Constantly in the spotlight, Holly Madison, star of “Peep Show” in Las Vegas, knows that plastic surgery can help to improve a person’s chances of succeeding in the entertainment world. It is no secret that Madison has undergone cosmetic enhancements of her own – nose surgery and breast augmentation. Her first procedure, breast enlargement, was performed in 2001, followed by rhinoplasty two years later. Madison states, “My nose photographed really big in front of my face. If I wanted to do anything in the entertainment industry, I needed to get it fixed. I was definitely happy with the results. It made me more confident. And a lot of doors open when you look a certain way.”

However, Madison also recognizes when enough is enough when it comes to plastic surgery. Her thoughts on Heidi Montag’s recent enhancement? “I think it’s kind of weird. I think people need to know when to stop, when it comes to plastic surgery. I’m kind of surprised, living in LA that she doesn’t know when to stop.” Her own surgeries have left her feeling content and she no longer feels that she needs to undergo any more procedures, “I’m happy with what I got. I had two procedures a long time ago, and no more for me.” Madison goes on to say that she doesn’t understand how others can think that excessive rejuvenation looks good.

A Beverly Hills rhinoplasty professional, Dr. Jason B. Diamond performs this nasal procedure in order to provide balance to the facial features. Patients may anticipate natural-looking results when under his care. Additional information regarding nasal surgery is available on Dr. Diamond’s website.

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It seems as though just about anyone can have his/her own reality show on television these days, or at least be a part of one. The new VH1 show “You’re Cut Off!” features nine very pampered and fortunate “spoilistas” who find out that they have been cut off from their family fortune. One of the participants, Erica Rose, may be familiar to those who watch ABC’s “The Bachelor” since she is a former contestant. She is also the daughter of a prominent Houston, Texas plastic surgeon, Dr. Franklin Rose.

Aside from the luxuries of her family’s wealth, Rose also has her father’s practice and medical spa at her disposal. Along with nose surgery, she regularly undergoes Botox ® injections to maintain her youthful appearance, although she is only in her mid 20s. The idea behind the new reality series is much like a “princess rehab” to help them realize that they must change their ways or be cut off for good. By undergoing plastic surgery procedures at such a young age, they can become addicted and reach a point when they no longer look younger, but disfigured. The media’s pressure to look perfect leads young women, like Houston’s Erica Rose, to undergo breast augmentation, liposuction, and/or tummy tuck surgery. However, most of these procedures may be better suited for women who are slightly older and no longer considering having children.

If you are interested in plastic surgery, it is best to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. In Houston, David R. Luethcke, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs various face, breasts, and body enhancing procedures. Prospective patients can learn more regarding their procedure on his website.

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Debrahlee Lorenzana (Credit: Saswat Pattanayak & www.cbsnews.com)

Undergoing plastic surgery is a personal choice. But unfortunately, the social impacts of cosmetic surgery can be disturbingly public.

For celebrities such as Heidi Montag, the former reality star from Orange County, plastic surgery has garnered her much national attention over her alleged “addiction” to cosmetic surgery. Such scrutiny is, to a certain degree, is largely due to the media, and cosmetic surgery remains controversial even for those who aren’t celebrities.

For example, Debrahlee Lorenzana began making headlines recently after she was allegedly wrongfully terminated from job at Citi Bank because her striking appearance was causing unrest among her colleagues. She’s currently suing for discrimination. Later, it was revealed that Lorenzana had undergone plastic surgery, including four breast augmentation surgeries. According to her attorney, this revelation does not affect her case.

An important issue is highlighted by the high profile news stories surrounding these two women from New York and Orange County: breast augmentation and other cosmetic surgeries have undeniable social implications.

Social & Psychological Impact of Cosmetic Surgery

Therefore, it is incumbent on the patient to consider how their lives will be affected within their familial and social circles. The social and psychological impacts of cosmetic surgery are different for each patient as well, and how your life may change with plastic surgery depends not only on the values of your friends, family, and professional colleagues, but also how you conduct yourself. Many men and women are very discreet about the work they have done, while others discuss it openly; and as some consider cosmetic surgery indulgent and vain and an affront to authenticity, others view it in the same nonchalant light as getting hair highlights and makeup.

The takeaway lesson: Factor in the possible social repercussions into your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery just like you would the financial and physical considerations. Only you can decide what is best for your body, your social life, and your career.

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In common parlance, the terms “cosmetic surgery” and “plastic surgery” are used interchangeably. But when it comes to certifications, the differences between a board-certified plastic surgeon and a doctor with credentials from an organization bearing the words “cosmetic surgery” or “cosmetic surgeon” are vast and critical.

Board certified plastic surgeons are members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), which is part of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). ABMS is the gold standard for all medical fields. When you visit a board certified cardiologist, pediatrician or neurosurgeon, this is the board that they are referring to. Nearly a decade of training and experience specific to plastic surgery in addition to rigorous peer review, screening, and ongoing maintenance of credentials are required to be a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. San Diego plastic surgeon, Dr. Stuart Kincaid, for example, is a certified plastic surgeon because he completed a three-year plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center in addition to a surgery residency, surgery research fellowship, and other ABPS requirements.

On the other hand, acceptance into similarly-named, yet fundamentally inequitable “cosmetic surgery” boards may require only a weekend course in liposuction, breast augmentation or face lifts. Doctors who seek membership in such associations often have ABMS certification in unrelated fields, such as radiology, internal medicine, or preventative medicine, and use credentials from organizations such as the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS) to “cross over.” Boards like these are not recognized by the ABMS and members are not held to the same rigorous standards.

Surgery Risks

The risks of visiting an under qualified cosmetic surgeon were most tragically illustrated by the case of Lourdes Trinidad, a California woman who visited a doctor in Tijuana who claimed he was a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). After receiving a liposuction operation – a procedure that has an excellent safety track record when performed by qualified plastic surgeons – Trinidad died from post-surgery complications. While fatal incidents like these are rare, situations where patients are unsatisfied with their results after visiting an under-qualified cosmetic surgeon rather than a board certified plastic surgeon are all too common.

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For many women, having large, voluminous breasts is the epitome of the feminine physique; however, those who have overly large breasts are often in constant pain due to the excess weight. Oftentimes, women who are active in sports and fitness routines find that their breasts hinder their ability to fully partake in an activity. To remedy this bothersome feature, women choose to undergo a plastic surgery procedure – breast reduction surgery.

Recently, it was reported that Romanian tennis player Simona Halep underwent a breast reduction due to severe back pain and interference in her performance. Like Halep, other athletic females who have large breasts may find relief with this procedure. In Houston, breast reduction surgery is frequently performed by Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A., a board certified plastic surgeon. He has the experience and training to achieve natural-looking results for women who suffer from this condition. By removing excess fat, tissue, and skin, Dr. Livingston can help to provide women with the ability to become more engaged in physical activities, as well as attain a more balanced body shape through breast reduction surgery.

Those in The Woodlands area who seek a breast reduction specialist to help reduce neck, shoulder, and back pain may wish to contact Dr. Livingston. After the procedure, many patients have found that they are able to become more active in their favorite sports and/or fitness routines. Breast reduction surgery ultimately helps to lessen the pain, discomfort, and/or dissatisfaction that is previously associated with overly large breasts.

Sugar Land breast reduction surgeon Dr. Livingston may be reached at his Houston practice. Prospective patients are encouraged to contact him to learn more regarding the procedure.

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Breast Augmentation vs. Breast Reduction: Contrasting Procedures, Common Goals

Breast augmentation and breast reduction are two sides of the cosmetic breast surgery coin. While seemingly opposites, these two plastic surgery procedures actually have the same goals: to make you feel more comfortable and confident with your own body. It’s all about matching your breast size and shape to your needs and lifestyle.

For example, Jill Parsons recently told her story about her life-changing breast reduction surgery in Road and Trail Talk Magazine. An aspiring competitive runner, Parson’s overly large breasts caused her difficulties in breathing and shopping for clothes. It also created neck and back pain and unwanted attention from both men and women. As a 25- year old woman who wore size six jeans and a 36DDD bra, she compared her discomfort to having a sandbag draped around her neck. The health threats were so great that her breast reduction surgery was covered by her insurance. She recovered within two weeks and was back training in the gym in a month. Unburdened of five extra pounds on her chest, breathing difficulties and unwanted stares, she had the confidence to work her way up to achieving her goal of running a half marathon.

As a contrasting example, Dr. Robert Wald, an Orange County breast augmentation specialist, does life changing work through breast lifts, breast enhancements and breast reconstruction in addition to breast reduction surgery. With patients in Orange County and Riverside County, breast augmentation plays an important role in restoring the femininity and self-esteem in women who have undergone changes due to aging, pregnancy or breast cancer. These women can confidently wear the clothing and swimsuits that they may once have caused them embarrassment.

The story of Jill Parsons’ breast reduction and the successes of Dr. Wald’s breast augmentation procedures both illustrate cases where breast surgery led to a significant and positive lifestyle change. When it comes to breasts, bigger is not always better—it’s all about feeling comfortable in your body.

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Cosmetic plastic surgery is no longer an unspoken subject matter as there are more individuals undergoing face and/or body enhancing procedures.

In particular, men are more frequently visiting a surgeon to undergo plastic surgery, especially nose surgery. There is constant pressure from the media to uphold an aesthetically pleasing facial appearance, which oftentimes leads many to cosmetic plastic surgery. Some New York surgeons have seen an increase in male rhinoplasty surgery and according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), more than 32,000 men underwent rhinoplasty in 2009.

Rhinoplasty is designed to help produce a more aesthetically pleasing look and a better balanced facial contour. It can also correct a deformity of the nose caused by injury or a previous surgery. Although facial surgery may be common among women, there are several men who are self conscious of the appearance of their nose. Some of the features that can be improved upon include bumps/humps on the bridge, nostril size, and tip angle. Based on the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome, the plastic surgeon can perform either open or closed rhinoplasty, both of which are discussed during an initial consultation.

In some cases, those who have breathing difficulties undergo a specialized nasal procedure called septoplasty. This technique entails the restructuring of a deviated septum in order to alleviate obstruction in the nasal passage.

Those interested in rhinoplasty in the Buffalo, New York area  may contact the office of Todd B. Koch, M.D., F.A.C.S. A board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Koch has the experience and qualifications to provide natural-looking results. Prospective patients may learn more by visiting his website and scheduling an appointment at his office.

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