WellwithYou.com

Mangosteen is tart and tangy

While shopping at Costco the other day, I noticed that they were pushing out huge volumes of Mangosteen juice made by Xango.  I think it was $20 for the 750ml bottle. 

I remember Mangosteen when I went to Asia and had a plate of fruit in Thailand.  nice tart, exotic flavor, and now I've learned that Mangosteen is high in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B and C.  It's now being sold by Xango in juice form due to its powerful antioxidant properties.

My girlfriend came over the other night for a few drinks, and we blended the Mangosteen in with a bit of vodka and ice.  Yummy, and healthy?

Fast face-lifts for those wanting a minimally invasive procedure

A quicker, cheaper, faster, easier, less painful face-lift.  These are the benefits some plastic surgeons are promoting for the Lifestyle Lift, a procedure that involves the insertion of a barbed thread through small incisions in the face.

This quick face-lift has been featured on "Today," "Good Morning America" and "The Oprah Winfrey Show."  But it's not new; doctors have long offered weekend lifts, mini face-lifts,mini-lift, MaxLift, S lift, S face lift, and facial tuck.

Just more and more folks are getting them done.  It's worth investigating the risks.  I've read about cases where the threads come undone, patients incur nerve damage and experience scars as well as visible track-like marks from improperly inserted threads.

See:  Nip, Tuck, Done

Hydrafill & Juvederm: More details about this product

Juvederm Hydrafill is a non-animal based hyaluronic acid (which is naturally produced by our body).  It promises to be the next Big Deal in the facial aesthetics market thanks to the fact that it remains an effective facial rejuvenation for over 6 months. 

Here’s a summary in part from Inamed, the marketing representative for Juvederm:

• Juvederm is yet to receive approval from the U.S. FDA, but is approved and available in Europe and Canada (36 countries in total, as of last year).  In Europe the product is marketed under the name Hydrafill.  Why the differences in branding?  Inamed does not have exclusive marketing and production rights in France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
• Juvederm is a long lasting “stabilized non-animal based Hyaluronic acid dermal filler”.  In other words, it’s an injectible filler like Botox used for facial rejuvenation:  smooth skin, plump lips, remove smile lines, and remove wrinkles.
• There are three versions of the product: Juvéderm 30, Juvéderm 24, Juvéderm 18.  What are the differences?

  Thanks to the folks at the Aesthetics Beauty Centre in the UK, they explain:

  • Juvederm 18
    Used for filling fine lines and fine wrinkles. When injected into the superficial dermis, the fluid version, Juvederm 18, fills fine wrinkles such as crow's feet or peri-oral wrinkles.
  • Juvederm 24
    Used for forehead wrinkles and moderate furrows. When injected into the middle dermis, the dense version, Juvederm 24, effectively fills forehead wrinkles, glabellar lines, obvious mild to moderate nasal furrows and cheek wrinkles.
  • Juvederm 30
    Used for Shaping of Lips, deep folds and cheeks. When injected into the deep dermis, the densest version, Juvederm 30, fills deep naso-genian folds, returns volume to your lips, sculptures your cheeks and gives your face, its natural oval shape again

If any reader has more information about Juvederm, please do share your experience!

White teeth tips

Quick note...When researching Bdazzled, a new tooth whitening product, I found the following teeth whitening tips on the Bdazzled website.

Instead of...Black coffee/tea
Have...Coffee or tea with milk or cream

Instead of...Cherry pie
Have...Apple pie

Instead of...Marinara sauce
Have...Garlic and oil

Instead of...Tomato juice
Have...Grapefruit juice

Instead of...Black coffee/tea
Have...Coffee or tea with milk or cream

Malaysia tourists often seek discount plastic surgery

Penang is a common destination for foreign visitors to Malaysia.  As I've discussed in the past, there's a growing tourism trade around cosmetic surgery and other medical procedures performed when abroad.  Penang is becoming known as a key destination for these "medical travelers". 

Obvious benefit sought:  lower cost of getting a breast lift, or teeth whitened, or botox injections.  Also, it enables the patient to recover in a private, often luxurious setting. 

One firm that I keep running across is Beautiful Holidays, based in Malaysia but with respresentatives in the U.S. and Singapore.  If any readers have experience with this company, please leave a comment.  Otherwise, I'll dig around to try and find out more.

See: Over the ocean, under the knife
Chicago Sun-Times - United States

What are the benefits of Levulan photodynamic therapy?

I have no idea what to tell you.  What is Levulan other than an exciting sounding new skin treatment?  So, I decided to send a letter to the company that makes this product (Dusa).  Here's what I sent. 

Let me know if I left something out that you're interested in learning more about.  I'll post their response once it arrives.

I operate a blog that covers issues related  to cosmetic procedures and skin care. I  try to inform my readers about the latest products on the market for beauty  enhancement. I read today that your  company has announced some interesting results. From your press release:

After the initial 3-week period, patients received two additional full face IPL -alone treatments. Prior to each of these IPL -alone treatments, patients were assessed for signs of photodamage, which include global photodamage, fine lines, mottled pigmentation, tactile roughness and sallowness. After another 4 weeks, patients were again assessed for signs of photodamage.

Facial photoaging or photodamage is a common cosmetic problem seen in light-skinned individuals with years of significant exposure to the sun. Current treatments include photorejuvenation using laser and non-laser light sources, dermabrasion and chemical peels.

         

I think this sounds great, but here’s what I need to know  more about (and to share with my readers). What exactly is Levulan (aminolevulinic acid HCl) photodynamic therapy? Any information for consumers about this interesting advancement in skin care will be greatly appreciated.  Additionally, where are there resources to find out which providers offer this new technique

All I want for Christmas is a glycolic peel

Holiday gift giving at the top of everyone's mind (tomorrow is "Black Friday" - the top shopping day in the U.S.), I've heard from more than a few friends that this year's wish list includes cosmetic procedures. 

Most are interested in the less-invasive facial fillers on the market like Botox and Restalyn, but a few are seeking significant body changes like new breasts. Me?  I'm considering a glycolic peel to remove some fine lines in time for the New Year.

Rather than me try to explain what constitutes a glycolic peel, I'll let the fine writers of Shape.com explain:

Question:
My facialist suggest a glycolic-acid peel for my next visit, but I'm not sure exactly what it is. Is it expensive and will it burn?

Answer:
A glycolic-acid peel can also be referred to as the ""lunchtime"" peel. This light peel or superficial peel is administered by a physician or aesthetician. They swab on a solution that boosts your skins softness, smoothness, freshness and dewiness. If you're acne-prone, salicylic acid (a pore purging cousin to glycolic acid) may be used instead. Either way, this fruit-acid derived peel exfoliates dead cells, a process that already occurs naturally but slows down with age and sun damage. When these cells become stacked up, they can make skin look dull and lead to blocked pores and breakouts. Also, studies have also shown that continued use of glycolic exfoliation may speed up cell turnover and stimulate the production of collagen (the protein fiber that keeps skin from sagging and wrinkling). Glycolic-acid peels are performed at spas and salons (where the acid concentration is typically 20-3- percent) and in dermatology and plastic-surgery offices (where the 50-70 percent concentration packs more of a wallop). Glycolic peels cost from $50-$125 a pop depending on the spa or doctor's office you visit, may involve some slight stinging or tingling but can be performed safely on practically all skin types.

See: Shape.com
 

Is plastic surgery really mainstream?

Never heard of Dawn Yeo? 

Not me, until I read that she's considered the World's "hottest blogger".  So maybe it's weird to vote for a blogger's physical appearance, but where things get very odd is that a firestorm of negative press and web postings erupted over whether she had facial plastic surgery. 

I might be losing something in translation, but if she's deemed beautiful by peers from all over the World, doesn't she fit the societal definition of "beautiful"?  Moments like these remind me that it's overstated to say plastic surgery is now mainstream and widely socially accepted. 

Would love your thoughts on this.  Please leave a comment!

Plastic surgery storm erupts over blogger babe
Electric New Paper - Singapore,Singapore

Fat injections the "New Plastic Surgery"?

More and more often I read about the desire to age gracefully and not to look all pulled back and freaky.

So to that end, facial fillers and body fat injections are increasing in popularity- especially due to the lack of incisions and allergic reactions. When performed well- people comment that a patient looks great, but can't put their finger on what the change is. Are you well rested? Or did you have something done?

Structural fat grafting, using a patient’s own fat from the abdomen or hips, is an extremely effective means to help restore the facial volume associated with a youthful appearance.  Dr. Michael Law who runs the Blue Water Spa out of North Carolina has changed his practice behaviors to reflect this change in the patient profile.

Good plastic surgery doesn't look like surgery, it just looks good.

Costa Rica dentist to the stars

Dr. Kaver's Esthetic and Restorative Dental Clinic provides cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, fillings, bridges, crowns, and tooth whitening.  This firm's website states these services are completed in compliance with ADA standards.

His clientele apparently includes some beauty contest winners too.

Sorry we can't pass along fees charged for services; this information is not listed on their website. 

Liposelection for targeting fat in small body areas

I've written about liposelection in a past entry (see Latest on liposuction:  Ultrasound Process that "Melts" Fat) , but I was noting that I get a fair amount of visitors searching for this topic.  So, I did some additional article research and found another profile of liposelection (which really just a new liposuction technique).

Newsweek's recent issue addresses the benefits of liposelection, and mentions  an interesting outcome due to the introduction of liposelection technology:

The newest lipo converts aren't settling just for having their tummies and thighs done: like Montoya, they're adding on ever-tinier body parts, like ankles, knees and cheeks.

Given the fact that liposelection can target smaller body areas, it translates into faster patient recovery time and lower plastic surgery expense.  Both good news for prospective patients.

See:  Liposuction: Going Micro

Omnilux LED treatment comes to the U.S.

I was digging around the FDA website and ran across the approval of a device called the Omnilux Revive.  OK, so the approval was in 2003, but I still can't recall seeing any mention of it prior to this discovery.  The article linked below confirmed that Omnilux is just entering the U.S. market.

My understanding is that Omnilux is a skin treatment offered by dermatologists as a form of light therapy. The LED light is a non-surgical alternative to addressing signs of skin aging (age spots, lines, wrinkles).

 
According to clinics operating in other countries (AU and the UK), the treatment process requires at least 6 treatments.  The first treatment takes 45 minutes, and additional treatments are typically 30-minute appointments.    It was described as "like lying on the beach in the sun for 20 minutes without the harmful UVA, UVB or infrared radiation."

Sounds interesting!

See:  Photo Therapeutics Establishes Direct Operation in USA

Thailand continues to be a popular destination for surgery discounts

Often the rationale for going abroad for cosmetic procedures and non-elective procedures (referred to as  Medical Tourism) is driven by the fact millions of citizens lack private health insurance and that the cost of services in markets like Thailand are 1/3rd the cost of the US, Europe or Australia. 

Good illustration of this in a recent article in the Sydney Morning Herald.  Even complex medical procedures, like open heart surgery, are being conducted in Thailand on foreign patients.  One heart patient was quoted an estimate in the US for $60,000 to $80,000.  The patient opted for the respected Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, spending a total of $12,000 (including travel expense).  Plastic surgery, especially new procedures that have yet made it through US and EU regulators is also commonly sought by foreigners. 

A slice of the action

Cosmetic Treatment Expert on Botox...it's all about shadows & lines

My friends swear by Botox® injections to reduce facial wrinkles, especially frown lines, "crow's feet," and forehead furrows.  I haven't tried it, but it seems like a great alternative to extensive plastic surgery procedure such as a face lift.

And by now almost everyone has heard about Botox injections as a treatment for wrinkles.  (in case it's new to you, Botox is "Botulinum Toxin Type A", which was originally slated to treat neurological disorders).

As far as Botox treatments abroad, I ran across an interesting perspective from David Loh Surgery, a Singapore cosmetic surgeon.  He emphasizes that Botox is a question of Shadows and Lines.  In his own words:

With the above BOTOX and Fillers Techniques we do not obliterate all the wrinkles. Some of them are cheerful expressions. The aim, we cannot emphasize more, is to decrease harsh shadows across the face and to create a smooth continuous line running from ear to chin. The jowls are a give away on a person's "age", for example... The hallowed out temple area and overlapping of the double eyelids are another very telltale sign of aging.

Seems like a fair assessment of Botox....you agree?

Mexico Plastic Surgery Bargains: Taking Greater Risk?

Mexico facelifts and Mexico plastic surgery is now a common concept, that appears to be growing in popularity.  However, US physicians have pointed out that going abroad for plastic surgery savings is often a dangerous move.

bargains aren't necessarily best when it comes to cosmetic surgery, which carries all the same risks and potential problems as any other operation.

"If it's not done properly, you can die under anesthesia or after surgery from overwhelming infection,:

Agree with the doctor.  Surgery is risky process, that requires great professionalism, skill, and proper operating conditions.  Something often ignored is post-op care, which is challenging to receive if you're flying home after a procedure.

Read more here:

Cosmetic surgery cheaper abroad but not necessarily wisest choice

My other posts about Mexico plastic surgery

Liposelection

I recently discovered the concept of Liposelection.  Based on some brief research I found out that the best candidates for Liposelection are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. These include the stubborn areas not responsive to diet and exercise. Typically these are the “love handles” for men and “saddle bags” for woman.  See Before and After photos

I am having trouble finding much else in terms of risks, costs, etc...so please share your thoughts

Lithuania for Plastic Surgery

The Centre of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the Vilnius University Hospital is widely respected by Lithuanian residents and many neighbouring countries seek plastic and cosmetic surgery here.

Dr. Tarvilas Norkus performs breast augmentation, breast reduction, liposuction, tummy tucks, Dysport, blepharoplasty and other types of plastic surgery at his clinic in Kaunas, Lithuania.

A patient testimonial:

Everything went very smoothly and I'm very satisfied with the result (one month after surgery). My stay in Kaunas was very pleasant; the hotel was of very good standard and the two surgeons (Tarvilas and Martynas Norkus) have extensive experience also from Germany and USA and possess top competence within cosmetic surgery, so I can really recommend a visit to their clinic in case you are in evaluation of cosmetic surgery. The quality is excellent, facilities top modern and the prices are reasonable compared to Norway and Western Europe.

Plastic Surgery Junkie

Two-thirds of cosmetic surgery patients are repeaters, according to a survey conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 2000. For some, especially those in the entertainment business, it's merely a fact of life to have cosmetic surgery. For the average American, the stigma attached to a little beauty maintenance work now and then has all but fallen away.

A surgery junkie, Jocelyne Wildenstein answers some questions about how to go about chosing a docotor and why people go down this path of getting plastic surgery.  Not sure that I would take her advise. But, I do like this statement by a Dr. Bitar in Los Angeles:

While the reasons for choosing facial cosmetic surgery are as varied as different individuals, they do share a fundamental link- people choose cosmetic surgery because it offers us a unique opportunity to enhance the way we feel about ourselves.

Has Dr. Singh revolutionized the concept of Cosmetic Surgery?

Singh's Lipo-suction Technique” and “Singh's Lipo-injection Technique” are referred to in a press release announcing his involvement in a recent convention on medical tourism in India.

My understanding is that Dr. Singh has modified the liposuction process which cuts down the time and cost of the liposuction procedure.  According to a Chennai based report:  "With his procedure, up to 6 litres of fat can be taken out at one go. The next sitting, if needed, can take place after two days. With the improvements brought about by him, three sittings can be held within a week. The new technique is safer and far more economical from the patients' point of view."

Would be interesting to know more about what aspects of the liposuction technique he's modified to deliver such positive results.

Dr. B. P. Singh Introduces New Medical and Surgical Techniques to Combat Aging

Facial Fillers in Thailand

Restylane, Restylane Fine Lines, Perlane, Hylaform, Hylaform Plus, Juvederm are considered the new future of cosmetic dermal fillers. Restylane is the most highly purified form of hyaluronic acid gel on the market. Completely natural, biodegradable, non-animal derived, it poses no risk of rejection. It lasts longer than Botox. Six months is standard and a year is not unusual. Restylane Fine Lines addresses those finer lines of the upper lip. Other products are better for deeper facial contours like cheeks and chins.

Click here to see some before and after pictures of Restylane users.

In Bangkok, Thailand you can get this procedure at Bumrungrad Hospital. They give some information on what are the goals of filler materials. 
Fillers are materials that are placed into deeper lines and wrinkles. Filler agents typically are used for those wrinkles that are too deep to be treated with lasers. Most commonly filler agents are used for smile lines wrinkles, between the eyebrows, sagging cheekbones or to enhance the appearance of upper and lower lips. Acne, chicken pox and other depressed scars can also be improved.

Other locations in Bangkok:

Pichet Plastic Surgery Clinic run by Dr. Pichet Rodchareon , a board certified Plastic surgeon.

St. Carlos Integrated Medical Spa

Clinic Soi 1 run by Dr Witoon Wisuthseriwong, a board certified Plastic surgeon who has been practicing cosmetic surgery for over 30 years.

And lets not forget the Cosmetic Laser Surgery Clinic, who has a fun graphic on their web page.

New Efforts to Attract Medical Tourists to India

“The biggest way in attracting international patients is through word of mouth...."  Ashok Ananthram, Apollo Hospitals)

Apollo Hospitals in India are ramping up marketing efforts to attract foreign patients to India.  They are targeting new patients from Middle East, Bangladesh or Britain. Europe and Canada are likely good growth opportunities due to long waiting times citizens must endure to access surgeons.

Word of mouth has lured patients from the US as they pursue cutting-edge procedures, at reasonable prices.  Meanwhile, corporate hospitals operated by Apollo and Escorts, are benefiting from increased visits from the emerging middle-class in India. 

I haven't run across many articles or websites that reference India as a destination for plastic surgery, so it seems that India is going after invasive procedures that are often non-elective like hip replacements and heart surgery. 

Liposuction in Malaysia

So, let’s talk about Lipo.  Liposuction is defined as the removal of fat deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. Liposuction can be accomplished with general anesthesia, heavy IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia.

Dr. Susan Lim in Singapore breaks it into 2 categories:

Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction refers to a technique that uses large volumes of very dilute local anesthesia that is injected into the fat causing the targeted areas to be come swollen and firm. Local anesthesia is widely regarded as the safest form of anesthesia. Because local anesthesia persists for many hours there is no need for narcotic pain medications after surgery.

Modified Tumescent Liposuction
Modified tumescent liposuction refers to a combination of tumescent local anesthesia plus some form of systemic anesthesia (general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation). Because general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation can be dangerous, they must be administered by an anesthesiologist.

Dr. Lim along with the help of Dr. Rohan Mendis runs the Lifestyle Surgery Clinic in Singapore.  This clinic offers minimally and non-invasive technology in cosmetic surgery, such as laser liposuction/liposculpture for fat removal, and facial and skin rejuvenation using Botox, intense pulse light (IPL), microdermabrasion and the newest Italian technology of Electroporation for aging skin.

Dr. Martin H. S. Huang is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Founder, and Director of The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic, MD Specialist Healthcare, The Specialist Surgery and Laser Centre, and Pacific Healthcare, Singapore.

Dr. Harry Fok and Dr. Seah Chee Seng started the Sinova Medical Centre, which markets itself as a place “entirely dedicated to beauty”. Besides the usual operations such as nose jobs and tummy tucks, and medical procedures like botox and laser treatments, they also offers spa-like services.

Dr. Yeap Choong Lieng runs the Yeap Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery at the Mt. Elizabeth Medical Centre.

Anyone have any experience at any of these clinics or comments that they wish to share?

Apkujong: Home to over 400 Plastic Surgery Clinics, yet there's little to share

Today I was searching for testimonials about Dr. Woffles Wu (pictured elegantly to the left), a quite well known plastic surgeon in Singapore.  Instead of finding much in the way of good feedback on his procedures, I tripped over an article in Time Magazine that introduced me to Apkujong. 

Apkujong is a section of Seoul, Korea that is referred to (according to the article) as the "Plastic Surgery Street".  Over 400 clinics are found in this region of the city.  Here is the only picture I could find

The article provides alarming and disturbing stories about botched surgeries, bad hygiene, and other nasty experiences that would scare anyone off of getting any procedure!  Unfortunately, my trusty Google searches provided next to nothing to contradict this or even explain more about these 400 clinics. 

So, if you're a reader in the know about Apkujong, please share.

Breast Enhancement in Poland

Poland is serious about plastic surgery …even on their mermaid statues

Decades ago, when craftsmen first made the statue, the ideal of femininity was a stout female body type. Now, the town council wants the mermaid to slim down and get some serious chest enhancements.  Says a town spokesman: "We are considering altering the mermaid slightly by making her breasts bigger and maker her leaner.”

A story from ABC news talks about how Germans and other Europeans head to Poland for bargains in plastic surgery and dental work. The prices are about 1/4th less than in Western Europe.

"For what it costs in Germany to get rid of the fat in my inner thighs, the doctor here will also take out fat around my knees and in my lower back," Oflas said after driving more than two hours to consult with her surgeon in Szczecin. "And I'll even be able to get my lips made bigger while I'm at it."

2 options for cosmetic procedures in Poland:

Aesthetic Med in Szczecin (North-Western Poland) has performed nearly 15,000 cosmetic surgeries, among other procedures. It is run by  Dr. Andrzej Dmytrzak M.D.Ph.D., a board certified plastic surgeon, who has over 20 years of professional experience. The most common surgeries they perform are: Breast augmentation and reduction, Facial surgery (rhytidectomy) and Upper and lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty).

Artmedica Laser Clinic in Cracow is about 2 miles outside of the largest and oldest medieval market square in Europe.  It is run by Dr. Kazimierz Cieslik who has practiced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for over 30 years.

“All the staff were very friendly and professional, and maintained a high standard of care and hygiene throughout the hospital and clinic.”

As always, your comments are welcome.

CBS: 60 Minutes "Vacation, Adventure and Surgery?"

60 minutes recently had a show devoted to Americans and medical tourism.They highlight a couple of different patients.

The first was a Louisianna man who needed quadruple by-pass heart surgery with no health insurance.  He could not afford the surgery in the US and decided not to have it and take the risk.  Then he heard about Bumrungrad Hospital in Thailand.  He flew overseas, spent 1/8th the amount in the states and had a great experience.
“I found it so strange in Thailand, because they were all registered nurses. Being in a hospital in the United States, we see all kinds of orderlies, all kinds of aides, maybe one RN on duty on the whole floor of the hospital," says Bonnewell. "In Thailand, I bet I had eight RNs just on my section of the floor alone. First-class care."

Another was a woman who wanted a non FDA approved hip procedure.  She chose an Apollo Group hospital in India which is the third largest hospital in the world.
"Private nurse after surgery. And, feeling always that they were just totally attentive. If you rang the bell next to your bed, whoop, somebody was there immediately."

Have you had an experience abroad with surgery either elective or required? Share your comments please.

Germany touts new technology for plastic surgery

Germans are in 6th place, that is of countries that perform the most plastic surgery. 

Due to Germany's current reform of the state health-system and the high costs for medical treatment at home.  Germans are flocking to other countries to take “medical holidays”.  It is estimated that 500,000 to 600, 000 German tourists visit Thailand alone on a yearly basis. Many people are already very comfortable with having procedures in Lithuania, Poland and Thailand. 

However, if you are to stay in Germany and have work done, the Mendelssohn Clinic in Hanover is using an interesting 3D  Body Scanner. This private clinic is renowned for its liposculpture, a refined surgical method of fat suction in cosmetic surgery. They report that they have completed over 5,000 of this type of procedure.  The scanner  is used to “enable absolutely precise forecasts about the results of future treatment.” 

Now wouldn’t that be nice to be able to see the predicted results before having a procedure? 

Brazil: 80% of all plastic surgery is cosmetic

In the United Kingdom where 80% of all plastic surgery is reconstructive, in Brazil 80% of all plastic surgery is cosmetic, and there is a surplus of cosmetic surgeons. Cosmetic surgery magazines fill the shelves of newsagents and there is an open attitude to body enhancement not seen in United Kingdom. 

This is a country where a middle class Brazilian woman typically has 3 to 4 plastic surgery treatments which they call “plasticas” in their lifetime. 

A well respected physician and local pop icon Ivo Pitanguay believes that the purpose of any plastic surgery procedure is to elevate people’s self esteem. It is nice to hear of a physician that correlates physicial appearance with emotional well being. He runs a clinic in Botafogo.

He states:
In Plastic Surgery, probably more so than in any other surgical specialty, the patient manifests a complaint of a physical nature with a significant emotional component to it. It is therefore crucial to carefully select each case, assessing whether or not the surgical act will generate real benefits for the patient.

Anyone have any info on Brazil or procedures?

Breast Implants in Brazil to get around Silicone Ban

Had not crossed my mind that US women are going abroad for breast implants to get around current restictions on silicone implant sales (although an FDA panel has recommended the removal of this ban for certain implant products). 

The Los Angeles Times recently reported (see here for a copy) in a cheeky titled article: "Breast Implants Big Business", that women strongly prefer silicone over saline.  In Europe, physicians offer both saline and silicone, however over 90% of patients end up selecting silicone.  And the same article quotes a US physician who says:

...most women have concluded that the benefits outweigh the risks. Women will have no qualms about choosing the cosmetically superior silicone implants for augmentation should the FDA lift the moratorium

Thus, the woman profiled in the article explained that she would simply go abroad to get the silicone implants:

If the moratorium is continued, she'll probably fly to Brazil to undergo augmentation surgery there. Silicone implants are legal in that country.

Not only are they legal, I learned that Brazil is second only to the U.S. as the largest market in the World for breast implants.

Key Questions to ask when considering Plastic Surgery in another Country

I recently expressed my concerns that US (and might as well include UK) surgeons were attacking the credibility of all foreign doctors when it comes to offering patients safe and high quality plastic surgery. 

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (the "ASPS") recently published a pretty well-balanced paper on Cosmetic Surgery Tourism.  The organization offers some reasonable advice on what to ask of your prospective physician, whether in the US or abroad.  These questions are:

1. Are you an ASPS Member Surgeon?
2. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
3. Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
4. How many procedures of this type have you performed?
5. Am I a good candidate for this procedure? What will be expected of me to get optimal results?
6. Where and how will you perform my procedure?
7. Is the surgical facility accredited?
8. What are the risks involved with my procedure?
9. How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
10. Will I need to take time off work? If so, how long?
11. How much will my procedure cost? Are financing options available?
12. How are complications handled?

Minus the first 2 questions which are rather self-serving (for the ASPS), I can't see why any medical provider shouldn't address these questions upfront.

1,000 Australian's per Month having Surgery in Thailand. A Problem?

According to Australia's National Newspaper, The Sunday Mail , Bangkok's Bumrungrad Hospital treated over five thousand Australian passport-holders for elective or cosmetic surgery in the first five months of this year.

Since the Australian health system requires patients to wait months or even years for a procedure (especially elective one's), many opt to travel abroad. 

Accompanying this trend are the physician warnings.  As mentioned in the article, a doctor stated that:

"I'm flabbergasted that people would play Russian roulette with their health"

With the rise in US patients are increasingly traveling going to Mexico, Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil to save money and recover in privacy, there are similar stories here where physicians gravely warn about the dangers of going abroad.

I'm wondering if these physicians are simply trying to operate a smear campaign (obviously lost patients = lost revenue). Are these dangers unique to traveling abroad for healthcare, or the same that could happen to you at your local healthcare provider?  Your thoughts are, of course, welcome.