medications, and laboratory tests.  The average cost for nose surgery is between $3000 to $8000 which comprises surgical fee, anesthesia, and facility fee.  The secondary nose surgery costs three times as much because of its complexity.  Financing plans are also being offered by surgeons.  Like other cosmetic surgery, it is not covered by insurance.  On the other hand, insurance can cover this if it is done as a reconstructive surgery, for instance, to correct or improve major deformity or injury and breathing problems.

Male breasts. Sounds funny and absurd but men do really develop breasts. In fact, more than half of men around the world is affected with male breasts. Most of the time, male breasts start to show during puberty and disappears with time. However, more than half of these cases, male breasts do not disappear. For most men, this experience is embarrassing and uncomfortable so they start looking for remedies to get rid of those boobs before anybody else notices and teases them about it.

This condition of developing an abnormally large breasts in men is known medically as gynecomastia. Many things can cause the development of male breasts and they include steroids and any medications that contain the female estrogen hormone, abuse of alcohol, liver impairment, and sudden and significant weight gain. Male breasts treatment is one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgeries done on men.

Even if this condition is common among male adults, most men try to hide it with thick shirts and undergarments, avoid activities that require them to bare their chest, and withdraw from public exposure. Few have the courage to discuss the issue with a doctor and seek treatment for it. It is because most men think that there is not much they can do with male breasts. Though most cases of gynecomastia do not result from a specific or identifiable cause, it is not a wise idea to dismiss it entirely because gynecomastia may result from a more serious hormonal dysfunction.

Male Breasts Reduction Surgery

There are a couple different methods of male breasts reduction surgery – liposuction or surgical resection. With liposuction, fat-filled tissues are completely removed. This is ideal for people who develop male breasts because of significant weight gain. Surgical resection, on the other hand, involves opening the chest with surgical incision and directly cutting away and removing the glandular tissues. An individual who suffers from true gynecomastia, where the bulging tissues are glandular and cannot be easily removed by liposuction, is advised to choose this type of male breast reduction surgery.

The decision to choose one surgical method over the other is not solely influenced by the patient’s preference; it is also based on the composition of the breast tissue itself.

Male Breasts Reduction Surgery Cost

Despite the fact that men suffering from gynecomastia experience psychological and social trauma, male breasts reduction surgery is not covered by most insurance companies. This is due to the fact that despite the hardships an individual experiences out of it, it is still considered as cosmetic surgery.

A survey conducted by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery on its member surgeons revealed that the average cost for the surgery is around $3,500. This figure could increase with associated costs of not less than $1,500 depending on several factors such as anesthesia and surgical venue.

The cost of undergoing male breasts reduction surgery may be high, nevertheless, 20,000 men seek out surgery each year. This number is expected to rise sharply as more and more men come to understand that male breasts reduction is possible and that cosmetic surgery is not only for women.

Breast sagging is one of the major concerns of women. Women with smaller size of breast are free from such predicament, but they can be good candidate for breast lift surgery. At times, it can occur in women of all ages, but in some condition it is inherited. Gravity and aging can also cause the breast to sag, losing its tone and elasticity.

Breast lift surgery, also known as mastopexy, is the procedure which lifts and firms the breast, but does not increase the size of it. Breast lift can be performed with a combination of breast implants, medically known as breast augmentation (resizing the breast), or just merely raise and reshape a sagging breast. Ideal candidates for breast lift surgery are women with 18 years of age having a small, sagging or oversized breast (considering it cause her health and medical problem) but not to improve and have it firm. It may or may not work with oversized breast because the result never ensures it will lasts that long. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are advised against undergoing breast lift surgery until after giving birth or weaning period.

On the onset of consultation, expect your surgeon to examine, take measurements of your breast in a sitting or standing position and photos for medical record. As an initial appointment, you have to discuss with him your desired size, shape and the position of your nipple after surgery. Be open about any medical conditions and treatments, drug allergies, previous surgery, biopsy and recent medications you have undergone for safety precaution. The procedure might be performed under a local (awake) or general anesthesia (asleep) in a hospital or office surgical suite. It may take two to three and a half hours. Basically, the surgeon will make an incision (anchor-shaped breast lift or doughnut mastopexy techniques are the most popular), the type of incision to make depends on the preference of the surgeon. The surgeon then relocates the nipple and areola to a higher position of the breast and removes some excess skin and tissue. Finally, close the incision with sutures.

The recovery will only be a matter of days excluding bending and lifting of any kind. Surgical bra is suggested for the first few days to wear and followed by a support bra few weeks after the surgery. Generally, bruises are visible along the incisions and will decrease in 7 to 10 days. Though scars will be obvious for 3 months eventually it will fade in time.

Surgery is always a risk; unfortunately complication goes along with it. So if you are considering surgery, always bear in mind that they both came as a package. There is more to life, let not breast lift surgery be your last resort.