Posts Tagged ‘anti-aging’

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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Introducing a Great New Skincare Line – Neocutis

Monday, December 14th, 2009

I am so pleased to offer a new skin care line – Neocutis.  It is available only in doctor’s offices.  Like you, I am always skeptical when it comes to anti-aging product claims. And of course, no cream can possibly be as effective as surgery or therapeutic laser treatments.  But in the world of skin care products, I think that Neocutis is among the best there is for clinically proven wrinkle reduction.

Its flagship product, the Bio-restorative Skin Cream, contains the company’s proprietary ingredient, PSP™, the most complete protein blend of Human Growth Factors, Cytokines, and Interleukins available to rejuvenate and soothe skin.

BIOCREAM(web)sml

Not only is it a great product for anti-aging, but it also helpful after facial cosmetic procedures to promote healing, a real plus in my clinical practice.  It can even be used in combination with other topical treatments such as anti-rosacea medications, anti-acne medications, or retinoids to help soothe and treat the skin.

The Bio-restorative Skin Cream’s effectiveness in helping to reduce the signs of facial skin aging has been shown in several clinical studies.

The detailed results of the anti-aging studies can be found by clicking the links below.

Clinical Data: 2 Month Study
Clinical & Histology Data: 6 Month Study
Reduction of Skin Wrinkle Depth

The Neocutis product line also includes an eye cream, a daily sunscreen moisturizer combo, as well as Blanche.  This product helps to even out the skin tone by treating hyper-pigmentation and melasma.  Blanche was recently chosen by Allure Magazine as the 2009 winner of the Best Beauty Editors’ Choice Breakthrough Award.

allureBlancheS

For more information on the complete line of products, visit www.neocutis.com.

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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The Beauty for Life Study

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

What do people find attractive about themselves and each other?  The answers are surprising.  Recently, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery conducted a survey asking these very questions.  People in their 20s, 30s, 40, 50s, and 60s were each asked a series of questions.  Their answers are as follows.  They are not what you would expect!

“What aspect of physical beauty do you find most appealing in another person?”

People in their 20s-40s responded that they considered a fit, well-proportioned body to be most important.  For those in their 50s and 60s, youthful skin was the most important.

But when people were asked, “Which part of your body are you most concerned about,” the answers were different.  Only those in their 30s responded that they were most concerned about their body.  Everyone else was more concerned with their face!

mirror

Beauty standards that we have for ourselves are apparently not the same as those we have for others.

Other interesting findings in this study include the fact that in regards to the body, more people were concerned with their abdomen and hips than their breasts for each decade.  And when asked what “the most important reason to maintain your physical appearance” was, the overwhelming reason across all decades was to boost self-confidence.  The second most popular reason for those in their 20s was “to attract potential partners.” For those in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, the number two reason was “to increase professional opportunities,” and for those in their 60s, it was “to help make friends.”

You can access the original summary from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery at http://www.surgery.org/media/news-releases/how-do-our-attitudes-about-beauty-change-as-we-age

And the actual Beauty for Life survey results at http://www.surgery.org/downloads/BFLUserSurvey.pdf

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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Star Gazing

Monday, October 12th, 2009

According to an interview with Demi Moore featured in a recent issue of French Marie Claire, the actress is adamant that she has not undergone any plastic surgery. The 46-year old actress looks as stunning as ever, causing speculation as to what she is doing to maintain her timeless beauty.

Demi Moore

We could talk all day about the celebrities who have undergone procedures ending in unfortunate results, but we hardly talk about who is doing it right … primarily because they are doing it so right that we don’t know that they’re doing it at all. And yes, I do understand that genetics and timeless beauty play a role in some of this. But, those of us who are “in-the-know,” know that there are other forces at work here too.

Regular maintenance, coupled with the know how to make small, subtle changes, are the key to prolonging a natural, youthful look.

The 30’s
The 30’s are a time to really beef up your skin care regimen.  This is when the early signs of aging really start to show in your skin. The five tenets of good skin care are to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, repair, and protect.  In English, that means a cleanser, a gentle exfoliant a few times a week, a non-comedogenic moisturizer to balance your skin, a reparative product like a retinoid to build collagen or an antioxidant like vitamin C to neutralize free radicals, and a sunscreen.  Laser treatments like IPL photofacials or Fraxel treatments can go a long way to restoring a youthful glow by evening out your complexion.  And if you have furrows and fine wrinkles, Botox may be a good option to prevent them from getting deeper.

The 40’s
The 40’s are a time when the effects of gravity really start to settle in and the face starts to lose facial fat.  Eyelids start to get droopy and baggy, cheeks start to get hollow, and the neck and jaw line starts to sag.  Different people have different rates of aging.  These changes can start in the mid to late thirties for some.  Others may not notice these things until well into their 40’s.  In general though, subtle facial cosmetic surgery tweaks freshen up your face.  These smaller procedures most commonly include eyelid surgery or brow surgery to wake up your eyes.  Liposuction under the chin or a natural neck and jowl lift may be appropriate for others.

Often the best results are some small surgical procedures combined with the noninvasive fillers and Botox to restore facial fullness and erase fine lines.  Laser resurfacing to improve the quality of the skin can also complement nicely.  I call this the multimodal approach to combating aging.  And I would bet that this is what Demi has been doing all along.

The 50’s and 60’s
The 50’s and 60’s are definitely the decades when surgery tends to be the best option for freshening up.  Gravity has definitely set in, and often just the noninvasive treatments are not enough to get you the result that you want.  The face and necklift is usually the cornerstone to a successful facial rejuvenation in these decades.  I recommend a very natural approach because I think that this stands the test of time.  Who wants their “designer” facelift to go out of style?!    This is also the time when the multimodal approach is very effective, as the surgery will fix the contour problems and the dermatologic tools will improve the skin quality.

Did she or didn’t she??  And so, whether she did or didn’t, we salute Demi, along with Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, and Michelle Pfeiffer, for being ageless beauty icons and for making 40 the new 20, and 50 the new 30.

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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The Mommy Makeover: Part 1 – An Interview with the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club

Monday, September 28th, 2009

I was recently interviewed by the medical writer for the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club about the “Mommy Makeover.” I’ve included an excerpt of the feature below. The article was featured in the organization’s September newsletter and is full of useful and practical information.  You’ll find link to Part 2 of this article at the bottom of the page.

Feeling Good and Looking Good: Part 1
Mommy Makeover Surgery:  A conversation with plastic surgeon, Dr. Carolyn Chang

Being pregnant and becoming a mom are among the greatest experiences in life –however for many mom’s, the toll pregnancy takes on their bodies is a badge that they don’t want to wear forever.  With the growing trend among mom’s to seek “mommy makeover” surgery, I spoke to San Francisco’s mommy makeover expert Dr. Carolyn Chang, a leading plastic surgeon and Vice Chair of Plastic Surgery at California Pacific Hospital, to understand more about why moms are having surgery, what they’re having done, and what considerations a mom should have before embarking on surgery.

What’s behind the recent trend of “mommy makeovers”?
Many women are waiting longer to have children, and their bodies are simply not able to snap back, particularly if they have had several pregnancies or multiples, which can really take a toll on the belly.  I also think that because of the increased exposure of plastic surgery in the popular media, more women are aware of it as a possibility to explore.

Who do you believe is the ideal candidate for mommy makeover surgery?
Any mother who is feeling self conscious about her body after pregnancy is a candidate, however surgery should only be reserved for those who have such profound changes that diet and exercise cannot reverse.  And she should never contemplate surgery unless she is at a stable, healthy, and sustainable weight.

What are the most common types of surgery that moms are getting?
A mommy makeover surgery usually combines some type of body contouring like a tummy tuck or liposuction with breast surgery to bring the body back to pre pregnancy shape.  As a result of pregnancy over stretching of the abdominal tissues can cause separation of the abdominal muscles that support the abdominal wall.  The result may make a woman look and feel like she is falling out” in the front.  Some patients tell me that people still ask them if they are pregnant years after they have delivered!

Many mom’s also notice that their breasts have changed after their pregnancies and breast feeding — most often that they have shrunk and sagged.  In other cases, they have stayed persistently too large and heavy.  Women who experience any of these symptoms in their breasts or abdomen are usually candidates for a mommy makeover.

(Click here for Part 2 of The Mommy Makeover article)

smmcLogo For more information on the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club visit: www.southernmarinmoms.com

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

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The Mommy Makeover: Part 2 – An Interview with the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club

Monday, September 28th, 2009

My Mommy Makeover conversation with the Southern Marin Mothers Club continues below.

(Click here to read Part 1 of the Mommy Makeover article)

Feeling Good and Looking Good: Part 2
Mommy Makeover Surgery:  A conversation with plastic surgeon, Dr. Carolyn Chang

Can you describe the procedures that most women are including in a mommy makeover?

  • Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
    The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is the mainstay of the mommy makeover.  This procedure is designed to tighten the abdominal wall by repairing and realigning the abdominal muscles and removing any excess skin and fat that may have persisted after pregnancy.  The scar that is created for this procedure most often extends hip to hip.  This scar can be customized in its position, so it can easily be hidden under most bikini bottoms.  Patients are often worried that this type of surgery is especially hard to recover from.  I find that using a temporary implantable pain pump really helps to minimize the discomfort after surgery.

What’s important about this procedure is my patients not only look better afterwards, but they often feel better as well, because the abdominal muscles are realigned, the back is stabilized and straightened, thereby relieving the lower back pain that a lot of mothers feel.

  • Liposuction
    The general rule of thumb is that the places where your body collected fat before you had children will be the places where it will continue to deposit afterwards — and often to an even larger degree.  A common request among moms is to reduce the love handles, also called the flanks, through liposuction in conjunction with a tummy tuck.  In this way, the entire torso area can be slimmed and sculpted.  Other common areas that respond well to liposuction include the outer and inner thighs and the upper arms.
  • Breast Augmentation
    During pregnancy, the breasts engorge due to hormonal changes in preparation for breast feeding.  Afterwards, as the milk production diminishes, many women actually notice that their breasts become even smaller than they were pre-pregnancy.  This is because the breast tissue actually shrinks.  Breast augmentation is a procedure that uses silicone or saline breast implants to enlarge the breast tissue again and restore that youthful fullness.
  • Breast Lift (mastopexy)
    For some women, the swelling of the breasts results in overstretching of the skin, and afterwards, sagging breasts.  Implants can help in some of these cases. But in the most severe, the nipple position is so low on the chest that an implant alone cannot fix the problem.  For these mothers a breast lift, or mastopexy, is the answer.  A mastopexy re-centers the nipple on the breast mound and ‘lifts” the entire breast so that it is rounder in shape again.  A mastopexy can be performed alone or with an augmentation.

There are many ways to perform a mastopexy, and unfortunately, all result in some external scarring.  To minimize this, my preferred technique is that of a shorter lollipop scar.

  • Breast Reduction
    For those mothers whose breast tissue actually got larger after pregnancy, a breast reduction is available to relieve the weight and reshape the breasts to a more youthful contour.  Like the mastopexy, my preferred method when possible is through the shorter lollipop type scar, as opposed to the old-fashioned anchor type scar.  Not only is the scar shorter with the lollipop technique, but the shape tends to be rounder and perkier.

Beyond questions specific to surgery, what are the most common questions that mothers ask you about a mommy makeover?

How much time will I need for recovery?
Depending upon the selected procedures, recovery generally takes about a week or two.  I insist that my mothers get reliable help for their children during this time period.  I want them to take the time to rest and recover.  Mothers can feel guilty about taking time away from their children, but they shouldn’t lose sight of the importance of doing something for themselves as well.

How do I explain this to my children?
Mothers with young children are afraid of frightening them, and mothers with older children, particularly girls, are afraid of encouraging unhealthy body image issues.  In general, I have found that reassurance without going into too much detail works well with the younger children, and a frank conversation works with the older children.  A mommy makeover is reconstructive in nature, so it is not difficult to explain the motivations to have it done to a teenager.

When is the right time to have surgery?
My response is always the same, “It’s when you’re ready.”  Which means you have worked as hard as you can to get your body back into shape naturally. It also means that you are mentally ready and 100 percent committed to having a procedure.  You should have planned this carefully with your family to insure that they are onboard.  And finally you should do your homework to seek referrals to plastic surgeons from your doctor and word of mouth referrals from family and friends, and select a board- certified plastic surgeon with whom you are confident.

A little trepidation is normal, however being prepared will insure that you will have a successful result and recovery, and a more satisfying overall experience.

smmcLogo

For more information on the Southern Marin Mothers’ Club visit: www.southernmarinmoms.com

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.

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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!

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

Dr. Carolyn Chang, San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

 

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