Who knew?

Ryan Alexander Jenkins, a wealthy reality TV contestant, was served an arrest warrant for the alleged murder of his wife Jasmine Fiore, a swimsuit model. Jenkins was featured in the reality TV show, “Megan Wants a Millionaire.”

The two had a stormy relationship: Jenkins was charged in June with domestic violence for allegedly striking her with his fist. Jenkins also had a history of violence and sex addiction from 2007, which led to questions about his involvement in Fiore’s disappearance.

Fiore lived in L.A. and had last been seen in San Diego on August 13th. She had been with Jenkins. Jenkins reported her missing Saturday night.

Jasmine Fiore’s nude body was found stuffed in a bloody suitcase in a dumpster behind apartments in Buena Park, California on August 15th. Her body was so badly mutilated that the body was unidentifiable.

According to preliminary reports, cause of death was strangulation. Someone had gone to extreme lengths to hide her identity: her teeth had been pulled and all her fingers had been removed to prevent the body from being identified by dental records or fingerprints.

However, the culprit was not aware that implants have serial numbers on them. The detectives were able to trace back to the manufacturer, the surgeon, and ultimately, the patient – Jasmine Fiore. Without her implants, the body would have never been identified. However, the implants have possibly been a key step in the criminal process.

Laser hair removal is an option to permanently eliminate hair growth in a target area, which is a convenient way of eliminating the need to repeatedly shave or wax said area that can cause complications and side effects. A good example of this is what’s known as the “chicken skin” effect of repeatedly shaving or plucking the underarms. With laser hair removal, this will not be a problem anymore.

The biggest benefits and positives of having laser hair removal procedure done is the effectiveness of the treatment in relation to the duration of the results. Best case scenario reports a complete elimination of hair regrowth in the targeted areas, which eliminates further treatment and most importantly, further worries about hair.

The procedure is done by directing laser light towards the hair follicles, eliminating further growth. But since hair grows in multiple stages, namely anagen, telogen, and catagen phases, and laser can only target the anagen stage, several sessions are usually required in order to achieve the desired results. This means that treatments are spaced weeks apart, usually three to twelve, depending on the patient’s reaction to the treatment and his or her body’s physiology.

Once finished, however, patients can enjoy a hair free experience that will have very long lasting, if not permanent results.

It is important to know, however, that laser hair removal’s effectiveness depends on a number of factors, such as skin tone, skin color, hair color, and area of the body. Laser light is absorbed by dark pigment, which is why dark skinned patients will be very difficult, if not impossible patients. For the hair color, light colored hair, like blonde and platinum blonde will tend to reflect and resist the laser light, making it difficult to eliminate. The best candidates are people with light skin and dark colored hair, making for easy laser hair removal.

Legs, back, bikini line, underarms, even facial hair like upper lip mustache hair and unibrows can be targeted by laser hair removal. Depending on the size of the area, a treatment session can last anywhere between one to three hours, and can span anywhere between three to five sessions, sometimes even more, to fully achieve the best results possible.

According to a study by ScienceDirect, in a sample of 133 American college students, there was a significant increase in cosmetic surgery interest among those that received a negative comment regarding their appearance. Interestingly enough, the negative comments received by the students tended to focus on specific physical attributes such as weight, size or shape. Positive comments tended to focus on the student’s overall appearance. Other factors that can influence a college student’s interest in cosmetic surgery are the same factors that influence the general population. Namely, media input and the desire to mimic the physical “ideals” presented by celebrities. Seriously, Brigitte Bardot (my age is showing here) may have had pouty lips that made her on-screen appearances famous. But it was Angelina Jolie that made lip augmentation currently one of the most sought after cosmetic surgery procedures.

It is the consensus of the psychological community that the transformation from the adolescent concerns of high school to the more adult issues of college life can take a heavy toll on self-esteem. That, coupled with the new-found freedom of parent-free financial and medical choices has led many college students to express themselves through the shaping of their bodies to more desirable forms. Unlike most high school students, those in college can have the freedom to work part-time jobs in order to finance their own cosmetic surgery if parents will not assist. But this phenomenon is not limited to those just out of high school. Older individuals make up a significant portion of the student body of colleges nation-wide. Finding themselves in an environment where they co-exist with younger students, there is the tendency to compare physical attributes and can lead many to wish for a more youthful appearance.

But not all college students who are considering cosmetic surgery are doing so because of self-esteem issues. Others are taking a pragmatic approach to their employment future. Just as one would invest in a new job hunting wardrobe or a professional résumé writing service, others are considering perceived advantages obtained by altering their appearance. Graduating students being well aware of the emphasis that society, especially through the media, places on physical looks, understand the impact that “first appearances” can make during a job interview. In a highly competitive job market, every consideration is taken into account and college students are known for their attention to detail.

Types of Cosmetic Lift Surgery

Face Lift

Face lift surgery, also known as rhytidectomy, is the second most common plastic surgery (after liposuction). It was once available only to the extremely wealthy but is now commonly performed to remove skin on the face that has stretched and fallen as aging has occurred.

Neck Lift

Neck lift surgery is commonly done on people who have developed neck rings, jowls and the “waddle-like” skin that can occur as we age. It can restore a more youthful appearance to the face with the removal and tightening of excess skin.

Breast Lift

Breast lift surgery is performed to restore breasts that have fallen to a more youthful position. It is often performed for women who are large breasted but have sagging breasts due to childbearing and aging. Breast lift augmentation can also be performed combining a breast lift and augmentation procedure at once to both increase the size of the breasts and restore them to a natural position.

Thigh Lift

Thigh lift surgery is performed to remove excess skin on the thighs. It is commonly desired in people who have lost weight and now have large amounts of extra skin.

Arm Lift

Arm lift surgery is also commonly performed to remove excess skin that is now sagging after weight loss. Weight loss can reduce the size of a person’s arms and legs but it can do nothing about the skin that has stretched during weight gain. Surgical lift procedures can remove the excess skin and return the body to a more normal condition.

Brow Lift

Brow lift surgery can also be called a mini face lift. It is a less invasive procedure than a full face lift to raise the eyebrows to a higher, more youthful level and will also eliminate some of the wrinkles and lines on the forehead.

How to Choose a Lift Augmentation Physician

Making the right choice for a cosmetic surgeon is one of the most important decisions made. A board certified plastic surgeon with a reputation for producing consistent, high quality results should be selected. He or she should be highly skilled and well experienced in performing the type of lift surgery that you are considering. The surgeon will also be able to fully explain the procedure, expected results and predicted recovery time. The cosmetic surgery clinic should be able to provide a number of before and after pictures from similar lift surgery procedures. Cost, though often a consideration, should not be the most important factor in choosing the right facility and surgeon as a cheaper cost will often result in a less than satisfactory outcome.

Whatever the need, breast augmentation is a growing area of cosmetic surgery, and now there are more options than ever. Breast and body lift surgery is now less invasive with better post-surgical results.

Because there are so many procedures and options available it is important to find an experienced, reputable board certified breast surgeon who can design the best procedure for you and your breasts. Experience counts: ask to see before and after breast lift photos.

When you have your initial consultation, the surgeon will want to discuss your goals and expectations. Be prepared to talk about the size and shape you desire and your feelings about the procedure. This goes without saying, but also be prepared to take off your shirt.

Make sure your breast lift surgeon includes you in the decision about the type of implant, where it will be insert and where the incision will be made. The surgeon should give you all the options available based on your body type.

How much does Breast Lift Surgery Cost?

The cost of breast lift augmentation varies widely, and is dependent upon many factors, including the region, the demand and skill of the surgeon, whether the procedure takes place in a hospital or cosmetic medical clinic, what type of anesthesia, and lastly, what type of surgery you choose.

Breast lifts (and brow lifts) also have non-surgical options, such as a laser bra surgery. This breast procedure utilizes laser therapy to lift breasts by tightening the breast support tissue. Recovery time is shorter than that of surgical breast treatments, and decreased nipple sensitivity, which can be an issue with traditional breast surgery.

How Does a Breast Surgery Work?

There are a couple of ways to make breasts look better. One of these procedures is called a breast augmentation. A breast augmentation is done by surgically inserting a breast implant under breast tissue.

Another procedure is a breast lift, with or without augmentation. Breast lift procedures are used to treat sagging breasts secondary to aging or nursing. In this procedure, breast tissue is removed and the breast skin is tightened and lifted.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Breast surgery can be performed either in an outpatient office while you are awake (local anesthesia) or in a hospital where you will be asleep (general anesthesia). The procedure lasts one to three hours.

What can I Expect During Recovery?

Breasts will be bruised, sore and swollen. There may be some pain, but that can be easily treated with prescription pain medication. A surgical bra will need to be worn until the swelling has subsided. You can usually go back to work within a week, though heavy lifting is prohibited.

There are a number of reasons why someone may wish to have a tummy tuck procedure performed. Tummy tucks are also known by the medical term “abdominoplasty”.

Tummy tucks are usually received by women who have had children or have lost a large amount of weight but may be received by men as well. This cosmetic surgical procedure has many possible benefits including elimination of sagging skin, removal of an abdominal “pouch”, repositioning of the navel and repair of weakened abdominal muscles.

Removal of Excess Skin

Conditions such as pregnancy and obesity can stretch the skin of the abdomen beyond its normal limits. In addition, as we age the skin loses some of its natural elasticity and may not return to pre-pregnancy or pre weight gain appearance. This can result in large amounts of hanging skin around the abdomen. Some people also develop and abdominal pouch that hangs down in front of the pubic section.

The folds of sagging skin are not only an embarrassing problem; they may also contribute to the development of fungal and bacterial infections underneath the pouch. Stretch marks are often prevalent on the lower abdomen where the skin is sagging. A tummy tuck procedure, involving surgical removal of the extra skin and tissue can eliminate these problems.

Repositioning of the Navel

When the stomach skin has been stretched and has not returned to normal, the belly button or navel may appear to have “fallen”. For those who need it, after the excess skin is removed the navel can be surgically repositioned and raised to a normal level.

This will result in a natural, youthful appearance of a smooth abdomen. Many people who get tummy tuck procedures can return to wearing abdominal baring apparel such as bathing suits without embarrassment.

Restructuring of Abdominal Muscles

During pregnancy and through excessive weight gain, abdominal muscles may be separated and weakened. They may not return to normal, resulting in a permanent abdominal bulge.

During an abdominoplasty, the cosmetic surgeon can restore the natural shaping of a flat abdomen by surgical strengthening of the muscles. This will contour the abdomen into a youthful flat appearance.

Mini Tummy Tuck Procedure

Some patients have less skin to be removed or may only need to have the abdominal muscles strengthened. Some women have skin with more natural elasticity and have only a little pouch. A mini tummy tuck can remove the small amount of skin and fat tissue with only a small incision at the top of the pubic hairline.

Endoscopic tummy tuck procedure may repair the abdominal muscles with only a few small incisions for those who don’t need to have any skin removed but still have an abdominal bulge from weakened muscles.

Removal of excess skin and contouring of the abdomen will improve the appearance of the stomach and may even allow one to return to wearing a bikini or other belly baring clothing.

Tummy tuck procedures may dramatically improve appearance and increase self esteem as one feels better about the body and can even promote improved health by allowing one to feel more capable of physical activity.

One of the many reasons why cosmetic surgery is so popular is because it has a number of pros or plus sides. For starters, cosmetic surgery can help to improve your appearance. Cosmetic surgery is different than reconstructive surgery and many other lifesaving surgeries, because it is optional. Those who undergo cosmetic surgery are usually just looking to improve their appearance. As nice as it is to look attractive, it is also important to note that you will likely see an improvement in your self-confidence, as well as your self-esteem.

As previously stated, most individuals undergo cosmetic surgery to improve their physical appearance. While this is true, some other individuals do so for their health. Are you overweight or even obese? If you are, cosmetic surgery may actually help to save your life or at least reduce your risk of other health complications, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Those who are obese are urged to examine the Lapband surgery and gastric bypass surgery. Those who are slightly overweight, but not yet obese, are urged to examine liposuction.

Another pro or plus side to undergoing cosmetic surgery is that it is a convenient option. Yes, you must go into the doctor’s office, your procedure may take a few hours, and you may need a few days to recover, but the results are still pretty quick and convenient. For example, if you were looking to remove the excess fat from your arms and thighs, you could spend months or even a year trying to lose the weight through exercise. On the other hand, liposuction will give you the results you wanted, but right away.

Despite the fact that there are a number of pros or plus sides to undergoing cosmetic surgery, it is also important to examine the cons or downsides of it as well. For starters, cosmetic surgery can be costly. The cost will depend on the procedure. A full surgical facelift will cost more money than simply just having a mole removed or the treatment of a stretch mark. Unfortunately, not all health insurance providers cover the cost of cosmetic procedures. In fact, most don’t. This means that you will likely be responsible for paying the full cost of your surgery.

Another con or downside to undergoing cosmetic surgery is the risks and dangers that are involved. Side effects, which most often include slight pain and discomfort, are common with most surgical procedures. All surgical procedures, no matter what they are, do have risks. There are no guarantees that you will get the results that you were looking for.

Finally, it is important to examine the recovery process. For many patients, this can be the hardest part. Liposuction was sited as an example above. This surgical procedure is one that has the strictest rules in the recovery process. In addition to letting your body heal, you also need to start eating healthy and exercising. Do you think that you can do so? If not, cosmetic surgery may not be right for you.

As you can see, there are both a number of pros and cons to undergoing cosmetic surgery. Before you decide to move forward, be sure to thoroughly examine these pros and cons. If you have any additional questions, contact your local cosmetic surgeon or surgical center. In fact, you are urged to first schedule a consultation appointment. Information provided by an experienced cosmetic surgeon can help you reaffirm your decision to go under the knife.

As for how you can go about finding a local cosmetic surgery center, you have a number of different options. Those options include performing a standard internet search with your location and the phrase “cosmetic surgery,” examining online business directories, using your local phone book, or asking those that you know for recommendations.

Now that you know just a few of the many ways that you can go about finding a local cosmetic surgery center, it is important to know that you need to do more than that. Finding a cosmetic surgery center just isn’t good enough; you need to choose one. Why? Because cosmetic surgery can be dangerous and tricky, especially if it is performed by someone with less than stellar qualifications and experience.

So, what should you look for in a quality cosmetic surgery center? For starters, you will want to examine location. Those who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery either go two ways. One, they want to find a local surgery center that is easy and convenient to visit. Second, they want to find the cheapest cosmetic surgery center, even if it means traveling abroad. Depending on where you live, you should be able to find a top-notch cosmetic surgeon within an hour or two of your home.

When looking to choose a cosmetic surgery center, the procedures performed should be examined. What is nice about choosing a cosmetic surgery center, as opposed to one surgeon with a private practice is that you often gain access to the most services and procedures. A cosmetic surgery center is likely to perform a wide range of procedures, even those that involve the use of lasers. With that said, be sure to call ahead and verify first. Also, know that if you are looking to improve your smile, by way of your teeth, a cosmetic dentist should be visited.

Cost is another factor that you should examine, when looking to choose a cosmetic surgery center. Cost is important, as you will not want to be stuck with a surgical procedure that you cannot afford. The first step is examining your health insurance coverage, if you are insured. Is the cosmetic procedure that you would like to undergo covered? If not, you will want to examine alternative methods of payment, which may involve using a credit card, inquiring about payment plans, or taking a few months to save for the surgery.

As important as it is to find a cosmetic surgery center that you can afford, you do not want to lose quality for cost. If you do, you may regret your decision in the end. That is why the reputation of the cosmetic surgery center in question should thoroughly be examined. Do they have a good success rate or a high rate of complications? How much experience do the cosmetic surgeons on staff have? What about training? Would their patients be likely to return again because they were pleased with the results?

Speaking of staffed cosmetic surgeons, will you be able to know ahead of time who is performing your procedure? You should. It isn’t a good idea to choose a surgery center that will surprise you on the day of your procedure. Even if a center has a good reputation, please know that the each of the doctors has their own personal amount of work experience, training, and education.

The environment should also be examined. Most reputable cosmetic surgery centers will require you to attend a consultation appointment first. When doing so, how comfortable do you feel in the offices, the waiting room, and in the procedural rooms? Cosmetic surgery is a large step and it is one that some individuals second guess along every step of the way. To prevent this from happening to you, choose a cosmetic surgery center that has a calm, peaceful, relaxing, yet professional environment.

As important as it is to hear that there are dangers and risks associated with cosmetic surgery, that isn’t enough to hear. For you to make a well-informed decision, you must also know exactly what those dangers are. Doing so will better allow you to weigh the pros and cons of undergoing cosmetic surgery.

The biggest risk or danger associated with cosmetic surgery is that of pain and discomfort. While not all cosmetic surgery procedures do result in pain and discomfort, a large number of them do. While your pain and discomfort may be able to be treated with over-the-counter pain medicine or an ice pack, it may cut into your daily activities. In fact, the pain may be enough that it could keep you out of work for a couple of days.

Aside from having a small amount of pain and discomfort, there are other side effects to cosmetic surgery. The side effects will depend on the procedure that you have. With that said, another common side effect of cosmetic surgery is that of skin irritation. Your skin will likely be red and it may even feel a little bit itchy. Depending on where on the body your cosmetic surgery was performed, like on your face, you may want to stay indoors or at home for at least a day or two.

Another danger of cosmetic surgery is the chance that complications may arise. This risk is one that many do not necessarily think about because complications are actually quite rare. With that said, it is important to know that they do occur. If you will be given anesthesia and if you know that you are allergic to it or have had reactions to the drug, be sure to tell your surgeon immediately and before the procedure begins.

Another risk that you are taking, when undergoing cosmetic surgery, is that the results may not be what you had hoped for. In fact, every so often you hear reports on the news about how a cosmetic surgeon messed up a patient’s procedure, often leaving them worse than they were when they went in for surgery. To reduce the chances of this happening, you will want to be sure that you take the time to find the best cosmetic surgeon or the best cosmetic surgery center in your area. Look for affordable rates, satisfied patients, and a strong surgical background.

In keeping with not getting the results that you had hoped for, it is important to know that you may be stuck with your decision. There are some cosmetic surgery procedures that are difficult, if not impossible to reverse. That is why it is important to make sure that you are sure about your decision to go under the knife. That is also why it is important for you to find a qualified surgeon or surgical center.

It is also important to examine the impact that cosmetic surgery can have on your wallet. There are very few cosmetic procedures that are covered by health insurance. For that reason, you may find yourself responsible for the full cost of your surgery. If that occurs, do you have a plan to come up with the money?

As you can see from being highlighted above, there are a number of dangers and risks that are associated with cosmetic surgery. With that said, it doesn’t mean that you should avoid cosmetic surgery at all costs. Instead, it means that you should use your best judgment. Instead of just finding a cheap cosmetic surgeon, find one that has affordable rates, amazing qualifications, and a lot of satisfied patients.

As nice as it is to hear that there is such a thing as a cosmetic dentist, who specializes in the appearance of teeth, not just the health of them, you may be looking for more information. One of the most common questions asked concerns procedures. Many wonder what type of cosmetic dentistry procedures are available to them. The good news is that there are quite a few, some of which are briefly highlighted below.

A gum lift is a common cosmetic surgery that is performed by cosmetic dentists. Although most individuals want to change the appearance of their teeth, the teeth aren’t always the main problem. If you have uneven or excess gums, your teeth may look uneven and possibly even crooked. If that is the case, a gum lift is advised. During the cosmetic surgical procedure, your excess gum will be removed, giving you an even, flawless smile.

Veneers are another common cosmetic dentistry procedure that is performed. In fact, veneers are increasing in popularity. They are designed for those who have imperfections with their teeth. These imperfections often include cracked teeth, crooked teeth, or teeth with a significant amount of staining. As for how the procedure works, each tooth will be resized and reshaped. Then, a mold will be taken of the “new,” tooth. The dentist’s laboratory will then create a custom mold, which will be bonded to your reshaped tooth. Although veneers are a great way to cut down the cost of dental work, please know that they are permanent and that the procedures cannot be reversed.

Another common cosmetic surgical procedure that is performed by qualified dentists is that of dental implants. Do you have a missing tooth or a tooth that needs to be pulled? If you do, dentures may not be a viable option, especially if the rest of your teeth are in healthy shape. If that is the case, dental implants are advised. With dental implants, an artificial tooth is used. That artificial tooth is securely anchored into the jaw bone or the gums. As with veneers, dental implants look and feel just like real teeth.

The above mentioned cosmetic dental procedures are those that can also be considered surgical procedures. It is also important to know that there are additional procedures performed by cosmetic dentists. These procedures are often less invasive and they are typically more affordable. One of those procedures is that of teeth whitening. A professional teeth whitening procedure can reduce stains that are due to coffee, smoking, and aging.

Regardless of how much we all care for our teeth, many of us develop cavities. If you do, the common choice of dentists is that of metal fillings. Ask a cosmetic dentist, however, and they will have a different view. If you are looking to keep your smile and your mouth attractive, you should examine tooth colored fillings. A cosmetic dentist can use a colored coded chart to create the perfect match. Before that is done, however, you may also want to consider undergoing a teeth whitening procedure.

As you can see, you have a number of different options when looking to improve both the health and appearance of your teeth. In fact, the above mentioned procedures are just a few of your many options. You should schedule a consultation appoint with a local, qualified cosmetic dentist to develop an appropriate plan of action. As a reminder, a healthy, beautiful smile can do you wonders. For starters, you will likely notice a significant improvement in your self-esteem and self-confidence.