Skin Sensation Loss After Plastic Surgery
The age-defying and confidence-boosting results that come from plastic surgery can seem magical.
But plastic surgery isn’t a matter of “just add water and stir.” The procedures are exacting and involve the cutting and tightening of the skin. As such, the incisions can cause a temporary skin sensation loss after plastic surgery.
Don’t fret. As with any surgery, this is a normal outcome. And it’s not as scary as it may sound.
Why Is There Skin Sensation Loss After Plastic Surgery?
Think about the last time you had a wound. When you cut yourself, you may have felt pain. But if the cut was very deep, there’s a chance you didn’t notice any pain at first.
That’s because the wound broke deep enough into the skin to disturb the network of nerves that runs through your body. This network is responsible for communicating sensation from many parts of the body to your brain.
Much like that deep cut, a surgical incision also impacts that network and disrupts those communication pathways – cutting off sensation to the skin.
So What Does It Feel Like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all for how each patient experiences the loss of skin sensation. For some there may just be some numbness or dullness. Yet another person with the same surgery may experience a complete loss of feeling.
In terms of when the skin sensation returns, this also varies. For many patients, the sensation returns gradually. They might experience tingling or even zapping as the nerves heal. But then there are those who have an abrupt return of sensation.
How Long Does It Last?
The simple rule of thumb is that the more invasive the surgery, the higher your risk of losing skin sensation. Of course, there are always other factors. For example, smoking reduces oxygen in the blood and slows the healing process. So for smokers, it will take longer.
In general, however, you can expect the these outcomes from the following procedures:
- Facelift
Experiencing sensation changes after having a facelift is very common. Especially around the incision sites. While many patients start regaining sensation within three to six months, it’s possible that you may still have some lack of sensation for a year before feeling sensation again.
- Tummy Tuck
Similar to a facelift, much of the loss of skin sensation after a tummy tuck is around the incision line. The area between the incision line and the belly button may also experience loss of feeling. This typically clears up within two to six months.
- Breast Augmentation/Lift/Reduction
Breast skin usually regains feeling within two to three months after breast augmentation, lift, and/or reduction. In cases where incisions were made around the nipple, the skin sensation loss can be longer lasting than those where incisions were made under the breast or arm. Nipple sensitivity may also be impacted.
- Liposuction
Here’s the good news: loss of skin sensation is rare after liposuction when it’s done as a standalone procedure. Within a few weeks of surgery (at most) the majority of patients return to normal feeling.
Get All the Deets on Plastic Surgery
While the idea of skin sensation loss after plastic surgery can be daunting, it’s almost always temporary. And the payoff is well worth the short term inconvenience.
If you’re dubious and want reassurance from a highly qualified team of medical experts though, contact us today for your free consultation. We’ll answer all your questions to put your mind at ease.
You won’t be left in the dark for a moment about your procedure.
What to Expect After Lip Fillers
Did you know that lip fillers are one of the most popular types of dermal fillers? In fact, they’re more than just popular.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of lip filler treatments has increased by more 48% since the year 2000. That’s more akin to world domination.
Whatever the case, if you’re considering this treatment for yourself, you may be wondering what to expect after lip fillers. We’ll “fill” you in. (Sorry. Had to do it.)
The Lip Filler Procedure
There are any number of reasons patients seek a lip filler treatment. Although one of the most prominent reasons is to plump up the lips, some patients are seeking to correct uneven lips, smooth out lip wrinkles, or lift the corners of the mouth. The latter two are more common with age.
Anyhow, the procedure itself is fairly simple.
Once the patient’s goals have been thoroughly discussed, the lips are cleaned with alcohol and anesthetized. Depending on the level of anesthetization desired by the patient or required for the procedure, it may be a topical lidocaine or numbing cream, or a nerve block for the entire area.
Using a tiny needle, filler is then injected into the areas of the lips that need volume. The filler might be hyaluronic acid, fat, or implants. It depends on the goal for treatment as well as the patient’s anatomy. The filler is gently massaged into the lips to prevent lumps. And that’s it.
As simple a procedure as it is, the results are not instant. And your lips will need 24 to 48 hours to recover. So if you’re planning on having the procedure for a specific event, you’ll need to take that into consideration and allow for ample healing time.
The following five situations apply to lip filler recovery:
1. Expect Some Discomfort
Don’t be alarmed if you see bruising at the injection site. This can be treated with vitamin K, aloe vera, arnica creams, or whatever your healthcare professional recommends.
There may also be itching, swelling, or other pain. Applying an ice pack or ice covered in a cloth can ease these symptoms. If the pain becomes too uncomfortable, your doctor may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) rather than blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil).
2. Pamper Your Face
If you feel naked without lipstick or other makeup on your lips, you’re going to have to embrace that nudity for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Furthermore, in an effort to keep your lips protected and the swelling at a minimum, you’ll need to sleep with your head elevated on pillows and not on your face that first night. So if you always sleep on your side or belly, that means you may have an interesting night’s sleep.
3. No Strenuous Exercise
After any sort of dermal filler, it’s key to keep blood pressure and the heart rate low. If they’re elevated, the swelling and bruising could be worse. As such, strenuous exercise should be avoided for 12 to 24 hours.
While light activity such as walking is okay, taking a sauna or steam afterwards is not. Any situation with high heat could make the swelling more pronounced. This includes a heated exercise class – no matter how gentle.
4. Say Yes to Water, No to Alcohol
Water is crucial in helping the body to heal. So it’s important to stay hydrated. If drinking a lot of water becomes tiresome, there are plenty of hydrating foods that can help. Also, avoiding sodium will enable the body to retain the hydration you provide.
And no matter how happy you are with your lip filler procedure, hold off on the champagne for a bit. Or any alcohol, for that matter. Not only does alcohol dehydrate, but it can cause inflammation and it acts as a blood thinner. (Hence, avoiding it before the procedure is also recommended.)
5. Know You’ll Be on the No Fly List
If you’ve spent any amount of time on a plane, you know how the air pressure can wreak havoc with many of the body’s systems. Unfortunately, it can also make swelling and bruising worse. So your doctor will likely recommend you stick to the road for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Abide by the Advice
Now that you know what to expect after lip fillers, you may be ready to move forward toward plumper and more pouty lips.
So don’t hesitate to contact us for your free consultation.
And know that the best results will come from following the post-treatment recommendations from your cosmetic medical experts.
Plastic Surgery for Hair Restoration?
If you’re noticing thinning hair as a result of androgenic alopecia, your first thought is probably NOT that you need plastic surgery for hair restoration.
While some plastic surgeons do provide hair transplant procedures and grafting for patients who are bald, it’s not ideal for thinning hair. Plus, the procedure is complicated.
For patients struggling specifically with androgenic alopecia (or even those with early hair loss), however, a plastic surgeon who offers PRP therapy is a great option.
So What Exactly Is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
What’s so special about PRP? Well, it’s the part of your blood that contains white blood cells and platelets. Any time you have a wound, it’s the platelets that rush to the rescue to stop the bleeding and encourage collagen growth. Platelets are natural healers.
When researchers began to understand platelets’ powers of healing, they theorized that extracting concentrated platelets from the blood and then injecting them into damaged areas of the body might just accelerate healing. Their theory ended up being spot on.
As such, PRP therapy has been utilized by orthopedic doctors since the 1980s to treat athletes struggling with injured ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Based on the success of these therapies, plastic surgeons soon got on board. They now use this therapy in applications from cosmetic procedures to hair restoration.
The PRP Therapy Procedure
It’s believed that PRP injections not only trigger natural hair growth, but they maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft.
PRP therapy is a three-step process which typically requires three treatments that are 4–6 weeks apart. The treatments are exacting and meticulous, and require anesthetics. They must also be maintained every 4-6 months.
What can you expect in a PRP therapy procedure?
First, when you enter the plastic surgery center, blood will be drawn from your arm. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge for around ten minutes. This will break it down into three different fluids – red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma.
The platelet-rich plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and to be injected into parts of the scalp where increased hair growth is required. And because you’re using your own blood with PRP therapy, there’s no risk of getting a communicable disease.
It really couldn’t be any easier.
Could You Benefit From Plastic Surgery for Hair Restoration?
Plastic surgery for hair restoration is not as strange as it sounds.
As mentioned above, those who have the most success with PRP hair restoration therapy are patients with androgenic alopecia. In men, this is thinning of the hair along the top of the head. In women, it appears as a widening part.
It has also been effective for patients who are experiencing early hair loss. If this sounds like you, the best course of action is to set up a consultation with a board-certified surgeon who can determine if PRP is right for you. So contact us today!
Breast Augmentation After Weight Loss
Have you recently undergone significant weight loss? If so, you may also be noticing a change or even loss in breast size.
If your reasons for weight loss are celebratory, this can be a bit of a downer. And if the weight loss was not welcome, it can be even more discouraging.
Fortunately, breast augmentation after weight loss is a common and highly effective procedure to bring brightness to your situation – whatever it might be.
Breast Augmentation After Weight Loss
The majority of breast augmentations, whether needed because of weight loss or simply by choice, are completed using implants. The two most common implants are silicone or saline.
Both silicone and saline implants are made from a silicone elastomer shell. The main difference is silicone implants are made fully of silicone and filled with a cohesive silicone gel, while saline implants have an outer shell that’s constructed of silicone and then later filled with saline.
Some people believe that silicone implants look and feel more natural. Plus, they come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and degrees of firmness so you know exactly what will be implanted.
Meanwhile, saline implants are inserted when empty and then filled with a sterile saline solution once in place. Some patients prefer the idea of saline solution versus silicone gel in their bodies. Yet, silicone gel more closely simulates breast tissue. So saline implants may end up feeling firmer than natural breast tissue.
The third option is fat transfer. In this case, a patient’s own fat is used to increase breast volume in a more natural way. After weight loss, though, this may not be an option. Ultimately, you can discuss your available options with your board-certified plastic surgeon.
What If You’ve Already Had Breast Augmentation?
If you’ve already had breast augmentation in the past, weight loss will likely affect the appearance of your breasts too. This amount of impact will depend on which sort of breast augmentation procedure and/or implant you have.
For patients who chose fat transfer, weight loss can noticeably affect the results of augmentation. Breast contour is created by fat and other tissue – the loss of which can change the overall appearance of the breast.
Meanwhile, implants are much less prone to significant impact from weight fluctuation. The implants will maintain their original shape and size. This is not to say, however, that there will be no impact. Despite the fact that the implants remain the same, the aforementioned fat and tissues that create the contour have decreased. The skin may now be stretched leaving the implants to sag.
In this case, the best course of action is a breast lift. This body contouring procedure won’t alter the volume of the breasts or breast implants. Instead, the objective here is to reshape the breasts to restore a more uplifted and youthful appearance.
Looking to Boost Your Breasts After Weight Loss?
There are many reasons for losing weight. But if you’re generally dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts now that you have, don’t let it bring you down.
Lift your spirits with firmer and perkier breasts.
Contact us today to find out which sort of breast augmentation after weight loss is right for you.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Plastic Surgery
Do you love nothing more than getting a massage?
Well, here’s the good news. If you decide to have a plastic surgery procedure, one of the best things you can do during recovery is to get a massage. A lymphatic drainage massage, to be specific.
It may sound a bit clinical, but it feels nice. And getting the lymph moving is crucial to relieving swelling.
The 411 on the Lymphatic System
If you’re unfamiliar with the lymphatic system, think of it as your body’s sewer system. That may not conjure up the most… savory image, but it’s pretty accurate.
When your cardiovascular system sends blood to the organs and tissues, there’s fluid that “leaks” out of the blood vessels. This is the known as the lymph. The objective of the lymphatic system is to collect that lymph and return it to the heart through a network of special lymphatic vessels and nodes.
The lymphatic system is also a key player in the absorption of fats in the the intestine. Furthermore, to boost the functioning of the body’s immune response, the lymph nodes monitor the amount of lymph in the body and then produce cells and antibodies to protect against disease and infection.
And lymphatic organs such as the thymus and spleen monitor the blood to detect and then address any pathogens that might appear.
When the lymphatic system is disturbed and is unable to effectively collect the lymph, it most commonly collects in the legs and arms; causing them to swell. When this swelling lasts longer than three months, it’s known as lymphedema.
For all the beneficial outcomes of plastic surgery, lymphedema is one of the potential negative side effects. Fortunately, it can be reduced and relieved with lymphatic drainage massage.
What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage is also known as manual lymphatic drainage. And no, it’s not the deep tissue massage you may normally enjoy with your favorite massage therapist. Lymphatic drainage massage is much gentler. And its primary objective is to relieve patients of painful swelling in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.
Using special lymphatic drainage massage techniques, a massage therapist trained in this modality is able to move lymph that’s collected in the tissues and direct it to your lymph nodes. This eases swelling.
A lymphatic drainage massage is like resetting the lymphatic system to get lymph moving through the body again in the way it’s intended. As such, patients experience more efficient post-surgical healing and less scar formation as a result of these boosted healing responses.
They also benefit from reduced fluid retention and metabolic waste, increased relaxation, and improved skin quality for a more youthful glow.
As such, a lymphatic drainage massage isn’t a luxury at the spa that you need to justify. It’s a necessity that’ll make your recovery go all the more smoothly.
Considering Plastic Surgery?
If you’re ready to increase your self-confidence through liposuction, a mommy makeover, or any number of other procedures, you can move forward knowing there are healing benefits from lymphatic drainage massage during recovery.
So contact us today to talk further about your desired procedure. You’ll receive all of the information you need during your free consultation so you can take the next step to changing your life.
Maintaining Liposuction Results
Do you have “problem areas” of your body where fat resides? And no matter how much you diet and exercise, it doesn’t seem to help? Join the club.
A big part of what makes liposuction so valuable is that you can target those problem areas. It’s not a quick fix though.
It’s important to understand that liposuction isn’t a weight loss procedure. Should you choose this procedure, there is some effort in maintaining liposuction results.
The Workings of Fat Cells
Did you know that the number of fat cells in your body doesn’t change much once you’re an adult? Thus, when you gain weight, it’s not an issue of producing too many fat cells. It’s actually the result of fat cells getting bigger. And they get bigger throughout the entire body.
It works the same way in reverse. So when you lose weight, it’s a matter of the fat cells getting smaller.
The problem is, they get smaller all over the body and not just in those problem areas where the fat cell count might be excessive (such as the lower belly and thighs). That means if you’re happy with the fullness of your breasts or hips or buttocks, you may lose some of that too.
In this case, there must be an external intervention to tackle those problem areas. With liposuction, a board-certified plastic surgeon can target them by suctioning out the excess fat cells in a specific pattern to reduce their number. Then the surgeon forms and contours the area.
As we stated above, that’s not the end of the story.
Maintaining Liposuction Results
After all the frustration of dieting and exercising to lose the fat from those problem areas, you’ll probably be quick to rejoice in its disappearance after liposuction. But you need to stay vigilant. Because removing fat cells doesn’t mean the existing cells won’t get larger again if you act irresponsibly.
Here are some simple tips:
- Drink More Water
For most of us, aging means a decrease in metabolism. Gaining weight just gets easier as we get older. So one of the best ways to keep your weight stable (or to lose weight) is by drinking plenty of water.
Drinking water before a meal can reduce your appetite and make you feel fuller so you’re not as likely to fill up on empty calories. It also helps you burn more calories while reducing your BMI, waist size, and body fat.
To help keep that body fat from sneaking back in, shoot for drinking around 64 ounces of water per day.
- Look At Your Current Diet
The fat cells that you removed during liposuction aren’t coming back. That’s the good news. But that doesn’t mean you can go hog wild and start loading up on junk food.
Because here’s the bad news: the remaining fat cells left behind will get larger if your diet is chock full of heavily caloric, sugary, high-fat, processed foods. And those cells may show up in all of the wrong places.
You don’t have to adhere to a macro-biotic diet though. Just be reasonable. Stick with lean foods with a lot of protein and fresh produce. Be sure you don’t skimp on fiber in your diet. And swap out frying foods for healthier cooking methods such as steaming, baking, boiling, and broiling.
- Ease Back Into Exercise
Liposuction is most popular among people who’ve already worked to lose weight and are now trying to address stubborn fat that’s resistant to diet and exercise. If this sounds like you, then you probably already have an exercise and workout routine. That puts you ahead of the game in terms of maintaining your liposuction results. Even so, you won’t be able to jump right back into it.
Within hours of your liposuction procedure, you’ll be encouraged to get out of bed and start moving around. Then in the weeks that follow, you’ll need to be highly attentive to what your body needs. This can take practice. Especially because you may be excited to show off your new body. Don’t rush it though.
Just know that usually within two weeks, you’ll be able to begin resistant training. You probably won’t be able to get back to strenuous aerobic activity until two weeks post procedure. And you’ll need to move slowly until you build back your strength and endurance once you do.
Once you’re back on track though, maintaining your exercise routine along with eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water is going to go miles toward staying slim after liposuction.
Rid Yourself of Stubborn Fat
If you’re exhausted and discouraged by fat that won’t disappear with diet and exercise, contact us.
Your commitment and determination makes you the perfect patient for liposuction. Furthermore, it bodes well for your ability in maintaining liposuction results.
So don’t wait another day. Let us help you get the results you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Achieving Aesthetics After Breast Implant Removal
Breast implants were once all the rage. And they continue to be an excellent solution for some patients seeking fuller and more voluminous breasts.
Other women, however, have found they no longer want their larger implants and are requesting they be removed. They want a sleeker physique.
Changes from aging or pregnancy can change the shape of the breast though. So the challenge then becomes achieving aesthetics after breast implant removal.
Procedures After Breast Implant Removal
Sometimes after the removal of implants, breasts may sag, droop, or look a bit deflated. Some of this will depend on the size of the implants. Fortunately, there are a number of options to restore shape and firmness.
- Breast Lift
A common reason women decide to opt out of implants is back pain. Especially for patients with larger implants. Bigger breasts can create excess pressure on the spine which is especially problematic during exercise.
Removing the implants eases this pain, but can leave the breasts lacking in volume. So it’s not unusual for a plastic surgeon to perform a breast lift to remove excess breast tissue and skin. From there, he or she fashions a new breast contour to deliver a perkier and more natural appearance.
- Breast Reduction
For women seeking to downsize from implant removal, a breast reduction is another option. And in some cases, it may be performed with a breast lift.
It’s very similar to a breast lift in that tissue is removed to create a contour that is sleeker and firmer.
- Fat Transfer
Fat transfer is a straightforward procedure that involves shifting fat from one part of the body where there is excess to another part where there’s a lack of volume. While this wouldn’t be recommended for women with low body fat content, it could be an effective way to add volume to sagging breasts while slimming other “problem” areas.
This procedure can also be formed with a breast lift to maintain some volume.
- Implant Replacement
Not every woman who decides to have her implants removed is done with the whole scene. Some patients are fond of their implants and the fullness they provide their breasts. They may just want to change the aesthetics some. So for them, implant replacement is the ideal solution.
By swapping out undesirable implants for those that are more tailor made, there is little to no problem with drooping and sagging. Plus, the implant “pocket” already exists so recovery is typically easier and faster than when the first implants were inserted.
Curious About Aesthetics After Breast Implant Removal
It’s important to understand that additional work will likely be required to achieve aesthetics after breast implant removal.
So if you’re considering this procedure, contact us today to ensure you receive the best advice, expertise, and the highest level of care from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Ideal Body Areas for Liposuction
Fat is fat, right? Well, no.
Whether you’re attempting to lose weight or in your desired weight range, there’s a good chance you struggle with areas where stubborn fat just won’t disappear. And it doesn’t matter how much you diet and exercise.
If this sounds familiar, then liposuction could be the solution you’ve been seeking. And with so many available body areas for liposuction, there’s a good chance you’ll find a procedure that responds well for your problematic flab.
The Best Body Areas for Liposuction
Liposuction could, in theory, be done almost anywhere on the body. But areas where the skin is firmer and more toned are going to deliver the best post-operative results.
These most commonly include the following:
Abdomen
If you have a “muffin top,” you may not find it very appetizing. Most people would prefer to bid theirs farewell. It’s for this reason that the lower region of the abdomen is such a popular place for liposuction.
But the upper region of the abdomen offers up challenges as well. It’s hard to achieve a sleek and slim profile when there’s a stubborn layer of fat between your ribs and belly button. Liposuction can put the kibosh on it.
Thighs and Lower Legs
Whether you’re carrying saddlebags on your outer thighs, troubled by a “banana roll” on your posterior thighs, or want a noticeable inner thigh gap, liposuction can do the trick.
Though less common, liposuction can also be performed on the lower leg to offer a more proportionate and sleeker profile to the entire leg.
Hips
If you’re close to having that hourglass figure but can’t quite shake the fatty filler that keeps it from happening, liposuction can help. Liposuction on the hips removes excess fat deposits to deliver that well-defined figure. And as an added bonus, it can also improve the appearance of the buttocks.
Waist, Flanks, and Buttocks
Most of us don’t feel much love for those love handles that show up on the waist and flank. Unfortunately, they’re all too common. And diet and exercise do nothing to eliminate them. Liposuction is a viable solution in this case.
Meanwhile, if you’re not comfortable with the amount of junk in your trunk, liposuction to the buttocks can give you a more proportionate appearance.
Upper Arms
Many women are embarrassed by jiggly upper arms as they get older. But this excess skin doesn’t just plague women.
Whatever the case, liposuction can tackle this issue by smoothing and tightening this problem area to define and rejuvenate the arms.
Chest and Back
More often than not, liposuction to the chest (independent of breast augmentation) is performed on men. Particularly those struggling with gynecomastia.
Liposuction to the back, however, is more common for women. So if you’re embarrassed by unsightly “bra rolls,” you can address them through liposuction for a more streamlined and firmer appearance.
Neck
Finally, excess neck fat doesn’t always render the cutest little baby face. If you’re longing for a more defined contour, then liposuction on the neck could be a great choice.
Interested in Liposuction?
With so many available body areas for liposuction, there’s bound to be a procedure to help you with stubborn excess fat.
So if you’re curious about how liposuction could help you, contact us today. You’ll be amazed at the vast number of possibilities.
Drink More Water for Healthy Skin
By now, you probably know there are SO many benefits to drinking enough water each day. But do you know about the benefits of drinking water for healthy skin?
It makes sense really.
Drinking an abundance of water keeps your organs performing at their optimum levels. And since the skin is the largest organ in the body, it stands to reason that water provides multiple benefits to it as well.
The Benefits of Drinking Water for Healthy Skin
There is a wide range of ways to keep your skin healthy, supple, and rejuvenated. And some are more effective than others. But it’s safe to say that drinking water is definitely one of the easiest.
Yet, many people do not get enough water each day. And that’s tough on your skin. Because while it’s busy storing water, preventing fluid loss, and keeping your temperature steady, it can use a regular recharge of water throughout the day.
We’ll take a look at the benefits to your skin by drinking plenty of water each day.
- Flushes Toxins
Toxins – whether from your diet, stress, or environment – can wreak havoc on your skin. Certain kinds of toxins can even clog your pores and lead to acne and pimples.
Your overall health is also affected by these toxins. When this happens, the skin is left looking dingy and dull. The best way to alleviate this is not by going on some trendy juice fast. Instead, get into the habit of drinking water with every healthy meal, as well as throughout the rest of the day.
Doing so will effectively flush out toxins, improve your health, and bring radiance to your skin.
- Boosts Elasticity
Have you ever done the skin pull test to see how elastic your skin is? Gently pinch some skin on the top of your hand and pull it upward. Then let it go. If it bounces back, then you have good elasticity.
If, on the other hand, it slowly recedes, then you have a lack of elasticity in your skin. While some of this may be due to age, there’s also a chance you’re dehydrated. And that will negatively impact your elasticity even more.
With regular consumption of water throughout the day, you’ll plump up those cells and increase elasticity. Once you make this a daily habit, you may start to notice a long-term improvement in the skin’s ability to bounce back.
- Reduces Wrinkles
In the vein of maintaining the skin’s elasticity by drinking plenty of water comes the potential of fewer wrinkles, scars, and soft lines. Of course, if you already have deep wrinkles and scars, they aren’t going to disappear from drinking water. Even so, it’s still tremendously healthy for even older skin to remain hydrated.
Meanwhile, for those with no or minimal wrinkles, drinking large amounts of water now will increase the likelihood of good elasticity as the skin ages and it gets more difficult to retain water.
- Maintains pH Balance
To keep the skin performing at its best, it’s important maintain a good pH balance. There’s a pH range of 0-14. A value of 0 is highly acidic, while a value of 14 is the most alkaline.
A completely neutral value is 7. This is the number of water. And since the skin is made up of 64% water, maintaining this balance will leave you with healthy and glowing skin.
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
If you have a goal of drinking more water for healthy skin, how much is enough will depend on your height, weight, metabolism, and daily activities.
In general, most adults need five to eight glasses every day. Drinking a minimum of six glasses each day will keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
Meanwhile, if water alone doesn’t do the trick and you’d like to smooth out some of those wrinkles or address sagging skin, then contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll discuss the next best steps for you.
Cheers!
Eat For Anti-Aging
We all know there’s no fountain of youth from which to drink. But that doesn’t mean you can’t drink or eat for anti-aging.
There are certainly foods that help to slow down the signs of aging more than others. And there are those that actually accelerate those signs.
If your diet consists of a lot of junk food (i.e. mostly salt, sugar, and fat), you’re not doing yourself any favors. But don’t worry. A lot of healthy foods are pretty decent in the flavor department. And you can always find ways to sneak them into your diet.
What You Should Eat for Anti-Aging Benefits
When you eat well, not only will you slow down the signs of aging, but you’re also treating your body with respect. In turn, your body will reward you by performing at its optimal level.
In other words, you’ll feel better too. As you begin to shift to a more healthy diet, try to choose fruits and veggies that are deep in color. And fear not. There might even be a few items on our list that’ll surprise and delight you.
- Blueberries
Blueberries are portable, versatile, and delicious. You can throw them in a smoothie or toss them on your cereal.
They’re also loaded with a free radical-fighting antioxidant called anthocyanin. It’s what makes the blueberry blue. Plus, with plenty of vitamins A and C, the blueberry is kind of a fruit superhero.
By managing the inflammatory responses in the body, the antioxidant in blueberries goes the distance in protecting the skin from damage and preventing loss of collagen.
- Salmon/Tuna/Sardines
If you’re not a fan of fish, you may want to try to cultivate a taste for it. Fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your heart and your skin.
Like antioxidants, omega-3s quell inflammation. This is especially helpful for calming the skin after sun exposure. Omega-3s are almost like a natural sunblock – except they won’t actually protect you from getting burned. So keep the SPF lotion handy.
- Broccoli
Say what you want about broccoli, but there’s no denying that this veggie is a powerhouse. Along with the aforementioned antioxidants and vitamin C (which is needed to boost collagen production), broccoli also contains folate, calcium, lutein, and fiber.
No, you probably won’t want to sneak it into a smoothie. Unless you have very strange taste. But you can toss it in soup or throw some raw broccoli into a salad. Your body will thank you.
- Beans and Legumes
Beans, beans. Nature’s fruit. (You know the rest.)
But third-grade humor aside, beans and legumes are two of the best things you can eat to reduce the risk of major diseases while promoting good health. They’re loaded with phytonutrients, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are prevalent in the Mediterranean diet.
If you’re not into sitting down with a bowl of lima beans, that’s okay. Beans and legumes are so versatile they can be added to soups or salads, transformed into wheat-free pastas, or mashed with herbs and spices to make amazing dips.
Plus, they’re abundant and inexpensive.
- Red Bell Pepper
Like blueberries, red bell peppers are also packed with collagen-producing vitamin C. Their antioxidants are known as carotenoids and they’re responsible for the bright red, orange, or yellow colors in a variety of veggies and fruits. Carotenoids are also loaded with antioxidants that offer anti-inflammatory properties to help protect the skin from pollution, sun damage, and environmental toxins.
- Green and/or Black Tea
If you’re an American, you’re more than likely all about coffee. And coffee DOES have some anti-aging properties. But you’ll get more anti-aging bang for your buck with green and/or black tea. That’s why throughout much of the world, tea takes the top spot for beverages. It falls second worldwide only to water.
Not only does tea hydrate, but it’s full of antioxidants and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, catechins, and theanine. You don’t need to remember any of these names. Just know that they serve to promote heart health by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and fat absorption. All of these lend to looking and feeling younger.
- Dark Chocolate
Finally. Something you can really sink your teeth into.
Another antioxidant-rich food, dark chocolate also boasts high levels of magnesium which fights inflammation. In addition, it can reduce stress and improve quality of sleep.
But don’t get too excited. Chocolate should be eaten in moderation. And be sure whatever chocolate you choose, there is not much sugar. Sugar causes inflammation and can undo all of chocolate’s benefits. (Nobody said life was fair.)
Slow Down the Signs of Aging
If your skin and body are just beginning to show signs of aging, you can eat for anti-aging to slow down the progression. But food with anti-aging properties can’t do much for skin that’s already experienced serious damage over the years.
In that case, you’ll want to look into dermal fillers, Botox, or certain lift procedures to restore that youthful appearance. Contact us today for a free consultation to speak with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons.
And in the meantime, continue to eat a healthy and balanced diet to look and feel your best.
