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“I can conquer the world now,” Frances Baker has said. She is one of two women who recently won a makeover contest sponsored by the Orange County Register. “I truly feel like it’s my time for the good,” she said. For both women, the makeovers, including eight weeks of fitness boot camp and visits to a dentist, ophthalmologist and a cosmetic surgeon, were a symbolic beginning to a fresh start. The full body makeover wasn’t just physically transformative; it also gave the women newfound confidence. Laura Kennedy, the other contest winner, is a cancer survivor, mother and recent divorcee. Her experience in fitness boot camp opened her eyes to what she was capable of achieving, and the chemical peels she received from a Newport Beach plastic surgeon helped reverse aging in her face, with Kennedy commenting that “it had to have taken seven years off.” Since her makeover, Kennedy has reported that she has started dating again and is considering pursuing a master’s degree.

This renewed confidence and refreshed outlook on life is not atypical for men and women who receive extensive makeovers. The effect is particularly pronounced in women who have undergone hardship or sacrifice and are ready to begin a new chapter in their lives. Dr. Amy Bandy, a board certified Newport Beach plastic surgeon and reconstructive breast surgery specialist who offers several procedures including liposuction, sees the understated power of cosmetic transformation every day. For breast cancer survivors, feeling feminine and physically whole is an integral part of recovering from the emotional trauma that women face after losing their hair during chemotherapy or their breasts due to mastectomies. Breast reconstruction surgery, which may incorporate breast implants, can help cancer survivors reclaim their femininity and confidence in their bodies. Likewise, women whose bodies have undergone drastic changes due to childbirth, nursing and aging often choose to undergo a “Mommy Makeover” which can help reverse many of those changes and feel more like themselves.

The stories of Frances Baker and Laura Kennedy stand as proof that makeovers can help men and women transform themselves, inside and out.

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are an increasingly popular trend, especially with so much focus on maintaining youth and beauty from various media outlets. Recently, the emergence of “Couples Surgery,” specifically mother-daughter plastic surgery, has made headlines. It has been reported that the mothers are the first to undergo some type of face and/or body enhancing procedure, while their daughters follow in their footsteps shortly after or at the same time.

As it was seen in 2009 in the television program, “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Lynne Curtin and her daughter Raquel underwent a facelift and nose surgery, respectively. Recently, former model Christie Brinkley and her daughter Alexa Joel also had the same procedures. This trend is now extending throughout the country, with several brides and their mothers undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery months before the wedding. While some may opt for extensive procedures, such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and/or tummy tuck surgery; there are also those who choose to receive minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox ® injections.

In addition, mothers and daughters who share a similar “family trait” have been known to undergo the same procedure, such as nasal surgery. However, some plastic surgeons have been known to turn away patients who are “over critical” of their daughter’s “flaws.” Although it may be a bonding experience for a mother and her daughter, others appear to be “stage-mothering” when visiting a plastic surgeon. Other instances include women who want to look better than their daughters and undergo extensive surgery to do so. These patients may also be turned away if the surgeon does not deem them psychologically healthy to undergo surgery.

In Orange County, plastic surgery specialist Andres Taleisnik, M.D. performs various face, breasts, and body enhancing surgeries. A board certified plastic surgeon in Orange County, Dr. Taleisnik has the experience and qualifications to help guide patients throughout their plastic surgery procedure. Those interested in breast augmentation and/or liposuction may contact his Orange County plastic surgery practice.

For many years, doctors have offered their expert medical services to less fortunate areas throughout the world. Whether they are associated with the Doctors Without Borders organization, or do so on their own account, medical specialists from all over the United States are lending a helping hand where needed.

Numerous physicians and surgeons visit disaster-stricken areas in order to aid those in need of medical attention. Oftentimes, these are countries where there are not enough resources to assist the several men, women, and children who are injured. Many times, both visiting and local doctors are only given the bare minimum in equipment and staff, making it difficult for some patients to be seen right away.

However, the dedicated medical professionals go well beyond the norm to make sure that all affected individuals are seen and treated. Those who suffer from burns or disfiguring injuries can benefit from the assistance of a plastic surgeon. By receiving skin grafts and undergoing other plastic surgery procedures, patients may avoid living with life-long reminders of the incident.

Surgeons Help in Haiti

After a terrible earthquake devastated Haiti in January, several doctors and other medical staff headed out to help. One of these specialists was Paul Vanek, M.D., F.A.C.S. of Mentor, Ohio; Dr. Vanek is double board certified and has been practice for more than 10 years. Upon hearing of the lack of medical assistance being provided to those injured in the earthquake, Dr. Vanek cleared his schedule and left for Haiti. His experience and training allowed him to help several victims who may have otherwise never been treated. In particular, many were amputee patients who required immediate attention. Due to his efforts in Haiti, the Ohio surgeon was appointed as the Keynote Speaker at the United Way of Lake County conference in April.

Dr. Vanek specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, including facelift surgery, breast augmentation, breast implants and liposuction surgery. Patients who seek to enhance their facial or body contour may visit Dr. Vanek to learn more regarding their options with plastic surgery.

On November 24, 2007, 7 year old Kristen Spears passed away after suffering from cerebral palsy. Now, a little over two years later, her parents are suing Allergen, the makers of Botox ®, claiming that the seven rounds of injections are the cause of her death. Cerebral palsy affects children in infancy or early childhood, referring to any one of the numerous neurological disorders that cause restriction to body movement and muscle coordination.

What is Botox

Most commonly known to treat frown lines and wrinkles, Botox is a popular facial injection, made of Botulinum Toxin A. It is also used to help patients calm muscle spasms. Small amounts are injected into the spastic or stiff muscles, which then blocks transmission between the nerve and muscle. This helps relax the muscle and reduce stiffness, thus allowing therapists to stretch them and stimulate growth. In Spears’ case, it is being said that she was given high doses of Botox and the toxin spread throughout her body. However, Allergen stands by their product and claims that the injections helped ease her symptoms.

As it is saddening to hear of the child’s death, it is also a warning to those who undergo any type of treatment. With the pressure to maintain a youthful appearance at any age, many individuals opt for injectables to help slow the aging process. Therefore, in doing so, it is important to do research and become well informed before receiving treatment. Patients must be sure to consult a qualified medical professional.

Photo Credit: KTLA.com

Despite the fact that her recent 10 procedures in 1 day plastic surgery spree nearly killed her, Heidi Montag, the 23-year-old reality TV star told “Access Hollywood” that she is open to having more.

“I almost died after my procedure,” Montag said. “I had too much Demerol like Michael Jackson did and my breathing was five breaths per minute which is like almost dead. [I was] in an aftercare center, there were nurses that were supposed to be tending to me at all times.”

“So thank God, Charles, one of my security guys used to be an EMT, and he was timing my breath on his watch and he called the nurses,” she added. “They had to put oxygen on my face and called my plastic surgeon to come in for an emergency. So, it was a very traumatic experience for me.”

Montag began having plastic surgery in 2007. Her first bevy of procedures included breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and collagen lip injections.

In November of 2009, she had her second breast enlargement to a DDD, brow lift, Botox in forehead, liposuction on waist, hips and thighs, nose job revised, fat injections into her cheeks and lips, chin reduction, neck liposuction, buttock augmentation and had her ears pinned back. Montag also claims she is willing to take the risk in order to have even larger breasts.

“I actually want [size] H for ‘Heidi’,” the MTV star recently told the entertainment show, “Extra.”

Though Montag has stated that she is not addicted to cosmetic surgery, most psychologists and plastic surgeons would suggest otherwise.

“…Fundamentally, when somebody goes on for many, many, many procedures, and starts at a young age, they’re trying to change something about themselves, they want to become a new person…The bottom line is they want to in some way change who they are because they’re not happy with it at the core,” said Debbie Then, a California-based psychologist who specializes in women and appearance.

Patients interested in the effectiveness and risks of having multiple procedures can contact plastic surgeons such as Houston breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Michael Eisseman, who offer specialized consultations for multiple-procedure patients. It is important for patients to remember that numerous factors, such as age, body type and health history are crucial in determining if a prospective patient is even eligible for multiple plastic surgery procedures.

Since the surgeries, Montag is now starting to experience diminishing pain as well as regaining most of the movement in her face.

“I’m starting to move my face more and more,” she said. “[But,] I feel very plastic … especially when I first came out, it was so hard for me even to smile and it’s still hard for me to chew sometimes. But it’s feeling more and more natural everyday because the swelling is going down.”

“I do love it and I appreciate it and I appreciate the science behind it,” she explained. “We [are] blessed to even have this surgery that we have. We’re so advanced. If Cleopatra were alive now, I’m sure she’d have triple D’s … there’s always been a struggle between pain and beauty. I feel like since the beginning of time.”

For now, however, Montag is content with her recent breast implants surgery and hopes to show them in Playboy, having previously posed for the magazine’s September 2009 cover.

“I’m beyond ready to do it again,” she said.

It seems that there is a correlation between facial muscles and emotions. Do you frown because you’re sad? Do you smile because you’re happy?

Frown muscles are also known as “negative muscles,” which trigger negative responses in the brain; this is what makes you feel sad. On the other hand, when you smile you use the positive muscles, which release endorphins to your brain and make you feel happier. This phenomenon is called “facial feedback.”

According to a small scale study from Cardiff University, experts believe that by preventing people from frowning, Botulinum toxin A (Botox ® injections) can prevent the negative feelings that may be the cause of frowning and unhappiness, and consequently, preventing depression.

Dr. Michael Lewis, a senior lecturer at the university’s school of psychology, said: “Botox works to make people beautiful by paralyzing the frown muscles.”

The research included 25 participants that were divided into two groups: one group received injections with Botulinum toxin A, while the other received facial fillers or other cosmetic treatments. According to a mood questionnaire that was taken two weeks later, people treated with Botox scored “significantly lower” on the anxiety and depression scale. Experts believe that these findings could open new roads for treating depression.

Many people believe that when you feel good about your looks, you display more confidence and carry a certain glow around you. This is usually transmitted to other people, who then perceive you as being more content and happier. This is empowering!

…And did you know that Botox can also reduce migraines and control excessive sweating? This can also lead to the same result: happiness!

Photo Credit: Plasticsurgery.com

According to the Mirror.co.uk, 24-year old beauty therapist Chloe Loughlin in Surrey, England spent the equivalent of 34K U.S. dollars, which she borrowed to give herself a complete cosmetic makeover in installments starting at the tender age of 16.

Now, she claims she is not done yet! She first went from a B to an E cup with breast augmentation, and then up to a megawatt G cup – she says she just wanted to be a “little bit bigger.” Chloe went for lipo on her thighs, and admits to spending thousands more every year on her Botox ®, lip injections, facial fillers, teeth whitening, bleaching and hair extensions, spray tanning, laser hair removal, and acrylic nails. Her partner likes when other guys leer at her, and supports her choices.

At 24, Chloe is a man-remade version of her original self. She has taken out loans for everything she has had done and is in debt up to her botoxed brows. What is wrong with this picture? Her partner seems to almost be encouraging her to keep going, yet she claims that he “loves me the way I am.”

Girls, just say NO when it comes to reinventing yourself into a cheap tart, even if the man in your life thinks it’s just peachy. Looks like big-boobed, hair-extended, acrylic-nailed, and tanorexic Chloe may now need a “makeunder” to now reconnect with her true beauty.

Photo Credit: http://www.mirror.co.uk

Dr. Robert Rey, the Beverly Hills plastic surgeon who made “Dr. 90210” a household name, appears this morning on ABC’s “The View.” The hit plastic surgery Reality TV show has become one of the most popular programs to date. Reason being: everyone wants to improve upon their appearance in one way or another.

So bringing his charismatic personality to “The View,” Dr. Rey continues to reach out to the public by providing insight to the world of plastic surgery. Some of his specialties, which are frequently performed on “Dr. 90210,” include: breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery. Although celebrities are no strangers to cosmetic procedures, millions of people every year opt for face, breast, or body cosmetic surgery procedures. (Many of these patients choose to undergo multiple in the same setting!)

Therefore, NO, you don’t have to be a celebrity to make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Rey! To schedule a consultation with the star of “Dr. 90210,” feel free to contact him via PlasticSurgery.com.

photo credit: http://divateesthoughts.blogspot.com/

The subject of pain is, well, painful. If asked, aesthetic patients can relay and re-live the jabs, stings, heat, and aches they experienced when attempting to turn back the clock or keep the current clock ticking along – while preventing signs of aging. Some patients experience office visits that they described as pure torture and ran for the hills, never to return again and swearing off beauty modification forever.

However, much has been improved upon in the art of painless beauty. The laser technologies that rid patients of unwanted hair, spots, tattoos, wrinkles, and unsightly veins are faster and many of these methods include advanced cooling systems for optimal comfort. And these days, new injectable techniques turn have allowed physicians to provide a more gentle procedure . Even wrinkle fillers now include a numbing substance. Or, if they don’t, physicians now have the most advanced blasts, creams, and pain blocks to make this aesthetic experience tolerable and even uneventful. Even men can tolerate it!

Now that Lisa Rinna has publicly stepped up to admit her overindulgence in what she claims is “Juvéderm,” it leaves us to wonder: Does she really think we believe she got those bee sting lips from a little Juvéderm overkill? I think not. To the untrained eye, big lips say fillers. But to those in the know, it looks like more than a little innocent hyaluronic acid.

Some think she might have had a surgical lip enhancement or some form of implant to make those lips look so large and in charge.

Perhaps it’s just another case of an actress trying to rejuvenate her career by going on Reality TV and gaining publicity by admitting that she has had some enhancements along the way. Too much of a good thing isn’t pretty, but celebs coming clean about their “natural” looks is really a BEAUTIFUL THING. Thank you Lisa, you score points with us by at least coming forward!

Photo Credit: http://www.msnbcmedia.com