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Post-Bariatric Surgery Diet: Less Cravings for Fat?
After undergoing gastric bypass, patients may experience a decrease in their desire for fatty foods.
The study, which looked at what sort of foods patients who underwent the surgery incorporated into their post-bariatric surgery diet. It found that many patients shunned fats high in fat and instead made healthier choices for their post-bariatric surgery diet. Interestingly enough, a study of lab rats found a similar effect lasting up to 200 days after surgery.
The researchers said the avoidance of fatty foods as part of a post-bariatric surgery diet may be attributed to hormones. An increase in certain types of hormones may lead to unpleasant digestive feelings, causing patients to curb their intake of fatty food and drinks.
Of course, in order to maintain the positive effects of the surgery, a healthy post-bariatric surgery diet is necessary. Of great importance, too, for many patients are body contouring procedures which are often needed after losing a great deal of weight.
Cosmetic surgeons often perform body contouring for patients who exhibit loose skin and pockets of fat on the body. These surgeries can include a tummy tuck, thigh lift, breast lift and sometimes and overall body lift.
To learn more about maintaining your body after bariatric surgery, we encourage you to contact Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
Seniors May Be at the Best Plastic Surgery Age
Plastic surgery is becoming a more favorable option for seniors looking to maintain a youthful look, according to The New York Times.
People who often wonder about the best plastic surgery age may be surprised about how many patients undergoing cosmetic procedures are in their 70s and even older. The most popular facial procedures among seniors are a facelift to remove jowls, eyelid surgery to correct loose skin or bags and a forehead lift, which corrects a descending brow.
The most popular body procedures among seniors are also highly popular among younger groups. These include liposuction and tummy tuck to remove excess fat and loose skin on the midsection. Breast surgeries like lifts and reductions are also popular. Somewhat interesting, too, is the fact that breast augmentation is favorable among senior women.
One patient who felt at 83 that she was at the best age for plastic surgery is Marie, who has more than two dozen children and grandchildren. In an effort to help her “children to be proud of what I look like,” Marie underwent a breast lift with augmentation, which lifted her breasts and restored lost volume.
Are seniors at the best plastic surgery age?
While some may worry that the older you get, the higher the rate of complications from surgery, not all research points that way. In fact, some in their 70s, 80s and even older may be at the best plastic surgery age as long as they have maintained a healthy lifestyle.
Two different studies, one published published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the other by the Cleveland Clinic found seniors were at no greater risk for complications than their younger counterparts when screened properly.
To find out if you may be at the best plastic surgery age and to learn about your cosmetic options, we encourage you to join the mailing list of Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
What Makes People Look Older and How to Reverse It
Depending on many factors, most important among them your skin type, you might age differently than a friend the same age. This aging can appear in various ways. So, the question remains, what makes people look older?
A recent New York Times article delved into this question and distilled how people of differing skin types and colors show age in different ways.
For plastic surgeons, what makes people look older can be grouped into a “holy trinity” of changes. These include wrinkles and age spots, a general loss of volume and an overall sagginess of the skin.
Generally speaking, those with darker skin tones aged more slowly. As dark skin has more pigment in it, it is better protected against the aging effects of the sun. Dark skin also tends to be oilier and thicker, making it more resistant to the signs of aging. Additionally, round faces, as many people with dark skin may have, show the signs of aging more slowly that those with thinner faces as more youthful volume is preserved.
Another cause of what makes people look older is how, over time, the skin has lost volume and begins to droop. This leads to bagginess around the eyes and the appearance of jowls, among other issues. To correct loose skin around the eyes, eyelid surgery can be performed, while a facelift can diminish jowls in the lower face.
Excessive frowning and other extreme facial expressions can add to what makes people look older, as well. These actions can cause lines to form in areas of the face like the brows and nasolabial folds, but both can be easily corrected. For forehead lines, Botox limits the movement of the muscle, causing the wrinkle to smooth out. In the case of laugh lines, injectable fillers can diminish their appearance, restoring a more youthful smoothness.
To learn more about combating the common signs of aging, we encourage you to contact Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Mouchantat.
Brow Lift Technique: Less Really Can Be More
Performing a brow lift where the brow is only lifted minimally may yield the best results for some patients.
Using special brow lift techniques, plastic surgeons are able to help a patient appear younger and open an eye area that may suffer from a descending brow. Rather than fully lifting the brow to a higher position, your surgeon may only lift part of the brow for an ideal result, as discussed in Cosmetic Surgery Times.
One way a brow lift is sometimes performed is by unilaterally lifting the entire brow, but this may not be the ideal brow lift technique. In fact, in some cases, it may make the patient appear older and create a hollow appearance above the eyes, which may later need to be corrected.
Rather, the brow should ideally be lifted in a minimal manner, which can still create a dramatically younger-looking visage. In the case of plastic surgery, oftentimes less is more.
Instead of focusing on how high the brow should be after surgery, the shape of the brow overall may be more important. In the past, what was considered a beautifully shaped brow was different than it is today. At one point, a downturned brow was desirable, and later a more upturned brow.
Today’s ideal is somewhere in the middle, where the brow is lower near the center of the face, higher near the end and with a peak above the iris of the eye.
If you struggle with a descending brow but may not yet desire one of these brow lift techniques, Botox may be used to treat some types of brow deformities. Botox works by paralyzing the muscle at the treatment site, allowing the skin and brow to relax in a more natural position.
To learn more about brow lift techniques or how your plastic surgeon may use Botox to treat an aged-looking brow, we encourage you to join our mailing list.
Problems with Medical Tourism, Despite Cost Savings
Some shoppers who choose medical tourism for plastic surgery rather than staying in the US find it may not be the best deal, according to the Huffington Post.
Some savvy internet users may be able to find what seems like a low rate for a plastic surgery procedure abroad when compared to prices domestically, according to plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Yaremchuk. Still, there are problems with medical tourism, he says. Even if the price is cheaper, the old adage is true, he says—you get what you pay for.
While there are, of course, exceptions to the rule, going to a cheaper plastic surgeon will not always yield the results you would want. Often with a surgeon who charges less and is able to practice overseas, the training, expertise and experience are not what you would get with a board certified plastic surgeon.
While Yaremchuk admits only anecdotal evidence is available about patients who travel overseas for plastic surgery, it’s not all good news. In his own experience over the a three month period, Yaremchuk saw patients who had complications from previous plastic surgery procedures. Almost universally, he says, the patients did not know the qualifications of their original surgeon or of the facility where the procedure took place. This a one of the key problems with medical tourism—lax enforcement of qualifications.
In one recent study, over a two year period, eight American patients were infected with Mycobacterium abscessus after undergoing liposuction procedures in a Dominican Republic clinic. Conversely, over a five year period at a New York hospital, more than 230,000 patients underwent surgeries and no cases of the bacteria were reported.
While still just anecdotal evidence, these cases do present some of the problems with medical tourism being selected without proper research.
In order to make sure you are choosing the best practitioner for your plastic surgery, Yaremchuk offers a quick tip—make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the ASPS or ASAPS. With proper training, experience and credentials, you can be assured you will come out of the surgery healthy and having met your aesthetic goals.
Most Sunscreen Users Not Fully Able to Properly Prevent Sunburns
Those who apply sunscreen regularly when in the sun to prevent sunburns may not quite be doing enough to protect their skin, according to a new study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
Sunscreen, the study found, was the most popular form of sun protection chosen by the 3,000 Caucasian adults who participated. In fact, 30% of those studied said they applied sunscreen when out in the sun for longer than one hour. Seeking shade was the second most popular form of sun protection with protective clothing options also being listed.
Startling is the fact that those who said they regularly apply sunscreen were at a 23% higher risk of sunburns, compared to those who rarely apply it.
While avoiding the sun, especially midday when its rays are strongest, is the best way to prevent sunburns and sun damage, applying the appropriate amount of sunscreen is key. For each body part that is exposed, like the legs or arms, a golf ball sized glob of sunscreen should be applied. This should be done half an hour before going outside so it has a chance to absorb and then be reapplied at least every two hours. If you get wet, sunscreen should be applied every 60 to 90 minutes.
People who say they regularly apply sunscreen are often likely not applying it correctly or often enough. Sunscreen should absorb at least 2mm for every square centimeter of skin. When reapplying, those who participated in a Brazilian study only used a quarter of what would be necessary for protection.
Though appropriate sunscreen application can help to prevent sunburn, other forms of protection, though less popular, may guard your skin better. Staying in the shade on sunny days is a prime form of protection from sun damage and burns, as is wearing a hat and clothing that does not leave your legs or arms exposed.
Proper sun protection, whether it comes in the form of correct sunscreen application or avoiding the sun’s rays in another manner, is important. Not only can it guard against the signs of premature aging like wrinkles and age spots, but it can prevent sunburns. Though sunburns may be uncomfortable for several days, in the long-term, they can increase your risk for skin cancer.
To learn more about products to protect your skin and prevent sunburns, as well as non-surgical treatments to correct sun damage, we encourage you to contact us or join our mailing list.
Beautifying Your Bellybutton Through Surgery
Though everyone has a bellybutton, they may appear dissimilar and many plastic surgeons can work to change the look of a bellybutton, either on its own or as part of a body contouring surgery.
The bellybutton, or navel, is created by the shedding of the umbilical cord following birth. The tube that once supplied all of our nutrients within the womb falls away as babies are forced to rely on their own mouths, stomachs, and lungs. As Cari Nierenberg discusses on The Body Odd, the bellybutton is one of our least understood body parts, both strange and commonplace.
Cosmetic surgery for bellybuttons is rare, but it does occur. The bellybutton can change shape after weight gain or pregnancy, which may cause some people to be dissatisfied with its new shape or size. Others will pursue the surgery following their lifelong dislike of their “outies.” While surgery to convert an innie to an outie is an option, Dr. Curtis Cetrulo, Jr. says that he has never encountered someone who wanted that performed. Bellybutton reconstruction surgery requires local anesthesia and has few side effects beyond some soreness and swelling.
However, the majority of umbilicoplasties will typically occur in conjunction with another surgery, such as a tummy tuck or umbilical hernia repair. The bellybutton often has a unique role in tummy tuck surgery:
- The bellybutton must be isolated from the surrounding skin, so that it stands on a stalk of tissue.
- Excess skin is removed and a new hole is created for the bellybutton.
- The bellybutton is incorporated into the hole and retains its natural position on the abdomen.
The surgeon may perform some cosmetic adjustments to the bellybutton during the surgery, based on the patient’s desires.
Patients Downsizing for a More Natural-Looking Breast
Though large breasts implants may have previously been the norm, more patients are electing to downsize their augmented breasts.
Celebrities who have downsized in recent years allegedly include Denise Richards, Victoria Beckham, Drew Barrymore, and Jordan. Taken together they represent a trend toward breast implants being smaller than was previously fashionable.
More everyday women are hopping on the bandwagon, tired of having breast implants that are too large for their bodies, according to CBS News health reporter Stephanie Stahl.
What are some reasons that women might be downsizing their breast implants?
- They may not want or need extra attention toward their breasts.
- Misalignment and capsular contracture made the implants look unnatural.
- Women want to look and feel more natural and comfortable.
- Large breasts make it more difficult to exercise or perform other physical activities.
- Overly large breasts have been associated with back problems.
While surgery to reduce implant size involves simply exchanging one implant for another, there’s usually some reconstruction required, since the pocket housing the implant needs to be modified. Risks of the surgery are similar to regular augmentation surgery, but the recovery time is typically shorter.
Harriet Bleiman, a breast implant reduction patient who spoke with CBS, loves her reduced bust size. “I just feel like this is the right proportion for me… I liked them at the beginning, and after a couple of years they felt like two large, standing out, almost cantaloupes, and that made me very uncomfortable.”
Now, Harriet says, it actually feels as if having a smaller breast size has helped everything from her self-confidence to her golf game.
Silicone Implant Safety Reviewed by FDA
The results of a new study by the FDA on silicone implant safety are positive, both for patients as well as plastic surgeons.
After conducting an in-depth study of silicone implant safety, the FDA has confirmed that silicone gel implants “have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness when used as labeled.” For consumers, this means silicone gel implant augmentations performed by a board certified plastic surgeon, and maintained as instructed, should present no extreme health issues for the patient.
The FDA’s silicone implant safety study also debunked a rumor that silicone breast implants share an association with “connective tissue disease, breast cancer, or reproductive problems.” Based on current data, the FDA said there is no detected connection.
Long-Term Silicone Implant Safety Tips
Women who are considering silicone breast implants should note that though breast implants are long-lasting, no such implant will last a lifetime. Over the course of her life, a woman who has gotten breast implants will likely need to have them replaced.
Patients will need to monitor their silicone gel implants over time and note any signs of complication to their surgeon. Some women may experience a hardening of tissue around the breast, called capsular contracture, or may have a revision or removal surgery.
Silicone implant safety monitoring also extends to visiting your doctor for screenings. Periodic MRIs can detect a “silent rupture” of the implant, which the patient may not be aware of. As an added precaution for women both with and without silicone gel implants, it is important to continue regular mammograms, as directed by your doctor.
Silicone gel implants are used not only for breast augmentation, but often as a part of breast lift surgeries, as well.
Plastic Surgery: Debbie Harry Sees Lasting Benefits
Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry sees plastic surgery as important and appreciates the benefits she still sees as a result of a facelift in the 90s, she told Showbiz Spy.
Plastic Surgery: Debbie Harry Speaks About the Importance of Research
While Harry says some people might rush into a decision to have plastic surgery and go to a plastic surgeon without doing some “homework,” she knows its importance.
When considering plastic surgery, you want to make sure you choose a board certified plastic surgeon. This plastic surgeon will show you examples of their patient work and walk you through the procedure, making sure you feel comfortable.
Your plastic surgeon will also discuss your options with you during your consultation. Your board certified plastic surgeon has the aesthetic eye and experience to suggest appropriate procedures and treatments to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
Harry says she met with several plastic surgeons even after doing research. This careful process helped her choose a plastic surgeon who was right for her individual needs.
Debbie Harry: Plastic Surgery Considerations “Important”
Harry says that as a woman, she feels its important to think about the aging process and what she can do to stop it. Harry adds that women have a more “rigorous time physically than men.”
Even if she wasn’t a well-known person, Harry says she would have still had the facelift, which she feels helped bring her out of a depression. Even nearly two decades after her facelift, Harry says it has held up well.
While a facelift surgery like Harry underwent can remove sagging skin and jowls on the lower face, it is important to maintain a skin care regimen, as well, especially as your skin continues to age.
When you visit your plastic surgeon for a consultation regarding a facelift or other facial rejuvenation procedure, make sure to ask about skin care products to protect and repair your skin to maintain its youthful glow.
