Ezine 172 May 2017

Skin Care Tip

Protect your Lips!

Did you know that lips can dry out ten times faster than the rest of the skin on your face? Some may think to only protect their lips in the winter however it is important to protect your lips from the sun all year long. Sun exposure destroys collagen in the lips causing them to thin over time. Some tips to protect your lips are to use a lip balm that is ointment based (helps to lock in moisture) and contains an SPF. Try to treat cracked lips right away, they will only get worse over time! Use a lip balm at night before sleep because this will help lock in moisture. Some things to avoid include not licking your lips. We do this to moisten our lips but saliva is meant to break down food and only dries out the lips more. Don't use lip products that contain menthol, camphor or eucalyptus because these ingredients dry out the lips and make the problem worse. Most people will then apply more to try to fix the issue but it only worsens it with these ingredients. Avoid brushing or rubbing your lips when they are flaky or peeling as this may cause damage. Instead, apply a thick balm that will sooth and heal the lips. Protected lips are beautiful lips.

Anti-Aging Tip

The Science of the Summer Siesta

Napping everyday benefits the mind, body and soul in a scientific way. Most people like taking naps in the summer because the sun is out and the days are longer. With longer days there is more opportunity for rest without having to feel like you gave up half of your day! The national sleep foundation states there are different reasons for taking naps as well as different ways to nap for each individual. Naps can be planned which is useful if you know you will be staying up late or changing sleeping times for work. Emergency naps should be taken when you are too tired to function properly, particularly if you are someone who drives or operates machinery. Habitual naps are naps that are at the same time everyday. The same time every day is the most recommended style of nap. Studies conclude that napping works best in a dark room and even using a sleep mask, if necessary. A quiet place should be created. Use a white noise machine or recording to help with noise cancellation. If you feel drowsy from naps, a good tip is to nap in ten minute intervals. For example, take a twenty minute nap. If still drowsy, next try a thirty minute nap and so on. Napping increases overall productivity and health. Make naps work for you.

Plastic Surgery Tip

Fillers not Surgery

Lip Enhancement creates fuller, plumper lips and reduces fine wrinkles around the mouth. Liquid collagen are absorbed and repeat treatments are necessary to maintain results. There is a tremendous "Buzz" around the hyaluronic acid derivatives like Restylane and Juvederm, which are FDA approved in this country. These materials can last 6-9 months. However, something even more promising is now starting to be routinely used for injections - Radiesse, formerly known as Radiance. This injectable substance is made of hydroxyapatite (something normally present in your bone and teeth). Because calcium hydroxyapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. It is actually softer than collagen and very easy to inject. There is no allergy testing required. It is supposed to last 2-5 years which is truly remarkable! It has been used in Europe and Canada for some time and is FDA approved for other uses, but not yet for facial rejuvenation. Remember, Botox was used since 1989 for facial rejuvenation without being FDA approved. Botox was only FDA approved in early 2002. FDA approval for Radiesse is now a reality. To see before and after patient pictures, click here

A call to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (ie. 1-888-475-2784) can tell you which doctors are legitimate plastic surgeons with outstanding qualifications. You can also visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. When considering a cosmetic surgeon, you should also make sure your surgeon is a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). A telephone call to the ASAPS (1-888-272-7711) or a visit to the ASAPS website www.plasticsurgery.org can help you verify your plastic surgeon's membership.

Get a consultation. The most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon that you choose. During your time with Dr. Speron you will discuss cosmetic goals on an individual level. You will go over how treatments are performed, potential complications/healing time, and what types of benefits you can reasonably expect. Check out the wealth of information on our site by clicking here.

Be prepared. Click here to check out the 7 critical questions to ask any plastic surgeon before agreeing to any recommendation.

Our office looks forward to seeing you in person.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon