Cosmetic_surgery

Cosmetic surgery, as defined by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, is a subspecialty of medicine and surgery that uniquely restricts itself to the enhancement of appearance through surgical and medical techniques. It is specifically concerned with maintaining normal appearance, restoring it, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward some aesthetic ideal. Cosmetic surgery is a multi-disciplinary and comprehensive approach directed to all areas of the head, neck and body.

Special skill and knowledge are essential and specialists in cosmetic surgery are competent in the anatomy, physiology, pathology and basic sciences. The educational profile of this specialty is unique in that it begins with a fully trained and certified physician. Through continued post-residency education, training and experience, cosmetic surgery is taught and learned across traditional disciplinary boundaries. The subspecialty fully incorporates the participation and knowledge from all contributing disciplines to attain a high level of skill and understanding. Contributing disciplines include dermatology, general surgery, plastic surgery, otolaryngology, maxillofacial surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and others.

The cosmetic surgeon offers specialized expertise in patient education and counseling, procedural skills, and the early recognition and treatment of complications. As a specialty, cosmetic surgeons have enhanced the knowledge and training of fellow physicians and directly benefitted society through educational publications, scientific journals and in the development of safe and innovative techniques.

Competency in cosmetic surgery implies a combination of knowledge, surgical judgment, technical expertise and ethics in order to achieve the goal of providing aesthetic improvement.

What makes a good or bad candidate?

Before a patient undergoes any type of surgical procedure they should be well informed of the benefits and risks. A patient should consult their current physician before attempting any type of cosmetic surgery to make sure they are in good health. One or more of the following conditions is reason to consult a current physician:

1. Heavy Smoking/Drinking

2. Diabetes

3. High Blood Pressure

4. A Bleeding Disorder

5. Heart or Lung Disease

6. Obesity

7. Severe Allergies

8. High Cholesterol

9. Arthritis

Cosmetic Surgery not only alters a patient physically, but also emotionally. The surgeries can boost self-esteem if a patient’s appearance changes for the better or lower self-esteem if a patient is unsatisfied with the results. Self confidence is built in people after going under the knife. Although family support is recommended, a patient needs to accept the new image on their own to uplift self confidence. Being strong in handling critical comments from family and friends is essential to out do the criticism. If a patient has extremely high expectations they may not be the best candidates. Even though results can be highly predicted, a surgeon cannot promise perfect results.

Patient’s who are considering some form of cosmetic surgery will go through a consultation with a doctor previous to the surgery to determine whether or not they are considering the surgery for the right reasons. Doctors sometimes recommend psychological counseling. This helps to recognize the patients reasons for undergoing surgery and to ensure that the reasons are not emotion related. Good candidates might fall under more than one of the following categories:

1. Within 30% of their ideal weight

2. Non-smoker

3. Low Stress Levels

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Risks and Complications

Just like any form of surgery a patient can have a reaction to the anesthesia or sedation that is used. Some of these complications may include:

1. Abnormal heart rhythm

2. Airway Obstruction

3. Blood Clots

4. Brain Damage

5. Death

6. Heart Attack

7. Malignant Hyperthermia

8. Nerve Damage

9. Stroke

10. Temporary Paralysis

These complications are not things that apply strictly to cosmetic surgery.

Surgical risks that do apply to the cosmetic procedure may include:

1. Nausea, Dizziness, Pain

2. Numbness and Tingling

3. Seroma

4. Collection of Blood Beneath Closed Incision

5. Skin Breakdown

6. Bleeding

7. Infection At The Site

8. Lumpy Appearance

9. Drop In Body Temperature

A patient’s expectations are also a risk to consider. Satisfaction with results cannot be guaranteed.

Procedures

Facelift:

Technically known as rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure to improve visible signs of aging in the face and neck. A facelift is designed to correct all aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.

Eyelid Surgery:

Cosmetic eyelid surgery, called blepharoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both, restoring firmness to the area surrounding the eyes and making one look more rested and alert.

Nose Surgery:

Also known as rhinoplasty, surgery of the nose improves the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and self confidence. Surgery of the nose may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose. Brow Lift:

If one has expression lines or other signs of aging in the forehead and brow region which they find bothersome, a brow lift (also called a forehead lift) may be the right choice. A brow lift is designed to correct all of these aging features, restoring a more youthful, rested appearance with uplifted contours and improved tone in facial skin and underlying muscle.

Facial Implants:

If one would like to change the contours of their face, they might want to consider implants. It can improve proportion and profiles and correct imbalance caused by injury or hereditary traits. Appropriately sized and shaped implants most commonly in the cheek, chin, jaw or nasal region will be carefully selected and placed.

Injectable Fillers:

If one would like to restore facial contours, or reduce the appearance of lines and creases, injection therapy with soft tissue fillers may be the answer.

Skin Resurfacing:

If considering improving the surface and appearance of the skin, reducing fine lines, surface irregularities such as scarring, uneven pigmentation and sun damage, then skin resurfacing is an option.

Breast Augmentation:

Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, the procedure involves using implants to fulfill one’s desire for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Implants also may be used to reconstruct a breast after mastectomy or injury. Implants may need to be replaced: It’s important to know that breast implants are not designed to last a lifetime. A patient should plan for an annual examination by your plastic surgeon to see if the implants need to be replaced.

Breast Lift:

Also known as mastopexy, a breast lift raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well.

Gynecomastia:

Enlarged male breasts, also known as gynecomastia, can cause emotional discomfort and impair self confidence. Gynecomastia can be surgically treated by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and/or skin. The result is a better proportioned, more masculine-contoured upper body and the freedom and self confidence to lead an active life.

Tummy Tuck:

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing body image and confidence.

Spider Veins:

Also known as sclerotherapy, this cosmetic procedure reduces or eliminates surface vessels or spider veins, commonly on the face and legs.

Liposuction:

Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving body contours and proportion, and ultimately enhancing self-image.

Choosing A Surgeon Before any patient undergoes an elective surgical procedure, they may also want to ask their surgeon how many procedures of this type he/she has performed. It is also important to feel comfortable around one’s surgeon. A patient is also going to want to ask questions and be familiar with the surgery being performed.

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