Have you had it with those bags and sags? Buy yourself a head-to-toe body transformation. Courtesy of recent advances in cosmetic surgery, almost anything is possible. A new you won't be cheap, though, and there are other important considerations to weigh.
Instructions
1. Interview several surgeons and ask how many procedures similar to yours each has performed, which is particularly important with new treatments. Identify a top-notch plastic surgeon via referrals from your physician and satisfied friends.
2. Make sure prospective surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery.org). The ABPS requires a five-year surgical residency plus two years of specialized training. Ask if doctors have surgical privileges at a hospital; if not, it's possible their credentials fell short, so tread carefully.
3. Ask to see living examples of the surgeon's work, not just photographs in a book. Ask to be introduced to satisfied patients, but frank talk with all former patients is valuable.
4. Consider a rushed consultation a red flag. If a surgeon doesn't thoroughly advise you on possible side effects, potential problems and how much discomfort or disability you can expect, you aren't getting what you need to give informed consent to surgery, which is your right.
5. Confirm exactly what the quoted prices cover, since some plastic surgeons' offices quote the surgeon's fee separately. You might need to factor in other costly items like the consultation, anesthesia, supplies, medication, facility fees, hospitalization, compression garments and blood testing.
Pros and Cons about Plastic Surgery
6. Face-lifts (or Rhytidectomy) is something people chose to have to get rid of features that can be caused by heredity, personal habits, the pull of gravity or sun exposure that has contributed to the aging of the face. The skin is raised outward before the surgeon repositions and tightens the underlying muscle and connective tissue. Some fat, as well as excess skin, may be removed.
A face-lift cannot stop aging, nor can it turn back the clock. What it can do is help your face look its best and give you a healthier and more youthful appearance. Recovery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons.
7. Nose jobs(Rhinoplasty)reshapes your nose by reducing or increasing its size, removing a hump, changing shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of nostrils, or changing the angle between nose and upper lip. It may also relieve some breathing problems.
A nose job is a one- to two-hour outpatient procedure. Patients are usually back to work in 1 to 2 weeks, but must avoid strenuous activities for 2 to 3 weeks. Side effects include temporary swelling, bruising around eyes and nose, headaches, some bleeding and stiffness. It can also cause an infection.
8. Eye lifts(Blepharoplasty) can be done to correct drooping upper eyelids and puffy bags below the eyes by removing excess fat, skin and muscle.
It is a one- to three-hour outpatient procedure and patients are back to work in 7 to 10 days. The procedure can cause temporary discomfort, tightness of lids, swelling, bruising; dryness, burning or itching of eyes; tearing, sensitivity to light. Risks include temporary blurred or double vision; infection, bleeding; swelling at the corners of the eyelids.
9. Neck lifts is an endoscopic surgery that is performed under local anesthetic and gets rid of neck sag. It's good for those prone to fat deposits and drooping under chin. It leaves minimal scarring and you'll be back to your normal life in 2 or 3 days. Endoscopic neck surgery is relatively new, so look for an expert.
10. For a breast reduction or breast lift(Mastopexy), the nipple and areola can be repositioned and reduced for balance and aesthetic purposes. It's also possible to re-balance breasts after one has been reconstructed after a mastectomy. (For breast enlargement, see Obtain Breast Implants.)
This procedure can be a huge relief for women with large, heavy breasts, which can be truly uncomfortable and cause years of backache and neck pain. Surgery may be covered by insurance. Hospitalization after breast-reduction surgery is inevitable, and expect 4 to 6 weeks before you can return to normal activities. There are some risks with this surgery, such as infection, bleeding, loss of feeling in the breast, and permanent visible scars.
11. Upper-arm lifts(Brachioplast) will lift the skin that is drooping below the triceps as a result of aging or weight loss and make it tighter.
It reduces the circumference of the upper arm; contours and tightens. Visible scars is part of the procedure so ask about how much scarring to expect. Nerve injuries, change in sensation and swelling are possible complications as well. It will take a couple of weeks to recover from this surgery.
12. Liposuction(Suction-assisted Lipectomy) contours the fat layer beneath the skin and removes excessive fat when exercise doesn't help. New ultrasound assisted liposuction can liquefy fat deposits first, making them easier to remove. The power assisted lipoplasty method is less traumatic for the body and lets these few surgeons experienced in using it sculpt the body more easily.
A drawback is that new fat can build up afterward in untreated areas. Expect bruising and swelling after the surgery. You may also need to wear supportive garments. Removing too much fat can cause dangerous blood loss. Serious nerve damage, although rare, can occur. The surgery can also result in lumps and bumps or even sagging.
13. Tummy tuck(Abdominoplasty) is a spot-shaping treatment that slims and trims, removing excess fat and skin that hasn't responded to dieting and exercising. Doctors can be adamant about requiring patients to make a serious effort to lose weight before surgery. Incisions don't show much as they're just above or within pubic area. The new shape lasts for years barring substantial weight gain.
Removing excess sagging skin is a major undertaking and support garment must be worn for a few weeks. Benefits take several months to become fully apparent. This procedure is not recommended for the overweight and it will not remove cellulite.
14. Buttock implants add curve to a flat butt by inserting silicone implants. It will give a little more shape and a little more lift to the buttocks. Does come with a risk of thrombosis (a blood clot).
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