Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dallas | Dr. Rai

Friday, February 29, 2008

Red Carpet Fashions Conceal Busts, Emphasize Contours

The red carpet at the Oscars is the biggest showcase of glamorous faces, fashions, and bodies in the world. Seen and commented on by far more people than possibly all the fashion shows in Milan, New York, and Paris combined, even with its viewership at an all-time low due to fallout from the recent writers' strike, the event is looked to as a marker of the looks that are popular this season.

This year, the colors were rich, bright reds and rich purples, although nothing so stand-outish as Nicole Kidman's huge red bow from last year. The dresses were cut very conservatively, even for the Oscars, generally a more conservative event than others like the Golden Globes. This year, the mantra seemed to be, if you've got it, conceal it. There were no low backs as were worn last year by Gwyneth Paltrow and Maggie Gyllenhaal. The rule seemed to be to show as little cleavage as possible, with the majority of gowns coming up over the breasts. And, instead of the curve-enhancing designs of previous years, this year's gowns created a flat line, whether straight across, as in Heidi Klum's and Miley Ray Cyrus's or whether it cut diagonal as in Anne Hathaway's and Katherine Heigl's. Beyond that, everything was done to draw attention away from the breasts, with Hathaway's garland of roses, or Nicole Kidman's massive display of diamonds, or, most especially the feathery bustline of Jessica Alba's purple Marchesa gown or Penélope Cruz's black strapless Chanel.

Instead, the emphasis was on overall good body contours, such as in Marion Cotillard's ivory-and-silver Gaultier gown, whose scalloped fabric accentuated every curve of her body. If the Oscars are any indicator, this year could see a slowdown in the booming breast augmentation market, but continued demand for body contouring procedures such as buttock lifts.

If you would like to discuss your look and think about getting your body in shape for the summer, contact Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas, for your initial consultation.

posted by Dr. Candelaria at 2:37 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Law Would Require Physicals before Plastic Surgery

A Democratic assemblywoman in California announced Friday a law aimed at limiting the number of deaths from cosmetic surgery, dubbed the "Donda West law," after the mother of rapper Kanye West, who died following plastic surgery by Dr. 90210 star Jan Adams. The law would require patients to receive physicals before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery, something that would have revealed that Donda West was unfit for surgery.

It is unclear whether similar legislation may be introduced in Texas to protect you from bad cosmetic surgeons, who are less concerned with your safety than with getting money but there are many things you can do to protect yourself. Make sure you work with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with advanced training who has your safety as his central concern. For your initial consultation, contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center, and learn how Dr. Rai ensures your cosmetic surgery is as safe as possible.

posted by Dr. Candelaria at 10:50 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 22, 2008

Recession Fears Will not Slow Cosmetic Surgery Market

According to an economic analysts, the cosmetic surgery market should be fairly resilient to the current economic downturn. This is in part because many cosmetic surgery patients are in a better position economically and are less subject to minor economic turndowns. It is also because the majority of cosmetic procedures, injectable non-invasive treatments, like Botox and Restylane, are both relatively inexpensive and necessary for patients who want to maintain the appearance they've achieved with previous injections.

Even the breast enlargement market is expected to continue strong, with moderate growth, although not continuing with the record growth levels seen since the FDA re-approved silicone breast implants in November 2006.

In addition, cosmetic surgery may be place where people may choose to invest their additional refund from the economic stimulus package recently passed by Congress. For those who have been thinking of cosmetic surgery procedures but haven't quite fit it in their budgets, this influx of found money may be just the thing to put it within reach.

If you would like to learn more about cosmetic surgery options available at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas, contact us to set up your initial consultation.

posted by Dr. Candelaria at 9:17 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

BDD Sufferers not Good Cosmetic Surgery Patients

Many of us have negative feelings about our appearance, it seems that some people have a brain disorder that makes it very difficult for them to overcome these concerns. According to researchers at UCLA, the condition, known as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), is related to a different method of processing visual imagery. This disorder goes beyond the problem of bad body image, and can lead to depression, social isolation, and an aggressive course of unnecessary surgery that cannot correct perceived defects because the condition is psychological not physical. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of BDD include:

  • Frequently comparing appearance with others, or checking the appearance of a specific body part in mirrors or reflective surfaces
  • Refusing pictures
  • Trying to conceal perceived flaw with clothing, makeup, or postures/hands
  • Over-elaborate grooming rituals
  • Frequently touching, picking at, or measuring the perceived flaw
  • Seeking surgery or other medical treatment despite the recommendation of doctors

Traditionally, this disorder has been diagnosed with a questionnaire, but UCLA researchers believe they have discovered a more reliable tool for distinguishing body image problems for the more serious BDD.

According to researchers, those suffering from BDD utilize the left hemisphere of the brain, responsible for detail-oriented analytic thought, for making judgments about images, whereas most people use the right hemisphere of the brain. Using the left hemisphere of the brain causes BDD sufferers to focus disproportionately on minute flaws in their appearance, rather than appreciating their overall appearance. Facial features such as the nose, lips, or chin are most likely areas of fixation. It is impossible for these people to achieve satisfaction through cosmetic surgery, and if you fear you may be suffering from BDD, you should be tested before signing up for any procedure.

Dr. Vasdev Rai is an experienced cosmetic surgeon, and can use his years of experience to help you evaluate your appearance objectively. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Dr. Candelaria at 11:06 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Open Versus Closed Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose by altering its size, angle, curves, or proportions. The procedure can address the nostrils and nasal tip, also. The surgery can take 1-3 hours and is usually performed on an out-patient basis with either general or local anesthesia with sedation. The surgery can be performed one of two ways: open or closed.

In a closed procedure, incisions are hidden within the nose. This makes it a little more difficult for the surgeon to visualize the internal structure of the nose. When alterations are limited to the bridge or minor tip issues, a closed approach may be more appropriate than the open approach.

In an open rhinoplasty, an additional incision is made across the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils to allow the surgeon better visualization. When the incision is closed properly, it is practically undetectable once it heals. An open procedure is the preferred method for patients who have had previous rhinoplasty.

To learn more about rhinoplasty and whether or not you’re a good candidate for this surgery, please contact Dr. Vasdev Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Lynn at 7:48 AM 0 comments

Monday, February 11, 2008

Gastric Bypass Surgery is Not a Quick Fix to Obesity

The most popular weight-loss surgery in the United States today, gastric bypass, limits the amount of food your stomach can hold and affects the body's absorption of calories and nutrients. The Lap-Band is another option, but it reduces the size of the stomach through the placement of an inflatable band around the stomach, without altering the digestive process. This band can be loosened or tightened as required to limit the size of the stomach pouch. Used worldwide for a number of years, it is the only FDA-approved weight-loss device available in the United States.

These procedures are minimally invasive thanks to advances in laparoscopic surgery, so recovery is typically quite speedy. Gastric bypass still requires an overnight hospital stay, but the Lap-Band procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to get back to your normal routine in about a week.

It is important to know that weight-loss surgery is not a quick fix but rather a tool to help those who have repeatedly tried-and failed-to lose weight. A successful long-term outcome requires a lifelong commitment to exercise and diet modification.

For more information about surgery or non-invasive cosmetic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Vasdev Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Lynn at 9:33 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Cosmetic Surgery Numbers are Growing

Cosmetic surgery is a growing field and involves enhancement or recontouring of the face and body, as well a wide variety of skin treatments. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) gives these surgical procedures as the top five for 2006:

Breast augmentation (329,000) implants to enlarge the breasts

Rhinoplasty (307,000) recontouring of the nose

Liposuction (303,000) removal of fat from selected body areas

Eyelid surgery (233,000) removal of excess fat, skin and muscle to restore youthfulness to the eyes

Tummy Tuck (146,000) removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen and tightening of the abdominal muscles

Skin improvement treatments are always being developed, such as various chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing. Injectable fillers are very popular, such as Restylane, Sculptra and Radiesse. Botox injections are often given to smooth out frown lines and forehead creases. These are all non-invasive procedures, as opposed to invasive (surgical) procedures, and modern cosmetic surgeons offer them all the time.

To learn more about any of these cosmetic surgery procedures, please contact Dr. Vasdev Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Lynn at 3:19 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 4, 2008

Botox Combined with Other Fillers: Better Results

Using Botox and fillers together has taken results to a whole new level, and now some innovative doctors are using Botox in combination with other in-office treatments such as lasers. Botox is being used with fractional resurfacing to treat wrinkling on the cheeks, which until now could only be addressed with surgery or aggressive laser resurfacing treatments. By using Botox to relax the underlying muscles before fractional resurfacing, the skin is able to heal without underlying tension, leading to a smoother result that lasts three to four months. Patients must realize, however, that Botox will need to be repeated two or three times a year to maintain the results.

To learn more about Botox, please contact Dr. Rai at the Cosmetic Surgical Center in Dallas, Texas today to schedule your initial consultation.

posted by Lynn at 7:59 AM 0 comments