What Is It?

Lasik stands for Laser Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis.  It is a procedure that permanently changes the shape of a person’s cornea, which is the clear covering over their eye. The Food and Drug Administration describe the specific procedural details in the following passage from their website:

“…A mechanical microkeratome (a blade device) or a laser keratome (a laser device) is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middle section of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.”

While it is a surgical procedure, it is considered elective and will not be covered by insurance. This has opened a great deal of competition in the market, so shop around to be sure you are receiving the highest quality surgery, for the best price.

Who Needs It?

Those with a desire to no longer worry about wearing glasses or contact lenses should consider the surgery. Some characteristics qualify someone as a candidate.  Your vision has to have been stable for at least one year. Some doctors recommend five years without a change. Factors like hormonal changes can alter vision, so if you are pregnant, suffering from diabetes, or still an adolescent, your vision may be affected.

If you are taking medication that slows healing, Lasik may not be an option for you. It is also better to not opt to have the surgery if you participate in contact sports, especially if you will not have adequate healing time. Finally, if a surgical mistake would drastically affect your career, you should avoid the surgery.

Benefits

One benefit of Lasik surgery is the immediate improvement in a patient’s vision. You will no longer need glasses or contacts. Anyone who has worn glasses for a number of years knows how uncomfortable it can be to have them on in hot, humid weather. Those who have lost a contact can attest to the fact that breaking their commitment to corrective lenses can alter their life dramatically.

Lasik surgery can broaden your career options. A lot of professions like law enforcement and aviation require excellent vision. So those who wear glasses or contacts may not be eligible for jobs in those fields. Personally, you may find that a lot of activities are difficult to participate in if you have poor vision. Activities like skydiving, cycling, and swimming can be difficult if you wear glasses or contact lenses.

While glasses are often considered stylish accessories, those who have worn them their whole life may find they feel more confident and attractive when they do not have to wear them. Many feel they have a renewed sense of self-confidence after undergoing Lasik surgery.

Risks

While Lasik is a great solution to correct the vision of those who wear corrective lenses,  a variety of risks are associated with the procedure. The procedure is relatively new so no long-term research shows the effects of the procedure over time. Tests have also not shown conclusive evidence that the procedure is safe for patients with herpes, glaucoma, eye diseases, eye injuries, or previous eye surgeries. This means those who have undergone previous surgical procedures for their eyes may want to carefully consider their options.

Minor side effects are affiliated with the procedure. Some experience blepharitis, which is a crusting of the eye lashes. Patients may also find their pupils are enlarged, their corneas may be thinned, and it may aggravate eyes that already suffer from dryness. If a patient’s corneas are already thin, it could be dangerous to thin them too much.

For some, Lasik surgery does not offer the results for which they had hoped.  Patients have reported debilitating visual symptoms such as glare, double vision, and halos. Their vision can also be under or over treated. Few achieve perfect 20/20 vision after the surgery. Some farsighted patients have found their surgically improved vision diminishes with age. Results for those with seriously poor vision are mediocre, at best. In rare instances, patients who have undergone Lasik surgery lose their vision completely.

The Bottom Line

If you have always worn glasses or contact lenses, and you are ready for a change, Lasik surgery may be the solution for you. If your poor vision has interfered with your life choices, Lasik can offer you an option that will open doors for you in your career and personal life.

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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Reconstructive hand surgery is a specialized and effective surgery that helps correct many cosmetic and functional problems that affect one’s hand, forearm and wrist. Reconstructive hand surgery can help repair birth defects, joint deformities brought on by rheumatoid arthritis and repairs tendon injuries. In addition hand surgery can also relieve pain and pressure that comes from carpel tunnel syndrome.

The main focus of plastic surgeons when performing hand surgery according to Methodist Health, the online site of the Methodist Hospital System in Houston, is to “restore not only the function of the hand, but try to maximize the cosmetic appearance of the hand, as well.”

Other types of hand surgeries are: skin grafts, skin flaps, closed reduction and fixation, tendon repair, nerve repairs, fasciotomy, surgical drainage and or/debridement, joint replacement and replantation.

When it comes to hand transplant surgery, a relatively new and innovative surgery, success is often the result of specialized and detailed work. According to The Composite Tissue Allotransplantation program, a website run by the group that developed the hand transplant, a hand transplant involves a more complicated and intricate kind of surgery that has “multiple tissues (skin, muscle, tendon, bone, cartilage, fat, nerves and blood vessels) and is referred to as composite tissue allotransplantation.” In 2008, over 4.9 million reconstructive hand surgeries were done in the United States.

Other types of hand surgery that are performed include tendon repair, birth defect corrections, RA hand surgery, trigger finger surgery, Gangliancyst removal Dequervain’s tenosynovitis surgery, carpal tunnel hand surgery and Dupuytren’s contracture surgery.

Microscopic hand surgery is a delicate category of hand surgery. This type of surgery requires an open incision that uses magnifying glasses or a microscope in identifying and repairing hands. This kind of intricate hand surgery helps identify and protect small structures like the nerve sand blood vessels in the hands and fingers. It can also help surgeons when they re-attach such tiny structures in the hand.

It is important to note that hand surgery candidates need to be in good health and not smoke. These requirements are needed to help ward off infections and help with speedy healing. In addition, during a consultation, the hand surgeon will examine your hand and will observe the position and state of your fingers and check for sensation, and manual dexterity. After examining your hand and fingers, he may advise other alternative treatments such as splints, physical therapy or medication before opting for surgery.

Surgery to the hands normally takes one to two hours and an additional two hours in the recovery room. In addition, hand surgery is performed in an outpatient setting—that is, the surgery is often performed in the morning and you leave in the afternoon or evening. For the first day or two after the surgery, you will experience pain; however, pain is controlled by a PCA (patient controlled anesthesia). The pain will lessen with medications. But if the pain increases, contact your surgeon immediately.

Risks

As with any surgery, there are risks. Some of these risks are infection bleeding, blood clots, hand swelling and the possibility of another surgery.

To minimize risks and maximize positive results, choose an experienced hand surgeon. He should be board-certified and always ask how many times he has performed the specific hand surgery you’ll be getting. The more experience he’s had in performing such surgeries, the more effective and better chance of success from the surgery.

Hand surgery costs vary; depending on the type of treatment and other factors but the going rate for hand surgery begins around $1,000 and can go up to $2,000 or more. This type of surgery may be covered by insurance but one needs to always check before undergoing the surgery. Call your insurance provider because pre-certification may be required for your particular hand surgery. And, check with your surgeon’s office who can be helpful in providing insurance information.

Hand surgery need not be frightening, when you have the facts.

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Lip enhancement is a great option for getting the look you want and deserve, but be smart and safe by thoroughly consulting with your doctor and plastic surgeon!

Lip enhancement has become so accessible that there’s no reason that anyone shouldn’t be able to have the procedure done. It’s so simple now, why not opt for enhancement and get the look we want? We wear makeup, don’t we? Why walk around feeling self-conscious when we don’t have to? If you feel your lips are too small or too thin, there’s a good chance it bothers you, even if for a second, every time you look in the mirror. With so many options out there, why not enhance your lips? And from that day forward, like everything you see in the mirror?

What is Lip Enhancement?

Also know as lip augmentation, there are a few different routes to take when looking to make your lips fuller. Some are as simple as lip plumping glosses you can buy at a cosmetics store, although many of these do not work. For more effective results that last longer than an hour, you’ll opt for either injections or surgery. Obviously, injections are less invasive. However, the results do not last as long. With injections, a “filler” substance is being injected into your lips, either of a synthetic or natural origin, according to www.lipaugmentation.com. Often this depends on whether you choose a medical spa or a plastic surgeon’s office. Look into both. There will be differences in price and in what you feel comfortable with. You have to completely trust the practitioner, as this is an appearance-altering process, and one that can even have side effects. Therefore, you may want to meet with the professional at the medical spa and a plastic surgeon, so you can really get to know them and what they would plan to do in this procedure. You will find someone you feel comfortable with, and from there the injections are easy. They can be done quickly and fit into your day’s schedule. The pain is moderate and does not last. And the results show up immediately. Just note that some of it is swelling and some results may only last about six months. That is the nature of injections, however. They are exponentially less expensive than surgery, but this is because they must be done periodically, whereas surgery is permanent.

For surgery, you will have to make consultation appointments with a plastic surgeon, who will determine the safest and most effective route. Since it is a surgical procedure in which the lips are opened to add filler, it will require downtime, anesthetics, and a brief period of recovery time, perhaps a few days until the swelling goes down. These results will be permanent. Therefore, even though it is more expensive than injections, you have to consider what works better for you in the long run. Surgery is expensive but is a one-time deal. Injections are more affordable but will add up over time.

Who should get Lip Enhancement?

Newimage.com fills us in on what common types of lips are candidates for lip enhancements. These are the issues that are effectively and successfully corrected with injections or surgery, and the ones that warrant such procedures:

• Thin, flat lips with no shape, fullness, or definition. Interesting fact: This can happen as a result of smoking.
• No upper lip, rather an upper lip that is significantly thinner than the lower lip and therefore out of proportion
• No bottom lip: same as above in reverse
• Irregular border: this is an unevenness or asymmetry in your lips. Maybe one side of your upper lip comes higher than the other. Maybe your lower lip appears smaller on one side than another.
• Remember, if you feel your lips are too large, you can have lip reduction performed.
• To have lip augmentation, you need to consider your health. You should be sure you do not have the following problems, and always consult with your doctor, who will know best if you are a candidate:
• Have you used Accutane in the last six months? This causes a chance of scarring.
• Do have any connective tissue disorders?
• Do you suffer from lupus?
• Any active diseases like heart diseases or asthma?
• Allergies?
• Diabetes?
• Clotting problems?
• Oral herpes?
• Dental issues like abscesses?

What are the benefits of Lip Enhancement?

The most obvious benefit of lip enhancement is thicker, fuller lips. This can lead to less self-consciousness and higher confidence. Your face may be better proportioned. As far as injections, the fact that they don’t last as long could be a benefit, according to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. You don’t have to commit to permanently fuller lips. More affordable on a case-by-case basis, this is a great option for pay-as-you-go. As long as you want fuller lips, you can continue receiving injections. Obviously, the surgery has the opposite benefit of being something you only have to do once, and the results will last. So, if you’re more committed, it could be the better choice.

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What Is It?

Gastric bypass is the procedure of making the stomach smaller. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach with staples or a plastic band. The path of digestion is then routed around the small intestine, bypassing that part of the stomach. The creation of the smaller stomach makes it difficult to consume more than a small amount of food and calories. People that have had the surgery feel full faster than if they were just monitoring their food intake.

The food eaten also bypasses the small intestine where most nutrients and calories are absorbed. This enables someone to eat a smaller than usual serving and absorb fewer calories.

The procedure is done in a hospital and is an inpatient surgery. The full recovery time can range anywhere from 3 to 5 weeks. Initially, patients need to be monitored closely by health professionals. There will be frequent follow-up visits at a certified medical facility or a private physician’s office if returning to the hospital is not an option. Patients will also be counseled on how to treat their altered body, how to supplement their decreased diet with vitamins and minerals and how to cope with their surgery and the aftermath emotionally.

Who Needs It?

Adults age 18 to 65 that are severely overweight and considered obese are eligible for the procedure. A doctor will typically speak with them concerning their lifestyle and whether or not gastric bypass is an option for them. People whose body mass index (BMI) is over 40 make good candidates for the procedure. Those who have tried more traditional methods of weight loss and failed in their endeavor often find that gastric bypass is their only option. They may have developed debilitating or threatening conditions related to their weight and the gastric bypass will save their life.

A person should have been obese for at least five years prior to considering the surgery. They must be relatively healthy and not suffer from untreated depression or any other major psychological disorders. It is also important that they not have ongoing problems with alcohol because untreated alcoholism will lead to severe problems once the surgery is complete.

Benefits

The main benefit of gastric bypass surgery is that it allows someone to lose weight relatively quickly. Those having the surgery typically drop about one third of their excess body weight over the course of one year. They may continue to lose for up to four years. The procedure helps them to learn proper eating habits, and reduce their serving sizes by force. Due to negative reactions to certain foods, people will also be able to train themselves to avoid highly processed and refined foods. While it is best to manage an eating plan without forcibly altering your body, gastric bypass patients have been unable to do so. The surgery may mean the difference between life and death for them, and it will most certainly effect their quality of life for the better.

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It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a dentist-recommended mouthwash in order to keep your oral hygiene at its absolute best.

What is Periodontics?

Periodontics is a branch of dentistry in its own right, and is founded on the basis of research into the parts of the body that surround and support the teeth. These regions include the gums, the jaw bone, various ligaments and other supporting tissues – known collectively as ‘periodontium.’

The primary function of periodontics is to discover and then develop treatments for the various periodontal diseases that can and do occur within the mouth. Thanks to periodontics, diseases such as gingivitis have been researched and treated thoroughly. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can turn into the far more serious periodontal disease. This is difficult to treat, and seen rather infrequently with today’s strict dental guidelines; however it represents a serious health risk. Periodontal disease not only destroys gums, it also finds its way into the jaw bone itself.

What is Periodontal Disease and how is it Treated?

Periodontal disease is a more evolved form of gum disease (gingivitis) and can cause serious damage to a person’s oral health. The problem with the disease is that it can sometimes go undetected for quite a while before a dentist or periodontist is brought in to check the problem area. Signs that you should keep an eye out for include bleeding gums, receding gums, bad breath and sore or sensitive gums. If caught early it may well simply be a small case of gingivitis (which can be treated with over-the-counter medicinal mouthwash), however if ‘full blown’ periodontal disease has set in you would need to see a periodontist as soon as possible.

There are different ways to tackle periodontal disease, both at home and via surgery. In many cases both types are required to fully treat the disease. A periodontist will need to give your gums a thorough clean to remove all plaque and tartar buildup from within the ‘pockets’ of your gums. This procedure is sometimes called root planing or deep scaling. Once this operation has taken place, the periodontist will advise the patient on a full home gum maintenance regime that they must uphold. Once periodontal disease has been present within a person’s mouth, they will become very susceptible to future outbreaks as well as plaque buildup. This is why they must be absolutely dedicated to a complete oral care program.

Who Is Susceptible to Peridontal Problems?

Anyone can have problems with their gums. There is a common misconception that gingivitis and periodontal disease only affects those of the older generation; however this is a complete mistruth. Anybody who fails to regularly clean their teeth and check his periodontal area for signs of problems can fall prey to gum disease.

It is always recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a dentist-recommended mouthwash in order to keep your oral hygiene at its absolute best. Flossing is also important, as bacteria can collect between teeth and potentially be the cause of periodontal problems.

What are the Risks and Benefits of Periodontics?

Periodontal treatment carries little risk and a great deal of benefits. When gingivitis or periodontal disease is contracted, there are little options other than periodontal treatment. The risks involved are no different to those of a standard dental procedure. These can range from the possibility of infection to some swelling following a deep scaling operation. The larger risk is if periodontal disease is left untreated completely, as this can lead to the complete destruction of the periodontal area, leaving the person is constant pain and unable to even eat properly.

The benefits, on the other hand, are simply that the person will have healthy gums and, consequently, teeth. They will also be taught the correct oral hygiene techniques to ensure that their problems do not reoccur at a later time. One of the biggest challenges faced by periodontists is that people simply do not follow their instructions correctly and end up back for further treatment.

Periodontics: The Bottom Line

Periodontics is an important branch of modern dentistry. It develops successful treatments for problems that can really strike anyone at any age.

Remember that while you should always have your dental checkup at least every six months, you may also want to keep an eye on your gums – they’re not invulnerable!

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.

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

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

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A few other considerations to keep in mind when researching plastic surgeons:

1. Not all plastic surgeons are equal. Just as not all chefs or artists are the same, no two plastic surgeons are quite the same either. Although all licensed plastic surgeons must have met a set of minimum requirements to obtain medical board certification, beyond that the skill level of different surgeons can vary greatly. And since it is unlikely that any plastic surgeon is going to outwardly admit to having inferior technique to that of his colleagues, it is up to the patient to do the necessary legwork to find a qualified surgeon to perform his or her procedure. This necessary research can be done through checking with referrals, searching for references to the surgeon online, or checking with the medical board in your state to ensure that the surgeon in question has not had any complaints filed against him or her in the past.

2. Every Surgeon Has a Specialty. Plastic surgeons may perform dozens of different cosmetic procedures on patients, but nearly every qualified doctor has one—or more—surgeries he enjoys doing the most and is therefore more specialized in performing. For the best chance of optimal results, every patient should do the necessary research and find a surgeon that specifically specializes in the augmentation he hopes to have done.

3. Not all cosmetic surgeons are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Due to the way licensing laws work in the United States, physicians need only to be certified by their state licensing board to practice in nearly any specialty, including plastic surgery. Obtaining licensure through the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), however, shows that the surgeon has received at least six years of surgical training—with a minimum of three years of plastics-specific training—and has received instruction in performing all plastic surgery procedures.

In addition, plastic surgeons certified by the ASPS must stick to a strict code of ethical guidelines, and must continue to complete annual training courses even once their standard medical education is over. This continued emphasis on improving techniques and learning new procedures ensures that patients are in the best hands possible when it comes time to go under the knife.

It is because of this that all cosmetic surgery patients should think long and hard before choosing any surgeon not certified by the ASPS.

4. Plastic surgeons don’t just deal with cosmetic issues. Plastic surgeons may be most-commonly associated with breast augmentations and nose jobs, but many of those currently working in the field want nothing to do with these purely cosmetic, elective procedures. For a number of plastic surgeons, their primary business is reconstructive surgery—that is, treating patients who are facing a debilitating defect caused by genetics, illness, or a major accident. These plastic surgeons typically work on-staff at major medical centers, and are unlikely to handle any elective cosmetic surgeries.

5. Not all surgeons use the latest techniques. While most patients hope to find a doctor willing to use the most cutting-edge techniques in their plastic surgery operation, this may not always be the best—or safest—option. That is because treatments for various beauty ailments must undergo testing for a long period of time before a surgeon can be fully sure of the lasting outcome and effects. Even if a plastic surgeon is willing to try out a new technique, patients may want to consider waiting until it has been more thoroughly researched before diving in.

With that said, the majority of patients should not rule out going to a particular plastic surgeon simply because he or she refuses to perform a brand-new operation technique, since there is a large chance the physician is simply waiting until the procedure has been better refined for safety reasons before trying it out on new patients.

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 healthcare 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 benefits of a spa day are emotional as well as physical.

A day at the spa is a great way to relax and unwind. You can choose the full menu of services and build a luxurious and expensive experience, or you can create a spa in your own home and have a break for the daily grind for a fraction of the cost. It is not difficult to enjoy a spa experience, but a little knowledge beforehand will make it even easier.

What Is It?

A spa day is a day for you to experience relaxing and healthy treatments. It helps restore balance, emotional peace, and physical wellness. Procedures that are often affiliated with a spa day are manicures and pedicures, massages, herbal wraps, facials, and saunas. Visiting a spa is a great way to experience many of these procedures. Many facilities offer packages that allow visitors to experience several services, often for a reduced fee. Your experience at the spa will begin with a short interview, ensuring the services you will be enjoying are safe for you. Next, you will have time to relax and unwind before the services begin. Some day spas provide robes and slippers. Once you have changed, you may have a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea and browse through a magazine.

When the clinician is ready, you will be called to your private service room. Sometimes, procedures like manicures and pedicures are not available in a private room. However, if you are having a facial or full-body massage, privacy will be guaranteed. Massage therapists will use products like oils and lotions, and facials will include the application of masks, moisturizers, and astringent. Be sure to speak with the technician in advance to ensure he is aware of any allergies you may have.

For an at home spa experience, you can recreate many of these same procedures. Soaking your hands and feet, moisturizing, and massaging before applying polish is a great way to rejuvenate and boost your beauty regimen. You can find facial recipes online that are all natural and inexpensive to create. Enhance your at home spa experience by lowering the lights, unplugging the phone, and putting on soft, relaxing music.

Who Needs It?

Spa proponents will tell you EVERYONE needs it. However, some are skeptical concerning the medical benefits. Anyone that enjoys being touched will enjoy most spa procedures. Even those that are a bit uncomfortable with physical intimacy may benefit. If your concerned about your appearance, spa experiences can help you refresh your skin and brighten your appearance. If you are suffering from stress-induced muscle spasms or soreness, a massage will be just what the doctor ordered. A spa day is also ideal for a mother-daughter outing, a bridal shower, or a girlfriend getaway.

Spa experiences can be utilized for more severe situations as well. Those undergoing medical treatments may find that massage helps lessen pain. Furthermore, those that have undergone chemotherapy or any other process that alters the appearance may enjoy a day at the spa. It will boost their mood and help them to feel “pretty” and comfortable in their own skin. Speak with your doctor beforehand about medical conditions and be sure to get a signed release from him to share with the spa. When making your appointment, share your condition in case there are specially trained technicians with whom you should make your appointment.

Benefits

Even though studies have shown that stress is a number one cause of other disorders, and it has been proven that procedures like massage reduce stress, there are still those that are unsure of the benefits. Massage loosens the muscles, realigns structural oddities, and flushes toxins. Other procedures to relieve stress and cleanse the body.

An at-home experience gives you time to focus on yourself and turn the stress and aggravation of the world off for awhile. Creating a spa day is like giving yourself a present. Many of the products you can create are all natural and gently nourish your skin. The benefits of a spa day are both emotional and physical.

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As with many medical procedures, candidates for Thermage should be both mentally and physically healthy, without any lingering medical issues that have thus far gone unresolved.

Thermage is a non-invasive procedure used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, tighten skin, and give an overall more youthful look to the faces of men and women. Even better, the procedure requires no surgery, no injections, and no downtime—making it the perfect options for patients looking to feel refreshed and rejuvenated without taking the time away from family or work.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a medical procedure that increases the collagen in patients’ faces through the use of a device called a ThermaCool. Using the ThermaCool, doctors are able to send radiofrequency energy through the patients’ skin to heat up the collagen inside the face. This heat, in turn, helps to build up the natural collagen in the deepest layers of the face and eventually leaves patients with noticeably tighter skin.

Once the hour-long procedure is nearing completion and a patient’s face has been satisfactorily heated up, physicians will then use the ThermaCool device to cool the epidermis back down, helping to prevent any possible heat damage that can happen within the skin’s deepest layers and maintain the safest possible experience for patients. More importantly, whereas many other non-surgical procedures require multiple visits to the physician, Thermage can be completed in just one office visit every two years.

Because the procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical, patients do not need to worry about any lasting scars or any complications that can arise from anesthesia. Instead, they may experience a “deep heating” sensation or the feeling of mild pinching while the procedure is going on, although even this minimal discomfort is rare for most patients. Afterwards, many physicians will prescribe an oral pain medicate to sedate any linger sensations that may persist for some patients.

Who are the best candidates for Thermage?

Patients who desire a more youthful-looking face without the downtime of a typical face lift procedure are the most common candidates for Thermage no matter the skin type or color, so long as they have realistic expectations as to the outcome of the procedure, along with a healthy attitude toward their own looks.

In addition, cosmetic professionals offering the technique say the best results are achieved on patients seeking one to two millimeters of facial tightening at most—as compared to the one to two centimeters candidates seeking a surgical brow lift can expect to obtain.

As with many medical procedures, candidates for Thermage should be both mentally and physically healthy, without any lingering medical issues that have thus far gone unresolved. Because this procedure deals with facial collagen, it is also wise for patients to check in with their dermatologist before having Thermage, to rule out skin cancer or any other problems with skin or face.

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If a client follows the correct aftercare procedures of the dermatologist and follows up with the dermatologist and a physician, complication risk will be low.

Benefits and Risks of Removing Veins

Blue lines along the legs are more common than we think. With 15 percent of men and 25 percent of women suffering from varicose veins, it’s no wonder many want they removed. The prominent blue veins make individuals feel less than perfect and more insecure about their looks.

Varicose veins are not only a cosmetic concern though. Along with the protruding veins come aches and pains in the legs. Pressure buildups in the legs and within time if not treated, they can cause other problems within the circulatory system.

More often than not there are several risk factors which will put an individual in a higher percentage for varicose veins. If you have a job which requires you stand on your legs for a long time such as a waitress, you may be at a higher risk. If you are overweight or obese, this can put extra pressure on your legs leaving you susceptible for varicose veins. Women are at a greater risk to develop varicose veins as well as older adults and those who have family members with varicose veins.

So what can be done to reverse the process of varicose veins? While tight stockings and alterations of lifestyle may help to an extent, this will not remove the veins. A Dermatologist, however, can remove the varicose veins allowing for a reversal process.

What is Vein Removal?

Before beginning the process of vein removal, your physician will have to examine you to ensure you are a good candidate for this procedure. Some assessments may include an ultrasound of the legs to ensure there are no blood clots and evaluation to see if any ulcers have developed near the ankles.

Two types of removal methods of veins offered by dermatologists include sclerotherapy or laser therapy. Sometimes, depending on the client, the dermatologist will remove the veins with both the sclerotherapy and laser therapy.

Sclerotherapy involves small needles and injections of solution which will help make the veins fade away. While needles are used, this is a non-surgical procedure for the removal of veins. Clients may feel a slight stinging or pinching, but anesthesia is not needed and discomfort is negligible. This method takes approximately a half an hour and depending on the severity of the veins clients will have need to repeat the process several times. For milder cases, patients will see the dermatologist one to two times. For more several cases, the client will continue treatments on a monthly basis until all veins are faded.

Laser removal involves a laser or beam of light which throbs against the vein to help it fade away. This method is used alone for smaller veins or in addition to sclerotherapy. The lasers heat the veins which allow the veins to disband. The heat causes the blood to clot and allows for the disappearance of veins.

Best Candidates for Vein Removal?

Laser therapy is best for individuals with minor veins, or what is known as spider veins. It is preferred that the client is in good physical health and does not smoke. It is also recommended that the best candidate be in good psychological health. Individuals who have the tendency to get keloid scars are not the best candidates. Keloid scars are scars which happen after surgery and grow beyond the surgery point.

Sclerotherapy is also for candidates in the best possible health. Candidates who should not go for sclerotherapy include:

• Clients with blood-borne disease
• Clients with infectious disease
• Clients with cardiac disease
• Clients with high blood pressure
• Clients with diabetes
• Clients who are pregnant
• Clients who are nursing

Candidates should consult with their physician to come up with a plan for vein removal.

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