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.
The ABCs of Gynecomastia Surgery
Many women seek out the counsel of a plastic surgeon because they’re embarrassed by breasts that aren’t as large or full as they’d like.
On the flip side of that, however, are men who have developed breasts and are equally embarrassed by this condition. For them, the focus is on reduction.
Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery was developed to treat this condition.
What Is Gynecomastia?
In the simplest terms, gynecomastia is an imbalance between estrogen and androgen hormones. Just as most women produce small amounts of testosterone, men usually produce small amounts of estrogen. Estrogen is what controls breast growth.
In cases where a man’s body produces too much estrogen in tandem with lower testosterone levels, the result can be enlarged breasts.
Gynecomastia occurs in about half of male infants due to the effects of their mother’s estrogen. The condition usually corrects within 2-3 weeks. Then estrogen often spikes again during puberty when the hormones get thrown out of balance. This typically resolves within six months to two years.
The prevalence of gynecomastia among men ages 50 to 80, however, is between 24% and 65%. Many men experience no symptoms of this imbalance. But for those with chronic swollen breasts, gynecomastia surgery is often the best solution.
The Causes of Gynecomastia
Bodies are complex, to say the least. And there are myriad things that trigger a hormone imbalance. Aside from the changes that occur during puberty and aging, there are other factors that can cause gynecomastia. Among them are thyroid, liver, or kidney disease, adrenal tumors, and alcoholism.
In addition, certain medications used to treat infections, high blood pressure, heartburn, anxiety/depression, enlarged prostate, and male infertility can also result in gynecomastia. Amphetamines, opioids, steroids, and even marijuana can lead to breast swelling.
Treating Gynecomastia with Liposuction
There are 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.
Gynecomastia Surgery
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 patients who have stretched and sagging skin around the breasts.
Using either general or local anesthesia with sedation, the surgeon will typically make incisions around the areola or within the natural creases of the chest. He or she will choose the areas of incision based on what will be most inconspicuous in terms of scarring. As with the liposuction procedure, excess tissue is removed and the area sculpted before the incisions are closed.
In most cases, patients feel ready to return to work within 1 week of surgery. Within a couple of weeks, they are able to gradually return to exercise.
And without the embarrassment.
Are You Troubled by Enlarged Breasts?
If your attempts to eliminate enlarged breasts have proven unsuccessful and you’re tired of trying to hide them, then contact us today for a free consultation.
Find out how easy it is to restore a more masculine appearance to your upper body through gynecomastia surgery.
How Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Differ
What do you think of when you hear the words “cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery”?
Chances are, you think that cosmetic is for those who want to get rid of wrinkles or enhance a body part, while reconstructive is more needful.
That’s not entirely incorrect. However, there are plenty of occasions where elective cosmetic surgery can be as life changing as reconstructive.
We’ll break them down here.
Cosmetic Surgery
Yes. As the name implies, the aim of cosmetic surgery is to enhance one’s appearance by reshaping different parts of the anatomy to make them more visually appealing.
Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed on all areas of the body, head, and neck. It treats areas that already function properly. Even so, there are many cosmetic surgeries that also improve function. For example, a rhinoplasty procedure (nose job) can help to improve breathing while also enhancing the appearance of the nose.
A vast array of procedures fall under the cosmetic surgery umbrella. Breast augmentation, reduction, and lift all fall into this category. So do procedures that aim to contour or rejuvenate the face, including rhinoplasty, facelift, eyelid lift, neck lift, and brow lift. A tummy tuck, liposuction, and gynecomastia repair, as well as skin rejuvenation procedures such as laser resurfacing, botox, and filler treatments are all considered cosmetic procedures.
Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery differ in that the latter is considered medically necessary.
The objective of reconstructive surgery is to both improve appearance and restore function of the targeted area(s). It aims to correct deformities caused by trauma, disease, or birth defects. Two of the most common types of procedures are breast reconstruction following a lumpectomy or mastectomy, as well as reconstructive surgery after burn injuries.
Other examples include cleft lip and palate repair, extremity defect repair, lower extremity reconstruction, scar revision, and hand surgery.
Is There An Overlap?
Regardless of whether it’s cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, the underlying surgical principles are the same. And ultimately, the goal is to maximize the cosmetic result as much as possible. So there’s really quite a significant overlap between these two surgeries.
The basis of surgical training for plastic surgeons is of the reconstructive variety – though many go on to complete additional training to perform cosmetic surgery. The two are so closely interconnected that in 1999, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons changed its name to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
The aim was to communicate the message that there’s virtually no difference between plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
The Board-Certified Difference
A plastic surgeon with the “board-certified” designation indicates an advanced level of training and experience.
Board-certified surgeons are required to complete one of two routes of training. They either partake in an integrated residency training that combines three years of general surgery and three years of plastic surgery or
an independent, five-year residency program in general surgery which is then followed by the three-year plastic surgery residency program.
So it’s in a patient’s best interest to insist on a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Changes Lives
Both cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery procedures have the ability to improve one’s health and well-being. So if you feel that you could benefit from either of these, contact us today.
No matter which one might be right for you, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the anticipated result with your surgeon who will ensure that appropriate expectations are met.
The Details on High Volume and Debulking Liposuction
If you’re a naturally large person, you may find it far too easy to put on weight and far too difficult to take it off.
You may have even considered getting liposuction, but feel that it may not make much of a difference for you.
Fortunately, there is now high volume and debulking liposuction that was created specifically for larger people whose aesthetic goal is a noticeable reduction in size.
High Volume Liposuction
Not all liposuction is created equal.
In traditional liposuction, around two liters of fat is removed. For someone who is quite large, removing small and localized fat deposits isn’t going to make much of a difference.
This is why high volume liposuction was developed.
As far as how much fat is removed, each state has different laws and recommended limits of fat removal. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), however, recommends no more than 5 liters of liposuction aspirate, or fat, be removed in a surgery at one time.
Similar to traditional liposuction, high volume liposuction is performed on multiple areas of the body to enhance natural curves and proportions.
It is safely performed in an operating room with proper anesthesia from a board-certified anesthesiologist and in an Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) facility. Fluid monitoring, urine output, blood pressure and EKG monitoring, temperature control, and the use of appropriate medications contribute to the safety of this procedure.
Even so, high volume liposuction should be performed only by a board-certified plastic surgeon with an extensive and meticulous skillset and a keen eye for body shape to deliver safe and consistent results.
High volume liposuction can also be performed in combination with abdominoplasty (better known as a tummy tuck) and breast surgery.
So Then What Is Debulking Liposuction?
During procedures such as brachioplasty, thighplasty, and abdominoplasty there is often the need for skin excision, or removal.
For larger patients who are planning surgery which requires skin excision, debulking liposuction is often recommended 6-12 months previous to the procedure. This allows for proper healing time.
Debulking liposuction permanently removes resistant fat cells from trouble areas. As such, skin surgeries result in a nicer aesthetic outcome when debulked prior to removal.
In addition to preparing them for skin excision, this procedure is also performed on obese patients to improve or jumpstart their journey to healthier choices and to improve exercise capability.
Before the Procedure
Preop labs are performed to optimize electrolyte balance and ensure an adequate complete blood count (CBC). Patients with comorbidities may need overnight monitoring of vital signs, fluid shifts, and urine output.
Subcutaneous heparin or intraoperative steroids are often used to prevent deep vein thrombosis and postoperative edema, respectively.
Some patients may require pre-op cardiovascular clearance and possibly a stress echocardiogram to ensure stress of large volume removal will be tolerated.
After the Procedure
Blood loss is minimized by using tumescent liposuction techniques. Anticoagulant therapy is often used to prevent postoperative deep vein thrombosis.
In extreme cases of fat removal, patients may be admitted to the ICU. This is for the purpose of monitoring cardiac output with continuous monitoring and possible use of central lines, with or without Swan Ganz monitoring.
Along with monitoring, intraoperative use of warming blankets and sequential compression devices are used to promote blood flow and normal coagulability.
Postoperative blood transfusions may be needed as well.
Any swelling after the surgery may be hastened by the use of lymphatic massages and wearing appropriate body garments.
Could High Volume and Debulking Liposuction Help You?
If you’re ready to lighten up a bit and think that high volume and debulking liposuction might be right for you, now is the time.
Many patients find that they are able to drop several clothing sizes after undergoing this highly effective procedure. So contact us today to speak with our surgeons and find out about your options.
Correcting Inverted Nipples
Do you wish your breasts were larger, smaller, perkier, or just plain different? Most women who seek breast augmentation or reduction are looking for these kinds of results.
But for women with inverted nipples, the situation is different. They may be happy with the size and shape of their breasts, but are embarrassed by the appearance of their nipples. Especially in intimate settings.
They may also be concerned about their ability to breastfeed should they wish to have children. So they frequently inquire of plastic surgeons if there are ways of correcting inverted nipples.
Fortunately, the answer is yes.
What Causes Inverted Nipples?
An inverted nipple is an irregularity where the nipple doesn’t point in an outward direction. It’s typically not a medical concern. Even so, this condition can cause women distress and pull down their self-confidence a notch or two.
In some women (and even a very few men) inverted nipples are noticeable from childhood. In others, they may develop over time when milk ducts become shortened or breast tissue is reduced after pregnancy .
Whatever the case, it’s the result of the breast tissue pinching the base of the nipple – thereby limiting movement and stretch.
Some people experience inversion all the time, while others only notice it some of the time. There are even occasions where nipples that were once constantly inverted now fluctuate between being inverted and erect.
When patients desire breast revision surgery for inverted nipples, the surgeons must determine the level of inversion first.
Grades of Nipple Inversion
Inverted nipples are placed into one of three grades. The factors that determine the grade into which they’re placed are the degree of inversion, the effect on breastfeeding, and the best solution should breast revision surgery be desired.
In the Grade 1 category, the nipple will protrude with gentle squeezing and pushing on the areola. This can happen intentionally or through stimulation or breastfeeding. The nipple will often stay erect for some period of time after this.
For a Grade 2 inverted nipple, it’s more difficult to get the nipple to protrude and when it’s released, it retracts back inward.
Women with Grade 3 inverted nipples find it extremely difficult or even impossible to pull the nipple out from its inverted position.
Any grade of inversion can be addressed with nipple correction surgery – although women with grade 1 and 2 inversions will often try non-surgical methods first, such as nipple piercing or suction.
Nipple Piercing or Suction?
Yep, that’s right. Some women opt for nipple piercing to draw out inverted nipples. It seems that putting a piece of metal through your nipple will keep it in an erect position.
Of course, this option is far from ideal for most women. And it requires a tattoo artist who is very familiar with working with inverted nipples.
Meanwhile, there are suction methods that draw out the nipple. Although some of them promise this is a viable fix, the only truly permanent solution is surgery.
Correcting Inverted Nipples with Surgery
Once upon a time, correcting inverted nipples meant severing the milk ducts that pulled on them. Obviously, this eliminated the option of breastfeeding. As such, this method is rarely used any longer.
Instead, there is a newer technique that focuses on releasing surrounding fibers rather than severing the milk ducts. This way, the milk ducts are kept completely intact, while the fibers around them are stretched and spread.
A small incision is made at the base of the nipple, while the nipple is held in the out position. Then several lines of dissolving sutures are inserted under the skin to hold the nipple in that position.
After the procedure, protective devices are placed over the nipples for a couple of days. This ensures the nipples stay in position and don’t retract again during healing. These devices can be removed after a few days and the sutures dissolve within weeks.
But the results of the surgery are immediately noticeable. And because the procedure addresses the underlying issue of tissue abnormalities, the results are very likely to be permanent with minimal scarring that will blend right into the bumps and color of the areola.
You Don’t Need to Live with Inverted Nipples
When it comes to correcting inverted nipples, you have options!
So if you’re troubled by this condition, then contact us today for a free consultation.
You could be one simple procedure away from FINALLY feeling really good about the appearance of your breasts!
Winter Specials at Star Plastic Surgery
While you’re busy running around getting gifts and preparing for the holidays, why not give yourself the gift of a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance?
This is the perfect time to do it.
Not only will your body and skin be able to recover under the privacy of sweaters, leggings, and other heavy winter clothes, but we’re offering some fantastic specials too!
So take a look at our winter specials at Star Plastic Surgery.
Surgical Specials
If you’re looking to make some big changes, we have a few great specials available this winter.
1. Mommy Makeover w/Emsculpt®
For many women, there is no amount of dieting or exercising that can bring back that pre-pregnancy body. But our Mommy Makeover can.
Every Mommy Makeover is custom-tailored to fit the patient’s specific needs. You consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop an individualized plan to improve those confidence-draining changes that have lingered after your pregnancy.
And Emsculpt® is one of the newest modalities to enter the world of nonsurgical procedures for fat-reduction. It uses non-invasive high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to implode fat cells while simultaneously building muscle. And it requires no needles, no incisions, and no anesthesia.
Right now, get $2000 off a Mommy Makeover OR a free Emsculpt pack-age postoperatively (worth $3000).
2. Breast Augmentation
Would you like to increase the fullness and projection of your breasts?
At Star, we perform breast augmentation for reconstructive purposes, such as after an injury or mastectomy for breast cancer, as well as for cosmetic reasons to enhance self-image and self-confidence.
Our winter specials include Breast Augmentation for $4850 (saline only) with a $750 uncharge for silicone. Or get Breast Augmentation with a lift and free saline implants. Upcharge to silicone for just $1000.
3. Liposuction
If you’re looking to get liposuction on several areas of your body, there is no time like the present. Especially with the impact the holidays can have on the body.
Right now, get liposuction on one area of your body and you’ll get the second area at 50% off. Add a third area and you’ll receive 75% off. And if you have a fourth area, it’s free!
What about Non-Surgical Specials?
If you’re looking for some serious rejuvenation to your skin without having to go under the knife just yet, we’ve got some great specials.
1. Halo™ Laser
Halo™ Laser is the first fractionated laser that uses ablative and non-ablative technology simultaneously. What does that mean? Essentially, you’re able to take 10-15 years of sun damage off in just one visit.
Get 20% off Halo™ Laser treatments (sold individually or in a package).
2. BBL® Treatments
BBL stands for Broadband Light. This therapy uses wavelengths of light to address various imperfections of the skin and hair follicles.
Examples of our BBL treatments include:
• Forever Young – Skin rejuvenation that removes age spots, freckles, redness, small vessels, and more.
• Forever Clear – Cutting edge acne treatment leaving you with clear, healthy, radiant skin.
• Skintyte – Treats any area of the body where improvement is desired, giving patients a firmer, more youthful appearance.
• Forever Bare – Revolutionary technology for hair removal that’s safe, fast, and comfortable.
Right now, get 20% off the above BBL therapies (sold individually or in a package).
The Fine Print on Our Winter Specials at Star Plastic Surgery
Of course, you’ll need to be a candidate for the chosen treatment.
And it’s important to understand that specials cannot be combined with other specials or discounts and you must purchase treatment within the timeframe.
Deals may exclude certain treatment providers. And finally, services are not transferable between people.
So are you ready to take advantage of our winter specials at Star Plastic Surgery? (Yes, you are.)
Contact us today to give yourself the gift of renewed confidence and enthusiasm.
And we’ll throw in some good cheer, absolutely free!
Body Contouring
Body Contouring
Surgical body contouring following major weight loss removes excess fat and skin while improving the shape of the body. The result is a more normal appearance with smoother contours. Body contouring procedures may include:
- Facelift: Helps with sagging of the mid-face, jowls, and neck
- Liposuction: Removes excess fat, including the chin and neck, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees and ankles and buttocks.
- Improves body contour and proportion
- Trims fat that won’t go away with weight loss or exercise
- Arm Lift: Removes excess skin from the underarm and reshapes the under portion of the upper arm – from the armpit area to the elbow.
- Improves sagging upper arms resulting from weight loss, aging or heredity
- Addresses excess skin, weakened tissues and localized fat deposits
- Breast lift: Helps with sagging, flattened breasts
- Tummy tuck: Removes excess abdominal fat and skin; typically, also reestablishes weakened or separated muscles.
- Creates a smoother, firmer abdominal profile
- Lower body lifts: Removes excess sagging fat and skin to treat conditions caused, in part, by poor tissue elasticity.
- Treats excess skin, cellulite and sagging fatty tissue
- Can treat the buttocks, abdomen, waist, hips and thighs in one procedure
- Medial thigh lift: Reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat.
- Offers smoother leg contours
- Different types of thigh lifts target certain areas
Why Consider Body Contouring?
Dramatic weight loss has many benefits. After weight reduction surgery, or dramatic weight loss, skin and tissue often lacks elasticity to conform to the new body size. Body contouring may assist in patients having the desired body shape and size. Doing so builds self-confidence, allows clothes to fit more comfortably, and improves self-esteem.
To find out if body contouring is right for you, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
