Since ancient times, women and men have been piercing their earlobes and wearing earrings to enhance their style. With time, the size, style and weight of earrings can stretch the earlobe openings. Large, dangling earrings can get caught on clothing or accidentally get pulled down by a child. The result? A torn earlobe.

Torn earlobe repair, also known as earlobe reconstruction, is yet another plastic surgery procedure that can boost a woman’s self-esteem. Most women enjoy adorning their appearance with jewelry. Not being able to wear earrings and hiding torn earlobes behind hair from embarrassment can cause social anxiety.

Plastic surgery that repairs a torn earlobe is quite common and is performed under local anesthetic while the patient is awake. A plastic surgeon can repair a torn earlobe by placing sutures on the torn area. This procedure has no downtime, meaning a patient can return to normal activities immediately. The procedure typically takes less than an hour and the patient can go home right afterwards.

Often times, torn earlobes can be reconstructed with a hole ready for jewelry. Patients need to wait at least 6 weeks before wearing small posts or clip-on earrings. Heavier earrings should not be worn for at least three months after surgery. Your plastic surgeon can give you a good idea of how long you need to wait for your particular case. If the torn earlobe repair was performed without a hole, it is advised for a patient to wait at least six months before piercing their ears.

An important first step toward earlobe repair is to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon has the expertise to make specific recommendations, discuss additional details and inform you of postoperative care.

Voluptuous lips are a very desirable facial feature. It not only enhances your smile, but luscious, thick lips have always had their admirers. Lip augmentation can give you the fuller, more proportional lips you’ve always wanted – just in time to pucker up for Valentine’s Day.

Until the 1980’s surgery was the only choice for augmentation. Over the years many injectable fillers have been perfected for the lips, and many techniques have been created. For a simple, temporary plumping, collagen is great option. Some women opt for taking excess fat from other areas of their bodies to inject into their lips. As new synthetic materials are discovered, lip augmentation injections have become more refined and can last up to two years. The following are just some of the options women have:

Lip Lift
For more fullness, a lip lift helps decrease the distance between the upper lip and the bottom of the nose.

Radiance
Radiance is a biocompatible implant material that is used lip augmentation. It is made of tiny microspheres of calcium hydroxlapatite (CaHA), for long-lasting lip augmentation that can last up to 5 years.

Alloderm®
Alloderm® is made from natural human dermis that is inserted to the corners of the inside of the lips. Stitches are made but hidden and some patients experience mild swelling for a couple of days. Alloderm® results typically last six months to a year.

Synthetic Implants
Gore-Tex®, UltraSoft® and Advanta are all synthetic implants that offer permanent results. Implants reduce the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth, while enhancing the lips at the same time.

There are also non-surgical lip augmentation options available for lip enhancement that provides short-term results, minimal swelling and no side effects.

Collagen
Collagen is made of animal derivative and is known to safely treat wrinkles and scars. Injecting collagen in the lips can give leave it looking full and soft. An allergy test is required and results usually last three to five months.

Dermalogen®
Dermalogen® is made from the second layer of human skin and is injected, similar to collagen. An allergy test is not required and results last longer than Collagen injections.

Autologen®
Autologen® is an injectable filler made from a patient’s own skin. It is usually taken during a patient’s other cosmetic surgery procedure. This is a more costly option and the results are long lasting since your own tissue does not get reabsorbed.

Restylane®
Restylane® contains hyaluronic acid. It works with the body’s own hyaluronic acid to create volume. This provides immediate results that last up to 9 months.

Every cosmetic procedure carries certain risks and potential complications. Once you learn more about the various lip augmentation procedures, your next step is to find a surgeon you trust so you can discuss details.

1800mySurgeon offers help to locate select Board-Certified Surgeons that are prescreened and continually monitored. The qualified patient coordinators at 1800mySurgeon are prepared to help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.

1800mySurgeon has the answers to these frequently asked plastic surgery questions and more, to cure your plastic surgery curiosity.

Q: What is plastic surgery?

A: Plastic surgery is a medical field that deals with surgery on the skin, face, hands, breasts and other body parts. This surgical specialty reshapes or remolds facial or body tissue to repair, reconstruct, or replace the form and function of a certain body part. Whether elective or medically necessary, plastic surgery falls into two major categories – cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a certain functional body part. Reconstructive surgery involves the restoration of form and function of body parts that have been injured, diseased or defected.

The goals of plastic surgery are:

• To correct perceived disfigurement of a body part
• To restore impaired function of a body part
• To improve the physical appearance of a body part

The benefits of plastic surgery are:

• The correction of a congenital or developmental deformity of a body part
• The correction a perceived physical imperfection of a body part
• To provide psychological benefits and increase self-confidence

Q: What is the difference between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery?

A: Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic surgery, deals with surgical procedures that enhance the appearance of a body part. Cosmetic surgery procedures alter a part of a person’s body that the person is not satisfied with. These procedures include enlargement of the breasts (augmentation mammoplasty), reduction of the breasts (reduction mammoplasty), changing the size or shape of the nose (rhinoplasty), and removing fat pockets from the body (liposuction). Cosmetic surgery procedures do not necessarily involve cutting and stitching. The use of lasers and modern techniques give the ability to cosmetic surgeons to perform popular procedures in a less invasive manner.

Reconstructive surgery deals with procedures that correct the face or body and significantly repair defects or problems. Patients who undergo reconstructive surgery either have congenital deformities, known as birth defects, or have developmental deformities, which result from an accident or disease. Congenital deformities include reconstructive surgery for ear deformities, cleft lips and palates, hand deformities such as syndactyly (also known as webbed fingers), extra or absent fingers and abnormal breast development. Patients with developmental deformities might undergo reconstructive surgery for dog bites or burns, to rebuild breasts after breast cancer removal surgery, or to fix abnormal growths on the body.

Q: How can I find a plastic surgeon I can trust?

A: If you are considering plastic surgery, it is important to find a plastic surgeon you can trust. The two most important factors are the doctor’s qualifications and experience.

It is important to find a plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Physicians can take a weekend course in plastic surgery and be able to perform plastic surgery on patients. When a doctor is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, it means he/she has met the educational and plastic surgery training requirements necessary to perform successful plastic surgery procedures. The certification ensures that the surgeon has gone through rigorous, extensive training and has a solid background and know-how of plastic surgery.

The best way to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is to conduct your own research. Speak to your cosmetologist or family doctor and ask them for recommendations. You can also check the Yellow Pages for a complete list of doctors. However, this does not necessarily mean that the plastic surgeon is qualified with certification.

Consumer services such as 1800mySurgeon.com can be an effective tool in finding a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. They pre-screen doctors and offer the best in the field. Professional organizations such as The American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons are also good references for finding expert Board Certified doctors.

Q: What is 1800mySurgeon.com?

A: 1800mySurgeon.com is a free consumer service dedicated to patients interested in cosmetic surgery. The service helps patients find qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in their area, as well as information on a plastic surgeon’s board records, credentials, experiences and specialty areas. The Board Certified Plastic Surgeons that have been pre-screened by 1800mySurgeon.com make up a distinguished class of medical professionals.

Any physician can call themselves a plastic surgeon. That’s why it is important for a patient to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The certification assures that a physician is highly qualified to perform plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, face lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, etc. 1800mySurgeon.com can help you find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area.

1800mySurgeon.com assures that patients are making an informed decision and helps put their minds at ease. A patient can ask for educational background, professional training information, credentials, board records and specialty areas of any surgeon, even if that surgeon is not part of the 1800mySurgeon.com network. A patient can also ask a patient coordinator at 1800mysurgeon.com if any malpractice judgment cases are listed against a plastic surgeon and if they are practicing with a clean license.

Call the 1800mySurgeon.com patient coordinators toll free at 1-800-my-surgeon (1-800-697-8743) or visit the website at 1800mySurgeon.com to learn more about plastic surgery and access patient resources.

Q: What if I can’t afford plastic surgery?

A: Plastic surgery used to be a luxury only the rich and famous could afford. Now, modern technology and financing options have made it easier for everyone to afford plastic surgery. Most cosmetic surgery procedures are not covered by health insurance and for individuals who can’t afford the more expensive procedures such as facelift which averages between $10,000 and $15,000 and full tummy tuck which averages between $7,500 and $10,000, plastic surgery financing is the only means.

Financing options for plastic surgery procedures, such as the ones offered by myMedicalLoan.com, could help patients who are facing difficult financial situation get the plastic surgery they desire. myMedicalLoan.com offers financing to patients regardless of the type of procedure, with monthly payments based on the cost of the procedure and the time it takes to pay the loan. Financing is also available to those with less than perfect credit.

Q: Why is it important to look at before and after photographs?

A: Not every professional is an expert at what they do. Viewing pictures of a professional’s work is a good way of determining the quality of their work. The same is true with plastic surgery. When a plastic surgeon presents his work to other doctors at a meeting or seminar, he/she typically uses before and after pictures of patients to prove to colleagues that the surgical techniques are effective. As a patient, you are entitled to have the same type of proof.

A reliable plastic surgeon should unquestionably show before and after photos of his/her patients to prospective patients. Just the way you wouldn’t hire an artist to paint a portrait of you without seeing samples of the artist’s work, you shouldn’t allow a plastic surgeon to perform plastic surgery on your body without seeing the outcome of past procedures.

Although no surgeon can guarantee that the results shown in before and after photographs will be the same if performed on you, it will give you an idea of the precision of the plastic surgeon and just how successful his/her work was in the past.

Q: What does it mean to be Board Certified?

A: When a plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, it means that the surgeon holds a valid medical license in the state they practice in. Board certification also means that a physician has:

• Graduated from an accredited medical school
• Completed at least a three-year residency in general surgery
• Completed at least a two-year residency in plastic surgery
• Passed comprehensive written and oral board examinations

Board Certified Plastic Surgeons maintain a high level of professionalism and patient care. Not all surgeons that offer cosmetic procedures are Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Physicians can easily call themselves “plastic surgeons” by taking a weekend course and be able to perform plastic surgery procedures. By making sure a plastic surgeon is board certified, you can make certain that the surgeon has gone through years of extensive education and training and has gained the necessary skill level needed.

Q: Am I a good candidate for plastic surgery?

A: Plastic surgery can greatly improve your appearance and self-esteem. However, before undergoing plastic surgery, you should have a clear understanding of how the outcome of the procedure you intend to have can affect you, both physically and psychologically. Setting realistic expectations for yourself is key to a successful outcome. Ask yourself why you want the procedure done and what you expect the procedure to accomplish for you.

First, you should thoroughly research the procedure you are planning on having. Look at before and after pictures of actual patients. Ask your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about how the procedure will be performed, what to expect after your surgery, what the potential risks are and how your doctor is working to assure your safety.

Generally, a good candidate for plastic surgery is a patient who has a strong self-image. In other words, a good candidate would be a patient with a strong self-image who is experiencing a diminishing self-confidence because of a physical defect.

Keep in mind that plastic surgery does not solve difficult life problems such as divorce or unemployment. Unsuitable candidates for plastic surgery are patients who think that by changing their appearance, they will feel better and find a solution to their problems. Also, patients who are impossible to please or those who have a desire to have a celebrity’s lifestyle or looks are not good candidates for plastic surgery.

During the first consultation, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon could usually determine whether or not a patient is a good candidate. For example, a plastic surgeon might refuse to perform rhinoplasty on a teenager who they feel is not yet mature enough to handle the changes. A plastic surgeon might also refuse to perform plastic surgery on an adult patient who is depressed or has other mental problems until they receive appropriate treatment.

Q: What are the risks of plastic surgery?

A: Patients considering plastic surgery should be aware of the possible risks. Plastic surgery risks and complication can range anywhere from scarring to fatalities. The effect of surgery can also be physically and psychologically traumatizing to patients. Severe complications are uncommon, but it is important to keep the risks in mind before undergoing a procedure.

Complications are not frequently reported when plastic surgery is performed by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. However, the outcome of surgery is never predictable, as it depends greatly on a patient’s anatomy and ability to heal.

Risks of complications in healing increase if:

• A patient is a smoker
• A patient has a connective tissue disease such as lupus
• A patient has areas of damaged skin that have resulted from radiation therapy
• A patient has decreased circulation to the surgical area
• A patient has HIV or a weak or impaired immune system
• A patient has poor nutrition

Complications of plastic surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage, significant bruising and difficulties of healing wounds, anesthesia-related problems and complications in moving the muscles. For example, breast augmentation risks might include sensory damage, discoloration of the skin, asymmetry, infection, and formation of scar tissue. Facial plastic surgery risks might include tissue damage, an unnatural look and premature aging.

The most common risk of plastic surgery is scarring. To correct this issue, Board Certified Plastic Surgeons try to hide incisions in unnoticeable places such as in the hairline in facial plastic surgery or under the crease of the breast in breast augmentation procedures.

It is strongly advised to speak to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon about the possible risks and complications of a procedure. Having blood tests and physical examinations can also ensure your safety.

Q: What is the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

A: The American Board of Plastic Surgery promotes safe, ethical and effective plastic surgery to the public. They maintain high standards for the education, examination, certification and recertification of plastic surgeons as specialists.

Plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are also listed in the Official American Board of Medical Specialties Directory. The American Board of Plastic Surgery provides certification to those physicians who meet comprehensive examinations and established requirements, based on training, education and experience. The certification is not considered a degree and does not award any physician with any privileges or license to practice medicine.

Recognition by the Board with certification is held in the highest regard. Once a surgeon completes and meets the requirements, he/she is referred to as a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Q: What is the American Society for Plastic Surgeons?

A: As the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is an organization that supports its members in efforts to provide the highest quality patient care. The society is composed of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who perform both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The ASPS logo is a good thing to look for when trying to find a qualified plastic surgeon, because it indicates that the plastic surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The mission of American Society of Plastic Surgeons is to ensure quality care to patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics and research in plastic surgery. The society advocates patient safety by requiring its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons publish numerous informational brochures to members and patients and maintains a website, www.plasticsurgery.org, providing public education about plastic surgery. The site offers news on the latest advanced in plastic surgery including details about how to plan for a surgery, anesthesia and recovery information of specific procedures.

Many people find they can diet and exercise around the clock, but still carry extra fat in trouble spots. Even slim people have bulges that bother them and only liposuction will effectively trim these pesky areas.

“Everyone has their own concerns about their body,” admits Marina del Rey plastic surgeon Dr. David Stoker. “It’s unusual for someone not to carry a little extra fat in certain places.”

The most common parts of the body targeted by liposuction in women are the abdomen, inner and outer thighs and the hips. For men, it’s the abdomen and the flanks (love handles).

Recent advances in liposuction mean surgeons are now able to target areas that were seldom treatable in the past, such as the upper arms, the front of the armpits (the bulge above a woman’s bra cup), the breasts, back of the neck, ankles, knees and face (jowls). These new techniques can also help achieve more definition of the abdomen.

“Performing liposuction in these areas requires finer cannulas [instruments used to extract fat], a more refined technique and better equipment,” explains Dr. Stoker. “I use power-assisted liposuction so the fat is removed more efficiently, with less trauma to surrounding tissue.”

In traditional liposuction, a narrow tube or cannula, inserted through a tiny incision, vacuums the fat lying beneath the skin and above the muscle. The cannula is thrust back and forth through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. Either a vacuum pump or a large syringe provides the suction. Power-assisted liposuction, in contrast, uses a vibrating cannula that shakes the fat loose. This vibration helps glide the tube through fibrous fatty tissue easily.

“Instead of using a forceful thrusting motion, power-assisted liposuction is like waving a wand,” says Dr. Stoker. “Fat cells are grouped together in clusters. A traditional cannula tears the fat cells loose, whereas a vibrating cannula shakes them loose–much like shaking fruit from a tree.”

There are dozens of different shapes and sizes of cannulas, starting at just over one millimeter in diameter for extreme precision, and increasing up to five millimeters in diameter for larger areas. This range allows the surgeon to target smaller, less accessible areas. Incisions can be as minute as pin pricks.

“I generally like to hide incisions in creases or in shadowed areas where they are unlikely to be noticed,” explains Dr. Stoker. When performing liposuction on the jowls, for instance, incisions can be made next to the earlobe, under the chin or even inside the nostril. “In many cases the incisions are undetectable even to the patient the day after surgery,” notes Dr. Stoker.

Finer cannulas also allow surgeons to sculpt areas like the abdomen, rather than performing a generalized “de-bulking”.

“‘Liposculpture’ of the abdomen is less common, but is growing in popularity,” says Dr. Stoker. “You’re basically trying to sculpt a more ideal form, leaving bits here and there.”

Otoplasty, also known as ear pinning or ear/earlobe surgery, is a procedure that reduces and shapes large protruding ears. It also corrects injury or damage to the earlobe. Otoplasty is commonly performed on children and adolescents when the ears are large or floppy causing embarrassment and self-consciousness. It can be performed on children as young as five.

If you feel your ears are too big, too small or stick out too much, Otoplasty can be the ideal procedure for you. The procedure can reduce the size of the ears, enlarge small ears, pin the ears closer to the skull or repair birth defects.  Otoplasty is a relatively one of the most uncomplicated cosmetic surgeries.

Otoplasty can also be necessary if heavy earrings are worn over a long period of time causing the piercing to stretch out or because an earring is ripped out from the ear tearing away part of the lobe. Earlobe damage can be unsightly, and since earlobe repair is safe and relatively economical, many people choose to have their earlobes repaired. Often after an earlobe repair, the ear can even be re-pierced and adorned with light weight earrings.

The most important aspect of otoplasty is the recovery. No matter how good the surgery, if the results are damaged before healing is completed, the surgery will not be successful. It is absolutely necessary to wear protective bandages for up to six weeks. Pulling at the ears can ruin the placement of very fine sutures and the final result. For these reasons, children who are not ready to have the surgery should wait until they are ready to go through the recovery process. It is also important to keep the ears and the incision site clean so infection won’t occur.

Because the recovery process is long and requires a visible head band or bandages, scheduling surgery while school is out might be beneficial. Sports and other summer activities will need to be avoided for many weeks in order for the ears to heal completely without damaging the results.

Otoplasty results are permanent and will last a lifetime if the ears are allowed to heal completely. Taking good care of your ears or your child’s ears will help to preserve the results.

At 1800mySurgeon we are here to help you make an informed decision. One of the most important aspects for a successful outcome of your treatment is to choose the right surgeon; therefore all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. We can help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in ear surgery, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.

As you make new years’ resolutions and look forward to making new memories, why not get a more youthful look? Cosmetic surgery is a great gift to give to yourself this holiday season and for the new year!

Cosmetic surgery can be the perfect way to start fresh for the new year. Cosmetic surgery can help you feel good about yourself and renew your self-confidence. It can give you a new body, significant physical improvement and improve your quality of life. The best part is, it gives you many different options to choose from, depending on how you would like to enhance your appearance.

Think about which areas of your body you wish to improve. Some women and men consider cosmetic surgery to reduce the signs of aging. Others consider it after losing excessive amount of weight. Whether you’ve been considering tummy tuck, liposuction, facelift, breast augmentation or breast lift, it is a good idea to learn about the procedure you plan on having.

Be sure to choose a qualified plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This will assure the plastic surgeon has been properly trained and has the knowledge and expertise you need. During the initial consultation, take the opportunity to clear up any ambiguity you may have about the procedure while getting to know your doctor. Discuss your full medical history and don’t be ashamed to ask them tough questions.

Remember that plastic surgery can help you keep your New Years Resolution. It’s a New Year and your time to shine! Feeling great about yourself will not only change the way you feel about yourself, it will also give you a fresh outlook on life.

So you’ve decided to have liposuction, but do you know what to expect afterwards? Since liposuction is an invasive procedure, it is important to have an idea of what to expect when it’s done. Being prepared and well-informed is a good way to reduce any chances for complications, side-effects and other risks.

For the first few days after surgery you might feel like you’ve had a very intense workout. Your muscles will be sore, and you will feel tired. There might be some swelling and bruising. If large amounts of fat have been removed, your surgeon may have placed drains with your sutures to help reduce fluid build up.

You may need to wear a special compression garment for up to two months. You will be able to return to light physical activities and sedentary work within a few days. You should be physically active by the fourth week and able to engage in strenuous workouts by the sixth week.

You will begin to see a change in your shape as early as two weeks after your procedure. You may not see the final result until six months after your liposuction surgery.

Since fat cells do not reproduce in the human body, the fat cells removed during liposuction surgery are permanent. To keep looking great as long as possible, it is important to keep taking good care of yourself by dieting and exercising. This will stop you from gaining weight in other areas of your body.

At 1800mySurgeon, we are here to help you make an informed decision. One of the most important aspects for a successful outcome of your procedure is to choose the right surgeon, therefore all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. We can help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in liposuction or we can provide a background check on any surgeon.

Do you feel trapped in long sleeved clothes because you’re self-conscious about wearing short sleeves or tank tops? It may be time to consider arm lift surgery. Arm lift surgery, or brachioplasty, can reshape your arms so you can regain your confidence and the freedom to wear what you like.

An arm lift can create a re-contoured arm and result in a slimmer, more toned look that can help you feel more comfortable and attractive. Men and women consider arm lift surgery as their skin sags with age or after extreme weight loss. If you’re ready to transform your flabby upper arms, ask a board-certified plastic surgeon how arm lift surgery can be your solution.

Arm lift surgery is performed by making an incision on the inside of the upper arm. When the incision is made, the plastic surgeon performs liposuction to remove excess fat. The remaining excess skin is trimmed, tightened and stitched.

Arm lift results are typically permanent depending on the type of procedure. With liposuction alone, weight gain and aging can cause continued sagging over a long term (10 to 15 years). With surgical removal of skin, fat and tissue, the results tend to be more dramatic and last longer, though scarring is more visible.

When you meet with your plastic surgeon, be honest about your thoughts and expectations.  Your surgeon should evaluate your health and discuss the details of the procedure with you. Ask your surgeon about the risks and limitations, the anesthesia and where the surgery will be performed. Cost is another important factor to discuss, as well as after-surgery care.

Most patients are satisfied with the results of arm lift surgery and feel great about their freedom of wearing a wide variety of clothes. Are you considering arm lift surgery? 1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that can successfully perform arm lift surgery. We can also help you set up a consultation so you can discuss your goals and desired results with a plastic surgeon.

As you get older, you may notice more changes in the appearance of your skin. Frown lines, smile lines and laugh lines may start showing. The crow’s feet around your eyes may look more pronounced.  Aging, genetics, sun exposure, pollution and frowning cause our skin’s natural elasticity to weaken and pave the way for our fight against wrinkles.

Luckily, facial rejuvenation procedures can give us a way to look young again. Facial rejuvenation procedures take the signs of aging and reverse them, while giving shape and tone to the face. They can also get rid of scars and reduce skin spots. Facial rejuvenation consists of invasive and non-invasive procedures that can drastically improve the appearance of the face.

To improve skin texture, the appearance of frown lines, non-invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion, vibraderm, laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels can be good options for you. If you’re looking for more volume in hollowed facial areas and procedures that help fill in wrinkles and folds of the lower facial areas, injectable fillers such as BOTOX, Restylane, Radiesse or facial fat grafting can be beneficial.

Another option for getting rid of crow’s feet is a chemical peel. During a chemical peel, an acidic chemical is released onto the face, burning away the top layer of skin and triggering the growth of newer, fresher skin.

Plastic surgery procedures also provide facial rejuvenation. A face lift, for example, can dramatically improve the appearance of your face for up to 15 years. Brow lifts and forehead lifts can reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the brow and forehead areas, just as eyelid surgery can remove the excess skin and fat tissue from the upper or lower eyelids to give you a wider, fresher, well rested appearance. Cheek, chin or jaw implants are also an option in case of reduced bone structure.

With the multitude of facial rejuvenation procedures available, it is important for you to choose and speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon that can explain all your options and help you meet your goals. Your plastic surgeon can create a customized treatment plan so you can return to your natural facial contour, and enjoy the results of younger looking skin.

Most people want to look beautiful and are willing to do anything to keep looking young. The beauty industry tries to market creams and other products that promise to keep consumers young but don’t really work.

Increasing pollution and the harmful rays of the sun put a damper on great looking skin. Combined with the natural aging process, these environmental hazards make us look older than we really are, giving us wrinkles and lines on the face. Lucky for us, medical technology has made it easier than ever to look youthful and maintain longer lasting beauty!

The truth is, cosmetic surgery is a great option if you want long lasting results. For example, getting a facelift, which removes excess skin and fat and tightens the muscles in the face and neck, can make a difference in your look. Since the effects of facelift surgery can last many years, it could be money well spent.

In our health conscious society, most people feel much younger and more vibrant than they look, and thousands have had a facelift to help them look as good as they feel. This makes facelift surgery one of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedure in the United States.

When searching a plastic surgeon to perform your facial cosmetic surgery procedure, it is very important to research their credentials and records. Where did they have training? Are they board-certified? Speak to them candidly about the risks involved and the recovery time. Viewing before and after photos can also help you get a sense of their technique and skills.

When you use 1800mySurgeon, you are assured of making an informed decision because all of our Board-Certified Surgeons are prescreened and continually monitored. The qualified patient coordinators at 1800mySurgeon are prepared to help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area, who specialize in face lift surgery, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon you choose.

Zap stretch marks, tighten loose belly skin and lift sagging breasts! This holiday season, get back to the way you looked before pregnancy by giving yourself the gift of lift!

Today, moms in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s know that having children doesn’t mean you have to compromise the way you look. With a combination of breast lift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, buttock lift, liposuction and more, a mommy makeover serves as a quick fix for stubborn post-pregnancy weight that’s otherwise difficult to get rid of.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 325,000 mommy makeover procedures were performed last year. This started when women began visiting plastic surgeons for consultations, addressing concerns about stretched skin and post-pregnancy fat.

“In this day and age, women are giving birth later, returning to their careers sooner, and have busier schedules than ever before. Many are finding cosmetic plastic surgery to be the answer to returning to a pre-pregnancy shape they are comfortable with,” said ASPS President Roxanne Guy, MD. (Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons)

Determining whether or not you make a good candidate for a mommy makeover requires careful evaluation. Think about your goals and expectations before comparing them to the realities of surgery. With any surgery comes risks and a recovery period. Speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about what you hope to gain and get special instructions for your well-being.

1800mySurgeon.com has an extensive database of plastic surgeons that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you would like to learn more about the mommy makeover, or would like to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation, contact us today. Looking great can only be a consultation away.

Motherhood is, without a doubt, a beautiful thing. But what it can do to your body isn’t. When you have children, your body can take a significant toll with stretched skin, a flabby stomach, wider hips and thicker thighs.

The good news is, plastic surgery can help with “mommy makeovers.” A mommy makeover refers to having multiple surgical procedures at the same time, such as breast lift, liposuction and tummy tuck. It also gives you a chance to put your well-being first and get back to your pre-pregnancy youthfulness, confidence and self-esteem.

Have you ever asked yourself if you need a mommy makeover? Well, the answers to the following questions can help guide you to making the right decision:

• Are you frustrated by the irreversible effects of childbirth?
• Do you have stretch marks?
• Have your breasts lost volume after pregnancy?
• Do you have enlarged areolas?
• Have you developed sagging in your thighs and arms?
• Do you have loose, excess skin on your belly?
• Are you noticing facial aging?

If you answer yes to two or more of these questions, the next step should be to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine the best options for you by evaluating your goals and expectations.

1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon from our exclusive network of surgeons who have been pre-screened and rated based on the confidential options of patients. We can help you schedule your consultation and even help you get financing for your mommy makeover procedure.

The economy is affecting almost everyone negatively. Plastic surgery comes at a hefty price and although many people are still financially able to pay for their procedure(s), it could be costly for others who also want to change or improve their appearance.

Have you always dreamt of changing your appearance, but haven’t been able to afford it? 1800mySurgeon believes that everyone should have access to affording their procedure. To help patients enhance their appearance and confidence, we have developed financing programs with our partner myMedicalLoan.com. With various financing programs, you no longer have to feel left behind just because you don’t have the necessary funds at hand.

With financing plans available, you can get approved for surgery financing, even if you don’t qualify for traditional financing, don’t have a co-signer, and don’t have a good credit score. There are convenient guaranteed financing plans with monthly payments that are reasonable and affordable.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery, procedure cost is likely to be one of the most important variables you will reflect on. The total costs of surgery can be overwhelming and financial stress can get in the way of your final decision. That’s why it’s good to keep the medical financing option open.

Medical financing companies such as myMedicalLoan.com offer a variety of options that help patients afford these elective procedures. myMedicalLoan.com is a patient resource that offers low monthly payments and flexible payment options. With their new “No Patient Left Behind” ™ programs, you can be well on your way to getting your procedure(s), without having to worry about affording them.

It’s always recommended that you conduct research and take a moment to think about your financial situation. Remember that getting a cosmetic surgery loan is very similar to getting a car loan – there will be monthly payments and term agreements. Candidly speak to your board-certified plastic surgeon during your initial consultation and discuss the costs of your procedure(s), to make sure there are no surprises along the way.

Since you can remember, you have put so much effort into trying to lose the stubborn fatty bulges around your stomach. No matter what you do, the loose skin from your pregnancies or weight loss won’t go away, causing you to feel self-conscious and sometimes, unattractive.

You don’t have to give up – there is a way to get a smoother and shapelier torso. If you’re ready to see results, tummy tuck surgery may be your answer. Tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty, is designed to contour, flatten and firm the abdominal region.

By having a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are surgically removed from the abdominal region. The underlying muscles are also tightened, which creates a slimmer contour. Tummy tuck also helps define the waist. Although this procedure can be beneficial, it is considered to be a major surgery. This means that not everyone makes a good candidate and before making your decision to have the procedure, it is a good idea to do your tummy tuck homework.

1. The main purpose of tummy tuck surgery is to change the shape of the body and that it does not result in weight loss. In other words, tummy tuck procedures are performed to enhance body shape, not create a perfect body. Patients need to set realistic expectations for themselves and be careful not to think that having tummy tuck will be an answer to dieting and exercising.
2. Tummy tuck surgery requires a long incision, which means you may be left with a scar after recovery. The scar is typically covered by underwear or swimming suits and become faint overtime.
3. If your fatty deposits or excess skin is concentrated below your belly button, a mini tummy tuck might be a good option for you. Mini tummy tuck requires a smaller incision and the consequent scar is much smaller than that of a full tummy tuck.
4. If you are a smoker, it is recommended to quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. Smoking prolongs recovery and increases the risks of complications.
5. When tummy tuck is combined with liposuction, it might bring out desired results. Your plastic surgeon will advise you if combining liposuction with tummy tuck is right for your needs.
6. It is a good idea to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about tummy tuck or about alternatives, to make sure you go through the procedure that’s right for you. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have the necessary knowledge and training background in dealing with tummy tuck and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
7. Tummy tuck results can last a long time if you stay active and eat right. Excessive weight gain after the procedure can cause your skin tissues to stretch and create bulges.

Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon about the advantages and disadvantages of having a tummy tuck. Your plastic surgeon can advise you on your options, inform you about the risks, recovery time and provide you with details about the procedure. You should also keep in mind that with tummy tuck or any major surgical procedure, recovery times may be lengthy and it may limit daily routines and activities.

While getting ready for a night out, you find a strapless blouse and a long-sleeve blouse in your closet. If you find yourself instinctively reaching out for long-sleeve blouses that hide your arms, you’re not alone.

Most women, self-conscious of their droopy, sagging upper arms, would choose to go with the long-sleeve top to cover what they don’t like. If you’re facing the same problem, arm lift surgery can help you achieve shapely, contoured arms.

As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, arm lift can help create well-defined and toned upper arms. When the soft tissue in the arm becomes lax and begins to sag, it can give it a bat-wing or flabby appearance. Sagging upper arms can be a result of excessive weight loss or aging that even exercise cannot help get rid of.

Arm lift surgery is performed by making an incision on the inside of the upper arm. When the incision is made, the plastic surgeon performs liposuction to remove excess fat. The remaining excess skin is trimmed, tightened and stitched.

Arm lift results are typically permanent depending on the type of procedure. With liposuction alone, weight gain and aging can cause continued sagging over the very long term (10 to 15 years). With surgical removal of skin, fat and tissue, the results tend to be more dramatic and last longer, though scarring is more visible.

Keep in mind that not all arm lifts or the surgeons that perform them are the same. You want to make sure that you choose a surgeon whose work you admire. You will be able to see the outcome of some of their surgeries by looking at before-and-after pictures. There are different techniques and procedures for arm lift surgery. Some surgeons rely on liposuction techniques, while others surgically remove skin and tissue, and some surgeons use a combination of both liposuction and surgery. Have the surgeon explain their procedure and why they value a certain technique more than others.

1800mySurgeon can help you find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that can successfully perform arm lift surgery. We can also help you set up a consultation so you can discuss your goals and desired results with a plastic surgeon.