Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

How skin care products work

Just because you are considering cosmetic surgery, doesn't mean you should totally discount skin care. Applying the right type of skin care products to your skin may help condition and maintain a more youthful appearance. Who knows, maybe the use of skin care products can reduce the need for more drastic cosmetic procedures. Consult with Dr. Barber to see if there might be a product that will help you with your skin care needs.

Assess your needs
There are a large number of skin care products available, both over the counter and by prescription. Not all of the products treat the same condition, so it is important to first identify what sort of problems you have in order to select the right product.

Some things to consider:
  • What type of skin do you have? Is it oily or dry? Are you fair skinned and burn easily, dark skinned and never burn? Or are you somewhere in between?
  • What are you trying to resolve? Are you addressing wrinkles? Acne? Melasma (skin discoloration)? Rosacea (a specific type of reddening of the skin)? Bags under your eyes?
  • What are you doing to your skin? Do you smoke? Over expose yourself to the sun?

Once you determine your specific skin requirements, you can begin to look for products that address those needs.


Product types

Vitamin C - Ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C, is an antioxidant that aids in the body's natural ability to produce collagen, an essential building block for tight and elastic skin. As we age, collagen levels decrease.

Alpha-hydroxy - Creams and lotions containing this ingredient may help erase fine lines and age spots. Products containing alpha-hydroxy may cause sensitivity to the sun, so should be used in conjunction with adequate sunblock when necessary.

Beta-hydroxy - Also known as salicylic acid, this product acts as an exfoliant, helping to slough off the outer layer of skin. Many products containing this ingredient are available only by prescription. This ingredient should also be used with sunscreen as it causes photosensitivity. People who are allergic to aspirin may also be allergic to beta-hydroxy.

Retinol - Retinol aids with re-hydrating your skin, improves mottling, and can eliminate fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid - Often touted as the "miracle in a jar" products containing this ingredient purportedly reduce fine wrinkles and give skin a healthier appearance. It is also credited with fighting free radicals and boosting levels of antioxidants such as Vitamin C.

posted by Patti at 1:03 PM 0 comments

Monday, January 28, 2008

How microdermabrasion works

Using a machine made for the purpose (similar to a small sandblaster), the doctor basically scrubs, or polishes, the top layer of skin off of the treatment area. This trauma, which is minute and typically causes litter or no pain, stimulates cell growth replacing the skin that was scrubbed away. No anesthesia is necessary and sessions can usually be done over your lunch hour.

Several short (thirty minute) sessions are conducted approximately 2 to 3 weeks apart. Depending on the location and nature of the problem, it may take from 5 to 12 sessions to achieve the best effect. After each session your skin may feel tight and dry for about 24 hours. There is usually no pain associated with treatment.

After a short recovery time, your skin appears brand new as the fresh layer of skin rises to the top surface. Microdermabrasion can also be used to help reduce scarring from acne, minor wrinkles, ages spots, or other blemishes that appear as your skin ages.

Your physician or clinic should have some before and after photographs of past procedures that you can look at to help you determine if microdermabrasion is right for you, or whether an alternative treatment, such as an Obagi Blue Peel or Laser Skin Resurfacing might achieve better results in your case.

posted by Patti at 12:57 PM 0 comments

Friday, January 25, 2008

How liposuction can benefit you

Many people who lose weight are dissatisfied with their appearance. Unsightly bulges, cottage cheese thighs, and excess pockets of fat separate them from the physique they desire. Many of these issues can be addressed by a simple cosmetic procedure called liposuction.

Liposuction is a procedure where the physician inserts a small tube called a cannula, under your skin and sucks out the fatty deposits that are exercise resistant. Liposuction is a great way to put the finishing touches on your body. It helps sculpt fatty areas and provides you with a new, proportionate, and attractive form.

Liposuction can be performed in most places of the body where there are excess pockets of fat. Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, meaning, "fat shaping," is not a weight loss solution.

Good candidates for this procedure are non-smoking adults who have already lost enough weight. Only ten pounds of fat can safely be removed from your body at any one time, and multiple liposuction sessions may be dangerous. Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with other procedures to assist with overall appearance.

Several categories of liposuction are available and are based on the area to be treated and the preference of the patient and physician. After liposuction, the skin around the affected area may become loose or baggy, and may require additional surgery such as a facelift or abdominoplasty to gain a more desirable look.

posted by Patti at 12:55 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Helping yourself to heal

Cosmetic surgery, like other types of surgery, requires a lot of time to heal. There are things you can do, both before and after surgery that can improve your recovery. The qualified professionals at Dr. James Barber's Pittsburgh area clinic are available to assist you with any preparations to make the post-op recovery go smoothly.

Research the procedure
Knowledge is the best tool you can have when preparing for surgery. It is important to understand what the procedure can, and cannot do for you, so you won't be disappointed with the results.

Take adequate time off
Many of the procedures performed by Dr. Barber could be classified as major operations, where you are put under general anesthesia. Recovery time for these extensive operations can be up to four weeks or more. Ensure that you plan ahead of time to take enough time off work to allow for recovery.

Prepare a recovery space
Prior to surgery set up an area in your home where you can convalesce. Keep items you may need regularly nearby so you don't have to search for them later. Some procedures may require you to change dressings every day, or as needed; you'll want to make sure you have these on hand prior to surgery so you don?t have to go out and get them.

If you live alone, make sure that you have somebody check on you every few hours, just in case there is a problem.

Exercise
While it may be tempting to lie in bed or watch TV all day, doing so will not help you heal more quickly. Exercise helps improve your circulation, which in turn promotes faster recovery. It is important however, not to overdo the exercise: a short walk every couple of hours will keep your blood moving.

Psychological healing
Even with planned surgeries, many people are not adequately prepared for how they will look or feel postoperatively. Remember that the final results of your surgery may not be fully apparent until several months have gone by. Breast implants take time to settle into place. Swelling and bruising following a facelift require time to diminish. Don't be discouraged or frightened by the way you look, swelling and discoloration are normal complications immediately following the procedure. If you prepare yourself mentally ahead of time, recovery will occur more rapidly.

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