We all want to be asleep when having surgery performed.  And there are several types and levels of anesthesia available.

Many different cosmetic surgical procedures are performed, including liposuction, facelifts, nasal reconstruction, and breast surgeries. Some of these can be done under an outpatient basis, or in the hospital itself.  The majority of cosmetic surgical procedures are done under general anesthesia, where the patient is unaware of his or her surroundings.  In other words, totally out.  The patient wakes up about ten or fifteen minutes after the surgery and spends approximately one to two hours in the recovery room following the surgery.

Current anesthetic methods include both intravenous drugs and inhaled gases, whose effects wear off quickly after surgery. Modern anti-nausea drugs lessen the percentage of patients who feel queasy during recovery.  A few cosmetic surgeries can be done under local anesthesia, or local anesthesia plus intravenous sedation.
It can be used for surgery on the eyelids or in some nasal reconstructions.

The best anesthesia plan will be chosen based on the length of the surgery, what the surgeon’s needs are, the patient’s wishes and the input from the  anesthesiologist.  Anesthesia is a pain preventative.  There are four types of this vital surgery tool:  Local anesthesia is used to prevent pain in the specific area that requires surgery. During local anesthesia, you are awake and aware of your surroundings. This type of anesthesia may be administered in the form of an ointment, spray or injection.

Intravenous sedatives (i.e. through a vein)  may be used with other types of anesthesia during surgery. Sedation includes a combination of drugs that help prevent pain and lessen stress associated with medical procedures. There are multiple levels of anesthesia and sedation. For example, a mid-level form of sedation is called twilight.  There are deeper levels of sedation that produce effects similar to general anesthesia. Generally speaking, during sedation, you are awake but sleepy, and you may not recall or sense that the procedure is being performed. It is very important that you understand the sedation level to be used in your procedure, and how it will affect you both during and after surgery.  Discuss this vital part of your surgery with your doctor, in detail.

Regional anesthesia such as a spinal block, is given to the surrounding nerves that may produce pain signals. Regional anesthesia produces effects similar to those of sedation, which may be used in conjunction with the aforementioned regional anesthesia.

An educated and well informed patient will be satisfied with the results of plastic surgery because they know what to expect and are doing it for all of the right reasons.

Before you go in for any surgery, and especially plastic surgery, there are many things to be considered. Meet with the plastic surgeon that will perform the procedure and get any questions you may have, answered to your satisfaction. Be persistent until you are happy with all of the information. Look at a few before and after pictures of previous patents of this doctor, and meet with others who have had operations with him or her, if possible.

Pick a doctor who can make you feel comfortable, has good eye contact and great qualifications. Where possible, check them out and see what others’ opinions are of this doctor. About 10% of plastic surgery requires revision of the procedure or follow-up work. This can often mean, although not in all cases, that the original procedure was not performed properly.

Always choose a doctor’s practice that can offer great after care. This is important if there are any complications, for any reason. If a procedure like Botox is done incorrectly, or by unqualified personnel, there can be complications like drooping or infections. Remember that you can also take advantage of a short period of time such as your lunch hour, to have quick procedures such as fillers, Botox and microdermabrasion performed. You could have your co-workers wondering what you did on your lunch hour, because you will look so refreshed afterwards.

Choose a local plastic surgeon that makes you feel one hundred percent satisfied and happy that you chose him or her. If you get a weird feeling at any time, do not go to that plastic surgeon. Be sure and consult with the surgeon, and your family and friends, before you have any procedure. It takes about six sessions of microdermabrasion in order to see improvement in your complexion. These procedures are not instant, so be patient.

Do not meet with staff instead of the surgeon, to discuss the procedure. You are entrusting your body to them, so you deserve to have all of your questions answered fully. Ask questions about credentials and training and most important, how often have they done this procedure? Do not be influenced in your decision by slick media campaigns. Most reputable surgeons will do follow-up procedures if necessary, for free, within one year of your surgery.

And most important of all, make sure you are doing this for yourself, and no one else.

When  considering plastic surgery it is important to realize the importance of your decision, and to take your time and choose wisely. A few steps can ensure you are an informed plastic surgical patient that is happy with the final outcome of your surgery.

The first step is a self check.

What are your reasons for choosing plastic surgery? Do you have reasonable expectations of the outcome? The word plastic comes  from the Greek word “plastikos,” which means  to mold or give form. Plastic surgery does that; it gives new form to the human body, either through cosmetic or reconstructive procedures. When choosing a doctor it is important to find a well-trained, qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.  Your goal is to develop a list of candidates.

Step Two is To Search Wisely

Start with your friends and acquaintances. If you know someone who’s had a procedure similar to the one you’re considering, talk to this person about it. Don’t decide on a surgeon based on one friend’s experience, but feel free to use that experience and possible recommendation as one factor in making your decision.  Every patient is unique, and so is every surgery and your results might be quite different from your friend’s results.

Talk to your family doctor. He or she  may be able to recommend a plastic surgeon. Ask your doctor how many patients he or she has referred to a particular  surgeon, and what feedback was  offered later, and ask whether the doctor would send a family member to this surgeon. Also consider nurses as an information source. If you know an operating room nurse-or if someone you know knows one, then you may be able to get a well-informed opinion on surgeons that he or she has worked with.

Also consider hospitals. Call hospitals in your community and ask for the names of board-certified plastic surgeons they have on staff. Also be sure to ask for the names of doctors who have privileges, which means official approval, to do the particular procedure you’re considering.

Step Three is Check Credentials and References

When you have a list prepared, do some further checking. Start checking their credentials. Remember that  good credentials can’t guarantee  a successful outcome, but they can significantly increase the odds in your favor. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and remember to do a web search. You’ll often find message boards where people share information on their experiences.

Finding a good plastic surgeon to perform cosmetic procedures requires a little diligence and a lot of common sense. And, since it is your body and your appearance, it is definitely worth your time to do it right!

No matter what your beauty goals – safety should always be the number one priority for you, and your plastic surgeon. This is especially true when you have a medical condition or disease such as diabetes.

When considering plastic surgery a patient must decide if he or she is a good candidate for the procedure. That includes having a healthy lifestyle, getting regular exercise, being a non-smoker, not over weight, emotionally stable, having friends who provide support, able to limit alcohol and caffeine intake and able to accept the disadvantages of cosmetic surgery including inconvenience, cost, discomfort and medial risk. And the candidate must have realistic expectations.

If you are a diabetic then you may not be a good candidate and if you have the procedure the risk changes may be higher. Diabetics tend to have poorer circulation than the rest of the population  and  heal slower. If you are diabetic you’ve noticed during routine exams that the doctors check your feet. The reason for this is the circulatory problems. Outer extremities tend to get less blood flow than they should with many diabetics, one of the reasons for amputations being so common with many seriously ill diabetics. Cosmetic surgery requires a time to heal and a healthy system to undertake that healing. Diabetes complicates things and makes the healing harder and makes it take longer.

Diabetes can cause many complications including hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyerosmolar coma. Complications can also include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, retinal damage which can lead to blindness, and microvasculature damage which can cause impotence as well as problems in healing. Diabetes, especially Type 2 or adult onset diabetes is becoming increasingly common in the US, partially due to sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise and poor eating habits. Loosing weight, getting regular exercise and improving diets can help many to reverse or control diabetes without medication. So many people today have diabetes however, that it is almost considered an epidemic. Reducing intake of sugar and carbohydrates helps many, and others utilize oral medications. Those with more serous and advanced diabetes take insulin daily.

Other factors that can make a person think twice about having cosmetic surgery are hypertension, a bleeding disorder, heart or lung disease, obesity, severe allergies, elevated cholesterol, arthritis and depression.

If you suffer from any of these health problems, if you drink alcohol or if you smoke then you will face a higher risk of complications including infection, skin loss, bleeding and anesthesia problems. Be sure to share your total medical history with your surgeon to determine if cosmetic surgery is right for you.

So you’ve had plastic surgery and are going through the recovery period. Putting up with the pain and discomfort for many is the easy part as long as you don’t have to move, but when it is time to get up and go to the bathroom, or to the kitchen to get something to eat, that’s when it gets rough.  If you have a friend or relative who is able to stay with you, an older child or a supportive spouse that can make things a lot easier. Of course having an aide or a nurse on staff would be great, but let’s face it, most people just can’t afford it. You’ve already paid for your surgical procedure and many times that is a hefty amount alone. Getting through the first two weeks is hardest and after that you’ll probably do just fine.

Above all be sure to get plenty of rest. When you rest your body heals itself faster. Follow also all  of the instructions you doctor has given you, take all medications provided, including any pain medications, and make sure that you don’t smoke or drink alcohol during the recovery process. Alcohol doesn’t mix well wit pain medication and both smoking and alcohol can slow down the healing process.

If you don’t have someone available to help you see if a walker or rolator can be acquired. If you don’t own one, they can often be rented for a short period for very little money and using either can make those trips down the hall to the bathroom much easier and safer. You don’t want to fall and undo any of the work the surgeon has done for you. Even a cane or a crutch can be quite helpful in moving and transitioning.

Make sure you have a pitcher of water and a plastic drinking cup handle, and you may need a straw to drink from. Stay hydrated. This also helps healing as the body needs moisture. Sleep when you need to but if you are getting bored it helps to have a radio, a CD player, books and magazines and a TV all close by. Remote controls are also quite handy since you want to move as little as possible.

If you don’t have someone to stay with you full time, check and see if a neighbor would be willing to stop by once or twice a day. That can make a world of difference.

For over 30 years, Dr. John A. Grossman has been making a major impact on the lives of his patients.  His commitment to the individual success of his patients coupled with his artistry as a plastic surgeon make Dr. Grossman one of the most respected aesthetic plastic surgeons in the nation today.

Dr. Grossman was educated at the prestigious Cornell University Medical College in New York City.  He completed his surgical residency at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.  After completing a plastic surgical residency at the University of Colorado, Dr. Grossman opened the doors of his private Denver, Colorado practice in 1975.  By 1984, Dr. Grossman enjoyed enough success as a plastic surgeon to open an office in Beverly Hills, California.

Patients feel reassured because Dr. Grossman is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Dr. Grossman is a member of leading professional organizations in his field including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.  Dr. Grossman is actively involved with a number of hospital appointments and professional groups.

Besides his impressive basic educational and professional accomplishments, Dr. Grossman is nationally recognized by the public as an expert in his field.  He was a guest speaker on CBC, ABC, CNN and NBC.  Dr. Grossman is a lecturer in many venues and write articles for both lay and professional publications.  In 1999, Dr. Grossman was recognized in Town and Country in their Directory of Top Cosmetic Surgeons in the United States.   Dr. Grossman continually appears in the Denver magazine 5280 as one of the best plastic surgeon in Denver.  Dr. Grossman commented in a recent article appearing in Glamour Magazine in 2008 entitled, ‘You Want a Prettier What?”

Dr. Grossman works with a competent team of professionals to deliver the desired results to each of his patients.  Grossman Plastic Surgery focuses on the unique needs and qualities of each patient so they can “live beautifully” everyday.  Patients are anxious enough about getting plastic surgery.  When they meet with Dr. Grossman, they feel reassured they are in competent, caring hands.  From skin care to non-surgical to surgical procedures, Grossman Plastic Surgery is committed to the art of cosmetic surgery to deliver outstanding results.  From facial rejuvenation to breast enhancement to body shaping, you are in the best hands at Grossman Plastic Surgery.

Plastic surgery is a major decision.  Now that you’re ready to explore your options, it is vitally important to choose a board certified and highly experienced plastic surgeon to ensure a safe, satisfying surgery.

All plastic surgeons are not alike.  Those plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery have unique qualifications and special training.  When you are having surgery, you want to deal with a surgeon with the optimum expertise.  Plastic surgeons certified by the ABPS provide the highest level of patient care and face the lowest rates of patient complications.

According to a survey conducted in 1997 based on over 400,000 surgeries done in accredited facilities, the risk of serious complications was under a half of one percent.  This type of safety and expertise is what you want to have during plastic surgery.  Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon means less risks and a more attractive outcome.

There are a variety of professional organizations representing physicians around the world.  Make sure the plastic surgeon you choose is board certified by the ABPS, which means they are specifically certified to perform plastic surgery.  The requirements for ABPS board certification are stringent so patients know they are dealing with a true professional.

The American Board of Medical Specialties oversees the ABPS and sets high standards for education and training.  These lofty standards were created so patients feel reassured about the capabilities of the plastic surgeon they choose.  An ABPS board certified plastic surgeon must:

-earn a degree from an accredited medical school;
-complete three years of general surgery;
-complete a minimum of two to three years supervised residency in plastic surgery;
-have two years experience in professional practice; and
-pass tough oral and written exams, which only 70 percent of physician actually pass.

Patients should speak directly to the plastic surgeon about his or her certification and expertise.  Don’t be afraid to ask about board certification and how many years experience a plastic surgeon has before making a commitment.  A competent plastic surgeon will be pleased you care enough to ask questions about his background.

Talk to other patients about the plastic surgeon you are considering.  Review photos of his previous work and ask for references from former clients.  Discuss your goals honestly with the plastic surgeon and ask if he or she has performed the specific surgery you are seeking.  Request photos and records of the results of the surgery.

When you know a plastic surgeon is board certified and experienced, you feel more comfortable about having the operation.

Breast enlargement, formally referred to as breast augmentation, is a safe and popular plastic surgery procedure.  It is not unusual for women to feel their breasts are too small or have become different after childbearing.  Breast enlargement gives women the figure and confidence they want.

During an augmentation mammaplasty, a silicone implant is placed behind the breast’s natural tissue.  The implant may be placed either under or on top of the pectoral muscle in the chest.  The result are filled-out, enlarged and lifted breasts with a naturally pleasing appearance.

Breast augmentation is meant to improve the appearance of breasts rather than make them look perfect.  Common reasons women want breast enlargement include small breasts, low breast volume following pregnancy, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy and the desire to correct uneven breasts.

The best candidates for breast enlargement surgery have realistic goals and are in good physical and emotional health.  Breast augmentation is possible for those with chronic health conditions but special precautions must be taken prior to surgery.  Candidates must also understand  the human body is naturally asymmetric and uneven and that plastic surgery will not repair personal problems such as marital or job difficulties.

Breast enhancing surgeries have been performed since the 1950s.  During the 1960s, silicone implants were introduced.  Today there are both silicone and saline filled implants in various shape and sizes to achieve most physical goals.

Breast augmentation is done as a day patient/outpatient.  There are several types of anesthetic with general anesthesia most frequently used.  An incision is made to create a space or “pocket” for the implant.  The implant is then placed behind or on top of the pectoral muscle.  The incision is usually made in the fold underneath the breast, in the armpit or at the edge of the areola.  The surgery is recommended for those over 18 years old.  There is no age limit for breast enlargement as long as the candidate is in good overall health.

Patients should not smoke or take nicotine replacements before or up to two weeks after breast augmentation surgery.  Smoking negatively affects the body’s ability to heal after surgery.  Patients will be in and out on the same day as their breast enlargement surgery but cannot drive home themselves. Someone must be available to drive the patient home and keep an eye on the patient for a few hours after surgery.  The patient wears a surgical bra for 48 to 72 hours after surgery.  After this period of time, the patient can remove the bra to take a shower.  Patients must be careful about moving their upper body right after surgery.

Breast enlargement is a safe, effective way to get the hourglass figure you always wanted.

A chemical peels uses a chemical solution to smooth and improve facial skin by getting rid of the damaged outer layers.  Because of this, your skin is very sensitive after a chemical peel.  If you want to show off your new, improved complexion outdoors you must stay clear of sunbathing and direct sunlight to avoid skin damage.

People with wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation and blemishes benefit from chemical peels.  The compounds frequently used to render chemical peels are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol.  The formula is adjusted to meet the unique needs of the patient.  Chemical peels may also be used to get rid of acne scars, control acne breakouts and remove pre-cancerous skin growths.  In some instances, health insurance may cover such a chemical peel.  In most cases, chemical peels are considered cosmetic.

Light peels are performed with AHAs such as lactic, glycolic or fruit acids.  For medium peels, TCA agents are used.  For dramatic, long lasting results, patients have phenol chemical peels.  Because of this, phenol peels require the longest recovery period.  Chemical peels should be performed by an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon to ensure patient safety.  Patients must follow aftercare instructions carefully to avoid problems.  For all peels, patients need to avoid sunbathing and direct sunlight to keep their skin from getting serious sunburned.

Because the skin is thinner after chemical peels, it is extremely prone to being damaged by direct sunlight.  With thinner skin, patients are more susceptible to sun damage, redness and irritation.  Even when using AHAs, patients must use a protective sunscreen for several months after the chemical peels are completed.  After deeper chemical peels, such as a phenol peel, patients must always use sun protection and sunscreen.  Patients should ask their doctor about the best sunblock to use with adequate UVA and UVB protection so they can apply it on a daily basis to protect their skin after a chemical peel.

Because chemical peels remove layers of skin, the newly revealed skin is quite tender and sensitive.  This soft, vulnerable skin must always be protected against the sun.  After all, you underwent a chemical peel to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.  Exposing this fresh skin to direct sunlight would potentially destroy the results are you achieving by having a chemical peel.  Patients should discuss sun exposure and other aftercare requirements with their plastic surgeon prior to having a chemical peel.

With proper care, patients will enjoy fresher, better looking skin after a chemical peel.

Choosing to have plastic surgery is a major decision.  If you have a particular flaw that bothers you, plastic surgery can improve your appearance and give you a healthy dose of self-confidence.  Grossman Plastic Surgery believes in total patient care because the entire person is affected by their decision to have plastic surgery.

What exactly is plastic surgery?  As defined by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), plastic surgery is taken from the Greek word plastikos, which means to mold or give form.  Plastic surgery is a medical specialty dedicated to reshaping and restoring the human body.  Reconstructive surgery is done on abnormal body structures caused by developmental problems, disease, tumors, birth defects, injuries and infections.  Cosmetic surgery is performed to restore or reshape a part of the body to improve both appearance and self-esteem.

After deciding a certain element of your appearance needs improvement and you want to explore your options, you contact the plastic surgeon’s office to make an appointment.  Your first appointment with the plastic surgeon is an initial consultation.  During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will request your complete medical history.  Because plastic surgery is exactly what the name implies, your medical history is essential.  When you undergo any type of operation, the surgeon needs to know about your strengths, weaknesses, allergies and other factors that could affect your surgery or its outcome.

Once the plastic surgeon has your complete medical history, you will discuss your goals.  The plastic surgeon will make suggestions and let you know what is possible or impossible when you discuss what you hope to achieve with plastic surgery.  Photos may be taken of the patient so the plastic surgeon can develop a strategy.  These photos are often compared to pictures taken after the plastic surgery so the patient can appreciate the difference.  Each case is unique and quite a bit depends on the individual circumstances of the patient.

While you discuss your goals with the plastic surgeon, you can also discuss the surgeon’s training, licensing and experience.  You may want to request referrals from other patients or look at photos of other surgeries performed by the doctor so you feel more confident about your choice.  Ask specific questions about the procedure you want, where it will be performed, whether you will need to stay at the facility overnight or have someone to drive you home and how long the recovery time will be.

Grossman Plastic Surgery believes in total patient care and attending to every aspect of plastic surgery procedures.  From the consultation to recover, Grossman Plastic Surgery devotes themselves to taking complete care of the patient for stellar results.