If you have dry or oily skin, exfoliants may be the perfect skin care item for you. It can rejuvenate your skin by smoothing it out, as well as stimulate new collagen growth. It may also get rid of fine lines, and can help with acne.

How Does It Work?

Exfoliation removes the top layer of dead skin cells. This allows the new skin underneath to show. Babies naturally exfoliate every few days, but adults shed a great deal less. As a result, we need more help in getting rid of dead skin, which is why exfoliants are used.

Once the dead skin is removed and new skin grows, moisture can be absorbed more easily into the skin. This helps create a glow about the face and helps slow the creation of wrinkles. Gentle scrubs such as loofahs, body scrub formulas, exfoliation brushes, and facial cloths help in the exfoliation process.

Best Uses for Scrubs

For sensitive skin, downy loofah sponges are the best choice. Facial cloths work well for lighter exfoliation; they are designed to not only get rid of dead skin, but to clean as well. For skin that is less sensitive, dense loofah sponges or exfoliation brushes will work best. Exercise caution when using a brush, however; they can be very rough. There are a number of different brushes with varying bristle types. Experiment until you find the one that suits you best.

Scrub Formulas

Scrub formulas can work in concert with scrubs and brushes. Most are salt or sugar based, and they often contain mood enhancing fragrances. These include pumice stone, sand, crushed grape seed, apricot seeds, natural honey, extracts of jasmine, and many others.

The size of the particles in scrub formulas can vary. The larger the granule, the less sensitive your skin should be. Also, the size of your sebaceous oil glands can play a large role in your choice of formula. Larger sebaceous glands allow the skin to take more intense treatment. But those with acne or other skin disorders must be very careful when choosing a scrub formula. Certain types of dry skin can also become irritated.

Every ingredient works differently in a scrub formula. Be careful and pay close attention to your skin’s reaction when using a scrub and/or formula for the first time. The ingredients may be natural, but they may be too strong for your skin.

There are more than one million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the United States, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. In fact, it is one of the most common kinds of skin cancer in the US. One in five people will develop it in their lifetime. The most likely place to develop skin cancer is the face, head and neck, because they are constantly exposed to sunlight. Removing lesions from skin cancer is the most common type of reconstructive surgery. Out of the 4.9 million reconstructive surgeries done, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 3.2 million of them were skin cancer removals.

Types of Skin Cancer

Basal cell carcinoma happens in the basal cells, which are found in the base of the outer layer or skin. This is most common and usually the simplest to treat.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the next most common type of skin cancer. When allowed to progress squamous cell carcinoma can destroy much of the tissue surrounding the tumor and can be disfiguring. Squamous cell carcinoma is curable with early detection and proper treatment.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It forms in the skin cells that create pigment. Out of 10, 850 deaths from skin cancer, almost 74 percent are from melanoma. Melanoma can be sometimes be successfully treated if it is caught early and dealt with aggressively..

Risks and Prevention

Many cases of non-melanoma skin cancer might be prevented with proper protection from the sun. Excessive exposure can lead to skin cancer. Frequent sunburns or tans in childhood can more than double the risk. Lighter skinned people are more likely to develop skin cancer than darker skinned people, but that does not mean that darker skinned people are immune; it simply means that they can be exposed longer before skin damage takes place.

Regardless of skin color, everyone should protect their skin. The American Cancer Foundation suggests that people:

• Stay in the shade, in particular between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Avoid sunburns, tanning and tanning booths.
• Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 daily.
• Apply two tablespoons total of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside. Every two hours, be sure to reapply, and more often after swimming or sweating heavily.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation; check the label.
• Keep babies, especially newborns, out of the sun. Sunscreen can be used on infants over 6 months.
• Examine your skin all over every month.
• See your doctor once a year for a skin exam.

One can certainly come to that conclusion after reviewing these 2008 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

In total, Americans spent $10.3 billion on plastic surgery in 2008. There were 10.4 million minimally invasive procedures done, an increase of five percent from 2007 and 4.9 million reconstructive surgeries were done.

12.1 million total cosmetic procedures were performed that year, with the most popular surgical procedures being breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, nose reshaping, and tummy tucks. Cosmetic minimally invasive procedures that were also very popular include Botox, chemical peels, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, and hyaluronic acid injections (Restylane and Juvederm are two examples of this). Anti-cellulite treatment and laser treatment of leg veins were also part of the list.

Gender wise, women preferred breast augmentation, liposuction and nose reshaping, followed by eyelid surgery and tummy tucks. Their favorite minimally invasive procedures were Botox, chemical peels, laser hair removal, hyaluronic acid injections, and microdermabrasion.

Men, on the other hand, had their own preferences. For surgical procedures, their top five were nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast reduction, and hair transplants. For non-surgical procedures, men underwent Botox treatments, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing.

Plastic surgery for Hispanics and other people of color increased by 11 percent. The surgery of choice was nose reshaping across the board, with liposuction and breast reduction a popular choice for both Hispanics and African Americans. Asian Americans chose eyelid surgery and breast augmentation. Minimally invasive procedures were the same for all ethnic groups–Botox, injectable fillers, and chemical peels.

There is a marked difference between these statistics from the ASPS and those from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). ASPS includes dermatologists and otolaryngologists in their surveys, and also includes reconstructive surgeries in their report. ASAPS does neither of these. As a result, ASAPS’ numbers paint a somewhat less optimistic picture.

There are also many procedures that have increased in popularity. These are:

• Dermabrasion. While microdermabrasion uses a light spray of crystals to abrade the skin gently, a wire brush or a diamond wheel is used in dermabrasion to remove the upper layers of skin. As it heals, new skin replaces the old skin. There is a great deal more bleeding with dermabrasion, and it is more traumatic to the skin, but it is also can be effective at removing deep scars and wrinkles.
• Pectoral (chest) implants. These increase the size and shape of a man’s chest muscles.
• Cheek implants. These help reshape or replace cheekbones.
• Buttock lifts. These tighten sagging skin on the buttocks, hips and thighs, making the skin look younger and more attractive.

Reconstructive surgeries that increased the most included the following:

• Breast reconstruction, often done to reshape the breast.
• Birth defect reconstruction, which can include repairing cleft palates.
• Hand surgery.
• Scar revision.
• Burn care.

These experienced a three percent increase from 2007’s statistics.

Cosmetic dermatology is wonderful at improving facial and/or bodily features, but it is not permanent. Over time, you may need further treatments due to the effects of aging. So how can maintenance and treatment regimens help keep you looking as young as possible?

The area(s) treated by cosmetic dermatology will still age right along with the rest of the skin. Because of this, it can be hard to determine exactly how long the results a treatment will last.

Skin and Its Construction

The skin is made up of three layers: the epidermis (surface), the dermis (below the skin) and the subcutaneous tissue layer (below the dermis). The epidermis is home to skin cells, amino acid chains, and pigment. The top of the dermis is made up of dead skin cells. Exfoliation gets rid of these dead cells, and improves its appearance. The dermis also has other parts to it, like oil, blood vessels, and hair follicles.

The hypodermis has a very similar construction to the dermis, except that it contains fat as well. Connective tissue in both is supported by collagen fibers, which help support the skin in turn. Since collagen decreases as we get older, so does the elasticity of our skin. This can lead to thinning and sagging of the skin.

How Treated Areas Respond to Aging

Certain types of treatments can become more visible as we age. Breast implants are an example of this. If an untreated area has less collagen than a treated area, there may be more sagging in the untreated region. Remember, the treated parts of your skin or body may look better, but it will age just like the rest.

Losing Volume and Bone Mass

Facial bones lose their density over time, which may make the bone structure shift or otherwise change shape. The loss of collagen also plays a role. As a result, treatments like facelifts can result in distorted features in some people as they get older.

Laugh Lines, Crow’s Feet and Facial Movement

Due to the fact that we constantly move our faces throughout our lifetimes, we are bound to create wrinkles and other lines. This applies even after plastic surgery. Laughing, smiling, and frowning are still part of our non verbal expression as human beings, and this will affect the results of our treatment in the long term.

Treatment Plans

There are a number of ways to treat these changes in our appearance as time passes. Non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures may require ongoing visits. For instance, Botox lasts for three to six months. Restylane may last for six months or longer, while laser treatments may last up to five years or longer.

In the best of all possible situations, plastic surgery results will last for ten years or more. Neck lifts can last for five, while eyelid surgery lasts for ten as well. Mini or micro procedures will only last five years. Implantable devices can vary; for instance, breast implants have up to a 30 percent reoperation rate due to aging of the breast or the patient’s desire for larger ones.

Things to Keep In Mind

There are a few things you will want to consider as you plan your treatments and comprehensive treatment plan. These are:

Your doctor’s qualifications: How often has he performed this treatment?

How you will look in the future: Will this treatment affect your facial expression and movement?

A gastric bypass is one of a few types of bariatric (weight loss) surgeries. All of these surgeries are designed for people who are obese, and have tried and failed to lose weight with regular diet and exercise.

This surgery can help obese individuals avoid maj Read More »

American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics indicate that breast augmentation was the number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed on women in 2007 and breast reduction was number five on that list. Nearly 400,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2007 and more than 150,000 breast reduction procedures. These numbers clearly indicate that many women have issues with the size and shape of their breasts and are willing to go under the knife to address them.

Though not often discussed, it stands to reason that women opting for these surgeries are also concerned with the shape, size and location of the areola. The areola is the pigmented area of skin that surrounds the nipple. There are surgical procedures available to enlarge or reduce the areola and these are often performed in conjunction with the breast augmentation or reduction surgeries.

There are now creative, new non-surgical options available to women that are unhappy with the shape or size of their nipples. It is important to many women that their areolae and nipples appear symmetrical, that they not be disproportionate or unmatched in size.

Radiesse® is a wrinkle filler that can be injected to create a larger nipple, enhancing its size and shape. Radiesse (formerly known as Radiance) is a dermal filler FDA-approved for the correction of facial lines and wrinkles such as nasolabial folds. Radiesse is calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel and is injected into the skin through a simple, minimally invasive procedure offering immediate, visible improvement and providing long-lasting results.

Radiesse can be injected to create a larger nipple and to smooth the texture of the nipple, addressing any asymmetries and improving the overall look of the breast. Radiesse can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars that were the result of previous surgical procedures.

When used to treat facial folds and wrinkles, Radiesse is indicated to last for a year or more. Nipple augmentation or correction is a procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis that takes only a few moments. And, as it is non-surgical there are none of the risks attendant with all surgical procedures.

“Yolanda is the diet conscience of Hollywood” – Vogue Magazine

“When the unfit and the unhealthy get serious about cleaning up their acts, they call on Yolanda” – Mirabella

“Yolanda’s gift is her directness. Her advice is sound, unforgettable, and simple to integrate into one’s life.”
Madeleine Stowe – actress

“Yolanda’s way of eating is not a diet – it’s a way of life that makes you feel wonderful.”
Kimmy Robertson – actress

“Eating her way, you never feel like you are dieting”
Emilio Estevez – actor/producer

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Free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage your skin, can damage your body. Antioxidants can help protect you from free radicals.

The human body has its own natural antioxidants to protect itself, but many different factors can affect its ability to do so. These may include genetics, age, sex, and lifestyle. Having an antioxidant plan in place can help you improve your looks and your health.

FREE RADICALS

These molecules are very reactive. Their purpose is to destroy tissues, protein bonds, and cells. UV radiation, alcohol, stress, and pollution can all contribute to the production of free radicals. Interestingly enough, rigorous exercise and a poor warm up or cool down can do the same. Free radicals keep reproducing until antioxidants stop them from doing so.

Free radicals also interrupt cells’ ability to reproduce. This, in turn, can inhibit muscle growth, development of the immune system, and potentially increase the risk of injury to the body. The skin’s DNA can also be damaged, which can age the skin. It can cause the complexion to be rough or dull, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

How antioxidants work is only now beginning to be understood Studies have shown that antioxidants can avert the rapid reproduction of free radicals before damage takes place. Your body may not be able to handle this alone, unfortunately. Most people’s eating choices do not allow for nearly enough antioxidants in their diet.

RUBBING IT IN–CREAMS AND OTHER TREATMENTS

There are many types of topical antioxidant treatments that can penetrate the skin’s surface easily. Before these formulas were created, users had to resort to rubbing the serum from capsules onto their bodies. These serums were sticky, hard to absorb through the skin, and caused problems for those with sensitive skin . Manufacturers have noted that some popular vitamin based antioxidants, especially in the new, lighter forms, are most effective when combined with other ingredients. Examples include Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

These creams and serums are designed to disperse free radicals and help make the fibroblasts, which support your skin, stronger. The fibroblasts also help prevent your skin from becoming rough, aged looking, and saggy. The vitamins in the treatments may also help stimulate collagen production. Collagen breaks down as we age, and helps our skin remain healthy looking.

DIET IS IMPORTANT

Eating properly is a crucial part in creating antioxidants. Vitamins C and E are not the only substances that contain antioxidants; magnesium, copper, and zinc have antioxidants as well. There are a number of foods that contain vitamin C and E, and are full of antioxidants. Whole grains, apricots, fish oils are examples of Vitamin E, while citrus fruit, strawberries, and green peppers have Vitamin C.

THE EYES HAVE IT

Antioxidants are good for the eyes and may lessen the chance of macular degeneration, as well as cataracts.

FINDING THE RIGHT BLEND

Since each person’s situation is unique, there will be different factors that decide what the best antioxidant plan is for you. Genetics, age, race and health, among others, must be taken into account when determining this. There will be many options for your diets and creams, however, and the plan will change as you age. Discuss goals for your skin and your expectations with your skin doctor to help him or her plan the right treatment for you.

Plastic surgery will not only affect your body, but it can also affect your mind, and this may not necessarily be a positive thing. Anticipation of the surgery, while exciting, can also be draining and stressful. If you are used to seeing your particular flaw every day, as much as you may not have liked it, its disappearance after plastic surgery may leave you disappointed and sad. In addition, family members may notice that the flaw is gone, and their hesitation to approve of your decision to remove it may make you uncomfortable. Lastly, the bruising and swelling, as well as overall pain and discomfort, may add to your depression.

Depression after surgery is nothing new. In fact, the symptoms are similar to post partum depression. Disapproval from others, whether verbal or non-verbal, can make you feel angry and alone. Long stares from strangers can do the same. By the same token, the results can feel positive as opposed to negative.

Those who are prone to depression and anxiety, as well as personality disorders, are more likely to experience postoperative depression. Many plastic surgeons provide pre- and postoperative counseling to help their patients make the transition, no matter how minor the surgery.

Confidence in Oneself

While plastic surgery can help improve self esteem, you must have a positive image of yourself before you ever undergo a procedure. Ideal candidates do not believe their lives will change completely for the better after surgery; they think positively about themselves in general, and see plastic surgery as a way to eliminate a flaw or problem area.

Great Expectations

Having realistic expectations for your plastic surgery experience is crucial to having a positive mindset later. Remember, the point of plastic surgery is to improve a specific area of your body. It will not necessarily change your life, although this is often a pleasant side effect.

In a study done in 2005, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons noted that 75 percent of the respondents stated that they chose the procedure for an improvement in appearance and a more active lifestyle. The same percentage felt they had many more emotional and psychological rewards after the procedure. 45 percent also noted that they felt more attractive, and felt that they were benefited by it.

Important Things To Know

Make sure you discuss what your expectations are with your doctor. This will help you and your doctor synthesize your information, and keep you from developing unrealistic ideas about your surgery. Your doctor will also be able to discuss different procedures with you that may give you the results you want. It is important to distinguish between liposuction and a tummy tuck, and your doctor can help you make that kind of clarification. This kind of communication can help you figure out exactly what type of surgery you need to get your desired look.

In addition, you should go over your medical information with your doctor. Cosmetic surgery can be as small as cutting off a skin tag or as major as a facelift; it is in your best interest to give your doctor as much information as you can so he can do the best job possible. In addition, your doctor may need to know some important information that you may not think is important. Do you have sleep apnea? Are you a heavy bleeder? Do you have a family history of circulation problems? Answering these questions may not mean you are disqualified from surgery, but your honest responses could very well keep you alive on the operating table.

Patients who may be subject to great emotional changes will be screened by the plastic surgeons during their first consultation. Again, if you show signs of this, you may still be able to get surgery, but you may also be given a few precautionary measures to keep you safe.

For those who are a high risk, the surgeon may recommend counseling before agreeing to do surgery. These would include:

–Patients going through divorce or other severe psychological stress may not be ready for surgery at that time,
–Patients with a desire to look “perfect” may also not be ready.
–Patients with mental issues will need to have their psychologist and their surgeon working as a team in order to qualify. This will not only consist of an evaluation of the patient’s mental stability, but any medications taken before or after the surgery.

These precautions may seem time consuming and pointless, but as the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It is better for the doctor to be fully prepared going into surgery than to have him attempt to rectify a potentially deadly situation.