Summer’s Hottest Cosmetic Treatments

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Nat

beverly hills plastic surgeryFor those hoping to get their bodies back in tip-top shape, here are four pre-summer treatments which are always popular:

  • Medical-Grade Skin Products: As mentioned in a recent article for the international edition of marie claire, facial lines and wrinkles are often one of the primary concerns for those getting ready for summer. For mild facial aging, these issues are also the most treatable, with a wide range of possibilities from creams to face lifts. Medical-grade skin treatment products can tighten and firm skin. These skin treatments greatly vary in intensity based on the necessary amount of treatment.
  • Chemical Peels and Other Office Skin Treatments: Your skin tone really becomes important during the summer, when you want to be active in the sun yet keep yourself protected from possible damage. For improving skin tone, medical-grade skin products are an excellent first step, which may be followed with in-office treatments that may improve skin tone include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser treatments.
  • Lip Injections: The lips are often a focal point for many facial aging concerns, as a key location for fine lines, wrinkles, as well as more dramatic facial lines that can really change the look of the face. Increased lip volume through facial fillers can help to alleviate many of these issues.
  • Face, Neck and Arm Lifts: More serious signs of aging may include sagging or excess skin, which often accumulates at the neck, face, upper arms and thighs. These more serious amounts of skin may not be treatable with injectable procedures and other minimally invasive treatments. For these men and women, surgical intervention may be necessary, to remove the excess skin and tighten the remaining tissue. The most popular versions of these procedures are facelifts and neck lifts, as well as arm lifts, thigh lifts and complete body lifts, when excess tissue is removed around the midsection.

Photo by mikebaird on Flickr.

Posted in Plastic Surgeon | Comments Off

The Importance of Experience with Dermal Fillers and Darker Skin

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Nat

darker skin dermal fillersThe unique challenges faced by men and women with dark skin seeking cosmetic injections are best met by those with extensive experience with dermal fillers.

The growth in this demographic has led to increased dermal filler and Botox injections for these men and women as well, according to a recent story in Skin & Allergy News.

More Men and Women With Darker Skin Choosing Cosmetic Procedures

According to Dr. Valerie Callender, a dermatologist at Howard University, “Your typical skin of color patient is 45 years old, has some volume loss, some infraorbital hollowing, and is definitely concerned about laugh lines.”

Patients with darker skin pigmentation are at an increased risk of forming keloids, a type of scarring that may be caused by injections but is rare in those with lighter skin. Dr. Callender says that, “The No. 1 tip is to minimize the number of injections to minimize the risk of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. If there is erythema, apply a topical corticosteroid.”

One advantage for those with darker pigmentation is that an increased amount of skin pigmentation tends to have a protective benefit against UV aging, helping darker skin to look 10 or even 20 years younger than comparable lighter skin.

The unique characteristics of the various types of skin have not been studied conclusively with regards to specific cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers and other skin treatments. Dr. Callender noted that more trials are needed in the future to determine short and long-term effects of the many available treatments on patients with darker skin.

Photo by DioBurto on Flickr

Posted in Cosmetic Injections | Tagged | Comments Off

Dramatic Rise in Arm Lifts Since 2000

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Nat

The arm surgery procedure has rapidly risen in popularity in recent years, due to the increase in its use following significant weight loss.

According to a recent report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, procedures to tighten and tone the upper arm have risen by 4,378% since 2000. This represents a dramatic increase, with only 300 men and women having the procedure in 200, and more than 15,000 last year.

Arm Lift Common After Significant Weight Loss

For those patients who have been working hard to lose weight, excess skin and fat deposits in the arm may serve as a constant reminder of what they have been working so hard to change. For many men and women, their body accumulates extra tissue in the upper arm, giving them the appearance of flabby arms, even when the rest of their body is slimming down.

This was the experience of Natalie Robinson, who was interviewed in the video report. After 36 months of weight loss training, she had lost more than 170 pounds, but still felt that her arms did not represent the major changes she was experiencing elsewhere. For that reason, she decided to have a surgical arm lift, along with thousands of other American men and women and many more internationally.

For those who have lost significant amounts of weight, the arm lift is just one of many procedures that may help to provide a more natural contour to the body as it responds to the weight loss. Other procedures that are popular for this purpose include the tummy tuck, thigh lift and buttock lift. Each body will respond to weight loss in its own way, so those wanting to improve their overall appearance after weight loss should schedule a personal consultation to determine what body contouring procedure is best for their body.

Posted in Body Surgery | Tagged | Comments Off

Cosmetic Surgery a Popular Mother’s Day Gift

Posted on April 21, 2013 by Nat

coral springs mom surgeryWhen it’s hard to find the perfect gift for the perfect mom in your life, many more gift givers are now choosing to give the gift of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures.

As cosmetic procedures become more mainstream, and discussion of these treatments becomes more common, satisfied customers are more likely than ever before to give these procedures as gifts to their loved ones and friends. This annual holiday celebrating mothers is a perfect opportunity for this kind of gift giving.

Mothers Frequently Choose Injectables, Breast Procedures

With the increasing popularity of these unique gifts, some cosmetic surgeon’s offices have begun encouraging this trend, offering cosmetic surgery specials for Mother’s Day gifts and mothers who schedule procedures around Mother’s Day.

Some of the most popular cosmetic procedures that are given to mothers are non-surgical procedures, such as injectables and various skin treatments. Affordable, fast, and requiring almost no recovery time, injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers may be ideal treatments for the busy lifestyles of mothers. These procedures give dramatic results without the larger commitment of surgery. They can also be an excellent option for those who have not used cosmetic procedures before, but have always wanted to get a taste of its possibilities.

Many gift givers will purchase a gift certificate in a certain amount, and then let the recipient pick their chosen procedure. For those who know exactly what the mother in their life is looking for, the financial details may be taken care of beforehand, improving the surprise of the gift experience.

For mothers who are more familiar with the options available through plastic surgery, and have a clear idea of what they are looking for, there are a number of these surgeries that make popular gifts. Popular plastic surgeries chosen by mothers include breast procedures such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, as well as body contouring procedures like tummy tucks and arm lifts.

Photo by mikebaird on Flickr.

Posted in Breast Surgery, Plastic Surgeon | Tagged | Comments Off

Focusing on Your Breast Lift Recovery for the Best Results

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Nat

riverside mastopexy surgical processEach recovery process is slightly unique, due to the differences between patients and surgeries. Proper planning for your breast lift recovery will improve your long term results.

Thoroughly discussing the plan for your breast lift recovery period will help to ensure that you have the swiftest and smoothest healing process possible. During your pre-surgery consultations, you will go over the expected stages of recovery, including a personalized schedule based on the details of your situation.

Planning for Your Breast Lift Recovery Improves Long Term Results

Breast lift procedures are performed under general anesthesia, which means that you may feel slightly groggy or tired for the first few hours after your surgery. In some cases, small surgical drains may be placed in the area to help with the removal of any excess fluids. The breasts are covered with gauze, and a specialized garment or bra may be used to help support the breasts and keep the drains in place.

The first few days of recovery are often spent at home, but it may soon be possible to increase the activity levels, with many women returning to work and normal schedules after about a week. A special compression surgical bra will be worn for the first 2-3 months to promote proper healing, decrease swelling and improve overall comfort.

For the best long-term results, it is often recommended to wear highly supportive bras after any breast surgery, such as breast augmentation or breast reduction, to minimize the natural process of drooping and keep the breasts in their new position, preserving their contours. Strenuous activity or exercise is often discouraged for the first month, including lifting arms over the head or carrying heavy items. Stomach sleeping should also be avoided for the first few weeks to limit the pressure on the breasts.

Photo by Daran Kandasamy on Flickr.

Posted in Breast Surgery | Tagged | Comments Off

Focus on Breast Lift/Augmentation Combo at Plastic Surgery Annual Meeting

Posted on April 7, 2013 by Nat

denver breast surgery procedureAt the much-anticipated 2013 annual meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a presentation will be made on advances in the combination of the breast lift and breast augmentation procedures.

The Aesthetic Meeting, as this event is known, takes place in New York City this year, and is a common place for the announcement of profound research and study findings. Over the course of a week, plastic surgeons from all over the country and the world meet to share information that could improve their practices and the experiences of their patients.

Breast Lift/Augmentation Combo Surgery Improves Results

According to Dr. Thomas Hubbard, who will be making the presentation at The Aesthetic Meeting, this research has been five years in the making. I’m excited to share this information with my peers at The Aesthetic Meeting,” he says. “The focus is safety and effectiveness, and board-certified plastic surgeons are continually looking for ways to improve in these areas.”

Though surgeons have been hesitant to perform the procedures together in the past, often preferring two separate surgeries to a combination procedure, new surgical techniques and advances have improved this option. This may give patients better overall outcomes, says Dr. Hubbard. “We can save patients time, discomfort and inconvenience. We can minimize risk. We can even potentially reduce costs for patients. Combined procedures also produce a more comprehensive result for patients who would benefit most from a lift and augmentation.”

The presentation has been scheduled for submission with the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, which should add to the spread of this information to surgeons around the world.

As highly personal and unique surgeries, breast procedures represent a particularly fertile areas for new surgical techniques, as researchers seek to make the experience as successful as possible for women in all situations.

Photo by Canadian Film Centre on Flickr.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Wedding Season Increased Demand for Cosmetic Procedures

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Nat

riverside summer nonsurgical injectionsWedding season is fast approaching, which means that more mend and women are scheduling their surgical and non-surgical procedures to get ready for their own weddings or weddings they will be attending.

For many, the most popular procedures are non-invasive injections such as Botox and dermal fillers, which can improve the facial appearance with minimal downtime and quick results. Other, more dramatic results are achieved with surgical procedures, which need to be scheduled further in advance.

Both Men and Women Choose Cosmetic Procedures Before Weddings

Depending on the wedding timeline, surgical or non-surgical procedures may be best for your unique situation. Some of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for brides-to-be and their wedding parties include breast augmentation, breast lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction. Liposuction is particularly popular due to the targeted results, relatively low cost and minimal downtime. For men, body contouring procedures and chin surgeries are popular for wedding preparation.

However, the most commonly performed pre-wedding cosmetic procedures are non-surgical. Botox injections and dermal fillers are often given in the weeks leading up to the wedding, to provide the best facial balance for those keepsake wedding photos. Often these injections are given throughout the winter as well, in order to find the best combination of injection locations and amounts that will achieve the desired result.

Other non-surgical procedures that are often performed prior to weddings include skin treatments, such as microdermabrasion and laser therapies. Chemical peels may also be performed to improve the overall skin texture. These peels may require a varying amount of recovery time before the wedding, depending on the severity of the individual peel. For the best possible results, schedule a consultation far in advance to work out the best combination of procedures for you personal goals.

Photo by Corey Ann on Flickr.

Posted in economy and plastic surgery | Tagged | Comments Off

Liposuction and Thigh Lifts Increase in Popularity Due to Thigh Gap Trend

Posted on March 21, 2013 by Nat

riverside thigh lift surgeryMore women may be choosing to have surgery on their legs due to a new online trend, according to the Daily Mail. This craze centers on creating space between your legs, known as a “thigh gap.”

Although women throughout history have always pursued the perfect legs, the level of devotion which this trend has gathered is drawing media attention. In addition to widespread online content focused on this goal, including Facebook groups and countless websites, the trend is contributing to the rise in specific leg contouring procedures. According to the article, these groups have more than 700,000 followers, and some surgeons are reporting dramatic increases in the number of leg procedures performed.

Treatments to Help Shape the Inner Thigh

The two most commonly performed procedures for the legs are the thigh lift and liposuction, both of which are procedures that can have a dramatic effect with a relatively short recovery period. Each procedure varies based on the extent of the treatment goals, which are unique to each patient.

Liposuction comes in a variety of forms, and is generally used for more minimal treatments where the skin still retains a healthy amount of elasticity. It may be specifically targeted to address certain trouble areas of the legs where the fat deposits persist despite focused exercise.

Thigh lifts represent a more significant treatment, in which excess skin is surgically removed along with the excess fat. Often, liposuction will be used to enhance the overall appearance of the final result. A thigh lift is typically done in cases where greater amounts of fat must be removed, and the skin has lost its elasticity, meaning that if only liposuction were to be performed, excess skin would be left behind. Other procedures that may be performed in this area at the same time include buttock lifts and tummy tucks.

Photo by Lorena Cupcake on Flickr.

Posted in Body Surgery | Tagged | Comments Off

Men and Women Happier After Plastic Surgery, Study Finds

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Nat

riverside cosmetic procedures happyA recently released European study shows that it is clear cosmetic surgery improves self-esteem as well as one’s happiness in the days immediately following a procedure and for several months afterward.

The study, which was conducted by Ruhr Universitat and the University of Basal, worked with 544 first-time surgical patients to establish information about those who choose cosmetic procedures. In addition, the study included 264 people who were interested in cosmetic surgery but chose not to get it, and 1,000 people who were not interested. The study was written up in the journal Clinical Psychological Science, and recently discussed in the NY Daily News.

Realistic Expectations Crucial to a Successful Plastic Surgery Outcome

Prior to their plastic surgery, there were no real happiness or self-esteem differences between those intending to have surgery and those who were not. However, when the breast lift, face lift, tummy tuck, and breast augmentation patients were interviewed again at three, six and twelve months post-surgery, the surgical patients were noticeably improved in these areas.

In the words of the study authors, “these patients felt healthier, were less anxious, had developed more self-esteem and found the operated body feature in particular, but also their body as a whole, more attractive. No adverse effects were observed.”

Another part of the study involved assessing how realistic the patient’s expectations were regarding their plastic surgery. According to these numbers, only about 12% of potential patients had unrealistic expectations of their outcomes and the effect their surgery would have on their lives. The American Psychological Association noted that previous research had firmly established a link between dissatisfaction, poor outcomes and unreasonable expectations.

Overall, other statistics collected by the survey showed that woman remain the driving force behind plastic surgery. According to those numbers, 87% of patients who choose cosmetic procedures are women.

Photo by Stf. O on Flickr.

Posted in plastic surgery in the news | Tagged | Comments Off

Breast Lift Often Recommended One Year After Breastfeeding

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Nat

riverside mastopexy after pregnancyThe natural changes which occur in each women’s body as a result of pregnancy and breastfeeding serve an important purpose, but may also leave a lasting impression.

For many women, a breast lift is an excellent way to meet these challenges by firming and reshaping the breasts for a younger appearance. The procedures may be performed with or without breast implants, depending on whether you are looking for a volume increase in addition to the lift.

Choosing a Breast Lift After Pregnancy May Be the Best Choice for Many Patients

Many women choose the breast lift option because it is an excellent way to firm and lift their breasts without adding any foreign material. This greatly decreases the aesthetic age of the breasts. The lift may also be combined with either a reduction or an augmentation of breast volume depending on the specific patient situation. These procedures may often be performed in one surgical episode, rather than multiple episodes spaced out over time, which increases recovery periods and lengthens the results timeline.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding are often key concerns of women considering this procedure. As with many other breast procedures, it is generally still possible for women to become pregnant, give birth and breastfeed following a breast lift. However, as a result of the common breast changes during pregnancy, it may not be practical to have a breast lift prior to expected children, as a revisionary procedure could then be required.

For this reason, most patients are encouraged to postpone any breast lifts until after they have birthed and nursed all the children they intend to have. However, the personal nature of this question makes it a particularly common one for women considering a breast lift. The trusted site RealSelf.com has dozens of questions from women wondering about the best timing for their particular situation.

Photo by mahalie on Flickr.

Posted in Breast Surgery | Tagged | Comments Off