As temperatures drop, men and women work harder to keep their skin healthy. Ignoring skin care during the colder months can speed the visible signs of aging. Extreme temperature changes, dryness, and sunburn damage the skin, creating dullness and increasing the likelihood of wrinkles. Protect the skin you’re in with these doctor-approved skin care tips.
7 Doctor Recommended Skin Care Tips
Protect your skin at all costs. Harmful UV rays can seep through cloud cover, and contrary to common opinion, they’re just as dangerous in the winter. Never leave the house without applying at least SPF 30 to the face, neck, and ears.
Eat right. A nutritious meal can rejuvenate the skin. Munch on almonds, which contain fatty acids that soothe inflammation in the skin.
Control stress. Stress isn’t just internal. The effects of stress can increase signs of aging. Set aside a time each week to rest and rejuvenate. Don’t forget to turn off your phone while you relax.
Choose a good skin care routine. Healthy skin requires upkeep. Ask Dr. Brantner about gentle skin care products to keep the skin soft and supple.
Learn the tricks. Dealing with swollen, itchy eyes after a hard long day? The age-old frozen peas trick works! Place a bag of frozen peas over your eyes for 5 minutes to reduce swelling and minimize redness.
Exercise well. Exercise is key to healthy skin, but it’s important to choose your workout wisely. High-impact exercise can cause the skin to sag over time. Try cross-training or using low-impact fitness machines like the elliptical to reduce the stress of your workout.
Sip tea. Both green and black teas contain protective compounds that help prevent skin cancer and the breakdown of collagen in the skin.
Want to renew dull skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles? Ask about non-invasive procedures like microdermabrasion, Botox, and injectable fillers.
When people consider addiction, their minds jump to the common evils: alcohol, drugs, and abusive behaviors. But many addictions take acceptable behaviors and push the boundaries, rendering people unable to determine when to quit. Plastic surgery addiction is a physiological behavior that leaves patients feeling “never good enough.” In an effort to correct perceived flaws, they often turn to unhealthy levels of cosmetic surgery.
The Dangers of Plastic Surgery Addiction
People suffering from plastic surgery addiction are often overcompensating for other dangerous behaviors. Many patients who become addicted to cosmetic procedures already suffer from feelings of low self-esteem and, in extreme cases, Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Some patients may finish one procedure only to decide another aspect of their appearance is lacking. Other patients fixate on one feature, requesting procedure after procedure to reach an unattainable goal of perfection. Patients suffering from plastic surgery addiction may:
Believe that cosmetic surgery will fix other areas of their lives (relationships, career success, etc)
Have unrealistic expectations before surgery and never feel satisfied with the outcome of a procedure
Immediately fixate on another perceived flaw after “fixing” another
Request follow-up surgery before the first procedure has fully healed
Treating Plastic Surgery Addiction
Plastic surgeons aren’t just artists with a scalpel. Certified plastic surgeons undergo years of expert training to recognize physical and emotional complications before and after surgery. Because plastic surgery addiction is rooted in psychological health, it can only be treated by a mental health professional. If Dr. Brantner has reservations about the number of procedures a patient desires, he may consult with the patient, recommend a counselor, or refuse to take on the procedure.
Want more information about issues like plastic surgery addiction or plastic surgery tourism? Contact Dr. Brantner’s staff at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Plastic surgery tourism is a trend that’s growing more popular every day. Many patients prefer to have work done over the border, where they won’t have to worry about blowing their cosmetic surgery anonymity with a post-op trip to the grocery store. Others view plastic surgery as nothing more than a pricey souvenir to show off after a trip abroad. But the dangers of plastic surgery tourism are real. Cases of botched surgeries, difficult recoveries, and fatal complications make news headlines with startling frequency. If you’ve considered getting a quick nose job on your trip overseas, educate yourself on the dangers of getting surgery outside of the U.S.
Dangers of Plastic Surgery Tourism
Plastic surgery tourism complicates recovery. It may seem like a great idea to heal from a plastic surgery procedure while lounging on a beach abroad. Many vacation activities, however, can cause serious complications to a patient’s recovery. Even relaxing on the beach exposes wounds to countless bacteria, and sun exposure darkens the appearance of scars.
It’s not the bargain it seems. Although getting surgery overseas often has a lower price tag than local procedures, many patients have to shell out for fix-it procedures after returning home. Fixing botched plastic surgery is more costly than getting it done right the first time, and the results aren’t always guaranteed. In some dire cases plastic surgery tourism patients find themselves with life-threatening surgical complications and no medical support.
Plastic surgery tourism patients have limited legal options. If a U.S. surgeon performs a procedure without the proper qualifications, the patient is entitled to legal reparations. When a patient undergoes surgery overseas, it’s nearly impossible to get legal recourse for surgical negligence.
What you see may not be what you get. When you have surgery overseas, it’s difficult to research the qualifications of your physician. The doctor may be under-trained, inexperienced, or certified by a disreputable medical board. When undergoing a procedure as specialized as plastic surgery, patients should always choose a physician certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Are you interested in cosmetic surgery? Contact Dr. Brantner’s office at Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Dr. Brantner creates looks that are both beautiful and natural, revealing a smoother, more youthful appearance that boosts his patients’ self-confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about body contouring, facial rejuvenation, or other cosmetic procedures in Johnson City, TN, call our office to schedule a consultation.
Plastic surgery allows men and women to reinvigorate their self-confidence and reveal their ideal selves. Some patients, however, choose plastic surgery for the wrong reasons. If you’re considering a cosmetic procedure, use these questions to determine if plastic surgery is right for you.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing Plastic Surgery
Why are you considering plastic surgery? If you want to change an aspect of your appearance, boost your self-confidence, or treat yourself to a procedure you’ve always wanted, you may be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. If you feel pressured to undergo plastic surgery by the media, a loved one, or low-self worth, you should not schedule a cosmetic procedure.
Is there a specific feature you want to change, or are you simply looking to feel better about yourself? Plastic surgery can improve your appearance in specific ways — like reshaping your nose, smoothing facial wrinkles, making your breasts bigger or smaller, or removing excess skin — but it won’t eliminate deep rooted self-esteem issues.
What are your expectations? The majority of cosmetic surgery patients have realistic goals in mind when speaking to their surgeons. Some patients, however, expect to walk out of the operating room with the perfect body. Before choosing plastic surgery, determine if your goals are realistic.
Is your health at risk? Before undergoing surgery, make sure you meet the basic health criteria for the procedure. Nearly all surgeons require smokers to quit for several weeks before and after any procedure. If you’re unwilling to do so, plastic surgery is not right for you.
Have you found a doctor you can trust? Before scheduling a consultation, research your plastic surgeon’s education, medical history, and board certification. At your first consultation, make sure you feel comfortable discussing your surgical needs with your physician.
Are you ready to schedule a consultation? Call Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for scheduling questions, payment planning, or more information about a specific cosmetic procedure.
Plastic surgery is all about the exterior, right? Cosmetic procedures allow men and women to change the aspects of their physical appearance they’re displeased with. Preparing for plastic surgery should mean kicking habits like smoking, following your physician’s pre-op orders, planning for recovery, and getting ready to greet a whole new you.
Unfortunately, plastic surgery isn’t just about the body, it’s about the mind, as well. Plastic surgery allows patients to renew their confidence, eradicate body shame, and improve their self-image. Physical preparation for procedures is important, but patients should prepare emotionally for plastic surgery, too.
Post-Surgical Sadness
Most patients don’t anticipate being sad after their cosmetic surgeries. After all, each procedure is personalized based on the patient’s needs, desires, and perceived flaws. But post-surgical depression is a real phenomenon that many patients experience in the weeks after their procedures. Known causes of post-surgical sadness include:
A history of anxiety or depression
Emotional reactions to anesthesia or pain medication
Depending on others for help during recovery
An inability to resume normal activities during the recovery period
Lack of support from loved ones
Feeling pressured by loved ones to have undergone a procedure
Unrealistic expectations for the procedure
Swelling or slow healing
Getting used to a new appearance
Most cases of post-surgical depression are minor and temporary. Prepare for your emotional health by eating healthy, guaranteeing the support of loved ones, and discussing any concerns with Dr. Brantner before your surgery. If you experience severe or extended depression after plastic surgery, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Planning a Second Procedure
87% of plastic surgery patients are happy with their results. Of the other 13%, many patients feel that they don’t look better, just different. Patients dissatisfied with their appearance after plastic surgery should determine whether the problem is physical (unhappiness with the results of the procedure) or emotional (insecurity or anxiety). Dr. Brantner recommends waiting several months before undergoing any follow-up procedures. Waiting allows patients to fully heal and become more comfortable with their new appearance before jumping into another surgery.
Protect your skin at all costs. Harmful UV rays can seep through cloud cover, and contrary to common opinion, they’re just as dangerous in the winter. Never leave the house without applying at least SPF 30 to the face, neck, and ears.
