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Paying for Your Plastic Surgery

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:03:00 +0000

Plastic surgery is almost always an elective surgery unless there is an underlying medical reason. As such, your medical insurance is probably not going to cover it, which means you must. Paying for Your Plastic Surgery Unless you can make some unique argument to your health insurance company, it is going to refuse any claim you submit related to plastic surgery. If you read the tiny boilerplate language in your health insurance policy, and it is tiny, you will find it only pays for medically necessary surgery. The terminology differs by policy, but the basic idea is you have to have a note from a doctor indicating the surgery is pivotal for your overall health. Feeling better about your appearance is not a medically necessary basis! Like most medical procedures, plastic surgery is not cheap. Simple botox injections can run a couple of hundred bucks, but most significant procedures are going to run a couple thousand dollars at a minimum. Simply put, you need to give some thought regarding paying for the procedures. The simplest way to handle the cost of paying for plastic surgery is to save up some money and pay in cash. Your surgeon will love you because cash is king, even in plastic surgery. Alternatively, you can also break out a credit card with a high limit and charge it. Ah, plastic paying for plastic surgery. Surely there is some metaphysical message there! In a capitalist economy, there is always a company looking for opportunities. In the world of plastic surgery, more than a few companies offer financing for your procedure. The financing is in the form of an unsecured loan. These lenders will finance all or part of the cost of the procedure, but you should pay close attention to the fine print. Interest rates can be similar to credit cards, which means you end up paying a lot more in the long term. Some physicians accept this form of payment while others do not because of limits put on the payment amount by the companies. Essentially, the companies demand the doctor take less than the normal fee, much as health insurance companies do with most medical professionals. Physicians hate these caps and some simply will not put up with it. Point being, make sure the surgeon in question accepts this form of payment before going through the application process. For most people, the best option for paying for plastic surgery is the old savings account. Since Americans are infamously bad savers, you may want to check out the other options available.

Cosmetic Surgery: Post-Op Care Is Essential

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 05:25:00 +0000

As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery as well. Following the post-operative advice of your cosmetic surgeon could well be the difference between a stellar result and a mediocre one. Regular follow up visits are crucial in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery. Another point worth noting is that follow-up surgeries (or touchups) might be required to eliminate undesired effects of surgery, or to attain better results. For instance, a woman’s breast implants might internally rupture and therefore necessitate a follow-up surgery. Moreover, cosmetic surgery has associated complications and risks, such as scarring, blood clots, bleeding, or an adverse reaction of anesthesia. Thus post-operative care is pivotal for attaining satisfactory results and in order to expedite the recovery process. Post-operative care entails being careful about the body part, which has been operated upon. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice of the surgeon on this issue. In addition to this, you must have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery. The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is to choose a surgeon who has loads of expertise in the pertinent field, since he/she can effectively advise you about proper post-operative care. Cosmetic surgery is something that one opts for in order to improve ones appearance and, in turn, ones life. So if you don’t want to settle for anything less, simply adhere to your surgeon’s advice on post-operative care.

Cosmetic Surgery – Are You Covered By Health Insurance?

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:51:00 +0000

Cosmetic surgery, in its true sense, is an elective procedure that is performed to reshape or enhance body parts a patient may find unflattering. Since cosmetic surgery has an intrinsic aesthetic intent, it is usually not covered by health insurance. The argument put forth by insurance firms is that a person can very well do without cosmetic surgery, and the procedure is used for mere beautification instead of being a life saving surgery. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery is generally covered by health insurance, though the extent of coverage may vary a lot from one case to another. In many ways, the answer to the insurance question lies in discerning whether the plastic surgery procedure is cosmetic or reconstructive. For instance, abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck), when performed on an obese patient to guard the patient against heart problems, is eligible for health insurance. Breast reduction surgery, when carried out with the intent of reducing weight of the breasts to curtail orthopedic pain, is typically covered by health insurance. On the other hand, breast implants or augmentations are performed with the aesthetic aspect in mind and, therefore, don’t normally qualify for an insurance. There is a fine line dividing the two categories of plastic surgery, namely cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, as far as eligibility for insurance is concerned. For instance, eyelid surgery, when performed to attain an aesthetic enhancement is considered cosmetic and ineligible for insurance. The same procedure may be covered by insurance if the eyelids are drooping to the extent of obscuring a patient’s vision. The hard fact remains that most of the plastic surgery procedures are performed with an aesthetical intent, in order to enhance alluring portions of the body. To summarise, plastic surgery that is performed to improve function instead of aesthetics is normally eligible for an insurance cover. However, it’s best to discuss your case with an insurance agent, in order to determine if you are eligible for an insurance cover.

Cosmetic Surgery for Men – Chest Implants

Thu, 09 Sep 2010 06:35:00 +0000

So, how do your pecs look? For many men, impressive chest muscles are a must. If you can’t get them or don’t have the time for exercise, cosmetic implants may be the answer. Cosmetic Surgery for Men – Chest Implants When we think of people who are unsatisfied with their chest size, we usually think of women. Many women are unhappy with the size of their breasts, and some of them choose to undergo breast augmentation in order to enlarge their size or correct their shape. However, women are not the only ones who go under the knife to have cosmetic surgery on their chests. More and more, men who are not happy with how they look are seeing doctors about getting chest implants. Chest implants are just what they sound like – implants that are placed under the skin in the pecs to enlarge this area. The implants used are made of solid silicone, and are considered very safe by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not the same as traditional silicone breast implants, which were made with silicone gel that could leak and allegedly cause medical problems. Solid silicone implants cannot leak, and they stay in the same shape for as long as they stay in the body. The reasons that men choose to have their pecs augmented vary. Some men feel that no matter how much they exercise and lift weights, they can’t build up their pecs to a large enough size. Chest implants can increase the bulk and overall projection of the pecs to a size that will satisfy these men (but they will not add definition to the chest area, this must be accomplished through exercise). Other men may have medical conditions or congenital defects that have caused the underdevelopment of the chest area, so an implant will correct this deficiency. Men planning on having this procedure will need to stop working out one to two weeks prior to the operation in order to have the area be prepared to accept the implants. They will also need to allow about four weeks of recovery time before they can go back to rigorous exercise. The average cost of chest implants is around $7,000 and there are some complications that can happen, such as migration of the implant or general problems with the incision or surgery. Luckily, if a problem does arise and the implants need to be removed, this is a simple procedure. Chest implants can give some men the confidence they need to go shirtless or otherwise show off their chests. These implants represent another area where cosmetic surgery has expanded to provide a solution to a problem. Make sure to discuss the options for your specific situation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.

Peels For That Aged Skin

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:02:00 +0000

As we grow older, the effects of exposure to the sun and elements can negatively impact our skin. Peels offer one solution for beating back the effects of time. Peels For That Aged Skin A peel is used to address issues with the skin on your face. Whether through extensive exposure to the sun, effects of pollution over time or other causes, one’s facial skin can take on disturbing appearances. A peel is designed to address these issues by peeling away the outer layers of damaged skin. A peel is not a cure all. It is an option for dealing with specific issues. These include restoring wrinkled skin, although the wrinkles must be nominal. Major wrinkles must be addressed through more aggressive techniques such as facelifts. Skin blemishes, however, are primed for treatment with peels. Pigment variations from one area of the face to another can also be treated with peels. Skin damaged by exposure to the sun is also a problem peels can address since the process removes the damaged skin to reveal undamaged skin. A peel for an entire face can take a couple of hours. Anesthesia is generally not used, but can be when called for in particular situations. Recovery time depends on the type of peel, but one should be able to pursue normal activities within a month. Following the peel, great care needs to be given to protecting the skin since it is being exposed to the elements for the first time. The skin will generally be red and exposure to the elements can lead to side effects such as infection, color changes and such. Make sure to discuss the risks, benefits and recovery requirements before undertaking the procedure. Peels are medically available to all, but that doesn’t mean everyone should get them. In general, peels work best with patients that have fair and thin skin. Make sure to speak with your medical professional regarding whether a peel is an option for your situation. In general, peels are a common procedure for dealing with issues concerning facial skin. If you are a candidate for the procedure, it can be an effective method of turning back the ravages of time and is much less aggressive than a facelift.

Cosmetic Surgery And Reconstructive Surgery – What Are The Differences?

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:02:00 +0000

Plastic surgery includes two broad fields, namely cosmetic (or aesthetic) and reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic surgery is performed to enhance the appearance of a person, who finds his/her body parts, though otherwise fully functional, to be unattractive. Thus cosmetic surgery is performed with a purely aesthetic intent. On the other hand, reconstructive surgery focuses on concealing the destructive effects of trauma, disease or accident. That is, it strives to improve function and impart a standard look so the patient may lead a normal life. Reconstructive surgery is a way of veiling defects by using skin implants and tissue flaps. Either local tissue is used or tissue is transferred from another part to the problem area. Reconstructive tissue flaps comprise of skin, muscle, fat, bone or a combination of these elements. The most common reconstructive surgery is to cover the defects of burn survivors and other accident victims. Another common reconstructive surgery is breast reconstruction for women who have had mastectomy – surgical removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely. Mastectomy is performed to combat breast cancer, or to circumvent the disease if a woman is at a high risk of acquiring it. Rhinoplasty may also be considered as a reconstructive procedure if the extent of damage to the nose cartilage and bone is rather grave. In such a case, tissue is moved from another body part and grafted in the damaged area. One of the most prevalent uses of reconstructive surgery can be found in the field of professional contact sports. Players are likely to suffer injuries during vigorous contact sports, and such injuries can only be treated by reconstructive surgery. Though rare, sexual reassignment surgery is another example of reconstructive surgery. There is a certain gray area between cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and distinguishing one from another can be confusing at times. But in a gist, reconstructive surgery is usually performed to correct an abnormality, and not to enhance an otherwise normal appearance.

Cosmetic Surgery Surgeons: How To Select A Good One

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 09:50:00 +0000

Making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery can be an overwhelming and life-changing decision. However, the question of choosing the right surgeon for the job can leave you equally perplexed. There is no dearth of cosmetic surgeons, but it is imperative that you chose a surgeon with loads of experience in the field of cosmetic surgery. You may find an expert surgeon in your vicinity, or you might have to travel a few hundred miles in your quest for the best. But the initial botheration will surely yield fruitful results. To expedite your search for an expert cosmetic surgeon, it is crucial that you crosscheck their credentials prior to undergoing surgery. Check if they are certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or some other prominent cosmetic surgery board. You could crosscheck your state’s medical board to verify the surgeon’s credentials. Having narrowed down on one or two superlative surgeons it is time for an elaborate consultation. The most common aspects that you may focus on during an initial consultation are as follows:- – You may inquire about the cosmetic surgeon’s area of expertise. – Ensure that the surgeon has performed a substantial number of cosmetic surgery procedures. – Make sure that the surgeon wields the best technological equipment available. – If price is a factor, check if the expenses incurred meet your budget. – Ask the surgeon for pictures of his/her earlier patients, depicting both pre and post-surgery images. – Cosmetic surgery, like any other surgical procedure, involves risks and complications. The surgeon must not dismiss the risks of surgery, and should be willing to discuss any possible complication of cosmetic surgery. – Most importantly, ensure that the surgeon will be actively involved in post-operative care. – And finally, shun away any sales gimmicks or unrealistic bargains. On the whole, an excellent result largely depends on the expertise of the cosmetic surgeon. Hence, choose a surgeon with discretion, since a successful cosmetic surgery could give you a huge boost.

Cosmetic Surgery:Is It For You?

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:58:00 +0000

If you thought cosmetic surgery was reserved for Hollywood stars, you’re out of sync with the times. Nowadays it’s become a surprisingly affordable lifestyle choice for people from all walks of life. Here’s a look at some of the more common cosmetic procedures to help you decide if cosmetic surgery is for you.

Essentially, cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure carried out to improve a person’s appearance. As such, it can be applied to any part of your body. But the most common are the various regions of the face, the breasts and the waist. Let’s look at each in turn.

The most famous facial surgery procedure is the facelift (rhytidectomy). The objective is to tighten up skin and smooth out the lines and wrinkles that time etches on your face. The end result is a more youthful appearance.

The second most common is the nose job (rhinoplasty). This works to bring balance to the face by changing the shape of your nose, by making it wider or narrower, for example. It’s also used to remove bumps in the nose.

Then there’s eye enhancement. This procedure centres on removing unsightly bags under the eyes.

Lesser known is ear surgery. This is for people who feel their ears are too prominent. The operation adjusts the shape of the ear cartilage so that the ear lies closer to the head.

Next is breast surgery which involves altering the size and/or position of the female breast. The most sought after procedure is breast enlargement which is achieved through implants. Another popular procedure is the uplift which corrects sagging breasts. Finally there’s breast reduction for women who suffer from back or shoulder pain due to excessive breast weight.

Finally, body surgery involves ways to improve the shape of the body, particularly the waist. The two most popular procedures here are tummy tucks and liposuction. The tummy tuck involves removing folds of overhanging skin and fatty tissue from around the midriff to give that smooth, tight, youthful look. For moderate weight reduction, liposuction is available. This involves the selective removal of fat cells by vacuum suction through a small metal tube inserted into the affected areas.

These are the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures. But in addition to the above, there are also more specialized procedures such as weight loss surgery, cosmetic surgery for men and anti-aging cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon can give you details of these.

In deciding whether to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, the first step is to consult a surgeon to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. The surgeon will take many factors into account such as your age, state of health, skin texture, bone structure and healing ability. Though most cosmetic surgery procedures are safe and carried out under local anaesthetic, there are risks involved and your surgeon will make you aware of them.

Another key factor is how realistic your expectations are about the results of your surgery. If you’re expecting to be transformed into a clone of Julia Roberts, you’re probably setting yourself up for disappointment. Results tend to be subtle rather than transformational and it’s important to remember this. However, they can be life changing too.

Overview of Plastic Surgery

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:19:00 +0000

If you are considering surgery to change your appearance, you should know about plastic surgery from both a historical and current point of view. Overview of Plastic Surgery As an elective surgery, plastic surgery often doesn’t get the objective coverage it should. Proponents crow about the positive effects while critics argue the opposite. Rarely does either group actually quote any undisputables about plastic surgery. Well, we do in this article. Plastic surgery has a long history. Susrutha, an Indian surgeon, is the first known plastic surgeon, providing nose reconstruction services in the 8th century BC. The Romans were known to perform plastic surgery procedures to alter the appearance of ears. John P. Mettauer is generally agreed to be the first plastic surgeon in the United States, practicing in the 1820s. Plastikos is the base word for plastic surgery, meaning to mold something in Greek. In more modern times, plastic surgery has come on strong as a method for changing appearances. The most common procedures with most popular first are liposuction, breast surgery, nose reshaping, eyelid lifts, tummy tucks and facelifts. In the last ten years, the number of plastic surgery procedures has quadrupled as the specialty has gained greater acceptance and publicity on television shows. When one thinks about plastic surgery, most assume it is women having their appearances modified. In general, this is true. Roughly 80 percent of all plastic surgery patients are women, but the demographic is starting to change. While 20 percent of patients are now men, the figure is growing. Like women, men seek liposuction, nose reshaping, tummy tucks, and lifts. No, they don’t go in for breast enlargements, although breast reductions are growing in popularity. Somewhat controversial, teenagers are getting plastic surgery in growing numbers. Individuals under 18 most often focus on procedures related to the skin, with skin peels and microdermabrasion procedures accounting for more than half of all procedures. Historically, plastic surgery was a relatively uncommon procedure. As this overview reveals, media exposure and lower prices mean that is simply no longer the case.

Get On Your Feet Faster With SmartLipo

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:33:00 +0000

Considering getting traditional liposuction? Well, if you are, you might want to reconsider because with the amount of pain and downtime you go through, traditional liposuction isn’t worth it. You see, if you go through traditional liposuction, you’re not going to be back on your feet and to work for up to two weeks and two weeks is a long time to be out of commission. And most activities considered strenuous are off limits for up to a month. A month! That’s a huge chunk of time that you’ve been unable to work, move around, and even work out! And that’s more than just a hassle when you consider everything you’d be able to do in that time, and all that you’ll be missing out. But what can you do? If you want the quick and impressive results that traditional liposuction gives you, you have to take the good and the bad and the bad, in this case, being a month or more of restricted living. But now, there’s another option one that puts much less of a strain on your life. SmartLipo is a new process using a system of lasers to give the same results of traditional liposuction, but with less side effects, and a much faster recovery. How much faster, you ask? Well, the recovery process of SmartLipo is much easier and starts right away. Directly after the procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery room. There isn’t the nauseating, disorienting feeling that many get after traditional liposuction, because SmartLipo only needs to numb the specific area, not put you to sleep entirely. Most patients are able to go home within an hour of completing their procedure, and are sometimes given a prescription for a light pain medication, along with compression bandages. The compression bandages encourages blood flow while preventing clots, and are key to a speedy recovery. Several visits to the office afterwards are needed, of course, to ensure that the patient is healing properly and while it’s almost natural to push these appointments to the side, these are vital to having healthy, scar free results. And it’s about that simple during the first few hours of leaving, you’ll experience very minor bruising, and numbness to the area which you had the surgery to. That will go away within hours, leaving you with a bit of swelling. Within a week, your swelling should be completely gone. And you’re done! SafeLipo has been proven not only to be incredibly safer, as it reduces the risk of scaring and infection, but extremely faster. You can cut nearly all of the recovery time of traditional liposuction, and experience the same results if not better! Safer, faster, and easier and chances are, you can get it done in your area. Why would you ever want to deal with traditional liposuction?