Block and Stop - the Secret for Younger Looking Skin

Do you want younger looking skin? "Just block and stop," says licensed aesthetician, Medical aesthetician, Gena O'Neill.

"Blocking refers to using either sun block or sunscreen and by blocking smoking, I mean giving up cigarettes," says Gena.

How is it that something like the sun that feels so good and improves our moods can cause damage? "There are three types of UV rays in the atmosphere; UVA, UVB, UVC. UVC are absorbed into the environment," says Gena, "UVA rays age the skin, (A equals age) and UVB (B equals burning) are harmful to our skin. UV A rays take longer to impact the skin but penetrate deeper. UVA rays results in wrinkles and discoloration and the UVB results in burns. A tan is the skin's attempt to protect itself against these damaging rays."

So why should we care? Over exposure to the sun can lead to serious consequences that are worse than aging skin. The rays can cause skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can be lethal. Melanoma can spread throughout the body. Basal cell cancer's don't spread but can erode the underlying structures of the skin and require reconstructive surgery and squamous cell cancers can also spread through out the body.

This means everyone; even those with darker skin tone must protect their skin.

Protection comes in the form of a sun block or a sunscreen. Gena explains the difference:
"A sun block offers complete protection of the skin. It is a lotion that blocks the rays of the sun. Its ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Sunscreen protects the skin by reflecting and absorbing harmful UVA and UVB rays."

"Look for broad spectrum protection" says Gena. Sunscreen contains benzophenones which protect against UVA rays and cinnamates and salicylates that work against UVB rays. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is recommended to use products with at least SPF 15. The higher the SPF the longer it acts in the sun without breaking down. Sunscreens need to be reapplied.

"If you smoke, stop," says Gena. Smoke robs the skin of oxygen and its youthful texture. Wrinkles form around the lips, eyes and mouth do to sucking. A 2007 study showed that even photoprotected skin ages more rapidly in a smoker.

Sun damage to skin cannot be reversed but it can be treated. Make an appointment with Gena for a complete skin analysis. Above all, just stop and block.

Instructor for Filler Injections...

Restylane and Perlane update from our office...

Bryan J. Michelow, M.D., FACS, is pleased to announce that he has been accepted by Medicis as a professional trainer for Restylane and Perlane fillers.

Training sessions, to instruct interested Physicians regarding a recommended injection technique for these fillers, will begin in the New Year.

Wellness Evolution

Announcing "Wellness Link" our new partnership with Wellness Evolution.

If you smoke or are overweight, Dr. Bryan Michelow, your Plastic Surgeon, will most likely recommend that your surgery be postponed until you stop smoking or have lost some weight. This is not an easy task but fortunately you do not have to do it alone...

Through Wellness Evolution we can now help you achieve your goals naturally and with the support of qualified professionals.

Partnering with Bryan J. Michelow, M.D., FACS, Wellness Evolution has designed three customized programs to assist our patients:
1. A smoking cessation program,
2. A weight loss program and
3. An "optimizing health" program for individuals looking to keep that healthy glow.

Click here to link to Wellness Evolution or ask us about Wellness Evolution at your next visit.

Abdominoplasty & Mommy Makeovers...

are among the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures.

The tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is fast becoming the cosmetic surgical procedure of choice these days. Popularity of the tummy tuck is being fueled by celebrities wishing to regain their pre-baby shape and they are going public about their decision to opt for this elective surgery - oftern in conjunction with breast lift or augmentation.

The decision to undergo one or both of these procedures reaches beyond vanity. Clothes fit better and women can feel more confident with a firmer and toned body. These surgeries offer women additional incentives to exercise and keep in shape. I invite you to view my televised interview regarding this exciting procedure.

Do not forget DAD! Abdominal liposuction to define the "ironing board" contour of the abdomen maybe just what the doctor ordered to regain his pre-baby shape, even if the baby was born thirty or so years ago.

View my video on WKYC-TV's Good Company.

The secret weapon against aging skin

One of my patients in her early thirties recently asked me what I considered to be the most potent weapon in our arsenal against aging. The answer is simple. Sunscreen. Of course sunscreen alone is not enough. Peels, facials and other procedures are necessary to keep skin hydrated and in optimal condition, however in the battle against photo aging, sunscreen is a frontline combat soldier.

Consider Gena O'Neill, Contemporary Cosmetic Sugery's aesthetician, as your partner in the battle against aging. Gena's broad knowledge of the skin and the elements around us that impact our skin can help you get the glow you want.

Lips: Plumped or too Pumped?

It seems like everyone is talking about lips these days. Many women are turning to dermal fillers to achieve the lush lips of Angelina Jolie. Other women are looking to restore the pillowy appeal of youthful lips.

Lately, the tabloids are having field day featuring celebrities with overstuffed lips and "bad" plastic surgery in general. My patients have been asking me if there is any aesthetic formula used to create full lips that enhance rather than overtake the face.

The answer is yes. In most circumstances the width of the lower lip should be two-thirds wider than the upper lip. I keep this in mind when appraising all patients regardless of their age. There should be a pleasing upward curve to the lips, giving the impression of a smile rather than a scowl. I work with the natural architecture of the lip to accent the cupids bow.

Patients who are concerned about aging should keep in mind that as gravity takes over, the face and it features begin to sag. That is why we use fillers to lift in addition to filling in lines. As time goes by the vertical lines between the nose and the upper lip begin to flatten. I use fillers to rebuild these lines (the philtrum) for a more youthful appearance.