December 2008 Blog Archive
Tuesday, December 16, 2008Medical Tourism Hot Spot: Venezuela
Yet another South American country has a booming medical tourism industry. Usually the talk of the South is Brazil and Argentina with their samba, curvy physiques and derrieres. But Venezuela is making serious headway in the South American plastic surgery market. Venezuelans may be in for a tough 2009 in finance, but they may make serious money in attracting hungry American, British, and Australian tourists vying for the most cost-efficient way to get a nip, tuck or lift.
Similarly beauty is a huge industry for Venezuelan women as well. "In Venezuela, a woman may not have enough money for her home, but she will spend to keep up her appearance with plastic surgery and new clothes. It's seen as a priority."Plastic surgeons have said the number of women seeking surgery has doubled in only 5 years. Economic woes may be dampening our wining, dining and social life, but travel and beauty still remain in our agendas for the upcoming year.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Full Facial Transplant
The nation's first full facial transplant was successfully completed Tuesday. The tissue has been provided by dead donors, but the US is not the first to take such drastic measure – both China and France completed near full facial transplants as well. The surgeons performing the transplant gave very little information regarding the details of the procedure. However more information will be released Wednesday December 17th.
Such a surgery has long been considered very controversial because most patients may have to stay on medications for the rest of their lives to make sure their bodies don't reject the donor's tissue. The surgery can be quite precarious, but as long as patients understand the risks involved in experimenting with full transplants physicians may go ahead with the procedure.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Breast Cancer Hope for Women with Implants
New hope for women with breast cancer has stormed onto the cosmetic surgery front. Women suffering from the early stages of breast cancer who have undergone breast augmentation in the past are being treated with a partial-breast radiation treatment called brachytherapy. The Radiological Society of North America presented the findings today at an annual event. The RSNA has said that this particular cancer treatment serves women with implants well because it may not allow for the hardening of the implant – much like traditional full-breast radiation methods.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has said, "Breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the U.S. with 347,500 procedures performed in 2007. This represents an increase of 64 percent since 2000. Approximately one in eight women who undergo breast augmentation will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives."With numbers as alarming high as these, it's vital that such cancer treatments exist. The Brachytherapy emits higher doses of radiation, but to smaller more localized spots to target the cancerous cells.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Hassle Free Holidays
Hectic schedules, work holiday parties and family functions serve us a heavy dose of stress in December. Though it may be beneficial to put aside some time for a body revamp, not many of us have the luxury financially or time to do so. Rather than spending endless hours consulting physicians and having an invasive surgery with weeks of post-op recovery time, try dabbling into some less invasive techniques. Whether it's VaserLipo, LipoSculpture or simply Botox, spend less of your time and energy on serious surgeries and go hassle-free with minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures.
Similarly in times of economic crisis like today, breast augmentations, face lifts and traditional liposuction can suck out a large part of your bank account. Less invasive methods though are not permanent, may be a wiser more cost efficient option. Plastic surgeons have been promulgating the use of these virtually hassle-free beautifying techniques.
Monday, December 08, 2008
2008s Hottest Surgery Trends
Fox News is reporting this years hottest and most requested plastic surgery trends. As per usual, celebrity inspired looks were the most sought after. From Angelina Jolie's luscious lips, Scarlett Johansson's breasts and Brad Pitt's nose and pecks, everyone from paparazzi to fans want to look like these stunners. Dr. Pradeep Sinha of the Atlanta Institute for Facial Aesthetic Surgery says about this years celeb-crazy looks,
"They don't randomly pick a perfect-looking model. They pick someone who has more exposure. They are all drawn to the same few people."New additions to this years list are Zac Efron, Brooke Burke and Megan Fox. Previously Jennifer Aniston and Jennifer Lopez were admired by thousands, but this year the new wave is with younger stars. However, Dr Sinha says he rarely sees requests for Paris Hilton or Britney Spears, most likely because people wish to look like celebrities seen in a positive light. Photolink
Monday, December 08, 2008
Medical Tourism Costing Millions
In recent months the medical tourism industry has blossomed, with more and more Brits, Aussies and Americans traveling abroad for nips and tucks during this economic rut. However, the South American and South East Asian jaunts may be costing you and your government more than just airfare and surgery. With thousands of plastic surgery hungry patients flocking to third world countries for cheap surgery, the numbers of botched jobs have increased significantly. The NHS is reporting that nearly a third of the patients traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery come back with complications that NHS doctors must rectify. Thus costing the NHS millions of dollars yearly. The Telegraph reported that,
"Research carried out by The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons found that a quarter of its members had treated patients for complications related to surgery carried out abroad. Problems ranged from asymmetrical results in breast augmentation to dangerous complications including blood poisoning, blood clots, wound infections and swabs left inside patients."Unfortunately many travelers feel they are getting a great deal and if not they take advantage of the NHS and it's generosity and duty to tend to surgery related issues. The NHS has become peoples plastic-surgery faux pas safety net. Cosmetic tourism may be saving you money short term witch economically viable solutions for travel and beauty-revamping, but in the long run it may cost you and the government time and money. Photolink
Monday, December 01, 2008
LipoSculpture
Traditional liposuction methods are being revamped by new types of procedures focused on sculpting rather than strictly fat removal. A recent development called High-Definition LipoSculpture promises to give patients a gym-tone look. Dr. Erik Smith a plastic surgeon who practices High-Def LipoSuclture said,
"Unlike with traditional lipo, where large areas of fat are removed, with this hi def procedure, it's specific small pockets of fat that are removed. The trick to definition is not the fat you remove, it's what you leave behind."The procedure is designed for clients who are not overweight, rather they have portions and pockets of fat they wish to remove or shape into a toner more refined look. Although the procedure may be advantageous in a number of ways, one downfall is the price. Liposculpture can range from $10,000-15,000 depending on the surgeon. Photolink
