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Archive for December, 2006

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Laser Hair Removal Information

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006

Laser hair removal is considered a permanent way to reduce unwanted hair.
Although called laser hair removal the procedure does not remove all hair, but
permanently reduces the total number of hairs in the area treated.

The process to remove the hair follicle is called selective photo-thermolysis.
During the treatment a laser is scanned over the skin, and ‘zaps’ of light enter through the top layer of the skin then travel down the hair to the hair follicle.
By absorbing this laser energy, the hair follicles are damaged, impairing their ability to grow.

The hair follicle must be in an active growth stage for the laser to disable the
growth. Hair follicles may enter their growth cycle after your treatment,
therefore multiple treatments are required to deliver optimal results. Treatments
are usually given at intervals of 4-6 weeks, or when there is new hair growth in the area. On average, it takes from 6 to 10 treatments to reduce the hair – most clinics will not guarantee removal, but will guarantee a percentage of reduction.

Any area with hair growth can be treated, but the most commonly treated areas
are the upper lip, chin, neck, back, chest, underarms, bikini line and legs. The treatment is described as feeling like an elastic band snapping against your skin, but can feel painful in sensitive areas (underarms, bikini line) so it is possible to have a anesthetic applied to the skin before the treatment.

An ideal candidate for hair removal is someone with a pale complexion and dark hair, but darker skins can also get good results. It has been reported that
blond hair does not react to the laser, but new technologies it may be possible
to reduce lighter hair.

There are a variety of places you can get a laser hair removal, occasionally a
plastic surgeon will perform it, but it is more commonly a nurse or dermatologist. Some clinics have estheticians with no medical training at all performing laser hair removal so it is important you carefully choose who to perform your treatment as a laser is a powerful tool that can cause damage in unexperienced hands.

Approximate Cost : $200 – $2,000
Recovery: None, area may be sore 5-10 days
Possible complications: Rare risk of: burns, infection, scarring, numbness,
pigmentation changes.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Laser hair removal | No Comments »

Buttock and Thigh Lift Information

Wednesday, December 27th, 2006

Buttock and thigh lifts are procedures not as widely practiced as others but
are increasing in popularity. Recently having a curvaceous figure has been in ‘fashion’ therefore making people interested in enhancing the thigh and/or buttock regions.

There are two operations that can be performed in the buttock area, a buttock
lift and buttock implant. Buttock implants are used to fill up the buttock area
and accentuate the natural curves of the buttock. They are similar to a breast
implant but specifically shaped and designed for the buttock region. They
come in various sizes and shapes that should be customized for you. A buttock
lift is a different operation. Buttock lifts do not increase the size of the buttocks like implants do but lift the sagging buttock. Liposuction can be added to shape
the buttock at the same time. The lift is performed through an incision that is
above the buttocks through which the underlying tissue is undermined and
lifted. Excess tissue is then discarded. This gives a more shapely appearance
to the buttock area.

Thigh reduction or lift is a procedure done to remove both excess skin and fat around the thighs or to tighten extra skin on the thighs. Commonly an incision
is made in the crease between the thigh and the pelvis and from this incision
extra skin and fat are pulled upwards. The extra skin and fat can then be
removed and the remainder closed, leaving a much tighter looking more youthful upper leg.

The surgeries are usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your buttock
/thighs to be bruised, swollen and ache and this can last for a month.

The results of a buttock or thigh lift are instantaneous but the final result will
not be seen until swelling has reduced.Your surgeon will give you specific
recovery instructions but usually you will be asked to rest for the first 2 weeks.
You will probably be instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for
3 – 4 weeks.

Approximate Cost : $2,500 – $8,000
Recovery: 2 – 4 weeks
Possible complications: Bruising and numbness is common, rare risk of:
infection, assymetry, permanent numbness, rippling of skin, raised scarring.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Buttock/Thigh Lift | No Comments »

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Monday, December 18th, 2006

A breast reduction is an operation that is used to reshape, lift, and reduce
the size of breasts. Most women seeking this operation have neck pain,
back pain, and shoulder painand also have rashes under their breasts. There
are many different types of reductions available with different scar patterns. These should be discussed thoroughly with a plastic surgeon prior to choosing
the appropriate operation for you. Liposuction can also be used during breast
reduction to help improve the shape and appearance of the final result.

Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision and stitches are usually placed around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. The surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat and then trim the skin and moves the areola and nipple into its new position. The nipple remains
attached to the blood vessels and nerves, except in cases where the breasts
are very large and the nipples and areola are completely removed and
grafted into a higher position.

There are techniques that eliminate the vertical part of the scar and
occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can
reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your chest to
be bruised, swollen and ache and this can last for a few weeks.

The results of a breast reduction are instantaneous but the final result will
not be seen until swelling has reduced.Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you will be asked to rest for the first week.
You will probably be instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for
2 – 4 weeks.

Approximate Cost : Varies, can be covered by health plans…contact your GP

Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks

Possible complications: Bruising and numbness is common, rare risk of:
infection, assymetry, permanent numbness, raised scarring.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) | No Comments »

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Monday, December 18th, 2006

For before and after breast reduction photos in Canada please visit our
sister site www.canadaba.ca
There you will find surgeon recommendations, before and after photos and you can join the message boards to talk to women across Canada interested in
the surgery as well as those that have already been through it.

A breast reduction is an operation that is used to reshape, lift, and reduce
the size of breasts. Most women seeking this operation have neck pain,
back pain, and shoulder painand also have rashes under their breasts. There
are many different types of reductions available with different scar patterns. These should be discussed thoroughly with a plastic surgeon prior to choosing
the appropriate operation for you. Liposuction can also be used during breast
reduction to help improve the shape and appearance of the final result.

Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision and stitches are usually placed around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast. The surgeon will remove excess glandular tissue, fat and then trim the skin and moves the areola and nipple into its new position. The nipple remains
attached to the blood vessels and nerves, except in cases where the breasts
are very large and the nipples and areola are completely removed and
grafted into a higher position.

There are techniques that eliminate the vertical part of the scar and
occasionally, when only fat needs to be removed, liposuction alone can
reduce breast size, leaving minimal scars.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your chest to
be bruised, swollen and ache and this can last for a few weeks.

The results of a breast reduction are instantaneous but the final result will
not be seen until swelling has reduced.Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you will be asked to rest for the first week.
You will probably be instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for
2 – 4 weeks.

Approximate Cost : Varies, can be covered by health plans…contact your GP

Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks

Possible complications: Bruising and numbness is common, rare risk of:
infection, assymetry, permanent numbness, raised scarring.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) | No Comments »

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Sunday, December 17th, 2006

Breast Lift surgery, or Mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to lift the
sagging droopy breast and give it a more aesthetic shape and position without
altering the size. The most common reason women choose this operation is
to “perk” the breasts up again after child bearing. After child bearing the
breasts get larger with breast feeding, then shrink and sag. With breast lift
surgery the nipple is elevated back to position and the rest of the extra skin
is removed. This essentially tightens the breast and fills up the superior
portion producing cleavage.

There are different types of lifts available with different incision patterns.
This should be discussed with a plastic surgeon in consult prior to surgery.
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision and stitches are usually placed around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards
from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.

Another technique that could be an option for those with small breasts and minimal sagging is the “doughnut mastopexy,” where circular incisions are
made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.

An implant may also be added to a lift to increase size, if so desired.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your chest to
be bruised, swollen and ache and this can last for a few weeks.

The results of a breast lift are instantaneous but the final result will
not be seen until swelling has reduced.Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you will be asked to rest for the first week.
You will probably be instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for
2 – 4 weeks.

Approximate Cost : $4,000 – $6,000

Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks

Possible complications: Bruising and numbness is common, rare risk of:
infection, assymetry, permanent numbness, raised scarring.

Posted in Breast Lift (Mastopexy) | No Comments »

Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty)

Sunday, December 17th, 2006

Approximate Cost : $5,000 – $8,000

Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks

Possible complications: Bruising and numbness is common, rare risk of:
infection, hardening of scar tissue around implant causing unnatural shape,
assymetry, rupturing and deflation, permanent numbness, raised scarring.

For detailed information on breast augmentation and breast implants
in Canada please visit our sister site www.canadaba.ca
There you will find surgeon recommendations, before and after photos and you can join the message boards to talk to women across Canada interested in
the surgery as well as those that have already been through it.

Breast Augmentation is surgery to enhance the size of the breast and is
one of the most common plastic surgical procedures performed by plastic
surgeons. There are some major questions that need to be answered when
having breast augmentation performed. Make sure you address and
understand all these questions prior to having surgery.

The first decision to make is what incision is to be used to place the
implants. Implants can be placed through one of four incisions: the areola (Periareolar), the crease fold (Inframammary) the armpit (Transaxillary) and
the belly button (Transumbilical). Each has its advantages and disadvantages and each should be discussed with your surgeon in detail prior to the surgery.

The second major question that must be answered is where the implant
is to be placed. There are two generally accepted positions for implant
placement, above and below the pectoral muscle. There are advantages
and disadvantages to both.

The third major question that should also be addressed is the type of implant
to use. Either silicone or saline are options as well as different shapes such
as anatomic, round, high or low profile. Each should be discussed during consultation with a plastic surgeon.

The fourth and final question to discuss is the final size you wish to be.
This should be done by trying out different sizers in the office. This decision
should be made very carefully with the guidance of your surgeon and then
you should be happy with your results. Many women before breast
augmentation surgery are worried about looking to big, and choose a modest
size. Then after surgery they are surprised how small implants can look in
clothes and wished they’d chosen a bigger size.

The most common cause for redoing breast augment surgery is not having a thorough understanding of the surgery before having it done and then coming
out with a result that was unexpected. Therefore, it is important to fully
understand all aspects of the surgery.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your chest to
be bruised, swollen and ache and this can last for a few weeks.

The results of breast augmentation are instantaneous but the final result will
not be seen until 6 months to a year, when the implant has settled into place
and the skin and muscle relaxed.

Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you
will be asked to rest for the first week. You will probably be instructed not
to participate in strenuous activities for 2 – 4 weeks.

Posted in Breast Augmentation (Augmentation Mammaplasty) | No Comments »

What is Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Saturday, December 16th, 2006

Approximate Cost : $3,000 – $8,000

Recovery: 5 – 10 days

Possible complications: Bleeding and bruising are common, rare risk of:
infection, temporary or permanent droopiness of eyelid, temporary blurred
or double vision, dry eyes, difficulty in closing eyes completely (rarely
permanent), pulling down of the lower lids (may require further surgery)

An eyelid lift (also known as blepharoplasty) can improve the visible signs
of aging around the eyes. Most people interested in an eyelid lift have
drooping upper lids and puffy bags below the eyes.

Eyelid lifts involve removing fat, muscle and/or skin from the upper and/or
lower eyelids. During the surgery, incisions are made in the creases of your
upper lids, and/or just below the lashes in the lower lids. The surgeon may
extend the incision into the outer corners of your eyes. Skin is separated from
fatty tissue and muscle, excess fat is removed, and often sagging skin and
muscle is trimmed. The incisions are then closed with very fine sutures.

If you have pockets of fat underneath your lower eyelids but don’t need skin
removed your surgeon may perform what’s called a ‘transconjunctival’
blepharoplasty. With this technique the incision is made inside your lower
eyelid, therefore not leaving a visible scar.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis. You will feel discomfort,
but any pain can be controlled with medication. You can expect your eyes and
face to be swollen and bruised and this can last for a few weeks. Stitches may
come out in 2-5 days. Incisions around the skin of the eyes seem to heal
quickly and the majority of patients find when the sutures are taken out
they only have a thin line for a scar that fades within weeks.

Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you will
be asked to rest for the first week. You may be asked to keep your head
elevated for several days, and to use cold compresses to reduce swelling and
bruising. Your eyes will be ’sticky’ for the first few days so you may be
given eye drops and shown how to carefully clean them.You will probably be
instructed not to participate in strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.

In general, the goal of any eyelid lift should be to provide a natural, less tired, youthful appearance which is not artificial in any way. It’s effects are often
permanent.

An eyelid lift is often performed with a facelift or forehead lift.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty) | No Comments »

What is a Forehead Lift (Brow Lift)

Saturday, December 16th, 2006

Approximate Cost : $3,000 – $8,000 CDN

Recovery: 1 – 2 weeks

Possible complications: Bleeding and bruising are common, rare risk of: hematoma (collection of blood under the skin thats removed by the surgeon), infection, temporary or permanent injury to nerves, raised scarring, loss of hair.

A forehead lift (also known as a browlift) can improve the visible signs of
aging of the forehead. Most people interested in a forehead lift have drooping brows, horizontal lines and sagging skin on their forehead.
Forehead lifts involve the muscles and tissues that cause drooping and
wrinkling being removed or altered to create a smooth forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.

There are 2 methods of lifting the forehead: a classic forehead lift and an
endoscopic forehead lift.
The classic forehead lift: With this technique an incision is made across the
top of the head just behind the hairline, or if you have a high forehead the
incision can be made right at the hairline to avoid adding even more height to
the forehead. In patients with balding hair a mid-scalp incision may be used.
Before the surgery your hair may be trimmed in the incision area. Once the
incision is made the forehead skin is lifted, and the underlying tissue can be removed and the muscle can be released or altered to reduce frowning.

The skin is then draped back and brows are elevated slightly to create a more rested look. Excess skin is removed and then sutured or stapled into place. Your surgeon will probably put dressings on you and wrap you with a bandage
that compresses the area slightly.

The endoscopic forehead lift: This technique is the same as the classic
forehead lift, however instead of an incision across the top of the head the
surgeon makes three to five short scalp incisions, each smaller than an inch.
A device called an endoscope – a pencil-like camera device connected to a
television monitor – is inserted through an incision so the surgeon can view the
tissues and muscles. An instrument is then inserted through one of the other
incisions and used to lift the skin and remove tissue and alter the muscle.
The eyebrows can be lifted and secured and once the procedure is complete
the incisions are sutured or stapled. This technique results in less scarring,
however it’s not ideal for those with sagging skin as no excess skin is removed
like with the classic technique.

The surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis or some patients are
asked to stay overnight. After your surgery you will be asked to keep your
head elevated to avoid increased swelling. If you had a drain put in to drain
blood that will be removed in a day or two. You will feel discomfort and your
forehead might feel tight, but pain can be controlled with medication. You can
expect your forehead and face to be swollen and bruised and this can last for a
few weeks. Stitches may come out in 5 days, if staples were used in your
scalp they might stay in longer.

Women with longer hair find it easy to hide the incisions by wearing bangs.
If you are a male with short hair you may want to grow your hair a little
before surgery.

Your surgeon will give you specific recovery instructions but usually you
will be asked to rest for the first week. You will probably be instructed not
to participate in strenuous activities for 2-3 weeks.
In general, the goal of any forehead lift should be to provide a natural more rested youthful appearance which is not artificial in any way. It’s effects
typically last 5 to 10 years.

A forehead lift is often performed with a facelift or eyelid lift.

Posted in Arm Lift (Brachioplasty), Forehead Lift (Brow Lift) | No Comments »

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