Cosmetic Surgery - a review of facial surgery, with personal
experiences.
Basic background
Cosmetic surgery consists not just of enhancing someones beauty,
but also to help those who have been badly damaged in an
accident or who have physical birth defects. Many believe that
women are the main gender that go for cosmetic surgery. Yet
studies have shown that 11% of men are also getting cosmetic
surgery - in fact since 1992, the percentage of men getting
cosmetic surgery has gone up by 50%. Middle aged men see plastic
surgery as an investment in their career prospects. It is
important to know that it is neither sex nor age which makes
some type of aesthetic surgery procedure feasible, but what is
important is a good general health condition.
The stress of being beautiful is taking a strain on many people.
People are spending about 10% of their gross income on cosmetic
surgeries. Regarding age, there are some procedures such as
facelift which are more frequently done on people over 40;
however there are people over 55 who still may not need it. On
the other hand, there are also patients under 40 who may benefit
from this surgery. Talk to a cosmetic surgeon to see whether you
really need extensive changes in your appearance. Learn if a
face lift is right for you. Talk it over with partners, friends,
spiritual counsellors or life coaches if need be. Cosmetic
surgery covers a wide range of procedures, including obesity and
weight loss surgery, breast augmentation, liposuction & face
surgery. A facelift can be done alone, or in conjunction with
other procedures such as a forehead lift or an eyelid surgery.
Alternatives to surgery exist. Laser cosmetic surgery may be
performed around the eyes or the mouth. More consumers are
considering injectables to prolong or avoid facelifts, forehead
lifts and eyelid surgeries.
Eyelid surgery
Sagging upper eyelids or bags under the eyes can be one of the
clearest signs of facial ageing. Patients interested in eyelid
or eye brow surgery may have noticed drooping or sagging of the
skin around the eyes. Eyelid surgery, technically called
blepharoplasty, corrects not only the eyelids but also eyebags.
Often, the procedure is done with another cosmetic operation,
such as a facelift. To remove your eyebags whilst lifting your
face is only a matter of more time for the surgeon. The goal of
eyelid surgery is to remove excess skin gravity and sun exposure
damage. Patients usually request for surgery to remove eyebags
and to firm the lower eyelid area. In lower eyelid surgery, the
surgeon makes the incision in an inconspicuous site along the
lashline and smile creases of the lower lid. This is a very
effective way of performing the surgery without leaving any
obvious scarring.
Facial surgery
The face as a whole must be considered if the optimum outcome of
cosmetic surgery is to be achieved. A facelift can help
rejuvenate the lower face, giving it a fresher, healthier
appearance. The face lift works well for the jaw line and the
neck. By improving facial muscle tone, you can literally lift
years off your face. Muscles, fat and deep tissues of the face
are all lifted and repositioned so skin is draped over more
youthful contours. Most surgeons agree that the best time for
the first facial cosmetic surgery is whenever it is needed.
Microdermabrassion and non surgical face lifts are alternatives
to surgery, in conjunction with a natural facial with elements
such as green tea that promote skin wellness. It is also
recommended to use facial and body massage therapy after
treatments to relax you and speed your recovery. Face aerobics
are terrific and can save money in cosmetic surgery.
Personal testimony of facial surgery
The following is a true personal testimony written by a good
friend of mine, Bethany Lee, specifically for this article and
with her full permission. She is keen to share her experiences
with others who may read it.
I had cosmetic surgery some years ago - my first operation was
for my eyes. I had very many creases around them and was unhappy
with my appearance. I contacted an agent for cosmetic surgery,
thinking about whole face surgery. After a discussion with her,
she convinced me to start by having correction around my eyes.
The operation I had was performed under local anaesthetic
although this method isn't entirely suitable for many people as
it is quite painful. It is possible to have it done under
general anaesthesia, or 'twilight anaesthesia'. Some tie it in
with other surgery such as a facelift procedure. Still, I opted
for the local anaesthetic - I found it comforting to be able to
talk to the surgeon and his nurse and know what was going on,
but it is not for the faint hearted. The operation itself took
about one and a half hours and I was able to have a cup of tea,
don dark glasses and go home. I was given pain killers,
antibiotics and eye ointment .
The painkillers were hardly needed. Although very bruised and
swollen when I arrived home, my husband could see a remarkable
difference in that the operation had completely removed my eye
bags and wrinkles around the eyes. After the bruising and
swelling finally went down (less than a week) the difference was
amazing. I could see better and I looked so much younger. I was
absolutely delighted. It set me off.
I was worried about my developing jowels. There was no doubt
about it - the cosmetic surgery loomed. I contacted the same
agent I had seen before, and she showed me how my face would
look after surgery. This time I opted for a full face lift. The
operation took 4 hours and this was done under general
anaesthetic. I must admit I suffered a lot of bruising - more
than most and it took about a week to settle down but after
fortnight I was transformed. I found chewing sugar free dental
gum useful, it helped me exercise my jaw and kept things moving.
I looked better, felt better and started to look after myself
more. It gave me the incentive to start exercising again. People
were complimenting me on how well I looked. The incision lines
were in well hidden places in my hair line and behind my ears,
so there was no way anyone could actually tell that I had
undergone surgery.
I was told the eye surgery would last 7 years but it is 15
years now and they still look good. Just a very slight wrinkling
on the left side, which is easily correct with makeup. I have
regularly used creams to keep my skin in the best possible
condition. I know that people say that a cheap cream is as good
as an expensive one but I refute that totally. I have bought
most of the creams on the market and find that Syence is by far
the most effective. This is one of the few creams that has
scientifically documented proof that it thickens the skin -
useful in the more mature lady! I find it invaluable, as it has
kept my face very soft and near on wrinkle free.
Finally, I would say find a good cosmetic surgeon. Ask around,
do not go for the cheapest or the most expensive - go for
reputation. See photographs of his work if possible and ask
questions. It's your money and your face - you have the right to
demand the best. Naturally things can go wrong but rarely do and
they can be put right. I find yoga is a great help as it keeps
mind and body in tune. A good balanced diet of fresh organic
fruit, vegetables and olive oil add to a healthy skin, which
will always help set you on a good road to quick recovery. You
will experience a little pain but speak up and it can soon be
eased. At the end of the day it will be worth it!