The study, published by Brazilian researchers at the University of Sao Paulo, found that women who have undergone abdominal liposuction may actually gain deeper “visceral” fat which surrounds the abdominal organs. Visceral fat is often associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Fat is not “inert tissue,” said study leader Fabiana Benatti of the University of Sao Paulo. “Removing it by surgery may have important consequences, such as the compensatory growth of visceral fat.”

But there’s good news – regular exercise can prevent this fat from developing after liposuction.

The study followed 36 normal-weight women who elected liposuction to remove localized stomach fat. Prior to surgery, each of these women prescribed to a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Two months following surgery, half of the women were randomly assigned to an exercise group, while the remaining half resumed their sedentary lifestyle.

Four months later, both groups still exhibited flatter stomachs, but those who remained sedentary were already showing signs of visceral fat gain – approximately a 10 percent increase. The exercise group on the other hand, showed no signs of visceral fat gain.

More research is needed to replicate these findings, but that shouldn’t deter you from initiating a healthy diet and exercise routine. This will maintain the long-term benefits of your liposuction procedure.

Liposuction results can dramatically improve the appearance of your abdomen, thighs, hips back and neck. Learn more about liposuction in Vancouver, WA.

Source: Chicago Tribune

Mary M. Mitchell, who has written several books on etiquette, recently wrote a Reuters story about this very topic. If you know someone who is considering or has recently undergone plastic surgery, an appropriate reaction will make the situation more comfortable for everyone. Here are some suggestions from Mitchell:

1) Remain Neutral

If a coworker, friend or family member confesses to you that he or she is considering plastic surgery, resist trying to talk the person out of it. Plastic surgery is a very personal choice. It’s right for some and wrong for others. Either way, it’s important that you remain neutral and respect his or her final decision.

2) Don’t Say a Word

Though you may be tempted to ask, it’s simply bad manners to bring up a person’s recent cosmetic procedure. Unless he or she brings it up first, you have no business talking about it. If you feel compelled to comment, offering up a vague compliment like: “You look so great lately,” may be enough to open up the conversational door.

3) Avoid Judgment

If someone tells you about a recent plastic surgery procedure, always remember to remain diplomatic. Ask how he or she feels about the final results, but don’t offer up an actual opinion on them, especially if he or she expresses discontent with perceived physical flaws. A simple “I see what you mean, but only after you pointed it out” is often the best way to avoid awkward conversation.

Are you considering plastic surgery? Request a consultation with board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Workman.

While silicone breast implants are often considered more natural looking than their saline counterparts, the potential risks associated with silicone leakage or migration deter some from going the silicone route.

This may about to change with latest breakthrough in breast enhancement technology– “gummy bear” breast implants:

What exactly are “gummy bear” breast implants?

Gummy bear breast implants are composed of high-strength silicone gel, which means they are capable of holding their shape, even in the event of rupture. The risk of leakage is minimal, especially in comparison to traditional silicone implants.

Do gummy bear breast implants look and feel natural?

The appearance and texture of gummy bear breast implants also set them apart from competitors. They feel similar to gummy bear candies – soft, squishy and semi-solid. The material holds it soft natural shape, unlike liquid-filled or tradition silicone implants which can wrinkle, fold or ripple over time.

Where can I get gummy bear breast implants?

Gummy bear implants have been popular in Europe and Canada for several years, but were only approved for testing in the U.S. in 2002. Gummy bear breast implants are currently being studied for mass market use in the U.S. but are yet not FDA-approved. However, approval for these cohesive gel implants in the U.S. may be fast approaching.

Are you considering breast implants? Remember to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for breast surgery. Learn more about finding the perfect breast shape in Vancouver, WA.

Source: Huffington Post

Unfortunately for plastic surgeons, many patients fail to mention all of their herbal or homeopathic remedies prior to surgery, placing them at a higher risk for complication.

“Many patients don’t disclose their intake of herbs or supplements, and they are often not aware of the risk of complications, which can seriously compromise surgical outcomes and patient safety,” said Dr. Foad Nahai, MD, editor-in-chief of Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

A new book entitled “Bleeding Risks of Herbal, Homeopathic, and Dietary Supplements: A Hidden Nightmare for Plastic Surgeons?” released by researchers at Loma Linda University aims to address this very issue for plastic surgeons and patients.

Even herbs that are considered generally safe can have dangerous side effects under the wrong conditions. For instance, some herbs are capable of interacting with anesthesia or other medications commonly used during surgery, negatively affecting the operation or causing surgical complications.

Before undergoing a plastic surgery procedure, it is essential to provide your plastic surgeon with full disclosure when it comes to your daily health routine. Some potentially dangerous herbs and supplements prior to surgery may include Chinese peony, ginko, ginger, garlic, ginseng, wintergreen and Saw palmetto.

If you are taking a supplement which may increase dangerous bleeding effects, your plastic surgeon may ask that you wash off for at least three weeks prior to surgery. Certain minimally invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox injections may also be affected by herbal supplements or over-the-counter medications.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Prior to your consultation, making a list of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any herbal supplements you have taken in the past month will ensure safer conditions for your plastic surgery procedure.

Learn more about plastic surgery in Vancouver, WA.

Source: ASAPS

Researchers sifted through more than 30 years’ worth of research that quantitatively addressed the physical and psychological benefits of breast reduction using validated questionnaires. The results showed a broad spectrum of both physical and psychological benefits, coupled with an overall higher quality of life for women after breast reduction surgery.

In particular, women saw a reduction in headaches, chronic pain, sleep disorders and breathing difficulties following breast reduction. While psychological improvements included higher self-esteem, sexual function, and a reduction in anxiety and depression. Breast reduction patients also appeared to be more physically active, and less prone to eating disorders following surgery.

Breast reduction works by utilizing tools such as liposuction or excision (removal by scalpel) to remove excess fat, skin and tissue from the breast region, allowing the breasts to be reshaped and repositioned into a more cosmetically appropriate appearance.

While more research may be needed to show the long term functional improvements associated with breast reduction, it’s clear that the capabilities of breast reduction surgery go far beyond just cosmetic improvement. Learn more about how you can benefit from breast reduction in Vancouver, WA.

Source: PRS Journal

Of the patients of evaluated, approximately 60 percent elected to undergo liposuction alone, while 35 percent underwent a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty. The remaining 5 percent underwent abdominoplasty alone.

Lead researcher, Eric Swanson, MD, found that patients who elected a combination surgery of both liposuction and abdominoplasty, felt the most satisfied with their results. Over 99 percent of these patients expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their procedure, with an average score of 9 out of 10, compared to 8 out of 10 for liposuction only patients. Additionally, when asked if they would undergo their surgery again, 98 percent of those who underwent combination surgery said yes.

Overall, 86 percent of the 360 patients surveyed stated they felt improved self-esteem following their procedure, while 70 percent also felt their quality of life had improved. This was especially true for individuals who underwent combination surgery.

Few studies have been able to capture the satisfaction rates of patients following liposuction and abdominoplasty, alone or in combination. Through additional research, Dr. Swanson hopes that doctors will be able to more effectively communicate post-surgical expectations to patients undergoing widely performed cosmetic surgery procedures.

Learn more about tummy tucks and liposuction in Lake Oswego.

In a country still greatly affected by extreme poverty, free Botox injections, laser hair removal and other cosmetic procedures might seem gratuitous, but not according to Dr. Nelson Rosas of The Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine in Rio de Janeiro.

“What’s a wrinkle? Something minor, right? Something with precious little importance, but when we treat the wrinkle, that unimportant little thing, we’re actually treating something very important – the patient’s self-esteem.”

The Brazilian government is also involved in the allocation of free or discounted plastic surgery procedures. State-funded health care covers the cost of several surgeries to repair congenital deformities, as well as reconstructive procedures following injury. The senate is also considering covering the full cost of breast reconstruction after cancer.

While plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures may improve self-esteem, many experts worry that free or discounted procedures coerce patients into procedures and surgeries without weighing the actual risks versus benefits. Free or discounted surgeries are often performed by young doctors looking to refine their skills.

“The word ‘beauty’ in Brazil kind of obscures the fact that you’re talking about real surgery,” Alexander Edmonds, an anthropology professor at the University of Amsterdam and author of “Pretty Modern: Beauty, Sex and Plastic Surgery in Brazil.” “The problems and risks of surgery are often minimized, and these operations tend to be seen like a ‘beautification’ like any other, which of course they’re not.”

Risky or not, long lines of low-income Brazilians form every year outside of hospitals eager to apply for free or discounted plastic surgery. Once approved, individuals may wait several months, or even years before undergoing their procedure.

Learn more about plastic surgery in Vancouver, WA.

Source: The Washington Times

Sientra’s silicone breast implants have been approved for breast augmentation in women 22 years of age and older, as well as for breast reconstruction in women of all ages. Sientra plans to offer implants in numerous shapes and sizes, in addition to the traditional round implants offered by Allergan Inc. and Johnson & Johnson.

FDA approval of Sientra’s silicone implants was a long time coming after years of controversy surrounding the long term safety of silicone implants. Initially banned in 1992 amid speculation that silicone implants may cause cancer and other harmful diseases, silicone implants have been deemed safe and on the market since 2006.

“Data on these and other approved silicone gel-filled breast implants continue to demonstrate a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness,” said William Maisel, deputy director for science at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

Per the FDA, Sientra has agreed to conduct post-market clinical studies to determine the long term safety and effectiveness of their silicone breast implants. The risk of rare diseases and illness will also be recorded in these post-market studies.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 307,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed last year, making the saline verses silicone debate an even more relevant concern for the FDA.

If you are considering breast augmentation, it is important to weight factors such as cost, incision size, consistency and the ability to detect rupture, when deciding on saline or silicone breast implants. Your plastic surgeon will be able to aid you in the decision-making process during your consultation.

Learn more about silicone breast implants in Portland.

Source: fda.gov

So what procedures has she really had? Rivers had no problem opening up on this topic – she’s had two facelifts, breast reduction and a tummy tuck. She also admitted to getting dermal fillers every six months as a maintenance routine. When asked why she’s been so open over the years about her plastic surgery procedures, she had this to say:

“We’re in a society where looks count… And all the beautiful women lie and say ‘I’ve done nothing’ and that is so unfair. And I just want women to know it’s okay, do it.”

Rivers also had some advice for those in search of a plastic surgeon:

• Ask your hair dresser for advice because he or she can see the scars from plastic surgery
• Look your plastic surgeon up on the internet and make sure there are no outstanding law suits
• Interview your plastic surgeon and make sure he or she is compassionate
• Arrange a meeting with the anesthesiologist

In the opening episode of her reality show Joan and Melissa, Joan Knows Best, Joan bares all and shows the audience a step-by-step look at what plastic surgery entails from start to finish. “I wanted to people to see what it really was about.”

When asked if she feels that means justify the end result, she answered yes, with no hesitation. “I think it gives you such self-esteem. It makes you feel good. It’s a very happy experience.”

Learn more about plastic surgery in Vancouver, WA.

Breast reduction surgery, for example, is a surgical procedure that can alleviate significant discomfort associated with large breasts. Women with overly large breasts can experience a wide range of physical ailments, such as chronic back, neck and shoulder pain, skin irritation and rashes, and even skeletal deformities.

The long term health benefits of breast reduction surgery have also been proven in several research studies, including a Scandinavian study which equated the future health benefits of breast reduction to that of a hip replacement. Other studies have shown that breast reduction often serves as a catalyst for increased physical activity, ultimately reducing the patient’s for weight related diseases such as diabetes.

Liposuction, a procedure utilized to target fat deposits that are particularly resistant to exercise and dietary changes, has also been shown to have long term health benefits. This is especially true for specific target areas such as the stomach, outer thighs and upper arms.  Excess fat in these areas can cause inflammation of the blood vessels and increase one’s risk for heart disease. Excess fat in these areas may also contribute to the development of other conditions such as diabetes.

The benefits of cosmetic surgery often go beyond superficial self-indulgence. Individuals may experience both cosmetic and medical improvements that can contribute to improved physical and psychological health. If you’re considering plastic surgery for long term health benefits, it is important to speak with your plastic surgeon about the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Learn more about breast reduction surgery in Portland.

Source: Daily Mail