Cosmetic Surgery for Bullying

Bullying appears to have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. It is estimated that 160,000 American students refuse to go to school each day because of physical and verbal abuse from other students. Some studies now suggest that the stress associated with bullying can cause medical problems later in life. There appears to be a higher incidence of hypertension, depression, and often diabetes in adults who were bullied as children. With the internet, cyber-bullying is a new phenomena increasing at an exceptional rate.

Developmental psychologists note that children start perceiving differences between themselves and others at around five years of age. Once this happens, the stage is potentially set for bullying to occur.

Being different from others isn’t always easy and sometimes these differences are utilized to ridicule the individual. Children with large ears are frequently called “Dumbo.” Teenage girls with large or small breasts are frequently made fun of and stared at. Young men with abnormal breast development, a condition known as gynecomastia, are frequently unwilling to take their shirt off because of teasing. Children with nasal deformities are frequently made fun of and called names like “banana nose.”

What is the Most Commonly Performed Cosmetic Surgery Procedure?

Recently the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released its 2011 cosmetic surgery statistics. Their data shows that over 9.2 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in 2011.

There were over 1.6 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed last year. The top five procedures included:
- Liposuction(325,332)
- Breast augmentation (316,848)
- Abdominoplasty (149,410)
- Eyelid surgery (147,540)
- Breast lift (127,054)

Breast Augmentation. How Do You Pick the Right Size?

One of the most important questions facing a breast augmentation patient is the size of the implant that will meet her goals. The answer is complicated for multiple reasons. Many factors influence the final implant recommendation, including the patient’s aesthetic goals, her baseline anatomy, the doctor and patients ability to communicate with each other, and the patient’s visualization of the doctor’s recommendation and how realistically it meets her expectations.

In an effort to minimize any miscommunication in the selection of the appropriate breast implant size, surgeons utilize a variety of protocols. The patient’s initial consultation is the starting point. The patient is asked to define her aesthetic goals. Most patients strive for harmony in balance and proportion with her body shape. Typically, most want a natural look although some request upper breast fullness.

Aesthetic Surgical Images Participates in Race for the Cure

On October 7th staff members of Aesthetic Surgical Images participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The 5k run is an annual event that raises funds to support breast cancer research. The event honors those who have lost their battle with breast cancer while celebrating those who have survived breast cancer. In addition to supporting research, the event also promotes breast cancer awareness, education, and early breast cancer detection.

The magnitude of the incidence and severity of breast cancer cannot be underestimated. Last year, 230,480 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and sadly 39,520 women died of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cancer among American women and second only to lung cancer in mortality. Last year there were over two-million women living in the United Stated who had been treated for breast cancer. It’s fair to say that this disease touches each one of us in some way.

Jewel Teams with ASPS

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently announced a partnership with singer songwriter, Jewel, to promote breast reconstruction awareness. Jewel, a four-time Grammy nominated singer will perform a benefit concert on October 29th, during the annual ASPS meeting in New Orleans. The proceeds will be donated to charitable organizations that support breast reconstruction. The concert will feature her new song “Flower” which has been dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

Does Computer Imaging for Cosmetic Surgery Make a Difference?

At Aesthetic Surgical Images in Omaha, Nebraska we feel that computer imaging is an important component of any cosmetic surgery consultation. We currently utilize both the “Mirror” and “Vectra 3D” imaging systems.

Computer imaging provides extremely important information for both the patient and the plastic surgeon. The surgeon is better able to understand the patient’s goals for a certain procedure. In many cases, the physician can determine whether the patient goals are realistic or obtainable. It may also, in many cases, determine the patient’s preferences.

The patient, on the other hand, is able to see what the surgeon feels he can reasonably deliver. In addition, the patient can visualize how these changes affect surrounding anatomic structures.

We feel that imaging is especially helpful for facial rejuvenation procedures, such as: eyelid surgery, brow lift, and facelifts. It’s also helpful for rhinoplasty and genioplasty. Computer imaging is also used, with success, for body contouring procedures, including: tummy tucks, liposuction, and brachioplasty.

Recognizing the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Procedures

Despite countless hours spent in the gym, many women and some men fail to see improvement in their abdominal appearance. Although their “abs” may have good tone, the overlying contour is unchanged because the “skin problem” does not respond to exercise in any meaningful manner.

When an exercise program and diet fails to improve the body’s shape, a significant number of women and men consider surgical intervention to achieve their goals- specifically a “tummy tuck.”

All abdominal problems do not necessarily need a full tummy tuck. Recommendations will depend on the severity of the problem. Other options, including liposuction for localized fat accumulations only or a mini tummy tuck for sagging skin of the lower aspect of the abdominoplasty wall. Since there are several options possible, a person seeking such an operation should seek a consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and recommendations.