It should come as no surprise that cosmetic procedures have become increasingly popular in our society, from minimally invasive treatments to plastic surgery. According to the recent statistics released by the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the most requested procedure was breast enhancement surgery.

For many, this can be traced to the media and its emphasis on the “ideal” female contour – large breasts, small waist, curvy hips and backside. Specific exercises can help to decrease the size of a woman’s midsection and firm up the hips/buttocks; however, the breasts are not as easily transformed. Breast implant surgery can add volume and reshape the breasts if you have small and/or asymmetrical breasts. Using saline or silicone gel breast implants, a qualified plastic surgeon can provide patients with a fuller breast contour.

At the practice of Dr. Michael E. Decherd near Corpus Christi, breast implants surgery is performed while maintaining natural-looking results. A board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Decherd realizes that every patient has a unique anatomy and desired outcome, which is why he personalizes every procedure to meet her needs.

In addition to breast enlargement, breast lift surgery is offered near Boerne, TX at Dr. Decherd’s office. Please feel free to browse his website for further information and to schedule your initial consultation.

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Recently, there have been more reports of reality star (and mother of eight) Kate Gosselin undergoing several cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. She has publicly stated that she had a tummy tuck, but still holds to her story of not having work done on her face and breasts. The latest claims say that she underwent Botox ® injections and breast enhancement surgery. The main effect of Botox injections is temporary paralysis of the underlying facial muscle, which would explain the frozen look on Gosselin’s face. Yet, during her appearance on ABC’s “The View,” she shoots down the rumors.

In a world where it has become common for those in the limelight to undergo some, or many, rejuvenating procedures, there are few left who do not discuss their nips and tucks. Gosselin has been photographed with an extremely smooth facial contour, which is why there are so many accusations of facial enhancing treatments. In addition, photos of the mom of eight in a bikini have also caused speculation on whether she has had breast surgery – Gosselin has denied these rumors as well. Whether she verifies or continues to refute claims of plastic surgery, the reality star continues to draw attention to the matter by being so vocal about it.

If you are interested in cosmetic plastic surgery and live in the Miami area, you may wish to contact Ary Krau, M.D., F.A.C.S. An experienced and qualified plastic surgeon, Dr. Krau can help you achieve a more youthful facial appearance and/or return to your  pre-pregnancy shape with the help of specific body contouring procedures.

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Patients who undergo any type of surgical procedure are strongly urged to research their surgeon, the procedure itself, and the surgical center and staff. The better informed an individual is prior to surgery, the greater chance of reducing risks and/or complications. These factors hold true especially for those who opt for a cosmetic plastic surgery. Individuals who choose to enhance their face, breasts, and/or body are strongly encouraged to be educated in all aspects of their procedure.

Recently, a lawsuit was filed against a Lifestyle Lift’s Boston area office claiming that a patient died shortly after the physicians began a cosmetic procedure. Furthermore, there are claims that there was no anesthesiologist present and that the patient was not hooked up to any continuous-monitoring equipment. The women suffered a seizure, her blood pressure and oxygen levels fell, and was later declared brain dead. This unfortunate event shows the importance of visiting a qualified plastic surgeon who has the experience and training to properly perform the surgery at hand. Those who decide to visit a clinic simply based on cost must still consider their own health before committing to surgery; unknown allergies or negative reactions must be monitored by a trained professional.

When asked for his opinion on the matter, Plano face lift surgeon Robert D. Wilcox, M.D. notes that there are numerous red flags in these “assembly line” type procedures that should not have been ignored. He notes that these facilities market a quick and cost effective procedure, not the qualifications or reputation of a particular doctor. Dr. Wilcox urges patients to seek a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), as well as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In addition, a qualified anesthetist or anesthesiologist should be present throughout the entire procedure in order to monitor the patient and help prevent complications.

Dr. Wilcox tells his own patients that elective surgery is still a major procedure and corners should not be cut. Patients should want to have everything possible done for them when undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery. Finding a surgeon who has practiced for many years and holds a positive reputation is the key to achieving a high quality surgical experience.

Those who wish to learn more regarding face lift surgery in Dallas, TX and the importance of research prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure may contact Dr. Wilcox at (972) 620-1700.

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A fair amount of people commonly associate the word “fake” with breast implants, but breast cancer? A Texas woman, Trista Joy Lathern, age 24, is being charged with embezzling individual donors and businesses for thousands of dollars in an attempt to get free breast augmentation surgery, following cancer that authorities now claim she never had.

Lathern, a Waco Texas (approximately 160 miles north of Houston and San Antonio) resident created a benefit fundraiser, complete with flyers, live music & a silent auction to stage the hoax. The benefit drew a few hundred people, including dozens of Lathern’s family members and friends, all of whom she successfully duped into her scheme.

McLennan County Sheriffs began investigating following contact from an Austin plastic surgeon’s attorney, who suspected the money used to pay for the breast enhancement was stolen.

“Stranger things have happened with plastic surgery,” according to Houston breast augmentation specialist, Dr. Michael Eisemann. “Thankfully, fraud on this scale is relatively easy to catch.”

According to the police affidavit, Lathern cited marital problems as her motivation for the theft and she thought that telling her husband she had cancer would bring them closer together. The procedure costed approximately $6,800.00 and local authorities are seeking out residents who donated to Lathern’s fundraiser for reimbursement.

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With all the news circulating about new and ever-growing health concerns, such as the latest epidemic, Swine Flu, making sure that patients maintain their health after surgery is more important than ever. But the question that most plastic surgery patients are asking is, “Can it happen to me?”

The simple truth about any medical procedure is this: No one is 100% immune from post-surgical infection. Regardless of what kind of surgery a patient undergoes, it all carries some risk of viral infection. And with the increasing popularity of things like makeshift black market plastic surgery, the risk grows as health regulation becomes harder to come by.

We here at CosmeticSurgery-Information.com would like to take this opportunity to offer some advice and tips to keep yourself protected while undergoing medical treatment.

Make Sure Your Surgeon or Health Provider is Currently Board-Certified

While the risk of getting ill following surgery can happen to anyone, even in the best of circumstances, doctors and medical professionals have strict guidelines to follow regarding sanitation and cleanliness in order to stay in good standings with the governing medical boards. Double-checking a doctor’s credentials takes very little time and can potentially save money, time and undue stress. Board certification is a crucial aspect of maintaining patient safety!

Review Your Surgeon or Health Provider’s Clinic and Practice History

Occasionally, even the best surgeons and facilities can still be a contributing source of post-operative patient illness. However, this isn’t necessarily the fault of the surgeon or their staff. In addition to doctor reviews from medical boards, take the time to find an independent review body that can indicate occurrences of viral or infectious diseases happening in hospitals and private clinics. There’s no such thing as being too prepared or too informed.

Avoid Sub-Standard, Un-Licensed and Black Market Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Facilities At All Costs!

With the economy in the condition it’s in, it’s very easy for those of us who are desperate for change and refinement to look to some “off the table” options in order to make quick and inexpensive improvements on one’s appearance. We’ve detailed stories of motel “plumping parties” where patients engage in unlicensed injectable procedures – oftentimes involving injections of dangerous chemicals with potentially unsafe medical tools, in lieu of board-approved procedures such as Botox or collagen. Risking your life and health are not worth saving a few dollars just to look better.

Follow Your Doctor’s Recovery Instructions

We’ve also recently shared news about the health risks associated with taking herbal supplements and vitamins before and after surgery and the risks associated with this practice. If you feel you’re at risk for contracting a post-surgical virus, speak with your doctor and share your concerns. He or she will be able to best inform you on how to protect yourself from illness and surgical complications.

Report Suspect Practitioners and Facilities

There is a fear among surgery patients that reporting sub-standard or un-licensed facilities, especially if the patient chooses to go to such a facility, will get said patient in trouble with the law. This is simply not true. If you’ve witnessed an un-sanitary facility or a practitioner who seems suspect, report them immediately. Protecting the lives of fellow potential patients is something that benefits everyone in the long run.

Even though information regarding swine flu pandemic is somewhat controversial and, in some cases, outright untrue, its easy to become confused and concerned about how to best protect oneself. Participating in sound and well-trusted post-op practices as instructed by a licensed medical professional is the best way for patients to protect themselves.

Report suspect facilities and practitioners to the Center For Disease Control and any other swine flu information to the World Health Organization.

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As the recession affects more and more people in the U.S., its a safe assumption one will see increasingly peculiar behaviors, all in the name of saving a buck. Cosmetic surgery patients are certainly no exception. As the economy worsens, its natural for people to feel more concerned about everything, from job security to health and well being. Unfortunately, our physical appearance has a big hand in how we perceive ourselves and each other with regard to those aspects and, as we worry about our life circumstances, many will attempt to quell the feelings of hopelessness and confusion with things such as some cosmetic enhancement.

Mind you, this isn’t necessarily bad if one can afford to have their elective procedure(s) in the safety and comfort of an abundantly staffed and accredited medical facility, with a highly-skilled and licensed plastic surgeon. Many even see the opportunity to have the plastic surgery procedure of their choice as the cornerstone to reinvigorating themselves, ultimately excelling in the workplace and their personal lives. Someone like an out-of-work T.V. newscaster could find themselves in a better position to find work and more confidence, after a facelift, botox or eyebrow lift.

Others, however, succumb to the circumstances of their personal and professional lives, resorting to desperate and dangerous means to get their appearance up to their own standards.

Take the case of Korean pop singing sensation, Hang Mioku. Now age 48, she began a troubling pattern of behavior some 20 years ago, when she began seeking facial rejuvenation procedures. Still frowned upon by many cosmetic surgeons, she began silicone injection treatments (instead of traditionally accepted injectables such as collagen or Botox) and exhausted her ability to continue having the procedure in her home country! After moving to Japan and seeking more treatments, often from un-licensed practitioners, she illegally obtained medical supplies and began injecting cooking oil directly into her own skin. Citing paranoid schizophrenia, and “hearing voices” telling her to do it, Mioku couldn’t avoid her own ill intentions. She eventually sought psychiatric help and gifted surgeons, who could help begin the path to reconstructing her face.

This phenomena isn’t exclusive to the mentally distressed, or regions where “black market medicine” reigns supreme. New York resident Fiordaliza Pichardo, died at age 43, after recieving similarly controversial silicone injections in her thighs, hips and buttocks. Refered to a local New York woman, from a mutual friend, none of Pichardo’s family or friends believed this could happen, let alone in a country with such stringent medical regulation.

Health officials fears that the illegal use of silicone as an alternative to cosmetic surgery is on the rise. Many attribute this to growing economic problems, and a desire to get facial rejuvenation quickly and discreetly. Appanrently the injections, usually done in motel rooms, makeshift medical offices and even in-home “pumping parties” are most popular among Latina and transgender women, who may be unable to afford conventional plastic surgery and who tap into it through unlicensed practitioners working through word of mouth, New York city officials said.

In a recent New York Times article, Dr. Nick Gorton was quoted: “If you go to a pumping party, you can have it tonight. It’s a big temptation, especially among young people who, when you’re 20, you’re not thinking about your own mortality.”

The fallout from these illegal injections are certainly no laughing matter. Dr. Nathan Graber from the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says that these products can get into the blood stream causing severe breathing problems, such as lung failure and worse. Silicone injections can embolize to the brain and cause seizure, coma, and of course death. Dr. Graber says if you have already had an illegal injection, see a doctor immediately.

Medical advisors strongly urge patients to never undergo a treatment outside of a licensed clinical setting. If procedures are offered at a home or in a hotel room or in a nail salon then you really have to think twice before you go ahead with that procedure.

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Two California and two Las Vegas women have been charged with organizing, and participating in a scheme to defraud the local Culinary Union’s health insurance program. The women submitted claims for unauthorized cosmetic surgery procedures performed on union members in Mexico, according to U.S. Attorney Greg Brower of Nevada.

Rebecca Acosta, 46, of Chula Vista, Calif., was indicted Wednesday by a federal grand jury on three counts of mail fraud. Acosta was arrested April 14 in San Diego and released Wednesday on a $150,000 bond. Three other women have been charged by criminal complaint for their involvement in the scheme, Brower said. Ana Bertha Acosta, 39, of Dulzura, Calif., was arrested Monday in San Ysidro, Calif., and Sara Casales, 47, of Las Vegas was arrested April 14 in Las Vegas. Both are charged with health care fraud and aiding and abetting. Lucia Solano, 49, of Las Vegas, also arrested April 14 in Las Vegas, is charged with making false statements to investigators.

In 2006 federal investigators initiated an investigation to determine if Las Vegas insurance providers were being targeted for fraudulent medical claims by Mexican medical providers, according to court records. The investigators found that the Hotel and Restaurant Employees International Union Welfare Fund, also known as the Culinary Fund, which offers medical insurance to at least 50,000 people in the hospitality industry in Las Vegas, had been billed about $4.9 million for “out of country” claims from about January 2002 to February 2006. Those “out of country” claims were almost entirely from Mexico, investigators discovered. Most of the claims were for “emergency procedures” in Mexico.

When investigators began interviewing a number of the patients, they were told that the insurance claims were fabricated and that they had actually had cosmetic surgery in Mexico, not emergency services. The Culinary Fund does not provide coverage for cosmetic surgeries, unless they are medically necessary, such as breast reduction and certain types of rhinoplasty.

Rebecca Acosta, the prinicple suspect, and her cohorts allegedly devised a scheme to defraud the Culinary Fund of money through submitting false health care claims. Acosta and the others met with prospective patients at a Summerlin residence and elsewhere for consulting on cosmetic surgeries, court documents say.

Acosta told the patients that she would bill the Culinary Fund for the cosmetic surgery, such as breast augmentations or “tummy tucks,” even though such procedures were not covered through the insurance program. She told patients that she would make it appear as if the patient suffered an unexpected injury in Mexico and had received emergency medical care, and then allegedly made arrangements for the prospective patients to receive a cosmetic procedure at a Tijuana, Mexico, clinic. She followed by charging the patients a fee in addition to any reimbursement they would receive from the Culinary Fund. Acosta instructed each patient not to disclose the true nature of the treatment they received in Mexico.

Once the patients received treatments in Tijuana, Acosta and the others submitted false and fraudulent claims to the Culinary Fund, requesting reimbursement for emergency medical services, even though they knew that the patients had actually received breast implants and body contouring surgery, court documents state.

Between September and October 2005, Acosta allegedly submitted three fraudulent claims for reimbursement for emergency procedures performed on three patients and the Culinary Fund paid more than $42,000 on the claims. If convicted, Acosta faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count; Ana Bertha Acosta and Sara Casales face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine each; and Lucia Solano faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case is being investigated by the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Crane Pomerantz.

“This indictment sends a stern message to those medical providers that defrauding union health and welfare benefit plans by filing fraudulent claims will not be tolerated by my agency,” said Daniel R. Petrole, deputy inspector general for the U.S. Department of Labor. “We are firmly committed to working with other law enforcement agencies to investigate this type of crime.”

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Our second “Cosmetic Surgery FAQ” post in the series, we take a closer look at Tummy Tuck surgery. A plastic surgery mainstay, but often overlooked for other less invasive procedures such as liposuction, “abdominoplasty” deals with removal and/or tightening of excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. Today, we take a look at a couple of the most common questions that prospective body contouring patients have, when considering a tummy tuck.

Q. Is getting a tummy tuck the right decision for me?

A. Choosing to undergo an abdominoplasty or any kind of body contouring surgery is a major decision. This is due in no small part to the extensive and invasive nature of the surgery itself, the risks and side effects involved and the amount of recovery time the surgery typically requires. However, many thousands of men and women choose the procedure every year to get rid of unwanted fat and sagging skin in their mid-section. A consultation with a qualified tummy tuck surgeon will make sure that you are thoroughly informed about the procedure, its risks, your alternatives, and whether a tummy tuck is right for you.

Q. What should I expect before, during and after my tummy tuck surgery?

A. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide a thorough and unique list of things for you to do to prepare for your surgery. Most of what will be included on the list are medications and activities to avoid during the two weeks prior to and after the surgery in order to minimize risk during the surgery itself, and during your recovery period. For example, if you smoke, you will be strongly advised to quit for two weeks prior to and after surgery, as smoking significantly slows the healing process. There are a number of medications, vitamins and supplements that should be avoided prior to surgery that your surgeon will discuss with you. Upon his or her asking, full disclosure with your doctor about any and all medication is the best way to anticipate and hopefully avoid any post-operative problems. If you are in generally good health and lead a healthy lifestyle, then you should not expect to have to make any significantly drastic changes in the weeks leading up to your surgery.

Most abdominoplasty surgeries are done in a hospital with the patient under general anesthetic. This being said, you will be unconscious during the surgery itself, so you should not expect to experience any discomfort. Typically, abdominoplasty lasts anywhere from two to four hours.

A tummy tuck is a very involved, invasive procedure that requires the patient to spend a few days in the hospital afterward. You will be given pain medication during and after your time in the hospital. You will also be advised to begin walking around and doing light exercise as soon as possible after the surgery in order to prevent the formation of blood clots in your legs. Expect a week to pass before being able to walk normally and without discomfort.

Q. What about scarring?

A. You should expect to have a permanent or near-permanent scar. The length of the scar or scars will depend on how extensive your surgery is. Tummy tuck scars generally run from hip to hip, across the lower abdomen. Extra attention is given to the placement of the incisions to ensure that your scars will be minimal and inconspicuous. Typically, the incision site is well-hidden beneath undergarments and swimming attire.

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Despite personal views, plastic surgery has gone mainstream, and is obviously here to stay. The release of plastic surgery statistics has become an annual ritual, almost on par with announcing awards show nominees. Every year the numbers are analyzed to see what trends are revealed, and the 2008 data, released last month from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), provided a few surprises.

Paramount among these was the emergence of breast augmentation as the number one cosmetic surgery procedure, knocking off liposuction which has traditionally held the spot. Though cosmetic surgery overall declined in 2008 (which also happens to be a first), the surge in cosmetic implant use was mirrored by an increase of approximately 39% in breast reconstruction. This comes on the heels of FDA clearance for silicone gel breast implants 2 years ago, suggesting that the controversies that have plagued this breast implants type in the past have since faded.

A longer view reveals a more telling trend, however. While cosmetic surgery was down by a few percentage points, non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures-Botox or dermal filler injections, lasers and the like-were up. One widely held interpretation of this is that people are shifting into “maintenance mode” by opting for more affordable procedures with minimal or no downtime until the economy improves and they can justify their facelift. Botox might be the new lipstick, a modern version of the historical increase in lipstick sales with every major economic downturn in the past.

Forecasting Plastic Surgery Trends

But broader analysis reveals that non-surgical cosmetic procedures have been increasing a lot more than surgery for several years. Although 1.7 million surgical procedures were done in the U.S. last year, non-surgical procedures checked in at more than 10 million. This is due, in part, to continually improving products and technologies, and with this has come greater social acceptance. Many of them are even household words now. Plastic surgeons have adapted by expanding their repertoires to include minimally invasive technologies and beauty services at their practices.

The big question on everyone’s mind is what all this means for the economy and where we are headed. One could easily subscribe to the theory that plastic surgery bookings anticipate an upturn, and if the first quarter of the year is an indication, then the economy is headed in the right direction. Some are freshening up their appearance as they change careers, others taking advantage of time off in between jobs. Either way, it is a vote of confidence; whether it is right for you, as always, is a personal choice.

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In our continuing efforts to bring our readers the most information on a wide variety of cosmetic surgery procedures, we’re taking this opportunity to answer some common cosmetic surgery FAQs! In this and future Frequently Asked Questions posts, we’ll take a look at one or two of the most commonly asked questions regarding a given procedure and share our wealth of knowledge with you, our readers and potential patients.

Q. What is breast augmentation?

A. Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, and symmetry of a woman’s breasts. The procedure can be done in a variety of ways, however, the most common method uses either silicone gel or saline (salt water) breast implants. The result of breast enlargement surgery is an enhanced figure, and a potentially heightened sense of self-confidence.

Breast augmentation is a procedure that has definitely evolved drastically, since its inception. Many years ago, the earliest breast enhancements consisted of women getting silicone injected directly into their breasts. But not long after the injections, the silicone would move and distort the breast augmentation. Some enterprising people (not necessarily physicians) found that if they put certain chemical impurities into the silicone, the material would stay in place. Unfortunately, these impurities caused infections and problems for many patients. Soon after, plastic surgeons improved the technique by putting silicone into a thin containment device and the modern day field of breast augmentation was born.

Q. What actually happens during the breast augmentation procedure? Is there multiple ways to do the surgery?

A. As with all things in life, there is always more than one way to do something. The basic breast enhancement procedure involves making an incision in and around the breast, creating a tunnel under the skin or muscle and putting an implant in that tunnel.

Here is where it gets a little interesting. Different surgeons advocate making incisions in different areas: under the arm, in the belly button, around the nipple or underneath the breast. Each method has its advantages and a disadvantages. Typically, the best procedure for you is what your doctor says it is. Each surgeon has his own preference and his own comfort level with different techniques. However, it is also important to address your own comfort level and personal needs, as well.

Our suggestion is this: Pick a plastic surgeon that offers multiple options for your procedure so that you get the one that’s best for you. If your surgeon offers only one way to do your procedure, you may not be getting the best possible solution for what bothers you. Ultimately, your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with both a variety of options and an objective opinion on what will be the best method for you

As always, get several opinions before undergoing any sort of cosmetic surgery.

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