Most people seek cosmetic surgery to feel better about themselves. Does it work? Studies suggest that patients are generally pleased with the outcome and report improvement in self-esteem, social confidence and quality of life.
However, cosmetic surgery may not be appropriate for every person or every problem. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, take some time to contemplate these questions:
Why am I considering cosmetic surgery?
The healthiest reason to have cosmetic surgery is to improve your self-image. Its purpose is to enhance your feeling of well-being and to foster emotional health.
Am I having cosmetic surgery to please others or myself?
Cosmetic surgery cannot stop your boyfriend from leaving you. It cannot bring you new friends. It cannot get you a better job. You'll likely be disappointed if you are having cosmetic surgery to please someone else.
Are my expectations realistic?
Cosmetic surgery can dramatically improve your appearance, but it has its limitations. It is unwise to expect that cosmetic surgery can create the face of a celebrity or restore lost youth.
Am I emotionally prepared for cosmetic surgery?
There are certain circumstances under which cosmetic surgery may be inappropriate. These include a crisis or an emotional upheaval such as divorce, death of a spouse or loss of a job. Also, surgeons are reluctant to consider cosmetic surgery on patients who are depressed or have significant mental illness.
Is now the best time for cosmetic surgery?
Plan your surgery when you are relaxed and can afford the time to convalesce and heal afterward.
Am I prepared to handle unexpected results?
Unexpected results occur rarely, but when they do occur, they create emotional distress for both the patient and the surgeon. You must be prepared for the worst-case scenario and realize that it will require time, patience and a mutual trust between you and your surgeon to work toward improvement.
Do I have a support network?
It's important to have someone to support you physically and emotionally during your recovery. Beware of negative comments from friends or family members who may have issues with your decision to change your appearance.
Have I considered and accepted the risks?
There is risk involved with any surgery. In addition to the general risks related to anesthesia, blood loss and infection, specific risks for cosmetic surgery include skin loss, asymmetry, slow healing, numbness and minor dimples and puckers
Can I afford cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered by health insurance. If you can't afford the cost, the added financial stress could actually make you feel worse about yourself.
From WebMD medical reference: "Cosmetic Surgery Self-Assessment." For more information on cosmetic procedures, go to WebMD.com/skin-beauty.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Before deciding on plastic surgery, read this
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Teens and Plastic Surgery
The perfect nose, six pack abs and those just right thighs. On any magazine cover you are sure to spot that perfect body. A body some are willing to pay for, but who's paying may surprise you.
"I know of a couple of teens who have gotten it for a graduation present. I don't think there's anything wrong with it," says 20-year-old Valerie Fernandez.
Teens are getting nose jobs, breast implants even lipsosuction before they turn 18. Dr. A.H. Nezami is a board certified plastic surgeon. He's practiced at Baptist Hospital for 27 years.
Nezami says he recently turned away a 15-year-old girl who asked him for help. Nezami says it is a new trend, more teens are coming in and one of the biggest requests he says are breast implants. "Some parents will tell me they'll give authorization, but I still don't want to do it because it's against FDA recommendations," says Nezami.
He says the FDA and implant manufacturers do not recommend doing an augmentation on girls under 18-years-old. Their bodies are still developing.
While Dr. Nezami won't do the surgery, he says some doctors do. In fact, reports show that in Florida alone in 2005, more than 3,500 girls under 18 had breast implants. "I'm kinda shocked at the high number," says Nezami.
But young women we talked to say they are not shocked by the number. "In school, a lot of girls are always talking about their appearance and things they want to change about themselves," says 18-year-old Tabitha Hakim.
Connie Ansara, a 22-year-old, says girls want plastic surgery because of how society is today. "Everyone wants to look perfect that's what they put on TV, skinny and beautiful and perfect."
The pressure to be sexy, the pressure to be perfect. Valerie Fernandez, a 20-year-old, says she's thought about getting breast implants, but hasn't. "I'm scared to do it."
Two months ago, south Florida teen, Stephanie Kuleba, went in for breast surgery. Hours later, the 18-year-old died from complications.
"They should understand cosmetic surgery, it's not like going to the hair dresser and coming out and everything should be fine. There are risks involved," says Dr. Nezami.
Nezami says as a practice, he requests photo IDs, like a drivers license, for everyone not only to verify the name but also the age. He says girls have come in lying about how old they are to get the surgery.
Some teens we talked to say teens getting plastic surgery is "ridiculous." Other says there is such pressure teens will do just about anything to be considered "sexy."
Most young women we talked to say they won't have plastic surgery. They are happy with what they have. "This is what God gave me....and I'm thankful for what God gave me."
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Scientists Identify Lung Cancer Genes
Three independent teams of researchers have found genes that may explain why some smokers get cancer and others do not, and why some people who never smoke also get the disease. Investigators say the discoveries could lead to better ways to prevent and treat one of the most lethal forms of cancer. VOA's Jessica Berman reports.
The teams in the United States, France and Iceland scoured the DNA of thousands of white smokers and non-smokers of European descent,with and without lung cancer, looking for genes that have been linked to smoking.
Researchers identified three genetic variants that if inherited, increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer from 30 to 80 percent compared to those who do not have the genes.
While cigarette smoking is considered the number one risk factor for lung cancer, only fifteen percent of smokers eventually develops the disease, leading doctors to suspect genetics.
Mark Lathrop, co-author of one of the three studies, says it appears many more genes play a role in lung cancer but have yet to be identified. "Undoubtedly with larger studies of the same sort, we'll be able to identify a number of further genetic factors that are involved in the predisposition," he said.
Investigators say that smokers who inherit a full complement of the genetic variants have a twenty-three percent increased risk of developing lung cancer.
In all three studies, investigators found a link between smoking and nicotine. But only one team of scientists identified a genetic variation that they say causes addiction to nicotine, including how much a person smokes.
For now, researchers say it's unlikely their work will lead to some kind of a genetics test to determine who is and is not at high risk for lung cancer.
"There's not a public health message here that you know you can find what version of the gene you have and decide whether to keep on smoking or not. Because then also you have to bear in mind that there are so many other diseases that are caused by smoking," said Paul Brennan of the International for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France, who is a senior author of one of the studies.
But investigators say identifying genetic variants in gives scientists targets that can lead to new drugs to treat and possibly prevent lung cancer, a leading cause of cancer death around the world.
Meanwhile, investigators say they are now conducting studies involving Asians and Americans of African descent to try to identify genetic abnormalities that increase the risk of lung cancer in those populations.
Two of the studies on lung cancer were published in the journal Nature and one of the studies in the sister journal, Nature Genetics.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Natural Cures for Skin Allergies
Hives are an allergic skin reaction during which certain cells release histamine and other inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals cause small blood vessels in the area to leak and this causes the raised patches of skin - somewhat circular in shape. There may only be one or there can be many red patches. They last from one to three days. They can be white, pink or red and are itchy. They may also burn or sting. If the allergic reaction involves other systems of the body there may be a wheeze and difficulty in breathing, swollen lips and eyelids and general flushing. This can be a serious allergic situation and medical assistance needs to be sought immediately.
Our bodies are equipped with an immune system that is designed to recognize harmful substances that get into our blood stream or organs. The harmful substance or allergen enters our bodies and the immune system reacts through a system of plasma proteins called immunoglobulin - these search out and destroy the intruder. This is a complex process with many steps involved. During the process, the cells release histamine and other chemicals that cause the familiar allergic symptoms - swelling, itching, hives or sneezing and so forth. In the lungs these chemicals can cause muscle spasms, which in turn narrows the air passages making it difficult to breathe.
To have this allergic reaction our systems must first be primed - become sensitive to the allergen. One or more encounters with the allergen are required before the sensitization develops. The first exposure 'programs' our immune system to recognize and react in a certain way when encountering the allergen. Subsequent exposure results in the allergic response.
The factors that trigger an allergic reaction can be varied and may include:
Grasses and other plants
Pollen
Insect bites
Food additives and certain foods
Drugs
Any of an enormous range of chemicals found in the air, water and generally in the environment
Dust
Animal dander
and so forth
When the body is in good health, it can be very tolerant to the invasion of incoming chemicals or foreign proteins. However, if the liver is overloaded with toxic material and the lymphatic system is already congested with unsuccessful attempts to clear waste from the tissue an allergic reaction can manifest. Some people are genetically predisposed to producing large amounts of histamine. Stress will also play its part with most conditions. When the body is in a relaxed state, many instances of inflammation in the tissues can be avoided.
What you can do
All of the recommendations for hives and other allergic reactions are aimed at improving overall health and vitality. This is achieved by removing toxins from the body, making sure that a healthy eliminative diet is eaten, that the body has the nutrients that it needs to heal and obtain balance.
However, the first place to start is to eliminate the offending substance from contact or entry into the body. If the allergen problem is food or food additives, for example, it is important that the foods be eliminated from the diet. If the problem is dust, moulds, or pollens it is important for these to be eliminated - so that the immune system has a chance to rest and regain its balance.
Follow safe colon cleansing principles - this means that the whole body - including the lymphatic and immune systems will be cleansed and this is an effect way to assist the body to regain a balanced immune system.
The diet needs to be based on salads, vegetables, fruit and a moderate level of protein intake. It is particularly important for anything that suppresses the immune system and congests the lymphatic system needs to be removed from the diet. This means all sugars, dairy products, fatty food, all process and refined foods and fatty foods. Eliminating these foods will also provide the body with the opportunity to begin eliminating toxic material. This will begin to allow a rebalancing of the immune system.
In addition to eating a healthy diet it is important to supplement the nutrients that are eaten so that there are plenty available for the healing process. The nutrients that are needed can be obtained from a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. In particular vitamins C and the B group vitamins are needed.
It is also important to limit the toxic load that the body has to deal with as much as is possible. This means stop smoking , avoid alcohol, reduce or eliminate the chemicals that are used in and around the house, use organic foods and so forth.
There are two groups of herbs that will provide assistance. Those cleanse the liver and those that cleanse the lymphatic system. Herbs for cleansing the liver are:
Dandelion
Milk thistle
Burdock
Centaury
Fringe tree
Herbs for cleansing the lymphatic system are:
Red clover
Burdock
Cleavers
Violet leaves
In addition to the liver and lymphatic herbs the following can be useful.
The following can be made as a tea and then applied as a compress to the affected area.
Liquorice (licorice) has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy properties. It acts in similar ways to cortisol - the bodies own anti-inflammatory hormone. As well as using liquorice internally as a tea you can also apply the tea to the affected skin with a clean cloth three or four times per day. Be aware of the issues related to liquorice before you use it internally.
Chamomile is also an anti-inflammatory that you can take internally as well as applying the tea to the hives three or four times per day. You can also use it in a lukewarm bath. If you are allergic to other members of the daisy family you may also be allergic to chamomile.
Diluted, distilled witch hazel can be used externally to ease the itching.
The following is a useful formula:
4 tablespoons chamomile
1 tablespoon licorice
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon rosemary
1 teaspoonful turmeric or 1 tablespoon curry powder
3 cups water
Place the herbs into a medium saucepan and add the water. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and allow cooling. Place on a gauze cloth and apply to the affected area. Refrigerate any left over for later use.
Hives are an allergic skin reaction that cause raised patches of skin. There may only be one or there can be many red patches. They are one of a range of conditions that indicates hypersensitivity of the immune system. The underlying problems that have lead to the hypersensitivity and allergic responses need to be addressed - as well as providing immediate relief from the skin inflammation.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Natural-Cures-For-Skin-Allergies&id=822675
Monday, January 28, 2008
Any one can be patient of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is one of the dangerous cancers; can develop in the tissues covering the lungs and abdomen. The main cause of Mesothelioma cancer is inhaling asbestos particles. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals with long, thin fibers. Generally that’s not visible and can float in air easily. Any one can come in the contact of this asbestos particle in asbestos rich environment. These asbestos particles are absorbed by the lungs and it may take 20 to 50 years to be developing as disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma.
As shown in the picture, the tissues lining the lungs are called the pleura. There are two pleura, called pleural membranes. The gap between them is called the pleural space. The pleura are fibrous sheets. The pleura are protecting the lungs by producing a lubricating fluid that fills the gap between the two pleura. At breathing time, this helps the lungs to move smoothly in the chest.
Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in the pleura. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. Because it is so close, pleural mesothelioma can also affect the sheet of tissue covering the heart - the pericardium. Doctors call the pericardium the lining, although it is on the outside of the heart. It protects the heart and allows it to move smoothly within the sac that surrounds it. So it does much the same job for the heart as the pleura do for the lungs.
The peritoneum
The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum. It helps to protect the contents of the abdomen. It also produces a lubricating fluid. This helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen as we move around.
Mesothelioma of the tissues lining the abdominal cavity is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is much less common than pleural mesothelioma.
It is unusual for mesothelioma to spread to other parts of the body. But if it does, it does not usually cause troublesome symptoms.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
What is Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery is a medical procedure to change the appearance of a person’s Body. Today science provides several surgical and non surgical techniques to plastic surgery. Plastic surgery process is based on cosmetic enhancements as well as reconstructive operations. Cosmetic surgery is one of the important procedures of plastic surgery. But common procedures are based on both aesthetic and functional elements. “Plastic” word derives from the Greek “Plastikos”. This means to mold or to shape. In medical science it is not related to Synthetic Polymer material. In medical science plastic surgery means to mold and reshape the tissues of body i.e. bone, cartilage, and muscle, fat. These tissues are taking from other part of the body to reconstruct the damage part of the body. Today plastic surgery is one of the important achievements of the medical science.
Cosmetic surgery: Cosmetic surgery plays an important role to enhancement of one's physical appearance with rhinoplasty, liposuction, Facelift, Eyelid Surgery, Brow Lift, Facial Implants, Injectable Fillers, Skin Resurfacing, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Gynecomastia, Tummy Tuck, Spider Veins, Liposuction.
Constructive surgery: it is also a part of plastic surgery and in this type of plastic surgery; a plastic surgeon can give surgical treatment to those people who lost their body parts in accidents and those children who did not get normal body parts at their birth. People can get their old body structure and state with the help of different kind of plastic surgery.
In 20th century