Thursday, March 27, 2008

Types of Plastic Surgery Procedures

There are many different plastic surgery procedures available to those who would like to alter certain aspects of their bodies. Plastic surgery has been around in some form or another for many years, but has only been in extensive use in the 20th and 21st century. The top three cosmetic surgical procedures in 2004 Liposuction (325,000); nose reshaping (305,000); and breast augmentation (264,000. In addition to these procedures there are many other options for other areas of the body. In this article I plan to explore some of those cosmetic surgery options and give background information on those procedures as well. These numbers clearly show an increasing trend to have cosmetic surgery procedures performed for aesthetic, as well as reconstructive reasons.

We'll start by exploring the number one plastic surgery procedure, Liposuction. In the last year alone, 325,000 Liposuction procedures were performed on both men and women of all ages and race. Liposuction is a procedure that can help to sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, cheeks, neck, chin and upper arms. Liposuction is not a substitute for regular good diet practices or exercise but rather a further refinement in addition to diet and exercise. Recently a number of new techniques in liposuction have been developed, including the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique. These new procedures are helping many plastic surgeons to provide their patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Not all patients will be able to use the newest techniques but your doctor can discuss which techniques are the best for you based upon your medical history and various other factors.

Liposuction is best performed on Normal weight individuals with firm, elastic skin who have excess fat in certain areas of their body. Liposuction carries a greater risk for people with medical problems such as poor circulation, severe lung or heart disease, diabetes, as well as some other conditions not listed. It is always best to let your doctor know your full medical history so that he can accurately assess the correct procedures for your body as well as safely and effectively treat you. In your first consultation, your plastic surgeon will most likely evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and the elasticity of your skin, and develop a plan that is right for you and your body.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is another commonly performed technique in which the nose is reshaped, altered, or straightened for both reconstructive and aesthetic reasons. This procedure is often used to correct breathing problems in the nasal region as well. There are two options for the incision in this type of plastic surgery, There is open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small incision across the columella, between the nostrils, in addition to incisions on the inside of your nose. This surgery is often performed in the most complicated cases. In the case of closed rhinoplasty the incision is inside of the nose helping to promote a speedier recovery as well as reducing the amount of swelling. Rhinoplasty can change the shape of your nose by recontouring the underlying cartilage and bone into the desired shape. Plastic surgeons today have the ability to make your nose shorter, longer, thinner, and straighter. Most of the incision in nasal surgery are made internally so there is no visual scarring on the exterior nasal cavity. Healing times vary with the type of incision but healing from nasal plastic surgery generally occurs within a few weeks after surgery.

Breast Augmentation cosmetic surgery is another very popular procedure and one that has been widely publicized by women around the world. Breast augmentation is surgery to enhance the size or shape of a woman's breast for reconstructive or aesthetic reasons. Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to, enhancing the size of the breast for a woman who feels that hers are too small, correcting a difference in breast size, reconstructing the breast after surgery, and a reduced breast volume after pregnancy. Breast size can be increased during surgery by the insertion of an implant behind each breast and can effectively increase the bustline by a cup size or more.

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Monday, March 24, 2008

Prices For Plastic Surgery Looking for Cheaper Deals Abroad

There are few of us who can afford plastic surgery without first having do some saving - or some lottery winning! Although the prices for plastic surgery are becoming ever more competitive, the whole procedure is still out of reach for many. And the figures that you might see when surfing the net are often the surgeon's fee alone, and do not include the array of expensive necessary extras that your operation will require, such as the use of the operating facility itself, the anaesthesia, whether general or local, any implants to be inserted, and other general clinical supplies. Top this off with the different state or local taxes that might be applicable at your facility location, and you end up with a medical bill that can be astronomical. So are there any ways to get cheaper plastic surgery?

Unfortunately, it is inescapable that surgery, of any kind, is expensive, and you do not want to compromise either your health or your safety by choosing a cheaper surgeon who is not adequately qualified and experienced. Some people are finding good deals when incorporating their plastic surgery with a trip abroad, but should you pick this option you must ensure that the qualifications of the surgeon are comparable to those of professionals taught in the United States. While many of the surgeons you will find in foreign locations will be highly skilled, there will be those involved in the industry simply to make some money - ensure that you do not fall prey to one of these so-called doctors by carefully considering the qualifications of any surgeon you consider.

While there are some great prices for plastic surgery to be found abroad, you should also factor in any other costs you might incur by travelling to your surgeon. When the cost of flights or other transport, hospital or hotel accommodation, and any other travelling fees are taken into consideration, the price may reach close to what you would pay for surgery in the US. When making your decision be sure to factor in all the costs you might run into, so that you make an honest evaluation of the potential cost of your surgery. And remember - it is not worth paying for cheaper plastic surgery with your safety or your health.

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Plastic Surgery Resources a website providing information on cosmetic surgery

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Monday, March 17, 2008

Face Lift Dentistry Can Remove Years Off The Facial Appearance

The Dental Face Lift is a unique, patient-centered, restorative, and bite reconstructive treatment that only requires dental restorations. The process requires no facial surgery, no stitches, and no cosmetic procedures such as Botox, Restylane, or Collagen. There is minimal to no grinding on the natural teeth and the Dental Face Lift procedure is often completed in as little as two visits.

Dr. Sam Muslin, a Santa Monica cosmetic dentist, has developed a system of assessing and treating facial dimension issues that go beyond traditional cosmetic dentistry. Conventional cosmetic dentistry focuses on issues that improve the smile, such as tooth whitening or bleaching with products such as Zoom, BriteSmile or Crest Whitening Strips and perhaps by placing some Porcelain Veneers or Lumineers on the upper teeth. Facial elements such as thin lips, a short lower face, facial wrinkles and lower jaw or TMJ issues seemingly escape the awareness of many general practice dentists. These issues are vital in the treatment of the Dental Face Lift. The patient's unique soft tissue facial characteristics are enhanced naturally by supporting the soft tissue with the hard tissue, i.e. the teeth.

The most important aspect of Face Lift Dentistry is the geometrical, functional and three-dimensional analysis of the entire face. Not only is the smile treated but the entire face. People smile about 2% of the time, while the other 98% the lips have flattened, the faces have collapsed or sunk in, there are facial lines or wrinkles and we look older than we should, especially if we are over 50. Many of our facial weaknesses become more obvious as we grow older. We can be improving these areas by using the teeth for additional facial support.

Patients are surprised when a live motion camera system is used which allows them to observe themselves from all angles talking in front of a television monitor. Most patients did not know how they looked while speaking. During the 98% of the time when they are not smiling, patients were surprised to see how their teeth look. Some patients had porcelain veneers placed by previous dentist and were unhappy with the results. Patients with crooked lower teeth are surprised to see how visible those teeth are during a normal conversation.

The goal is to treat the face, the bite and the health of the entire body by maximizing the potential of the teeth to support faces, lips and cheeks. The patient's face can be lengthened which will remove years off of the facial appearance. Facial wrinkles are smoothed out and the lips naturally appear thicker. By reconstructing the patient's bite with Face Lift Dentistry, the patient goes way beyond just a smile makeover, which conventional cosmetic dentistry attempts to treat.

Some people have had a deep over-bite their entire life that contributes to a short lower face while other patients develop a short lower face from years of grinding and the wearing down of their teeth. Because the process is gradual, many people are not aware that they grind and that they are wearing down. The face looks its age because of the loss of tooth support and the flattening of their bite. Some 30-year-old patients have a 50-year-old looking face because of a deep over-bite but some 50-year-old patients look far younger because they had Face Lift Dentistry!

Aging and tooth wear is a normal process and the loss of vertical dimension of a patient's face is the result. The face collapses along with the wear on the teeth. The life expectancy of our population has increased to nearly 100 years of age. Over time, the bite is typically flattened with wear resulting in teeth that further date faces.

Short dark yellow teeth with old fillings and crowns that do not match make us look old. The Dental Face Lift replaces all of the old crowns and fillings in just a couple of visits. The facial height and support that we lost over the years can be restored with bite reconstruction. The treatment can be completed in as few as two visits. No facial surgery or stitches, and most patients go back to work the very next day. The dentist has to be very efficient and quick with the delivery of care and be highly organized.

One of the latest dental technologies is super dental bonding that lets the dentists completely rebuild a patient's bite, support their face and permanently whiten their teeth without grinding down their natural teeth. Non-Invasive dentistry evolves to this higher standard when the ceramist and dentist team is highly skilled.

The patient is healthier when all of the old mismatched crowns and fillings are replaced. Conflicting metals and decaying tooth structures are replaced with biologically compatible porcelain materials. Decay is removed for maximum health and the bite is rebuilt. Cusps are worn down and facial height is lost. Rebuilding the bite restores the cusp tips for better chewing and facial height to restore a more youthful face. The dentist's skill and knowledge are the most critical element in Face Lift Dentistry. Advanced training combined with artistic ability is a necessity. All of the three dimensional components, technical elements and functional components such as speech and chewing must be dynamically balanced and biologically harmonized.

Dr. Sam Muslin is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry and has been awarded by the International College of Dentists. He has been practicing cosmetic dentistry in Santa Monica for almost 30 years. Dental Face Lift and Face Lift Dentistry are registered trademarks of Dr. Sam Muslin.

Sara McClain is a Small Business Marketing Consultant, striving to bring small businesses to their full potential. Some of her current projects are featured on her website at http://www.highexcellence.com

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Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Giving a Digital Facelift to Your Old Paper Prints?

Although it seems that digital cameras have been around forever ? they are relatively a new product. For years we used film cameras and as a result most of us accumulated many paper prints made from such film. We can keep those paper prints albums as is or find ways to upgrade them into the new digital era.

Such inventories of paper prints include photos, negatives and slides. Most people keep those legacy prints in photo albums and keep using them in the old fashion way while using computers to view photos, share and send photos to family and friends only for the newly photos taken with digital cameras.

There are simple ways to upgrade your paper based inventory to the new digital age. Usually photos are kept in the house in one of the following formats:

Paper prints: the most common format, usually at sizes like 4X6 and 5X7. Over time paper prints tend to lose their quality. Depending on how well they are kept the paper might turn yellow and bend and the colors might fade.

Negatives: also known simply as film. This is the processed film usually 35mm from which the prints where made. Although negatives can get damaged over time they are more likely to maintain their high quality. Negatives are hardly used unless new paper prints are needed.

Slides: very similar to negatives used for projecting photos on a large screen.

There are many ways to convert old photo papers to digital formats. The different methods vary in cost and quality. Professional photographers spend a lot of time and money on this process while most amateurs and consumers use very simple methods that are both cheap and easy. Most home users and amateurs only need to scan their photo prints into digital format ignoring the negatives and slides. Professionals use high end equipment to scan the high resolution negatives into digital formats.

Photo paper prints are easy to scan. You can choose to purchase a simple scanner usually for a cost of less than $100 and scan them yourself at home. You can also choose to mail them (or hand them) to a professional scanning service that will scan them for you and mail you back the originals and a DVD with the digital scans (such services include www.digmypics.com, www.digitalpickle.com, www.britepix.com and many more).

If you have a small number of photos scanning at home is easier. If you have a large number of photos using a service is easier but you can end up spending more money. In addition mailing your one and only hardcopy of your photos is a risk since they might get lost.

If you prefer scanning your paper photos yourself at home you should be aware of the following:

Resolution: the resolution of a scan is measured by the number of dots per inch that the scanner can produce. Most scanners can scan at 1200 DPI or more. Usually the scanner can be set to scan at different resolutions. The higher the resolution the slower the scan and the bigger the photo file size will be. For most paper prints scanning at 300 to 600 DPI is enough but you can experiment scanning at higher resolutions if you feel it provides better results.

Speed: If you have a small number of photos speed is not an issue. If you have hundreds or more of photos scanning speed becomes important. To get fast scans you would have to scan at the lowest resolution possible that results in good enough scans ? for most paper prints 300 to 600 DPI is enough.. Also if you?re going to buy a scanner check the scanning speed (usually measured in the number of scans per minute make sure that you check the speed at the DPI you?re going to use).

Photo feeding: if you only have a small number of photos this is not an issue. If you have many photos make sure that the scanner you buy allows fast and easy loading of photos. Some higher-end scanners will let you load a stack of photos and will automatically feed and scan them for you. These scanners are the right choice if you are planning on scanning hundreds or more photos.

Once converted to digital format there are many things that you can do with the photos. In addition to viewing them on your computer screen and sharing them with family and friends you can also use sophisticated photo processing software to enhance them. For example you can use photo processing software to eliminate red-eye in the photos. You can improve contrast, brightness, or create some artistic effects ? turn color photos to black and white and more.

Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. You can find more information about photo album printing and photography in general on http://www.printrates.com - a site dedicated to photo printing.

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Thursday, February 7, 2008

Non-surgical facelifts

Non Surgical facelift practically means performing a facelift without surgical procedure. Nowadays there have been many new developments in this field of non-surgical facelifts, as more and more people are pursuing that illusive reality of having a perfect body or image without using surgical methods or being beautiful naturally. There are several methods of performing non-surgical facelifts through lasers, creams and even radio frequencies. These methods are becoming very efficient in their effects of tightening the skins around the face hence improving ones' appearance. All these methods of non-surgical face-lifting do not have "pain" written on the cover of its book neither does "recuperation period" get involve and it can be carried on with other treatments. This is why the numbers for people taking non-surgical facelift is growing. The current wave that's hitting the town's beauty parlors and beauty salons is Thermage facelift. This non-surgical facelift is relatively inexpensive if compared to performing surgical face-lifting. The ideology behind Thermage face-lifting is by using "derma abrasion" and "chemical peel", which practically means wearing away your skin. This is a very simple procedure painless and not time consuming, this face lift method only takes over or within an hour to complete by using some local anesthesia. After finishing up, you can continue with your daily routine without hassle or worries of bandages across your face. How Thermage Facelift works is basically by using radiofrequency to force our skin or face to tighten up, this method suits everybody other than those that needs a pacemaker. The result will settle in after a few days to five months of treatment. Severe battered face or scars are not guaranteed to fade using this method; surgical facelift is recommended for those that suffer severe cases. If pain is no obstacle for you but surgery is another issue, why not try acupuncture a secret ancient art of china that a lot of modern celebrities are using to avoid the nuisance of the paparazzi roaming around their life. Just a few pins sticking on your arms, legs and face you can a younger and firmer look, the only catch to this method of face-lifting is regular visits to the acupuncturist is needed to sustain youth. Other than all these high-tech and fancy treatments for non-surgical facelifts, there is an even easier way which is face mask and TCA peels. This type of non-surgical facelifts suits all skin types and gives you flawless, well-toned and firm feel on your face. TCA skin peels are one of the most popular and proven methods of facelifts as its ability and effectiveness to cure a wide range of skin disorders and problems. TCA skin peels are a must for those that uses home based skin lifting products. After reading this article, you'll find that there are so many ways of non-surgical facelift. And to make it even more interesting 70% of the women in Korea, has experience facelifts. So go and pamper yourself, rejuvenating the youth and beauty inside you by showing it on your face.

Deepak Bansal is an internet marketing consultant having experience of 4.5 years in search engine optimization industry. We are specialist in search engine optimization, link building, internet marketing, copyrighting and content development. This article is written by content writing team of http://www.deepakbansal.com - Internet Marketing

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Do It Yourself Non-Surgical Facelift

I?m the first to investigate a new anti-aging product or procedure, and have been for the last twenty years. Sometimes I?ve even gone so far as to indulge myself with the promise of eternal youth. So either the earth?s gravitational pull is getting stronger or raising children has finally taken its toll. Here I am, middle aged and wondering what?s the next thing to ?go south.?

I?m an esthetician with all the tools of the trade. I have all the gizmos and gadgets that when used regularly will minimize the effects of aging. So why don?t I use them on myself? Because it seems that there is never enough time.

With all the new technology such as lasers, thermage, microcurrent and magic lotions and potions, there is always a cost. It might be the price, the risks or the inconvenience. What if there was something you could do in the privacy of your own home for as little as 10 minutes a day. I know, I?m beginning to sound like an informercial but the claims are that there really are things you can do that can help get that youthful jawline and line free forehead back. Would you be willing to give 10 minutes a day for a few weeks to try it and see for yourself?

Facial exercises have been around for ages. Now it makes sense that toned muscles are firm muscles and that goes for the face as well as the body. As we age the underlying muscles of the face become flaccid and are less able to support the skin that is attached to them. While there is a lot that can be done to tighten and firm the skin, it is the underlying muscles, that when toned and tightened, make the biggest difference.

My first experience with facial exercise was with Greer Childers in her exercise program, ?Body Flex.? She based her technique of the premise that oxygenation of the tissue keeps it young and vibrant. She had me doing the ?Lion? and the ?Ugly Face? (appropriately named) where I would get into position and pull these horrible grotesque faces and hope to high heaven no one walked in on me. She promised me that while everyone else was trying to ?smooth the wrinkles out of their face we will have the last laugh because we will already be there.?

Then came Ellae Elinwood with her book, ?Timeless Face.? This is a book I got not only for myself, but for my clients to prolong the effects of their facial treatment. Ellae has twenty three facial exercises that you do in front of the mirror....alone... or with a group of five year olds for entertainment.

Another favorite is ?Facelift at you Fingertips,? by Pierre Jean Cousin. I really like this book and incorporate a lot of the techniques in my facials. This book focuses primarily on acupressure points, massage and aromatherapy. By stimulating acupressure points in the face by massage or gentle tapping, you increase the flow of energy, increase circulation and improve muscle tone.

Now I don?t know about the facial gadgets you put in your mouth to help exercise and tone the muscles. Besides the sanitation issue, I question the effectiveness. The only thing I will put repeatedly in my mouth is my tooth brush.

One company sells a workout ball and a towel to heat and warm up the face before exercise. I guess this is so you don?t pull an orbicular oris muscle during your workout.

The most important exercise you can do to improve the face is to smile. Have you ever noticed how people who smile more tend to have a definite jaw line. If jowls are your problem try looking in the mirror and then smile and watch how the jowls disappear. Smiling can relieve stress and tension and help you feel better. Your smile will have an affect on others when they see you smiling. You can even use surgical tape while you sleep to keep that smile in place.

Incorporate these facial exercises into your daily exercise routine and you can be firm and toned head to toe.

Janice Bird is an author, an empowerment coach and a master esthetician. You can subscribe to her newsletter, Breakthrough Beauty Secrets, by going to http://breakthroughbeautysecrets.com/. Find out more about Janice, her articles and products at http://janicebird.com/

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Monday, December 17, 2007

Garden Facelift: Garden Bridges over Ponds

Adding a water feature to your garden can dramatically change the ambience and look of your back yard space. A small pond may just be what your backyard needs. A small pond can change a drab lawn into a calming and serene retreat. Back yard ponds with their lush vegetation serve as an invitation to explore. Garden bridges crossing the pond can add to the mystery in your backyard and can brighten up the pond and act as focal point. To finish off the facelift, add some outdoor patio furniture that complements your newly completed outdoor refuge.

The pond size you decide to install should be proportional to the size of your yard. If the pond is too big it may take over most of outdoor living space and bring some awkwardness to your yard. The right size of pond and right style of outdoor patio furniture can give your garden the facelift it needs.

Check with your local building officials if you need a building permit to install your pond. Some local ordinances require ponds to be fenced if they are deeper than 18 inches. This may determine the depth of your pond. If you live in areas where warm weather prevails for most of the year you could install a pond that is a foot deep. If you live in cooler climates then you may need a pond that is at least three feet deep.

The digging process can be a tiring process. You can probably do this yourself but it can be a fun family project. You need a few simple tools for your project. Give yourself plenty of time to work on your pond and do not rush through the process . Recruit you friend to help if it gets to be overwhelming. Make sure you use proper digging techniques to not injure your back. Good posture is important. If you decide to take this project on yourself, it is imperative that you follow the instructions carefully.

Garden bridges can be purchased already made or can be made from scratch. There are many different plans online for different kinds of garden bridges available. After you finish the project, make sure you choose plants that accentuate garden bridges and ponds. Garden bridges can be perceived as an extension of your deck, complement your decks plants with the plants on the bridge to unify the feel in your back yard. . Surround the pond with lush vegetation inviting your guests to explore the gardens. Plants in the pond should also be chosen with care. Choose plants that complement and blend well in your garden and give it a natural look. Water lilies always make a bold statement when in a pond. Include some bog plants too.

Choose outdoor patio furniture that blends with garden bridges. Make sure the outdoor patio furniture is placed on a hard surface. If the pond and garden bridge are a ways from you deck, consider adding a patio by your pond to provide the level surface required for your outdoor patio furniture. With the variety of outdoor patio furniture available you are sure to find some that will complement you new retreat.

We present a wealth of resources and products. Find out at www.symphonygardenbridges.com.

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