What’s the Story About CBG for Sleep?
What’s the Story About CBG for Sleep?
The hemp plant has more than one hundred naturally occurring cannabinoids. Cannabigerol, or CBG, is one of them.
While there isn’t a wealth of studies on CBG for sleep, preliminary research suggests that CBG has the potential to help with inflammation, anxiety, and neurodegenerative disorders.
But now, some researchers are shifting their focus to using CBG for sleep.
Research About CBG for Sleep
As mentioned above, there is limited research that shows how CBG can have anti-anxiety effects. But a 2003 research review, did find a solid correlation between anxiety disorders and trouble with sleeping. Thus, if CBD can help with anxiety, then by extension, it could aid in better sleep.
Survey Shows Power of CBG
Even if there isn’t much scientific evidence, there is strong anecdotal evidence for CBG’s impact on sleep.
A survey of conducted in late 2022 looked at 127 people who had used CBG in the previous six months. 30% of them were using it for sleep. Of that group, 73% said that CBG-dominant products were more effective than conventional medication for sleeplessness.
Given this information, it certainly seems that CBG has the potential to help with sleep.
How the Body Interacts with CBG
Like all other cannabinoids, CBG works by interacting with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS serves as a transmitter system to help your memory, learning, emotional processing, and sleep – among other functions.
The ECS has two main receptor types – CB1 and CB2. CBG appears to interact with both of these. Scientific evidence shows at this point that CBG has anti-inflammatory properties. And CB2 receptors are therapeutic targets for anxiety and depression.
Again, the scientific information is still lacking. But as cannabis becomes more accepted, there will be more research.
What About CBD for Sleep?
As far as the science says, CBD is still considered the sleep cannabinoid. Research shows it helps with insomnia and sleep disorders. Meanwhile, CBG it touted for its anti-inflammatory.
CBG is still considered a body-focused cannabinoid while CBD is known for rendering stronger mental relaxation effects. Unlike THC, it won’t get you high. Plus, THC can elevate anxiety so it’s probably best to avoid if your sleep problems are related to anxiety.
Bringing CBD and CBG Together
CBD and CBG each have their benefits. It seems that combining the two delivers a nice entourage effect. CBD delivers mind-focused benefits while CBG has full-body effects.
So if you’re having difficulty finding slumber, you may want to experiment with taking CBD and CBG together. It may take some experimenting in terms of dosage and ratio of CBD to CBG. But once you land on the perfect combination, it could be just the game changer you’ve been seeking.
Trouble Sleeping?
If slumber is a challenge for you, you may benefit from CBG for sleep. Especially if you fold in some CBD too.
Meanwhile, if you’re having trouble sleeping because you’re worrying about your cannabis business, contact us today.
As cannabis marketing experts, we specialize in ensuring your business takes the spotlight.
Look Rejuvenated with Fat Transfer to the Face
Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder what happened to the lower third of your face?
It might sound like a weird question, but if you’re of a certain age, you probably understand. As we age, precious collagen reserves are depleted in this area of the face. The result?
Sagging skin and decreased volume. Fortunately, fat transfer to the face can help rejuvenate your appearance. And it can be done as a stand-alone or in conjunction with facelift surgery.
Who Is (and Isn’t) a Good Candidate for Facial Fat Transfers?
You’re a good candidate for facial fat transfer if you’re noticing long lines between the nose and mouth, areas of the face look creased or sunken, scarring from acne, or just general loss of a youthful facial appearance.
Because this procedure does require surgery, tobacco users unwilling to quit smoking and/or those with multiple or uncontrolled medical problems are not good candidates.
In addition, because the procedure requires fat from your body to be transferred to the face, if you have little or no overall body fat, you will also not be a good candidate.
Fat Transfer Vs. Fillers
You may be curious as to why someone would choose a surgical procedure rather than just use fillers.
Yes, fillers are less invasive and they require far less downtime. Yet, for patients who are looking for an approach that doesn’t include synthetic materials, fat grafts come as a more natural option. And since you’re having your own organic material injected back into your body, there are fewer risks and side effects.
Finally, another benefit of fat transfer over fillers is the amount of time they last. Fillers are a temporary fix and require regular treatments. A fat transfer, on the other hand, are more permanent and will last a much longer time.
What Does a Fat Transfer to the Face Involve?
The procedure is straightforward. And in most cases, a facial fat transfer is with local anesthesia or sedation in an outpatient setting.
You and your surgeon will need to determine the area of your body from which you’d like the fat transferred. This is your donor site. The surgeon will make a small incision there and insert a cannula that’s connected to a syringe for extraction purposes.
Of course, the fat isn’t just taken from one spot to another. Once it’s extracted, it is processed in a centrifuge that separates the poor quality fat cells from those that are viable.
The viable fat cells are then injected into the face. The cannula is typically inserted and withdrawn multiple times to deposit lines of fatty tissue parcels in natural tissue planes. This enables the surgeon to achieve the desired affect.
Recovering from the Procedure
Every body will have a different recovery story. But as stated above, because you’re working with all organic materials, there are fewer risks and complications.
Once the transfer is completed, you’ll be monitored for a short time and then sent home (somebody will have to drive you).
You may experience minor discomfort and swelling immediately following the procedure, but it’s typically gone within a week to ten days. You’ll also need to sleep on your back with your head elevated in the first week and not rub your face for two weeks. Soft washing is permitted.
In addition, you’ll want to avoid strenuous activity, swimming, aerobic exercise, or lifting anything heavier than 20 pounds until your incisions are healed. This usually takes a couple of weeks at the most.
Finally, be sure to keep your scheduled return visits.
Get Back to Smiling When You Look in the Mirror
If you’re ready for that fuller face from your youth, then you’re probably a great candidate for a fat transfer to the face procedure.
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon.
Then smile!
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
Just as not all plastic surgery procedures are created equal, not all patients are created equal either. Each person has a unique set of traits and characteristics.
One of the biggest considerations is the age of the patient. A patient in her 20s is going to have different needs than one that’s in his 60s.
As such, doctors are always tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups to achieve optimal outcomes. We’ll look at some of those different considerations based on specific age groups.
Teens/Young Adults
Teens and young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) are very prone to social media influences. As such, they may come to a surgeon with unrealistic expectations.
What they fail to grasp at this age is that plastic surgery is not meant to be some sweeping miracle cure to whatever is ailing you about your appearance. So one of the most critical responsibilities with young patients is educating them about the long-term aspects of a procedure.
Facial contouring is in high demand among young adults. So surgeons need for them to understand how their ongoing physical and psychological development could be impacted. And there are simply some procedures that are not appropriate for teens and young adults.
The vast majority of teenagers should only be considered for cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures rather than surgery. Many of these procedures are not even available to them. Breast augmentation, for example, requires a patient to be over the age of 18.
Yet even young adults over 18, both men and women, who are seeking breast procedures need to understand the potential future implications of such a procedure. Many life changes happen during these years, including pregnancy.
Middle Age
The latest statistics from ASPS show that patients in their middle years are the most likely to seek out plastic surgery. Unlike their younger counterparts and having lived longer, they’re typically more realistic in their expectations. Although there will always be occasions where patients falsely regard plastic surgery as akin to the fountain of youth.
Patients in their 40s and 50s begin to see structural changes in the face. In addition, they’re beginning to lose skin elasticity. By this stage of their lives, they’ve established an identity that they may feel is fading. So rather than seeking augmentation, most people in middle age want procedures that are more restorative in nature. Facelifts and eyelid surgery are among the more popular.
Another consideration with middle age are health complications that are not as present in young adults. These will impact not only the procedure, but the recovery. So all of this must be considered when creating a surgical plan.
Senior Patients
As patients age into their 60s and beyond, the chances for complications increase. The effects of gravity and skin laxity can render certain procedures difficult or even impossible. The return on investment may not be worth it.
In addition, medication interactions and overall health need also to be heavily considered. As such, many plastic surgeons will recommend nonsurgical options first to address desired changes. If these are not adequate, then it becomes about striking the right balance between surgical and nonsurgical options based on the patient’s particular needs.
Considerations Across the Board
Yes, there are definite differences that come into play when working with specific age groups. For instance, younger patients will heal faster than older patients. But they are also prone to more pronounced scarring. So recovery plans must be customized to consider any age-related factors.
Regardless of a patient’s age, a truly professional plastic surgeon will always focus on ethical considerations. As such, they make every effort to stress the importance of the individual over societal pressures.
It’s the surgeon’s job to educate the patient on every possible alternative and discuss the impact the procedure(s) will have on him/her/them physically, psychologically, and socially. Any surgeon not doing this should be avoided.
Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups
The importance of tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups can’t be overemphasized. Steer clear of any doctor, clinic, or facility that will perform procedures without first covering all the bases.
If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us to get started.
During your free consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will advise you on best practices and discuss your options. Then you can go forward with confidence – no matter what your age.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 2 (L-Z)
Are you considering breast augmentation and want to do all your research first? If so, you may have read our first post on breast augmentation terminology.
So as not to overwhelm our readers, we only addressed the first half of the alphabet.
We’ll finish the job here with the second half of the alphabet so that you don’t need to scour the internet to find them.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (L-Z)
Just as we did in our first post, we won’t do a serious deep dive into the terminology. And just as some of the words in the first list didn’t apply to you, the same will apply here. But you can never have too much knowledge, right? So let’s take a look.
Mammary Hypoplasia
If one or both of your breasts are pointed, square, or oval in shape, your doctor may have diagnosed you with mammary hypoplasia. It’s a condition caused by breast malformation and typically occurs because the breast didn’t fully form during puberty. The areolar area may be constricted or collapsed, there may be a high breast fold, and/or the breast tissue tilts downward. Augmentation can repair this, but the constricted tissue will first need to be released.
Periareolar Incision
The area on the breast that includes the nipple and the surrounding pigmented skin is known as the nipple-areolar complex. A periareolar incision is one that’s made on the outside edge of this area. If you’re looking at a breast lift, the surgeon may use this to remove excess skin – though there are other applications.
Rupture
One of the reasons people may hesitate to have breast augmentation is the possibility of a breast implant rupture. This is a rare occurrence, however. It can happen at any point after the procedure and is often the result of surgical instruments, trauma, under- or overfilling breast implants, capsular contracture, or excessive compression. While there will always be a risk with any surgery, it’s very important to vet your surgeon and ensure that he or she is board-certified and highly qualified.
Subglandular or Subpectoral Implant Placement
Subglandular implant placement is known as over-the-muscle placement, while subpectoral implant placement is under-the-muscle placement. Subglandular has a shorter recovery time but may not look as natural on certain body types. Subpectoral has a slightly longer recovery time but offers improved support and a more natural look.
Symmastia
On extremely rare occasions, the breast implants may settle too close together after the augmentation procedure and there is little to no room between the breasts. This is known as symmastia and is usually the result of over-dissection of the pocket.
Textured Breast Implants
Textured breast implants are subjected to a texturizing process that creates a grained surface on the outer shell of the implant to help reduce the risk of malposition or flipping of the implant. Many surgeons no longer promote this since it appears to correlate with the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
Transaxillary Incision
A transaxillary incision is made in the armpit and the implant is placed using an endoscopic surgical camera. It reduces the appearance of scarring. It is not among the more common techniques and requires specific skill and experience.
Upper Pole Fullness
If you’re looking for breast augmentation because your breasts have somewhat fallen flat, then you’re looking for what’s called upper pole fullness. This term refers to the breast area’s shape, contour, and volume above the nipple. (Below the nipple is known as the lower pole.) Increasing upper pole fullness makes cleavage more prominent and gives the breast a rounder appearance. The size and profile of your chosen breast implant will determine how much upper pole fullness you’ll achieve.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Between this post and last week’s post, you now have more familiarity with breast augmentation terminology.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today.
During your free consultation, you can ask the surgeon any further questions you have about the terminology as well as discuss the intricacies of the procedure. Then you can get that breast augmentation with confidence.
Breast Augmentation Terminology Part 1 (A-K)
When considering getting work done on your breasts, you’re bound to experience some amount of breast augmentation terminology that may be unfamiliar to you.
No worries. Rather than pouring through the internet to find their meanings, we’re breaking down some of the terminology here.
Because there is a wealth of terms, we’ve tackled the first half of the alphabet here and will address the second half in our next post.
Breast Augmentation Terminology (A-K)
We won’t get too deep in the weeds on the terminology so as not to overwhelm you. And some if not many of these terms won’t apply to you. But if you like to go in knowing all the details, here is a sampling of some of the terms you may hear.
Augmentation Mastopexy
Augmentation mastopexy is really just a ‘doctorly’ way of saying breast augmentation with a lift. This is often the recommended procedure for patients who are struggling with breast sagging because of weight loss, aging, or childbearing. It’s designed to lift drooping breast tissues while adding fullness especially in the upper breast.
Breast Capsule
Any time the human body experiences a foreign body, it responds by creating a protective capsule of collagen around it. The breast capsule is what forms around breast implants. It’s completely normal and a healthy part of the healing process. It also helps to keep the implants in place.
Cooper’s Ligaments
Within the breast there is connective tissue that provides support and structure. The Cooper’s ligaments run from the clavicle to the interior part of the pectoralis major muscle before branching throughout the breast tissue.
Drop and Fluff
“Drop and fluff” may sound like a laundry term, but it actually describes the way a breast implant settles after breast augmentation surgery. Immediately after surgery, breast implants sit high on the chest as the muscles in the chest tighten to adjust to their presence. As healing proceeds, the muscles relax and the implants drop to a more natural position. From there, they fluff, as it were to fill the lower breast cavity.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants
As silicone breast implants continue to improve, they’re becoming highly cohesive. Compared to their earlier silicone counterparts, they are firm yet flexible – like the consistency of a gummy bear. They also retain their natural look and feel even as they age.
Implant Rippling
Implant rippling is just like it sounds. Rippling of the implant becomes visible through the skin at the outer perimeter of the implant. This is usually along the outer edge toward the arm pit. It can occur with either saline or silicone implants, but is more prominent in round saline implants. It is also most common among women who are very thin or who have little natural breath tissue.
Keller Funnel
If you’re wondering how a Keller Funnel works, think about a piping bag as one would use in baking. In this case though, the breast implant is placed in the large end of a sterilized and hydrated bag, while the narrow end is inserted into the incision on the patient. The breast implant is then gently ‘piped’ into the surgical pocket.
Are You Considering Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Having awareness of breast augmentation terminology can give you more peace of mind as you consider surgery.
So if you’re thinking about getting breast augmentation, contact us today. During your free consultation, we’ll walk you through the process and answer any other questions you might have.
That way you’ll go in reassured and confident about the whole procedure.
What to Expect – Recovering From an Arm Lift
Do you remember the days when you felt comfortable showing off your arms? But now there’s sagging skin on your upper arms you keep under cover.
Or maybe you lost a lot of weight and were looking forward to finally showing off your arms. Yet, now there’s excess skin hanging there.
You DO have options with a brachioplasty, or arm lift surgery. And the good news is, recovering from an arm lift is fairly straightforward.
Recovering From an Arm Lift
The brachioplasty procedure typically lasts around two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia. And the smoother contours of your upper arm will be apparent almost immediately.
As time progresses, results will eventually be somewhat obscured by swelling and bruising. And there will be some scarring.
Recovery from brachioplasty is one of the procedures with a shorter recovery time. Yet, it’s always going to be different from person to person. But here’s what you can generally expect:
Immediately After Brachioplasty Procedure
As with any surgery, experiencing discomfort after brachioplasty is common. Any swelling and redness may be addressed with oral pain medications.
In addition, you can expect to wear a compression garment to help circulation and minimize your discomfort.
First Week
It’s during the first few days when you’ll likely experience moderate pain. Your arms will be bandaged which will limit your range of motion. This is intentional, as you don’t want to make any major movements with the arms during this time. Your muscles may also feel sore and you’ll see bruising and swelling. Increased pain and pressure near the incision site are normal – especially when your arms are in motion.
You’ll want to have someone stay with you overnight the first night and enlist a little extra help with everyday activities in the days that follow. It is crucial in the first week that you don’t lift anything over five pounds. And since you need to avoid reaching over your head, be sure you have comfortable, loose button-up shirts on hand.
Pain, swelling, and bruising will subside by the end of the week. Expect them to persist to some degree for the first month, however. You may be able to transition to OTC pain management at this point – if you need any at all.
Two to Three Weeks
Bandages and any stitches are removed one to two weeks post-surgery. You’ll have an improved range of motion and arm mobility, but you’ll have weight restrictions of 10 pounds in the second week and 15 pounds in the third. Stretching the arms is still not recommended.
Most patients return to work at this point and can perform normal activities around the house. You’ll probably have to continue wearing your compression garment though and your doctor may recommend beginning a scar therapy treatment plan.
One to Two Months
At the four- to six-week point, you can expect any swelling or bruising to resolve. You may also be cleared to remove your compression garment and routine to your regular exercise routine. Treatment for scarring will continue throughout this time.
Acquire a More Contoured Look for Your Upper Arms
You don’t need to accept sagging upper arms as one of the inevitable results of aging or weight loss.
Brachioplasty is a great option. And as stated above, recovering from an art lift is not an arduous process.
So contact us today to set up a free consultation with our board-certified surgeons. And get started on your journey to slimmer and move lovely arms.
Making Sense Of Different Types Of Body Fat
While it may not seem like it, body fat is an organ that contains nerves, immune cells, and connective tissue. It’s also made up of different types of fat cells.
Depending on the body’s needs, the primary job of body fat is to store and release energy. The different types of fat cells also serve their own unique purposes.
Plastic surgeons are sometimes faced with the difficult task of telling patients that plastic surgery can’t always address issues with excess fat. That’s because not all body fat is created equal.
The Different Types of Body Fat
The main type of fat cells that comprise body fat are white fat cells. They produce hormones like leptin and adiponectin, as well as store energy. Brown fat cells are referred to as thermogenic because under certain conditions (such as colder temperatures) they burn energy to produce heat. People with more brown fat cells tend to be leaner and have a higher metabolism. Finally, beige fat cells are white cells that are in the process of transforming to brown cells.
Fat is not an F-word. (Well, it is, but you get what we mean.) In fact, fat is essential to the healthy operation of the body. It plays many important roles including regulation of body temperature, absorbing vitamins, and producing fertility hormones.
Yes, too much fat is unhealthy. But so too is not enough fat. What’s considered the right amount of essential fat for each person is not a universal equation and can vary quite a bit. For example, women generally have 6-11% more than men.
One thing is for certain though. Some types of fat are more dangerous than others. The two types of fat we’ll focus on here are subcutaneous and visceral.
What Is Subcutaneous Fat?
Subcutaneous literally means, “under the skin.” Thus, subcutaneous fat is fat that lies beneath the skin. You’re able to pinch it with your fingers.
This kind of fat accounts for about 90% of overall body fat. Subcutaneous fat acts as a cushion between the skin and muscles for comfort and protection. It also produces estrogen – which accounts for women generally having more body fat than men.
Subcutaneous fat is essential fat. Yet, it’s possible to have too much. The body stores subcutaneous fat as an emergency backup source of calories in the event of starvation. When the amount of calories going in exceeds what’s being burnt, the body will continue to store this fat and it will accumulate.
Many people find that reducing their caloric intake and avoiding refined and processed foods along with high-intensity exercise can lessen subcutaneous fat. There are times, however, where no matter how much focus on diet or exercise, there are stubborn pockets that won’t disappear. In these cases, plastic surgeons may recommend adding liposuction body shaping treatments to reshape the area. Even in more complicated procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), it’s also subcutaneous fat that’s removed.
Visceral fat, on the other hand, is a very different creature.
The Dangers of Visceral Fat
Visceral fat is located between the organs in the abdominal area of the body. It typically appears as a protruding waist and unlike subcutaneous fat, it’s hard and you can’t pinch it.
This is the type of fat that cannot be removed with plastic surgery or liposuction. Patients usually need to completely revamp their diet, ensure they’re getting enough sleep every night, and regularly perform targeted abdominal strength-training exercises.
While it may sound like a big commitment, it’s important to get rid of visceral fat. As it accumulates, it secretes a protein that’s known to cause insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes. Increased levels of visceral fat are also linked to a higher risk of stroke, dementia, colorectal and breast cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. So while subcutaneous fat can be a nuisance, visceral fat can be deadly.
Are You Considering Fat Removal?
Hopefully, you now have more clarity on the different types of body fat and fat cells.
So if you think you’re a good candidate for a fat removal procedure and you’re ready to speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon about your options, contact us today!
During your free consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your specific needs and how they can be addressed to result in a thinner and healthier you.
Tips for Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering any sort of plastic surgery, winter can be a great time to get it done. Especially if you want to show off the results in the spring and summer months.
Plus, it’s much easier to hide the recovery process when the snow is flying and you’re bundled up in scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Yet, since plastic surgery can exacerbate skin sensitivity in the colder and drier months, you’ll want to pay extra attention to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
Focusing on Winter Skincare After Plastic Surgery
In a recent post, we talked about the importance of caring for your skin during the winter. But what about the best way to care for your skin after a plastic surgery procedure in the winter?
There are certainly some overlaps. For instance, drinking plenty of water and sticking with a healthy diet are crucial parts of holistic skincare.
Post-surgical skin, however, has additional needs in terms of maximizing recovery and minimizing the appearance of scars. The inherent chapping, dehydration, flaking, and tissue irregularity that comes with colder air and indoor heating can make this more challenging.
So what can you do to ensure you’ll get the best results?
1. Emphasize Hydration
When most people hear the word ‘hydration,’ they think only of internal hydration and drinking plenty of water. And yes, internal hydration is crucial. But during the cold and dry winter months, external hydration is also vital. Especially for sensitive post-surgical skin.
Maintaining necessary moisture levels in the skin is going to promote faster healing while reducing the risk of complications. Your surgeon may recommend you use ointment-type medications on suture lines to trap moisture. He/she may also advocate a layered hydration approach with specialized skincare that will provide an additional protective barrier.
2. Steer Clear of Certain Products
If you’re of a certain age, retinols may be a part of your regular skincare regimen. After surgery though, you’ll be advised to avoid retinols as they are very drying. Especially during the winter.
In addition, products that contain alcohol or fragrances can cause further dryness and irritation. Your surgeon will be able to point you to calming and nourishing products formulated for the special needs of post-surgical skin in the winter.
3. Avoid the Sun
This one might seem silly. Especially if you live in a northern climate without much in the way of winter sun. Yet, even if the sun doesn’t feel especially warm, or it’s trapped behind clouds, the harmful UV rays are still getting through to your skin. Particularly on your face.
Post-surgical skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation or other sun-related damage. So you’ll be advised to use a mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of least 30 rather than a chemical sunscreen that could further irritate your skin.
4. Stay Vigilant
Finally, one of the most important things you can do is regularly monitor your post-surgical skin for increased redness or swelling. This is another disadvantage of winter because it’s easy to ignore skin when it’s covered with clothing.
Early intervention is key to a smoother recovery though. So you don’t want to wait until you’re feeling pain or discomfort. Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or changes in your skin and let your surgeon know immediately if you see anything so s/he can promptly address the issue.
Get the Most Out of Your Plastic Surgery This Winter
Sure, winter is as good a time to get plastic surgery as any. Sometimes, it’s the best time! Especially if you’re willing to attend to winter skincare after plastic surgery.
So if you’re ready to get that procedure you’ve been dreaming of, contact us today. During your free consultation, you’ll be counseled on what to expect and the best ways to ensure you’ll be ready to step into the spring/summer season with confidence.
Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
Although there is some question about whether technology benefits every industry, technological advances in plastic surgery continue to take procedures to new heights.
While tech has gone the distance in advancing every aspect of plastic surgery, it’s been especially beneficial for patients seeking to enhance their appearance in new and exciting ways.
Plus, with these advancements, plastic surgery is safer and more effective now than ever before.
Latest Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
If you’re frustrated with some aspect of your appearance or part of your body, now is a great time to take advantage of these advancements. The following five advancements are contributing to the field taking big strides.
- Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are straightforward procedures that can be performed in a clinic or office setting. They don’t require general anesthesia and there is little to no downtime.
While laser treatments are nothing new, they do continue to evolve. And for those seeking to reduce the appearance of scars or remove unwanted hair, they’ve been a game changer.
- MRIs and CT Scans
Plastic surgeons use MRIs, CT scans, and other advanced imaging techniques to get a clearer view of a patient’s anatomy. This helps them find potential pre-surgical issues, as well as enabling them to monitor patients post-op to ensure they’re healing.
- Virtual Reality
Wouldn’t it be great if you could “try on” different plastic surgery procedures? With virtual reality technology (VR), you can do just that – without ever going under the knife.
VR technology enables patients to get a glimpse of how they’ll look after a particular procedure. It also assists in educating patients about the process of the procedure as well as its potential outcomes.
- 3D Imaging and Printing
For procedures where precise measurements are particularly crucial, 3D imaging and printing have been revolutionary. For example, a surgeon counseling a patient seeking facial reconstruction can show the patient a digital model of their face so they can visualize the outcome of the surgery.
Meanwhile, 3D printing enables surgeons to create highly customized prosthetics and implants. For patients who require breast reconstruction, these personalized versions look and feel more natural than traditional implants.
- Stem Cell Therapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma
Technological advances in regenerative medicine have also had a positive impact on plastic surgery. Through stem cell therapy, tissues can be regenerated to create more natural-looking results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is also utilized in combination with other procedures to not only enhance results but to boost recovery times. It’s an amazing outcome from such a simple therapy.
Take Advantage of the New Technology!
The above technological advances in plastic surgery have rendered procedures the safest and most precise they’ve ever been. And with the most natural-looking results.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery for any reason, there’s no time like the present!
Contact us today to set up your free consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. You can be assured that you’ll get the best results in the field today.
Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
The quick answer is yes. But the number of teens who opt for plastic surgery is not huge.
This leads to the bigger question – should teens get plastic surgery? Many surgeons won’t perform procedures on patients under the age of 21. And there are many reasons for this.
Then there are procedures that some surgeons will perform but only if they’re absolutely certain that it’s the best option for the teen.
Why Do Teens Get Plastic Surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), most teenagers seek out plastic surgery because they are desperate to fit in but feel their appearance is not acceptable to their friends and peers.
For example, young men who have embarrassing excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) that won’t resolve with proper diet and exercise may seek out a breast reduction. Or teenagers who are ashamed of birthmarks in obvious places may inquire about laser treatments to lessen their appearance.
Some teens struggle with severe acne that results in pocks and scars that leave them self-conscious and prone to isolation. A cosmetic procedure known as dermabrasion can help to smooth out or camouflage those scars. And for teenagers with birth anomalies such as ears that stick out, some surgeons will perform surgery to pin back ears known as otoplasty.
Important Considerations
As with any surgery, the option to perform plastic surgery on teens should be heavily weighed. In many cases, it’s simply not appropriate. There are many things to consider:
- Teenagers Are Still Growing
It’s normal for teenagers to criticize their appearance. But it’s important to remember that they are still changing and growing. So even if a teenager feels his nose is too big or her breasts are too small, there’s a good chance that they will become more proportionate as they grow into their adult bodies.
- Changes in Exercise and Diet Could Help
It’s often not easy to get teenagers on board with regular exercise and dietary restrictions. We get it. For teenagers struggling with weight issues, they may think that liposuction or even a gastric bypass is a better option and a nice, quick fix. They’re sure much easier than sticking with a diet and exercise regimen.
Any parent considering this needs to understand though that ethical doctors know the risks involved with these procedures and reserve them for extreme cases when other options have failed.
- Self-Consciousness Is Part of Teenage Years
Feeling dissatisfied with one’s appearance while having it feel like a monumentally big deal is part and parcel of the teenage years. And teens don’t realize that a lot of this will go away with time. Of course, even as adults most of us have some part that we’d like to change. But by the time we’re adults, we’re doing it for ourselves and not for someone else. This is an important distinction.
- There Could Be Mental Issues
This is a big one.
Teenagers see a distorted version of themselves. If this already inaccurate view is further exacerbated by depression or other emotional issues, teenagers are quick to believe that ‘looking better’ will solve their problems.
There is no plastic surgery procedure that can fix underlying mental issues. Plastic surgeons are well aware of this and many won’t perform plastic surgery on any patient – teenage or otherwise – until such mental issues are addressed first with a therapist or other mental health expert.
It’s Up to the Surgeon
Ultimately, once a parent has conceded, the choice as to whether teens get plastic surgery comes down to the surgeon. Many feel that it’s best to wait until the body is fully formed.
But again, it depends on the person and the procedure.
So if you’re considering plastic surgery – whether for you or someone else – contact us today to speak with our ethical surgeons who will lead you in the right direction.
