October 19th Is Evaluate Your Life Day

Posts, Motivation

Are You Embracing Your Best Self?

We often mark time with birthdays, New Year celebrations, and anniversaries, but how often do we take time to reflect on whom we are and where we’re going? The seasons pass, aging becomes more inevitable, and we often fall into a rut of daily obligations and routine interactions.

But you can change all of that on October 19th.

Evaluate Your Life Day is a chance to take stock of your hopes, dreams, goals and ambitions. Take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself if this is the person you want to be. How would you change yourself? What decisions can you make to improve your future? Who are you, and what do you want to present to the world as your ideal self?

THE POWER OF SELF EVALUATION

Taking the time to assess one’s self isn’t an act of selfishness; on the contrary, it’s a cathartic exploration of how you can be the best version of you. By asking basic questions about your values, your likes as well as dislikes, you can bolster your happiness and spread that sense of positivity to those around you.

Some simple items that you can add to your internal checklist include:

  • What do I want to accomplish today?
  • How does my schedule reflect my greater goals?
  • What can I achieve before lunch? Before dinner? Before bedtime?
  • How can I make better connections with my loved ones?
  • What image am I presenting to the world?
  • How can I improve that image?
  • Am I happy?
  • If not, what power do I have to change that?
  • If so, how can I help others achieve joy?

But these check-in moments don’t just improve your momentary feelings of accomplishment or awareness; they can also amplify your cognition on the whole. One breakthrough psychological study indicates that self-awareness helps sharpen one’s cognition. Simply put: flexing your mind muscles when it comes to your own internal evaluations makes you more able to think and problem-solve in general.

When we give ourselves realistic goals, we are able to process them against the parameters of how we think and what our limitations and strengths are. Evaluating your life gives you the keys to knowing what you can do, admitting to what you can’t do, and mapping out a plan for conquering each hour, each day, and each year of your life.

But it goes far beyond the self. People who regularly evaluate their lives have shown far greater success at work, in relationships, and when it comes to achieving their long-term life goals.

THE SOCIAL BENEFITS OF CONFIDENCE

Now that you have taken account of the ways in which you can ask yourself the vital questions that may improve your everyday life, think about how that sense of positivity ripples through your family, community, and society writ large.

Self-evaluation correlates to workplace success, as documented by a fascinating study of 155 members of the U.S. Navy. Various officers were asked to evaluate their own job performance. Their superiors and subordinates were also surveyed to get a full picture of how those officers really behaved on duty.

On one end of the spectrum, the officers who exaggerated their performances received low marks from their contemporaries, but those who were most self-aware ranked as the most accomplished officers in the group.

By regularly evaluating your values, goals, and abilities, you can harness the power to enact real change in your life. If you aren’t performing at the level at which you want to be, then it’s time to take an even closer look in the mirror.

PERCEPTION IS REALITY

It may be a cliché, but the old adage smile and the world smiles with you actually rings true for many individuals. Making yourself happy is a cyclical phenomenon; when you feel happier, you embrace positivity, which in turn makes you even more joyful and energetic, thus exacerbating the trend.

The statistics back up this assertion. According to one clinical trial of 362 cosmetic surgery patients, 61 of them were regularly taking antidepressants before their respective procedures. This number plunged to 42 after their successful plastic surgery. That’s a drop of over 30%.

And a whopping 98% of this same group expressed an uptick in their self-esteem thanks to the procedure. In this case study, people who proactively took steps to improve their appearances experienced life-changing benefits that elevated their opinion of themselves. They were evaluating their lives, identifying how they could improve, and taking steps to bring about positive change.

Re-evaluate, re-asses, repeat as necessary.

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER

This October 19th, you can begin a journey of self-discovery that may help you embrace the ideal version of yourself. Love more, laugh more, and live more fully. We applaud you in advance!

But this quest to be the best doesn’t need to end on October 20th. It’s never too late to become the YOU that you’ve always wanted to be, and you should never allow a setback to deter your progress. Go back to that mirror, tell yourself what you want, and make it happen!

If that improvement plan happens to include cosmetic enhancement, then we want to guide you along your path to self-realization. Ask us the tough questions you’ve been asking yourself in your newfound voyage to enlightenment and evaluation. Is this course of action right for you? What are your cosmetic goals? And how can we be your copilots on this trip to a triumphant tomorrow? Contact us now and let’s start making plans to go there together.

Positive Life Changes With Plastic Surgery For Women Over 50

Lifestyle, Motivation, Facial Liposuction, Face Lifts, Botox, Skin Treatment

The benefits of facial surgery are more than just skin deep. Of course, there are aesthetic enhancements to these procedures, like the fact that an improved outlook often garners increased visibility from others. Once you are truly seen, then your self-esteem inevitably swells, thus adding to your overall sense of worth.

It’s an upward spiral, especially for women over the age of 50.

As you enter the next phase of your maturity, you take control of your look and your legacy. But the superficial and social ramifications of plastic surgery are merely the most obvious positives outcomes. There are a host of other residual benefits that result from a smart and successful cosmetic strategy for women over 50.

Empowerment

It’s the oldest cliché in the proverbial book: when you look good, you feel good. But there’s a reason why some adages become clichés; it’s because they have a streak of truth running through them.

Case in point: one groundbreaking study indicates that the way you perceive your golden years can actually extend them. Respondents were surveyed over a span of 23 years to gather their opinions on aging, wellness, and happiness. The individuals who had a negative outlook toward getting older tended to succumb to the ravages of age more quickly than those with a more positive disposition. In fact, the optimists in the study lived an average of seven and a half years longer than the more pessimistic group.

It’s a matter of a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you dread something, then that something will become more dreadful to you, but if you face your fears, you might be able to overcome them.

Plastic surgery is the ultimate way to confront your feelings about age. When you turn 50, it’s a chance to reassess your values, your goals, and your approach to the outside world. Are you on the right track? What’s your next big move? And what are you doing to treat yourself?

By empowering yourself to grow more independent, you never really grow old.

Confidence Yields Results

Gaining a spring in your step is beneficial for more than just your inner sense of joy. Confidence pays dividends in the workplace. Employers look for a team with energy, professionalism and, yes, confidence – in fact, those are the three traits cited most often by bosses when they are seeking new employees. A decisive 61% of those surveyed ranked confidence as an essential factor in someone they are considering for a potential job.

In other words, by looking the part, you might just get the part.

It’s important to give yourself every advantage you possibly can, especially in the cutthroat corporate world of today. As it stands, women only earn 80.5 cents on the dollar when compared to men’s salaries. This wage gap is unacceptable, and we should all work together to overcome it by any means necessary. A boost in your confidence might just be another tool in our collective toolbox when it comes to conquering gender inequities, one job at a time.

Defying Ageism

Now let’s transition from the wage gap to the age gap. Another factor that affects income levels and overall workplace satisfaction is the maturity of a given group of employees. Americans are working later and later into their lives. Statistics show that the percentage of workers over the age of 65 rose from 12% in 2000 to almost 17% today.

But as workplace age demographics rise, so too do incidents of ageism.

About half of workers over 50 were laid off from their full-time jobs before they were ready to leave them. Of these newly unemployed individuals, only about 10% were able to find a new job that paid the same or more than the one they had just left.

Don’t be a statistic. Take control of your destiny by transcending age and focusing on the ageless. Your beauty is an asset that conveys your strength, wisdom, and commitment. Any employer would be lucky to have you, so don’t be afraid to put your best face forward.

Psychological Benefits

As we get more mature, our psychology also changes. We reflect on our life experience and draw lessons, triumphs, and regrets from years gone by.

We might also accumulate reserves of anxiety and depression as a result.

Turning 50 presents an especially pointed occasion to assess our life’s trajectory. For some, it may be a welcome meditation, but for others it’s daunting. If psychological distress sets in, be sure to consult a trained professional, but also consider the benefits that facial surgery could offer.

One report indicates that cosmetic procedures could actually alleviate the need for antidepressants in some patients. A group of 61 research participants admitted to taking such prescription meds before their plastic surgery, but that number dropped to 42 just six months after their successful procedures. In other words, almost one-third of the study no longer reported the need for antidepressants after undergoing cosmetic surgery.

The Ripple Effect

As you get older, your social circles expand. You have loved ones far and wide, class reunions filled with familiar faces, and a family that loves you no matter what.

By enhancing your own sense of beauty and assuredness, you are sharing your best self with those around you. Your acquaintances will notice your renewed confidence and appreciate the fact that you take pride in yourself then, now, and forever.

Turning 50 can be inspiring. Harness everything that’s great about yourself and don’t be afraid to try something new. Whatever your cosmetic curiosities or ambitions may be, we want to hear all about them. Contact us today and together, we’ll make 60 the new 50.

How 3D Printing Has Mapped Medical Breakthroughs of the Recent Past, Present, and Fascinating Future

Lifestyle, Motivation, Procedure Overviews

3D printing technology charts the horizon of medical science at its most innovative, but the process has roots in surgical procedures from centuries past. Hip replacements were performed as far back as 1891, when a German doctor used ivory to replace the head of a human femur. Dental implants date back even further, but the source of the tooth donors was shrouded in mystery. The common myth purported that patients were receiving teeth pulled from brave soldiers who perished on the field of battle, but the truth was that dentists were just harvesting them from cadavers at the local morgue.

Fast forward to the digital age. The first successful 3D-print assisted reconstructive surgery was performed in the Netherlands during the summer of 2011. The 83-year-old patient suffered from a chronic infection in her skeletal system, adversely affecting the strength of her jawbones. Given the woman’s advanced age, surgeons needed to exercise the utmost sensitivity; traditional implants would have been too cumbersome for her fragile frame.

Enter the 3D Printer

Using titanium powder, the laser-guided printer fused together thousands of layers of the alloy to create a jaw that emulated the subject’s original facial structure. Each millimeter of her new jaw’s height required 33 layers of titanium – a painstaking process indeed. But the result was a true breakthrough. It featured a bio-ceramic coating and articulated joints with a network of grooves and cavities that would facilitate ideal muscle attachment and foster the healthy growth of veins and nerves.

The operation was a resounding success. The patient was home four days later. Her new jaw weighed only about 30% more than her organic jaw; not bad for the first metallic model ever implanted.

Since that inaugural effort six years ago, 3D printing and medical technology have evolved exponentially. As with any successful endeavor, surgeons must pinpoint the challenges and counter them with opportunities. Face transplantations are complex procedures that entail a myriad of complications. The patient in need has already suffered facial tissue loss due to an accident or a disease; countering the damage involves an extremely delicate process that requires vascular reconstruction to preserve and replenish as much of the subject’s tissue as possible. The main obstacle is that this procedure demands the patient’s blood flow to be halted while the reconnections occur. 

This process must be expedited, or the consequences could be lethal. 

3D printing allows the majority of the work to be done BEFORE surgery. A scan of the subject’s skull and facial bones is uploaded to the computer to create a 3D model; surgeons can use this model as a detailed reference guide. If they fully understand their endpoint, it’s much faster to get there. This reduces surgery time and increases the patient’s chances of survival. While the average facial transplant procedure takes up to 25 hours, the vascular reconstruction process alone takes  60 minutes.

Now let’s look at that same surgery from the patient’s point of view. Medical advances are all well and good for the doctors performing facial transplants, but what about the recipient of the services? The main concern is very intimate and aesthetic: What will I look like after it’s completed? The answer is only limited by the technology at hand. 3D scanning innovation advances every microsecond; present and future subjects of facial transplantation are benefiting from every upgrade to the software. But the diagnosis for the reliability and reproducibility of 3D printers is still inconclusive.

Some patients, however, don’t have time to wait for science to catch up to their urgent health demands. Such is the case with a 12-year-old Chinese boy whose spinal cord was threatened by a malignant tumor. Doctors at Peking University had to act fast, so they turned to 3D printing technology to assist them in saving the lad’s life. Surgeons were able to remove the affected vertebra and replicate it with their 3D scanner. They created and printed a replacement bone out of titanium powder, but this presented a new challenge: how would they safely implant it in their young patient’s spine? The answer: craft tiny pores in the 3D printed vertebra so the surrounding bones could fuse and grow with it as the boy progresses through adolescence. 

The future presents an even more fascinating menu of possibilities. While most current 3D printed structures are designed to replace skeletal body parts, medical experts are formulating theories to transplant synthetic organs into their patients. One glimpse at donor lists across the country (and the world) verify that the demand is great, but what about the supply? Surgeons can’t simply craft a kidney out of metallic powder; they would require organic materials for the organ to function properly. This would necessitate sampling a small amount of the patient’s healthy tissue and multiplying it in a lab.

How long would this process take? Would the host reject its artificially grown organ? Who is willing to be the first patient to submit to such experimentation? These questions pave the way to a 3D printed path toward medical progress and the future of healthcare.

To learn more about the benefits of reconstructive facial surgery using the latest in 3D printing technology, please contact us today. We are happy to discuss the details and procedure in more detail at your convenience.

Five Celebrity Lip Jobs and Why They Worked

Lifestyle, Motivation

When celebrities speak, the world listens. They have the power to fund charities, launch movies, and even advance political agendas. Famous people’s mouths have clout, so they are under intense scrutiny as they say the words we’re all hearing…

And watching.

The way your lips appear has an impact on how your speech is perceived. If your mouth turns downward or purses shut, your demeanor gives off an expression of secrecy. However, when your lips are full, then so is your message. The audience pays attention to warm, inviting smiles, which is why the five celebrities showcased below have sought out the right look for their lips.

Kylie Jenner

The Kardashians/Jenners are arguably one of the most photographed and critiqued broods in the entire world. As a member of this ubiquitous family, Kylie was seeing herself on every magazine cover, TV screen, and social media feed imaginable. She had time to assess her look and decided that there was something missing: a perfect pucker.

That’s when Kylie turned to lip enhancement for a more robust profile. Not only did the procedure give her signature facial features a boost, but it also lifted her confidence. “It’s just an insecurity of mine and it’s what I wanted to do,” explains Jenner. “People are so quick to judge me on everything, so I may have tiptoed around the truth but I didn’t lie.”

Emily Blunt

Let’s face it: Emily Blunt is perfect. Always has been, always will be. But her lips have commanded more attention as her celebrity status has grown. For example, during her Devil Wears Prada phase, Ms. Blunt owned the mousy, downtrodden persona of her beleaguered character.

Fast forward to the present tense, when Emily has cemented her position as a leading lady supreme. Her star is eternally on the rise, and so are the contours of her lips. While we can’t confirm (or deny) that she has had an augmentation or fillers, experts on the matter have analyzed the evolution of Emily’s mouth over the years. They note that her lips have more volume these days, complimenting the contours of her face with grace and grandeur.

Keira Knightley

Ever since she splashed onto the scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise, millions of fans have fallen in love with Keira Knightley. Perhaps that’s because of her Cupid’s Bow; that’s the arched shape of the upper lip that’s said to resemble the archery tool of the mythical cherub of romance.

Knightley’s Bow has captivated audiences with an increased intensity over the years. The line of her upper lip has become more defined and the fullness of her mouth has been amplified to match her considerable talent.

Nicole Kidman

From Australia to Hollywood and independent films to blockbuster stardom, Nicole Kidman grew up before our very eyes. The camera is her co-pilot, documenting every nuanced gesture and expression with exacting sharpness. Her look has always been breathtaking and commanding, and her performances have earned Nicole a museum’s worth of awards and acclaim.

The Oscar winner has now entered her early 50’s with elegance and style… and perhaps a few helping hands from skilled cosmetic surgeons. Ever since her auspicious debut in the limelight, Kidman’s lips have evolved from thin and striking to buxom and beautiful. Truly, she can imbue any role with character and class, and her facial features have developed alongside her enviable acting skills.

Courteney Cox

She’ll be there for you, and so will her luscious lips! Friends star Courteney Cox was always waifish in stature, and her mouth matched her angular beauty. However, as Courtney grew into her adulthood, she commanded more and more attention, so she needed lips to match.

Notice how young Courteney Cox had thinner facial features. As she aged, those lines were susceptible to wrinkling and deepening. However, with strategic augmentation procedures, we can counteract the aging process and create the majestic Hollywood look that Ms. Cox radiates to the world.

The Next Rising Star Is YOU

We can’t promise to make you rich and famous as one of the five celebs above, but we can certainly help you FEEL like a star. By adding fillers like Restylane and Juvederm to our client’s lips, we are able to subtly and stylishly enhance their facial contours. We never want to overdo it when it comes to cosmetic procedures; an ostentatious lip will get attention for all the wrong reasons.

Lip augmentation should fit your individual face. By adding volume in a safe, healthy way, we help you fully realize your inner celebrity. Your front door will become a red carpet as you march out to the world more confident and fabulous than ever before.

Your lips are ready to be seen, heard, and adored, so get them moving! Call us today and schedule an appointment with one of our attentive professionals. We listen to what your lips have to say… now and in your near and glorious future.

SnapChat Filters and Cosmetic Surgery – A Frightening New Trend

Lifestyle, Motivation, Face Lifts

Pop quiz: when was the last time you checked your social media feed? Was it an hour ago? Yesterday? Are you on it right now?

Let’s face it: we are social animals, and our media consumption reflects this reality. We want to project the best version of ourselves to the world… and it never hurts to get some “likes” along the way.

But have we put too much emphasis on our online personae? And what happens when we can’t look like the digital versions of ourselves in real life?

Here are a few points to consider before scheduling your consultation with a trusted medical professional…

Facing the Numbers

We’ve already established our love for social media, but how far are we willing to go to look Insta-perfect? Users by the millions have sought out filter apps to clear away every blemish and impurity, creating a pristine (yet unrealistic) version of your visage. The overall intention might be a fantasy, but the demand is real. Since 2013, two apps, in particular, Facetune and its free(ish) sequel Facetune 2, have racked up over 50 million downloads.

And that’s just one snapshot in the proverbial scrapbook. Every social media app offers image enhancement in some form, whether they offer to brighten your face or shroud it in a seductive blur.  Regardless of which app you’re rocking, it’s having an impact on the greater online landscape.

A reported 91 percent of teenagers who have one or more social media accounts use those platforms to post selfies. From that same survey, users who routinely manipulated their photos with one of the so-called beautifying apps also registered higher incidences of body issues and eating disorders.

This is a staggering and dangerous reality, especially when you consider the fact that over 2.6 billion people have a social media footprint. The Earth’s population as a whole is only 7.5 billion, so over a third of us are firmly entrenched in the Twittersphere, the Instaverse, and the Faceworld.

Maybe it’s time we visit reality for a change.

Snapchat Dysmorphia

Our collective obsession with our digital doppelgangers (ourselves) is beginning to have a profound effect on our psychological health. Experts have discovered a new and disturbing phenomenon that they coined “Snapchat dysmorphia” – this is an overwhelming and skewed feeling that something about their appearance just isn’t right.

The insecurity (or insecurities, plural) consumes the afflicted until they may take drastic measures. One such course of action would be ill-advised cosmetic surgery to look more like your idealized social media self.

True professionals in the field will warn against such a decision. It’s impossible to replicate an inorganic, and in some ways cartoonish, version of your face and/or body. If you have convinced yourself that plastic surgery is the only way to realize your dream of becoming a filtered, animated, virtual vision of yourself, then you may already be experiencing some of the symptoms of Snapchat dysmorphia.

Heed the Warning Signs

Body dysmorphia is a psychological condition that prompts you to hyper-focus on your looks, or a facet of your looks, to the point of obsession. Your behavior, mood, and general appearance begin to wrap around the object of your distraction and can become a major source of anxiety and depression.

If you exhibit one or more of the following symptoms, then you should consider consulting a psychiatric professional:

  • Preoccupation: Dysmorphia distorts your perception of reality. If you think your nose is too big, it will become positively enormous in your opinion. You will then become preoccupied with your nose, adjusting your makeup and hairstyle, for example.
  • Diet and Sleep Habits: If you can’t achieve your idealized self through clever online apps, you might resort to drastic weight loss schemes. This could have a detrimental ripple effect on your sleeping habits, causing insomnia and restlessness during the day. When you don’t sleep well, you don’t think clearly, thus exacerbating the dysmorphia you’re feeling even further. It becomes an endless and vicious cycle of insecurity and helplessness.
  • Social Behavior: Once you have convinced yourself that your face is flawed, you will increasingly steer every conversation to this topic. If you find yourself asking what others think of your facial features, or ponder what their opinions may be, then this is a sure sign of dysmorphia.
  • Withdrawal: The extreme ramifications of the aforementioned shift in social behavior is a complete and total disconnect. If you cancel engagements, make excuses, and generally alienate yourself from loved ones because of your perceived flaw(s), then you’re allowing dysmorphia to control your life.
  • Digital Delusion: If the above withdrawal from society begins to occur, you may find yourself living more and more in a social media fantasy. Your filters become your closest friends, and you would rather post on social media than actually being social. This is the current manifestation of dysmorphia, and it is affecting more and more of us as technology rules our daily lives.

Break the Cycle

Social media is like a warped mirror. It shows us some of what we want to see, but it may not be the full picture (nor is it accurate). Do you want to know what’s better? An actual mirror!

Look at yourself and see how great you really are. Sure, we all want to be prettier or thinner or more toned, but those are ideals that we must attain in real life, not through some digital app. Set attainable goals and only then will you be able to achieve them. By communicating your cosmetic desires to a trained professional, we can work together to make your dreams come true.

But it won’t be in cyberspace; it will be in the comfort and security of one of our facilities. They’re located firmly in the real world, and they’re welcoming you for a consultation now.

Celebrity Nose Jobs: Five Superstar Success Stories

Lifestyle, Motivation, rhinoplasty

While the eyes may be the windows to the soul, the nose is often the first feature we notice. It is the protrusion that demands the most attention, and it characterizes many celebrities with its signature structure. Owen Wilson, Barbara Streisand, Jimmy Durante, Karl Malden – their noses help define their personas, and their sense of celebrity is indelibly tied to this central facial feature.

So, which Hollywood megastars have had the most successful nose jobs? And what exactly makes these surgeries work? Let’s take a closer look at the best rhinoplasty procedures in Tinseltown…

Jennifer Aniston

Celebrities are people too. They laugh, they love (other A-listers), and they breathe. When this last process becomes belabored, it might indicate the presence of a deviated septum. If your nasal passageways become increasingly impeded, it could lead to nosebleeds, sleep apnea, and difficulty performing your lines as an actor.

This was the predicament that befell the biggest sitcom star of the 1990’s: Jennifer Aniston.

Years before she became one of our best Friends, Aniston opted for rhinoplasty to correct her deviated septum. “Best thing I ever did,” commented the super celeb. “I slept like a baby for the first time in years.”

If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms of a deviated septum, you may want to explore the same options that Ms. Aniston considered. If you need help, to borrow a phrase from her hit show’s theme song: We’ll be here for you.

Lisa Kudrow

Aniston wasn’t the only Friends cast member to benefit from a cosmetic procedure. As a teen, Lisa Kudrow underwent a facial reconstruction to reshape her nose… but the surgery also reconfigured her self-esteem.

“That was life altering,” recalls Kudrow. “I went from, in my mind, hideous, to not hideous. I did it the summer before going to a new high school. So there were plenty of people who wouldn’t know how hideous I looked before. That was a good, good, good change.”

With the bold declaration, the girl who would grow up to be Phoebe Buffay pinpoints one of the main reasons why people seek rhinoplasty: aesthetic satisfaction. When you look good, you often feel good, and vice versa. Kudrow went on to become an Emmy winner, not to mention winning over the hearts of fans by the millions. Looks like the boost in confidence really paid off!

Jillian Michaels

Before moving forward with any surgical procedure, be it cosmetic or otherwise, you must weigh the pros and cons against the bigger picture of your health. And nobody knows health like fitness guru Jillian Michaels. As the tenacious trainer on The Biggest Loser, she has built her career on helping others attain their best self, so it might be surprising to know that Michaels was bullied as a child for her appearance.

“Not to say you should let your physicality define you, but there are some things that can make people feel really insecure,” assesses Michaels. “I had my nose done when I was 16 years old, and I’ll be honest, it did change my life.” With a renewed burst of confidence, Michaels surmises, “If there is something you want to fix that allows you to feel a little bit more confident, I support it.”

Ashlee Simpson

Empowerment is a recurrent motif in these celebrity success stories. The women featured in this article became famous asserting their own individual modes of expression. Sometimes that’s exceedingly difficult to achieve when you’re constantly compared to a famous sibling, as is the case with Ashlee Simpson.

“Of course I look like her. She’s my sister,” quips Ashlee of her sis Jessica Simpson. “It’s like, God, please! We think it’s quite funny.” But Ashlee got serious when it came to crafting her own unique look. “I believe if somebody chooses to do plastic surgery, it’s for yourself, not for anyone else.” And the younger sibling has no regrets about her choices, concluding, “I loved how I looked. I’m not an insecure person, nor was I before.”

Harnessing this sense of self is essential to owning your look. Don’t compare yourself to family or famous people; know who you are inside before defining your outward appearance. Cosmetic surgery is merely an extension of self-expression.

Tyra Banks 

The word “supermodel” is almost synonymous with Banks, entertainer and entrepreneur extraordinaire. But she wasn’t born looking like the world-famous celebrity we see today. “Natural beauty is unfair,” Banks writes in her book Perfect Is Boring. “I get really uncomfortable when women who are these natural beauties judge anybody who does anything to themselves.” In addition to ruling the runway, Banks is also the queen of keepin’ it real. “I had bones in my nose that were growing and itching… I could breathe fine, but I added cosmetic surgery. I admit it!” Taking the reins of her own image, Tyra concludes, “I feel I have a responsibility to tell the truth.”

And the truth is a concept we convey every day with our facial expressions. When we smile at a loved one or make eye contact at work, we’re putting our best face forward. But does that face reflect your true self? It’s an important consideration to make before deciding on your desired cosmetic surgery procedure. Just look to the aforementioned stars for guidance!
But stardom is a construct far from most people’s everyday reality. It’s fun to see our favorite performers on stage or screen, but what matters more is how we perceive the face staring back at us in the mirror. You play the hero in the role of your lifetime. Look the part, look your best, and look no further than Doctor Binder. He can shine a spotlight on the inner celebrity hiding right under your nose!

5 Successful Celebrity Cheek Augmentations and Why They Worked

Motivation, Procedure Overviews

Getting a cheek augmentation, or “lift” in laypeople’s terms, helps renew your youthful vigor and perks up your demeanor for those gazing at your visage. And nobody has more face time than celebrities. 

Some of the biggest stars in film, television, and music have benefitted from cosmetic enhancements in the past, even if some of them disavow such procedures. Which raises an important point: the best cosmetic surgeries are seamless. You shouldn’t be able to tell whether or not someone has undergone a cheek lift if the doctor has done his or her job correctly.

Madonna

Although the Material Girl officially denounces the very idea of plastic surgery, experts have hypothesized that her cheekbones defy gravity (and age). As we age, our cheeks tend to lose their fullness and elasticity. That’s why we squeeze babies’ faces to express how adorable they are!

Madonna seems to enjoy the same baby face that she had thirty years ago, specifically when it comes to her cheekbones. They are full, vibrant, and expressive, implying that they have had some help from a skilled surgeon in recent years.

Regardless of Madge’s medical history, her face is as timeless as her music. Rock on, we say!

Claudia Lynx

Iranian model turned internationally acclaimed actress, Claudia Lynx has transformed before the watchful eyes of the world stage. She got her start in baby commercials and never lost that youthful luster, even as she graced the covers of magazines and guest starred in shows like The West Wing. In before and after analysis of Lynx’s look, we see how her cheeks ascended, most likely thanks to skillful surgical maneuvers. 

Speaking of skillful surgeons, our team is well versed in creating the sensational aesthetics that Claudia Lynx has sported on runways around the globe. We can determine which supermodel style is right for your face and formulate a plan accordingly.

Priscilla Presley

She was married to the King way back in the 1960’s, but Priscilla Presley is still the Queen of looking fabulous. The septuagenarian rose to prominence when she met Elvis Presley at the tender age of 14. Since then, she became a celebrity in her own right, appearing in such films as The Naked Gun franchise.

Priscilla is also an enduring symbol of youth and beauty, thanks in part to her carefully crafted look. Her iconic facial structure has undoubtedly benefitted from a probable cheek implant procedure, as evidenced by the unwavering height and robust nature of her mid-facial bone structure.

From Graceland to Tinseltown, Ms. Presley is an example of cosmetic enhancement done right. Viva Priscilla!

Renee Zellweger 

The veritable “It” girl of the 1990’s, Zellweger is a prime example of growing into your years with grace and elegance. Instead of making drastic changes that amplify or pronounce your facial features, she took a more restrained approach, seeing as how she already had plump lips and rosy cheeks. 

But on the subject of cheeks, experts believe that Zellweger has recently introduced some minor enhancements to her mid-facial area. But here’s an important tip to keep in mind: she apparently did so in conjunction with the rest of her features. The cheekbones aren’t jutting out noticeably further than her forehead, and they create a pleasant line with her jaw. These subtle alterations complement her naturally aging skin and tissue, making her supposed cheek augmentation so subtle that it might not have even happened (we’ll never tell, Renee)!

Kourtney Kardashian

If there’s one family that’s synonymous with plastic surgery, it has to be the Kardashian clan. But not all procedures are created equal, so let’s break down the ins and outs of a successful cosmetic procedure by putting Kourtney under the proverbial microscope.

While Kim’s little sister only admits to having breast augmentation, experts believe that she also added some oomph to her cheeks. Over the years, she has gone from cherubic to statuesque by elongating the shape of her face. This may have been achieved with some sculpting procedures, or perhaps a simple injection of Juvederm. Rumors have swirled about the myriad procedures that Kourtney may have had, but her cheeks remain an understated testament to her natural beauty. Although a little help from the doctor might also be in play.

Which brings us to an essential stopping point in our journey through the heights of Hollywood cheek lift success stories: know when to say when. A responsible surgeon will know how to satisfy your cosmetic needs without overdoing it and concoct an aesthetic plan that works for your face (and budget). 

While some people want to look like a pop music legend, an exotic model, or an infamous reality TV celeb, we encourage you to focus on just being the best version of you that you can be. Contact Doctor Binder today and start the essential conversation that will help determine how best to keep that apple red glow in your cheeks for years to come.

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Surprising Healthy Skin Tips

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation

The skin is the body’s largest barrier against infection. It is also the most abused and the most exposed to damaging irritants and free radicals. The thing is, we are always exposing our skin to factors that can cause damage. For instance, whenever we use soap or rub alcohol on our skin, small cracks and irritation can happen. These cracks can make us more prone to developing infection. It is therefore important that you observe proper skin care. Keeping the skin healthy can help improve the quality and optimal functioning of the skin.

There are many tips and tricks for proper skin care and you may have heard some of them already. But this article is different as we will share surprising tips that will help you make your skin healthy and glowing at the same time.

Eat Your Way to Healthy Skin

Eating fruits and vegetables can make your skin healthy. In a study published the PLoS One journal, researchers found that those who ate more colorful fruits and vegetables have healthier and more attractive skin. The reason for this is that colorful fruits contain carotenoid that boosts the tone of the skin. Moreover, fruits and vegetables contain more Vitamin C that can help fight free radicals that cause premature wrinkles and aging of the skin. Vitamin C also promotes the natural production of collagen in the body. For you to eat your way to healthy skin, make sure that you get 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables daily.

Don’t Apply Too Much Sunscreen

Do you have the habit of applying too much sunscreen when you get out? If yes, then chances are you are more likely irritating your skin than protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun. Most dermatologists agree that some sunscreens may contain irritants that causes skin rashes to develop. Harmful ingredients in sunscreen include benzophenones, octocrylene and other fragrances. Although the skin rashes look like allergic reactions to sunscreen, they are more like your body’s response to sweat. Sunscreen can potentially cause heat rashes. If you do apply sunscreen, make sure that you apply an ample amount and not slather your entire body with it.

Wash Your Face Twice a Day

Most women have the habit of washing their face as many times as they can. But research shows that washing your face twice a day is actually optimal. As the more you wash your face, the more you strip it from its natural oils that protect the integrity of the skin. Another bad thing about washing your face all the time is that the exfoliant that you use may contain tiny microbeads that are bad for the environment especially the marine life. So, if you wash your skin, make sure that you use a wash cloth instead of exfoliants.

Sleep on Your Back

It may seem strange but your sleeping position can also result in the development of wrinkles on your face. Most people love to sleep on their side or stomach but this has shown to cause wrinkles on the face because your face is pressed on the pillow for long periods of time. The best position to avoid wrinkles is to sleep on your back. However, if you suffer from sleeping problems like sleep apnea and snoring, then sleeping on your back is not such a good idea. If you prefer to sleep on your side, then using a silk pillowcase can ease the pressure on your face while you are sleeping.

Exfoliate in The Morning

Most people have the habit of exfoliating at night before going to bed believing that the exfoliating serums will be better absorbed by the skin. However, this cannot be further from the truth. If you exfoliate in the morning, then you are stimulating good circulation on the skin that, in turn, stimulates collagen. In fact, exfoliating the skin after doing your exercise is better because of the improved circulation that you have after doing any physical activities.

Don’t Apply Anything on Your Nose

Did you know that the nose contains the largest pores in the face? It is where most of the natural oil in our face is secreted. So, if you suffer from blackheads or shiny nose, then don’t do your usual regimen and apply different serums over your nose. By applying serums and creams on your nose, your pores will easily get clogged up. Thus, you end up having more blackheads and, worse, breakouts. If you have to apply something on your nose, it should only be sunscreen and nothing more. Still, if you are worried about your blackheads, you can deal with it by washing your nose with warm water and mild soap. If the pores are not clogged up, your skin will naturally deal with it and it will eventually go away.

Healthy Skin Treatment in Los Angeles with Doctor Binder

If you feel like you may be a candidate for skin treatment in Los Angeles, or you’ve been recommended to have one by another medical professional, contact Doctor Binder to schedule an appointment and consultation to discuss your options in greater detail.

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13 Things You Can Do to Beautify Your Skin

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation

Human skin is a study in contradictions. It’s our barrier to the world and yet it reacts to every stimulus with which it comes into contact. How do we protect the outer layer of our body while promoting its natural glow and vulnerability?

1) Hydrate Inside and Out

As refreshing as a cool blast of water feels on your face, just imagine how the rest of your cells feel when you drink it. Our bodies are predominantly comprised of liquids, so it’s important to maintain a healthy balance of H2O in your system. Staying hydrated serves several functions when it comes to the health of your skin: it replenishes damaged cells, regulates your body temperature and heart rate, and flushes impurities from your body. So enjoy a nice, tall glass of agua with your next shower!

2) Cleansing: Keep It Cool

Speaking of showers, don’t get overheated. Excessively hot water can dry out your skin, so be mindful of the temperature and always be gentle. There is no need for heavy pressure while cleansing. You don’t require anything but your hands for this step, although you may choose to use a washcloth.

3) Massage Products into Your Skin Gradually

While your doctor will encourage you to use moisturizer after cleansing, it’s also important to consider exactly HOW you apply these products. Massage the cream into your flesh in an upward motion, gently working it into the epidermal layer. This is important for all body types, as this is the step that feeds your skin.

4) When Life Hands You Lemons, Eat Them!

Citrus snacks nourish your liver and kidney, which in turn helps replenish your skin’s vitality. Along the way, Vitamin C also prevents wrinkles. Win-win!

5) Exercise for That Extra Glow

Aerobic activities have myriad benefits for the enduring health of your skin:

  • Exercise releases endorphins, which reduces cortisol, an acne-forming agent.
  • It also increases blood flow, which brings more oxygen to your cells.
  • Vigorous movement amplifies your body’s natural production of collagen, the protein central to maintaining your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
  • Sweating opens your pores, flushing out toxins in the process (but be sure to shower after you work up that sweat).

6) Got Chocolate?

Now that you’ve burned those calories, you’ve earned a chance to gain them back! Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which reduce blemish-inducing toxins. A snack can also make you happy, and happiness promotes endorphins (see the exercise example above)!

7) Have Some Wine with Your Chocolate

Another decadent treat that promotes healthy skin: a glass of red wine. When consumed in moderation, the antioxidants in vino serve up a bevy of health benefits. As always, drink responsibly and consult a professional if you think you are developing a dependence on alcohol.

8) Mask Maintenance

Use masks every one or two weeks to detoxify, renew, and tighten your pores. Before you apply a facial mask, it is important to cleanse and tone. Be sure to leave the mask on your skin for five to 20 minutes, depending on the type you’re using. Gently and thoroughly remove the mask with warm water, and then tone and moisturize your face and neck.

9) Tea Time

Much like water (see above), tea is a mystical skincare product that can be applied externally as well as taken internally. By drinking chamomile tea, you ingest quercetin, a flavonoid (plant pigment) that bolsters your skin’s natural defense against the harmful UV rays of the sun. Other teas boost your immune system (thus guarding against diseases that could sap your skin’s healthy pallor) and aid in digestion (drawing toxins away from your epidermis).

Once you’re done brewing all of those delicious concoctions, save the bags and re-use them for additional skin love. The caffeine in tea shrinks the blood vessels under your epidermis and reduces the bags under your eyes, for example. You can also reach for a cool tea compress to alleviate sunburn pain. Speaking of which…

10) Don’t Skimp on the Sunscreen

This should go without saying, but the sun accelerates the aging process with every minute of exposure to its searing heat. Avoid the worst of these ravages by applying sunblock EVERY time you go outside.

11) Go Nuts!

Almonds are packed with Vitamin E and “good” fats like omega 3’s, all of which promote skin health. Not to mention, they’re loaded with protein that can help you stay active, thus feeding into your overall health even more.

12) Exfoliate with a Gentle Brush

The right brush can stimulate blood flow to the epidermis and exfoliate your skin as it goes. Use circular, upward, gentle motions with very gentle products. Remember that you are simply exfoliating dead skin, which takes very little pressure. Abrasive loofahs or shell powder-based exfoliants are not necessary. Remember to exfoliate your skin no more than every three to five days.

13) Reduce Makeup Use

Now that you’ve got your skin looking fresh and fierce, why cover it up? Excessive makeup clogs your pores and hinders the various successes you’ve achieved with the previous 12 steps.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to properly care for your facial skin, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Binder. He can advise you on any cosmetic procedures you may want to enhance the healthy glow you’ve just attained, and keep you looking your best for years to come.

The 6 Products You Need in Your Skincare Routine:

    1. Cleanser
      A good cleanser sets the stage for your whole routine. Ultimately, your cleanser should be gentle, water-soluble, and able to remove makeup. Avoid using anything with soap in it (soap’s pH level is too basic and will dry out your skin). When it comes to finding the best cleanser, let your unique skin be your guide and choose a product designed to target your primary skin concern (acne, dryness, oiliness, or sensitivity).
    2. Toner
      Toner often gets dismissed as overkill, but as part of a comprehensive skincare routine, a toner is actually pretty crucial. Not only does it remove any oil or makeup residue, it also preps your cleansed skin to receive whatever treatments you put on next. Choose a gentle, non-alcohol based formula with skin-repairing ingredients, as well as calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
    3. Exfoliator
      The best ways to go about exfoliating your face is to either use a cleanser with chemical exfoliants in it or a dedicated physical exfoliator. Either way, you should only use this product about two times a week. Chemical exfoliators are best for sensitive skin, and physical ones (with gritty bits) are good for occasional use if your skin is on the dry and flaky side.
    4. Serums
      Packed full of active ingredients, serums are for brightening, repairing, evening, smoothing texture, hydrating, and anti-aging. Some have multiple purposes and some are singular in the way that they work. You can layer serums or pick just one to focus on your biggest skin concern.
    5. Targeted treatments
      These are generally used for treating blemishes, dark spots, and physical symptoms of skin conditions like eczema. They usually have powerful ingredients that should be used sparingly and (usually) at night to avoid damage from sun sensitivity.
    6. Moisturizer
      Moisturizers are made for all kinds of complexions, either oil-free or loaded with skincare goodies like antioxidants and vitamins. You can use facial oil as a moisturizer too, no matter what your skin type.

In the event that none of the above alleviate the entirety of skin health-related issues or concerns you have, cosmetic options such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion may be the answer you’re looking for. In the event that you believe a professional cosmetic solution is the way to move forward, make sure you discuss this at length with the plastic surgeon you’re considering before making any impulsive decisions.

Consult with Dr. Binder

If you have any questions or concerns about how to properly look after your facial skin or the cosmetic options that are available to you, then be sure to book a consultation with Dr. Binder.

Botox and the Reduction of Migraines

Health Basics, Lifestyle, Motivation, Procedure Overviews

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How Botox can Help Alleviate Chronic Migraines

Do you have terrible migraines that don’t seem to respond to over-the-counter prescriptions? Do you feel like you’ve tried everything, but the pain just won’t go away?

Then it may be time for you to consider getting Botox injections. But before you schedule an appointment with your doctor, here are some things that you need to know about how Botox injections can help get rid of your chronic migraines.

What Causes Migraines?

While it isn’t fully understood what causes migraines, genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role, as migraines often begin in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Some doctors believe that migraines are caused by the changes in the brainstem and its interactions with the trigeminal nerve (a major pain pathway). Imbalances in brain chemicals (like serotonin) may also be involved.

A number of different things can trigger migraines, such as:

  • Hormonal changes in women
  • Certain foods (aged cheeses, salty foods, and processed foods)
  • Food additives (aspartame and MSG)
  • Drinks (alcohol and caffeinated beverages)
  • Stress
  • Sensory stimuli
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Physical factors
  • Changes in environment
  • Medications

Migraine Symptoms

Migraines can progress through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome.

Prodrome starts one to two days before a migraine and can present the following symptoms:

  • Constipation
  • Mood changes
  • Food cravings
  • Neck stiffness
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Frequent yawning

Aura can occur before or during a migraine. However, most people don’t experience migraines with aura (symptoms of the nervous system). Some examples of migraine aura include:

  • Visual phenomena (seeing various shapes, bright spots, or flashes of light)
  • Vision loss
  • Pins and needles in an arm or leg
  • Weakness or numbness in the face or one side of the body
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Hearing noises or music
  • Uncontrollable jerking or other movements

Attack is the duration of the actual migraine, which can last from four to 72 hours, if untreated. During an attack, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain on one or both sides of your head
  • Throbbing or pulsing pain
  • Sensitivity to light, sounds, smells, and touch
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurred vision
  • Light-headedness and, possibly, fainting

Post-drome is the final phase that occurs after the migraine attack. For roughly 24 hours after a migraine, you might feel:

  • Confused
  • Moody
  • Dizzy
  • Weak
  • Sensitive to light and sound

How Botox Treats Migraines

Botox injections block the release of neuro-transmitters (chemicals that carry nerve impulses) that are linked to causing pain. In order to prevent headaches, Botox blocks the nerve signals from reaching the central nervous system, and from becoming highly sensitive. Botox treatments are for chronic migraines, which are defined as headaches that occur at least 15 days per month (eight or more of which must be migraines).

Botox is given through injection sites along seven specific head and neck muscle areas. The number of injection sites range between 31 – 39, with half the injection sites on the left side of the head and the other half on the right side. If there is a predominant pain location, further injections may be given. The recommended schedule for receiving Botox injections is every 12 weeks.

Possible Side Effects

In most cases, people experience little to no side effects from Botox injections. Some of the most common side effects can include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Temporary muscle weakness (neck and upper shoulders)

Rare side effects can occur when the Botox toxin spreads beyond the injection site. Some of these side effects include:

  • Muscle weakness
  • Vision changes
  • Drooping eyelids
  • Loss of strength
  • Allergic reaction

Consult with Dr. Binder

Before you decide that Botox injections could be the answer for treating your migraines, you should consult with an experienced migraine professional, such as Dr. Binder, today. As one of the world’s most experienced physicians in Botox use, and the discoverer of its effects on relieving migraines, Dr. Binder is the perfect consultant to help you make the right choice about whether or not Botox injections are the right fit for you.

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