What price indeed. laser eye surgery has become pretty popular over the last few years with around seventy five thousand people thought to undertaking the surgery each year in the UK. However with ten million short sighted people in the UK, this represents a fairly small percentage of the overall potential market.
Laser eye surgery involves the permanently changing the cornea of each eye so that the patient no longer requires glasses or contact lenses for perfect vision. The procedure itself takes very little time, in fact only a few minutes. Local anaesthetic, usually in the form of eye drops is required, otherwise very little preparation is required prior to undertaking laser eye surgery.
So why the limited take up of laser eye surgery? Well one likely factor is the confusing pricing that cannot be helping consumers decide to go ahead with laser eye procedure. A brief look around on google uncovered one clinic in the north east charging just shy of four thousand pounds for surgery on both eyes. Whilst for average shortsightedness, most clinics seem to be pricing laser eye surgery in the £295 to £2,300 per eye.
It is worth shopping around, as more clinics enter the market there certainly seems to be a fair amount of downward pressure on pricing for laser eye surgery, we'll keep a close eye on things and report back if we see prices falling. As ever safety is paramount so do your research before choosing a clinic.
If you are interested in laser eye surgery why not surf over to UCompare for a bit more information.
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Wednesday, 21 January 2009
Working Hard to Fund Cosmetic Surgery
Our friends over at Harley Medical Group, currently the biggest cosmetic surgery provider in Britain have taken a good look at how people are paying for their cosmetic surgery procedures and have discovered that many are working over time to pay for their cosmetic procedures. Patients are apparently taking on a 2nd job or working increased hours in order pay for their surgery in the present economy.
Harley Medical found that over its twenty three surgeries across Britain a full twenty two percent of its patients had undertaken extra work in order to pay for their procedure. A similar survey six months prior to this one found that only eleven percent of patients had undertaken extra work in order to fund their procedures.
It would seem that of those patients that undertook extra work most did so for between six and twelve months in order to help pay for their cosmetic procedure. As well as undertaking the further work patients are apparently willing to dip into savings and consider putting off other expenses such as home decorations in order to undertake their procedures. Harley Medical also commented that they are find that amongst females breast augmentation is their current most requested procedure. Liposuction followed breast augmentation as the currently most requested procedure. At the same time rhinoplasty and liposuction are proving popular choices amongst males undertaking one or more procedures at their clinics.
Harley Medical found that over its twenty three surgeries across Britain a full twenty two percent of its patients had undertaken extra work in order to pay for their procedure. A similar survey six months prior to this one found that only eleven percent of patients had undertaken extra work in order to fund their procedures.
It would seem that of those patients that undertook extra work most did so for between six and twelve months in order to help pay for their cosmetic procedure. As well as undertaking the further work patients are apparently willing to dip into savings and consider putting off other expenses such as home decorations in order to undertake their procedures. Harley Medical also commented that they are find that amongst females breast augmentation is their current most requested procedure. Liposuction followed breast augmentation as the currently most requested procedure. At the same time rhinoplasty and liposuction are proving popular choices amongst males undertaking one or more procedures at their clinics.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Silicone Implants for Breast Augmentation Surgery
As we know one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures is breast augmentation, often with the use of silicone breast implants. A recent study of the health implications of using silicone implants for breast augmentation surgery has has found zero increase in the risk of cancers, connective tissue diseases and other diseases. The study appeared in the Annals of Plastic Surgery last November.
In excess of a dozen scientific studies have looked into the risk of cancer as a result of breast implants and have shown rather similar results to date. The studies have shown no evidence of an increase in breast or other cancers among females with silicone breast implants.
There has long been a concern that the use of implants during the breast augmentation procedures will retard the detection of early onset breast cancers using mammograms. There have been concerns from some studies suggesting that mammograms may work less efficiently in females with breast implants. There has however been no studies to date that demonstrate evidence of survival rates for cancer being lower in women who have used breast implants when undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
Further studies have suggested that problems with the use of implants for breast augmentation surgery are not common and rarely cause the need for further surgery, in fact when further surgery is required it is generally as a result of contractures hardening of tissue surrounding the breast implants.
In excess of a dozen scientific studies have looked into the risk of cancer as a result of breast implants and have shown rather similar results to date. The studies have shown no evidence of an increase in breast or other cancers among females with silicone breast implants.
There has long been a concern that the use of implants during the breast augmentation procedures will retard the detection of early onset breast cancers using mammograms. There have been concerns from some studies suggesting that mammograms may work less efficiently in females with breast implants. There has however been no studies to date that demonstrate evidence of survival rates for cancer being lower in women who have used breast implants when undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
Further studies have suggested that problems with the use of implants for breast augmentation surgery are not common and rarely cause the need for further surgery, in fact when further surgery is required it is generally as a result of contractures hardening of tissue surrounding the breast implants.
Friday, 9 January 2009
Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery Claims Questioned
Linda Cardozo, Professor of Urogynaecology and Consultant Gynaecologist for Women's Health at Kings College London has expressed concerns about the increasing amount of vaginal surgery procedures being undertaken for cosmetic reasons. Professor Cardozo is concerned at the amount of press being given to claims of 'satisfied customers' by both the media.
Professor Cardozo was speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 7th International Scientific Meeting last September, making a point that there simply is not any medical literature to substantiate claims about cosmetic vaginal surgery.
Professor Cardozo explained that whilst there has been growing interest in cosmetic vaginal surgery over recent years, and increasing coverage in the popular press, there is very little scientific evidence to assist gynaecological surgeons as to risks and measure of effectiveness of such procedures.
So what are the cosmetic procedures to which Cardozo referrs, for example there is labiaplasty which reduces the size of the labia. Hymenoplasty which restores the hymen, and 'vaginal rejuvenation'. If women who are interested in cosmetic vaginal surgery were aware of the lack of the scientific medical literature pertaining to this field it is unlikely they would be comfortable proceeding with such surgery. Further, literature pertaining to pelvic reconstructive surgery points out that repeated surgery on the vagina increases the likelihood of scarring, loss of sensation and a diminishing sexual function; quite the contrary to the likely reason for considering the procedure.
Cardozo suggested that for those considering cosmetic vaginal surgery as a way to restore sexual function should seriously consider other less physiologically invasive options first.
It would seem there is some way to go before the benefits or otherwise of cosmetic vaginal surgery are fully understood.
Professor Cardozo was speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 7th International Scientific Meeting last September, making a point that there simply is not any medical literature to substantiate claims about cosmetic vaginal surgery.
Professor Cardozo explained that whilst there has been growing interest in cosmetic vaginal surgery over recent years, and increasing coverage in the popular press, there is very little scientific evidence to assist gynaecological surgeons as to risks and measure of effectiveness of such procedures.
So what are the cosmetic procedures to which Cardozo referrs, for example there is labiaplasty which reduces the size of the labia. Hymenoplasty which restores the hymen, and 'vaginal rejuvenation'. If women who are interested in cosmetic vaginal surgery were aware of the lack of the scientific medical literature pertaining to this field it is unlikely they would be comfortable proceeding with such surgery. Further, literature pertaining to pelvic reconstructive surgery points out that repeated surgery on the vagina increases the likelihood of scarring, loss of sensation and a diminishing sexual function; quite the contrary to the likely reason for considering the procedure.
Cardozo suggested that for those considering cosmetic vaginal surgery as a way to restore sexual function should seriously consider other less physiologically invasive options first.
It would seem there is some way to go before the benefits or otherwise of cosmetic vaginal surgery are fully understood.
Thursday, 8 January 2009
Gift Vouchers for Cosmetic Surgery
A joyous New Year to one and all. As the turkey mountain subsides news reaches Ucompare towers that 2008 has been a record year for the sale of cosmetic surgery gift vouchers in Great Britain. Depending on who you listen to it would seen that cosmetic surgery vouchers hit the top of the 'Most Wanted' list for both women and men. Regulars to this blog will already now that cosmetic surgery procedures have been gaining in popularity for some time now so perhaps we should not be too surprised by this new information.
The Birkdale Clinic who operate clinics in Liverpool, Rotherham, and Sheffield have stated that this year they have seen a thirty percent increase in christmas gift vouchers being bought for women, bringing in sales of twenty six thousand pounds. At the same time gift vouchers for procedures for gents increased by a whopping sixty percent.
So what were to top five procedures for Christmas?
1. Breast Augmentation
2. Tummy Tuck
3. Botox
4. Facelift
5. Liposuction
No surprises there then. Any of our lovely readers receive a gift voucher for cosmetic surgery this year? If so let us know if you think they are a great gift or not.
The Birkdale Clinic who operate clinics in Liverpool, Rotherham, and Sheffield have stated that this year they have seen a thirty percent increase in christmas gift vouchers being bought for women, bringing in sales of twenty six thousand pounds. At the same time gift vouchers for procedures for gents increased by a whopping sixty percent.
So what were to top five procedures for Christmas?
1. Breast Augmentation
2. Tummy Tuck
3. Botox
4. Facelift
5. Liposuction
No surprises there then. Any of our lovely readers receive a gift voucher for cosmetic surgery this year? If so let us know if you think they are a great gift or not.
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Overseas Cosmetic Surgery
As you will have read on these very pages lately there has been much coverage in the popular press of late regarding overseas cosmetic surgery. One always has to be careful when choosing a clinic and surgeon to performs ones cosmetic surgery procedure, never more so than when looking to lower cost countries if you are looking for cheaper procedure costs. As we have always said at UCompare cosmetic surgery you need to spend time looking into the bodies that monitor cosmetic surgery in any country you are considering, ensuring that they hold their members to the highest standards, and whether or not any surgeon or clinic you choose is a member of said body.
There is no denying that there are some great cosmetic surgery services available outside of the UK, Prague and Belgium for example have proven to be popular destinations for UK patients to date. Prague Beauty for example is one organisation held in high regard for their cosmetic surgery work. Prague Beauty specialise in many areas of cosmetic surgery, including; liposuction, breast augmentation and eyelid surgery. If you fancy having a chat with the nice people at Prague Beauty why not give them a call on 0845-463-8165.
Prague Beauty conduct their procedures from the Saint Anna's Clinic which is near the centre of Prague. Their surgeons are fully registered and have a high level of qualification. Most importantly, even though they operate in Prague, they are a UK company and as such are governed by British medical guidelines and operate under British law.
Another interesting factor of the increase in overseas travel for cosmetic surgery is the advent of insurance for patients. Angelis insurance recently became the first organisation to offer insurance specifically to candidates travelling overseas for dental, cosmetic and medical treatments. With more of us travelling abroad for those cosmetic procedures being able to source insurance to do so is a welcome addition.
There is no denying that there are some great cosmetic surgery services available outside of the UK, Prague and Belgium for example have proven to be popular destinations for UK patients to date. Prague Beauty for example is one organisation held in high regard for their cosmetic surgery work. Prague Beauty specialise in many areas of cosmetic surgery, including; liposuction, breast augmentation and eyelid surgery. If you fancy having a chat with the nice people at Prague Beauty why not give them a call on 0845-463-8165.
Prague Beauty conduct their procedures from the Saint Anna's Clinic which is near the centre of Prague. Their surgeons are fully registered and have a high level of qualification. Most importantly, even though they operate in Prague, they are a UK company and as such are governed by British medical guidelines and operate under British law.
Another interesting factor of the increase in overseas travel for cosmetic surgery is the advent of insurance for patients. Angelis insurance recently became the first organisation to offer insurance specifically to candidates travelling overseas for dental, cosmetic and medical treatments. With more of us travelling abroad for those cosmetic procedures being able to source insurance to do so is a welcome addition.
More Cosmetic Surgery Predictions for the New Year
Following on from our last post looking at predictions for cosmetic surgery for 2009 the next prediction from the ASAPS is that males will continue to be a growing segment of the aesthetic cosmetic surgery market. When the ASAPS commissioned a survey of consumers in 2008 it discovered that fifty seven percent of males approved of cosmetic surgery, and that a full twenty percent would consider undertaking surgery themselves. Even though only 57% of respondents approved of cosmetic surgery, apparently seventy nine percent would be happy for someone other than a family member to know they had undertaken a cosmetic surgery procedure (hmmm.....). Anyhow one thing is clear, men are increasingly discovering the benefits of cosmetic surgery and are willing to undertake a procedure themselves.
Next up and not surprisingly, is that minimally invasive and non surgical cosmetic procedures will again grow in numbers throughout 2009. Surgeons and manufacturers are constantly developing new methods that are advancing this category of cosmetic surgery, thereby reducing the time taken for patient recovery.
Finally it is predicted that there may be less overseas cosmetic surgery procedures undertaken during 2009 as the cosmetic surgery consumer becomes more sophisticated in how they choose their clinics and surgeons. It is clear that an educated consumers are more likely to ensure they understand the risks associated with cosmetic surgery procedures and the absolute necessity of using an appropriately accredited surgeon. As a consequence of the efforts to educate the consumer there is likely to be much greater focus on the methods by which surgeons gain board accreditation and the bodies providing such accreditation around the world.
Next up and not surprisingly, is that minimally invasive and non surgical cosmetic procedures will again grow in numbers throughout 2009. Surgeons and manufacturers are constantly developing new methods that are advancing this category of cosmetic surgery, thereby reducing the time taken for patient recovery.
Finally it is predicted that there may be less overseas cosmetic surgery procedures undertaken during 2009 as the cosmetic surgery consumer becomes more sophisticated in how they choose their clinics and surgeons. It is clear that an educated consumers are more likely to ensure they understand the risks associated with cosmetic surgery procedures and the absolute necessity of using an appropriately accredited surgeon. As a consequence of the efforts to educate the consumer there is likely to be much greater focus on the methods by which surgeons gain board accreditation and the bodies providing such accreditation around the world.
Monday, 5 January 2009
New Year, Cosmetic Surgery Predictions
New Year and new predictions for cosmetic surgery in 2009. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) which provides board certification for plastic surgeons in the US, has again given us their predictions for cosmetic procedures in 2009.
The first prediction is that aesthetic cosmetic surgery will continue to increase in popularity across an ever wider spectrum of the population as surgeons continue to develop procedures to cater to many more procedure candidates.
Interest in cosmetic fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Evolence will carry on growing as new products come to market and continue to evolve.
Unfortunately our population is becoming heavier as we get larger. Increasingly though we are realising the negative effects of obesity, leading to a greater number of patients seeking procedures for body shaping after weight loss. It is expected that procedures such as lower body lifts, abdominoplasty, and upper arm lifts will increase over 2009.
It is predicted that Reloxin will gain FDA approval in 2009, possibly leading to approval other countries as a consequence. This will lead to it competing with the extremely popular Botox procedure. Expect to see similar products enter clinical trials as this valuable sector of the cosmetic surgery market continues to grow throughout 2009.
Sadly it is predicted that there will be further horror stories from patients who have tried to cut corners and gone offshore to find either surgery or injectables at discount prices. Hopefully there will be an increase in that availability of good information for procedure candidates helping them to avoid bad choices.
Fat removal by non invasive methods is likely to become a massive cosmetic surgery market in the future, expect therefore to see continued clinical trials in this segment. It is likely that methods such as Ultrashape and SonosSculpt will become a future alternative to liposuction and smart lipo.
We will have more predictions for 2009 from the ASAPS tomorrow so head back over to see what else we are likely to see in cosmetic surgery this year.
The first prediction is that aesthetic cosmetic surgery will continue to increase in popularity across an ever wider spectrum of the population as surgeons continue to develop procedures to cater to many more procedure candidates.
Interest in cosmetic fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Evolence will carry on growing as new products come to market and continue to evolve.
Unfortunately our population is becoming heavier as we get larger. Increasingly though we are realising the negative effects of obesity, leading to a greater number of patients seeking procedures for body shaping after weight loss. It is expected that procedures such as lower body lifts, abdominoplasty, and upper arm lifts will increase over 2009.
It is predicted that Reloxin will gain FDA approval in 2009, possibly leading to approval other countries as a consequence. This will lead to it competing with the extremely popular Botox procedure. Expect to see similar products enter clinical trials as this valuable sector of the cosmetic surgery market continues to grow throughout 2009.
Sadly it is predicted that there will be further horror stories from patients who have tried to cut corners and gone offshore to find either surgery or injectables at discount prices. Hopefully there will be an increase in that availability of good information for procedure candidates helping them to avoid bad choices.
Fat removal by non invasive methods is likely to become a massive cosmetic surgery market in the future, expect therefore to see continued clinical trials in this segment. It is likely that methods such as Ultrashape and SonosSculpt will become a future alternative to liposuction and smart lipo.
We will have more predictions for 2009 from the ASAPS tomorrow so head back over to see what else we are likely to see in cosmetic surgery this year.
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