Plastic Surgery Blog

Perfection’s Perception

No man is an island; everyone must occasionally seek shelter from the storm. This metaphor is easy to apply to oneself, the disconnect seems to occur when we apply it to the lives of others. The envy we feel toward others’ lives removes our ability to empathize with them. For instance, from a literal and a metaphorical view, the Porsche is the emptiest car on the highway. It literally leaves almost no room for anyone or anything else other than the driver. Yet it remains a bastion of perfection and a barometer by which we measure success.

The allure of the luxury automobile is it’s perception of mechanical perfection and how that perception is projected onto the driver. This projection creates a veritable loophole in the “actions speak louder than words” argument, allowing the driver to straddle the material and ethical fence between humility and arrogance. Do the purrs of the Porsches’ engines detract from the driver as much as champion his/her worth? If perfection were an achievable or even worthwhile goal, those perceived to be closer to that end would seem more at ease with themselves and fulfilled in their pursuits. But are perfection and happiness mutually exclusive?

Perfection in Princeton

To explore the relation of perfection and personal happiness, we look to the prestigious institution of Princeton and it’s students’ struggles with both. A student article in the Daily Princetonian explored the growing trend among students to seek plastic surgery. The article polled the students, and found that although students enrolled at Princeton are more likely to have plastic surgery, they are less likely to admit to it. These inverse relations suggest an interesting contradiction in the pursuit of perfection. That is, if the pursuit of perfection through materialism is the road to happiness, why be embarrassed or ashamed of the tools of that pursuit? The inverse relation of honesty and plastic surgery at Princeton is teaching us that perfection, as a tangible experience, is a shallow and empty lie.

A New Hope

However, admittedly perfection isn’t the goal of the majority of individuals seeking plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can be a positive, proactive change in a person’s life. Changing a particular perceived deficiency in your physical appearance can liberate you to remove other, less tangible, deficiencies as well. However, it can also become a self-destructive focal point. Remember that when dealing with something as altering as plastic surgery no matter how we look on the outside, we will always be who we are inside. The sooner we become content with that, the sooner we can begin helping others to that same end.

To reach this writer: Atbiviano@yahoo.com

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Mineral makeup is what’s hot in cosmetics right now. Partially because it helps women achieve a subtle au naturel look. But also because women know more about proper skincare than ever before. Many cosmetics contain synthetic filler ingredients like dyes, fragrances, and preservatives that can clog pores and lead to breakouts or other skin problems. Unlike more traditional cosmetic products, mineral makeup consists purely of natural minerals and pigments. In the case of mineral makeup, less is definitely more.

Mineral makeup is ideal for all skin types. When switching to mineral makeup, it’s important to look for these five things:

1. Ingredients – The first ingredients listed will clue you into whether or not what you’re looking at is really mineral makeup. Look for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica, and bismuth. If the first few ingredients aren’t minerals, then you’re not looking at mineral makeup.
2. Application instructions – Mineral makeup requires minimal work, meaning it doesn’t need to be touched up consistently throughout the day.
3. Brush included – One way to tell if your mineral makeup makes the grade is that it will come with a brush. Why? Because quality products require quality tools for proper application.
4. Water resistant – Mineral makeup is water resistant and should bead when it comes into contact with water.
5. Flawless, luminous finish – When you apply a mineral makeup, the effect should be one of softness since the minerals react to light. The skin will also have a flawless appearance because of this quality.

If you’re still not sure about choosing a mineral makeup, contact a licensed aesthetician who can help you find the makeup that’s right for you.

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What’s In the News? Check Out These Top Stories

The popularity of cosmetic and plastic surgery is soaring at an almost exponential rate. Given this increasing popularity, it’s no surprise the news has been flooded lately with stories covering current cosmetic trends. Check out these recent stories:

Employer Policies Help Defray Plastic Surgery Costs

Americans spent more than $11 billion on plastic surgery procedures last year alone. From liposuction to breast augmentation and facelift surgery, millions of Americans every year are seeking out various cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance.

Read more…

Silicone Implants Expected To Return

When silicone breast implants were withdrawn from the market in 1992, many in the medical community thought they would never return. They may have been wrong. The return of the silicone breast implant now appears to be imminent.

Read more…

Improved Contouring Techniques Target Soaring Obese Population

The number of post-bariatric plastic surgery patients has skyrocketed in recent years – up 22 percent from 2004 to 2005 alone. However, patients who experience significant weight loss after bariatric surgery often require special contouring techniques to remove excess skin.

Read more…

Seeking Ideal Proportions? Plastic Surgery Can Help

The golden proportion has long been considered the standard by which beauty has been measured in Western cultures. Found in classical Greek temples and the works of Leonardo DaVinci, the golden proportion establishes a natural, aesthetically pleasing balance.

Read more…

Also, don’t forget to check out our featured article on the importance of choosing a board certified plastic surgeon!

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Most of us know that beauty takes work. Even the genetically blessed (consider your favorite celebrities) require some help. Photoshop wasn’t invented for nothing. Fortunately, there’s hope for those of us living in the real world. When you suffer from a breakout, don’t panic. You can still look beautiful. Remember these five tips:

• Find a concealer that matches your true skin tone – not too light or too dark. A beauty consultant at a cosmetics counter can help you with this.
• Use only noncomedogenic (non-clogging) products. Try using mineral makeup, which is oil- and fragrance-free.
• Don’t apply makeup with your fingers. Not only will you be contaminating the product, you’ll also add unwanted bacteria to your face – both of which can lead to more blemishes!
• Use a brush to apply makeup to achieve a smoother look. To avoid bacteria build-up on your brushes, remember to wash them at least once a month.
• Seek out cosmetics that will enhance the beauty and health of your skin. Vitamin E, SPF, and chamomile extracts are all important ingredients to look for in cosmetics.

The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone in your fight against unsightly blemishes. Check out these recent developments in the area of scar reduction and acne treatment.

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Some of us share a common dream – to eliminate flab for good. Perhaps that’s why liposuction was the number 1 cosmetic procedure in 2005. Unfortunately, liposuction, while perfect for targeting stubborn areas of fat, is not a permanent weight loss solution. For those of us prone to variations in weight, maintenance is key.

The following are a few tips on how to make lipo last:

• Diet & exercise – Ok, so this is the obvious, right? Still, that shouldn’t mitigate its importance. We all know how challenging (and often tedious) it can be to keep up with a regular workout regimen, and even worse, a strict diet. The fact is that maintaining a sensible diet and fitness routine is the best way to make lipo last!
• Skincare – Contrary to popular belief, skincare is not only for the face. It is important to take care of the rest of our skin as well, especially as we age and our skin begins to lose some of its elasticity. Daily moisturizing can help prevent sagging skin and maintain post-lipo contours. Look for a moisturizer that contains vitamin C, which helps to boost collagen production.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure – Sun exposure not only accelerates the breakdown of collagen, it also can lead to pigmentation changes if it happens too soon after liposuction surgery.
• Exfoliation –This only needs to be done on a periodical basis but is important for achieving smooth skin. You don’t want to hide the benefits of lipo under dull, dry skin…
• Massage – Treat yourself to a justified indulgence. In addition to boosting circulation, massage also ensures the smooth healing of skin if done within the first months after lipo.

Check out our website to learn more about liposuction procedures.

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