Botox® Cosmetic - A Popular Cosmetic Procedure

According to yearly statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, BOTOX Cosmetic continues to be the most common non surgical cosmetic procedure. So you’re not alone if you’ve been considering this highly effective beauty treatment.

BOTOX is a safe purified protein approved by the FDA for medical purposes and also for this cosmetic use. While many celebrities depend on BOTOX Cosmetic to maintain their charm and good looks, the majority of BOTOX users are every day men and women trying to enhance their appearance and restore a more rejuvenated look to their face.

Frown lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet appear on the face because of repetitive muscle contraction. Botox® helps by blocking the release of acetylcholine, the chemical that causes muscles to contract. The injected muscles are temporarily relaxed. With less movement, the skin surface gradually smoothes out, giving the face a bright, fresh, and relaxed look.

Botox injection is an outpatient procedure done in a doctor’s office. Plastic surgeons require about 15 to 20 minutes for completing the treatment. Discomfort is minimal and no anesthetic is required. Small amounts of the protein are injected in selected regions that would help bring about the desired results. Patients can notice considerable difference in their looks in a few days’ time.

Those who undergo the procedure may experience localized pinkness or slight swelling at the injection site which typically resolves in less than one hour. Some patients may experience temporary bruising at the injected region which can be effectively concealed by makeup and typically resolves in no time.

It must be noted that Botox® does not offer a permanent cure or solution. The effects of BOTOX last about 3 to 4 months. Many patients incorporate botox into their routine beauty maintenance.

Those interested in undergoing Botox® treatment are advised to seek treatment under a board certified plastic surgeon. They ensure that patients get a safe and effective treatment by taking all necessary precautions. Moreover, they would provide all the information one needs to know about Botox® before undergoing this treatment.

Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Massachusetts

Reconstructive plastic surgery in Massachusetts can be opted for to improve appearance, or to enhance body function, and hopefully to enhance one’s body image, self-confidence, and sense of “wholeness”.

Reconstructive techniques can be used to correct congenital imperfections or acquired conditions that occur due to age, trauma, disease, tumors, and infection. Some examples of reconstructive plastic surgery are breast reconstruction, treatment of skin cancers, ear surgery, repair of cleft palate and cleft lip, scar revision and breast reduction.

Different Types of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery in Massachusetts

There are many indications for reconstructive plastic surgery in Massachusetts.

Breast Reconstruction - Congenital breast deformities or partial or complete removal of the breast for treatment of breast cancer is common indications for breast reconstruction to help restore form and symmetry to the breast. Techniques for reconstruction after mastectomy or lumpectomy include implants, and flap techniques utilizing the patient’s own tissue from the abdomen or back for example. Often the opposite breast must be reshaped by procedures such as breast reduction or breast lift to achieve more symmetry with the reconstructed side.

• Ear Reconstruction –Can be done for reconstruction of the inner and/or outer ear.
• Scar Revision – A procedure carried out on a scar to improve the appearance of the scar.
• Skin Cancer Removal and Reconstructive Surgery – After removing skin cancers such basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma, the remaining defects need to be closed. Sometimes this can require more advanced reconstructive techniques such as the use of local tissue flaps or skin grafts. Ultimately, the goal is not only to remove the cancer, but also to restore form and function in the most aesthetic way possible.

Keep This in Mind for a Worthwhile Surgical Experience

Before proceeding with the surgery, it is important that you discuss your goals in detail with your reconstructive plastic surgeon so that you can have realistic expectation of what you can achieve. Often many different reconstructive techniques are available. The specific technique ultimately recommended may depend on the extent or location of the defect or deformity, the patients’ health and medical history, and patient’s desires and lifestyle issues. Also, while these procedures are very safe, it is important to remember that no procedure is without potential risks which could include infection, bleeding, wound healing problems, or anesthesia problems. By completely understanding the recommended procedure and the potential benefits and possible risks of that particular procedure, you will be able to make an informed decision whether to proceed with your reconstructive plastic surgery. Hopefully, this process will result in a successful, worthwhile, rewarding surgical experience.

SmartLipo MPX™ for Laser Lipolysis

SmartLipo MPX™ for Laser Lipolysis – Greater Safety

The SmartLipo MPX™ for laser lipolysis is an FDA approved laser sculpting workstation used for laser assisted liposuction, also known as Smartlipo Laser Body Sculpting. Because of this revolutionary advancement in liposuction technology, many men and women who may not have previously been eager to undergo traditional liposuction now have Smartlipo as on option. Smartlipo uses laser energy to liquefy fat in a gentle way, thus permanently destroying fat cells, but also can be used to tightens the overlying lax skin unlike traditional liposuction. This laser aided treatment has been praised for its degree of safety. This procedure also is very tolerable and can allow a quicker recovery than traditional liposuction. Here’s a look at what makes SmartLipo a safe and effective option:
• Use of local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia which carries a greater risk.
• Small size of incisions (having a diameter no greater than 1mm).
• Reduced surgical trauma (bleeding, swelling, and bruising).
• Reduced recovery
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Certainly choosing a board certified plastic surgeon proficient in liposuction is recommended to achieve the optimal results.

Multiple Areas May be Treated in One Sitting

SmartLipo and SmartLipo MPX can be used to treat a variety of body areas – the chin, neck, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, back, knees, love handles, male breasts, mons pubis, and abdomen. It is possible to treat multiple areas in a single sitting, depending on the size of the areas to be treated. Smartlipo is especially useful for areas of localized fat which are more fibrous or where the overlying skin is more lax.

Controlled Heating, Faster Recovery

The SmartLipo MPX has several admirable features. Smartlipo by Cynosure was the FDA approved laser system for laser lipolysis in 2006. The cutting edge Multiplex (MPX) technology utilizes dual wavelengths (1064 nm and 1320 nm) in a blended fashion to harness the maximum benefits of both wavelengths more effectively and safely than with either one alone. The 1320 nm wavelength is vigorously absorbed by water and fat, which results in high efficiency liposuction. The 1064 nm wavelength provides a wider scattering of energy and is highly absorbed by hemoglobin (in blood). This dual wavelength MPX technology allows for better fat liquefaction and skin tightening, and allows more even and uniform delivery of laser energy to maximize effectiveness and safety of the treatment. MPX technology also decreases treatment time for patients and allows larger areas to be treated for effectively. SmartSense™ and ThermaGuide technology of the Smartipo Laser Body Sculpting workstation enhances safety and uniformity of the laser energy deliver to provide added safety and superior aesthetic outcomes. This thermal sensing technology prevents overheating and burns and ensures controlled and accurate body shaping.

The SmartLipo MPX™ for laser lipolysis is a welcome solution for the many people looking for a low risk procedure to get rid of bothersome body fat. Consult with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to learn if Smartlipo Laser Body Sculpting is right for you.

Otoplasty for Protruding or Malformed Ears

Otoplasty is the best treatment for protruding or malformed ears. It is a plastic surgery procedure that can reshape and bring about a normal contour to the ears.

Many adults and children undergo the treatment for correcting protruding, cupped or shell ears. Birth defects of the ear can also be effectively treated with this procedure.

Children in the age group of five to six are the ideal candidates for this treatment as it is easy to shape the ear’s cartilage due to its pliability. Adults can benefit from the procedure to gain better symmetry and proportion of the ears. Not only is the ear reshaped and properly positioned, but also contoured to maintain a seamless facial contour.

The plastic surgeon would study the framework of the ears in detail and decide on the best approach to treat the patient. The procedure and the outcome would be explained in detail so that patients have realistic expectations before undergoing the procedure.

Otoplasty for prominent or protruding ears is carried out under local or general anesthesia depending upon the age of the patient. The plastic surgeon would then make an incision on the well hidden back side of the ear that would allow the reshaping of the cartilage. The ear is then brought closer to the scalp to attain a natural look. Sutures would be required to keep the cartilage in place. After the surgery, the patient would be advised to wear a dressing to help in the healing of the ears.

Otoplasty for malformed or protruding ears should be ideally sought from reputable board certified plastic surgeons. Through a thorough consultation, patients can learn about the procedure and the postoperative recuperation and what precautions may be needed to follow after surgery in order to attain the desired aesthetic results