What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
As we age, fine lines and wrinkles begin to emerge. They’re often accompanied by age spots and sun spots, larger pores, and uneven skin tone. Those old acne scars may even become more noticeable.
Add to that a reduction in skin elasticity and thinning hair, and you start to understand how brutal aging can be!
You don’t need to accept these as an inevitable consequence of growing older though. Instead, educate yourself on the benefits of platelet-rich plasma.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma, known more simply as PRP, is increasingly popular in cosmetic procedures including microneedling, facials, injections, and hair restoration.
So how does it work? It’s not magic. It’s actually a part of the body’s natural healing process.
The blood is comprised of red blood cells and plasma that contains white blood cells and platelets. When you get a cut or other wound, platelets rush to the injured site to stop bleeding and promote healing through collagen growth. Think of them as the first responders.
Armed with this knowledge, researchers began to experiment with extracting concentrated platelets and injecting them into damaged areas of the body. They theorized that this would accelerate healing. And they were correct.
Before long, orthopedic doctors working with athletes started using PRP with great success to treat injuries to the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. The world of plastic surgery took note and soon, plastic surgeons were incorporating PRP to accelerate healing in several cosmetic procedures.
It’s been a game-changer. Particularly when used with microneedling and hair restoration procedures.
Adding PRP to Cosmetic Procedures
Sometimes PRP is used simply as a filler or implanted into the skin with Halo Laser treatment. Often though, it’s used with micro needling.
Just as the name implies, microneedling is procedure wherein very fine needles are stamped over the skin to create several invisible, tiny puncture wounds on the top skin layer. This is typically done on the face, but can be done on other parts of the body as well.
When the skin is pierced, the immune system is triggered to create new tissue. New granulation skin cells rebuild the wounds to form a fresh network of blood cells and wounds are soon replaced by newly created blood vessels and tissue. The turnover of skin cells produces an increase in elastin and collagen production.
Adding PRP to microneedling makes it more effective since both treatments stimulate collagen growth. PRP that’s collected from the patient’s blood is needled into the dermis with the microneedling device; essentially attacking the problem in two layers – beneath the skin and on top of it.
The cytokines, proteins, and growth factors in the PRP help the skin to repair itself more quickly. Cool, right?
So What About PRP for Hair Restoration?
While there’s no microneedling involved, the hair restoration process does require injections across the scalp approximately every half inch over the area where the hair is thinning. This may sound laborious, but the entire procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and there’s minimal downtime.
Patients who’ve found the most success with PRP for hair restoration are those with early hair loss – and particularly patients with androgenetic alopecia where hair is thinning at the top of the head.
Could PRP Be a Game-Changer for You?
If you’re feeling ‘benched’ by looking older or thinning hair, platelet-rich plasma with microneedling or for hair restoration could be just what you need to get back into the game.
The specialists at Star Plastic Surgery are here to help.
So contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll go over the best PRP options available to you.
Best Tips for Winter Skincare
There are so many reasons to take extra care of your skin during the winter. Perhaps you’ve had a plastic surgery procedure and want to maintain the results. Or maybe you’ve started noticing signs of aging and want to hold them off as long as possible.
Whatever the case, caring for your skin in the winter can be a challenge. The cold dry air is drying and brutal on your skin. And the indoor heating that further depletes your skin’s moisture isn’t much better.
Fortunately, there are tips for winter skincare that will keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and looking its best all the way to spring.
Easy Tips for Winter Skincare
Everyone can benefit from tweaking their skincare routine during the winter months. Even if you’re blessed with the most perfect skin. No one is immune to the redness, dryness, and chapping that can come with the season.
So to keep your skin healthy this winter, consider doing the following:
- Change Up Skincare Products
If you’re currently using a lotion, it’s time to switch to a thick moisturizer – preferably one containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid. These will help retain and seal moisture within your skin.
For those who don’t struggle with acne, you could consider an oil-based moisturizer that contains vitamin E. Just be sure to steer clear of anything that’s water- or alcohol-based as they’ll further dry your skin.
You’ll also want to avoid harsh cleansers for your face during the winter. Your skin shouldn’t feel ‘squeaky clean.’ Instead, opt for gentle and hydrating facial cleansers. And if you currently use products that contain retinoids, exfoliating acids, and vitamin C, you may need to cut back their use during the winter months since they’re drying.
- Add Moisture To Your Home
Even if your HVAC system has a built-in humidifier, you can never go wrong adding more moisture to your home’s environment. You may want to purchase a humidifier. It doesn’t have to be anything huge. Even a small tabletop model next to your work desk can make a difference.
In addition, if you have a fireplace or a heater next to which you love to snuggle, remember that these heating sources are also drying your skin.
- Limit Hot Showers and Baths
When the weather outside is frightful, you may feel inclined to soak in a hot bath or relax and restore with a hot shower. Intuitive as this may seem, hot water will further dry out your skin during the winter.
So to avoid irritating your skin, dial back the hot water to lukewarm and limit your showers and baths to 15 minutes. Then, once you get out of the tub/shower, pat your skin with a towel and use a moisturizer or body lotion while your skin is still damp, but not wet. This will better seal in the hydration.
- Dress Appropriately
The dry air is tough enough on your skin. But if you’re also exposing it directly to the cold and wind, you’re asking for trouble. The skin on the face and hands takes the brunt of direct exposure in the chilly months of winter. So when bundling up to go outside, don’t forget to add a scarf and gloves.
- Don’t Ditch the Sunscreen
If you live in a location where winter means a lack of sunlight, you might believe you don’t need to worry about the sun’s damaging effects on the skin. While UVB rays are weaker during the winter (and especially on cloudy days), UVA rays are present all winter. And these are the rays that will age you. So keep on applying your SPF 30+ lotion every day.
In addition, forget about trying to get that summer glow with tanning beds and artificial sunlamps. These are always damaging and increase the risk of skin cancer. You can use self-tanners along with extra moisturizer, or simply embrace your lighter shade during the winter.
- Hydrate
You knew it was coming. While you’re busy hydrating your skin and your home, don’t forget to keep hydrating your body. Drink plenty of water to add more moisture to your skin. And limit drinks that contain alcohol that will dehydrate you.
Be Kind to Your Skin This Winter
We hope the above tips for winter skincare keep your skin feeling soft, supple, and rejuvenated through the cold months.
After all, if you take good care of your skin, it’ll take good care of you.
And if you’re curious about additional ways to look younger with a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
The Most Popular Cosmetic Treatments for Women in Their 40s
If you’re a woman in your 40s, you’ve heard it all before. A healthy diet, frequent exercise, and caring for your skin can help you ease into aging more gracefully. And that’s 100% true.
But right around 40, no matter how much care you give yourself, you may have noticed how much easier it became to gain weight and harder to lose it. Plus, your skin begins to lose laxity in the fifth decade making wrinkles and lines increasingly apparent.
So what’s a woman to do? We’ll take a look at the most popular cosmetic treatments for women in their 40s who wish to take ‘aging gracefully’ to a new level.
The Most Popular Cosmetic Treatments for Women in Their 40s
While maintaining your appearance in your 40s is more challenging, you don’t need to accept certain defeat. You DO have options:
- Mommy Makeover
If you’re the ‘go big or go home’ type who’s done having children, you may be ready to go all out with a mommy makeover. The mommy makeover isn’t a single surgery but rather a combination of customizable procedures that address each woman’s post-pregnancy gripes.
Given how pregnancy and breastfeeding impact a woman’s breasts, breast augmentation is a popular part of the mommy makeover procedure. Every woman has different needs though. Some wish to change the shape of their breasts, or make them perkier, or want to finally reduce their size. Lifts, implants, fat transfers, and reductions are all possible procedures that will address these issues.
Another common procedure is the tummy tuck which eliminates loose skin and fat around the abdomen while tightening the muscles. It’s also an opportunity to address diastasis recti wherein the abdominal muscles in the stomach have separated.
But it’s not just the front-side women in their 40s tackle with a mommy makeover. Some women choose to incorporate a Brazilian butt lift (BBL) and/or liposuction into the mommy makeover package to get that pre-pregnancy hourglass figure back.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
If, on the other hand, you’re interested in merely dipping your toes into the vast ocean of cosmetic surgery, minimally invasive procedures are a great launching point.
Collagen is a crucial protein that provides structure for your skin, muscles, and bones. Its production also begins to wane in your 40s. This is why many women in their 40s appreciate collagen induction therapy. This treatment uses tiny needles to make miniature punctures in your skin, which triggers your body’s healing response to increase collagen production. It’s often paired with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) for optimized results.
Another great option for stimulating collagen production and new cell growth is laser skin resurfacing. This procedure uses targeted light beams and fractionated laser technology to remove the epidermis, or top layer of the skin. In response, the dermis stimulates collagen growth to generate a new top layer that will be smoother and firmer.
- Dermal Fillers or Botox
Also in the camp of minimally invasive procedures are dermal fillers and Botox. These are a great option for women in their 40s who are seeking only minor rejuvenation.
Dermal fillers are well-suited to patients looking to add volume or correct minor imperfections like shallow scarring. They’re safe for all skin types and won’t drastically change your appearance. The results will be subtle but noticeable.
Meanwhile, Botox will also address signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. It, however, has the added benefit of reducing the chance of future wrinkles.
- Mini Facelift
By your 40s, you may start to notice a shift in your appearance as a result of over four decades of general wear and tear (i.e. smiling, frowning, sunlight, dirt, etc.) Yet, the shift isn’t dramatic enough to warrant a full facelift. Enter the mini facelift.
Mini facelifts provide more noticeable results than dermal fillers and Botox, yet are less invasive than a traditional facelift. A mini facelift specifically targets the lower part of your face and jawline to eliminate sagging skin and deep creases in the middle of the face. While it’s still a surgical procedure, the surgeon makes relatively minor changes as compared to a full facelift.
With a mini facelift, the face is only mildly tightened and lifted through small incisions. By comparison, a full facelift requires total reconstruction and is not recommended until patients reach their mid-40s (minimum) and more commonly their 50s or 60s. Chances are, you can hold off on that one for a while!
Rejuvenate Your Appearance
If you’re less than satisfied with how your face and body are changing in this fifth decade of your life, it’s time to take advantage of the popular cosmetic treatments for women in their 40s.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our Novi, Michigan office so we can discuss your many options.
And move into your 40s with increased ease, confidence, and satisfaction.
Recovering Week by Week After Breast Augmentation Surgery
There’s no arguing that a breast augmentation procedure can seriously improve a patient’s confidence.
Yet, one of the more common concerns patients have when considering breast augmentation is what goes into recovery and how long it will take.
To put your mind at ease, we’ll explore what recovery looks like week by week after breast augmentation surgery.
What to Expect Week by Week After Breast Augmentation Surgery
It would be great if we could gaze into a crystal ball and tell you exactly how your recovery will progress. But since every patient is different, it’s impossible to say what your experience will be compared to someone else’s.
There are many factors involved, including how active you are, the status of your health, and what you did to prepare for breast augmentation surgery.
Generally speaking though – and barring any complications – the below timeline will give you a sense of what to expect during your recovery.
First Week After Surgery
As with any surgery, the first two to three days will be the most intense. This will be when you experience the most discomfort. As such, your surgeon will prescribe you pain medication to ease this. You must follow his or her directions to a tee. You’ll also want to avoid aspirin or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised by your surgeon.
Rest is key in the first week. You’ll be asked to keep your shoulders and chest elevated during this time to reduce swelling. Sleeping in a reclined position is usually recommended as it keeps pressure off the breast skin, tissues, and incisions.
You’ll be expected to wear a surgical bra or compression garment to support your new implants, control swelling, and generally aid in healing. In addition, you will need to minimize physical activity in the first week. So be sure to have additional help on hand.
Second Week Post Op
As early as the second week, you’ll likely feel your energy level increase and start feeling more ‘yourself.’ Swelling and bruising will begin to subside, though experiencing some tightness in the chest area is normal.
Keeping the incision areas clean and dry remains a priority at this point. You may also be advised to massage your breasts to ensure that the implants are settling properly into place.
At the beginning of the second week, you can resume some light activities. By the end of the week, your surgeon may give you the go-ahead to do light cardio or lower body exercises. You’ll want to continue avoiding anything that puts strain on your chest or pressure on your incisions though.
It’s also during the second week that most patients return to work if they have a job that is not physically demanding.
Moving Into the Third and Fourth Week
By the third week, there’s a good chance you’ll be feeling much more back to normal. If healing is going smoothly, your surgeon may clear you to introduce more intense exercise at this stage. Again, you’ll need to be conscious about any heavy weightlifting involving the chest.
As you enter the fourth week, the swelling should be almost completely gone. This is also the time when early results will begin to appear. Just keep in mind that the final results will still take a bit longer.
Seven to Eight Weeks out from Surgery
Once you are seven to eight weeks out from surgery, your new implants will likely have settled into place. Most, if not all, of the swelling will also be gone, and you can go back about your life. It’s still important you continue to go to all of your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon though.
It’s always best to play it safe.
Is Breast Augmentation in Your Future?
Now that you have a general idea of how recovering week by week after breast augmentation might play out, are you ready to take the next step?
(Hint: Yes, you are!)
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon at Star Plastic Surgery in Novi, Michigan. And give yourself that boost of confidence you so deserve!
Are There Psychological Benefits of a Facelift?
At one time, plastic surgery for cosmetic purposes was viewed as a superfluous luxury for the rich. In the past ten years, we’ve become more enlightened.
Once regarded as purely superficial, it’s clear now that there are psychological benefits of a facelift procedure.
And there are so many ways to approach a facelift.
Different Sorts of Facelifts
Every person has unique facial features. No two people share the exact same skin thickness, soft tissue, or bone structure. Plus, facelift procedures also differ based on timing. As such, no two facelifts are the same.
We’ll look at four specific and more popular procedures here.
- SMAS Facelift
SMAS is an acronym for the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System. It’s the layer of dense connective tissue in the cheek that’s located between the muscles that control facial expression and the subcutaneous fat just beneath the skin.
In the early days of plastic surgery, surgeons only tightened the skin. This was effective, but due to the high wound healing tension on the skin, scarring was an issue. And there wasn’t much in the way of longevity.
With a deeper understanding of the SMAS, surgeons began to discover different options that involved more than just lifting the skin. From there the deep plane facelift was born.
- Endoscopic Mid Facelift
Depending on your skin elasticity, degree of sun exposure, your degree of stress, and overall health, it’s not unusual for age-related changes to start appearing in the mid-face as soon as your 30s and 40s.
Plus, after several decades of laughing and smiling, the nasolabial folds around your nose, mouth, and chin deepen. Your lips can also become downturned at the corners – giving you the appearance of sadness.
An endoscopic mid-facelift is a popular and effective procedure to address these issues.
- Upper Facelift (Temporal Brow Lift)
As we age, it’s not uncommon for the eyebrows to droop and start hanging low. While a full-on eyebrow lift could benefit you, the temporal brow lift is a great alternative and requires less recovery time. In this case, the board-certified plastic surgeon makes a small incision along your hairline and lifts the skin and underlying muscles to smooth out the skin.
- Non-Surgical Dermal Fillers
There are non-surgical options for improving the appearance of your face as well. Sometimes referred to as liquid facelifts, these are far less invasive than surgery and involve the use of injectable fillers such as Juvéderm and neuromodulators like Botox.
Once injected, these fillers add volume to the problem areas of your face and temporarily smooth wrinkles. They also promote skin elasticity and stimulate collagen production.
The Psychological Benefits of a Facelift
It’s normal to have concerns about aging and appearance. Unfortunately, these worries can lead to anxiety and stress. But a facelift can make patients feel younger and more attractive. This, in turn, translates to a positive self-image and greater self-worth.
A refreshed appearance can reduce the anxiety related to aging and enhance feelings of satisfaction. So it’s not surprising that many post-op patients report a serious boost in self-esteem.
But the psychological benefits of facelift procedures extend to overall mental health too. Feeling more attractive and youthful leads to increased confidence and a willingness to engage in more social interactions and activities. Mental health thrives when you have the support of a network/community.
Boost Your Confidence With a Facelift
It’s tough to argue that the psychological benefits of facelift surgery contribute to a better quality of life.
When you feel good about your appearance and what you see in the mirror, you’ll have a more positive outlook on life.
So if you’re ready to maximize your mental health with a facelift, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our expert team at Star Plastic Surgery. And put your best face forward.
How Lack of Sleep Impacts Your Appearance
You’re probably tired of hearing about the value of a good night’s sleep and the many health benefits that go with it.
Especially if you’re not ready to end the night or you want to stay up to binge another episode of your current favorite show.
But did you know that lack of sleep impacts your appearance too? Yep. It turns out that ‘beauty sleep’ is an actual thing.
The Real Science of Beauty Sleep
Here’s the deal. Sleep is an important restorative process. It’s crucial for giving the body, the brain, and the immune system the break each needs to function at their optimal levels.
With sleep comes increased production of growth hormones to rebuild muscle and cells. There is also decreased production of stress hormones. The pathways in the brain related to memory and learning are formed and maintained. And slumber strengthens the immune system to prevent illness and fight infection.
So what do all of these have to do with how you look?
How Lack of Sleep Impacts Your Appearance
Some of the above-mentioned restorative processes influence elements of your physical appearance. After all, lack of sleep means your skin and hair are going to be negatively impacted too.
Not getting enough sleep (at least 6-7 hours, though more is preferable) could leave you with the following:
Dull Complexion
Your natural circadian rhythm regulates your body’s internal clock. It tells you when it’s time to sleep and when it’s time to rise. It also regulates the functions of your body’s organs. And your skin is an organ.
At night and in the very early morning hours when we should be sleeping, the skin has its highest levels of blood flow. It’s during these times when damaged skin cells are repaired.
Insufficient sleep and/or very late bedtimes appear to be linked to negative changes in the skin’s complexion. Participants in sleep deprivation studies have higher levels of dehydrated, peeling, or glossy skin. Late bedtime is also associated with increased production of oily secretions that can lead to acne.
Increased Wrinkles
Collagen and elastin are the magical proteins that give our skin elasticity and flexibility. When the body produces less of these, the health of the skin is compromised. This can result in wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
Because the immune system is weakened with a lack of sleep, the body will compensate by slowing the production of these proteins to support immunity – which takes precedence.
Greasy and Weakened Hair
Another unsavory side effect of poor sleeping habits or lack of sleep is stress. When the body releases stress hormones such as cortisol, it also produces more sebaceous oil – including at the root of every hair. The result? Greasy hair and dandruff.
In addition, stress from lack of sleep also disrupts the repeating cycle of hair growth. There are normally three stages: growth, degeneration, and falling out. Increased stress hormones prevent the growth stage from happening following the falling-out stage. So hair loss becomes an issue.
You Don’t Need to Lose Sleep Over This
Now that you know how lack of sleep impacts your appearance, you may be more motivated to get the slumber you need.
And if sleep doesn’t resolve your wrinkles or hair loss, contact us to schedule a free consultation. You’ll have the opportunity to speak to a skincare specialist or plastic surgeon who will advise you on ways you can tackle these issues.
Sweet dreams!
Can You Fix Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery?
Do you ever feel like your outside isn’t fairly representing your inside?
For example, how often is your good mood negatively impacted by looking in the mirror only to see sad and droopy eyelids reflected back at you?
It can be discouraging. But the good news is you may be able to fix drooping eyelids without surgery.
Yep, You CAN Fix Drooping Eyelids Without Surgery
Of course, if the sagging is severe and is affecting your vision, you’ll definitely want to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon – as nonsurgical options may not be effective.
However, if you’ve recently started noticing droopy eyelids and it’s enough to make you frown at your reflection (thus adding the potential of frown lines to your worries!) you may be able to skip the surgery.
There is a handful of options available.
- Dermal Fillers
A top choice for addressing sagging eyelids is dermal fillers. They deliver a subtle yet effective lift to give your eyes a rejuvenated appearance.
EZgel is a specific dermal filler that does more than just add volume to those drooping eyelids. It also stimulates your skin’s collagen production to restore structure and fullness around the eyelid area. EZgel uses your own cells, called platelets, combined with growth factors and albumin to fill and stimulate collagen production.
Because there’s a natural boost in collagen production through EZgel, the results are sustained for longer than with fillers that don’t have this benefit.
- Injections
Another effective solution is Botox. Unlike a dermal filler, Botox works to smooth the skin around the eyes through the use of neuromodulators. These are injected into the eyelid muscles to relax the orbicularis oculi – giving your eyes that open, alert, and youthful look. Botox is a great noninvasive option for lifting your sagging eyelids with minimal discomfort and zero downtime.
- Prescription Eye Drops
In specific situations where there’s mild to moderate excess skin around the eyes, your surgeon may recommend a visit to an ophthalmologist or eye specialist if s/he thinks you might benefit from prescription eye drops.
There is currently a prescription eye drop that temporarily raises the eyelid and improves eyelid muscle strength. As with all prescription drugs, there are caveats and side effects. So you’ll want to discuss this option with your provider.
An Ounce of Prevention…
As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. But there’s no preventing aging. You can slow down its ravages though. In addition, taking preventive measures after having fillers or injections will also slow the process of eyelid drooping.
For example, we all know at this point that there are negative effects to too much screen time. Yet, many of us have to be on our screens for work. So take regular breaks to prevent eye strain that can lead to eyelid drooping.
You should also use sun protection. Apply a sunscreen of at least SPF30 on the delicate skin around the eyes and always wear sunglasses to prevent early aging around the eyes.
Be sure you’re getting plenty of sleep because a lack of slumber can make your droopy eyelids sag even more. And drink plenty of water to give your skin (and body) the hydration it needs.
Finally, avoid smoking because it can have a significantly poor impact on your skin’s elasticity.
Do You Want to Brighten Your Eyes?
Don’t despair! Depending on your situation, it’s entirely possible to fix drooping eyelids without surgery.
Contact us today to consult with our specialists to discuss your aesthetic goals and find out which would be the most beneficial procedure for you.
And bring that sparkle back to your eyes!
Maintaining Your Plastic Surgery Results This Holiday Season
Ah, the holidays are upon us. Exciting as that may be, if you gave yourself the gift of fat reduction through plastic surgery this past year, you might be concerned about gaining weight during this celebratory season.
After all, it’s easy to use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge through November and December. The air is getting colder, and satisfyingly rich goodies are everywhere.
This is what makes maintaining plastic surgery results this holiday season so challenging. Fear not. Scientifically based advice (along with a shift in mindset) can help you stay on track this year.
Best Ways of Maintaining Your Plastic Surgery Results During the Holidays
The holidays don’t have to be a time when you ditch your healthy eating habits and fitness goals to go hog wild. You can still embrace the season’s festivities while preventing weight gain.
And you don’t have to completely deprive yourself either. Consider the following four steps this year:
- Make Water a Priority
Staying hydrated keeps your energy up, your skin radiant, and your body healthy. It’s also key in controlling your weight. That’s why it should really be a year-round goal. But it’s especially important during the busy temptation-laden holidays.
If you concentrate on staying hydrated, you’ll stave off hunger and more easily resist the treats in the break room, at the holiday party, and at the grocery store. And if you’re new to the whole ‘drinking water’ thing, consider starting with some unsweetened herbal teas to help you transition. Lots of flavor with none of the guilt.
- Steer Clear of Holiday Drinks
While you’re focusing on drinking more water, try to resist the holiday-themed drinks at your favorite coffeehouse. Some of the more popular drinks (gingerbread/chocolate mint/pumpkin pie lattes and caramel cider for example) are loaded with sugar. If you drink one of those every day, the calories will add up fast.
In addition, seasonal holiday alcoholic drinks are also an easy way to pack on the pounds. On its own, alcohol has 7 purely empty calories per gram. Add the creams and juices and other mixers that make the holiday bright, and you’re taking in a lot of excess calories.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have the occasional sweet latte or cranberry holiday cocktail though. You can still enjoy these special treats if you drink fewer of them and only on chosen days. This way, they’ll be more special. On the other days, stick with plain coffee or herbal tea – with perhaps just a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of nutmeg. And continue to drink a lot of water.
- Stay Active
The holidays are extra busy. And one of the first things that gets pushed to the side might be your workout routine. You’re far from alone! We get it.
So when the holidays become overwhelming and you don’t have an hour to commit to the gym, consider trying Tabata-style workouts instead. These are workouts that consist of intense bursts of energy alternating with rest periods. You can find plenty on YouTube.
If you’re still feeling that you can’t fit in enough exercise, see if you can find active ways to have a good time during the holidays. How about a hike in the snowy woods or giving skating a try. Maybe strap on some skis and head to the trails or hills. There might even be a local ‘Jingle Run/Walk’ you can sign up for with friends and family.
- Try Intermittent Fasting
Managing your food consumption during the holidays can be tricky when there are treats around every corner. But if you’re able to do intermittent fasting, you may end up with minimal damage in the weight gain arena.
If you’re not familiar, intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. There are numerous ways to do intermittent fasting.
One of the most common and manageable ways is called the 16:8 plan in which you eat what you want during an eight-hour window (such as noon until 8pm or 2pm-10pm) and fast for the other 16 hours. You can also do a more extreme version, known as the warrior diet, where you fast for 20 hours and eat for four hours.
You could also eat normally one day and then either fast completely or have a small meal the next day. This may be more difficult during the busy season though.
Whatever the case, if you’re able to do intermittent fasting, it could pay off for you in that it can burn visceral fat calories through the fasting period. This way, you’ll feel less guilty when you do break the fast. You still need to be careful not to overdo it though.
- Just Be Mindful
At the end of the day, mindfulness is your most powerful tool for maintaining your plastic surgery results this holiday season. Each time you’re presented with a treat, ask yourself if it’s really worth it. Sometimes, it will be. And in this case, take a small potion and savor it. If, on the other hand, you won’t truly relish it, then why waste the calories?
In addition, if you know you’re going to a big party that will be loaded with tempting food and drink, then have a healthy and filling snack about an hour before you go. This could be unsweetened Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts, peanut butter on whole grain bread, or fresh veggies dipped in hummus. Going into the party somewhat full will curb your desire to overindulge.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, if you do overindulge, give yourself a break. It happens. And remember that even though you can’t change what’s already happened, you do have control over how you go forward. In other words, don’t let one slip-up justify blowing your healthy habits through the rest of the holidays. Instead, focus on making positive choices each day.
You CAN Enjoy Without Overindulging
Maintaining your plastic surgery results this holiday season comes down to watching your portions, choosing healthy food and drink, staying hydrated, and getting some movement in each day.
If you can establish these habits during the holidays, you’ll find it even easier to maintain them for the rest of the year.
Meanwhile, if you could still use some help looking your best this holiday season, don’t hesitate to contact us for your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. And gift yourself with more confidence and ease this holiday.
Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men
Plastic surgery in the early 20th century focused primarily on men. That’s because it was often used for reconstructive purposes on soldiers injured in the battlefield.
As the century progressed, however, plastic surgery began to take on a sizable cosmetic component that became the domain of mostly women. And it remained that way for many decades.
That’s changing though. An increasing number of men are getting plastic surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 1.7 million men opted for cosmetic procedures in 2023. So what’s happening?
Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men Are More Socially Acceptable
The development of the internet and social media has given rise to men being more concerned about their appearance. As such, they’ve begun to embrace the option of plastic surgery far more than in the past. Some procedures, however, are gaining ground in popularity faster than others:
- Liposuction
Liposuction is a large umbrella term that covers an array of liposuction types and techniques. This allows for men to pick and choose based on their aesthetic goals.
For example, the 360 liposuction procedure focuses on the entire body for a well-rounded approach to a more toned physique. Meanwhile, for the time-crunched man who’s looking for more minor changes, there are different laser options available that can be done during lunch and with no downtime. Men can return to work and results appear in five to seven days.
- Gynecomastia
The term gynecomastia is derived from the Greek meaning ‘woman-like breasts.’ It’s an embarrassing condition brought on by stubborn fatty tissue and breast tissue in the chest that affects over 50 percent of men. Factors that contribute to gynecomastia include age, weight gain, genetics, and use of marijuana and/or anabolic steroids. It can be entirely unresponsive to diet and exercise.
In cases where enlarged breasts are a result of obesity. This condition is known as pseudogynecomastia and it’s typically treated with liposuction.
The patient is given either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon then makes a small incision on each side of the chest. These may be located within the armpit or around the areola. Excess fat is removed through the incisions and the surgeon sculpts a new chest contour before closing the incisions.
In cases that are not the result of obesity, gynecomastia may require surgical tissue excision. This procedure enables the plastic surgeon to remove more glandular tissue and skin that can’t be removed through liposuction. Thus, it’s also recommended for men who have stretched and sagging skin around their breasts.
- Tummy Tuck
Though the tummy tuck has long been connected with women who want their pre-pregnancy bodies back, it’s a procedure that’s become popular among men too as age thickens the middle of the body.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat to give patients a smoother and flatter abdomen. The procedure may also involve the reconstruction of the abdominal wall musculature to tighten weak muscles.
An additional bonus to removing excess fat and skin while tightening and toning abdominal muscles is an improvement in posture. This can alleviate chronic back pain.
- Hair Restoration
Hair loss is one of the biggest concerns for men.
For patients struggling with androgenic alopecia, or even those with early hair loss, a plastic surgeon who offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a great option.
It’s believed that PRP injections not only trigger natural hair growth, but they maintain it by boosting blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft.
With this procedure, blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and 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 into a syringe to be injected into parts of the scalp where increased hair growth is required. Because the patient uses his own blood with PRP therapy, there’s no risk of getting an infectious disease.
- Chin Augmentation
Many men lament the loss of the strong chin and jawline they possessed in their youth. Age has a way of diminishing this line. Chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, can address this. This surgical procedure reshapes the chin either by enhancement with an implant or reduction surgery on the bone.
Often, plastic surgeons recommend chin surgery to men who are also having rhinoplasty so that they can maintain the facial proportion they desire.
Plastic Surgery Is for Everyone
Plastic surgery procedures for men are on the rise. And why not? There’s no good reason that men shouldn’t feel as confident in their appearance as women.
So if you’re a man considering plastic surgery to address some aspect of your appearance that troubles you, no need to hesitate!
Contact us today to get started on fixing that issue. You’ve waited long enough.
Do You Truly Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage?
As we move closer to the autumn and winter months, you may be starting to notice some skin damage from the long months of the strong summer sun.
Fortunately, there are several non-invasive options available that can refresh and rejuvenate your sun-weary skin. These include laser skin treatments, chemical peels, and specific skincare treatments.
Still, the best course of action is to protect your skin from sun damage before it happens. Plus, regardless of what you might think, it’s never too late to take advantage of proper sun protection and skincare practices. These will only benefit you.
How to REALLY Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
While non-invasive treatments are highly effective in addressing summer sun damage, you can work to reduce or even block potential sun damage by taking a proactive stance. Consider the following questions:
- Are You Using Sunscreen… Correctly?
The summer sun is warm and bright. It’s also a huge contributing factor to the negative appearance and health of your skin as you age. So if you’re not using sunscreen, it’s time to start!!
But even if you’ve been diligent about using it, there’s a chance you’re not using it correctly. Especially if you’re still experiencing sun damage.
The first mistake people make is not getting a high enough SPF. You should be using a minimum SPF 50. Also, be sure that the product offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. UVA is the main culprit for aging, and UVB causes burns. Mineral sunscreen lotions that contain titanium or zinc are more effective than their chemical cousins. Not everyone likes them though, as they leave a bit of a white film and can have a strange smell. So that’s the trade-off.
Finally, how thoroughly do you apply your sunscreen? Be sure to include your ears, the back of the neck, the tops of your hands, and any part of your scalp that’s even partially exposed. And keep in mind it’s not a ‘one and done’ venture. You need to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors or after being in the water.
- How Do You Dress for Being in the Sun?
You can’t grow extra layers of skin, but you can put on additional clothing if you know you’re going to be in the sun for a prolonged time. Sun-protective clothing is specially created to block the UV rays that can penetrate regular clothing and swimsuits. Plus, it’s designed to be more breathable than a lot of other fabrics.
The other two items you should always wear when under the summer sun are a hat and sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging rays. But they also keep the skin that so easily wrinkles around the eyes less exposed. Add a proper hat and the whole face (and scalp) has it made in the shade.
- What’s Your Skincare Regimen?
The hard truth is, UV radiation changes the DNA of your skin cells and it can’t be reversed. A good skincare regimen can reduce and even repair the effects of sun-damaged skin though.
With the help of the right skincare products, you can reduce wrinkles and fine lines, remove spots and discoloration, and stimulate new skin and collagen production that will naturally improve the look, tone, and quality of your skin.
Skincare professionals often recommend products that contain retinoids or retinol. These chemicals encourage skin cells to slough off so that new cells will rejuvenate the skin’s surface. They also stimulate collagen production.
Another consideration would be an antioxidant serum such as vitamin C. Antioxidants slow skin damage and aging caused by free radicals, decrease the breakdown of collagen, and lessen UV radiation damage. So take care of your skin and it’ll take care of you.
Now Is the Time to Speak with a Skincare Professional
When you protect your skin from sun damage, you’re potentially adding years of resilience to your skin. So make it a priority.
If you could use some guidance on best practices, reach out to a skincare professional at a board-certified plastic surgeon’s office.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation so you can explore your options and move into next summer with confidence.
