Plastic surgery overseas

Since I wrote about laser mole removal, I have received several emails about offshore plastic surgery. Or in other words, how about getting a plastic surgery procedure done outside the US, where it is much cheaper. (Related article: Lasers for face and body)

Apart from offshoring manufacturing (to China) and software (to India), we are gradually looking at other options and plastic surgery is one of them. Since plastic surgery procedures are generally not covered by health insurance, there is little incentive to pay top dollars in the US. And that is the main reason why plastic surgery clinics in many countries are offering less expensive options.

Is plastic surgery overseas as good as that in the US?

The answer varies by procedure. For instance, for something as simple as nose job (rhinoplasty) or mole removal by laser or liposuction, it is perfectly fine to get a procedure done anywhere. However, in something more complicated like a face lift or gastic bypass surgery or tummy tuck, unless you are positive that you are going to a good clinic, it is better to get it done in the US.

Where should I go for plastic surgery?

Mexico is definitely a great choice because there are plastic surgeons and clinics exclusively for American patients. Many actually have American plastic surgeons who commute to these clinics to take advantage of lower cost structure in Mexico. Other Mexican surgeons are fully qualified to work in the US, but again for cost reasons, prefer to operate in Mexico.

There are clinics in other countries that are starting to offer plastic surgery packages. Brazil, Thailand, Eastern European countries, and India all offer less expensive choices.

How to make sure that I don't get into trouble?

1. Do some research on the web about the plastic surgeon and the clinic. Carefully note the doctor's credentials and any comments from past patients.
2. Ask around. If anyone you know has had a procedure overseas, use that knowledge in making up your mind.
3. Do not pay anything before arriving at the clinic, no matter what. Always use a credit card to pay no matter how large the amount. So work it out with your credit card company ahead of time if you do not have the limit. You are more likely to get your money back if you use a credit card.
4. Don't just walk into the surgery room. Arrive a day or two early. Take a tour of the facilities and schedule a session with your surgeon so that you can ask all your questions.
5. If the surgeon or the clinic is not willing to meet your requests or acts suspicious (for example, demanding only cash payments) or you have any other doubts, look around more. There are many other choices.

Recommended article: Plastic surgery safety

Men proud to wear thongs on the beach

My previous articles on thongs for men on the beach and thongs for couples attracted dozens of emails. The summary of these messages is that we are finally exploring a whole new world of lingerie for men and women.

Let me share an interesting email from Jim who is not only proud of wearing a thong but also urges other men who have not yet tried this to give it a chance.

"I wear a thong regularly on the beach. Some of you will assume that I am gay, but that problem is in your head, not mine. My current girlfriend thinks I look good in a thong. Most of the comments I have received, when wearing a thong on the beach, have been surprisingly positive and supportive. It's a drag that idiots sometimes make silly comments, but on the plus side, I find that a lot of women like my thong and come over to meet me. Met one of my previous girlfriends that way. Yes, she approached me on the beach because I was confident enough to wear a thong.

Most men are hiding in long surf shorts, pretending that they are hung like elephants. HA! Silly buggers, the women know better.

It's important to find a good fit, one that is properly made for a man, one that is not too small. Don't let vanity rule; make sure the waist is large enough so that it does not dig in to the hips. If it does, it will give you love handles where there were none before.

Some people have asked why I don’t wear shorts, just like every one else. Do we have to dress alike on the beach too?

To the people who say "I don't want to see that," please just don't come to the beach or keep your opinions to yourself. We put up with seeing your ridiculous SUV's, Hawaiian wallpaper shorts, potbellies, whale white skin and your children; oh your children... So leave us alone.

Some of us are brave enough to break out of the stereotype. Most of the women dig us and it’s lots of fun. We are not out to please every one all the time, just ourselves. Did I mention that I have an almost contentious all over tan with a cute thong tan line? Have you seen what a board surfer looks like when he takes his shorts off?

Not every one will be a triathlete, a kite surfer, a hang glider pilot, or a wearer of thongs. It just takes a little courage and practice. The rest of you are just spectators in life."

Related articles:

You can be a metrosexual but a tough man too

Thongs become popular

Thongs for men on the beach

In response to my article on thongs for couples I have received many responses. So it is not just the young and the adventurous that are discovering the wonders of thongs. Even couples who would otherwise appear to be "old" are finding out the joys of wearing thongs. (Related article: Lingerie for men)

Michael in Tampa, Florida, is 58 years old and says that he is in good shape. He says, "I started to wear a thong (at home) during the last year. I am large down there and my wife finds it very attractive having a thong stretching over me, particularly one that shows a strong defined outline of me. One funny story I have to tell you is that last summer my sister-in-law stopped by when my wife and I were on the deck in our bath gowns. I had on a very tight fitting thin, pale-blue thong on. At family functions, vacations and the like, I always wear shorts and no one has seen this side of us. We heard my sister-in-law open the patio door and we both got up to greet her. Unfortunately (or should I say fortunately) my robe got caught on the chair when I stood up and stayed on the chair and all she could see was this very fine pale blue nylon stretched thong on me. Her eyes were transfixed for what seemed like a long time. My wife broke the ice by saying, "Turn around and show off your buns to Kathy." And I did. Two or three weeks later, my wife and sister-in-law met for coffee, as they do on a regular basis. The topic got around to my thong and how big I was down there. Her husband, she confided, is half the size I am. Which brings me to asking for some advice. I have only worn thongs at home in private. My wife says that at my age, she would love to be seen out with me in a thong, as long as it is on vacation and away where it is unlikely that anyone will recognize us. I know that I would be pretty embarrassed with any attention. What do you think?" (Related article: Thongs are in fashion)

Indeed, it is true that thongs on both men and women are not as common on the beach as they are on beaches in many other parts of the world. One, many Americans do not have the bodies any more to show off with obesity being a major problem. Two, even brief style swimsuits on men draw some attention. So thongs would definitely draw attention. (Related article: Metrosexual men but tough too)

But what I would suggest is that since you are in good shape and will be with your wife, there is no harm in giving it a try. Here are some tips on thongs on the beach:

1. You do not have to really show off that you are wearing a thong, and neither be too self conscious. Just be yourself.
2. It is very unlikely that anyone will react openly. Women might just get jealous of your wife, like your sister-in-law did.
3. Try out first on a swimming pool/beach where lots of adults (rather than families and children) hang out.

Recommended article: Mature woman and a younger man indulge their passion with lingerie

How to sleep better without Melatonin?

This time let me share some of my experiences with how to sleep better. Who doesn't have a sleep problem? Or let us ask it differently, Who has always slept perfectly always? The answer is that we all have some sort of issues with our sleep. I rarely slept very well but it got really worse about two years ago when I had some personal situation (a big source of my income simply disappeared). (Related article: Sleep well for good health)

For as many as 10 years I was aware of a hormone supplement Melatonin. I had occasionally taken it when I had difficulty sleeping or while I was traveling across time zones. It is inexpensive, available over-the-counter, and works. I would fall to sleep in less than half an hour and wake up pretty fresh in the morning.

But when I was very stressed out due to my financial situation, I started taking it regularly. I popped a pill every night and slept without any problem. I had read books on Melatonin and also seen reports here and there about its side effects but there never was a consensus on anything. Personally, I felt no side effects at all. There are reports, however, that Melatonin can have adverse side effects. A recent study by biologist George Bentley of the University of Washington and the University of California, Berkeley shows that it may have an impact on how well you perform in bed. The tests were done only on Japanese quail but the researchers think that it could affect humans as well. Incidentally, I seem to be doing well so far. (Related article: How to last longer in bed?)

But I was starting to wonder if I was getting addicted to Melatonin. So one of new year resolutions for 2005 was to try to sleep without Melatonin and I am happy to report that I have not taken it even once this year and I am sleeping great. Here are some things that work for me to sleep better?

1. Tell your mind that you will sleep naturally and need no hormone supplement.
2. Stick to your bedtime (even during the weekend). If there is a late night television program that you would like to watch, record it instead and watch it the next day. I try to sleep between 10 and 11 PM.
3. Eat your meals (and keep it light) several hours before sleeping. I eat my last meal at 6 PM, and immediately brush my teeth so that I don't eat anything after that.
4. Take a warm shower.
5. Drink a cup of herbal tea.
6. Put an eye mask if your eyes are tired.
7. Do a bedroom makeover and make it a pleasant place where you feel at peace. I do not have a television in my bedroom. Both my wife and I often read in bed before going to bed (the nights we are not physically intimate).

Recommended article: Importance of sleep for couples

Laser treatment for face and body care

When I helped Erica with her question about increasing her self esteem because she had a mole on her cheek, I recommended that she use laser for mole removal. Since then not only have I heard from many women and men who would like to get rid of their moles on various parts of the body, I have also been contacted by skin specialists and laser companies with lots of information on laser and its wonderful applications in beauty and wellness.

Does it sound too high-tech and science fiction like? It did to me too in the beginning but as I did some more research I learned that lasers offer so many alternatives to improving our appearance. There are many types of lasers used to improve the skin and they have different functions depending on their intensity.

So what is a laser?

Laser stands for “Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Quiet complex, but we do not have to understand the underlying technology, but what they can do for us. To explain in simple terms, I am told, a laser is a very intense beam of light that can cut or vaporize the skin, hair follicles, and blood vessels.

What can laser do for you?

• Eliminates spider veins and small or medium varicose veins. Lasers are being used to zap veins on the legs and dark blood vessels on other parts. There are a few lasers that can also eliminate tiny veins on the face. Some people may need a series of treatments to eliminate the veins.
• Remove unwanted hair. After a few treatments lasers can offer permanent or long-term hair removal. This is becoming a popular procedure for both women and men. (Related article: Hair removal by sugaring and hair trimming in private parts)
• Eliminate or improve scars and hyperpigmentation.
• Many types of lasers are used to improve the appearance of skin. The CO2 laser can take away the superficial layer of the skin helping to improve the appearance of fine wrinkles, facial scars and pigmentation. The pigmentation can be the result of sun damage, pregnancy, or other related causes. The scars improve with laser. But depending on the type of scars, they may require a combination of procedures.
• Improve the appearance of your skin
• Some spas and some doctors use lasers that can improve the texture of your skin. These treatments are simple and take very short time. They help the skin look softer, make the pores smaller, improve scars, fine lines and fine wrinkles, lighten pigmentation, and improve overall skin tone (the skin looks firmer). These lasers are called by many names including Cool Touch Laser, N-Lite Laser and Cool Laser. They offer many advantages because they do not produce swelling and redness. They usually require a series of treatments to see meaningful results.
• Improve condition of broken capillaries and blood vessels on the skin.

Other things lasers can do for your skin are: Remove tattoos, moles, small tumors, and treat acne. Laser treatment can cost all the way from $100 for a non-ablative (meaning less invasive and less damaging) laser such as Cool Touch (using these lasers you will need a series of treatments) to $7,000 depending on the area of treatment and the geographic location of the spa.

Recommended article: Guide to skincare

Social Security privatization impact on retirement

I knew it was coming. There has been so much news lately about Social Security privatization that someone was going to ask me about my opinion. I did receive over two dozen questions on the topic. Well, I have to admit that I have my strengths but understanding the complexities of Social Security is not one of them. So I assembled a group of my friends who specialize in economics and public policy and here is a brief summary of my understanding:

• The US economy has many weaknesses - the huge deficits, the falling dollar, lack of jobs in America, 45 millions uninsured Americans, falling incomes, aging population, and yes, a gradually developing revenue shortfall in Social Security. Some of these problems have gotten worse since President Bush came to power due to his relentless tax cuts for a select few, giveaways to large corporations, war in Iraq, and other poor economic policies.
• Social Security is not in a crisis but like many other problems with the US economy, it is one of the problems to deal with over time.
• While I do have an online trading account (though over my investing life, I have lost money overall), a 401(K) account (where I have done reasonably well), I am not sure if I want to be invest my retirement savings into the stock market. Given a choice, I will probably keep those savings in a more secure place.
• No matter who says what, the retirement benefits will fall significantly under Bush's plan. That is kind of scary since like anyone else, I don't save enough, though I have zero bad debt.
• I don't know about others, but as a young American, even though I might benefit from a private investment account, I am not sure I will feel great if I see our seniors, disabled, widows/widowers, and spouses and children of retired and disabled workers (that adds up to roughly 45 million Americans) fall into poverty.

So my advice to you is to ask yourself how selfish you want to be. I am personally trying to save more so that I have a pool of money available to me when I retire.

Recommended article: A personal finance plan is key to retirement planning