The Basics of a Neck Lift
The appearance of the neck is one of the biggest indicators of age. So it’s no wonder that so many folks over a certain age favor the turtle neck or deem the scarf a necessary fashion accessory.
It doesn’t have to be that way though.
Depending on what issue you have with the appearance of your neck, you can remedy it with a neck lift.
What Is a Neck Lift?
A neck lift isn’t a single procedure, but rather a set of them. Medically speaking, they’re referred to as a lower rhytidectomy or submental lipectomy.
The neck lift is often a part of a face lift. But it can also be a stand alone procedure if you’re content with the current status of your face.
Again, the exact procedure you need depends on whether you’re looking to remove extra skin, excess fat, or seeking to alter the neck muscles.
In some instances, there may be injections utilized to address problems with fullness or excess fat under the chin. Additional techniques include ultrasound, lasers, fillers, radio-frequency devices, intense pulsed light, and SkinTyte using Sciton Laser.
What Are the Benefits of a Surgical Neck Lift?
While Botox, filler, and lasers may work for a while to smooth out the neck, they don’t deliver the long-lasting results that surgery does.
A plastic surgeon can go in and reposition soft tissue, remove excess fat, and tighten loose skin. This delivers a far more natural-looking fix that nonsurgical procedures.
To truly address the changes to the neck that come with aging, a surgical neck lift is the best long-term solution.
The Neck Lift Procedures)
As stated above, there’s no one-size-fits-all procedure for a neck lift. Which one is right for you will be established during a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
But here’s a look at the three most common complaints that come with an aging neck and how they are addressed:
- Turkey Wattle
While Botox injections can relax parts of that unsightly turkey wattle, surgery is usually the recommendation.
This procedure involves incisions under the chin or behind the ears (or both) in order to access a neck muscle called the platysma. In some instances, part of the platysma may need to be removed. Newer procedures allow for smaller incisions and the use of an endoscope to execute the surgery.
This sort of neck lift can be done under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation.
- Extra Skin
When there is extra skin but it’s not quite a turkey wattle, the skin is trimmed then lifted into place. It’s secured with stitches or tissue glue. This procedure takes two to four hours and it can be done under either local or general anesthesia.
After the procedure, the patient is fitted with a compression bandage to be worn for five to seven days.
- Excess Fat
Liposuction is often the preferred method for removing excess fat. Simpler than the above two procedures, the surgeon need only make a small incision below the chin.
If no other procedure is performed, the liposuction surgery lasts no more than an hour. A local anesthetic is used, the incisions are stitched and bandaged, and the patient is sent home with instructions for wound care.
Turn Back the Hands of Time
Yeah, okay. A neck lift won’t actually turn back the hands of time. But it can address the ravages of aging on your neck to help you look younger.
So if you’d like to ditch the scarf and/or turtle neck, contact us today for your free consultation. And soon, you could be showing off a smoother and more youthful looking neck.
Your Options for Surgical Body Contouring
You exercise and you eat well. You’re active and you’re healthy. Yet, you’re stuck with areas of stubborn fat or sagging skin that just won’t go away, no matter how hard you try.
You’re not alone. But you’re also not without help.
With a surgical body contouring procedure, you can eliminate excess fat, as well as get rid of extra skin to reshape and contour an area of the body. And it actually works!
How Does It Differ From Nonsurgical Body Contouring?
In a previous blog post, we discussed the relatively new field of aesthetic medicine known as nonsurgical body contouring. Its objective is to sculpt, tone, and contour the body without surgery. It uses a range of state-of-the-art technology to achieve results across a wide array of body areas including the thighs, abdomen, arms, and legs.
But when there is excess skin or very stubborn fat, surgical body contouring is more effective.
It’s important to understand though that neither surgical nor non-surgical body contouring is intended to help you lose weight. Rather, it aims to address specific problem areas where weight loss isn’t effective, or where there is excess skin after significant weight loss.
The end result isn’t necessarily a slimmed down body, but a more normal appearance with smoother contours. For example, a facelift is going to help with excess skin of the mid-face, jowls, and neck. Or a breast lift will address sagging and flattened breasts.
Other surgical body contouring procedures include:
Liposuction
Liposuction aims to remove excess fat from a variety of areas including the chin and neck, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees, ankles and buttocks. Liposuction is one of the less complicated procedures to improve body contour and proportion. While it often requires general anesthesia, it can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Arm Lift
Excess skin on the underarm can be the result of weight loss, aging, or heredity. An arm lift removes that excess skin. The upper portion of the arm is reshaped from the armpit area to the elbow and weakened tissues are addressed.
Tummy Tuck
Patients seek a tummy tuck when they want a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. This procedure removes excess abdominal fat and skin while reestablishing weakened or separated muscles.
Lower Body Lift
Excess skin, cellulite, and sagging fatty tissue on the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs are removed in this comprehensive procedure. Smoother leg and abdomen contours are the result.
Recovery From Surgical Body Contouring
Because there’s such a wide range of options for surgical body contouring, recovery varies based on the procedures as well as the individual. For example, a tummy tuck surgery will result in greater scarring and healing than liposuction.
General anesthesia and at least one overnight stay are often required for surgical body contouring procedures. Your surgeon may also require you to wear a compression garment for several weeks.
Again, depending on your procedure, full recovery could take several months – though the initial discomfort usually fades within two to four weeks. Not much to endure to get rid of that pesky fat and sagging skin!
How Could Surgical Body Contouring Benefit You?
If you’re healthy and near your ideal weight, but have stubborn fat and excess skin that won’t respond to diet and exercise, then it could be time to consider a surgical body contouring procedure.
Contact us today to meet with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. During your free consultation, they’ll discuss your body shaping goals and offer with the best treatment options to meet your needs.
All About the Chemical Peels
Sick and tired of fine lines and wrinkles? How about age spots, mild scars, or dark patches?
Chemical peels are an amazing way to significantly reduce the appearance of all of these. And they can be performed on the face, neck, or hands.
They’re a great nonsurgical alternative for improving your complexion and restoring confidence in your appearance.
What Chemical Peels Address
Life is tough on the skin.
Sun damage and aging create wrinkles. Squinting and smiling result in fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Acne is unsightly and can leave scars. Even pregnancy and birth control pills can wreak havoc on the skin. Chemical peels can address all of these conditions and more.
It is important to understand that they can’t take care of every one of your skin maladies though. Sagging and bulging skin or deep wrinkles generally don’t respond well to chemical peels. In these instances, your board-certified surgeon would likely recommend a procedure such as an SMAS facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, dermal filler, or laser resurfacing.
The Chemical Peel Procedure
The procedure isn’t terribly complicated. First, your eyes and hair will be covered with protection so that your skin can be thoroughly cleansed with an agent to remove excess oils. Then, a chemical solution is applied to your skin. At this point, you may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation followed by a stinging sensation. If the stinging is problematic, a cool compress may be applied to your skin. The chemical is then washed off and removed.
Chemical peels are not a one-size-fits-all affair though.
The light or “lunchtime” chemical peel is usually done in a series and it’s best for those with fine wrinkling, uneven skin coloring, or rough sun-damaged skin. Only the outermost layer of skin is removed and recovery requires little to no downtime.
With a medium chemical peel, both the outermost layer and the upper part of the middle skin layer are removed. This is a good option for those with more moderate wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, or uneven skin coloring that’s more pronounced.
And a deep chemical peel provides the most dramatic results. In this case, the chemical penetrates all the way down to the lower middle layer of the skin. This is most often recommended for those with moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and actinic keratosis. When done on the face, it’s a one-time treatment that requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks.
There’s also a new option on the market – the VI chemical peel.
The New VI Chemical Peel
Fair-skinned and light-haired patients have long been better candidates for chemical peels. But with the newest chemical peel known as the VI Peel, this is no longer the case. The VI Peel is one of the safest chemical peels on the market and is ideal for a wide range of skin types. It can dramatically improve the skin’s texture and tone, leaving it with a clear and radiant glow.
Using a unique blend of minerals, salicylic acid, vitamin C, phenol, retinoic acid, and TCA, the VI Peel works to safely remove damaged layers of skin and promote cellular growth. At the most basic level, this blend will help the skin to build collagen and elastin; tightening the skin, shrinking enlarged pores, and erasing fine lines and wrinkles.
The VI Peel also provides stunning results to those struggling with dull or damaged skin as a result of acne, rosacea, sun damage, or melasma and other hyperpigmentation issues.
It requires no oral or IV sedation and is nearly painless. Plus, for those with darker skin types, it requires no skin preconditioning. And given that this blend is packed with vitamins and minerals, the VI Peel is more nourishing than a traditional chemical peel.
Curious About Chemical Peels?
If you think one of the variety of available chemical peels might be right for you, then contact us today.
During your free consultation, you’ll meet with a plastic surgeon who will guide you in making the proper choice that will fit your needs. And should you require something more than a chemical peel, he or she will inform you of next best steps.
Advantages of Plastic Surgery in the Winter
Are you sick of the cold weather and have a constant eye out for the spring?
Whether you hate, love, or merely tolerate the cold, there is something to be said about opting to have plastic surgery in the winter.
In fact, once you consider the many advantages, you may start wishing for winter.
1. Appointments Are Easier to Schedule
If you’ve ever tried to schedule plastic surgery in the spring or summer when folks are noticing their imperfections, then you know how tough it can be to get in.
But in the winter, it’s much easier to schedule a procedure. With all of the bulky clothes and layers to conceal those trouble spots, there’s just not the urgency to schedule. And if you’re planning a multiple procedure surgery such as a mommy makeover, you’ll want flexible scheduling.
2. Keep It Covered
Speaking of coats and sweaters, they’re also the perfect foil for concealing the early scarring, swelling, and bruising that follows a procedure.
Warm winter clothes are also ideal for hiding compression garments. Furthermore, the cold air makes having to wear compression garments much more comfortable than when the temperatures are high.
3. Stay Cozy While Recovering
Most of us want to eat up as much outdoor activity as possible during the summer. But when winter comes, we have the perfect excuse for snuggling under blankets, flipping on the TV, and staying in by the fire.
Plus, depending on the procedure, you’ll be required to spend between 4-8 weeks avoiding strenuous activities. So while you’re getting cozy on the couch, you can start dreaming about returning to those activities when the spring finally does come.
At the end of the day, with a winter plastic surgery procedure, you’ll be more motivated to rest and recover because there’s little motivation to venture out.
4. Avoiding the Sun Is Easy
Near the top of the list of things to avoid after plastic surgery is sun exposure. The UV rays can negatively impact the incision’s ability to heal.
Avoiding direct sun exposure is a challenge in the spring and summer months. But in the winter, it’s far from difficult. Especially if you live in a climate where clouds overrule the sun during the winter months.
And when you do have to be exposed to the sun, mostly on your face, it’s much easier to apply sunscreen to one small area of the body rather than everywhere.
Even laser procedures such as Halo or hair removal are most commonly done during the winter because you cannot be exposed to sunlight due to the sensitivity of the skin.
Take Advantage of Plastic Surgery in the Winter
By getting plastic surgery in the winter, when it does finally come time to pull out the shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits, you’ll have already done the work to look your best.
Meanwhile, everyone who waited until late spring and early summer to get their procedures will have to wait until next summer to showcase their amazing results.
So don’t hesitate to contact us. Today. And show off your best self THIS summer!
All About the Arm Lift
Sagging skin under the arms can be embarrassing. It can also be terribly discouraging if you’re going to great lengths to remove it through diet and exercise and getting no results.
Ironically, rapid weight loss can be a cause of sagging skin on the arms. But it can also be a result of aging or genetics. It could be a combination of factors.
Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to leave them looking more toned and defined.
Who Would Benefit From Brachioplasty?
Of course, experiencing a hit to your self-esteem because of sagging arms is reason enough to seek out an arm lift. And it’s not an unusual procedure following weight-loss surgery.
But even if you don’t find the extra folds of tissue particularly troubling from the aesthetics perspective, you may want relief from the general discomfort. Then there’s the issue of maintaining hygiene, which is more challenging.
Finally, inflammation and rash associated with the extra folds of tissue can lead to infection. At this point, brachioplasty becomes a necessity.
Arm Lift Options
Fortunately, there are numerous options available when it comes to arm lifts.
A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.
Finally, a limited-incision brachioplasty (also known as a hidden arm lift) may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.
In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.
The Procedure
Given the variety of arm lifts, you’ll discuss which is best for you with your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Depending on the chosen procedure, you’ll receive either a general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then make the appropriate incision depending on the chosen procedure and remove extra skin and fat from the desired area.
The surgeon then reconnects the skin to provide a smooth contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries may be performed at this time as well.
Recovery
During recovery, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment to control swelling.
Patients are provided with postoperative care instructions that include attending to the incision, which medications to take and when, and potential warning signs. There will also be a timeline for follow-up appointments.
Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week or two, and can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
Tighten and Tone Those Arms
Of course, maintaining proper diet and exercise is key to maintaining good health. But sometimes it just isn’t enough for certain problem spots.
So if you’re struggling with extra skin and fat on your arms no matter how hard you try, then an arm lift could be right for you.
It’s important to add that Emsculpt can also be performed to improve the muscular contour and reduce the fat layer when a patient has a tight skin envelope. This effective and non-invasive improvement to the upper arms requires no downtime and no anesthesia.
So contact us today for a free consultation. And show off those arms this summer!
Maintaining Nonsurgical Body Contouring
When you glance in the mirror, do you immediately see those “trouble” spots? This can be especially irritating when you’re eating well and exercising, but it’s not making a difference. Yet, you may not be ready for surgery just yet.
Fortunately, new and emerging technologies have made it possible to tone muscles, burn fat, and shape your body in the way you desire without going under the knife.
So it’s no wonder that patients are clamoring for nonsurgical body contouring procedures.
How Does Nonsurgical Body Contouring Work?
Body contouring is a relatively new field of aesthetic medicine. Its objective is to sculpt, tone, and contour the body without surgery. Instead, these non-invasive treatments use a range of state-of-the-art technology to achieve results across a wide array of body areas including the thighs, abdomen, arms, and legs.
Patients don’t see a scalpel or a needle. There’s no recovery time. And a series of quick 30-60-minutes sessions can deliver visible and long-lasting results. The only job of the patient is to show up.
Body contouring benefits include building muscle, losing fat, contouring crucial areas of the body such as the abs, and lifting and toning the buttocks. These procedures can even tighten sagging or drooping skin due to aging or stretching.
The ability to achieve all of this without having to do any work may sound good to be true. That said, it’s important to understand that nonsurgical body contouring is not a quick fix. How you choose to live your life after the procedure plays heavily into its long-term success.
Maintaining Nonsurgical Contouring
Once you commit to nonsurgical body contouring, you want to make the most of your investment to get the best results. With that in mind, there are three main factors you’ll need to employ to maintain those results.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun
Keeping your skin protected from dangerous UV rays is always good practice. Even if you’re not having a procedure.
But since some body contouring procedures also address skin issues, it’s important you continue to attend to its optimal upkeep. This includes not only protecting it with a high SPF sunblock and/or sun-blocking clothing, but keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
- Be Done with Child Bearing
If you’ve had a child, you know that pregnancy can leave you feeling like your postpartum body belongs to someone else. Fostering a human life has a way of altering the body! No shock there.
So if you’re annoyed with some aspect of your body but are not done having children, you should probably wait until you are. A pregnancy can easily undo the results of any nonsurgical body contouring procedure. This isn’t to say that you can’t get a revision should the need arise. But if you can wait until you know you’re done, you’ll get the best results by having just one procedure.
- Keep Up a Healthy Lifestyle
While we have this at #3, it’s probably the single most important factor. While nonsurgical body contouring is meant to address trouble spots that don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, this doesn’t mean you can now regularly camp out on your couch with a bag of potato chips. If you want to maintain results, diet and exercise are just as important after your procedure as before.
But it’s not just diet and exercise. Drinking, smoking, and taking other substances can also affect your metabolism and damage your skin tone – among other things. All of this will negatively impact your results in the long term.
So once you make the healthy choice to have a non-surgical body contouring procedure, keep making those healthy choices to maintain it.
Could Nonsurgical Body Contouring Brighten Your Day?
If you’re feeling hesitant about surgery and are wondering if nonsurgical body contouring is right for you, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you’ll get a chance to sit down with our trained specialists in aesthetic medicine who can guide you on the next best steps.
And soon you can say goodbye to those trouble spots!
What Is Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
What Is Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers have been available for over 40 years. Since that time, they’ve been used predominantly by women over the age of 40. These days, however, they’re increasingly used by (mostly) women in their 20s.
Is this really such a bad idea though?
But there are many who feel that your 20s aren’t too young for dermal fillers. And for good reason.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
To be clear, dermal fillers are not the same as Botox. With Botox, the muscles are, in essence, frozen to lessen wrinkles. But a dermal filler is an injectable implant. Injected under the skin with a needle, they serve to smooth the skin and complexion.
The nice thing about injectables is that they’re not a huge commitment. And they’ve come a long way since the early days. At one time, injectables often consisted of collagen that required allergy testing. And in some cases, they contained liquid silicone – though these were never approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes.
Today, most fillers are made with the body’s natural compound hyaluronic acid that’s found in the skin and cartilage. It typically dissolves within 12 to 16 months. Some injectables contain the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral that’s found in the bones. These fillers last closer to 18 months.
A biodegradable synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid is also available. These are the longest lasting at two years. Whatever the case, dermal fillers are a safe option for patients who would rather try a more temporary procedure.
When Most Patients Seek Dermal Fillers
For most people, collagen production slows around the age of 40. As such, most patients who seek dermal fillers are in the age range of 40-55.
This makes perfect sense since the injection of hyaluronic acid not only stimulates collagen production, but it also draws moisture to smooth the skin. Once the skin is plumped with moisture, it’s far less prone to dehydration and, in turn, wrinkles.
As we mentioned above, however, there are many younger people in their 20s seeking dermal fillers. Which brings us back to the question:
Are Your 20s Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
It might seem counterproductive to get dermal fillers before the skin is showing signs of aging. Why would you even want them?
Once the skin starts to show wrinkles, folds, lines, and creases, it means hyaluronic acid and collagen production has already decreased. However, research shows that by using hyaluronic-based dermal fillers as part of an anti-aging regimen when in your 20s, you prolong collagen production. This means you may be able to prevent deep lines for longer.
It’s very important that injectables are administered only by a board-certified surgeon though who is aware of the correct amount needed. Patients in their 20s need a far more conservative amount than one in their 50s or older.
Curious About Dermal Fillers?
Every body has a different rate of maturation. While teenagers are considered too young for dermal fillers, it’s increasingly more common for those in their 20s to use them.
Regardless of your age, if you’re interested in how dermal filler injections could smooth and rejuvenate your skin, contact us today. We’ll talk you through the process to ensure you achieve the results you want.
How Long Breast Implants
How Long Breast Implants Last
Are you considering breast implants? If so, you’ll be amazed at how much they can improve your self-image and leave you feeling more confident.
Breast implants are a fantastic investment. Even so, breast implants do have an expiration date.
As such, it’s important to have some idea of how long breast implants last, as well as reasons you might need them replaced before they expire. That way, you can plan appropriately.
How Long Breast Implants Last
While there’s no guaranteed amount of time you can be sure your implant will last, most of today’s implants last a minimum of ten years if there are no complications. Of course, how long yours lasts will depend on a number of factors.
One of the biggest factors is whether you choose silicone or saline implants.
Silicone
Of the two different types, silicone implants are the more resilient. As such, it’s not at all unusual for these to last for decades. In some cases, they may even last for a woman’s lifetime. Again, this depends on several factors.
But one of the drawbacks of silicone is that it’s more difficult to detect ruptures or other damage if they do occur. So while the implants can last a long time, patients need to stay up-to-date on checkups and stay in touch with their board-certified plastic surgeon.
Saline
Meanwhile, saline implants are more prone to shifting and rippling than silicone implants are. So while it’s possible for them to last for decades, it’s likely they will need some sort of maintenance every ten to fifteen years.
They also have a somewhat higher risk of rupturing. But since saline can be absorbed by the body and silicone can’t, a rupture is less serious.
So clearly each type of implant has its pros and cons.
Reasons For Implant Replacement or Removal
These days, complications during plastic surgery are exceedingly rare. Advances in surgical techniques along with an increased understanding of how patients are likely to experience a procedure have contributed to this.
Still, along with the possibility of a rupture, an implant can get displaced, malfunction, or bottom out. Then there’s also the chance for capsular contracture. This is when the capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant to protect the body becomes unusually hard and starts to contract around it. This is not common though.
Some patients may experience a change in personal taste or lifestyle over time that leaves them wanting to change the type and/or size of the implant.
Finally, on very rare occasions, a patient may experience breast implant-related illness that warrants a removal. Regardless of the situation that prompts breast implant replacement or removal, the plastic surgeon will always consider every factor at play to recommend the appropriate course of action.
Have Questions About Breast Implants?
At the end of the day, your lifestyle, unique body constitution, and the plastic surgeon you choose will determine how long breast implants last.
So if you’re still left with questions about breast implants, feel free to contact us for a free consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. He or she will assess your situation and give you a more educated estimate as to how long your implants should last.
Yes, Stress Affects Your Skin
We frequently hear about the negative impact of stress on the heart, brain, stomach, and other organs. But what about the biggest organ – your skin?
Given the negative repercussions of stress throughout the rest of the body, it makes perfect sense that stress affects your skin too.
It’s all the result of the brain-skin axis.
What Is the Brain-Skin Axis?
When we’re in a stressed state, the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands produce pro-inflammatory hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines as a line of defense.
The brain-skin axis is the two-way freeway that translates psychological stress from the brain and connects it to the skin through pro-inflammatory skin cells called mast cells.
This response is helpful in fleeting fight or flight moments. But when you experience chronic stress, the steady influx of inflammatories can wreak havoc with your skin.
How Stress Affects Your Skin
Given its increased susceptibility to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet light and temperature, the skin is more frequently battered by stress hormones than other organs. And stress affects the skin in many ways.
In the bigger picture, stress impacts the immune system, causing it to be more reactive. This means an increase in rashes, hives, and redness. The resulting inflammation can also cause flare ups for those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Meanwhile, increased cortisol can lead to overproduction of oil in the glands and cause acne breakouts. Steady exposure to cortisol also puts the kibosh on the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen which keep the skin smooth and youthful.
Furthermore, the stress from having a skin condition can lead people to isolate, leaving them even more stressed. They may skimp on their daily skin care routine – further exacerbating the problem.
No matter how you cut it, chronic stress has a negative impact on the skin. So what’s a person to do?
Reducing Stress Is Your First Goal
There is no doubt these are stressful times. The issues surrounding the pandemic, as well as the fierce political polarity in this country, have left many of us with varying degrees of chronic stress.
At the end of the day though, 90% of our stress does not come from the stressor itself, but rather from how we deal with it.
One of the most effective ways to manage stress is with mindful practices like meditation, yoga, and breath work. Exercise is also beneficial in that it increases antioxidants and lowers cortisol levels.
Your diet is also key in managing stress. Stick with foods high in vitamins A and C, polyphenols, lycopene, and astaxanthin to aid in preventing free radicals and combatting inflammation.
And if life has gotten too overwhelming and you just feel like you need to cry, then do it! Like exercise, crying helps decrease cortisol levels. It’s also a major stress release.
Finally, you can soothe and help heal the skin by looking for skincare products that contain barrier-boosting ingredients like glycolipids, fatty acids, and ceramides.
Feed it what it needs.
Give Your Skin The TLC It Deserves
Now that you understand how stress affects your skin, you can take measures to lessen the stressors in your life.
In the meantime, if your skin could use a little extra care and attention or if you’re struggling with acne scars that won’t go away, contact us.
Our skincare specialists are happy to discuss the many options available to you!
Plastic Surgery For Body Positivity
Perhaps you’ve noticed that catalogs and magazines now have models that buck what was once conventional. As a society, we’re waking up to the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.
The body positivity movement grew out of this understanding – focusing on the idea that all bodies are beautiful. But that doesn’t mean that everyone is suddenly happy with certain features of their bodies. It’s just not that easy.
This is where plastic surgery for body positivity makes sense.
What Is Body Positivity?
In 1996, a psychotherapist and an individual who had been through treatment for an eating disorder coined the term “body positive.” They created a website that offered resources designed to help people feel good about their bodies by pulling the focus away from losing weight through unhealthy dieting and exercise efforts.
The movement evolved from there and its current incarnation emerged in 2012 in response to unrealistic feminine beauty standards. Working from the “all bodies are beautiful” battle cry, the movement became increasingly popular. Marketing campaigns and advertisements shifted gears to reflect this.
Even so, a lot of people are still confused about body positivity and essentially how to make it happen for themselves. As mentioned above, you don’t just wake up one day and decide everything is great after years or even a lifetime of struggle. And not being able to embrace body positivity can have the reverse effect of making people feel bad if they’re unable.
So yes, while body positivity embraces changes that happen naturally due to aging, pregnancy, or lifestyle choices, it doesn’t demand that someone should feel ashamed for taking action to improve some aspect of their body.
Plastic Surgery for Body Positivity
At its core, body positivity sets out to look at some of the ways that body image influences mental health and well-being. Having a healthy body image impacts the way people feel about their appearance and judge their self-worth. Meanwhile, negative body image is connected with an increased risk for conditions such as depression and eating disorders.
So how does plastic surgery help with body positivity? Quite successfully, actually. Plastic surgeons and their patients understand that aesthetic procedures aren’t meant to be quick fixes. They’re a means for making someone more comfortable in their skin.
As such, a growing number of patients are coming in to consult with plastic surgeons with modest requests that don’t involve them wanting to look like supermodels or turn back the hands of time. They eat well and exercise but just want a procedure that will help them feel better about the person they’re presenting to the world.
In addition, some procedures such as rhinoplasty and debulking liposuction (to name just two) have added health benefits. And people in good health are generally happier than those who are not.
At the end of the day, body positivity includes non-judgment for what an individual decides. And that includes plastic surgery.
Could You Use a Boost in Body Positivity?
Plastic surgery for body positivity is about embracing what makes each person unique and beautiful.
If you’ve tried to embrace and accept some aspect of your body that is causing you grief, there’s no need to endure that. Contact us today to discuss your options.
Our plastic surgeons are trained to utilize their skill set to direct ALL patients onto the path of body positivity.
