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Posts tagged ‘appearance’

Aug 24

Sleep Wrinkles And Aging Skin

wedge

Goesel Anson, MD, FACS, Michael A.C. Kane, MD, and Val Lambros, MD, FACS, published an article in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal (September 2016) in which they discuss the role of sleep wrinkles in aging skin, which differ from expression wrinkles in that they are caused by mechanical compression, shear and stress forces that act on the skin in sleep positions. They performed a literature review relating to the development of wrinkles and the biomechanical changes that occur in response to intrinsic and extrinsic influences, and explored the possibility that compression during sleep not only results in wrinkles, but may contribute to facial skin expansion.

Because sleep wrinkles differ from expression wrinkles in mechanism of origin (external forces vs. internal muscle contraction), location (at the limits of retaining ligaments vs. site of muscle contraction), and directionality (mostly perpendicular to each other), the authors suggest reconsidering wrinkle classification and posit that facial distortion during sleep may also contribute to overall facial aging. They note that with age, the number of position shifts during sleep decreases from 27 to 16 per night, with an average of 20 position shifts per night, meaning the time spent in each position increases with age.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons would benefit from recognizing sleep wrinkles as distinct from expression wrinkles with a different etiology, and potentially grouping them with gravitational wrinkles since they develop due to external forces and are influenced by ligamentous attachments. Unfortunately, treatment options for wrinkles caused by sleep are more limited than those for expression lines; the authors suggest that the only reliable way to minimize sleep wrinkles is to avoid facial distortion. In their practices, they recommend back sleeping and specialty pillows designed to minimize facial deformation during sleep. They suggest advising patients to avoid sleep compression in addition to the typical suggestions for minimizing signs of aging, i.e., using sunscreen, quitting smoking, optimizing nutrition and maximizing topical skin care.

“While avoiding the development of sleep wrinkles may be important, it is the facial distortion and its potential impact on overall facial aging that may be even more important,” the authors wrote. “The consequence of repetitive stretching of facial tissue over time is intriguing and warrants further study.”

http://medestheticsmag.com/

Jun 9

1 Comment

A Hot Bath – the road to recovery

tub

Taking a bath is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in so many ways.  It decreases cortisol levels that can be brought on by stressful situations. This is helpful on many levels.  First, cortisol causes fat to be stored around your middle. Second, cortisol increases inflammation. It is important to include things in your daily routine to reduce cortisol. This is especially important because we live in a culture that induces cortisol just by participating in daily life. Taking a bath also decreases fatigue and benefits your nervous system. Baths increase your circulation and lowers blood pressure. For optimum benefit this is what I recommend (although, always ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you).

Harmony Bath(20 minutes each day in a hot bath)

Ingredients:
-2 Cups Epsom Salts
-1 Cup Baking Soda
-10 Drops Organic Lavender Oil

There are many benefits to the Harmony Bath. First the Lavender relaxes the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels. The Epsom Salt enhances the effects of the detox. The baking soda promotes a balanced pH for optimum healing and detox benefits.

Of course, it goes without saying that the bathroom environment should be supportive and nurturing. That is, take some time to make it pretty and inviting. Your experience will be less beneficial if you are looking at piles of laundry in the corner and are reminded of your to-do list instead of enjoying the blissful 20-minute restorative experience.

And as a bonus…add a little cold therapy with CDI  Soft-sided Gel Packs.  Placed on the eyes, it ensures relaxation, decreases puffiness and brights appearance.  These little soothers are also ideal for a variety of cold therapy applications, such as use after injections, blepharoplasty and breast surgeries.

pink_gelpack tubThese sturdy, reusable gel packs remain flexible when frozen and provide uniform cold therapy.  The ultimate patient-friendly cold therapy product!  Features one soft-sided surface that shields the skin from direct contact with the frozen pack.  These 4″ round gel packs offer a convenient, comfortable and economical cold therapy application for patients.

Colors: Pink Ice, Kiwi, Cool Blue, Mango, Grape and Vanilla – match the bathroom!

see more…http://christaoleary.com/2016/06/01/need-take-care/?mc_cid=80593cf64b&mc_eid=cbeb522f6e

May 19

Stage 2 Male Compression Shirt

SC-175 CDI Stage 2 Male Compression Shirt

Ideal for use during the extended recovery period following gynocomastia and liposuction of the upper body. Made from our exclusive SuperSilky fabric, the CDI SC-175 offers maximum compression to the chest, upper back and flanks and upper and lower abdomen. A tapered design provides a contoured fit and allows this shirt to be worn under every day clothing, ultimately contributing to increased patient compliance and a comfortable recovery.

 

Mar 15

My Beautiful Mommy

my beautiful mommy

Dr. Michael Salzhauer, a renowned plastic surgeon, wrote My Beautiful Mommy to help patients explain their transformation to their children. The story guides children through Mommy’s surgery and healing process in a friendly, nonthreatening way.

Through vivid illustrations and straightforward dialogue, My Beautiful Mommy explains a parent s physical transformation in a breezy, child-friendly manner from a young child s perspective. You and your child will follow along as Mommy goes through her plastic surgery experience and learn how the entire family pitches in to help Mommy achieve her beautiful results.

If you are a mother with young children and thinking about having plastic surgery – this book is a must have.

Undergoing a plastic surgery procedure can be an exciting and stressful time for you and your family. After you ve picked a board-certified plastic surgeon and a surgery date, take a few minutes to read through this book with your child.

This book will make your plastic surgery experience more understandable to your little ones.
Information For Parents: Plastic surgery has become extremely common among mothers with young children. In 2007 more than 400,000 women with young children underwent elective cosmetic surgery in the U.S. alone.

As any parent will tell you – children are very perceptive. It is nearly impossible to hide a plastic surgery transformation from your children. In my years of experience, trying to do so adds additional and unnecessary stress for both parent and child. Throughout the process young children can become confused.

During the initial consultation they may ask themselves questions such as Why is Mommy going to the doctor? Is Mommy sick? If these questions are not addressed, the child will often imagine fantastical scenarios to fill in the gaps of information they are lacking. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced after the surgery.

Once mommy is home and the child sees that mommy is bandaged and bruised, they can become even more worried and inquisitive. Finally, when the bandages come off and mommy looks somewhat different, their confusion may lead to responses that adults may find inappropriate or hard to understand.

This book is designed to explain to your child what to expect – from the initial consultation to the final result. It is recommended that you read this with your child (and spouse) at least three times during the plastic surgery process: once prior to the initial consultation (if they will be coming along), once more prior to the surgery, and then again during the post-operative healing phase. Encourage your child to ask questions as you read. Answer them in an honest and straightforward manner in language they will understand.

If you follow this advice, you will be able to calm your children’s fears, address their concerns, and help your family to sail easily through the plastic surgery experience.

The review on this one is still out.  My very smart grown daughter often shares my shortcomings and the things I have done to damage her and make life less than perfect.  Yes she also speaks of the good stuff, but that seems less memorable.  Per chance this book is one of those moments that may define you. One’s definition of beauty is often informed by their mother and what she does and doesn’t like about herself. Those vulnerable years between girlhood and womanhood shouldn’t be spent wondering if my mother’s complaints about her own shortcomings (short or nonexistent eyelashes, saddle bags, crow’s feet) wouldn’t suddenly be the only things you inherited.  Think about it.

 

 

Aug 25

It’s not a choice of Smooth or Chunky

Liposuction smooth results

Liposuction, done properly leaves the skin with a smooth finish, unlike crunchy peanut butter.

Unlike Peanut Butter – there is no choice of smooth or chunky when it comes to Liposuction.  A Smooth finish to the skin surface is always the goal.  How do you ensure that your Liposuction Surgery has optimal results?

Start with a questions and answers session with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to your liposuction or fat transfer surgery.   Discuss how he does the procedure.  The instrument that a Plastic Surgeon uses to remove the fat from your body during a Liposuction procedure is called a cannula.  All Liposuction cannulas have holes at the tip (like a straw), where the fat enters the cannula tube and gets sucked out of the body. A thin,  3 millimeter diameter cannula with small 1mm diameter holes at the cannula tip ensures that you don’t leave defects in the fatty tissue where fluids or blood can accumulate.  The results is a smooth skin surface.   Larger liposuction cannulas do the job quicker, but allow fluids to accumulate and have a higher likelihood of uneven surgery results…and scaring. It is the uneven scarring that causes skin contour irregularities.

Sculptures Liposuction Foam

Sculptures Liposuction Foam is medical grade polyurethane foam designed to provide even, smooth padding and compression for added comfort and contouring

Another key component in maximizing even healing is the use of a well fitting Liposuction Garment and Liposuction Foam.  Immediately following surgery, Liposuction Foam padding is placed inside your compression garment. Sculptures Liposuction Foam can be cut to the desired shape and size, and then easily inserted between sterile dressing and compression garment.  The foam ensures even compression and the compression will hold the surgical area firmly in place, aiding in proper retraction and intended body contouring.   With the help of the foam, you will see less waviness in the skin surface – Free fat cells are thought to be redistributed evenly by the pressure of the foam plus the pressure garment. The result is a smoother skin surface.

As for your peanut butter – Crunchy wins!  Crunchy Peanut Butter has considerably less Saturated Fat and  gives you 2% more Fiber than Smooth and Creamy.  But then again Smooth and Creamy has more Vitamin E.  Either way Peanut Butter is a great source of Protein and B Vitamins.*

*National Nutrient Database for a Standard Reference from the USDA.

Aug 12

Is Bigger Better?

You know you’ve thought about it.  When  it comes to breasts…Is Bigger Better?

THE 24-HOUR BOOB JOB

If you could try out life with bigger breasts for a day, would you do it? Liz Krieger checks out the controversial new lunchtime lift.

By Liz Krieger

THE 24-HOUR BOOB JOB

Cinderella’s fairy godmother turned a tattered dress and a pumpkin into a shimmering gown and a lavish ride. Remember, though, there was one catch: The makeover lasted only until midnight. With his InstaBreast technique, Norman Rowe, a New York plastic surgeon, is playing fairy godmother to women temporarily seeking larger, fuller breasts, but his handiwork also lasts for only one night. In about 20 minutes, you can go from flat-chested to cleavage-proud.

Rowe’s method is remarkably simple: He designates a site at the edge of each nipple, and after the area is anesthetized, he injects about a half-liter of sterile saline solution—essentially salt water—into the patient’s breast tissue. He maneuvers the needle at various angles to different areas, expanding each breast until it reaches the desired fullness. The saline is gradually absorbed into the bloodstream, with the full effect lasting about 24 hours. (Rowe says that saline is considered perfectly safe; it’s the same stuff you would get in an IV if you were dehydrated.)

While some doctors suggest that instant breast augmentation is just a fad, it’s hard to ignore its potential (consider the hundreds of thousands of women who don’t hesitate to have volumizers injected their face). And the desire for bigger breasts is as popular as ever: According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 313,327 breast augmentations and 137,233 breast lifts were performed in the U.S. in 2013. “Women want cleavage,” Rowe says matter-of-factly. “And this is fast.”

Fast results were just what Shavon Jovi, 28, a model and aspiring actress, was hoping for when she underwent the procedure with Rowe several months ago. After a few pricks of an anesthetic into the skin surrounding the nipples, Rowe injected anesthetic-laced saline solution into her 32A breasts, one syringe at a time. The effect was an instant fullness that brought her chest to a C cup. “For the longest time I’ve wanted to get a breast augmentation,” says Jovi. “I was sort of shocked when I saw them, but I loved it immediately.” Within two days she was back to her natural size (how long it takes depends on how your body metabolizes the fluid). So why have the now-you-see-’em, now-you-don’t procedure? Like many of Rowe’s patients, Jovi wanted to “try on” implants in a way that computer imaging just can’t mimic, says Rowe, adding that some of his patients go for the temporary inflation for special occasions, such as a wedding, a big birthday, or a beach vacation.

Nicole, a 30-year-old mother of two, spent a day walking around with saline-inflated breasts, and a few months later went under the knife for implants. “It was amazing to see what my breasts would be like,” she recalls. As for how it felt? “I’ve had Botox and fillers, and it’s similar.” About 75 percent of Rowe’s patients who opt for the $2,500 procedure go on to get implants. However, it isn’t a helpful test-drive for every woman. “If you need bother a lift and an augmentation, the saline won’t give you a realistic approximation,” explains Rowe.

Not everyone is singing the praises of the short-lived boob job, and there are limitations and risks to it. Since the skin of both breasts is pierced by the needle, bruising can occur. And like any procedure that penetrates the skin, infection is possible. Some doctors see other downsides as well, cautioning that undergoing the procedure repeatedly could cause the skin to stretch—”like a Slinky that you stretch out past the point of no return,” says Adam Kolker, a plastic surgeon in New York. Rowe counters that this is highly unlikely. “The skin has to be stretched for a much longer and continuous time period for it to display permanent stretching,” he says. Heidi Waldorf, a New York dermatologist, agrees, noting that having the procedure once is “probably okay. As long as it’s short-lived, the area should return to its normal contour,” says Waldorf, but she has concerns about stretching for those who return for more.

For her part, Jovi wanted to capture the results before they faded away. “I definitely posted a few #InstaBoob selfies that day,” she says. In the spirit of the procedure, though, perhaps she should have used Snapchat.

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/health/a4380/24-hour-boob-job-1215/

Pills or tablets can’t make your breasts grow, although eating fish has been known to increase the hormones which may encourage your breasts to grow.

What you wear and how you wear it does make a difference.  Shapewear that improves posture and slightly re-positions your curves is a viable answer that has reliable results.

Contemporary Design Inc. Breast Enhancing Shapewear

Contemporary Design Inc.’s Breast Enhancing Everyday Shapewear

May 7

The Mommy Headache

Aiden lovingly serenades Momma back to good health….

What else can you do?

At the first sign of a headache or migraine, put your activities on hold and retreat to solitude, a quiet room.

Turn off the lights. Sensitivity to light and sound is amplified with headache or migraine. Relax in a dark, Sleep if you can.

Hot or Cold therapy has long been the number one self-care treatment employed for headaches and migraines. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Cold packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs  can relax tense muscles.  Here’s one that does both!!

CDI T-450 Blue 7”x6” Hot and Cold Soft Side Therapy Gel Pack…This reusable gel pack can be used for  Hot (microwave/stovetop) or Cold therapy.contemporary design inc. T-450-Blue-7___x6___-Hot-and-Cold-Soft-Side-Therapy-Gel-Pack

Great size for use  after injections or a variety of surgeries. Features one soft-sided surface that shields the skin from direct contact with the frozen pack and radius edges for patient comfort.

There are three benefits that ice pack provided. First, puffy eyes are common among individuals. Skin around our eyes is easy to loosely attached and lack of any sebaceous glands. When you apply cold pack around your eyes, it will help the fluids accumulating in your eyes tissues work well and help you get rid of puffy eyes. Second, when you get sinus and migraine headache pains, ice pack can help you reduce pains and make you feel better as It can low the temperature of your head and help you recover sooner. Third, ice pack can help you heal your injury in the cold. Because cold can constricts blood vessels and thus reduce blood flow and swelling around the injured area. Using ice pack can help limit your tissue damage and help your body recover. But remember remove ice pack after a brief cooling period as your skin is sensitive and don’t used to the cold condition. So when you want a speedy healing process, you should apply ice pack for ten minutes and put it off for ten minutes. Repeat this cycle several times during the day to help decrease further damage.

Feb 11

Wait – Is This Inside Out??? What’s So Special About Surgical Compression Wear Anyway!?!

Compression Wear is designed for Postoperative needs

Compression Wear is designed for Postoperative needs: –with outside seams,
exterior labels, and hook & eye beneath zippers for easy application

Why are compression garments important to the success of my surgery?

These garments are designed to protect what is inside!

-No scratchy tags inside to irritate the already sensitive skin.

-No indents visible on the skin from the impression of an inside seam.

-No undue stress to the incision site while zipping into the garment.

Wearing a high quality post-op compression garment can help you during the recovery process in the following ways: To provide uniform radial compression and support to aid recovery. Wearing a compression garment designed for your particular procedure will minimize bruising and swelling (edema), increase blood circulation in the affected area and aid in flushing fluids and toxins at the incision site. The compression from the garment will hold skin firmly in place, aiding in proper skin retraction and intended body contouring. In addition, outside seams on the garment, will prevent the garment seams from leaving indentations on the skin. Improve your comfort during healing process- A proper fit and lightweight, breathable material will make you more comfortable when wearing the garment for extended periods of time …this aids compliance and speeds recovery.

Why can’t I wear active wear, traditional foundations or shapewear?

It is essential that the compression garment worn during the recovery period provides uniform radial compression, something that is not found in a standard girdle or shaper. Shapers, tights, girdles and jog bras also do not have inside flat seams, tags on the outside of the garment – away from the skin, an open crotch, and are not intended for around the clock, 24-hour use. You need a garment that is non m-marking, specifically designed to compress the skin for surgical purposes and that is comfortable for the length of your recovery. Your compression garment acts as your “second skin.”

Oct 15

Silicone Gel Sheets

Silicone Gel Sheets

Silicone Gel Sheets for Scar Treatment

Contemporary Design offers scar therapy with custom shaped Silicone Sheets for multiple procedures.

Solutions for Scars of Every Shape and Size

  • Standard Sheet – mid-sized scars
  • Strip – Abdominoplasty, C-section (cesarean), Cardiac procedures
  • C-Strip – Cesarean (C-section)
  • Areopexy – the lollipop configuration used with the Lejour Augmentation Technique
  • Mastopexy – breast reduction, lifts and reconstruction
  • Areola Circles – breast augmentation & reconstruction

Epi-derm® is a soft silicone gel sheet for treating keloid and hypertrophic scars. Silicone sheets are tacky on the back and easy to apply. Epi-derm® silicone gel sheeting is the most effective, proven method of scar management available today.

Your skin needs extra care when recovering from surgical procedures or burn trauma. Often, excessive scarring may be prevented by using a pressure dressing or garment, in conjunction with silicone sheeting to assist in flattening of scars. The pressure garment can be worn up to 24 hours each day. This treatment is most effective after healing of the wound or injury, usually within a month. Give your skin the gentle protection provided by Epi-Derm® silicone gel sheeting for scars.

All Epi-Derm® sheets can be trimmed as needed, providing maximum comfort.

How Does it Work?

Scars need an ideal healing environment, meaning the appropriate balance of moisture and maximum exposure to oxygen. Epi-derm® silicone gel sheets for scars are fully-encapsulating. This means the silicone strips completely cover the scar treatment site, making Epi-derm® an ideal treatment for scars. Although the entire site is covered, Epi-derm® is  gas-permeable, allowing oxygen to enter while maintaining proper moisture levels — the ideal environment for healing scars.

Questions and Answers 

Is it self-adhesive?
Epi-Derm® is self-adhesive.

How long do I use Epi-Derm® for?
Epi-Derm® must be applied for a minimum of 12 hours per day for 8-12 weeks.

How effective is Epi-Derm® on older scars?
Clinical studies have shown the newer the scar, the better the results.  One such study found a success rate of scar reduction up to 85% on scars under 1 year old, and a rate of about 65% for scars over 10 years old.

Will Epi-Derm® completely eliminate my scar?
Probably not, nor will any product.  Ideal scar management results in a minimizing of the height, thickness and/or discoloration of the scar, thus helping flatten, smooth and blend the scar with the surrounding skin, making it far less noticeable.

Are there any complications?
Rarely. However, as with any topical device applied directly to the skin, there is always potential for contact dermatitis (rash). If this occurs, discontinue use of Epi-Derm®.

Is it safe?
Yes. Each product has received U.S. FDA clearance and European C.E. mark and is comprised of safe, non-toxic, non-medicated, semi-occlusive silicone gel.

Can I cut the Epi-Derm® sheet?
Yes, Epi-Derm® scar silicone sheets may be cut into smaller pieces using clean scissors or a knife.  The piece of gel sheeting should fully cover the scar and extend 1/4 inch all the way around the scar border.

Can I use Epi-Derm® in conjunction with other products?
Nothing should be used underneath Epi-Derm® gel sheeting (between the gel sheeting and your scar).

How should I store the unused Epi-Derm®?
Store it in its original packaging at room temperature.

How soon can I start using Epi-Derm®?
Epi-Derm® can be applied after the sutures have been removed, and the scab is no longer present.

Can Epi-Derm® be used on childern?
Yes, it is safe and non-toxic and can be used on children.

Which side should I apply to the scar?
Always apply the sticky side of the silicone sheets to the scar.

Can Epi-Derm® be used on facial scars?
Yes, Epi-Derm® silicone strips work great on facial scars.

How long will gel sheeting last?
Once gel sheeting has been applied to the scar site, it can be used for 1-2 weeks. When it begins to lose its adhesive qualities, or when surface dirt becomes difficult to remove with proper daily washing, it is time to replace the sheet.

Unused product, whether opened, or unopened, will last for years when stored properly.

What are keloids and can Epi-Derm® help prevent them?
Keloids are the aftereffect of an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after healing of a skin injury. When a scar is formed, connective tissues or fibers are formed at the site to hold the wound closed. Keloids form when the cells continue to multiply after the wound is filled in. Symptoms may include pigmentation of the skin, discomfort, or an itchy or painful sensation.

Scar treatment therapy options include silicone sheets for keloids.

Jan 30

Eating Locally, Changing the Way America Eats

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Eating well improves health and appearance.  Knowing where your food comes from and who it comes from is comforting knowledge.  Local agriculture fuels strong communities and nourishes the shift to farm-fresh foods.  Not only do locally grown produce and organic foods taste better, support community growth, and utilize less fuel in transportation, but local foods have greater nutrient content.  Regional food systems support sustainability; which in turn increases biological diversity.  The cultivation of different varieties of a species maximizes land and the development of farmers’ markets. The United States Dept. of Agriculture reports the number of U.S. farmers’ markets to be well over 7,000; 4 times the number found in 1994.

You have the choice; you are what you eat!

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