Beautiful celebrities and models in movies, Reality TV shows, magazines and all the media that get stuffed in front of your face are all factors that popularize the notion that plastic surgery is the answer for perfection. The competition is high to be thin, perfect, and glamorous but does that outweigh the risks of surgery?

Women had 92 percent of cosmetic procedures. The number of procedures (surgical and nonsurgical) performed on women was over 10.5 million, an increase of 1 percent from the previous year. Surgical procedures decreased 9 percent; nonsurgical procedures increased 4 percent. Since 1997, surgical procedures increased 123 percent, while nonsurgical procedures have increased 749 percent. — American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Many people are anxious and excited to get breast implants, a new nose job, or even Botox injections to look good in the spotlight. What also has been in the spotlight recently are Kanye West’s mother and many others who are victims of plastic surgery medical malpractice. It is very important to extensively research your surgeon’s credentials as well as the procedure and recovery period, etc to make sure you’re in good hands. Also remember, botched plastic surgery cannot be undone.

Here are some important tips:

1. Have your internal med doctor (not your surgeon) to check if you’re healthy enough to withstand the physical stress of anesthesia and surgery on the heart and pulmonary (lung) systems with a medical pre-op exam.
2. Use caution when choosing your surgeon since it’s difficult to get information on a surgeon with good experience. Any physician with a medical degree and a license to practice medicine can legally perform plastic surgery in the United States. Check to see if your surgeon is certified on the and American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and The American Board of Plastic Surgery.
3. Check your doctor’s hospital affiliations. If your doctor has privileges at an accredited hospital, even if they choose to perform surgery in their private office, then it demonstrates that their work is subject to regular scrutiny. Do not use a doctor that does not have these privileges.
4. Ask your friends and your personal physician to see examples of the surgeon’s work, or talk to one or more patients about their surgical experience.
5. Check out the office and staff, especially the anesthesiologist, who will be providing you medical care before, during and after your surgery.
6. Ask your friends, doctor, surgeon, and family Questions!

Following these important steps to having a safe procedure can help prevent cosmetic surgery malpractice. Of course if you or anyone you know is involved in a plastic surgery malpractice that leads to health complications or a fatal result, I suggest you consult a medical malpractice law firm in your area such as:

• Bay Area attorneys, Teal & Montgomery
• New York medical malpractice lawyer, Raphaelson Law Firm
• Bridgeport CT Medical Malpratice Lawyer, Jonathan Perkins
• Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer, Harrell & Harrell

Popularity: 9%

For those of you who love chocolate as much as I do, here are some spa destinations that may just be better than sex.

• Hotel Sacher - Vienna, Austria

The Hotel Sacher, in Vienna, Austria is best known for their famous Sacher Torte not only serves some of the best chocolate in the world on a plate but in their Spa’s Luxurious Hot Chocolate Treatments! Indulge in a Chocolate Body Scrub, a Chocolate Body Mask and finish with a Chocolate Body Lotion.

• Los Altos de Eros - Costa Rica

Next on our list is the exotic hideaway of Los Altos de Eros Luxury Inn and Spa, in Costa Rica. Your day will begin with the calls of the Howler Monkeys in the nearby trees. After you leave your suite, you’ll walk down the teak steps, viewing both the tropical forest and the ocean you’ll come to the Spa de Eros. Now it’s time to soak in the Balinese tub, filled with “Chocolate Decadence”, soothing waters of chocolate, essential oils and flower petals. Heaven on Earth.

• Hotel Hershey - Hershey, PA

Our last chocolate paradise is in our own back yard, The Hotel Hershey. If you’ve never been to Hershey Pennsylvania, (and you’re a chocolate lover) you’re in for a treat. As soon as you’re within a mile of the town you’ll want to turn down your windows. The sweet smell of chocolate is always in the air in this quaint little town.

The Hotel Hershey’s “Chocolate Spa” spa is dedicated to the love of chocolate. Experience a whipped cocoa bath, a chocolate bean polish and a chocolate fondue wrap, just to name a few.

When you’re finished in the spa, you can visit Hershey Park (just for fun) or enjoy a quiet walk in the gardens at the Hotel.

Popularity: 3%

If selling clothes is the object of fashion shows, then why are the models so tall and thin? The average Northern American woman is a size 14 at 5’4” and weighs 152 pounds (according to the department of Health and Human Services).The average model is a size 6 and is 5’10” (with measurements of 34, 24,34). (Nikki Taylor, right)

Fashion designers and beauty editors will use the excuse that the height and weight ratio of professional models show off their creations in the most flattering light. When one looks at the silver screen beauties of the 40s, 50’s and 60’s, we aren’t seeing 6’, 108lb. women.

Most of the actresses of this era were an average of 5’4” tall, yet they never appeared short and dumpy and the clothes we see them in still exude the essence of fine apparel. The primary reason for this is a true understanding of a woman’s body, it’s proportions and the use of tailoring and fitting techniques to enhance those natural attributes. Even older and fuller figured women of these time periods cut fine figures. (Joan Crawford, below, 5’1”)

True beauty isn’t necessarily being seen in the latest Dolce and Gabbana or Gucci, unless it fits your body type. Rather, the true fashionista absorbs what she sees in print and in the stores and translates it into a look that’s flattering for her.

One would think that with the majority of women not fitting the standards projected on the runway that more designers would actually address the reality that is the figures of the women who are really out there. After all they’re in the business to make money, and what better way to make money than to expand your client base.

Popularity: 10%

As a child, I grew up in the middle of nowhere. My mother was (and still is) very interested in the use of natural ingredients as remedies as well as for every day food (which I typically didn’t like).

Jewelweed was almost a staple in our home (because of the abundance of poison ivy nearby). I know for a fact that it works, because I’ve used it many, many times.

Burt’s Bees also uses jewelweed in the Poison Ivy Soap

It’s only $6.00!

I’ve actually not had Poison Ivy in many years, but based on the list of ingredients, it would be the first thing I’d reach for if I went home and the rash appeared.

In addition to the jewelweed, my mother also used comfrey in a salve of her own making. We used the salve for everything from chapped lips to scrapes and cuts. It worked! She’s since moved on to a career where she doesn’t have time to make her fabulous salve, but I’m certain she’d use Burt’s Res-Q-Ointment with comfrey to aid in her healing time.

This product’s only $5.00!

Some of the reason for the lack of expense is the size of the product. The products are made from mostly natural ingredients, because of this, their made in a size that will be used before the ingredients expire.

You can find something that you’ll be able to use from Burt’s Bees website. I think you’ll be happy you did.

burtsbees.com

Popularity: 1%