Plastic Tummy Surgery - Popularity, Costs, and Considerations

Abdominoplasty is the medical name for what is better known as the 'tummy tuck' - plastic surgery operations specifically to give a flatter, taughter abdomen. In the USA, the numbers of people having the surgery increased 137% from 2000 to 2007. In the UK, there was a 31% increase in numbers from 2007 to 2008, with 3,526 patients choosing it in the latter year.

The biggest consumers for this procedure are women, making over 90% of the cases. The UK's Harley Medical Group performed 2,000 post-natal tummy tucks in 2008, highlighting one group for whom the operation has a special appeal. Pregnancy and childbirth can damage abdominal muscles and also create residual loose skin, which dramatically alter the shape of the tummy. Modern mums are often keen to 'keep up' with media-driven images of celebrity moms, who often sport bafflingly flat tummies soon after childbirth.

This patient group, and indeed others, may have found that despite diet an exercise, lingering tummy fat (and/or loose skin) refused to budge. Cosmetic surgeons are aware of the emotional impact of 'body flaws' on their patients. What may seem a perfectly acceptable appearance to one person can transform in another into a focal point for acute embarrassment or loss of confidence. Cosmetic surgery brochures and websites precisely promote the procedures ability to restore this lost confidence.   Critics argue that self confidence should come 'from within' and that signs of 'everyday living' on the body should not be seen as flaws. One certainty is rising 'sales figures' in tummy tucks mean it is probably not about to go out of fashion any time soon.

Home country versus abroad

Costs in the USA and UK have certainly become more in the average person's reach since the early days of plastic surgery, when it was the province of only major stars and the seriously wealthy. However, it remains a major expense to come from disposable income. Typically, the surgery could cost from £4,500 upwards in the UK, or from $5,000- $10,000 or more in the USA. As it is typically non-essential surgery, it is not covered on most healthcare insurance policies.

Medical tourism has become a burgeoning industry to offer cheaper medical and cosmetic surgeries to patients in developed cultures typified by the UK and USA. Promotional material may include the idea of combining a holiday, or 'medical retreat' with a surgical procedure.

Whilst for some patients, this can present a more cost-effective way to get the surgery done; professional bodies of cosmetic surgeons have been quick to point out potential risks and pitfalls. It may feel more difficult to refuse surgery if the patient hasn't seen the clinic until they fly there for the operation. Flying home itself could pose medical risks. Additionally, the UK's Dept of Health points out the professional standards vary internationally and cautions against choosing surgeons based solely on cost.

Herbal Breast Enhancements - A Must Read For All Women Looking to Enlarge and Firm Their Breasts

Are you looking for a safe and all natural way to enhance your cleavage? Do you wish to make your cleavage bigger and more firm? Do you not like the idea of cosmetic surgery? Then there is a solution for you, herbal breast enhancement supplements. These supplements offer a unique range of herbal and plant extracts, all natural, that have been long associated with breast enhancement. Scientific tests and results have shown the benefits of using herbal supplements.

Unfortunately many women feel let down by the size of their cleavage and wish for a more enhanced look, that their body never matured into. This can often lead to low self esteem and a feeling of resentment against their body.

Most people believe that the only real solution to these issues is cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation surgery, but that is not the case. Cosmetic surgery is expensive, has a lot of risks involved with the actual surgery and post op and requires further surgery in a few years time to replace or repair the implants, yes cosmetic surgery does not last a life time usually three to ten years before further operations are required.

Herbal remedies are usually extracts of plant and herbs mixed together, the exact mix is dependent on the manufacturer. They all contain extracts which contain very high amounts of phytoestrogens. It is these phytoestrogens that change and balance the hormone levels in the body, to create the right levels to start the body into developing additional breast tissue, think of it as the way the erratic hormone levels during puberty encourage breast tissue development (during puberty it is the hormone levels which trigger the body into producing breast tissue).

Popularity for herbal alternatives has been rising for the last few years as women are getting despondent with the highly expensive cosmetic surgery, which cost normally $3,000 plus and the thoughts of a long recovery and scarring is not very appealing either. Therefore herbal remedies are a perfect solution for many women and there are numerous testimonials from satisfied users. Most women notice a significant increase after 3 months and usually an overall result of two cup increase can be achieved.

As with and pills or supplements if you have any underlying medical conditions or are already taking medication, it is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor, likewise if you have any uncertainties about taking these supplements make sure you speak with your doctor, this cannot be stressed enough.