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Body Lift Surgery and Body Contouring Surgery: Part Two – Realistic Expectations and Risk-Benefit Analysis

This writing will focus on realistic expectations in cosmetic surgery in regards to body lift surgery and body contouring surgery. It will also discuss risk-benefit analysis about these operations. The goal of the writing is to provide a higher level of understanding about the surgery.

For those interested in facial rejuvenation, similar concepts are reviewed but about operations in cosmetic surgery designed to make us look younger. For those interested in these procedures, please see my educational writing “Facial Rejuvenation Concepts : Facelift Delaware – Eye lift Delaware.”

We will now turn our attention to realistic expectations about body lift surgery and body contouring surgery.

Please see the photo below of a women doing “The Pull.”

I call it “The Pull”. It is a setup for problems; a sign that the patient has unrealistic expectations. “The Pull” is the sign of a patient wanting something that is not possible. this is when a cosmetic surgeon’s job now becomes “more” important. he has the added responsibility of explaining realistic recovery and realistic results to a person who might not truly understand what cosmetic surgery can and can not do. The surgeon must explain what can realistically be achieved with surgery and what cannot be achieved. Some patients want results from surgery that are not possible. It is critical to understand what “can” be achieved through cosmetic surgery and what “cannot.”

What is “The Pull”? this is when people grab their thighs or lower sides and “pull up.” this creates fantastic improvement in the legs and thighs all the way to the knees. It is when people pull or grab themselves in the back of the thighs to tighten the skin or the inner aspects of the thighs. Let me be very clear. No surgery accomplishes this type of result! there is not a surgeon nor an operation that gives the results desired by a person doing “The Pull.” Thigh and buttock lifts do “not” accomplish this type of result. Nothing can give a person this type of pull.

Why not? These types of lifting forces can not be generated surgically. It is unrealistic! No operation can achieve this type of lift. No operation can achieve this type of result. The operations work extremely well! but not to this degree. Many of these patients also want no scars. we are now heading even further away from the truth or further away from the “Real-Reality.” Scars are a necessary part of cosmetic operations. Some operations can not achieve the results some people want.

Body lift and body contouring operations like buttock lift and thigh lift operations work extremely well to help reshape and enhance a person’s body and legs. but realistic expectations are important. One can not expect every little piece of skin to be removed or to have perfectly smooth skin. The surgeon tries to remove every piece of extra skin, but healing will lead to some return of looseness. Patients must understand that the operations work extremely well but only to a degree. this is called having realistic expectations. Reviewing before and after photos helps as does a thorough consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

The risk-benefit analysis can be used to understand whether cosmetic surgery should be done or not. For example, if an operation has low risks and high benefits, then the decision to proceed with the surgery is more obvious. Conversely, if an operation has higher risks, and minimal benefits, then a patient probably should not have the cosmetic operation. When deciding on an operation, the risks of the procedure, such as infection, bleeding or other medical complications, must always be considered. If a patient is completely healthy, we might assume that she is going to heal from the operation uneventfully, without medical complications. However, she will still end up with incisions or scars from the procedure. These incisions or scars are part of the risks of the surgery and part of the risk-benefit analysis.

Understanding what the scars will look like after cosmetic surgery is critical to understanding the risks of cosmetic surgery. The “Real-Reality” of certain cosmetic procedures is understanding the “Real-Reality” of the scars. If the scars are minimal, the risk-benefit ratio might favor proceeding with the cosmetic surgery. this is typically true with operations such as breast enlargement or liposuction. this is because the scars are so small and almost always are difficult to see. If the scars don’t always heal well or might spread, then the risk-benefit ratio might favor not proceeding with surgery.

With a thigh lift, the scars, as described above, can sometimes heal long, widespread, and less then perfect. The benefit from the thigh lift can vary. If a patient has minimal looseness of thigh skin, then the benefit from the procedure would be minimal. The risk-benefit analysis considers incisions and scars. The risk-benefit analysis in this condition may lead the patient and doctor to decide not to do the surgery. In cases of major weight loss and significant loose skin in the thigh area, the benefit is very dramatic and this benefit outweighs the risk of the incisions. The risk-benefit analysis in this case favors proceeding with surgery.

Buttock lift, thigh lift, or flank lift are operations designed to improve these respective areas. The incisions used for these operations are typically long. They are typically long because there is a lot of extra skin, and this is the only way to remove all the extra skin. These incisions are one of the major concerns for patients to discuss and understand. Body lift and body contouring incisions are not going to be small. They tend to be long because of the amount of skin that needs to be removed. although the scars usually heal well and most people are very happy, it is important to remember that a risk of the procedure is that the scars can spread and be wider than desired.

Body lift operations can give excellent results when there is significant looseness or hanging of skin. The “Real-Reality” of the incision or scar is that it can sometimes spread. The concept of the risk-benefit analysis helps a patient determine if they will benefit from the operation. Moderate to severe hanging of the areas will be significantly or dramatically improved, and in these cases the incisions are probably well worth the benefit of the operation. In cases where the hanging of the buttock or thigh is not great or is minimal, then the scar might not be worth the benefit of the surgery. In other words, if you just have a little loose skin, you probably should not do the operation. If you have more or “a lot” of loose skin, most people find the results of surgery are well worth the risks. Satisfaction in these cases is often very high and with wonderful results.

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Body Lift Surgery and Body Contouring Surgery: Part Two – Realistic Expectations and Risk-Benefit Analysis

Nose-Job Surgery – What to Expect

A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is a common plastic surgery procedure that can reshape the nose to give it better proportion and symmetry with the face. For those looking into rhinoplasty, it’s important to have realistic expectations of what to expect, both during and after surgery.

Consultation

With a nose job, the surgeon will first speak with you about why you want the surgery; he will also you on the risks and benefits of such a procedure. He will discuss the exact details of reshaping your nose, placing special emphasis on proportion and symmetry. the surgeon will outline each step of the procedure, from checking in to discharge, as well as the weeks that follow the surgery.

Surgery

All nose jobs are performed while the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. A surgeon will make the incision up inside the nose and raise or lower the soft tissues that give the nose its shape. In a nose reduction, cartilage is shaved away until the desired shape is achieved. when a nose needs to be built up, cartilage grafts from elsewhere in the nose, or often from the ear, are used. the incision is closed with small sutures and the patient is moved to a recovery room.

Because the nose is made of bony parts and cartilage, different tools are used to shape the nose. Soft cartilage will be sculpted with a surgeon’s scalpel, while bony sections of the nose are reshaped with an osteotome, also known as a surgical chisel. Files will smooth out rough sections of bone or cartilage. Techniques that can reduce nose bumps, narrow nostrils or build up sections of the nose are all implemented to get the nose to the shape desired.

Upon recover, patients will find that they have a nose splint and likely internal tubes of gauze that support the nose. most patients are required to keep tubes and splints in place for at least a week as swelling and bleeding subsides. After seven to ten days, a follow up exam will take place for the doctor to check on the healing and keep an eye open for complications.

There are some risks associated with nose surgery that include infection, pooling blood, nasal airway constriction and complications with anesthesia. Other effects, while not common, are asymmetry, scarring, irregularities and nerve damage.

Nose-Job Surgery – What to Expect

What Are the Pros and Cons of Inner Thigh Liposuction?

It is always wise to weigh the pros and cons of inner thigh liposuction before signing up for this procedure. With the coming of laser liposuction, inner thigh liposuction has become a highly advanced but also a more simplified and precise procedure.Realistic Expectations to be Maintained by PatientsIn terms of achieving the desired results, inner thigh liposuction does deliver, largely on account of advanced procedures such as Smartlipo Triplex utilized by plastic surgeons. Healthy individuals with good skin elasticity can benefit the most from inner thigh liposuction. Patients with excessive wrinkling of the inner thigh skin may require the more extensive cosmetic surgery procedure called inner thigh lift. Importance of the Cannula SizeOne of the disadvantages of inner thigh liposuction is that the size of the cannula can significantly affect the efficiency of the liposuction surgery.• The cannula transmits the laser energy to the fat cells in the particular region.• Since the inner thighs have fat with fibrous tissue that is soft and jelly-like, there is a tendency for too much liposuction taking place in certain areas of the inner thigh resulting in unevenness and irregularities in the skin surface.• Larger cannulas could accentuate the lumpiness in certain parts.• Cannulas with any diameter below 2.8 mm are considered the right size for the liposuction surgery for inner thighs.The experience and skills of the plastic surgeon also determine the success of inner thigh liposuction.better Results with Smartlipo TriplexBut with Smartlipo liposuction the results are much better. This advanced laser lipolysis method employs a minute cannula with a diameter of only 1mm. for inner thigh plastic surgery it is therefore important to sign up with advanced laser liposuction techniques such as Smartlipo Triplex. You must also get treated at an advanced and reputable healthcare facility with an experienced plastic surgeon. The success of any cosmetic surgery depends on the skills of the surgeon, and this is truer in the case of inner thigh liposuction. The Cost Factor of Inner Thigh LiposuctionInner thigh liposuction is almost always recommended to be performed along with an inner knee liposuction since the fat normally extends from the thigh to the knee. This cosmetic surgery is also one of the more expensive treatments with costs ranging from $2000 to $5000 for a procedure also involving the inner knee. The costs also vary depending on the level of difficulty, the nature of the accumulated fat and the exact appearance desired by the patient. There are certain state-of-the-art plastic surgery facilities though, that offer the right blend of cost-effectiveness and great results. Though there are pros and cons of inner thigh liposuction, advanced Smartlipo liposuction makes the pros outweigh the cons. The precision of the technique, the shorter recovery period and overall results make Smartlipo Triplex a popular and desirable procedure.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Inner Thigh Liposuction?

RR Plastix: Dr. Roman Rayham, M.D.

Last updated 11 days ago

With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to undergo plastic surgery. Learn how you can improve your body contours and get your body ready for summer with an arm lift and thigh lift.

  • Arm and Thigh Lift Basics

an arm lift, also known as a brachioplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat tissue from the upper arms in order to create tighter, more toned contours. a thigh lift is similar to an arm lift except that it focuses on removing excess tissue and fat from the inner, outer, and backs of the thighs. these procedures can be performed alone or in conjunction for optimal results.

  • Ideal Candidates

As with any plastic surgery procedure, candidates for an arm or thigh lift should be in good general health, not smoke, and have realistic expectations regarding the results. it is also important that candidates are at a stable weight and are committed to maintaining the results through proper nutrition and exercise. an arm lift or thigh lift may be right for you if you are struggling with sagging skin and excess fat tissue due to age, heredity, or dramatic weight loss.

  • Procedural Steps

during an arm lift, your plastic surgeon will make an incision along the inside or back of your arm that extends from the underarm to the elbow. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin and fat before closing the incision with sutures. during a thigh lift, the surgeon will make an incision along the groin area; however, individuals who have excess skin or fat along their outer thighs may require an incision that extends from the groin around the hip. As with an arm lift, this incision will allow your surgeon to remove tissue and reposition fat for tighter body contours.

RR Plastix: Dr. Roman Rayham, M.D.

Plastic Surgery – Prepare Beyond the Incision

As you begin to consider the idea, the first step, even before choosing a doctor, is to research the procedure. Know the various options for the surgery you are considering, and arm yourself with information, questions, and knowledge before you speak with a doctor. In choosing a doctor look for those who are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery; perhaps asking your family doctor for recommendations is a good first step, but do not feel obligated to stick with a surgeon even after a consultation.

It is important that you and your doctor be a good fit. once you have chosen a doctor, set up an informational consultation. At this point, you should be preparing physically and mentally for the procedure, and your doctor should be able to help you with these preparations. The primary candidate for plastic surgery is a physically healthy, non-smoker with realistic expectations and no history of mental illness.

It is imperative that you disclose any and all medical history to your doctor in this consultation. Some of your medications may need to be altered or ceased some time before the plastic surgery takes place. Smoking must be completely stopped at least a month before the procedure and for a length of time determined by your doctor during the recovery period.

This is not a recommendation. The effects of nicotine body make it difficult for vessels to deliver oxygenated blood that is needed for healing and fighting infection. Post-surgical depression is also common among cosmetic and reconstructive surgery clients. not only anesthetic and pain medication have effect mentality, but the often delayed gratification of cosmetic procedures can be depressing.

Any life altering situation, even if its intent is joyous, can bring the onset of depression. Eventually, the benefits will outweigh the risk, but for a person who has a history with depression, anxiety or other mental instability, the minor depression associated with the recovery period can lead to more serious mental disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder.

The most effected treatment for surgery related depression to be educated about what can happen. Most who have talked with their doctors about the risks and who have become educated on the subject are able to preemptively avoid serious issues, although post-surgery blues may still occur. Lastly, do not be caught off guard by finances. Elective cosmetic surgeries are not covered by insurance. those procedures that fall into a reconstructive category are usually covered. Know your category.

Research all of the financial aspects of the procedure. The cost affiliated with the selected surgery probably does not include anesthesiologist fees, facility fees, medication, bandaging supplies, or the cost of an overnight stay should the situation arise. Plastic surgeries are some of the most popular procedures done today; the surgery itself is likely to go well if you follow your doctor’s pre- and post-operative recommendations; however, finding the skills to cope with the mental aspects and financial expectations surgery will make the entire procedure a pleasant one.

Plastic Surgery – Prepare Beyond the Incision

Rhinoplasty Report – Considerations Before Having a Nose Job

A lot of celebrities that we see these days practically transform overnight. for instance, there’s Heidi Montag who admitted to having undergone 10 surgeries in a day. It may not have that big of an impact to you, but in the real world, that’s not healthy. Undergoing one surgery is complicated enough, even with all the right precautions. So if you are thinking of having a nose job soon, it’s just wise to read a lot about the procedure and consult a lot of people who have had the experience as well. To start you off with a rhinoplasty report, here are things that you should find out about.

Risks involved. Believe it or not, there are surgeons out there who don’t disclose all the risks and complications involved with the procedure, and that’s not the kind of doctor you would want to trust your life to. always ask all your concerns about the procedure and take not if the surgeon is answering all those questions or is merely deflecting. If you sense that you’re not getting answers, go find another doctor.

Realistic expectations. If you want something done to your nose, make sure that it’s surgically possible. for instance, if you are African-American and have a flat nose, don’t get our hopes too much that you are going to get Angelina Jolie’s nose. It may be possible to have a nose lift and maybe narrow down the bridge of your nose, but not to the extent that your nose will seem very out of place with your overall facial features. Be realistic and know that your expectations should be focused on getting an improved nose that’s still proportional to the rest of your face.

Reasonable rates. While there is a set average of rates by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, the rates will still depend on the city where you want your nose job done, and on the plastic surgeon who will perform it. Naturally, different surgeons have different fees, but don’t choose surgeon based on how expensive or cheap his rates are. More important, you should check his credentials, and look up his past patients. You will get a better experience with a surgeon that you trust and you have rapport with, than with a surgeon whom you picked only because his rates are affordable.

Of course, these are not the only things that you have to think about, but it’s a good start. And once you know these, you will think of new questions until you have found out everything you need to know that will let you make a sound judgement on whether or not you should have a nose job.

Rhinoplasty Report – Considerations Before Having a Nose Job

Plastic Surgery: Consider the Basic Facts of the Neck Lift

One type of plastic surgery that many people are unaware of is a neck lift, which can get rid of saggy skin and wrinkles in the area that are not flattering on anyone. whether you have always had excess skin on your neck or find that it has increased as you have aged, this type of procedure may be a good idea. Consider some basic facts about this treatment.

If you are interested in this kind of procedure, you should consider getting it along with a face lift, as many people opt to do both at once. this is because the two can easily be combined into one procedure without adding too much time or trouble, so think about whether you should go for both before you schedule it. You are likely a good candidate for this kind of plastic surgery as long as you are unsatisfied with the look of your neck currently, and realize that the point of the treatment is simply to smooth out the area. Realistic expectations, good health, and a way to pay for this treatment out of pocket are typically all you need to get started.

In some cases, the surgeon will use liposuction to take out any excess flab, after offering you general anesthesia, of course. If you merely have too much skin, the doctor will treat it similarly to the face during a lift, cutting out the excess and pinning it back so that it stays smooth. There will likely be some scars, but a skillful surgeon will be able to hide them so that they are not obvious.

The recovery usually involves some swelling and bruising while the neck heals. You should expect to take at least a week off work and your normal routine, and will need to wear gauze over it at first, followed by a garment that will keep the skin in place during recovery. Afterward, you should expect to see results that you are pleased with, as your skin should look smooth and nearly flawless, allowing you to look years younger.

Many people are irritated with the fact that their neck makes them look older than they are, especially in photos, where that area is often one of the first details people see. Not only will this type of plastic surgery help you look better in pictures, but it should also improve your own confidence. Going to an initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon can offer more details about this treatment if you want to know more.

Plastic Surgery: Consider the Basic Facts of the Neck Lift

Plastic Surgery – Before and After Photos Are Great Tools

One of the most important aspects of a cosmetic procedure is that you approach it with realistic expectations. there are a lot of tools that can help you decide if you want plastic surgery.

Searching the Internet and watching on-line video demonstrations, talking to other people who’ve had the procedure, consulting with a surgeon, and of course, looking at the before and after snaps, are of great help.

Before and after pictures are great tools to help you envision your own results, but only if you look at them with an objective eye. here are some tips to help you get the most out them:

* Have a before photo of yourself handy for comparison. this is the only way you can really compare your picture with to those in front of you

* Focus on shots that most closely resemble you. this is the best way to make sure you are looking at realistic results. consider similar frame size, breast tissue, facial features, amount of fat-whatever it is that you want to change. If you want breast augmentation, look at several photos of women with similar before chest sizes and also similar frame size. then consider their choices and what looks best to you.

* make a note of what you like and don’t like. this helps you remember what to discuss during your consultation. Of course, you surgeon will let you know if what you want is realistic or not.

* look at the photographs on professional on-line sites, but make sure to look at your specific surgeon’s portfolio as well. there are tons of before and after pictures available on-line and they are convenient to look at from the comfort of your home.

But, it is important to look at your doctor’s plastic surgery pictures too. He will have a certain technique and a different eye for shaping the body than others. his photos will best show you what to expect.

Remember that no matter how similar you are to a subject in a photo, it could even be your twin, the results will not be exactly the same. there are physiological differences that do not show in a photograph that effect the final visual results.

So, do not expect to take a photograph in and look exactly the same. Have you ever taken a picture of a hairstyle in to your salon and achieved the exact same celebrity style? no, there are always differences because hair textures and temperaments are different. Plastic surgery is the same way.

If you choose a board certified experienced surgeon and you feel comfortable with him, you should trust his judgment and advice. He does this for a living and sees all body types every day so he has trained his eye to visualize the results and what looks best. Photos are a great tool as long as they are viewed with an objective eye and realistic expectations.

Plastic Surgery – Before and After Photos Are Great Tools