Get the skinny on liposuction

Vacationing in warm weather means sleeveless tops that may reveal “not as toned as we’d like” upper arms.  Sometimes, a strict diet and exercise just won’t get rid of stubborn “underarm wiggle” that is so common in women.  Liposuction/liposculpture is a safe procedure with minimal downtime, so patients can quickly resume their everyday activities, whether it’s back to work or working out.  Rhoda S. Narins, M.D., past president of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), suggests that new technologies offer patients more effective and longer-lasting results than traditional liposuction.  “With these advanced procedures, there is often no need for patients to take pain medication after the procedure, there are fewer, if any, bruises than earlier procedures and most patients are ready to get back to their routines the next day,” says Dr. Narins.  Ultrasonic and vaser liposuction are sound waves transmitted to targeted areas to break up fat cells before the suction procedure, reducing the amount of pain, bruising and recovery time.  Dr. Narins also specializes in the hour-glass abdomen technique which is used to sculpt an “hour-glass” figure for women who exercise on a regular basis but find it difficult to eliminate excess fat on their back, waist and hips, as well as the upper and lower abdomen. 

Lasers erase scars

While there is no technique that completely erases scars, recent laser technology now helps fade the scars and memories that many people would like to forget.  According to Jeffrey S. Dover, M.D., member of the ASDS, “The newest laser treatments improve the appearance of scars by decreasing the red color, flattening thick scars and improving the texture.”  Dr. Dover outlines the most common laser scar treatments:  CO2 ablative laser resurfacing releases short bursts of high-energy light, which vaporizes the undesired skin tissue one layer at a time, and is recommended for acne, chicken pox or surgery scars; a pulsed dye laser concentrates beams of light that target blood vessels in the skin and is recommended for red birthmarks and even stretch marks; green light lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) lasers release high-energy light to the skin and are safe for all ages; fractional laser resurfacing pulses laser light “fractionally” to the scar, shortening downtime between treatments.  To ensure the best results, proper skin care before and after laser scar treatments is necessary.  Depending on the type of treatment, side effects may include redness, swelling and temporary bruising.  It is important to ice the treated area to reduce swelling, and decrease downtime between sessions.  When undergoing laser scar treatment, always check credentials and be sure that a board-certified dermasurgeon is on-site.
 

Helpful tips to keep a healthy glow amid the cold and snow

Winter weather brings sharp wind, freezing temperatures and dry air – all of which can damage the skin.  According to the ASDS, the sun can be just as damaging to the skin in the winter as it is during the summer.  Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., president of the ASDS, says people don’t realize the health threats associated with the glaring sun and bitter cold temperatures of the winter season.  At times, the wind and sun combination is so harmful that it can cause serious burns and skin conditions, such as eczema.  Healthy skin takes year-round maintenance, so Dr. Rigel offers the following advice as we enter the cruel winter months: moisturizer helps protect against harsh elements and is especially important when outside for any great length of time.  It’s best to apply moisturizer directly after a bath or shower to help seal in moisture and replenish the skin with the necessary water and oils; wearing gloves is a simple and effective way to protect hands from the cold temperatures and dry air that triggers eczema; Since snow reflects sunlight, the ultraviolet rays of the sun during the winter are just as intense, so when participating in winter recreational activities be sure to apply sunscreen even though the sun may not feel hot.  And, don’t forget about the lips, studies show that only six percent of Americans are aware that ultraviolet rays can cause lip cancer.

Beauty countdown to the bride’s and groom’s big day

Spring and summer used to be viewed as “wedding seasons,” but as destination weddings to exotic islands become more popular, weddings are year-round events.  Ranella Hirsch, M.D., member of the ASDS, has developed a beauty timeline for the bride and groom to look flawless on their big day during any season.  “There are many options for a natural, radiant look on your wedding day, but the key is to start the process early,” says Dr. Hirsch.  Dr. Hirsch offers the following beauty tips for the bride and groom: 

More than 12 months prior to the wedding:

• Laser hair removal can be started to ensure complete removal of unwanted body hair
• Liposuction can reduce the appearance of fatty bumps and to attain a toned appearance on several areas of the body, including “double” chins and love handles

Six to 12 months prior:

• Laser resurfacing will help improve fine lines, textural changes and discoloration from too much tanning
• Hair restoration can be performed to treat hair loss and allow brides to have a full head of hair for a special up-do

Three to six months prior

• Chemical peels are a less invasive option to improve wrinkles, textural changes and discoloration
• Botox® injections and dermal filler substances can treat smile lines, wrinkles around the eyes and deep smile lines around the mouth up to a few weeks before the wedding.  A variety of fillers can also treat minor scarring from acne or chicken pox for a smoother complexion

Four to Six weeks prior:

• Microdermabrasion treatments are a good choice for facial rejuvenation, fading minor skin imperfections and acne scarring
• Botox® can help control excessive sweating and treat migraines, which sometimes accompany the stress of a wedding