Otoplasty Basics - Ear Pinning

The one feature you do not want to "stick out" is definitely your ears. People with protruding ears are often teased and ridiculed from a very early age for standing out just a little too much. Otoplasty or ear pinning is one of the few cosmetic surgery procedures available that is more beneficial psychologically and physically when performed at a young age rather than as an adult. But no matter what your age is, otoplasty can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

Otoplasty is most commonly performed to address the degree to which the ears protrude from the side of the head, but it can also re-sculpt and shape the ears, correct defects, and reduce the overall size. Normally both ears will have to be operated in order to achieve symmetry and facial balance. In children, the cartilage is particularly soft and malleable, allowing for easier manipulation. Adults have firmer cartilage, which may cause some reshaping restrictions.

During the operation, the patient will be put under general anesthesia and a small incision will be placed in the crease that is between the outer edge of the ear and the head. Cartilage and skin will be either reshaped or removed and stitched back into place when necessary. The procedure will last anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Most surgeons recommend parents to stay alert about their child's feelings on protruding ears, and do not insist them on the change until they want it. Children might find the recovery process more difficult than adults. Because no pressure can be applied to the area for up to two weeks, sleeping positions will have to be adjusted in order to accommodate the ears. They will also be tender and sore for two to three weeks afterwards. Dressing will be applied for the first few days after surgery. It is best, especially in the case of children, to plan for at least three weeks off before returning to normal activities.

The recovery period might be daunting, but the good news is that there are minimal risks involved and the signs of surgery are nearly invisible. Few people have complications that exceed minor bleeding, bruising, and swelling, all of which are common after any surgery. In some rare cases hematoma has occurred. Excessive scarring is uncommon, and since the incision is placed at the fold behind the ear, no one will be able to see it. In fact, the results are usually so subtle, that no one will even suspect that you had any surgery at all.

Otoplasty can make huge improvements in both children and adults, resulting in confidence and raised esteem. Research your options carefully. If you are considering surgery for your child, it is important to educate them about the procedure and have them involved in the process. Ensure that both you and your child's expectations from the outcome are realistic and be prepared to take the necessary time off to assist your child in the recovery process. The more prepared you and your child are, the greater your chance of success.

The Dallas plastic surgeon at USA Plastic Surgery has gained repute and is the most sought for expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery. For more information on otoplasty, before and after photos, and financing options, you can visit http://www.usaplasticsurgery.com/.

6 Home Remedies to Remove Acne Scars

Do you have acne scarring but plastic surgery is out of the question? No need to worry. While you may not get Dr. 90210 like results, items available in your own kitchen can help improve acne scarring if done correctly.

In two simple steps, all you need to do to affordably improve your acne scarring is:

1. Gently remove the damaged layers of the skin and

2. Nurture your skin with collagen and moisture building foods so that your skin can more rapidly repair itself.

Acne Scar Remedy 1: Lemons

If your acne scars dark, you can use lemon juice to lighten them. Cleanse your face with lemon juice. Dab one teaspoon of lemon juice into a cotton ball and smooth it over the acne marks. Leave for ten minutes, then rinse. Use caution with lemon juice because it can make your skin photosensitive. So be certain to use a sunscreen on any area you treat with lemon juice prior to going out into the sun.

Acne Scar Remedy 2: Soda

Exfoliate your skin with baking soda. Often times a version of baking soda is used in cosmetic microdermabrasion treatments. You can give yourself a mini microdermabrasion treatment by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with the two teaspoons of filtered water. Then gently rub the mixture on your acne scar for sixty seconds then rinse it off.

Acne Scar Remedy 3: Olives

After exfoliating your skin with baking soda, massage a pea-sized amount of olive oil onto your face. Acne scaring can cause the skin to lose its elasticity and suppleness. The moisturizing nutrients in the olive oil will penetrate the skin to deeply moisturize the skin and soften the skins texture.

Acne Scar Remedy 4: Fruits

In addition to eating fresh fruits to supply your skin with collagen building vitamin C, you can also smear them onto your face for gentle acid exfoliation. Just puree a forth a cup of pineapple and smooth it onto your face. Leave it for 10-15 minutes, then rinse. Since the pineapples contains ascorbic acid, it will impart a brightening effect on the face, and help fade acne marks.

Acne Scar Remedy 5: Water

It cannot be said enough. Your skin needs water. Especially when you want to promote the type of skin repair needed to heal acne scarring. Your skin needs water to keep the skin plump, to remove toxins, and the build new skin cells. Drink at least 80 ounces of filtered water a day to give your skin the quality and quantity of water it needs to reveal healthier, fresher skin.

Acne Scar Remedy 6: Consistency

The ultimate ingredient needed to completely remove acne scars is consistency. Acne scars form over a series of weeks, layer by layer. To remove the acne scarring, you need to use your acne home remedy on a daily basis to remove the damaged scar tissue layer by layer.

To be successful at fading and healing your acne scars at home, you just need to plan in advance. Devote time to removing the damaged skin and giving yourself the nutrients you need to build healthier skin. For example, you can decide to spend five minutes a day exfoliating your skin with baking soda or pineapple and another ten minutes enjoying collagen building foods like soy, grapes or oranges. Do it consistently and you will see and improvement in your scars.

Naweko San-Joyz founded Noixia- a self-service image makeover firm that develops custom acne scar removal products for the face and body. San-Joyz has authored several books and articles that focus on do-it-yourself beauty makeovers including Acne Messages: Crack the code of your zits and say goodbye to acne and Skinny Fat Chicks: Why were still not getting this dieting thing. She has appeared on radio stations, in newspapers and on TV shows across the United States promoting beauty through health consciousness. San-Joyz lives and works in San Diego, California.