That "Tire" Around Your Middle

If you  are over 45 years old ,you may  have  noticed that you  have started putting weight on around your waist, even those of you who have always  had a thin waist.   Why is that you wonder?    Well, as we get older and start going through "the change" our hormone levels change.   Our estrogen levels start to reduce, but our male hormone levels (yes we all have those too) stay the same.   The balance is different than when we were younger.  Where do the majority of men carry their weight?   Most men carry their extra weight around their middles, or in their upper body.   Women traditionally carry their weight in their thighs and hips. (This is just a broad statement of course, there are lots of exceptions)  At any rate, at about 45 and up, women often start to get thicker around their abdominal area because of this hormone balance change  and this weight is very difficult to lose.   Women become very discouraged.   No amount of time in the gym seems to help.  But, do not despair.  Liposuction around the abdomen and flanks can help give you back your youthful tummy.   We have many patients come in that are not  heavy anywhere else who want to fix this area.   Liposuction can be the miracle their looking for.   Now, if you have a lot of extra weight and your skin has been stretched out for years and years liposuction alone may not be sufficient.  Many times removal of the excess, stretched out skin is necessary as well.  A  body lift, abdominoplasty, or mini-tummy tuck may be needed in addition to liposuction to achieve the best result.   So if you are really discouraged with your tummy and are trying really hard with diet and excercise and not seeing results you should consider at least consulting with the Doctor and seeing what  options there are.   It can make an incredible difference in the way you feel about yourself and life in general.   We see so many women who have these procedures that have such a change in their confidence and happiness in general.   It can be life changing. 

Sun at Last!

Finally, the end of a long cold, gray, snowy winter is in sight.    I have even seen some little flowers braving the cold and poking up out of the ground.   The weather in Utah is fairly unique I think.   Just 10 days ago it fell to 23 degrees in the night and only got up to 35 in the day.   And now this week, we've had two days so far that have broken records for highs this early in the year at 74 degrees.  Crazy!   It's a great time to be reminded of the importance of using sunscreen regularly.   I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, but I hate the damage it can do.   And though it's really critical to protect your skin all year round  in all weather  , it is absolutely essential to wear sunscreen in the spring and summer months when the sun's rays are stronger.   Don't let the weather decide whether you will wear your sunscreen.   Just put it on every morning.   The greatest damage that we suffer to our skin is always from the sun.  And it's the easiest danger to protect against.   And hats seem to be making a comeback.   A cute hat that keeps the sun off your face can be a fashion statement as well.   And this advise is not just for women.    Men  may  need to be even more vigilant  than us ladies because often their occupations take them outdoors more often.  Lastly, suncressn and sunblock products do lose their potency over time.   I like to throw out last year's and start fresh every spring.   I understand that if you keep your suncreen in a cool, dark place it stays potent longer---but that doesn't sound like the beach to me.    You may need two different products--one for face that makeup will work with and one for bodies.  Remember--sunscreen everyday.   It'll be worth it!

Liposuction Facts

Did you know that you have most of the fat cells you will ever have by the time you are about 2 years old?   After that we fill them up and empty them out depending if we lose or gain weight.  When you remove fat cells from a trouble spot, they are no longer in that area in the same proportion.   While it would be impossible to remove every single fat cell from an area (we have trillions of fat cells) if you remove, say, two thirds of them, you could never have the same shape, even if you gained 5-10- pounds.  So, liposuction is a wonderful, definitive solution to those inner thighs or saddle bags on the outer thighs that no amount of exercise will ever be able to eliminate.    It's an amazing feeling. 

Happy Valentine's Day

Are you struggling to find a gift for your special sweetie?   Are you trying to be a little more original than the flowers and chocolates that you've given her for the last 7-8 years?   Here's an idea.  How about a gift certificate for a treatment in our medi-spa?    There's a myriad of treatments to choose from--a restful full face facial, a microdermabrasion, and hair removal treatment,  even eyebrow waxing is a fun treat for us girls.   So, don't limit yourself with the same old flowers and candy  (although chocolates in addition to your other gift is always appropriate), branch out and consider a gift certificate at our medi-spa.   She'll thank you.   (Did you know we have a lot of men who love to visit the spa, too)

Breast Cancer Reconstruction

Did you know that by law insurance companies have to pay for breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer procedures?   Even if the procedure was a lumpectomy and not a full mastectomy you may qualify for insurance coverage for reconstruction.   Also,  the surgery to bring the non-affected breast into symmetry to the reconstructed breast is also covered.  There is not a time limit to the reconstruction.    If you had the mastectomy several months or even years before and now want reconstruction, that is covered.   There may be some restrictions, but they are few.   If you have been through breast cancer surgery in the past, or need to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy in the future you might consider breast reonstruction.   Breast cancer is a terrible, horrible disease, and sometimes, thinking about making decisions about reconstruction at the time seem overwhelming.   But, wherever you are in the process, breasts are part of what makes a woman.  Reconstruction may not be for every woman, but you owe it to yourself to find out what the options are. 

Love those Lashes!

I have had three people in the last 2 weeks look at my eyes and ask if I have artificial lashes or lash extensions.   Wow.   Actually, my longer, fuller lashes are just the result of using Latisse Eyelash serum for the last 6 months.   It is refreshing to find a product that actually fulfills or even surpasses expectation.    It's really a great product.   It would  make a fabulous gift--to give to someone you love or even to yourself.   (We even have a few tricks to make it go much farther than it says on the package)   You ought to give Latisse a try.  It's great!

Tax Refund Special

Did  you know that we are currently featuring a tax refund special?   From now until April 15th we are offering a 15% discount on the surgical fee  for your surgery.    If you are combining more than one procedure in a particular surgical setting, we will give you 15% off the most expensive procedure.   If you've been thinking of having something done before the sun comes out again now is the time to move on it.  The savings that you get will be enough to make a good start on a new wardrobe  to fit your new, improved self.