Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Who should go for a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck
Tummy tuck in medical term is called abdominoplasty -- a procedure that is performed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal region. A flat abdomen is something that every woman desires to have; however, many women fail to attain that toned abdomen. There are several factors that directly or indirectly influence abdomen that protrudes or sag. Some of the most common causes include aging, pregnancy, heredity, lethargic lifestyle, etc.
Tummy tuck surgery is a highly customized procedure, and women do it for themselves and not to fulfill others desires.
Who is the best candidate for a tummy tuck?
One can go for abdominoplasty if she is physically fit, has realistic expectations, and who do not smoke. Though the results of a tummy tuck surgery is technically permanent in nature, but it can alter by significant fluctuations in weight. For this very reason, women who are planning for substantial weight loss or considering future pregnancies are advised to postpone this surgery.
Many women think that tummy tucks are a substitute for weight loss, which is absolutely a wrong concept. Besides, tummy tuck operations cannot remove stretch marks; however, these marks may be removed if they are located on the regions of excess skin that will be excised.
What happens during a tummy tuck surgery procedure?
There are several steps of a tummy tuck surgery, which are mentioned below:
procedure1: Use of Anesthesia
Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is used before the surgery.
Procedure2: Incision
Incision is done horizontally between the pubic hairlines and naval. However, the shape and length of incision depend on the degree of correction needed. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fats are removed.
Procedure3: Closing the incision
Skin incisions may be closed by sutures, tapes, skin adhesives, or clips.
Procedure4: Result
After tummy tuck surgery, women can expect a flatter and firmer abdominal contour.
Tummy Tuck Recovery:
After the surgical procedure, dressings or bandages may be applied to incisions. The health care professionals will give specific instructions to recover from tummy tuck surgery.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck
There is no fixed cost of a tummy tuck surgery as various factors determine the cost such as surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fee, medications, surgical care costs, and medical tests, etc.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Anti Aging Cream and Its Ingredients


Anti wrinkle creams are flooded on the store shelves and at several online stores. Most of the branded creams are high priced and only a few are available at a very low price. Price tags attached with anti wrinkle creams are quite confusing as well as the ingredients found in the cream jars. The main aim of this post is to give all readers a clear picture of the different types of facial creams available on the market and how you can look for the best anti wrinkle creams.
It is important to note that not all anti aging creams are made equally, however, the way they are packed and labeled can surely make you confusing. If you buy a watered-down anti-aging formula then it will not show any results. It is therefore important for every one of you to understand what ingredients a cream should have to get the best anti aging result. In addition to the ingredients, you should also see the order they are listed in on the cream jar.
Some of the most common ingredients that are most likely present in the anti aging cream include Glycolic acid, Retinol, citric acid, lactic acid, and AHA’s, besides others. You can find a number of anti aging creams at your nearby drug stores at affordable prices. Some of the most popular brands such as L’Oreal and Olay are readily available at various drug stores and they are very effective as well. In addition, you should not buy a cream on the basis of the price tag rather purchase an anti aging cream on the basis of what ingredients they have. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

My crush on ginger

Ginger secrets
The scientific name of ginger is Zingiber officinale, which is an underground stem, or rhizome. In Asian countries, ginger has been used as a medicine since historical times. In addition, ginger is being used as one of the important cooking spices across the world. In this post, I would like to focus on the medicinal value of ginger.
Ginger is most popular for its pungent test and interesting aroma. Some of the medicinal properties of ginger are mentioned below:
· Anti-inflammatory
· Lowers cholesterol
· Lowers blood pressure
· Antimicrobial
· Antitumor
· Antioxidant
· Hypoglycemic
Many studies have shown that consumption of ginger (10 grams/day) helps patients suffering from coronary heart disease, cancer, osteoarthritis, and bacterial infections, besides others. The best way to consume ginger is by making ginger tea.
Ginger Tea Recipe
Ingredients:
4 cups of water
2-inch ginger
1 teaspoonful of honey
Procedure:
Peel the ginger root and cut it into thin slices. Boil water in a saucepan, and add ginger. Cover the pan and reduce the gas flame and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey to taste. However, it is recommended that if you are making tea as a remedy for cold or flu then do not add sweeteners.

What is assisted liposuction?

Unlike traditional liposuction, assisted liposuction helps shape one’s body in those areas that cannot be targeted using controlled diet and exercise. These regions include saddlebags or protruding belly. The technique is readily being used to minimize fullness in abdomen, arms, hips, thighs, waist, and other regions of the body.

In case of traditional liposuction, anesthesia is first given to patients. A hollow tube attached to a vacuum is then inserted using a small opening into the area where excess fats are deposited. The tube is then moved around to disintegrate the fat and then they are sucked out of the body.

On the other hand, assisted liposuction uses advanced technology where medical laser beams are used to liquefy the fat, which is then sucked out of the body. Ultrasound assisted liposuction comprises of a cannula that vibrates quickly and gives off ultrasound energy. When the cannula is passed through the fat cells, the energy emitting from it, liquefies the fat cells, which are then sucked out of the body. The ultrasound can be run either above or below the skin surface.

Laser or ultrasound liposuction offers some advantages over traditional liposuction such as the use of sedation rather than general anesthesia. Less trauma and smoother skin are the results of this technology. However, it should be kept in mind that this is a new technology and only a few studies have proved the result than traditional liposuction. It is therefore, important to discuss the advantages and disadvantage of this new technology with the doctor.

There are a few common problems linked with laser assisted liposuction such as skin burns, and infection, and bruising to name only a few. Patients going through laser liposuction experience sore and a little swollen for a few days. The doctor often prescribes pain killer medications for the same. During recovery phase, the skin begins to tighten, as the new layers of skin form.

Cost of laser assisted or ultrasound assisted liposuction may vary depending on the qualification and expertise of the surgeon, the type of procedure used, time and effort required and the geographic location of the clinic. In general, the cost includes surgeon’s fee, surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, and medications cost. It is always advised to ask the surgeon about the total cost of the procedure.

What is breast reduction surgery?

Breast reduction surgery is also known as reduction mammaplasty in which excess breast fat, and glandular tissues are removed to achieve the desired breast size and to get rid of the discomforts associated with overly large breasts. Women with overly large breasts not only feel uncomfortable, it also causes some emotional problems as well. It not only affects a woman’s self image, one may also experience physical pain and discomfort. The excess weight of the breasts can directly or indirectly impair one’s active lifestyle.

One of the most important questions is – who is the right candidate for breast reduction surgery? So, here is the answer:

A woman can consider herself as a good candidate if

· She is physically fit and healthy

· She has realistic expectations

· She is a non smoker

· She is bothered by the feeling that she has big breasts

· Her breasts limit her physical activity

· She experiences back, neck and shoulder pain

· Her breasts hang low and have stretched skin

What one needs to make out before going for a breast reduction surgery?

The surgical success depends on one’s attentiveness while discussing with her doctor. The doctor may ask her several questions, which she is supposed to answer appropriately. These questions may be associated with her health, and daily lifestyle.

Some common questions may include why she wants the surgery, what are her expectations. In addition, does she have any drug allergy, does she use alcohol, tobacco or any other drugs, her current medications, if any, and previous surgeries, etc. These questions are very important for the doctor, because the doctor gets complete status of the patient.

How to prepare for the surgery:

It is always a good idea to get the information about what you should do before breast reduction surgery. Before the surgery, you may be asked to get your lab testing and medical evaluation done, take certain medications, if prescribed, get a baseline mammogram before surgery, and avoid taking medications such as Aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements.


The main purpose of surgery is to detach fat deposits from the breast. Liposuction may be used for the same. However, the techniques used for reducing breast size largely depend on the patients’ physical and mental condition.

Procedure: 1 Use of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is given to make the surgical process smooth and painless. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be used for the same.

Procedure: 2 Incisions

Incisions may be made around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease.

Procedure: 3 Removal of tissues and repositioning

Once fat deposits are detached from the breast, nipple is relocated. Underlying breast tissue is also condensed, lifted and shaped.

Procedure: 4 Closing the incisions

Incisions made are ceiled. However, it is important to mention that incision lines made are permanent in nature, but the lines fade with time.


Recovery time period

Many women enquire about the recovery time. Well, when your breast reduction surgery is accomplished successfully, dressings or bandages are applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage may be worn to reduce swelling and support the breast. In addition, you may be given an instruction chart on how to take care of your breasts.

Breast reduction surgery cost

Breast reduction surgery costs can vary from one clinic to another. However, the costs include:

· Surgeon’s fee

· Hospital or surgical facility costs

· Anesthesia fees

· Medications

· Post-surgery garments

· Medical tests

Since breast reduction surgery is a kind of reconstructive surgery, therefore, it may be covered under the health insurance. One needs to confirm it from her health insurance company.

Monday, November 21, 2011

What is Breast Lift Surgery?

Breast lift surgery
After pregnancy and breastfeeding, a number of women have experienced that their breasts firmness has lost. Breast lift surgery is a cosmetic surgical procedure through which excess skin is removed and surrounding tissues are tightened and reshaped to support the new breast contour. So, if one wants her boobs to look fuller then it would be better to consider breast lift and augmentation surgery, however, if one is looking for smaller breasts then go for breast lift and reduction surgery.
Who should go for breast lift surgery?
· If should be physically fit and have a stable weight
· If a non smoker
· If have realistic expectations
· If having sagging breasts, have lost shape and firmness
· If nipples point downward
· If one breast is lower than the other

Surgical success depends on various factors including a doctor’s skills, and the patient’s openness during consultation. The doctor may ask several questions related to one's health and lifestyle. It is therefore, important for the patient to be prepared from her side and answer questions such as why does she want to go for this surgery, her present medical conditions, drug allergies, previous surgeries or any other questions that the doctor might ask.
While discussing with the patient, the surgeon may examine the breast, skin quality, nipple position, and may take the measurement of the breast. The surgeon may take pictures of the breasts for medical record. She may discuss about the surgery options and a course of treatment, risks, potential complications, and the use of anesthesia during breast lift.

Before surgery, patients are asked for a number of medical lab tests, get a mammogram, and avoid taking aspirin and other anti inflammatory drugs. Those who smoke are advised to quit smoking. In addition, one may get some special instructions such as what one should do on the day of the surgery, post-operative care and follow up. The plastic surgeon will discuss about the procedure and where the surgical procedure will be performed.

In addition, to benefits, breast lift surgery comes attached with certain risks as well. Here are some risks one should be aware of:
· An unfavorable breast lift scar
· Infection
· Skin discoloration
· Breast asymmetry
· Pain
· Fluid accumulation
· Anesthesia risks
· Breast contour and shape irregularities
Breast lift steps:
One might be curious to know what actually happens during breast lift surgery. The surgical procedure may involve several incision patterns as well as techniques. Some particular techniques are performed based on the shape and size of the breast, position of the areolas, breast sagging, and the skin quality around the breast.
Procedure 1: Use of anesthesia
Anesthesia is given prior to surgery. Among two different choices such as intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia, selection is made on the basis of the patient’s physical condition.
Procedure 2: The Incision
There are basically three kinds of incision patterns:
a. Around the areola
b. Around the areola and vertically down from the areola to the breast crease
c. Around the areola and vertically down from the breast crease and horizontally along the breast
Procedure 3: Reshape the breast
After making an incision, the surgeon works on lifting the underlying breast tissues. During this procedure, the nipple and areola are repositioned, and excess skin is removed.
Procedure 4: Closing of Incision
After reshaping the breast size, excess skin is removed and tightened during closing of the incision. Some incision lines may remain visible and permanent in nature, but in most of the cases, it fades and improves over time.
Procedure 5: The Visible Result
The results are immediately seen. And with time, the post surgical swellings resolve and incision lines fade.
Breast lift surgery costs?
There is no fixed cost for breast lift surgery and varies depending on the surgeon’s fee. In addition, other fees are also included including hospital facility costs, anesthesia cost, medications cost, post-surgery garments cost, and costs for medical tests, besides others.

Thailand: The Right Destination for Cosmetic Surgery

Cosmetic surgery Thailand brings the most effective, cheaper, enjoyable, confidential and safe alternative cosmetic surgery options than back home. Currently, millions of medical tourists from across the world are travelling to Thailand for various treatments such as full facelift, chin reduction, nose surgery, breast implantation, and tummy tuck, to name only a few. Plastic surgery in Thailand is not only a cheap option, tourists enjoy here in its warm and friendly ambience. And not to mention, it is one of the most exotic holiday destinations in the world.

So, if you are dreaming of getting a complete makeover in your overall persona then look for plastic surgery holiday Thailand that offers Thailand plastic surgery packages for medical tourists who wish to come here for treatment as well as enjoyment. There are several packages available and each has been designed to offer you the best deal at affordable prices. For example, a medical tourist package may comprise of airfare, hotel accommodations, surgical consultation fee, nursing services, and others. You can also customize your package as per your requirements. In addition there are several reasons why you should choose Thailand for your plastic surgery. Here are some of the reasons:

· Highly qualified and experienced surgeons perform the surgery

· 100 percent successful result

· High class facilities are provided to patients

· Affordable

· No hidden charges

· No waiting list

· Immediate response is given to all kinds of queries and concerns

Why Bangkok plastic surgery?

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations as well. The city is not only popular for its colorful culture, and hospitality, but it is very much popular for top-notch cosmetic surgery hospitals. The city boasts some famous plastic surgery hospitals and clinics where millions of medical tourists visit and get their treatment done at affordable prices. All the hospitals in Bangkok are world class and possess advanced medical facilities and equipments required for surgery. So, if you are planning to go to Bangkok for your treatment then this could be the right decision for you. In addition, you can also look for cosmetic surgery Phuket Thailand for the same.

Cosmetic surgery Thailand prices

Everybody knows that cosmetic surgery treatments are very expensive especially in the West and that is why people come to Thailand for the same. Cosmetic surgery is definitely much cheaper here than the West and no hidden costs are levied on patients seeking plastic surgery. In addition, since prices are calculated in Thailand currency, it costs very less to International tourists.

Many people feel apprehensive travelling to a non-English speaking country, but Thailand is a place where communication is not a problem as everyone here is able to speak in English. So, the idea of having a plastic surgery holidays Thailand is definitely a wise one – enjoy the trip and at the same time, enjoy your makeover after having a Thailand cosmetic surgery.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Cosmetic Surgery: What You Should Know About It?

If you are considering plastic surgery as a potential option then you have to be honest with yourself. Why you have considered this option and what do you expect from the same? There are basically two general categories of patients or good candidates for plastic surgery, as per the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The first category includes image conscious people who are bothered by a physical characteristic that they always want to improve.

The second category includes patients who have physical defects, as a result of which their self-esteem has diminished.

It is very important to know that cosmetic surgery can significantly change in the physical appearance and self esteem. In addition, if you are willing to get cosmetic surgery then it is your job to get informed about the surgery. Finding a licensed and skilled doctor for performing the cosmetic surgery procedure is essential.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Breast augmentation: Who is the right candidate?

breast augmentationWomen with small size breasts possess low confidence than those with big sizes. Breast augmentation is a cosmetic treatment for increasing the breast size. So when a woman with small size breasts consults a doctor – first, she is evaluated and then counseling is done regarding options. Some of the options include how large she would like to have her breast size, what implants are available, where it will be positioned and finally, how they will be placed. An incision is made either underneath the breast or around the nipple and then the implants are positioned accordingly.
About Implants: These are available in different shapes and sizes and textures. The shell is made up of silicone and the filler material is saline. Many women ask about the risk of rupture of the implants, which is directly related to the length of time the implant has been inside the body. Silicone gel implants were also available until 1991 when the FDA restricted its use. However, a lot of researches have shown that the gel was not harmful at all. There is a chance that silicone gel might be available in the near future.
The operation is very simple and takes about 45 to 60 minutes. This type of operation can either be performed under sedation or general anesthesia. It’s a very simple operation and the recovery time is about a week. However, patients are advised to take precautions and avoid doing strenuous activities for at least 5 to 6 weeks.
The cost of breast augmentation ranges from $2,000 to $3,000. But the anesthesia and other medical charges are separate. So on an average, the total cost varies between $5,000 and $6,000.

What Information You Should Know About Botox and Botox Cosmetic?

Botox and Botox cosmetic may cause side effects such as problems in breathing and spread of toxin effects, etc. These side effects can be experienced in hours, days or weeks after the treatment. In such a situation always call the doctor and get the right medical help.

Botox is the commercial name of a toxin called Botulinum, which is injected into muscles for the following treatment purposes:

· For the treatment of leakage of urine

· To prevent headache in adults suffering from chronic migraine

· To treat muscle stiffness

· To treat certain eye muscle problems

In addition, Botox injection is also used for the treatment of under arm sweating problems. On the other hand, Botox cosmetic is injected into the facial muscles to remove moderate to severe frown lines between eyebrows in adults. Botox is not recommended for children and youngsters below 18 years of age.

Who is not a good candidate for Botox treatment?

· If you are allergic to Botox cosmetic

· Have a skin infection at the injection site

· Pregnant

· If you are being treated for urinary incontinence

In addition, you must tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have. For example, if you

· Have a disease that affects your nerves and muscles

· Have allergies to Botox

· Have a breathing problem such as asthma

· Have or had bleeding problems

· Had surgery on face

· Have drooping eyelids

· Are pregnant or planning for pregnancy

· Breast feeding

Monday, November 14, 2011

Acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia

Acupuncture
Fibromyalgia is a medical condition in which patients experience pain and tenderness in various body parts including head, shoulders, thighs, abdomen, and upper back region. Besides, patients always suffer from anxiety, headache, depression, and other problems. The cause is still unknown, however, when an individual reports widespread pain and tenderness at various locations of the body then only it is diagnosed. No laboratory tests are done for fibromyalgia. In addition, there are no medical treatments available for the same.
Many people suffering from fibromyalgia often seek alternative treatments such as acupuncture. It is considered as one of the ancient Chinese treatments that involve the use of special needles, which are punctured at special points of the body. Acupuncture needles when pierced are kept for at least 20 minutes. This treatment procedure is very effective and patients really feel comfortable during and after the treatment.