Why Get Vaginal Rejuvenation?

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With the flood of social media and celebrities talking openly about… well, everything… you might be wondering if your vagina is up to snuff.

The reality is, there’s no right or wrong way your vagina should look or feel. Every body is different.

However, if you’re feeling challenged by the appearance or functioning of your genital area, then vaginal rejuvenation could be an option for you.

What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation isn’t one specific procedure. It’s an umbrella term that covers a number of options. And as technology advances the options continue to grow.

Many therapies for vaginal rejuvenation now include devices such as lasers, radio frequency, and ultrasound.

But for our purposes, we’ll look at three of the most frequently performed procedures here.

  1. Labiaplasty

The labia consists of both inner lips (labia minora) and outer lips (labia majora). For women who wish to change the size and shape of the inner lips of the vagina, there is labiaplasty. Over the years, several techniques have evolved for this surgery.

The trim procedure is the original technique and still the most widely used. This procedure addresses excess skin of labia minora which throws it out of symmetry with the labia majora. Through labiaplasty, the skin is removed and sutured to provide symmetry.

In the wedge procedure, the layer tissue beneath the mucus membrane (known as the submucosa) is left intact and only a partial wedge is removed from the thickest part of the labia minora. This preserves the wrinkled edges of the vagina and renders a more natural appearance.

There are, of course, other techniques for labiaplasty and each has its pros and cons.

  1. Vaginoplasty

The objective of vaginoplasty is to repair or construct a vagina, or to change the look of a vagina.

There are a number of situations that can damage or affect the development of the vagina. These include childbirth defects, congenital abnormalities, trauma, or radiation and excision of the vagina for cancer (or other disease) treatment.

A vaginoplasty may also be used for those seeking a vaginal canal during gender transformation. (A vulvoplasty, by contrast, is also a gender-affirming surgery that bypasses the canal option and creates only the parts of a vulva from existing tissue associated with being designated male at birth.)

Which vaginoplasty procedure is utilized depends on the goals or medical needs of the patient. It may include reconstruction or even recreation of the vagina through surgical intervention.

  1. Clitoral Hood Reduction

When the two sides of the labia minora come together to surround the vaginal opening, they create a small bulge. This is the clitoris. The clitoris has thousands of sensory nerve endings and plays a necessary role in achieving a clitoral orgasm.

The foreskin that covers the clitoris is known as the clitoral hood. It protects the highly sensitive clitoris from exposure to friction. In some women, the clitoral hood has excess tissue that may impede sexual function. The recommended vaginal rejuvenation technique is this case would be a clitoral hood reduction.

Why Choose Vaginal Rejuvenation?

There are many reasons a patient may be curious about vaginal rejuvenation. Some are seeking an enhanced sexual response. Others are motivated by purely cosmetic reasons or have troubles with vaginal dryness, increased incontinence, and looseness.

It honestly doesn’t matter.

What does matter is that you feel confident and secure about your vagina’s appearance and function. So if that’s not the case, then contact us today for a free consultation. And give yourself the gift of vaginal rejuvenation.

Eat For Anti-Aging

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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.

  1.  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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Make Your Botox Last Longer

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If you’re seeing the signs of aging, you know that nothing in life is permanent. And while Botox can address some of those signs, the results are also not permanent.

That’s no reason to throw in the towel on attaining a more youthful appearance though.

Getting Botox can go a considerable distance in smoothing out wrinkles and restoring your confidence. And there are certain things you can do to make your Botox last longer.

What Is Botox?

When you hear the word Botox, you may think of botulism and wonder why you’d ever inject something like that into your body.

The fact is, Botox is derived from a natural bacteria that’s found in lakes, forests, and soils. It’s also present in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish. The spores of this bacteria are basically harmless.

Problems only occur when the spores transform and the cell population increases. At this point, they start producing Botulinum toxin. This is the neurotoxin that leads to botulism.

When Botox is used in a therapeutic context, however, it is safe. The amounts of the Botulinum toxin are miniscule. There is only enough to temporarily paralyze the muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Most people use Botox to treat wrinkles around the eyes, lines at the corners of the mouth, horizontal creases in the forehead, or “cobblestone” skin on the chin. The effects are temporary though.

How To Make Your Botox Last Longer

While there are ways to maximize your results, your first order of business is to find an experienced provider. If you settle for “discount” Botox, you can expect that your results will not only be lackluster, but they won’t last very long.

So once you’ve found a highly experienced provider and feel confident with your Botox treatment, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure your results last longer.

  1. Take Zinc

Studies show that zinc is effective in extending the effects of Botox by up to 30%. In fact, the results of a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, showed that almost 92% of the patients who took zinc noticed their results quicker and reported they lasted several weeks longer.

If you make the decision to have Botox, you’ll need to start taking zinc twice per day for four days before your treatment.

  1. Stay Out of the Sun

As eager as you may be to get out there and shine some light on your results, you’ll want to avoid the sun. This is particularly important on the day of treatment.

Exposure to the sun boosts blood circulation and causes the blood vessels to dilate. As a result, it could cause the Botox to disperse faster than normal.

So lather up with a sunscreen that has a minimum 30 SPF to sustain those results.

  1. Free Your Face From Abrasion

Finally, for the first week after treatment, you’ll need to avoid putting any sort of product on your face that causes abrasion. These include scrubs, toners, masks, or any abrasive cleaners.

You’ll also want to consider getting regular Botox treatments to weaken the muscles that cause wrinkles. Doing so will also help the effects last longer.

Curious About Botox?

Now that you have the intel on how to make your botox last longer, are you ready to start smoothing out some of those lines and wrinkles?

If so, then contact us today.

During your free consultation with our highly experience staff, you’ll find out about how this simple procedure can make a big difference in your appearance.

The Not-So-Exotic Brazilian Butt Lift

 

When you hear the term Brazilian butt lift, you might believe that this cosmetic procedure hails from the far reaches of South America. In reality, it was not created in Brazil.

In 1996, an American doctor was performing a televised fat transfer surgery on a Brazilian patient. They entitled the show, “Building the Brazilian Butt,” and the name stuck.

Today, the Brazilian butt lift Is regularly performed to provide patients with a fuller buttock contour while simultaneously removing fat from problem areas. So it’s the ultimate two-fer.

The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure

What goes into a Brazilian butt lift? It’s fairly straightforward.

First, excess fat is removed with liposuction from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, the area above your buttock, and your lower back. This fat is then processed and prepared for transfer. From there, the plastic surgeon injects that fat into targeted areas of the buttocks where you desire more volume or fuller shape.

This is typically an outpatient procedure that uses general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.

 

Who Can Benefit from a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Along with the procedure having no direct connection with Brazil, it’s also not a lift in the traditional sense of the word. It doesn’t actually address loose skin on the buttocks. For those with sagging skin, plastic surgeons would likely recommend thigh and buttock lift surgery instead.

Meanwhile, a Brazilian butt lift goes the distance in improving the shape and size of the buttocks in situations where there is not excess skin. Patients who want this procedure prefer fat transfer over implants and need to have adequate fat stores in other areas of the body.

Why Choose Fat Transfer Over Implants?

For patients who are very lean, there may not be enough fat in other parts of the body to harvest. For them, implants are a viable solution. There are added risks with implants though that include capsular contracture and increased risk of infection. Implants also look and feel less natural when compared to the results of a Brazilian butt lift.

By contrast, the injectable fat used in a Brazilian butt lift is harvested from the patient’s body so it’s more readily accepted into the body. Plus, using the patient’s own fat allows the surgeon to provide a smoother and more uniform appearance to the backside.

Another perk of the Brazilian butt lift is that there’s the dual benefit of eliminating unwanted fat from problem areas of the body. So while the buttocks becomes curvier and more rounded, other areas of the body are flattened and contoured. It’s a win-win.

Have Your Buttocks Deflated?

If so, it may be deflating your confidence in your appearance as well. No need for that!

Contact us today to set up a free consultation to discuss the option of a Brazilian butt lift. This proven method of augmentation will help to accentuate your buttocks while providing contour to your lower body as well.

 

What Makes Mommy Makeovers So Popular?

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Some time in the past few decades, the notion that the child always comes first took hold and left mothers feeling like they no longer deserved to care for themselves. And if they did, they experienced guilt.

But much like pulling down the oxygen for yourself first so that you can help others, mothers are now recognizing that ceasing to exercise, eat well, or practice self-care in the name of “love” hurts both them and their child.

This realization is part of what makes Mommy Makeovers so popular these days.

What Else Makes Mommy Makeovers So Popular?

Having children is a beautiful life-changing experience. But it’s also exhausting and even overwhelming. Especially at first.

And as women adjust to their new postpartum bodies, it’s all too easy for them to lose sight of their own healthy self-image. Dragging around exhausted and drained can zap morale and leave any mother feeling unmotivated. They start covering up their dissatisfaction with larger jeans and baggy shirts.

Over the past few years though, plastic surgeons are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of women seeking Mommy Makeovers. Media has been a big player in this. But so too has the increased acceptance of women having surgical procedures in order to look better so they can also FEEL better.

The Mommy Makeover procedure allows tired and discouraged moms to reclaim some of their pre-pregnancy body while celebrating motherhood.

What Does a Mommy Makeover Entail?

No two women have the same experience with pregnancy and childbirth. As such, Mommy Makeovers are customized to each individual. Each patient can choose from a wide variety of surgical options that will address issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, as well as pre-existing issues.

The whole process kicks off with a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who creates an individualized plan to address each patient’s unique goals.

There are several procedures which the surgeon may recommend:

 

  1. Breast Lift/Augmentation

Breasts are prone to sagging after the demands placed upon the body during pregnancy and nursing. Surgery is performed to restore the breasts to their original and more youthful pre-pregnancy position.

Depending on your situation, the plastic surgeon might recommend a breast lift, breast augmentation, or breast lift with either silicone or saline implants.

In some cases, the breasts may become too large after pregnancy and are no longer proportionate to the body. In this case, there would be a breast reduction.

  1. Tummy Tuck

One tell-tale sign that a woman has experienced pregnancy are stretch marks on the skin. Deeper below the skin though, the abdominal muscles have often separated – leaving the belly to hang down and sag.

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that reduces excessive fat and skin around the abdomen and reconstructs that abdominal wall musculature.

This helps to flatten the belly again and minimize the appearance of those stretch marks.

 

  1. Liposuction

For those troublesome post-pregnancy spots – typically the stomach, waist, hips, and thighs – where you just can’t seem to lose the fat, the surgeon may recommend liposuction.

With liposuction, small incisions are made in the treatment area and then a thin hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat cells. A surgical vacuum is then used to suction the fat out of those areas to create a slimmer body contour.

A Few Considerations…

If you’re considering getting a Mommy Makeover, it’s crucial that you consider all of your options to get the best results. It’s a big decision.

In addition, you’ll also need to plan for proper healing and recovery time. This means you’ll have to arrange to have someone around to “mother” you during the whole process. You won’t be able to do chores or pick up toddlers. Scheduling a spouse, partner, or family friend to be by your side during this time is essential.

Restore Your Confidence

While the physical benefits are part of what makes Mommy Makeovers so popular, these surgeries can go the distance in boosting a woman’s body image and self-esteem too.

So if you’re tired of feeling down about your post-pregnancy body, contact us today. A Mommy Makeover could be just what you need to more fully celebrate the joy of motherhood.

Mommy Makeover

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Prepping for Breast Augmentation

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With the wealth of plastic surgery-based “reality” television, a procedure such as a breast augmentation may not be taken as seriously as it should.

To call it a “boob job” with a laissez-faire attitude diminishes the importance of the procedure.

It’s important to remember that it’s surgery and prepping for breast augmentation should be taken seriously to get the best results.

Avoid These Mistakes When Prepping for Breast Augmentation

As with any surgery, there are certain actions you’ll need to take to prepare. But long before you go under the knife, you want to get all your ducks in a row.

So do the important footwork to avoid the following five mistakes:

  1. Considering Procedure for the Wrong Reasons

First things first, be completely truthful about why you want breast augmentation. If you’re embarrassed by breast asymmetry or underwent a mastectomy, you may find increased confidence and comfort by getting breast augmentation.

And certainly if you’re thoroughly dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts and it’s affecting your self-esteem, then by all means, a breast augmentation can help.

If, however, you’re changing your body to please someone else, then you may well end up doubting or even regretting your decision. Undergoing a surgical procedure such as breast augmentation is a personal decision that should be yours alone.

  1. Skipping Necessary Research

Once you’ve determined you want a breast augmentation for all the right reasons, take a look at the internet to research the best surgeons for the job. Read online reviews, check their websites, and ask around with friends who have had the procedure if they know the surgeons you’re considering. It’s also a good idea to call their offices to see how friendly the staff is.

Once you’ve found a few with whom you feel comfortable, you can schedule consultations with EACH ONE.

  1. Not Taking Full Advantage of the Consultation

Your surgery consult is not simply a meet and greet. You need to go into it with questions that will enable you to make an informed decision. First of all, ensure that your surgeon is board-certified. Ask about his/her certifications, qualifications, experience, and history. Find out all about the implants, possible risks and complications, and what their policy on revisions is.

In addition, you want to be completely honest when answering any questions the doctor poses. With improper or insufficient information, the surgeon won’t be able to make the right recommendation for you.

  1. Choosing the Incorrect Implant Size

Finally, in your enthusiasm to change your breast size, you may be inclined to pick something not appropriate for your body size and frame. Your surgeon is experienced in this department and will recommend the size that won’t look fake or disproportionate.

Remember, you want to enhance your appearance and improve your self-esteem. Having people look at you for all the wrong reasons won’t achieve that.

Considering Breast Augmentation?

Now that you know what to avoid when prepping for breast augmentation, you may be feeling more confident and ready to take the next step.

Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our friendly staff will help you set up your free consultation. And once you meet with our board-certified surgeons, you’ll be able to make the most informed decision.

Breast Implants Or Fat Transfer?

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If you’re considering breast augmentation, having an implant is no longer your sole option. Fat transfer is gaining in popularity as a more natural option.

So that may now leave you with the question, “Do I want breast implants or fat transfer?”

Fortunately, you don’t have to decide now; or even by the end of this article. But we’ll give you a quick rundown of the two different options so you can make a better informed decision.

What Happens with a Breast Implant

There are numerous reasons a patient may seek a breast implant. In some cases, they’re looking to reconstruct their breasts after a mastectomy. In others, they simply want to increase volume after giving birth or losing weight. Some just want larger breasts.

Breast implants are made with either saline or silicone. Each of these materials has its own distinct advantages which are outlined by the surgeon during a consultation.

During the procedure, the implant is placed either over or under the chest (pectoral) muscle. And just as there are different options for the implant, the incisions the surgeon uses will also depend on a number of factors.

The Deets on Fat Transfer

For those who would prefer to keep things more natural, a fat transfer might be a good option. With this method, fat cells are harvested from another part of the body utilizing liposuction techniques. The cells are then purified before being injected into the breasts.

Not only does this procedure result in fuller breasts, but there’s the added bonus of removing fat from an area where there is excess.

So now the question remains:

Breast Implant or Fat Transfer?

Ultimately, you’ll want to discuss your options with your board-certified plastic surgeon. But we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of each.

Implants

For those who want to select the size and shape closest to their ideal, there is more control with implants. In addition, breast augmentation with implants has been practiced and refined for many decades so former safety issues have been nearly eliminated.

Breast implants have decent longevity – lasting between 15 and 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Given that it’s surgery performed under general anesthesia, this aspect must be considered. And recovery from augmentation with implants can be on the longer side – although the difference between implants and fat transfer may be just a few weeks.

Fat Transfer

While implants are increasingly more natural looking in appearance, it’s hard to beat fat transfer for the most natural look. Plus, some patients find it appealing to avoid putting foreign material in their bodies. And as we mentioned above, there’s the additional benefit of losing fat in another area of the body.

Fat transfer also requires general anesthesia, so it’s still a major procedure. But it’s less invasive than getting implants. It’s often chosen for patients who have uneven breasts or after a lumpectomy.

All of these advantages aside, fat transfer tends to deliver more modest results, so it’s not ideal for those looking to enhance their breasts by a cup size or more. In addition, fat transfer doesn’t have the predictability that implants do so the procedure may need to be done again within a few years.

Considering Breast Augmentation?

If you’re feeling a bit more in the know on breast augmentation, you may be ready to take the next step. Go for it!

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss whether breast implants or fat transfer is the better option for you.

The Truth About Skin and Sun Exposure

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If you’re a sun worshipper, perhaps you’re hoping that we’re going to tell you that skin and sun exposure go together like chocolate and peanut butter.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

While some time in the sun is considered healthy for most, there are many factors at play as to how damaging it could be to your skin in the long run. It all depends on how your skin reacts to the sun’s various rays.

UVA/UVB Rays

Sunlight reaches our skin in the form of ultraviolet light (UV) waves. The shorter a wave, the more potential it has to harm humans.

UV waves are on the shorter side. To make matters worse, UV light waves are further broken down into UVA and UVB waves – with UVB being the shorter of the two. It’s excessive exposure to UVB rays that can cause sunburn.

Meanwhile, UVA rays are able to travel more deeply into the skin where they effectively upset the delicate processes that affect skin’s appearance and growth.

Aside from causing a painful sunburn, the rays of the sun can make the skin less elastic over time – leaving it leathery, wrinkled, and either thickened or thinned.

Melanin and UVA/UVB Rays

Tanning is the skin’s first line of defense against harmful sun exposure. It all comes down to your body’s ability to produce melanin though. Melanin is the pigment in our skin. Some of us have a lot of it. Others, not so much.

For those who are able to tan, their skin produces more melanin when exposed to UV rays. Since melanin absorbs the dangerous UV rays that can cause damage, it provides protection for the skin. When the amount of UV damage exceeds the amount of melanin production the skin can provide, the result is a sunburn. For those with less melanin, this happens much more quickly.

Luckily, the skin is able to repair damage by shedding dead skin cells on the outermost layer and replacing them. Especially when we’re young. But as we get older, the limits of the skin’s ability to recover become more obvious.

The Challenges of Aging Skin and Sun Exposure

Many of us in the middle and later stages of our lives remember getting sunburns when we were kids and teenagers. Some of us didn’t know the damage it was causing. Others were told this was the case, but ignored the warnings from adults because we believed ourselves wiser than adults.

(Ah, youth.)

Back then, having a tan was equated with looking healthy. Who cared about a little long-term skin damage? Ironic.

These days, we know better. And as we age, it becomes more difficult for the skin to repair itself. UV damage has ravaged some of the underlying connective tissue and left us with wrinkles and lines.

And it’s no surprise that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

Protecting Your Skin from the Harm of the Sun

A good way to reduce the likelihood of wrinkles, lines, and skin cancer is to make protecting your skin from the sun a high priority. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the following:

 

  1. Stay Out of the Sun

This one is a no-brainer. Just stay out of the sun whenever you can. Find shade under a tree or, even better, in the shadow of a building or a sun umbrella. And remember that water, snow, or sand reflect harmful UV rays, so steer clear of them.

Keep in mind that the rays are at their strongest between 10am and 4pm. So if your shadow is shorter than you are, get out of the sun. And don’t believe that tanning beds are any safer. They’re not.

Of course, there might be times when you simply can’t avoid being in the sun. In that case…

  1. Use Sunscreen with Appropriate SPF

If you have to be outside or even in a sunny car for any amount of time, be sure to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Don’t be skimpy with the application. To ensure you’re getting protection from both UVA and UVB waves, be sure you buy broad spectrum lotion and re-apply about every two hours and after sweating or swimming.

Also, don’t forget lip balm for your smackers with a minimum SPF 15.

  1. Suit Up with Protective Wear

Finally, give yourself that extra layer of protection with pants, long sleeves, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses.

And clothing with UV protection factor (UPF) will give you extra peace of mind. Plus, it’s designed and manufactured with light and breathable materials to keep you cool on even the brightest and hottest of days.

Is Your Skin Sun Damaged?

These days, most of us are well aware of the dangers of skin and sun exposure. Especially when the skin is not protected.

But if you weren’t privy to that wisdom (or simply ignored it) and are now dealing with wrinkles and lines from too much sun, contact us today.

We can recommend various skincare products and cosmetic procedures that can smooth out some of those blemishes to restore your skin with a healthy glow and younger looking appearance.

 

Long-Term Weight Loss From A Tummy Tuck?

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Are you sick and tired of working so hard to remove stubborn abdominal fat and excess skin that won’t go away? It’s frustrating.

Of course, following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are great ways to maintain your overall health. Still, it can be discouraging when you’re not seeing the results you desire.

And maybe you’ve considered surgery, but figured long-term weight loss from a tummy tuck wasn’t possible. Think again.

You Can Experience Long-Term Weight Loss from a Tummy Tuck

Yep. New studies and research are pointing to preliminary evidence that patients who undergo a tummy tuck CAN experience long-term weight loss. So what makes a tummy tuck more successful than other diets or weight-loss strategies?

It turns out that after a tummy tuck surgery, patients report that they feel fuller after eating than when they did before the procedure. This means they’re less prone to snacking or engaging in other unhealthy eating habits.

So how could this be? Nobody is 100% sure. But researchers speculate that fat cells release hormones that stimulate the appetite. By removing excess fat from the abdominal region, those cells are systematically eliminated. Again, this is speculation.

But it’s hard to argue the studies that show roughly 75% of patients feeling more satiated after meals and throughout the day after a tummy tuck procedure.

Additional Reasons Tummy Tucks Work

Aside from the purely biological factors, a tummy tuck may also increase motivation in patients to maintain weight loss. After the procedure, patients are conscious of the decrease in abdominal fat and it feels great! This, in turn, motivates them to maintain and even improve their new shape further. They often feel compelled to start an even healthier lifestyle routine than they may have had pre-surgery.

It makes a big difference when diet and exercise actually garner the results they were initially trying to receive before the tummy tuck.

In addition, patients are aware that fat cells can re-emerge and create havoc. So on a purely practical level, once they’ve made the physical and financial commitment to a tummy tuck surgery, they’re going to be motivated to maintain those results.

And as we mentioned above, you can’t go wrong with a lifetime of healthy diet and regular exercise. When continued after a tummy tuck, you’ll feel and LOOK fantastic.

Are You Ready for a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck procedure is not a short-term thing that’ll only last a few months.

Obviously, you’ll play a role in your tummy tuck and long-term weight loss goals, but if you’re ready to explore the options, contact us today.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons have the experience and the skills to help you create long-lasting results. And you’ll notice a huge bump in your self-esteem (instead of your abdomen!)