Archives November 2024

A breast lift is an incredibly popular cosmetic surgery that aims to lift and reshape the breasts. The natural aging process, lifestyle habits, and certain life events can impact the look of your breasts. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight gain, in particular, can leave the breasts sagging. This change in your breast’s appearance can impact one’s self-esteem due to the impact it has on one’s overall appearance. You may wonder, how long do breast lift results last?

How Long Do Breast Lift Results Last?

A breast lift is intended to provide you with perkier breasts that are more lifted and firm. Uneven breasts lack definition and sag in a way that can impact the way you feel about your appearance. A breast lift involves the removal of excess breast skin and a reshaping of the breast tissue. The results of this procedure are firmer and higher-set breasts than before. The results of a breast lift are long-lasting; typically, the results last well over a decade. Several controllable factors impact the longevity of your results, so it is essential to take good care of your skin and body to extend your results.

Factors That Impact The Longevity of Your Breast Lift

Right after surgery, you will notice the results are the most pronounced. Your breasts appear firmer and more lifted right away. Patients often report results lasting well over a decade and only notice changes after approximately fifteen years. The surgery results often begin to decline due to the decrease in skin elasticity. The loss of skin elasticity is a natural part of aging, and a lift cannot stop these effects. Below are some of the most critical factors that impact the longevity of your breast lift.

Weight Changes

Significant weight gain or loss can impact the size and shape of your breasts. Specifically, weight gain can cause stretching, which affects the structure of your skin and breast tissue. Alternatively, weight loss can result in lost breast volume, which can make your breasts appear saggier. Maintaining a consistent weight after a breast lift from a female plastic surgeon can ensure the results last.

Skin Quality and Genetics

The quality of your skin is often determined by genetics. In fact, genetics determines everything from the color and texture of your skin to the way it responds to the environment and if it will be to certain skin conditions. Beyond genetics, simple aging leads to many changes in your bodily function, particularly the slowing of collagen production as early as your twenties. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin voluminous and youthful-looking. Without it, you may notice fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. Work with your breast surgeon on ways to reduce the impact of this on your breast lift results. Common approaches include a high-quality skincare routine and sun protection.

Lifestyle Factors

Several lifestyle habits can impact the longevity of your breast lift results. Common factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, sun exposure, and chronic stress. These can all show up on your skin, including on your chest. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is critical to ensuring your health and the results of your breast lift. Manage stress, stay active, eat a balanced diet, and drink in moderation. Use at least SPF 30 and avoid the sun during peak hours.

Breast Lift Procedure

If you are unhappy with the size and shape of your breasts, consider a breast lift. It is an effective surgery to address those issues because of its ability to reshape, resize, and lift your breasts in a natural-looking way. Many women who undergo breast lift surgery report an increase in self-confidence. Their clothes fit differently, and they no longer feel self-conscious about their body.

The first step in moving forward with a breast lift is scheduling a consultation. You can ask your questions and share your aesthetic goals with the surgeon, who will then determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Contact the team at Elise Min Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today!

Immunizations can prevent the contraction and spread of infections that have the potential to negatively impact your health and the health of those around you. In that way, immunizations play a critical role in individual and public health and allow for improved conditions for all. Understanding the role immunizations play in public health is necessary to protect it, which is why we address the question, “Why are immunizations important?” Below, you will find helpful information for navigating your immunizations.

Why Are Immunizations Important?

An immunization, often used interchangeably with vaccination, stimulates your body’s natural defense mechanism and essentially prepares your body’s immune system to fight off certain infections. When you get a vaccination for a particular virus, your doctor will administer a weakened or inactive version of the virus so your body triggers an immune response. Specifically, it will lead your immune system to create antibodies that will protect you in the event you are exposed to the live, uncontrolled version of that virus at a later time. Vaccinations are often given in the form of an injection into the skin, but they can also be orally or nasally administered.

Immunizations are a tool that trains your body to identify viral and bacterial dangers and protect you from them. Getting vaccinated can prevent infections that cause serious health complications, such as illness, disability, and death. Consider the following reasons why immunizations are important.

Protects Your Health

Immunizations protect you from serious illnesses and reduce your chance of incurring serious complications caused by vaccine-preventable diseases. Complications that vaccine-preventable diseases cause can include brain damage, disability, heart irregularities, sensory issues, and other long-term health problems. 

Improves Widespread Immunity

Widespread vaccinations make it much harder for certain diseases to spread. When a substantial part of the population is vaccinated, the virus or bacteria has fewer host bodies it can infect and survive on; thereby, the effects of that disease are diminished. Fewer spread illnesses benefit everyone, as any can be affected by them, but it is especially beneficial for those with compromised immune systems or those with medical conditions that keep them from being vaccinated.

Reduces Healthcare Costs

Getting vaccinated means a greater likelihood of staying healthy, which in turn reduces the impact on healthcare systems. In fact, research has shown that vaccines save millions of lives globally every year and reduce patient days spent in-hospital by more than half. Fewer in-hospital days mean fewer funds spent on the labor, medication, and equipment needed to treat those patients.

Even beyond the overt financial benefits of immunization, there is the bonus that less impacted hospitals mean happier nurses and doctors. When our healthcare professionals no longer feel the burden of overcrowded hospitals and never-ending work, they face less burnout and can provide more exceptional care. Immunization then has medical and financial benefits as well as medical ones.

Safe and Effective Treatment

Some people are concerned about the safety of immunizations. It is vital to make educated, well-researched decisions about your health and healthcare practices. By researching immunizations and speaking to qualified medical professionals, you can gather the knowledge required to make an informed decision.

Research has shown that immunizations are safe and effective. They undergo rigorous testing before they are approved for use. If you have any questions, talk with Abilene doctors. They can provide you with evidence-based information about the safety of immunizations.

Candidates for Vaccinations

There are several immunizations that can ensure you are protected from harmful diseases. Common vaccines include those that treat measles, polio, hepatitis B, human papillomavirus “HPV), and influenza. Consult with your doctor about which immunizations you are eligible for. They can assess your health history to determine which vaccines you should take.

Children and Teens

Children are provided immunizations according to a specialized schedule based on their age. Some of the immunizations this schedule includes are those which target measles, mumps, and whooping cough. Getting protection against these illnesses early on in life can benefit the child, both at present and in the future, as well as the larger community. This immunization schedule continues through a person’s teenage years. Specifically, teens can benefit from meningitis and HPV vaccines. These can reduce the risk of infections that cause cancer and other harmful illnesses.

Adults

A person’s immune system and lifestyle change as they grow, so there are some vaccinations suitable for adults that health professionals do not recommend for younger people. That said, in addition to several new immunizations adults should get, a number of adolescent immunizations would benefit from a booster when a person becomes an adult.

Standard vaccinations for adults include the shingles vaccine and flu and tetanus boosters.

The most critical measure to take is to talk with your medical provider about your risk for certain illnesses. They can discuss your risk and determine which vaccines are right for you.

People Traveling

Traveling is a great way to spend your free time and build new memories. Before you travel, be sure to consult with your doctor about where you are headed. They can advise you on which vaccines you need based on where you are traveling. In fact, some countries will only allow you to enter their borders with proof of vaccination for certain illnesses. Common immunizations for those who are traveling include yellow fever and typhoid vaccinations. Speak with your doctor well in advance of your trip, as some immunizations take time to go into full effect. 

Abilene Doctors

If you are not current on your immunizations, schedule an appointment with West Texas Health today!

A gummy smile treatment is a procedure that can be life-changing for some people, boosting their confidence and presentation. But is gummy smile correction painful? In our article, we answer this question and discuss the procedure and the recovery.

Is Gummy Smile Correction Painful?

The procedure of gummy smile correction is typically not painful since, in most cases, the surgery site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Modern anesthetics are highly effective and prevent most patients from feeling anything at all. 

Sedation dentistry is available for patients who have a high tolerance to local anesthetics. It can also be helpful to people with acute anxiety about dental procedures. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel relaxed and at ease during the procedure. There are several types of sedation dentistry available:

• Oral sedation that is administered by taking a pill by mouth
• Intravenous sedation
• Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) that is inhaled through a mask
• General anesthesia 

Talk to your doctor about the anesthetic and sedation options they can offer. 

What Happens During a Gummy Smile Correction Procedure?

A gummy smile procedure can be done using different methods: gum contouring using a laser or a scalpel or lip repositioning surgery. In some cases, these methods can be combined. An orthodontic treatment can also be beneficial for some patients in combination with gum contouring or lip repositioning. 

Gum Contouring

Before the procedure of gum contouring, you will have a consultation with your dentist and discuss the look you want to achieve with this treatment. Also, you will have an exam on your oral health during this visit. Your dentist will need to make sure that you do not have any cavities, periodontitis, or other issues. If any of these problems are present, you will have to treat them before gum contouring can be done.

At the beginning of the procedure, your dentist will mark the gum tissue to make sure that the gum line looks unified. In addition, factors such as tooth wear and facial structure will be taken into account when deciding how much gum tissue should be removed, as the goal is to achieve a balanced and symmetrical look. 

Additionally, your dentist will check if you have excess bone tissue around your teeth, as it will cause your gums to grow back after the procedure. If there is excess bone tissue, it will be removed during the gum contouring procedure as well.

Before the surgery begins, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the procedure site. Once your gums are numb, your doctor will remove the excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth’ surface. 

Lip Repositioning

In some cases, a gummy smile can be a result of the position of the upper lip or the way it moves when you smile. Therefore, surgical lip repositioning helps change the amount of gum visible when smiling by limiting the movement of the lip. 

This procedure takes approximately an hour and is performed under a local anesthetic that prevents the patient from feeling pain.

The Recovery After a Gummy Smile Correction

Once the anesthetic wears off, you will most likely start feeling some tenderness, soreness, or discomfort in the area of your gums or lip that got altered. You can also experience swelling. However, these symptoms typically go away within several days after the procedure as your gums or lips heal. 

Any excessive pain or discomfort can be remedied with over-the-counter pain medication, such as Ibuprofen. Recovery typically takes approximately a week. To minimize pain and discomfort during gummy smile correction recovery, follow these tips:

• Abstain from sports or other strenuous physical activities for about seven days after the procedure, as they can increase bleeding and swelling.
• Make sure to clean the surgical area well and to maintain thorough oral hygiene in general to prevent bacterial growth. Follow your dentist’s recommendations on how to brush and floss your teeth after the procedure. You might also be recommended an antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotics. 
• Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods such as crackers, chips, nuts, etc. Such foods can damage your gums. Instead, adhere to a soft diet for several days after the gummy smile correction. Examples of a soft diet include yogurt, smoothies, soups, eggs, mashed potatoes, etc. 

Make an Appointment Today

If you are considering a gummy smile correction procedure, do not hesitate to sign up for a consultation at our dental office today. Our specialists will carry out a detailed examination of your case to offer you the best solution. We look forward to your visit to the Smiles of Arcadia dental office. 

A thigh lift is a plastic surgery procedure designed to improve the appearance of the thighs and upper legs. For patients who are self-conscious about this part of their body, a thigh lift has the potential to give them a markedly improved appearance and sense of confidence. However, there are an unfortunate number of misconceptions and myths about this procedure that can contribute to patients not fully understanding the procedure that they are about to engage in. In other cases, it can deter a patient from engaging with the procedure at all. If you are interested in the benefits of a thigh lift but are worried about some of the information you have heard about it, take a look at this article that works at dismantling myths about thigh lifts.

What is a Thigh Lift?

A thigh lift is a type of cosmetic surgery that can help to improve the appearance of one’s thighs. Often, this procedure is employed to remove excessive amounts of skin and fat from this area of the body. The results deliver a more contoured and toned appearance to the thighs.

Dismantling Myths About Thigh Lifts 

A thigh lift can be a wonderful and life-affirming procedure for those for whom it works. However, there are some myths surrounding this procedure that do not serve either doctor or patient as they navigate the complexities of surgery. Dispelling these myths can help you feel more confident as you move forward with your procedure.

Myth 1: Thigh Lifts Leave Large and Noticeable Scars

One common myth surrounding thigh lifts is that they tend to create large and noticeable amounts of scarring on a patient. In fact, the most contemporary surgical techniques have progressed to the point that they are able to leave minimal amounts of scarring throughout the procedure.

Myth 2: Only Women Receive Thigh Lifts

Another pernicious myth surrounding this procedure is that a thigh lift is a procedure that is only ever sought after by women. The reality is that a thigh lift can benefit any individual looking to improve the appearance of their thighs, regardless of their gender.

Myth 3: Thigh Lift Recovery is Painful

Thigh lifts entail an average amount of discomfort in their recovery periods in relation to surgery of comparable scope. Most patients will find that they are finished with the most uncomfortable period of their recovery period within a few weeks. You can help facilitate this by following your physician’s instructions regarding your recovery period very closely.

Myth 4: Thigh Lifts Do Not Offer Long-lasting Results

The results from a thigh lift procedure can last for a very long time and may last for life if paired with a reasonable level of exercise and healthy living. Most patients who see their results fade more quickly do so because they do not couple their procedure with a healthy lifestyle.

Myth 5: You Cannot Walk Normally After a Thigh Lift

This is true for some patients, but this situation will likely only be the case for a few days. Most patients will find that they are fully mobile and can move about normally within a couple of days from their initial procedure. Special medical circumstances may extend this period, so talk with your doctor if you have particular concerns.

Myth 6: Thigh Lifts Are Only Cosmetic

There is a common misconception that thigh lifts are performed only for cosmetic benefits and do not offer a patient any other type of advantage. Although the aesthetic benefits of a thigh lift are strong, there are a number of other gifts that this procedure can impart. Many patients end up with a stronger sense of confidence, less skin chafing, and, on average, a stronger sense of mobility. These benefits reach into the psychological and lifestyle sectors of one’s life.

Myth 7: Any Plastic Surgeon Can Perform a Thigh Lift

In fact, a thigh lift is best left in the hands of a specialist who has performed the procedure successfully numerous times. When researching the doctor with whom you are thinking of performing your procedure, make sure to look into their surgical history and check to see that they have a strong record of performing the procedure successfully.

Myth 8: Thigh Lifts Are for Young People

A thigh lift can benefit a person of any age, so long as they are healthy enough to endure some of the stressors that come paired with receiving an invasive surgery. The primary factors that influence a candidate’s eligibility for a thigh lift are not their age but rather the health of their skin and their general health profile.

Myth 9: Thigh Lifts Only Help People Trying to Lose Weight

The overall purpose of a thigh lift is not actually to help an individual lose weight, although this may be a benefit that some patients experience. Rather, a thigh lift aims to reshape and sculpt the thighs to make them look better. This involves adjusting the skin and fat of the thighs into a different form.

Myth 10: Thigh Lifts Are For Individuals Who Have Experienced Dramatic Weight Loss

These individuals make up a significant number of the patients who come seeking thigh lifts. This is due to the fact that losing significant amounts of weight can result in warping and stretch marks on the thighs, which a thigh lift can help to readjust into a more pleasing form. However, these types of issues can affect anyone, regardless of whether or not they have recently lost significant amounts of weight. Thigh lifts can be a valuable tool for anyone looking to adjust the appearance of their thighs.

Benefits of a Thigh Lift 

There are many different benefits of receiving a thigh lift, which is a procedure that can positively impact the appearance of one’s thighs in a number of different ways. Some of the common issues that can be addressed with a thigh lift include:

• Rashes
• Chafing
• Sagging skin
• Discoloration
• Cellulite and lumpy skin
• Poor skin tone
• Loss of elasticity

Many patients report a higher overall sense of confidence in their appearance following a thigh lift procedure. In this way, the benefits of the procedure can spill over from just simply the target area of the surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate For a Thigh Lift? 

Most healthy patients who are interested in receiving a thigh lift will find themselves qualified to receive treatment. Some of the qualities that your physician will look for include: 

• Non-smoker
• No severe underlying health conditions
• No health conditions that would complicate one’s recovery
• Having maintained a healthy weight for about a year prior to surgery

In addition, your physician will provide an overview of your general health profile and physical fitness before they approve treatment for you.

What Occurs During a Thigh Lift?

There are several steps that you can expect to experience as you proceed through the thigh lift process. In general, the steps of a thigh lift look something like this:

• Your physician will make incision lines on the thighs to indicate where the cuts of the surgery will take place.
• Your anesthesiologist will administer general anesthesia to you so you lose consciousness during the procedure.
• Your surgeon will make an incision in the groin area. Depending on the patient, this incision may extend around the back of the thighs and down towards the knees.
• Your surgeon begins to remove fat, reposition muscles, and tissues, and trim away excess skin during the thigh lift procedure.
• Sutures are applied to help secure the new shape of the thighs.
• Stitches are utilized to close all incisions and prepare the area for the healing and recovery period post-surgery.

A thigh lift will typically take about two hours to complete. After your procedure is complete, you will enter the recovery period.

After Your Surgery

Following the completion of your surgery, you will be moved into a recovery area until you awaken from general anesthesia. Depending on your state, you will either spend the night in the hospital or be released from the hospital to head home that same day. 

Your physician will give you a set of guidelines to follow to maximize your recovery period and ensure that you have the knowledge required to safeguard your results. In general, you can expect to need plenty of rest and avoid engaging in any overly strenuous physical activities for the first few days following your procedure.

You will likely experience modest pain and discomfort during this recovery period. Your thighs may feel irritated and sore. This is considered a normal effect of the procedure. However, you should keep note if you experience any of the following risks and side effects:

• Bleeding
• Odd skin sensations
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infection
• Numbness
• Pour wound healing
• Swelling
• Seroma

The Best in LA

Dr. Joubin Gabbay is a fellowship-trained surgeon who specializes in a number of popular plastic surgery procedures. If you are interested in a thigh lift but are unsure if it is for you, contact Dr. Gabbay today to set up an appointment to discuss the benefits of this procedure.

Moles are a common occurrence on the skin of many individuals. Most of the time, moles are aesthetic marks on the skin that are not indicative of any serious medical situation. However, misshapen, large, or roughly textured moles can indicate the presence of skin cancer in the body. In this case, mole removal is essential for preserving the health of a patient, and can even be lifesaving. If you have a mole that you worry might be cancerous, take a look at this guide that can help you determine whether you should see a doctor about your mole to talk about mole removal. 

What Are Moles? 

Moles are a common skin growth that can occur on any part of the skin. Most moles are benign and present no threat to one’s health. Moles can change in appearance over time, and can also disappear gradually. Changes in the appearance of a mole may indicate the presence of cancer.

Why Do Moles Develop? 

A mole develops when the cells in the body, known as melanocytes, begin to form in clusters. These types of cells are more often normally spread evenly throughout the skin, with the purpose of producing melanin, which can give skin its color. In most cases, the development of a mole is not considered cause for alarm, and most people have moles at least somewhere on their skin.

When To See a Doctor About a Mole

There are some changes to the appearance of a mole that should be watched closely, as they may indicate that a mole has become cancerous and needs to be removed. Common symptoms in this regard include:

• Changes in color: Moles that change colors, have an uneven color distribution, or contain many colors may be cancerous.
• Asymmetry: Most normal moles are symmetrical. An extremely asymmetrical mole can sometimes indicate an abnormality.
• Evolving: Moles that change in shape or size too rapidly to be considered normal should also be eye suspiciously. In addition, you should take note of whether your mole is consistently itchy or begins bleeding.
• Changing border: Moles that have irregular borders, notched borders, or roughly textured borders may also indicate cancer.
• Large diameter: Moles that are larger than ¼ inch in diameter may be cancerous.

Not every malignant mole will display all of the above characteristics. Inspection by a medical professional is required to determine the malignancy or benign nature of any mole.

Complicating Factors

 Everyone’s skin is different, and therefore, the study of melanoma and moles can be highly personal. For example, there are many individuals with dozens or even hundreds of freckles and moles that do not ever become cancerous.

 Staying aware of these complicating factors is essential for both patient and doctor as you work together to produce the most accurate portrait of one’s health. Keep an eye out for these other complicating factors:

• Being born with moles that are unusually shaped, without being malignant
• Being born with large moles from birth
• Naturally having many moles on the skin
• Being from a family where skin cancer is common
• Using tanning beds or excessively sun tanning

The above are just examples of some of the factors that can impact the development of moles on one’s skin, as well as the risk factor that one or more of them might become cancerous.

Protecting Your Skin and Lowering the Risk of Cancer

There are a number of steps that you can take to protect your skin and any moles you might have to help prevent them from becoming cancerous. Some of the following are considered best practices: 

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during the peak hours of the day
• Use sunscreen when you’re going to spend lots of time outside
• Wear protective clothing if you’re spending extended time outside
• Avoid using tanning lamps and tanning beds

The above advice is doubly recommended if a patient comes from a family with a history of skin cancer or has had cancerous moles in the past. If this is the case for you, you should consider receiving annual check-ups from a dermatologist to examine your skin for signs of skin cancer.

Your Best Resource for Mole Removal

Dr. Brent is a board-certified plastic surgeon who routinely delivers high-quality procedures for individuals in Southern California and beyond. If you have a mole that you are concerned about and would like removed, contact Dr. Brent today to discuss your options.

A seroma is a condition that describes a post-surgical phenomenon where fluids begin to accumulate under the skin at the site of surgery. Seroma is quite common after both medical and cosmetic surgery. Informing yourself about the risk of a seroma can help you be more adequately prepared should it come up. Seromas can be medically serious in certain situations. Take a look at this overview of this post-surgical condition, which may help you understand how it relates to cosmetic body surgery.

√What Is a Seroma?

A seroma is a build-up of natural fluids or healing tissue in the body that has the potential to develop after any surgery or serious medical procedure. Seromas are a natural healing response of the body in response to the physical trauma of surgery. Seromas are not typically medically hazardous but are nevertheless unpleasant and desirable to avoid.

How Common Is Seroma After Cosmetic Surgery?

It is quite common for a patient to develop a seroma after cosmetic surgery. In fact, these lumps have the potential to form after any invasive surgery. The surgeries that most commonly provoke the development of seromas include BBLs (Brazilian Butt Lifts) and tummy tucks. Other common surgeries that provoke seromas include:

• Hernia repair
• Abdominoplasty
• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction

Although seromas are not typically considered medically dangerous, they carry a risk for infection and can interfere with the body’s healing process after surgery. For these reasons, your physician may opt to drain a large seroma that has become infected.

Why Do Seromas Develop?

Seromas remain a natural risk of any invasive surgery due to their nature as part of the body’s healing response. That said, there are some elements of a surgery that can increase the risk of developing a seroma:

• Utilizing low-vacuum drains
• The use of electrocautery when closing skin flaps over the surgical wound
• Excessive movement or strain directly following surgery
• Removing drain tubes from the surgical site too abruptly following surgery

In addition, larger-scale surgeries and surgeries that take more extended periods to complete have been shown to increase the overall risk of developing a seroma.

When Should I Seek Assistance?

Staying aware of the signs of infection in a seroma can help you avoid dangerous situations and further medical expenses down the line. Keep an eye out for the following signs that your seroma may have become infected:

• Fever
• A rapid increase in swelling
• Pain
• Increased heart rate
• White or bloody drainage surrounding the seroma
• Confusion
• Blood pressure changes

You can discuss with your physician prior to your procedure whether or not they think that you are at particular risk for developing a seroma following your surgery. This can help you know whether you should anticipate needing to bear with one.

Treating a Seroma

Many seromas will disappear on their own accord as the body naturally reabsorbs the fluids that have accumulated in them. The use of certain anti-inflammatories or over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, may, on occasion, augment this process.

Large seromas that have become infected or are causing pain can be drained and removed by your surgeon. If your surgeon opts to drain the seroma, they will remove the fluid using a syringe. Surgically removing a seroma involves a very mild excision of the lump.

Preventing the Development of Seromas

There are some steps that you and your doctor can take to attempt to prevent the development of seromas. One common preemptive step involves the use of surgical drainage systems that attempt to drain excess fluid from the surgical site, thus preventing the development of seromas.

In addition, compression garments are commonly utilized to help the skin and tissue of the surgical site heal faster and more effectively. This, in turn, can help to deter the development of seromas at the surgical site.

Preventing seromas is preferable, but it is important to note that, in most cases, these growths are not medically serious or dangerous. Often, patience is all that’s required as your body engages in its natural healing process.

The Best Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Dr. Gabriel Chiu is a board-certified surgeon dedicated to offering his clients in Beverly Hills the highest level of treatment available. If you are interested in discussing plastic surgery with a professional, contact our cosmetic surgery center today.

Dark circles can affect people of all ages. They make you look stressed, tired, and much older than you are. People who are impacted by dark circles will often do anything to get rid of them and instead have a more wakeful and youthful-looking appearance. In some cases, dark circles are genetic and require dark circle removal. However, certain lifestyle factors can reduce the appearance of dark circles. Below, you will find tips for incorporating lifestyle changes to reduce dark circles.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Dark Circles

Despite being a common issue, dark circles can have a profound negative impact on the way people feel about their facial appearance. Luckily, there are treatment options available, including surgery at a top cosmetic eye care center. If you are less inclined toward surgery for dark spot removal, consider incorporating the following lifestyle changes to reduce the presence of your dark circles.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Nutrition has a substantial influence on your mental and physical health as well as your appearance.  A well-balanced diet can offer many benefits, including a slimmer waistline, clearer, smoother skin, and more energy. When attempting to reduce dark circles, create a diet that prioritizes foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes collagen; vitamin E aids in moisture retention; and iron reduces the appearance of dark circles and pale skin. A nutrient-rich diet can help improve your skin and health.

Stay Hydrated All Day

We understand life can get busy, and drinking water is not always a leading priority. Unfortunately, neglecting the need for significant water intake can seriously impact the look of your skin. Dehydration can result in dull skin and dark circles, along with a host of other unwanted issues like constipation, fatigue, and poor mood. Aim for 8 to 10 glasses of water (approximately 3.2 liters) each day. If you struggle to remember to drink water, add reminders on your phone to alert you. Carry a water bottle around until you get into the habit of drinking enough water.

Protect Your Skin

Sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, which commonly impacts the area under your eyes. You should wear sunscreen on a daily basis, even if you do not go outdoors. Even indirect sunlight, through windows, for example, can still impact your skin. Opt for sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for optimal protection. In addition to wearing sunscreen, stay inside during peak sun hours. If you need to go outside, apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses that have UV protection, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing.

Avoid Consuming Certain Substances

Drinking alcohol and smoking can impact your skin and overall health in numerous ways. Even moderate substance use can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, so always engage in moderation for the sake of your health and appearance. Alcohol is known for causing dehydration, which can make dark circles more pronounced. Smoking causes premature aging by damaging chromosomes in the white blood cells and negatively impacts the look of your skin.

Focus on Getting Good Rest

One of the most common causes of dark circles is poor sleep, whether that is difficulty falling or difficulty staying asleep. Not getting enough sleep or getting poor quality sleep not only impacts your appearance but also your physical and mental health. Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Take the time to find a healthy sleep hygiene routine that works for you so you can get the sleep you need.

Cosmetic Eye Care Center

If you have incorporated lifestyle changes that have not helped your dark circles, contact the team at Nevada Eye Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation!  

Emergency dental care is aimed at helping patients who require immediate medical attention after having sustained an oral trauma or those who experience acute toothache due to infection. But how do you know when you should visit an emergency dentist or an emergency room? Please read our article to learn the difference.

Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist or an Emergency Room?

Both an emergency dental office and an emergency room provide immediate medical care. Typically, both are available 24 hours a day and do not require a preliminary appointment. However, there are differences in the type of services they provide and the kind of trauma or injury they are able to help you with. 

When to Go to an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist can provide services connected to restoring the health and function of your teeth and gums. The situations in which you should opt for an emergency dentist as opposed to an emergency room include:

Knocked Out Tooth

A tooth that is completely knocked out of its socket due to trauma can be restored and saved if you act quickly. Try to get to the emergency dental office within the first 20 to 60 minutes after the accident, bringing your knocked-out tooth with you. It is essential to properly store your teeth on the way to the dental office so that it survives. 

You must store your tooth in a clean container filled with milk or saliva. You can briefly rinse your tooth with water if it is dirty before putting it into the container. However, do not rub your tooth or remove any tissue particles from it. If your tooth is clean and it is possible to put it back into its socket, keep it in your mouth on your way to the dentist, but be careful not to swallow it.

Dislodged Tooth

If a dislodged tooth is secured in its socket in time, it has a good chance of healing and becoming stable again. Be careful not to disturb it even further on your way to the dental office, and avoid touching or moving it.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth

A broken, cracked, or chipped tooth can be restored with dental bonding or other procedures. If possible, bring the pieces of your tooth to the dental office. Your doctor might be able to attach them back to your tooth and restore its function and appearance. The sooner you see the doctor, the better your chances of a successful restoration are.

Acute Toothache

Intense toothache is most likely a sign of infection within the tooth. If not addressed in time and treated with a proper procedure, it can lead to tooth loss. 

Dental Abscess

Dental abscesses are also caused by infection and look like pockets filled with pus. A dental abscess will not go away on its own and, in fact, can spread very quickly. Thus, an abscess in the mouth is always a reason to see an emergency dentist.

When to Go to an Emergency Room

If you go to an emergency room with one of the dental issues we listed above, you will most likely be provided with some pain management. Doctors at an emergency room can also help you with such symptoms as swelling and bruising. However, specialists in an emergency room are not likely to perform any dental procedures, such as root canal therapy, dental bonding, dental surgery, etc. They will be able to help you with facial injuries that do not concern teeth specifically. 

Cases when you need to go to an emergency room instead of an emergency dental office include:

An Emergency Dentist Is Unavailable

In cases when you need any kind of restorative dental procedure but an emergency dentist is unavailable, you can go to an emergency room. There, you will get help managing the symptoms, such as pain and swelling, until an emergency dentist can admit you.

You Have a Dislocated or Broken Jaw

A dislocated or broken jaw can lead to severe swelling and difficulty breathing. That is why you must go to an emergency room right away after receiving the injury.

You Have an Extensive Facial Trauma

Some accidents might lead to lacerations and wounds on the face, as well as broken bones. If you sustain such injuries, you should go to an emergency room.

Call Our Office in Case of a Dental Emergency

Do not hesitate to call our emergency dentistry in Arcadia if you need immediate medical attention. Specialists at Smiles of Arcadia offer a wide range of services aimed at restoring your oral health. We look forward to your visit.