New Year's resolutions are ubiquitous. We all make them, but most of them are unfortunately doomed to fail. Most resolutions focus on self-improvement – losing weight, eating healthier or getting a daunting task completed. Is there something to this, or is it all just a waste of time?
Many plastic surgeons capitalize on New Year's resolutions to try to lure patients into their offices with the slogan "New Year, New YOU!" While this is a phrase I generally avoid, there may, in fact, be something to it. Most people do in fact want to put their best face and body forward, reflecting the healthy inside on the outside as well, and what better time to do it then at the start of a new year? Well if that's the case, how can seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon and ASPS member help? Here are a few procedures available in 2016 that can help your exterior reflect your very best self and reach those resolutions:
Liposuction – The most popular body contouring procedure for both men and women. Permanent removal of unwanted fat deposits by way of tiny incisions hidden in creases, with a few weeks' downtime but permanent results!
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) – A larger procedure but very common post-pregnancy to remove extra skin, stretch marks and fat, together with correction of muscle separation (known as "rectus diastasis").
Breast augmentation/enhancement, lift or reduction – The goal being for a woman to feel proportional to the rest of her body, with a youthful breast shape and fullness. The options these days are nearly endless – I call what I offer patients "designer breast surgery" since "her goals are MY goals"!
Facelift and neck lift – Both women and men notice aging in their facial region, in particular, the neck. Sometimes a straightforward procedure such as rejuvenation of the face or neck can make all the difference and create a less tired and more rested, energetic appearance.
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – Removes hooded or baggy eyelid skin and sometimes removes bulging fat pockets, creating a refreshed appearance that permanently refreshes the eye area.
Mommy makeovers – A constellation of procedures personalized to each woman based on how pregnancy changed her body, her anatomy, her specific wishes and realistic available downtime. A Mommy Makeover traditionally involves a breast lift, augmentation or reduction, tummy tuck or liposuction; occasionally additional procedures such as labiaplasty or nonsurgical procedures are included.
CoolSculpting – Who can say no to nonsurgical permanent fat reduction that doesn't require anesthesia and has no downtime! While the results are less dramatic when compared to liposuction, work and exercise can resume immediately, with a 25% reduction of stubborn fat deposits in a single hour office treatment. CoolSculpting is especially popular with men to banish that "spare tire" or "muffin top" region.
Botox – The number one popular injectable treatment is that way for a reason – it works, it's quick, easy and a great way to reduce or prevent wrinkles in the forehead and crow's feet areas. Lasting 3 months or longer and taking just minutes to receive, Botox revolutionized the cosmetic industry and is still going strong.
Fillers – Dermal fillers are safe, natural substances injected under the skin or deeper planes (such as immediately over facial bones) to sculpt the face and fill in lines or hollows resulting from volume loss with aging or significant weight loss. Some fillers help to stimulate the body to produce its own additional collagen in the treatment area.
IPL photo-facials – Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-ablative laser-type machine that targets red or brown pigments in the skin or deeper water molecules to zap away unwanted pigmentation abnormalities and cause turnover of skin cells for a refreshed glow to the skin.
LATISSE – An FDA-approved topical medication that grows your eyelashes longer, fuller and darker (if they are already dark – it will not make blonde eyelashes darker)! A nonsurgical way to help brighten the eyes, many users work LATISSE into their nighttime beauty regime.
Lastly, medical grade skin care can help rejuvenate and improve the condition of your skin. In contrast to drugstore or even more expensive brand name department store serums and creams, "medical grade" means they are generally only available in a physician's office and they contain the highest concentration of active ingredients.
For some, reaching "your best self" might mean a visit to a plastic surgeon's office – for others, a change in diet or increased exercise, meditation or yoga will do the trick!
Either way, be sure to "Do Your Homework" and seek a plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and who is American Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. Together we can help determine the most appropriate and safest way to reaching your personal goals for 2016!
For more information, including a list of ASPS plastic surgeons in your community, please use our Find a Plastic Surgeon tool.