During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), and the tumescent technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

 
 

Have you ever looked at your silhouette and imagined that you could just wish away those areas that just protrude out too far? Have you ever wished you could have those fatty bulges just melt away? There is no need to feel alone as most of us have similar problem areas that we wish would just go away. That is why liposuction is the most popular plastic surgical procedure performed in the United States. Liposuction is a procedure, which is ideal for improving one’s shape, silhouette, contour or figure. It is perfect for those stubborn, unsightly collections of fatty deposits.

 
 

Human hands are highly visible. We extend our hands as a gesture of friendliness in order to form new friendships and acquaintances. Others can tell a lot by looking at our hands. For instance, the age of the individual can be estimated when looking at someone’s hand and while many people have cosmetic surgery to make their face look younger, their hands reveal their true age. With the hands looking years older than the facial features an obvious tell-tale sign that someone has had facial rejuvenation will be noticed by the average individual. For those who are concerned about the appearance of their hands, there are steps that can help prevent and more importantly reverse the signs of aging.

 
 

Liposuction can remove localized fat deposits from almost any area of the body. Many plastic surgeons use an "ultrasonic" technique, during which sound waves liquefy fat cells before liposuction begins. This allows the elimination of more tissue, especially in difficult to treat areas such as "love handles" and the upper abdomen. Ultrasound breaks up fibrous tissue in the fat, and gives smoother results than with other types of liposuction.
By injecting saline, anesthetic solution and epinephrine during liposuction ("tumescent" liposuction), bruising is minimized. Incisions for liposuction are small and easily hidden.

 
 

Many plastic surgeons use a "tumescent technique." After the induction of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, a large volume, up to several quarts, of very dilute local anesthetic is injected into the areas to be treated. There is a tiny dose of adrenaline in the fluid as well, which makes the blood vessels in the area clamp down. This prevents perhaps 95% of the blood loss that would otherwise occur during liposuction.
Thin hollow stainless steel tubes are placed through short (perhaps 1/4") incisions in the area treated and are used to suction away the appropriate amount of fat. Sheets of lightweight foam are placed on the treated areas, and a compression garment, like a corset, is placed. Bruising is usually scant.

 
 

Breast reconstruction is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures performed by plastic surgeons. There are several different procedures which can be used to create the form and shape of a breast, which will closely approximate the opposite side. They will establish a more normal appearance and, more importantly, allow you to regain your self esteem. Today, breast reconstruction is usually initiated at the time of mastectomy. It may involve the creation of a breast mound entirely using your own tissue (TRAM flap) or it may involve using a tissue expander, which is a balloon placed temporarily under the chest muscle. This balloon is expanded or stretched as it is filled with saline. This stretches the skin slowly to create a pocket large enough to accommodate a permanent implant.

 
 

While plastic surgeons encourage approaching liposuction from a state of good health, diet and exercise, they can effectively remove stubborn areas of fat that won't respond in any other way. Through a very tiny incision, which can be concealed, a plastic surgeon will place a tube deep beneath the skin. With a combination of ultrasound energy and suction, a plastic surgeon can remove and sculpt fatty layers. The liposuction they perform is usually circumferential which will tailor the area front to back and avoid any irregularities. Afterwards a compression garment or girdle will help control swelling and provide comfort while the skin shrinks and the bruising resolves.

 
 

Laser in-situ keratomileusis, or Lasik, is a popular surgical approach used to correct vision in people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism.

All laser vision correction surgeries work by reshaping the cornea, or clear front part of the eye, so that light traveling through it is properly focused onto the retina located in the back of the eye. Lasik laser eye surgery (laser in-situ keratomileusis) is one of a number of different surgical techniques used to reshape the cornea.

 
 

Gynecomastia means enlargement of the male breast. The definition has nothing to do with what causes the enlargement or what tissue it is composed of. It is most common around puberty and can involve one or both sides. Most commonly the enlargement is centralized in the breast but occasionally it is not. It is present to some degree in about a third of male population.

 
 

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.