Bakersfield
Abigail Aaronson asked:


Choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic procedure is one of the most nerve-wracking decisions you’ll have to make. Not only is it essential to choose a well-qualified cosmetic surgeon, but you’ll want to choose one that shares your aesthetic sensibilities, has a pleasing bedside manner, and is easily accessible.

While it may be easy to choose what procedure you want performed, you may find that it takes you quite a while to find the right plastic surgeon for you. Here are a few factors to consider when making this important choice.

1. Distance:

There are some fantastic and highly specialized plastic surgeons around the country that can combine aesthetic artistry with superior medical skills. While many people find that its well worth the expense and time spent traveling to a specific cosmetic surgeon, for others it just might not be feasible. It also makes the issue of aftercare and follow-ups more difficult. Some patients may develop complications over time and your original surgeon may not be accessible to you when you need them.

2. Money:

Some areas of the country, and certain surgeons, will naturally command a higher price for cosmetic surgery. Before you start consulting with potential plastic surgeons, create a budget and research possible financing options, if necessary.

3. Popularity:

Although you want to choose the best possible cosmetic surgeon, don’t just go by popularity alone. Individual consultations, before and after photos, and your own gut instincts are worth more than a few talk show appearances. You may find some very competent and qualified local surgeons that offer more reasonable prices and shorter waiting lists.

4. Qualifications:

Before even bothering to call a surgeon, check their qualifications! You should only choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). It’s also wise to review their education, years of experience, and check for any malpractice suits against them.

5. Bedside Manner

It’s not just about skill. A good plastic surgeon should make you feel comfortable and confident. He should give you a detailed consultation, answer all your questions, and have plenty of informational material for you to review. At no time, should you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision.

6. Aesthetic Views:

You may have found a qualified, certified, and friendly cosmetic surgeon, but after looking at his before and after photos, you’re afraid you’ll get the same button nose that every other patient before you has ended up with. Do your aesthetic sensibilities match those of your surgeon? Some compromise may be necessary due to physical limitations, but if a surgeon’s vision deviates too much from your own, keep looking.

The internet can be a valuable research tool in your search, as well as recommendations from friends, family, and certain facets of the media. However, the decision you make should ultimately be based on your own instincts and your surgeon’s qualifications.

Even the best cosmetic surgeons have been known to make mistakes or have patients who suffer from complications, so personal trust and confidence is the key to having a successful surgery.



BERCIER
Bakersfield
Abigail Aaronson asked:


In classical art, great leaders and soldiers were often featured in profile. A profile view offered the cleanest look at the man’s face, highlighting their bone structure and shape while impressing upon the viewer their personal strength and virility. Perhaps the strongest and appealing feature on a man’s face is the nose. For many men,it can bring about feelings of insecurity and doubt. Thankfully, plastic surgery has brought relief in the form of Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty has long been associated with plastic surgery for women. However, as people began to reevaluate their ideas of what constitutes beauty and vanity, the world of plastic surgery has opened up for men. Today, the modern man can confidently consider plastic surgery to roll back the clock and change those tiny imperfections that wear our confidence over time.

Many men look to Rhinoplasty to give them a nose that is less distinct and noticeable. A smooth symmetrical nose can allow a man’s other features to shine, accentuating the positive areas of the face. Additionally, many men find that while their nose’s shape is fine, the overall size does not ‘fit’ appropriately with the rest of their face. Likewise, a little extra cartridge can be added to give a richer, fuller look to the nose. This simple surgery can reduce or increase the overall size of the man’s nose, creating a more consistent look to their face.

Other men may be seeking something different and distinct. The right nose can bring attention to a man’s face, tying in the other features. Some men have been known to seek a nose that adds character to their face, an anchor to his overall appearance. Like the leaders of old, these men know that a distinct nose can leave a memorable impression on those they meet.

Beyond the aesthetic rewards, there are certain health benefits associated with Rhinoplasty. For those men who have lived a rough and tumble life, it is not uncommon for them to have broken their noses on numerous occasions. A broken nose can cause difficulty with breathing and sleep patterns, as well as annoying and potentially unhealthy snoring. For some a misshapen nose can lead to a lifetime of sinus problems leading to frequent infections and migraine headaches. In consultation with a general physician, Rhinoplasty can help a man overcome these problems and start living a healthier life.

The surgical process itself is safe and simple, with very few differences between the surgeries in terms of gender. Generally the patient is placed under a local or general anesthesia, depending upon the doctor’s recommendation. Once the patient is numbed, the surgeon separates the soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures. Next, the doctor reshapes the noses cartilage, often using a small piece of the patient’s cartilage or bone to add volume and strength if needed. If for some reason the patient is unable or unwilling to use their own cartilage or bone, the doctor then uses an artificial, synthetic material to recreate the bone structure.

The Rhinoplasty process is safe and easy. Recovery time is typical for plastic surgery, and most men find that they can return to work in no more than a few days time. If you find that your nose needs some changes, consider the benefits of rhinoplasty and consult a plastic surgeon.



PRAHL
Bakersfield
Abigail Aaronson asked:


An individual may undergo eyelid surgery to change the appearance of the upper eyelids and lower eyelid, ultimately giving the eye lid a fresh youthful appearance. Most men and women undergo this to treat loose, baggy, droopy sagging skin, enhancing the natural contour of the eyelid.

This procedure also helps to remove excess fatty deposits that appear as bags under the eyes and work to eliminate fine wrinkles. Most successful candidates are healthy, non smokers, with no conditions such as glaucoma or dry eye.

The Consultation:

High risk individuals should consider undergoing lab testing and a medical evaluation with their primary physician before the surgery. During the consultation, discuss with the doctor your desired results. Before the procedure, most doctors instruct you to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for some weeks before because these drugs can increase bleeding. The doctor will also show the patient other ways to prepare the night before.

The Procedure:

Before the procedure, the doctor administers drugs so that the individual feels minimal pain. The doctor will cut incision lines in well concealed areas, such as within the natural structures of the eyelid region, along the lash line or within small creases of the lower lid. Depending on the desired results, the doctor will position fat deposits, tighten muscles and tissue, or remove excess skin. When sutures are used to close the incision, they are invisible to the eye if performed properly. Under normal conditions, eyelid surgery can take from one to two hours and should be performed in a doctor’s office or hospital.

What to Expect After:

The recovery time usually is about one week and the pain is minor compared to other plastic surgery procedures. Immediately after the surgery has been completed, the surgeon may apply tiny sterile bandages, ointments or eye drops. A certain degree of swelling and bruising is normal and cold compresses will usually enhance healing and relieve discomfort. Your surgeon may also prescribe medication for discomfort.

For a week and a half following, surgeons will require patients to clean the eye area. The surgeon will also discuss activities and environments to avoid in the weeks immediately following surgery.

If used, permanent stitches are usually removed within three to five days after the procedure and self-absorbing stitches will dissolve on their own. Since the healing process is gradual, individuals must wait at least several weeks to get an accurate picture of the final results. Incisions will fade over a number of months until they become unnoticeable to the ***** eye.

Years after the eye lift, the skin will continue to age however and skin laxity along the fine wrinkling of the eyelid area may, at some point, return. Even though the aging process continues, many patients are usually happy with their appearance for many years following eyelid lift surgery. Some patients find that they want to make additional improvements to other areas at a later time.



SRINIVASAN
Sep
12
Bakersfield
Abigail Aaronson asked:


Age and gravity just love to wreak havoc on your skin. As you age, your ****** skin loses volume and elasticity. Gravity pulls the skin down as this happens, and you start to look like a jowly basset hound. You look tired, old and just plain worn out. Whether you feel tired or not, you don’t have to look it. A facelift can rejuvenate your face. Here’s what it can do and what it can’t do:

A facelift addresses the lower half of your face. If you’ve lost your cheekbones, your neck and your chin then this procedure is for you. An incision is made along the hairline and down around the ears. The skin is pulled up and back and the excess is trimmed off. Your surgeon may also manipulate the fat under the tissue to create volume in other areas.

Because of the placement of the incisions, they are easily hidden. You should be fully recovered in no more than 4 months.

The facelift is not going to eliminate wrinkles or other signs of aging. So, it is common to incorporate skin rejuvenating treatments as well as other surgical procedures to complete the overall look. Eye lifts and brow lifts are common additions to a facelift. Your surgeon will evaluate your skin and let you know if this is necessary to achieve the results you want. Sometimes just addressing the lower portion of the face is enough.

Having a facelift does not stop the aging process; it simply holds it off a little longer. There are things you can do to make sure your results last as long as possible. Living healthy is a must - eat well and exercise. Keep your body hydrated and give your face the attention it deserves by keeping it moisturized and protected from the sun.

Smoking is bad for the skin and speeds the aging process. Consider maintenance treatments such as dermabrasion, collagen injections, peels, laser treatments and other procedures to help you maintain firm healthy skin as you continue to age.

If you don’t do anything else for yourself, consider a facelift. It really can have a positive impact on your life. You will look more vibrant, healthy and energetic. You can potentially turn the clock back ten years or so in appearance. As a result, you may actually feel more vibrant and younger as well. People around you will sense this change in you and it will impact their mood and reactions to you.

To ensure a safe and successful procedure, interview your plastic surgeon. Make sure he is a board certified plastic surgeon and ask about his experience with facelift procedures. During your consultation, be clear about the results you want and ask any question that comes to mind.

Being informed is the best way to avoid risk. This is a surgical procedure and there are risks involved. But, if you have a great surgeon, you know what to expect and you follow his after-care instructions, a more vibrant and rejuvenated you is just around the corner.



REIDHEAD
Bakersfield
Gabby Laine asked:


Charles Myrick the President of American Consultants Rx announced the re-release of the American Consultants Rx community service project. ACRX donated over 20 million ACRX discount prescription cards throughout the country. One of the main locations in the Bakersfield,CA area that received an initial donation of ACIRX free prescription cards, is the International Christian Ministry. The ACRX cards are to be given free to anyone in need of help curbing the high cost of prescription drugs.

Due to the rising costs, unstable economics, and the mounting cost of prescriptions, American Consultants Rx Inc. (ACRX) a.k.a (ACIRX) an Atlanta based company was born in 2004. The ACRX discount prescription card program was created and over 3 million discount prescription cards were donated to the community across the country free of charge between 2004-2005.

The ACRX cards will offer discounts of name brand drugs of up to 40% off and up to 60% off of generic drugs. They also possess no eligibility requirements, no forms to fill out, or expiration date as well .One card will take care of a whole family. Also note that the ACRX cards will come to your organization already pre-activated .The cards are good at over 50k stores from Walgreen, Wal mart, Eckerd’s, Kmart, Kroger, Publix, and many more. Any one can use these cards but we are focusing on those who are uninsured, underinsured, or on Medicare.

ACRX made arrangements online for the ACRX card to be available at acirx com site where it can be downloaded as well. This arrangement has been made to allow organizations an avenue to continue assisting their clients in the community until they receive their orders of the ACRX cards. ACRX made it possible for future request to be made from online as well. ACRX also developed a unique marketplace at 2Spendless com site where you can also click on the ACIRX blue banner and download your free discount prescription card as well as find other key discounts.

With a backorder of over 40 million cards ACRX is working diligently to assist as many people and organizations as possible. ACRX will be working over the next few months to fulfill as many backorders as possible. It should be noted that while many other organizations and companies place a cost on their money saving cards, ACRX does not believe a cost should be applied, just to assist our fellow Americans. ACRX states that it will continue to strive to assist those in need.



VALLEZ
Bakersfield
Abigail Aaronson asked:


There are many different ****** fillers being used by plastic surgeons today with a variety of uses and applications. Navigating through the options can be tricky. This guide outlines the major injectables and fillers available and what they do for specific wrinkles, fine lines, and ****** sculpting.

Collagen:

Collagen is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to fillers. It is a natural substance that occurs in the body, but what you may not know is that some surgeons choose to use collagen from bovines rather than humans. Both have essentially the same effect. They boost volume in the lips and smooth out wrinkles. If using a natural filler is important to you, collagen is the way to go, but be aware that results are extremely short-term and sometimes wear off in as little as a month.

Fat:

The other natural option available is a fat transfer. Fat is taken from an area of your body (that you won’t miss) and placed in unwanted ****** lines or used to plump up the lips. Fat fillers usually give great results and when performed by a skilled surgeon, the effects can last for up to a few years.

Botox:

Botox is an injectable that does not fill in wrinkles, but rather is a toxin that paralyzes the muscle which causes them. It is most commonly used for deep forehead furrows and crow’s feet near the eyes. The results last up to six months, but it is important that a skilled surgeon performs the procedure. Improper use can make the face look “plastic,” or in serious cases, it can damage nerves.

Sculptra:

This filler provides results that last for up to two years, but it is recommended that people receive multiple treatments in order to achieve full effectiveness. It can be used on large, gaunt areas such as the cheeks and beneath the eyes. Although it is a synthetic material, it is safe to use.

Restylane:

This filler is one of many hyaluronic acid based injectables. They can treat almost any area of the face from fine lines around the eyes to deeper folds near the nose and mouth. They generally last longer than collagen and are derived from substances found in human tissue.

Radiesse:

For wrinkles as well as scars, Radiesse is a calcium hydroxylapatite formula that smoothes out most unwanted ****** lines. The results can last six months or longer, and it’s very safe to use. It is not only non-toxic but non-allergenic as well. It is a good option for those who are very sensitive to chemicals.

ArteFill:

This brand of filler combines bovine-based collagen with a synthetic substance, PMMA, or synthetic polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. Currently it is only used to add volume to smile lines and the deep furrows around the nose, but results last up to five years and with repeated use will continually improve.

There are always new brands and advancements in injectables being developed. Be sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon which is best for your specific needs. Never undergo a cosmetic procedure without first knowing what is going into your body and the possible risks associated with it.



GATLING
Bakersfield
Patricia Woloch asked:


Custom LASIK surgery, also called wavefront or wavefront-guided LASIK, is revolutionary technology in the LASIK industry. Originally used in astronomy and physics to reduce imperfections in the multiple lenses of telescopes, Wavefront technology is now used in WaveFront LASIK surgery procedures, guiding the laser to reshape the cornea, using 3-dimensional measurements that accurately show how your eye processes images. The wavefront measurement system allows for extremely precise, custom vision correction that cannot be achieved with traditional LASIK surgery, contact lenses, or eyeglasses.

WaveFront LASIK measures how your eye focuses light rays, comparing your eye to the way in which a ‘perfect’ eye would perform. A 3-Dimensional map, called a ‘WavePrint’, is then created from those measurements, demonstrating your eye’s specific irregularities in processing images. The map also serves as a guide for your surgeon during your LASIK procedure, when your specific wavefront signature is used to guide the excimer laser in its precision movements.

Am I a Candidate for WaveFront LASIK?

The best candidates for WaveFront LASIK are individuals with mild to moderately high common vision flaws such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Wavefront technology can improve how much you see and how well you see. Many common post-LASIK complaints, like glare, halos, and difficulty seeing at night, are greatly reduced. Until the development of WaveFront technology, LASIK eye surgery only improved how much you could see, but the finer details related to how well you could see were not addressed. Therefore, the quality of your vision is improved with:



A greater opportunity to achieve 20/20 vision or better

Less chance of losing the best vision you can achieve with correction

Less loss of vision quality or sensitivity to contrasts

Less glare, halos and insufficient night vision





Are you considering WaveFront LASIK? Then consider Dr. Rajesh Khanna, serving Bakersfield, Corona, Riverside and Ontario.

Dr. Khanna wants you to know that, “…your LASIK surgery can be more personalized than ever before! Wavefront technology allows me to extract corneal information that traditional LASIK is not able to achieve. The WaveFront measurement system gives me intimate knowledge of your unique eye characteristics, so I can provide you with the ultimate LASIK results. In many cases, I can help you achieve 20/20 vision or better!”



SILBERBERG