The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, known as Botox, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck.
The toxin blocks the nerve impulses, temporarily paralyzing the muscles that cause wrinkles while giving the skin a smoother, more refreshed appearance.
In this segment, NBC's TODAY Show uncovers more about this non-surgical method used to look younger, including the cost and side effects associated with Botox injections.A tummy tuck can greatly improve upon the appearance of the abdomen for both men and women however there are several reasons not to have one. There can be side effects from having tummy tuck surgery that are just temporary and not likely to lead to further problems. Some patients find themselves sick to their stomach after the surgery as a direct result of the general anesthetic that is used. It all depends on the person. Swelling is to be expected and for some patients it could take up to a month or more for the abdomen to return to its normal size.
There are certain complications resulting from a tummy tuck that although are not extremely common, might be reason enough to decide to avoid the surgery. Talk to your family doctor and/or plastic surgeon to see if it is possible that he/she can predict whether or not you are a likely candidate for serious complications. Numbness in the abdominal area is likely after surgery and it can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to dissipate, however for a select group of people the numbness can become permanent. Poor healing of the abdominal area can lead to very obvious, unsightly scars, which would require the patient to need to go under the knife again.
Some ladies may be shocked to hear this, but it is true. Guys are known to want to feel better about their looks just as much as women do.
The reason why guys go for cosmetic surgery is because they believe that if they look better, they will feel better about themselves, just as women would who have a similar surgery. They also will feel better able to succeed on the job market, or feel desirable enough for a woman to marry. They will also feel more confident after surgery when trying to please a woman in the bedroom.
Therefore, if you are a lady who is questioning your man’s intentions of receiving cosmetic surgery, do not worry. It has more to do with his personal self-image than it does with you, or trying to replace you.
The top five cosmetic procedures that guys go for are as follows:
Men often feel self-conscious about receding hairlines and baldness as a result of aging. The last thing they need to do is end up spending all their hard earned money on a procedure that does not work. Take for example hair transplants. It is better for a man to know if it works before following through with the procedure, otherwise, why would he not only waste his hard earned money, but also his precious time.
Men can be assured that usually hair transplants do work, but it depends on the overall density of his hair. The hair that is transplanted is usually removed from an area where the patient has more hair (the donor site) to the place where the patient has less hair (the recipient site).
One of the methods of hair transplants is known as the follicle transplantation procedure. This is described below:
Before undergoing plastic surgery, potential patients need to consider a variety of factors. Each of these factors should be carefully thought out and the patient must be certain to be comfortable with each of them before proceeding with any form of cosmetic surgery.
Can I Afford the Surgery?
No cosmetic surgery is cheap. It costs a great deal of money to bring together the knowledge and expertise of a surgical staff to complete your transformation. It takes careful planning and many visits both before and after the surgery. All of this costs money. For the most part, insurance companies do not cover the expenses associated with cosmetic surgery, unless there is a medical need. For example, nose surgery may be needed to correct a deviated septum or eyelid surgery may be necessary if it blocks vision. Otherwise, the patient needs to come up with the funds entirely on his or her own.
There are a number of reasons to decide to have an abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck). Tummy tucks are routinely performed on both sexes. The stretching of muscles and the presence of stretch marks prompts a lot of women to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon whereas it is common for men to want to do away with the “middle age bulge” many get stuck with. There are ten main reasons to have an abdominoplasty. Let’s take a look at each of them.
Dieting and exercise can tone muscles but unfortunately not attack unattractive loose skin to be found on the abdomen. But an abdominoplasty can accomplish this. A tummy tuck tightens the inner girdle (the area that extends from the ribcage to the pubic bone) and allows for the reshaping of the abdominal walls. This is one reason to undergo this type of surgical procedure. An abdominoplasty changes the appearance of loose, flabby skin that has lost its shape and elasticity and transforms it into a flatter, smoother surface that anyone would be proud to show off.
Have you ever seen a picture of your facial profile? Do you like what you see? Some people have a chin that looks as if it disappears or recedes into their face and as a result, there is no symmetry. Your nose provides balance for the appearance of your face, but the chin provides the foundation of your facial features. By altering your bone structure with a chin implant, you can change the whole look of your face. What you might perceive as a slightly large nose would blend in with the rest of the face and some of the excess skin around the neck might disappear due to the skin stretching slightly to accommodate the chin implant.
It is a good idea to obtain several medical opinions before settling on one cosmetic surgeon to handle your chin implant. If the surgeons know what they are doing, they will be strict with their perusal of your facial features. They will take measurements and classify the problem areas that keep you from achieving an aesthetically pleasing chin. Sometimes, the cosmetic surgeon will suggest rhinoplasty (or in layman’s terms, a nose job) in tandem with the chin implant surgery. Other times, just the chin implant itself will take care of any imbalances in your facial balance.
The tummy tuck (which is technically known as abdominoplasty) is not as many individuals believe a method of weight loss but instead is geared towards removing fat, tightening stomach muscles and strengthening the walls of the abdomen. Abdominal skin that has lost elasticity and no longer responds to the efforts of diet or exercise could benefit tremendously from a tummy tuck. Dieting and exercising of course are very important to lose weight and tone muscles but they cannot tighten loose flabby skin or improve the part of the abdomen known as the inner girdle. A tummy tuck will tighten your inner girdle and therefore give you a flatter, smoother looking stomach. A tummy tuck can get rid of almost all of the fat in your lower abdominal area and stretch marks will become a thing of the past. Plastic surgeons believe that the effects of pregnancy cannot distort a woman’s abdominal area so badly that it cannot be repaired by a tummy tuck. Besides women who’ve given birth, tummy tucks are favored by men and women alike who have lost a great deal of weight and are left with an excess of loose skin around their mid section.
Once you have made the decision to get cosmetic surgery, it is time to decide who to contact for your cosmetic surgery needs. When choosing a surgeon consider following the step by step guide below:
Do some research: If you need to know who the best surgeon in your area is for the particular type of change you want done on your body, ask one of your friends, check the local hospital, or search the Internet. All these methods of cosmetic surgeons are legitimate.
Check the surgeon’s credentials: Furthermore, you should check the surgeon’s credentials. It is important not only that this type of surgeon is a medical doctor, but that this medical doctor has training specifically in cosmetic surgery. Usually when you interview with a doctor, you will see on the wall that doctor's practicing licenses, as well as the areas of medical study the doctor has expertise in. You may even ask where else the doctor has worked, and follow up on a reference check.
Crows feet, also referred to as “smile lines,” “laugh lines,” and “character lines,” are a natural part of the aging process. In fact, nearly anyone over the age of 25 will start to show these tiny little v-shaped lines or wrinkles in the corners of their eyes. Crows feet are among the first wrinkles to appear and are the result of years of laughing, smiling, frowning, and squinting. As we age, our skins natural elasticity begins to break down. In addition, the collagen in our skin, which aids in our skin’s ability to stretch and return to its original shape, begins to lessen.
There are many factors that further reduce our skins elasticity in addition to aging. Exposure to ultraviolet light rays from the sun also causes collagen to break down. Smoking has been found to speed up the skin’s aging process. To help slow down the process of crow’s feet development in the first place, it is best to be a nonsmoker and to avoid exposure to the sun. In addition, it is a good idea to use an eye cream around the eyes every day. The cream used should include glycolic acid, which helps encourage the skin to get rid of old skin cells in order to allow new ones to take their place.
Although cosmetic nose surgery is a common procedure, there are still potential complications that can occur afterward. In addition, it is a surgery and, as such, the patient must be sure to take care of his or her body afterward to ensure a proper and full recovery.
Immediately Following Surgery
The first 24 hour period following cosmetic nose surgery can be a bit painful. During this time period, the patient’s face usually becomes quite puffy. In addition, his or her nose may ache and he or she may feel a dull headache. The best way to control this pain is for the patient to use pain medication as prescribed by the surgeon and to keep his or her head elevated. Keeping the head elevated will also reduce swelling and bruising.
Most cosmetic surgeries are elective, so that means the decision to have a cosmetic procedure done is very personal to you. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to have cosmetic surgery; so, before you start searching for a cosmetic surgeon, search within yourself and decide if those reasons are valid. If you truly feel that cosmetic surgery will make a difference in your self-esteem and ultimately your life, then you are probably ready to start “shopping” around for a cosmetic surgeon.
All cosmetic surgeons are not created equal, so you have to gather several opinions to make an informed choice that will best suit your needs. For instance, some cosmetic surgeons focus only on procedures for the face, while others may target breast surgery or liposuction. Take the time and do a little research to narrow down the particular cosmetic surgeons who perform the procedures that you want accomplished on you. Once you have several names on your list, the next step is to ask some questions. You want to make sure that the cosmetic surgeon will listen to what you want and need, while making the best medical decisions based on your personal assessments.
First impressions last a lifetime. How often have you heard this statement? It is true that we love to size each other up, figure out what the other person is all about, and quite often we do so with just a glance at the outward appearance of a person. It is no wonder therefore that the weight-loss industry has run amok, and new miracle drugs and fads enter the market faster than new fast food offerings. Similarly, it is no surprise that clothing and accessory manufacturers come out with new styles and patterns every year. You work hard at making your outward appearance as appealing and presentable as possible. Naturally, your face is probably one of the first things others notice about you. Yet, your face is also the one that is constantly exposed to the elements: the dry winds, the sand and fine particles in the air, the high heat or bitter cold, the sun’s rays, pelting rain and driving wind. In addition to the foregoing, your face also experiences the ravages of ageing. It is not a great surprise therefore that you may consider turning to non-invasive cosmetic procedures for your face, preserving its youthful appeal and healthy look for as long as possible.
Nobody likes to be faced with the obvious signs of aging, stress, sun exposure and gravity in the form of deep creases appearing between the mouth and nose, a jaw line that grows slack and droops, and both fat deposits and folds that appear around the neck area. Once these signs begin to be evident many people opt for a face lift (also known as rhytidectomy). While a face lift cannot stop your face from aging any further it can certainly improve the appearance of it now by repairing some of the visible damage that has been done to the skin and muscles of the face and thus restoring a younger look to the person. Face lifts are procedures that can be done by themselves but are also often done along with other surgeries such as eyelid surgery, a forehead lift or nose reshaping.
Rhinoplasty is surgery to the nose. For the most part, it is done for cosmetic purposes, such as to make a nose smaller are to make it straighter. In some cases, it is also performed to help a patient breath better, as well.
Contrary to some old wives tales, pulling on your ears does not make them larger. Also individuals with large or abnormally shaped ears do not have better hearing than the next person. For those people whose ears are larger than most, they have heard all the stories and all the names like Dumbo, pitcher ears, Mickey Mouse and radar. The teasing and taunting that children with ear problems put up with can undermine their self-confidence and self-esteem. That is why ear cosmetic surgery (or otoplasty, if speaking in technical terms) is recommended at an early age.
Cheek implants are an excellent way to both improve and enhance the contours of the face. There is more than one type of implant that can be utilized to plump up cheeks and not all are made from the same kind of materials. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for getting cheek implants.
Gastric bypass surgery has many benefits to the obese person who wants to live a healthier life. Some of these benefits include weight loss and possible elimination of heart trouble, diabetes, and arthritis or back problems. In addition, there is a very good change that the person will be able to engage in activities, such as team sports, like never before.
A very legitimate question has always been asked regarding cosmetic surgery for children. Is it ethical?
Some people think cosmetic surgery on kids is a perfectly legitimate practice, while others believe it is morally wrong. Those who are for cosmetic surgery for children know that it would help improve that child’s sense of self worth, improve that child’s outlook on life, and help them succeed. Those against cosmetic surgery for children say that it provides the child with a false sense of security about themselves and the world around them, and cause them to develop superficial relationships.
Constant teasing and tormenting can be devastating to a child and when that child has some type of physical infirmity, then that compounds the problem even more. Some physical abnormalities cannot be fixed until a child reached adulthood or stops growing. Luckily, those children afflicted with large or projecting ears can have cosmetic ear surgery to correct the problem. Other ear infirmities like extra large ear lobes or shell ear where the cartilage may not have completely finished forming the ear are also cause for cosmetic ear surgery.
Some people undergo nose surgery in order to help overcome a deviated septum. The septum is a structure located between the nostrils that separate the nasal passages. Made of both bone and cartilage, its job is to direct airflow and support the nose. A person with a deviated septum has cartilage or bone in his or her nose that is not straight. As a result of the crooked septum, the patient may have difficulty breathing. In addition, some people with a deviated septum have problems with snoring and with sleep apnea.
Some people undergo nose surgery in order to help overcome a deviated septum. The septum is a structure located between the nostrils that separate the nasal passages. Made of both bone and cartilage, its job is to direct airflow and support the nose. A person with a deviated septum has cartilage or bone in his or her nose that is not straight. As a result of the crooked septum, the patient may have difficulty breathing. In addition, some people with a deviated septum have problems with snoring and with sleep apnea.
These days, women have numerous options in regards to cosmetic breast surgery. Therefore, it would be a good idea to read up on the latest information. Of course, depending on the type of breast cosmetic surgery you have will depend on the information you find. For instance, there are four main types of breast surgery available to women. The first and most common is breast augmentation. Secondly, women might seek breast reduction cosmetic surgery if they are suffering from overly large breasts. There are also many cosmetic surgeries performed for breast lifts as well as reconstruction of a breast after a mastectomy due to cancer. For each procedure, the surgery is not the same – different incisions are made, possibly different anesthesia and varying recovery times.
There are actually two types of cosmetic tattoo surgeries: the removal of a tattoo and the application of a tattoo. Both procedures are considered cosmetic in nature and surgical as far as procedural aspects are concerned. Generally speaking, many youthful recipients of tattoos may not enjoy the process – let’s face it, it hurts – yet do like the result. Sporting a new tattoo is like a ticket stub signifying that you have paid the entrance fee into the “cool cult.” You are no longer considered a “square” but are now hip, cool, and with it. This feeling usually lasts until the first real job interview when your highly visible facial or arm tattoo costs you a high paying job, simply because the hiring manager does not feel that your appearance is congruent with the image the company seeks to project. Additionally, when youths grow older and they get ready to settle down, marry, and raise children, a tattoo suddenly makes some feel very uncomfortable in their new roles. Pool parties suddenly become embarrassing occasions, and volunteering in the child’s classroom may be done under the disapproving eye of a teacher. For some adults, tattoos may also remind them of times and episodes in their lives best forgotten because of the pain they may hold. For those who now regret the dermal artwork received in times of exuberant youth, there is hope!
Many men and women have either become sexually frustrated, or just bored. This is especially common between couples who have been together for many years. As a result, many of these couples have left long term partners in search for someone new; only to find out they have ruined a perfectly good relationship.
Cosmetic eye surgery can improve the appearance of the skin and the overall look of the face. Many who consider cosmetic eye surgery are interested in the procedure in order to boost their confidence and to have a more youthful appearance. In some cases, the cosmetic eye surgery is more than just cosmetic – it actually helps improve vision as excessive fat or muscle is removed from the line of vision. Nonetheless, anyone considering cosmetic eye surgery should take several things under consideration before undergoing the procedure.
Lasers are the scientific answer to the pleas of men and women everywhere who shy away from invasive surgery and who do not have the time to be recovering for extended periods of time from an extensive surgery. As a matter of fact, so much can nowadays be accomplished with a laser that it almost appears to be the new cosmetic surgery method of choice. What lasers can do for cosmetic surgery is truly an amazing feat in the progress of medicine and science. Thus, if you are ready to perhaps start off the New Year with some self-improvement, or perhaps you would simply like to give yourself the gift of looking as young as you actually feel, the laser could be the answer to your questions.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a skincare junkie or completely new to shopping for skincare products, it helps to know what you’re doing, what you’re buying and what to expect out of your purchased items. Unfortunately, there are many bad habits that consumers make when it comes to choosing their skincare items that can cause a terrible aftermath.
BOTOX
Botox is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for frown lines. This article explains what Botox is, how it works, and possible side-effects.
BREAST ENLARGEMENT
Breast enlargement may be chosen by women who are not happy with the size and shape of their breasts. Breast implants are used to make your breasts larger, firmer and fuller.
BREAST LIFT
Most women find that their breasts begin to sag and droop as they get older. A breast lift (mastopexy) is an operation to raise and re-shape your breasts.
BREAST REDUCTION
Large breasts can cause several medical problems, including back and neck pain. A breast reduction can benefit many women who are uncomfortable with their breast size.
BROW/FOREHEAD LIFT
Wrinkles in the brow and forehead are addressed with a brow/forehead lift.
CHIN AUGMENTATION
Chin augmentation surgery can alter the size and shape of the chin. It is often combined with nose reshaping to improve the facial profile.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
A dental implant is used to support one or more false teeth. This article outlines the procedure and answers common questions.
FACELIFT
A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure to reverse signs of ageing. This article looks at the different types of facelifts and possible complications that can arise.
EYELID LIFT
Eyelid surgery (bag removal, blepharoplasty) is eye surgery that can be carried out for cosmetic purposes. This article discusses cosmetic eye surgery and possible complications.
LABIOPLASTY
Labioplasty (vaginal lip reduction) reduces the size of the the labia minora at the entrance to the vagina to make the vaginal "lips" more aesthetically pleasing.
LASER EYE SURGERY
LASIK is an advanced method of eye surgery that can correct a wide range of refractive errors in the eye. It is a safe and effective method of vision correction.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Unwanted hair is a common problem in women and men. Laser treatment can be used to permanently treat small and large areas of unwanted hair.
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to remove unwanted fat. This article details the procedure and looks at possible complications.
MYOBLOC
Myobloc injections can be used as an alternative to Botox for non-surgical cosmetic treatment of moderate to severe frown lines.
NOSE RESHAPING
Nasal reshaping surgery, also known as a "nose job", is performed to correct injuries, and for cosmetic reasons. This article outlines the procedure and follow-up care.
PENIS ENLARGEMENT SURGERY
Penis enlargement surgery aims to increase penile girth, thickness, or length. This article looks at the different types of surgery and possible complications.
PORCELAIN VENEERS
Porcelain veneers are one of the best restoration methods available for enhancing your smile. Veneers can be used to lighten discoloured teeth, straighten squint teeth and to close spaces between front teeth.
TEETH STRAIGHTENING
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. Braces work by gently pushing teeth into the correct alignment.
TEETH WHITENING & BLEACHING
Teeth whitening is one of the most straightforward ways to give you a whiter and brighter smile. The whitening process can be carried out using a special bleaching gel or by using a special halogen lamp.
TUMMY TUCK
A "tummy tuck" (known as an abdominoplasty) is an operation to remove excess fat and skin from the abdomen. The aim is to produce a tighter, flatter stomach.
VAGINOPLASTY
Vaginoplasty (vagina tightening) is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the tone of the vagina by tightening the vaginal muscles and supporting tissues.
VARICOSE VEIN SURGERY
Varicose veins can be simply treated with an injection to close off the affected vein. This article looks at the best candidates for the procedure and how it is performed.
WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY
Weight-loss surgery changes the anatomy of your digestive system to limit the amount of food you can eat and digest. This article looks at candidate suitability and types of surgery available.
TOP 10 COSMETIC SURGERY PROCEDURES
A list of the ten most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
People who have health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, lung disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, arthritis, emphysema, are malnourished, severely depressed, obese and/or smokers are not generally good candidates for cosmetic surgery. All surgery has inherent risks, but if you have a health problem it makes it more likely there may be complications.
From ABCNews The great American obsession with vanity knows few bounds. No body part seems off-limits and yet it's still surprising what some people will do to "enhance" their appearance. Forget tummy tucks; it seems belly buttons and toes are the new rage.
The great American obsession with vanity knows few bounds. No body part seems off-limits and yet it's still surprising what some people will do to "enhance" their appearance. Forget tummy tucks; it seems belly buttons and toes are the new rage.
Belly buttons? The operation is actually called umbilicoplasty.