Thursday, April 30, 2009

5 Steps To Buff: Skin Care Just For Men!

reference: articlet.com

Contrary to what some people think, women aren’t the only one’s who need to think about skin care and I can’t think of one woman who wouldn’t want a buff guy who takes skin care seriously, especially the face!

#1 Men Should Exfoliate!

Why? Well, here’s a crash course summary. A guy’s face is very different from the face of a woman because a guy’s face produces more sweat, more collagen, whiskers, proteins, larger pores and a denser supply of blood vessels … just to name a few! Generally speaking this means that a guy’s face is more apt to hold in dirt and grime.

If you don’t know exactly what “exfoliate” means, it’s simply the process of getting rid of dull dead skin cells to show the healthy skin that’s hiding. Exfoliation is the first step in any facial skin care regimen. By exfoliating your face, your skin will be clean, shaving will be much more pleasurable, your pores will be able to breath and you’ll have fewer breakouts everyone hates.

#2 Specifically Made for Men…

Because a man’s face is different, it’s a good idea to look for products made with the typical man’s face in mind and there are several brands out on the market that take men’s skin care seriously.

Nivea, Baxter of California and even Clinique have products specifically for men that are top notch in skin care. A few ingredients to look for would be beta hydroxy acid, alpha hydroxy acid, granulated pumice, seal salts and fruit seeds all of which are great for removing those dreaded dead skin cells. However, shopping is only a part of the process.

#3 The Scrub!

Scrub sounds painful but there are a number of options and they are pain free. Use an exfoliating mask, it may seem a little feminine-like at first but the obvious advantages are great. A mask is a liquid, when applied the face it hardens creating the mask but if peels off with no problem. It’s not time consuming, it’s easy and pain free. A good mask can be a little expensive but it’s worth it!

Mildly abrasive sponges are ideal and one of the most popular is a loofa sponge. A loofa is made from the fibrous part of a loofa plant and most sponges are great simply because they whip up the cleaner into a rich lather that gets deep into those places on the face where the skin needs it the most. There are other options like soaps but a bar usually requires more scrubbing on your part but the choice is yours.

#4 Add Moisture…

The last step is to actually put back some moisture into your face because the cleansing while it cleans your pores and keeps your skin healthier, it also strips away some of the naturals you need like moisture. Once again, look for a moisturizer made for men to finish off your gorgeous face and when a woman glances your way—you’ll know why.

#5 Protect Your Investment!

Taking care of your skin is truly an investment in time and money. Developing a daily routine is a must and ten minutes is all it takes. If you want to perk up your body, exfoliating is also recommended for your chest, hands and feet—the best thing is you can do it in the shower using the same methods you would on your face. Top if off with a moisturizer and your good to go!

Broad Chin Reduction - Jawline Enhancement Plastic Surgery


Explore Plastic Surgery » Blog Archive »

The chin is the most dominant feature of the lower face. It has significant influence on the perception of facial balance and how the neck looks as well. While the chin may only be thought of as being too small or too big, there are other dimensions to the chin that also play a role in how it looks. Its horizontal position relative to the rest of the face can be an overly simplistic view of its aesthetics. The width of the chin is also important. Men often want a wider chin, women usually desire a chin that is more narrow.

When it comes to building out a chin, whether it be for horizontal length or width, the use of an implant is a simple and very effective method. Reducing chins, however, require manipulation of the bone…specifically removing parts of the chin to change its shape. Subtraction is a slightly more complex maneuver than addition for all facial areas.


Broad chins can be reduced through a technique known as an oblique chin ostectomy. This is a method where bone from the side of the chin along its undersurface is removed. This can be done by burring it down, or more effectively, by sawing away the widest part of the chin and making it blend into the jawline. It can be done from either inside the mouth or from a small incision under the chin. As the bone is removed in a front to back direction, how much bone to remove and how it affects the narrowing of the chin can be seen quite easily.


This procedure can be done alone or with any other chin operation, including implants. For a wide and short chin, for example, a central chin implant style can be placed with lateral narrowing to make for a slender narrower chin. This operation does cause some significant swelling, as bone manipulations will do, and some temporary numbness of the chin and lower lip as well.


Narrowing of the chin adds another method of cosmetic jaw enhancement including chin implants, chin, osteotomies, mandibular angle implants, and mandibular angle reduction. Chin narrowing can be done alone or in combination of any other chin/jaw method to create an overall lower jaw shape change. These changes are particularly visible through computer prediction imaging and all such patients go through such imaging before surgery.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Skin Care For Men


The Foreign Exchange

Have you ever met a guy whose skin looked so fresh you wanted to bite it? I have, and he was sitting next to me in class this morning! It made me wonder, since when did gentlemen start using skin care products? Women may have been using them for hundreds of years, but as far as I know soap and water have been the only option for men. You may have owned some sunscreen at some point but that was long forgotten in a drawer. Rough skin, a good tan and even callused hands are considered part of a mature man's charisma. But, nowadays, a new trend seems to have caught on where men's grooming products are redefining what masculinity really is.At first, I thought men who spent their time enhancing their appearance must look like someone out of Queer Eye For the Straight Guy. It turns out to be a total misconception. When asked what the motivation was to go through all the trouble of putting on chemicals, or so-called “nourishment,” my classmate’s response gives us an opportunity to understand the new definition of masculinity. “Your perspective on men's skin care is obsolete.

Takeshi Kaneshivo (金城武), who was elected the most popular male star in a Japanese survey, started using skin care products long before I did. This new model of masculinity encourages me to reshape my old thoughts.” He also pointed out that by using grooming products he was able to build up his self-confidence and self-esteem. This, he believes, is what makes a man extraordinary and is the key to being more successful with women. So how does the public respond to the fact that men are starting to care more about their appearance? According to the Nielsen Global Online Omnibus survey conducted in late 2006, 81% of the respondents in Taiwan agreed that it's common for men to spend time and money to make themselves look good, and around one-fourth of the male respondents gave feedback that showed they were spending more than before on skin care products and cosmetic treatments. Believe it or not, this is undeniable evidence that aesthetic standards in modern society are shifting.
To understand how skin care works, let’s take a look at some basic principles and tips.

1. The cleansing cream/foam is the easiest skin care product you can get your hands on.

Good ones can be found in groceries and drug stores, like COSMED or Watsons. Michele Probst, an expert celebrity makeup artist with over 12 years of experience, says that because men have larger pores and skin that is approximately 15% oilier than women’s, it’s much easier for them to trap dirt and dust with bacteria. When the skin starts to secrete oil, they will eventually turn into nasty zits. The original cleaning formula, water and soap, can no longer fulfill the role of keeping skin clean. But, before you rush off to the shop, take a skin test on PTT-mancare electronic board to determine your skin type. Knowing your skin type means that you can buy skin formulas and skin products that are suitable for you. If you still have no clue as to where to start, consulting a dermatologist on campus can provide more specific guidance on product selection and treatments, especially for people with zits. When you go shopping, remember to pay extra attention to the components which might cause allergy, and always ask for a trial package or sample before you actually throw money on a cleanser.

2. To keep skin healthy and resilient or prevent pores from clotting, specific caring and protecting techniques are required.

Although cleaning helps remove harmful residues from skin, a lot more needs to be done to perfect our appearance, and that is-toning and moisturizing. Pollutants from scooters and car exhausts accumulate on our skin over time and inhibit it from breathing properly. To be free of this menace, a toner is what we need. The role of the toner is to tighten pores, remove the chemical components left by the cleanser, and soften the face. Besides, the pleasant smell of most toners can help you forget your long day at work and even prepare you for sleep. Maintaining a fresh and supple skin throughout the day requires moisturizers that lock the water in. For instance, indoor workers are exposed to desiccating conditions. Air-conditioners and ventilators take water away from the epider-mis, and turn the skin dry and flaky. Eventually wrinkles will just pop out from nowhere. This is catastrophic since wrinkles, once they are formed, will never disappear unless cosmetic surgery or botox injections are used. By simply applying a moisturizer after the toner, these terrifying consequences can easily be avoided.3. Protecting your skin comes from knowing your real enemy, not the air or chemical pollutants, but the sun.

Don't be mistaken though. Maintaining your skin doesn't necessarily mean permanently avoiding sunlight. Inadequate sunlight exposure may lead to a deficiency of Vitamin D, something that can only be manufactured photochemically in skin. Conversely, overexposure to sunlight may cause sunburn, loss of skin elasticity, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. But the solution is simple, just put on some sunscreen before going outside, that’s all you have to do!

Men! Taking care of your skin is not about following the trend or spending a large amount of money on the latest skin products; it is to relieve the skin of discomforts that come with aging and pollution. Give the above a try and feel the benevolent transformation on your skin. You will have a lot of people approaching you and asking you for the secret formula.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Pectoral Implant


The male pectoral implant is designed to define and shape a man's chest area. Men who cannot achieve their desired results through exercise can have surgery to give the existing muscles a toned enhanced look. For patients with congenital defects or loss of muscle from an accident or injury, the pectoral implant can often reproduce a more natural, even and symmetrical chest.

Pectoral implants can help build self confidence in individuals who were once embarrassed by their appearance.

Prior to the procedure the surgeon will show you the different shapes and sizes of implants that are available. Together, you will pick one that forms naturally to the curves and shape of your existing muscles.

Doctors most often begin pectoral implant surgery by making a small incision in the armpit, and then insert the implant endoscopically. Endoscopic surgery involves using a thin tube with a very small camera on the end in order to guide the doctor through the patient's body with a great amount of precision. This method reduces incision size as well as bleeding. Non-endoscopic methods are sometimes preferred.

Following the path of the incision, the surgeon places the implants under the pectoral muscle. The incisions are then sutured and the surgery is complete. The implants are held in place by the overlying chest muscle or by sutures that are temporarily visible through the skin.

The amount of pain experienced varies from person to person, and depends on the method used. In general, pectoral implant procedures that take advantage of the endoscope reduce bleeding and incision size. The amount of pain, therefore, may be lessened in endoscopic surgeries. You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your surgeon in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.


Some surgeons do not apply incision dressings or drains after the surgery. In these cases, patients do not need to worry about changing bandages etc. Most patients will wear an elastic bandage or vest to reduce swelling.

However, patients who undergo pectoral implant surgery usually experience mild to moderate amount of pain in the days following the procedure. Soreness and bruising are common and should fade within a week or so. Doctors may prescribe oral medication to lessen the pain. Aspirin should be avoided as it may promote more bleeding and bruising. By the second week after the procedure, most individuals will be able to resume normal, everyday activities. You will be able to perform normal activities within a month.

Most people are pleased with the results of pectoral implants. The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. Barring significant complications, secondary surgery is rarely needed. The results of pectoral are different for every individual. Remember that depending on your body shape and size, having the biggest implant may not be the most desirable option. Always discuss the changes that you want with your doctor in order to make sure that they are reasonable and achievable.

Pectoral Implant Risks:

Bleeding from the cut tissues, leading to bruising and possible accumulations of blood under the skin, is unavoidable in any surgery. It is a tribute to the great skill of today's surgeons that these problems are rare. Complications are usually minor when a pectoral implant surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Unlike female breast implant surgery, pectoral implants do not carry the risk of breaking and/or leaking. The silicone implant used for men is soft but solid (not filled with liquid).

In some cases, extensive bleeding and infection may occur. Such side effects are fairly uncommon. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

There is also a slight risk of implant displacement. If the implant moves or is not held in place correctly by the pectoral muscle, further surgery may be required. In extreme cases, the implant may need to be removed permanently.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

Remember that, while pectoral implants affect the way that your chest muscles look, they do not affect the function. Movement and activity should not be restricted or hindered after full recovery. On the other hand, the silicone implants in no way add strength or power to the existing muscles.

Important note: Cigarette smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and tissues, increasing the risk of poor healing, and skin sloughing, scabbing or crusting. Smoking may lead to permanent scarring as well.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Herbs Not To Be Used Before Plastic Surgery


Herbs Not Be Used Before Plastic Surgery

Herbs Not Be Used Before Plastic Surgery
By eNotAlone.com
Published: April 24, 2009

Plastic Surgery patients should not be taking any herbal dietary supplements prior to the undergoing surgery as they can have negative effects when combined with the operation, warns a report published in the latest issue of Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

The report claims that more than 40 per cent of cosmetic surgery patients take some form of herbal supplement two weeks prior to their surgery. For many people, the words "natural" or "herbal" are associated with health, safety and purity. However, use of the over-the-counter products without a doctor's prescription often results in significant risks for health. According to the report, as many as 70 per cent of individuals may not even tell their surgeon or conventional health care provider that they have been using alternative medications, sometimes because they feel that these doctors have little belief or interest in naturopathic medicine, or they feel that their physicians may not be quite supportive of such treatments.

According to Dr. David J. Rowe, MD, main author and Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Lyndhurst, OH, some patients simply do not understand the relevance of herbal supplement usage to their current medical or surgical care. Patients need to be aware that full disclosure of all medications - both those that are prescribed and those that are obtained without any prescription - is very important for their own sake. It is also important that people realize that constantly changing and unregulated manufacturing standards and lack of regulation for many alternative drugs mean that quality and dosage may vary significantly among these products.

When undergoing plastic surgery, the most significant and potentially hazardous effects of alternative medicines occur during the operative and immediate postoperative periods. Some herbal supplements can help with the recovery process, but the experts are worried that others can be harmful around the time of the operation and may also interact with traditional medication. These include some of the mostly used herbal supplements, which, after the interaction, can cause deleterious cardiovascular effects, alteration of coagulation [bleeding] and sedative effects.

Herbal medications to avoid 2 weeks prior to surgery are:

  1. Bleeding effects: Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, Fish oils (omega-3 fatty acids), Dong Quai, Feverfew.

  2. Drug interactions: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice, St. John's wort, Kava, Valerian root.

  3. Cardiovascular Effects: Ephedra (tachycardia, hypertension, palpitations), Garlic (hypotension).

  4. Anesthetic effects: Valerian root, St. John's Wort, Kava.

  5. Other: St. John's Wort and Dong Quai (photosensitivity), Ginseng (hypoglycemia).

Dr. Alan Gold, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), said that physicians must have at least basic knowledge of the common alternative medications and their side effects, and then be very involved and active in discussing the use of herbal supplements with their patients during the history, consultation and informed consent process. Quitting the use of certain herbal supplements before the operation is just as important as stopping the use of aspirin, ibuprofen and many other common drugs, he said.

This article was written in order to help plastic surgeons and their patients identify potentially hazardous and harmful herbal supplements, based on the most current scientific evidence, said Dr. Rowe. On the positive side, the experts also discuss how providing the correct supplements and nutrients after aesthetic surgery can be very therapeutic.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Vasectomies on the Rise


THV Healthy Difference for Men at 6:30: Vasectomies on the Rise - todaysthv.com | KTHV | Little Rock, AR

The economy may be down, but the number of men requesting vasectomies is not.

According to one report, some urologists report a near doubling of vasectomy requests since the economic crisis began.

A decreased desire to have children because of the expense involved is one reason. Another reason urologists have seen an increase is many men reportedly want to get the procedure done before their jobs and health insurance disappear.

'We can't afford to have any more children in this economy.' My perception is that it's more of the concept of raising children in an uncertain economic future."

Losing jobs mean losing income, making it difficult to raise the family you already have. But it also means losing health insurance, another possible reason that dads are turning to vasectomies. "I can't count on my hands, in the last three months, the number of times someone has said they're about to lose their insurance and ask to squeeze them in," Dr. Bryan Kansas told CNN.

Even without insurance, a vasectomy is a cost-effective permanent birth control method. At $500 to $1000, it adds up to significantly less than other forms of contraception a person might use during their remaining childbearing years. Birth control pills run $20 to $50 a month -- or $12,000 over the course of 20 years. The average cost of condoms would vary by brand and frequency, of course, but at a box a month, a 20-year supply would cost about $2,800.




The drawback of a vasectomy, besides the pain and suffering (which my husband says I did not factor in to the above estimates), is that it's permanent. Reversals are expensive and have a 50 percent success rate. So parents who aren't 100 percent sure their family is complete might want to stick with a method that will leave them options when the economy finally rebounds.If you're thinking that at some point in the future, you may want children, then you might want to look at another form of birth control.

There are a few drawbacks. Firstly, there's a small chance that the vasa deferentia could grow back. Also while a vasectomy is a dependable method of birth control, it will not protect you against STDs.

Some experts believe a vasectomy could increase a man's chances for heart disease, osteoporosis, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

Some complications after the procedure could include inflammation, scrotal pain, infection and possible bleeding within the scrotum.

A vasectomy is far cheaper than a tubal litigation for women.

A vasectomy might not be the best option for all men; it's important to discuss the procedure with your family practice physician or urologist.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Male Tummy Tuck


Many men are concerned about having "love handles," a "pot belly," or a "spare tire." Such concerns are not unfounded; right or wrong, our society places a high value on looking fit and young, for men as well as women. Male abdominoplasty, also called " male tummy tuck," is a common procedure that can reduce the size of a protruding belly by removing excess skin and tightening the muscles in the midsection. Tummy tuck surgery, for many men, can deliver a flatter, tighter, more aesthetically appealing abdominal contour. Below, find a brief overview of the abdominoplasty procedure for men.

Benefits of the Tummy Tuck for Men

Frequent or dramatic changes in weight can cause the abdominal muscles to weaken, the skin to sag, and stretch marks to appear. In many cases, however, simple aging is the primary reason behind the flabby midsection that is the source of frustration and disappointment for many men. As we age, fat redistributes itself to the abdominal area. For many men, exercise alone cannot produce the slim, fit, and youthful looking result they desire. Male tummy tuck surgery (or male abdominoplasty) can improve the appearance of the abdominal region through the removal of excess skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles. For the best results, male abdominoplasty should be teamed with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A common and highly successful procedure, tummy tuck surgery can create a tighter, flatter abdominal area for men, as well as provide a boost in confidence and a new, more youthful contour.

Variations on the Male Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty surgery for men is usually an outpatient procedure, performed under general or local anesthesia and sedation. In a traditional male tummy tuck procedure, an incision is made in the lower abdomen from hip to hip, and a second incision is made to reposition the navel. The abdominal muscles are tightened and excess skin is removed. The remaining skin is stretched to create a firmer, tighter abdomen.

In a partial, or "mini," male tummy tuck, less skin is removed, and the navel is left intact. A smaller incisional scar is left behind, and the recovery time is shorter compared to the full male abdominoplasty. Liposuction can also be performed at the same time to remove any excess fat from the area. The full male tummy tuck procedure takes approximately two to five hours and the partial male abdominoplasty requires one or two hours to complete.

In an extended tummy tuck, the surgical incision extends around the patient’s flanks, and the treatment area is expanded to include the “love handles” and upper hips. To determine which type of tummy tuck might be most appropriate in your case, consult a surgeon in your area.

During the endoscopic tummy tuck, small incisions are made and using a small camera device, the surgeon tightens the abdominal area. No skin is removed in this procedure and it is less invasive than other tummy tuck procedures.

The Cost of Male Abdominoplasty

The cost of abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck surgery) for men varies. Full tummy tuck prices can range from about $6,000 to $10,000. A “mini” male abdominoplasty will generally cost less, while an extended male tummy tuck can cost more. Several additional charges may be added for facility or operating room fees, the cost of anesthesia, lab or test fees, and follow-up care. Learn more about the cost of abdominoplasty.

Find a Surgeon Experienced in Performing the Abdominoplasty Procedure on Men

For more information on male abdominoplasty and to determine what type of tummy tuck procedure is right for you, use DocShop to arrange a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon in your area. The abdominoplasty procedure can produce a flatter, tighter, more aesthetically appealing midsection for many men.

Facelifts for Men

While plastic surgery was once purely the domain of women, men in record numbers are now seeking the benefits of these procedures too. Not only has it become increasingly popular but in this age obsessed culture, it's practically a necessity.


Liposuction, tummy tucks, eyelid surgery and facelifts all help the older gentlemen feel as young on the outside, as they do on the inside. As modern medical technology is increasing, and surgery is becoming easier than ever, it's an ideal time to start doing something about the negative effects of aging naturally.

Stress, getting older and excessive exposure to the sun all cause the face to show signs of strain that can be unpleasant to live with. Not only do they make many men feel uncomfortable about their appearance, but they can lead to a drop in confidence.

In these times of economic stress, it's important for one to always look their best at work. Facelifts help ease the aged look that's accumulated over the years. Sagging necklines, fading jaws, and tired looking cheeks can all be improved with the operation. They help to give a more natural, youthful appearance.

The procedure for male facelifts is similar to the one done for their female counterparts. There are five types available. They are endoscopic, lower, mid, mini and thread. An endoscopic facelift is a typically less invasive operation and results in less scarring than the others. This is traditionally more limited in scope but work well for patients in their late 30's and 40's without excessive amounts of sagging skin.

A lower facelift is a more traditional operation, and for most people is synonymous with their ideas for what such an undertaking amounts to. Here, a surgeon works through small cuts made along the ear. This works well for removing excess skin and flesh.

Mid face lifts focus primarily on the cheeks and along the lower eyelids. This procedure works well for patients who need skin lifted up but not necessarily in other directions. Mini face lifts are scaled down versions of the other surgeries, making minor incisions and changes. Most of these can be taken care of in a single weekend.

Thread facelifts are the least invasive of the aforementioned techniques and can be taken care of in a couple of hours. For these, a thin line of string is inserted and thread above the hairline to help pull up the skin. This is a good option for those just starting to see signs of aging.

As with all operations, there is risk of complication. It is important that a qualified, accredited surgeon is used when getting a facelift or any cosmetic procedure. Potential complications include excess bleeding, scaring, infection and possible numbness. As is true with all operations, complications could also arise from the use of general anesthesia.

Contact a surgeon to see if a face lift is right for you. It could just be the thing that restarts your life and encourages you to live well into the next stage of life.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Hair Transplants - What You Must Know Before Taking The Plunge

By Jay Bateman

Hair transplants are complicated procedures. They are expensive and the surgery will have an impact on your body just like other surgeries. Yet, hair transplants can restore part of your hair and make you look better. Before you decide to get one done, make sure you learn about them in advance.

In this article, I will describe three important steps involved in a hair transplant. Different hair clinics will have different methods of doing the procedure. But the steps below sum up the procedure in general.



1. A strip of hair is excavated from the back of your head. Before this happens, the back of your head will be anesthesized. This strip of hair on the back of your head is resistant to the balding hormone called DHT. The hairs that are yielded from it, maintain their resistance, even when transplanted to another area of your scalp.

2. While you wait, a team of medical staff carefully dissects the strip of hair under microscopes. The hairs are cut up into something called 'grafts'. These grafts are groups of hair that can either have one, two, three of four hairs. These grafts are the units of hair that will be used in the actual transplant.

3. When the team is done with the hair dissection, it is time for the hair follicles to be transplanted into the bald area on your head. While you sit in a chair, the doctor makes tiny openings in your scalp. This can be done using either a very tiny medical instrument, or a high precision laser. Once the openings are in place, the medical staff will implant the grafts one by one. The grafts with the fewest hair will make up your front hairline to give you a natural look.

These steps pretty much summarize what is involved in getting a hair transplant. The hair from the back of your head is DHT resistant and is therefore used in balding areas of your scalp. These hairs are obtained by dissecting a strip of hair that comes from the back of your head. The grafts that this procedure yields, are implanted into tiny openings on your scalp. When these openings heal up, the grafts are firmly in place. The hair from these grafts then continues to grow normally.

After your transplant is complete, the hairs will continue to grow normally for two weeks. Then, they fall out due to something called shock loss. This is normal and not something to be concerned about. It is simply a reaction of your grafts to the operation. After a while, the hairs will continue to grow normally and uninterrupted all your life long.

Hair transplants can make you look and feel a lot better. But they are not a miracle cure for baldness. The rest of your hair will continue to fall out, so you might have to get more hair transplants in the future. There are many celebrity hair transplant pictures available on the web, so make sure to take a good look before you decide to get one yourself. Also keep in mind that hair transplants are getting better and cheaper all the time. So it can pay off to put them off for a while.

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Monday, April 13, 2009

Male Facelift Surgery - What Makes It Different

Explore Plastic Surgery » Blog Archive » Male Facelift Surgery - What Makes It Different

Male Facelift Surgery - What Makes It Different

Author: barryeppley

Recent stories have surfaced that the actor, Michael Douglas, has had a facelift. Based on what are perceived to be scars at or around the ears, reporters are questioning as whether he had had this plastic surgery procedure. Given that many celebrities and ordinary men have facelifts, I am not sure what makes this story news worthy. But the story does raise important issues about the male facelift and the objectives of any facelift surgery.

Facelift surgery for men is becoming more commonplace today. Men are becoming increasingly desirous of a more youthful and attractive appearance in both the business and social world. As the popularity and commonality of plastic surgery in general has risen, so has it also become more acceptable for men to be concerned with their appearance as well. In my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice, I am seeing more men than ever who do not like the appearance of their sagging necks and jowls.

The goals of a male facelift are certainly similar to that of a conventional facelift for women. In both, a refreshed and rejuvenated facial appearance is desired. Equally so, however, is a natural and unoperated look afterwards. The overall strategy for achieving such results is gender identical, including the lifting and tightening of loose jowl, neck, and lateral face skin as well as the removal of neck fat and the tightening of the platsymal neck muscle. However, a facelift in men requires the consideration of some different techniques to get the most non-conspicuous result.

The key difference between facelifts in men vs. women is in regards to the incisions made during surgery. Because men not only wear their hair shorter but usually have less hair than women, hiding the incisions used in a male facelift is more challenging. The male hair and beard locations allow for less flexibility in where incisions can be made. The basic incision pattern is along the natural crease where the ear meets the side of the face, around the earlobe, and into the lower scalp area extending out from the back part of the ear.

The key decisions to make about this incision placement is whether to use a preauricular (along the natural skin crease in front of the ear) or a retrotragal (bringing it inside the ear) location. The retrotragal approach hides the incision better but requires beard management, either removing hair follicles during or after surgery. There are plastic surgery advocates for both approaches. Also, how and where the backcut of the incision on the back of the ear is made is also of cosmetic significance. Not having a visible scar extending from behind the ear into the scalp which is not seen from the side or back is important. Limiting this incision so that it can be better hidden (keeping it in the crease) also influences how much neck improvement can be obtained.

Men also have more blood vessels in their face than women as well as a higher incidence of high blood pressure. This combination means that the risk for bleeding after surgery and getting a hematoma is higher. Pain control, blood pressure management and a good dressing are very important immediate after surgery precautions that need to be done.

Lastly, successful male facelift surgery to me is one in which it is not obvious that the procedure was done. Mild to moderate neck and jowl improvement that is not unusual looking is more important than a more significant improvement that looks unnatural. A common problem in men that have multiple facial plastic surgery procedures is that the male face can become feminized, looking too angular or defined.



More Men Getting Necklift and Eyelid Surgeries


HealthNewsDigest.com

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - Whether he’s a gym buff, a busy professional, or on the verge of retirement, men have a lot of the same aging and image concerns as women do. For years men have been merely an afterthought when it comes to cosmetic enhancements. With the introduction of less invasive surgeries and non-surgical rejuvenation treatments, men now have a full arsenal of options to help them tackle the aging process.

Facial rejuvenation for men is not about looking 30 when you hit 50. Rather, it is about choosing a reasonable approach to caring for your skin, sun avoidance, and intervention when it is indicated. The key to anti-aging is maintenance. Compare it to working out; you can’t just go to the gym once in a while. Rather, you have to keep going on a regular basis to maintain the benefits.

The two main trends we are seeing among men are their desire to do something to tighten their necks, and baggy eyelids. Men are far less wrinkle obsessed than women are. They don’t always mind a few lines and creases, but they tend to zero in on fatty deposits under their eyes that make them look tired and older, and they always complain about their necks slackening up. However, there are excellent minimally invasive remedies for both of these concerns that I recommend especially for men who want a short recovery without the risks, scars and telltale signs of major cosmetic procedures. My main goal is to provide a natural and long-lasting result with a rapid recovery.

For baggy lids, we can address the fatty bulges through a scarless “transconjunctival” approach that involves placing an incision only inside the lower id. Using fine instruments I remove a small amount of excess fat to smooth out the contour of this area. In some cases, we can also inject a hyaluronic acid filler to fill in the tear trough area, or hollows below the lids that can cause a darkened shadow.



My signature Rapid Recovery Necklift was specifically designed for my high profile male executive clients who need to be back in their office in a week. I use only small hidden incisions carefully placed to avoid disturbing the hairline. By utilizing a high definition telescope, I can lift the tissues very efficiently to produce a smooth neck contour with an almost bloodless technique and avoid the use of uncomfortable drainage tubes. By using advanced tissue glue adhesives, we can also significantly cut down on bruising and bleeding, which is more common in men.



Men are rarely comfortable talking about having any work done, and usually keep it a secret from their partners, colleagues and friends. The modern techniques we are using offer very distinct advantages in terms of the length of time the operation takes to perform, after care and recovery. The Rapid Recovery Necklift can be performed in our fully accredited surgical suite, and they can be home the same day with private nursing care as needed. In most cases, they are back to work in a week, and to the gym in two to three weeks, without anyone knowing they have had anything done.

Phalloplasty or Penis Enlargement


Phalloplasty in India With Advanced Operative Techniques
By admin On April 13, 2009 Under Cosmetic Techniques

Indian surgeons promises the successful results for men who wish to undergo a phalloplasty in India for their penis at a very affordable cost at Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore and Pune. More and more people are opting to get phalloplasty in India to improve and rejuvenate their love lives. Innovative new procedures for formerly unmentionable body parts are making it possible. And these new surgeries offer more than just cosmetic change – the psychological aspect of improving self-image is driving patients toward “bedroom” procedures. Phalloplasty refers to the re-construction of a penis or artificial modification of the penis by phalloplasty, often for cosmetic purposes. Phalloplasty techniques have been described in the urological literature for at least 40 years. It is often used to refer to penis enlargement.

A complete reconstruction of a penis is done on cisgendered men who have lost their penis through either illness or accidents, and transmen, that is, female-to-male transgendered or transsexual people. Many men with below average measurements may still appear normal and function quite well. For this reason, phalloplasty should be considered as an elective procedure. The scope of phalloplasty in India is increasing day by day due to its low cost and better healthcare facilities.

The surgery is performed in an ambulatory facility under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. Incisions are made at the root of the penis (junction of the penis and pubic area). The penis is then released from its attachments (suspensory ligaments) to the pubic symphysis. The space is closed with local tissues and no implant is used. Skin from the penis or the pubic area is used to cover the new extended penis.

Post-op traction is used to reduce the chance of retraction and provide more natural shaft skin. Although the technique of phalloplasty is not complex, the location and its significance to the patient makes the surgery risky. Patients have only one penis and it is therefore important that they read the consent sheet very carefully.

Questions should be answered before and not after the procedure. Please see the special consent to penis lengthening surgery sheet where the risks are outlined in detail. The procedure takes a couple of hours and the patient remains for observation for at least 3 hours prior to discharge. Patients must have someone stay with them the first post-op night. It is recommended that the patient refrain from sexual activities for at least 4 weeks. Medication to reduce nocturnal stimulation is given for 10 days post-operation.

The penis and scrotum are usually swollen and bruised for two to three weeks. Pain is not severe. Soreness in the groin and pubic regions which lasts for about ten days is controlled with light oral analgesics. The scar in the pubic hair area may take many months to fade and soften but it is hidden and not usually a concern. The amount varies with each individual. At present, there is no test to determine the amount pre-operatively. From 1/2 to 2 inches is a reasonable estimate. Therefore men who are larger than average should carefully consider the risks before undergoing surgery.

Also, the use of weights (or other means of traction) attached to the penis after surgery not only maintains the new length, but also may add further length. Patients are seen the next day. Their dressings are changed and instructions are given with respect to bathing and other activities. It is recommended that patients wear loose clothing on the day of surgery and for the early healing period. The next visit is two to three days later at which time most patients are able to start their own wound care, shaft wrapping and commence regular bathing. Sutures are removed 7-10 days post-op. Lead weights or other forms of traction are started a few weeks after the stitches are out and the incisions are firmly sealed (Smokers beware!). Some patients maintain traction for up to 6 months after surgery. This reduces the chance of retraction, stretches shaft skin and in some cases results in further lengthening by stretching tissues which could not be cut at surgery.


















As far as girth (thickness) enhancement goes you have a few options:
  • Free fat transfer

  • dermal fat grafts

  • AlloDerm

With Free fat transfer your own fat is gathered using liposuction then the fat cells are treated to help reduce the chance of absorption and then transferred into your penis.

The Dermal Graft technique is the most invasive of the options because skin is removed from a donor site somewhere on your body and then treated and transferred to your penis.

The AlloDerm technique is the least invasive as well as the most expensive because you have to buy the AlloDerm (processed cadaver tissue) and then it is "installed" into your penis much like a dermal graft. Obviously it is the least invasive because it's not your own body supplying the material for enhancement.

I have read good and bad things about all of these techniques and I am not about to try and guess which one is best. You will have to decide that for yourself. It does look like AlloDerm is the easiest to remove if something goes wrong, but other then that there is way to much contradictory information out there to say one is really a better choice then the other.

I would recommend the laser assisted approach so you have less scar tissue and a smaller scar. If you have pubic hair then that should camouflage the scar almost completely. It seems that the most complications come from excess scar tissue forming and sometimes even reducing length. I would avoid any surgeons that still use the Z,V,Y or U incision.













The risk of infection is approximately 6%, which results in longer periods of antibiotic usage and excess scar formation. Redoes are about 5%, so if you are not satisfied, with the results this may require more money and longer healing, no pun intended. With Fat Transfer it is quite possible to develop irregularities in the shaft area, resulting in a lumpy appearance. You can re-injure yourself or impede healing if you use it too soon. Take care and listen to your surgeon's advice. There is a small chance of hematoma, which according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary,
"is a mass of usually clotted blood that forms in a tissue, organ, or body space as a result of a broken blood vessel."

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Testosterone Replacement Therapy


Testosterone And Your Health

The word testosterone has become synonymous with sex drive and masculinity. Testosterone, however, is a human hormone that plays a significant role in many essential bodily functions of both men and women.

Depletion of a man's testosterone level with aging can affect muscle strength and repair, bone strength and repair, favorable body composition, belly fat, mental and emotional well-being, cognitive function and memory, overall mood, and cardiovascular health. Monitoring your testosterone levels and adjusting them with natural testosterone supplements such as testosterone creams or injections can help optimize your body function and overall health.

Men have peak testosterone levels around 18 years of age and have a progressive decrease of 1% per year beginning in the mid 20’s. Testosterone is both free and bound in the blood. When testosterone is bound, it is inactive. Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds testosterone that increases with age. SHBG can increase from 1-2% per year in an aging male. What this means is less testosterone produced as well as less ‘free’ testosterone which creates a total loss of 2-3% per year.

Recovery from physical activity takes much longer, aches and pains begin to appear, the body becomes ‘softer’ or fatter, overall body-fat begins to climb, waistline typically increases in girth, and libido may begin to decline noticeably. Uncorrected, the male will eventually be left with a growing belly, an overall decrease in lean muscle, a significant loss of libido, progressive aches and pains, and overall drop in quality of life. With a proper testosterone replacement regimen, many if not all of the above symptoms can be successfully reversed as health and quality of life are restored.

All of these benefits combine to greatly enhance overall health as well as quality of life issues such as mood, energy, libido, improved appearance, and less overall age-related aches and pains.



Friday, April 10, 2009

Surgery for Gynaecomastia or Man Boobs

Boob jobs for boys - why more men are going under the knife - mirror.co.uk

Tens of thousands of British women have had plastic surgery, but now there has been a surprising rise in new patients – men. Sarah Sims investigates why there is such a boom..

Marius Muller

Not so long ago a shave and a splash of Brut was about the limit of most men’s “beauty regimes”.

Nowadays many men have an array of male grooming products but until recently, plastic surgery was more or less the preserve of women.

But new figures reveal a sharp surge in the number of men signing up for a nip and tuck.

In fact men now make up almost one in 10 cosmetic surgery patients, following a recent increase of 300%.

And 28-year-old Marius Muller is one of them. He decided to take drastic action after enduring years of cruel public taunts about his “man-boobs”. Marius paid £4,700 for breast reduction surgery.

“I used to get comments in the street all the time about the size of my ‘breasts’ he explains. “People would shout: ‘Get a bra, mate’ or ‘Look at the boobs on him!’ I felt so self-conscious but I couldn’t hide them, even in extra large tops.”

Marius, who works as a carer in Surrey, had already had cosmetic surgery by this point. Six months earlier he had paid £8,500 for abdominoplasty and flankoplasty – surgery to remove fat from his stomach and hips.

Marius Muller

He says: “I had been dieting for seven years and I’d worked hard on the weight loss but I was left with excess skin and fat. Going to the gym was intimidating, and I avoided swimming or sunbathing in public.”

That’s when he decided on cosmetic surgery. After an eight-hour operation carried out by a surgeon at The Hospital Group, Marius spent two days in hospital, took seven weeks off work, and was left with a big scar.

But he says he has no regrets. “The slightest sneeze or cough was very painful and made me cry at times, but I’ve never looked back. “I’m thrilled with my new shape.”

Surgery for gynaecomastia (commonly known as “moobs”), which Marius had, has replaced the facelift as one of the top five procedures for men.

Liposuction is used to reduce flabby breasts through small incisions under the armpits. Though patients can go home the same day, it can be three months before they fully heal and can move freely.

More than 320 of these operations were performed last year, compared with just 22 five years ago.

During Marius’s operation doctors completely reconstructed his chest, even removing and repositioning his nipples. But he says the results are impressive.

“I was stunned when I saw my chest afterwards,” he recalls. “The first time I looked down, everything looked so flat, tight and small – it was so liberating and such an amazing feeling of relief after all those years.”

Today, he says, he feels so much more confident about his body.

And he’s now saving for his next two procedures to remove more excess skin from his back and arms.

Marius is not alone – “man boobs” are relatively common. Many boys get fatty tissue on the chest in puberty then lose it as they mature. But for about 10%, the problem continues into adulthood.

Bryan Mayou, of London’s Cadogan Clinic, says more men suffer low self-esteem because of this problem, and more are coming to his clinic.

“Many men have body image problems and low self-esteem from gynaecomastia,” he says.

“Many have been teased at school or in the gym about the fat on their chests, and some even refuse to take their T-shirts off in front of their partners, they’re so embarrassed.”

And it’s not the only surgery among men that’s on the up.

Other Popular Surgeries and Alternative Choices for Men:

Rhinoplasty, or the nose job, is popular, as are eyelid surgery, ear correction and liposuction.

So what body parts do men worry about most? One study reveals beer bellies are the top concern, then man boobs and love handles.

The number of men having cosmetic surgery has risen by more than 300%, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

Male breast reduction, up by 44%, has outstripped the rises in overall breast augmentation and tummy tucks – both up by 30% on the previous year – while male brow lifts have increased by 60%.

So why this surge in men opting to pay thousands for surgery? Often for the same reasons as women: insecurity about their appearance, for instance, or a desire to be slimmer.

Experts believe a mixture of pressures has caused the trend, including media images promoting healthy men at their physical peak, and men wanting to keep up with youthful partners or compete with younger rivals at work.

Consultant plastic surgeon Rajiv Grover says: “Not only are men expected to be eternally youthful in terms of stamina and dynamism, but increasingly they are also judged on their looks,“ he says.

With the male grooming industry now big business and worth £8bn globally, he may be right. And in a world increasingly preoccupied with the way we look, plastic surgeons expect it to continue.

The Harley Medical Group, with 23 clinics in the UK, says bookings from men over 50 are up 140% in five years. With liposuction being their most popular procedure. Peter Burling, 33, is a marketing consultant from Manchester.

He says: “There’s huge pressure to be energetic and look on top of your game – it’s all about presentation.”

He’s had Botox every six months for the last three years with Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group.

He says hitting 30 was a turning point. “The frown lines and crows’ feet had crept in, and my natural youthfulness had disappeared. I realised I needed a bit of help to look better.

“The last thing my clients want is to see me looking overtired and jaded. Botox makes me look fresh and feel confident, even if I’ve been up till 4am working on a sales pitch. “More men are trying cosmetic surgery to get ahead in the tough jobs market according to The Birkdale Clinic, which has centres in Merseyside, London and South Yorkshire.

It’s seen a 75% rise in men requesting surgery in the past six months, and attributes it to the recession and people facing tough competition for jobs. Marie Jenkins, patient co-ordinator at the clinic’s Crosby centre, says: “We have seen more men through the door, in recent months.

“More than half said they were interested in facial surgery procedures like Botox and teeth whitening to make them look and feel better so they had a better chance at a new job or promotion.”

Peter has regular facial peels and mesotherapy, a skin-rejuvenating technique which uses a cocktail of vitamin injections.

He explains: “The effect is immediate, it lasts a couple of months, and rehydrates the skin so you look fresh.”

He says that at £130 a pop, it costs about the same as three facials. “I don’t buy expensive moisturisers or have facials, so I can justify the cost.”

Peter calculates he spends around £1,200 year on cosmetic procedures, and he believes that choosing the right practitioner is key.

He advises: “Take it step by step.

“Don’t rush into anything. Trust your practitioner and feel comfortable with them.

“Having a grooming routine is nothing to be ashamed of.”

GYNECOMASTIA

Large breasts in men are common. It is estimated that at some time in their life over a third of men experience this problem.

This is a brief summary of the operation. More details can be obtained from your own surgeon.

Indications: This operation is to remove excess breast tissue in men. This develops in one of two patterns, either a firm button of tissue beneath the nipple or a diffuse fatty change with poorly defined edges. Sometimes both patterns are present. The causes of gynecomastia (large breasts in men) are numerous and may dictate the treatment used. The extent of gynecomastia is graded in stages.

Method: Ultrasonic liposuction alone is helpful for removing the tissue and may avoid skin excision in many patients. It is now considered the treatment of choice for many men with large breasts.The type of surgery recommended depends on the pattern of enlargement. The most common traditional method is to remove the excess tissue through an incision around the nipple. The incision extends out from the nipple at 3 and 9 o'clock. Liposuction is used to improve the contour or remove additional fat. The operation is under a general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.

Problems: All operations have some risk. It is possible to divide the risks of surgery into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problems which are special for this operation are surface irregularity and a change in shape or position of the nipple.

Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Nose Job or Rhinoplasty



Nose Job, nose reshaping or Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed. Nose Jobs are meant to correct the disproportionate appearance of the nose by altering the shape, size, correct a deviated septum or alter the angle of the nose and upper lip.

The anatomy of the nose is primarily made of bone and cartilage. During the cosmetic surgery procedure your surgeon will make small incisions inside the nostrils to gain access to the bone and cartilage. Using very small instruments, he/she will reshape the nose by removing or adding bone, cartilage and tissue to achieve a desired appearance. If the nasal tip is wide the surgeon may remove cartilage from the tip or use sutures to bend or pull the cartilages inward to create a narrower tip or adjust the position.

If you have a dorsal hump at the bridge of the nose, he/she may choose to use a chisel-like device (osteotome) to cut the bone to carve away areas of the cartilage and bone. After the removal of the dorsal hump the nose will have an open roof in which the surgeon will have to reposition the nasal bones. Repositioning involves breaking the nasal bones by tapping the device gently along a designated path. Once broken, the bones are shifted upward to close the open roof.

When the procedure is over the surgeon will close the incision with dissolvable sutures. Bandages and splints are applied to protect and help the tissues conform to the new cartilage and bone structure. The procedure may last up to two hours.

You will likely experience some pain, bruising and swelling. These symptoms will dissipate after a few days. The bandages/splints may stay in place up to seven days. You may return to work within seven to ten days. Although a Nose Job may not achieve perfection, it may help to enhance your self-confidence and appearance.

Welcome to Plastic Surgery for Men/Privacy Policy

Many men now are turning to plastic surgery. They find that making small or even large changes or refinements to their appearance allows them to feel more fresh and confident. Some common procedures that are done as plastic surgery for men include rhinoplasty or nose surgery and liposuction. We also see a lot of men who have a problem with an enlarged chest, which is called gynecomastia. This is a sometimes embarrassing condition, but it can usually be very well corrected with plastic surgery. Other common procedures that we do for men include eye lift or eyelid surgery and brow lifts. We are also doing more and more Botox for men, who find that it can smooth lines in their foreheads and around their eyes -- without changing their overall appearance.

So welcome and if you have any questions, please email katmando5139@yahoo.com

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Update April 2009 - Privacy Policy

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