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.

As people age their skin loses it’s tension and becomes baggy. A facelift removes this excess baggy skin and stretches the skin more tightly over the face. A facelift is a major medical procedure and should not be taken lightly. Pennsylvania cosmetic surgery patients will want to discuss the following points with their surgeons:

• How many wrinkles and folds will be removed?
  The answer to this question varies by individual. It is usually impossible to remove every wrinkle and fold and the success depends on the condition of your skin, your age, and other factors.
• Will the results of a facelift last a long time?
  Even in Pennsylvania cosmetic surgery, this question cannot be accurately answered. A facelift is not a fountain of youth – and your skin will continue to get older. If your doctor gives you an exact answer you should ask how he determined the response and evaluate the information he gives you.
• Decscribe the facelift surgery procedure.
  Typically, the cosmetic surgeon will cut the facial skin around the temple, ears, and scalp. Then the doctor will stretch the skin and remove the extra skin. Stitches will generally be required. Once again Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery recommends that you discuss the specifics of the facelift procedure with your doctor.
• How long will I be in the hospital? A facelift surgery usually requires a hospital stay. You will need to ask your plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon how long the hospital stay will be and how long recovery will take.

Pennsylvania Cosmetic Surgery has provided these questions as an opening dialog between you and your plastic surgeon. There will be many more personal questions that you will want to ask and have answered before undergoing a facelift. Make a list of these questions as you perform your research so your practitioner can address all of your concerns.