Can you guess how old the practice of plastic surgery is? Is it 50 years? Is it maybe 100 years? OK, maybe if we stretch what we define as surgery, maybe it’s 200 years old.

Well, guess again.

According to an article at brainz.org, the practice of plastic surgery is more than 4,000 years old! Here’s a bit from the article:

The early beginnings of plastic surgery started more than 4,000 years ago and it usually came in the form of correcting injuries in the facial area. In Ancient India, skin grafts were used for various reconstructive procedures done to the face. In fact, a method of rhinoplasty that involved getting skin from the forehead or cheek was kept secret for hundreds of years in India. In fact, plastic surgery was more accepted in the East at the time. The whole concept of reconstructive surgery was slow to be accepted in Europe. But medical progress di happen in ancient Rome in terms of advancements in plastic surgery. For example, Aulus Cornelius Celsus (probably one of the earliest plastic surgeons) wrote the tome De Medicina. The book describes the different surgical methods for reconstructing the lips, nose and ears – parts of the face that are usually injured during wars and battles.

The Renaissance brought with it an increased interest in plastic surgery in Europe. One of the methods discussed during this time were treatments for gynecomastia, which is seen as a precursor to the eventual development of breast reduction surgical methods.

» Read the full article

Thought that would be a fun one to share.

Of course, if you live in the Colorado Springs and you’re considering plastic surgery, of course you get advanced, modern-day plastic surgery procedures from Dr. Greg Liebscher. Procedures include facelifts, breast lifts, breast implants, liposuction, and more. Call to schedule a free, in-person consultation with Dr. Liebscher. Consultations for certain conditions and procedures may be covered by insurance.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

In this video, Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, shares his medical background, special areas of interest, and personal philosophy of care:

About Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon – Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS

According to a blog post from the The American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery blog, more people are electing to have plastic surgery procedures at later ages. Of course, the success and safety of plastic surgery at later ages depends upon the individual’s overall health.

Here’s a bit from the article:

Americans are living longer than ever. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for Americans is now 78.5 years. And with this increased rate comes new questions concerning lifestyle, fitness and beauty.

“The most noteworthy aspect about all this is not just that people are living longer but living better,” Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center, told the New York Times. “At the same time, people are living a longer active lifespan. Seniors are healthier, more active and economically better off than they ever have been.”

The fact that people are living longer may mean more seniors are opting for plastic surgery procedures in order to maintain a youthful appearance. Doctors say that there isn’t a magic number on how old is too old for various cosmetic procedures. Some people choose to improve their appearance in their 70s and 80s, according to KESQ-TV News. However, patients who wish to undergo surgical procedures in which general anesthesia is necessary must get medical clearance first.

Read the full article here: “No Age Limit for Plastic Surgery?”

If you’re older and are considering plastic surgery living in Colorado Springs, be sure to consult with a board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of your procedure in great detail. In most cases, consultations are provided free of charge.

Dr. Greg Liebscher, of Colorado Springs, is a board-certified and Mayo Clinic-trained plastic surgeon. You can contact Dr. Liebscher’s office to schedule a complimentary and private in-person consultation. Procedures may include facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, forehead lift, eyelid lift, and more.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Colorado Springs Facelift Candidate: Facelift is another name for rhytidectomy, which is the procedure which involves surgical removal of excessive facial skin, thereby eliminating the sagging look and giving the recipient of the surgery a much more youthful look. Facelift is considered to be part of cosmetic surgery and as per recent surveys, is the sixth most popular cosmetic surgery people choose from. The benefit of this procedure is allowing the elimination of extra skin folds and help in bringing down the laxity of facial tissues.

Under normal circumstances, a facelift candidate is a person with a tighter, smoother facial skin which will help them achieve a more youthful look. A facelift will enable people to have the laugh lines, lines around nose, multiple skin folds around neck, worry lines and loosened skin along the jaw line removed. In order to be considered an ideal facelift candidate, it is essential that the person is relatively in good health condition and is aware of the procedure as well as the inherent risks and complications associated with it. In addition, it is essential that the candidate ensures that they keep themselves free of habits such as smoking in order to ensure maximum success. It is a point to be noted that the success rate of the surgery increases when maximizing the patient’s skin elasticity.

According to plasticsurgery.com, an important point a facelift candidate should keep in mind is that this cosmetic surgery only guarantees an improvement in the appearance and is not a shortcut to achieve perfection. Additionally, they should also keep themselves aware of the side effects and associated risks. The different side effects connected to a facelift surgery are bleeding, bruising, infection or injury to facial nerves.

The decision to get a facelift should be a well informed one in order to ensure that the candidate is aware of both the pros and cons of the procedure.

For your Colorado Springs facelift surgery procedure, insist on getting your care from a board-certified plastic surgeon who has significant and specific training in the field of facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a American Society of Plastic Surgery Member and a Mayo Clinic-trained Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. To schedule a personal and private consultation with Dr. Leibscher, call 719-634-2503 or visit the website:

» Go to: Colorado Springs Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck recovery after surgery will take time as the swelling, throbbing and pain dissipates. The pain medication will sooth and relieve the uncomfortable feeling as the healing begins. Bruising may occur which is normal and to be expected. Taking it easy after the tummy tuck surgery will help the healing process with less severity of pain. A list of postoperative instructions for the tummy tuck recovery will advise you about showering, changing the dressings, movements and activity as well as things to be on the alert.

After surgery the abdomen may be tender and bit numb. If at anytime the pain becomes unbearable, consult your doctor as soon as possible. As time heals all wounds, the incisions may begin to itch or become tingly which is normal. Keep an eye on your temperature. If your temperature becomes elevated, this could mean that you may have an infection and your body is giving you a warning sign.

Tips…

When given antibiotics after surgery, during your tummy tuck recovery phase, take all of the antibiotics during the healing process. This will maintain the unlikelihood of any type of infection. Even though you are feeling better, finish the prescription until it is empty.

Elevating your head and shoulders for the first 3 months may be more comfortable. Standing up will be a little difficult for a few days, however getting up from bed is easier when sitting is easier when you roll yourself. Less strain on the stomach muscles will be less painful. It will take a few weeks for the tummy tuck recovery process to subside and feel better. This is to be expected.

Sutures are usually removed within the 5 to 10 day period after surgery depending on the person. For some people it may be 2 weeks until removed. While the sutures are open do not smoke or use nicotine gums or patches, this will interfere with the healing recovery process.

Always consult a physician

If you have questions about tummy tuck recovery, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Greg Liebscher who practices plastic surgery in Colorado Springs.

In this video, Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, explains tummy tuck and the associated risks and likely outcomes:

About Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Tummy Tuck

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

In this video, Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, explains liposuction and the associated risks and likely outcomes:

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ABOUT GREGORY J. LIEBSCHER, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Liposuction

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

If you could look more like a celebrity, who would it be? According the to American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, it’s quite common for people to emulate the looks of celebrities with plastic surgery. Here’s a bit of the article:

Most sought-after celebrity looks

Many people choose to undergo plastic surgery to enhance their appearance. However, doctors say that a lot of patients come into their offices with a certain celebrity feature they want to achieve through their surgery.

A group of British plastic surgeons recently identified the celebrities that most people want to look like with the help of cosmetic surgeries.

“Patients continue to look to Hollywood to determine their standard of beauty, but they are realistic in their desires to look more energetic and youthful, as well as completely natural,” one doctor told HarleyMedical.co.uk.

Among patients who want body-transforming surgeries such as liposuction, body contouring and tummy tucks, the most sought-after celebrity looks include actress Jennifer Aniston and supermodel Gisele Bundchen.

When it comes to nose jobs, doctors say many patients want theirs to resemble Natalie Portman’s or Emma Stone’s.

Those who want non-surgical procedures to appear more youthful through the use of microdermabrasion, chemical peels, laser treatments and Botox injections say celebrities such as Amy Adams, Katy Perry and Gwyneth Paltrow look great.

Read the rest of the article here: Most sought-after celebrity looks

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ABOUT GREGORY J. LIEBSCHER, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Important Message: When considering plastic surgery, cosmetic or reconstructive, there is no substitute for an ASPS Member plastic surgeon.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

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Why Is an ASPS Member Surgeon the Best Choice for Me?

Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

• are certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada®.
• have at least six years or surgical training and experience, with at least three years in plastic surgery.
• operate only in accredited medical facilities.
• adhere to a strict code of ethics.
• fulfill continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety
• are your partners in cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery.

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Form and Function

Plastic surgery is about a lot more than vanity. In reconstructive cases, ASPS Member Surgeons help people get their lives back and feel more comfortable with themselves. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in the following reconstructive procedures: burn; wound and trauma repair; tumor removal and cancer reconstruction; correction of birth defects and acquired deformities; hand surgery; maxillofacial and craniofacial surgery; and microsurgical reconstruction.

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Looking Good, Feeling Great

The popularity of plastic surgery is soaring and more and more doctors are trying to meet the demand for this specialty that has become an integral part of mainstream medicine. Any licensed physician can call himself or herself a cosmetic surgeon, so the importance of finding a properly trained and certified provider is paramount.

Choosing a doctor who’s a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) is the first step. Founded in 1931, ASPS is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world. ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery®, which is the only board dedicated to plastic surgery of the face and entire body. Unlike other specialty organizations, ASPS requires each member surgeon to have a minimum of six years of surgical training, with at least three years of those years specifically in plastic surgery.

Breast enhancement, body contouring, liposuction, facial contouring and nose surgery are among the most popular procedures performed by ASPS Member Surgeons. Plastic surgery procedures like breast reduction and breast reconstruction can improve quality of life by positively impacting self-image and self-esteem. ASPS Member Surgeons also use reconstructive procedures to restore a more natural look and function in cases where the patient has been compromised by disease, accident or disfigurement. Regardless of the reason or motivation for undergoing plastic surgery, ASPS Member Surgeons are your partners in looking and feeling great.

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Did You Know?

Plastic surgery can slow the aging process and improve the visible signs of aging. ASPS Member Surgeons are trained in cosmetic procedures of the face and all areas of the body to help you look naturally younger.

Among the procedures used to turn back the effects of time:

• surgical rejuvenation of the aging face
• injectable therapies
• laser and light-based rejuvenation
• breast lifts and body lifts

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What Can I Expect?

Before you have plastic surgery, you meet with your ASPS Member Surgeon® for a consultation. During the consultation, you will want to discuss your goals. Your surgeon will examine you and advise the best procedure to achieve your desired goals

Your Plastic Surgeon Should:

• should answer all of your questions thoroughly and clearly.
• ask about your thoughts to recommended treatment
• offer alternatives, where appropriate, without pressuring you to consider unneeded or additional procedures.
• welcome questions about your procedure and his or her professional qualifications, experience, costs and payment policies.
• make clear the risks of surgery and possible outcomes.
• give you information about the procedure you want.
• leave the final decision to you.

Step 1: Questions to Ask When Choosing a Plastic Surgeon

1. Are you an ASPS Member Surgeon? (If he or she answers “yes,” you can rest assured that your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery, has hospital privileges and only performs surgery in accredited facilities.)
2. Are you board-certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada?
3. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
4. Is the surgical facility accredited?
5. How many procedures of this type have you performed?

Step 2: Questions to Ask Your ASPS Member Surgeon

It’s important to talk to your ASPS Member Surgeon about your goals and your treatment. Feel confident asking about your doctor’s credentials, experience, outcomes or safety record. It is your body, your safety and your life.

1. Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
2. What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
3. What are the risks involved with my procedure?
4. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?

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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts • Body • Facial

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons®]

The success and safety of your breast surgery procedure (such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reconstructive surgery) depends very much on your being completely candid during your consultation.

By being actively involved in your consultation about breast surgery, problems, concerns and questions you may have can be addressed by your ASPS Member Surgeon®. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts

Be prepared to discuss:

• why you want breast surgery, your expectations and desired outcomes
• medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• previous surgeries
• family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of breast surgery and any risks or potential complications
• discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast procedure

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»More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
»More about procedures for: Breasts

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]