FitSugar

Would You Try SmartLipo?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:00:00 -0700

There's a new form of plastic surgery on the market, and it's called SmartLipo. It is considered smart because this new form of liposuction gets rid of unwanted fat with less pain and recovery time. You don't even need to go under general anesthesia, because only the areas the doctor is working on are numbed. A laser goes just beneath the skin and melts the fat with ultrasound. Then the melted fat is sucked out. The procedure is said to cause only minimal damage to the nerves and connective tissue, as compared to traditional liposuction that often causes trauma and bruising. People who undergo SmartLipo can usually go back to work within one to two days. Be warned, though, that you could end up paying between $1,700 to $7,000, depending on the area treated. So after hearing all this . . .

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Guess Who Said It?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0800

Which TV celebrity said this about plastic surgery?

"I am in a place in my life where I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I mean, I get my teeth cleaned if they are dirty. If my roots darken, I get them colored."

Would You Consider Back Fat Surgery?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

We all have those little areas on our bodies that we'd like to change. Some people turn to dieting, some people exercise, and others consider plastic surgery. If back fat is your enemy, there's a new surgery known as the bra-line back lift designed to get rid of those bumps and rolls of skin on your back, sort of like a face lift or tummy tuck. Go in with rolls and leave with smoother, even skin.

It's not so much designed for slightly overweight people who carry their fat on their backs; it's more for people who've lost an extreme amount of weight or who have saggy skin from aging or too much sun exposure. After the surgery, you're left with a scar that a bra or bathing suit would hide. The procedure will run you from $7,500 to $10,000, so a flat back doesn't come cheap. Tell me . . .

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Six-Pack Surgery?

FitSugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 02:30:00 -0800

With the invention and creativity of cosmetic surgery, if there's something about your body that you don't like, and if you have the money and the guts to go under the knife, you can get almost anything done. Body modification isn't just about breast implants and nose jobs anymore. You can get calf implants, butt implants, and guys are even getting pectoral implants. I guess I didn't realize that men are also feeling the pressures of society's standards to look good.

I just came across a new kind of surgery that blew me away. Six-pack surgery. More professionally known as abdominal etching, this procedure will turn your pudgy belly into a washboard. It's a kind of precision liposuction, where the doctor sucks fat from your belly, revealing the abdominal muscles that lie underneath. At first, when I saw the name of this procedure, I thought they carved out or put little implants in your belly to make it look like you have a 6-pack, but that's not the case. You actually have to have the muscular definition, either naturally or from working out.

How much does it cost to get six-pack abs? To find out read more

Abdominal etching costs between $4,000 and $6,000 and is only recommended for certain patients. If you have too much or too little fat on your belly, it won't turn out as well (an inch or two of pinchable belly fat is the key here).

This procedure has actually been around for decades, but it can take a really long time to get the desired look, so not many people go for it. The surgery takes only about an hour or two, but a patient can feel pain for days, and swelling can persist for weeks or even months. You may also experience complications such as bleeding, infection, or a build-up of fluid known as seroma (that can be drained with a needle).

No thanks. I think I'll stick to good old-fashioned cardio to burn fat and crunches to strengthen and tone my abs. Exercising not only makes me feel good, but when I work hard for my results, I also feel proud and confident.

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Speak Up: If Cosmetic Surgery Was Cheap, Would You Do It?

FitSugar — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 02:30:00 -0700

So many celebs have had cosmetic surgery. Of course, they have the dough to pay for it, plus the pressure to look amazing 24-7.

What if you could have a nose job, liposuction, breast implants, or a face lift for pennies? Would you do it?

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What's the Deal with The Nip Tuck Workout?

FitSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:45:00 -0700

Did you ever watch Nip/Tuck? I sure did, which is why I was a bit horrified when I heard about the Nip Tuck Workout. Turns out the name is the only real similarity between the show and the diet.

In The Nip Tuck Workout -- Exercise through the Eyes of a Plastic Surgeon ($15.99), Dr. Bruce Nadler has created an exercise program based on the plastic surgical principles of proportion and symmetry. It combines careful ongoing analysis with an individualized exercise prescription all without going under the knife. Sounds funky having a plastic surgeon tell you how to exercise, I know. However, Dr. Nadler is a little different because aside from practicing for 28 years, he is also a personal trainer certified by the American College of Sports Medicine and the International Sports Sciences Association, a competitive body builder and a NPC bodybuilding and figure competition judge. So you could say he knows his stuff.

The program incorporates precise body shaping with core stability training using natural kinesthetic patterns of movement. His medical background allows him to modify the training to adapt to the physical restrictions many people have felt prevented them from exercising.

To learn the first five steps of getting started as well as where to buy the book, read more

Eliminate all refined sugars (yes, this means chocolate)
Sugar creates insulin surges that store fat and cause inflammation in the body.
Divide your food into 5-6 meals daily (Ignore your mother, you should eat between meals). This is another way to prevent those insulin surges.
Eliminate all starchy carbohydrates (i.e. bread, potatoes, pasta etc.) but maintain fibrous carbohydrates (fruits and vegetables) and lean protein (eat fruit when you crave sweets).
Determine appropriate portion size based on intensity of physical activity (be sure to eat sufficient protein).
Add proper nutritional supplements as necessary depending on exercise phase.

Still interested? You can buy the book from Amazon.com. If you live in the LA area, you can train with Dr. Nadler in person, just visit NipTuckFitness.com for more details on how.

Lottery for Cosmetic Surgery

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 03:50:00 -0800

Would you play the lottery for the chance to win the cosmetic procedure of your choice?

It is being reported that London-based Europa International is running the world's first lottery for cosmetic surgery.

For the price of a 1.50 pound ($2.90) text message or phone call, winners of the monthly draw will receive 6,000 pounds toward the cost of the surgery of their choice.

British plastic surgeons described Europa International's cosmetic surgery superdraw as an unscrupulous marketing gimmick and warned patients they could be putting themselves at risk. The winner of the draw will be randomly selected and meet directors of the company before being flown to Prague in the Czech Republic for the surgery. Bada bing, bada boom!

Liposuction

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:03:08 -0700

Illustrations

Fat layer in skin

Liposuction - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction using special surgical equipment. A plastic surgeon typically does the surgery.

Alternative Names

Fat removal - suctioning

Description

Liposuction is a popular type of cosmetic surgery. It removes unwanted deposits of excess fat, to improve body appearance and to smooth irregular or distorted body shapes. The procedure is sometimes called body contouring.

Liposuction may be useful for contouring under the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankle areas.

However, liposuction is a serious surgical procedure and may involve a painful recovery. Because liposuction can have serious or occasionally fatal complications, you should carefully think about your decision to have this surgery.

Before your surgery, you will have an initial patient consultation, which will include a history, physical exam, and a psychological evaluation. You may need to bring someone (such as your spouse) with you during the visit. You may need a second consultation to give you time to think over the surgery.

You should feel free to ask questions, and to feel satisfied with the answers to those questions. A properly informed person makes a better patient. You must understand fully the pre-operative preparations, the liposuction procedure, and the post-operative care. Understand that liposuction may enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it will probably not give you your ideal body.

Several different liposuction procedures exist:

Tumescent liposuction (fluid injection) is the most common type of liposuction. It involves injecting a large amount of medicated solution into the areas before the fat is removed (sometimes, the solution may be up to three times the volume of fat to be removed). The fluid is a mixture of local anesthetic (lidocaine), a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine), and an intravenous (IV) salt solution. The lidocaine in the mixture helps to numb the area during and after surgery, and may be the only anesthesia needed for the procedure. The epinephrine in the solution helps reduce the loss of blood, the amount of bruising, and the amount of swelling from the surgery. The IV solution helps remove the fat more easily and it is suctioned out along with the fat. This type of liposuction generally takes longer than other types.

The super-wet technique is similar to tumescent liposuction. The difference is that not as much fluid is used during the surgery--the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique takes less time; however, it often requires sedation with an IV or general anesthesia.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is a fairly new technique, used in the U.S. since 1996. During this technique, ultrasonic vibrations are used to liquefy fat cells. After the cells are liquefied, they can be vacuumed out. UAL can be done in two ways, external (above the surface of the skin with a special emitter) or internal (below the surface of the skin with a small, heated cannula). This technique may help remove fat from dense, fiber-filled (fibrous) areas of the body such as the upper back or enlarged male breast tissue. UAL is often used together with the tumescent technique, in follow-up (secondary) procedures, or for greater precision. In general, this procedure takes longer than the super-wet technique.

Before the day of surgery you may have blood drawn and be asked to provide a urine sample. This allows the health care provider to rule out potential complications. If you are not hospitalized, you will need a ride home after the surgery.

A liposuction machine and special instruments are used for this surgery. The surgical team first preps the operative site and administers either local or general anesthesia. Through a small skin incision, a suction tube with a sharp end is inserted into the fat pockets and swept through the area where fat is to be removed. The dislodged fat is "vacuumed" away through the suction tube. A vacuum pump or a large syringe provides the suction action. Several skin punctures may be needed to treat large areas.

After the fat is removed, small drainage tubes may be inserted into the defatted areas to remove blood and fluid that gather during the first few days after surgery. If you lose a lot of fluid or blood during the surgery, you may meed fluid replacement (intravenously) or a blood transfusion.

After the surgery, bandages are applied to keep pressure on the area and stop any bleeding, as well as to help maintain shape. Bandages are usually kept in place for at least 2 weeks. Your doctor may call you from time to time to check on your health and to monitor your healing. A visit back to the surgeon after 5-7 days is often recommended. Sometimes people gain weight after liposuction. This is due to the increased fluid from surgery.

Liposuction may or may not require a hospital stay, depending on the location and extent of surgery. Liposuction can be done in an office-based facility, in a surgery center on an outpatient basis, or in a hospital. For reasons of cost and convenience, liposuction of smaller volumes is usually done as an outpatient. You may need to stay in a hospital if a larger volume of fat is being removed, or if you are having other procedures done at the same time.

Indications

The following are some of the uses for liposuction:

Cosmetic reasons, including "love handles," fat bulges, or an abnormal chin line.
To improve sexual function by reducing abnormal fat deposits on the inner thighs, thus allowing easier access to the vagina.
Body shaping for people who are bothered by fatty bulges or irregularities that cannot be removed by diet and/or exercise.

Liposuction is generally NOT appropriate for these uses:

As a substitute for exercise and diet, or as a cure for general obesity. However, it may be used to remove fat from isolated areas at different points in time.
As a treatment for cellulite (the uneven, dimpled appearance of skin over hips, thighs, and buttocks).
In certain areas of the body, such as the fat on the sides of the breasts, because the breast is a common site for cancer.

Many alternatives to liposuction exist, including a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), removal of fatty tumors (lipomas), breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty), or a combination of plastic surgery approaches.

Risks

Certain pre-existing conditions should be checked and brought under control before liposuction, including:

History of heart problems (heart attack)
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Allergic reactions to medications
Pulmonary problems (shortness of breath, air pockets in bloodstream)
Allergies (antibiotics, asthma, surgical prep)
Smoking, alcohol, or drug use

There are also risks associated with liposuction, including:

Shock (usually when not enough fluid is replaced during the surgery)
Fluid overload (usually from the procedure)
Infections (strep, staph)
Bleeding, blood clot
Tiny globules of fat in the bloodstream that block blood flow to tissue (fat embolism)
Nerve, skin, tissue, or organ damage or burns from the heat or instruments used in liposuction
Uneven fat removal (asymmetry)
Drug reactions or overdose from the lidocaine used in the procedure
Scarring (skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric, or even "baggy," especially in older people)

Finally, make sure to review and sign any informed consent (legal) and permission forms for photographs.

Expectations after surgery

Most informed patients are satisfied with the cosmetic result of their surgery. Informed patients understand that there are limits to what liposuction can accomplish.

If you are having a large amount of fat removed, or you are being put to sleep (general anesthesia) for the procedure, you should expect to be admitted to the hospital. If you are having a smaller amount of fat removed with just the area numbed (local anesthesia), you may be able to have it done on an outpatient, same-day basis, as long as the office has the proper equipment and oxygen on hand.

Convalescence

The liposuctioned area may appear larger than before surgery because of swelling. You must wear a tight stocking, girdle, or snug elastic dressing over the treated area to reduce swelling and bleeding, and to help shrink the skin to fit the new contour. You should wear this garment continuously for 2 to 3 weeks.

You will likely have swelling, bruising, numbness, and pain, but it can be managed with medications. The stitches will be removed in 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

You may feel sensations such as numbness or tingling, as well as pain, for weeks after the surgery. Walk as soon after surgery as possible to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Avoid more strenuous exercise for about a month after the surgery.

You will start to feel better after about 1 or 2 weeks following liposuction surgery. You may return to work within a few days of the surgery. Bruising and swelling usually go away within three weeks; however, you may still have some swelling several months later.

Your doctor will check your progress through follow-up visits. If you have any questions or problems between office visits, call your doctor. Your new body shape will begin to emerge in the first couple of weeks; however, the improvement won't become more visible until about 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. By exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet, you can help maintain your new shape.

Review Date: 5/3/2007

Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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Cosmetic nose surgery

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:03:05 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Description
Indications
Risks
Expectations after surgery
Convalescence

Illustrations

Septoplasty - series

Nose surgery - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Rhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape the nose. See also septoplasty (nasal septum repair).

Alternative Names

Rhinoplasty

Description

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It can be used to:

Reduce or increase the size of the nose
Change the shape of the tip or the nasal bridge
Narrow the opening of the nostrils
Change the angle between the nose and the upper lip
Correct a birth defect or injury
Help relieve some breathing problems

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient's preference. It may be performed in a surgeon's office-based facility, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center. Complex procedures may require a short inpatient stay. The procedure usually takes an hour or two, but may take longer.

With local anesthesia, the nose and the surrounding area is numbed. The patient will usually be lightly sedated, but awake during the surgery -- relaxed and insensitive to pain. General anesthesia allows the patient to sleep through the operation, and is typically used in children.

The surgery is usually done through the incision inside the nostrils.

Indications

Nose surgery is considered "elective" when it is done for purely cosmetic purposes. In these cases, the purpose is to change the shape of the nose to one that the patient finds more desirable. Age may be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to perform cosmetic nose surgery until the growth of the nasal bone is completed (around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys).

In other cases, nose surgery may be needed for medical purposes. For example, surgery may be needed to treat a serious breathing problem or an injury. Age may be less of a factor.

Risks

The risks for any anesthesia are:

Reactions to medications
Problems breathing

The risks for any surgery are:

Bleeding
Infection
Bruising

After surgery, small burst blood vessels may occasionally appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface and are usually minor, but permanent. There is no visible scarring if the rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose. There may be small scars at the base of the nose that are not usually visible when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils.

Rarely, a second procedure may be necessary to correct a minor deformity.

Expectations after surgery

A splint (metal or plastic) will be applied externally to maintain the newly shaped bony structure when the surgery is complete. Soft plastic splints or nasal packs may also be placed within the nostrils to stabilize the septum (the dividing wall between the air passages).

Immediately following surgery, the nose and face will be swollen and painful. Headaches are common. Pain medications will control these discomforts.

Swelling and bruising around the eyes will increase and reach a peak after 2 or 3 days. Keeping the head raised (elevated) and placing cold compresses to the eyes can help reduce the swelling. Within 2 weeks, most of the swelling and bruising disappears. Some subtle swelling remains for several months, but this is generally unnoticeable to anyone but the patient.

During the first few days, minor bleeding from the nose is common. Do not blow the nose, pick the nose, or insert items into the nose for the first week while tissues heal.

The nasal packing is usually removed after 3 to 5 days and the patient will feel much more comfortable. All dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed within 1 or 2 weeks.

Convalescence

Within 2 days, most patients are up and about, and able to return to school or non-strenuous work within about a week following surgery. Full recovery takes several weeks.

Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending -- any activity that increases blood pressure) for 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid rubbing or bumping the nose. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, especially for the first 8 weeks. Be gentle when washing the face and hair or using cosmetics.

Glasses will have to be taped to the forehead or propped on the cheeks for 4 to 6 weeks after the splint is removed and the nose is completely healed.

The patient may feel depressed following surgery, but day by day the nose will look better. Within a week or two, cosmetics will camouflage signs of the operation. Healing is a slow and gradual process. The tip of the nose may have subtle swelling and numbness for months. The final results may not be apparent for up to a year.

The patient might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. They may act resentful, especially if something they view as a family or ethnic trait is altered. The patient should keep in mind the reasons for the nasal correction, and if these have been reached, then the surgery is a success.

Review Date: 1/18/2007

Reviewed By: Melvin Sidney Dassinger, III, MD, Department of Surgery, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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Cosmetic breast surgery

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:03:07 -0700

Overview

Definition
Alternative Names
Description
Indications
Risks
Expectations after surgery
Convalescence

Illustrations

Breast lift (mastopexy) - series

Breast reduction (mammoplasty) - series

Breast augmentation - series

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Definition

Cosmetic breast surgery is a surgical procedure to change the size or shape of the breasts.

Alternative Names

Mastopexy; Mammoplasty; Breast size reduction; Breast lift; Breast lift with reduction; Breast lift with augmentation

Description

Cosmetic breast surgery can be done in an outpatient surgical facility or in a hospital. Most people are asleep and feeling no pain (general anesthesia), although local anesthesia may be used to numb the area around the breasts.

For a breast reduction, the surgeon removes some of the breast tissue and may move the nipples higher on the breasts for cosmetic reasons. In general, the operation lasts 3 - 6 hours.

During a breast lift, the doctor makes incisions along the natural creases in the breast and around the dark skin surrounding the nipple (areola). A keyhole-shaped incision is made above the areola to define the new location for the nipple. The surgeon removes skin from the lower section of the breast and raises the areola, nipple, and underlying breast tissue. The nipple is moved and incisions are closed with sutures. The procedure can last 3 - 5 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Indications

If you are considering cosmetic breast surgery, talk to a plastic surgeon. Discuss your expectations about looking and feeling better, keeping in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection. Emotional stability is an important factor. Breast surgery can renew your self-confidence and improve your appearance, but the rest is up to you.

You may need mammograms or breast x-rays before the surgery. The plastic surgeon will perform a routine breast exam.

Mastopexy is typically done to lift sagging, loose breasts. The size of the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple, can also be reduced.

Breast reduction may be recommended for:

Colored bra-strap groove
Cystic breast infections (polycystic mastitis)
Enlarged breasts (macromastia)
Pain from the weight of large breasts that is not relieved by a supporting bra
Arm or finger numbness caused by large breasts
Back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain
Breast pain
Headache
Loss of sensation in the breasts
Poor posture caused by large breasts
Sleeping problem caused by large breasts
Scar-like lines (striae) on the breasts

Breast reduction is not recommended if you have one of these conditions:

Breast cancer
Cellulitis
Hardened breast skin

Risks

In addition to the general risks of surgery and anesthesia, other risks include:

Inability to nurse a baby after surgery
Large scars with prolonged healing time
Uneven position of the nipples
Sensory loss

The emotional risks may include feeling that the breasts don't look perfect, or that people's reactions are not adequate.

Expectations after surgery

After breast lift surgery, a bulky gauze dressing will be wrapped around your breasts and chest, or you might wear a surgical bra. You can control your pain with medication. It should subside in 2 - 4 days.

After a breast reduction, you'll probably need to stay in the hospital overnight to control pain and nausea. Within the first week, the dressing will be replaced by a soft bra, which you must wear for several weeks.

Generally, within a few days, the swelling and discoloration around the incisions will disappear. You may have a temporary loss of sensation in the breast skin and nipples after surgery. This condition will improve with time. Within 2 weeks of surgery, sutures will be removed.

You are likely to have a very good outcome from breast reduction surgery. Your appearance and lifestyle activities can be significantly enhanced. Also, the pain or skin symptoms (such as striation) disappear. You may need to wear a special supporting bra for a few months to reshape your breasts.

Convalescence

While you are healing, limit physical activities to prevent the scars from stretching. You might be able to do some activity within 1 - 2 days after surgery. The plastic surgeon will recommend a schedule for resuming your usual routine (usually about 8 weeks). To permit proper healing, avoid overhead lifting for 3 - 4 weeks.

Scars are permanent and often remain highly visible for a year following surgery, then fade to some degree. The doctor will make every effort to place the incisions so that scars are as hidden as possible. The scars should not be noticeable, even in low-cut clothing (incisions are usually made on the underside of the breast).

Review Date: 10/19/2007

Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Copyright

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