According to the most recent global statistics from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, there were 3.3 million procedures performed in the U.S. in 2010, followed by 2.2 million procedures in Brazil in 2010. China, Japan and India round out the top five with roughly 1.2 million procedures performed in each country. Mexico comes in sixth with roughly 900,000 procedures, and Italy in seventh with just over 800,000 procedures. South Korea performed 770,000 procedures in 2010. France and Colombia complete the top ten with roughly 500,000 procedures in each country.

However, when measured in terms of procedures per capita, the U.S. actually falls behind a number of top ten countries, namely South Korea, Brazil, Italy and Colombia. The remaining top ten rank very close behind the U.S.

While the U.S. may be a leader in breakthrough surgical procedures and techniques, plastic surgery can certainly be considered a mainstay in nearly all cultural environments around the world.

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Tired eyes
As you age, your eyelids stretch and the muscles surrounding them grow weak. As a result, excess fat tends to bulge around your eyelids, accompanied by sagging eyebrows, drooping upper lids and the dreaded under-eye bags. Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects about aging, sagging eyes can have the unfortunate side effect of making you look tired all of the time.

Eyelift Surgery
Blepharoplasty is a relatively simple procedure performed in an outpatient setting with local anesthesia. Numbing medication injected into the area allows the procedure to be completed without the patient feeling what is happening.

For work on the upper lids, a tiny incision is made along the natural fold and excess skin, and in some cases removal of the muscle and fat as well. The incision is then closed with tiny stitches. For the lower lids, an incision is made just below the bottom lashes or inside the lower lid and your surgeon removes or redistributes excess fat, muscle and sagging skin, followed by a few tiny stitches to close the incision.

Recovery is predictable, with patients resuming light or moderate activity within 1 to 4 days. While swelling and bruising is likely to last up to a week, pain following this procedure is usually minimal. This surgery can provide a wonderful result with very little downtime!

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Based on results from across the United States, 70 percent of plastic surgery patients in 2011 requested procedures by describing the area of concern rather than asking for a specific product or procedure by name. For example, rather than requesting a blepharoplasty, a patient might express concern over the excess skin sagging underneath their eyes.

With the experience of thousands of patient consultations, one-on-one with the doctor, we have found the following formula works best:

1.  Patient describes their goals
2.  Physician offers recommendations based on the medical history and examination
3. The patient considers the options and prioritizes the recommendations
4. The physician approves a final plan for the patient to follow through with

This open-minded attitude allows plastic surgeons to discuss a number of different options with their patients to help find the best fit in terms of expected results and time commitment. And it’s the best way to ensure that you are getting what you want – not what someone else thinks you need! There are usually several different options to address each patient’s individual needs, so make sure that your doctor is presenting you with more than one suggestion for accomplishing your goals!

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Recent research by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that a growing number of Americans are actually choosing to get advice and information about facial plastic surgery from social networking sites over other sources.

The survey shows that more than 40 percent of patients in 2011 got information about plastic surgery from social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, a significant increase over 29 percent in 2010. At the same time, the number of patients relying on friends for advice fell from 63 percent in 2010 to 48 percent in 2011.

While many plastic surgery centers are branching out to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to share news, updates and patient stories, at IMAGELIFT® we caution every person considering plastic surgery to also speak with a doctor that is board certified in your area of interest. Relevant board certifications include facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery (plastic surgery of the eye), and dermatology. And, just because a doctor carries a board certification does not mean that they specialize in the procedure you seek.. Some doctors focus more on cosmetic procedures, some focus on reconstructive procedures, and others may be more focused on hand surgery, skin cancer, or treatment of disease. Be sure to understand your consulting doctor’s specialty.

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In facial liposuction, fat cells are removed under the chin and jawline, which results in a much younger and thinner-looking appearance. At IMAGELIFT®, liposuction is used in conjunction with all of our lifting procedures to help achieve a stronger jaw line and improved profile appearance. These results are incredibly effective and provide long lasting improvements.

How does it work?
Performed under local anesthesia, small incisions are made within the natural folds under the chin and jawline. Using a thin tube known as a cannula, your plastic surgeon breaks up the fat in your chin and jowls and suctions it out through the incisions. At the end of the procedure, minor sutures are used to close the incisions. Healing for this procedure is quick and most patients are back to their normal daily activities very quickly.

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Injectable fillers have gained tremendous popularity as a way to regain lost volume. Facial fillers can be administered quickly and generally involve little to no downtime. Fillers have become longer lasting and can even stimulate your body to produce its own natural collagen again.

If you’re considering facial fillers, please read below to learn more:

1. They cost less. Because fillers are much less invasive than a surgical procedure and generally take less time to administer, the cost of these treatments also tends to be lower. Based on a personal consultation with your plastic surgeon, you may wish to combine a filler treatment with other treatments to obtain the results that are best for you.
2. They can last for years. Facial fillers have improved in recent years and have become much longer lasting. Sculptra is a popular choice as it builds your body’s own collage and lasts for years. Research has shown that results last up to 26 months, though many patients feel their results have lasted longer.
3. There are different types. Fillers are made up of a number of different substances. Examples include hyaluronic acid which is a natural substance found in your body. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound found naturally in human bones. Polylactic acid is a synthetic material, which when injected, stimulates the body’s own production of collagen and is known to work particularly well in the lower half of the face. Fillers work in different ways and its essential to consult your cosmetic surgeon to determine what will work best for you, based on desired results.
4. They’re quick. Generally speaking, there is little to no downtime with facial fillers. You may experience swelling or a bit of bruising, which should fade within a few days, but most patients are able to resume their daily activities in a matter of hours or days. Some fillers produce immediate results while some take a few weeks for the best results to appear.
5. They promise results. Facial fillers are a proven treatment for the face and are commonly used to plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases, remove wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars. There is no doubt that facial fillers work. It’s most often just a matter of how much you need, and which facial artist is performing your volume enhancement.

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In the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ 2010 report, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Demographic Trends, American men accounted for 1.1 million of the country’s cosmetic procedures, up two per cent from the previous year. Traditional stigmas of plastic surgery being reserved for the fairer sex are being replaced by the increasing desire for males to sport the same youthful glow as their female counterparts.
While male pedicures and facials have become accepted as common practice in today’s society, we’re now witnessing the same shift in thinking when it comes to facial enhancements and plastic surgery for males.

A growing number of men are regularly benefiting from treatments such as Botox®, Dysport®, Radiesse®, Sculptra®, and laser treatments, as well as face-lifts like the Image Lift Experience, to enhance and restore their looks.

In the hands of a board certified facial plastic surgeon, couples can help reverse the effects of aging. Looking your best often leads to feeling your best, a gift for your loved one that is certain to last much longer than a dozen roses!

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The Image Lift Experience™ is designed for those seeking a younger looking appearance without the high costs, risk of general anesthesia and heavy time commitment associated with old-fashioned face-lifts. At Image Lift, we live to help our patients regain the confidence and power they deserve!

Image Lift procedures by board certified facial plastic surgeons have helped thousands of people look younger who never thought that they could.

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When considering any cosmetic procedure, always do your homework. Conduct research on your plastic surgeon and his or her practice. When meeting with your surgeon, make sure to bring a list of questions and be prepared to take notes about your desired procedure. Lastly, it’s essential that the surgeon’s bedside manner is the right fit for your needs and that he or she is board certified.

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A growing number of men and women over the age of 65 are incredibly active in their communities. Whether it’s re-entering the dating scene or looking for a new job opportunity, it comes as no surprise that many of today’s seniors are looking for a way to refresh their image.

While major life changes at any age can be daunting, if you don’t feel you look your best, it’s easy to shy away from truly seizing new opportunities. Gaining an age-appropriate rejuvenated appearance can give any person the boost they need to enjoy life to the fullest – going out more often, making new friends and attending more social events.

While every person’s goals are unique to them, we’re confident that the Image Lift® Experience is ideal for those in search of natural, age-appropriate results with less cost, hassle and risk compared to traditional face-lift procedures. Our Image Lift® patients leave feeling rejuvenated and confident, ready to tackle new challenges and opportunities with a new lease on life!

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