Thursday, 18 September 2008

Harley Medical Group - New Trends In Liposuction

The Harley Medical Group, one of the UK's leading cosmetic surgery clinics, has recently been reporting on trends it has noticed within the UK cosmetic surgery market, and in particular with patients who have been chosing to have liposuction procedures.

According to the Harley Medical Group, one of the most noticeable trends was in the type of liposuction procedures that patients were requesting, and in particular the regions were they were requesting the fatty deposits to be removed from. Whilst traditional liposuction was used to remove unwanted deposits on the stomach region, an increasing number of patients are now looking to have liposuction performed on the areas above the knees (knee saddles), the back areas, the upper arms (bingo wings) and the region between the calves and the ankles (cankles).

More information on liposuction procedures.

The Harley Medical Group are a partner of our UK cosmetic surgery site, and more information on the company can be found on our UK site.

Breast Augmentation Surgery On The Increase

A recent report from the US based Freedonia Group has predicted that the number of cosmetic surgery procedures will exceed 18m by the end of 2012, with demand for cosmetic surgery products averaging annual growth levels of 8.4% for the next four years.

According to the group, a large percentage of the growth in cosmetic surgery procedures can be attributed to the growth in the number of breast augmentation procedures being performed. This is particularly relevant given the recent return of the silicone filled breast implants, which were initialled banned by the FDA in the early 1990’s.

Today, breast augmentation surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure, with over 300,000 procedures being performed each year in the United States alone.
More information on breast augmentation surgery.

Friday, 12 September 2008

Cosmetic Surgery Patients Getting Older

In 2007 the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery conducted its 'Procedural Survey'. Data from a five year survey shows that the average age of cosmetic surgery patients undergoing one of the ten most popular invasive surgeries has risen by approximately three years to slightly above 42. Interestingly the average age for patients undergoing non invasive procedures is also a smidge above 42.

And what procedures are proving most popular? Well when it comes to invasive surgery liposuction remains the number on choice, as it has been for all of this decade. Botox injections remain the most common non invasive cosmetic surgery procedure.

Thursday, 11 September 2008

55,000,000 Cosmetic surgery procedures each year by 2015

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons' in house medical journal 'Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery' has predicted that by 2015 there will be more than 55 million cosmetic surgery procedures performed each year. This compares with less than 14 million in 2005, a substantial increase by any measure. The society found that between 1992 and 2005 of all the procedures performed by its members non surgical procedures increased at a compound annual growth rate in excess of 27%. In 2005 alone in excess of 65% of all procedures performed by the society's' members were non surgical, such as cosmetic dentistry.

These figures outline the pace of growth of cosmetic surgery and the improvement of its members ability to reach potential customers, no doubt helped by the rise of the internet. With an ever increasing number of procedures to choose from and practitioners offer their services it has become ever more important for anyone considering undertaking cosmetic surgery to choose wisely. Along with UCompare there are many sources of information about how to go about making your cosmetic surgery choices. It remains imperative that you investigate any procedure you are considering carefully and have a full checklist when considering any surgeons.

Those Pearly Whites: Cosmetic Dentistry

Who amongst us doesn't like to see a winning smile, a lovely set of even white teeth sets it off beautifully. Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly accessible throughout the country over the last few years, and as a consequence more and more of us are improving our smiles.

Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

- Teeth whitening.
- Veneers.
- Implants.
- Gum Lifting

Teeth whitening is a popular option these days. Teeth become easily stained by things such as coffee, tea, and smoking. Teeth can also become naturally yellower with age. Teeth whitening is general undertaken as a single procedure or in multiple sessions. When done as a single procedure a whitening gel will be used that has a concentration of high hydrogen peroxide. Th other method is to have an individually designed mouth guard into which is placed a whitening gel. The custom fitted guard is worn each day for a couple of hours and the teeth will whiten gradually over a week or two.

Veneers are individually made cases for each tooth. Obviously made from tooth coloured material, a veneer offers an alternative to crowns. Veneers can be used to redefine broken, stained, or incorrectly angled teeth. If you are considering veneers you must consider that the procedure is generally non reversible. The tooth that is being veneered will be partially ground in order to fit and adhere each veneer. As a consequence you need to be sure that you are happy to undertake the procedure and that the material used in the construction of the veneer is well proven.

Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. As with veneers be sure you are happy that the materials used are well proven.

Dental lift procedures are used to change gums that are not even, helping to improve the balance of ones smile. Usual conducted on an outpatient basis and under anaesthetic.

As with any dentist you want to be sure that they are well qualified and a member of the appropriate dental organisation in the country in which they operate.

Monday, 8 September 2008

The growth in cosmetic surgery tourism in the United States

Over the past few years, we have witnessed a considerable increase in the numbers of people who are having their cosmetic surgery procedure performed outside of the United States. Cosmetic surgery clinics in countries including Panama, Costa Rica and Brazil all market themselves throughout the US, offering prices far below those available in the local market.

On the back of this rapid expansion in the numbers of people having their cosmetic surgery performed overseas, we have also witnessed the birth of a new phenomenon, that of medical tourism. Such has been the explosive growth in this industry, that is estimated that over 750,000 Americans travelled outside of the US for health care in 2007, and a recent report by Deloitte Consulting projected that medical tourism is set to increase by a factor of over ten times in the next decade. A large proportion of these patients are travelling abroad for their cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction and facelifts.

So why are so many people choosing to travel overseas for their cosmetic surgery? For the vast majority of people the answer to this is simple, price. On average, choosing to have your cosmetic surgery procedure performed outside of the United States can result in a saving of up to 50% on the equivalent surgery in your local clinic.

There are also other factors which have contribued to this increase in the numbers of people choosing to have their cosmetic surgery abroad. For example, the increased accessibility of the internet has made it considerably easier to research both the clinic and your prospective surgeons credentials and qualifications. Something which you would easily be able to do in a local clinic. Secondly, the rapid expansion of the cheap flights market has made travel to countries including Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico considerably cheaper in recent years.

Rhinoplasty Nose Surgery

Rhinoplasty is the surgical term for nose surgery. Nose surgery is sometimes undertaken to rectify breathing problems caused by irregularities in the structure of the nose. More often rhinoplasty is undertaken to enhance the cosmetic appearance of the nose.

There are many aspects of the nose that can be changed during nose surgery. For example; the width of the bridge of the nose, or the size and profile of the nose or nostrils. Due to the nature of the surgery it is important that the face has finished growing before considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Also due to the nature of the procedure, if you are considering nose surgery and currently smoke you might want to start thinking about giving it up until after the surgery. Or lets be honest, you might as well think about stopping for good.

Rhinoplasty can be conducted on an outpatient basis, you will need to consult with your surgeon on this one. The surgery will be conducted either under general anaesthetic or intravenous sedative.

Nose surgery is completed either on a 'closed' or 'open' basis. Closed surgery involves the incisions being made inside the nose so that they are naturally hidden. 'Open' surgery involves the initial incision being made across the columella.

Once changes have been made to the shape and or size of the nose there may well be a requirement to make further incisions in order to sculpt the natural creases in the nose to match its new size or shape. Support devices may be placed in the nose to support it during the early stages of the healing process.

The post surgery healing process can be lengthy, sometimes it may require as long as a year for the changes to the shape and contours of the nose to fully change.

There are potential risks involved in nose surgery, for a fuller overview why not take a look at UCompare cosmetic surgery to make sure you are aware of them.

Sunday, 7 September 2008

Smart Lipo – The Changing Face of Liposuction

Last year over 300,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the United States, and a major part of the growth in popularity of this procedure has followed the introduction of less invasive techniques such as Smart Lipo.

Also commonly known as laser lipolysis, Smart Lipo is a new form of liposuction, which involves the use of a laser to melt away the more stubborn fat deposits in localised areas such as the hips, inner thighs, double chins or upper arms.

Smart Lipo is a minimally invasive procedure which is now used extensively throughout Europe, and has recently been approved by the FDA in the United States.


Smart Lipo Procedure Information

Performed under a local anaesthetic, Smart Lipo involves the use of a very fine cannula being passed under the skin through a tiny incision, and directly into the fatty deposit. Through the cannula, a laser beam is then methodically guided through the fat cells immediately liquefying and destroying them. The dislodged fat cells subsequently dispelled from the body through the usual processes.

Smart Lipo After Care

A Smart Lipo procedure will usually take around one hour, and you will likely be discharged from the clinic 1-2 hours after your Smart lipo procedure. You will be given specific instructions by your clinic on your discharge, and you may be required to wear a compression garment for a few days following the procedure.

There is usually very little swelling or bruising following a Smart lipo procedure, and the majority of patients are able to return to work the next day.

Saturday, 6 September 2008

Just what is Blepharoplasty?

Over at the UCompare cosmetic surgery site you can find detailed information of the blepharoplasty procedure. So just what is blepharoplasty? Most of us are familiar with eyelid surgery, well they are in fact one and the same.

Eyelid surgery revitalises The appearance of the eyelids. The procedure can be used for the upper or lower eyelids, or both. Eyelid surgery can be used to rectify the following:

- Skin that has lost some of its elasticity on the upper eyelid. In extreme cases this can affect ones ability to see correctly.

- Similarly the lower eyelid can also sag over the time.

- Small folds in the skin of the upper and lower eyelids.

- Excess skin on either eyelid.

- Fat deposits on the upper eyelid that can appear as puffiness.

Most people are able to have eyelid surgery as an outpatient. Given the nature of the surgery however you will undoubtedly need some post surgery assistance. No jumping behind the wheel to drive yourself home for example.

Procedurally eyelid surgery is relatively simple, usually conducted under general anaesthetic. The surgical incisions are placed so as to ensure no post surgery scarring should be visible.

Upper eyelid incisions with its natural creases giving access to tighten tissue and muscle within, remove or replace deposits of fat. At the same time any skin that requires removal can be taken care of.

Incisions on the lower eyelid occur underneath the line of the lashes. Again any skin that requires removal can be taken care of.

Eyelid incisions will be closed up with dissolving or removable stitches, surgical taping, and/or adhesive for skin.

Once the recovery period is complete the eyelid and area around it should display improved definition. Don't forget to check out the site for more in depth information on eyelid surgery and all things cosmetic surgery.

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Breast Augmentation- An Introduction

Breast augmentation is often referred to as augmentation mammaplasty. Breast augmentation is most often considered by those who do not feel their breasts are large enough.
Breast augmentation is designed to improve the fullness and projection of the breast, thereby enhancing ones figure. The augmentation procedure is often used to return breast dimensions after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Breast lift procedures differ from breast augmentation in that they correct sagging breasts. We will cover breast lifts shortly on this blog so be sure to head back soon for the update. Both procedures can often be performed during the same surgery.

Breast augmentation surgery requires patients to be medicated, either by general anaesthetic or intravenous sedation.

Breast augmentation will involve an incision being made in one of three areas:

1) Periareolar incisions are made at the base of the areolar.

2) Inframammary incisions are made at the base of the breast.

3) Transaxillary incisions are made in the underarm.

Each method is designed to ensure there is as little scaring as possible after the healing process and that the incisions become invisible.

The two most commonly used implants used for breast surgery are either saline implants, or silicone implants. Saline implants, surprise, surprise contain saline water. This is salt water that has been sterilized. Silicone implants contain a silicone gel.

Once the incisions has been made the implant will be placed either underneath the pectoral muscle, or immediately behind the breast tissue and on top of the pectoral muscle. When in implants are in place internal stitches (or sutures in the US) are layered on the internal tissues whilst surgical taping and external adhesive will be used to seal the skin. In a relatively short time any signs of surgical incisions should disappear.

Check out the site for a fuller description of breast augmentation and all things cosmetic surgery, including what to expect of the post surgery recovery period.

Liposuction - an overview.

Today, liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, and last year alone over 300,000 liposuction procedures were performed throughout the United States.

So what exactly is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure which removes fatty deposits which have traditionally proven more resistent to dieting and regular exercise. This removal of the fatty deposits results in an improved body contour and proportion, often resulting in increased feelings of self esteem and perception in the patient. Whilst liposuction is often performed as a singular procedure, it is nowadays regularly performed in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as tummy tucks, breast lifts and facelifts.

Liposuction Procedures

Liposuction surgery will likely be performed under a general anesthetic, and will involve a small incision being made in the skin in the vicinity of the targeted fatty deposit. Through this incision, a small hollow tube or cannula is inserted, which allows your surgeon to losen the fatty deposits prior to removal. Once the fatty deposits have been displaced, removal is via a surgical vacuum.

What Areas Can Liposuction Surgery Work On?

Liposuction surgery can be performed on the following areas:
  • Abdomen and waist
  • Thigh area
  • Upper arms
  • Calves and ankles
  • Chin and neck area

If you would like to find out more about liposuction surgery, why not visit our main site at Ucompare Cosmetic Surgery, where we provide comprehensive information on the very latest cosmetic surgery procedures and techniques.

Cosmetic Surgery Clinics We Work With - Prague Beauty

Prague Beauty are a UK company offering an extensive range of discreet and high quality cosmetic surgery procedures in the beautiful city of Prague in the Czech Republic.

Offering procedures at approximately half the price of those charged in the UK, the company and its services are bound by British Medical guidelines and British Medical law. All the cosmetic surgeons at Prague Beauty are highly qualified, and have many years of cosmetic surgery experience.

Prague Beauty operate out of St Anna's clinic, which is situated near the centre of Prague, in a quiet suburb approximately 40 minutes drive from the airport. St Anna's is a modern clinic, with all rooms being en-suite, and offering telephones and satellite television. The operating theatre itself includes a range of modern equipment, and is fully air-conditioned.

Prague Beauty offer a fully managed service, and a representative of the company will be with you in Prague to ensure that you are comfortable and catered for during your stay. From the point of your arrival at the airport, through to your flight home, Prague Beauty will ensure that you have everything you require, and that your cosmetic surgery procedure is a comfortable experience.

For more information on Prague Beauty, and all the cosmetic surgery clinics we work with, why not visit our main site at Ucompare Cosmetic Surgery, where we provide information on all aspects of cosmetic surgery procedures including breast enlargement, liposuction and blepharoplasty.

Wednesday, 3 September 2008

Cosmetic Surgery Clinics We Work With.

Through our Ucompare cosmetic surgery websites in the UK and US, we currently work with two cosmetic surgery clinics, although following our recent re-launch, this figure will be rapdily increasing over the next few months.

Harley Medical Group
Having been established for over 24 years in the UK, the Harley Medical Group are a name synonymous with cosmetic surgery in the UK, and are undoubtedly one of the UK's leading cosmetic surgery clinics. They offer a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures including breast enlargement surgery, liposuction and facelift surgery at a number of clinics throughout the UK, all of which are registered with the Healthcare Commission. Without doubt, the Harley Medical Group are a name you can trust.

As well as the large number of cosmetic surgery procedures on offer, the Harley Medical Group also offer a range of financial options for those clients who are seeking a means to finance their procedure.

For more information on the Harley Medical Group, why not visit our main site, where Harley Medical Group explain their offering in more detail.

Monday, 1 September 2008

What types of cosmetic surgery do we offer?

As this is early days for the blog, we thought we would take some time to explain to you how we work, and exactly what services we offer here at Ucompare cosmetic surgery.

Firstly, and most importantly, we are an information service, and our aim to ensure you make the best decision for your individual requirements. In order to do this, we work hard to ensure you have access to the very latest news, developments and information on cosmetic surgery procedures including breast augmentation surgery (breast enhancement surgery), liposuction, blepharoplasty and rhinoplasty. We explain in detail the nature of the cosmetic surgery procedure, as well as the associated costs and risks involved. We are not here to sell you the surgery, and the decision to have the surgery is always your own, we are here to help you make the best decision for you.

We also work with an increasing number of cosmetic surgery clinics from around the world, many of whom offer a wide range of cosmetic surgery procedures. Through our site, these clinics will tell you the services they offer, and where their clinics are.

Welcome To Our New Cosmetic Surgery Blog!

Hello and welcome to the new My Cosmetic Surgery blog site, the official blog for the Ucompare-cosmeticsurgery websites.

Through this blog, we aim to bring you the very latest news, information and research from the world of cosmetic surgery, from destinations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Costa Rica and South Africa. By doing this, we aim to ensure our users and clients are provided with the very latest information they require to make the most informed decision on their cosmetic surgery.

So How Do We Work?

We aim to provide you with all the necessary information on cosmetic surgery procedures and cosmetic surgery clinics in one place. By doing this, we provide you with information on the various procedures and the cosmetic surgery clinics which offer these procedures.

So we would like to wish you the very best of luck in your search for a cosmetic surgery clinic, and remember, we are here to help!