| In the search for the body beautiful, many women and men have opted for
some sort of cosmetic surgery to get rid of unwanted fat, smooth out wrinkles
or remove a mole or other beauty mark. Some of the most popular procedures
performed today include liposuction, laser facial resurfacing, face and eyelid
lifts, and rhinoplasty. Whether it is cosmetic or reconstructive, all surgery
carries uncertainty and risk.
Liposuction
During the last decade, liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, has become
the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S. Liposuction can be very
effective in eliminating collections of fat in various parts of the body. The
most common areas for liposuction are the thighs, abdomen and "love
handles."
During the procedure, pockets of fat are suctioned out from the body with a
tube and vacuum device. For removing larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body
areas, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new and less
common procedure in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to
"liquify" the fat before it is suctioned.
It is important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a shortcut to weight
loss. Liposuction is an operation with the potential for some very serious
complications.
Erasing Away the Wrinkles: Laser
Resurfacing
Everyday "wear and tear" on your facial skin-aging, sun exposure,
and other environmental factors-may cause damage such as age spots and
wrinkles. Those looking to remove such flaws and to revitalize their skin turn
to procedures such as laser facial resurfacing or chemical peels.
Laser resurfacing, also known as a laser peel, can remove fine wrinkles such
as those found around the eyes and mouth. This technique can also be used to
minimize small superficial scars and unevenly pigmented areas. Laser
resurfacing uses a high-energy light to remove the damaged upper layers of the
skin, allowing a fresh layer to become the new surface. Treatment of deep flaws
requires the use of other laser procedures and should be discussed with your
surgeon.
Other Resources
This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these
resources:
Read these publications online or order them from FCIC:
Websites*:
* Names of resources and organizations included in this online article
are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are
endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government
agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this
does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory.
*If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please
bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible
for the content of these websites.
|
