The summer sun is finally out! The outdoor lifestyle of summer makes way for sunscreen, but that shouldn’t be your only concern. Think about wintertime and the moisture that your skin has lost over the months.

Loss of moisture can make your skin look older than it really is. To keep your skin looking as young as possible for as long as possible, here are some tips to keeping your skin rejuvenated for summer.

Take your vitamins. Vitamin supplements are beneficial to your health. Vitamins A, C, E and K can help improve your skin’s appearance. Eating vitamin-rich foods can also give you a great effect.

Have cosmetic surgery. There are non-invasive and minimally invasive solutions that can help improve skin tone and volume. To improve skin texture, the appearance of frown lines, non-invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion, vibraderm, laser skin resurfacing or chemical peels can be good options for you. A face lift, for example, can dramatically improve the appearance of your face for up to 15 years.

Use oils. Oil-based treatments and cleansers are good, even if you have oily skin. Using non-oily treatments can over-dry your skin.

Cool down in the shower. Taking a long, hot shower can feel good, but it can cause dry, itchy and flaky skin later. Keep the heat low when washing your face, too.

Taking good care of your skin now can lead to fewer problems in the future. We can provide you with the resources you need to look your best! We understand that finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience, training and qualifications is essential to your long-term happiness. A plastic surgeon can give you advice and answer all your questions, so you can make sure you enjoy all the benefits that breast augmentation has to offer. Contact 1800mySurgeon today for more information!

The look and size of breasts are important to how women perceive their appearance and confidence. Small or disproportioned breasts can cause you to feel self-conscious and worry about your attractiveness.

A breast augmentation procedure can improve your figure, boost your self-esteem, give you the peace of mind to wear a variety of clothing and feel comfortable in them, as well as give you a better quality of life.Here are just a few reasons to feel good with breast augmentation.

An overall improved look. Breast augmentation can improve the overall look and appearance of your figure. If you feel that your body is not well balanced because you have small breasts, breast enlargement can add the necessary curves to your profile.

Get volume back where it belongs. Pregnancy and aging can cause droopiness and sagging to your breasts. Breast implants can not only restore breast size, but they can lift the breasts and bring back the symmetry of the breasts.

Gain more confidence. Adding size and contour to your breasts can help you eliminate feelings of inadequacy or loss of confidence. Women who have had breast augmentation typically report increased self-esteem and confidence, self-assurance and increased social and occupational opportunities.

Wear what you want!One of the most exciting benefits of breast augmentation is the wide range of clothing options that you can choose from. Breast enlargement can make you look fuller and better in a dress or blouse, and can even make wearing a swimsuit a more pleasant experience.

No matter what your reasons are for having breast augmentation, it is important to keep in mind that not just any plastic surgeon can successfully perform the procedure. Finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience, training and qualifications is essential to your long-term happiness. A plastic surgeon can give you advice and answer all your questions, so you can make sure you enjoy all the benefits that breast augmentation has to offer.

Summer is all about sun, surf, sand, wearing less and showing more skin. Are you prepared for tank tops, shorts and bikinis? Liposuction can be a great way to get a beach-ready body for every summer!

Having spent most of winter and spring dieting and exercising, you might not have noticed the results you want. It can be extremely difficult to see positive changes in the way your body looks, especially if stubborn body fat doesn’t go away, no matter how hard you try. Liposuction can give you the freedom of choosing exactly which area(s) of your body you wish to remove fat from. Whether it is your hips, buttocks, abdomen, cheeks, chin, neck or arms, the results of liposuction surgery are almost immediate.

Liposuction results in both physical and mental benefits. It can change the way others see you and the way you see yourself. It can also change the style of clothes you wear and give you a tremendous boost in your self-confidence. It can improve your quality of life and eliminate discomfort and self-consciousness with your body.

Recent studies and research funded by the National Institutes of Health showed that liposuction also has medical benefits. It may lower blood pressure and benefit patients by preventing diabetes from forming in the first place.

Even though liposuction is considered to be one of the safest cosmetic procedures, it can come with some risks. Patients should make sure to get a medical clearance before undergoing surgery to ensure safe results and minimal complication during recovery. It is advised to speak to a Board-Certified Surgeon in order to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for you.

A plastic surgeon that is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can also discuss all the options with you and outline the possible risks involved. Only Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons have the necessary training and experience to perform safe and successful plastic surgery.

Sunshine, fresh foods and fun activities – Summeris an inspiring season. With a few simple tips, you can refresh your lifestyle and feel your best this summer and throughout the year.

1. Eat light and healthy foods. Sushi, fish and vegetables are excellent sources of protein, especially with brown rice.

2. Relax your muscles. After your exercise routine, consider taking a steam bath. This will help your sore muscles relax while boosting your immune system.

3. Learn something new. Summer’s the perfect time to be out of the house. Take the opportunity to take on a new activity such as biking, hiking or yoga.

4. Keep your goals on track. Keep a journal of your daily activities and the foods you eat. This way, you have a reference to what you’ve been doing and it can be easier for you to reach your goals.

5. Realize your own rhythm. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t reach your weight loss goal as quickly as someone you know did. No two body types are the same – set realistic goals based on how your body works.

6. Try new flavors. Eating healthy can be more fun and interesting when you incorporate unique and delicious recipes.

1800mysurgeon.com is a company dedicated to helping patients find and research board-certified surgeons. Our free consumer service provides you with the tools to research and learn more about your surgeon’s board records, credentials, experience and specialties. In addition, we can help you find highly qualified and experienced board-certified surgeons in your area. We are here to help you make an informed decision. If you have any questions regarding a surgeon, surgical procedure, or need help finding a trusted and qualified specialist, give us a call toll free at 1-800-my-surgeon or submit an online request.

There’s no doubt about it – we are all going to age at some point. And while nature takes its course, skin elasticity plays a major role in the saggy, droopy look of breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, aging, gravity and heredity are all factors for the loss of elasticity in the breast.

When breast shape and firmness start to change, women often become more and more unhappy and insecure with their appearance. A breast lift (mastopexy) can help reduce or eliminate sagging in the breasts. Especially when performed in conjunction with breast implants, a breast lift procedure can significantly increase breast volume.

Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and surgery typically lasts 1-4 hours. For those women who need less skin removal, a breast lift can be quickly performed under local anesthesia. Women with larger breasts require more extensive surgery and are usually hospitalized for up to two days.

There are several different incision placement and techniques patients can choose when it comes to breast lift surgery. Consulting with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is the best way to learn about the breast lift options that are best for your particular needs. Ask your Board-Certified Surgeon about which options are recommended for you.

It is always important to remember that every surgery comes with possible risks and complications. Everyone’s body reacts differently to surgery. Getting a full medical clearance and getting advice from your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon can make a difference in the safety and outcome of your breast lift procedure.

There’s no doubt about it – we are all going to age at some point. And while nature takes its course, skin elasticity plays a major role in the saggy, droopy look of breasts. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breastfeeding, weight fluctuation, aging, gravity and heredity are all factors for the loss of elasticity in the breast.

When breast shape and firmness start to change, women often become more and more unhappy and insecure with their appearance. A breast lift (mastopexy) can help reduce or eliminate sagging in the breasts. Especially when performed in conjunction with breast implants, a breast lift procedure can significantly increase breast volume.

Breast lift is performed under general anesthesia and surgery typically lasts 1-4 hours. For those women who need less skin removal, a breast lift can be quickly performed under local anesthesia. Women with larger breasts require more extensive surgery and are usually hospitalized for up to two days.

There are several different incision placement and techniques patients can choose when it comes to breast lift surgery. Consulting with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is the best way to learn about the breast lift options that are best for your particular needs. Ask your Board-Certified Surgeon about which options are recommended for you.

It is always important to remember that every surgery comes with possible risks and complications. Everyone’s body reacts differently to surgery. Getting a full medical clearance and getting advice from your Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon can make a difference in the safety and outcome of your breast lift procedure.

Your eyes are the windows to your soul. They are vital to your physical appearance since they are one of the first things people notice when they look at you. Any change to your eyes, such as getting rid of sagging, wrinkles and bags, can significantly improve your overall look.

Even if the rest of your face still looks young, your eyes will show the signs of aging, which can take the focus off those other areas. If you feel that your youth is being replaced with a tired, old look, it may be time to consider some cosmetic surgery options.

Upper eyelid surgerycan get rid of excess skin and fat on the eyelid and lift it. The excess fat can be used to give plumpness other areas of the eyelid or smooth wrinkles.

A brow lift is a great solution for raising the brow and removing excess skin, while tightening the muscles in the forehead. No more angry look – a brow lift gets rid of the sagginess of the brows.

Lower eyelid surgery tightens the muscles in the lower eyelid and removes excess fat, leaving the eyelid looking shapelier and smoothed out.Under-eye bags, puffiness and sagging no longer need to be a problem.

To address fine lines and wrinkles, you may want to considerinjectable fillers such as BOTOX®, which can relax the muscles, reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen and remove fine lines.

Since each person is unique, it is best to consult with a Board-Certified Surgeon. A surgeon can examine your skin and facial structure and inform you of your specific needs. Some procedures may be performed in conjunction with others so that the best results are achieved.

Those blessed with good genetics usually have beautiful physiques, without necessarily having good diet and exercise habits. The reverse is also true – those with good diet and exercise habits might be plagued with fat deposits inherited from their genes. While you can’t change your genetics, you can alter the result so you can fit perfectly into your jeans!

You no longer have to be discouraged because of your body type. Instead, you can choose liposuction as a way to achieve your goals for a lean, fit body shape. And as popular as liposuction has been in the recent years, some facts about liposuction have been misinterpreted.  To ease the confusion, here are 5 liposuction myths you should know about.

Myth 1: The fat removed with liposuction can never come back
Fact: Liposuction does not result in permanent weight loss. Patients can easily gain the weight back if they don’t follow a proper diet and exercise plan.

Myth 2: Liposuction helps get rid of obesity
Fact: Liposuction candidates need to be within 25 pounds of their ideal weight and in good health. It is not a fix for people with obesity since removing or losing a significant amount of weight can be dangerous for a person’s body.

Myth 3: Only women have liposuction
Fact: Women are not the only ones interested in getting rid of excess fat. Men are increasingly going through with liposuction surgery to enhance their appearance and get a boost in confidence.

Myth 4: Liposuction is not affordable
Fact: With advancement in technology, liposuction surgery isn’t as costly as it was before. Many doctors offices offer payment plans through companies such as MedicalFinancing.com to help patients with a budget.

Myth 5: There’s no need to exercise after having liposuction
Fact: Exercising is a great way to ensure you maintain your new figure after surgery. Studies show that patients who do not follow a healthy exercise routine after liposuction are four times more likely to gain weight.

1800mySurgeon has an extensive database of plastic surgeons that are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you would like to learn more about liposuction, or would like to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for a consultation, contact us today.

Losing a considerable amount of weight requires hard work and discipline even if you had medical help along the way. Looking your best once the weight is shed should be your reward – with all the work you’ve put into losing weight and becoming healthy, you deserve to have a body you can show off and be proud of.

After major weight loss or with aging and gravity, people often experience significant pockets of excess skin along their buttocks and thighs. Not only is this excess skin unsightly, it can also hinder physical activity and can cause hygiene problems. A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, can restore shape and contours to your lower body, allowing you to move freely and wear shorts or skirts without caution or embarrassment.

A thigh lift removes excess skin and fat from the thigh and buttock area while lifting and re-draping the skin for a more contoured appearance. It is performed under general anesthesia and usually on an outpatient basis. Finally, your thighs will appear smoother, tighter and more contoured.

Ask your plastic surgeon for other appropriate alternatives, risks and possible outcomes. They should welcome questions about his/her professional qualifications and questions regarding costs and payment. Your plastic surgeon should not pressure you or brainwash you to perform other procedures and should advise you well enough so you can make an informed final decision.

Men and women are often unhappy with either the shape of their noses or the nasal breathing problems they have. If you are experiencing one or both of these problems and are ready to improve the quality of your life, you might be a great candidate for rhinoplasty, otherwise known as a “nose job”.

Rhinoplasty can help you achieve an increase or decrease in the size of your nose, change the look and shape of the tip of your nose, change the size of your nostrils and correct breathing problems. As common as this procedure is nowadays, it important to know what to expect after rhinoplasty, so you can plan for a smooth recovery.

Just after your surgery, you may feel puffiness in your face and stuffiness in your nose. To help ease the pain of your sore nose, your surgeon may prescribe pain medications which will get rid of most of the discomfort. It is advised to keep relaxed during the first three days after rhinoplasty surgery, with your head elevated to decrease the swelling.

After a couple of days, the swelling, puffiness and bruising around your nose and eyes may increase. Your surgeon may recommend using a cold compress to relieve the discomfort. Since keeping your head elevated will continue to help, most patients recommend using three pillows while resting or sleeping.

As the weeks go by, you will notice a great improvement. Some swelling and stuffiness may persist, but you will most likely be able to resume work and other activities. Your surgeon will advise you that no matter how stuffy you may feel, it is important not to blow your nose! As the months go by, you will enjoy the new look of your nose as your surgeon checks the progress of your recovery.

Are you considering rhinoplasty? Meeting with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon is a great first step to take. 1800mySurgeon can help you find a qualified specialist in your area or perform a background check before you schedule your consultation with a surgeon you have already found.

Women aren’t the only ones with insecurities. Men often get self-conscious and feel the need to improve their image, too. Move aside, ladies, because men are making tummy tuck surgery a more common tradition than you think!

Women and men do have different abdominal needs – women worry about their baby pooch and men worry about their pot bellies. To address these concerns, more men are turning to tummy tuck for better muscle tone, more elastic skin and a great under-the-shirt look.

When stomach muscles don’t respond to crunches and sit-ups, tummy tuck can make a difference. Tummy tuck can surgically tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin to create a smaller waistline and a flatter tummy.

Tummy tuck can be a tremendous aid for men who want to achieve certain physical goals, but it is not a substitute for weight loss, healthy eating habits and exercise. This is a major surgery with a lengthy recovery time. In addition to the surgical aspect of this procedure a typical tummy tuck for men can also be costly. The cost can range from about $6,000 to $10,000 and several additional charges may be added for facility or operating room fees, anesthesia and follow-up care.

When combined with healthy eating and an active lifestyle, tummy tuck surgery can help men achieve the lean figure they exercise so hard to achieve.  A board-certified plastic surgeon can help you make informed decisions about tummy tuck. 1800mySurgeon can help you find Board-Certified Surgeons in your area who specialize in tummy tuck surgery, or we can provide a background check on any surgeon.

Have you lost an extreme amount of weight and notice that the redundant hanging skin and fat on your upper arms? Along with tummy tuck, liposuction and thigh lift, arm lift surgery is a commonly requested procedures after massive weight loss.

When the soft tissue in the arm becomes lax and begins to sag, it can give it a bat-wing or flabby appearance. Arm lift can help create well-defined and toned upper arms. As one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures after weight loss, arm lift can give you a re-contoured arm and a slimmer, more toned look that can help you feel more comfortable and attractive.

When considering arm lift or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, it is advised to speak to a plastic surgeon to learn about your options. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, be honest about your thoughts and expectations. Your surgeon should evaluate your health and discuss the details of the procedure with you.

After arm lift surgery, your arm will look thinner almost instantly. You may experience some bruising, swelling and pain but taking the pain medications prescribed by your surgeon can help decrease those symptoms. Arm lift results are typically permanent depending on the type of procedure. With liposuction alone, weight gain and aging can cause continued sagging over the very long term (10 to 15 years). With surgical removal of skin, fat and tissue, the results tend to be more dramatic and last longer, though scarring is more visible.

Speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon today. 1800mySurgeon can help you make an informed decision by referring you to a prescreened and monitored surgeon in your area.

Whether you choose to have liposuction, tummy tuck, eyelid surgery or breast augmentation, self-improvement can come at a hefty price. Some procedures can cost up to $9,000 depending on location, your surgeon’s expertise, the time and effort required for the procedure, anesthesiologist’s fees, operating room fees, the length of your hospital or surgical center stay, lab fees, and equipment. When adding all costs, you could end up paying thousands of dollars.

Don’t you wish you can have beauty that fits your budget? Thanks to plastic surgery financing options, you can! Financing makes cosmetic surgery available to anyone looking to enhance their appearance and confidence. If a procedure is not covered by your insurance company, there are still ways to afford cosmetic surgery. By financing cosmetic surgery, you can easily afford to pay for your procedure.

Financing companies such as MedicalFinancing.com offer a variety of options that can help you afford costly elective procedures. Their programs offer low monthly payments, flexible payment options and help finding a qualified specialist. Even if you get turned down for traditional medical financing because you don’t have a good credit score or have no co-signer, non-traditional financing plans are available. With their new No Patient Left Behind™ programs, you can be well on your way to getting your procedure(s), without having to worry about affording them.

It’s always best to do your research and take a moment to think about your financial situation. Remember that getting a cosmetic surgery loan is very similar to getting a car loan – there will be monthly payments and term agreements. Speak to your board-certified plastic surgeon during your initial consultation and discuss the costs of your procedure(s), to make sure there are no surprises along the way.

Wrinkles – we don’t like them, we don’t want them, but we can’t escape them. This sign of sage and wisdom is an inevitable part of life and aging. While it is impossible to prevent them from happening, the appearance of wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, jowls, lips, the backs of hands and necks as we get older, can be minimized!

Although BOTOX® is one of the most popular wrinkle reducers out there, it can be expensive and painful, with results that only last a couple of months. For those who are looking for effective alternatives to BOTOX®, here are some other procedures to consider.

Medications and creams
There are topical retinoids available that come from vitamin A to help reduce fine wrinkles. Over the counter wrinkles creams are also popular anti-wrinkle remedies. It is recommended to look for face creams with active ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidents, copper peptides, coenzyme Q10 and kinetin. However, results are typically temporary.

Dermabrasion
Some patients choose to have dermabrasion to remove fine wrinkles, moles, scars and tattoos. Dermabrasion involves a controlled abrasion or wearing away of the top layers of skin. Results typically take several months to appear.

Microdermabrasion
As a method of stimulating cell growth in the bottom layers of the skin, microdermabrasion is a top choice for patients. Microdermabrasion uses a powerful vacuum to spray microcrystals across the surface of the skin, resulting in a smoother, fresher look. Results typically require repeated treatments since results are temporary.

Laser skin resurfacing
Laser technology makes it possible to destroy the outer layer of the skin to develop new collagen fibers and elastin. Laser skin resurfacing now offers faster healing times. This procedure leaves the skin feeling firmer after several treatments.

Chemical peels
Peeling off dead skin and making way for new, regenerated skin can help give the skin a smoother, less wrinkled look. Chemical peels are also used to remove pre-cancerous skin growths and to reduce the appearance of blemishes and acne scars. They work best when performed by a health care professional.

Face lift surgery
As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures, face lift is performed to remove excess facial skin and fat by tightening underlying tissues and redraping the skin. Face lift results last from 5 to 10 years.

The results from these treatments vary from patient to patient. Although there is no way to prevent wrinkles from forming, there are some steps you can take to slow the process, such as avoiding excess sunlight exposure, using moisturizers, quitting smoking, and getting good sleep. Speak to your board-certified plastic surgeon about which wrinkle treatment is best for your face.

It’s too bad that the face portrays the first signs of aging. Those unsightly fine lines and wrinkles can make us look older than we really are. Face lift surgery can help address the mismatch you feel between your facial appearance and how you feel inside.

Whether you choose to have a mid-face lift, Threadlift, deep plane face lift or a subperisteal lift, their common goal is to smooth the neck and facial skin, tighten the muscles and tissues, and remove excess skin. Like many other patients, before getting any face lift procedure, a question you may seeking the answer to is “how long does face lift last”?

A facelift can turn back the clock. Facelift results typically last between 5 to 15 years, depending on which procedure was performed and the patient’s skin condition. Traditional facelifts are known to last 10 to 15 years. Less invasive procedures such as mini-facelift Threadlift are said to last will last for up to 5 years.

Since age is an inevitable process, it is impossible to predict how long your face lift procedure will last. Face lift results differ on a case by case basis – some patients require one face lift in a lifetime, while some others need to have a second surgery 7 to 15 years later.

A couple of external factors make a difference on the length as well. Alcohol and tobacco use can affect your skin and take years off facelift results. Excessive sun exposure speeds up the aging process, even after a face lift was performed. Genetics is a key player, too.

If you are interested in learning more about face lift and how your individual results will be, it is advised to speak with an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. A plastic surgeon can determine what procedure may be best for your needs and discuss benefits, risks and costs in depth.