Sean Wingrove-Smith from Walderslade, England, was born with a rare genetic disorder known as Goldenhar Syndrome.

The condition stops babies’ ears, lips, mouth, or nose from developing properly, it can even scoliosis or hearing loss. As a result Sean was born with part of his right ear missing, and deaf in the same ear.

Boy Gets New Ear Grafted From Cartilage

To replace the ear, doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital, took cartilage from Sean’s rib cage and carved it into the shape of an ear. The cartilage was then grafted on to the remaining part of ear and the side of his head using skin from his scalp.

The operation took one year to heal completely, and although Sean’s is still deaf in his right ear, his is able to wear glasses for the first time.

The new organ does not feel the same as an actual ear, it’s harder because of the cartilage, but it has helped boost his confidence according to his parents.

Goldenhar Syndrome is a rare condition first described in 1952 by Dr. Maurice Goldenhar. Unfortunately it exact cause remains unknown.

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The 33-year-old woman was arriving from Sao Paulo when she stopped for questioning. Unable to give clear answers regarding the reason for her trip she quickly became aggressive.

She was then detained and stripped searched when the police found 5.5lbs of ‘extremely pure cocaine crystals’ molded into the fake implants.

According to Antonio Di Greco, police chief at Fiumicino airport, the woman had worn revealing clothes to distract officers on duty, however her plan back fired because her looks caught the attention of the officers who simply wanted to talk to her.

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The woman, reported that that her “body swallowed one of the implants” whilst performing Pilates stretches.

At the hospital, x-rays revealed that that implant had migrated through an intercostal space created during the previous surgery, and ended up in the pleural cavity – the space between the lungs.

Breast Implant Disappears During Pilates

With the implant dislodged the patient’s her upper right chest ballooned outward when she performed the Valsalva maneuver. Surprisingly the patient reported experiencing no chest pain or dyspnea – shortness of breath (SOB).

Following the diagnosis, the woman underwent another surgery to replacement the breast prostheses, and the intercostal space was patched up with mesh.

A previous article we noted how breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a safe procedure for the elderly. And although the story does highlight important complications that can occur, it’s also testament to the advancement in medical technology and the increased safety of cosmetic plastic surgery, even when complications do occur.

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A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breast, and is often the procedure of choice for younger women who’ve been struck down with breast cancer.

Breast reconstruction After Mastectomy Safe For Elderly

Dr. Marissa Howard-McNatt, an assistant professor of surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, S.C., said in a center news release.

“The removal of a breast has implications for the psychological, social and sexual well-being of the patient, establishing the need that reconstruction should be offered…

“However, little is known about rates of reconstruction in elderly women after breast cancer.”

This led her and her colleagues to review cases of 89 women over the age of 60 who underwent mastectomy and breast reconstruction in the last 10 years.

The results showed that breast reconstruction is a safe and feasible procedure for older women, even though they are less likely to choose this option, the researchers claimed. Howard-McNatt explained:

“Generally, breast cancer in the elderly is less aggressive than in younger patients. Life expectancy can still be substantial — 16 years for a 70-year-old and greater than six years for an otherwise healthy 80-year-old…

“More patients are candidates for aggressive breast cancer therapy. The safety of reconstruction, as well as increased life expectancy and healthier lifestyles, makes breast reconstruction desirable at any age.”

She added that number of American women older than 65 is expected to double by 2050.

The study was published in the December issue of The American Surgeon.

Find out more about safe and affordable medical tourism vacations with Thailand’s best Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

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Justin Street, visited Rivera for the penis enhancement procedure on May 5th, 2011. But just one day later, he died from clots to the lungs.

Medical examiners say the clots were the result of a silicone embolism. Silicone injections are increasingly being used to enlarge body parts, however the only silicone injection approved by the FDA is Botox for use around the eyes.

Botox is the only FDA approved procedure for non-encapsulated silicone

Nevertheless, blackmarket procedures, especially silicone injections to enhance the buttocks and facial features, performed by untrained practitioners are still on the rise, with doctors blaming the slow economy for the increased number of cases.

Although severe side effects from silicone injections are thought to be rare, it is possible that the procedure can poison the bloodstream with silicone, resulting in a potentially fatal clot in the brain, heart or lungs. It can also migrate thought tissue leaving unsightly lumps.

There is also no guarantee that silicone used in ‘pumping’ parties at home will be medical grade. Sometimes toxic substitutes like industrial-grade silicone, castor oil, mineral oil, and petroleum jelly are used, typically with devastating effects.

Last year a model, also from New Jersey, was charged with providing toxic buttock enhancing injections to six women, leaving them all needing surgery. Unfortunately the case was thrown out of court because the indictment failed to state any laws broken. Last month another fake surgeon was accused of carrying out DIY surgery on five people in Florida. Oneal Ron Morris reportedly inserted deadly toxins including cement and tire sealants, then sealing the wounds with superglue.

Rivera has been arrested, charged with manslaughter and is now being held on $75,000 bail.

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Sherry Cook, is one 75 year-old women who chose to have multiple cosmetic surgeries. Cook compares the appearance of the elderly to the proverbial oatmeal box, or a match stick, and she says, “I don’t want to look like that.” [MSN] That’s why she decided to have breast lift surgery and breast implants.

According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) 80,000 people 60 or older went under the knife last year, and Cook’s surgeon, Niclooley, agrees. He told MSN BC that more seniors than ever before are coming into his clinic.

He also explained that while a few years ago, it wasn’t uncommon for seniors to undergo dermatology treatments such as dermabrasions and chemical peels, nowadays however, he focus has shifted more toward body contouring and enhancing.

Experts say that the risks of going under the knife are similar for both young and elderly patients, and with huge improvements in medical technology and techniques, cosmetic plastic surgery is safer than ever before.

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The Brazilian butt has become so popular in fact that there are now workouts, fitness routines, and even cosmetic surgeries designed to give woman the prefect Brazilian butt lift.

With cosmetic surgery becoming increasingly safe and affordable, the number of people opting for elective cosmetic surgeries is on the rise, and the Brazilian butt lift and buttock implants are procedures which are quickly becoming more popular.

Brazilian Butt Lift Tips

However, not everyone wants to go under the knife, and there are other routes you can take if would love to flaunt your trim behind, but don’t want surgery.

To sculpt a Brazilian butt naturally, it comes down to one main thing; exercise. With the right combination of workouts, and careful attention paid to your diet, it’s more than possible to trim up and achieve the firm curvaceous appearance you’re looking for.

People with access to a personal fitness trainer will have no problems in setting a schedule aimed at firming the buttocks, but not all of us are die hard gym enthusiasts. Luckily there are many in –home training DVDs specifically targeted at achieving that Brazilian butt look.

One of the main sellers on the market is Leandro Carvalho’s series of Brazilian Butt Lift DVDs. Carvalho has trained some of the world’s top super models, bikini models, samba dancers, ballerina’s to sculpt their perfect feminine figure.

His series of DVDs are designed for women of all shapes and sizes with workouts including:

• Slim and Shape for the pear shaped figure
• Lift and Shape for the too flat figure
• Slim and Lift for the too big figure
• Classic Combination for all round results

Exercises for a Brazilian Butt Lift

Here are few exercises you can at the gym to help you sculpt your own Brazilian butt without surgery.

Full Squats

Targets hamstring, glutes and quads.
When it comes to sculpting the perfect buttocks, full squats are simply the best exercise out there. Many women think that they shouldn’t be lifting heavy weights, and aim for higher repetitions as opposed to increased weight. However, its proven that when it comes to closing fat, firming and building muscles, lifting as weight as possible gets the best results every time.

Full Squats

To perform a full squat with heavy weights, its best to start of using some kind of a multi-gym so you don’t have to lift the weight up and over your head.

Start off with the weight resting on your shoulders, supported with your hands on either side of the bar.

The key here is to squat as low as possible whilst looking forward and keeping your back straight. Many people do not squat low enough when doing this exercise, which doesn’t work the glutes as well. So as long as you do no experience any pain, squat as low as you can.

Split Squats

Targets hamstring on a single leg for quick results.
The split squat is similar to the full squat, however this exercise requires a support to rest one of your legs in an elevated position behind you.

Split Squats

With your leg rested and weight positioned on your shoulders in the same manner as the full squat, lunge forward one leg as low as possible, then rise and repeat.

Most gyms will have a set up that allows you to perform split squats. The highly versatile TRX suspension trainer also allows you to perform split squats, but using your body weight as resistance instead of weights.

Step-Ups

Targets the entire lower body including the quads, hamstrings, and glutes,
This exercise combines the lifting of weights, with a step-up on a bench. Start off with the weight positioned on your shoulders like squat, then simply step up on to the bench, step down and switch legs.

Be sure to keep you back straight and look forward as you do the rep.

Step Ups

Cardio

If you’re aiming for the Brazilian butt look, it’s important to remember that key is losing excess fat and building the right muscles. For this reason, running up hill is tipped as the best and easiest form of cardio training you can do to help perfect you firm but curvaceous butt. Running up hill puts more stress on the muscles surrounding the glutes, and will help with muscle definition.

If you have access to one, another great cardio workout is the step machine.

The Pencil Test

To see how your Brazilian butt is coming along, Carvalho offers this easy test.
Simply take a pencil and place it in the crease where your butt meets the top of the back of your thigh. If the pencil stays put or disappears, you need to lose fat and firm your butt, and that’s where Brazil Butt Lift can help.

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All this follow up care comes at price, and as anyone with medical insurance will know, any elective cosmetic surgery, or any follow up care resulting from such surgery will not be covered by your provider.

Medical tourism is one option many American’s and Europeans are choosing to help cut the cost of their elective surgeries.

Choose Board Certified Plastic Surgeons

Fortunately there are many well experienced and highly qualified doctors working in Thailand, India and other parts of Asia, and the lower living cost in these countries enable clinics and hospitals to offer first class service at an extremely competitive rates.

Nevertheless there are limits to how cheap high quality surgery can be offered, and many medical tourists overlook this when they decide to go with a surgeon in a clinic or hospital abroad. A general rule of thumb is to always go with a board certified plastic surgeon, with many years experience in the type of surgery you are opting for. If one turns up to be much cheaper than most others, you should immediately question why.

There’s no doubt that surgery is cheaper in countries such as Thailand and India, and with the added bonus of being able to enjoy a relaxing break and recovery in an exotic destination, there really is no better way to rejuvenate your body and mind. But always remember to be realistic about the cost of your surgery, and know you’re likely to get what you paid for.

There are many horror stories from patient’s who opted for the cheapest surgeon they could find. 40-year old Larissa Hersom, who wrote into the 33tv Texas news station to share her story, is one of those unfortunate people.

Hersom wanted to undergo bariatric surgeon to reduce her 300 lbs weight. After being told her medical insurance would not cover the weight-loss surgery, and realizing the high cost or surgery in the U.S., she began hunting on the Internet for a cheap deal in Mexico. Talking with 33TV she explained:

“In the United States the lowest quote I got was $24,000.00 for the surgery and in Mexico. I was getting quotes of $12,000.00 to $14,000.00 and I ended up paying $12,500.00.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before there were complications – Hersom had to visit the emergency room three times in as many months, and was eventually told that without another surgery, she will die.

And she’s not alone, Dr. Nicholson a bariatric surgeon at the Forest Park Medical Center, said he sees many patients like Larissa:

“Unfortunately we see this problem all too frequently as a matter of fact in our practice, we see this about once a week.”

Hersom, knowing she is far from the only one who has experience such medical malpractice, wanted people to take away this msg:

“You have to have money set aside for possible complications as well as the initial surgery. And if you have enough money for that – than why not get a competent US doctor (with US protections) in the first place? I feel like a complete fool. I gambled, and lost.”

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Experts suggest several reasons for the increase in male cosmetic procedures, with male vanity and the need to look youthful in a competitive society thought to be the major influences spurring on more men to go under the knife.

Male Cosmetic Sugery Becoming More Popular

Masoud Mojarradi is one of these men, however he wasn’t encouraged by his wife, but instead it was his daughter that gave him the nudge.

In spring 2010 Mojarradi visited Dr. Ramtin Kassir for a consultation and sooner after received hair transplants and Botox fillers in his forehead. Talking with Fox News he said:

“I look much younger, and everyone likes to be young,” Mojarradi says. “My family is happy with that. When I go to school to pick up my kids, they feel better. When I am out with my family, they feel more comfortable and confident.” [Fox News]

Mojarradi has spent $8,000 on cosmetic surgery in the past year and plans to continue his $500 a time Botox sessions every three months.

Kassir says that Majarradi is far from alone, since 1997 he’s seen a 10% increase – from 8 to 18% – in the numbers of male patients visiting his clinic.

According to Kassir, one of the big attractions when it comes to cosmetic surgery is that many of the procedures require little downtime. Patients undergoing noninvasive surgeries such as Botox, inject-able fillers and laser skin tightening can leave the clinic the same day, and advancements in medical technologies have also reduced the recovery periods of many minimally invasive and invasive procedures.

Adam Hanft, founder of Hanft Projects attributes rise in male cosmetic surgery to society’s growing acceptance of appearance enhancing surgical procedures. He says that because women have been talking about it openly for decades, it’s only natural that men also want to look younger, especially in this competitive economy where looks and health can often be deal breakers.

The Fastest-Growing Male Cosmetic Procedures 2009-2010

• 1. Facelift – 14% increase.
• 2. Ear Surgery – 11% increase.
• 3. Soft Tissue Fillers - 10% increase.
• 4. Botox – 9% increase.
• 5. Liposuction – 7% increase.
• 6. Breast Reduction in Men – 6% increase.
• 7. Eyelid Surgery – 4% increase.
• 8. Dermabrasion - 4% increase.
• 9. Laser Hair Removal – 4% increase.
• 10. Laser Treatment of Leg Veins - 4% increase.

Top Five Male Cosmetic Surgical Procedures in the US

• 1. Nose Reshaping (64,000 cases)
• 2. Eyelid Surgery (31,000 cases)
• 3. Liposuction (24,000 cases)
• 4. Breast Reduction in Men (18,000 cases)
• 5. Hair Transplantation (13,000 cases)

Top Five Male Cosmetic Minimally-Invasive Procedures in the US

• 1. Botox (337,000 cases)
• 2. Laser Hair Removal (165,000 cases)
• 3. Microdermabrasion (158,000 cases)
• 4. Chemical Peel (90,000 cases)
• 5. Soft Tissue Fillers (78,000 cases)

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In the 90’s, Steven Zeitels, a professor of laryngeal surgery at Harvard Medical School, had been working on producing a material that could mimic the functions of human vocal cords. In 2002, he decided to recruit the help of MIT’s Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering, and an expert in developing polymers for biomedical applications.

Doctors can already treat folded vocal cords with materials typically used in plastic surgery, but this does not work for everyone and even when it does, the results are short-lived. But treating scarred vocal cords is much more difficult.

To create the polymer gel the team modified a material known as polyethylene glycol (PEG) – and FDA approved substance used in many medicines and medical devices. By altering the structure of the PEG molecules, the team is able to give the material the same viscoelasticity as human vocal cords. The result is a gel that can be injected to restore the voice.

The project, which is funded by Institute of Laryngology and Voice Restoration, has gained much attention, perhaps in part because famous actress Julie Andrews is the foundations honorary chairwoman. Andrews, who lost her voice following a surgical procedure to remove a noncancerous lesion from her vocal cords in 1997, approached Zeitels for help and quickly became involved with project.

The researchers have published more than a dozen papers on voice-restoration, and have already applied for a patent on their material. They are also seeking FDA approval and hope to start clinical trials next year.

Should these trials prove successful, the new material could help millions of people with voice disorders. It’s estimated that 6 percent of the U.S. population suffers from some type of voice disorder – that’s over 18.5 million people in America alone.

Many of these sufferers have scarred vocal cords due intubation during surgery, or laryngeal cancer. Other cases of vocal disorders can be as simple as strained voices, but for teachers and other public speakers, such symptoms could signify then end of their current career.

“This would be so valuable to society, because every time a person loses their voice, say, a teacher or a politician, all of their contributions get lost to society, because they can’t communicate their ideas,” Zeitels says. [MIT]

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