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Custom LASIK vs. Traditional LASIK

September 8th, 2010

Every time a medical procedure hits the market, it follows that a few years later another version emerges that is usually safer and more effective (and of course, more costly). In the field of refractive surgery, there has been a lot of hype concerning custom LASIK, which is being touted as the evolution of traditional LASIK surgery. But is custom LASIK worth the cost? It is really better than traditional LASIK? This article will compare the two procedures.

LASIK and custom LASIK surgery are very similar, the primary difference involves accuracy and use of varying technologies. Both procedures rely on the use of a laser to alter the shape of the cornea. This changes the way light reflects on the cornea. Preparation for the procedure is the same and post-op recovery is also the same.

Here is where custom LASIK surgery differs. During custom LASIK procedures, the surgeon uses Wavefront Mapping technology to map the surface of the eye. That map is then fed into a computer and the laser used during surgery is programmed to make only the changes needed to the cornea. This makes the procedure more accurate, especially for individuals with severe refractive error. How much better are the results? With traditional LASIK, about 50 percent of patients achieve 20/20 vision. With custom LASIK, that percentage is over 70 percent. One of the primary benefits of custom LASIK is that it allows people with higher order visual abnormalities to successfully undergo LASIK.

Of course, this added technology comes with a price. Custom LASIK surgery is far more expensive than traditional LASIK. For individuals who cannot qualify for traditional LASIK, price is a small consideration. But for those with common visual errors who can choose between custom LASIK and traditional LASIK, price is often a determining factor.

Find an eye surgeon in Wisconsin or contact a laser eye surgery center in Wisconsin.

Finding a Good LASIK Surgeon

September 8th, 2010

If you have decided to undergo LASIK eye surgery, your first priority should be to find an experienced LASIK surgeon to perform your procedure. Cost should not be the sole determining factor in your choice of a surgeon. Of course, LASIK can be expensive, but when you pay a higher price for LASIK you are paying for the use of new technology and also paying for the experience of your surgeon. Always keep in mind that there are plenty of financing options available to cover the cost of the procedure. Don’t let a few hundred dollars keep you from seeking treatment from the best.

Choosing a LASIK Surgeon

One of the first things you should look for in a good LASIK surgeon is reputation. A quality LASIK surgeon will have a solid reputation in their community; start asking your friends, family, and neighbors if they know of a good LASIK surgeon. This is an excellent place to start your research.

When you start narrowing down your search, you cannot be afraid to ask questions. Here are a few things to consider asking any potential surgeon:

  • How many LASIK procedures have you performed?
  • Is your practice exclusively focused on LASIK?
  • Is the LASIK surgeon part of the surgical process from start to finish?
  • Does the surgeon offer enhancements?

Your LASIK surgeon should explain the surgical process completely and take the time to answer all of your questions.

It is usually in your best interest to consult a LASIK eye surgery specialist, someone whose practice focuses exclusively on LASIK surgery. Keep in mind that if the LASIK center has a super aggressive marketing campaign and offers deep discounts, this should be a warning. Deep discounts on LASIK can be deceptive; usually there are very narrow candidacy requirements to qualify for the discounted price. Discounted LASIK also does not take advantage of the latest technology like custom LASIK. If you choose your surgery center based on price, keep in mind that you may be sacrificing quality.

Find a vision testing center or contact a pre employment vision testing provider.

Dental Care Methods and Options - Your Smile Health

August 30th, 2010

Dental problems–who would ever want one? Silly question, I know. Well, no one wants them, but you wind up with them anyway. Thankfully your dentist has a number of different treatment options that are available to meet your needs. He or she may use one or many of the following treatments to give you the smile you have always wanted.

Cosmetic Dentistry

By undergoing cosmetic dentistry in New Jersey, you will have the appearance of your smile enhanced by skilled experts at the craft of dentistry. The treatment may include the use of tooth bonding, porcelain dental veneers, or teeth whitening systems.

Restorative Dentistry

Similar to cosmetic dentistry in some ways, undergoing restorative dentistry means that your dentist will restore your smile to its former appearance and health. This may involve the use of dental crowns, dentures, dental bridges, or advanced facial and cranial treatments.

Implant Dentistry

Implant dentistry refers to a specialist in restorative dentistry that is concerned with the placement of dental implants into the jawbone and gum tissue. Dental implants are designed to hold a single false tooth or dentures and dental bridges securely in place.

Laser Dentistry

The use of laser dentistry in New Jersey is quite common for the treatment of soft tissues inside the mouth and for diagnostics. Many dentists use lasers to map tooth decay and to deal with gum disease, gum inflation, and gum recession.

Family and General Dentistry

For solid care of your dental health, it is imperative that you go to the dentist regularly. If you have children, you can keep them on track for a health smile by taking them to the dentist regularly.

Sedation Dentistry

When anxiety of fear makes someone hesitant to visit the dentist, sedation dentistry methods can be used to help promote a calmness and ease for the patient. Varying degrees of sedation can be achieved during treatment.

Extreme Smile Makeover

By combining cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, and the other dental care specialties above, your dentist can make your dental health and appearance the best it’s been.

On Issues and Concerns Surrounding Egg Donation

August 30th, 2010

Many times a couple would like to start a family but are unable to do so due to a fertility issue. When a female infertility issue is the cause, there are numerous treatment options to consider in order to address the different fertility issues that need to be address. If the health of the eggs is the main issue, though, the process that should be considered for treatment is egg donation in Toronto. Egg donation is a popular and effective way for couples to start the family that they have always wanted.

The egg donation process is similar in some ways to sperm donation. The couple will find a third party who will willingly donate her eggs to the couple to use in order to fertilize and bring a child to term. This may sound simple, but there are so many factors to consider.

First of all, many couples will have preferences when it comes to the egg donor. They may have physical appearance preferences, that is true, but the process may prove to be close to a college entrance interview. The couple may ask for IQ tests, resumes, medical history, and so forth to ensure the egg donor is healthy and intelligent.

Another issue may involve egg freezing in Toronto. This will involve the harvesting of donor eggs and keeping them on ice so that a family may be started at a later time. This is a perhaps a good idea for couples that plan well ahead of time.

The main issue, though, may involve where one finds the egg donor. One option is to speak with your fertility specialist, who will be able to suggest options through his or her fertility clinic or other medical resources. This is a good way to find a trusted egg donor who has been screened ahead of time. Some couples will seek the donor through friends of friends or by ads in the paper and the internet.

It really is important to discuss this and other fertility options (e.g., in vitro fertilization (IVF)) with a trained professional. He or she will provide you with the advice you need to make the best decision.

Facial Plastic Surgery for Cosmetic Enhancement and Improvement

August 20th, 2010

So many different mishaps may happen with the face. It sounds silly to phrase it that way, but it is true. For instance, you may have skin that sags around the jowls or down around the neck area. You may have eyelids that sag or hang loose over your eyes. There may be deep lines and wrinkles all about your face. The only way to deal with those matters is through cosmetic surgery. Whether you need a nose job, a lift of the eye area, or a face lift in Florham Park, your plastic surgeon will have a solution of some kind just for you.

One of the most common surgeries in facial plastic surgery is the face lift. This surgery involves the removal of excess facial skin in specific areas and the tightening of the remaining facial skin in order to achieve an overall improvement of the appearance.

In addition to the traditional face lift, there are other facial lift options that you can undergo as well. The brow lift, for instance, will target the deep lines and furrows of the forehead; and eyelift will be used to target the sagging that you may experience in the eyelids; and a neck lift can reduce the little wattle of skin that is in the neck area.

The rhinoplasty in Florham Park is another popular facial cosmetic surgery option. It can be performed to alter the outer appearance of the nose or to revise the internal structure of the nose as well. In this way, rhinoplasty can be performed in order to make aesthetic enhancements and to make functional improvements to the nose.

And, of course, there are other surgeries that exist as well, ones which can improve the appearance of the ears, the lips, the chin, and the cheekbones. It is important to discuss that with your plastic surgeon, who will be able to address all your concerns about rhinoplasty cost, the face lift procedure, and what you need to note after a surgery has been performed.

Acne Scars Can Vanish

August 9th, 2010

Everyone at some point has dealt with or will deal with the acne breakouts. For many teenagers acne breakouts are a common occurrence. And acne is often most prevalent on or around the face, making the problem even more noticeable. Unfortunately for some people acne breakouts, especially during the teenage years, cause scars and leave visible reminders for years, and in some cases for life.

For many people suffering from acne scars everyday life can be embarrassing and unnerving. Interacting with and meeting new people can be challenging or feel awkward. Acne scars are much more than skin deep. For many people suffering with acne scars, the pain and embarrassment causes emotional scars as well. Since acne scars typically on the face and cannot be hidden by clothes, they are always on display.

In the past cosmetic surgery has only had a minor, often painful, solution to acne scars and other forms of scarring. Invasive procedures or generic creams offered little help to the bevy of people suffering from debilitating scars. Thanks to facial rejuvenation in Philadelphia and elsewhere around the United States people are now able to reduce the signs of scaring, and in some case eliminate them completely.

Thanks to laser treatment with Fraxel® in Philadelphia and elsewhere throughout the United States scar treatment and results are becoming the norm for many people. The Fraxel® laser treatment resurfaces the skin and eliminates the signs of scarring. The Fraxel® device sends columns of light to the skin, damaging the outer layer and stimulating collagen growth. As the skin heals the visibility of scars will diminish. Over a series of treatments, depending on the patient, the signs of scarring may completely disappear.

Breast Augmentation Surgery – Information and FAQs

August 2nd, 2010

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular and well-known plastic surgery procedures available. The surgery is designed to increase the size of the breasts, creating a more shapely and feminine contour. For many women, breast augmentation is the key to improving their self-esteem and boosting their confidence.

Like any plastic surgery procedure, breast augmentation is not without risks. It is important for prospective breast augmentation patients to do their research about the procedure. Below are some FAQs that can provide some general information about breast augmentation surgery.

How will I know what size breast implant to choose?

When you visit a plastic surgeon for a breast augmentation consultation, it is not necessary that you know the exact size implant you are interested in. The purpose of the consultation is to discuss these aspects of the procedure. It can be extremely helpful hearing the recommendation your plastic surgeon offers for the size of your implants. Of course, in the end, the decision will be left up to you how large you want your implants to be. But remember, plastic surgeons have performed thousands of breast augmentation surgeries and they know what size flatters a woman’s frame.

How safe is breast augmentation?

For many years, breast augmentation had a bad rap. Breast implants were linked to serious health concerns, including autoimmune disorders. This prompted the recall of silicone breast implants by the FDA in 1992. Fourteen years later than ban was lifted; silicone implants underwent a complete redesign and they are now considered extremely safe.

Of course, breast augmentation surgery does carry some serious side effects and complications. The breast implants themselves can cause capsular contracture and rippling. Damaged nerves, scarring, and loss of sensation are all possible side effects of breast implant surgery. These complications are rare.

Find a breast augmentation surgeon in San Antonio. Contact a breast enlargement specialist serving San Antonio.

Enlarge the Breasts with Breast Implant Surgery

August 2nd, 2010

There are many causes of self-consciousness in women, and many of which are related to the size, the shape, and the symmetry of their breasts. This is a common issue that many people have to face at some point. There are, however, a number of different surgical options that women may turn to if they would like to do something about the size, shape, and contour of their breasts. The answer may in fact be San Antonio breast augmentation surgery, or at least some sort of breast enhancement surgery.

The breast augmentation procedure involves the use of breast implants that are surgically placed into the breast area. These breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes and also have different fillers to consider. You may also wish to know that these implants also have different textures. The pros and cons of all of these options concerning breast implants can be discussed in greater detail during a consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.

During the breast augmentation surgery itself, your cosmetic surgeon will make an incision in a certain part of your body through which to place the breast implants. These incisions can be located in one of many areas. The most common areas where these incisions are made include the armpit, the belly button, the underside of the breast in the crease, or around the areola. The size, shape, type, and texture of the breast implant will determine the placement of the incisions, as well as the common methods of the surgeon.

Not everyone will be best suited to undergo a breast augmentation surgery. In fact, there are certain health conditions or factors about shape and symmetry of form that need to be considered before someone gets breast implants or undergoes breast augmentation surgery. To learn more about your various cosmetic surgery options, such as San Antonio breast reconstruction and other surgeries, and which surgery is right for you, it is important to undergo a full consultation with your cosmetic surgeon about breast augmentation.

Cataract Treatment with Multifocal Lenses - An Overview

July 22nd, 2010

During cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the patient’s damaged lens and replaces it with a sophisticated artificial lens. This replacement lens is called an intraocular lens implant (IOL). There are two main types of IOLs: monofocal and multifocal. If you are planning to undergo cataract surgery in Lincoln, Nebraska, an eye doctor at the Lincoln Eye & Laser Institute can help you decide which type of lens is right for your needs.

Monofocal IOLs

The first intraocular lenses were monofocal. These lenses correct vision at one distance - near, intermediate, or far. To see clearly at other distances, patients with monofocal IOLs have to rely on prescription glasses. With the advantages multifocal lenses offer, monofocal IOLs are not as widely used as they once were.

Multifocal IOLs

Unlike their monofocal counterparts, multifocal IOLs can correct vision at multiple distances. Typically, the brain goes through a short adjustment period as it learns to use the visual information supplied by multifocal IOLs. A variety of options are available to patients who prefer multifocal IOLs.

Crystalens HD®

With Crystalens HD, patients can enjoy freedom from cataracts and presbyopia. The exciting technology behind this advanced IOL is based on the workings of the natural human eye. Like a natural lens, the Crystalens HD constantly adjusts to meet the patient’s vision requirements.

ReStor™

The ReStor multifocal IOL greatly reduces or eliminates patients’ need for glasses or contacts after cataract surgery. The key to its success lies in the structure of the lens itself.  Multiple tiers corresponding to different ranges of vision allow clear vision at various distances.

ReZoom®

In order to provide quality vision near, far, and in between, as well as in various types of lighting, the ReZoom lens has five visual zones. One supports clear distance vision in bright lighting, while another aids focusing at a distance in when it is darker. Other zones handle near vision in a range of light conditions.

Why LASIK - Options for Vision Correction and Improvement

July 19th, 2010

Vision problems can be easy to deal with or they may be hard to fix. It really depends on the nature of the vision problem you are dealing with. It is important to go to an Omaha LASIK surgeon to find out if you are a good candidate for eye care treatment and what treatment you would best qualify for.

Different vision problems will require different kinds of treatments. For instance, if you have cataracts, you will need to undergo a certain type of surgery to remove the cataracts and restore your vision. If you have glaucoma, that will require a certain type of treatment as well. Generally, those of who have refractive errors will be able to undergo the same sorts of treatments.

Refractive errors are a group of vision problems that all have to do with how light enters the eyes. If light enters the eyes and is focused into the middle of the eye in the vitreous humor, it will cause a person to be nearsighted. If light enters the eyes and is focused behind the retina, it will cause a person to be farsighted. In the case of astigmatism, this condition is often paired with either nearsightedness or farsightedness, and will also cause problems with vision due to a defect of the cornea.

Treating refractive errors can be accomplished through a refractive surgery, such as LASIK, LASEK, or PRK in Nebraska. The most popular and well known of these treatment options is LASIK. During the LASIK surgery procedure, the eye surgeon will access the cornea by creating a safe and painless flap in the topmost layer of the eye (not the eyeball itself). A laser is then used to reshape the cornea and ensure that light passes through the cornea effectively and efficiently.

To learn more about LASIK, additional treatment options for refractive errors, and more factors to take into account for eye problem surgery, speak with a skilled surgeon in your area today.