Looking good and camera ready is no longer a celebrity requirement these days… we all seem to be obsessed with what our selfie hair, skin and fashion. But beyond your phone or Instagram feed, lunch hour cosmetic procedures that promise youth and glow are now quite common.
Backed by science and stunning results, cosmetic care is currently engrained in our culture but some of us don’t know where to begin and how to generally care for our appearance. My curiosity got the better of me after becoming a mom and fearing a transformation of my general appearance. I asked Chicago based plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Iteld a few common questions that most of us are curious about. Here are his tips on how to age gracefully and wisely.
What your top 5 tips for delaying the aging process?
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- Avoiding excess sun exposure. Liberal use of sunscreen. NEVER use artificial tanning beds.
- Never smoke. Smoking is one of the most easily modifiable factors that increases facial aging
- Maintain a healthy bodyweight. Progressive weight gain and weight loss, especially significant changes, can lead to laxity and sagging not only of the body, but also of the face.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- High quality skin care. This can be modified based on one’s budget from things as simple as gentle cleansers and moisturizers all the way up to regular aesthetics services, laser treatments, etc. We call this “big girl skincare”
About Maintenance: what are the first signs of aging and what are quick, efficient fixes for these common signs.
For most people, the earliest signs of aging may be lines in the upper third of the face (the “11’s” between the eyes, and crow’s feet). And other people may be fine lines and the cheeks or pigmentary changes, facial skin. Options for managing these changes included Botox and skincare such as physician dispensed skin care products, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, and other aesthetics services.
What’s the best way to keep our skin radiant?
Skincare such as physician dispensed skin care products, chemical peels, micro-dermabrasion, and other aesthetics services.
Acne & Scars: What is the best way to reduce acne scaring?
Unfortunately, there are no great treatments for acne scarring. The best treatment is prevention. Patients should never pick at acne comedones. If someone is predisposed to developing acne, even beyond her teenage years, they should work with a board-certified dermatologist who has lots of options for management. Once acne scarring develops, treatments, such as fractionated lasers and micro-needling may help to improve things incrementally, but it is almost impossible to remove those scars.
Post-partum care- In your opinion, what is best and safest post care for post partum mums:
The most important thing in the immediate postpartum period is to follow the instructions of the her obstetrician. This includes gradually increasing her activity level and when safe, resumption of your healthy lifestyle. This includes diet and exercise. Gradual weight loss. After pregnancy with appropriate exercise and diet. We will help restore the body in the best possible way. Not all changes of pregnancy and childbearing can be reversed with diet and exercise.
Some women find that they will benefit from aesthetic breast surgery (augmentation, mastopexy, or both), liposuction, or a tummy tuck. The best timing for these operations is after the woman is done having children and is back at, or near, her baseline weight. Perhaps one of the best things a woman can do to minimize the changes of childbearing is to maintain a healthy lifestyle during her pregnancy. This includes smart food choices, regular exercise, and avoiding excess weight gain. This is something that each woman should discuss with her obstetrician.
