Patient Portal

Ezine 94 September 2010

Skin Care Tip:

Clock Stoppers For Your Skin

Skin goes through dramatic transformations during menopause or hormonal aging due to the loss of estrogen. Medical studies show that collagen and elastin (which give our skin its structure) gradually decline. Skin also thins becoming less capable of retaining moisture leading to dryness, which is the number one problem associated with menopause. Not only does the hydration level decrease, but the cell turnover or renewal process also slows down. Pigmentation problems can surface including freckles or large patches on the cheeks and around the mouth. Loss of estrogen also promotes broken capillaries by the reduction of permeability of the blood vessels and diminished microcirculation results in fluid retention around the eyes.

To offset the side effects of estrogen reduction during menopause or hormonal aging, many ingredients can help fight this battle and preserve your skin. Here are some of the key ingredients to look for in your skin care products: Phytoestrogens – help stimulate collagen production, encourage hydration and prevent hormonal breakouts. Phytoestrogens are commonly found in clover flower, say, wild yam and iris extracts. Peptides – are amino acids that signal cells to execute specific functions and stimulate collagen and elastin formation. Major peptides include Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide -3) and Leuphasyl (pentapeptide -3).

Retinoids – improve skin elasticity, retextures and can actually help reverse photodamage and enhance new cell growth. Retinoid is a form of Vitamin A and comes in the form of retinol, retinal palmitate or retinoic acid. Moisturizers – to properly moisturize your skin products should include sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA to bind water to the skin. Also included emollients like shea butter, vitamin E, evening primrose and other natural oils that lubricate and smooth the skin. In your 40’s, you begin the first stages of hormonal aging. Consult with a plastic surgeon for products and treatments that will protect and enhance your skin against the rages of hormonal aging.

Anti-Aging Tip:

Bananas - The Must Have Food!

Everybody knows the yummy, sweet tasting banana, but did you also know that a banana can really help you overcome or prevent certain illness and conditions? Bananas contain three natural sugars – sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. Two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90 minute work out! However, the good taste and the energy are only the start of the bananas benefits. They also can improve the following: Depression – bananas contain tryptophen, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, which is known to improve your mood and generally make you feel better. PMS – the B5 in a banana regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Blood Pressure – this tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, thus making it perfect to beat blood pressure. Brain Power – research has shown that this potassium packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation – high in fiber, bananas help to overcome the problems without resorting to laxatives. Stress – again the potassium helps to normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance. Stress reduces our potassium levels and bananas rebalance them. These are just a few of the natural remedies for bananas. Also known to be one of the best food values around so maybe its time to “Go Bananas” and feel good!

Plastic Surgery Tip:

Scar Revision Surgery

Scars are a natural healing process resulting from a wound repair in the skin and tissues of the body. Depending on your skin composition and the type of injury causing the scar, it can heal in many different ways. Unfortunately, scars cannot be completely removed, but with newer surgeries they can be made smaller, shorter and oriented in less conspicuous directions. To achieve the best possible results, plastic surgeons are your best option to perform this type of surgery. It is important to understand which type of scar you have to determine the course of surgery and recovery period: Keloid Scars: Thick, puckered, itchy clusters of scar tissue that grows beyond the edges of the original scar and can be red or darker and are produced when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous tissue.

Hypertrophic Scars: These are often mistaken for Keloid scars but these scars do not spread beyond the original scar site. These scars can be improved over a long period of time and may require injection or steroid shots. Contractures: This scar pulls the edges of skin together and may affect surrounding muscles, tendons and can even affect normal movement of the area. Facial Scars: This type of scar is considered Cosmetic because of the location of the scar. If the scar runs along wrinkle lines, it can be repositioned to blend into wrinkles and appear less noticeable. After the Scar Revision surgery, your Plastic surgeon will discuss further options. Newer lasers offer scar revision treatments in a series of 5-6 treatments. The Laser is attracted to the redness in the skin and over time, helps to lighten the area and smooth the tone of the scar to match the skin

To see before and after patient pictures, please click here.

During your consult with Dr. Speron, the patient will discuss their desired goals on an individual level. Then they will further discuss the course of treatment and potential complications at the appointment time. Please check out the wealth of information on our site by clicking here.

Make sure you chose a board certified plastic surgeon. 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 call to ASAPS (1-888-272-7711) or visiting the ASAPS website (www.plasticsurgery.org) can help you verify your plastic surgeons membership.

To help you in making your decision, please click here to check out the 7 critical questions to ask any plastic surgeon before letting them touch you!

By far, the most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon you choose. So please choose wisely...

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