Plastic Surgery Fees

Each year millions of people choose to have plastic surgery to either recover from an accident, usually the result of a fire or an automobile collision, or to restore their self-confidence, getting a psychological boost from looking younger and more beautiful. In the entertainment industry, plastic surgery has helped many celebrities keep earning millions because they retain their star appeal.
Consequently, the plastic surgery industry makes billions every year. Prices vary widely because of numerous factors. Plastic surgery fees include more than the fees paid to the surgeon. The surgery also involves the cost of different attending specialists, from the anesthetist to the nurse, the cost for a battery of medical tests, the cost of the facility, and the costs associated with medication. In addition, the surgeon's fees depend on the reputation of the surgeon, as well as the location, whether it is in a rural, suburban, or urban clinic.
Since there are so many costs involved in estimating the cost of surgery, a way to get a ballpark figure on how much different plastic surgery procedures cost is to look at the national average fees charged by surgeons.
The most popular surgeries involve enhancing facial beauty, enhancing breast, abdomen and buttock regions, hair procedures, toning up flabby skins around arms and legs, and eliminating excess fats.
Facial Beauty
Enhancing facial beauty ranges from the use of non-surgical procedures to the use of surgical procedures. The use of non-invasive techniques like chemicals and injections are considered non-surgical and costs hundreds of dollars. Examples of these are Botox treatments, collagen injections, and chemical peels. The use of a scalpel, an invasive procedure, is considered a surgical procedure and costs thousands of dollars. Examples of these are blepharoplasty or cosmetic eyelid surgery and chin augmentation.
Non-Surgical Facial Procedures
For the most part, these start from a little over $100 to a little less than $2,000. The cheapest procedure is microdermabrasion, which is between $130 to $175, and botox injections, mesotherapy, bovine collagen and sclerotherapy average under $400, usually between $377 and $397. Human collagen, including alldorm, cymetra, autologen, cosmoderm, cosmoplast, dermalogen, facin, and isolagen cost about $542, while hyaluronic acid, including hylaform, juvederm,perlance, and restylane cost about $576. Chemical peels cost about $718 and dermabrasions cost $1,544.
Overall, then, non-surgical procedures are under $2,000, with most of the costs in the hundred dollar range.
Surgical Facial Procedures
Here the national average costs for plastic surgery are in the thousand dollar range: blepharoplasty or cosmetic eyelid surgery costs $2,840; chin augmentation, $2,254: facelifts, $6,792; forehead lift, $3,337; otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery, $3,085; rhinoplasty or nose reshaping, $4,357; lip augmentation, $1,611; and cheek implants $2,840
Hair
This consists of either the problem of having too much hair on the body or too little on the scalp.
Laser hair removal costs $387, ablative laser skin resurfacing costs $2,418, and nonablative laser skin resurfacing costs $580. Meanwhile for hair restoration, hair transplantation costs $5,847.
Breasts
Breast surgery for women are based on either enhancing or reducing breast size and shape. For augmentation, silicone gel implants breast augmentation costs $4,087, saline implants breast augmentation costs $3,690, and breast lift costs $4,341. Then for breast reduction, the cost is $5, 417. In addition, men have breast problems, too, and breast surgery for men, called gynecomastia or breast reduction costs $3,445.
Abdominals
Abdominoplasty or tummy tucks cost $5,350.
Buttocks
Buttock augmentation costs $4,250 and buttock lifts cost $4,885.
Fat reduction
Suction assisted lipoplasty costs $2,920 and ultrasound assisted liposuction costs $2,963.
Sagging Skin
Lower body lift costs $8,043, upper arm lift costs $3,864, and thigh lifts cost $4,783.

I write because I love to help people.

Our local stations in London Railway Record

This is partly a review and partly a plea for help...............

Through the letter box a day or so ago came London Railway Record (No 77 October 2013) - and this time is has lots of things about railways in our Borough.

Some bits and pieces and notes  -

"work on the Woolwich Station box'  - this of course refers to the new Crossrail station and includes a picture of what it is hoped we will end up with.  Some of us will have visited the site of the station box when it was open last year and it is all very positive.

- and a nice note on a new footbridge at New Eltham Station. 

- and  there is a whole page on what is proposed at London Bridge (ok - not in the Borough but it will affect us all) .  There is a map and photos so we can see what is happening and what local commuters will be put through so much agony to achieve.  We hear a lot about the proposed future deficiencies in the train service so its nice to see there is going to be some point to it all.

However - there is also a big article with FIVE pages of pictures of our local stations. It starts with a nice picture of Greenwich Station, moves on to Maze Hill and Westcombe Park and goes on to Woolwich Dockyard.   I am not sure what has happened to Charlton - perhaps the Charlton Champion will take this up.

I have already pointed out to London Railway Record's editor something missing in the notes on Maze Hill Station. They are interested in remaining structures and completely missed the down side building currently occupied by Maze Hill Pottery.  And here is where I am asking for help  - 

I think that since the 1960s Maze Hill Station buildings on the up side have been replaced more than once.  I am not sure when or why.  I think there was a major fire - in the 1980s?? and probably more than once.  Does anyone remember exactly??  If so pass it onto me, add it as a comment here or send it off to London Railway Record (www.londonrailwayrecord.co.uk)

- and don't let me stop you all commenting on the other photographs (and the lack of Charlton)

Thanks anyway - and thanks to London Railway Record for taking a bit of notice of our bit of south east London.
Mary

Plastic Surgery - A Brief Historical View

Since the dawn of time, mankind has constantly striven to find new and more efficient paths with which to improve themselves. Because humans, by nature have always sought fulfillment through self-improvement, plastic surgery just may be one of the world oldest arts.
In fact, evidence of these practices for use in treating facial injuries dates back more than 4,000 years ago. Physicians in India have been experimenting with skin grafts relating to reconstructive work as early as 800 B.C.
Like most medicine, the practice of plastic surgery moved forward at a dismal pace, fighting advancement for hundreds of years. It wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that the ideas and techniques that we know today really began to take shape in both the United States and Europe.
The first American physician to make his mark was Dr. John Peter Mettauer, who performed the first cleft palate operation with tools and instruments he designed himself. Though successful, many Americans found the methods used during the early days despicable, and thus the practice was often deemed improper in western society.
In fact, it was war which played a huge role in pushing the evolution of cosmetic surgery forward. World War I presented surgeons with a multitude of facial wounds and burns, creating a large demand for new techniques and procedures almost overnight. Some of the world's greatest medical talent immersed themselves in exploring new techniques and ideas as a way to treat men who had been injured in the war. It was during this time that developments in many aesthetic surgical procedures also began to take shape.
Despite the modern day definition, the word "plastic" is actually derived from the ancient Greek word, "plastikos", meaning to give form or mold. In this context, it's easy to see why the techniques and treatments were placed in such a category.
As time moved forward, so did cosmetic surgery. New treatments and techniques have steadily evolved to the point where many times, it's hard to tell if someone has actually undergone treatment at all.
In recent years, physicians have been able to get Congress to support mandatory insurance coverage for breast reconstruction patients. They are also currently working to ensure that treatments related to children's deformities will also be covered.
While new advancements continue to unfold each day, it's safe to say that as an industry, plastic surgery is certain to maintain its place among popular culture.

Plastic Surgery and the Entertainment Industry

In an industry where you are judged primarily on your looks and your age, plastic surgery is almost mandatory for any age group. It's becoming just as important in the corporate world, too. Artists and executives are more likely to get hired if they appear young, trim and attractive. A nip here, a tuck there and you're good to go.
But what happens when something goes terribly wrong? We've seen some very odd sightings both on the streets of LA and on the covers of various supermarket tabloids. Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett seem to have their skin pulled so tightly that their faces are actually misshapen. Joan Rivers jokes about talking through her navel after so many face lifts. Then there's the infamous Michael Jackson.
A plastic surgeon on the Discovery Channel recently stated that Michael Jackson's nose is actually dying from all the surgery. They displayed a recent picture of Michael Jackson in court and the skin was actually peeling off his nose. And now there is speculation that his nose is really a prosthesis.
While these particular surgeries are all considered elective, many plastic surgeries are required to correct a serous defect or repair someone after an accident, or to correct a medical situation brought about by a previous surgery.
So, how do you choose a reputable plastic surgeon and minimize the potential disastrous effects of surgery or surgical complications? People on the "A" list in the entertainment industry get recommendations from other celebrities who have had skilled surgeons work on them. But, what do the rest of us do? You know, those of us who don't make $25 million a picture or have $43 million record deals do?
The sad fact is that many individuals base their decision on whether their doctor participates in their insurance program's PPO or HMO. Others base their decision on the price of the surgery. Neither of these methods guarantees a skilled surgeon, and if you're shopping around for a bargain deal, limit that to what you can find at the local Wal-Mart, not your surgeon. You're risking your life if you do. There have been numerous horror stories and even deaths resulting from bargain basement surgeons promising beautiful breast or a youthful appearance.
Since it appears as if it's almost mandatory that people in the entertainment industry get plastic surgery at some point in their careers, you need to choose wisely. Here are a few questions you should ask when seeking out a skilled and reputable surgeon.
1. Get several recommendations from verifiable and reliable sources.
2. Check with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to verify if he or she is in good standing. Here is their website: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/. Also go to the American Board of Plastic Surgeons: http://www.abplsurg.org/ to see if the doctors you are considering are listed.
The American Board of Plastic Surgeons is the only specialty board responsible for certifying plastic surgeons approved by the American Medical Association and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Any doctor who is certified by the board must meet the following requirements:
o They must have graduated from a school, which is accredited at the time of graduation by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), a Canadian Medical School accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS), or from a United States osteopathic school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
o They must have completed a minimum of three years clinical training in general surgery, or complete an approved residency in orthopedic surgery, or be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology.
o They must have completed a minimum of two to three years approved residency training for plastic surgery in the United States or Canada.
o They must have successfully passed a written, practical and oral examination in plastic surgery.
o They must maintain an ethical standing in the community as well as moral status.
You can also check with the Federal Trade Commission for instructions: http://www.ftc.gov/. Don't go strictly by the certificates on the wall. Anyone can look impressive by printing up (or ordering) a certificate or a diploma and getting a good framer.
Ask questions of the doctor!!! Find out what percentage of his surgical practice is spent performing the type surgery you are interested in. Find out the length of time your doctor has invested in training for the procedure, as well as how many of the procedure you are choosing to undertake they have performed in total and how many years they have actually performed it. Ask how many of these surgeries were successful and how many were not. Ask what they attributed for the negative results. Find out what happened and why so it doesn't happen to you. Also find out if they are continuing their education to keep fresh in the field.
If the doctor is resentful or cops an attitude because you ask detailed questions and expect complete answers from them, walk away, going on to the next doctor on your list. They should have nothing to hide. There are dentists who have gone to a weekend seminar and are now certified to do liposuction. Now that's scary! Plastic surgery is a very lucrative business with billions of dollars spent annually. Everyone wants his or her piece of the pie. Make sure to verify all information with reliable sources.
1. Tell your doctor you would like to speak to some of his patients who have already had similar procedures done. Most reputable surgeons adhere to this practice.
2. Get a second opinion from the second doctor on your list and repeat steps 2-4 again before you make your decision. Ask yourself an important question: "Who did I feel, gut level feeling, more comfortable with?" Then and only then, make your informed decision.
While all of these steps may seem like overkill, and may take some time, they will save you years of additional reconstructive surgery and thousands of dollars if you ask questions, verify information and practice patience at the onset.
A year and a half ago I had a medical need to undergo breast reduction. I had insurance and simply chose a provider on my list. I made my decision based on my insurance carrier. I didn't do my due diligence and check the doctor out as I am advocating you do. Unfortunately, a year after the surgery, I was still suffering from infection, hardening and complete numbness in both breasts, not just in one area. Additionally the surgery left me with a deformity on both sides that caused problems both physically and esthetically. I had to undergo more surgery as a result, but once again I was at a loss of who to go to, or more importantly who I should trust.
A good friend of mine had a child who unfortunately needed to undergo plastic surgery. She knew my plight and recommended her child's doctor. I was little apprehensive as you can imagine.
I spoke to other friends about future surgery. I mentioned my thoughts about using this doctor. And, to my surprise, many of them had heard of him. Apparently he is very famous in the entertainment industry and extremely well respected.
After seeing him, I understood how he had earned his reputation. He and his staff were, and are incredible! I have never been to any doctor who was as thorough or able to put me as much at ease.
Needless to say I'm doing extremely well now because of him and his staff's skill and care. After all I went through with such an essential part of my physical body and appearance, as well as my personal health, I am on the road to recovery finally.
Take a word of warning from someone who has "been there, done that," do your research. If you choose poorly, especially while working in an industry that places so much emphasis on physical beauty, you may no longer have the career you once had; and more importantly, you may not have your health or your life. Just as you practiced your craft to become the best at what you do, carefully pick a surgeon who has put the same care and effort into his training. In this case you will get what you pay for.

GLIAS NEWSLETTER REVIEW - SOME MEETINGS AND SOME WRONGS

There are a number of bits and pieces in the current GLIAS Newsletter about Greenwich and Woolwich (Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society  Newsletter 268 October 2013  www.glias.org.uk)

First they are advertising a meeting.

19th February 2014. GLIAS Lecture by Simon Davis of MOLA on Mediaeval Mills in Greenwich (assume this is about the tide mill found on the Lovell's site a couple of years ago).. It is at 6.30 at a new venue for GLIAS - The Swedenborgian Lecture Theatre in Barter Street near Kingsway Underground.

There is also a note about Enderby Wharf - and they - I think - are quoting from the Evening Standard of 18th September, Homes and Property
"Enderby Wharf (between Greenwich and the 02) which was first developed in the 18th century by a whaling company and was later used to manufacture cables and a cross-channel petrol pipeline to support the D-Day invasion is to be transformed when work starts soon to build 770 homes, the capital's first cruise liner terminal along with a hotel, shops and a rivertaxi pier."

- Now a lot of that is not quite right.  The Enderby Family had married into a whaling company family but they were not on that site in the 18th century but took over a rope walk and built a canvas works there in the late 1830s (see my web site http://greenwichpeninsulahistory.wordpress.com/).  Before that it had been a rope walk run by someone else, possibly a bleach and/or copperas works, and before that the Government Gunpowder Inspection Depot.    Yes the site was used to make cables - before 1930 the majority of all undersea cables were made there and of course Alcatel will remain on part of the site and still make components for underwater telegraphy there.  I am not sure I have ever heard that PLUTO or parts of PLUTO were made in Greenwich - and would be grateful to know more about that.   All of the information given about the number of houses and so on, I guess is likely to be changed.  My information is that a new developer is now on site for the housing, and no work has yet started on the terminal.  We will wait and see. 

Woolwich Foot Tunnel Anniversary event

Saturday26 October - A Commemoration of the 101st Anniversary of Woolwich Foot Tunnelm-a message from FOGWOFT

The tunnel was opened 101 years before, to the day, by luminaries of London and Woolwich led by Major-General the Right Hon. Lord Cheylesmore, chairman of London County Council.

We will follow the arrangements of 1912, but without a major-General, and proceed under the Thames to the north bank in the Borough of Newham, in an area still known as North Woolwich.  From there we will return by ferry.  One past through the tunnel was obviously enough then for Edwardian luminaries. The only  difference between then and now is that we will have the benefit of takingexercise down and up the stairs.  The good Major-General had lifts and we hope to see those again installed and working one day.
Those who make it back from the north bank will have the chance of a tunnel birthday cupcake (children first) and may take tea either at the Waterfront cafe or an alternative for those who the cycle back.

Pedestrians please assemble at Woolwich Tunnel entrance by 11.00.

For cyclists we’ll start at Cutty Sark Gardens at 10.00am. The ride is short, about 12miles, flat, almost entirely off-road and easy even for children.  We will return to Cutty Sark Gardens at about lunchtime. Bikes may be locked to the limited cycle stands in front of the Waterfront Leisure Centre or to the railings on the river side.  We will also have a guard to keep an eye on those during the commemorative walk.

Plastic Surgery - What's New and Upcoming

Like a lot of industries, plastic surgery is customer oriented. So Doctors must pay attention to patient needs, wants and desires. They want to help the patient look their best and achieve their goals. Sometimes this can be difficult if a procedure doesn't exist that addresses a patient's specific desired outcome. For this reason, the field of plastic surgery is continually working to evolve and improve. New technologies, new techniques, new applications for existing procedures - these are all ways that the industry seeks to ensure that there is something to offer to meet every need. The result is that everyone has the chance to look and feel their best. Here are some examples of some of the latest offerings in the field of plastic surgery.
Poly-L-Lactic acids
New facial injectables induce natural collagen growth slowly over time, so there is not a sudden noticeable change in appearance. Collagen is a fibrous protein in the dermis that gives structure to the skin. As it is lost with age and environmental damage, the skin loses its ability to maintain elasticity and retain moisture.
Depending on the patient, typically three injection sessions are needed over a period of a few months. The result is a smoothing out of facial wrinkles, and folds that lasts about two years.
Dimpleplasty is a minor, low risk plastic surgery procedure that enhances one's smile through the creation of dimples. The surgery is popular with both men and women. It takes about 10 minutes to perform and recovery entails about a week of bruising. Obviously, the procedure achieves a very specific look.
Dermal fillers to treat migraines
Following nearly a decade of research and studies, plastic surgeons are beginning to offer a new option for the thousands of Americans who suffer from migraines. Dermal fillers have been found to effectively "freeze" the muscles around the nerves that cause the severe headaches providing relief. It is an expensive treatment option but may be well worth it to those it helps.
New treatment for varicose veins
Up until now, the best option for getting rid of varicose veins was surgical removal, which has about a 25 percent recurrence rate. Now, endovenous laser ablation offers a new option to rid patients of these veins that have become enlarged and visible below the skin. The condition affects about 15 to 25 percent of adults, who are most commonly affected in the legs. The minimally invasive laser treatment can typically done in less than an hour and has bee shown to have about a five percent recurrence rate.