Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight-from back and neck pain and skin irritation to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman-or a teenage girl-feel extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction surgery, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

If you're considering breast reduction, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

The Best Candidates for Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is usually performed for physical relief rather than simply cosmetic improvement. Most women who have the surgery are troubled by very large, sagging breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical discomfort.

In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed.

Your New Look
Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before your breasts settle into their new shape. Even then, their shape may fluctuate in response to your hormonal shifts, weight changes, and pregnancy.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. You'll be rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, your body will look better proportioned, and clothes will fit you better.

Although BOTOX® may look easy to administer, it is not this aspect which is most important to the outcome. The clinician's experience and "aesthetic eye" is the key to a great outcome with BOTOX®.

Treatments take 20-30 minutes unless you opt not to have your skin numbed prior to the injections, then the treatment should take less than 10 minutes. Several tiny injections are given in the areas that you and your provider have decided upon. They usually are barely appreciable in sensation or appearance following the injection. You can reapply makeup to the treated areas immediately after the session.

There are no specific after care instructions. If this is the first time you have had Botox injections, you will not notice any change for at least 3 days and the complete effect will take up to 14 days.

Side effects from Botox are very rare, but headaches can occur temporarily after the injection – especially in patients who suffer from frequent headaches. Ironically, Botox injections often help with frequent headache patients once the Botox takes effect. Bruising can occur although very infrequently. If you are prone to bruising or are on blood thinners please notify your caregiver; special techniques and recommendations will be used to try to minimize your bruising risk. If bruising does occur it will not affect your final result and typically is minor enough that makeup coverage will conceal it.

It is always recommended that anyone considering a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure first consult with a qualified, and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Proper research and pre-procedure planning is an important step in a decision to undergo a cosmetic procedure, and one that should not be taken lightly. Ensure you fully understand the procedure, its risks, and have a realistic expectation of the results.

Research is very important to the process, and should be done prior to having your chosen procedure, no matter how invasive the procedure is. There are many great outlets available for this research,. the best one I have found is lookingyourbest.com- a free-to-use website that offers a large library full of in depth plastic and cosmetic surgery information. This website also offers a free service to help you locate a skilled and experienced specialist in your area.

All too often, many people think of cosmetic surgeons as Doctors who decided not to pursue a more in depth field of medicine such a heart surgeon, or neurological surgeon, etc. What most do not realize is that cosmetic surgery is not a fly by night industry and while there are those surgeons who do a good job at furthering that myth, the majority of cosmetic surgeons are caring, skilled and experienced doctors with a sharp eye for the details.

Realize that cosmetic surgery is a very in depth field. Everyday a large number of cosmetic surgeons take a role in advancing the techniques and methods used in order to make cosmetic surgery procedures safer, and increase the probability of successful surgical procedures. Currently there are many techniques, and advancements for products such as breast Implants in clinical trials, being tested, research data is being recorded, and Patients taking part in these trails feedback and experiences are being sought- all in an effort to improve cosmetic surgery as a whole.

In order for a cosmetic surgeon in Idaho to excel, be successful and maintain a positive reputation, it takes a tireless work ethic, never ending study and education, and a desire to help people become the best they can be. Many of these successful cosmetic surgeons are also talented artists, and that natural artistic quality carries over into plastic surgery.

In short, to become and remain a successful cosmetic surgeon, one must always maintain a compassionate desire to help others, and do everything possible to further advance the technology, surgical methods and techniques that make cosmetic surgery procedures and successful results a reality.

Where is Botox® Cosmetic Used?

It is most effective for wrinkles that are visible when smiling, laughing, raising the eyebrows or for crow's feet around the eyes. These wrinkles are called "dynamic" and tend to be much less noticeable when your face is completely relaxed. It also works well for bands in the neck.

Am I a good candidate?

The best candidates for the procedure are those between ages of 25 and 65. In many cases, wrinkles in people over 65 are "static" and do not change when relaxing the face. Other procedures would work better for these patients. Each person is different however, and should undergo a consultation determine the most effective treatment plan.

How is Botox® Cosmetic Administered?

A very small amount of Botox® Cosmetic is injected into each or the target areas using a very small needle. Because the needle is fine, only a small amount of the liquid is injected and the associated discomfort is minimal. Most patients compare the sensation to light pinch. No sedation or local anesthetic is necessary and you can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.

Are the injections painful

The injections are very small and done with a tiny needle that usually does not cause discomfort. The pressure sensation associated with the injection goes away very quickly and patients can return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.

When will I notice the difference and how long will it last?

The treatment takes three to ten days to take full effect which sometimes can be hastened by contracting the facial muscles. The results usually last from 3 to 5 months. The effects of Botox® Cosmetic are confined to the treatment sites.

What happens as treatment begins to wear off?

As the Botox® Cosmetic wears off the wrinkles will begin to reappear but frequently they are not as deep or noticeable. To maintain the smooth, youthful appearance year round, it requires three to four injections.

Is there any downtime?

No. Most people return to work or normally activities immediately following treatment. It is recommended however, that you avoid exercise, heavy lifting and massaging the injected area injected for one day.

Remember, it is always recommended that you consult with a plastic surgeon, and do your research prior to undergoing any cosmetic surgery procedure, no matter if it is an invasive surgery such as a Facelift or Breast Augmentation, or a non-invasive procedure such as Botox. BE sure to have all your questions answered, your concerns addressed and ensure you fully understand the procedure. This is an important step that should not be taken lightly. Proper research and pre-procedure education can mean the difference between a successful procedure and a nightmare. While there are many great websites out there boasting information on Botox and other cosmetic procedures, the absolute best one I have found ion my research is lookingyourbest.com- a free website offering a large library of accurate and in depth plastic surgery information. This website also offers a free service to help you locate a qualified, skilled and experienced surgeon in your area.

JUVÉDERM™ is the latest dermal filler advance from Allergan, Inc. for temporarily correcting moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM™ is a “next generation“ smooth gel, non-animal dermal filler offering a natural look/feel and long lasting results for up to six months or longer. JUVÉDERM™ dermal filler lasts long because it’s the only dermal filler currently available with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid and a special formulation process. This process creates a smooth gel that flows easily into the skin, creating smooth, natural looks.

Radiesse ® is a non-surgical facial contouring filler that delivers an immediate and long-lasting result. Used to restore and reshape obvious signs of facial aging, Radiesse ® remains soft and pliable and takes on characteristics of surrounding tissue.
Radiesse ® is made of very tiny, smooth, calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel that is injected into the skin through a simple, safe and minimally invasive procedure. The microspheres (particles) form a scaffold through which your body’s own collagen grows.

This unique composition provides immediate visual improvement common with other fillers, along with the benefit of long-lasting results. For the first three months after injection, Radiesse ® initially performs as a filler substance by plumping up the skin. Then due to its collagen-generating properties, Radiesse ® actually stimulates new tissue development for extended correction for up to 12 to 24 months.

Restylane ® is a safe and natural cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds, providing a smoother, more youthful appearance. It has also become the preferred treatment for lip enhancement. Restylane ® is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Restylane ® maintains its shape using the body’s own moisture. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane ® is hydrophilic or “water loving.” As hyaluronic acid gradually degrades, each molecule binds to more water and over time, the same volume can be maintained with less hyaluronic acid. This ability of hyaluronic acid to bind to water is what helps provide lasting results.

For anyone considering Dermal Filler procedures to restore that youthful look, please be sure and consult with a qualified Skin care specialist prior to having any cosmetic procedure. It is also recommended that you do some research to make sure you understand your chosen procedure prior to scheduling the procedure. There are many websites on the internet that provide information about dermal fillers- the best and most accurate website I have found is lookingyourbest.com- a free website offering a wealth of in depth plastic surgery information.

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breast-feed in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

The tummy tuck is also know as an abdominoplasty. It is a procedure for people who have loose skin and fat folds of the abdomen from pregnancy or weight loss, stretch marks, or laxity in abdominal wall who want a flatter and firmer abdomen with an improved contour. Liposuction may be used in combination for added contouring benefits. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and often requires an overnight hospital stay. The scar will vary based on body shape and extends from the lower abdomen to as far as the lower back. Mini abdominoplasties are reserved for a select group of patients.

Mini-Abdominoplasty, sometimes called a mini-tummy tuck, may be performed on patients who only have a limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen and who would not need the tightening of abdominal muscles that is part of a standard abdominoplasty, although sometimes, the mini-tummy tuck may include it. However, if the patient has excessive fat but minimal or limited looseness of the abdomen, the procedure may be performed in tandem with liposuction.

In most cases, women considering abdominoplasty should not be considering additional pregnancies, or they may have the need for a second procedure to re-tighten the belly. In many cases, a tummy tuck does help rid of stretch marks because it removes most of the "stretched out" skin below the navel.

Be sure to do your research and consult with a plastic surgeon prior to the surgery. Do not take this step lightly as all surgery procedures carry with them some level of risk. Fully understanding the procedure, what to expect from the results and knowing the associated risks can mean the difference between a successful surgery and a nightmare.

Just as women can be self-conscious with under-developed breasts, large, heavy or hanging breasts can cause both embarrassments and difficulties all of their own. Surgeons understand that over-development of the breast can cause self-esteem issues, an inability to exercise, difficulty with posture, backache and unwanted attention.

Plastic Surgeons have spent many years perfecting the short scar approach to reduce the breast size, relieve the sagging and improve the breast contour and shape. The nipple is not removed or replaced. He will preserve ducts and sensation to the nipple, although some ability to breast-feed may be reduced. Scars are inconspicuous and can be easily covered by most bathing suits and low cut clothing.

Insurance plans may cover breast reduction surgery. However, denial by an insurance plan or a request by that plan for a harsh or excessive reduction prompts many patients to go outside the ordinary insurance coverage to seek help.

Breast augmentation is a procedure used to enlarge small breasts and create a balance for breasts of different size or proportion. Breast implants are used to add fullness to breasts that have decreased in size or begun to sag due to age or pregnancy.

Breast implant options basically can be narrowed down to two types: silicone gel and saline (or salt water) filled. Most breast enlargement procedures use saline-filled implants; although some situations still warrant the use of silicone gel implants for best results. Recent advantages in implant technologies offer options that create a more natural look than ever before.

It remains that with any elective cosmetic surgery, it is very important for women considering this procedure to be given informed consent. This means that anyone considering having permanent implantation of a medical device is made aware not only of the risks of the operation itself, but also of the lifelong risks of having implants.

Be sure to consult with a plastic surgeon, and do your research to ensure you fully understand the procedure, its risks and what to expect from the surgery. There are many excellent websites offering up information on breast augmentation. The best website I have found in my research is Lookingyourbest.com - a free to use website that provides a great amount of in depth plastic surgery information and there is even a free service to help anyone considering breast augmentation locate a skilled , experienced and qualified plastic surgeon in their area.

The most common reason for breast augmentation surgery is a desire for larger breasts. In general plastic surgeons not recommend cosmetic breast augmentation for women under 18 years of age. Many women requesting breast augmentation have lost breast volume after pregnancy and nursing or simply with aging.

WHAT CHANGES CAN BE EXPECTED?

The breasts will be larger. A sagging breast can be lifted The most appropriate size implant is determined after a physical examination and is a joint decision between you and your plastic surgeon. Some women want only a very small implant, to restore the breast size and perhaps shape they had before childbearing. A small percentage of women want very large breasts. This may not be advisable, because there may not be enough support in the breast tissues, and too large an implant in these women can cause thinning of the skin or increase the risk of "capsular contracture." This is a hardening of the breast caused by shrinkage of the normal scar envelope that the body makes around any implant.

The effects of gravity, the stresses of daily life, and even just the evidence of time become visible in peoples' faces, causes the formation of deep creases between the nose and mouth, the loosening and slackening of the jaw line, the development of jowls, and the appearance of both folds and fat deposits on and around the neck.

While facelift surgery cannot stop or even slow down the aging process, it can set back the clock by cosmetically altering and adjusting the placement of the skin on your face and neck, as well as removing excess fat and tightening the muscles underneath the skin. If a facelift is performed, it may be accompanied by a forehead lift, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, or other procedures.

Ideal candidates for facelifts are men or women whose skin on their neck and face has begun to sag, although their skin still retains some of its elasticity. A strong, well-defined bone structure also makes the procedure more simple. While some patients are in their seventies or eighties, most recipients of a facelift are in their forties to sixties. After a facelift, a patient will still look like themselves, but will help you look younger and fresher and may, accordingly, increase your self-confidence; it cannot, however, give you more youthful energy or vitality.

When you have your consultation with your plastic surgeon, your face, skin, and underlying bone will be evaluated. In addition, your medical history will be reviewed in order to check for potentially related issues, including high blood pressure, problems regarding blood clotting, or your skin's tendency to form larger, excessive scars. During your consultation, it is also important to discuss both your expectations and your goals with your surgeon in order to ensure the desired, realistic results.

As with any surgery, the single most important factor in the success of cosmetic surgery is the surgeon you select. Do not take this responsibility lightly. In most states, it is legal for any physician who holds a medical license, with or without surgical training, to advertise as a plastic or cosmetic surgeon. That is why it is essential for you to understand what makes a cosmetic surgeon qualified and research the qualifications of any surgeon that you are considering.

Dr. Dan Mills, a cosmetic surgeon in Orange County California, recommends you choose a doctor who is board certified and affiliated with a reputable hospital, and is up-to-date on what is new in his/her field. Does your doctor offer a variety of techniques? With the right doctor, Breast augmentation procedures can yield marked results.

Dr. Mills has been in practice for over 15 years, with an additional 10 years experience teaching plastic surgery at Loma Linda University, and combines a sense of aesthetics, his surgical skills, and the latest techniques to achieve the results his clients want. He feels it is crucial that his patients find his practice to be a safe and comfortable environment, as well.

"It's very important that you feel comfortable with your doctor," Dr. Mills explains. "You should be able to talk to him/her openly, expressing your concerns. Communication is key in a relationship with your doctor," especially when you're talking about what you want from the surgery.

Blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, involves the removal of fat usually along with excess skin and muscle from the upper and lower eyelids. Eyelid surgery can correct drooping upper lids and puffy bags below your eyes. These features may make you look older and more tired than you feel, and may even interfere with your vision. This procedure doesn't involve crow's feet or other wrinkles, eliminate dark circles under your eyes, or lift sagging eyebrows.

Candidates suitable for eyelid surgery:
Blepharoplasty can enhance your looks and give your self confidence but won't make you look entirely different. So be realistic in your expectations.

1. The best candidates for eyelid surgery are men and women who are physically healthy, psychologically stable.
2. Most are 35 or older.
3. If droopy, baggy eyelids run in your family, you may decide to have eyelid surgery at a younger age.
4. The medical conditions which make blepharoplasty more risky are thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism and graves' diseases, dry eye or lack of sufficient tears, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders, cardiovascular disease.
5. If you have a detached retina or glaucoma. Check with your ophthalmologist before you have surgery.

When eyelid surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. But you should always expect risks and discuss with your plastic surgeon about the pros and cons involved.

Blepharoplasty may take one to three hours. For this procedure, the plastic surgeon makes incisions following the natural lines of your eyelids; in the creases of your upper lids, and just below the lashes in your lower lids. The incisions can extend into the crow's feet or laugh lines at the outer corners of your eyes.

If you have a pocket of fat beneath your lower eyelids but don't need to have any skin removed, your plastic surgeon may perform a transconjunctival blepharoplasty. In this procedure the incision is made inside your lower eyelids, leaving no visible scar. It is usually performed on younger patients with thicker, more elastic skin.

The Mini Lift (also referred to as a Short scar face lift) is a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time than its more traditional cousin, the full face lift. The Mini face Lift is an ideal procedure for women who are just starting to note deepening lines on their face, sagging of the skin over their lower face and jaw line, and perhaps some laxity of their neck.

You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you are a woman in your early 40s and don't want to wait for noticeable signs of aging to alter your appearance. The Mini Lift is also a useful secondary procedure if you have previously had a face lift and are starting to notice the signs of age again making an appearance.

A Modified Face Lift is the right choice if you are a woman in your late 40s or early 50s and notice more laxity in your face and neck but still not very much. You surgeon will help you determine whether you are the right candidate for this procedure.

In a Modified Face Lift, the incision made to the face is similar to the Mini Lift but extends behind the ear, and there may be need for an additional incision under the chin. This allows Dr. Lofman to reposition the fallen soft tissues and tighten the lax neck muscles as well as remove more redundant skin than a Mini-Lift would allow.

The Full Face Lift is designed for you if older than 55 or have significant laxity of the soft tissues of your face and neck. While it requires a longer incision, skillful surgical technique ensures the incision is placed inconspicuously.

The Full Face Lift effectively restores your youthful appearance and should give you back at least 15 years that time has taken away. This is achieved by tightening the underlying lax muscles, doing so in a way that does not leave the typical signs of a face lift.

A face lift may also be combined with other facial procedures such as eyelid surgery or a brow lift. During your private consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon, he/she will explain in full detail the varying aspects of these different procedures and what other techniques may be available to help you achieve realistic results.

Filler agent treatments for facial aging are one of the most rapidly growing areas of cosmetic medicine. When a plastic surgeon evaluates patients who desire facial rejuvenation, they consider a three prong approach. Surgery and skin care can be vital to obtaining the best result, but the third prong includes fillers. They are a wonderful adjunct in many patients. They can improve the result of surgery in most, but in some, fillers can provide enough improvement that surgery can be delayed.

So what are Dermal fillers? They are products designed to be injected into the skin to correct and soften lines or furrows. They can also be used to increase lip volume. There is a dizzying array of products available that are made from different substances. Some products are derived from animals, and other from cadavers. Still others are bio-engineered. I currently prefer Juvederm. It is made from a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is a natural component of human skin. There is no risk of allergy, so skin testing is not required in advance of treatment. It is a gel formulation, unlike some earlier generation products that are particulate in character. The gel injects smoothly and does not result in lumps or bumps under the skin.

In the past, the lack of longevity of result was a concern for many patients considering filler treatments. Juvederm generally lasts between nine and twelve months in the vast majority of patients. While it is not permanent, most things in life do require maintenance.

Saline Breast Implants - The saline implant has an exterior sack made of solid silicone, which is filled with a sterile saline solution — like the salt-water solution that is administered for intravenous fluids. One of the advantages of this solution is its safety. Should the implant for some reason leak, the saline just gets absorbed by your body, as would the intravenous fluids used during, and after surgery. Yet another advantage of the saline breast implants is a very low infection rate, which is usually less than one to two percent.

Silicone Breast Implants - These are implants that are filled with a silicone gel. More than 1.5 million American women currently have silicone breast implants. Some people feel that the silicone implant results in a more natural appearing breast.

Cohesive Gel Implants - Cohesive gel implants are silicone implants that are filled with a thicker silicone gel that holds its shape and form like a "gummy bear." If you cut into a standard gel implant, the liquid silicone gel escapes from the implant shell. In contrast, when you cut into a cohesive gel implant, the implant itself maintains its shape and integrity. These shaped implants are designed with a focus upon a natural look, rather than for enlargement. Furthermore, gummy bear implants maintain their shape in an upright position that decreases the incidence of folding of the implant shell or rippling. If a cohesive gel implant ruptures, it maintains both its shape and integrity.

View Breast Implant Surgery Before and After Photos

It is always a good idea to make sure one does research prior to having any surgical procedure. Anyone considering Breast Enhancement surgery should first consult with a qualified specialist such as California Plastic Surgeon Dr John Griffin. There are many excellent websites on the internet that provide good information about breast enhancement. The best one I have found is Lookingyourbest.com- a free website that boasts a wealth of plastic surgery information and even offers a free service to help you locate a skilled and experienced doctor in your area.

Realize that plastic surgery is a very in depth field. Everyday a large number of plastic surgeons take a role in advancing the techniques and methods used in order to make plastic surgery procedures safer, and increase the probability of successful surgical procedures. Currently there are many techniques, and advancements for products such as Breast Implants in clinical trials, being tested, research data is being recorded, and Patients taking part in these trails feedback and experiences are being sought- all in an effort to improve plastic surgery as a whole.

All too often, many people think of plastic surgeons as Doctors who decided not to pursue a more in depth field of medicine such a heart surgeon, or neurological surgeon, etc. What most do not realize is that plastic surgery is not a fly by night industry and while there are those surgeons who do a good job at furthering that myth, the majority of cosmetic surgeons are caring, skilled and experienced doctors with a sharp eye for the details.

All too often, many people think of cosmetic surgeons as Doctors who decided not to pursue a more in depth field of medicine such a heart surgeon, or neurological surgeon, etc. What most do not realize is that cosmetic surgery is not a fly by night industry and while there are those surgeons who do a good job at furthering that myth, the majority of cosmetic surgeons are caring, skilled and experienced doctors with a sharp eye for the details.

Realize that cosmetic surgery is a very in depth field. Everyday a large number of cosmetic surgeons take a role in advancing the techniques and methods used in order to make cosmetic surgery procedures safer, and increase the probability of successful surgical procedures. Currently there are many techniques, and advancements for products such as breast Implants in clinical trials, being tested, research data is being recorded, and Patients taking part in these trails feedback and experiences are being sought- all in an effort to improve cosmetic surgery as a whole.

In order for a cosmetic surgeon in Chicago to excel, be successful and maintain a positive reputation, it takes a tireless work ethic, never ending study and education, and a desire to help people become the best they can be. Many of these successful cosmetic surgeons are also talented artists, and that natural artistic quality carries over into plastic surgery.

In short, to become and remain a successful cosmetic surgeon, one must always maintain a compassionate desire to help others, and do everything possible to further advance the technology, surgical methods and techniques that make cosmetic surgery procedures and successful results a reality.