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Defining Your Needs

Each year, tens of thousands of men and women seek the professional skills and talents of cosmetic and plastic surgeons to enhance their overall appearance. In fact, more than 600,000 people have such procedures each year, whether to get a competitive edge in the workplace, increase positive self-image or correct a facial feature. Cosmetic surgery provides options for reducing or eliminating many visual signs of the aging face. The most popular procedures include facelifts, nose reshaping, chin augmentations and cheek enhancements.

This release is designed to provide answers to general questions that you, the prospective patient, may have while contemplating cosmetic facial surgery. Since each patient is different and has individual needs, this release cannot answer every question. Use this release as a guide to discuss your particular needs with your surgeon.

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Making the Decision

Since you are reading this release, you probably already have a good idea of the cosmetic enhancement surgery you would like performed. The best candidates for such procedures are people in good overall health who want to enhance their natural appearance. Remember cosmetic surgery can enhance the way you look, but will not necessarily guarantee you a big job offer or a new romance. You must have realistic expectations. Before meeting with your doctor, have a friend take photos of you and have 5"x 7" or 8"x 10" prints made. Take front, three-quarter and side views. Analyze these photographs and determine the areas you want enhanced. Your surgeon can help you better define the look you want. Keep in mind that beauty and aesthetics are different for each individual. Bring the photos to the consultation with your surgeon. He or she will discuss surgical options, risks, recovery, results and costs with you. Your surgeon will also discuss expectations. Be sure you are both expecting the same results. Communicating your desired enhancements with your surgeon is vitally important. Don't hesitate to ask questions.

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Procedures and Products

A variety of materials is available to cosmetic plastic surgeons for facial enhancement. Discuss with your surgeon which option is best for you.

Cartilage Grafts

Traditionally, surgeons have used the patient's own cartilage to enhance facial bone structure. Cartilage is removed from one area of the patient's body and then used to supplement the underlying facial structure of the area being reshaped. Small amounts of cartilage may be harvested from the nose or ear. They are then shaped and grafted into place. When larger or thicker pieces are needed, bone grafts may be harvested from the head, hip, or ribs. Cartilage and bone grafts sometimes dissolve because the body tends to reabsorb the tissue over time.

Silicone Implants

Silicone or SILASTIC has long been used as a material for facial implants. Solid silicone facial implants are quite flexible and are manufactured in a wide range of consistencies, from soft to hard. Typically, these implants are used to augment soft tissue areas, not the underlying facial bony structure. The body treats the silicone implant as a foreign object and surrounds the implant with scar tissue. This action, along with the continued effects of aging, may lead to future distortion.

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MEDPOR® Biomaterial

MEDPOR is comprised of a lightweight, porous form of high-density polyethylene, a material with a long history of medical applications. Its unique, highly porous texture allows vessels to incorporate into the enhancement shape, integrating MEDPOR into a patient's tissues. The shape and size can be customized by your surgeon to fit your individual needs. MEDPOR eliminates the need for grafts or silicone implants.

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Facial Enhancements with MEDPOR

In the past decade, cosmetic and plastic surgeons have increasingly turned to MEDPOR to provide structural support during cosmetic facial surgery. Originally designed for use in facial reconstructive surgery, MEDPOR mimics cartilage and bone by serving as an effective architectural framework to augment the patient's skeletal structure. Much as the human body adds contours to a piece of clothing, MEDPOR provides a scaffolding to support the patient's own tissues. MEDPOR is also widely used for facial repair following trauma and for corrections of congenital defects.

Patients like MEDPOR because:

it is silicone-free

it provides a more natural look

it eliminates the need for grafts, which tend to dissolve or warp over time

it eliminates the need for second surgical site grafts

Surgeons like MEDPOR because:

it is silicone-free

it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes that are easily sculpted to fit the individual

its firm nature enables the surgeon to carve and blend the edges of the material to fit the patient's natural shape

it is an effective tissue substitute

it is compatible with human tissue

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Once the Decision is Made

When you decide to proceed with facial cosmetic surgery, your next step is to select a surgeon. You cannot underestimate the importance of selecting a personal surgeon who is well-qualified to perform your operation. The patient-physician relationship is a critical element in achieving your goals. Explore the physician's credentials. Seek referrals from friends who have had satisfying experiences. Spend time with the physician during the consultation and make sure your questions are clearly answered. As with any physician, you must feel comfortable and confident.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

What will the procedure do for me?

Where will the procedure be performed?

What happens during surgery?

How long will the procedure last?

What type of anesthesia is used?

Will I experience much pain or numbness?

Is there much swelling and/or bruising?

Can the procedure be reversed?

What happens if I get an infection?

Will I have to have a special soft diet?

How much will the procedure cost?

What can I expect during the recovery process?

How long will recovery last?

When will I be able to go back to work?

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Other Considerations

Cosmetic surgery is usually considered elective, so it may not be covered by insurance. Some types of cosmetic surgery, however, are deemed medical necessities and are reimbursable. Ask your insurance company if you need pre-authorization for the procedure you are considering.

Remember, all surgeries have associated risks and complications. A candid discussion of these possibilities with your physician is suggested.

Select a surgeon who is board certified by his or her association and contact that association for additional information.

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To receive a printed copy of the brochure, contact Porex Surgical Inc. via telephone, or contact us via e-mail

       
 
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