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.

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammaplasty, is a life changing procedure for women whose breasts are too large and heavy for their frames, whose breasts are uneven in size, and for those whose breasts sag or droop due to age or breastfeeding. In addition to improving self-esteem and improving physical activity, many women seek breast reduction surgery to get relief from neck, shoulder and back pain.

The Mayo Clinic advises women considering breast reduction surgery to discuss all facets of the surgery with several board certified plastic surgeons. The surgeons will assess their candidacy for surgery and determine whether reduction mammaplasty is appropriate for them. Women should ask questions regarding the procedure and post-operative care to establish appropriate expectations.

In fact, obtaining this information prior to the appointment will allow a patient to form more specific questions about the breast reduction. A frank discussion with the surgeon should alleviate fears and provide the patient with a realistic expectation of the outcome. She and her physician will decide together the most beneficial amount of reduction and the best time for her to have it performed.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery warns women of child bearing age that mammaplasty may hinder their ability to breast feed. They further warn that pregnancy, childbirth, and breast feeding, if the woman is able to do so after breast reduction surgery, could change the shape of her breasts. They stress discussing future pregnancies with the performing physician.

Reduction mammaplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a surgical facility and may require an overnight stay. If the patient is released the day of the surgery, she must have a ride home and should have a caregiver for at least the first night she is home. Driving is usually prohibited for six weeks.

Recognizing the disabling effects of larger breasts, many insurance policies cover at least a portion of the cost. A diagnosis of female breast hypertrophy with its attendant consequences and disabilities or reconstructive breast surgery which results in breast reduction is usually compensable. Breast reduction for strictly cosmetic reasons is seldom covered.

There are many variables in surgical technique including how the incisions are placed and the maximum amount of reduction advised, so a prospective patient might consult more than one plastic surgeon before making her final decision. Each consultation will be educational and help the woman decide whether or not this procedure will benefit her.

Benefits of reduction mammaplasty range from relief of physical pain formerly associated with the strain and weight of the breasts to finally getting a full night’s rest. The ability to buy lacy or pretty bras for the first time in years delights most patients. Shopping for bras and tops in a regular store instead of by catalog or at larger sized stores makes shopping fun again for most.

A world of activities opens up to women after breast reduction surgery. Some play tennis or racquetball for the first time. Others join a bowling league or gym, no longer embarrassed or hampered by their super-sized breasts. For all, the absence of those extra pounds of breast flesh seems to be a huge relief.

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.

Studies have concluded that nearly 9% of women are affected by some type of cellulite on their bodies. LipoDissolve is a new alternative treatment and is also referred to as lipolysis, lipostabil, injection lipolysis or mesotherapy. This procedure is for people who are struggling with their weight and is increasing in popularity with many women.

LipoDissolve was first created by physicians in Europe and South America to treat cardiac disease over ten years ago. It has been used as LipoDissolve for the last decade and has quickly proven to be a very effective and patient-friendly procedure. The areas best suited for this treatment are typically all areas located anywhere above the knee, except for the breasts. Very common areas include butts, thighs, abdomen and faces. It is important for every patient to know this is not a miracle drug or weight loss solution. This procedure has been created for people who are at their desired weight, but are having difficulty getting problem areas in shape and cellulite-free.

LipoDissolve is a procedure that involves a number of medicated injections used to melt unwanted small, limited fat areas. A mixture of substances, including enzymes, vitamins and phospatidylcholine is injected into pockets of fat to begin the melting of the fat deposits. After the injections are completed, a machine that performs massages and ultrasound is applied to smooth the area and aid the injected substance in working though the area to ensure even absorption.

Surgery is not required with LipoDissolve procedures. It is performed in a doctor’s office with injected pain reliever that lessens any discomfort that may follow the treatment. There are currently no known side effects and the cost of this procedure is less expensive than traditional liposuction. The cost of LipoDissovle ranges from $375 to $1,500 for each treatment; many times up to six treatments are needed for an area. The extent of the entire procedure will also influence the cost. For example, removal of fat from beneath the eyes or chin costs less than the removal of saddlebags. The amount of medication that is needed during the procedure is also determined on the area that is going to be treated.

Risks and benefits of LipoDissolve

This particular procedure has numerous benefits and very few risks, but the risks still do exist. To this day, the procedure has a positive safety record and no reports of patients having life-threatening or permanent complications. Serious risks may include the interaction with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes or cancer. In very rare cases, an allergic reaction from the solution may occur. Side effects such as bruising, lumps and skin tenderness may be experienced at the injection site, but are temporary and usually fade within days. The benefits of LipoDissove include: reduction of stubborn baby fat, return of youthful contour, helps clothing to fit better and reduces cellulite.

The popularity of LipoDissovle will continue to increase as people are continually reconsidering extensive cosmetic surgery procedures to reshape their bodies. LipoDissolve is now considered the most powerful solution for removing cellulite on the market today.

A chemical peel is one of the many procedures people can have these days to improve the texture of their skin, normally on the face. In this kind of procedure, a solution of chemicals is used to blister the outer layers of the epidermis so that it eventually peels off. For that reason the treatments are sometimes called “chemexfoliation”. After the peel, new skin regenerates that is less wrinkled and much smoother.

What Can Chemical Peels be Used to Treat?
A chemical peel can be used for many different conditions, including some associated with aging. Also, according to WebMD, pre-cancerous keratosis caused by exposure to the sun can be removed with a chemical peel. Often, several treatments may be required over an extended period to correct the condition. Chemical peels can:

· Smooth fine lines and wrinkles
· Eliminate blemishes on the surface of the skin
· Control acne
· Fade mild scars
· Minimize age spots, freckles, and dark areas on the skin
· Improve the overall all tone and texture of the skin

Except for deep chemical peels, a chemical peel can be used on the neck and hands, as well as the face. The best candidates for these procedures are patients with fair skin and light hair.  However, people with dark skin can be treated with chemical peels for certain conditions.

How is the Procedure Done?
This is an outpatient procedure normally performed in a physician’s office or a center that provides minor surgical services. Depending on the type of peel, there may be some special arrangements needed. For deep peels, EKG monitoring, sedation, local anesthetic, or painkillers may be required. Superficial peels generally don’t require any of these measures. After deep chemical peels, antibiotics may be prescribed to safeguard against infection.

The first step in the chemical peel process is cleaning the skin to remove excess oil, while protecting the eyes and hair. Then the peeling agent, a solution of chemicals, is applied for several minutes. The specific solution chosen for the peel will depend upon which specific condition is being treated. Essentially, the chemicals create a controlled wound,causing a burning or stinging sensation.  These sensations dramatically improve once the procedure concludes.

The chemicals generally used for chemical peels are:

· Alphahydroxy acids (AHA) – These are usually used to smooth skin, improve texture, and treat minor acne.

· Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) – TCA is used for wrinkles, surface blemishes, and pigmentation issues.

· Phenol – This is used in the deeper chemical peels and treats coarse wrinkles, gets rid of the pre-cancerous growths, corrects damage caused by the sun and discoloration caused by birth control pills or pregnancy.

Side Effects or Complications of Chemical Peels
There are some minor side effects that some people experience after the peel and there can occasionally be complications. Possible complications include:

· Temporary or permanent skin discoloration may result in some skin types. After a peel, certain conditions may make abnormal skin color more likely, including pregnancy and female contraceptives.

· There is a very slight risk of scarring on some parts of the face.

The side effects that can be expected after a chemical peel include sunburn-like symptoms, redness, and scaling. These usually subside after about one week.

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 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.

Hooded eyes refers to a condition of the eyelids in which extra skin has developed in the upper eyelids. This extra skin can droop so much over the eyes that the natural crease in the eyelid cannot be seen. Hooded eyes can be corrected with a procedure called blepharoplasty. The reason for having this procedure is different for everyone, but for someone who has hooded eyes, there are really only two reasons for choosing blepharoplasty: cosmetic or functional.

Cosmetic Reasons for Blepharoplasty
The eyes play an important part in the appearance and are probably the first feature in the face to show signs of aging, often in the form of hooded eyelids. Typically, most people who have blepharoplasty to correct their hooded eyelids, do so to improve their appearance. Regaining some or their youthful appearance can go a long way towards restoring self-confidence. Women with hooded eyes often complain that they don’t have enough exposed eyelid on which to apply makeup. Hooded eyelids can give a face a very severe appearance that makes someone look tired, angry, or sad.

Functional Reasons for Blepharoplasty
Some people can have such severe hooding in their eyelids that their peripheral vision is obstructed. It may even be difficult for them to use the muscles in the foreheads to lift the eyelids enough to allow them to see clearly. In cases like this when the surgery is done for medical reasons and not to improve the patient’s appearance, medical insurance may cover the procedure.

The Blepharoplasty Procedure, Recovery, and Cost
Eyelid surgery known as blepharoplasty removes the extra fat, skin, and even atrophied muscle tissue from the eyelids. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis by a plastic surgeon using local anesthetic. The surgeon will make an incision along the eyelid’s natural crease and then the excess skin, fat, and muscle is removed. The surgeon will then close the incision either with tiny stitches that are virtually invisible or with skin adhesives or surgical tape.

Blepharoplasty to correct hooding of the upper eyelids should only take about an hour. When the surgery is complete, an ointment is applied to keep the eyelids lubricated. Immediately after the surgery, it is possible that the patient may have some tearing, double vision, and sensitivity to light, but this should go away shortly. There will be some redness and puffiness around the incisions for a few days, and the eyelids may feel numb from the anesthetic. In addition, the eyes will be black and blue and swollen for about a week. This should be treated with ice or cold compresses.

There is little pain involved with the procedure, and if the incision was closed with stitches, they will be removed in 3 to 4 days. The surgery scars could last as long as six months before they fade completely. The patient should be sure to protect the area around the eyes from sun until the scars are gone.

The cost of blepharoplasty to correct hooded eyes can run anywhere from $1800 to $2500, depending on the surgeon. This price does not include extra hospital costs and the pre-operative blood tests that are required.

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.