What is it?

Brachioplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery with the primary focus of eliminating loose skin and excess fat in the upper arm region.  Also known as an upper-arm lift, the procedure entails a reshaping of the upper arm from the underarm to the elbow, ultimately lifting and tightening loose skin.  The procedure revolves around the surgeon making an incision that runs from the crease in your armpit to your elbow.  Once the incision is made the surgeon may do a number of things, such as tightening the arms, lifting the skin, removing any excess fat, and tightening arm ligaments.  It is an outpatient procedure that generally takes two hours and requires general anesthesia.

Following surgery, the skin will be sutured and the upper arms will need to be wrapped in an elastic sleeve in order to ensure a healthy recovery and to keep swelling at a minimum.  Undoubtedly, patients will have limited use of their arms immediately following the surgery and must take extreme caution over the next couple of weeks when it comes to lifting things and extending the arms.  If your stitches are not absorbable, then you’ll have to return to your surgeon within the two weeks of initial recovery in order to have them removed.  Depending on your surgeon, he  may request you follow a regimen of light exercise and stretching in an effort to prevent any loss of range or motion of the arms.  Otherwise, any other type of strenuous activity of exercise is discouraged for two weeks following the procedure.

Who needs it?

Brachioplasty is ideal for those who have sagging on the upper arms due to aging, genetics, or weight loss.  The best and most common candidates for surgery are those that have lost an extreme amount of weight, such as those who have had recently undergone weight loss surgery.  Naturally, skin stretches to accommodate an increase in weight. So when a drastic amount of weight is diminished, the skin sags because it is already stretched out.

An upper-arm lift is primarily meant to correct loose, sagging skin, which means if the skin on your upper arms is fairly tight but you have an excess of fat in that area, brachioplasty may not be the best procedure.  In that case, liposuction would be the preferred method of cosmetic surgery, which is also good news for you because you won’t have to deal with any scars.

Benefits

Brachioplasty will be most beneficial to those who have extremely loose and flabby skin on their upper arms.  If you’ve grown self-conscious about that extra flab, then an upper-arm lift can produce great results, as it contours your arms for a more youthful and healthy appearance.

The dramatic results that brachioplasty can produce are impressive, considering that you’ll be able to return home the same day as the procedure and you’ll be able to return to work in about 3 to 7 days (unless your job requires you to load and unload heavy cargo).

Risks

The biggest drawback to the procedure is that it comes with a fairly noticeable scar that runs from your armpit to your elbow, or in extreme cases, past your elbow.  While the scar should be located in the least conspicuous part of the arm (inner arm toward the back), the sheer length of it will ensure some visibility.  Therefore, if you’re skin is only slightly saggy under the arms, it might not be worth it to undergo brachioplasty.  Furthermore, the scars can take up to 24 months to fade (depending on the quality of your skin) and swelling will usually last for up to 3 to 6 months.

The bottom line

An upper-arm lift is meant to tighten lax skin on the arms, with a secondary focus on removing excess fat.  Therefore, if your prime target is removing excess fat from your upper arms, it would be best to undergo liposuction.  Still, in many cases, brachioplasty is well worth the scar it brings, as it can raise confidence for those that have felt oppressed by their flabby arms.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, varicose veins and spider veins affect a huge number of people in the United States and beyond, and more women are affected then men. These veins can be a source of annoyance and embarrassment, especially since they most often appear in “problem areas” (like the thighs and legs) that women are already self-conscious about. Besides being unattractive, these veins — especially varicose veins — may be related to serious health problems.

Luckily, there are options for dealing with spider and varicose veins. One such option is vein removal, performed by a licensed plastic surgeon. Interested? Read on…

What It Is

As explained on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website, Womenshealth.gov, varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and swollen- they often appear twisted and bugling. Varicose veins can be flesh-colored, blue, or purple. Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but are smaller, with small, jagged lines that give the appearance of spider webs or tree branches.

Vein removal (also called vein ligation or vein stripping) is a minor surgery procedure in which the upper end of a problematic spider or varicose vein is tied off, followed by a removal of the entire vein.

During the procedure, the upper end of the vein is tied off. An incision is then made below the vein. A flexible specialty instrument is threaded up to the first incision, and the vein is grasped and removed.

Vein removal is typically an outpatient surgery performed under regional or general anesthesia. Most people go home on the same day after surgery. Generally, most people are able to return to work after vein removal surgery in a few days and return to all normal activities within several weeks.

Who Needs It?

Vein removal is an option for anyone suffering from problematic or unsightly varicose or spider veins. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, problematic veins affect approximately 40% to 45% of men and 50% to 55% of women in the United States.

Because it is only a minor surgery, vein removal is often performed only for cosmetic reasons. However, vein stripping is also performed when a problematic vein is causing serious health risks, such as when the vein is bleeding, or causing ulcers to develop. Problematic veins can also cause considerable discomfort after prolonged periods of standing or walking. Vein removal may be performed to alleviate one or all of these problems.

Who Should Avoid It

Older adults with other serious health issues, for whom surgery may be too big of a risk, should avoid this vein removal procedure. This includes those who suffer from lymphatic system problems, blood-clotting disorders, and skin infections.

Pregnant women, people who have poor circulation in the arteries of the legs, and those who have an abnormal passageway between the veins and arteries of the legs should also avoid vein removal surgery.

Benefits

While other procedures may be performed to alleviate the discomfort or minimize the appearance of problematic veins, vein removal is perhaps the most permanent and effective option. Vein removal surgery removes varicose veins and prevents them from coming back in approximately 9 out of 10 people.

Besides the cosmetic benefits of having ugly varicose veins removed, the removal of veins increases healthy circulation and blood flow. Vein removal also prevents future health problems that may occur as a result of unhealthy veins, including ulcers and bleeding.

Risks

Scarring and the return of problematic veins are two risks involved with vein removal surgery. If there is damage within the deep vein system, vein removal surgery should be avoided, as it may worsen blood circulation problems.

Risk is increased if the surgery involves the largest vein in the leg (called the GSV, or great saphenous vein). Surgery involving this vein may involve the risk of numbness post-surgery.

In addition, vein removal surgery involves all risks associated with general surgery, including bleeding, infection, and the risks associated with anesthesia.

The Bottom Line

If you are healthy and absolutely HATE your varicose or spider veins (or the discomfort they bring you), vein removal is an effective option that may prevent many health issues in the future. Just make sure to speak with your doctor about any possible complications.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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What It Is

Two plates in the skull normally come together during gestation to form the entirety of the hard palate of the face, but sometimes these plates do not fuse. The result is a visible gap that includes both the hard and soft palates. Cleft lip occurs when the muscular structures around the hard and soft palates do not close properly but the palates themselves are intact. It is thought that cleft lip/palate is primarily genetic in nature. But other factors may be involved, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Reasons for Plastic Surgery as Treatment

Improved Speech Development

Closed palates and lips are necessary in order for a baby to produce the sounds he hears. But if these structures are open, the baby cannot form the correct mouth shape or position the tongue accurately for sound production. Plastic surgery for cleft lip and palate thus allows a baby to avoid language delays.

Improved Feeding

Children with cleft lip/palate often have a hard time nursing, drinking from a bottle, or eating with a utensil because they cannot use the palate structure or lip muscles to form a good suction or bring food off of the breast, bottle, or utensil, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. When the cleft is corrected through surgery, the infant is less frustrated at feeding times and is able to get adequate nutrition with less effort and less mess.

Lessened Social Stigma

Those with physical deformities unfortunately tend to be viewed as less intelligent or as having less desirability or importance. And some people even view those with deformities as being deserving of those conditions. Children with cleft lip or cleft palate are often stared at or ridiculed, which can erode self-esteem and make it difficult for the child to develop or to maintain relationships. Surgery can help the child feel like he is not ugly, isolated, or worthless—it can help him to feel “normal.”

When Surgery Can Be Done

Surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate usually is done at 2 to 3 months of age. This is only an average, as other factors (such infant illness, travel, insurance problems, etc.) can affect the ability to operate.

How Many Surgeries Are Needed

The number of plastic surgeries needed to correct cleft palate or cleft lip depends on the severity of the problem. In cases where the cleft is bilateral (the gap is on both sides of the palate), two surgeries usually are necessary instead of one.

After Surgery Care

Care after surgery can continue for up to 10 years. The Cleft Palate Foundation child usually is followed by an entire team that can monitor both physical and linguistic progress. However, the initial recovery time is fairly short, with major improvement seen after as little as a month and scarring fading over time.

Insurance Considerations

Some insurance companies will not cover plastic surgery for cleft lip and cleft palate because the conditions usually are not severe enough to threaten the life of the child. The procedure is considered purely cosmetic in such cases, especially since other treatments such as the use of a prosthetic to close the gap exist. Fortunately, most insurance companies recognize the physical limitations that the conditions cause and therefore cover some, if not all, of the cost.

Assessment

If your child has a cleft lip or cleft palate and you think surgery may be the best option of treatment, have your child assessed by a professional. They can tell you how severe the condition is and what to expect from the care team over the course of surgery and treatment, and they can help explain to your child (if older) what is going to happen to him in a way that makes the child feel safe through the treatment.

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1. Do you feel that puffiness in your upper eyelids causes your eyes to look tired or sad most of the time? If so, eyelid surgery may be your best cosmetic procedure option. During eyelid surgery (also called blepharoplasty), your surgeon can remove excess fat below the surface of the skin that causes your upper eyelids to sag or appear puffy, creating a tighter, more youthful appearance. Many patients feel that they look more “rested” following the procedure, an appearance we associate with youth and vitality.
2. Do you have puffy lower lids or small bags under your eyes? Eyelid surgery can correct these problems by eliminating the fatty deposits in your low
   

   Eyelid surgery removes the excessive skin that causes eyes to droop.

   er eyelids. Excess sagging skin and muscle tissue may also be removed so that the lower eyelid can be stretched and tightened, reducing the appearance of bags and fine lines and wrinkles. This procedure can also be paired with laser or chemical resurfacing of the skin—together these procedures can virtually eliminate minor under-eye wrinkles and create very dramatic results.

3. Is your vision obstructed by sagging upper eyelids? Many people find that drooping eyelids can actually restrict their peripheral vision. In these cases, eyelid surgery is necessary to remove the excess overhang and restore your full range of vision.

If you think eyelid surgery might be right for you, use the links below to find a plastic surgeon in your area and get a free consultation.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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So if you consider yourself to be a cheaper, busier Joan Rivers, you won’t want to miss out on these “weekend” face lifts.

Have you ever thought, “I feel like getting a face lift but only a little bit.”  Or, “I feel like getting a face lift but I’m too busy.” Or the third, “I feel like getting a face lift but I don’t have the funds.”  Well, luckily for you, the mini face lift solves all three of those problems.  So if you consider yourself a cheaper, busier Joan Rivers, you won’t want to miss these “weekend” face lifts.

What is it?

The mini face lift, also known as the “weekend” face lift or “s” face lift, is a relatively new cosmetic procedure that specifically targets the neck, cheeks, and jawline.  It basically uses the same techniques as a standard face lift except instead of treating the entire face it focuses on the lower third of the face.  As with a standard face lift, small incisions will need to be made, most commonly behind the ear and beneath the chin.

Two primary methods are used within the practice of mini face lifts that patients can either get done individually or combined; these are known as anterior or posterior.  The anterior mini refers to work being done solely on the lower face, whereas the posterior mini specifically targets the neck and jowl area.  Therefore, the posterior mini is often referred to as a neck lift. Furthermore, mini face lifts can either be endoscopic or non-endoscopic.  Endoscopic treatment requires the use of a small camera that is inserted beneath the skin which helps aid the surgeon as he removes excess fat and reshapes muscles.  Non-endoscopic treatment does not require a camera, but rather more continuous incisions and the turning over of skin to more readily expose the area being treated.

In any case, the basic procedure of a mini face lift involves the surgeon gently lifting skin from the underlying tissue.  The surgeon will remove a narrow “s” shaped section of skin, at which point the skin will be lifted and the underlying muscles and tissues will either be tightened or repositioned.

Who needs it?

Ideal candidates for the mini face lift are those who are beginning to notice the first stages of sagging skin and wrinkles.  So, if you’re in your 30s or 40s and are beginning to notice slight signs of aging, you may want to consider a mini face lift before you go all in with the more expensive, standard face lift.  Also, be mindful that mini face lifts are ideal for targeting specific problem areas, primarily in the lower third of the face.  Therefore, if you have worry lines from constantly furrowing your brow, a mini face lift is not the answer.

Also, if you’re an aging politician or celeb (What?  I’m sure lots of celebs read these blog articles) a mini face lift could be just what you need to compete with those younger, hotshot competitors with their tight faces and smarmy attitudes.  Considering that the mini face lift is less invasive than a full-on face lift, and therefore less noticeable, it is ideal for those who are constantly in the spotlight.  Even you, public access weatherman, should consider a mini face lift.

Benefits

Due to the minimized invasive nature of the procedure (especially when compared to a standard face lift), mini face lifts greatly reduce the risk of scarring, as it requires less incisions than a normal face lift.  Additionally, the results are generally long-lasting, with a shelf life usually around seven to 10 years, depending on lifestyle (so, if you chain smoke and hang out with Mickey Rourke a lot, you’ve been warned).

However, the biggest benefit to mini face lifts is the reduced price when compared to a standard face lift.  It can be performed relatively quicker (one to two hours), requires less anesthesia, and patients can return home shortly after the procedure; all these factors directly contribute to the reduced cost.

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You will not be a candidate for a brow lift if you are too young (!), smoke, regularly take anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirins, or drink a lot of alcohol.

Occasionally, however, the injections of the Botulinum toxin aren’t enough. They can be pricey and they have to be topped up fairly regularly – in some cases as often as every three to four months – in order to work properly and smooth out those lines. After several years of regular Botox sessions, the price can add up.

The alternative to having poison injected into your forehead is a brow lift, which is a permanent way of getting the forehead you desire. There are many different types of forehead, or brow lifts, depending on the specific needs, wants and desired outcome of the patient. If done correctly, a brow lift can revolutionize the way an individual – or at least their forehead – looks, and make the need for Botox a thing of the past.

However, no type of brow lift is without risks. Before you embark on this type of cosmetic surgery – or any cosmetic surgery – make sure you know what you are getting into. Botox will wear off within a few months, and you’ll look exactly as you did before having the injections. A brow lift, on the other hand, can change the way you look forever – which could be a good thing, but could be downright disastrous.

Types of Forehead Lifts

Brow lifts are designed to smooth out the forehead and lift the line of the eyebrows, while making the eyes appear more open and refreshed and thus the entire face look rejuvenated. Also known as an eyebrow, endobrow, open brow, temporal or forehead lift, it is usually done on people age 40 or above, as younger folk don’t have enough saggy skin available at the top of their hairline, or crown.

The three main types of brow lifts are:

• Traditional or Classic Brow Lift. Not for the squeamish. Your surgeon will make a “coronal incision”, or big cut, behind your hair line from ear to ear on top of your forehead. After this is done he or she will tighten muscles and get rid of any tissue or skin that is responsible for frown lines or other wrinkles. The skin will then be pulled back tight to reduce those wrinkles and/or frown lines, then sewn back. Basically, it’s like cutting off some skin, giving it a yank, then re-sewing it tightly back up. Sometimes the result is that the person appears to have a slightly larger forehead than they had bargained for.
• Endoscopic Lift. These types of lifts are more popular because they require a shorter recovery period and are less invasive. However, they an only be performed on patients who need less of a lift, which usually means younger people. They involve the use of a camera on an endoscope, or cannula, which will allow the surgeon to see what he or she is doing without making large incisions. Instead, smaller incisions are made, and the skin is pulled through them. Twilight anesthesia is usually used.
• Mini-Forehead Lift. The beauty part is that having a mini-forehead lift can cost about the same as two – three years of regular Botox injections, but the result can be permanent. The goal of this less-invasive lift is to elevate the eyebrows, thus making the eyes appear less hooded and making the need for an eyebrow lift a thing of the past. It is achieved by incisions usually made behind the frontal hairline. If you have a high forehead then the hairline can be brought down – with an endoscopic lift the hairline will be made even higher.

Please note that brow lifts are often done in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures, such as an eyebrow lift, hair transplant or even a face lift or nose job. After all, people reckon, one-stop shopping is the way to go: if you are paying for anesthesia and perhaps even a hospital stay, why stick with only the forehead? Also, you might look a bit funny if you have the forehead of a 20-year-old, while the rest of your face appears 65-plus.

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Laser skin resurfacing can be beneficial to a range of different people from either gender.

It may sound like something that workmen do to improve the road surface, but laser resurfacing is really taking off within the cosmetic surgery arena.

What is Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Laser resurfacing is the use of a high energy laser beam directed to specific parts of the face. The aim of the treatment is to remove (or ‘burn off’) the top layer of skin, revealing fresh skin underneath.

There are actually two different types of laser resurfacing – ‘ablative’ and ‘non-ablative’.

Ablative laser resurfacing is the most frequently used type and involves the high powered laser being used to destroy the very top layer of skin to reveal the fresh pink layer below (known as the dermis). The surgeon will then use the laser at a lower power setting to heat this skin, thus encouraging the growth of healthy, wrinkle-free new skin.

Non-ablative laser resurfacing is the same except that it does not destroy any skin whatsoever; it only heats up the top layer of skin to encourage fresh skin growth.

Fractional laser resurfacing means that only a small part of the face is treated at one time. It can also be carried out on the entire facial region if the patient so desires.

Who Can Benefit from Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing can be beneficial to a range of different people from either gender. The most common purpose for having the treatment is the removal of wrinkles, chicken pock or acne scars, and to even out skin pigmentation. Whilst there are those who will pigeonhole the treatment as something that only the older generation has done, there are plenty of young people who have fractional laser resurfacing to help in the removal of unsightly scars or blemishes from the face. Because it is generally a cosmetic surgery rather than a medical one, it can be a fairly pricey endeavor. The exception to this is if a doctor decides that a scar or blemish is having a truly detrimental effect on a person’s physical or mental wellbeing.

What Are the Benefits of Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

The most clear cut benefits are the removal of fine lines, wrinkles and scars from the facial region. These can easily cause a person a great deal of embarrassment and can be very detrimental to their overall health. Fractional laser surgery can restore the self confidence that tends to disappear after the onset of serious wrinkles or scarring. Older people that opt for this procedure often feel much happier to have younger, fresher looking skin.

What Risks are Involved in Fractional Laser Resurfacing?

This procedure, like many others, is not without its pitfalls. There are a number of side effects that could occur during and following the operation. In fact, many people are shocked when they see themselves for the first time following this procedure – particularly those who have their entire face treated. This is because the skin generally reddens quite a lot, and can also blister and ‘ooze’. This is a natural part of the healing process and will disappear in good time; however it can be a surprise to some people expecting immediate results. During the procedure itself, it is possible that a patient may catch a skin infection. This is due to the revealing of such delicate new skin which is far more vulnerable to external factors than ‘tougher’ top layer skin. Scarring is rare but a possibility, and there have been reports of total or partial loss of skin pigmentation.

As with all cosmetic procedures, it is recommended to consider all of these risks and balance them with the perceived benefits. Try and seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before ‘taking the plunge’.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing: The Final Word

All cosmetic surgery comes hand in hand with risks and benefits. In the case of laser resurfacing, this is also true. On the one hand, laser resurfacing is a great way – and very successful in almost all cases – to look younger and/or remove scarring; however, it could also cause scarring if anything were to go wrong.

As with any decision worth making in life, the choice is yours – just make sure you have all the facts and come to an educated, well-rounded conclusion.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

If you are considering laser resurfacing, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

Atlanta Dermatologists | Boston Dermatologists | Charlotte Dermatologists | Chicago Dermatologists | Dallas Dermatologists | Los Angeles Dermatologists | Miami Dermatologists | Minneapolis Dermatologists | New York Dermatologists | Philadelphia Dermatologists | Phoenix Dermatologists | San Francisco Dermatologists | Seattle Dermatologists | Washington, DC Dermatologists | See More Cities

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If you’re a lady and a spendthrift, who also happens to have small breasts that you’re unsatisfied with, then you’re probably less than pleased with the average cost of a boob job ($7,000).

My Free Implants (You Know, for Boobs)

If you’re a lady and a spendthrift, who also happens to have small breasts that you’re unsatisfied with, then you’re probably less than pleased with the average cost of a boob job ($7,000).  That is, unless you’ve heard of myfreeimplants.com, a website who’s title says it all.  Basically, complete strangers serve as benefactors to the female clientele looking for breast augmentation.  Essentially, the women interested would have to set up their own profile (think Twitter, but with more boobs) where you write a short bio and upload pictures of yourself (nudity is not required, though let’s be honest, you’ll probably get more donations if you are).  From there, you can interact with the benefactors on the site by sending personal messages, sending “custom” photos, chatting through live audio and video, or writing personalized blogs (which, if you can get a guy to donate money by reading a stupid blog about your tits, then more power to you).

Now if you’re thinking, “This all sounds a little creepy”, I assure you, it’s totally creepy.  But hey, you’re the one who wants free breast implants.  And apparently lots of strangers out there want you to have them too.  But if you’re clever you can work the system, seeing as how you don’t have to pose naked and you can reach out to as many benefactors as you want.  Plus to protect your identity you can use aliases, just like a secret agent (who wants big boobs!)  So upload a picture of yourself eating a chili dog in a bikini and let the lonely middle school guidance counselors of the world fund your surgery as they watch repeats of Battlestar Galactica.

Going Abroad = Cosmetic Surgery + Vacation

After plastic surgery, a certain amount of recovery time is required.  So instead of spending that time on your sofa watching daytime television, why don’t you enjoy the exotic scenery of a small town in Thailand or a pueblo villa in Brazil?  That certainly beats watching The Bonnie Hunt Show.  Not to mention that cosmetic surgery is way cheaper in other parts of the world.  And believe it or not, lots of different countries are getting involved in cosmetic tourism, offering package deals for those who like to save money, look amazing, and get cultured all at the same time.  Plus, telling your co-workers you’re going on vacation is a lot less conspicuous than trying to convince them that you “fell down the stairs” in an attempt to explain your swelling, post-op face.

Generally speaking, Asia and South America offer the cheapest forms of plastic surgery.  At cosmeticsurgerytravel.com, you can set up a trip to Thailand as well as a specific procedure of cosmetic or dental surgery.  They assign you your own personal medical concierge, who helps you plan your trip and helps estimate the cost.  They even pick you up from the airport (though let’s hope they’re not holding up a sign that reads “MIKE SMITH—PENIS ENLARGEMENT PROCEDURE”).  They include five packages, all of which run pretty cheap, considering that most of them include hospital stay and resort recovery, as well as anesthetic and the surgery itself.

Brazil offers similar packages with cosmeticvacations.com, where the clinic’s owner Dr. Ronaldo Pontes and his daughter, Dr. Giselle Pontes, are both members of the International Society of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery.  Not to mention that they both sound like beautiful soap opera characters (I like to imagine that Ronaldo wears an eye patch).  Furthermore, if you suffer from a flat ass (medical term: pancake butt), then your destination is the Caribbean International Plastic Surgery Centre, located in Venezuela.  They specialize in buttocks augmentation, though they offer other services, such as breast augmentation (starting at $3,500), rhinoplasty ($2,500-3,000), and something called intimate feminine corrections ($1,500-2,000).  If you’re there you might as well get the buttocks augmentation, because any secondary procedure that’s compatible will be 20% off.  And who doesn’t like a good sale?

However, the big daddy of cosmetic tourism seems to be something called Surgeon and Safari (surgeon-and-safari.co.za) located in South Africa.  What better way to recuperate from plastic surgery than a relaxing safari through the South African brush!  Now I’m not positive about this, but if a lion bites your face off on safari, you’ll probably get a pretty good discount on reconstructing it.  But if safari’s not your thing, they also offer luxury hotels in Cape Town and Johannesburg for recovery.

New Practice, Cheap Surgery

It may be worthwhile to peruse the new practices specializing in cosmetic surgery because like any business, they need good publicity.  In this case, you may want to offer your services as a model for those before-and-after pictures that so many cosmetic surgery offices like to plaster on the inside of subway trains.  Think about it, you could be riding the 1 Train, laughing at everyone who grimaces at the picture of your crusty-ass feet emblazoned on the inside of the train.  And why would you be laughing?  Because you got free (or a seriously reduced price on) orthopedic surgery, that’s why.

Likewise, you may want to seek out various med schools, as many of them offer seriously reduced prices on otherwise expensive procedures like nose realignments and face lifts.  Yes, there is some risk that your med student surgeon was up all night doing beer-bongs.  However, most intensive procedures (such as cutting up an actual human being) will be supervised and monitored by practicing physicians.  Obviously, the more upscale the med school is, the better the treatment will be.  Just make sure the med school isn’t attached to a mall and you should be okay.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

If you are considering surgery, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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The truth is you don’t have to have a flat backside to get gluteoplasty. Maybe you find your rump to be too shapeless. Maybe your junk is sagging a little too much for the trunk. Well, what are you going to do about it, huh? Don’t just sit there on your flat ass, go out there and be somebody!

What is it?

Gluteoplasty, also known as butt augmentation, generally refers to two different procedures.  First there is the butt lift, which, for you geography nuts out there, is also known as the Brazilian butt lift (nationalism is a wonderful thing).  This particular procedure, which may also be termed as fat injections, fat transfer, or fat grafting, involves several different “shape-modifying” injections to the buttocks.  The idea is to use a little bit of liposuction to extract fat from around your butt, or the abdomen if desired, which will then be processed and purified before it is injected into the buttocks.

The second form of gluteoplasty refers to actual implants, ideally made of an elastomer that doesn’t leak or something like cohesive silicon gel.  The implants are meant to be more resistant and durable than breast implants, obviously because your bottom is meant to withstand stronger forces and pressure (you know, sitting, walking, running, jumping).  A two to three inch incision will be made on the inside folds of the buttocks, and the implants will be inserted either on a submuscular level (enhancing the upper buttocks) or a subfascial level (enhancing the lower buttocks).

Who needs it?

Both men and women are getting gluteoplasty these days, meaning the trend is not at all exclusive.  Men generally want to enhance the outline of the gluteal muscle (here’s looking at you UPS guy), so usually only the prosthesis is necessary.  Women, on the other hand, are generally looking to get more shapely or rounder buttocks, which may mean a combination of prosthesis and fat injections.  Otherwise, body builders are prime candidates for gluteoplasty because it can be more difficult to further develop the glutes as opposed to the muscles in the rest of the body.  Show me a body builder with a trophy and a wimpy ass.  I dare you.  Also, if you’re a female and you aspire to dance in rap videos while drinking champagne out of a hose, gluteoplasty may also be for you.

Benefits

According to Dr. Hugo Cortes, “Having a nice gluteal zone is a source of self esteem, and it can be compared with having nice clothes or using fine colognes, etc.”  Now I’ve never thought of my ass as an accessory, but just because I can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not there.  In fact, now that I’ve been enlightened I liken my ass to a shiny new bracelet or a piece of fine jewelry.  So is it vain and self-absorbed to pay $4,810 (standard package price) for butt implants?  Maybe a little, but if it boosts your self esteem then who cares?

The truth is, it’s cosmetic surgery, so the primary benefit is to make you feel content with your body.  On top of that, the surgery is rather quick (two hours at best) and the scars are barely visible considering that they are located in the creases of your buttocks.  Some researchers are even claiming that gluteoplasty can help treat a condition known as fecal incontinence, which is defined as incomplete control of the fecal stream.  Dear god, somebody please get those poor people some butt implants, stat!

Risks

The actual procedure is fairly safe and leaves little room for infection.  Mainly, the biggest risks will be associated with the activities you partake in during the weeks following your gluteoplasty.  For the week following the procedure, try to resist the temptation to sit (maybe try your hand at stand-up comedy) and only lay down on your stomach (or as Dr. Cortes insists, “patients must sleep upside down”- something tells me that English isn’t his first language.)  Furthermore, for the next 5-6 weeks you should avoid physical exercise.  Also, if you’re big into steroids (I know a lot of you readers are), you’re going to want to avoid injections of the bottom variety, unless you want to pierce one of your butt implants.

THE BOTTOM LINE

So you got a flat ass and you’re embarrassed.  Get a gluteoplasty, it’s what they’re there for.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.

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Take Ellie Malmin, a 45-year-old from Florida who took time off from a busy career to have two children. Pregnancy left the diminutive 5ft 5in makeup artist with 30 extra pounds of post-pregnancy weight, and she felt horrible, fat and downright ugly.

Many mommies go through elaborate makeovers involving a variety of plastic surgeries in a bid to look younger.

“Like many women, I wanted to be the perfect mother and gave virtually all my time and attention to the children,” Ellie told CosmeticSurgery.com. “I got to the point where I had put myself at the bottom of my priorities and even went around without makeup. In a word, I had become a frump.

“If I lose respect for myself, my kids may also lose respect for me and then themselves,” Ellie said to herself in a rare moment of insight. “Perhaps the children would have a better role model if they saw me as more outgoing and confident – and not so frumpy.”

So what did Ellie do? According to the website, she had a tummy tuck, eye bag removal, thigh liposuction, a breast lift and cosmetic dentistry. And now her kids, aged three and seven, see a “more confident, outgoing mother with higher self-esteem.”

If you think your little darlings would love you a lot more if you had higher breasts and a flatter tummy – and what children wouldn’t? – maybe it’s time you spent tens of thousands of dollars on plastic surgery (or get new kids – and a life). After all, if a Mommy Makeover worked for Ellie, maybe it would work for you…

What is a Mommy Makeover?

A Mommy makeover is an expensive, painful procedure where women who have given birth to children with their own bodies seek to turn back the clock and make themselves appear younger, thinner and more sleek. The list of procedures available is endless as you can always find a cosmetic surgeon willing to change literally every part of your body – at a cost. Here are just some of the procedures on offer:

Invasive Procedures

Breast Lift. A mastopexy will raise your breasts and take away their droopy appearance. Can be done in conjunction with an augmentation or reduction. Sometimes the nipple may have to be cut away and removed, then placed back. Ouch!

Breast Augmentation. Commonly known as a boob job, but in official parlance goes by the name “augmentation mammoplasty”. Add a bit of silicone inside your chest to make your saggy breasts, ravaged by breastfeeding, look perky and new. Some women opt for bigger boobs to have a more proportional figure, some do it for the opposite reason…

Tummy Tuck. Different types of tucks, or abdominoplasties, are available, depending on how much fat and skin you need removed. Sometimes liposuction is done in conjunction. Best for women who have achieved their ideal weight through dieting and exercise but have excess skin they cannot get rid of as the result of pregnancy.

Thigh Liposuction. Get rid of those deposits of fat that are proving impossible to shift with this vacuum-like device. It really sucks.

Butt Lift. Fat is transferred from other parts of your body into your bottom, to give it shape and make it appear perkier. Buttock implants are also a possibility, where silicone implants are used to fill out your butt cheeks. Cheeky, huh?

Face Lift. Why look old when you don’t have to? Have your face threaded, lifted or even have part of it cut away! Be aware, however, that face lifts may take away the odd wrinkle but cannot give you beautiful skin – unless you had it before the procedure was carried out.

Vaginal Rejuvenation. Get a tighter vagina by having the skin muscles tightened and excess tissue cut away. If you really want to look younger, have a hymenoplasty at the same time, to “repair” your hymen.

Less Invasive Procedures

Chemical Peel. Various acids are used to peel away the top layer of skin, and theoretically to improve the stimulation of more collagen. Can take away age spots and very fine wrinkles and leave you looking younger. Ask to see which one is best for your skin type.

Botox. Whether it’s to smooth away fine lines on the forehead or around the mouth, this toxin works by paralyzing the facial muscles and making you look younger, as if you haven’t a care in the world…

Laser Hair Removal. Getting rid of hair in the bikini region is one way to make yourself look younger – why not go all the way and look pre-pubescent? Some guys like that – but do we like guys who do?

Dermal Fillers. Fill our your lips and plump up your cheeks with injections of Restylane, Juvederm and other cosmetic fillers. Look like Angelina Jolie, if you wish – at least around her mouth!

There’s no reason women shouldn’t be happy with the bodies they have, and feel proud to wear the scars of motherhood. We should revel in our saggy breasts, stretchmarks and big tummies. After all, no pain, no gain – right? And there’s (almost) nothing a bit of dieting and exercise can’t sort out.

If you do decide to have a Mommy Makeover, however, there’s no reason your spouse shouldn’t have a Daddy Makeover at the same time. Just because he didn’t have to give birth doesn’t mean he hasn’t aged. After all, sitting on the couch watching football, drinking beer and scoffing pizza every weekend while you take care of the kids must have taken its toll on the poor fella.

So next time you trot off to the hospital in your Manolo Blahniks for a quick nip and tuck, why not suggest that your man also go under the knife and indulge in a chin implant, hair transplant, pectoral implant and tummy tuck? And why not throw in a nose job – and a penis extension – while he’s at it? Looking good, Daddio!

Are you looking for a plastic surgeon near you? Check out the links below!
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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