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Preparing for plastic surgery is just as important as preparing for any other surgical procedure. Your preparation will help you to minimize potential side effects and also help to make healing easier. Here are some common tips to help you prepare for plastic surgery, but above all, you need to follow your doctor’s instructions.

• Stop smoking and drinking. You should do this as soon as you schedule a surgery, preferably at least three weeks before your procedure. Smoking restricts blood flow, which can make healing more difficult. Additionally, drinking can lower the effectiveness of your immune system’s capabilities, making you more susceptible to side effects. Drinking can also increase bleeding during the procedure.
• Mention all medications that you are taking to your doctor. This includes vitamins, supplements, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications. You may need to stop taking some of these if they could interfere with the procedure itself or the healing process.
• Ask your doctor if there is anything you need to be taking. Your doctor might suggest that you take other multivitamins or nutrients, such as iron, about two weeks before your procedure.
• Make healthy choices. Eating healthy and exercising regularly can improve your body’s immune system. Focus on eating lots of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Make these healthy changes as soon as you are able.
• Reduce your sodium intake. Sodium can increase swelling, so cut down on salt and processed foods. Drink a lot of water to flush the sodium out of your system.
• Make arrangements for the day of the procedure. Fill all of the prescriptions that you will need after the surgery ahead of time, and arrange a ride to and from the surgical center. Set up a comfortable place at home to recover and set up loved ones to come and help around the house if you will need assistance with light tasks like laundry.
• You may need to fast up to 12 hours prior to the procedure if anesthesia is being used. The specific instructions for fasting will be in the comprehensive packet of information that you receive from your doctor.

Also known as breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty, breast implant surgery is performed in order to make breasts look fuller or more symmetrical. It can also be performed in order to restore volume lost after major weight loss or pregnancy.

There are three main types of breast implants:

1. Silicone implants: These implants are approved by the FDA for women who are 22 years of age or older. They are filled with silicone gel, which allows them to feel more naturally like breast tissue. If the implant leaks, it will not collapse and the gel can remain in the implant shell or escape into the implant pocket. With silicone implants, regular follow-up visits are needed, along with MRI or ultrasound scans, to make sure that the implants are functioning.

2. Saline implants: These implants are filled with sterile salt water and provide a firm shape and feel. They are approved by the FDA for women who are 18 years of age or older. If the implant were to leak, it would collapse and then the saline would be expelled and absorbed by the body naturally.

3. Gummy bear implants: This is a nickname for form-stable implants. These types of implants keep their shape, even if the implant shell becomes broken. This type of implant also uses a silicone gel, but its consistency is thicker and firmer than regular silicone implants. Gummy bear implants are not round, but have a more natural breast shape. They also require a longer incision for placement.

Additionally, there are many types of breast implant shapes and textures that are introduced by implant manufacturers. Some of them include:

1. Smooth implants: These implants are the softest, but may have some visible rippling effects. They also provide more natural movement.

2. Round implants: These help breasts appear fuller. They are the same shape all the way around, so there is no concern that the implants will rotate and then look unnatural.

3. Textured implants: These implants involve the use of scar tissue to help the implant stick and be less likely to rotate.

If you are interested in breast implants, talk to your plastic surgeon about the type that would be best for you based on your current body shape. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to be completely prepared. The results of breast implant surgery are immediately visible, so you can enjoy the look of your new implants right away.

A bunion is a bony bump located at the base of the big toe. Smaller bunions that can form on the little toes are called bunionettes, but they are less common.

Bunions occur when weight is unevenly distributed on tendons and joints, making the big toe joint unstable and pushing the joint until it forms a hard knob. There are many things that can contribute to a bunion forming, like tight and narrow shoes, stress on the feet, and structural problems. It is also more common in patients with some conditions, like arthritis.

What are the symptoms of bunions?

The most obvious sign of a bunion is a large bump at the base of the toe, but additional symptoms include red thickened skin, corns and calluses where the toes overlap, swelling, soreness, and restricted movement.

Bunions are diagnosed with examination. The doctor may evaluate the toe’s range of motion and use an x-ray to see how severe the bunion is, or if there are any underlying structural problems causing it.

How are bunions treated?

Medical treatment is not required for bunions, but a doctor should be seen if there is persistent pain, decreased movement, or if it is hard to find shoes that fit.

The best treatment for bunions depends on the level of pain involved. For some patients, better fitting shoes can help. Shoe inserts can distribute weight evenly, and medications and cortisone injections can relieve pain. Ice therapy can relieve inflammation, and padding, splinting, and taping can reduce stress and pain.

Surgery may be an option if there is no relief from conservative methods and can involve removing swollen tissue, removing parts of bone, and realigning the bones. Properly fitting shoes are very important, especially after surgery, in order to keep the problem from returning.

Eyelid surgery is a procedure to remove excess skin from upper eyelids and reduce bagginess in the lower eyelids. This is typically performed as a cosmetic surgery, but may be performed in older patients if sagging eyelids have interfered with their vision. Sometimes, eyelid surgery is performed along with other procedures, such as laser resurfacing and forehead lifts.

Why do eyelids sag?

Your skin loses elasticity with age. This can result in excess skin on the eyelids, as well as bulges and wrinkles.

How is eyelid surgery performed?

There are several different methods for performing eyelid surgery, depending on the severity of the sagging and whether the operation is being performed on the upper or lower eyelids. For example, the procedure may be performed on the upper eyelids by cutting along the natural eyelid line, separating the skin from the underlying tissue, and removing excess skin and fat. The cuts are then closed with tiny stitches.

Am I a candidate for eyelid surgery?

A good candidate for any cosmetic surgery will be in good health and have realistic expectations of the procedure. In general, eyelid surgery is good for improving drooping lower lids, excess skin on upper lids, loose or sagging skin, and bags under the eyes. It is important to remember that eyelid surgery will not alter facial structure and the eyes will still be subject to normal aging. While lower eyelid surgery rarely needs to be repeated, upper eyelid surgery can last for only five to seven years.

What can I expect from the procedure?

If your doctor is operating on both upper and lower eyelids, the procedure can take about two hours. It is performed with local anesthesia. You will need to be driven home after the surgery and may experience dry eyes, swelling, and sometimes bruising. Your eyes will look normal within a week or two. Your doctor might recommend the use of ice packs, eye drops, gauze pads, and pain medication to use in the meantime at home.

Iggy Azalea is a rapper, songwriter, and model with hits such as 2014’s “Fancy.” However, even with all of her talent and stardom, Azalea is no stranger to self-criticism of her appearance, and even criticism from others.

Azalea recently told Vogue that she was asked to lose weight and change her appearance, like with a nose job, when she came to the United States from Australia eight years ago.

Eventually, after considering the procedure for her “entire life,” Azalea opted for a breast enhancement.

Like many women who choose to undergo this type of procedure, Azalea is happy with her breast enhancement and the way that it makes her feel. At the iHeartRadio Music Awards in March 2015, Azalea stated that she “loves” her new breasts.

However, as much as she enjoys the results from her procedure, the Australian star debated whether or not she should speak publically about it. Azalea recognizes that she has many fans who are young girls and did not want to negatively impact them by discussing cosmetic surgery. Young girls can be impressionable, and many are not satisfied with their looks—just like older women.

After a short time, Azalea decided that keeping secrets was not something that she wanted to do, so she decided to talk openly about her breast enhancement. The positive experience she had is partly influenced by the fact that she performed on stage just four days after the procedure due to developments in the process.

Stars openly discussing their cosmetic procedures, whether big or small, really help to reduce the stigma that can still be associated with these types of surgeries and changes. Iggy Azalea is helping to show men and women everywhere that making a change you are happy with doesn’t have to be something to keep quiet.

*Our information was provided courtesy of Yahoo Style and US Magazine.

A congenital deformity, club foot is diagnosed at birth or during a prenatal ultrasound. It affects one out of every 1,000 babies. Although club foot can affect just one foot, around half of all patients with the deformity have it in both feet. It also occurs twice as frequently in males compared to females.

The condition is characterized by the foot turning inward. The degree of severity can range from mild to severe—sometimes the turn can be so severe that the foot appears to be facing upward or sideways.

Fortunately, with advancements in medical technology, club foot can be corrected and patients can go on to live a full and active life without worry about side effects.

What causes club foot?

In general, the cause of club foot is unknown. It was previously thought that the condition developed because the foot was stuck in the wrong position in the womb. However, now it is believed that the condition is related to genetics. During pregnancy, the fetus’ bones take shape by separating from a single mass of bone material. Clubfoot occurs when the tarsal bones located in the foot fail to separate in the womb. The tendons in the foot are also tight and short.

How does club foot affect the patient?

Without any treatment, club foot is quite a hindrance to the person it affects. Although it is not painful for an infant, it can affect the quality of life and cause pain as your child grows and starts to walk. The patient may appear to be walking on their ankles or on the sides of their feet. Walking with club feet can be very painful and can lead to leg and back problems. However, with treatments (such as surgery), a fully functional and pain-free life is possible.

How is club foot treated?

Some methods of treatment for club foot involve stretching the foot into its desired position over time with the use of a brace or a cast. Surgery can also be used to correct the deformity, which typically consists of cutting and lengthening the Achilles tendon in the heel, allowing the foot to stretch to its normal position. Treatment for club foot typically begins shortly after birth and the diagnosis.

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which involves the reshaping of the nose. This procedure is done in order to improve the appearance of the nose and its proportion relative to the face. It is also done to correct breathing that is impaired because of structural defects of the nose.

What does the procedure entail?

During rhinoplasty, the patient is first given anesthesia. Next, one or more incisions are made in the nose. The nose structure is then reshaped. Bone and cartilage are removed in some cases, and cartilage is added in others. If a deviated septum exists, it is corrected during this phase of the procedure. Finally, the incision is closed.

What is recovery like following rhinoplasty?

Splints, bandages, and packing are used in different combinations during the immediate healing after the surgery, both inside and outside the nose. The initial swelling generally goes down in a week, but the full results of the new contour of the nose can take up to a year. Results are permanent, but it is important to keep in mind that the face changes as the body ages. Therefore, the exact look obtained following rhinoplasty may not be the same for the rest of your life.

Am I a candidate for rhinoplasty?

No face is entirely symmetrical, so that is a factor to consider when deciding if rhinoplasty is an appropriate procedure. Rhinoplasty candidates should have already completed their facial growth, be generally healthy, be non-smokers, and have a positive attitude and realistic expectations about the procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon can help you determine whether or not rhinoplasty is right for you, and help prepare you with realistic expectations about the procedure.

The cost of rhinoplasty varies. If it is performed in order to correct problems with breathing, it may be covered by health insurance. If it is performed for purely cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered. Be sure to choose a surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These surgeons have at least six years of surgical training following medical school, with at least three of these years solely dedicated to plastic surgery.

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a method that reduces many things about traditional surgery, such as the length of surgery time, the amount of healing time, and the risks for infection. Minimally invasive spine surgery is reflective of its name and does not require the doctor to cut through several fibers and muscles in order to reach the spine. This method is used for many different conditions and there are several different variations.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

The benefits of a minimally invasive surgery typically far outweigh any potential downsides to the surgery. With spinal surgery, it can be very difficult to ensure that the right part of the spine is being accessed. During a minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon does not make a huge cut in the body and can maneuver to the right area easily. The spine is also more subject to infections than the rest of the body. Because of the nature of the spine, it is important that it is protected. Minimally invasive surgery reduces the risks of infection because the incisions are not as large.

What are the downsides of minimally invasive surgery?

There are few downsides to minimally invasive spine surgeries. The most obvious downside is that the surgeon will not have as large a work space as he or she would in a traditional spine surgery. Another downside is that the surgery may need to be repeated if it is not done the correct way the first time. This is common for surgeries, but occurs more in minimally invasive ones. However, choosing a surgeon who is experienced in the type of surgery being performed will minimize this risk.

What types of minimally invasive surgery are used?

There are several types of minimally invasive surgeries that can be used by surgeons for the spine. Of these, the most common are laser surgery and surgery that utilizes a small camera and small instruments that a doctor can work with. In a laser surgery, the laser creates a small incision on the back and accesses the spine. With a small camera surgery, a small camera is inserted into the spine, and then the doctor watches the images on a large monitor while controlling small instruments.

Whether you have a herniated disc, a compacted vertebra, or pinched nerves in your spine, there are many things that can be helped with minimally invasive spine surgery. Before you make the decision for any surgery, consider the alternatives such as physical therapy or maintenance. When you make the decision to have a surgery, always talk to your doctor about the minimally invasive options that may be available for your specific issue.

Sports injuries can occur during any type of physical activity, including no-contact sports. Injuries obtained through physical activity can range from mild to severe, and some can even have an impact on the way that an athlete is able to function on a daily basis. The most common types of sports injuries include sprains, fractures, and dislocations.

Sprains

When you suffer from a sprain during a sports game, it is usually the result of twisting the ligaments that hold the muscles and bones together. This can when you move too quickly for your muscles to keep up. Sprains typically need time to heal and can be helped with pain medications and ice and heat therapy.

Fractures

When a bone is fractured, it is not completely broken into pieces, but rather has a small or large crack. This is often the result of heavy impact and can also occur when you put too much pressure on the bone. Athletes that do a lot of jumping or have a lot of contact with other players are more likely to suffer from a fracture. Fractures may not cause as many secondary issues as more traditional breaks, but they can result in an immense amount of pain. These types of breaks, like traditional ones, need to be set to allow the bone to heal. Athletes who have suffered a fracture generally do not have to undergo surgery to correct the fracture if they follow the instructions given by their doctor when they are first injured.

Dislocations

A dislocation occurs when the bone separates from other bones or joints in the body, often as a result of impact on the bone and joint. They most commonly occur in the fingers, shoulders, and hips. Some dislocations are so mild that you may not even notice them, but others can cause a severe amount of pain. Dislocations can be set back into place by an orthopedic surgeon. If the dislocation is severe, you may need to have pins placed within the bones and joint to keep them together.

When you have suffered a sports injury, it is important to see your family physician, but it may be even more beneficial to see an orthopedic specialist. These doctors are often trained in sports injuries and will be able to create a plan of action that might include medication, therapy, or other specified treatment in order to help the injury heal and allow you to continue playing sports.

Over the years, plastic surgery has evolved from something reserved for the wealthy to a more common and accessible option that can fit into nearly any budget. Cosmetic surgery has increased in safety, popularity, and affordability over the years, making it an attractive option for anyone who is not happy with their appearance.

Plastic surgeons around the world have seen a sharp increase in the number of patients that visit their office on a yearly basis. Both minimally invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures have increased in popularity due in part to their wider availability and more natural results.

In the year 2013, around 13 million minimally invasive plastic surgeries were performed. These included Botox injections, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser hair removal, and microdermabrasion. Minimally invasive procedures generally do not require general anesthesia and can be performed under simple local anesthesia or with no anesthesia at all. These procedures accounted for around 75 percent of the total cosmetic procedures that were done in the United States. Of these procedures, Botox was the most common. Since 2000, the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has increased by 144 percent.

Of the 15.1 million cosmetic procedures that were performed in the United States in 2013, 1.7 million required general anesthesia, recovery time, and more invasive methods. Breast augmentation held the highest numbers for that year, with rhinoplasty a close second. The number of breast augmentation procedures increased by 37 percent from the year 2000 until 2013. It has grown in popularity due to the safer methods that are used and the availability of materials for a more natural appearance, like silicone and saline implants.

While liposuction is not as popular as breast augmentation, it is still rapidly growing in popularity. Cosmetic surgeons are being trained in various, safer methods that allow them to perform liposuction in a less invasive way. These procedures allow patients to be in and out of surgery fairly quickly and have a quicker recovery time than with liposuction methods in previous years. In 2013, over 199,000 people underwent liposuction surgical procedures. Face lifts and eyelid surgeries are also among the most popular cosmetic surgeries that are performed.

Laser technology, infection reduction practices, and in increase of the number of cosmetic surgeons have all attributed to the rising number of plastic surgery procedures each year. Patients are more apt to undergo these procedures when they are less invasive, which can be achieved through the use of laser incisions. As popularity of cosmetic surgery rises, more surgeons are being trained to perform them.