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If the shape or position of your ears is defective or disturbing to you in terms of how it affects your appearance, it’s good to know that there are ear surgery options available to correct these issues. The technical term for cosmetic ear surgery is otoplasty.

Surgery for Protruding Ears

Ears that protrude are probably one of the most common situations that bring patients to seek out plastic surgery options. Those who have protruding ears often go through childhood and adolescence enduring name-calling and may suffer from lowered self-esteem and a lack of self-confidence.

There is no longer a reason to be burdened with ears that protrude if your appearance bothers you to a great degree. Once ears have grown to full size at around age 5 or 6 years, children or adults can have ear surgery to correct protruding ears. This type of otoplasty is often referred to as ear pinning. The surgeon will make a small incision behind each ear (or just one ear if only one is affected), removing some cartilage and skin. He or she will then pin the remaining cartilage back permanently with sutures so the ears sit more closely to the head. Hearing will not be affected, but self-confidence most certainly will improve after this type of otoplasty.

Ear Reduction Surgery

Some people have ears that appear too large for their heads. Others may simply have ears that are not shaped correctly and they desire a more natural look. One ear may sit higher on the head than the other one, creating an appearance that looks unbalanced. With ear reduction surgery, patients’ ears are re-sculpted. This can involve making the ear lobes shorter or repositioning where the ears sit. Balance and symmetry are given to the ears and face for a more natural and improved appearance.

Who Should Consider Otoplasty?

If you were born with ears that are too large or too small for your head, surgery is an option to correct this imbalance. The same is true if your ears stick out too much or if you’ve been in an accident that has changed the shape or position of your ears, such as a torn ear lobe or a deformity due to a dog bite.

Many women are choosing to have a mommy makeover after they are finished having children. Pregnancy and childbirth takes a toll on a female’s body, and women feel uncomfortable about their bulging tummies and sagging breasts. Rather than undergoing only one cosmetic procedure at a time, women request multiple surgeries at once to repair several problem areas.

Tummy Tucks Included in Mommy Makeovers

A mommy makeover procedure can vary slightly for each woman, but it usually includes an abdominoplasty and breast augmentation. An abdominoplasty is the medical word for a tummy tuck, and this procedure is designed for removing excess fat along with tightening the skin on the abdomen. Some women require a partial abdominoplasty because their stomach is still in good condition with only a slight amount of flabbiness. Other women require a complete abdominoplasty because the skin on their abdomen is flabbier. A complete abdominoplasty requires more incisions along with a longer recovery time, and a cosmetic surgeon may also suggest liposuction to remove additional fat. A cosmetic surgeon can help a woman decide on the best type of abdominoplasty procedure for her body.

A Mommy Makeover Includes Breast Augmentation Surgery

When women are pregnant, their breasts become enlarged and often saggy, and this condition continues throughout the breast-feeding process. After a woman has stopped nursing an infant and no longer wants to have any more children, she can have her breasts augmented. There are several types of breast augmentation, including:

• Mastopexy – a breast lift that requires removal of excess skin and fat
• Reduction mammaplasty – surgery to reduce the overall size of each breast
• Enlargement – inserting saline or silicone implants under the existing breast tissue

A cosmetic surgeon will examine a woman in order to offer advice concerning the best type of breast augmentation for her body. This type of breast surgery requires incisions that vary from a tiny cut in the navel to insert the implants to multiple long incisions on or underneath the breasts.

What Mommy Makeovers Entail

All types of mommy makeover procedures require sedation anesthesia during the surgery and pain medication afterward. The recovery time from a mommy makeover varies based on the types of procedures chosen along with how each woman heals.

A sun tan is actually visible damage to your skin. After being exposed to the sun, your skin cells may develop other noticeable changes, such as freckles or acne. After repeat episodes of sun damage, the skin may turn leathery, dry, wrinkled and discolored. The damaged skin may bruise easily. Chronic sun damage is a leading cause of skin cancer, which is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer.

Risks of Sun Overexposure

Overexposure to the sun may cause short-term effects such as allergic reactions and rashes. Regular overexposure to the sun may weaken your body’s immune system, making it harder for you to fight off germs. People with chronic overexposure to the sun have increased risks of basal and squamous cell skin cancer and melanoma.

How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

You can still enjoy the great outdoors without risking any further damage to your skin. If possible, avoid going outside between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the most intense. When you do go outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat. The hat protects your scalp, forehead and eyes from sun damage. The hat’s brim also helps to shade your neck.

Sunglasses also help to protect your eyes. If you can, wear long sleeves and a long skirt or pants. You can also select clothing that has built-in UV protection. If you are swimming or when pants and long sleeves are not practical, wear sunscreen. Choose a product that has an SPF of 50 or higher. Reapply the sunscreen every 1.5 to 2 hours.

Be mindful of any side effects from medications that you are using. Medications with estrogen, some antibiotics and some skin medications increase your sensitivity to the sun and may increase your risk of sun damage.

What to Do About Skin Damage from the Sun

If you do have skin damage from the sun, you may be able to correct it. Cosmetic surgery might be an option to reverse fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun exposure. Injections of dermal fillers can also fill in wrinkles that are caused by the sun. There may also be prescription creams and ointments that you can use to help restore elasticity and dryness caused by sun exposure. One of the best plastic surgeons in Orange County can make recommendations for products to use before or after surgery.

You already know that cosmetic surgery can change your overall look and appearance, but you may not realize that these procedures have other benefits too. Something as simple as changing the shape of your nose can boost your self-esteem and let you walk with a little more confidence. You’ll notice that people look at you differently and that you feel differently about yourself too.

During your consultation, your doctor will ask you about what you want to do and give you an idea of how you might look. Before your appointment though, take a look at some of the biggest benefits of cosmetic surgery.

Improved Physical Health

Not all patients opt for cosmetic surgery because they want to change the way they look. Some go through surgery because they want to improve their overall physical health. When you are even 20 pounds overweight, you have a higher risk of suffering from medical issues and diseases later. Once you fall into the obese category, you have a high risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. A procedure like liposuction targets some extra fat and improves your overall physical health. Other procedures can help you breathe easier or sleep better at night.

Better Mental Health

Cosmetic procedures can improve your mental health too. When you have a bump on your nose, a deformed body part, or any other problem spot that others can see, you probably find yourself hiding that part away from others. This can leave you feeling anxious and even depressed. While medications can help to boost your mood, cosmetic surgery is a longer term solution. After just a few hours in the operating room, you’ll come out feeling like a completely different person and with more self-confidence to boot.

Fast Results

It can take months of strict diet and exercise before you get the results that you want. Even doing hours of exercise every week can leave you feeling less than happy with your body. Cosmetic procedures let you get the results that you want in a fraction of the time. Instead of spending months at the gym and using all the machines available to you, you can shed those extra pounds in just one session at your doctor’s office.

Cosmetic procedures include everything from liposuction and breast augmentation to face lifts and chemical peels. These procedures improve both your mental and physical health and deliver fast results.

Stem cells are base or undifferentiated human cells that can divide at a later time and become any type of tissue. They replicate through mitosis and differentiate into specialized roles in the body. In adults, stem cells act as a repair system for the body. Adult stem cells have been used successfully for many years in well-recognized medical therapies such as bone marrow transplants.

Types of Stem Cells That Are Used in Cosmetic Surgery

Only adult stem cells are used in cosmetic surgery. The omnipotent stem cells can be transplanted from one person into another and used to regrow damaged tissue. These stem cells are also called somatic cells because they are used to repair tissue throughout the human body. Some adult stem cells can only replicate to make more of the same type, such as skin cells. These cells are useful in applications such as cosmetic surgery because they have rapid self-renewal capabilities.

The Sources of Stem Cells Used in Cosmetic Surgery

The stem cells used in cosmetic surgery often come from the same person who is having cosmetic surgery. This is called auto-grafting. It is much like donating blood to yourself before having heart surgery. In other cases, the adult stem cells come from healthy screened donors. Sometimes, the stem cells come from people who have chosen to become organ and stem cell donors. The cells are always tested for safety and are treated to make sure that they are free of bacteria and viruses.

In Which Types of Cosmetic Surgery Can Stem Cells Be Used?

There are many functional and cosmetic surgery applications that use adult stem cells. Medical scientists are working on using stem cells to grow new adult teeth, which cosmetic dentists would use in place of an implant. Stem cells are widely used for the treatment of baldness reversal. Men and women who have unwanted hair loss can visit a cosmetic surgeon and have stem cells transplanted to the places on their bodies where they want to regrow hair. This can be done for male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, and baldness caused by cancer and radiation treatments. Stem cells are also used by cosmetic surgeons to repair scarred or burned areas of the skin, especially on the face.

Any future bride or groom knows that a lot of planning goes into a wedding. With the prevalence of social media, plus the desire to look the best on their wedding day, many men and women opt for cosmetic surgery procedures before they walk down the aisle. Here are a few cosmetic surgery procedures that both men and women undergo before their big day.

Face Lifts/Facial Procedures

Older men and women may have the desire to look more youthful on their perfect day. For them, there are a few options available to them. There are full-on face lifts, where excess skin, muscle, and fat is tightened by the surgeon. Other facial cosmetic surgery procedures that a bride or groom can undergo before their big day include blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhinoplasty (nose job), and forehead contouring surgery. These types of procedures are more invasive than injectables and fillers, so any bride or groom who is thinking of undergoing these procedures should allow time for the recovery process before their wedding day.

Fillers and Injectables

Injectables and fillers are a good option for men and women who do not want to undergo a more invasive procedure, but would like to have a youthful appearance on their wedding day. These procedures help rejuvenate the patient’s face and smooths out the lines. Those brides or grooms who are thinking of getting injectables or fillers should get them done a couple of weeks before the big day. This is to allow any swelling or bruising to go down in the days before the wedding. Getting these procedures a couple of weeks before the event also allows for any needed touch-ups to be performed without the alarming redness.

Breast Enhancement

Brides may consider breast enhancement if they don’t like the way their gown fits, or they just want to change a major part of their appearance before the wedding. Women thinking of a breast enhancement should allow a month for recovery.

Body Contouring

Procedures ranging from breast lifts, liposuction, and tummy tucks fall under the umbrella of body contouring. Body contouring might be a good idea if one or both halves of the couple wants to show off their bodies on international beaches, as well as look great in their gowns and/or tuxedos.

Over 14.6 million people opted for cosmetic procedures in the United States each year. Many of these men and women are brides and grooms that want to look their finest on their finest day.

In 2015, overall cosmetic surgery procedures were on the rise, and the clientele has rapidly expanded. Once believed to be a choice only women made as they aged, statistics show that more men are choosing to improve upon nature, while younger women are being more proactive about keeping a youthful appearance. The types of procedures each person chooses is obviously an intimate and personal decision, but there is data to show which options are most popular.

Breast Augmentation

The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in 2015 was breast augmentation, up 31% from 2000. Why do women choose breast augmentation? For most, the choice to undergo this procedure is one made for themselves, not for other people. Many women report an increase in self-confidence and motivation after the procedure. Not all women who choose the operation do so to have large breasts, they do it to have breasts more in proportion to their body. It has become a popular decision for women looking to gain a more appealing bust.

Liposuction

Liposuction rates rose 5% from 2014. Men and women are choosing to undergo this procedure for many reasons, including weight loss and improving on stubborn areas. Liposuction can restore a smooth appearance to the skin, while giving a lift in places affected by gravity. Liposuction techniques can be used to correct fat deposits in almost any area of the body. This includes arms, neck, stomach, back, buttocks, and thighs.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck procedures, also referred to as abdominoplasty, are up 9% over 2014 rates. While men can undergo a tummy tuck after extensive weight loss, or other medical reasons, the majority of patients choosing a tummy tuck are women. Women who have gained and lost a lot of weight, or have carried and given birth to a child, often find themselves unable to firm up and flatten their stomach by their own efforts. While the results of a tummy tuck can be affected by future pregnancies or excessive weight gain, the results are considered permanent and can strengthen weakened or separated abdominal muscles and improve the appearance of scars or stretch marks, creating a flatter, smoother silhouette.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelid surgery, also known as blepharoplasty, is one of the most common cosmetic surgery choices in both men and women. While rates are steady from 2014-2015, there has been a heavy increase from 2000. Eyelid surgery is a procedure that can lift and remove sagging skin, both for appearance sake and to improve vision when eyelids interfere with sight. Wrinkles and fat deposits are also corrected during blepharoplasty, which can be done on both upper and lower lids, as necessary.

No longer taboo, cosmetic surgery is now a common and acceptable choice for anyone seeking to improve their appearance.

While plastic surgery can be a positive, life-changing experience, it is only natural to have questions and concerns about the process.

Q: Is the anesthesia safe?

A: Your surgeon will perform an in-depth consultation, including a detailed medical history, with each and every patient. Any potential risk factors will be carefully assessed with you before the procedure. There is also a trained anesthesiologist and a team of other professionals present during the procedure to ensure the highest levels of safety.

Q: Will I be in a lot of pain?

A: People have varying levels of pain tolerance. A variety of techniques are used to ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible. Most procedures are done under general anesthesia. Some procedures also involve use of a combination of local anesthetics and pain medications to help with post-surgical pain. Many surgeons also use surgical techniques that minimize tissue trauma, which helps reduce the amount of post-surgical pain.

Q: Will I have scars?

A: Anytime the skin is cut there will be a certain amount of scarring. Your doctor will aim to reduce the amount of visible scarring by hiding incisions when possible and using delicate suturing techniques. You will also receive detailed instructions regarding caring for your incisions to ensure optimal healing.

Q: Will I still be recognizable?

A: Plastic surgery should whisper, not shout. Your doctor will take the time during the consultation to get a clear understanding of your goals and expectations for the surgery. Your doctor will also do extensive pre-operative measurements and planning to ensure a symmetrical and proportionate appearance, so that the end result is you looking like an even better version of yourself.

Q: How long is the recovery time?

A: The recovery time depends on the type of procedure. As a general rule, you should avoid strenuous activity for a minimum of three weeks. Exercise puts excess stress on the body and can exacerbate bruising and swelling. Your doctor will discuss your specific recovery procedures with you in detail, so you will know exactly what to expect.

While nearly half of all cosmetic surgeries performed in the United States are done on patients 40 to 54 years old, there are procedures that can benefit just about anyone. With more than 10 million cosmetic surgeries performed annually at an average cost of $800 per procedure, it’s understandable to want to have a good idea of the lasting results of some of the most common procedures.

Breast Augmentation

Approximately 300,000 breast augmentations are performed annually in the U.S. alone, making it the most common cosmetic procedure. Due to improved techniques, the procedure has a long and successful track record. Many women enjoy the benefits of the procedure for many years without any issues. Lasting results can include a more youthful figure and increased confidence and self-esteem.

Nose Reshaping

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is often performed to fine-tune the shape of the nose or correct a deformity. While only so much can be done to change the natural architecture of the nose, lasting results can include a natural appearance that’s in harmony with other facial features. Ideal candidates for the procedure have a stable and well-proportioned nasal skeleton.

Liposuction

Although typically performed in the stomach and abdominal area, liposuction can also be performed on the hips, arms, neck, and buttocks. For ideal candidates with minimal excess weight and good skin elasticity, lasting results often include a more defined body shape and better control of typical problem areas. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the odds of enjoying long-term results are greatly increased when patients adhere to physician’s instructions and make an effort to maintain their weight following the procedure.

Eyelid Surgery

Often done to remove “bags” under the eyes and create a more youthful facial appearance, blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, can produce firmer and tighter eyelids. Lasting results can include the removal or reduction of fine wrinkle lines, better vision if sight was previously impaired by sagging or puffy eyelids, and a refreshed look.

Facelift

Frequently performed to create a tighter and firmer look, a facelift can have many lasting benefits. Performed more than 10 million times a year in the U.S., facelifts can also improve self-esteem, reduce wrinkles, and tighten skin that may have been affected by age and years of sun and wind exposure. While everyone has a different experience with cosmetic surgery, a facelift can last up to ten years, according to most estimates.

Cosmetic surgery is on the rise in America as the industry continues to invent, innovate, and inspire. What was once a cosmetic surgery luxury that was only for the wealthy is now a practical option for most patients.

Demand for plastic surgery continues to grow as technology improves, and as the cost at which a service can be provided goes down. Additionally, this growth is being pushed by the ever increasing customer awareness caused by a more direct to consumer marketing approach by the industry. Whether it be via word of mouth, catalogs, or social media, the message of body empowerment is getting out quicker than ever before. That is exciting news for the industry, as well as for patients who may be considering improving their appearance cosmetically.

Statistics

The latest ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) data shows that 15.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States in 2014, up 3% from the year before. Of this total, 13.9 million were minimally invasive. Minimally invasive operations are widely popular and include Botox injections, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion (the exfoliation of dead skin cells). The ASPS is moreover predicting that the number of procedures will increase to upwards of 50 million in the next few years!

Choosing Wisely

All of this popularity is wonderful, but consumers need to choose their medical professionals wisely. Fast paced growth and interest can sometimes lead to a lot of start-up facilities that have an underqualified staff. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons. They are uniquely qualified to operate on the human body. Their training and knowledge will be invaluable to you as they help you plan health and beauty goals particular to your individual needs and wants.

Always communicate well with your chosen doctor and allow them to assess your personal needs and advise you accordingly. Patients desire cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons. Determining what your reasons are for wanting change, and determining if those reasons are mentally and physically healthy, is key to enjoying your results over a lifetime. Your doctor will help make sure you are in good self-esteem, are desiring the procedure primarily for your own benefit, and that you properly understand any associated risks.

As this exciting and life changing industry continues to rise, patients can now feel more empowered than ever before to promote their own beauty and boost their self-confidence!