Face Lift

Have you ever noticed that people age differently? Some may just have good genes. Some may be “cheating” time and having work done, such as certain procedures my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice perform. But not everyone wants to, or even can, undergo a treatment such as Botox or laser skin resurfacing. Nor is everyone about to undergo a face lift or brow lift just for the sake of beauty. The truth is that where you live could either be preserving your skin or pushing it into early wrinkles and pigment spots.

A recent study has established a strong association between residing near a busy highway, or heavily traffic-filled area, and early skin aging. The study itself was conducted over twenty years and analyzed two groups of people from Germany: one group residing in heavily industrialized areas, and one  group living in sparsely populated rural areas. Due to the research, airborne particles from car exhaust are now ranked third place as the most potentially modifiable factor to cause early skin aging. It falls right beneath ultraviolet radiation and tobacco smoke. Unfortunately, not everyone can relocate to a new home, while managing your exposure to the sun and smoke is a much easier task.

This is not the first offense car exhaust is guilty of when it comes to our health. In fact, its threat is more than skin deep. High exposure to traffic-related airborne particles has been known to impair cognitive function in the elderly and inhibit lung function. As of right now scientists have ongoing studies trying to determine whether this exposure has a hand in causing Alzheimer’s disease too.

We may not always be able to choose where can to reside, but if you must live in an area with high traffic you may want to consider taking extra care of your skin. My Indianapolis plastic surgery practice is also more that capable and more than happy to help as well.

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff

My Indianapolis plastic surgery practice has seen all types of patients. But nothing compares to the amount of older patients I’ve seen walk into my office lately. In fact, this spike reflects the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s statistic saying there was a two percent increase in patients over 55 last year. I can only imagine that it has increased again this year.

In Indianapolis, procedures like face lifts, neck lifts, brow lifts, and liposuction and treatments like Botox are just as popular with my younger patients as well as my gradually growing older patients. These clients have seen plastic surgery become accepted, and have finally willed themselves to not feel ashamed for wanting to look young. Plastic surgery is no longer taboo like it used to be, so older patients are ready to the take the plunge they’ve always wanted to.

Many of my Indianapolis plastic surgery patients over the age of 55 frequently mention how outspoken older celebrities have also helped them in embracing cosmetic procedures. They see how happy celebrities, such as Sharon Osbourne, openly admit to having work done, proud to have had help in looking the way they look. With society being so accepting, it’s only natural that more people, no matter their age, would consider cosmetic surgery.

In my opinion, you are never too old to want to look your best. If there are no serious risks for the patient, then there is no particular reason that a procedure should not be done. Wanting to look good is a universal feeling.

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff

Did you know that, anytime you undergo any type of cosmetic surgery procedure, from a simple Botox and filler injection, all the way to a face lift or liposuction or other plastic surgery procedure,  you should disclose all medications that you take plus any herbal supplements? It’s true and here’s why.

Herbs like Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng and St. John’s Wort have proven benefits to your health, but they can also interfere with anesthesia and increase bleeding, even in something as simple as the needle prick from injectable fillers.

Here in our Indianapolis plastic surgery office, we make it a point to confirm medications with our patients, but unless asked, they generally don’t remember to tell us about vitamin supplements or herbs that they take on a regular basis. It’s important to do so, to make sure that your procedure goes as smoothly as possible. Here is a list of herbs that can cause concerns and should be disclosed to your practitioner before any procedure.

Supplements that can increase bleeding:

• Gingko Biloba
• Garlic
• Ginseng
• Fish Oils (omega-3 fatty acids)
• Dong Quai
• Feverfew

Supplements that can interfere with anesthesia:

• Valerian
• St John’s Wort
• Kava

Supplements that can cause other types adverse events:

• St John’s Wort (can cause photosensitivity, especially after laser or chemical peels)
• Ginseng (can cause hypoglycemia)

If you are having any procedure performed, be sure to tell us what you take on a regular basis. Even something as simple as an aspirin should be shared with us!

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Gregory Chernoff