Most people choose cosmetic surgery for one of two reasons.

The first reason is because they are unhappy with the way they look.

The second reason is because the procedure is medically necessary.

Both reasons are extremely valid. After all, if you dislike the way you look it can lead to low self esteem.

But I am not one to jump on the cosmetic surgery bandwagon. In fact, I advocate many less intrusive routes before a surgical procedure. Diet and exercise are the two most common methods that will bring maximum results not only in beauty but also in health. Make up and topical lotions and treatments are also a non-invasive route.

But sometimes these just aren’t enough and something like excessive weight loss can compound the problem. That is when plastic surgery should come into consideration.

Medical necessity is also a reason to undergo a PA cosmetic surgery procedure. This became painfully obvious to me (no pun intended) when I recently experienced a terrible case of poison ivy. No, I didn’t require surgery, but my legs and arms were transformed into a bumpy, red, splotchy mess – not to mention itchy.

Despite the heat and discomfort, I immediately took to wearing long sleeves and full pants in August. Just to hide the rash. And I am not vain in the least. Rather, I covered up the rash to put others at ease. I could see immediately that people I met were uncomfortable about the rash – they worried, of course, that it might be contagious but were often too polite to voice their concerns.

Now imagine, if a skin condition like that was permanent. It could lead to a lower self confidence over time. Thankfully, there are medical skin treatments available to remedy certain situations.

Whether you are considering a Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeon or one from a different state, always do your homework and make sure that you are entrusting yourself to the best care.

Some names that have come across my desk are as follows:

• DiBello Plastic Surgery
• Sal Calabro M.D.
• Valley Square Plastic Surgery and Spa
• The Pennsylvania Center for Plastic Surgery Philadelphia

Primarily used to lessen wrinkles in the facial area Juvederm is commonly used to treat those smile lines and to plump up lips. The downside, of course, is that the effects are temporary and will eventually wear off causing you to undergo the procedure again. Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery suggests you discuss with your plastic surgeon how long he/she feels that the effects will last. Juvederm is gaining popularity because the results are obvious immediately and don’t require surgery, a hospital stay, or a long recovery period.

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure side effects are possible and should be taken into consideration before you choose Juvederm as the right procedure for you. Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery encourages an open dialog between you and your practitioner at all times. What is obvious is that there is no “quick fix” or fountain of youth. Cosmetic surgery procedures like Juvederm will give you a temporary boost and if that fits in with your goals then it is a good match.

The Basics about Laser Resurfacing

Laser Resurfacing is a procedure for removing wrinkles, fine lines and blemishes by “resurfacing” the skin. Basically, the offending outer layer of skin is removed which then allows an fresh new layer of skin to grow in its place. This procedure is used to correct smaller type skin flaws.

Using a laser beam, which is light energy, doctors can focus on specific problem areas. As opposed to treatments like chemical peels or something called dermabrasion, laser resurfacing allows the doctor more control over the depth of layers of skin to treat. Laser resurfacing can also be a good choice if the skin around the eyes and mouth, since these areas are more sensitive.

About the Laser Resurfacing Procedure itself

Depending upon the extent of the resurfacing to be done the procedure will vary. If just a small area is to be resurfaced, the laser resurfacing procedure can take place in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. If the procedure is covers more area or is more complicated it may involve a hospital stay and general anesthesia. Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery recommends that you talk to the doctor and ask about your particular case and whether your procedure will involve a hospital stay.

After the Laser Resurfacing Procedure

As with any Pennsylvania cosmetic surgery procedure there will be a recovery period after laser resurfacing. Immediately after the procedure the doctor will apply ointment and bandages, perhaps even a complete wrap around your face. You will need to continue to reapply these doctor prescribed moisturizers and stay around the house for a few weeks. Side effects may include redness and solar sensitivity for possibly an entire year. Over the same year your skin should start to look better and better. Again, each person’s case is unique and these are concerns that you should discuss with your doctor.

Who performs Laser Resurfacing

While laser resurfacing is a common cosmetic surgery procedure – there are qualified dermasurgeons that have had a lot of experience with laser resurfacing.

Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery urges you to find a practitioner that is right for you and discuss all details about procedures and possible complications with him/her. As always do complete and thorough research before choosing laser resurfacing.