Showing posts with label COSMETIC SURGERY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label COSMETIC SURGERY. Show all posts

Friday, November 20, 2009

Senate considers possible tax on cosmetic procedures

Senate Majority leader Harry Reid introduced a health bill on Wednesday that proposes a 5% tax on cosmetic procedures and surgeries. If passed, the tax would begin in January 2010. An estimated $5 billion would be raised over the next decade, which would be used to help extend healthcare coverage to Americans.

This means that common procedures like Botox, fillers, liposuction, nose reshaping, etc. would come with a heavier price tag. Plastic surgeons and medical spa owners are understandably against the tax, arguing that it will hurt an industry that is slowly recovering from the economic downturn. Should government become involved in the beauty industry, especially when these procedures are not covered by insurance in the first place?

Wendy Lewis, a New York-based beauty industry consultant, says that cosmetic surgery is down 40-60% in some areas. She says "this bill will affect physicians and their employees, vendors, manufacturers, and businesses selling into this industry."

The Senate votes this Saturday on whether to move the debate on to legislation.

SOURCE

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

LIPOSUCTION FAQs

Q: How much weight will I lose after Liposuction?
A: In the case of younger patients, their skin has sufficient elasticity and resilience so it can shrink and contract nicely over the areas of fat that have been removed.  If the skin has been stretched beyond recovery by years of localized fatty excess, Liposuction may need to be combined with another Body Contouring procedure to remove the excess
 
Q: What is the maximum volume of fat that can be removed in one operation?
A: Five liters is the maximum safe volume of fat that can be removed during Liposuction.  The actual safe volume may be greater or less than that amount, depending upon the amount of bleeding observed or other factors such as changes in the patient’s vital signs during the procedure.

Q: Is a blood transfusion required for patients undergoing Liposuction?
A: No. If it is anticipated that there may be a greater risk of blood loss during the procedure (secondary liposuction, large volume liposuction in men), BHMG may suggest that you donate a unit of your own blood (Autologous Blood), which can be given to you during the procedure.  In general, blood transfusions (even Autologous Blood) should be discouraged, to avoid the risk of transfusion errors and transmission of blood-borne illnesses.
skin.

Q: If I gain weight after Liposuction, will the fat be deposited in other locations?
A: Since the fat deposits your body previously used to store excess fat have been reduced, you may find that fat would accumulate in other areas of the body after Liposuction.  Generally, this tendency of the fat to shift to other areas is minimal, but you should obviously avoid regaining the weight.
 
Q: How long do I need to wear the elastic compression garment after Liposuction?
A: The elastic compression garment is used to diminish the amount of swelling and bruising in the treated area.  It also prevents accumulation of excess fluid (serum or blood) under the skin, and helps to maintain the contour of the treated area.  It should be worn continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except while showering) for the first 3 to 4 weeks. After that time, it can generally be used for support and comfort during the daytime only, for an additional 3 weeks.
 
Q: When can I shower or bathe after Liposuction?
A: You may shower after the first office visit / dressing change, generally within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.  You must not bathe or immerse the incision sites under water in a bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool, etc. until the incisions are completely healed. The doctor will instruct you when bathing is permitted.
 
Q: When can I resume driving?
A: Most patients may resume driving after approximately 48 to 72 hours. You should not drive if you are taking narcotic pain medication, sedatives or muscle relaxants.

Q: When can I resume exercise?
A: Patients are encouraged to begin walking immediately after surgery. You may resume more strenuous walking on a treadmill, or mild upper extremity weight training after 7 to 10 days.  Most patients resume full, unrestricted exercise after approximately 4 weeks.
 
Q: When can I return to work or normal social activities?
A: Most patients are able to return to work or resume normal social activities after 3 to 4 days.  If your work involves sitting for extended periods, you are encouraged to take frequent breaks to stand and walk, in order to promote circulation and deep breathing.  You will need to wear loose-fitting clothing which will hide the presence of your compression garments, as long as necessary.
SOURCE: www.beverlyhills.ph

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

What to expect after LIPOSUCTION

You may not remember your surgery, or at least as the days go by you may forget the details as well as lose track of time. This is because of the amnesiac properties of the anesthesia.

A drain is sometimes inserted to allow the fluids an exit from the incision sites or from the bottom most portion of the treatment area. You will be swollen and possibly bruised and may be asked to wear a compression garment. If you are bruised, don't panic. We've all had bruises before -- it will subside. Hopefully you will have begun taking arnica montana. This truly works for most people.

You will feel tender, stiff and sore for a few says and will more than likely not want to move too much. Besides, sitting around all day increases your risks of blood clots which is very dangerous. Even though you may not feel like it, your surgeon will more than likely advise you to walk and move around as soon as you are able. If you do not and lie around for a days you can develop clots within your legs and retain fluid (swell) a lot more. If you have stitches they are removed within the first 7 - 10 days. Be sure to take your required medications and follow the precise instructions provided to you by your surgeon.

You may also experience sharp pains, burning sensations, heat, tingling, prickling, etc. This is from nerve damage and the sensations of the returning function of the nerves will result in the physical descriptions above. And do not be alarmed if you hear gurgling in the first few days followed by wound seepage.

Asymmetry may be a fact of life for you until you are fully healed. The body does not heal equally on each side of the body so one leg, arm, side of the abdomen, etc. may seem larger than the other. Be patient and wait it out before looking into revision surgery. Swelling can alter the appearance of your body and mask the true results, This goes both ways - a good result or a bad (lumps). Patience is the only remedy until you are able to make a true judgment. And this judgment cannot be made until you are healed. Prep rare yourself beforehand and know what to expect lest you hurl yourself into a depression.

You will be instructed not to exercise or engage in strenuous activities for at least 2 to 4 weeks. You may be swollen for up to 6 months, although this could be very slight and only noticed by you. Drinking plenty of water can significantly help with edema and help flush your system clean of medications.

Almost 85% of the population is dehydrated - drink more water! Please know that diets high in sodium will assist in prolonging swelling and general fluid retention. Drinking caffeine may seem like a good idea for a diuretic effect but if your body is balanced naturally and you are drinking enough water your body will expel the excess.

Overall Improvement will be appreciated after about four to six weeks. The majority of the swelling will have subsided by this time and the results will be apparent. It takes about 3 months for the rest of the swelling to subside, although it can remain up to 6 months.

Persistent arm and calf swelling are more common than persistent swelling of the legs. Please prepare yourself for this and try not to become depressed if you are healing slowly. If arm swelling persists for 10 months or more you may choose to be examined and ask about lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition which affects the lymph and general edema removal system. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

SOURCE: www.liposuction4you.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

More on LIPOSUCTION Costs

Typical costs:

    * Costs for liposuction vary widely, with a national average of $2,223, according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

    * Patients in the northeastern and western regions of the country can expect to pay up to 10 percent more than the national average, while patients in other areas might pay as much as 8 percent less, according to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Statistics.
   
    * Other factors that influence cost include: the doctor's level of experience, the patient's size and the number of body parts being treated. Liposuction.com offers a chart of typical cost ranges for various body parts. Liposuction on the arms tends to cost less at $1,500 and up, while liposuction on the entire abdomen or breasts usually starts at about $3,000. Liposuction costs rise for patients more than 30 percent over ideal body weight and for males, because their body fat is more fibrous.

What should be included:

    * Web MD provides a description of common liposuction procedures.
   
    * Two newer liposuction techniques have made the procedure safer with better results. In tumescent liposuction, the surgeon uses a local anesthetic, then injects an anesthetic saline solution into the fat deposits, making them easier to remove. In ultrasonic liposuction, which usually costs slightly more because additional equipment is needed, the surgeon uses sound waves to melt the fat before siphoning it out.

Additional costs:

    * Pre-operative laboratory tests.
   
* Operating room fee of $600 to $1,200 if the procedure is done in a hospital; anesthesiologist fee of $500 to $1,000 if general anesthesia is used; and pay for nurses and other surgical staff.
    * Special garments worn after surgery to reduce swelling and aid healing, which can cost between $50 and $200.
    * Post-surgical therapies, such as massage, which some doctors prescribe.

Discounts:

    * Many plastic surgeons offer a reduced rate when they perform liposuction on multiple body parts at one time.

Shopping for liposuction:

    * Tip: Make sure the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The surgeon also should have privileges to perform plastic surgery at an accredited hospital, even if the surgery is not taking place there. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers a surgeon referral service.
  
    * Tip: To make sure you're happy with the end result, first show your doctor photos of the results you hope to achieve. Next, get a total cost estimate in writing before you schedule surgery. And finally, thoroughly discuss possible complications, which can include infection, nerve problems, and even death, with your surgeon.

SOURCE: www.costhelper.com

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Good LIPOSUCTION Candidates

Liposuction is the most popular treatment among all of the surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). This is partly because about 65 percent of all American adults are overweight.

Liposuction removes fat deposits under the skin through a long, hollow needle called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through incisions, then scraped along the underside of the skin, dislodging the deposits while a strong vacuum removes them through the cannula.

The Best Candidates

Fat deposits accumulate under everyone's skin. The best candidates for liposuction may have bulging and flabby areas of the body from these fat deposits, especially the abdomen, arms, thighs, and neck. Even in people who eat a healthy diet and stay physically fit, these fat deposits can persist. They can result from genetic factors, body chemistry, and other causes.

The ideal candidates for liposuction are physically fit, exercise regularly, and are not more than 20 pounds overweight. People with very localized, exercise-resistant fatty deposits may obtain the best results. Be aware that the flabby appearance of the area being treated may not disappear completely. Crash diets before or immediately after this plastic surgery procedure are not recommended.

You are also an ideal candidate if you have made a good effort to eliminate the fatty deposits through extensive exercise and diet. You may have spent an inordinate amount of time on exercise programs or with excessive diets just to reduce or eliminate one final, persistent bulge. Some bulges are simply exercise-resistent, and liposuction may provide a solution.

When Liposuction May Not Be Appropriate

Liposuction is not designed for weight loss. People who are very overweight or who have large areas of fat deposits are not good candidates. It is best to lose weight first and reduce the fatty area through diet or exercise before considering liposuction. If you are obese and cannot lose weight on your own, then you and your doctor may want to consider a gastric bypass.

If you lose considerable weight and have excess skin after the weight loss, then an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be performed to remove excess tissue and tighten muscles; liposuction can be performed at the same time to remove excess fatty deposits. In some cases, people who have undergone bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass or gastric banding (Lap-Band or Realize Band) are left with a remaining apron of fat that may be better handled with a panniculectomy procedure than with liposuction.

Realistic Expectations

Remember that liposuction should be used in conjunction with a good diet and exercise, not as a substitute for them. Liposuction, like other cosmetic surgery techniques, is a means to enhance body shape. But it cannot completely change your shape. You should have realistic expectations — liposuction may improve the appearance of the treated area, but may have no impact on other areas of your life.

SOURCE: www.yourplasticsurgeryguide.com

Thursday, July 23, 2009

LIPOSUCTION Costs

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for liposuction can vary widely. A surgeon’s cost for liposuction may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location.

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Cost may include:

  • Surgeon’s fee
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Anesthesia fees
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Medical tests

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee

When choosing a plastic surgeon for liposuction, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.


SOURCE: www.plasticsurgery.org

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Defining LIPOSUCTION

LIPOSUCTION, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling"), liposculpture suction lipectomy or simply lipo ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere.

LIPOSUCTION is not a low-effort alternative to exercise and diet. It is a form of body contouring with significant attendant risks and is not a weight loss method. The amount of fat removed varies by doctor, method, and patient, but is typically less than 10 pounds (5 kg).

Several factors limit the amount of fat that can be safely removed in one session. Ultimately, the operating physician and the patient make the decision. There are negative aspects to removing too much fat. Unusual "lumpiness" and/or "dents" in the skin can be seen in those patients "over-suctioned". The more fat removed, the higher the surgical risk.

While reports of people removing 50 pounds (22.7 kg) of fat has been claimed, the contouring possible with LIPOSUCTION may cause the appearance of weight loss to be greater than the actual amount of fat removed. The procedure may be performed under general or local ("tumescent") anesthesia. The safety of the technique relates not only to the amount of tissue removed, but to the choice of anesthetic and the patient's overall health. It is ideal for the patient to be as fit as possible before the procedure and not to have smoked for several months.

SOURCE: www.wikipedia.org