Cosmetic Surgery for Skin Treatments

While cosmetic surgery can involve major operations, there is also certain skin treatments that are less invasive and most useful for removing scarring and certain types of wrinkles not always caused by age.

Chemical peel is a treatment that uses chemicals to peel the surface layer of the skin. This is not as horrible as it sounds, the amount ‘peeled’ being so minute that it can hardly be seen, but it certainly improves the skin it has been damaged due to certain conditions.

Pre-cancerous keratoses is one condition that may improve with the use of the chemical peel. Irregular skin pigmentation is another. Wrinkles due to age or heredity or sun damage can be smoothed out and the skin’s tolerance to acne and external irritations can be increased.

Chemical peel treatments may be purchased over the counter, but if this course of action is followed, make sure you read the label carefully and start with the weakest mixture first. There is no point treating your skin harshly if it’s not necessary.

Dermabrasion is similar to chemical peeling in the results, but fine diamond tipped rotary instruments are used to ‘sand’ the skin to a certain depth, much like a carpenter sands his new furniture smooth with glasspaper. After the skin is healed, fewer irregularities are found and the surface is much smoother. A surgeon must perform this procedure. A light sedative and local anesthesia are used.

Sometimes dermabrasion in used in conjunction with chemical peeling in order to treat deeper wrinkles or scarring. Cold packs are often used before the dermabrasion and very little discomfort should be felt during the procedure, though the skin is often swollen and tender afterwards. Some redness may persist for several months, while small white dots can be a side effect, but will disappear shortly. Make-up can be used after about a week.

Other side effects of the treatment may be a darkening or lightening of the skin. The darker areas can be successfully treated with special creams, while the lighter area is untreatable, but mostly hardly noticeable.

Laser resurfacing surgery is sometimes used to minimize facial wrinkles. A special beam of light energy can be used to make precise surgical incisions or to significantly improve the lines of the face. It is done under sedation and local anaesthesia and redness persists for several weeks, but make-up may be used to camouflage it seven to ten days.

Micro Liposuction and Micro Suction

Get rid of stubborn bulges that just won’t budge with micro liposuction, the latest trend in cosmetic surgery in the United States.

Micro liposuction also known as micro suction is a technique designed to deal with one or two diet and exercise resistant spots in people who are otherwise happy with their overall physique and body weight.

Micro liposuction refers to the removal of small areas of fat through tiny tubes and very small incisions. Commonly performed on the face, especially the cheeks, neck, under the chin and the jowl, micro liposuction can also be performed on other small pockets of fat using tiny cannulas.

Cannulas used in this surgical procedure, range from 1.5mm to 6mm in diameter. In general, smaller cannulas are preferable to larger ones for more refined contouring and surgeons can truly sculpt a small area for a desired effect.

As only a small area is involved, patients can see rapid results and can expect to return to normal life within a few days. This is made possible by fewer incision sites and less swelling, pain and bruising.

Micro Liposuction for the Lips

Fat Transfer, also called autologous fat transplantation, plumps up lips using fat taken from inconspicuous sites on the body. This is a natural, non-allergenic procedure designed to restore damaged or diminished dermal deficiencies safely and effectively.

Micro suction and micro liposuction are fast becoming popular these days as they are less invasive and they offer dramatic results and a faster recovery rate. Depending on what a patient wants done micro suction can require either full or local anesthesia and can cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

Facial Micro Suction

This procedure can significantly improve the contour of the face and is particularly useful for patients with good skin tone who have excess fat beneath the skin. There is usually a minimal amount of discomfort following micro suction. There will be some swelling and bruising, most of which will resolve itself in a week or two.

Micro Suction for the Neck

This is mostly popular with aging women as it provides a youthful look by tightening the loose skin of the neck that is apparent with age.

This procedure involves removing the extra fat from the neck with a tiny cannula, just under the chin and through the neck area and then tightening the skin under a local anesthetic combined with sedation. This results in a rejuvenated jaw and neckline and makes the patient look years younger.

Average Cost: $2,600 – 3,600

As with any other surgery, it is absolutely necessary that you consult with an experienced and well-trained cosmetic surgeon if you’re interested in this procedure. Ask to see before and after photographs of previous patients to get a feel of what you’re in for. Have realistic expectations and you will surely enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of the treatment.

Cosmetic Laser Eye Surgery – Is It For You?

You’re tired of losing your glasses or cleaning and inserting contacts every morning. Perhaps you want to improve your appearance without the hassle of contacts or getting new glasses for different occasions. You may even participate in sports or have a job that makes wearing glasses or contacts a problem and feel you have a real need for improved natural vision.

Whatever your reasons you have no doubt heard about the popularity of cosmetic laser eye surgery. Is it a safe procedure? What are the risks? How much will it help your vision? Getting these answers will help you decide if cosmetic laser eye surgery is for you.

WHAT IS LASER EYE SURGERY?

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea by sculpting it with the laser. There are two common types of laser eye surgery; LASIK and PRK. While both use the same type of laser and shape the eye for correction in the same manner they differ in their approach.

In the PRK procedure the top layer of cornea is scraped away while the LASIK procedure cuts a flap to remove the top layer of cornea during surgery. There are minor differences in the resulting post-operative symptoms.

IS LASER EYE SURGERY SAFE?

While the surgery is considered low risk and can be done quickly there are always possible complications when having any surgery performed. Your eyes are very delicate and your dependence on them is critical. It is important to understand all of the potential risks – including loss of vision – that are possible.

Most patients will deal with some amount of pain or discomfort for a few days. Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are also common, and usually clears in the days following surgery. But some may find continued symptoms for months and even fewer may find the symptoms are permanent. Other complications due to scarring can potentially cause permanent damage to vision, although additional surgery can sometimes correct this.

As with all surgeries, there is a potential risk of infection. It is generally advised to have each eye operated on separately instead of at the same time to reduce the chance of infection in both eyes. Most infections can be cleared with medication, especially if treated right away.

Another possible risk with laser eye surgery is that the vision may be over or under corrected. Under corrected vision may be fixed with further surgery but over corrected vision is irreparable. Unfortunately each individual will respond differently to the surgery and results cannot be guaranteed.

It is possible for a person to continue to require corrective lenses even after surgery, although their dependence on them should be lessened.

Whenever an individual is contemplating surgery it is important that a realistic understanding of the risks and benefits be clearly presented by the surgeon. Research your procedure as well as the doctor performing the operation before agreeing to any surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery to Correct Basic Shape and Form Defects

Many women are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their breasts for one reason or another. If you are thinking along the lines of having cosmetic surgery for your problem, remember that some size and shape differences are normal and while breast implants will increase the size, they won’t correct basic shape and form defects. It is possible to have other forms of corrective surgery for that.

The breast implant operation is carried out under general anesthesia and involves the insertion of the implant by means of a small incision under the breast, the armpit or even the navel. The implant is made of silicone that is filled with a saline solution. The shape is based on the individual needs of the patient.

Cosmetic surgery can also be used to correct Gynecomastia, a condition affecting 40/60 percent of men in the USA, where fatty deposits due usually to an inherited factor cause enlarged breasts. This is called Liposculpture surgery and is a fairly recent development that will restore a thinner, more masculine contour to the chest.

After surgery the patient must wear a snug-fitting garment for several weeks. This will minimize bruising and swelling, and help the skin to shrink more quickly. Return to work varies depending on the job. Office workers can return sooner than those doing more physically challenging work.

Whether you body has succumbed to the forces of gravity, or whether your shape is due to a diet too high in saturated fats, a tummy tuck might be just what you need. But don’t make the decision too lightly.

Tummy tucks might sound simple and easy, but any operation that requires a general anesthesia should be considered serious. For this reason, never be afraid to ask about your surgeon’s qualifications and experience.

Basically, a skilled professional trained in this field will remove folds of loose skin and fat, having previously marked the areas to be cut. Slack muscles are then tightened before the operation is complete. The incision is usually made along the bikini line; the skin is pulled down and afterwards secured with several rows of sutures to minimize scarring. Fat may be harvested at the same time and frozen for use in a future Liposuction operation. This possibility should be discussed with the surgeon beforehand.

Other operations to remove sagging skin can be carried out on the thighs, upper arms and neck area. Facelifts can be used to remove wrinkles and lift sagging areas and scarring is usually minimal, but if indulged in too often, the whole face can become a ghastly caricature of what Mother Nature intended.

Upper Arm Liposuction

Have you put away your sleeve-less tops and t-shirts due to the fact that you can’t stand to wear them because of the rolls of fat that have accumulated on your upper arm? You’re not alone in your fight against the extra baggage rubbing against your body as you walk.

Get the exact contour with upper body lipo. The typical upper arm liposuction procedure involves small incisions located just above the elbows. These incisions are the entry point for cannulas that are inserted to break up and suction out fat. Smaller micro-cannulas are used to minimize the size of the incision and hence reduce scarring.

Having upper arm liposuction performed is not about weight loss as some may think, but about contouring the arm so that it harmonizes with the remainder of the body. Both the front and rear fat pads that are located near the armpit can be taken care of during the procedure.

Upper arm lipo, especially using ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is one of the most effective procedures to go for if your skin is in good condition. Your skin must allow for a smooth and even contraction over the area after the fat is partially removed.

The results of upper arm liposuction are often stunning! After a successful surgery, you can start wearing short-sleeve clothing, bathing suits, and sleeveless dresses without the embarrassment of having to reveal flabby arms.

After the surgery, it is highly recommended by your doctor that a compression garment be worn to help support the new shape of the arm for the first week.

After this time, most patients experience mild swelling and pain, but can return to work. Within a few months, the upper arm is completely healed and there are almost no signs of surgery.

The cost of an upper arm liposuction can vary between $3000-$6000 depending upon the severity of the problem. So, if you have excess weight in the upper arms that has been resistant to diet and exercise for some time now, consider liposuction. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with local anesthesia and sedation.

A risk of liposuction of the upper arm includes lymphedema, which is caused by the suctioning out of the ductwork and lymph nodes. This can disrupt the circulation of lymph and fluids and result in chronic swelling of the arms and hands.

An experienced surgeon can successfully eliminate the sagging look to the upper arm as well as avoid any risk whatsoever. Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon today about the possibilities, and shape those flabby arms.

Get out those spaghetti tops and halter neck gowns today!

Plastic Surgery FAQ

It’s not surprising that plastic surgery has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Popular television shows and celebrity surgeries have de-stigmatized plastic surgery to the point where it is considered an attainable and reasonable means of improving appearance for almost anyone.

The advancement of technology and increase in plastic surgery operations means that many procedures are now commonplace and relatively free of risk. However, no surgery is risk free, and any person seriously contemplating plastic surgery should take the time to ask the following questions as a part of their research.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

While this may be the first question you thought of in reality you should only consider this after determining whether you should have surgery. Costs vary widely and should not be the basis for your decision.

The qualifications of the doctor and your comfort with him or her are of far greater significance than the cost since you will undoubtedly pay more if you encounter complications or are unhappy with the results.

Are you having reconstructive surgery because of an accident or genetic problem? Depending on the reason for the surgery you may have some of the costs covered by insurance or state run medical programs. Cosmetic surgery (also called ‘elective’) is not deemed to be medically necessary and will not likely be covered by insurance.

WHY ARE YOU HAVING SURGERY?

Although the makeovers on television may give the impression that cosmetic surgery can improve your life it is vitally important that you have a realistic viewpoint of the impact of surgery.

When discussing cosmetic surgery with a doctor they should also tell you the options available and any alternatives to surgery. You shouldn’t be pressured into unnecessary surgery. An informed consent document should be signed prior to surgery.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

All surgery carries risk. Even if your doctor is experienced in the surgery and the risks minimal you may develop a complication. Your health should be thoroughly reviewed before surgery is discussed.

A good cosmetic surgeon will take your reasons for surgery into consideration and should be open about the risks. Are you sure the risks outweigh the potential benefits? What, if any, follow up will be done by the surgeon? Will the doctor make adjustments if needed? How will complications be handled? How much time will you need to recover and what are the expected side effects of surgery?

IS YOUR DOCTOR ACCREDITED?

Not all surgical procedures need to be performed in a hospital so it is important to research the doctor to ensure they are accredited. They should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) or similar organization in your country.

Ask the surgeon if they have hospital privileges. Having hospital privileges means that a hospital committee has approved the doctor’s training and competency to meet their criteria for performing a similar operation in their facilities. Even if your surgery is performed in an office, verify that there will be appropriate medical personnel on hand and that the facilities are clean and medical waste is properly disposed of.

You should ask your personal physician for referrals as well as discuss the need for surgery. It is also important to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with. You want to feel free to ask questions and certain they understand what you are hoping to achieve – after all, this isn’t a hair cut, you want it right the first time.

Cosmetic Surgery Is Now Safer and More Effective

In recent years the growth of cosmetic surgery has increased due to the procedures becoming much safer and more effective. There are now limitless possibilities for the improvement of the human figure, whether it is in the face, body or limbs. If your body sags, bags, wrinkles or pouches or if you feel something is too big, too little or even the wrong shape, cosmetic surgery will probably fix it.

Cosmetic surgery is not only for those who are dissatisfied with their natural looks. It is used to correct certain faults that may be present either from a birth defect or illness and which have contributed to the person’s ill health or prevented their social well-being. Bat-ears is one problem that has caused many youngsters to go through the agonies of taunting from those less kind.

Otoplasty is the form of cosmetic surgery that will correct this problem. The results are almost immediate and dramatic in their impact upon the happy recipient. After surgery that takes only about two hours, a full head-bandage is worn for 24 hours, followed by a single ski-type band around the head for a few weeks until the small incisions heal properly.

Blepharoplasty is cosmetic surgery to correct sagging of the eyelids due to age or genetic inheritance of fatty deposits. Drooping eyelids can cause eyes to become irritated and vision to become impaired. Excess skin is cut away and fatty deposits treated at the same time. In some cases the condition may be due to thyroid or allergy problems, in which case medication for these problems may be a preferred alternative.

Many cosmetic surgery procedures are performed under general anaesthetic and can be considered as serious an operation as one that is necessary to save a life. Therefore, it should never be undertaken lightly. Always be sure to ask your surgeon every detail you can think of about the operation and don’t be afraid to find out whether he is fully qualified for the job.

Other forms of cosmetic surgery such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and injections are less invasive and most effective in solving some health problems. These procedures can be used to reduce scarring from acne and other causes, to remove some precancerous lesions and to plump out wrinkles.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery promotes and encourages the art and science of cosmetic surgery in all its forms and can supply reliable information about various procedures to enhance the prospective patients’ decision making.

Plastic Surgery Topics We’ll Cover

  • Abdominoplasty
  • Birthmark Removal
  • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)
  • BOTOX ®
  • Breast Asymmetry
  • Breast Augmentation
  • Breast Implants
  • Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
  • Breast Reconstruction
  • Breast Reduction
  • Cellulite Treatment
  • Cheek Augmentation
  • Chemical Peel
  • Chin Augmentation
  • Collagen Treatment
  • Dermabrasion
  • Dermatology
  • Ear Surgery (Otoplasty)
  • Eye Lift
  • Eyelid Surgery
  • Face Lifts
  • Facial Plastic Surgery
  • Forehead Lift
  • Gynecomastia
  • Laser Skin Resurfacing
  • Lip Augmentation
  • Lip Implants
  • Liposuction
  • Male Breast Reduction
  • Mole Removal
  • Neck Lift
  • Nose Job
  • Permanent Cosmetics
  • Reduce Wrinkles
  • Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
  • Scar Repair
  • Spider Vein Treatment (Sclerotherapy)
  • Tattoo Removal
  • Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Welcome to Nip Lift Tuck

Everyone needs a little nip, lift or tuck eventually, especially as we get older. This site is all about plastic surgery, also known as cosmetic surgery — the procedures, the doctors, and how to select the best of both for you.

Stay tuned as Nip Lift Tuck develops!

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