A recent study suggests that liposuction surgery may be good for the heart; according to a study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, three months after undergoing the procedure, liposuction patients’ triglyceride levels decreased by an average of 43 percent. This is twice the reduction that is experienced in patients taking cholesterol-lowering medication. (more…)
Everyone knows that alcohol can have a detrimental affect on a person’s health. Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with an increased risk of liver problems, heart disease, certain cancers, and a range of other medical conditions. Drinking alcohol can also have a serious affect on your appearance, whether you drink too much for a special occasion or consume alcohol on a regular basis. Our plastic surgery patients that strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay in great shape, and look as good as possible should avoid drinking alcohol to avoid the beauty-related problems that develop when a person drinks too much.
Short Term Cosmetic Effects of Alcohol
People that don’t normally drink, but decide too have a few too many cocktails for a special event may notice that the area around their eyes looks hollowed out and the eyes themselves look red the day after drinking too much. Other short-term signs of drinking include:
These signs usually disappear after you stop drinking, rehydrate your body, and get a full night of rest.
Long Term Cosmetic Effects of Alcohol
When people drink excessively on a regular basis, the short-term cosmetic effects of drinking become more permanent. Men and women will find that their eyes constantly look exhausted, the initial bloating will have resulted in weight gain, and skin tone suffers. The long-term cosmetic effects of alcohol consumption include:
The amount of alcohol that a person drinks has a direct affect on their health and appearance; the more a person drinks, the more likely it is that they will suffer from the beauty-related problems associated with drinking. If you drink too much alcohol, see your doctor to learn about the alcohol recovery programs that are available to you.
Because germs and bacteria can’t be seen by the naked eye, many people don’t think about that fact that some common habits can increase the amount of germs that you allow into your home – and even into your mouth. Here are three habits you may want to consider changing if you want to avoid bringing contaminants into your home.
Walking Indoors with Shoes On
Whether you have been walking on the lawn, in a public bathroom, or a parking lot, your shoes attract various chemicals, bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants. By taking off your shoes immediately when you enter the home, you can significantly decrease the amount of germs you bring into the home.
Setting Your Purse on the Floor
Women often set their purses on the floor in restaurants, while taking public transportation, and on other places that are ripe with bacteria. Women then sling their bags back over their shoulders, allowing contaminants to get on their clothes. Finally, once home, the purse is often left on the bed, the kitchen counter, or another area of the home where germs can spread.
Keeping Your Toothbrush On The Sink
The bathroom sink is one of the most bacteria-infested areas of the home due to its close proximity to the toilet. Studies have shown that toothbrushes left on the sink can attract germs and other contaminants. Experts suggest that people store their toothbrushes in closed cabinets to reduce the amount of bacteria on the toothbrush.
An updated study titled the “Increased Prevalence of Left-sided Skin Cancers” was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in March. The study theorizes that increased exposure to the sun while driving may be contributing to the development of skin cancer.
The article’s authors, Susan T. Butler and Scott W. Fosko, studied 1,050 people in St. Louis and found that skin cancer on the face was more likely to occur on the left side. The prevalence of left-sided facial skin cancers was most prevalent in men.
Because the left side of the face is exposed to the window and the sun while driving, the study’s authors believe that the cumulative UVA exposure can lead to skin cancer.
Daily use of sunscreen is the best defense against skin cancer. That is why it is so important to remember to use sunscreen on the face, neck, arms, hands, and any other areas of the body that are exposed to the sun.
Skin tightening procedures are most often used on the face and neck areas to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. However, use of skin tightening treatments on the abdomen, arms, and other areas of the body is becoming more common.
Laser Skin Tightening
Laser skin tightening is a non-surgical treatment that uses an infrared beam of light to heat the deeper layers of skin, separating soft tissues and encouraging collagen to rebuild. The new collagen fills in lines and wrinkles in the treated areas, whether on the face, neck, stomach, or another area of the body. Non-invasive laser treatments are best suited to patients who have fine lines and moderate wrinkling of the skin.
Surgical Lifts
Those patients with deep lines and areas of sagging skin are probably better suited to a surgical lifting procedure such as facelift, neck lift, brow lift, eyelid lift, or tummy tuck surgery. Surgical lifting procedures are more effective in cases of severe skin wrinkling because the surgeon can tighten the skin and muscles in the treated area, then remove extra skin to produce a smoother appearance.
In a study published in early September in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers at Stanford University found that they could make stem cells out of liposuction fat two times faster and with 20 times the efficiency than they could previously.
Stem cells are unique because they have the ability to become any tissue in the body. This means that if a patient is suffering from organ failure, a person’s stem cells could potentially be used to grow a new, healthy organ. Stem cells could also be used to replaced damaged cartilage in patients who suffer from arthritis. The possibilities for stem cells are seemingly endless.
The development of stem cell research could also have a major effect on the plastic surgery industry. According to experts, stems cells could be used to allow women to grown their own natural breasts, fill in facial wrinkles, and to replace tissue lost after mastectomy.
Stem Cells and Breast Augmentation
Because stem cells can be used to grow new fatty tissue, researchers believe that fat extracted from the stomach can be made into stem cells, which are then injected into the patient’s breasts. Over the next several months, the breasts grow to the desired size and strength.
Stem Cells and Facial Rejuvenation
The wrinkle treatment is similar to the breast augmentation process, in that fat is removed from the abdominal area, made into stem cells, then injected into the target areas. After the stem cell solution is injected into facial lines, it is theorized that the new tissue will aid in facial rejuvenation and improve skin texture.
The decision to undergo plastic surgery is a serious one that should not be taken lightly. In the weeks prior to your procedure, it is important that you follow the advice and pre-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. Here are five tips all plastic surgery patients should follow.
1. Discuss Your Complete Medical History with Your Surgeon
As with any surgery, there are inherent risks associated with surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. That is why it is imperative that you discuss any past or current medical conditions you have suffered from, any previous surgeries you have undergone, and any medications you are taking.
2. Stop Taking Certain Medications
Two weeks prior to surgery, you must stop taking certain medications, vitamins, and herbs that act as blood thinners and can increase the risk of post-operative bleeding and bruising. Medications you should avoid prior to surgery include:
Your doctor can provide you with a full list of medications you should avoid before surgery.
3. Stop Nicotine and Alcohol Use
Patients should avoid nicotine use in the two weeks before surgery; nicotine use reduces circulation, which can prolong healing, causing increased scarring and other complications. Like certain medications, alcohol thins the blood and should be avoided in the weeks leading up to surgery.
4. Arrange a Ride Home after Surgery
All patients should arrange to have a friend or family member pick them up and help them get comfortable at home after surgery.
5. Purchase Recommended Pain Medications and Supplies Prior to Surgery
Your surgeon will prescribe or recommend use of pain medications and other supplies following surgery. These can include gauze pads, anti-bacterial soap, scar reduction creams and silicone sheets, compression garments, and a range of other products. Be sure to discuss your post-operative needs with your plastic surgeon before the day of surgery so you are prepared when you get home after surgery.
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