Tummy Tucks
Melanie Pitre (78)   
An Alternative to Tummy Tucks
Posted Tuesday, February 26, 2008 (1 year 271 days ago.) Viewed 136 times.
The word gynecomastia comes from the Greek term gyne meaning woman and mastos meaning breast. It is the development of abnormally large mammary glands or breasts in men, which can lead to the secretion of milk. Gynecomastia affects between 40% and 60% percent of men, and can affect one or both breasts. This affliction has no definite root cause, but it is generally associated with an imbalance of sex hormones. It is believed that gynecomastia can be triggered by puberty, steroid abuse, obesity, chronic liver disease, tumors, and certain genetic disorders. It can also be brought on by the process of aging, or can stem from the use of certain medications. Gynecomastia is determined usually by a medical examination and X-rays, or in some cases, an ultrasound is prescribed. Blood tests are performed to confirm its presence and to determine if there are any underlying diseases causing it. The most common remedy for this affliction is to undergo gynecomastia surgery.
 Who does it affect?
This condition is mostly found among adolescent boys and the elderly. The symptoms in adolescents are often caused by hormonal changes and general distress. If the case is not linked to obesity, the symptoms usually decrease or disappear within a few years. However, those who remain affected often suffer shame and embarrassment as the condition negatively affects their self-image.
Surgery Facts
For those cases that are linked to obesity, the effects of gynecomastia can be somewhat reduced by weight loss. Nonetheless, the most effective remedy for this condition is Gynecomastia surgery. It involves removing excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts. In some cases, excess skin will be removed as well to produce a firmer chest area. The ideal candidates for this type of surgical procedure are healthy, emotionally grounded men who still retain elasticity to their skin, which will have to conform to the body's new contours. This procedure is discouraged for obese and overweight men who have not tried to lose weight to improve their condition. The operation is also not recommended for those who indulge in excessive drinking or who smoke marijuana. Patients are advised to adopt a healthy life style before considering surgery as a valid option.
Side Effects
Gynecomastia surgery's side effects can include infection, skin injury, bleeding, or excessive fluid accumulation or loss. However, when the surgery is performed by a qualified surgeon, complications are rare and usually minor. This type of surgery may result in prominent scarring, pigment changes in the breast area, and slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. In a case where the asymmetry is prominent, a second procedure can be performed to correct the problem. Following surgery, the patient can expect to experience breast numbness and tenderness; these sensations could last up to a year.
Preparation for Surgery
It is crucial to consult your regular physician when considering gynecomastia surgery. Your doctor will be able to tell you how to adequately prepare for the procedure by giving you guidelines on what you can eat/drink, as well as what medications and vitamins to take. Patients who smoke should plan to cease the habit one to two weeks prior to the procedure and during recovery. The chemicals in cigarettes decrease blood circulation and could impede proper healing.
The Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is usually an out-patient procedure; however, for the more severe cases, an overnight stay is required. The operation is performed under local anaesthesia and sedation. The patient is awake, but insensitive to pain. Certain severe cases require general anaesthesia. The entire surgery lasts approximately an hour and a half. Following surgery, the patient will experience bruising and discomfort which can be relieved with medications prescribed by the surgeon. It is recommended that patients refrain from sexual activity and heavy lifting for about two weeks. It is also advisable to refrain from sports or any job that risks injury to the chest area for about four weeks. Most gynecomastia surgery patients are allowed to resume their normal activities within a month's time.
Author:
Melanie Pitre provides content for the website Tummy Tucks. Originally published at http://www.tummy-tucks.com/article_liposuction_costs.html.
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Posted Tuesday, September 11, 2007 (2 years 75 days ago.) Viewed 195 times.
Plastic surgery is rarely cheap and liposuction costs are no exception. Prices will vary due to the numerous factors involved. Liposuction costs are usually comprised of the following:
- surgical fee
- non-surgical fee
- anesthesiologist fee
Some surgical centers will quote a global fee, while the quotes of others will only represent the surgical fee. Therefore, it is important when inquiring about costs that you determine whether the quoted price is global or only surgical. Outlined below are the main points to consider before making a decision regarding liposuction surgery.
The Surgeon’s Time and Effort
The most significant factor affecting the cost of liposuction is the location and number of areas to be treated. Fatty parts of the body such as the thighs require less time and effort on the surgeon’s part, whereas the neck or ankles call for much more delicate and time-consuming surgery. Liposuction costs can start at around $2,000 for buttocks or arms, and a minimum of $3,500 for breasts or abdomen.
Size and Sex of Patient
Liposuction costs also vary according to the amount of fat to be removed. In other words, liposuction on the abdomen of an overweight person will cost more than that of a small or average-sized individual. Also, some sources say that prices can be slightly higher for men due to a higher presence of fibrous fat.
Operating Room and Anesthesiologist Fees
If general anesthetic is required for your surgery, costs will include a fee for the anesthesiologist, as well as a certain amount going towards the surgery facility and equipment to be used during the procedure.
Preoperative and Postoperative Fees
Usually included in liposuction costs are laboratory fees for the prescribed preoperative blood tests. Prescription medication may also be needed after surgery and should be considered as well.
When a surgeon quotes you a price, ask for a written estimate. Be wary of surgeons whose quoted prices seem ridiculously low or exorbitantly high. For more specific details on liposuction estimates, check out the table at Smart Plastic Surgery.com and inform yourself on all the factors involved in liposuction costs.
Author:
Melanie Pitre writes articles for the website Tummy Tucks.
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Posted Wednesday, March 14, 2007 (2 years 256 days ago.) Viewed 576 times.
 Getting your body back to normal after a pregnancy can be a tricky business. When it comes to stretch marks and loose skin, there is no real effective method of treatment other than the surgical option of an abdominoplasty, a.k.a. a tummy tuck. Your skin is capable of expanding to accommodate a gradual weight gain, but when you are pregnant, it must expand relatively quickly to accommodate the growth of the baby. Consequently, the deeper layers of skin may tear forming thin white lines across your stomach. You may become frustrated (to say the least), and many women experience a big blow to their self esteem. However, a tummy tuck can remove most stretch marks and tighten any loose skin. In fact, deciding to go for a tummy-tuck seems a reasonable course of action considering that 130, 000 tummy tucks were performed in the United States in 2005.
Before jumping onto the tummy tuck train, some important issues should be considered. A tummy tuck requires invasive surgery; therefore information on the matter should be gathered in order to determine whether or not it will truly benefit your life.
1. Tummy tucks can leave permanent scars
The surgery will leave a scar that runs from hip to hip, unless you have decided on a mini-tuck, in which case the scar will be about 6 inches long. A scar can take up to 9 months to fade, and until then, it will actually appear to worsen. However, the incision is made along natural creases in your skin, and is easily covered by underwear and bikinis.
2. Tummy tucks can cause problems with future pregnancies
Most surgeons will advise their patients to wait until after their last pregnancy before undergoing abdominal plastic surgery. The body’s expansion during a pregnancy can cause the stomach muscles to separate again; so if you are planning more than one child, it is best to put the tummy tuck on hold.
3. Tummy tucks are not magical
If you are unhappy with the look of your body, a tummy tuck can be a step in helping you to achieve your ideal figure. However, because of its highly invasive nature, you must be prepared to take good care of your brand new tummy. The recovery time can take up to 3 weeks. You must protect your stomach from the sun before going under the knife. Smokers will need to put away their lighters for 2 weeks before and after the surgery. Exercise can help speed up the healing process (although not immediately after the surgery). A healthy diet is important as well, but nothing too severe as your body needs the appropriate nutrition in order to properly heal.
4. Do some research
It is important to choose a surgeon who is properly qualified. Not only must he/she be board certified, but also certified by a reputable board. Start by looking into the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also verify that your surgeon is qualified to perform several kinds of abdominal plastic surgery and not just tummy tucks.
If a full traditional tummy tuck seems too daunting, and/or too expensive, you could opt for a mini-tummy tuck. The surgery is less invasive, recovery time is shorter, and the scar is smaller. It is worth a consideration if you are unhappy with the post-pregnant state of your body.
About the Author: Melanie Pitre writes articles for the website Tummy Tucks - www.tummy-tucks.com.
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