Before choosing this procedure, it is wise to try diet and exercise. Establish a good exercise routine and stick to it. Not only will your belly look better but your whole mind and body will benefit from this healthier lifestyle. In actuality, you should be physically fit to undergo this surgery, because the results after the surgery will be affected negatively if your weight continues to go up and down.

However, if the exercise route does nothing for your midsection then you may be a candidate for plastic surgery. As we have advised before, finding the right person is key, and there are many qualified cosmetic surgeons in PA.

The tummy tuck does involve general anesthesia. The doctor will most likely make an incision under your belly button down to the pubic hair line. Then he or she will stitch up the abdominal muscles and take out extra fat. Recovery time is a few weeks and there will be some swelling which, of course, is uncomfortable.

As with any surgical procedure it is important that you consult with your doctor to determine if the procedure is right for you

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.

Here is a partial list of Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery Centers that perform Juvederm:

If you are in Eastern Pennsylvania, the Columbus & Perfections Lasers service Harrisburg, Wilkes-Barre, and the Philadelphia areas.

In the Shanti Medical Spa is a cosmetic surgery facility near Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Also in the Pittsburgh area is the Skin Center with offices in Mt. Lebanon, Wexford and Shadyside.

Make sure you fully research the cosmetic surgery procedure and your choices of Pennsylvania cosmetic surgeons before choosing to undergo any procedure including Juvederm.

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

The second tier of chemical peel is the middle level. Also known as Trichloroacetic acid peels, this type of chemical peel is stronger than the first tier of chemical peel. Depending the concentration of Trichloroacetic acid, deeper exfoliation will occur with a higher concentration. Of course too much will permanently damage skin so this chemical peel should be performed by a qualified Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgeon.

Usually this method is used to fix fine lines and wrinkles and fix blemishes. Like the alpha hydroxy chemical peels, reapplication may be necessary to maintain the new look. Because this acid is a bit more harsh, a few days may be needed to recover from the procedure.

The new skin that is revealed will be very sensitive to the sun so liberal use of sunblock is absolutely necessary.

The third tier of chemical peel is known as a Phenol Peel and the results are evident for a long time. Typically only one treatment is necessary. However, anesthesia is usually required. Because this treatment is the harshest of the three tiers it is also quite painful, carries the most risks, and gives the best looking results. Recovery after the chemical peel can be as long as one month. This procedure is often used to correct more substantial blemishes like deeper wrinkles and skin damage.

The Phenol Peel itself is made up of phenol and croton oil. This oil is said to be the key ingredient in this chemical peel.

While the results of the tier three chemical peel are dramatic – and very tempting, persons with pre-existing medical conditions carry some risks. Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery stresses the importance of reviewing your entire medical history with your Pennsylvania Plastic Surgeon and make an educated decision.