Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Five Strategies To Get Rid of Stubborn Body Fat

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

With the summer steadily approaching, many are looking to drop a few extra pounds. Achieving a solid and defined body might seem difficult, but with these five strategies, you can have that perfect beach body this summer.

 

1). Focus on Diet and Nutrition

No amount of exercise can erase the horrible effects of a bad diet. The simplest yet the most overlooked strategy is diet. Keep a daily food diary and track your caloric intake along with your macronutrients, i.e. carbs, fat and protein. If you are eating more than your caloric requirement and if your macronutrient ratios are not right, you will not make any significant progress. Start off by figuring out your basal metabolic rate. From there, subtract around 200-300 calories in order to put yourself in a caloric deficit. This is the only way one can ensure that you will lose fat, especially around your midsection.

 

2). Carb Cycling

One of the most effective ways to shed fat is to try cycling your carbohydrate intake. Each week, incorporate at least 2-3 days where you significantly decrease your carbohydrate intake. This will force your metabolism to switch from carbohydrates as its main fuel source to fat. Just make sure that on your low-carb days, you increase your protein and fat intake to prevent your body from breaking down muscle mass for energy.

 

3). Perform High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

The most effective way to shock your metabolism and burn fat is to center your workouts around performing high intensity interval training. HIIT workouts are designed to spike your heart rate and VO2max in intervals. Workouts such as sprints and tabatas flood your body with catecholamines – hormones that oxidize fatty acids for energy. The other good thing about HIIT is that typically, these sessions last no longer than 35 minutes.

 

4). Lift heavier weights

It is a common misconception that lifting weights, especially heavy weights (working at around 60%-80% of your one rep max) will make you big and bulky. Actually, weight lifting does exactly the opposite. Although you do not burn as many calories in a weight lifting session compared to cardio, weight lifting temporarily raises your metabolism and burns more calories after your workout in order to repair and strengthen muscle fibers. This is known as the afterburn effect. Intense weight lifting sessions also flood your body with fat melting hormones such as human growth hormone, IGF-1 and testosterone.

 

5). Cosmetic Surgery

For certain areas that hold onto stubborn body fat, you may want to consider a liposuction procedure. Sometimes, body fat is very hard to burn off with just exercise and diet. Those hard to reach areas such as the lower abdominal region, chest area in men, and arms sometimes require a person to get to dangerously low body fat percentage levels before you see any changes. Liposuction is an excellent and effective way to remove stubborn fat from various areas when you’ve already tried serious dieting and exercise methods.

weight loss

 

4 Keys to Having a Healthy Lifestyle

Tuesday, 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!

How to Choose the Right Implant Size For You

Thursday, 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.

 

How to Choose the Right Implant Size For You

 

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.

 

Major Ways Your Body Will Change During Pregnancy

Tuesday, 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.

 

Pregnant Women

 

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.

Winter is a good time to do laser treatments

Wednesday, January 9th, 2013

These next couple of months are ideal for patients wanting to improve fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots. Even if you spend a lot of time outdoors these cloudier days make it a good time to do some laser treatments to your skin. We offer many options all with minimal downtime. Improve skin texture, quality, pore size, overall complexion with one of our laser treatments. At your first visit you will receive a complimentary skin analysis and one of our laser nurses will make some recommendations for your treatment. These treatments can be done just once, but usually take three to five treatments for optimal results. We have monthly specials and special package pricing available.

The History of Plastic Surgery [INFOGRAPHIC]

Wednesday, September 19th, 2012

The History of Plastic Surgery Infographic

 

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What is the history of plastic surgery?


 
Did you know that the “plastic” in plastic surgery doesn’t mean “artificial”, but it’s derived from the ancient Greek word “plastikos”, which means to mold or give form? Plastic surgery may be one of the world’s oldest healing arts.
 
This infographic takes a look at plastic surgery through the ages; from the ancient period through today.
 
There are various plastic surgery procedures available, including breast augmentation, facelift, body contouring and more.
 
For more information about San Diego Plastic Surgery, click here.

Indicators of a Good Cosmetic Surgeon

Tuesday, September 18th, 2012

 

Choosing a cosmetic surgeon can be a life alternating decision and you’ll want to make sure you choose wisely. By looking for these indicators of a good surgeon, we hope you can feel comfortable with your choice and proceed to your surgery with complete confidence in your surgeon.

 

Education &Background

 

A good indication of a formidable cosmetic surgeon is the medical school they attended. Research the school and the medical programs they participated in and you will have a better understanding of your surgeon’s medical background.

 

All surgeons are required to do a residency, and where they completed their residency can also be a good indication of their skill level. If residency was completed at a surgeon specific hospital or clinic, then your surgeon will have a higher skill level than that of a professional whose residency was in a lesser hospital.

 

Ask and look for a surgeon’s background. Did they internship anywhere, and how long have they been a cosmetic surgeon? The amount of time they have been a surgeon is a good sign of their experience and competency to handle most situations.

 

Qualifications &Specialties

 

The next indicators are the qualifications the surgeon may have and if they have a specialty. Choosing a surgeon with a specialty means they have striven to become the best in their field at a specific surgery and have extensive experience in the surgery you will have preformed- reducing the risk of mistakes and complications.

 

The qualifications a surgeon has is a result in their experience, and how many years they’ve been performing surgery. This can be seen by researching their background as suggested above. In fact, we suggest asking your surgeon what they feel qualifies them to perform your surgery.

 

Certifications, Accreditations & Memberships

 

All cosmetic surgeons must be board certified in cosmetic surgery. Becoming board certified is a step beyond medical school and residency- proving they’ve continued their education to become a cosmetic surgeon. They must be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) to show that they are doctors certified in the specialty of cosmetic surgeries.

 

Also, check if your surgeon is an ASAPS member and the facility where they are located is accredited. Accredited surgeons and facilities undergo rigorous and regular inspection and must adhere to tough regulations that insure they are above normal standards.  Accredited facilities have a safety record comparable to hospitals and many facilities are not accredited, so be sure to do your research.

 

You will also want to find out if your surgeon has hospital privileges. Before a performing any operation at a hospital, review committees evaluate a surgeons training and competency for specific procedures. This means that a surgeon operating in a hospital (with hospital privileges) has been approved by the hospital as a competent surgeon, and continues to validate your surgeon choice.

 

Intuition

 

Lastly, follow your intuition and first impressions when choosing a surgeon. Be mindful of how thorough they were during your consultations, what type of rapport you have with them and if you feel one hundred percent comfortable with them as your surgeon. This, combined with all listed above are indicators you’ve chosen a good cosmetic surgeon.

Facts about fat transfers

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

We have had an increase in patient calls inquiring about fat transfer to the buttock and face area.  This procedure is very effective in re-positioning fat to fill out an area and help soften lines and wrinkles.  For more information on what is involved with this procedure, please read about it in a recent article that was written by the practce.  http://www.weightlossexercisediet.com/plastic-surgery-facts-about-fat-transfer-procedures/

What is Blepharoplasty Surgery and What Would It Do for Me?

Tuesday, September 4th, 2012

 

Blepharoplasty surgery is more commonly known as eyelid surgery. Blepharoplasty refers to both the lower and upper eyelids and most often is chosen by patients looking to appear younger, rejuvenated and alert. This procedure removes fat deposits found under and above the eyes, removes loose skin, and under eye bags to create a naturally looking younger you.

 

Who usually has this procedure?

 

This simple procedure is usually reserved for those thirty five and older but it can be done on younger adults with genetically acquired sagging lids or those whose vision is affected by drooping lids. Many men and women are finding it essential to get an eye lift as they age, simply because the eyes are often the first place to display their age through under eye bags and wrinkles. And believe it or not, Blepharoplasty surgery is the second most preformed procedure on men (second only to liposuction.)

 

Does this procedure sound like it is right for you? 

 

If you are realistically hoping to appear younger looking and well rested, then this procedure may be right for you. Ideal candidates are those who are healthy and who can heal quickly, those without serious eye conditions and non-smokers.  Patients who suffer from heart or thyroid disease are discouraged from having this procedure as well as those lacking good tear productions, with circulation problems, or who have high blood pressure or diabetes.

 

How long is the recovery time and what results can I expect?

 

 The recovery time for this procedure is ten days or less. Our surgeons will give you care instructions and an ointment to protect your skin against infection and scarring as it heals. The results from this procedure tend to last many years, resulting in a younger, rested and alert appearance in your eye area.

 

What is the next step?

 

The next step (if you meet the health conditions,) is to set up a consultation with your doctor. During your consultation, you will be provided with more details on how the procedure works and what you should expect. Bring a list of realistic goals and expectations to go over with your doctor so you both clear on your surgical intentions and are aware of the benefits and risks of the surgery so you may decide if it is the right choice for you.

3 Ways to Know Breast Revision is a Good Choice for You

Tuesday, August 28th, 2012

A lot of breast-augmentation candidates have the mistaken impression that their implants will need to be replaced every ten years, necessitating future surgeries. But this is a misconception; as long as implants are properly placed and not experiencing other issues, it’s not likely that a breast revision surgery is necessary. But there are some ways you can know whether breast revision surgery is a good option, depending on your circumstances.

 

Reasons to Consider Breast Revision

  1. Your breast has changed in appearance or structure. Bodies change over time, and the appearance of your breasts might be altered due to pregnancy, weight-gain or an issue with the implants themselves. Saline or silicone breast implants may lose volume, causing a rippling shape to appear in the shape of the breast. Some complications with implants may even be painful. Capsular contracture, which is a formation of tight scar tissue around the implant, can cause discomfort or pain that will require a revision to address.
  2. You experienced poor results from a past surgery. A badly done breast augmentation can result with an implant being poorly placed, possibly too high. The implant may “bottom out,” where it drops down to a position that is aesthetically too low for the position of the nipple. Other deformities, such as symmastia (where the skin between the breasts lifts up due to an overly aggressive release of the chest muscle) or “double-bubble” effect (where the edge of the breast implant is visible and the breast fails to conform to the shape of the implant) can also require a revision to correct.
  3. You’re considering a smaller size. Some patients may no longer be happy with the size of their current their breast implants, changing their desired body shape. You might desire a return to your smaller breast size or even your original size, possibly with an accompanying breast lift. These types of revisions may help reduce back or neck pain that results from larger, heavier breast sizes that may have begun to cause you discomfort.

You should consult with a competent doctor about any of these reasons or other reasons that you feel might make breast revision a good choice for you. Knowledgeable professionals can lay out all of your possible options and help educate you about all the implications of surgery to help address your concerns.