They say that if you want to have a great chance to meet some of Hollywood brightest stars, you have to go to where they usually hang out. Beverly Hills is a city known for its shopping paradise and the home to the rich and famous people. The place indeed speaks volumes in luxury and wealth.

From its galleries to its cafes over downtown’s Golden Triangle to some of the world’s most expensive real estate in the hills above Sunset Boulevard. Beverly Hills truly lives up to its reputation for being luxurious.

Beverly Hills is also home to the prominent and celebrity cosmetic surgeons in the US. You can catch a glimpse of celebrity chefs as they make their way in the kitchen. If the glitz and glamour don’t excite you, then you can enjoy Beverly Hills’ marina bays, high-end beaches, and party venues.

How do you get to Beverly Hills?

Getting to Beverly Hills is easy. What you’ll be needing are the proper directions on how to get there. So here are some quick directions to Beverly Hills.

By Plane

If you’re from the other side of the country or of the world and you dislike the uncomfortable land trips then, book a flight and enjoy a seamless ride to Beverly Hills.

Book a flight for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Book a flight for Bob Hope Airport in Burbank

By Car

If you want to have a hassle-free ride and avoid the commuting world, then the best way is to rent a car. It could get expensive, but at least you won’t have to fight over the commuting. So here’s how you get to Beverly Hills via car.

After landing at LAX, you can rent a car, travel on Interstate 405 North (San Diego Freeway) then exit into State Route 2 East, (Santa Monica Boulevard)

After landing at Bon Hope Airport, you can rent a car, travel south on Hollywood Way, exit into the Ventura Freeway (California State Route 134 and US 101), then go south on Coldwater Canyon Drive.

By Public Transit

If you don’t like driving, then that’s fine. You can take the transit if you want to. So here’s how you get to Beverly Hills via public transportation.

There’s only one way to go to Beverly Hills, and that’s through the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority provides bus services into Beverly Hills, connecting with the rail network.

The Rapid bus 720 line runs along Wilshire Boulevard then connects with Beverly Hills with the Fairfax district, Koreatown, and Downtown Los Angeles to the east and with Westwood and Santa Monica to the west.

The Rapid bus 704 line runs along Santa Monica Boulevard then connects it to Beverly Hills with West Hollywood, Hollywood, Silver Lake and Downtown Los Angeles to the east and with Century City and Santa Monica to the west.

These are your quick directions to Beverly Hills. So, book your flight. Plan your trip and enjoy the glitz and glamour of Beverly Hills.

If you’ve visited Beverly Hills for its most excellent plastic surgeons, you deserve to know that you can stay in the best accommodations while you’re on for your surgery. Whether you’re in your initial consultation or healing process, shrug off the horror of going under the knife by indulging in one of the Beverly Hills Luxury Hotels.

1. Beverly Wilshire – Beverly Hills

Situated in the heart of Beverly Hills, Beverly Wilshire has been the finest in combining history and glamour since 1928.

It has been the choice for international elites and Hollywood celebrities. From Dalai Lama and the British Family to Elvis Presley and John Lennon, this hotel has given its warm hospitality to world-class personalities.

Visit them and experience their five-star highlights. Dwell in their Michelin star private dining and taste their self-indulgent excellence. Know the right blend of innovation and customization and bask in their glamorous spa.

2. The Peninsula

The Peninsula has been building its reputation as a steward of timeless luxury. It has been as good as bringing future to luxury as it has been best at preserving its majestic heritage of the past. With its unsurpassed service and the most exceptional attention to detail, the Peninsula has been considered the best in providing the elements of an extraordinary hotel brand.

With its showcase of the most exquisite designs, craftsmanship, and materials, it’s the only Forbes’ Five Star-rated and AAA Five Diamond-awarded hotel in Southern California since 1993.

It’s nestled among lush tropical gardens in the middle of Beverly Hills. The Peninsula offers 195 guest rooms. It has 38 suites and 17 private villas.

3. SIXTY

As it goes with its thrust as being magical in all places, SIXTY blends upscale comfort with custom-made furniture and high-class design elements.

Indulge in their luxurious penthouse and suite amenities. Dive into their relaxing swimming pool. Taste exceptional palatability in their Caulfield’s bar and dining room. Experience magic in all the right places.

4. The Beverly Hilton

Celebrity galas. Dazzling red carpet events. Memorable moments etched in history. It all happens at The Beverly Hilton. It’s a four-star hotel for a reason.

This isn’t just any other hotel. It’s Beverly Hilton Hotel! It opened its door in 1955 by Conrad Hilton. Since then, it has been combining the excitement of Hollywood with the prestige of Beverly Hills. Nestled at the crossroads of the iconic Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, the hotel showcases 569 guest rooms. The rooms evoke the best of relaxed California living with 101 suites that feature panoramic city views and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces. It also has nine private luxury suites with The Penthouse collection. You can’t go wrong with any of your choices.

5. Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel

Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel is designed for fashionable jetsetters, intimately located on the iconic Rodeo drive. This glamorous boutique hotel combines modern style with the relaxed spirit of Southern California and the elegance of Beverly Hills.

As it’s the only hotel seated directly on Rodeo Drive, the Luxe Rodeo Drive Hotel offers unmatched access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment. Enjoy unparalleled service in a plausible setting adjacent to Patek Philippe, Rolex and Michael Kors boutiques. With Sunset Strip and West Hollywood moments away, this intimate Beverly Hills hotel is the city’s most coveted get-away for the weekend, shopping excursion, and signature events.

6. Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills

Each room of the Mosaic Hotel Beverly Hills is smoke-free and fully furnished with the utmost attention to detail. This hotel makes it to the top-tier of California’s favorite vacation spots. Get a taste of California cuisine with an international flavor at the Mosaics intimate restaurant. After a fulfilling day of shopping, you may visit the Beverly Hills day spa and get a massage or relax at the in-house business center.

The Mosaic Hotel also gives out complimentary High-Speed Wireless Internet Access. With its boosted elegance and full service found in larger Los Angeles hotels, the Mosaic has a welcoming and intimate ambiance that can make you feel at home in Beverly Hills. Plan your next luxurious getaway with Mosaic Hotel.

7. Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills exemplifies extraordinary California good life. The moment you step inside its doors, you know you’ve entered into something phenomenal.

Crafted by the legend in interior design, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Waldorf Astoria’s over-sized guest rooms are engraved with state-of-the-art technology, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room is luxuriously touched with elegant designs of precious wood, warm white stones, and picture-perfect views of Beverly Hills.

8. The Beverly Hills Hotel

This place is known as the ‘Pink Palace.’ It’s one of the places to see in Los Angeles. For the past century, guests have enjoyed the timeless glamour of this dramatically beautiful craftsmanship.

This hotel has a 12-acre relaxed resort feel and plausible service.
Its swimming pool goes with underwater music. It plays some of the most famous movie soundtracks. Choose where to stay among its 23 ultra-exclusive bungalows. These bungalows resemble private homes with swimming pools and kitchens.

9. Viceroy L ‘Ermitage Beverly Hills

This hotel stands among the finest Beverly Hills California luxury hotels. It’s a property that embodies the true spirit of gracious urban residence and sophisticated private club.

Viceroy L ‘Ermitage Beverly Hills perfectly sits on a tree-lined residential street. A short stroll from the bustle of Rodeo drive would lead you to the beauty of this boutique Beverly Hills hotel. It has been renowned for unquestioned privacy and legendary elegance.

Since 2000, the Viceroy L ‘Ermitage Beverly Hills has earned the rare dual designation of AAA Five Diamonds awards and Forbes’ Five Star rating.

10. Montage Beverly Hills

This hotel goes by the thrust of being a vintage Hollywood dashing with modern elegance.

Montage Beverly Hills has been named the #1 Hotel in Los Angeles in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the best in wellness and advanced skincare technology at Spa Montage Beverly Hills. It’s an exclusive West Coast destination for world-renowned L.RAPHAEL Genéve. Relax in luxurious accommodations lavish in both modern comforts and the classic ambiance of a historic Beverly Hills estate.

Relax while going under the knife. Experience the luxurious Beverly Hills hotel of your choice.

When you visit a plastic surgeon, the doctor will ask you about your reasons for going under the knife. The cosmetic surgeon needs to know your most profound plastic surgery motivation for two reasons.

Once the doctor knows your reason, he or she can assess if what you want to achieve is possible to do. Some people may demand a pair of breasts to look like those of their favorite celebrity. In some cases, it’s not possible due to the unique body shapes that people have.

By knowing your goals, your plastic surgeon can also identify whether you’re suitable for surgery and if you’d benefit from undergoing a particular procedure.

Your overall evaluation can help your surgeon decide whether to perform your preferred cosmetic procedure or not. So before visiting a plastic surgeon, think about your motives in wanting plastic surgery. Is it one or two of the following plastic surgery motivation listed below?

1. Bad genes
   Your genes have been dictating a big part of your life since birth. Without being asked, you’re born with genes that are passed down to you by your great-great-grandparents. Some of these features might not appeal to you the right way. Knowing the power of cosmetic surgery, you think these physical features brought by genetics can be ‘corrected.’ So you turn to it like a magical spell that turns a bad day into a perfect night.It’s not wrong to enhance your beauty. Very few people have genes that have given them 100% happiness.If you have an oddly shaped nose that makes you feel uncomfortable, giving it a shot at plastic surgery might be your refuge. Doing so may be beneficial to your overall level of self-confidence.The problem with wanting to change with what you’re born with is when you want to change everything about your physical attributes. Rather than changing just one or two things about your body, you find yourself wanting more and you can’t seem to stop. Faulty expectations after plastic surgery may mean disappointment on your end.In cases like these, undergoing plastic surgery may not be a good idea. Even if you think that cosmetic surgery is going to help you, it’ll probably not. You may continue to feel the same way about yourself no matter how many surgeries you undergo.
2. Reversing the signs of aging
   No matter what anti-aging techniques people use, time catches up eventually. Your skin becomes loose and will develop fine lines and wrinkles.Good thing cosmetic surgery is here to reduce the signs of aging effectively. Reversing the early signs of aging can be one of the factors that motivate people to undergo plastic surgery.With a good facelift, you may look 10 years younger. If you have wrinkles, dermal fillers like collagen or hyaluronic acid injection may temporarily restore your youthful face.It’s not surprising how reversing the signs of aging can be one of the top motivations people have in undergoing plastic surgeries. It has a good reputation for erasing a few years of your visible age.In general, plastic surgery costs lower when you get it done while you’re younger. Surgeons will have less work to do.For example, if a woman gets a facelift in her mid-30s, she’ll only need a mini-facelift. This procedure will cost cheaper than a woman in her 60s who needs a full facelift.
3. Sun damaged skin
   The awareness about the harmful effects of the sun to the skin wasn’t as rampant as today. As a result, many people enjoyed basking in the sun unprotected for extended periods to achieve that perfect tan.It was women who enjoyed the tanning first. As sun beds became popular, tanning became more popular to all sexes since it was a great way to get tan quickly and cheaply.Unfortunately, as we know today, UV rays bring damaging effects to the skin. These rays are known to cause premature aging. The early signs of sun damage appear as freckles, wrinkles, and pigmented skin. Some people even develop skin cancer due to intense UV ray exposure.With the help chemical peels like Alpha hydroxy acid skin peels, light skin discoloration may be addressed. Skin cancer is usually surgically removed.Advanced signs of sun damage may include age spots, leathery-looking skin, and sagging skin. TCA peels or laser skin resurfacing may help improve the appearance of the skin.Sun damaged skin can be an excellent reason to visit your surgeon.
4. Acne scars
   Acne scars may significantly affect a person’s level of confidence. There’s no wonder why people in their 20s or 30s seek help from dermatologists and plastic surgeons to get rid of these scars.The display of light or moderately deep acne scars may be permanently reduced by feathering its edges. With the help of laser skin resurfacing, skin needling treatments and microdermabrasion, acne scar problems are usually eased.Dermal fillers may also help raise the scar temporarily. Very deep acne scars may be concealed temporarily via sub-dermal fillers. In some cases, deep scars may be excised from the skin. This process may leave a smaller scar. It’s important to note that very deep scars can be hard to remove completely, so it’s better for you to have realistic expectations.
5. Fixing a physical problem
   Sometimes, plastic surgeries can be required to restore the proper function of an area in your body. One example is the eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). It can help improve a person’s peripheral vision which can be of benefit when driving.Nasal surgery (septoplasty) may also help a person to breathe better. This procedure may help reduce or eliminate snoring.Body contouring surgery may also benefit those people who have excess weight and find themselves with sagging skin that may interfere with normal movement.People born with deformity may also benefit from plastic surgery. Those who suffer deformities due to injury or illness may turn to doctors to restore their healthy look.
6. Career boost
   If your job gets you involved in a high level of customer interactions, then wanting to improve your physical appearance may be a standard idea.Improvement in your physical appearance may help you boost your confidence level, but make sure to go through a surgical procedure that can give you natural-looking attractive feels. After all, customers may want to interact with people who look ‘natural.’
7. Fit in and be liked
   The media has been dictating how people view beauty. This factor is why some people are swayed to ‘fix’ themselves in hopes to be socially accepted.Cosmetic surgeries may help you look like what is considered to be attractive by the society. This situation can be tricky. Once you subject yourself reliable to what others are telling you, you may fall into the endless pit of low self-confidence.It’s important to examine your standards and be careful in believing what you see and read. Remember to have realistic expectations after the surgery. Once you have unrealistic beliefs, you may never get what you want with plastic surgery, and you may just go back to your doctor from time to time. It’s a vicious cycle you need to stop before it even starts.

The factors that motivate people to have plastic surgery can go a long list. They can be too personal, and some people may feel uncomfortable to tackle them.

Before saying yes to any plastic surgery, it’s essential to examine your beliefs and views thoroughly.

Always remember that you can enhance your physical attributes. Just make sure that you know where the limitation lies. Try to get to know your plastic surgery motivation before you knock on your surgeon’s door and spend money on something you might regret in the end.

Table of Contents:

• Plastic surgery isn’t a joke. Just like any surgery, you go through the knife and safety is a must. One false move and irreparable damages may occur
• If you happen to find out that the surgeon has been filed with a recent lawsuit, don’t jump to immediate conclusions. Rather do these:

Plastic surgery isn’t a joke. Just like any surgery, you go through the knife and safety is a must. One false move and irreparable damages may occur.

That’s why it’s no longer a question why we should need to verify your attending surgeon. A licensed physician may claim to be a cosmetic surgeon. Having firsthand knowledge if your doctor meets the highest standards of education, experience, and ethics is an essential step.

This article isn’t about discrediting the capability of any surgeon or any licensed physician. Rather, this article aims to help future patients in getting a head start before their surgery.

1. Step 1: Choose an American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Certified Member
   Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or ASAPS are board-certified, it means that they have to pass a specialized board exam before they eventually become a member. On top of that, these surgeons also operate out of accredited facilities and follow a strict code of ethics.Choose wisely, and you can be sure that your plastic surgery is safe with quality care and outcomes. If possible, make a list of the surgeons that you would want to administer your surgery.
2. Step 2: Verify Your Surgeon’s ASAPS Certification via American Board of Physician Specialties
   After going through the process of choosing your board certified surgeon, it’s time to tick off your list by verifying your surgeon’s ASAPS certification. The American Board of Physician Specialties will provide you with the ways to learn if your surgeon is, in fact, a ‘certified surgeon’ through their organization.
3. Step 3: Verify their State Licensure
   Sometimes, a surgeon’s medical license is valid by either writing the medical board specifically per state or by visiting a state’s online license verification programs. These will show if the surgeon you choose has had a disciplinary action issued by the state.
4. Step 4: Verify Legalities after the Technicalities
   Like checking if your surgeon has a background in any disciplinary actions, suspensions, and revocations. You can find a good source of information regarding with any disciplinary actions by inquiring with the state medical board or several states’ medical boards.You may also visit www.docinfo.org for more information. Although, fees may apply for this service at that particular website but paying extra for information in exchange for the peace of mind it may give you is worth the deal.
5. Step 5: Verify for any Malpractice Lawsuits
   Going through malpractice might be a scary subject for some. However, checking for malpractice lawsuits is an educated decision you’re making for yourself. This step is also a very tedious and difficult area to research. There are surgeons who are wrongly accused, and there are those shady surgeons who haven’t been sued.

If you happen to find out that the surgeon has been filed with a recent lawsuit, don’t jump to immediate conclusions. Rather do these:

Hear the side of the surgeon you choose. Anyone can file a lawsuit easily at any time, whether they have a reason or not. That’s how democracy works.

Verify if the filed lawsuit is because the results weren’t what the patient expected or if something unforeseen arose. Like undiagnosed medical conditions, anesthesia complications, etc. In order to verify that there’s indeed a medical malpractice, there must be evidence of negligence during the operation.
If you find it hard to discover by hearing it straight from your surgeon, then be abrasive. Most surgeons won’t tell you about their lawsuits although, you’ve retained the right to ask.
Then time to go to the county courthouse in which your surgeon practices and request to perform a search for litigations, arbitrations, trials in the ‘civil index.’

You may contact the state’s Department of Insurance on where your surgeon is practicing. Take note though, not all states were created equal so you might or might not get all the information you could get.

If you can afford to spend more, you can hire the services of private and semi-private law firms to do the job.

So those were the steps to verify any information about a particular plastic surgeon. Knowledge is power, and nothing is wrong with checking information before going through surgery. It’s your life and your body that’s at stake here. So choose wisely and educate yourself for a safe surgery.

Table of Contents

• Why do we need to eat the right foods pre-surgery?
• Is fasting required before surgery?
• What are the best foods to eat before undergoing a cosmetic surgery?
• What are the foods to avoid before the surgery?
• Other Preparations before Cosmetic Surgery

Undergoing cosmetic surgery doesn’t only need mental and financial preparations. It also requires physical preparedness. The moment you’ve considered undergoing plastic surgery, you’re putting your body through a significant level of stress and trauma. Much of the injury comes from the pain caused by the surgical incision itself.

Setting a healthy mindset pre-surgery just won’t cut it. You need your body to be in full condition. One way to do this is eating the best foods to eat prior to cosmetic surgery.

Why do we need to eat the right foods pre-surgery?

Eating the right foods before undergoing a cosmetic surgical procedure has its wonders. Whether you believe it or not, that’s a fact. Eating the right foods before your surgery can help in your recovery. When you eat right, you’re providing your body the nutrition it needs to minimize any swelling, inflammation, and scarring.

Is fasting required before surgery?

Old methods are already considered outdated. Prolonged fasting is no longer required before your surgery. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) issued a ‘nothing by mouth’ (NPO) guideline that allowed taking in clear liquids until two hours before the surgery. This rule applies to all healthy patients undergoing elective procedures that require general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, sedation, or analgesia.

You don’t have to worry about not having to drink before your surgery. Don’t starve yourself but don’t also overeat. Doing both are unhealthy and may cause more damage rather than helping you.

What are the best foods to eat before undergoing a cosmetic surgery?

Before your surgery, try consuming the following types of food and drink:

• Fruits and veggies. These kind of foods are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Like blueberries, strawberries and dark leafy greens like spinach and kale.
• Lean protein sources. Like eggs, tenderloins, steak, shrimps, poultry, fish, and turkey. If you’re vegan, then you may try hemp seeds, peas, nuts, and nut butter, chia seeds, quinoa and brown rice. Lean proteins are necessary to build or maintain muscle mass.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to help keep tissues supple.
• Consume at least 64 ounces of water every day to help flush toxins and keep yourself hydrated.
• Clear liquids. Like apple juice, Gatorade, black coffee, or tea without any milk or cream.
• Wines are good, but only in moderation. One or two small glasses daily would do.
• Monounsaturated oils. Like extra virgin olive oil, walnut, canola or flaxseed oils.
• Use anti-inflammatory herbs and spices for seasonings for cooking like curry, ginger, turmeric, cayenne, garlic, and onions.
• Dairy Products. Go for low-sodium cheese and low-fat milk selection. Better yet, choose plain yogurt.

What are the foods to avoid before the surgery?

The moment you decided to undergo cosmetic surgery, you have to dedicate yourself to eating healthy. Along with this dedication is stirring away from unhealthy foods. Not only that they have long-term benefits, but they also minimize post-surgery complications. Here are some foods to avoid before surgery:

Processed carbohydrates. This includes all kinds of pasta, bread, and cereal. Aside from only adding more to your weight, they have little nutritional value.

• Salt. Sodium can increase your blood pressure and may cause dehydration if consumed in excessive amounts.
• Sugar. Eating too many sugary foods can cause problems before and after surgery especially if the procedure is lengthy and tedious.
• Unhealthy fats that can be found in margarine and deep-fried foods, which contribute to clogged arteries and, worst case, heart disease.
• Dressings. Avoid mayonnaise and other high-sodium dressings. While you avoid high-sodium dressings, there are also some low-sodium options like vinegar, low-sodium butter, vegetable oil, garlic, and onion.
• Processed foods. Say goodbye to chips and crackers, canned goods. These foods are packed with high-sodium ingredients.
• Cured and packaged meats. This includes bacon, cured meats, hot dogs, sausages and those that come in pre-made packages. No matter how delicious and tempting they can be, you may need to drop them.

Other Preparations before Cosmetic Surgery

Some habits may need to be paused or cut off before you have your surgery. Here are some habits that you may need to give up:

• Smoking. Smoking may interfere with your wound healing. It constricts and decreases blood flow all over your body which may prevent your wounds from healing properly.
• Drinking. It’s recommended not to consume alcohol in a minimum of 2-3 weeks before your procedure. Alcohol may cause increased bleeding, may increase the chances of infection, depresses your immune functions, and may interfere with wound healing.

These are the best foods to eat prior to cosmetic surgery. Remember always to ask your doctor for other recommendations and other preparations that this article may have missed. It’s best to go into battle prepared. So, follow your doctor’s advice, eat right and condition your body before having your most awaited cosmetic surgery.

Table of Contents

• Silicone Breast Implants
• Saline Breast Implants
• Gummy Bear Breast Implants
• What’s the Best Implant to Choose?

You deserve the results you want. Explore different breast implants to choose from if you’re planning to undergo breast augmentation.

If you’re unhappy with the size and structure of your breast, you don’t have to live with it forever. Breast augmentation has been here for a quite some time. Most women who underwent this cosmetic procedure were satisfied with their results.

Plastic surgery experts are using three kinds of breast implants that women can choose from to use in the surgery. These are the silicone, saline, and ‘gummy bear’ implants.

Silicone Breast Implants

The traditional silicone breast implants have been on the market for quite some time. Though it was banned in 1992, the FDA lifted the ban in 2006 after the product was proven safe to use as a breast implant. The outer shell being used is thicker this time.

Silicone-filled breast implants are covered with a thick silicone outer shell. It’s available in a variety of projection options to fit most dimensions or shapes of breasts. The FDA approves the breast implant for women aging 22 years and above.

1. COST:
   Compared to saline implants, silicone costs more, but the longevity is longer. It may cost $6,750 more or less, depending on several factors like your location and plastic surgeon.
2. INCISIONS:
   Silicone breast implants require longer incisions, usually located along the breast crease. Some plastic surgeons create incisions near the armpit or on the navel. Don’t worry about the incisions. Great cosmetic surgeons can make them as unnoticeable as possible.
3. PROS:
   Silicone breast implants are great because:
   • They give a natural appearance and feeling
   • They have minimal rupture possibility
   • They’re lighter and softer
   • They’re less prone to rippling
4. CONS:
   Silicone breast implants also have drawbacks such as:
   • They’re expensive
   • Silent ruptures (ruptures that may come undetected)
   • High rate of capsular contracture (a scar formation around the implants harden and uncomfortably squeezes them)
   • Require larger incisions for insertion since they’re pre-filled
   • Silicone-related health risks
   • Routine MRI scans and complicated mammograms

Silicone breast implants require regular visits to your cosmetic surgeon to check if there’s any rupture. There can be periodic MRI scans scheduled to make sure the implants are still in place.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline breast implants are great options if you’re up for something cheaper than silicone. It has a silicone outer shell, but it’s filled with a saline solution (sterile saltwater). Although some saline breast implants are pre-filled, they’re usually filled right after the insertion of the implant into the breast incision site.

Since the silicone was hauled from 1992 to 2006, breast augmentation procedures have been using saline. Saline-filled implants are FDA-approved for women 18 years old and above who wish to increase their bust size. They’re also for breast reconstruction. It’s available in a variety of projection options to fit most dimensions or shapes of breasts.

1. COST:
   Saline breast implants are cheaper than silicone with an average cost of $6,325 for the whole augmentation or reconstruction procedure. The price may vary due to several factors like your location and your plastic surgeon.
   
   
2. INCISION:
   Since saline breast implants are usually filled with saline solution after the implant is inserted, it only needs a shorter incision. It’s typically done around the areola. Often, the placement is below or beneath the pectoral muscle.
3. PROS:
   Saline breast implants are great because:
   • They’re cost-efficient
   • Smaller incisions
   • Low rate of capsular contracture
   • No need for follow-up MRI scans and regular visits to your doctor
   • They’re adjustable
   • In case of leaks, the saline solution is absorbed by the body and won’t cause any health issue because saline is a normal constituent in the body
4. CONS:
   Saline breast implants also have drawbacks such as:
   • Don’t give a natural feeling
   • Don’t give a natural feeling
   • Firmer
   • Limited lifespan
   • High chance of rupture
   • Show more rippling especially to thin women
     
     By: MichaelJazayeriMD

Gummy Bear Breast Implants

One of the modern breast implants is the ‘gummy bear‘ or the highly cohesive silicone gel implants. They’re also called ‘form stable’ implants. These implants took their name from its texture that’s similar to gummy bear chewable candies. They’re still made of silicone but with a brand new take.

Just like the traditional silicone gel, the outer shell is pre-filled with silicone. However, this one has a ‘teardrop’ shape. The shape helps contribute to the implant’s stability. It also creates an upper pole that’s more sloping just like a natural, mature breast.

FDA has been conducting studies about this implant, but it’s made available to the public. The FDA approves gummy bear implants for women ages 22 years old and above.

• 1. COST:
     The gummy bear implants are considered as an expensive implant. In an average, you may have to spend about $3,000 per pair aside from the cost of the whole procedure.
  2. INCISION:
     Gummy bear implants can’t be compressed, so they need to be placed through inframammary incisions. It creates a slightly extended incision, but the incision site and the placement are the same.
  3. PROS:
     Gummy bear breast implants are great because:
     • They have a distinct shape that maintains the form of the breast for a long time
     • Less scar formation
     • Ripple and fold free
     • Less prone to leakage
     • Holds up well to applied pressure, returns to its original shape when released
     • Looks and feels natural
     • Low chance of capsular contracture
  4. CONS:
     Gummy bear breast implants also have drawbacks such as:
     • Expensive
     • Need follow-up visits with your doctor
     • Periodic MRI screenings
     • Points to Keep in Mind
     • Breast implants aren’t meant to stay forever, regardless of what type you choose. They may only differ in lifespan. At some point in your life, you may need to remove or change them.
     • Surgery is surgery. You’re opening yourself to any probable infection. Proper care before and after the procedure is essential.
     • You may need to visit your doctor regularly in case of silent ruptures. There are also regular MRI screenings.

What’s the Best Implant to Choose?

There’s no better breast implant than the other. Each breast implant has their own set of characteristics that may fit a patient. No one can point out a single best type. They’re all FDA approved, so it means they’re safe to use if you want to undergo breast augmentation.

If you’re unsure of what implant to choose, talk with your cosmetic surgeon. Your doctor knows what type of implant fits your needs. Make sure you select a plastic surgeon that you feel safe with and is board-certified.

Table of Contents:

• What does Plastic Surgery Addiction mean?
• What are the Causes of Plastic Surgery Addiction?
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
• Social Influence
• Low Self-Esteem
• Risks of Plastic Surgery Addiction
• How to Treat Plastic Surgery Addiction?

Nowadays, plastic surgery is not just limited to physical reconstruction due to accidents. Beauty enhancement or plastic surgery has become popular not just among celebrities but to non-showbiz people as well. Anyone who can afford the process has the chance to feel more ‘beautiful’ and confident.

What does Plastic Surgery Addiction mean?

The desire to achieve the ‘highest’ beauty standard is becoming contagious among us. For celebrity endorsers who are frequently on camera, beauty enhancement is common and becoming ‘normal’. Being idolized by a lot of people, plastic surgery may also attract non-showbiz people to undergo the process of enhancing their physical appearance. That’s a 17% increase since 2015. The number of people who undergo beauty enhancement has surprisingly increased since 2007.

Since the introduction of non-invasive procedures, the number of people who undergo beauty enhancement keeps rising.The total number of non-surgical and surgical operations performed for plastic surgery reached nearly 11.7 million in 2007. The obsession that some people have with plastic surgery has been referred to by some health professionals as an addiction.

Addiction towards plastic surgery can be categorized as a behavioral addiction. Some people struggle with alcohol or substance abuse. When people are addicted to plastic surgery, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re involved in other types of addiction or substance abuse. Plastic surgery addicts are more drawn to a specific behavior.

People who are attracted both to non-surgical and surgical procedures are obsessed with a certain behavior. These types of people are mostly concerned about correcting a part of their body which they considered flawed. Having fixed some of their perceived flaws, the patient may feel comfort and satisfaction. In most cases, these feelings do not last and only stimulate the patient’s interest to undergo plastic surgery again. A single operation for beauty enhancement doesn’t immediately result in addiction.

What are the Causes of Plastic Surgery Addiction?

Modern beauty standards sometimes contribute to the creation of an individual’s perceived flaws. Many people may feel that they have one or more physical flaws. But people who are constantly drawn to plastic surgery to achieve ‘perfection’ may be suffering from several factors that resulted in this behavior.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a psychological condition which is described as similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are some of the most common symptoms of BDD. People who are suffering from this condition are more focused towards their physical appearance and negative qualities. Since it also manifests compulsive behaviors, BDD diagnosed people typically look themselves in the mirror multiple times and seeks confirmation from others about their physical qualities.

BDD is usually linked to a strong feeling of shame which will cause a person to avoid social situations. For example, a person suffering from BDD favors staying at home. They perceive themselves to be extremely flawed (even if they aren’t) and don’t want to expose their negative attributes to the public.

According to The Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, people who constantly seek improvement of their physical appearance are often considered to be suffering from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. From a survey of 266 rhinoplasty patients, 20% of the total patients already went through previous nose jobs operations. The researchers also found out that 43% of the total number of the participants choose to undergo plastic surgery for aesthetic purposes. Some of these people are diagnosed with moderate to severe findings of BDD.

Social Influence

Society may contribute a big portion of how some people became addicted to plastic surgery.

Many forms of social media give easy access to the personal lives of celebrities. Their lives have been constantly exposed to the public through news and magazine publications. Rumors of having plastic surgery for purely aesthetic reasons are being revealed to the public. Growing up with this perspective, unfortunately, has resulted in the normalization of plastic surgery to the lives of both showbiz and non-showbiz people.

Social factors don’t necessarily mean plastic surgery addiction. Instead, this could create psychological problems like BDD. Since beauty enhancement is becoming ‘normal’, more people are encouraged to try this process without hesitation.

Low Self-Esteem

Many people believe that plastic surgery will help them boost their confidence. It’s true that sometimes negative perceptions can be a drawback for having enough confidence. But this might not be true for people that accept their flaws.

Some people who have a hard time embracing their negative physical qualities see plastic surgery as an immediate solution.

Risks of Plastic Surgery Addiction

The word addiction may be associated with the saying ‘Too much of a good thing can be bad’. Whether it refers to substance abuse or plastic surgery addiction, the results can be very harmful to your mental and physical health. Like the risks of substance abuse, the dangers of extreme cravings for beauty enhancement may lead to constant depression. These effects may lead to difficulty in the person’s personal life.

Aside from the possible danger to mental health, plastic surgery can also affect the physical health of a person. Extreme amounts of plastic surgery may cause permanent damage to the muscles and skin.

How to Treat Plastic Surgery Addiction?

Fortunately, all forms of addiction can be cured. With proper medication and discipline, a person may withdraw themselves from the addiction. When it comes to plastic surgery addiction, treatment is quite different from substance abuse.

There’s no particular treatment for plastic surgery addiction. People diagnosed with BDD usually undergo therapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which will help in curing some behavioral disorders.

Treatment may also vary with the patient’s urge to cure the addiction. A person may start changing their personal negative perceptions and channel them into something beautiful and positive. Minimizing social media use may also help people suffering from BDD.

In this article we’ll cover the following:

• How much does breast augmentation cost?
• Plan your budget for breast augmentation surgery
• Helpful tips when considering breast augmentation costs

Whether you feel conscious of your bust size or just want to enhance them aesthetically, plastic surgeons are here to help. Now, there’s easy access to cosmetic surgery, and the first thing that comes to mind before going under the knife is its cost.

How much does breast augmentation cost?

The average cost of breast augmentation in the US is $3,719. This price based on the 2016 statistics of American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And if you wish for a breast implant removal surgery, its average cost is $2,506.

The figures stated only reflect the cost of the procedure itself. If you’re a good candidate for a breast augmentation surgery, you have to remember that cosmetic surgery costs vary widely. The average prices mentioned above doesn’t include other relevant fees for the cosmetic treatment. Overall cost for the procedure may range around $5,000 to $10,000.

Here’s a list of few things you need to consider when plan your budget for breast augmentation surgery:

• Geographic location of the surgical facility
• Type of breast augmentation procedure
• Medical examinations
• Laboratory tests
• Consultation fees
• Surgeon’s fee
• Facility costs
• Anesthesia fees
• Surgical equipment/material costs
• Post-surgery garments
• Medical prescriptions

You may like to plan things out properly before undergoing a breast augmentation procedure. Finances can sometimes be a stumbling block when considering beauty enhancements. But if you’re determined to undergo surgery, you may need proper research and careful planning.

Helpful tips when considering breast augmentation costs:

Cheap deals. Don’t just dive into surgical procedures that offer insanely low prices. You have to think about the consequences that might happen. It’s going to be tough if, in the end, you get undesirable results.

Type of breast augmentation procedure. Enhancements for your breasts may require the need of breast implants. To date, two types of implants are used breast augmentation.

You have to choose carefully between silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants. It’s recommended that you ask an expert surgeon’s advice before making a decision.

Surgeon. Certifications and experiences can indicate how well a cosmetic surgeon can perform breast augmentation surgery. Make sure that you find a surgeon that’s well-trained and well-experienced for the job. This factor can assure that your aesthetic goals will be reached with no regrets.

Geographic location. Know that surgery prices vary and costs can be higher in highly-industrialized places. You might think of avoiding these areas, but highly-urbanized cities may have the best surgeons in town.

Health insurance providers. Most health insurance providers don’t cover cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation surgery and any other related possible complications. However, it’s possible to acquire this benefit if your purpose is reconstructive surgery caused by cancers, autoimmune diseases, or may be severe physical injuries.

Read and review your health insurance policy before deciding to undergo breast augmentation surgery.

Financial options. Most plastic surgeons now offer incredibly affordable financing options for you. This is one reason why people can enjoy undergoing beauty enhancements. Ask your chosen cosmetic surgeon if he or she provides financial plans for you.

Ask. This may be a convenient way of acquiring details about breast augmentation costs. Find people in your area who have undergone breast augmentation surgery. For sure, you’ll get valuable information.

There are advantages that you can get from asking other people. Here are some of the advantages:

• You gain confidence and assurance because you have actually seen the results of the procedure.
• You get a good review about plastic surgeons.
• You can get moral support from them.
• You can acquire valuable tips from other people who have undergone breast augmentation.

Human’s insatiability has thrown people into a pit of various consequences. Even celebrities aren’t exempted from this problem. While maintaining a youthful appearance, some of these famous personalities had their fair share of going under the knife. But sadly, not all things that come with positive goals result in positive outcomes.

From little injections to a couple of implants, these celebrities wore the consequences of plastic surgery mishaps right on their faces.

1. Tara Reid

If you’re a fan of American Pie, you might be familiar how Reid was such a high school sweetheart. But now, she’s better known for her breast implant procedure and bungled liposuction. She had them in 2004.

“I had body contouring, but it all went wrong,” she explained on The View. “My stomach became the most ripply, bulgy thing,” she added.

No matter who was blamed for such mishap, Reid didn’t let it bring her down. She underwent reconstructive surgery in 2006. The result must have been high that she showed them off for Playboy in 2009.

2. Donatella Versace

You can’t sing Bruno Mars’ Versace on the Floor without mentioning her. That’s how iconic her surname is. There’s no problem with that considering that she’s the Vice-President of that high-fashion brand.

At 54, she had a series of surgeries. Since the 90s, she has made various adjustments with her appearance.

The most noticeable physical tweaks she had are her lips and nose. Her swollen smackers became her trademark, and it earned her a top spot on the list of plastic surgery mishaps over the years. There’s no clear evidence that Versace is unhappy with the changes.

3. Jocelyn Wildenstein

It must be obvious how she earned the nickname ‘Cat woman.’ Her taut and feline-like appearance got her a top spot on this list.

She’s still an active New York socialite, married into a wealthy art-dealing family. She began having plastic surgeries in 1997, shortly after the fall of her 20-year marriage.

She spent $4 million on various procedures including numerous facelifts and cheek implants. The dramatic facial changes earned her the nickname ‘Bride of Wildenstein.’

4. Kelly Bensimon

The media feasted on The Real Housewives of New York City star, Kelly Bensimon in 2008. Why? It’s because she flaunted her breasts. Not the boobs someone would typically want to flaunt.

5. Jennifer Grey

Her aesthetic appearance is still godly, yes. But her rhinoplasty always took a toll on her career.

From starring various romance flick films, she banished into made-for-TV movies. This factor might not sound that bad since she’s still the Grey we know.

6. La Toya Jackson

Michael and La Toya didn’t end up very well as a couple, but they seem to have ended up with one thing in common. If you notice it, you’re one real observer.

They both had chin and cheek implants and so as rhinoplasty. Either the love for plastic surgery runs in their family, the Jacksons already gained a family signature. It’s the pointy nose.

7. Tory Spelling

One look and you may notice the huge difference. But with a second and close look, you may notice she gained a deformed breast.

During the second season of Beverly Hills, Spelling was bashed because of it. The deformity is complete with a chest depression. At first, she denied that she botched her breast augmentation, but she finally told Entertainment Weekly that she did.

“I wanted to come clean that I had my boobs done in my 20s because people falsely write that I’ve had all these things done,” she confessed.

“I’ve had the two procedures that probably every other woman in Hollywood has had done,” she added.

8. Lara Flynn Boyle

Curious minds aren’t sure on which part of her face had some twitching. She’s known for her long run on The Practice from 1997 to 2003. And now, this TV star appears as though she worked with her cheek muscles over time.

And her upper lip implant that weighs her pucker down? It might be possible as these changes become too apparent throughout her stint on Law and Order on 2008.

9. Scott ‘Carrot Top’ Thompson

This comedian isn’t new to this sort of ‘top 10’ list.

The celebrity cosmetic blogger Anthony Youn, MD, told MakeMeHeal.com that Thompson seemed to have undergone some Botox injections, lip plumping, laser peels and eyebrow lift. People also speculate that he has been on steroids due to his veiny and muscular physique.

10. Micky Rourke

After his reappearance in the movie The Wrestler, his fans were puzzled by the changes on his face. It seemed as though he undergone various plastic surgeries.

According to Dr. Youn, the former boxer and screenwriter may have undergone a facelift. The scars in front of his ears signify the procedures. Also, he may have gone through upper eye lift and a hair transplant. These procedures were indicated by the reappearing sideburns and forward-moving hairline.

This short list may have amused you. It’s true that the odds are high when you’re undergoing plastic surgeries. The surgical procedures are for people with strong minds. If you’re thinking of getting things done surgically, you should be careful in choosing which plastic surgeon should you trust.

The cost may be high, but if your pursuit for a better appearance is higher, going under the knife should ease the itch of achieving them. After all, trying is the essence of having a goal.

Table of Contents:

• Which type of breast implant is safer?
• Silicone gel-filled breast implants
• Saline-filled breast implants

Breast augmentation is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure worldwide. When trying to consider breast enhancement options, questions may arise. Especially on which breast implant works best for you.

Which type of breast implant is safer?

This question might be the first thing that comes to your mind when considering breast augmentation. Both silicone gel-filled and saline-filled breast implants are still regarded as safe options. These implants use silicone shells. The only difference is what’s inside these silicone cases.

Before you decide which of these two breast-enhancing solutions works best for you, it’s crucial that you understand the differences between these two types. Also, you can discuss this with your cosmetic surgeon during your initial consultation.

Aesthetically speaking, both implants can give you beautiful and natural-looking results. But which of these two types of breast implants is safer?

Since FDA lifted the restriction on the use of silicone gel-filled implants in November of 2006, plastic surgeons use either of these augmentation devices, depending on your preferences and desired results. There aren’t any proven scientific studies that specifically link the use of either of these breast implants to an increased risk of disease.

Inflammation or autoimmune diseases appear to be no more common in patients using either silicone gel or saline breast implants than in women who don’t have breast implants.

While this question still races in your mind, you should try to consider the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of breast implants.

Silicone gel-filled breast implants

Advantages

• feels soft and more like real breast tissue because of its semi-solid consistency
• silicone gel gives you a squishy feel but is firm and easily goes back to its original shape
• less likely to ripple or wrinkle
• gives you natural-looking breasts
• low risk of downward displacement due to gravity

Disadvantages

• expensive
• difficult to work with
• bigger incisions are made to accommodate silicone implants
• when it ruptures, may need an MRI because silicone gel leaks aren’t readily noticeable
• can have a slightly higher risk of capsular contracture

Saline-filled breast implants

Advantages

• cheaper than silicone gel implants
• smaller incisions are made to accommodate saline implants
• very resilient
• easily noticeable if any leak or rupture occurs
• low risk of revision surgery
• low overall rate of capsular contracture
• no need for an MRI, as silent rupture isn’t a concern

Disadvantages

• round-looking breasts and feels like water balloons
• causes a ripple effect especially when moving
• may appear stiff and unnatural
• large implants have a higher risk of downward displacement due to gravity

There’s still no proven study that the silicone gel has harmful effects on the body such as breast cancer or any autoimmune disease. But when it ruptures, it may cause breast pain, change in bust size, and shape changes of the breast. You may need to remove or replace the implant immediately if this happens.

With saline breast implants, the ‘silent’ rupture is no cause for concern. This is because your body is seventy percent salt water anyways, so saline implants are considered safe inside your body. Ruptures caused by saline breast implants can be quickly noticed, and the liquid can just drain out of the body easily.

If you’re planning to enhance your bust size, your choice has to be tailored to your preferences, breast characteristics, and aesthetic goals. Discuss all of your concerns with your doctor. Remember that your well-experienced cosmetic surgeon may have a strong recommendation for one type of breast implant over another, depending on his or her assessment of you.