Bad skin care habits can increase your risk of acne, premature aging, wrinkles, and more. Some are habits you’re totally aware of and others are seemingly innocent things you do every day that can impact the health and beauty of your skin. Here are a few skin sins to shed, starting today.

• Sun sins. Indoors or out, tanning is considered the number one skin sin no-no. Always, always use sunblock when you go outdoors and if you simply must have a little color, consider alternatives like sunless tanners and bronzers.
• Lifestyle issues come to the surface. Too much alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin and give it a dull appearance. Smoking has been reported to contribute to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. If you sleep less than 8 hours a night, you’re shortchanging your skin, which could mean dark circles under your eyes.
• Don’t be picky. Resist the urge to pick that blemish. This quick fix can be nothing but trouble for your skin. It may look like you’re getting rid of the problem, but you’re actually pushing the bacteria deeper into your skin, which could lead to the formation of even more acne spots. Long-term picking can also create the possibility of scars—so stop picking, pronto. If you have acne-prone skin, make sure to be vigilant about skin care with the Obagi CLENZIderm M.D.^™ System.
• Put this bad habit to bed. Going to bed with your makeup on is a skin sin that can leave the entire day’s accumulation of dirt, grime, and oil on your skin to seep into pores, clogging them and putting you at risk for acne. Make a clean break with this habit by creating a healthy evening routine where you cleanse, tone, and moisturize.
• Some like it too hot. You may enjoy a long hot shower, but your skin can’t take the heat without being stripped of its natural oils. This can result in dry, flaky, itchy skin. Eliminate this skin sin by turning down the heat and lingering less in the shower.
• Let’s talk about your phone. Holding your phone against your cheek creates a warm and moist environment where bacteria can thrive, which can lead to skin irritations. Make sure to lightly wipe your phone off daily and alternate which side of your face you hold your phone against to minimize the risk of developing skin problems.

The Selphyl System, when used with fat grafting procedures, can improve fat cell survival and potentially allow for longer-lasting and more dependable results, according to a case study published in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery.

Long-term survival rates of autologous fat grafting have been variable, lasting anywhere from 6 months to several years. In the new case study, a 37-year-old female had fat from her outer thighs injected into her lower abdominal area. Researchers injected in 8 cc’s of fat into her lower abdomen and 8 cc’s of fat combined with 4 cc’s of Selphyl in another area. The Selphyl system collects and isolates platelet-rich plasma, which can stimulate collagen production.

Viable fat was seen in both sites after 8 weeks. The area injected with Selphyl, however, showed an increase in blood vessels. “Any technique or mechanism that demonstrates efficacy in enhancing the graft survival would be very beneficial in cosmetic surgery,” says study author Richard Goldfarb, MD, of the Center for Smartlipoin Langhorne, PA, in a press release. “We are confident that this important clinical finding will lead to wider acceptance of the Selphyl plus fat technique.”

[Source: Selphyl]     ****Call our office to schedule your FREE consultation for fat transfer procedures 904-396-1186****

You have decided to get a breast augmentation, this is a decision that can forever change your life for the better. Many women report having increased self-esteem and have therefore enjoyed improved relationships and are even more confident in their professional abilities. However, it is human nature to have a few concerns going in to the procedure.

No one likes to be poked and prodded by a physician. Most people associate being at the doctor’s office or hospital with being sick or being in pain after a vaccine or finger print. For this reason, it is natural to have an aversion to going to a surgeon and having any procedure completed, even if it is cosmetic.

However, most women would likely agree the discomfort that may be caused by a breast augmentation is nothing to keep you from getting one if you are interested in breast implants. Selecting a skilled plastic surgeon can help make the procedure as pain-free as possible.

During the actual procedure, you will likely be given a general anesthesia, although your plastic surgeon can discuss which anesthesia choice is best for you, and you will be asleep throughout its duration. A breast augmentation is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not have to stay overnight in the hospital.

During the first couple days or weeks, you can probably expect your breasts to be sore and swollen. They may also be sensitive and painful to the touch. This will subside and most women find they are then very happy with the results, according to BreastImplantInfo.org.

If you are worried about the pain and general discomfort of having a breast augmentation, the best thing you can do is talk to your surgeon. Your surgeon can provide detailed information on the recovery period and what you can do to make every aspect of your breast augmentation easier.

Sources:

How you’ll look and feel. Breast Implant Info.org. Accessed February 23, 2012.