Myths And Facts About Breast Implants

Posted on May 16, 2013 by premier

You have probably heard a lot of things about breast implants. However, many of the things that you have heard are not true. Below are some of the myths and facts about breast implants:

Myth #1 Breast Implants Are Designed to Last a Lifetime

Fact: No medical device is designed to last a lifetime. Even though today’s breast implants are made with state-of-the-art material, it is not realistic to expect them to last for the rest of your life. It is very possible that you may have to get your implants replaced in the future.

Myth #2 It is Impossible to Breastfeed After Getting Breast Implants

Fact: Most women who have had implants do not have any problems breastfeeding. However, you may have trouble breastfeeding if the surgeon made the incision around the areola. Additionally, your nipples may be more or less sensitive after getting breast implants, making breastfeeding more difficult.

Myth #3 Bigger is Better

Fact: The primary purpose of getting breast implants is to enlarge your breasts, but bigger is not necessarily better. Your breasts will be more likely to sag when you get older if you have very large implants. That is why plastic surgeons advise against this and recommend a goal size that is proportionate with your body type and fits your individual lifestyle.

Myth #4 All Surgeons Are Qualified to Perform Breast Augmentation

Fact: Breast augmentation is a complex procedure that takes a lot of skill and precision to perform. Plastic surgeons are required to complete at least three additional years of training beyond medical school before they can perform breast augmentation.

Myth #5 All Breast Augmentation Surgeries Are Performed the Same Way

Fact: Every surgery is different because every woman is different. Your body type, age, goals and needs are the things that your surgeon will take into consideration when performing surgery.

Myth# 6 Silicone Implants Can Cause Diseases

Fact: Silicone implants were taken off the market in 1992 because many women reported complications. Even though silicone implants were put back on the market in 2005, there are some women who still think that those types of implants are dangerous. There have been numerous tests performed on silicone implants, and researchers have found no evidence linking them to any diseases.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

Posted on May 8, 2013 by premier

Chemical peels are used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, hyper-pigmentation, lines, and wrinkles. When your skin care specialist starts your chemical peel they apply the product to your face, neck, and du00e9colletu00e9. A chemical peel is true to its name; it really does peel away the top layer of your skin (and many blemishes that reside therein).

Your epidermis has many layers of skin. The outermost layer contains the oldest skin cells that need exfoliation from a peel to expose the newer and more vibrant cells. When you apply a chemical peel, you distress the outer layer of skin and speed up natural exfoliation.

As you remove your chemical peel, your oldest skin cells slough off. When this is complete (which may take one to several days) you’ll expose your new, healthy skin cells that were underneath those old cells. These cells heal quickly and expose a younger, healthier skin to the outer world. Your skin will appear smoother, healthier, and younger to the outside observer.

There are many chemical peels available to you. Please consult your dermatologist/skin care professional to see which product is right for your skin type, desired results, and lifestyle.

Signs You Should Get a Doctor to Look at Your Mole

Posted on May 1, 2013 by premier

Common moles are usually smaller than the width of a pencil eraser, or about 0.25 inch in diameter. A common mole is either round or oval and has a smooth surface. Often common moles are dome-shaped on top, but they may be flat to the skin surrounding them. This type of mole is pink, tan or a shade of brown from a very light color to a very dark brown or black color.

If you have a mole that changes color it may be developing into melanoma. Moles with two different colors denote a change that needs to be seen by a doctor. If a mole changes in size by growing bigger or smaller suddenly and into an uneven shape that is not circular or oval, it is time for a doctor’s checkup.

Moles may change in height by getting taller from the skin or have a scaly texture. These changes signify the need for professional help. When moles become very hard or feel as they have lumps in them, they could be turning into melanoma. Consult with a physician if your moles are very itchy or they ooze fluid or start to bleed.

Basically, any change in a common mole suggests the need to see a doctor to make certain that you are not contracting skin cancer. Melanoma is a serious skin cancer that if left untreated can spread to your lungs, bones, liver and to your brain. Measuring and observing your common moles at least once a month will keep you advised of the changes they incur so you can visit a doctor at the first sign of change.

Bottom line is that any mole that looks all irregular should be taken seriously, and you should consult with your dermatologist. Annual skin checks are a great way to make sure that ‘hidden’ moles on your back and other hard to see places are not problematic.

Top Misconceptions About Plastic Surgery

Posted on April 27, 2013 by premier

Over a million people have cosmetic procedures each year, and there are many misconceptions about who these patients are. The truth about who is having plastic surgery might surprise you.

It is assumed that women who go under the knife are vain. While some opt for surgery strictly to look better, the truth is that many choose surgery for self-esteem. Women who are self-conscious about their bodies gain a tremendous amount of confidence when they feel in control. They may not be able to alter certain traits, but they can fix a crooked nose or breasts they feel are too small.

Looking better is only one part of the equation. Feeling better is the goal.

If it seems that Hollywood is the only place cosmetic surgery exists, that is not the case. While celebrities who choose a surgical fix are some of the most obvious plastic surgery patients, they aren’t alone. The average Jane takes this route more than movie stars do each year, and surgical suites are full of people who have never seen a movie set or been on television.

A florist in Florida is more likely than a blockbuster star on the Walk of Fame to seek cosmetic surgery.

When you think of plastic surgery, do you think it’s only for the wealthy?

The truth is that people of all income levels choose surgical enhancement. Surveys conducted on those inquiring about surgery found that roughly 40% of reported their annual income was $30,000-$60,000 a year. Surprisingly, almost 30% reported incomes of less than $30,000. Only 13% reported income of over $90,000 a year. Clearly, not only the well-off are opting to beautify their bodies. It could be the cashier checking your groceries just as easily as the banker driving the luxury sedan.

Movies and television give the impression that surgical enhancement is just for women. The truth is more men are now choosing to get a little work done themselves. While still in the minority, men are having procedures for social and professional benefit. Typically, men opt for more subtle procedures, such as hair plugs, injectable wrinkle fillers, liposuction, and minor facial enhancements, such as a brow lift.

Patients feel great once their procedures are healed. They are happy and confident, but perhaps unaware that most results are not meant to last a lifetime. Aging will still occur, as nothing can freeze the hands of time or the work of gravity. To keep that desired post-surgical look, upkeep or repeated procedures will be necessary. Injectable fillers last a few months, a full face-lift has a lifespan of about 10 years, breast implants made need to be replaced every decade, while a reduction will be affected by weight gain, loss or pregnancy.

Eczema treatments your doctor can prescribe for you

Posted on April 20, 2013 by premier

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. If you think you have eczema, look for inflammation, red skin, and itching. Other cases may include an outbreak of scaly lesions. The good news is, eczema is not contagious, and you need not quarantine yourself until you’re diagnosed by a professional.

Your dermatological provider will prescribe different treatment plans, depending on your needs. In crafting a treatment plan, she will consider both the severity of your condition and the exact variety of your eczema condition. If you have eczema, you will likely need multiple treatment plans to get it under control, and many health providers will suggest lifestyle changes to treat it.

The primary goal of your dermatological provider is control your symptoms (again, the inflammation, redness, itching and scaling that you may be experiencing).

Often she will suggest that you make sure your skin stays hydrated, and caution you to avoid bathing too often (which can dry skin out). Often, she will prescribe low water/high oil content ointments and corticosteroid creams to treat inflammation. Severe itching requires an antihistamine prescription.

Your dermatological provider has a wealth of drugs and over-the-counter solutions at her disposal to address your eczema conditions. Please don’t hesitate to consult one immediately.

Vitamins you should be sure to take when you turn 40

Posted on April 12, 2013 by premier

Everyone wants to live a long and plentiful life, but no one wants that to be reflected on their skin.

While hair can be colored and wardrobes can be updated in an attempt to look younger, a person’s skin can often let out the secret of carefully hidden maturity. Covering up unhealthy skin with cosmetics is not always the best solution for a more youthful appearance. Preserving healthy skin is important if one wants to keep drinking from the proverbial fountain of youth.

Protecting skin from the sun, eating a healthy diet and abstaining from smoking can subtract years from the skin. However, there are also vitamins available to aid in keeping skin flawless after 40 and beyond. Vitamin A is an all-around great maintainer of skin. It strengthens and repairs skin as well as prevents dry skin, breakouts and wrinkles.

Vitamin C has a reputation to help the immune system, but it also heals wounded skin. Another way to speed healing due to sun damage is taking Vitamin E supplements. Skin tone is greatly improved by Vitamin B consumption due to its stress relieving abilities. Healing processes and immune function are also aided by zinc supplementation.

While outside exposure to age-inducing agents should be avoided, taking vitamins and supplements is essential to a complete anti-aging skin regimen. Adding a few supplements to an otherwise healthy diet can ensure youthful and healthy skin even as the years advance.

Hair Washing – How Much Is Too Much?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by premier

Many people shampoo their hair daily as part of their normal shower routine. For most of them this is unnecessary. Washing too often can make hair dull looking and uncooperative. Unless you’re working with extremely oily hair, every other day should be plenty. African-Americans and those with curly hair could easily go even longer between washings.

The harsh detergents in many shampoos are notorious for stripping the hair of its natural oils, called sebum. These oils are what give hair its healthy-looking shine. Lathering up too often leads to hair that looks and feels dried out and lifeless.

It’s more important to wash hair properly than to wash it often. Before shampooing, the hair should be thoroughly saturated. With a small amount of product massage the scalp. This is where dirt collects, so the scalp is where effort needs to be concentrated. Once that is accomplished, the remainder of the shampoo can be rinsed out. The hair itself receives enough cleansing just from the soap running over it.

Condition once the hair is clean. A small amount applied to the ends is all that’s needed. Over-conditioning closer to the scalp can cause hair to lay flat and even appear greasy. The ends are where breakage occurs, so any conditioning should be concentrated there.

How much is too much shampooing? There’s no answer to satisfy everyone. Experimentation is vital. But it’s clear that at least in the case of shampooing, sometimes less really is more.

Chin Augmentation Surgery – The Basics

Posted on March 23, 2013 by premier

Chin augmentation (including chin implants) is known as Mentoplasty in the medical world. Changing the dimensions of your face can widen, lengthen or produce a stronger looking chin. If you have a weak chin or would like to round out your face, chin implants are the key to your desired look. By adding a biocompatible implant along the lower portion of your jaw, you can look in the mirror and admire the contour of your face.

The procedure can be performed in a hospital, as outpatient surgery, or in a surgeon’s office. You must have Xu2013rays taken of your chin in order for the surgeon to know where and what needs to be reconstructed in order to proceed with surgery. You should stop smoking before going through with the surgery if you are a smoker, as nicotine slows the healing process. You want to be sure you are healthy with a boosted immune system.

Implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and different materials can be used. There are newer biocompatible materials available, as well as a choice of using fatty tissue, real bone fragments, or a variety of implants made from silicone. The surgeon will determine what to use based on how you desire it to look.

A general anesthetic is administered, along with a numbing injection and a relaxation medicine. An incision is made into the mouth or under the chin area, between the bone and the muscles, and a pocket is made for the implant to be inserted. The surgeon may need to readjust some bones, in which would require a second incision into the jaw bone. The implant is adhered to the bone with sutures and the incision is then stitched together and bandages placed over it. All-in-all, the procedure takes 1 to 3 hours.

Recovery time is based on what technique is being used during procedure and if you are having other work done at the same time, such as Rhinoplasty. With the incision on the inside of your mouth, you will have to rinse your mouth out for several days. If your incision is under the chin, you will have the sutures removed in about 4- 7 days after surgery.

Trouble Getting Your Beauty Sleep? Try These Tips!

Posted on March 16, 2013 by premier

Getting enough sleep each night is important in order to keep skin looking great, keep body weight in check and have the energy to do the tasks planned for each day. Those who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep often turn to unhealthy pills, which can be both addictive and problematic in the future. Instead, consider these calming, soothing tips to help anyone fall asleep faster and wake up feeling rested.

Unplug for the Night: Many men and women have trouble sleeping well thanks to constant beeps and buzzes from their electronic or communication devices. Turn off any phones or computers each night, which will be helpful in relaxing. In addition, the lack of blinking lights can help people to fall asleep faster.

Exercise: Those who exercise during the day are able to sleep better at night. Even a short 20 minute power walk in the morning can play a role in helping tired women fall asleep faster each night. However, some people report that working out directly before bedtime prevents them from feeling tired, so avoid late night exercise if possible.

Avoid Stimulant Drinks Before Bed: Few people can deny that sipping a caffeinated drink before bed has an adverse effect on the quality of sleep for the night. Keep in mind that caffeine is best avoided for several hours before sleeping. While alcohol is sometimes suggested as a way to cause tiredness before bed, in reality the alcohol disrupts sleep throughout the night and causes people to wake up in the morning feeling unrested.

Use Relaxation Techniques: Each individual can use different techniques to help them relax before bedtime. Some enjoy a warm bath, hot cup of decaffeinated tea or even a few pages of a novel.

By utilizing these tips each evening, it will be easier to fall asleep each evening, stay asleep all night, and wake up feeling rested.

Skin, Stress and Exercise

Posted on March 8, 2013 by premier

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and responsible for maintaining temperature & fighting off viruses. This is a lot of stress to place on a single organ, but your skin tends to take this in stride. Chronic levels of stress however can lead to skin problems like inflammation, itching and compromised immunity. Even if you don’t necessarily realize that you are being exposed to stress your body, including your skin, can react to hormonal changes caused by stress. One of the best ways to decrease your body’s reaction to stress is to exercise regularly. This can have several effects that can help make your skin look and feel healthier.

Chronic stress causes your body’s endocrine system to release hormones such as cortisol. Over time, chronically high levels of these hormones cause problems like an overproduction of sebum from the follicles of your skin. This can clog pores when combined with dead skin cells, causing acne and skin inflammation. Exercise naturally decreases levels of stress hormones, both during and after the actual workout. Inflamed skin and other skin conditions caused by chronically high stress hormone levels can also deplete your body’s immunity. As a result, you become more susceptible to illness and even minor cuts or breaks in your skin may take longer than normal to heal.

Exercise isn’t simply a good way to lose or maintain your weight, it can also improve your skin’s appearance. When combined with a program that includes a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, exercise can improve your mood, reduce your risk of chronic illness and encourages you to sweat. Sweating is helpful because it helps to regulate your temperature but it also forces waste products from the follicles of your skin out and away from your body.

If you have any questions about the effects of stress on your skin, call our office to make an appointment.

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