Dr. James Barber - Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

New Year, New-and-Improved You

It's that time of year again. It is a time of self reflection, resolution and renewal. We all look back at the past year and say, I can do better. I can be healthier, I can have more fun, and I can renew my spirit and gain more self-confidence.

If looking good helps you feel good, and feeling good helps you look good, it is important to focus on improving the inside as well as the outside.

We all know to eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. But what can you do about the natural process of aging, a progression that happens no matter how well you eat, or how much you exercise? Many patients turn to Dr. Barber to help them attain their aesthetic goals. With no-interest, and low-interest financing, plastic surgery is now an option for everyone.

Your eyes are typically the first place you see aging. Have you ever wondered why people always think you are tired or ill? Are they seeing it in your eyes? An eyelid lift may be all it takes to brighten your outlook.

Maybe your resolution is to take better care of your skin, another place we see signs of aging. A simple skin care regimen will brighten your complexion. Patients are always surprised at the difference quality skin care products make in the look and feel of their skin.

Whether it is a simple lifestyle change or a little "nip and tuck", make a resolution this year and stick with it. Change is good. Having confidence and a feeling of self-worth is great.

Labels: ,

posted by Kristi at 3:49 PM 0 comments

Friday, September 5, 2008

Feeling Good, Looking Bad

I recently came upon a study looking at how people perceive mood by looking at variations in wrinkles on one's face as well as eyelid position.

This is a common complaint in our office. Our patients often comment that people ask them why they are upset...or if they are sick...or if they are tired, when they are not. In reality they are seeing signs of aging and making the assumption that something is wrong. Just imagine you are having a wonderful day and someone says, "You look sick, are you ok?" What happens next? You feel badly about yourself which makes you feel sick. Right?!

According to this study, tiredness is often perceived when there is drooping of the upper eyelid. Correction of drooping eyelids would be achieved by performing an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) and/or a brow lift. However, care must be taken in the type of brow lift that is performed. While ptosis to the eyelids is viewed as tiredness; too much lift increases the perception of fear & surprise. You want to find a surgeon that is not overly aggressive in tightening the skin and creating that surprised look.

Forehead wrinkles add to the perception of anger & disgust. Botox and/or a filler (Restylane/Juvederm) will smooth out those wrinkles and create calm look, even when you are not!

On another note: those crow's feet on the sides of your eyes are viewed as happiness. According to the study, the crow's feet simulate the cheek elevation that occurs with smiling. So maybe a couple small little lines are o.k. Just a couple.

Labels: , , , , ,

posted by Kristi at 4:11 PM 0 comments