A cleft palate is a birth defect that occurs once in every 750-1000 live births, wherein the roof of the mouth, or palate, doesn’t develop fully, leaving an opening, or cleft, that may extend all the way to the nasal cavity.  While there have been genetic links and environmental factors associated with cleft palates, the specific cause remains unclear.  Such environmental factors include: smoking, drug use and illness by the mother while she is pregnant.

This craniofacial defect impairs speech, jaw alignment, and hearing. The complications aren’t minor. Because a cleft palate can lead to frequent ear infections, a total loss of hearing is a real possibility. Obviously, the location of the cleft affects speech, and many children struggle to speak normally.  These secondary impairments underscore the importance of early intervention.

Even more troubling than these physical obstacles is the heartbreaking fact that the child may face abuse from classmates and even adults or suffer from low self-esteem and depression as they compare themselves with others. The condition affects appearance in varying degrees, but the worst cases demonstrate just how much this birth defect can interfere with a child’s well-being.

Luckily many of the challenges a child with a cleft palate faces can be nearly eliminated through early assessment and age-appropriate surgery.  Doctors recommend surgery for infants ages 12 to 18 months because the tissues affected are in an optimal state and because speech development is not in full-swing yet.

Cosmetic surgery for a child’s cleft palate will not only free him or her of the social stigma associated with the defect, but also surgery will minimize (and possibly eliminate) the hearing, speech, and dental problems that accompany a cleft palate. A good doctor will offer a thorough consultation, address parents’ concerns, and connect with the child so that the experience will be emotionally comfortable for the child and his or her family.
Children are placed under anesthesia during the procedure. The goal of the surgery is to close the open section of the lip by reworking the tissue so that it closes the cleft. The result is closure of the cleft and a lip that looks more natural and functions better. The surgery’s benefits continue to accumulate afterward, with gradual improvement, but sometimes secondary surgeries can accelerate improvements more quickly.

Excellent post-operative care is essential to making sure the cosmetic procedure is successful. Sun protection should be used, pain medication will decrease discomforts, and though shocking at first, a child may have to be restrained from touching the surgical area while it heals. Keeping in mind the long-term benefits to the child, these steps are the loving measures parents and caregivers will need to take to achieve faster recovery.

Prices for the procedure vary. Health insurance will almost always pay for this operation. Without health insurance, people face costs from separate sources. There are doctor’s fees, hospital fees, anesthesia fees, etc. Different doctors will charge different prices so there is no one price for the surgery. The minimum cost of the surgery is usually $5000. Parents who can’t afford the surgery should search for organizations that provide assistance as soon as they are aware their child has a cleft palate.

You can help a child live a normal life by donating to programs like The Smile Train.

Medically necessary services are generally services that are provided to enhance one’s quality of life, physical or emotional functioning, and promote adequate development throughout the lifespan. These services should be provided only after individualized assessment of each person’s needs by a physician, or otherwise qualified professional, and the least intensive and intrusive services necessary to achieve the desired outcome should be the services that are provided.

With specific regards to plastic surgery, any procedure conducted with the primary intention of improving appearance is generally not considered medically necessary, unless it can be documented that a specific disfigurement is directly impacting the quality of one’s life. Plastic surgery procedures that are conducted to improve functioning that happen to result in improved appearance, however, can be considered medically necessary. For example, if excess scar tissue is impairing movement or causing pain, the removal of this scar tissue can be considered medically necessary to improve functioning, yet will most likely also result in an improvement in appearance. Other surgical procedures that are generally considered medically necessary are the removal of tumors, dermabrasion to improve deep scaring, rhinoplasty to improve a sinus condition, and reconstructive surgery. Breast reductions that are conducted to alleviate back and neck pain should also be covered as medically necessary under most health plans that cover reconstructive surgery.

To ensure that a plastic surgery procedure will be covered as medically necessary, there are several precautionary measures that the consumer can take. First, it is important for the consumer to identify whether his or her insurance coverage falls under state or federal regulations regarding reconstructive surgery. This can be done with a simple phone call to the insurance provider. Once this is done, the consumer can research the legal requirements regarding plastic surgery for their insurance provider. Generally state laws require more coverage than federal laws do, although current legislation being passed through the House and the Senate is intended to legally require all insurance companies to cover reconstructive surgery, and to create a more comprehensive and clear definition of the difference between reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

To find the legal requirements regarding reconstructive surgery in each state, click here. This website generally discusses breast reconstructive surgery, but the laws outlined here should apply to all types of reconstructive surgery. Once the consumer understands what is covered in his or her insurance policy, then he or she can go to a practitioner who specializes in the specific surgery or procedure. It is important to ensure that the medical professionals evaluating the necessity of the procedure take careful documentation, including pictures when appropriate, to send into the health insurance company for approval. Once all of the necessary documents and medical referral for surgery are sent in to the insurance company, the insurance company will decide whether to approve or deny coverage. If coverage is denied, then the consumer can request a re-evaluation of the case and use documentation of state and federal law along with physician reports to support their request.  If the procedure indeed falls within the terms of coverage and the state and federal laws regarding coverage, then the recommended surgery should be covered.

Pediatric corrective surgery is a great option for parents whose children are afflicted with deformities caused by injuries, diseases or birth defects, but there are a number of things to know before surgery begins.

Many congenital disorders are not hereditary or genetic, and it seems most deformities occur in families who have no previous history of these disorders. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a dysmorphologist: someone who specializes in congenital malformations, particularly those affecting the anatomy.

When looking for a skilled pediatric plastic surgeon, one should try to find a surgeon who has the following training, expertise, certificates and is able to provide these services:

• A Certificate from the American Board of Plastic Surgery
• Be a surgeon who treats children from birth to young adulthood
• At least 50% of his or her time is dedicated to the pediatric care of children
• The core of his or her medical practice is providing pediatric care
• Attended medical school for at least four years
• Three years of general surgery residency training or has completed a training program in general surgery/oral surgery residency, orthopedic surgery, urology, neurosurgery, and/or otolaryngology
• Three years practice and training in the field of plastic surgery
• Experience and training in pediatric plastic surgery

Cosmetic surgery on a child who is deformed or injured will require a specialized surgeon.  This type of surgery can make a great and positive difference in the life of a parent as well as the child.

Locating a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon?

Most of them practice in medical centers and hospitals for children. The child’s pediatrician may be able to provide a couple of recommendations, and it is always beneficial for parents to inquire with other parents through support groups and social networking sites.

Parents should not feel awkward about requesting the doctor’s credentials and references.  Doctors are required to make this information available.  Besides, ensuring doctors are qualified is simple, good common sense.

Additionally, parents are advocates for their children.  Parents need to find a surgeon they trust and with whom they can communicate.  Eliminating disparity and confusion is imperative for creating a positive experience for parents and children alike.

Children cannot always express what is bothering them and are not always capable of answering medical questions. Sometimes they simply lack the vocabulary, but often they are simply too young.  An experienced pediatric plastic surgeon can have reasonable success with communicating with young patients and will likely earn their trust and affection, making the experience far less traumatic.

Here are a few types of ailments a pediatric plastic surgeon can treat with pediatric corrective surgery:

1. Face and Skull Birth Defects such as a cleft lip, cleft palate, and skull deformity
2. Ear Birth Defects such as missing ear and protruding ear
3. Chest and Limb Birth Defects such as webbed fingers and misshapen breasts
4. Injuries on face, head, legs, arms and hands
5. Scars and birthmarks
6. Various types of burns
7. Cosmetic surgery performed on a child for self-image improvement

By taking the time to research doctors and the specific needs of their children, parents and patients can have a much brighter future with pediatric corrective surgery.

Reconstructive surgery patients rebuild their looks and confidence after suffering a devastating accident.

Victims who have suffered from an accident that had disfiguring effects often turn to reconstructive surgery in attempt to regain self-image. In the event of an accident, the person has already suffered great trauma, and the process of attempting to restructure the deformed area can be a difficult process to undergo. The emotional and mental damage, although unseen, can be just as significant as the visible damage.

Also, unlike cosmetic surgery, the choices surrounding surgery, such as who, when, and how a procedure will be performed, do not always exist. Frequently the surgery is done in an emergency situation with little time to make decisions and with little or no patient consent.

Because of the complexity of these procedures, it may be helpful to contact patients who have undergone similar procedures to get advice and support.  Joining web-based support groups such as www.inspire.com is a great start. Not only will such support help the patient cope with the emotional trauma of the accident, but there may be helpful advice regarding surgeons who specialize in their particular surgical needs.

After the wounds have healed prior to reconstructive surgery the patient may be left with obstacles to overcome such as not being able to walk, move certain limbs, or simply not being able to perform daily functions without help. These situations are best addressed under the care of a physical therapist. In physical therapy the patient will have an individualized plan to help them recover to the best of their ability. The therapist will design a plan special tailored to the specific needs of the patient, in some cases the patient may need to relearn to use a body part, or lean how to use an artificial part.

The bodily changes a patient can undergo when dealing with reconstructive can lead to depression. Often times after surgery a patient may experience an onset of postoperative depression or the “blues”. Once the reality of the situation sets in a patient may feel low self-esteem or even angry that they were a victim of these circumstances. In any case, a patient suffering emotionally or socially after reconstructive surgery may benefit from counseling.

The outcome of any reconstructive surgery is never predictable. The recovery time is based upon the difficulty of the surgery and any complications that may occur prior to the surgery. The patient’s anatomy and ability to heal are also factors that will affect recovery. Complications like excessive bleeding, blood clots, infection, bruising, or wounds that are difficult to heal are all issues a patient may face. Although these issue are usually minor, if not treated properly they could become serious.

Cosmetic surgery is what people turn to when their outer beauty fails to reflect their inner beauty. While cosmetic surgery is surrounded by myths and stigmas, most modern procedures are designed to be natural looking and rejuvenating rather than transforming. Most people undergoing cosmetic surgery do not want to look totally different; they want to look like better versions of themselves.

In other words, for most patients these procedures are all about balancing. It can be hard to feel confident if you’re unhappy with what the world is seeing from the outside. These insecurities are common.  While cosmetic surgery isn’t always the answer, some people find that improving their outer beauty–even in small, subtle ways–makes them feel sexier, more beautiful, more confident and even more accomplished.

We live in a world that puts huge emphasis on physical appearance. How we look significantly impacts the first impression we make on others and also factors largely into how we view ourselves. There’s no shame in wanting to look better, just as there’s no shame in wanting to earn more money or be more intelligent. These are all important personal and social achievements that our world has taught us to value.

Some patients use cosmetic surgery to fight the effects of aging; they don’t want to look like a celebrity, they just want to look like themselves again. Other patients use surgery to enhance features that nature has neglected (like a misshapen nose or weak chin). For some, looking good is an important part of their jobs, and cosmetic surgery is an easy way to meet those expectations. For others, cosmetic surgery can be a new lease on life; a way to hide unsightly scars or to restore features that have been distorted in an unfortunate accident.

Some worry that wanting to change the exterior suggests they’re unhappy with who they are inside. They also worry society will judge them for wanting to change or they’ll be viewed as superficial. Such concerns are worth exploring.  Surgery does affect perception.  The goal is to create a positive change in perception, but there will always be a vocal minority who opposes surgical changes in appearance.

On the other hand, many have no qualms with cosmetic surgery. They view it as an easy way to upgrade their appearance or to get physical features they’ve always admired in others. For them, cosmetic surgery is a well-deserved reward with the added bonus of a confidence boost; it’s the ideal way to make their outer beauty match their inner beauty.

Cosmetic procedures for men are gaining popularity.  While millions of people have some kind of cosmetic surgery every year, cosmetic surgery by women still far outnumbers the amount of procedures done on men. What the procedures seem to have in common, however, is that the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed on both genders are similar although they may rank differently.

The most common surgical cosmetic procedure for men is liposuction, but the most common procedure among men for purely cosmetic purposes is currently nose reshaping, better known as rhinoplasty. While botox injections seemed to be the most popular in 2007, nose reshaping has now taken over as the number one procedure for men with 75,000 men having this procedure done in 2008. Liposuction for men however is on the rise, moving up from the sixth most popular procedure overall in 2007 to the third most popular in 2008. Microdermabrasion, which is the removal of or lessening of dark spots or scars on the skin as well as the removal of sun damaged skin, was the third most popular cosmetic surgery among men in 2007, but is no longer in the top five.

Eyelid surgery has also become one of the most common procedures among men, with 31,000 men choosing this type of cosmetic surgery in 2008. While the cosmetic procedure of laser hair removal is still a popular one as well, it has declined since it had been the number two most common procedure performed on men in 2007 and was no longer in the top five in 2008.

18,000 men opted to have breast reduction surgery in 2008, making this the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery for men. Hyaluronic Acid, which is more commonly known as wrinkle smoothing, had been the fourth most popular in 2007 but has declined in number as well.

Hair transplantation had 13,000 men undergoing this procedure in 2008, making this the fifth most common cosmetic procedure for men. The removal of skin imperfections, better known as IPL laser treatment, was number five on the list in 2007, but other cosmetic surgeries have knocked this off of the top five list too.

Cosmetic procedures among men are on the rise, and leading the way in these types of surgeries are Asian-American men. This is the fastest growing ethnic group in the industry, with the most typical male in this group being in their forties.

For men considering any type of cosmetic surgery it is important to find a surgeon that is certified in their area of expertise by an appropriate board. The board should be recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Seeing your regular physician is also something that is recommended to make sure there are no predisposing characteristics that may increase the risk of any complications that could be caused from the result of the surgery.

The most common cosmetic procedures for men seem to change from year to year, but it appears liposuction has remained one of the most popular for a few years now. With more men getting different procedures done every day, it ‘s hard to tell what the most popular of these cosmetic surgeries will be in the future, but one thing is certain….More men are undergoing some type of cosmetic surgery than ever before.

A facelift can be affordable when all variables are considered.  Before assuming this procedure is strictly for the affluent, research the facts and consider the many other financial implications of not having one.

A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery among middle-aged to senior adults to reverse the look of aging. The face is the most apparent part of the body that shows a persons age because of wrinkles. After topical lotions and creams fail to give a person a more youthful look, surgery becomes the a viable option.

Youthfulness is highly esteemed. Having a youthful appearance is not only desirable, it can be expected in certain career fields.  Many professionals in sales, management, and executive positions feel more confident if they can maintain a youthful appearance. Facelifts and other anti-aging techniques help them maintain their competitive edges against their younger colleagues.

Middle-aged and senior adults may be divorced or widowed and seek to look their best to the opposite sex. They may be physically fit and have their hair and nails done by experts, but if their faces show signs of wrinkles, crow’s feet, and sagging, they may have a harder time joining the dating scene.

Overall a facelift can increase self-esteem. It can make the patient look better and feel better.

Procedure Costs

Costs vary widely depending on the surgeon, the area where the surgery is performed, travel expenses, and how extensive the procedure will be. The price range is $6,000 to $25,000. The surgeon’s fee is only $5,000 – $6,000. The remaining amount includes fees for the facility, hospital, anesthesiologist, and other fees.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that where a surgery is performed largely determines the price for a facelift. The most expensive are performed in the New England States, then the mountain/Pacific states, followed by the north central states and the south central states.

If the surgeon has his own facility the patient may pay less than if he performs surgery in a surgical center or hospital.

Price ranges for specific procedures are:

Standard face lift – $6,000-$15,000, average price of $8,000
Mid face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Lower face lift – $4,000-$10,000, average price of $7,000
Mini face lift (weekend) – $3,500-$6,500, average price of $5,000
Thread lift face lift – $2,000-$6,000, average price of $4,000

If a patient has a neck lift at the same time as his or her face lift, the patient will pay an additional $4,000 to $7,500. Any procedure added on to the face lift such as brow lift surgery, facial liposuction, eyelid surgery, or microdermabrasion will increase the cost.
The surgeon may point out that a basic facelift alone will not give the look one desires and additional surgery will be necessary.

Recovery Time and Costs

Those working full time should consider they will need to miss 10 days to 2 weeks of work due to swelling and discoloration.

The recovery time for an endoscopic facelift, thread facelift or a mini facelift is about one or two days or a weekend.

While expenses can quickly accumulate, for many these expenses are a necessary evil if they are to stay competitive in the job market.  A few thousand dollars now could mean earning several more thousand dollars each year.

Plastic surgery has a reputation of being an expensive undertaking that’s only for the rich and famous. While it can be expensive, plastic surgery doesn’t have to be out of reach just because you’re on a budget. There are several routes available to just about anyone who would like to enhance their appearance via plastic surgery.

Plastic surgery can be aesthetic or cosmetic with procedures designed to improve the appearance of a feature that is disfigured or that is just not as attractive as you’d like. The reconstructive type is just like it sounds, reconstructing just about any part of the body that is seriously damaged in an accident or fire.

If you have health insurance, reconstructive surgical procedures may be covered at some level. Aesthetic plastic surgery, on the other hand, is considered elective surgery, or not medically necessary. Since the surgery is not necessary for the health of the patient, a health insurance policy will not cover the costs.

There are a number of variables that impact the cost of cosmetic surgery, including which state the surgery is performed in, the complexity of the procedure or how much work is needed, and of course the surgeon’s fee schedule. These variables are why you can’t just pick a procedure off a menu and know exactly what it will cost you.

The first step is to make an appointment with a reputable plastic surgeon who can talk to you about what you’re trying to accomplish. A physical examination is also required to determine what exactly needs to be done to accomplish your goal. Once you have a quote, you should seriously consider seeing at least one other surgeon to get another opinion and cost estimate. By shopping around, you’ll likely save yourself some of the overall expense. When you have an estimate or two, you can make a decision about which surgeon you feel most comfortable with from both a cost and an ability perspective.

With a number in mind, it’s now time to determine how to finance the procedure. The least costly method is to pay for the entire expense out of pocket, whether you already have the money in your savings account, or if you need to start saving. If you choose to save for the cosmetic surgery, the best place to start is with a well-thought-out budget. A budget will help ensure that you spend money based on a plan so you can save the excess before spending it on any variety of unplanned expenses.

If, however, you can’t wait to have the procedure done, you can look into financing the procedure. There is actually a loan product available that is meant to finance plastic surgery. This loan differs from an auto or home loan because it is an unsecured personal loan, which means that there is no collateral than can be repossessed in the event you default on the loan. Qualifying for an unsecured personal loan requires an excellent credit record so that the loan officer or underwriter at the bank or other financial institution has a high level of confidence that the loan will be repaid in full and on time.

Having to battle hair loss when for a woman can be devastating, and much harder to find help with than it is for men. There seems to be no end to the treatment options available for men losing their hair.  Advertisers saturate the market with product information for men, but finding information about the causes and treatments available to women experiencing hair loss is exceedingly more difficult.

It seems that there in an unfortunate stigma associated with women and hair loss that keeps them from asking for help. Due to this the market tends to revolve around how women can cover up their hair loss instead of treat it. Wigs and weaves are but two of the unnatural and incredibly expensive forms of covering up thinning hair that countless numbers of women resort to every day in the absence of actual permanent solutions to the problem.

When women experience hair loss it can cause many of them suffer from lowered levels of confidence in themselves, or in some cases it can even cause women to become depressed. Women need to know there are available treatment options for them. There is not a need to hide under a hat.  There are hair transplantation options available that dramatically improve hair volume.

The first step is to find a reputable cosmetic surgical facility and request a consultation. A qualified professional can take pictures of the scalp and assess the type and scope of the hair loss for the patient. Once that has been determined, a course of action will be laid out explaining the realistic expectations and specific procedures available.

There are several treatment options in cosmetic surgery. Highly skilled surgeons have the ability to do the most intricate of micro-surgical procedures and can graft natural hair to give the patient profound results. Stereoscopic microscopes can be used to remove the donor tissue in single strips and then they are separated to provide the best quality individual grafts of follicular units. These grafts of the patient’s own hair will be removed and transplanted closely and in random patterns to simulate normal hair growth with such precision the hair looks fuller and completely natural.

With such technology and the surgical procedures available, there is no need to be self conscious about thinning hair any longer. Most women can achieve thicker, healthier-looking hair with none of the plugged or corn-rowed looks of old-school transplants. The ultra-precision, micro-surgical techniques available now create a head of the patient’s own hair.

A cosmetic surgery tax is being proposed in DC.  Cosmetic surgery just can’t get a break.  Not only is it often the fodder for many late-night jokes and gross generalizations about vanity, but now it faces the responsibility of being taxed to help raise revenue to cover health care reform costs.

One of the most controversial issues of Barack Obama’s presidency so far has been health care. President Obama’s proposed health care reform has been widely criticized, in part due to its expense. This reform may end up costing in excess of one trillion dollars, leading many citizens to ask just where this money will come from. One proposed solution to the funding problem is taxation of cosmetic surgery procedures.

Americans spent an estimated $10.3 billion dollars last year on elective cosmetic surgery procedures. A tax of ten percent imposed on these procedures would generate over one billion dollars that could go towards funding health care reform. Necessary procedures such as reconstructions after various cancers would not be taxed under such a bill, but would actually be tax deductible.

The idea of taxing cosmetic surgery procedures is not a new one. In fact, it has been tried in the past by the state of New Jersey. However, New Jersey lawmakers repealed the tax after it failed to bring in the estimated revenue. Only about 25 percent of the expected funds were actually raised via New Jersey’s tax on cosmetic surgery.

Critics of a cosmetic surgery tax point out that although it may at first appear to be a tax for the wealthy only, it could actually have much more of an impact on the American middle class. Many middle class women save for years for cosmetic surgery procedures, especially those that are designed to help restore the body to the way it looked before having children. Breast lifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction are all popular procedures chosen by women for this reason. While the wealthy might be able to easily afford to pay ten percent extra for their cosmetic surgery, for a middle class person, an extra ten percent could mean months or even years longer of saving up for the procedure.

Critics also wonder if a tax on cosmetic surgery procedures might not actually be gender discrimination, as men and women do not undergo cosmetic procedures equally. It’s estimated that up to 86 percent of cosmetic surgery patients in the US are female, meaning that far more women than men would be subjected to paying such a tax.

Some lawmakers in Washington deny that a cosmetic surgery tax is under serious consideration. Senator Kent Conrad a lead negotiator in health care reform talks, said he has not heard of or seen any proposal to tax cosmetic surgery. However, he did not rule out the possibility of such a tax coming under consideration in the future, but said he would need more information on the pros and cons to form an opinion on the tax.

No matter what decision is made about proposed health care reform and a possible cosmetic surgery tax, it will be a while before the US public knows what will happen. Congress has already said they will not have an agreement on any health care reform draft bills before they break for the summer on August 8, 2009. That date is also President Obama’s deadline for a health care reform plan agreement that would be finalized after the break. A resolution will therefore not come at least until Congress reconvenes in Washington, DC for the fall session, which is scheduled to take place on September 8, 2009.