Ear Pinning and Other Popular Ear Surgeries

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Briana

The ears are an overlooked, but important aesthetic component of the face. Though hardly discussed, ear surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. Ear surgery typically involves the readjustment, reshaping or resizing of the ears.

Ear pinning surgery is sought out by children and adults alike to correct the appearance of overly protruding ears which may appear out of proportion with the rest of the face. Through the use of permanent sutures, the ears can be permanently readjusted closer to the face.

Earlobe repair is often sought out by women who have worn heavy earrings for years. Over time, the earlobes become stretched, strained and more vulnerable to injury. Earlobe repair is a fairly straightforward procedure for plastic surgeons. Performed under local anesthesia and requiring almost no downtime, most patients are able to re-pierce their ears within a couple of months.

Earlobe reduction is used for those men and women who are dissatisfied with the overall size of their earlobes. As we age, the ears continue to grow, which can cause earlobe stretching or enlargement. Earlobe reduction is frequently sought out as a facial rejuvenation procedure and works by removing wedge of tissue from the lobe.

Ear surgery is not typically covered by health insurance. If you’re interested in ear surgery, anticipate the overall cost to range from $400 and $1,200.

In many cases, earlobe damage or deformity can be prevented. Consider the tips below:

• Avoid wearing heavy dangling earrings on a daily basis. Save them for special occasions.
• Do not wear dangling or hoop earring while holding or playing with a young child.
• Remove your earrings every night before bed. Always be extra careful when removing clothing.
• Always take your earrings out before combing your hair.

Are you interested in learning more about ear pinning surgery? Contact our Bellevue plastic surgery office.

Source: Huffington Post Blog

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How to Finance Your Plastic Surgery

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Briana

financing your plastic surgeryFinancing your plastic surgery procedure can be one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make prior to surgery.

Unless you’re seeking out reconstructive surgery following a traumatic accident or illness, it’s unlikely that your insurance will cover even a small portion of your procedure.

“Consumers should be aware that cosmetic surgery is not covered under insurance, so all of the expenses must be paid out of pocket,” says Kevin Kautzmann, a certified financial planner.

Fortunately, when you can’t technically pay out of pocket, there are options, according to Fox Business.

If you’re willing to shop around, a credit card can end up being a savvy choice. Health care or medical credit cards, which can only be used to cover medical expenses, have seen a recent surge in popularity for plastic surgery patients.

These cards often come with 0% interest promotions, as well as reasonable interest rates and payment plans. Additionally, these cards often give lenders “a sense of control if they tend to overspend,” because they are limited to medical purchases, according to Billy DeFrance, a financial planner in El Paso.

Taking out a personal loan to cover expenses related to your procedure may also be a good option. Bank loans often have fixed interest rates as well as fixed repayment periods. This can add up to less interest, and build your credit at the same time.

Though most doctors request payment in full prior to surgery, it doesn’t hurt to ask if you can setup a payment plan. In some cases, doctors provide patients with repayment plans that offer more flexibility than other payment methods.

If all else fails, saving up the cash for your procedure may just be smartest choice. “It may not be sexy, but the best answer for most people is to save each month until you have the bill covered—then get the procedure done,” says financial adviser Michael Masiello.

Are you considering plastic surgery? Learn more about financing your plastic surgery procedure in Bellevue.

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What Exactly Are “Gummy Bear” Breast Implants?

Posted on April 28, 2012 by Briana

Silicone breast implants were reintroduced to the U.S. market in 2006 and have seen continued surge in popularity since. Yet, many women considering the perfect breast shape still struggle with the “saline verses silicone” question.

While silicone breast implants are often considered more natural looking than their saline counterparts, the potential risks associated with silicone leakage or migration deter some from going the silicone route.

This may about to change with latest breakthrough in breast enhancement technology– “gummy bear” breast implants:

What exactly are “gummy bear” breast implants?

Gummy bear breast implants are composed of high-strength silicone gel, which means they are capable of holding their shape, even in the event of rupture. The risk of leakage is minimal, especially in comparison to traditional silicone implants.

Do gummy bear breast implants look and feel natural?

The appearance and texture of gummy bear breast implants also set them apart from competitors. They feel similar to gummy bear candies – soft, squishy and semi-solid. The material holds it soft natural shape, unlike liquid-filled or tradition silicone breast implants which can wrinkle, fold or ripple over time.

Where can I get gummy bear breast implants?

Gummy bear implants have been popular in Europe and Canada for several years, but were only approved for testing in the U.S. in 2002. Gummy bear breast implants are currently being studied for mass market use in the U.S. but are yet not FDA-approved. However, approval for these cohesive gel implants in the U.S. may be fast approaching.

Are you considering breast implants? Remember to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon for breast surgery. Learn more about silicone breast implants in Bellevue, WA.

Source: Huffington Post

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New Study Reveals After Effects of Medical Tourism

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Briana

Medical TourismExotic travel and affordable prices have created an influx of medical tourism for plastic surgery patients. Medical tourism, a term used to describe the act of seeking health care abroad, isn’t always the safest or cheapest option for plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction or breast augmentation, according to the results of a new survey.

“Usually people going abroad are not going abroad to the world’s expert on a procedure; they are going to have something done cheaper.  If you have any complications at all, it could end up costing you four to five times the amount if you would have if you just stayed here in the first place,” said Dr. Mark Elliott, a board certified surgeon and advisory board member for ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com.

According to the survey, which received responses from nearly two-thousand ASPS board certified plastic surgeons, nearly 80 percent of respondents had previously treated patients for complications following plastic surgery procedures abroad. The majority of these patients were treated for post-operative infections.

Additionally, the study also claimed that nearly half of medical tourists receiving breast augmentation or body contouring procedures such as liposuction required numerous surgeries to correct complications incurring from their initial surgery. Many of the surgeons surveyed felt that a lack of post-operative care was a main contributing factor to many of these complications.

“The process of surgery really encompasses a good analysis, a carefully done operation, and very careful post-operative care. To give up post-operative care you’re assuming you won’t have questions, problems, or any complications afterward. And quite frankly, I think it’s naïve and unsafe,” said Dr. Lou Bucky, a board certified surgeon and advisory board member for ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com.

While choosing plastic surgery abroad isn’t necessarily a poor decision, patients unfortunately aren’t doing their research. Finding references and information on surgeons abroad can also prove to be far more difficult. Ditching the beach for local care may just be the safest option.

Source: theplasticsurgerychannel.com

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