Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Facelift/ Rhytidectomy Philippines: Affordable Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD

A facelift or rhytidectomy is cosmetic and aesthetic surgery for improving and attempting to eliminate the inevitable signs and manifestations of facial and neck aging. Wrinkles, sagging skin and pockets of fat are common features of the face beginning at approximately 40 years of age. As we go through life and accumulate additional years, the effects of gravity, sun exposure and daily stress all leave their marks. The facial skin becomes lax and loose and eventually drapes below the jaw line, the skin around the neck are no longer tight, and wrinkling appears between the nose and mouth and in front of the ears.


Realistically, facelift or rhytidectomy will never stop the aging process, however it may still effectively take years off your looks and “turn back the clock” by taking out excess skin and fat and by tightening the underlying soft tissue supporting structures.


An informative and meaningful consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon is the initial step a patient will take if he or she is considering a facelift or rhytidectomy. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after surgery. He should keep in mind though that the desired result is basically reasonable improvement or enhancement and never unreasonable and unachievable “perfection”. Emotional stability in a potential patient is a prerequisite while reasonable expectations is a must. Having a “new” look from a facelift will never guarantee a new, healthy and successful life. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. This is realistically what rhytidectomy may just do for you. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of a facelift is actually up to you.


Rhytidectomy is commonly said to take 5 to 10 years off a person’s age. Of course it is very difficult to pinpoint the exact result. More often than not, the assignment of age is actually relative. A successful facelift is thought of as making a patient look good for one’s age. It should be understood that inherent characteristics as bone structure, skin type, nutritional status, and personal habits as smoking and alcohol intake, not to mention daily stress, affect the degree of improvement. It is largely believed that it actually and significantly determines how long a facelift would last.


Rhytidectomy takes approximately 3 to 5 hours and can take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. More often than not patients undergoing facelifts do have fullness of their eyelids and therefore may undergo upper and/or lower blepharoplasty in the same operative setting. This is an option that is talked about between patient and plastic surgeon prior to the facelift. These procedures may be safely done in an outpatient setting or in a hospital basis under general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. If general anesthesia is used, one will be sleeping soundly all throughout surgery. If sedation and local anesthesia is chosen, then this would allow one to be comfortable during surgery while the facial skin is completely numb.


In majority of cases, the incision is began inside the hairline at the temple for maximal concealment, continues downward in a natural line in front of the ear, curves below the earlobe and extends into the back of the scalp. Working through the incision, your cosmetic plastic surgeon separates the skin from underlying fat, fascia, and muscle. The skin is pulled up and backward and the excess skin is excised tailoring it to the face. Additional surgical moves are to take out accumulations of fat found in the chin and neck and to do tightening of sagging muscles and the other soft tissue supporting structures. If eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty is to be performed in the same operative setting, incisions will accordingly be done with removal of excess eyelid skin, muscle and fat.


Closure of the incisions are meticulously done by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. Though scars are inevitable and are natural consequences of any incision or surgery, your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them inconspicuous and hardly noticeable as possible. Thin tube drains may be placed at the back of the ears as to permit drainage of any blood or fluid collecting under the skin. Initially dressings shall be bulky and bandages shall have to be maintained over the face and neck areas.


All operations have their risks and cosmetic plastic surgeries are no exceptions. Bleeding, infection, paresthesias, and healing problems are possible though not so common. Any pain or discomfort may be effectively controlled more often than not by the right oral medications. It is prudent however to inform your plastic surgeon or any staff member of any unusual and persistent problems. Swelling and bruising/ skin discolorations are common and expected and usually resolve in a week or two. A sense of numbness and tightness is usually present which eventually improves and subsides. Post face lift patientsare instructed bed rest for at least a day and ordered to avoid any exertions as to cause increase in blood pressure in the facial area for at least a week. Hot compresses or facials are to be refrained for at least a month. Most patients do return to work after 3-4 weeks.


For the potential plastic surgery patient in general, it is strongly advised to consult with a certified plastic surgeon. Since in the Philippines any licensed medical doctor or even non doctors may attempt to learn and perform cosmetic surgery, choosing the right person for the procedure is a most crucial decision which significantly affects outcome. Cosmetic plastic surgery can definitely be very satisfying and rewarding for both the patient and plastic surgeon when it is done in a manner that is safe, sound, and realistic. Patients are therefore strongly encouraged to ask around and be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the procedures they desire whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature. Your certified cosmetic plastic surgeon will display adequate knowledge, skill and care prior, during and after surgery.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines


For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Breast Augmentation Philippines: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty is a cosmetic and aesthetic procedure done to enlarge small, hypoplastic, underdeveloped breasts, performed to balance asymmetric breasts due to post mastectomy reconstruction, and give breast volume to women who have given birth. The operation is usually performed when the breast reaches its mature and final size after puberty at approximately 18 y/o. There are instances however when it can be done earlier such as when one is dealing with congenital breast hypoplasia with significant patient confidence and social issues.

An informative and meaningful consultation with a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon is the initial step a patient will take if she is considering a breast augmentation or augmentation mammaplasty. The patient is expected to discuss all expectations with regards to looking and feeling better after surgery. She should keep in mind though that the desired result is basically reasonable improvement or enhancement and never unreasonable and unachievable “perfection”. This is particularly true if the procedure is being done for reconstructive purposes as when performed after a mastectomy. Emotional stability in a potential patient is a prerequisite while reasonable expectation is a must. Having a “new” look from a breast augmentation will never guarantee a new, healthy and successful life. It solely improves appearance and possibly helps boosts self confidence. This is realistically what breast augmentation may just do for you. How you handle the positive physical effects and gains of an augmentation mammaplasty is actually up to you. It should be kept in mind that the objective of breast augmentation are breasts that look fuller and more natural in appearance.

A straightforward and simple Breast augmentation takes approximately an hour or two to complete however may take longer if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The procedure may be safely done in an outpatient setting or in a hospital basis under general anesthesia. Once under general anesthesia one will be sleeping soundly all throughout surgery. Local anesthesia may be infiltrated around the breasts in addition to general anesthesia.

There are several incisions which could be utilized by your plastic surgeon in his approach for placing the breast implant. The inframammary approach makes use of an incision just below the inframammary fold wherein the lower part of the breast connects with the chest. A periareolar approach is placed around the inferior border of the areola. The transaxillary approach utilizes an incision in the armpit. Each technique has its own advantages and potential downside.

Generally, the plastic surgeon lifts the breast tissue up together with the muscle to create a pocket for the implant. At times he may prefer creating a pocket without lifting the muscle. This is called the subglandular or subpectoral/submuscular placement of implants. There are numerous factors that come into play in deciding which technique to use. Your plastic surgeon will discuss everything with you.

Closure of the incisions are meticulously done by your cosmetic plastic surgeon. Though scars are inevitable and are natural consequences of any incision or surgery, your cosmetic plastic surgeon will try his best to keep them inconspicuous and hardly noticeable as possible. Following surgery, dressings will be applied over the wounds while bandages shall have to be maintained over the superior pole of the breasts to hold in place and prevent migration of the implants.

All operations have their risks and cosmetic plastic surgeries are no exceptions. Bleeding, infection, paresthesias, and healing problems are possible though not so common. Any pain or discomfort may be effectively controlled more often than not by the right oral medications. It is prudent however to inform your plastic surgeon or any staff member of any unusual and persistent problems. Swelling and bruising/ skin discolorations are common and expected and usually resolve in a week or two. A sense of numbness and tightness may be present which eventually improves and subsides. Post breast augmentation patients are instructed rest for at least a day and ordered to avoid any exertions. A sports bra shall replace the bandages in a few days while sutures will be out after a week. Most patients do return to work after approximately 2 weeks. Optimal results are seen after about 3 months.

For the potential plastic surgery patient in general, it is strongly advised to consult with a certified plastic surgeon . Patients are strongly encouraged to ask around and be properly and thoroughly informed regarding the procedures they desire whether it be cosmetic or reconstructive in nature. Your certified cosmetic plastic surgeon will display adequate knowledge, skill and care prior, during and after surgery.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Philippine Medical Tourism Overview: Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

By: Edwin Paul Magallona, MD



Cosmetic surgery has been on an upward trend worldwide especially with the constant and continuous development of surgical and non surgical techniques in recent years... from laser resurfacings to thread lifts...from endoscopic lift surgeries to minimally invasive rejuvenating techniques...



Unfortunately these relatively new and popular elective procedures together with the traditional and effective surgeries are not always accessible and affordable even to those living in developed countries as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, countries in Europe and parts of Asia. Medical and health services there in general have always been expensive. Cost of course has always been a significant factor and important consideration among many other things for the potential patient...it is after all something universal...The good news though is that certain select countries such as Mexico, Brazil, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines just to name a few, have taken notice and have taken advantage of this dilemma by offering these surgeries at very affordable rates to interested patients outside their territories. The significant price differential between medical and surgical costs between these developed countries and the Philippines in particular have made patients abroad take a second look at this attractive option. Who won’t be amazed with getting a surgery package cost of about a third to a quarter of the price found in most developed countries with just the same results?



Medical tourism in the Philippines has actually been silently ongoing for decades now however it has only been recently wherein the Department of Tourism has actually emphasized and strongly encouraged the Medical profession to join the band wagon. In Asia, Thailand still leads the way in organized and systematic channeling of medical tourism services particularly in cosmetic plastic surgery. The Philippines is rapidly catching up though and is steadily getting a bigger share of the pie.



In 2006, the Department of Health in cooperation with the Department of Tourism came up with the Philippine Medical Tourism Program (PMTP) which is a multisectoral program with the ultimate goal of making the Philippines the leading and foremost destination for wellness and medical care in Asia.



Aggressive local and overseas promotion and an improving tourism infrastructure is a priority of the Philippine government and has brought a significant boost in medical tourism in the country. Initially driven and encouraged by very competitive rates and costs of surgery in this part of the world, patients are now flying in with the desire of having surgery and rejuvenation with the added bonus of seeing and experiencing the best places these islands can offer. Tagaytay, Batangas, Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and Davao are just some of the more popular tourist destinations which have caught the eye of our foreign visitors and “balikbayans”.



However, sometimes unknowingly, providing much leverage in the development of this relatively new industry is actually and simply the inherent qualities of being a Filipino. The Filipino physician and support staff are typically compassionate, caring, friendly and hospitable. This not only helps in making a foreign patient comfortable and relaxed but also eventually makes his trip and surgery a very pleasant experience. Aside from being generally fluent in the English language, the Filipino medical work force is competitive and of high standards as compared to their Asian neighbors.



Therefore when patients coming from abroad do decide to have elective cosmetic plastic surgeries here in the country, more often than not they get excellent value for their money. Medical and surgical expertise, world class facilities and island destinations, mastery of English, and the typical Filipino, all contribute to the Philippines rise to global competitiveness in medical tourism. Simply put and everything said nothing beats a combined quality and affordable surgery in the setting of a tropical paradise for leisure and recuperation.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines



For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Big Boobs anyone?

Plastic surgery is just so common nowadays that its no longer surprising knowing at least a friend, acquaintance or family member having undergone one.. Breast augmentations or boob job are one of the more popular ones ..

well would you really consider plastic surgery just to improve the flat chest that you may have?



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a board certified plastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Services offered and commonly sought for are liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty.

For more plastic surgery information you may visit: My Website

Contact details are the following: Email- edwinmagallona@yahoo.com.ph
Mobile no-+639175006695
Clinic landline- (+632)5315692, (+632)5315012
Clinic Address: Managed Care Clinics, Summit Tower, 530 Shaw Blvd, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines

5 Top Cosmetic Surgery Procedures to make you SEXY

Most cosmetic surgery patients come in to have something done basically with the following desire..to look younger..to look prettier..and to look sexier..

The 5 most common SEXY cosmetic surgery procedures are:

1. BREAST AUGMENTATION..most desire for bra cup sizes of B and C which comes with a nice cleavage..

2. LIPOSUCTION..especially of the tummy and "love handles" for that shapely figure..

3. BUTTOCKS AUGMENTATION..well rounded and tight butts are always pleasing to the eyes

4. LIP AUGMENTATION..full and seductive lips make them want to be kissed

5. VAGINOPLASTY..loads of confidence tremendously boosts one's feeling of sexiness

This short listmay vary from one plastic surgeon to another..and from one patient to the other..

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines



For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Friday, April 25, 2008

12 Tips for the Would Be Plastic Surgery Patient

1. Don’t be a victim of deception, false advertisement and publicity regarding the specialty of Plastic Surgery. While the internet is a very powerful tool for advertisement and promotion, keep in mind though that not everything in the net is likewise necessarily true.

2. Do check and make sure that you are consulting and putting your trust in a certified plastic surgeon; one who has completed training according to the standards set by the official Board of Plastic Surgery in your country. Nowadays cosmetic surgery is so lucrative that some doctors, medical personnel and even non doctors attempt to learn and practice the specialty without the proper and formal training. Remember that there are no shortcuts to establishing a good foundation for plastic surgery. A strong foundation, whether we like it or not, does have a significant effect on preoperative planning, course of surgery and final surgical outcome.

3. Feel free to further inquire about your plastic surgeon’s background and training. This is one way of establishing trust, confidence, rapport and making yourself comfortable as well. A formally trained surgeon would not be expected to hide his hard earned credentials.

4. Do not hesitate to ask anything and everything about your problem and/or desired operation. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. A good surgeon would be reasonably patient in hearing all his patients’ concerns. It may take several visits if necessary to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things.

5. Understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. It is just not possible. Cosmetic plastic surgery is supposed to enhance and improve on existing physical features. Remember that you can never “shop” for a nose.

6. Make sure you completely and wholeheartedly understand not only the benefits of your contemplated surgery but also the risks involved in each procedure. This is the reality that each patient must face and the surgeon will expertly address if necessary. Remember that just like as we go about in our daily lives, there are risks involved in everything we do whether it be big or small, minor or major. It is indeed something universal. The certified plastic surgeon however is trained to handle all possible complications. This comes with adequate surgical exposure and long years of training.

7. Be aware that during your surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide the highest level of skill, judgment and care. He has undergone extensive training as to equip him with such. Likewise always remember that no physician in his right mind would want to deliberately or accidentally inflict any harm on his patients. Surgeons are forever guided by this doctrine of “First, do no harm”.

8. Understand that despite long briefing and discussions prior to surgery, a good plastic surgeon knows that post operatively, a patient may still have anxieties and newfound concerns. Don’t hesitate to call up or get in touch. A compassionate surgeon will most often provide that comforting response. Remember that the commitment and care of your surgeon doesn’t end with the last stitch.
9. Make sure all instructions post operatively are fully understood and followed religiously. Cooperate with your plastic surgeon to minimize problems and complications.

10. No two sides of the human body are perfectly symmetrical and equal. It follows that surgical outcome will never have perfectly equal measurements. Remember that literally nobody is perfect.

11. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patient and surgeon are but human, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good, satisfying and realistic results.

12. The patient has every right to inquire regarding details of the fees and other charges. Discounts may be reasonably given at the discretion of your surgeon. However the patient must always keep in mind that he/she is not shopping for the cheapest pork around. It could be a disastrous decision if one would be solely guided by just searching for the cheapest surgical package. Remember to always treat your plastic surgeon and his specialty professionally and in turn you will surely get great value for your money.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, visit
My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012

Would plastic surgery really make you happy?

Most plastic surgery patients think there is something wrong with them which needs improvement and enhancement. When this is finally accomplished, they brandish their new noses, bigger breasts, younger looking faces and brighter looking eyes. Now they are confident and happy. However there is that set of patients who doesnt seem to realize happiness even with the seemingly perfect surgery..Do you honestly think plastic surgery is a reasonable and realistic path to happiness and contentment?..

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona is a Board certified Plastic Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Metro Manila, Philippines

For more information on Philippine Cosmetic Plastic Surgery..visit My Website or contact +639175006695/ (+632)5315692, 5315012