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New Botox Breast Lift Treatment Raises Questions
Long the most popular cosmetic procedure in the world, Botox injections are now being used for several applications beyond the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles. These injections are now used for migraines, depression and joint pain, and some speculate that they may be useful for minimally invasive breast lifts.
Some of the many ways that Botox injections have been utilized up to now include wrinkle reduction, wrinkle prevention, migraine treatment, elimination of muscle spasms, bladder control, and the shrinking of calf muscles. Currently, some medical experts speculate that its next new usage will be for temporary and minimally invasive breast lifts.
Botox Injections Could Offer Non-Invasive Breast Lifts with No Recovery Period
The main advantages of the treatment are cost, convenience and the recovery period. Generally much less expensive than surgery, this treatment comes in a number of forms with varying costs. In some cases, the Botox injections could be combined with dermal filler injections to add volume and minimize wrinkles.
In terms of convenience, patients would be able to complete the whole procedure in about an hour with no scarring or open surgery. There would be no recovery period, and women could return to normal life immediately.
The results of the Botox breast lift would be temporary, with patients generally seeing results that lasted 9-12 months, though repeat applications would be possible. The length of the results would also depend upon the usage of injectable fillers. For some women, this could someday be a temporary way to determine if a longer-term breast surgery such as a breast lift or breast augmentation is right for them.
Though this use of Botox has not been FDA-approved for usage in the United States, some doctors have already begun using this treatment internationally, in places such as the United Kingdom. The controversy surrounding this treatment’s efficacy and safety, however, make it seem unlikely that this will ever be an FDA-approved treatment in the US.
Photo by Jennifer Lord Photography on Flickr.
Treating the Effects of Weight Loss with a Breast Lift
For some women who successfully achieve their weight loss goals, one unexpected problem may be changes in breast volume and shape. A breast lift is an effective way to address these changes.
In contrast with breast augmentation, a breast lift, or mastopexy, does not add volume to the breasts or use implants. Rather, the natural tissue of the breast is rearranged and secured in a higher position, and excess skin is removed as needed. In many cases, the nipple may be raised to give a more symmetric appearance. The breast lift is very similar to the breast reduction in procedure, but generally no major tissue removal or size reduction is performed with a breast lift.
Weight Loss May Greatly Affect the Body Contours
Significant changes in body weight are rarely distributed evenly across the body. Inevitably, tissue volume seems to be lost from areas where it would be desirable, and remain in areas where it would not, such as the abdomen, arms and thighs. Breast and buttock lifts or augmentations are often used to treat these developments.
Another result that many women experience following a change in weight is asymmetric breast volume or appearance. One breast may be different in size, position or overall shape than the other, all situations that may be treated through a breast lift procedure.
With any breast lift procedure, the goal is not to recreate exactly the previous appearance of the breasts, but rather to create a proportional and balanced overall effect. This involves proper positioning of the breast tissue, nipple line and symmetry. The final results are breasts that more naturally reflect the overall shape and appearance of your body, giving an impression of overall health and fitness to your chest that better reflects your weight loss.
Photo by Oceanview Med Spa on Flickr.
Tummy Tucks May Cause Long-Term Weight Loss
Those who undergo a tummy tuck procedure may experience long-term weight loss in addition to the cosmetic benefits, according to a newly released study. Researchers are still trying to determine the connection between weight loss and abdominoplasty, but this study strengthens the connection.
This recent study, published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, followed 20 women who had tummy tucks, tracking both short and longer term effects and weight loss. Typically performed solely for the cosmetic benefits, this preliminary research may give people another valuable reason to choose an abdominoplasty procedure.
Women Lose Weight Following Tummy Tuck Procedures
In addition to the small amount of weight loss that occurs immediately as a result of tissue removal, many of the women in the study were found to have increased weight loss over the year following the procedure. The cause of this longer-term weight loss in unclear, but the researchers believe it may have to do with “neuroendocrine mechanisms” that decrease hunger as a result of the removed fat tissue.
On average, the women in the study had about five pounds of excess fat removed during the procedure itself. The removal of this tissue causes a change in the type of signals sent to the brain regarding hunger, a change that is similar to that which occurs following bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass.
In the words of the study authors, “We hypothesize that the increased satiety seen in our patients is related to changes in the neuroendocrine system.” If this association with tummy tuck fat removal and long term weight loss is proven, it is possible that a similar effect may be achievable with other body contouring procedures in which fat tissue is removed, such as liposuction, arm lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts.
Photo by A m o r e C a t a r i n a on Flickr.
Study Shows United States Leading the World in Cosmetic Surgery
Long the leader in cosmetic surgery innovation, the United States was recently announced as having the most cosmetic procedures performed of any country. The most popular surgical procedure for Americans was found to be breast augmentation.
As reported by The Huffington Post, the United States now leads the world in several areas relating to cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. This report was based on an international study that was performed in collaboration with surgeons and organizations around the world. Over 20,000 surgeons were consulted, representing a truly thorough level of investigation.
US Leads in Surgical and Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures
With over 3 million cosmetic procedures, the United States once more brings home the gold medal in both the surgical and non-surgical categories. US surgeons performed over one million cosmetic surgeries during 2011, and over 2 million non-surgical procedures. It also has the most licensed surgeons (nearly 6,000), and was the world leader for lipoplasty, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty, as well as tummy tucks.
The most popular American non-surgical cosmetic procedure was Botox Cosmetic, which was also the overwhelming world leader. These injections, which help minimize and prevent facial wrinkles around the eyes, nose and mouth, accounted for more than a third of all non-surgical procedures worldwide. Other popular procedures were facial fillers and skin treatments.
Interestingly, the most popular American surgical procedure was breast augmentation, though it was not the most common surgery performed worldwide. That distinction belongs to lipoplasty or liposuction, which accounted for nearly 20% of all international cosmetic surgery.
In North America and Europe, breast augmentation was generally the most common surgical procedure. Asian and South American countries more frequently performed lipoplasty/liposuction than their United States counterparts.
The article also credited some of the rise in cosmetic procedures to the increasing popularity of internet coupon sites that offer patients promotional offers for both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Photo by Eric Fischer on Flickr.
Study Shows Breast Lift/Augmentation Combo Safe and Effective
A new study performed by a group of Kentucky physicians shows that combining a breast lift and breast augmentation gives safe, effective results for women looking to adjust the shape and volume of their breasts.
A breast lift, or mastopexy, will tighten and lift breasts that are sagging or have flattened due to aging or childbearing. However, it will not affect overall volume. A breast augmentation, or breast implant procedure, will increase the volume of the breasts but may not be effective alone for significant aging or sagging breast tissue. By combining these two procedures, many women may experience the best possible results.
Combination Breast Lift and Breast Augmentation Best Option for Many Women
According to Dr. Andrew Smith, a plastic surgeon and breast specialist, “Many patients who want to improve volume, firmness and shape can benefit from an augmentation-lift grouping. But beyond the aesthetic argument, a combination surgery just makes sense for many patients. It can mean much less time on the operating table and less cost than having the procedures separately.”
The Kentucky study used the information of 332 women who had chosen to have the combination lift/augmentation procedure. Their findings were discussed in the January 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which is published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The numerous benefits of combining these two procedures are not necessarily perfect for every patient, but those indicated for these surgeries can have improved recovery periods and a more comfortable overall experience. “This means the patient only has to complete one recovery, which can even reduce the risk of complications,” says Dr. Smith. “Not every breast enhancement patient will require both of these surgeries. However, a combination procedure offers some major advantages for the right candidate.”
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What Factors Affect the Length of Breast Lift Results?
When considering a breast lift, one of the issues that concern many women is the long-term effectiveness of the procedure. Though all women will experience some amount of natural breast aging, often the effects of the surgical procedure can last a lifetime.
This oft-discussed topic is common on the trusted plastic surgery website RealSelf.com, where plastic surgeons around the world respond to cosmetic surgery questions. The general consensus of those surgeons responding is that several factors contribute to the results, but that a properly performed procedure on the average woman should last a lifetime.
Several Factors Contribute to Longevity of Breast Lift Results Over One’s Lifetime
Some of the things that could have the greatest influence on the results of a breast lift are pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. The natural changes which occur to allow for these breast functions may have noticeable effects on breast appearance with time. For this reason, it is highly recommended that women postpone any breast procedure, such as breast lift, augmentation or reduction, until they are no longer planning on having additional children.
However, most breast surgeries still allow women to breastfeed should they become pregnant after having the procedure. In these cases, revisionary surgery may be performed to help improve the final appearance and manage any changes which may have been caused by childbirth.
Other things that may have an impact on the eventual appearance of the breast are genetics, breast size and lifestyle. Going without a bra for long periods of time or during activities may also contribute to a gradual lowering of the breast tissue. Regardless of other factors, each woman’s breasts will experience natural aging with time. This will vary due to a number of factors, but may cause a loss of volume and change in shape. Serious aging may be addressed by your surgeon if needed.
Photo by Alaskan Dude on Flickr.
Young Men and Women Choosing Botox to Prevent Wrinkles
More young men and women are now choosing to have Botox Cosmetic injections, as recent research has shown that they may prevent wrinkles as well as treat them.
Recently documented in a press release from World News Report, younger patients are showing increased interest in a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including Botox and dermal filler injections, breast augmentations, nose jobs and eyelid surgeries.
Younger Patients Looking for Anti-Aging and Facial Contouring Procedures
According to Dr. Stella, a cosmetic surgeon quoted in the press release, “BOTOX is not just a wrinkle reducer; it can also act as a wrinkle deterrent. Studies have shown that applying BOTOX to the fine lines that are precursors to deeper wrinkles can prevent those deeper wrinkles from occurring later, in the patient’s 30s and beyond. People in their 20s and early 30s who have begun to show facial aging can benefit in the long term from BOTOX.”
In addition to the growth seen in Botox treatments for young patients, this popular procedure is skyrocketing in popularity with patients of all demographics. According to the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) statistics, Botox injections are have been the leading non-surgical cosmetic procedure for patients under 35 in recent years.
In terms of surgical procedures, the most popular plastic surgery procedures for patients under 35 have been rhinoplasties, also known as nose jobs. This is a particularly popular type of procedure for patients of all ages, as nose surgeries can address a wide range of issues that are not necessarily related to aging. In many cases, a nose job can help to provide a more naturally balanced overall appearance to the face, helping to accent the natural beauty of other areas, such as the eyes, smile or hair.
Photo by liber on Flickr.
More Patients Choosing Body Sculpting Procedures
More and more patients are now choosing body sculpting surgeries, thanks to a rise in extreme weight loss in America. Rapidly rising obesity levels means that there are more patients then ever who can benefit from these weight loss methods.
Following a weight loss of 50-100 pounds or more, which is a typical result of successful bariatric surgery, many patient’s bodies may not be able to quickly bounce back to their previous appearance. For these patients, plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, tummy tucks and arm lifts may be an excellent solution.
Body Sculpting on the Rise for Weight-Loss Patients
According to Dr. Charlotte Rhee, “For obese individuals, dropping a significant amount of weight can have a profoundly beneficial impact on their overall health. Many are left discouraged, however, with the toll it can take on their body – the most common of which is loose, hanging skin.”
With minor weight loss, the body can often handle the change, gradually adjusting the amount of skin and tissue in the areas of weight loss until they are firm and balanced once more. Yet for patients who have had a more dramatic change, the body’s natural mechanisms of repair could take many years to take effect, and some cases may be beyond what the body is capable of repairing.
For these patients, body contouring represents an excellent option, as they may be able to achieve a final look that more attractively reflects all the hard work they have put into their weight loss. Plastic surgery can specifically target their trouble areas and create a look that is balanced overall.
“Body contouring combines several procedures based on a patient’s medical needs and cosmetic goals,” says Dr. Rhee. “Often, it will include some combination of tummy tuck surgery, arm lift surgery and/or a body lift procedure. The goal is to resculpt the body, achieving a more proportionate figure.”
Photo by mikebaird on Flickr.
ABC News Reports Massive Increase In Afghanistan Cosmetic Surgery
More Afghans are traveling internationally then every before, and this has had a noticeable effect on the country’s attitude toward plastic surgery. As a result of this increasingly open attitude, both men and women are choosing to have cosmetic surgery in rapidly increasing numbers.
As recently reported by ABC News, plastic surgery in this region has undergone a dramatic transformation, turning an industry that once handled only trauma and reconstructive work into one that is more in step with the global trends of cosmetic surgery.
Plastic Surgeons in Afghanistan Now Performing Breast Enhancement, Nose Jobs and Face Lifts
According to Dr. Aminullah Hamkar, a Kabul plastic surgeon, his practice has seen a major change in the last few years, as various influence impact the way people interact. “Ten years ago it was all about repairing scars,” he said. “When I sometimes ask the young people who come here why they want cosmetic operations, they simply say they want to look better and beautiful.”
This is a development of both commercial and emotional importance, as many consider such beauty concerns a sign that Afghanistan is entering a time of peace. In addition, this means that fewer patients are seeking cosmetic surgery as a result of war damage or other attacks. Previously, many plastic surgery patients were seeking help for the damage done by acid or knife attacks, as well as many other forms of trauma.
Surgeries that have been disproportionately popular in Afghanistan are breast augmentation, face lifts, liposuction and rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, likely as a result of influence from outside cultures. In Dr. Harnkar’s opinion, “Many people’s perceptions of life and sex change upon their return from a trip to a less conservative place.”
Photo by ind{yeah} on Flickr.
Proper Exercise to Enhance the Results of Your Breast Lift Procedure
When thinking about having breast lift surgery, one of the key topics of discussion should be proper exercise before and after the procedure. Women with a regular exercise regimen or a devotion to a specific sport will want to discuss the best way to maintain their health during their recovery.
By discussing these questions with your plastic surgeon prior to your procedure, you can be sure that your recovery will best fit your needs, and that your understanding of the procedure and its impact will improve your results. Though each case is unique, here are some general exercise guidelines that will enhance the results of breast surgery, ensuring the healthiest possible recovery.
A Good Workout Plan Can Enhance the Results of Breast Surgeries
In the weeks leading up to your procedure, it is often helpful to begin tapering off on your regular exercises that impact the upper body. This includes chest, shoulder, upper back and arm workouts, and is intended to help relax these muscles and avoid straining them. These crucial chest muscles respond best to a breast lift if they are relaxed.
During the first few weeks after a breast lift, breast augmentation or breast reduction, it is absolutely crucial to avoid damaging the breasts. Consider this time a well-deserved break from your normal routine, giving your body the chance to heal properly. After the first few days of rest, it is acceptable to slowly begin increasing your activity level, working up to short walks or other minimal-impact lower body exercise by the end of the second week.
After two weeks, your exercise plan should be heavily determined by your surgeon, who will walk you through what you should and should not do. You may be able to start working in some upper body exercises in weeks 2-5 of your recovery time. Generally, you will not be doing any overhead upper body exercise until the second month of recovery. It is important to listen to your body and to your surgeon for the best possible long term health.
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