Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Facial cosmetic surgery is the process of enhancing the appearance of the face through plastic surgery. Facial cosmetic surgery is done by qualified cosmetic surgeons to correct a part of the face that can be a cause of social embarrassment.

Facial cosmetic surgery can restructure protruding ears to complement the head and facial structure. Many facial cosmetic surgeons also practice facial implants to improve an area of the face or to bring uniformity on the face. Implants are commonly done on the chin, cheek and jaws.

Face lifting, or rhytidectomy, is another common facial cosmetic surgery that has appealed to many people who have wrinkles and sagging skin. Patients undergo face lifting to tighten and reposition the connective tissues and muscles on the face. They also trim the extra skin on the face to get better results. Face lifting drastically revives the freshness of the face. Another type of facial cosmetic surgery is the forehead lift or eyebrow lift, which helps restructure the drooping of the eyebrow. The surgeons tighten the skin and take out that part of the muscle that causes the thick vertical line between the brows.

Blepharoplasty, or upper and lower lid surgery, is done to restructure droopy eyelids. Blepharoplasty helps remove the puffiness or heavy bags that occur under the eyes. Surgeons take out the excessive fat to get the best results. Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is also a common facial cosmetic surgery that is done to correct the structure and shape of the nose. This surgery includes the removal or rearrangement of bone or cartilage in the nose.

Other kinds of facial cosmetic surgeries include laser skin resurfacing and hair removal procedures. Though popular in demand, facial cosmetic surgeries can have dangerous side effects that one has to consider before making such a big decision.

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Laser Stretch Marks Removal

There is a lot of controversy about the efficacy of laser removal of stretch marks. The main bone of contention is that lasers are only useful in breaking down or vaporizing tissue, not in actually repairing it. In fact, even surgical intervention is apparently only useful if actual skin is excised.

This goes along with the general medical standpoint � there is no cure for stretch marks.

The school of thought that does advocate cosmetic laser treatment for stretch marks holds a different view. According to this scripture, lasers can be useful in stimulating renewed growth of depleted collagen and will therefore �fill in� stretch marks.

The process is supposed to direct laser energy into the lower strata of the skin and thereby encourage collagen production.

Its exponents also promote the usefulness of laser treatment in treating stretch marks because it can remove damaged skin tissue, seal broken blood vessels and remodel the fibers of the affected middle skin.

Lasers have certainly found extensive application in smoothing wrinkled skin

There seems to be some evidence that cosmetic laser surgery has some utility in making stretch marks fade, though not entirely disappear. Even then, this would be effective only in the early stages, the fundament being that lasers work well only to darker skin tones.

This means that stretch marks would respond satisfactorily only during the stage where they are of reddish or brownish tinge. Once their color has assumed a more flesh-colored shade, conventional laser rays cannot detect them and is therefore useless.

However, there are now claims that a new type called pulsed dye laser can overcome even this limitation.

If laser treatment is beneficial in the removal or even repair of stretch marks or not is a medical issue best addressed by professionals. What can be said for it is preferable to radical cosmetic surgery because it does not entail the risk of infection and blood loss.

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Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic plastic surgery remodels, repairs, or restores body parts, usually by the transfer of tissue. In addition to correcting a deficiency, cosmetic plastic surgery is often sought to improve the shape of a nose, bring protruding ears closer to the head, remove abdominal flesh or add fat to the buttocks. There are many options.

Many women undergo cosmetic plastic surgery to enhance their breasts.

Mastopexy raises or reshapes sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning the remaining tissues and the nipples. Augmentation mammaplasty enhances breast size using inflatable implants filled with saline. However, a surgical procedure could be required to treat deflation, the formation of scar tissue around the implant, or a decrease in the sensitivity of nipples.

Buttock augmentation is for people who lack buttock fat. The buttocks are augmented with the use of implants either made from solid silicone or a softer form of cohesive silicone encased in a silicone bag. The former is more resistant to deterioration than a saline-filled implant.

Liposuction removes fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. It may be performed on the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, area above the knees, upper arms, area under the chin, or neck area. The most-requested area is the abdomen. Known as abdominoplasty, the surgery removes excess skin and fat that may accumulate after pregnancy, obesity or age.

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing its size, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. It may relieve breathing problems. Otoplasty sets prominent ears closer to the head or reduces the size of large ears. All incisions are placed within the natural folds of the ear structure so there are no visible scars.

All cosmetic plastic surgery carries the possibility of infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia. A patient can reduce the risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and following his or her advice.

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Cosmetic Laser Surgery

Cosmetic laser surgery is widely used in the field of dermatology, dentistry, cosmetic surgery and eye surgery. Cosmetic laser surgeries are preferred, as they enhance the person�s appearance, the way he feels and also the ways he sees the world.

Cosmetic laser surgeries can help in removing wrinkles from the skin of old people. These wrinkles can be removed using a surgical process called laserbrasion, or facial resurfacing. This surgery gives you a wrinkle-free skin.

Cosmetic laser surgery is also used correct the drooping of the underlying fat of the upper eyelids. This is process is called blepharoplasty, in which surgeons use laser technology to remove a part of the skin that sags from the eyelid. People experiencing partial vision or problems in applying eye shadow often go for cosmetic laser surgery for eyelids. Transconjunctival lower-lid blepharoplasty is a process that helps get rid of the extra fat from the lower eyelid.

Cosmetic laser surgery also helps in resurfacing scars from chickenpox or acne. The skin forms a fresh layer of collagen after the resurfacing has been done.

The skin tightens after the surgery, giving a more fresh and radiant look. Nowadays, cosmetic laser surgery is being widely used for enlarged noses, which are a cause of embarrassment for many people. Many other types of cosmetic leaser surgeries are done to cure other kinds of skin conditions like seborrheic keratoses, warts, scars and keloids.

Cosmetic laser surgeries are undoubtedly effective in enhancing your appearance and giving you a new lease on life, but be aware of the aftereffects and side affects that such surgeries can cause. It is wise to consult a qualified surgeon before undergoing cosmetic laser surgery to avoid any harmful side effects or aftereffects.

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I need health insurance for my children. What are my options?

Call 1-877 KIDS NOW (1-877-543-7669) or go to the Web site for your State's Program. When you call our free and confidential hotline, you will be directly connected to your state's program that provides either free or low-cost health insurance for children. The states have different eligibility rules, but in most states, uninsured children 18 years old and younger whose families earn up to $34,100 a year (for a family of four) are eligible.

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How can I get more information on my state's program?

Simply click on the link to the Web site for your State's Program or call the Insure Kids Now! hotline at 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). The call is free and confidential. When you call, you will speak with someone from the children's health insurance program in your state. They can send you an application and help you apply.

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Is there a limit on the amount of time my child can remain enrolled?

Your child can stay on the program as long as he or she qualifies. Although there is no limit on the amount of time your child can remain on the program, you will need to renew their coverage periodically, generally every 6 to 12 months. As long as your children continue to meet the eligibility criteria established by your state, they can remain on the program.

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What services does the insurance cover?

For little or no cost, this insurance pays for doctor visits, prescription medicines, hospitalizations, and much more. Most states also cover the cost of dental care, eye care, and medical equipment.

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Is this program new?

In 1997 Congress passed legislation that allows states to provide health insurance to more children in working families. These programs build on the Medicaid program that started covering children and adults in the mid-1960's.

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Children's Mental Health — Insurance and Payment Issues

It's important that you know exactly how much your insurance company will pay. Your insurance package may provide limited coverage for mental health services. It may help to ask your insurance company the following questions:

* Does my pediatrician need to formally recommend that my child see a mental health professional before the cost of the visit is covered? Or do I need approval through a separate process specifically for mental health services?

* Do I have to choose a doctor or counselor from an approved list? Does the list include professionals with expertise in children and their families?

* Are certain disorders excluded from coverage?

* Is there a lifetime or annual limit for mental health coverage? If so, what is it?

* Exactly how much of the cost of mental health services will I need to pay?

Your pediatrician may direct you to other resources if you don't have health insurance, if your health care plan doesn't cover mental health care, or if your health care plan doesn't provide enough mental health coverage to meet your family's needs.

In some communities, mental health centers or family service agencies charge based on what you are able to pay. Medicaid or the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) — publicly funded programs to cover the medical costs of low-income children — also cover some mental health costs. In some states and for some diagnoses, these or other funds may be available, even if you have private insurance, for mental health services not covered by your health insurance.

If you have trouble obtaining or filling out a Medicaid or SCHIP application, ask the pediatrician's office for help. For more information about Medicaid or SCHIP contact the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-877-267-2323 or www.cms.hhs.gov

Self-help organizations may also offer counseling and support to children and their families. These organizations operate drop-in centers and sponsor gatherings for group discussions on specific topics, such as substance abuse or attention and learning problems. Your child's school may have guidance counselors and other professionals with training in behavioral health assessment and treatment. Clergy can also provide help. It's important to talk about each of these options with your pediatrician.

When speaking with or writing to an insurance company, keep these five points in mind:

* Don't be afraid to ask questions.
* Keep good communication records, including with whom you spoke and on what day and time.
* Be polite.
* Be patient.
* Be persistent.

Privacy Issues

The law protects your privacy related to mental health but allows your doctor to share information with other professionals involved in your child's and family's treatment.

In some cases, you will need to sign special forms authorizing the release of information. This may include medical, family, school and social history records. You can decide whether to give out this information.

At a certain age (which varies by state), your child may legally consent to or refuse care. Your pediatrician can help explain these laws and how they affect your child and your family.

It's common for parents and families to feel as if their child's problems are their fault. Many people are also afraid or embarrassed about a child's need for mental health treatment. While these feelings are normal, it's important that you not blame yourself for your child's problems. Your pediatrician, along with one or more mental health professionals, can help you better understand your child's behavior. They can guide you and other members of your family to help in the healing process.

If you are separated or divorced from your child's other parent, it's important to establish a plan for including the other parent in your child's assessment and treatment. Your pediatrician will help you decide whether scheduling visits together or separately, sharing reports, or making phone calls can best do this.

It's very helpful for you to continue to talk with your pediatrician and with the doctor or mental health professional who is working with your child.

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How to File a Claim for Your Benefits

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) protects the interests of participants and their beneficiaries who depend on benefits from private employee benefit plans. ERISA sets standards for administering these plans, including a requirement that financial and other information be disclosed to plan participants and beneficiaries and requirements for the processing of claims for benefits under the plans.

Although some employee benefit plans are not covered by the Act (such as church or government plans, etc.), if you are one of the millions of participants and beneficiaries in employee benefit plans that fall under the Act's protection, you have certain rights if your claim for benefits is denied.

Your plan must give you the reason for denial in writing and in a manner you can understand. It also must give you a reasonable opportunity for a fair and full review of the decision.

This folder outlines the steps you may take to file a claim and what to do if you are denied benefits.

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