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Proper exfoliation in
conjunction with using a good moisturizer by night and a good sunscreen by
day will significantly help improve the appearance of your
décolletage. If your skin is dry you may need internal moisture
replenishment -- so drink 8-10 glasses of water each day. Taking oral
vitamin E supplements can significantly help with dry skin, although check
with your general practitioner first -- and never take vitamin E before or
directly after a surgical procedure.
Exfoliation may include
manual remedies such as various prepared "scrubs", loofah pads,
exfoliating mitts or washcloths and even salt or sugar rubs.
Chemically-induced exfoliation, also known as a " chemical peel",
can improve the appearance of your skin in a matter of days as compared to
several months with lesser methods. We will cover more invasive
methods as well.
Acne is
considered by many physicians to be a disorder of the sebaceous glands
(oil glands) that may result in clogged pores, inflammations and cystic
acne. Acne is most commonly found on the face, although it can occur on the
neck, shoulders, back, buttocks and of course - the chest area. Acne
is reported to affect 17 million people in the United States alone! 85% of
that in adolescents. (International Journal of Dermatology; 1999
statistics). If you find that you have frequent outbreaks of
inflamed, sore and visually reddened mounds or pustules -- you may have
acne. Be advised that acne is not just a condition that effects teens
-- adult acne is very common. Regardless of which age group it
affects it still gives us the same insecure feelings.
Most
Dermatologists describe acne as "a disease of the pilosebaceous
units". Pilosebaceous units are a combination (unit) of your
sebaceous glands which are connected to your hair follicles. The
sebaceous gland secretes the sebum (oil) and it is carried down, or rather
up, the hair shaft onto your face to simply moisturize it. You may
notice your skin maybe be oilier in the Summer because of the sweating and
heat. That is normal -- we all have to wash our skin more in the summer
than in the winter.
Our body
forms a pustule if a pore or follicle is clogged with either
"dead" skin, dirt or even excessive edema (swelling) from either
trauma or medical problems, or any synthetic or foreign structure (a nose
cast, tape, plastic, etc.) and the sebum is blocked and cannot escape
resulting in inflammation. Bacteria can also help the process along
in a condition called Propionibacterium acne (or P.
Acne). The excess skin cells that are shed into the follicle may trap
and give the natural bacteria that is living in your follicles and
skin surface to sustain themselves on. These bacteria then secrete enzymes
as they are growing, eating and multiplying that inflame the skin.
Acne
treatments may include oral medications, topical formulations, changes in
diet to level hormones and more. The treatment regimen depends
entirely upon the cause. Please discuss these causes and treatment
options with your physician to determine which course of action will suit
your individual needs.
The skin not
only appears aged because you grow older - even the youngest of individuals
can appear aged prematurely because of photoaging. Photoaging
is the damage received due to excessive exposure to the sun and other forms
of Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. UV exposure may seem to help
lessen eruptions of acne and give the appearance of lessening the
appearance hyperpigmentations by camouflaging it with a tan -- but UV light
can significantly damage your skin even more than the acne ever could. This
includes indoor tanning equipment as well. The UV light exposure destroys
your skin's collagen and elastin supply. UVA light is more responsible for
photo-aging. Remember UVA -- remember A as in "Aging".
However, do not think that UVB is safe either.
Your body
reacts to the excessive UV light by producing a thicker layer of skin cells
in an attempt to protect your body from the UV exposure. Tanning or
and even minimal UV light exposure is contraindicated with many Acne
medications. Many of the available Acne medications can cause increased
photosensitivity when used. Check with your physician first.
Symptoms may be
freckles, dark or light patches, thinning skin, wrinkles or an otherwise
unhealthy, muddled appearance. You may think you look good with a tan
now, but later on the effects are truly not worth it. Self tanners
are a safer and less expensive way to go in the long run.
Hyperpigmentations can be
caused from acne, scratches or other injuries, sun damage, and more. Treatment options include Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
such as the PhotoDerm, FotoFacial or PhotoFacial machines, chemical peels
and laser resurfacing. At-home chemically-induced exfoliation
regimens like Retin A, Retin A Micro and Renova with the use of
Hydroquinone or Kojic acid can effectively reduce the signs of sun damage
and other pigmentation irregularities.
If you have upper chest
flushing, redness, broken capillaries, telangiectasias (Teel-ann-ject-AZE-yah)
which are purple or blue veins which may appear on the face, neck and upper
chest, hemangiomas (sacs of red, purple or blue blood vessels
resembling a blister, aka strawberry hemangiomas), cherry angiomas (red
dots), port wine stains, spider veins, all of these vascular lesions can be
removed. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy, such as PhotoDerm or
FotoFacial, gives you the benefits of a medium depth laser or chemical peel
or other type of resurfacing/rejuvenation procedure without the blisters,
burns and long recovery time. An added benefit of IPL is that many
patients report a reduction in pore size, smoother skin, and less
wrinkles!
The light
pulses are directed at the spider and varicose veins as well as vascular
birth marks. The tissue targeted is the hemoglobin in the
blood.
Hemoglobin <he*mo*glo*bin>
(noun) : an iron-containing respiratory pigment of red blood cells
that functions primarily in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the
tissues of the body.
A highly advanced computer regulates the light pulse to a specific
wavelength range, which in turn heats the visible, targeted blood
vessel(s). Thereby damaging or otherwise destroying the targeted
lesion while sparing the surrounding healthy or "normal"
tissue. The penetration depth and degree of heat is highly controlled
so that most complications contributed to these specific factors are not an
issue with Pulsed Light Therapy.
Moles, skin tags and nevi
can disrupt the smooth appearance of your décolletage. Some women are
plagued by numerous skin lesions and may be a source of discontent with
their cleavage area. Some of you may not purchase the low cut tops
you long to wear due to a mole or two and have often thought about
removal. Skin lesion removal is actually quite painless.
Topical anesthetics can be applied or you may choose to have
cryogenic-assisted therapy. This involves the use of a very cold
spray which assists in a clean, pain-free removal. Other options
include microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, lasers, chemical peels and
in-office excision with a scalpel.
Wrinkles (rhytids)
are caused from the break down of your underlying collagen and elastin
fibers. When you crease the skin repeatedly, or even the weight
and fall of lax tissues is present, you eventually develop lines where your
skin has folded repeatedly. However once it happens it can be
improved, but not without expense. This is why prevention is a
necessity in maintaining beautiful, youthful skin.
- Laser Resurfacing For
Wrinkle Ablation & Reduction: Please see the following Laser Resurfacing Section for more information on
this type of treatment.
- Dermabrasion For Wrinkles: Dermabrasion is not a
simple and pain-free solution. It requires downtime - longevity
and effectiveness dependent upon the depth of the treatment and skill
of the physician. Please see the following Dermabrasion Section for more information on this
option.
- Chemical Peel For Wrinkle
Ablation & Reduction: There are many types of peels which can be
minimally invasive to capable of deep penetration. Please see
the following Chemical Peels Section for more information on
this option.
·
Microdermabrasion
For Fine Lines:
Microdermabrasion is capable of reducing the look of fine lines and other
skin afflictions such as freckles and other hyperpigmentations. These
machines slowly and effectively remove fine lines and resurface skin --
causing cell turnover and collagen production by using a minimally invasive
means. Please see the following Microdermabrasion Section for more information on this
option.
Breast augmentation has
seen itself through times of controversy and, thankfully, is now more
widely accepted. Although a very personal decision -- breast implant
surgery should never be undergone for reasons other than your own self
fulfillment. Never for a spouse or another's acceptance or
approval. This surgery will never make you a different person but has
been shown to increase a woman's confidence through her own self
image. If a patient has realistic expectations and has fully accepted
the possible risks and responsibility, breast augmentation can be a very
rewarding experience.
Visit BreastImplants4You.com
to learn more about:
·
breast
implant types:
saline, silicone and others, what will you choose?
·
breast
implant surface:
smooth or textured, which is best for you?
·
breast
implant placement: over, partially under, or fully under the muscle
·
risks,
complications and contraindications of breast augmentation surgery
·
preparing
your mind, body and surroundings for surgery
·
printable
tip sheets and checklists for a smoother, well-prepared experience
·
recovery: what to expect and tips
for smoother recovery
·
message
board and chat room dedicated to breast augmentation
Breast
Reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is the surgery to reduce the weight,
mass and otherwise size of the breasts for whatever reason. It is designed
to alter the size of the breasts to better the life of the patient. When
one has very large breasts it is difficult to exercise, play sports. swim,
fit into clothing, or otherwise stand up straight without pain. Mixed with
the insecure feelings overly large breasts may bring, it is undoubtedly a
nightmare for many.
The scars
from breast reduction surgery are pronounced so please know this before you
choose to undergo this surgery. However, techniques are getting
better. Please visit the following Breast
Reduction Section for more information.
Mastopexy is
the surgery of the breast that incorporates excision of excess skin and
re-suturing of the tissue to literally lift the breast and give it a
more youthful, perky appearance. The anchor incision was once the
only option and still may be your only option should you have
excessive ptosis (or sag) to "lift" your breasts to their former
appearance.
First and
foremost, an individual must be in good health, not have any active
diseases or pre-existing medical conditions and must have realistic
expectations of the outcome of their surgery. Communication is crucial in
reaching one's goals. You must be able to voice your desires to your
surgeon if he/she is to understand what your desired results are. Discuss
you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with
what can realistically be achieved. If you are planning to still have
children it is a good idea to wait until you no longer wish to have any
additional children.
Only a
qualified plastic surgeon can assess your needs and discuss with you the
options that you may have involving a breast lift. Be sure that you
consult with several surgeons as not all doctors choose to offer their
patients the newest of options or any options for that matter. Please visit
BreastLift4You.com
for more information on the mastopexy surgery.
The art of
Micropigmentation (also referred to as dermagraphics, permanent make up or
cosmetics, cosmetic tattooing, intra-dermal implants, derma-pigmentation)
is becoming very popular. This procedure is not really new. It is dated
back since the early 1900's but history has it that Royalty in Egypt and
some women in India and Africa who have used kohl to enhance their eyes in
the past, evolved into a desire for a more permanent approach. Hence,
permanent eye enhancement with various substances over the years, plant and
nut pigments or ground coals (carbon) inserted with fine, sharp
implements. However, facial applications are not the only use for
micropigmentation...
Re-pigmentation
to the areola (the dark pink skinned areas surrounding the nipple) is a
procedure that is changing the lives of those who have had breast
reconstruction surgery or a mastectomy. The scars can be re-pigmented with
colors matching the clients skin tone to bring back a feeling of normalcy.
Sometimes entire nipples are simulated giving many women their esteem back.
Some women may
have scars from breast augmentation around their areolas or simply desire
larger areolas. With permanent cosmetics, that is now possible.
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