The "Mommy Makeover" Helping the post baby blues

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding are experiences that many women look forward to and enjoy. Although they take pleasure in their new roles as mothers, there are some unpleasant changes to the body that aren’t as delightful. Throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding, the breasts and abdomen stretch, causing the skin to lose elasticity. In addition, there may also be specific areas of stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and diet.

Women who have exhausted natural means of weight loss often turn to cosmetic plastic surgery to achieve their desired goals. Typically, patients choose to undergo a combination of procedures in order to regain their pre-pregnancy shape; this is often termed a “Mommy Makeover.” Dr. Rau performs this surgery at his practice. The most frequently combined procedures include breast lift surgery (with augmentation), liposuction, and a tummy tuck. Some patients may also opt to undergo vaginal rejuvenation. These procedures can help restore the breasts to a more youthful shape and position, while tightening and contouring the midsection.

It is common for patients to comment that they have been able to reclaim their body with the Mommy Makeover surgery and are pleased with the results. If you are ready to learn more regarding these procedures, feel free to contact Doctor Rau’s office. Your questions/concerns can be addressed during an initial consultation.

5 surefire ways to prevent sun damaged skin

In the morning:
(1) First, apply an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals, which break down collagen. Use a vitamin C-spiked serum because it penetrates better than a thicker lotion. Apply it to clean, dry skin.
(2) Rub on a quarter-size dot of SPF 30 sunscreen (at minimum). Reapply every three hours. Ironically, sun screen is most crucial at the end of the summer when UV indexes peak and most of us slack off.
In the evening:
 (3) Surprisingly, you need extra exfoliation in the summer. Sun exposure slows your skin’s natural ability to shed its dead top layer, so you’ll see a duller complexion, more breakouts and a freckly uneven tone. Lather up with a 2 percent salicylic acid wash and leave it on like a mask for 60 seconds.
(4) Then, let your face dry for 5 minutes and apply retinol. Retinoic acid triggers the growth of skin-smoothing collagen and increases cell turnover. You can get prescription-strength Retin-A from your dermatologist or plastic surgeon or use a milder over-the-counter product if your skin is sensitive. If your skin gets red, alternate retinoic acid with a moisturizer.
(5) Finally, UV rays plus chlorine and salt water can leave your skin feeling and looking as dry as it looks in winter. Parched skin also prompts your body to produce more oil (leading to breakouts) and more than doubles the rate of wrinkle formation. Five minutes after applying retinol, slather on a hyaluronic spiked lotion. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the air into the skin and absorbs 1000 times its weight in water.

Hints To Identify Breast Lift Candidacy

Breast lift procedures are requested by adult women of most any age. The idea of improving the appearance of droopy saggy breasts is appealing for many. The following hints may help clarify some small details about the procedure, but true clarity about the breast lift procedure can be realized through a plastic surgeon. In any case, the hints may prompt questions you can ask your plastic surgeon about.
1. Dense breasts that hang to the mid line of the arm may be the best candidates for a breast lift procedure.

2. Lack of fullness in the upper breast pole may signify the need for a breast implant to build volume in the upper pole. Alternatively, the plastic surgeon may reposition the existing breast tissue, providing there is enough breast tissue to work with.

3. Breasts that a more glandular and less fatty tend to fair well in the breast lift procedure.

4. Skin elasticity and the skin envelope play a role in the outcome of the breast lift procedure.

5. Thin skin is a consideration in the breast lift procedure.
6. Stretch marks on the breasts can be difficult to mask in a breast lift procedure.

7. Breasts may appear enlarged following a breast lift procedure. This is because there is a significant amount swelling following a breast lift procedure.

8. Breast Lift-Breast Augmentation combination procedures are often staged to provide the right position for the nipple following breast augmentation surgery because breast implants drop in the weeks following breast augmentation. Some plastic surgeons do perform both procedures together, but this requires a plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the procedures.

9. A low lying breast is defined by breasts that hang below the mid line of the arm. Such breasts may point down and hang below the breast crease. Breast lifts for these types of candidates may be the most difficult to perform. Inquire about the plastic surgeon�s experience in performing breasts lifts on women with low lying breasts.

10. Breast lift techniques have advanced. Some plastic surgeons utilize techniques that create shorter scars and omit some of the traditional scars that are associated with the breast lift procedure.
In conclusion, it is wise for women interested in the breast lift to speak with a plastic surgeon about every detail involved in the breast lift procedure. Breast lifts techniques vary among plastic surgeons. In fact, the information here cannot replace or truly indentify candidacy for the breast lift procedure. There are many other factors that go into the decision about a breast lift. Inquiring about all aspects involved in the breast lift surgery will help set reasonable expectations for the outcome of the breast lift procedure. All in all, the benefits of the breast lift are enhancing, but the realization of a breast lift can be best identified through a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Liposuction to the SMALL areas are possible

Liposuction first started as a popular means for subcutaneous fat removal in the abdomen. Yet, it has become more common as of late to perform liposuction for the difficult-to-lose little spots such as the knee caps, love handles, back rolls, turkey neck waddle, calves, and ankles.

The reason for this is four fold. First, liposuction technology has advanced. Today, there are other less invasive choices for the removal for fat. There is ultrasonic liposuction that uses frequency waves to break up the fat before it is removed. There are smaller cannulas that can be inserted into small locations to provide the means to extract tiny bits of fat. In fact, one liposuction alternative that is currently under investigation through a sponsored study is injection lipolysis. Injection lipolysis may be the next advancement soon available for the safe and effective removal of fat with the ability to treat minute areas of the face. The second reason why the little spots are a desirable treatment option is simply because plastic surgery procedures are attractive and common for most anyone today. Add this to a reasonable cost; liposuction for the tiny spots may be the right complimentary procedure to add to the list of things to do this fall. By the same token, it is important to note that the goal of liposuction for little spots is not to perfect the body, but may be the correct additive to improve a small troublesome area. Finally, the risks associated with liposuction for the small spots are low when compared with the benefits that patients may experience, including:

Turkey Neck Waddle Liposuction: Turkey neck waddles are a common condition for the 40 something crowd and may be genetic at a younger age. Turkey neck waddles can inhibit participation in social activities and adversely affect self-esteem. Liposuction for a turkey neck waddle may dramatically improve the appearance of the neck as well as add balance and harmony to the face.

Knee Cap Liposuction: The knee caps are another area that many women have been interested in improving. After all, it is a difficult location to lose fat and the appearance of fat knees is not complimentary to dress styles. Liposuction can be delicate for this area, but can be accomplished in the hands of a skilled liposuction surgeon that has focused on treating the knees.

Calf and Ankle Liposuction: When the ankles and calves are considered, extra weight in these areas can be bothersome. Yet, delicacy and special care in the selection of plastic surgeon for the procedure are paramount concerns for calf and ankle liposuction.

Love Handle, Back Roll, or Flank Liposuction: The most popular little spots tend to be love handles (flanks) and back rolls. Liposuction in these areas may allow men and women to remain in the same size, making the new wardrobe purchase less appealing when compared to a small liposuction investment.

How to get your face SUMMER ready

Summer is here, and it’s time to put your best face forward. The winter months can be harsh on your skin, so there are many things you can do to improve your chances of showing off that fresh and healthy complexion. Skin care is a major concern for many individuals, especially during the spring and summer months, and are searching for ways to revive and rejuvenate their skin from aging. There are many anti-aging products and non-surgical procedures to choose from to help reduce the unwanted signs of aging and prepare your skin for the outdoors during the warmer months. Cold weather, diet, and sun exposure can contribute to the aging process. For some, it can be a challenge to get your skin back into shape. There are many solutions to getting your face sunshine-ready including botox, juvederm, the Glytone skin care line, and a variety of facial treatments. Botox Cosmetic is a popular non-surgical treatment for men and women to improve moderate to severe frown lines. Botox relaxes the facial muscles, which cause unwanted wrinkles and creases due to aging, gravity, sun exposure, or a result of facial muscle action. This prescription medicine is injected directly into the targeted muscles and used to temporarily improve fine lines and wrinkles. Ideal areas treated include the area between the eyebrows, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. The advantages of botox are obvious, requiring no surgery and no recovery. Juvederm is the smooth gel filler administered by your doctor to smooth away facial wrinkles around your mouth and nose instantly. Everyone ages differently and Juvederm may be used to rejuvenate multiple problem areas. From smile lines to vertical lip lines, Juvederm is used to smooth-away unwanted wrinkles and restore natural contours. Fortunately, with just one treatment, you get smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year. The popular Glytone skin care line is known for its ability to achieve visible, lasting results while diminishing the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles and healing damaged skin to provide a refreshed look. We all know that it is essential to keep your skin protected from damaging UV rays, but applying an SPF and sunscreen isn’t enough to keep your skin clear of blotchy spots and wrinkles. It is important to take these preventive measures to maintain your flawless complexion. Remember to keep yourself hydrated, take your vitamins and carry sun block in your beach bags.

BOTOX.... Another SHOT at looking young

Discovery Health channel did a very lengthy article on BOTOX Cosmetic and how it has benefited many individuals. It is very interesting and a great read. Please follow the link below to check it out for yourself! 

Discovery Health's article on BOTOX

Age is not a factor in facelift complications

Plastic Surgery Risks May Depend on More Than Age After screening out other problems, older people had no increase in complications, study finds WEDNESDAY, June 1 (HealthDay News) -- Age alone should not be the sole determining factor when deciding whether an older person should have plastic surgery, a new study suggests. In following 216 women over the course of three years, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic found that, if screened properly, people who have facelifts after age 65 are at no greater risk for complications than those who are younger. More than 12 percent of the U.S. population is older than 65, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and many of them have plastic surgery every year. "Facelift surgery in the elderly has always been perceived to carry more post-operative risk," Dr. James Zins, chairman of plastic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a news release from the clinic. "According to our study and pre-operative screenings, patients over 65 had no statistically significant increase in complications." For the study, published online May 27 in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the researchers analyzed how 148 women younger than 65 and 68 women older than 65 had fared during facelift surgery as well as any complications that resulted from the procedures. They found that complication rates were not statistically different between the two groups, suggesting that age is not an independent predictor of risk. The researchers pointed out, however, that the proper screening of older patients is essential. "It should not be generalized from the study that elderly patients can undergo a facelift operation with the same low complication rate as seen in the younger age group," Zins said. "Careful screening of the elderly patients, and excluding those with significant co-morbidities, led to the low complication rate." The researchers also noted that additional study would be needed to determine whether there's an upper age limit for safe facelift surgery. More information The AARP has more on potential risks and complications of plastic surgery. -- Mary Elizabeth Dallas SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic, news release, May 27, 2011 Copyright © 2011 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

5 FUN FACTS

5 Cosmetic Surgery Fun Facts

We thought it would be fun to list a few relatively unknown cosmetic surgery facts. Below are five fun facts related to cosmetic surgery. If you know of any others, list them here!
1. Cosmetic Surgery is Over 4,000 Years Old – Might be hard to believe, but the earliest record of cosmetic surgery dates back to over 4,000 years old.  Detailed records from India dating back to 2000 BC outline reconstructive procedures that were being implemented.
2. The First Breast Implants Date Back to 1895 – According to Wikipedia: “The earliest known breast implant was attempted by Vincenz Czerny, using a woman’s own adipose tissue.” 6 years later, breast implants were attempted, but produced disastrous results as Dr. Robert Gersuny from Austria tried using paraffin injections.
3. Cindy Jackson Has the Record for Most Cosmetic Surgery Procedures – Ohio born singer and writer holds the Guinness World Record for having the  most cosmetic surgery procedures. She became the official record holder in 2000.
4. Liposuction is the Most Common Cosmetic Surgery Procedure – While it may vary from practice to practice, overall in the United States liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure.
5. “Plastic” in “Plastic Surgery” Derives from the Greek Word “Plastikos” – The word plastic derives from the Greek word “Plastikos” which means to mold or to shape.  Plastic surgery derived from this definition of “plastikos” meaning “surgery to mold and to shape”. Plastic’s definition here has no connection with plastics in the sense of synthetic polymer material.

Sunscreen facts and information

The Skin Cancer Foundation - Sunscreen

This seems like the perfect post after a long three day weekend full of fun and sun. Hope that everyone had a safe and wonderful weekend.
Please take some time to look through The Skin Cancer Foundations web site. It is filled with information that may help keep you and your loved ones out of our office for skin problems.

How Botox Makes Those Lines Disappear

You can add wrinkles to death and taxes on the short list of things that are certain in life. As you age, the supple skin of youth gradually gives way to fine lines around your eyes, across your forehead, and between your brows. The non-surgical wrinkle reducer BOTOX ® Cosmetic now lets you graciously decline encroaching wrinkles instead of accepting the frown lines of the over-30 crowd.

BOTOX ® treatments for the temporary reduction of brow wrinkles have been approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2002. It is an extremely popular cosmetic treatment and over one million people have indulged in its face smoothing benefits.

To understand how BOTOX ® works, you need to understand how you develop frown lines. As years go by, your skin loses some of its natural elasticity and fails to bounce back from the movement and stretching that takes place as your facial muscles continually flex and release. This wear on your skin is evident in the fine lines that begin to form as early as your late 20s or early 30s when your skin stops returning completely to its smooth form.

How BOTOX ® Reduces Your Wrinkles

The basis for the BOTOX ® Cosmetic treatment is a protein obtained from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. When small amounts of this protein are injected into muscle tissue, the nerve impulses to the muscles are blocked and paralyze the muscle. Because BOTOX ® is only used on small facial muscles around your brow, the paralysis is minute but the effect on the lines of your upper face is quite noticeable. Without the continual movement of muscles wearing on your skin, the skin has a chance to return to a smoother state.

After receiving a BOTOX ® treatment, people usually see results within a few days and improvement continues to rise for the first month. The wrinkle reduction is typically visible for up to four months before the protein is cleansed from the body and the effect fades.

What Is a BOTOX ® Treatment Like?

If you were to get a treatment, you would receive several tiny injections of BOTOX ® to the facial muscles around your brows. The process takes approximately 10 minutes and involves brief discomfort. The momentary pain of the injections can be reduced with the application of an anesthetic cream beforehand. The short amount of time needed for a BOTOX ® treatment and the absence of recovery time contribute to its rising popularity for cosmetic relief of wrinkles.

It is important to note that who administers BOTOX® treatments varies. It can, of course, be done by a physician, but many service providers have nurses or physicians' assistants handling the injections. It will be up to you to consider who should administer your BOTOX ® treatments should you choose to get them.

As you explore your options for rejuvenating your face, keep in mind that BOTOX ® has only temporary results. However, the treatment can be repeated as you need it, and its speedy application and affordability have tremendous appeal for wrinkle relief. Also, keep in mind that Dr. Rau administers BOTOX to the patient himself, so you are getting the optimum treatment and potency for your money.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to call our office at (909) 792-1100.

Breast Implants – “Gummy Bear” and Silicone Gel

Most Internet videos showing the so-called “Gummy Bear” breast implants feature a cosmetic surgeon cutting open a Gummy Bear implant.
Watch a plastic surgeon cut a Gummy Bear implant in half.
Why all the slicing and dicing?
Leakage of any breast implant is the basic concern. If a saline implant leaks, only harmless salt water is released into the body. (But the breast goes flat!)
The silicone implant now approved for use is known as “form stable silicone gel” If that implant springs a leak, small amounts of the gel escapes into the body. While the silicone gel is very thick — like honey — and leaks much slower than saline, another wrinkle presents itself: the leakage is not obvious.
Virtually all plastic surgeons ask that women receiving form stable silicone implants have periodic X-rays or mammograms to check on implant integrity. Patients don’t immediately notice or feel anything related to the leak, like a breast suddenly collapsing.
The latest generation of silicone implants – the Gummy Bear — bumps things up a notch. Even if that implant is cut in half, the silicone stays put and does not run.
The downside about Gummy Bears: you can only have them implanted in a few centers as part of the FDA approval process. The Gummy Bear is still being tested and not yet cleared for general use in the United States.
If you want to make sure you are asking about the real McCoy, use the whole tongue-twisting technical term for Gummy Bears – “semi-solid, high-cohesive, form stable implants.”
(Read the FDA page that lists the manufacturers of Gummy Bear breast implants.)
During testing, some cosmetic plastic surgeons question the Gummy Bear implants results.
Commenting on RealSelf.com, Tarick K. Smaili, a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon (and California Surgical Institute’s founder and medical director,) is among their numbers.
“The Gummy Bear implant will fall less naturally in the surgical pocket of the breast, similar to issues found with the tear drop implants,” writes Dr. Smaili.
Other plastic surgeons have noted that a larger incision is required for Gummy Bears and that some implant patients think their breasts are too firm after healing.
If you would like to read more about silicone breast implants, visit Love Your Look

Seven Things You Should Know About a Tummy Tuck

You have discovered that ending your relationship with your love handles is harder than finding help in a box store. Your efforts at diet and exercise have not gotten rid of stubborn fatty bulges, and the loose skin from multiple pregnancies or weight loss simply hangs and hangs. For a smoother and shapelier torso your remaining option is the tummy tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty.

With a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed surgically from the abdominal region and the underlying muscles are tightened to create a slimmer and smoother contour. The procedure also better defines the waist. This plastic surgery procedure is a major surgery and does require some recovery. Like any plastic surgery, not everyone is a candidate, but if you are considering a tummy tuck, consider these facts about this common cosmetic procedure.

1. Your physical condition determines whether you are a suitable candidate for a tummy tuck. Ideally, men or women who are in reasonably good physical condition make the best candidates for the removal of excess fat bulges and loose skin, especially if they have already tried to get rid of it with diet and exercise.
2. If your excess skin and fat is mostly concentrated below the belly button, you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. In this procedure, there is a shorter incision and the belly button is not moved. There is also a shorter recovery from a mini tummy tuck than from a standard or full tummy tuck.
3. Because a tummy tuck is a surgery that requires a long incision, you will be left with a scar. To reduce this negative consequence, we place the scar in the lower abdomen that will typically be covered by underwear and bathing suits. And, with proper healing, the scar often becomes very faint.
4. Smoking interferes with recovering from surgery and increases the risks of complications following a tummy tuck. If you are a smoker, you will have to face quitting smoking two weeks before your surgery and during your recovery. Permanently quitting would certainly be best for many reasons.
5. You should be aware that liposuction may be used in conjunction with your tummy tuck. Indeed, liposuction might be all that is needed to achieve the desired result on your abdomen. Be open to the possibility that you may only need the less invasive procedure of liposuction. When you meet your plastic surgeon, he or she will examine you and help determine the best option.
6. When you visit Dr. Rau for a consultation about a tummy tuck, be candid about your body-shaping goals. Your surgeon will be evaluating the skin and fat deposits of your body along with your expectations about results. Then, your surgeon will discuss with you what can be realistically achieved with a tummy tuck.
7. The results of a tummy tuck can be very long lasting if you eat sensibly and stay active. If you overeat and gain weight excessively, then your skin and tissues will be forced to stretch out into new bulges.

A final thought for you to consider about tummy tucks is that nothing is standard with plastic surgery. Each body is unique with its own shape and underlying physical attributes. A plastic surgeon must assess each person individually and perform a tummy tuck that is suited to each body. If you get a tummy tuck, it will be the tummy tuck for your body and it will not necessarily look like the tummy of another person who also had the procedure.