Beauty for Life

Beauty for Life is a term used to describe an approach to keeping one looking his or her best throughout different stages in life. The overarching theme in this concept is maintenance of the skin and underlying skeletal and muscular structures.

The most basic form of maintenance involves a healthy diet and exercise. Weight control is an ongoing process for most people. A healthy diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and caloric control will help maintain health throughout life. Exercise is part of weight control and overall cardiovascular health. A well-toned body is accepted as aesthetically pleasing in most societies. Avoidance of smoking is also important in slowing down the aging process.

A variety of surgical and non-surgical procedures can help maximize one’s appearance at different stages of life. Many young adults choose to improve the contour of their bodies. The most common procedures at this stage of life are liposuction and breast augmentation.

Liposuction is a procedure to remove fat cells from unwanted areas on the body. Almost any area can undergo liposuction, but the most common problem areas are the abdomen, thighs, neck and flanks. This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting and recovery is usually short and uncomplicated.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. This operation involves placement of a saline or silicone implant under the breast tissue to improve the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure is done on an outpatient basis and satisfaction rates are high. The ideal size of the implant is best decided upon after consultation with a physician.

Patients in their 30s often choose to undergo body-contouring procedures following pregnancies. The typical consequences of childbirth involve development of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen and excessive drooping of the breasts. These patients are candidates for abdominoplasty and breast lift surgery. Abdominoplasty involves removal of excess skin and fat to flatten the abdomen and restore the waistline. Mastopexy, or breast lift, involves reshaping the breasts to improve shape and restore proper nipple position. This can be combined with placement of implants for patients who have lost fullness in their breasts.

When people reach their 40s, it is important to begin using a muscle relaxant to reduce facial wrinkles. Products such as Botox or Dysport can be injected into the forehead, around the eyes and in the lips to eliminate wrinkles. These products are safe to use and have a high rate of patient satisfaction.

This stage is also when patients begin using facial fillers to fill in lines around the nose and mouth areas. Products such as Juvederm, Restylane and Radiesse can be injected into facial lines to give a younger, more vibrant appearance. Patients in their late 40s and early 50s begin to undergo surgical procedures on their face to reduce the signs of aging. Procedures such as eyelid lifts, brow lifts and neck or facelifts can take years off someone’s appearance by removing extra skin and restoring normal architecture around the eyes. These types of surgeries have short recoveries and high patient satisfaction rates. By following a healthy lifestyle and choosing surgical procedures carefully, a person can maximize his or her aesthetic appearance at all stages of life.

All of these options are available at Advanced Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, located at 107 Newtown Road in Danbury. For more information, please call 203-791-9661 or visit the website www.acpsurgery.com.