Laser hair removal treatment is relatively quick and painless with long-lasting results. With multiple sessions, laser hair removal will result in permanent hair reduction. 

Cosmetic Surgery

Improve your appearance!

Cosmetic surgery, also known as aesthetic plastic surgery, is a specialized aspect of plastic surgery that focuses on improving appearance. A wide variety of both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available to improve or correct undesireable features that may have been present from birth or resulted from aging or incident. The desire to improve one's looks has been evident throughout human history and only continues to grow in popularity.

Cosmetic Treatment Options

Today, there is a wide variety of cosmetic procedures from which to choose, both surgical and non-surgical, that can help maintain, restore, and enhance overall physical appearance. The availability of effective treatment options at affordable prices allows men and women of all ages the opportunity to undergo individualized cosmetic treatments and fulfill personal desires for change. For many patients, they can achieve the results they desire with minimally invasive techniques such as Botox injections and laser hair removal, while other patients want more dramatic results and choose extensive surgical procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation.

Other medical fields that complement the goals of cosmetic surgery are dermatology (pertaining to the skin), general surgery, otolaryngology (concerned with the ear, nose, head, neck), oral and maxillofacial surgery (surgery of the head, neck, face, jaw).

Trends in Cosmetic Surgery

Over 11 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2007, according to both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. To gather all the latest information on cosmetic procedures and patients, the respective associations surveyed participating board-certified member doctors. The data which is collected makes it possible to track the trends and popularity of cosmetic procedures.

Anesthesia Considerations

Anesthesia is used to control pain during surgery. Without anesthesia, most types of cosmetic surgery would be too painful to withstand. The use of anesthesia is fairly routine and safe, but sometimes patients have undesirable reactions which cannot be predicted. The most common complication is nausea and vomiting, but some reactions can be fatal. Since cosmetic surgery is elective surgery and not necessary, it is important for patients to be fully aware of the possible complications associated with anesthesia so they can make an informed decision.

There are four types of anesthesia used for cosmetic surgery. Sometimes a combination of methods are used for the best results. Your surgeon will recommend the best method of anesthesia based on your overall physical health, level of anxiety, and type of cosmetic procedure.

• Local anesthesia - ointment, spray, or injection that prevents pain in a specific area; patient is awake and aware during surgery
• Sedation - medications that are administered into the body intravenously (through a vein) to prevent pain and anxiety; various levels of sedation, but generally patient is awake yet sleepy
• Regional anesthesia - medication that prevents pain signals when administered to nerves in a specific region; patient is awake but somewhat groggy
• General anesthesia - drugs are inhaled or injected into a vein to prevent pain; patient is put to sleep and not aware of surroundings; reserved for extensive medical procedures

Choosing a Cosmetic Surgeon

The doctor you choose to perform your cosmetic procedure should be given careful consideration as it can directly affect both your level of safety and treatment results. Look for a board-certified doctor, such as a plastic surgeon or dermatologist, who has received proper training and achieved sufficient experience in cosmetic surgery and cosmetic treatments. Choosing a skilled and reputable doctor with the proper certifications may cost more, but it also improves the likelihood of having a positive outcome and reduces risk and rate of complications.

In some cases, the specific procedure you are interested in having may determine the doctor you choose. If you are considering a surgical procedure, you would want to consider a plastic surgeon. Because plastic surgeons have extensive training in anatomy and reconstructive techniques, they usually excel at cosmetic surgery.

Many patients wrongly assume that because the procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, the procedure does not need medical oversight. For most cosmetic procedures, this is simply not true. Even in the best of circumstances and with the best of doctors, the unexpected can happen. When choosing a doctor to perform your cosmetic procedure, it is important to base your selection on qualifications and not merely on cost.