Can you answer Ivan’s question about Plastic Surgery?:

I do not mean surgery that corrects a problem or is medically necessary. I mean when it is done purely for cosmetic reasons, to change the shape or size.

And, for the record, I am equally puzzled by men who do the same.

Cosmetic Surgery Breast Augmentation

The purpose of this article is to provide some basic ideas regarding the cost of liposuction on various parts of the body. Liposuction costs will fluctuate widely depending on the type of liposuction procedure to be performed and the area of the body to be treated. Liposuction cost for a single procedure on one area can cost as little as $800, but this cost can reach many thousands of dollars where more extensive liposuction is required. Additionally, the liposuction cost will vary from one plastic surgeon to another and also depends on the geographic location of the plastic surgeon. However, in general terms, the liposuction cost is based on the area of the body where the fat is removed.

Liposuction Financing and Costs

There are many variables in attempting to estimate the cost of a liposuction procedure. Whilst liposuction is routine cosmetic surgery performed by many plastic or cosmetic surgeons the variables can include the difference in cost between performing a procedure on a man or a woman. Liposuction for men is generally a more extensive - and therefore more expensive - procedure than for women, due in part to the differences in fat texture. A person’s general health and age can also affect the cost of the procedure. It should be noted that liposuction is not appropriate for those suffering from diabetes or other auto-immune diseases, heart or artery problems, or with a history of blood clotting or restricted blood flow. Liposuction financing and cosmetic surgery financing generally is not widely recommended because it makes the procedure so much more expensive in the long run. If you do need to make financing arrangements for your surgery you should be able to make an application through your doctor’s office.

Surgeon

Liposuction is routinely performed by many cosmetic surgeons. When you begin your search for a plastic surgeon, look for one who specializes in liposuction. Assess the difference in liposuction costs within your local area plus nearby regions. You may find cost differences between cosmetic surgeons practicing in urban, suburban or rural areas. You should get a more meaningful liposuction cost estimate after your initial examination by your surgeon and when you and your surgeon have developed a surgical plan for your procedure. Check that your surgeon has the appropriate training and board certification when you are investigating the cost for liposuction. A highly qualified, board-certified surgeon will command a higher fee, however that should help to ensure a successful outcome with fewer risks of complications. Remember that liposuction cost will vary between surgeons and also between geographic locations.

Ultrasonic

The introduction of ultrasonic liposuction increased the number of patients suitable for body sculpting. Ultrasonic liposuction allows fat to be removed from areas that were previously unsuitable for liposuction and can allow for more complete fat removal from various body areas. Of course, this advanced liposuction technique comes at a price and ultrasonic liposuction costs can be significantly higher than traditional tumescent liposuction.

Other Cost Factors

Other factors can affect liposuction cost in certain cases: If you need to travel to have your liposuction procedure performed in a different geographic region, you will need to allow for your travel and additional accommodation expenses. However, these travel costs need not make a major impact on the total cost of your liposuction.

Fees

Liposuction can be performed on many different areas of the body by cosmetic surgeons of varying qualifications and skills. The surgeon may employ different types of machines, and use different types of anesthesia; all these differences will affect cost.

As with most plastic surgery, liposuction cost is comprised of three main fees: surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, and operating facility fees. Additional costs for liposuction techniques can include compression garments and bandages worn after surgery, fees for laboratory tests, or other post-operative care fees. Some surgeons will prescribe treatments such as ultrasound, massage, or Endermologie after liposuction, and there will be fees associated with these additional treatments. Ask your surgeon to advise you in advance about other costs, charges, or fees.

Liposuction costs can vary greatly between different city, state and rural areas and also between surgeons of varying experience and qualifications. While consulting with a variety of plastic surgeons regarding liposuction procedures people will find major differences in liposuction cost. Ensure you engage a reputable and highly qualified surgeon to perform your procedure.



Thanks to Alison Stevens for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

Liposuction Surgery Cost

Can you answer Jacky A’s question about Plastic Surgery?:

Is there a way to thin out the nostrils via cosmetic surgery?
I really like my nose’s bridge/ cartilage area but I have very meaty or thick nostrol loops. I hear that your nose’s skin will eventually loosen anyway as we age is this true? If not is there a way for cosmetic surgery to thin out just the nostrol loops?

Get a Money-making Website

By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD

1. Don’t be a victim of deception, false advertisement and publicity regarding the specialty of Plastic Surgery. While the internet is a very powerful tool for advertisement and promotion, keep in mind though that not everything in the net is likewise necessarily true.

2. Do check and make sure that you are consulting and putting your trust in a certified plastic surgeon; one who has completed training according to the standards set by the official Board of Plastic Surgery in your country. Nowadays cosmetic surgery is so lucrative that some doctors, medical personnel and even non doctors attempt to learn and practice the specialty without the proper and formal training. Remember that there are no shortcuts to establishing a good foundation for plastic surgery. A strong foundation, whether we like it or not, does have a significant effect on preoperative planning, course of surgery and final surgical outcome.

3. Feel free to further inquire about your plastic surgeon’s background and training. This is one way of establishing trust, confidence, rapport and making yourself comfortable as well. A formally trained surgeon would not be expected to hide his hard earned credentials.

4. Do not hesitate to ask anything and everything about your problem and/or desired operation. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. A good surgeon would be reasonably patient in hearing all his patients’ concerns. It may take several visits if necessary to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things.

5. Understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. It is just not possible. Cosmetic plastic surgery is supposed to enhance and improve on existing physical features. Remember that you can never “shop” for a nose.

6. Make sure you completely and wholeheartedly understand not only the benefits of your contemplated surgery but also the risks involved in each procedure. This is the reality that each patient must face and the surgeon will expertly address if necessary. Remember that just like as we go about in our daily lives, there are risks involved in everything we do whether it be big or small, minor or major. It is indeed something universal. The certified plastic surgeon however is trained to handle all possible complications. This comes with adequate surgical exposure and long years of training.

7. Be aware that during your surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide the highest level of skill, judgment and care. He has undergone extensive training as to equip him with such. Likewise always remember that no physician in his right mind would want to deliberately or accidentally inflict any harm on his patients. Surgeons are forever guided by this doctrine of “First, do no harm”.

8. Understand that despite long briefing and discussions prior to surgery, a good plastic surgeon knows that post operatively, a patient may still have anxieties and newfound concerns. Don’t hesitate to call up or get in touch. A compassionate surgeon will most often provide that comforting response. Remember that the commitment and care of your surgeon doesn’t end with the last stitch.

9. Make sure all instructions post operatively are fully understood and followed religiously. Cooperate with your plastic surgeon to minimize problems and complications.

10. No two sides of the human body are perfectly symmetrical and equal. It follows that surgical outcome will never have perfectly equal measurements. Remember that literally nobody is perfect.

11. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patient and surgeon are but human, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good, satisfying and realistic results.

12. The patient has every right to inquire regarding details of the fees and other charges. Discounts may be reasonably given at the discretion of your surgeon. However the patient must always keep in mind that he/she is not shopping for the cheapest pork around. It could be a disastrous decision if one would be solely guided by just searching for the cheapest surgical package. Remember to always treat your plastic surgeon and his specialty professionally and in turn you will surely get great value for your money.



Thanks to edwin paul magallona for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

Certified Cosmetic Surgeon

In the past seven years plastic surgery has moved from a Hollywood-centered activity that was viewed as a medical curiosity of the famous and wealth to a mainstream practice that has drawn interest from almost everyone from all walks of life. There are now television shows, books, website and even full time blogs all dedicated to the wonders of plastic surgery and how it can change a person’s life.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons keeps statistics from all of its members about what how many procedures are performed a year and it’s an interesting look at what was popular seven years ago and what is popular today. These trends all compare the calendar year of 2000 with the calendar year of 2007.

Here are some of the surprising statistics when you compare plastic surgeries from 2000 to 2007:

The number of breast lifts rose 97% in just seven years. This procedure is also known as Mastopexy and it’s one of the many procedures that has grown in popularity over time as the procedure itself has been refined and improved over the years. It is performed by taking up some of the excess skin around the breast and literally tightening or lifting the breast on a woman. It can be performed with or without an accompanying breast enlargement. It’s a good alternative for women who want to make their breast appear more youthful without making them larger.

The number of buttock lifts, while still relatively small, has increased about 143% in the past seven years, mostly due to an increase in surgeon skills and technology over the years. You are starting to hear about this procedure more and more in the mainstream media, which may also be a reason for its increase in popularity. In 2007 there were over 3,000 buttock lift surgical procedures performed.

Having a lower body lift or Belt Lipectomy has jumped from only a few hundred in 2000 to more than 8,500 in 2007. It’s actually a series of procedures which usually includes cosmetic surgery on the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. The procedures can all be done at once or spread over a period of time according to the patient’s desires and needs.

Upper Arm lists jumped an amazing 4041% over a seven year period, partially due to a number of people losing massive amounts of weight and then needing to have some of the excess arm skin taken up. This procedure has also been getting more media attention which has lead to a greater increase in the general population.

The use of Botox is also one of the biggest trends from 2000 to 2007, though Botox injects are only a minor procedure compared to some of the more serious surgical procedures listed above. Botox usage saw an increase of over 475% in seven years.

It is interesting to note that many of these procedures have become much more popular over the years as various forms of gastric bypass surgery became popular and more prevalent. Most of the procedures that saw dramatic increases are at least indirectly the result of people undergoing some sort of surgical procedure to lose large amounts of weight and then needing these cosmetic procedures to help put their body back into shape again.

Overall it is clear that plastic surgery itself is becoming more popular as the general population grows older the technology of plastic surgery becomes more advanced.



Thanks to JT Miller for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

Cosmetic Ear Surgery