For men and women both, the focus is on breasts according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which released its 2012 statistical report today.

In 2012, plastic surgeons across the country performed 286,000 breast augmentations, making it the most often performed cosmetic surgery for the year, a position it has held since 2006. Silicone implants were used in 62%, and saline implants in 38% and although the total number may be high, it represents a decline of 7% over 2011.

This is not the whole story, though; listed among the procedures that made notable gains in the past year is male breast reduction (gynecomastia), which rose in popularity during 2012 by 5% over 2011.

“I think we are always affected by the people that we see consistently, either on the big screen or on TV,” said American Society of Plastic Surgeons Public Education Committee Chair David Reath, MD. “We see them and think, ‘yeah, I’d like to look like that’.”

An astounding total of $11 billion was spent (up 5.5% over 2011) on 14.6 million cosmetic procedures in the US last year, boosting the economy in this sphere. With this 5% increase in procedures over the past year, women represented 91% of surgeries and 40-54 year olds made up the majority or 48% of the total.

The cosmetic action also shifted away from surgical procedures (1.6 million) to minimally-invasive procedures (13 million), which rose 6% over 2011.

Read more …

The post LINK: Not Just the Ladies: Men Increasingly Transform Their Breasts with Surgery appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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If you are dealing with extra skin on the abdomen you may find that this can make you a great candidate for a tummy tuck. Muscle weakness in the abdomen area can also make you a candidate. Your physical condition will also be assessed before you are scheduled for this type of surgery. This type of surgery is normally only appropriate for someone that is in good physical condition.

Pregnancy is the underlying factor that makes many women eligible for a tummy tuck. There are a couple of things that a pregnancy can do to the body that requires a tummy tuck later. Muscle weakness is a common problem after pregnancy and also loose skin. Many women exercise without any results in the abdomen area because they cannot tighten this skin. For some women it can be very difficult to regain their body the way it was before pregnancy, and a tummy tuck can help a woman get the body they had before pregnancy.

As people age the skin on the abdomen can become loose and not as tight as it used to be. This can also be a time to consider a tummy tuck. If you are getting older and notice that your skin on the abdomen is not as tight, you can change this with the tummy tuck procedure.

Weight loss surgery is a very popular procedure and many people lose drastic amounts of weight in a very short time frame. This can leave a person with extra skin all over the body. The abdomen can be affected the worst after weight loss surgery. This is also a time when a man may seek out a tummy tuck. If you have extra skin on your sides and back after weight loss surgery, you may find that you need a more extensive tummy tuck and this is something that many plastic surgeons can perform.

You will need a complete physical before you can be eligible for this surgery. If you have many medical problems, you may find that this is a surgery that may not be right for you. If you still have a great deal of fat on the abdomen, you may have to lose more weight before you are eligible. Your plastic surgeon can help you to determine an ideal weight to proceed with surgery.

A previous abdominal surgery that has many scars may prevent you from seeking out surgery also. Women should be completely done having children before they are good candidates. If a woman undergoes a tummy tuck and has another baby, the muscles can separate and this will require an additional surgery to repair. You should work with your doctor to find out how long after your pregnancy you can schedule this surgery if needed.

A tummy tuck can do great things for the appearance of your body and your self esteem. This can help you to reshape the contour of your body to what it used to be. This is a surgery that can allow you to wear the clothing you have always wanted and you will not have to worry about this loose skin preventing you from wearing the things you have always dreamed about.

Liposuction is often included with a tummy tuck procedure. This can remove any fat that is found in the abdomen. When you remove this fat, you will have a flatter, slimmer appearance. Liposuction can remove fat, but only the tummy tuck procedure can remove extra skin and tighten the muscles.

Scars are something that many women are concerned about if they are a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. According to doctors at John Hopkins Medicine, “Scars are normal, and they will fade over the course of a year. Your plastic surgeon will take care to ensure that the scars will be hidden by bathing suits and clothes.” You will not have to worry about any scarring and you will be able to easily cover these scars as they begin to fade.

There are many people that can find there is an answer to sagging skin on the abdomen and muscles that are no longer tight. A tummy tuck procedure can help you to feel better and you may be able to wear the clothing you have always wanted, but never felt comfortable in before.

The post Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck Procedure? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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When you see a skinny lady of a certain age with large and perky breasts, you may wonder if they’re implants. “Real ‘C’ cups start sagging by the time you’re 30,” says a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon. So, rather than getting breast implants, some are now seeking a subtler way to increase breast size. The January 2013 issue of Marie Claire discusses the latest trends.

Fat Transfer or Injection
If you don’t want the stigma of implants, you can increase your breast size with fat. Assuming you’ve got extra fat to spare from love handles or saddle bags, it can be injected into your breasts. First you undergo liposuction and then your own fat is either injected into your breasts or processed. The advantages of this treatment are that you will have no scars, your breasts may feel more natural, and no one will know that you have had any work done. Further, if you gain weight, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon says that the weight will go straight to your chest.

But there are disadvantages too. This process requires as much recovery time as implant surgery because of soreness from the liposuction. Further, it costs about $1,000 more for less volume. Only about 50 to 60 percent of the fat, which equals about a half to a full cup size, remains permanent after six months. The rest of the fat is metabolized by the body and the procedure can take up to six times as long as the standard 30-minute implant surgery.

Read the full article …

If you’re considering breast augmentation in Colorado Springs, be sure to consult with an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. You can contact Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS, by calling 719-634-2503 to schedule a consultation to discuss your cosmetic surgery goals.

The post LINK: New Trends in Breast Augmentation appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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The Breast Implant Removal Process

The process of having implants removed is actually very simple. This procedure only takes around 30 minutes at the maximum to be fully complete. It is something that many women recover from very quickly. Unlike augmentation, you will not have the down time that comes after surgery for enhancement. You may be sent how with drains that will be removed when your visit your doctor for a follow up appointment. Many doctors request that you wear a bandage for support during the healing process.

The pain after breast implant removal can be very minimal. You will likely be able to resume your normal activities right after your procedure. This is a procedure that is not as invasive as an actual enhancement. This will help you to recover much faster with a very small amount of pain accompanied during the procedure and the recovery time. This is often a concern for many women that are considering removal of implants. Understanding what to expect after the removal can help to relieve these fears.

Sometimes a woman may want breast implants removed due to a problem. Implants can rupture and also implants can have capsular contracture. Many women will have breast implants replaced during this time, but you can also have breast implants removed if there is a problem with the implant. If you have the implant removed and there is a lot of hanging tissue, you can work with your surgeon to come up with a plan. You can check into a breast lift to repair this tissue that is not in the position you prefer.

About a Mastopexy

A Mastopexy can help you to remove any loose skin you may have after an implant is removed. The scar that remains from this type of surgery is often very minimal as healing continues. You can talk to your doctor about things you can do to eliminate scarring.

When you decide that breast removal is the preferred choice for your needs, you will need to begin preparing for the process. You will meet with a plastic surgeon and this initial appointment is a great time to ask any questions that you may have. You will want to know the risks of any surgery you plan on proceeding forward with. Your surgeon will often look at your case personally and give you answers on how long the surgery will take, and also any instructions for before and after surgery.

After surgery you will want to take it easy for the first couple of days after surgery is completed. Many surgeons will recommend that you wear a surgical bra for a while after surgery is complete. You can also take pain medication during this time. After the first few days after surgery you will be able to resume all of your normal activities. You will not need pain medication any longer and you can simply move forward with your life.

Breast Implants Removal Statistics

According to the site FDA.gov, “As many as 20 percent of women who receive breast implants for augmentation have to have their implants removed within 8 to 10 years.” This is a very high incidence and there are many reasons for this removal. No matter what your reasons are for wanting implants removed, you can find a knowledgeable plastic surgeon to help you through the entire process. There are many options for breast implant removal. You can work with your doctor to design a plan that will be catered around your personal needs.

The post How are breast implants removed? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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Before opting for a face lift surgery, you should first know all about this surgical procedure. Facelift surgery is exactly what the name suggests. A plastic surgeon lifts the skin surgically and removes excess facial skin fat in order to promote a more youthful and tight facial skin. Facelift surgery involves different steps. Here are some of the basic steps involved in a facelift surgery.

Step One – Anesthesia

Before starting with the surgery, anesthetic medications are always administered. This is to improve your comfort during the surgical procedure. In most cases, plastic surgeons give intravenous sedation in combination with general anesthesia before the surgical procedure. Based on your body type and conditions, your doctor will recommend the best choice of anesthesia for you.

In addition to facelift, your cosmetic surgeon may advise you to go for some other procedures including soft tissue augmentation, facial implants, and wrinkle reductions. Sometimes, your skin may require a few resurfacing techniques in order to have an improved skin tone and smooth facial texture.

Step Two – The incision

Your facelift surgery may vary depending on the type of change you want. Sometimes, the rhytidectomy surgery choices include a long procedure of a traditional facelift. In contrast, it can also be a limited incision facelift surgery with a basic neck lift procedure.

• Traditional Facelift - During a traditional facelift incision, your plastic surgeon will begin the incision somewhere near the temples. This will continue around the ear till the end of lower scalp. Once the surgeon makes an incision, he or she will remove the facial fat by sculpt or liposuction method. In the next step, your underlying facial tissue will be repositioned and the deeper layers of the face will be lifted. After this step, the skin will be draped over and the excess skin will be trimmed away. For neck lifts, your surgeon may do a second incision under the chin in order to make the neck skin lift. As a result, your face and neck will look tight, youthful, and smooth.
• Limited Incision - In many cases, physicians perform a limited incision facelift surgery. Such surgery is for correcting sagging jowls, wrinkled face skin, and loose neck skin. In this process, excess fat accumulated near chin and face is also corrected. Surgeons make a small incision near the hairline and the temple to remove the excess fat. Laser therapy is also used in order to perform this step. In addition, the surgeon performs a traditional neck lift in order to remove the extra fat by separating the skin from the muscle underneath. Sometimes, the surgeon may have to fold the superficial musculoaponeurotic system or the skin layering in order to pull it back and tighten it over itself. As a result, the skin around the cheeks, jaw line, and the neck will become firm and smooth.

Step Three – Closing the incisions:

Finally, after removing the excess fat and folding the skin layer, your surgeon will pull the skin back up and proceed with the last step. After re-draping the skin over the face and neck, your surgeon will remove any excess skin either surgically or with laser. Then, the incision will be closed with sutures, stitches, or tissue glue. Usually, these stitches are placed within the hairline so that they are unnoticed. Once healed, the incision lines from a facelift will be concealed within the hairline.

Step Four – Healing and post-operative measures:

After a facelift procedure, you will see visible changes instantly. Your sagged face skin will be improved and appear toned, smooth, and youthful. Sometimes, you may find your skin swelled. This is very common after the surgical procedure. Gradually, these swellings will go away. If the facelift is done correctly, your incision scars will be completely unnoticeable. In case you find your skin very tight, contact your surgeon immediately. As you heal, your skin will appear more youthful, smooth, and radiant.

The Risks:

There are a few potential complications associated with this procedure. Some of them include infection, bleeding, asymmetry, and temporary loss of sensation. In some cases, it may lead to tissue scarring, hematoma, and necorsis. However, facelift is very satisfying and successful in most cases. Patients are advised to avoid using skin lotions and make-up for three to five days after the surgery. Once the dressings are taken out, you can go back to your regular skincare regimen. Also, the results of a facelift last for over 10 years. In fact, a good facelift will offer you youthful look, tight skin, and confident life.

The post What happens during a facelift surgery? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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What is Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, this procedure is used to create fuller or larger appearing breasts by inserting implants beneath the chest muscles or directly under the breasts. The surgeon will explain the procedure and options for implants, and help with decision making to ensure the final choices are the correct ones to achieve the look each woman desires. Another area the surgeon will discuss in detail is the recovery process.

Recovery from Breast Augmentation Surgery

While many women focus on the surgery and outcome, a big part of the process involves proper recovery measures. Recovery usually lasts from several weeks to several months after surgery with specific instructions provided by the surgeon to ensure the best outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

• Waking up Following Surgery

After surgery, patients are monitored until they are ready to be released. This usually takes at least two hours. When patients first awaken they may experience blurry vision, sleepiness and confusion. These symptoms are likely caused by the anesthesia and will wear off relatively quickly. Soreness may also become evident as the anesthesia wears off but can be controlled with an over the counter pain reliever or narcotic if necessary. Once patients are ready to leave, it is important they have someone to drive them home.

• The First Week After Surgery

Ice is recommended for 48– to 72-hours after surgery to minimize swelling and bruising. A compression garment will also be recommended to decrease swelling, and ensure that the breasts maintain the desired shape. Often drains are placed during surgery to rid the surgical site of excess fluid. These drains and any stitches used to close the incision will be removed within the first week following surgery. In addition, patients are instructed not to get the incision site wet until completely closed to minimize chance of infection. Thus, women are told not to bath or shower for 5- to 7-days after the procedure.

• Pain, Swelling and Bruising

Most pain, swelling and bruising occurs within the first three- to four-days. There should be a noticeable improvement after the first week.When the implants are placed on top of the chest muscle, there is less post-operative pain than when they are placed beneath this muscle. Patients are usually told to use the lowest level of pain medication that is effective, using over-the counter medication if possible though pain medication is also prescribed to ensure the patient remains comfortable.

It is not unusual for swelling to last for three to four months after the procedure. While many women feel self-conscious due to fears everyone will notice, with the use of the proper undergarments and clothing the swelling often goes undetected. If someone makes a comment and the woman prefers not to reveal she had surgery, one solution is for the woman to smile widely while discussing the amazing breast enhancing exercises that she found on the internet. Drinking eight glasses of water a day, limiting salt intake and engaging in low intensity exercise can help reduce swelling.

Bruising following surgery is normal and should fade within one- or two- months. Sometimes herbal remedies are effective in decreasing bruising more quickly but which should not be used for two weeks following surgery. These include arnica, bromelain Vitamin E and Garlic.

• Sleeping

Many people have trouble sleeping following surgery due to the necessity of sleeping on their backs while elevating their head and upper body to decrease pain and swelling. Often those who usually sleep on their stomachs or move from one to the other in their sleep will find themselves suddenly awakened when they’ve turned over in their sleep. It’s often recommended that women practice sleeping on their backs for several weeks prior to surgery to get used to sleeping in this position.

• Permissible Activities

Patients should walk around as soon as possible after surgery to lower the chance blood clots will develop and decrease swelling. Patients are instructed to refrain from strenuous activity for 3- to 4-weeks following surgery to maximize recovery. Regular exercise can be resumed within 2- to 3-months after surgery though any upper body weight-work should be discussed with the surgeon.

• Driving and Returning to Work

Most women are instructed they can resume driving when they are off all narcotic medications, and their pain level and range of movement allow for safe maneuvering. Depending on the requirements of the job, the patient may be able to return to work after a week if there is no lifting or strenuous activity involved.

Summary Remarks

While the recovery process may seem arduous, several polls and studies cited by The San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center reported that most women are pleased with the surgery results after recovery is complete. One poll revealed that 88 percent of participants stated they felt their surgery had been worth it, while another poll showed that 88 percent of those included were satisfied with their new breasts. The same poll also showed that most of the women felt the procedure had improved their appearance and self-confidence. Finally, a study conducted at the University of Florida found that women reported a significant increase in self-esteem and sexual functioning. Thus, while the recovery process may seem somewhat overwhelming, most women who undergo breast augmentation surgery feel positively about the outcomes both in appearance and psychosocial functioning.

The post Recovery Following Breast Augmentation Surgery appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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Over the past few years, there have been many reports and articles discussing the increasing popularity of plastic surgery among men. There was a time when cosmetic surgery carried a stigma, especially for the male half of the population, but modern men aren’t shy about seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon for a little nip and tuck. With the increase in male patients come a few changes in how plastic surgery facilities do business, reports Metro.

“It now accounts for 25 percent of my patients, and it’s increasing steadily” a New Jersey-based cosmetic physician told the news source about the increase in male patients at his clinic. “I used to have Vogue and Cosmo in my waiting room – now I have Sports Illustrated and car magazines.”

He explains that many men want treatments similar to his female patients desire, but still approach aesthetic procedures differently. Botox injections are popular among male patients, because they can be done in a short amount of time and it’s unlikely that many people will make comments or draw attention to their new look.

Read the full article …

Plastic Surgery for Men in Colorado Springs

If you’re man considering plastic surgery and you live in or near Colorado Springs, contact Dr. Greg Liebscher at 719-634-2503 to schedule a consultation to discuss your cosmetic surgery goals.

The post LINK: Rise in male plastic surgery prompts surgeons to mix things up appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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Liposuction

The process begins with an evaluation of the patient’s health history including any genetic predispositions. Lifestyle choices, such as dietary habits and smoking, are also taken into consideration along with current medical conditions. To be a good candidate, the individual must be in good general health and over 18 years of age. Older patients may not be considered for the procedure as aged skin loses its elasticity and may not be able to recover from this type of surgery. Heart problems, infections and diabetes may also limit the person’s eligibility for liposuction.

The basic liposuction consists of extraction of proper amounts of fat without any disturbance to the surrounding tissues and organs creating the least amount of discomfort for the patient. The procedure has evolved over the years into a safe method of fat removal and body contouring resulting in an attractive outcome. An extensive preparation period proceeds liposuction to ensure safety and includes the following.

• You must be cleared by your medical provider for liposuction.
• Certain medications, such as anticoagulants will have to be discontinued two weeks prior the surgery.
• You must stop smoking two months before the surgery.
• With the use of general anesthesia, you will have to fast for several hours.
• You will be asked to sign the consent form on the day of surgery.
• You will be administered antibiotics before and after surgery.

As with any surgical procedure, the side effects are to be expected, but with proper post-op care should not disturb the patient’s recovery. The immediate consequences of liposuction typically include bruising and swelling with minor scarring. Temporary weight gain associated with fluid retention may also occur and diminishes over a period of few weeks. The most notable side effect is post-operative pain which is controlled by medication. Some patients experience numbness in the region of surgery, which is caused by lingering remnants of the local anesthesia administered before the procedure. The anesthetic is slowly absorbed by the body during the healing process and the feeling of numbness dissipates.

Beyond minor and temporary side effects, there are more complicated risks if the standards of safety are not followed. These may include allergic reactions to the materials and medications used during the surgery. It is imperative that the patient discloses all medical information prior having the liposuction performed. The risk of infection is also considered and is typically avoided by using the antibiotics before, during and after the procedure. More involved complications may include damage to the skin and skin necrosis where the affected tissue falls off creating painful wounds. If extensive amounts of fat are removed in one session, unevenness of the skin surface may create bumpy appearance. Liposuction can also disturb the fluid balance in the body causing overflow of the lungs, kidneys and heart.

All reasonable precautions are taken during the treatment. However, you are ultimately responsible for choosing properly educated, credentialed and skilled plastic surgeon who will perform the surgery. The patient should be well informed before making the final decision. The surgeon should be board certified and have an extensive portfolio displaying his familiarity and experience with liposuction. The surgeon should be also currently certified in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. In addition, you should be able to check the referrals and contact previous patients who have undergone the procedure. Any former problems, such as numerous malpractice suits or disciplinary actions, should be reviewed before deciding to retain the help of a liposuction surgeon.

Liposuction is a highly invasive procedure and presents many risks. However, it also provides several benefits and if performed correctly will lead to positive results with a minimal hazard to the patient’s health. Well trained surgeons follow all rules and regulations of the industry and focus on educating the patient about pros and cons of liposuction. It is recommended to have the treatment performed in small increments and ensure the patient’s safety rather than having large amounts of fat removed in one visit which may lead to complications.

Sources:
http://www.fda.gov

The post How Safe Is Liposuction? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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What is Breast Augmentation?

Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, this surgical procedure involves creating larger or fuller breasts through the use of various types of implants. The implants are placed under the chest muscle or the breast tissue to alter breast size and/or shape of the breasts. Breast mammoplasty is used to make smaller breasts look larger, correct asymmetrical breasts, and increase the fullness of breasts that have begun to sag due to age, pregnancy or breast feeding.

There are currently two types of breast implants that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, saline filled and silicone gel filled implants. Saline implants are reported to be safer than silicone since it’s easier to tell when a saline implant has ruptured. Both types of implants come in a rounded or more natural appearing teardrop shape, and smooth or textured surfaces.

Another technique that is used for breast augmentation is fat grafting also known as autologous fat transplantation. This involves removing excess fat from areas of the body such as the buttocks and thighs and injecting it into the breast. A benefit to this augmentation method include that the risks of rejection or adverse reactions are removed since the fat being transplanted is the individuals own tissue. Additionally, fat transplantation permits surgeons to shape the breast to fit the requested appearance as opposed to being restricted to using preformed implants. One limitation of the procedure is that the fat transfer method limits the increase in size of the breasts which is smaller than what can be obtained with implants.

While some practitioners in the field have expressed reservations regarding this procedure, according to studies published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, fat transplantation is a safe and efficient method of breast augmentation.

What is a Breast Lift?

Breast tissue and surrounding skin often lose elasticity with increasing age as well as from pregnancy, breast feeding and changes in weight. Additionally, genetics has been shown to play a role in decreased skin elasticity leading to premature sagging of the breasts.

A procedure which can address these effects is a breast lift or mastopexy, which involves removing unnecessary skin and raising the breast which are then supported by tightening the tissue around them. However, breast lifts do not change the size of the breasts. For fuller or larger breasts, plastic surgeons often perform a breast lift with breast augmentation.

Is Breast Enhancement Connected to an Improved Sex Life?

For women, body image greatly influences self-esteem, self-confidence, and the way they react in intimate encounters. When women feel self -conscious or ashamed of their bodies, they are less responsive and enjoy sex less than when they feel positively about their body image. In terms of body image, the parts of the body that are the primary focus for women during sexual encounters are their breasts. This may be a result of images from T.V., movies, media, ads, books and societal norms in which breasts are equated with womanhood, femininity, sexiness and desirability.

This is one of the main reasons millions of women have had breast enhancement surgery. When a woman feels her breasts look asymmetrical, misshapen, or undersized, this can have a large impact on her life. We’re surrounded by advertisements for products that are alleged to increase breast size, bathing suit models whose figures suggest the ideal body includes large, firm breasts, and movies in which the ingénues clothing reveals enough to suggest the presence of sizable breasts beneath. With all these influences it’s not surprising that women believe that they must have large breasts to be found attractive by others . These beliefs transfer to the bedroom, affecting a women’s sex life.

New Findings on Breast Augmentation Surgery and Saxual Satisfaction

Breast enhancement surgery has recently been front and center in the news with increased attention on examining the relationship between women’s satisfaction with their breasts and their sex-life. A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported that women who had breast enhancement surgery reported increased satisfaction with the appearance of their breasts, and a greater sense of psycho-social and sexual well-being after the surgery. Since psycho-social functioning is strongly related to sexual functioning, while each of these factors may have contributed independently to improved life satisfaction following breast enhancement surgery, these factors also likely contributed to women’s quality of life through the ways in which they interacted.

A recent poll conducted by RealSelf.com, a consumer review site related to breast augmentation, suggested that breast enhancement surgery improved several areas in the respondents’ sexual functioning. In particular, results demonstrated that following surgery 61% of the participants reported having sex more often, and 70% of the participants reported greater satisfaction with their sex live.

Interviews with plastic surgeons regarding this poll were not surprised by the findings. A plastic surgeon on faculty at the University of Texas stated that he noticed a difference in how women dressed and the way they carried themselves , which he equated with increased self- confidence following surgery. He added that he believed this improved confidence observed in his patients was likely to affect other areas of their lives in a positive manner including their sexual functioning.

Anecdotal reports suggest that women who have undergone breast enhancement surgery experience orgasm more quickly and are more easily aroused by their partners. Some practitioners have suggested that when a woman feels self -conscious during sex that it’s more difficult for her to relax and experience pleasure from the encounter. Breast enhancement surgery increases overall confidence, which can lead to a woman feeling more relaxed and less inhibited during sex. Most theories related to the outcomes of breast enhancement procedures suggest that the improvement found in women’s sexual functioning was a result of an improved body image leading to increased self-confidence and greater comfort in intimate situations.

The post Does Breast Enhancement Surgery Lead to Better Sex? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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Botox:

This cosmetic treatment is by far the most common non-evasive procedure. There were 5.7 million of these procedures performed last year at an average cost of $500 each. That is an increase of 5 percent from the previous year. One of the factors that makes Botox so preferable is its low-cost and low risk.

Breast augmentation:

The most common surgical procedure is breast enhancement surgery. Breast enlargement surgeries are up 4 percent from last year. That means 296,203 procedures were performed last year at an average cost of $3,351. New innovative technology has increased the success and safety of this surgery making it even more popular for women.

Breast reduction:

Around 140,000 breast reductions were performed last year at an average cost of $6,000 per procedure. Many breast reductions are not performed for cosmetic reasons alone. Women often have breast reductions to reduce back pain and other complications associated with having large breasts. For example, some athletes opt to reduce their breast size to increase their athletic performance.

Rhinoplasty:

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is more popular with men than other procedures, yet there are still many women who request nose jobs as well. There are an estimated 252,261 nose jobs performed each year at an average cost of $4,306 a procedure. The nose has a huge effect on a person’s appearance. Therefore, it makes perfect sense that this is one of the most common plastic surgeries performed on a yearly basis.

Abdominoplasty:

An Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is another very popular elective procedure. Last year, around 116.000 procedures were performed at an average cost of $2,828 each. Tummy tucks are most common in women; however, men can have them as well. Most tummy tucks are requested by women because of damage to the abdomen during pregnancy. This procedure is safe and usually effective. For this reason, it is a very common plastic surgery.

Liposuction:

Around 203,103 liposuction procedures are performed on a yearly basis at an average cost of $2,828 each. Liposuction is a very common procedure often repeated by the same person more than one time during their lifetime. It effectively removes fat from several areas of the body including the thighs, buttocks, stomach and arms.

Blepharoplasty:

Blephoroplasty, otherwise known as eyelid surgery, is another very common cosmetic procedure. There were around 208,764 procedures performed last year at an average cost of $2,828 each. Eyelid surgery is preformed to correct drooping of the upper eyelids and bags below the eyes. This is accomplished by removing extra skin, muscle and fat from the eye.

Rhytidectomy:

Rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a face lift, is an additional cosmetic procedure that is common. There are an estimated 116,000 procedures performed each year at a cost of $6,231 each. A face-lift’s purpose is to correct damage to the face by tightening and firming the skin of the face. Damage to the skin is caused by many factors including fluctuations in weight, smoking, genetics and exposure to the sun.

The above is a list of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed each year. The cosmetic surgical industry continues to grow each year as more and more people choose to try these procedures.

The post How Many Plastic Surgery Procedures Are Done Each Year in the U.S.? appeared first on Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS.

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