What types of gastric band are available and which one should I choose?

Gastric band surgery is a very effective technique used to reduce the size of the stomach. It uses a silicone band, which is placed on the upper part of the stomach in order to make it unable to hold large amounts of food at a time. Over a period of time the patient starts to lose weight. The speed of weight loss can be controlled by adjusting the band. If the band is tightened, then weight loss will accelerate and if it is loosened, it will slow down. A large variety of bands are available today. Following is a brief description on the different types of gastric bypass surgery bands available today:

Easyband: The easy band is the most advanced band in terms of technology. Unlike other bands, this band does not require the injection of saline solution in order to make adjustments. A microchip and motor are built in the band. When the band needs to be adjusted the doctor can use a remote control to access the chip in order to loosen or tighten the band.

Lap-Band: This band is placed on the upper part of the stomach. The patient wearing this band will need to visit their doctor every few weeks to have the band adjusted. In order to adjust the band the doctor will insert a needle into a port below the skin. The band is tightened when saline is injected and in cases where it needs to be loosened, saline will be drawn out. More information about gastric bypass surgery is available on www.gastricbands.co.uk.

Swedish Band: A small pouch is created on the upper part of the stomach. Just like other bands, it can be tightened or loosened to control weight loss. However, there is a slight difference with the placement of the balloon, which is used for adjustments. Instead of lining a portion of the band, the balloon lines all over the band, which makes the band more flexible than other bands.

The Midband: This band is shorter than Lap band and Swedish Band, which makes it resistant to erosion and reduces the irritation to the gastric wall lining. The Midband can be easily detected with the help of X-rays, which makes the adjustment process easier. Just like the other bands mentioned above, this band can be tightened or loosened to control the quantity of grub the patient consumes.

Breast Uplift

Many women, as they age, suffer from the problem of sagging breasts. This happens over a period of time, especially for a woman who either had many children and breastfed or have large breasts. Over a period of time natural sagging simply takes place and this can cause self confidence issues in their appearance for many women. A breast lift helps to alleviate this problem and can give a significant boost to a woman’s self confidence.

Breast lift or Matopexy is simply the cosmetic surgical procedure that lifts or changes the shape of a person’s breast. This procedure can involve the repositioning of the areola and nipple as well as lifting the breast tissue and removal of skin. This procedure and be performed either alone or in conjunction with the placement of breast implants.

What is a breast uplift?

Patients considering a Mastopexy should be aware that the change is not a permanent one. Although this will last for a lengthy period of time, it is important to keep in mind that the natural aging process as well as the effects of gravity will cause ptosis to recur over time. However, a breast lift can definitely help slow this process. There are two different types of cosmetic surgery breast lift procedures that are used; full breast lift and modified breast lift.

With the full breast lift an incision is made along the crease under the breast, around the areola and a vertical incision between the areola and the base of the breast. This particular incision method is used the most because it tends to produce the desired shape and position of the breast on the chest wall on a consistent basis.

What techniques are used?

Using this particular technique removes the excess skin while elevating the breast. Frequently the size of the areola is reduced with this technique. This particular method allows for a maximal change to the breast. The drawback is that there will be scarring but by using this particular method of incisions referred to as the anchor or inverted T, the healing process has a characteristic pattern.
The incision made at the areola area is partially concealed by the transition in the pigment change of that area. The other two incisions tend to be hidden in the skin folds and natural shadowing of the skin.

How is breast lift surgery performed?

The modified breast lift produces less scarring. This technique uses fewer incisions, but the potential drawback is that less change is made to the breast’s shape. These types of breast lifts are often used with breast augmentation. This method basically removes excess skin from the areola and nipple area, simply drawing the breast higher.

Since the incision is made around that area the scarring is hidden in the pigment change of that area. This method is often referred to as the Benelli breast lift, concentric mastopexy or donut lift.

Both of these methods can produce the desired results you seek, but your physician can help you make the best decision as to which method will have the most optimal results.

Tummy Tuck

With the fast paced schedule many of us face today gaining weight is very easily done. Since taking the time to eat healthy, sensible meals often gives way to the urge to simply stop at the nearest drive thru and grab a burger and fries in order to save time and continue with the hustle and bustle of a errand packed day, gaining weight is an almost guaranteed certainty for today’s society.

What kind of results can you expect from a tummy tuck surgery?

However, the good news is that thanks to many diets and companies specializing in producing meals that are especially geared to eliminate the fat and caloric content of these types of meals, losing weight is a very possible reality. Although many people participate in these types of programs and find that they lose the weight easily enough, they don’t count on the problem of sagging abdominal skin that is a result in the lack of time spent exercising in order to tighten the sagging loose areas complicating their goal.

Sudden weight loss is not the only issue that can cause this problem, pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies and multiple births, can also cause the problem of sagging abdominal skin. This can definitely be true if pregnancies have occurred close together, which does not allow the abdominal muscles the proper time it takes to heal, let alone regain their tightness. Many people who suffer from this problem, whether it is from a major weight loss or from pregnancy, choose to have a tummy tuck or Abdominoplasty.

How is tummy tuck surgery procedure performed?

The cosmetic surgical procedure of a tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen to tighten the muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall. With this type of cosmetic surgery there are several varying categories. The time it takes to perform this procedure varies from 1 to 5 hours depending on whether or not it is a partial (mini-tuck) or a complete tummy tuck.

There are several different procedures used for a tummy tuck, which procedure used depends on the exact extent of the work to be done. The tummy tuck procedures include; a complete abdominoplasty, partial abdominoplasty, extended abdominoplasty, high lateral tension tummy tuck and circumferential abdominoplasty. Each procedure is designed to help with definitive problems of that area and in some cases in other bodily areas so that the results of the work done are optimal.

What kind of results can you expect from a tummy tuck surgery?

Having a tummy tuck not only eliminates the sagging excess skin of the abdomen but it can also help in the tightening of the muscles. Tightening the abdomen muscles takes a great deal of time and unfortunately with the fast paced schedules of work and family that we are forced to adhere to in today’s world, the time to exercise isn’t as readily available as it needs to be in order to achieve this goal.

This is why so many people have chosen to have this type of cosmetic surgery performed, so that they are able to regain the shape and tightness of their abdomens that they once possessed.

Facelift

With the emphasis that today’s society places on the importance of youth and beauty, many people feel that, as they begin to show signs of aging, that cosmetic surgery can offer them a renewed more youthful outlook. One of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures is that of Rhytidectomy or a Facelift. A facelift is the literal surgical removal of wrinkles by removing the excess facial skin. This can be done with or without the tightening of underlying tissues and the redraping of the skin on the patient’s face and neck.

<h2>Early facelift surgery</h2>
The first facelift was performed in 1901 in Berlin by Eugen Hollander. Statistics indicate that facelifts is the sixth most popular aesthetic surgical procedure performed. Many people choose this procedure in order to eliminate the wrinkles and sag that occurs in the facial area as a person ages.

A facelift is done by making an incision in front of the ear extending up into the hairline. This incision curves around the bottom of the ear and behind it, ending near the hairline on the back of the neck. Once the incision is made the skin is then literally separated from deeper tissues over the cheek and neck. With the separation of the skin the tissues can then be tightened with sutures, allowing for the skin to then be re draped and the excess skin to be removed. The skin incisions are closed with sutures and staples.

<h2>What are benefits of facelift surgery</h2>
Two of the primary benefits to a facelift are to eliminate the loose skin folds in the neck and the laxity of tissues in the cheeks. There are some areas that are better dealt with by other means of cosmetic surgical procedures than that of a facelift, such as the cheek and mouth areas.

Facelifts require skin incisions, but because they are made in front of and behind the ear they are usually unnoticeable. One of the biggest challenges in this type of cosmetic procedure occurs predominately in men. Due to the challenge of making the incision along the hairline if appropriate techniques are not employed then an unnatural appearance can become an issue.

<h2>Facelift surgery for men</h2>
Since the skin of a man has a tendency to be hair bearing achieving a natural appearance following the surgery can be somewhat challenging. Although it is a rare occurrence, hair loss in potions of the incisions within the hair bearing scalp area can occur, this also makes achieving a natural look challenging as well. The bottom line is that proper techniques must be observed in order to obtain the desired results.

One consideration that is often overlooked when having a facelift is that as the aging process continues a person’s bone structure can change the older they get. This can have an effect on the results of a facelift. However, if done correctly and the patient follows the directions and advice of their physician, there is no reason why the desired results cannot be achieved and maintained. While there are risks, there are also advantages to a facelift.

Liposuction

Many people wish to either lose weight in order to regain the shapely figure they once possessed or they decide that they are tired of the sagging areas of their body and want to be rid of these flabby areas. Whatever the reason for their decision most of the time they find that their goal of ridding themselves of these problem areas proves more difficult than what they imagined.

This can be especially true when dealing with the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck and the backs of arms. Although there are exercises that can help to achieve the goal of ridding the flab from these problem areas, they tend to be very slow and not as effective as hoped for. This being the case a large number of people choose the option of Liposuction.

Technology has advanced liposuction techniques

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty (fat modeling), liposculpture suction lipectomy or simply lipo (suction assisted fat removal), is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. These areas range from the abdomen, thighs and buttocks to the neck and the backs of arms. Liposuction can be used in other areas of the body as well, dependent on the exact amount of fat to be removed and the location.

Although liposuction does offer a quick removal of fat from the body, there are limits as to how much fat can be safely removed in one session. The operating physician and patient make the decision on the amount of fat removed but there are aspects to consider such as the fact that removing too much fat can cause lumpiness or dents in the skin if a patient is over suctioned. Another consideration is that the more fat removed the higher the surgical risk becomes.

Origins of liposuction and body contouring

Liposuction was developed by Doctors Giorgio and Arpad Fisher, two Italian-American surgeons who worked in Rome, Italy, in 1974. Although these two doctors did officially invent the procedure the roots for it date back to the 1920′s when a French surgeon, Charles Dujarier, performed a similar procedure on a French model in 1926. Unfortunately, the result was that the model developed gangrene in her leg, this caused a set back in any interest in body contouring for decades.

Although developmental work was taking place in the late 1960′s by surgeons in Europe it was not until the 1980′s that many surgeons in the United States began experimenting with the liposuction technique, achieving mixed results. During the 1990′s the use of ultrasounds was introduced to speed up the removal of the fat by liquefying it using ultrasonic energy. Overall, there have been many varying techniques instituted to improve the liposuction technique over the years.

With over 30 years of improvements the result is that more fat cells can be more easily removed with less blood loss, discomfort and risk to the patient. Improvements are continuously being made that can even shorten the recovery period. The patient can feel confident in knowing that liposuction is not as risky as originally thought.

Breast Reduction

Just as many women feel the need to increase their bust size, for whatever reason. There are a significant number of women who feel that their breasts are overly large. Whatever the reason for the decision, these women choose to have a breast reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty performed to reduce their bust size. The cosmetic procedure for Breast reduction simply involves reduction in the size of the breast by removing breast implants or fat, skin, and glandular tissue. A procedure to counteract the drooping of the breasts may also be used.

Breast reduction for men and women

Although women are the main recipients of this type of procedure, it may come as a surprise to discover that there are male patients who require this type of surgery as well. Generally, men afflicted with a condition known as Gynecomastia, or large male mammories, have breast reduction done to eliminate this particular condition.

The surprise where breast reduction is concerned is that unlike many of the cosmetic surgical procedures, many insurance companies are willing to cover the expenses for this type of procedure. The largest deciding factor for this decision is that, in the case of women especially, overly large breasts can induce severe and painful complications that can lead to other health issues.

The most widely reported complications associated with overly large breast is that of chronic pain of the head, neck, back and shoulders. Breathing and circulation problems, as well as skin irritation problems that occur because of the abrading and irritation from bra straps, can also be linked to the issue of overly large breasts.

Female breast reduction procedure

Women who have this cosmetic procedure performed usually do so because of the pain issues, but there are those who choose this procedure because of their self consciousness in their appearance, especially if they are of a small build.

It is recommended that if a woman desires to breastfeed her children, she not have this type of procedure performed. Males who have this procedure performed do so because of their embarrassment in the size of their breasts, gynecomastia is a very common condition in men.

The exact type of procedure that a male patient undergoes is dependent on whether or not their condition is caused by adipose (fatty) tissue or glandular tissue, as well as the degree to which the glandular tissue extends laterally along the sides of their torso.

Breast reduction, while still a surgical procedure is a relatively safe one which can offer many rewards as opposed to the risks involved. Not only does it offer the obvious reward of self confidence in appearance, especially for male patients, but it also offers the reward in a significant reduction in the pain that can be caused by overly large breasts. Although the procedure can seem intimidating the long term results are worth the effort involved. The initial recovery time of a few weeks is the same for both males and females, although females may take six months to a year to adjust to the change in their bodies.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation or breast implants is one of the most widely recognized and most performed cosmetic surgical procedures performed in the United States today. Breast augmentation surgery is done for a couple of reasons; for cosmetic reasons such as correcting deformities of the chest wall, for reconstruction purposes, such as reshaping or implanting a prosthesis after mastectomies or as a part of preparation before a male to female sex reassignment procedure. Looking at the varying reasons for this type of procedure explains why it has become the number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed.

The earliest form of breast augmentation

Breast augmentation became most popular in the 1950′s and 1960′s, women who felt they were too small in the chest area wanted to increase their bust size, and this method seemed the best way to accomplish this goal. The fact is that breast augmentation has been around since at least 1895, the first known implant was attempted in 1897 by Vincenz Czerny. He attempted to take the tissue from a benign growth on a woman’s back and implant it into her breast, the results of which are unknown. The history of the varying substances used in injection experiments is astounding, these substances include; paraffin, glass balls, round rubber, Ox cartilage, Terylene wool and many other surprising substances, all without success.

The first sign of a successful break came in 1945 when Berson performed an augmentation by rotating the patient’s chest wall tissue into the breast to increase volume. During the 1950′s and 60′s various synthetics were used, including silicone injections which an estimated 50,000 women received. It was later discovered that silicone could later develop severe complications which prompted the search for the more healthy alternative of saline.

Helping to restore female confidence

Reports have shown that many of the patients seeking breast augmentation were commonly younger females, all of whom reported that they suffered great distress over the teasing and self doubt they suffered over their appearance. This trend is confirmed by a study that showed that many of the women who had undergone cosmetic surgery for Breast augmentation suffered from low levels of self-esteem as well as depression, suicide attempts and mental illness as compared to the general population.

However, when post-operative surveys concerning mental health and quality of life issues were conducted, these same patients reports a vast improvement in a number of areas in their lives including; physical health, physical appearance, social life, self confidence, self esteem and sexual function. Overall, most of the patient’s surveyed were satisfied with the long-term results of their cosmetic surgery, even if they required re-operation for any type of complication or aesthetic reasons.

Let’s learn more about breast augmentation

Whatever the reason chosen for breast augmentation, the message seems to be a clear one that this type of cosmetic procedure can offer, not only a physical enhancement, but also a mental enhancement to the recipient. With the evolution in this area to find injections and methods that offer the most optimal percentage for safety, patients can now feel secure in their decision to undergo a Breast augmentation procedure.

Rhinoplasty

Many people who are unfamiliar with cosmetic surgery procedures hear the term rhinoplasty and are uncertain as to what exactly this may be. Some even have the misconception that Rhinoplasty may possibly be something involving the use of some part of a rhino, although this is a comical misconception it is still a misconception none the less. Rhinoplasty is simply a cosmetic surgical procedure to either improve the aesthetic or functioning use of the nose.

Learn more about nose surgery

Many would say that the idea of rhinoplasty or nose jobs was something that was developed in the 20th century when people began to feel the pressure of looking their best and making themselves as attractive as possible, even if it meant surgery. However, the truth of the matter is that rhinoplasty was a technique developed in circa 500 B.C. by Sushruta, an important Ayurvedic physician in ancient India, as a result he is often regarded as the “father of plastic surgery.” Sushruta was inspired to develop this technique as a result of the harsh laws of society at the time, many people who were found guilty of various crimes had their noses amputated as punishment for their crimes. Shushruta developed this technique in order to reconstruct the noses of those unfortunate to be found guilty of crimes that required this type of punishment.

Different techniques that surgeons use

One of the techniques developed by Sushruta of forehead flap rhinoplasty is still practiced almost unchanged to this day. The amazing thing is that this knowledge of plastic surgery was practiced in India up until the late 18th century, a fact that was recognized in publications such as the October 1794 Gentleman’s Magazine. A fact that boggles the mind when you consider that the art of cosmetic surgical procedures is something that was not a widely recognized area of medicine until the 20th century.

There are two types of rhinoplasty surgical procedures; open and closed. Although rhinoplasty is for the aesthetic benefit of reshaping and molding the nose to the desired appearance of the patient, this procedure has also become a widely accepted method of correcting nasal problems such as snoring, breathing problems, sinus issues and issues with deviated septum. Many nasal specialist recommend rhinoplasty procedures to correct these types of problems as opposed to the use of medications.

One of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures

Many people choose the option of rhinoplasty to solve their nasal problems because it is a lasting solution. Although various medications can and do help with nasal problems the problem is that the problem is solved as long as the medication is continued, if the medication is stopped then the problem returns. Choosing to solve the problem through a rhinoplasty procedure solves the problem permanently because the issue causing the problem is corrected. Thanks to this correction the use of medication is no longer necessary to contain the problem.

In the past many people felt that having any type of rhinoplasty or cosmetic surgery procedure done was nothing more than vanity, but these procedures yield so many more benefits than vanity.

Eyelid Reduction Surgery

Have you ever looked at your eyes and wished that you could do away with the sagging under your eyes, in other words, get rid of your eyebags. The fact is that the older we get the less sleep we seem to get because of various reasons, whether it’s work, pleasure, children or what have you, sleep always seems to be the one area of our lives that we choose to sacrifice. This sacrifice often causes a droop under the eyes, or bags, because the muscles in that area tend to lose their tightness, causing the skin to sag.

What is involved in blepharoplasty

Eyebag reduction or Blepharoplasty, is often an elected cosmetic surgical procedure done in order to improve the puffy condition of the lower eyelid, as well as reducing the wrinkling of the skin. Although this type of surgery is often an elective, cosmetic procedure, there are cases when an advanced amount of upper eyelid skin is present, which may protrude over the eyelashes and cause a loss of peripheral vision. When this condition occurs then an upper eyebag reduction is performed in order to perform the peripheral vision.

History of eyelid surgery

This term of Blepharoplasty for this cosmetic surgical procedure was coined by Karl Ferdinand von Grafe in 1818. This technique was used for the repairing of deformities of the eyelids that were caused by cancers. However, evidence exists that the roots of this cosmetic procedure began around 3000 years ago with the ancient Egyptians. In fact evidence exists that cosmetic procedures such as this did in fact exist throughout the ages.

During the Middle Ages, these surgeries were prohibited because they were viewed to be spiritual and unethical. The lack of sanitary conditions and poor hygiene also contributed to this ban for fear of infections and death. Thankfully, during the Renaissance, texts from ancient Greece and Rome were discovered that illustrated these surgical procedures and techniques.

How is the procedure performed?

The basic procedure for eyebag reduction is to make an incision on the inside surface of the lower eyelid or in the natural crease of the upper eyelid. This incision allows the excess fat to be removed without leaving an externally visible scar, but this does not allow for the removal of excess skin.
If a patient wishes, external skin resurfacing with a chemical peel or a carbon dioxide laser may be performed simultaneously, this allows for a faster recovery process.

How long does eyelid surgery take?

The operation typically takes one to three hours to complete with initial swelling and bruising in one to two weeks. The final result takes at least several months to become stable. However, in comparing before and after photos of the patient the results are fully appreciated. Considerations that may affect the outcome are dry eyes, laxity or looseness of the lower lid and the prominence of the eye in relation to the cheek. The latter can predispose to lower lid malposition. All of these factors can definitely effect the outcome of this type of cosmetic surgical procedure, but following the physician’s instructions can help insure success.