Hair Transplant Procedures

Hair transplant procedures are becoming popular in the modern world where image is perceived to be as strong as character. It includes strip grafts, slit grafts, micro-grafts, mini-grafts and punch grafts procedures resulting into a modest change in the fullness of the hair. On the other hand, skin flaps, scalp reduction and tissue expansion are also procedures performed on patients who are looking for a major change.

Causes of hair loss

Hair loss is caused by changes in hormones, family history of baldness and/or aging. Primarily, the earlier the hair loss begins, the baldness becomes more severe. Hair loss can be caused by trauma or burns. Therefore, hair replacement surgical procedures are recommended for such cases. They have have been performed for many years now hence you can be comfortable with the procedures for when the doctor determines that the transplants are the best option for you.

Hair replacement procedures go a long way in enhancing the appearance and self-confidence of an individual. Before making the decision to undertake the surgery, it is important to evaluate your expectations to discuss them with the surgeon. You need to understand that the techniques for hair replacement use the existing hair. The purpose of some of the surgical procedures is to determine the efficient uses for your existing hair.

Candidates for hair replacement

The candidates for hair replacement need to have healthy hair growth on the sides and back of the head for purposes of serving as the donor areas. The donor areas on the head serve as the places from which flaps and grafts are taken. Other factors like texture, hair color and curliness or waviness affect the results of the surgical procedures. Different techniques can be used in replacing the hair surgically. Two or more methods can be used to attain the best results. Nevertheless, patients with little hair may not be advised to undertake hair replacement surgery.

Hair transplant is notably an individualized treatment. For purposes of ensuring that the surgical options are available for you, it is important to find doctors with a vast experience in undertaking different types of replacement and tissue expansion. Therefore, you can consider looking elsewhere in case a particular doctor informs you that they have perfected one technique.

During the first consultation, the surgeon evaluates the hair growth as well as the loss. The surgeon will also review the history of tour family in terms of hair loss and try to find out whether you have had earlier replacement procedures. The surgeon also inquires about your lifestyle and discusses your expectations and limits for surgery.

Cosmetic Laser Treatment Tips

Cosmetic surgery is in the media regularly with celebrities constantly fielding questions about their appearance and whether the have gone under the scalpel to 'enhance' their body. The trickle down effect is worldwide, cosmetic surgery has increased. What is often forgotten however is cosmetic laser treatment. Since laser treatments began in 1958, using lasers for cosmetic reasons has slowly increased in popularity but avoids the spotlight that surgery dominates.

Laser treatments for cosmetic reasons were not a planned progression. Originally they were used to treat acne scars to smooth over the skin around the scar. It was then noticed the wrinkles around the scars were less prominent once the lasers had run over the skin in the process.

The lasers are highly concentrated beams of light that can target certain different parts of the body and skin depending on the wavelength of the light. When the light hits the tissue, heat is generated which then either destroys or deactivates the cells. As research continue more and more information is being discovered about how we lasers can be used cosmetically.

Cosmetic laser treatments are most commonly used on the face. The lasers affect the collagen in the skin. As we age the collagen in our skin naturally breaks down. Laser treatment generates new youthful collagen which eliminates the wrinkles that we so often despise.

There are additional kinds of laser treatments available today.

- Laser skin resurfacing

- Laser removal of birthmarks/skin lesions

- Laser hair transplants

Although it would appear to be a science using beams of light, the risks associated with treatment (as with any cosmetic changes) needs to be done by highly qualified doctors. Although the side effects are generally less harmful than surgery, the number of treatments may need to increase for the desired result to take effect.

Laser treatments are not yet suitable for everybody. The changes a treatment has on one patient may be completely different than another person who has had the exact same cosmetic laser treatment. Skin color and hair color are the two most common factors that are examined when evaluating whether a person is a suitable candidate for laser treatment. Those with darker skin and/or red, grey and blonde hair are likely to not see results that they want. Ideal candidates are those with whiter skin and darker hair.

Post treatment, doctors will generally recommend follow up procedures and they need to be closely followed to ensure that the treatment leads to the best results possible.

Costs are always are concern with any cosmetic treatment. Laser treatments are less expensive than surgery equivalents, but do keep in mind any follow up treatments required and whether you are going to achieve a long term solution with your treatment.

As with any cosmetic procedure, making an informed decision based on advice from qualified professionals is necessary. The information you read here can help you with knowing what you can expect but every individual case is different and you may miss information on the internet that you must know.

Breast Asymmetry Tips

Breast asymmetry is a very common concern among women, adolescents and adults alike. No one is born with perfectly symmetric breasts and mild to moderate differences in breast shape, size (1-2 cup size difference) and position in the developing adolescent are to be expected. Moreover, breast asymmetries that persist beyond puberty affect more than half of all women! In fact, one study of 100 women who wanted breast augmentation with implants found that 88 percent had natural asymmetries (Rohrich, Hartley & Brown, 2006). At a time when our body and mind are changing rapidly, when is breast asymmetry a cause for concern? In this article we look at how breast asymmetry may impact a young woman and we review the pros and cons of surgical intervention with an emphasis on newer techniques (i.e. breast reconstruction with autologous fat transfer).

No one really knows what causes breasts to develop differently from one another, but possible contributors include hormonal changes or traumatic injuries. Your breast tissue changes according to your menstrual cycle. For instance, your breasts may feel fuller and more sensitive when you're ovulating; and, in fact, they do get bigger because of water retention and additional blood flow. This is also when they're most likely to be the same size. During menstruation, breasts shrink again.

Breasts are glands positioned on the chest wall. The breast tissue undergoes lobular proliferation in females at puberty, when the breast buds develop into adult size breasts. Surgery or trauma to the chest wall in early childhood may affect development of the "breast bud" and result in breast asymmetry later in life. In a small percentage of the population, an underlying medical or skeletal condition may cause asymmetrical breasts. Poland syndrome, tuberous breast deformity and juvenile hypertrophy are rare findings, which can result in unilateral or bilateral differences in breast growth and shape.

A recent study published in the December issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal highlights the psychological impact of breast asymmetry on adolescents. The study findings suggest that patients with breast asymmetry have poorer emotional well-being and lower self-esteem than their female peers (Nuzzi, Cerrato, Webb et al., 2014). This is not a surprising revelation given that high rates of breast dissatisfaction have been reported within the adolescent female population, especially during early adolescence when there is greater variance among peers. Psychological issues are important in this group of young women, and these issues include social embarrassment, low self-esteem, depression and isolation from peers. Problems that occur relate to sexual relationships and cultural beliefs. The majority of these patients are young, healthy individuals, and the psychological and social impact of these conditions is significant. Physicians and parents should be aware that seemingly small differences to an examiner's eyes might have a considerable impact on the sometimes "fragile" psyche of an adolescent.

Surgical options for correction exist. These include improving breast symmetry by combining different techniques using implants, autologous fat transfer, liposuction, breast reduction and/or tissue flaps. Correction of breast asymmetry often involves multiple surgical procedures. Surgery in a young adult with a long life expectancy means that with further life changes (pregnancy, aging, weight gain and/or weight loss) the long-term outcome from surgery is not always satisfactory with loss of sensation, scar issues and further asymmetry being common complications. The best policy is early intervention with education, support and counseling. The key steps in successful management are diagnosis, appropriate referral, counseling, optimal timing of surgery and avoiding unnecessary surgery in a developing young adult. In the rare instance that the asymmetry causes such distress that your doctor recommends surgery, please consult with an experienced plastic surgeon about your options for surgery. Advances in science and technology, have implemented newer surgical procedures with improved outcomes.

Newer techniques such as autologous fat transfer, offer a less invasive way to correct breast asymmetry with more natural appearing results. Fat grafting is natural, flexible and versatile. It allows the plastic surgeon to gradually sculpt and reconstruct the breast to a natural looking shape and feel. Like other reconstructive techniques, fat grafting is a staged procedure with results achieved over time. Fat is harvested from the abdomen, flanks and thighs and then is injected into the breasts through small incisions. This is an outpatient procedure, with each stage carried out every 3 to 6 months. The number of stages required for completion varies on an individual basis. The results are long-lasting and the patient also receives the added benefit of liposuction at the donor sites.

How To Choosing the Best Breast Implant Size For You

Until recently, most patients never discussed breast implant shapes or profiles with their plastic surgeons. If you chose a certain size breast implant, you would receive a predetermined amount of forward projection from that size implant. Now, you can choose size and, if you like, have that size stick out more or less than the base diameter would usually dictate. The first choice to make is the shape; the second choice is the profile. Shape refers to the actual shape of the implant, round or anatomical. Profile refers to the distance the implant projects off the chest wall. The third Choice is the surface of the implant

Shapes

Because women's breasts take many sizes and shapes, and because goals for breast enhancement vary from patient to patient, there are different shapes available. For some women, the round provides the best results; for others, a better choice is an implant shaped like a teardrop. The appearance of breasts is highly affected by shapes.

Considerations include:

The patient's body type
The amount of breast tissue the patient has.
Breast implant placement
Surgical incision choice
Round

Of the two implant shapes, the round breast implant is the most common type used for breast augmentation. A round implant is shaped like a flattened sphere. Certain types of round implants can enhance the forward projection of the breasts, which would otherwise require larger implants with wider bases. For women who desire fullness in the upper poles of their breasts, the round is a good choice.

Many women choose round because they tend to provide the greatest amount of lift, fullness, and cleavage. Some women, however, feel that the results produced with round implants appear artificial, so they seek out more natural-looking alternatives. A round breast can have a smooth or textured surface. Due to a round symmetrical shape, it does not pose the risk of rotation. The cost of a round breast implant is generally less than a teardrop (contoured).

Tear Drop

As the name indicates, a teardrop, also known as a contoured breast implant, is shaped like a teardrop. Breasts attain a more gently sloping contour with teardrops. Although the upper poles of breasts that have teardrop implants are not as full as those of breasts that have round, teardrop-shaped implants often provide greater projection by volume. Of the two breast implant shapes, a teardrop is more expensive than a round breast implant, a consideration for those concerned with breast augmentation cost. A teardrop requires a textured surface to prevent rotation because, with teardrops breasts can become distorted if the implant rotates. This is not a concern with round breast implants.

Surfaces

After you have made the choice to have breast implant surgery, you must decide between two breast implant texture options: smooth and textured. On this page, we describe the differences between the two types to provide you with a better understanding so you can make an informed decision.

There is great debate amongst surgeons which is better. Some studies have shown fewer complications - specifically capsular contraction - with textured implants, but others have shown the opposite. The shells of both saline and silicone gel breast implants are made of silicone elastomer (rubber), and the surface area is either smooth or textured. The main purpose of textured implants is to promote tissue adherence to the irregular surface and hold them into place. Therefore, a textured surface is used with contoured implants because they have a top and bottom, and rotation or movement distorts the breast shape. On the other hand, most round implants have a smooth surface because the breast shape is not affected if the implant rotates in the breast pocket.

Smooth

Smooth implants are used in roughly 90 percent of breast augmentation surgeries today. A smooth breast implant is able to move freely in the breast pocket in which it is placed. Many women eel that smooth implants have a more natural feel and appearance than textured implants. Smooth implants usually have thinner shells than textured implants, which makes them the softer choice of the two. Additional benefits of a smooth breast implant include implant longevity, lower patient cost, and reduced risk of rippling.

Textured

It was originally thought that the textured surface of an implant could reduce the possibility of capsular contracture, a potential complication of breast implants. However, because evidence is not clear and there is no consensus as to whether a textured breast implant actually reduces the possibility of capsular contracture, many doctors prefer to use smooth, round implants. Smooth implants are often placed under muscle tissue in order to help avoid possible capsular contracture.

Textured breast implants have an irregular surface that is intended to hold the implant in place. The scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant conforms to the textured surface and "grabs" the implant to prevent it from being displaced or turning in the pocket, which could result in distortion of the breast shape. A textured surface is used with contoured implants to prevent movement because the teardrop shape is distorted if any rotation occurs. Textured implants were designed to lessen the risk of capsular contracture, which is an excessive contraction of the scar capsule that surrounds the implant, by preventing scar tissue from forming around the implant in a uniform manner. However, studies have proven inconclusive and no firm evidence exists to support the theory that textured implants reduce the risk of capsular contracture.

If a patient requires implant removal due to capsular contracture or another complication, it may be more difficult for the surgeon to remove the implant because of the adherence of tissue to the textured surface. The shells of textured breast implants are slightly thicker than smooth implants.Textured implants are more firm and carry an increased risk of rippling that is visible or can be felt through the skin, especially for women with smaller breasts. There is also a small increase in the chance that the implant shell will rupture.

Profiles

When breast augmentation patients meet with their Thailand surgeons to discuss the many implant options that are available to them, they not only need to decide on a specific sized implant, but determine the amount of forward projection that is appropriate for the patient as well. In the past, implants came with a standard projection, or profile, based on the size of the implant that women choose. Today, surgeons and patients can work together to select an implant that is not only the right size, but also provides the desired projection and cleavage.The most important criterion for profile selection is the base diameter of the breast.

This is easily measured by the surgeon with a calipers or measuring tape. The implant diameter must be less than the breast base, or it will be "squeezed" circumstantially. This will force it to scallop, or ripple around the outer edge, creating a range of other problems. Among these is visible rippling; It has been observed of much less rippling since the high profile implants became available, because the base diameter can be matched more precisely.

Low Profile

The low profile implant shell is wider (larger diameter) and flatter (less height or depth) than moderate profile breast implants. This implant style is commonly used for women who have a wide broad chest frame. The extra width of the implant shell will fill the chest anatomy correctly, achieving a natural look and realistic cleavage. The implant will not project as far off the body as other implant styles, making it the right choice for women who want fullness, but not an overly round and obviously enhanced look. The main criteria used to select low profile implants are the base diameter of the breast and dimensions of the chest. The implant should be smaller than the base diameter of the natural breast mound, which is often substantial in wider framed women.

Moderate Profile

The low profile implant shell is wider (larger diameter) and flatter (less height or depth) than moderate profile breast implants. This implant style is commonly used for women who have a wide broad chest frame. The extra width of the implant shell will fill the chest anatomy correctly, achieving a natural look and realistic cleavage. The implant will not project as far off the body as other implant styles, making it the right choice for women who want fullness, but not an overly round and obviously enhanced look.

The main criteria used to select low profile implants are the base diameter of the breast and dimensions of the chest. The implant should be smaller than the base diameter of the natural breast mound, which is often substantial in wider framed women.

Moderate Plus Profile

Moderate plus implants are a half step compromise between traditional moderate profile implants and popular new high profile implants. The moderate plus profile is perfect for women who want a bit more projection than is typically provided by a moderate profile, but not as much projection as is found with the high profile shell.

Moderate plus describes the distance the implant will project off the chest wall, once they are surgically placed inside the breast.

High Profile

High profile breast implants are a great innovation in breast implant design. First available in the early 1990's, high profile implants have filled the specific needs of many patients perfectly, helping them to achieve a pleasing breast esthetics and an extremely natural shape and contour. High profile implants have also become a favorite of many cosmetic surgeons and are recommended to many patients due to their excellent surgical results.

High profile implants project the further off the chest wall, when compared to other common implant profiles. The high profile implant will achieve this projection by having a smaller base diameter than an identically sized (in cc's) moderate or low profile implant shell. By decreasing the diameter of the shell, but keeping the same fill volume, the manufacturer is able to increase the depth or forward projection.

High profile implants are perfect for women with a narrower chest frame who still want a considerable size increase during their breast augmentation surgery. Instead of using a wider base diameter moderate implant, the doctor will choose a narrower high profile shell which will suit the patient's anatomy and project out to accommodate the volume of the filler material. High profile implants are also commonly indicated for patients who are undergoing a combination breast enlargement and donut mastopexy procedure. This modified mastopexy, like many breast lift operations sometimes squares off the breast shape slightly, making it appear wider and less round. The shape of the high profile implant shell restores the rounded shape of the breast, while still allowing the considerable benefits of the mastopexy lift.

While some studies say that these high profile shells reduce visible wrinkling and rippling, the reasoning given is generally incorrect. It is not anything to do with the design of the implant which decreases this noticeable unwanted breast enlargement complication. it is simply a better anatomical fit. Wrinkling and rippling often occurs when a women with a narrow chest frame desires large implants. The base diameter of her natural breasts is smaller than the base diameter of her implants. Obviously, the implant will be compressed and distorted by the small confines of the pocket inside her breast. This distortion causes the wrinkling and rippling which can be so unappealing to many affected patients. By utilizing a proper fitting high profile implant with a base diameter smaller than the natural breast width, the surgeon can guarantee a good fit with no implant shell distortion. The patient's size request is accommodated by the increase in forward projection creating a flawless augmented, butvery natural looking breast.

Ultra High Profile

Ultra High Profile implants available are through Mentor, this implant provides the narrowest base and highest projection. They are only available in Round shape and up to 495cc. Ultra High profile implants are perfect for women with a narrower chest frame who still want a considerable size increase during their breast augmentation surgery. Instead of using a wider base diameter implant, the doctor may choose the ultra high profile if the high profile is not enough projection. This may suit the patient's anatomy and project out to be able accommodate the volume of the filler material.

There are two ways to increase projection in an implant. The first way is to add more volume to the implant. The other way to add projection is to make the base (diameter) of the implant smaller. Thus for any given volume, a smaller base has more projection. This is what 'high profile' implants do-they have a smaller diameter with a higher projection.

Knowing what choices to make when having Breast Implants means you will have the end result you envisioned. Don't make the wrong choices, become informed on every aspect of Breast Implant Surgery in Thailand.