Financing that Cosmetic Procedure

Have you been dreaming of having a cosmetic procedure for a long time, but realize that you simply cannot come up with the several thousand dollars that it might take in a lump sum?   You may not be aware that there are several companies out there that specialize in financing medical  or cosmetic procedures .  This is a wonderful option that allows you to pay for the surgery  you want and need now over time.  Many people find that when broken down in reasonable monthly increments the surgery they want can be realized now rather than waiting months or years to save up the total amount.   In our office we use Care Credit and  Advance Care.   Both are great options.   You can find their links on our web site www.sellersplasticsurgery.com.  You just go to their sites and put in the information and they will give you your financial options. If you have been really frustrated  about the money side of surgery, look into financing it over time.  We have many patients that are using one or the other of these options and have been delighted to find that they can make their dream a reality now.  It's certainly worth looking in to.  Maybe it's the answer for you, too.

Check Your Skin Regularly

Many of us over 50 (and sometimes even younger) are finding that we are developing more and more crusty little lesions on our skin.   We may find  that we seem to be getting more and more moles or age spots on our skin.   When we were young unfortunately sun screen was a dirty word.   How many remember putting crisco on our skin and laying out in the sun for hours on end to develope that dark brown tan?  Brown was beautiful.  But, now we are paying the price for those dangerous habits.   Skin cancers are epidemic.   There are three main kinds of skin cancers: basal cells, squamous cells , and the most dangerous melanoma.   Each of these need to be teated:  melanoma being the most serious of the three.   It can kill.  So, watch for signs that a lesion or mole might be problematic.   Such things as a lesion that never seems to heal, is getting bigger, itches constantly, has irregul shape or color should be lookd at by a professional.    If you have a concern, please check it out.   Especially if you have a family history of skin cancer, such as  melanoma, or know that you really abused your skin in the sun when you were younger.   It is far better to go to a Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon and find out that a sore or mole is really nothing, than to wait until it's too late to have the proper treatment.   Reconstruction is far less invasive when the lesion is small.   Don't wait.  Check it out!

Reconstruction After Breast Cancer Surgery

We have seen two patients lately who have had mastectomies previously for breast cancer.  Surgery for both patients was done several years ago and no reconstruction was attempted at the time.  They went through the post surgical treatment of chemo or chemo and radiation therapy.   They both had the same misconception.   They both thought that because it had been over 3 years since their cancer diagnosis and treatment, the isurance would probably not pay for reconstruction now.  This is actually not true.  In 1998 when the legislature passed the Women's Health Act there was no deadline put on post cancer reconstruction.   Insurance companies were mandated to pay for reconstruction on the affected breast and treatment on the contralateral breast to bring the breasts into symmetry.    If you find yourself in a similar situation, and thought the same thing, please know that you may still be able to have reconstructive surgery to reconstruct and revise your breasts.   The first step is to see a board certified Plastic Surgeon and see what your options are.   It could open up a whole new world to you.

Sunscreen Winner!

Congratulations Nichole Forsey!  Please come pick up this AMAZING sunscreen at our office this week!  It will be waiting for you at the front desk :)  Feel free to talk to Courtney, our amazing aesthetician, regarding all your skin care needs!  Her prices and her services are amazing!

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.