The Art of Cosmetic Surgery

My thoughts about cosmetic and plastic surgery

‘Gummy Bear’ Breast Implants Inch Closer To U.S.

Source: NBC
Makers Hope Silicone Implants Will Be Approved In U.S.

A new type of breast implant already available in other countries may soon be making its way to the United States.

The implants are made up of a silicone gel different from the silicone implants that have been banned in this country, reported WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.
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Resurfacing the Skin with Lasers

Source: BBC News
Geri Halliwell and Cher have both had laser treatment to remove unwanted tattoos.

Lasers produce a single wavelength or colour of light, which can be varied in intensity. In cosmetic treatments, the energy of a laser is used to vaporize the top layers of skin. This method of resurfacing the skin has a similar effect as a chemical peel or microdermabrasion. It is often used to remove smoker’s lines around the lips. Laser resurfacing is still a relatively new procedure, but its popularity is growing fast.
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Low carb diets ‘cut heart energy’

Source: BBC News
Scientists have found high fat, low carbohydrate diets can reduce energy to the heart.

_41015846_meat203.jpgThe Oxford University team say it is unclear at this stage whether this could have a damaging impact on health - but say more research is needed. Many people have lost weight quickly by following such diets - but scientists fear they may not be good for health in the longer term. The new study is being presented to an American Heart Association meeting. The Oxford team monitored 19 people over a two week period.

Associated with illness

Lead researcher Professor Kieran Clarke told BBC News that people with illnesses such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease also had lower than normal heart energy levels. A more severe form of energy depletion is one of the features of heart failure, where patients struggle with physical exertion because they have little ‘in the tank’.

We would certainly not recommend high fat-low carb diets to anyone who wants to lose weight and look after their heart

Professor Clarke said further research should be carried out on a larger sample over a longer period. “Our study gives us some interesting insights into how extreme diets might be affecting us. “Of course, this is a small and short-term piece of work. The body is remarkably adaptive and what we don’t know is whether our hearts would have gradually returned to normal had we stuck to the diet long-term.”
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