Archive for the ‘cosmetic’ Category
TOP TEN WAYS TO AVOID NEEDING A COSMETIC SURGEON
Prevention
The Top Ten Ways to Avoid Needing Cosmetic Medical Care
It seems strange to have to say this, but aging is a natural human pro cess. We are finite beings. What is even stranger is that despite the inevitability of growing older, our culture has managed to persuade us that it is a sign of personal weakness if we allow the signs of aging to encroach upon us without a fight. If one wishes to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or the spouse of a publicityprone real estate mogul, then the pressure to look “better than good” undoubtedly reflects the reality of a job requirement. For the other almost 300 million people in the United States, however, the message has become quite insistent. One is not normal if not narcissistic. Read the rest of this entry »
Cosmetic Interventions for the Very Young
All in the Family
Cosmetic Interventions for the Very Young, Teens, and the Very Old
CHILDREN
Cosmetic interventions as defined in this book—alterations of normal features—are rarely if ever appropriate for young children. However, children do undergo a variety of procedures to correct deformities related to imperfect development, injuries, or other causes. In many cases these deformities are corrected for the purpose of improving the child’s appearance and social integration rather than for any functional need. In this chapter I will not discuss surgery for cleft lip and related defects, microtia (severe underdevelopment of the ear), large moles, or treatment of large blood vessel abnormalities like hemangiomas because these deformities often have functional impact and do not properly belong in a book about purely cosmetic procedures. Read the rest of this entry »
Cosmetic Interventions for Men
Equal Opportunity
The major stereotypes of the male cosmetic medical patient have been the aging, narcissistic homosexual actor and the young, narcissistic homosexual bodybuilder. Now there is a new stereotype and label for a man who cares about his appearance but does not want to be labeled gay—the metrosexual. In fact, there are plenty of males who seek cosmetic interventions who do not fit into any of these categories.
Men have the same basic concerns about appearance that women do, and there are cultures past and present where male adornment is as important if not more so than female adornment. Still, the aging process has always been more socially acceptable in men than in women. Aging tends to emphasize a man’s masculine features and tends to garner him more respect. Older men, especially successful men, have less trouble finding romantic partners than do older women. Having said that, men (and women) value fi rm, muscular, well-proportioned physiques for men. Features such as waistline fat, saggy eyelids, and too little or too much hair on certain body parts are not favored. Read the rest of this entry »
Psychological Complications
Cosmetic medicine is a whole category of life options in a world where options are more prolific than ever. Endless options create psychological stress for some people, with the ever present possibility of making the “wrong” choice. The results of major cosmetic procedures are usually permanent, and “type-changing” operations such as nose and chin recontouring, breast surgery, and lip enlargement alter one’s birthright by changing body characteristics destined by DNA. Psychological distress after cosmetic procedures, especially those that alter one’s long-standing facial identity, is not uncommon. Even good physical results may come with unanticipated effects on personal relationships. A patient may be successful in recharging her love life, or she may find that her partner is threatened by her new appearance and increased self-confidence. Similar effects have been reported in relationships in which the partners were previously fairly equal but are put off kilter when one person loses considerable weight or suddenly achieves professional success. Read the rest of this entry »
Cosmetic Medical Care Risks
What They Don’t Always Tell You
Cosmetic Medical Care Risks, Complications, Outcomes, Satisfaction Rates, and the Dissatisfied Patient
Any patient undergoing a cosmetic procedure can develop a complication, and any person considering a cosmetic procedure must be willing to accept the possibility of a complication or a bad final result. With proper planning, however, the risks of either occurrence should be low. Most complications of properly performed cosmetic procedures are minor and can be managed without further surgery or hospitalization. This section will review the most common potential early complications, both local (that is, related to the procedure site itself) and systemic (affecting the body as a whole and which could develop after any major procedure performed with general anesthesia). I will also discuss late complications, which are significant problems that affect long-term results.
Complications are a double whammy for cosmetic medical patients because their occurrence risks deforming a normal body part, and their treatment may not be covered by regular health insurance. Prospective patients should check their insurance policies and may wish to consider purchasing separate complications insurance. Read the rest of this entry »
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a method of skin resurfacing in which an acid is applied to the skin for the purpose of initiating a reaction that will alter the skin surface and perhaps its deeper layers. Peels can reduce pigment irregularities and some wrinkling (deeper peels), but not all skin conditions can be improved with chemical peels. Chemical peels are categorized as light (or superficial), medium, or deep. The depth of effect is controlled by the choice of acid, the method of application, and the length of time the chemical is left on the skin. Some techniques require multiple applications before the desired effect is achieved.
The acids most commonly used for peels are (in approximate order of intensity) alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit acids; beta hydroxyl acids; vitamin A (tretinoin); trichloroacetic acid (TCA); and phenol. All acids can be used diluted or full strength, depending on the patient’s skin type and the goals of treatment.
Before undergoing certain types of chemical peeling, patients may be required to pretreat their skin at home with a topical medication like Retin-A. Lighter chemical peels (AHA peels) are performed in an office setting without anesthesia. The chemical solution is painted on the skin, and the patient may experience a mild burning sensation and slight, temporary redness. Patients can resume normal activities immediately, as long as they use sun protection. TCA peels may cause a more intense reaction, especially in higher concentrations, and the patient will have some activity restrictions for a few days. Read the rest of this entry »
PLASTIC SURGERY
Breast Lift
Breast lift (mastopexy) is an operation in which excessive breast skin is removed and the breast reshaped to look more youthful. In many cases the nipple is repositioned higher on the breast. After mastopexy, breast volume will be slightly reduced unless an implant is inserted. An implant may be recommended to enhance not only breast size but nipple position and breast contour. Mastopexy scars are visible around the nipple-areola complex and may extend down to and within the crease under the breast. Breast lift is performed with the patient asleep or heavily sedated.
Major complications after breast lift surgery without implants are uncommon. Smokers have a higher risk of healing problems. Asymmetries of nipple position and breast shape can occur, as can nipple numbness or poor quality scars. Continued sagging due to gravity always occurs; larger-breasted women and those with inelastic skin will experience recurrent sagging more quickly. Women who become pregnant or experience significant weight change will have permanent alteration of their breast shape. Read the rest of this entry »
Cosmetic Medical Care Product Line
What Works and What Doesn’t and How Physicians Choose
Cosmetic medical care has borrowed a page from disease-based
medicine, called the treatment plan, that has become the defi ning
characteristic of twenty-first-century cosmetic medicine. No longer
does a patient go to a cosmetic surgeon, get an operation, and go
on about her business. Now she (or he) is recommended a lifelong
program of peels, laser treatments, injections, maybe a little surgery
here or there now and then, maybe some cellulite rolling or other
technology du jour, spa treatments, and a do-it-at-home skin-care
regimen with doctor-recommended products. Multimodality treatment
is the new industry paradigm. Patients should hold onto their
pocketbooks, because for providers there is profit every step along
the way. Read the rest of this entry »