San Diego Plastic Surgery Clinic

4 Keys to Having a Healthy Lifestyle

May 21st, 2013

There are many elements to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Below are four key elements that will help you get yourself in great health and stay there.

1. Your Mindset

If you want to have a healthy lifestyle, you must be determined to make positive changes with what you are doing now in your life. We have all talked about how we need to get back in shape, but we usually just think it and never act upon it. It seems to be one of those things that end up on the bottom of our list of things to do. Why do we never get to that item on the list? It is quite simple; we do not make it a priority until it is too late. This is because our mind is not set right. If you need to do something and you get your mind-set right to do it, it is possible. This will not happen overnight. We must decide that we want it, and then we must have the fortitude to push forward and do it.

2. True Dedication

Once you get your mind-set and you have a plan of action, you will need true dedication to continue moving forward. This is where many fail. They lose the drive and dedication to follow through with their plan because they want instant results. When they do not get it instantly, they quit. Honestly, we must realize that this is not how it happens. It is going to take some time to see results, and we must realize that not everyone’s results are the same. For some, it can be something as simple as feeling full of energy and sleeping better at night that gives them the drive to continue. Think of it this way. A lot of people do not like their jobs, but they get up and head off to work every day. Why? They are driven by the money. All you need is a bit of motivation to get going, and the results will push you to continue.

3. Liposuction

Everyone desires firm, slimmer thighs and hips or a nice, tight tummy. Sometimes diet and exercise will not get us this. When they fail, many people turn to a surgeon to perform liposuction. Liposuction will give you that little bit of extra help you need to achieve a healthier, better body. The traditional method of liposuction involves a surgeon making a small incision into the fat areas and inserting a vacuum-like tube that suctions the fat cells out. The incision is immediately closed up after the procedure so the body can heal. With just a little bit of effort, you will look slimmer, feel better and be more confident about your appearance.

4. Exercise Your Body

To be healthy and stay healthy, you must exercise. Anything you can do to move around is considered exercise. Some people enjoy going to the gym, and some people enjoy going out for a long walk. Whatever it is, stick to it. Do not get discouraged and quit because of something small. If you keep on exercising, you will begin to notice some things you could not do before that you can do now. This will keep your motivation going to continue with it.

Using these four ingredients, you are on your way to being healthier and enjoying the results!

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Four Stunning Celebs That Used to Be Heavy

May 16th, 2013

There are many people who struggle with obesity. Celebrities are no different. In Hollywood, there is an unspoken standard of what a star should look like. But not everyone fits that bill. Some might try to change for the wrong reasons. But others benefit by doing it for themselves.

There are different techniques that a person can use to reach their goals. Some choose medical solutions, such as liposuction or gastric bypass surgery. Others might choose a personal trainer or other weight management system. An ideal weight loss regimen will include a combination of strategies. Here are 4 celebrities and their amazing weight loss stories.

Jennifer Hudson

Before American Idol, Jennifer Hudson was a size 16. Even though she was comfortable with herself, she decided to take a healthier approach to life. With the help of Weight Watchers, Jennifer Hudson has dropped 10 sizes to a size 6. Her strength and inspirational determination has also made her the spokesperson for Weight Watchers.

Al Roker

If you’ve watched The Today Show, you may have seen Al Roker on his transformational weight loss journey. At his heaviest, Al weighed in around 350 lbs. In 2002, he decided to have gastric bypass surgery. Since then, he’s lost 160 lbs. By eating right and exercising, he’s managed to stay healthy, strengthen his marriage, and live a longer, more fulfilling life.

John Goodman

After filming “The Year Without a Santa Claus”, John Goodman decided to do something about his weight. Unhappy with how he looked, he hired fitness trainer, Mackie Shilstone. With his help, he was able to quit drinking and lose 100 lbs.

Star Jones

In 2003, Star Jones was 300 lbs. She struggled to walk up stairs and complete other daily activities. So she made the decision to also have gastric bypass surgery. With much controversy, she chose to keep it a secret, due to a fear of failure. In the end, Star Jones lost 160 lbs and dropped from a size 26 to a size 6.

These are only 4 examples of celebrities who have lost an astounding amount of weight. But there are many who’ve also succeeded in their weight loss journeys. Ricki Lake lost 140 lbs. American Idol’s Randy Jackson lost 100 lbs. Missy Elliot lost 71 lbs after being at risk of a stroke. Kelly Osbourne is now a size 2 after losing 69 lbs. Drew Carey was able to get rid of his diabetes medication after losing 60 lbs. They’ve all made tremendous changes in their lives that will benefit them forever, and so can you!

Tags: celebrities, furgery, Hollywood, weight loss
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Four Lifelong Benefits To Getting Rid Of That Spare Tire

May 14th, 2013

Do you have a problem with belly fat? Is diet and exercise not helping? If so, then you may be a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat via suction. There are a number of benefits that you can reap from getting rid of that spare tire. Below are some of those benefits:

1. Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease

Your waist size could be having a negative impact on your heart health. There have been numerous studies done to confirm that women who have a waist that is larger than 35 inches are twice as likely to develop heart disease as women who have a waist that is less than 28 inches. One of the reasons that belly fat is so dangerous is because it causes the body to secrete adipokines and cytokines, which are two proteins that cause the coronary arteries to thicken. The good news is that if you get rid of the spare tire, then you will be less likely to develop heart disease.

2. Reduce The Risk Of Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is another serious health condition that is strongly correlated with waist size. Insulin is the hormone that helps keep blood sugar within a normal range. Excess belly fat can cause you to develop a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin resistance will make it a lot harder for your body to control blood sugar. It will be a lot easier for your body to maintain a normal blood sugar level if you lose belly fat.

3. Reduce Your Risk Of Certain Cancers

New studies have suggested that people who have excess fat around their midsection are at a greater risk for developing certain cancers, such as pancreatic and colon cancer. Women who have excess belly fat may be at an increased risk for developing breast and uterine cancer. Even though researchers have not been able to pinpoint the link between cancer and belly fat, they do believe that maintaining a healthy body weight can potentially reduce the risk of cancer.

4. Improved Confidence

Not only will your health improve drastically after you lose that extra belly fat, but your confidence will also improve. You will feel comfortable in your body. You will also be able to fit in your clothes better. Body image is strongly correlated with self-esteem. Therefore, if you like what you see when you look in the mirror, then you will feel a lot better about yourself.

Tags: body, liposuction, surgery
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How to Choose the Right Implant Size For You

May 9th, 2013

After you have made the decision to pursue breast augmentation surgery, the next decision you should make is how big you want your implants to be. Part of your decision depends on the structure of your body. Bring pictures to your doctor that show the proportions you want for your breasts and be willing to listen to your surgeon if they offer advice about the best size for your body.

Take Accurate Measurements of Your Body

Before you choose a size for your breast implants, your surgeon needs to figure out exactly how broad your chest is as well as the distance between your nipples. They will also determine how much loose skin you have in the chest area. You may not be able to get large implants if you don’t have enough skin tissue to cover the implants entirely.

Talk About Your Goals

Talk to your doctor about why you’re getting breast implants and bring pictures to show them breasts that you admire. Try to determine exactly what you like about the breasts in the pictures so your surgeon will have a good idea of what you’re looking for and whether you will be able to achieve it.

Think in Volume Rather Than Cup Size

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters rather than cup sizes. They normally run from 120 cubic centimeters to 850 cc. It’s smart to try out false breast implants in several sizes before making a decision. If your surgeon doesn’t have any false implants for you to try out you can put rice in a sock as long as you use the same number of cc’s as the implants you are considering. There are about 30 cc’s in an ounce, so ten ounces of rice equals 300 cc’s. Keep in mind that volume is only the size of your implants and has nothing to do with the shape.

Try on Clothing

After you have decided how much volume you’d like your breast implants to have, put the false implants or rice-filled socks in your bra and try on clothes that you plan to wear after your surgery. This is an important step because some women have found that large implants make them look like they’ve gained weight. They may choose a smaller implant that fits the proportions of their body.

In the end you may not choose the size that you originally thought would be right for you. Listen to your surgeon because they have probably performed many surgeries and will let you know which size will look best on your body.

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Major Ways Your Body Will Change During Pregnancy

May 7th, 2013

The nine months of pregnancy are filled with the joys and challenges of creating a child. One of those challenges is a changing body. An expectant mother may be surprised to find her breasts are the focus of fluctuating hormones that cause major changes in their appearance.

Early Stages

One of the first signs of pregnancy is enlarged breasts, and some women are delighted by their fuller bust. However, swelling breasts can be uncomfortable or even painful. Pregnant woman should buy a loose-fitting bra to avoid constricting the tender areas of their chest. Another surprising change seen early in pregnancy is the presence of darkened areolas. The areola is the area surrounding the nipple, and it can enlarge and darken before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Such a major shift in the color of her nipples can be alarming to a pregnant woman, but the areolas nearly always return to their original color after pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is both challenging and rewarding, and it often has a major impact on the appearance of a woman’s breasts. Shortly after her baby is born, a woman’s breasts will be even fuller and more tender than they were during pregnancy. As her body adjusts to a regular breastfeeding schedule, the breast fullness will recede and she can resume wearing a normal bra.

Postpartum or After Weaning

The biggest changes to a woman’s breasts happen postpartum or, if she breastfed, when she stops breastfeeding. Though a women is less likely to experience major changes if she weans her baby slowly, it is still common for her breasts to appear permanently different than they did before pregnancy. Breasts often have a saggy or deflated appearance, and some have stretch marks. Though they return to roughly their pre-pregnancy size, some women are left with slightly smaller breasts that have a lumpier appearance than they did before.

Because of these significant changes, some women choose the option of breast augmentation after having a baby. Breast implants can restore the full, firm bust that a mother had before her pregnancy. Since breast augmentation surgery has a relatively short recovery time, mothers are able to continue caring for their children with no major disruption for the operation. For those who don’t want surgery, finding a supportive or push-up bra can do wonders to reverse the deflated appearance of postpartum breasts.

Breast changes during pregnancy and breastfeeding are common, and every woman experiences some differences postpartum. Through surgery or natural methods, these changes can be reversed.

Tags: breast, breast augmentation, Breast Enlargement
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Making Your Gender Transition Less Overwhelming

May 2nd, 2013

Through therapy, medications, and surgery, you have the opportunity to live as the gender you feel comfortable with. This process can be challenging, and at times overwhelming. Being honest and open with your doctors and therapists will help ensure your gender transition goes smoothly.

If you are beginning the gender reassignment process, you must first seek out therapy. Though many transgendered individuals have known they wish to change their gender since a young age, the decision to make physical changes is a big one. A capable therapist will refer you to books and websites that explain the side effects of hormone therapy. This can help you decide if you are truly ready for the commitment of physically transitioning, and if you are, your therapist will refer you to a doctor to begin treatment.

Hormone therapy is a long process. Patients who are transitioning from female to male receive androgen hormones, which over time will cause them to grow facial hair, develop larger muscles, and have a deeper voice. Progesterone and estrogen are given to males transitioning to a female body, and these hormones cause breasts to develop, as well as a higher voice and diminished body hair. Some patients are happy with the results of hormone therapy and decide to end their transitioning journey here, while others continue on to get surgery.

Gender reassignment surgery can be both exciting and intimidating for those in transition. Surgery involves changing the sex organs of a person to that of their preferred sex. You may be deterred by worries of post-operative pain and infection, but many capable surgeons exist to perform the surgery with low risk of complications. Speaking to your doctor and medical team about your worries can ease your mind and help you understand what your body will look like after surgery.

Along with removal of male sex parts, males who are transitioning to a female body often receive breast implants. During the gender reassignment procedure, fat from other parts of the body is transferred under the skin that overlies the pectoral muscles. This gives the appearance of female breasts. The actual implants are added during a later surgery, where the patient can decide what size and shape they prefer.

Throughout your gender transitioning journey, you will face many challenges. By communicating openly with your doctors and being knowledgeable of the changes happening in your body, you can look forward to a transitioning process that is rewarding and fulfilling.

Tags: breast augmentation, surgeons, surgery
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Mommy Makeover: 5 Ways to Ditch the Frump and Embrace the Fabulous

April 30th, 2013

Now that you’re a mommy, you might find exercise does not work as well it used to before you had your babies. No matter how much you workout, you cannot seem to get your firm breasts and a flat stomach back. Don’t blame yourself; age and genetics play a major role in how well your body recovers from pregnancies. Post pregnancy fat, and stretched, sagging skin are easy to eliminate with one or more of these five fabulous fixes that will remove the frump and give you back the body you deserve.

Breast Lift

Breast lifts are a quick fix for sagging breasts that do not increase the breast size. Breast lifts will give you younger, perkier looking breasts and re-position your nipples back to where you belong.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is ideal for women who lost several cup sizes after childbirth and breastfeeding. Breast augmentation does help droopy breasts or re-position the nipple so both surgeries are frequently done at the same time for women who want more volume and less sagging.

Tummy Tuck

Tummy tucks, also known as abdominoplasty, get rid of sagging skin after pregnancy. Surgeons remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tighten the muscles in the abdominal wall to give moms a flat stomach. Removing excess skin may also remove stretch marks, an added bonus for any woman who has tried in vain to erase stretch marks.

Liposuction

Liposuction will remove stubborn fat from the abdomen, hips, buttocks and legs that does not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction has the best results on women with firm, elastic skin.

Laser Stretch Mark Removal

Women find stretch marks make it uncomfortable to wear tops that reveal abs they worked so hard to get back after pregnancy. Topical treatments are only marginally effective but cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists offer several types of laser treatments that will reduce the appearance of red or white stretch marks.

Getting your pre-baby body back through cosmetic surgery will give you self-confidence in your personal and professional life. Today’s mommy isn’t just a mom and she doesn’t have to look frumpy just to experience the joy of motherhood.

If you’re tired of hearing people say you look good for having three children, look into a mommy makeover. Let people say you look good and then be amazed when you tell them that you have given birth to three children.

Tags: breast augmentation, breast lift, cosmetic surgery, liposuction, makeover, mom, mommy, moms, tummy tuck
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Get Your Groove Back: 5 Strategies to Regain Physical Self Confidence

April 25th, 2013

When you’re on the prowl in the dating scene, you need to have your confidence (and your look) in check to attract the right partner. Ultimately, your winning personality will score you a date with the suitor you desire, but you have to reel them in first with your sexy style. Here are five tips to help keep you looking fantastically physically attractive and make your confidence soar:

1. Get in shape, physically and mentally.

If you know you’re more attracted to men with the sculpted abs and the thick arms, then follow suit! Men aren’t going to flock to you if they believe you to be lazy and you will ultimately feel better about yourself if you’re at a healthy weight. I’m not advising you to go on any crash diets or start overexercising, as this isn’t going to keep you in consistently good shape or be good for your state of mind. If you think changing a part of your body through cosmetic surgery would boost your self-confidence, then make the appointment! Many women have marveled at the positive emotional transformations that have occurred after breast augmentations or liposuction. Do not let certain parts of your body hold you back from meeting the partner of your dreams. If you look good, you will feel good. Treat your body with respect and a man will do the same.

2. Find clothes that complement your body shape.

We all look good in different styles of clothing – if you know one brand of jeans makes your butt pop more and allows you to walk with more of a strut, then invest in more pairs of those jeans! Find what outfits you rock and stick with those styles, your confidence will follow.

3. Take care of your skin!

Invest in a quality moisturizer to prevent the look of aging and make sure to apply a liberal amount of sunscreen daily. If you want to outright glow when you’re hitting the social scene, invest some time and energy in a quality skin routine and purchase natural skincare products that provide your face with some added nutrients. Also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables! Be kind to yourself!

4. Wear an alluring fragrance.

Smell draws people in, and if you know you smell good, you’ll be more confident and other people will notice.

5. Practice good grooming!

Consider getting your eyebrows waxed on occasion and always make sure your hair is freshly washed. Taking good care of yourself sends a message about how other people should treat you.

Tags: body, cosmetic surgery, lotions, skin care
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Saline and Silicone: What’s The Difference, and Which is For You?

April 23rd, 2013

Women with a voluptuous figure can easily turn heads. Unfortunately, there are women who are not endowed with full size breasts. For this reason, most of them are considering breast implants. The two most popular ones are filled with silicone gel and saline solution. These implants have their own advantages and disadvantages. Silicone has been off the market for more than 12 years. However, due to painstaking research and review of studies, it is now back.

Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants consist of sterile salt water. When they are inserted, they are empty. Once they are in place they will be filled. The allowed age for women who can get saline implants for the purpose of breast augmentation is at least 18 years old, while there is no minimum age for breast reconstruction.

Saline Implant Effects

During the time when silicone breast implants were pulled out of the market, saline implants were widely used. This prompted most people to believe that saline breast implants are a lot safer. There is a lot less capsular contracture in this kind of implant. This happens as scar tissue develops around the implant. As a result, the breast experiences some kind of painful stiffness plus a possible leakage of fluid inside the implant. This will be absorbed by the body in case it leaks but will not pose any health risks.

Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are filled with silicone gel first before they are inserted. The gel is a sticky fluid that looks like the fat of humans. Despite the past controversy on silicone implants, some women still opt for silicone implants because according to them, they look very natural. Women who choose silicone breast implants for breast augmentation should at least be 22 years old. There is no required age for breast reconstruction.

Silicone Implant Effects

The controversy involving silicone implants were due to the concerns that these implants may leak inside the body and give unfavorable effects to the body. After years of further research and improvement on the implants, FDA approved the use of it, once again. This is in spite of the fact that women experienced hardening of the part surrounding the implant, pain, change of sensation in the nipples, and the need for another surgery.

Overview

Despite the effects brought about by these 2 implants, women continue to undergo these methods of breast enhancement and are satisfied with the results. There is no proof of their link with breast cancer, as some people may speculate.

Tags: saline, silicone
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Top 3 Breast Augmentation Surgery Myths Laid Bare

April 18th, 2013

There are many myths about breast implants that have persisted through the years. One of the most common is that breast implants are very obvious and everyone will know that you have them. Another common myth is that implants are not permanent and need to be replaced. One myth that is partially true is that implants feel firmer than natural breasts.

Breast Implants Require Replacement

Many people believe that breast implants have to be replaced after five or 10 years. The truth is that implants only need to be replaced if they are defective. Saline implants sometimes begin to leak after a period of time and need to be replaced, but many people have had implants for more than 20 years with no issues. Most people who have their implants removed after a period of time have them replaced with larger implants. Choosing an experienced surgeon is the best way to minimize the chances of having to replace your breast implants because of a defect.

Everyone Can Tell if You Have Implants

It is very possible to get breast implants that look natural on your body. People who knew you before your surgery are likely to notice the difference in your size, but most people won’t be able to tell that your breasts are fake just by looking at you. Choosing a surgeon who has years of experience is important if you want natural looking breast implants. It’s also vital to take your natural breast shape and size into account when you’re choosing a natural looking implant for your body. Most of the time the reason that people can tell that a woman has breast implants is because the implants she has chosen are too large for her body or are improperly placed.

Implants Feel Firmer Than Natural Breasts

It’s almost impossible for even the best surgeons to make your implants feel the same as your natural breasts, but the differences are usually very subtle. The main reason that breast implants sometimes feel firmer than natural breasts is that scar tissue often builds around the implant. It is less common for scar tissue to build around saline implants than silicone implants. The placement of your breast implants is also important. Implants that are placed under the muscles in the chest generally feel softer than those that are placed on top of the muscle. It is imperative that you follow all instructions that your surgeon gives you so that your implants look and feel as natural as possible.

Tags: breast augmentation, breast surgery, surgeons
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