Lifestyle

New Year, New You!

Friday, February 5th, 2010

It’s 2010, and we are not only embarking on a New Year, but also a new decade!  So too come the traditional New Year’s resolutions. Maybe you have chosen to kick a bad habit, exercise more, eat things that are better for you, or do a little more to make the planet a better place.  Or maybe you’d like to turn back time, in the mirror at least – a whole decade would be great, wouldn’t it?!

mirror

Surprisingly, there are a number of great smaller, relatively easy, pick-me-ups that can make a big impact.  These procedures are less invasive, concentrated in one smaller area, and require minimal downtime.   Here are my favorite suggestions for a more youthful 2010:

Spot Liposuction
It is amazing how achieving more definition in one spot area can give you a leaner, more defined appearance.  Some of the best spot areas to target include the arms and on the flanks (aka love handles).  Liposuction performed under the chin in the neck area can give you the appearance of a neck lift, and is a favorite among my younger patients who are just starting to see early sagging and bagging.

Incisionless (hidden incision) Lower Lid Blepharoplasty
This procedure is also known as a transconjunctival lower lid blepharoplasty and is a subtle way to peel back the years.  In this procedure, the incision is located on the inside of the lower lids, so the healing is less noticeable.  Excess fat that causes the look of under eye bagginess can be removed through these hidden incisions, giving the lower lid a firmer, smoother appearance.

Fat Sparing Upper Lid Blepharoplasty
This procedure is a more modern version of the traditional upper eyelid lift.  As a result, it is less invasive, easier to recover from, and more natural appearing, especially over the long term.  Traditionally, with an upper eyelid lift, the goal is to brighten the eyes by removing the excess skin that droops over the eye with aging.  Along with this, the excess fat around the upper lid is removed as well.  The newer fat sparing technique emphasizes a more conservative fat removal to prevent a sunken or unnatural appearance over time.  Because less fat is removed, the procedure is less extensive, and can easily be performed in the office under a local anesthetic.  This is not your mother’s eyelid lift!

If you would like more information on any of these procedures, please contact us.  We would be glad to answer any questions that you may have.

And Have a Happy, Healthy New Year – Cheers!

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Bosom Buddies

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Yet another great offer from Mentor breast implants… introducing the new LoveYourLook MemoryGel® Referral Program. From now until October 15, 2010, refer a friend for a breast augmentation using Mentor MemoryGel silicone breast implants and receive a $50 American Express gift cheque as a thank you. For more information, visit this link.

Here’s to a great new look for both of you!

TellAFriend

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Say Good Day to Grey

Monday, October 5th, 2009

Congratulations to Mia Caybut – my hair colorist extraordinaire of 10 years, who was just named San Francisco Magazine’s 2009 Best of the Bay and SF Gate’s Readers’ Choice!

Over the years Mia has taken my hair from dark to lighter and back again, but recently I have been getting increasingly worried about a new phenomenon, grey.  People with darker hair often notice those little grey hairs earlier in life.  I am certainly one of them, and although I’m not quite there yet, I wanted to know how Mia was going to help me with this fast approaching new hair dilemma.

In order to strategically hide those grey hairs and maintain a more youthful appearance longer, Mia has created an innovative technique she calls HALO. She applies a lighter tint around the face.  This matches the color of the fine hairs that frame the face.  She then applies a darker tint on the rest of the hair.  Mia says, “This works really well on people who have allowed dark tint to grow out and are ready to go lighter.”

When the time comes, then, I’ll let my roots come in, and then I’ll make an appointment with Mia for her rejuvenating HALO treatment!

Mia
For more information on Mia, visit www.colorbymia.com

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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One Day You’re In, the Next You’re Out

Friday, September 25th, 2009

As Fashion Week draws to a close in New York, I thought it would be fun to take a peek at the must-have trends that are emerging on the catwalk. The consensus is that the look is more realistic, wearable, and conservative, and according to the New York Times, a clear reflection of our economic times.  Familiar silhouettes are reworked.  Leather jackets, power belts, and shoulder baring little black dresses are among the tops picks for the season.  Peruse the New York Times Magazine slideshow to see the other fashion dos for fall.  Check out even more fall trends at bargain prices, and read how you can get THE LOOK for Less .

leather jacket

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Another Anti-Aging Recipe From Chef Elizabeth Howes

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

My friend and personal chef, Elizabeth Howes, has done it again! She has provided us with yet another delicious recipe full of wonderful antioxidants.

As we discussed in an earlier post, foods that contain antioxidants such as beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and Vitamins A, C, and E can dramatically boost skin health and help ward off signs of aging from the inside out.

Take some time this week to indulge in the recipe below, and watch your skin glow… Enjoy!

Roasted Organic Beets and Carrots with Ras el Hanout Vinaigrette, Meyer Lemon Chickpea Purée and Grilled Whole Grain Naan

Beets

Yield: Makes 6-8 appetizer servings | active time: 30 minutes | total time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 organic beets (red and golden), cleaned, trimmed
  • 6 medium organic carrots, cleaned, peeled and trimmed, and cut into wedges
  • 2-3 medium whole grain naan, grilled on a grill pan or outdoor grill until crisp
  • Handful Marcona or slivered almonds

Vinaigrette

  • 1 ½ tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ras el hanout*
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Meyer Lemon Chickpea Purée

  • 2 cans organic garbanzo beans (or 4 cups fresh)
  • Juice of two organic Meyer lemons, zest of one
  • 1 clove crushed garlic
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup filtered water, if needed

Preparation
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Wrap red beets and golden beets in foil separately so the colors don’t run together.  Place on a baking sheet and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until fork tender.  Toss the carrots in olive oil, sea salt, and pepper, and roast in an uncovered glass baking dish for 15-20 minutes, tossing once, until fork tender.  Let all vegetables cool.

In a glass bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, ras el hanout, sea salt, and pepper.  Whisk in olive oil until vinaigrette is emulsified.

For purée, place all ingredients except olive oil and water in a food processor.  Pulse until mixture is well-combined.  With motor running, drizzle in olive oil slowly.  If mixture is too thick, add water slowly until smooth.

Toss vegetables with some of the vinaigrette in separate bowls and arrange on a large platter, topping with almonds.  Place purée in a glass bowl and garnish with lemon zest and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, if desired.  Cut grilled naan into wedges and place next to chickpea purée.

Antioxidant Profile
This fun dish covers so many antioxidant bases in one delicious bite.  The carrots and beets are high in vitamins A and C and beta-carotene.  The citrus also contains high levels of vitamin C.  In general, vitamin C is critical for collagen synthesis, and all anti-oxidants help to eliminate free radicals which can lead to wrinkles and skin damage.  Vitamin E is found in the chickpeas, almonds, and whole grain naan.  It is vital in protecting skin cells from UV light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals.  If that’s not enough, it also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition, many of the spices found in ras el hanout, including clove, cinnamon, and turmeric, contain powerful antioxidants that can protect against skin cell damage.

*Ras el hanout is a popular blend of herbs and spices that is used across the Middle East and North Africa. The name means “head of the shop” in Arabic, and refers to a mixture of the best spices a seller has to offer.  Generally, it consists of some combination of pepper, cardamom, mace, cayenne, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, cloves, turmeric, lavender, and dried rosebuds.  It can be found at specialty grocers or spice shops.

SL Logo

For more information about Elizabeth and Saffron Lane, please visit www.saffronlane.com.

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Antioxidants: A Recipe for Anti-Aging

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

These days it seems that anti-aging antioxidants are in everything from serums and night creams to shampoo and cellulite lotions. And that’s great. But how about preventing the signs of aging from the inside out? I recently sat down with my personal chef, The Next Food Network Star’s Elizabeth Howes, owner of Saffron Lane boutique catering, to put together a few anti-aging appetizers for summertime entertaining. 

The antioxidant substances in foods that contain beta carotene, lutein, lycopene, selenium, and Vitamins A, C, and E can dramatically boost skin health, providing that much sought after youthful glow naturally. 

Beta-carotene – protects the skin cell membranes and stimulates the growth of new skin cells.  Sources:  carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and cantaloupe.

Lutein – increases skin hydration, elasticity, and skin lipid concentration.  Sources:  carrots, squash and other orange and yellow fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, arugula and watercress.

Lycopene – reduces skin wrinkling, redness, and inflammation.  Sources:  tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon, persimmons, apricots.

Selenium – provides a natural glow to skin and has been linked to a 60% reduction in skin cancer.  Sources:  watercress, seafood, eggs, chicken.

Vitamin A - known to rejuvenate the skin and improve overall structure, tone, and quality.  Sources:  peaches, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, apricots, broccoli.

Vitamin C – very important in collagen production and overall skin health.  Sources:  tomatoes, citrus fruits, strawberries, green peppers.

Vitamin E – vital in protecting skin cells from UV light, pollution, and other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals.  It also helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  Sources:  whole grains, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables.

Here is one of Elizabeth’s low-calorie, but utterly delicious, appetizer recipes to kick off that alluring glow, while enjoying the last cherished days of summer with good friends. Stay tuned for more great anti-aging recipes!

Organic Peach, Cucumber & Golden Tomato Gazpacho
Peach Gazpacho

Yield:  Makes 8-10 appetizer servings | active time:  20 minutes | total time:  45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted and chopped organic peaches
  • 2 cups chopped ripe organic tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped organic English cucumber
  • 1 medium shallot, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons white wine or champagne vinegar
  • 1 handful organic basil, torn
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup filtered water

Preparation
In a food processor, place all ingredients except the water and pulse until mixture is coarsely chopped.  Add water and pulse a couple times again until the gazpacho is blended but still a little chunky.  Place in a glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap.  Let refrigerate for 20-25 minutes, or until well chilled.  Serve immediately in small glasses or bowls.  Garnish with diced peach and a cucumber round, if desired.

Antioxidant Profile
This is an antioxidant powerhouse loaded with vitamin A and C from tomatoes and peaches and a special bioflavonoid found in cucumbers.  It also contains a great deal of lycopene and allium compounds.  This is a true collagen producer (and also low in calories), so don’t be shy about seconds!

SL Logo 2008 copy

For more information about Elizabeth and Saffron Lane, please visit www.saffronlane.com.

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

 

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The Vogue 100

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

vogue100B

I am excited to report that Vogue Magazine has asked me to be one of their Vogue 100. This is a group of 100 women around the country selected by Vogue to serve as editors, tastemakers, and ambassadors in the world of fashion and beauty. Stay tuned for the inside scoop – I’ll keep you posted!

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Star Gazing…

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009

We can’t help but read the gossip magazines, or at least flip through them – our secret guilty pleasure.  And even the ones we don’t read, we sneak a peek at when leaving the grocery checkout counter…

So what’s the latest gossip coming from the celebrity plastic surgery world?  Victoria Beckham’s breast reduction!  Rumor has it that she is so intent to be on the cover of Vogue magazine that she had her breasts downsized to increase her odds of landing the cover. Vogue’s editor, Anna Wintour, said she would consider putting Victoria on the cover, but told her she had to get her breasts looking better.  Beckham recently had her surgery in France to downgrade from a 34DD cup to a B cup.

Victoria Beckham prior to her capsulectomy

Victoria Beckham prior to her capsulectomy

So what’s the real scoop?
Victoria likely had a procedure called a capsulectomy, or a removal of the scar tissue surrounding the implants, with an implant exchanged to a smaller size.  Victoria’s breasts were not only larger before, but they were also encapsulated, or hardened.  This hardening occurs when the natural scar tissue that forms around any breast implant in the body thickens and contracts.  The result is that the breasts look high, round, and unnatural.  We’ve definitely seen plenty of evidence of this phenomenon in the pages of US Weekly.

Capsular contracture can occur in various degrees, from mild to severe.  Mild encapsulation may be evident only as a slight firmness in the feeling of the implants, with minimal cosmetic consequence.  More severe degrees can result in distortion of the breasts, and even pain in some cases.  Long term untreated severe encapsulation is associated with a higher rate of implant rupture, and mammography in these patients is less reliable.  For these health reasons, in addition to the undesirable cosmetic consequences, many patients may want to replace their encapsulated implants.

Luckily, most breast implants do not encapsulate to a severe degree, and there are various preventative measures that one can take, such as breast implant massage.  Your surgeon should provide you with instruction as to how to best prevent encapsulation.

In the meantime, Victoria looks great.  Her breasts are much more natural looking.  I think they complement her figure nicely.  Ms. Wintour should take note – only time will tell…

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Plastic Surgery is the Latest Accessory for Job Seekers

Monday, August 17th, 2009

keysuccess-main_Full.1

I thought that it was interesting that MSNBC was reporting that some surgeons and patients are now citing increased interest in surgery among people wanting to look younger and “fresher” for the ever-competitive job market.  This is a trend that I too am seeing in my office.

• The American Society of Plastic Surgeons released a recent survey showing that American women were looking at cosmetic surgery to get a competitive edge in the workplace.
• About 13 percent of the 756 women surveyed, between the ages of 18 and 64, say they would consider having a cosmetic medical procedure to make them more confident and more competitive in the job market.
• About 3 percent said they already had a cosmetic procedure to increase their perceived value in the workplace, and 73 percent said they believed that appearance and youthful looks play a part in getting hired, a promotion, or getting new clients, particularly in these challenging economic times.

You can read the article in its entirety at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30112465/

Copyright 2009 Reuters.

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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