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

When it comes to trying to improve your appearance, it can be tempting to try to save money and time by doing it yourself by buying and applying products sold at a store or online. Well, according to a recent article by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, you should be warned of health risks of do-it-yourself treatments. Here’s a bit from the article:

CBS Pittsburgh reports that plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists are seeing an increase in individuals who have had to endure pain and long-term skin damage due to some at-home treatments.

 

“We’ve had patients come in the day before their daughter’s wedding and done an at-home chemical peel and come in with second degree burns,” a Pennsylvania-based cosmetic dermatologist told the news provider.

 

Experts say that although prescription-strength acids used for chemical peels can be found online and obtained without a prescription, consumers should avoid them.

 

“If you stumble upon a website selling prescription-strength retinoid, that should be a red flag and [you should] seek professional help first … because there are certain reactions that can happen and certain products you don’t want to mix together with those,” the dermatologist told CBS Pittsburgh.

 

Caution also needs to be used when trying a do-it-yourself laser hair removal, as misuse can cause burning, redness and scarring. In-office treatments are also likely to be much more successful.

 

» Read the full article: “Doctors warn against do-it-yourself treatments”

Save yourself a trip to the emergency room. Don’t do something you’re going to regret for a long time. Get the medical opinion from a trusted and board-certified physician before you attempt any do-it-yourself cosmetic treatment.

If you live in the Colorado Springs area, you’re highly encouraged to reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Greg Leibscher, who can discuss your treatment options and explain important safety considerations with you.

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

Colorado Springs Liposuction – Does Surgery Hurt?: When all else fails to get rid of excess fat for the ideal body image, many turn to liposuction. However, there is always the concern about liposuction surgery pain that may make a person hesitate. It is best to know all the facts before going into surgery of any kind and the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) as well as John Hopkins (www.hopkinsmedicine.org) give valid advice. According to plasticsurgery.org, anesthesia is a factor related to any discomfort often experienced after a procedure. When a local anesthesia is used, there will generally be pain experienced the day after the anesthesia has completely worn off. When general anesthesia is required, suggesting a more extensive operation, the pain persists for a longer amount of time with greater severity, often resulting in a need for some type of pain reliever. Whle patients can expect the worst of their symptoms to be over within four days, they should understand that there can be a feeling of discomfort that persists up to eight weeks after a procedure.

The pain with local anesthesia is generally not intense and can be managed with over the counter medication. However, general anesthesia results in much more painful symptoms because there is not the presence of an anesthetic on the body in the affected area. A prescription will most likely be required as would be called for after any kind of surgery. If a person is prepared for what is ahead, it is much easier to deal with the after effects. Pain can be reduced by leaving incisions without sutures and with the use of compression garments. The combination of both tend to reduce swelling and discomfort over time. It is recommended that patients remain active onvr their surgery is completed. However, anyone who has had to use general anesthesia may be more limited in what they are able to do and will have a longer recovery time as well.

When considering liposuction, its important to explore one’s options and talk to a plastic surgeon about reducing liposuction surgery pain. The use of local anesthesia is the recommended way to go for the best possible outcome. Research the doctors who are available in the area, find the one that suits both the budget and has good reviews. The next step is to set up a consultation to discuss all of the details of a procedure. Being well informed can help in addressing any potential pain.

If you live in the Colorado Springs area and have questions about liposuction, contact Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS. You can call to schedule a free consultation to discuss your options about liposuction surgery.

» More about: Liposuction surgery

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

According to an American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery article, it’s important to know that you might eventually need more care if you’ve had breast implants surgery.

Here’s a bit from the article:

A well-informed consumer will have the best results

Whether you’re wearing a tank top, bathing suit or cocktail dress, there’s no better accompaniment than well-shaped breasts. Though an “A” bra cup size will not qualify you for disability insurance, those that go forth with a flat chest sometimes feel like they’re operating with a handicap. To prove this point, since 1962, between five and ten million unendowed, poorly endowed or otherwise dissatisfied women, worldwide, including an estimated 1.5 to 2.5 million in the United States, have undergonebreast implant surgery.

But, it’s not like you can get breast implants and walk off into the sunset. Just like your BMW, roof or pacemaker, breast implantshave no lifetime guarantee and are likely to need maintenance or replacement. Breast implants recently made headlines in Europe when it was discovered that silicone implants manufactured by Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) had an abnormally high rupture rate. According to Reuters, December 27, 2011, “That risk, though typically low, is present in all implants.”

In Britain and the United States, breast enlargement is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure and there’s nothing to suggest that will change. With the recent PIP health scare, there will probably be increased efforts to make sure that consumers are well informed.  The British Implant Information Society says on its website, “Breast implants do not last a lifetime; they will need replacing at some point in the future.”

» Go to: Read the full article

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: Breast Augmentation

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

Many people might think about earlobe surgery as a means to enhance one’s appearance. Here’s a bit from an article on the subject:

December 28, 2011

Doctors say earlobe surgery can take years off your appearance

Many people who want to achieve a more youthful appearance focus on their faces and necks with surgeries such as facelifts and non-surgical procedures such as fat injections and Botox injections. However, some are also choosing to have their ear lobes repaired.

“It is no secret that more women are having what could be called a ‘lobe job’.” BeautyInTheBag.com’s Wendy Lewis recently told The Daily Mail newspaper. “Gravity takes its toll on earlobes – they droop like chins and breasts do, and can make you look older.Years of wearing heavy earrings also cause the lobe to get stretched out of shape. An earlobe reduction is a simple [operation] that reshapes the earlobe to a better proportion.”

» Full article: Doctors say earlobe surgery can take years off your appearance.

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Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon in Colorado Springs, CO.

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