Showing posts with label Skin Care/Anti-Aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Care/Anti-Aging. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Unhealthy Habits Speed Up The Aging Process

To age gracefully.  That may be on the top of many of our wish lists, however, some of your daily habits could actually be promoting the formation of wrinkles, tired eyes and other signs of aging. 

Many women and men turn to cosmetic surgery and non-invasive aesthetic treatments to help turn back the hands of time.

Botox, fillers, facelifts, Mixto laser skin resurfacing and monthly facials are just a few effective ways to make it look like time is passing more slowly for you than for your peers. 

But the simplest intervention most of us could commit to in order to age as well as possible would be to omit the bad behaviors that make us feel and look older than we would like.

Here are the most common offenders:

Smoking. 
Smoking tobacco is not only damaging to your lungs, it also takes a toll on your skin by decreasing blood flow through the tiny vessels to the skin and diminishing its elasticity (that quality of young, healthy skin that makes it look full and vibrant).  Nicotine diminishes the Vitamin C in our bodies needed to keep skin looking young and radiant.  Cigarette smoke exposure causes your skin to look old, dry, and more wrinkled. Stop smoking- talk to your doctor if necessary for help, but smoking is the single most important deliberate and destructive behavior we could engage in. Stop now.

Laying Out.
Sunspots, wrinkles, and leathery skin are all evidence of sun damage.  Unfortunately, it’s only years after the harmful exposure that these signs appear. Excessive exposure to harmful UV rays, from the sunshine or a tanning bed, will also increase your risk of skin cancer.  Be sure to always lather up with sunscreen before heading outdoors, and don’t spend excessive time in direct sunlight.

Here at Aesthetic Enhancements we offer the MiXto Fractionated Carbon Dioxide Laser and the IPL Photofacial both of which can help treat sun damage and rejuvenate the skin for a younger looking complexion. If you are seeing signs of damage from your baby oil and iodine youth, call us today for a free consultation on how to restore your skin to a healthier and younger looking condition.

High Stress Levels. 
While keeping busy may be your style, overworking yourself can be stressful.  Stress is one of the major offenders when it comes to aging of the skin. 

Take a break –meditate, exercise, or just lose yourself in some favorite music for a few minutes during long workdays to help keep your sanity and give your skin time to restore itself under these more positive conditions.


Lack of Sleep.  
If you don’t get enough rest, your body does not have the time to replenish and repair itself.  Eight hours is recommended for a healthy night’s sleep.  Tired, saggy skin and dark under eye circles can be the result if you pull all nighters too frequently.  So do your skin a favor, and catch some Zz’s!

Having trouble sleeping? Physicians and sleep experts agree- your best remedy is to exercise more. If you wake frequently during the night and your spouse or significant other says you are prone to snoring, you may want to discuss this with your doctor, as these may be signs and symptoms of sleep apnea.

Unhealthy Eating.  
What we choose to eat affects our health and physique, but did you know it affects our skin too?  Even if you eat a balanced meal, be sure not to consume too many cooked foods.  Raw, wholesome, natural foods such as raw fruits, greens and vegetables contain live enzymes - which are destroyed when foods are cooked.  These enzymes not only help digest food, but also fight disease and signs of aging!

Alcohol Consumption.  
Research suggests that drinking alcohol in moderation can actually be good for your body, raising your good cholesterol level and reducing the risk of heart disease.  On the other hand, too much alcohol depletes your body of water, important vitamins, and minerals resulting in dehydrated and parched skin.  Excessive alcohol consumption can also cause blemishes and a dry, dull appearance.  However, a drink or two every now and then won’t cause any significant damage.

Not sure what might be causing you to look older or more tired than you would like? Come in to Aesthetic Enhancements for your free skin analysis and consultation. Our friendly experts will have you looking your best in short order!


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Friday, October 29, 2010

The Breasts' Best Friend

As we age, those pesky wrinkles tend to sneak up on us and sometimes in unexpected places such as the chest area. On a recent episode of the Doctors, they showcased a product called Kush that offers relief and support for larger chested women that are uncomfortable sleeping on their side.

Kush is a dumbbell-shaped, plastic breast pillow That is tucked between the breasts to reduce pressure from the weight of the breasts. This weight is believed to be one of the major causes in the formation of wrinkles in between and above the breasts. But let’s not kid ourselves; we all know that the primary cause of wrinkles is over exposure to the sun. The breast pillow might be a good option for you if you want to stop the wrinkles from getting worse or have just noticed tiny wrinkles beginning to form on your chest however.

A more effective treatment for the décolletage area is the Obagi Elastiderm Décolletage System that we carry here at our Orlando Plastic Surgery, Skin Care and Hair Restoration Center. The Obagi system has a skin lightening complex that works to correct, restore and maintain the radiant, youthful glow of décolletage skin by lightening the discolorations and sun spots on the skin. It also comes with a skin firming lotion that will visibly improve your lovely neckline.

If the fear of a wrinkly décolletage is something that keeps you up at night, there is nothing to lose in trying the breast pillow and the Obagi system. But please ladies, stay out of the sun to prevent further damage! 


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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Clarisonic - A Must Have for Clear Skin!

Do you love that squeaky clean feeling after you wash your face?  Well hold on to your face towel ladies! 

Adding the Clarisonic Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush will make you wonder how you ever got by without it.
           
The Clarisonic Brush is a sonic skin cleansing system that is to skin care what the Sonicare toothbrush is to dental care. The gentle ultrasound massage action loosens the day’s dirt and oil deep within your pores.

When using the Clarisonic Brush your skin is cleansed two times more effectively than manual cleansing can achieve.  The result is the reduced appearance of visible pores, oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes.  Who wouldn’t want to attain these great benefits with a simple 60-second routine that can be used with your favorite cleanser once or twice daily?

Men too love how the Clarisonic leaves their skin feeling like a smooth pane of glass- ready for the perfect shave!

In addition to the benefits of better skin health, regular use can make your skin appear younger and firmer.  Studies have shown that your favorite topical skin creams are absorbed 61% more effectively after cleansing with the Clarisonic Brush than when applied after a hand wash.

Due to the improved removal of makeup, dirt and debris removed from your skin, your products are absorbed more efficiently into the skin and therefore better utilized.  This means the money you are spending on your anti-aging products such as antioxidants, growth factors or peptides is a more cost effective investment towards achieving youthful, glowing skin.

Come by our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center today to pick up your Clarisonic Brush!  The brush is available in a Pro system that offers 4 speeds as well as a more compact system with one speed called the Mia.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Hollywood Backlash on Cosmetic Procedures


Recently, stars such as Dana Delaney, Lisa Rinna and Kim Kardashian have been featured in magazines proclaiming their lack of satisfaction with cosmetic procedures, mainly Botox and fillers.  Audrina Patridge and Jessica Alba have also gone on record to state they would NEVER have plastic surgery. But wait a second; hasn’t Audrina had a breast augmentation?  Hmmm….Sounds like it might not be the plastic surgery but the work the plastic surgeon they chose they aren’t so happy with.  

For the small handful of vocal Hollywood women that state their dissatisfaction, there are thousands of Hollywood starlets and women that are thrilled with their outcome and would rather keep hush hush about the cosmetic procedures they’ve had to maintain a refreshing, youthful look.

Any surgical procedure, including injectables and fillers such as Botox and Juvederm, come with risks. These risks are greatly diminished by visiting a trained provider that has extensive experience in the procedure that they are performing. A patient that understands their goals and has realistic expectations is far more likely to be satisfied with the results of cosmetic procedures.

Here at our Orlando Plastic Surgery, Skin Care and Hair Restoration Center, both board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Armando Soto, and Nurse Practitioner, Michelle Boone have many years of expertise in a variety of cosmetic procedures. They would be delighted to meet with you and find out how they can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.  Call today to set up a consultation to meet Dr. Soto or Michelle!  407.218.4550.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Benefits of Masking

How would you like to achieve that flawless, radiant glow we always seem to see on the faces of models and celebrities? Just by adding an extra 15 minutes once a week to your beauty regime, you can repair and revive your skin’s overall appearance dramatically.

Part of our secret to providing a beneficial facial here at our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center is to incorporate a specialty mask with your treatment.

Masking can provide great benefits for any skin type. If you are concerned about oil/acne control, hydration, fine lines & wrinkles or stressed, irritated skin – combining a weekly mask with your customized skin care regime can help clear up these concerns.

OILY/ACNE PRONE SKIN TYPES
Look for a detoxifying, clay-based masks containing ingredients such as kaolin, sulfur, camphor, salicylic acid, tee tree oil, cucumber extract or aloe.  These key ingredients can help to refine enlarged pores, prevent and heal blemishes and absorb excess oils and impurities from deep within the pores.  Some masks, especially those containing sulfur, can be a great overnight blemish blaster as well.  Simply apply the mask to the blemish as a spot treatment and leave it on overnight.  In the morning, the redness and inflammation will have decreased and the blemish will have diminished significantly.

DEHYDRATION, FINE LINES & WRINKLES
 A cream or gel based mask can increase the moisture levels of your skin and help to temporarily firm and tighten your wrinkles.  Masks providing these benefits will be enriched with vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, E, pro-vitamin B5, peptides, grape seed extract or green tea extract to repair damaged skin.  For hydrated skin, be sure to look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, amino acids, honey or squalane as well.

ROSACEA & SENSITIVE SKIN TYPES
Masks infused with licorice, comfrey, lavender or chamomile extracts work wonders for calming redness and diminishing sensitivity. Azulene is also a key component when looking to comfort and soothe stressed & irritated skin.  This type of mask is usually available in a gel, cream or clay form.

In addition to these three common skin types, there are also many other masks that can address hyper-pigmentation, eye area concerns  and even full body mud masks.

Apply your favorite mask, sit back and relax for 15 minutes - even if this is the only time you have to yourself! Why not enhance your home care regimen and give your skin an effortless pick me up? By doing this once a week, you’ll soon be on your way to achieving that healthy glow that we all desire!

Amanda Chapman

Monday, October 18, 2010

A Little History on Plastic Surgery

Despite what some may think, plastic surgery wasn’t always just for the rich and famous! Interestingly enough, the history of plastic surgery began more than 4,000 years ago!  The first documented surgical procedures date way back to 800 B.C. in India where physicians used skin grafts for reconstructive work.  However, plastic surgery progressed at a very slow rate for hundreds of years.  It wasn’t until the 20th century that plastic surgery really established itself in the medical field in the U.S.

So, why is it called plastic surgery?  There is a common misconception surrounding the word “plastic” in plastic surgery.  Plastic is actually derived from the ancient Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or to give form.  In 1827, America's very first plastic surgeon, Dr. John Mettauer, practiced his talent of “plastikos” by performing the first cleft palate operation with instruments he designed himself!

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, there was an increase in the demand for plastic surgeons due to World War I.  Physicians had to treat a large number of wounded soldiers for all types of injuries.  This gave physicians a chance to improve their reconstructive skills.  Aesthetic surgical procedures also developed during this time as people began to realize how someone’s talent and value might be over looked by society due to a deformity or imperfection.

By the 1950’s, the idea of enhancing beauty through plastic surgery starting spreading throughout the population, hitting Hollywood first!  One of the most iconic gals in show time, Marilyn Monroe, turned to plastic surgery for a chin augmentation to help her land a gig in the movies - next thing you know, she hit the big screen.  Other movie stars to partake in a little nip & tuck to maintain their youthful looks were the beautiful Rita Hayworth, Joan Crawford and Elizabeth Taylor.  

Nowadays, plastic surgery is more popular than ever!  Thanks to cutting-edge science and technology of the 2000’s the quality behind plastic surgery has made it a forefront in the medical profession.  With the internet providing a convenient way of sharing information on all procedures from Breast Augmentations to Brazilian Butt Lifts, aesthetic plastic surgery has become more accessible to the mainstream public. 

Not only are the rich and famous indulging in plastic surgery to look their best on screen, many everyday people are seeking out the best plastic surgeons to look and feel their best too! 

Call today to learn more about our expert and board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Armando Soto and the services we offer here at our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skincare and Hair Restoration Center - let us help you look and feel your very best!



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The Importance of a Neck Care Regime

For many women, the neck is one of the first areas to show signs of aging and is often neglected, either because women don’t know they should intervene in the aging process below the jaw line, or because they simply don’t know how.  

Along with the décolleté, the neck should be cared for as carefully as your facial skin. While many product lines, such as Lancome and StriVectin, claim to improve the neck’s appearance – you should ‘t fall victim to marketing traps and believe that adding a new product to your daily skincare regime will magically erase years from your neck’s appearance.  

The skin on the neck is thinner and more delicate than that of our face.  However, the same age defying and firming antioxidants used on the face can greatly benefit the neck area as well.  

So, why add another jar to your counter top if you don’t have to?  By simply adding an extra dollop of your current antioxidant cream to your neck and décolleté each night, you will be well on your way to a firmer, more contoured neck line.

If you would like to consult with our Paramedical Aesthetician, Amanda Chapman to find out which anti-aging products are best for your skin type, call today to schedule your complimentary consultation.  Amanda will analyze your skin’s needs and design a well-balanced, medical grade facial regimen that will have your skin radiant in no time at all!  407.218.4550

Thursday, October 14, 2010

How Much Sun Damage Do You Have?

Do you know how much sun damage you have actually accrued over the years?  It is most likely more than you think.

At our Orlando Plastic Surgery and Skincare Center we use The Reveal Imaging system to “reveal” the extent of your damage in only seconds.  This is quite helpful, because even if you see a relatively even complexion with only a few freckles or discolorations when looking in the mirror, there may be significant damage lurking below the surface that will become visible as you age.  

The Reveal Imager uses RBX imaging technology and is as simple as taking your photo. The Reveal device creates a high-resolution image to examine your subsurface melanin and vascular features. 

You may be asking yourself, “Why would I want to see all this damage?”  Having a skincare consultation that includes a Reveal Imaging photo allows our Paramedical Aesthetician or Nurse Practitioner to determine the appropriate treatment and products that will best correct the damaged areas. For example, when only minimal damage is visible to the naked eye I might only recommend a home care regimen including a Retin-A type product and monthly chemical peels to reverse and minimize the signs of aging.

However, if the Reveal shows that your damage below the surface is extensive, though not yet visible, we may want to consider more intensive treatments such as a series of VI Peels or MiXto laser resurfacing.  What the Reveal Imager shows will provide us with the knowledge to determine how to most effectively and efficiently treat your skin.  

Take a look at the video below and see how Reveal is used to document the progress of skin care treatments, providing clients with an extra level of assurance that their skin conditions are in fact improving. 
Call our practice to set up your complimentary consultation today! 407.218.4550

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

3 Easy Steps to Beautiful Hands

Have you started to notice that your hands don’t look quite as youthful as they once did? Hands start out young and soft but inevitably show signs of aging with age spots and wrinkles like the rest of our body. Taking care of them from early on can help to maintain a youthful appearance.
Because the skin on our hands is rather delicate and thin, we have to take extra care of them. Fortunately, it's never too late to start caring for your skin! Indulge in a little hand therapy by following these 3 easy steps and you’ll t be sure to have soft and supple hands in no time!
Step 1: Moisturize
We have all heard how important it is to use lotion on our hands, however, sometimes throughout the day, it isn’t always on the forefront of our mind - so it is important to make it a habit. It helps to keep lotion by the sink in your bathroom and kitchen and use it when you wash your hands. Keep small tubes in your purse, car and desk so you never have the excuse of not having lotion "handy".
Step 2: Exfoliate
Exfoliate your hands at least once a week. There are several brands available that are excellent hand exfoliators – it is even safe to use the one you use for your face on your hands. If you can’t make it to the store, not to worry -  adding salt in with your liquid soap can serve as a foolproof way to remove dead skills.
Step 3: Treat

Give your hands a little TLC by marinating them in cream overnight at least once a week. Add a hint of cream (face cream will work), and wear cotton gloves to bed. This treatment allows the skin to absorb the moisture leaving your hands oh-so soft in the morning!

By adding just a few extra steps to your daily regime, you will be well on your way to prolonging the effects that the natural aging process can have on our skin!



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Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Vitamedica: A Healing Wonder!


 “and it’s so Healthy too!”

Imagine a magical pill that can lend a hand to sustaining your youthful energy, slow down the aging process and even help you bounce back from surgery… Sound just a little to good to be true?

Here at Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery, Dr. Armando Soto promotes only the most safe & effective products to keep you looking and feeling your best -  VitaMedica just happens to be one of them!

VitaMedica is a quality product line of nutritional supplements and healing remedies to help speed up the recovery period after surgery. Multiple studies have shown that the key ingredients in our supplements will shorten the duration of swelling and bruising after plastic surgical procedures, and our patient’s have agreed.

The Healing and Support Kit is one of the most popular products, and is geared toward surgery patients to help them recover more quickly and maintain great post-op results. By combining two separate products, Arnica Montana and Bromelain, this supplement works magic to provide a smooth and speedy recovery.

Arnica Montana is a homeopathic medicine that helps patients obtain temporary relief from bruising, swelling and pain.  While prescription medications suppress symptoms like bruising, homeopathic medications encourage them. This way the body heals faster and still creates a resistance to infection.

Bromelain with Quercetin is a formula mixed with the two botanicals, also used to treat inflammation and pain that tends to follow a surgical procedure.  The Bromelain works by fending off the metabolites that accelerate the inflammatory process.  It also helps break up hemotomas - which is a collection of blood caused by soft tissue injuries.  Bye-bye bruises!

It’s a great idea to invest in the Healing Kit when preparing for surgery.  After the anesthesia wears off, you will be on your way to a fast recovery period with optimal results! 



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Monday, October 4, 2010

Help Prevent Sun Damage With This Must Have Accessory!


Here at Aesthetic Enhancements we consider it our responsibility to educate patients on the risks involved with sun exposure.  Though you may think a nice tan provides a youthful image…the reality is quite the contrary.  In a few years, when you start to notice the consequences of sun worshipping, you will be wishing you could go back in time to lather more SPF on your face!

Sunspots, wrinkles, and premature aging are all signs of sun damage.  Unfortunately, it’s only after the harmful exposure that these signs appear.  Now, thanks to a simple wristband, you can be warned when it counts! UVSunSense is an ultraviolet-monitoring, sun-sensitive bracelet that changes color when it senses too much sun exposure. 

Before heading outdoors, apply sunscreen to yourself and the wristband.  The bracelet’s photo chromatic dye allows it to change colors depending on the length of time spent basking in UV rays.  The waterproof band starts off orange and turns to a purple shade upon exposure to sunlight.  If it changes shade to a dark brown, you should reapply your SPF.  If it returns to light orange, it’s time for you to stop whatever you are doing and head inside!  For just ten dollars a pack, this is quite a clever investment! 

For some of us, we are just a few sunspots too late for the wristband to completely save our complexion. However, it is never too late to start taking better care of your skin and preventing further signs of sun damage from appearing. If you are regretting the time spent in the sun and so is your face, Laser Skin Resurfacing can help diminish the signs of aging! 

Here at Aesthetic Enhancements we offer the MiXto Fractionated Laser and the IPL Photofacial which both can help treat sun damage and rejuvenate the skin for a younger looking complexion!  Call our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skin Care & Hair Restoration Center to schedule a complimentary skin consultation today!  



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Friday, October 1, 2010

The Benefits of a Salicylic Peel

Do you only dream of having skin as clear as the faces that grace the cover of today’s beauty magazines? Most of us long for porcelain skin that others envy -  so we’ve asked our Paramedical Aesthetician, Amanda Chapman, for the scoop on achieving a radiant, blemish-free complexion…

According to Amanda, there are many effective treatments for treating acne, but one of the most effective solutions is a chemical peel.  Choosing the right peel for your skin type can be a little confusing, so it is always best to consult with a Paramedical Aesthetician to analyze your skin’s condition and prescribe the right peel for your specific skin type.

A Salicylic Peel is an excellent treatment to help clear up acne, rejuvenate the skin’s appearance and provide an overall healthy glow.  Salicylic is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that is synthetically made from willow tree bark.  Much like the more well known Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Glycolic- Salicylic Peels work by removing dead skin cells and allowing new, healthy cells to rise to the surface. 

If oily skin has always been a concern for you, a Salicylic Peel may be just the solution you are looking for. Salicylic is lipid soluble – meaning that it tends to interact best with other lipophilic substances like the oil and sebum in our skin. With a series of treatments,  excess sebum is cleared from the pores, and blackheads, whiteheads & acne lesions are improved - leaving your skin radiant and blemish free!

At Aesthetic Enhancements, we offer a full spectrum skin care services to treat every skin type. Amanda’s expertise coupled with our medical grade skin care products will have your skin looking flawless in no time! Call our Orlando, Florida Plastic Surgery, Skincare and Hair Restoration Center today to see how we can help you achieve the complexion you’ve always wanted. 407.218.4550.


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Thursday, September 30, 2010

Botox To Go!

Imagine being able to order your Botox injection on your lunch break! New Botox boutiques are already thriving in cities like N.Y.C and L.A. for beauty minded people on-the-go!  Patients seem to enjoy their hassle free Botox quick fix because it is so fast, easy and convenient.   They can stop in during lunch break or after work to de-wrinkle their worries away! However, the question is…”Is this putting the patients safety at risk?” 

Last week the first walk-in Botox Boutiqe, Luxxery Express, was launched in D.C with celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Hakki behind it all!  These new cosmetic walk-in clinics allow you to get your Botox and filler fix with no appointment necessary! 

With no surprise, these cosmetic clinics are raising some critics eyebrows...no pun intended!  Many core practitioners believe Botox boutiques will negatively impact the profession because of the lower quality of care for patients.  Instead of safety being a priority, getting patients in, out and on their way appears to be the main concern.

Though Luxxery Express claims that board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hakki will be administering all of the injections, don’t expect to receive that same expertise at many of the other walk-in spas. 

There is not doubt that Botox can work wonders when it is properly administered. However, it is important not to under estimate the need for a highly trained professional who understands the anatomy, exactly how the treatment works and where the proper injection sites are located. 

Due to the popular demand of Botox, many untrained providers are performing injections, therefore its important for the patient to do choose their injector wisely!  After all, the goal is to look better and not worse, right?



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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

A Deep Cleansing Facial Experience

The Deep Cleansing Facial is just one of many pampering treatments on our skin care menu here at Aesthetic Enhancements Plastic Surgery.  Take a sneak peak at a facial experience with Paramedical Aesthetician, Amanda Chapman. 

Find out how you too can achieve a flawless complexion and the importance of consulting with a Paramedical Aesthetician. 




Treat yourself to one of our specialty facials here at Aesthetic Enhancements - Not only will you feel revived, but your face will look and feel fabulous too!  



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