Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Patients Benefit from Increased Self-Esteem and Quality of Life

Posted on April 7, 2012 by Briana

Tummy TuckHow high should patients undergoing liposuction or a tummy tuck procedure set their expectations? Pretty high, according to the results of a new study published in the April issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The study, which evaluated the outcomes of 360 patients undergoing liposuction and/or abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) found that these patients experienced significant improvements in both self-esteem and quality of life post-surgery.

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.

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Low-Income Brazilian Residents Benefit from Free or Discounted Plastic Surgery Rates

Posted on March 28, 2012 by Briana

plastic surgeryFree plastic surgery is something many people dream of, and if you live in Brazil, this dream could become a reality. Performing more than 11.5 million procedures annually, Brazil represents one of the largest plastic surgery consumer markets in the world. To many Brazilians, beauty is a right that should not be reserved solely for moneyed elites, prompting more than 200 clinics across Brazil to offer free cosmetic procedures to the less fortunate.

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

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FDA Gives Green Light to Sientra Silicone Breast Implants

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Briana

silicone breast implantsAfter three years of clinical trial research, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the green light for Sientra Inc.’s silicone breast implants. Sientra will join the ranks of Allergan Inc. and Johnson & Johnson, as the third company to market silicone breast implants in the U.S.

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

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Joan Rivers Opens Up About Plastic Surgery

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Briana

Joan Rivers, reigning queen of celebrity plastic surgery, recently sat down with Barbara Walters to discuss her experiences for a 20/20 segment investigating plastic surgery. Rivers’ who has become just as famous for her plastic surgery as she has for her career as a stand-up comedian held nothing back in her candid interview with Walters.

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.

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Benefits of Breast Reduction Surgery and Liposuction Go Beyond Cosmetic

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Briana

Breast Reduction SurgeryIt’s easy to just assume that plastic surgery is sought after for purely cosmetic reasons.  And while plastic surgery is certainly capable of improving one’s physical appearance, many fail to realize that it’s also utilized to improve quality of life and long term health.

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

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