Correcting Plastic Surgery Procedures
The world at large is fascinated with plastic surgery and the results it renders. And given the large number of reality TV dealing with botched or excessive jobs, it would seem that it’s a major problem.
It isn’t. The vast majority of plastic surgery procedures go as planned and the patients are satisfied. However, there will always be exceptions.
There are occasions where correcting plastic surgery procedures is required. So if you’ve had a procedure and aren’t satisfied with the results, then it may be time to consider this route.
The Extra Challenge of Correcting Plastic Surgery Procedures
Remember that you won’t see stunning results right away. The healing process can take days or weeks following your procedure. Hopefully you discussed with your surgeon what to realistically expect and how long it should take.
That said, if you’re still not satisfied after you’ve healed, then you’ll need to start the process of seeking corrective surgery. And it’s important to understand the unique challenges that go with correcting plastic surgery procedures.
Because there is existing scar tissue, the degree of difficulty is greatly increased for the surgeon. There may also be a lack of material with which to work. For example, if there is no longer cartilage or other tissue in the original area, it may need to be sourced from another part of the body.
In addition, you may already be feeling emotional and even afraid to undergo another procedure. And if what you need is large in scale and detailed, you may need several procedures. When this is the case, you need to be aware that the situation could get worse before it gets better.
Should You Use the Same Surgeon?
Try not to be too quick to rule out your original surgeon out of frustration. Even the greatest and most skilled plastic surgeon can run into unforeseen complications. Unless you have a terrible relationship with your current surgeon, there are advantages to using him or her to do the corrective procedure. This is because your surgeon will have familiarity with the outcome you desired and with the specific way you heal.
If, however, you’ve lost confidence with your surgeon, discovered (too late) that he or she is a fraud, or your relationship with them has gone south, then you’ll want to consult with another who actually specializes in corrective surgery. Any surgeon you pick should be board-certified in plastic surgery and have extensive training and experience in reconstructive surgery.
And keep in mind that, in order to minimize risk, you’ll have to wait at least one year before having surgery in the same area.
Are You Curious About Plastic Surgery?
As we mentioned above, the need for correcting plastic surgery procedures is minimal.
So if you’re interested in plastic surgery for either cosmetic or reconstructive (or both!) purposes, don’t hesitate to contact us today for your free consultation.
You’ll sit down with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss all of the options available to you and what you can expect in the long-term.
Regenerative Medicine in Plastic Surgery
If you know anything about regenerative medicine, then you may be curious about the role of regenerative medicine in plastic surgery.
Then again, maybe you’re not familiar with regenerative medicine and it sounds like some sort of idea stirred up by a science fiction author. It’s not.
In fact, regenerative medicine has been a godsend for folks who’ve lost tissue because of cancer, burns, or other trauma where reconstructive plastic surgery options are limited. This is why plastic surgeons have been instrumental in developing new therapies in regenerative medicine.
So What Is Regenerative Medicine?
The field of regenerative medicine is based on the concept that doctors can turn to the body’s own powers to heal itself rather than solely relying on drugs or invasive surgical procedures. The thought is that by replacing, engineering, and regenerating human cells, tissues, or even organs, normal form and function can once again be achieved.
This is not to say that there is no use for drugs and surgical procedures though. In fact, along with cells, tissues, and organs, regenerative medicine utilizes drugs, synthetic biomaterials, and devices.
In a nut shell, the goal of regenerative medicine is to both heal damaged tissue, and form new tissue.
Regenerative Medicine in Plastic Surgery
Patients who have suffered with the aforementioned cancer and burns are not the only ones to benefit from regenerative medicine. Researchers and plastic surgeons are currently developing regenerative medicine-based treatments for those with congenital anomalies of the face and hands (including microtia, cleft lip, and cleft palate), facial nerve injuries, limb and muscle loss, and injuries to major nerves in the arms and legs.
The following are some of the ways that plastic surgeons are incorporating regenerative medicine therapies:
Burn Care
With severe burns where the dermal (innermost) layer of skin is damaged, plastic surgeons are now able to use protein scaffolds to generate new tissue there.
Tissue Expansion to Generate New Skin
Plastic surgeons also pioneered a technique whereby they are able to implant balloon devices that are gradually expanded to generate new skin tissue to cover a deformity. This therapy has been revolutionary in breast reconstruction as well as for treating birth anomalies.
Wound Care
Reconstructive plastic surgery alone may not be enough to repair complex wounds that are difficult to heal. In these cases, there’s a need for tissue engineering – i.e. skin substitutes made from living cells grown in a lab – to aid in the healing.
Additionally, it was a plastic surgeon who was the first to bring negative pressure devices into the arena of wound care. These regenerative medical devices employ micro-mechanical forces to stimulate and further wound healing.
Treating Scars
Laser and intense pulsed light are just two of the energy-based devices from the field of regenerative medicine. And they’re increasingly gaining in popularity with plastic surgeons and their patients to improve the healing of scars.
Breast Reconstruction
Women who have survived breast cancer through a mastectomy are faced with the decision of whether they want to have breast reconstruction. Today, plastic surgeons can use decellularized tissue scaffolds to generate new tissue over breast implants to achieve a better outcome.
Bone Regeneration
At one time, patients suffering extensive trauma that involved the loss of large bone segments had to cut their losses. But now, through regenerative medical therapies, plastic surgeons can take advantage of calcium-based scaffolds and biomaterials derived from bone to form new bone tissue for these patients.
Regeneration of Nerves
When is comes to regenerating nerves, this is where the field of regenerative medicine feels decidedly like something out of science fiction. But plastic surgeons are finding new ways every day to restore optimal function to patients who have experienced nerve injury.
Therapies in this area include using specialized growth factors to accelerate nerve healing, and specific biomaterials that actually guide and direct the growth of new nerve fibers.
It’s really quite amazing.
Could Plastic Surgery Help You?
Plastic surgery is no longer about just improving a nose that’s too big or breasts that are too small. Although these are completely valid surgeries, it’s clear that there’s a need for regenerative medicine in plastic surgery too.
So if you’re struggling with an aesthetic or functional flaw that you feel could be repaired though plastic surgery, contact us today. During your free consultation, your plastic surgeon will clearly lay out your options so you know exactly what to expect.
All About the Chemical Peels
Sick and tired of fine lines and wrinkles? How about age spots, mild scars, or dark patches?
Chemical peels are an amazing way to significantly reduce the appearance of all of these. And they can be performed on the face, neck, or hands.
They’re a great nonsurgical alternative for improving your complexion and restoring confidence in your appearance.
What Chemical Peels Address
Life is tough on the skin.
Sun damage and aging create wrinkles. Squinting and smiling result in fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth. Acne is unsightly and can leave scars. Even pregnancy and birth control pills can wreak havoc on the skin. Chemical peels can address all of these conditions and more.
It is important to understand that they can’t take care of every one of your skin maladies though. Sagging and bulging skin or deep wrinkles generally don’t respond well to chemical peels. In these instances, your board-certified surgeon would likely recommend a procedure such as an SMAS facelift, brow lift, eyelid lift, dermal filler, or laser resurfacing.
The Chemical Peel Procedure
The procedure isn’t terribly complicated. First, your eyes and hair will be covered with protection so that your skin can be thoroughly cleansed with an agent to remove excess oils. Then, a chemical solution is applied to your skin. At this point, you may feel a warm to somewhat hot sensation followed by a stinging sensation. If the stinging is problematic, a cool compress may be applied to your skin. The chemical is then washed off and removed.
Chemical peels are not a one-size-fits-all affair though.
The light or “lunchtime” chemical peel is usually done in a series and it’s best for those with fine wrinkling, uneven skin coloring, or rough sun-damaged skin. Only the outermost layer of skin is removed and recovery requires little to no downtime.
With a medium chemical peel, both the outermost layer and the upper part of the middle skin layer are removed. This is a good option for those with more moderate wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, or uneven skin coloring that’s more pronounced.
And a deep chemical peel provides the most dramatic results. In this case, the chemical penetrates all the way down to the lower middle layer of the skin. This is most often recommended for those with moderate lines and wrinkles, extensive sun-damaged skin, deep acne scars, blotchy skin, and actinic keratosis. When done on the face, it’s a one-time treatment that requires pretreatment for up to eight weeks.
There’s also a new option on the market – the VI chemical peel.
The New VI Chemical Peel
Fair-skinned and light-haired patients have long been better candidates for chemical peels. But with the newest chemical peel known as the VI Peel, this is no longer the case. The VI Peel is one of the safest chemical peels on the market and is ideal for a wide range of skin types. It can dramatically improve the skin’s texture and tone, leaving it with a clear and radiant glow.
Using a unique blend of minerals, salicylic acid, vitamin C, phenol, retinoic acid, and TCA, the VI Peel works to safely remove damaged layers of skin and promote cellular growth. At the most basic level, this blend will help the skin to build collagen and elastin; tightening the skin, shrinking enlarged pores, and erasing fine lines and wrinkles.
The VI Peel also provides stunning results to those struggling with dull or damaged skin as a result of acne, rosacea, sun damage, or melasma and other hyperpigmentation issues.
It requires no oral or IV sedation and is nearly painless. Plus, for those with darker skin types, it requires no skin preconditioning. And given that this blend is packed with vitamins and minerals, the VI Peel is more nourishing than a traditional chemical peel.
Curious About Chemical Peels?
If you think one of the variety of available chemical peels might be right for you, then contact us today.
During your free consultation, you’ll meet with a plastic surgeon who will guide you in making the proper choice that will fit your needs. And should you require something more than a chemical peel, he or she will inform you of next best steps.
Advantages of Plastic Surgery in the Winter
Are you sick of the cold weather and have a constant eye out for the spring?
Whether you hate, love, or merely tolerate the cold, there is something to be said about opting to have plastic surgery in the winter.
In fact, once you consider the many advantages, you may start wishing for winter.
1. Appointments Are Easier to Schedule
If you’ve ever tried to schedule plastic surgery in the spring or summer when folks are noticing their imperfections, then you know how tough it can be to get in.
But in the winter, it’s much easier to schedule a procedure. With all of the bulky clothes and layers to conceal those trouble spots, there’s just not the urgency to schedule. And if you’re planning a multiple procedure surgery such as a mommy makeover, you’ll want flexible scheduling.
2. Keep It Covered
Speaking of coats and sweaters, they’re also the perfect foil for concealing the early scarring, swelling, and bruising that follows a procedure.
Warm winter clothes are also ideal for hiding compression garments. Furthermore, the cold air makes having to wear compression garments much more comfortable than when the temperatures are high.
3. Stay Cozy While Recovering
Most of us want to eat up as much outdoor activity as possible during the summer. But when winter comes, we have the perfect excuse for snuggling under blankets, flipping on the TV, and staying in by the fire.
Plus, depending on the procedure, you’ll be required to spend between 4-8 weeks avoiding strenuous activities. So while you’re getting cozy on the couch, you can start dreaming about returning to those activities when the spring finally does come.
At the end of the day, with a winter plastic surgery procedure, you’ll be more motivated to rest and recover because there’s little motivation to venture out.
4. Avoiding the Sun Is Easy
Near the top of the list of things to avoid after plastic surgery is sun exposure. The UV rays can negatively impact the incision’s ability to heal.
Avoiding direct sun exposure is a challenge in the spring and summer months. But in the winter, it’s far from difficult. Especially if you live in a climate where clouds overrule the sun during the winter months.
And when you do have to be exposed to the sun, mostly on your face, it’s much easier to apply sunscreen to one small area of the body rather than everywhere.
Even laser procedures such as Halo or hair removal are most commonly done during the winter because you cannot be exposed to sunlight due to the sensitivity of the skin.
Take Advantage of Plastic Surgery in the Winter
By getting plastic surgery in the winter, when it does finally come time to pull out the shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits, you’ll have already done the work to look your best.
Meanwhile, everyone who waited until late spring and early summer to get their procedures will have to wait until next summer to showcase their amazing results.
So don’t hesitate to contact us. Today. And show off your best self THIS summer!
All About the Arm Lift
Sagging skin under the arms can be embarrassing. It can also be terribly discouraging if you’re going to great lengths to remove it through diet and exercise and getting no results.
Ironically, rapid weight loss can be a cause of sagging skin on the arms. But it can also be a result of aging or genetics. It could be a combination of factors.
Whatever the case, a brachioplasty (a.k.a. arm lift) can treat those saggy underarms to leave them looking more toned and defined.
Who Would Benefit From Brachioplasty?
Of course, experiencing a hit to your self-esteem because of sagging arms is reason enough to seek out an arm lift. And it’s not an unusual procedure following weight-loss surgery.
But even if you don’t find the extra folds of tissue particularly troubling from the aesthetics perspective, you may want relief from the general discomfort. Then there’s the issue of maintaining hygiene, which is more challenging.
Finally, inflammation and rash associated with the extra folds of tissue can lead to infection. At this point, brachioplasty becomes a necessity.
Arm Lift Options
Fortunately, there are numerous options available when it comes to arm lifts.
A traditional arm lift is usually recommended for those with a large amount of excess skin and fat on the upper arm. An extended arm lift addresses fatty tissue and loose skin underneath the arm and on areas on the side of the body.
Finally, a limited-incision brachioplasty (also known as a hidden arm lift) may be recommended for those with moderate amounts of fat and loose skin. It utilizes an incision made in the crease of the underarm and may include liposuction.
In cases where there is only a small amount of fat, little to no excess skin, and good elasticity in the skin, the arm may be reshaped using liposuction only.
The Procedure
Given the variety of arm lifts, you’ll discuss which is best for you with your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Depending on the chosen procedure, you’ll receive either a general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will then make the appropriate incision depending on the chosen procedure and remove extra skin and fat from the desired area.
The surgeon then reconnects the skin to provide a smooth contour. In some cases, additional body-contouring surgeries may be performed at this time as well.
Recovery
During recovery, it may be necessary to wear a compression garment to control swelling.
Patients are provided with postoperative care instructions that include attending to the incision, which medications to take and when, and potential warning signs. There will also be a timeline for follow-up appointments.
Most patients are able to return to work or school within a week or two, and can return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks.
Tighten and Tone Those Arms
Of course, maintaining proper diet and exercise is key to maintaining good health. But sometimes it just isn’t enough for certain problem spots.
So if you’re struggling with extra skin and fat on your arms no matter how hard you try, then an arm lift could be right for you.
It’s important to add that Emsculpt can also be performed to improve the muscular contour and reduce the fat layer when a patient has a tight skin envelope. This effective and non-invasive improvement to the upper arms requires no downtime and no anesthesia.
So contact us today for a free consultation. And show off those arms this summer!
Maintaining Nonsurgical Body Contouring
When you glance in the mirror, do you immediately see those “trouble” spots? This can be especially irritating when you’re eating well and exercising, but it’s not making a difference. Yet, you may not be ready for surgery just yet.
Fortunately, new and emerging technologies have made it possible to tone muscles, burn fat, and shape your body in the way you desire without going under the knife.
So it’s no wonder that patients are clamoring for nonsurgical body contouring procedures.
How Does Nonsurgical Body Contouring Work?
Body contouring is a relatively new field of aesthetic medicine. Its objective is to sculpt, tone, and contour the body without surgery. Instead, these non-invasive treatments use a range of state-of-the-art technology to achieve results across a wide array of body areas including the thighs, abdomen, arms, and legs.
Patients don’t see a scalpel or a needle. There’s no recovery time. And a series of quick 30-60-minutes sessions can deliver visible and long-lasting results. The only job of the patient is to show up.
Body contouring benefits include building muscle, losing fat, contouring crucial areas of the body such as the abs, and lifting and toning the buttocks. These procedures can even tighten sagging or drooping skin due to aging or stretching.
The ability to achieve all of this without having to do any work may sound good to be true. That said, it’s important to understand that nonsurgical body contouring is not a quick fix. How you choose to live your life after the procedure plays heavily into its long-term success.
Maintaining Nonsurgical Contouring
Once you commit to nonsurgical body contouring, you want to make the most of your investment to get the best results. With that in mind, there are three main factors you’ll need to employ to maintain those results.
- Protect Yourself from the Sun
Keeping your skin protected from dangerous UV rays is always good practice. Even if you’re not having a procedure.
But since some body contouring procedures also address skin issues, it’s important you continue to attend to its optimal upkeep. This includes not only protecting it with a high SPF sunblock and/or sun-blocking clothing, but keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
- Be Done with Child Bearing
If you’ve had a child, you know that pregnancy can leave you feeling like your postpartum body belongs to someone else. Fostering a human life has a way of altering the body! No shock there.
So if you’re annoyed with some aspect of your body but are not done having children, you should probably wait until you are. A pregnancy can easily undo the results of any nonsurgical body contouring procedure. This isn’t to say that you can’t get a revision should the need arise. But if you can wait until you know you’re done, you’ll get the best results by having just one procedure.
- Keep Up a Healthy Lifestyle
While we have this at #3, it’s probably the single most important factor. While nonsurgical body contouring is meant to address trouble spots that don’t seem to respond to diet and exercise, this doesn’t mean you can now regularly camp out on your couch with a bag of potato chips. If you want to maintain results, diet and exercise are just as important after your procedure as before.
But it’s not just diet and exercise. Drinking, smoking, and taking other substances can also affect your metabolism and damage your skin tone – among other things. All of this will negatively impact your results in the long term.
So once you make the healthy choice to have a non-surgical body contouring procedure, keep making those healthy choices to maintain it.
Could Nonsurgical Body Contouring Brighten Your Day?
If you’re feeling hesitant about surgery and are wondering if nonsurgical body contouring is right for you, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you’ll get a chance to sit down with our trained specialists in aesthetic medicine who can guide you on the next best steps.
And soon you can say goodbye to those trouble spots!
What Is Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
What Is Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers have been available for over 40 years. Since that time, they’ve been used predominantly by women over the age of 40. These days, however, they’re increasingly used by (mostly) women in their 20s.
Is this really such a bad idea though?
But there are many who feel that your 20s aren’t too young for dermal fillers. And for good reason.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
To be clear, dermal fillers are not the same as Botox. With Botox, the muscles are, in essence, frozen to lessen wrinkles. But a dermal filler is an injectable implant. Injected under the skin with a needle, they serve to smooth the skin and complexion.
The nice thing about injectables is that they’re not a huge commitment. And they’ve come a long way since the early days. At one time, injectables often consisted of collagen that required allergy testing. And in some cases, they contained liquid silicone – though these were never approved by the FDA for cosmetic purposes.
Today, most fillers are made with the body’s natural compound hyaluronic acid that’s found in the skin and cartilage. It typically dissolves within 12 to 16 months. Some injectables contain the mineral calcium hydroxylapatite which is a mineral that’s found in the bones. These fillers last closer to 18 months.
A biodegradable synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid is also available. These are the longest lasting at two years. Whatever the case, dermal fillers are a safe option for patients who would rather try a more temporary procedure.
When Most Patients Seek Dermal Fillers
For most people, collagen production slows around the age of 40. As such, most patients who seek dermal fillers are in the age range of 40-55.
This makes perfect sense since the injection of hyaluronic acid not only stimulates collagen production, but it also draws moisture to smooth the skin. Once the skin is plumped with moisture, it’s far less prone to dehydration and, in turn, wrinkles.
As we mentioned above, however, there are many younger people in their 20s seeking dermal fillers. Which brings us back to the question:
Are Your 20s Too Young for Dermal Fillers?
It might seem counterproductive to get dermal fillers before the skin is showing signs of aging. Why would you even want them?
Once the skin starts to show wrinkles, folds, lines, and creases, it means hyaluronic acid and collagen production has already decreased. However, research shows that by using hyaluronic-based dermal fillers as part of an anti-aging regimen when in your 20s, you prolong collagen production. This means you may be able to prevent deep lines for longer.
It’s very important that injectables are administered only by a board-certified surgeon though who is aware of the correct amount needed. Patients in their 20s need a far more conservative amount than one in their 50s or older.
Curious About Dermal Fillers?
Every body has a different rate of maturation. While teenagers are considered too young for dermal fillers, it’s increasingly more common for those in their 20s to use them.
Regardless of your age, if you’re interested in how dermal filler injections could smooth and rejuvenate your skin, contact us today. We’ll talk you through the process to ensure you achieve the results you want.
How Long Breast Implants
How Long Breast Implants Last
Are you considering breast implants? If so, you’ll be amazed at how much they can improve your self-image and leave you feeling more confident.
Breast implants are a fantastic investment. Even so, breast implants do have an expiration date.
As such, it’s important to have some idea of how long breast implants last, as well as reasons you might need them replaced before they expire. That way, you can plan appropriately.
How Long Breast Implants Last
While there’s no guaranteed amount of time you can be sure your implant will last, most of today’s implants last a minimum of ten years if there are no complications. Of course, how long yours lasts will depend on a number of factors.
One of the biggest factors is whether you choose silicone or saline implants.
Silicone
Of the two different types, silicone implants are the more resilient. As such, it’s not at all unusual for these to last for decades. In some cases, they may even last for a woman’s lifetime. Again, this depends on several factors.
But one of the drawbacks of silicone is that it’s more difficult to detect ruptures or other damage if they do occur. So while the implants can last a long time, patients need to stay up-to-date on checkups and stay in touch with their board-certified plastic surgeon.
Saline
Meanwhile, saline implants are more prone to shifting and rippling than silicone implants are. So while it’s possible for them to last for decades, it’s likely they will need some sort of maintenance every ten to fifteen years.
They also have a somewhat higher risk of rupturing. But since saline can be absorbed by the body and silicone can’t, a rupture is less serious.
So clearly each type of implant has its pros and cons.
Reasons For Implant Replacement or Removal
These days, complications during plastic surgery are exceedingly rare. Advances in surgical techniques along with an increased understanding of how patients are likely to experience a procedure have contributed to this.
Still, along with the possibility of a rupture, an implant can get displaced, malfunction, or bottom out. Then there’s also the chance for capsular contracture. This is when the capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant to protect the body becomes unusually hard and starts to contract around it. This is not common though.
Some patients may experience a change in personal taste or lifestyle over time that leaves them wanting to change the type and/or size of the implant.
Finally, on very rare occasions, a patient may experience breast implant-related illness that warrants a removal. Regardless of the situation that prompts breast implant replacement or removal, the plastic surgeon will always consider every factor at play to recommend the appropriate course of action.
Have Questions About Breast Implants?
At the end of the day, your lifestyle, unique body constitution, and the plastic surgeon you choose will determine how long breast implants last.
So if you’re still left with questions about breast implants, feel free to contact us for a free consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. He or she will assess your situation and give you a more educated estimate as to how long your implants should last.
Yes, Stress Affects Your Skin
We frequently hear about the negative impact of stress on the heart, brain, stomach, and other organs. But what about the biggest organ – your skin?
Given the negative repercussions of stress throughout the rest of the body, it makes perfect sense that stress affects your skin too.
It’s all the result of the brain-skin axis.
What Is the Brain-Skin Axis?
When we’re in a stressed state, the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands produce pro-inflammatory hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines as a line of defense.
The brain-skin axis is the two-way freeway that translates psychological stress from the brain and connects it to the skin through pro-inflammatory skin cells called mast cells.
This response is helpful in fleeting fight or flight moments. But when you experience chronic stress, the steady influx of inflammatories can wreak havoc with your skin.
How Stress Affects Your Skin
Given its increased susceptibility to environmental stressors such as ultraviolet light and temperature, the skin is more frequently battered by stress hormones than other organs. And stress affects the skin in many ways.
In the bigger picture, stress impacts the immune system, causing it to be more reactive. This means an increase in rashes, hives, and redness. The resulting inflammation can also cause flare ups for those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
Meanwhile, increased cortisol can lead to overproduction of oil in the glands and cause acne breakouts. Steady exposure to cortisol also puts the kibosh on the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen which keep the skin smooth and youthful.
Furthermore, the stress from having a skin condition can lead people to isolate, leaving them even more stressed. They may skimp on their daily skin care routine – further exacerbating the problem.
No matter how you cut it, chronic stress has a negative impact on the skin. So what’s a person to do?
Reducing Stress Is Your First Goal
There is no doubt these are stressful times. The issues surrounding the pandemic, as well as the fierce political polarity in this country, have left many of us with varying degrees of chronic stress.
At the end of the day though, 90% of our stress does not come from the stressor itself, but rather from how we deal with it.
One of the most effective ways to manage stress is with mindful practices like meditation, yoga, and breath work. Exercise is also beneficial in that it increases antioxidants and lowers cortisol levels.
Your diet is also key in managing stress. Stick with foods high in vitamins A and C, polyphenols, lycopene, and astaxanthin to aid in preventing free radicals and combatting inflammation.
And if life has gotten too overwhelming and you just feel like you need to cry, then do it! Like exercise, crying helps decrease cortisol levels. It’s also a major stress release.
Finally, you can soothe and help heal the skin by looking for skincare products that contain barrier-boosting ingredients like glycolipids, fatty acids, and ceramides.
Feed it what it needs.
Give Your Skin The TLC It Deserves
Now that you understand how stress affects your skin, you can take measures to lessen the stressors in your life.
In the meantime, if your skin could use a little extra care and attention or if you’re struggling with acne scars that won’t go away, contact us.
Our skincare specialists are happy to discuss the many options available to you!
The Extra Importance of AAAHC Accreditation During COVID-19
Everyone expects high-quality and SAFE healthcare.
However, during these pre-vaccine days of COVID-19, the safety concerns are elevated. And rightly so.
So if you’re planning to visit a healthcare facility of any sort, you should understand the importance of AAAHC accreditation. It would be unwise to consider any facility that does to have this accreditation.
The Importance of AAAHC Accreditation
AAAHC stands for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care. With more than 6,100 accredited organizations, it’s the leader in ambulatory health care accreditation.
The association accredits a wide range of outpatient settings including ambulatory surgery centers, office-based surgery facilities, endoscopy centers, medical and dental group practices, community health centers, among others.
AAAHC advocates for high-quality health care through the development and adoption of nationally-recognized standards. Thus, accreditation through AAAHC demonstrates an organization’s commitment to provide SAFE services to its patients.
Requirements for Accreditation
There are certain guidelines and standards that organizations must perform and follow to maintain accreditation from AAAHC and they cover the entire gamut of the patient’s visit.
Before the patient even sets foot into the facility, the organization must pre-screen the patient for symptoms or high-risk exposure. They must also inform the patient to call ahead and discuss the need to reschedule their appointment if they develop any symptoms of a respiratory infection.
Upon arrival but before being admitted, patients are asked about a personal history of fever, sore throat, cough or other respiratory symptoms, as well as similar symptoms in family members or close contacts. They will also be asked about contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or any recent travel to a high-risk area.
Temperature is also taken upon arrival. AAAHC accreditation prohibits ANY individuals, both employees and patients, from entering the facility if they are experiencing elevated temperature or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19. This applies to both patients and staff.
Keeping Everyone Safe
In addition, all visitors, including vendors, are actively assessed for fever and respiratory symptoms upon entry to the facility. If fever or respiratory symptoms are present, it is the responsibility of the organization to inform these visitors that they are not to be allowed entry.
Once healthy, non-symptomatic patients and visitors are admitted, they are separated 6 feet apart. The organization is required to provide supplies such as tissues, alcohol-based hand rub, and trash cans. They must also encourage frequent hand washing.
AAAHC accreditation requires the facility’s staff to partake in education and active surveillance consistent with WHO, the CDC and other nationally recognized guidelines for hand hygiene.
Requirements for Healthcare Workers
Accreditation stresses the necessity of keeping healthcare workers protected from biologic hazards consistent with state, federal, and CDC guidelines.
AAAHC accreditation ensures that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, eye shield/goggles, face shields, and gowns are available and worn by healthcare providers.
It also requires that the healthcare provider is educated and trained and has practiced the appropriate and correct use of PPE, including proper application and removal. Safeguards are in place to protect patients and others from cross-infection. Written policies address the proper attire of all persons entering operating or procedures rooms.
Only essential personnel – those authorized to perform or assist – are permitted in the operating rooms.
Continuity of Care
To maintain AAAHC accreditation, organizations are advised to consider phone follow-up for all patients 7–14 days post procedure to ask about the development of symptoms or a diagnosis of COVID-19. If these have occurred, they must have contingency plans in place.
Finally, in the ongoing battle to stay safe and protected during this pandemic, the organization is required to conduct frequent educational meetings, including refresher training, for staff regarding infection prevention and other related precautionary practices.
Only Consider Accredited Facilities
It’s clear the importance of AAAHC accreditation if you’re planning to have any surgical procedure. It’s very much in line with ensuring you have a board-certified plastic surgeon.
You can feel confident in knowing that we have both, and will always put your safety and care first during this pandemic, and beyond.
So contact us today to set up your free consultation. And move into the summer season with renewed confidence.
