Everyone has that person— you know the one— the first person you call when you get a job promotion, the last person you want to fight with, and the only person who can finish your sentences. Best friends, simply are the best. To make sure that you show your bestie how much you love and appreciate them, give them a gift from Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants that will make them shocked and excited.

Chemical Peels

Okay, so a chemical peel may not sound like something you want to gift to your bestie, but let’s face it— how many conversations have you had with them about their skin? Chemical peels are a non-invasive way to help correct skin concerns like acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and even fine lines and wrinkles. So, what’s not to love?

Facial

The most popular thing to gift to your bestie? A facial! Facials are not only relaxing, but they also have a slew of skincare benefits including an increased circulation of blood to the face. Plus, if you treat yourself to a facial as well, you and your bestie can have a fun day relaxing and enjoying each other’s company at our office!

Body Bronzing

Do you and your bestie have big plans to hit up as many holiday parties as possible together? Consider giving them the tan skin they have been wanting without having to send them on a trip to Mexico. With our body bronzing techniques, your friend can get that perfect sun-kissed look without having to expose themselves to any UV damage or light in the process.

Spoil your bestie this year with one of these three gifts. Depending on your budget, we can help you pick the best gift for them that will have them raving far into the new year. Schedule an appointment at our Huntington office to learn more!

Yes, it is true that getting a facial is a great way to stay calm, relaxed, and reenergized but did you know that there are also health benefits of getting a facial as well? Here at Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, we offer our patients a unique facial called a Mesofacial. So, how does a Mesofacial compare to a traditional spa facial and what unique benefits does it entail? Read on to learn more.

1. A Micro-needling Technique Is Used

One of the biggest differences between a Mesofacial and a spa facial is that a Mesofacial uses a micro needling technique in conjunction with hyaluronic acid. During your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and then exfoliated with either a glycolic peel or Hydrafacial. Then, a hyaluronic acid will be applied to the skin. Once the hyaluronic acid has been applied, our esthetician will use our unique instrument to start the micro needling. By making tiny micro perforations in the skin, the micro-needling works to naturally stimulate the skin’s production of collagen.

2. It Treats a Variety of Areas

Another great and unique benefit of our Mesofacial is the fact that it is used to treat a variety of skin conditions including:

• Vertical Lines on the Upper Lip
• Acne Scars and Other Types of Scarring
• Sun Damage
• Large Pores

3. The Results Are Long Lasting

Unlike spa facials that are mainly designed to regulate the oil on the skin and correct minor imperfections like dryness, a Mesofacial spa aims to treat the skin from the inside-out— leaving you with longer lasting results. And, the more Mesofacials you get, the better results you will receive.

As you can see, there are several benefits of getting a Mesofacial from Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants. If you would like to learn more about whether or not you a good candidate for this type of treatment, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Duboys.

As one of the most popular things on the plastic surgery market, if not the most popular thing, Botox offers patients the temporary relief of fine lines and wrinkles that reside on their forehead and around their eyes. However, only lasting an average of 3-6 months, depending on the patient, Botox is something that will need to be readministered a few times a year by the experts at Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants. And, sometimes although the results of Botox are wonderful, it can seem like they just aren’t enough. If you are starting to notice that even after you get Botox, there are still some areas around your face that are sagging, then you may want to consider getting a facelift or even a neck lift. Read on to learn more.

FaceLift

Let’s face it, Botox is pure magic at treating those fine lines and wrinkles on your forehead and around your eyes, but sometimes, even Botox can’t give you quite the results that you are going for. However, by having a surgical procedure such as a facelift done, you can help to lift and tighten areas all around the face in order to give you a more youthful appearance and skin that’s a bit more taut and firm.

During a facelift, you will be under anesthesia so you won’t feel or remember a thing. Once under anesthesia, one of the doctors at Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants will then make small incisions around your scalp and even behind your ears in order to gain access to the skin. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will then lift the skin in order to tighten it and remove any excess skin in the process. Afterwards, you will be sent off to recovery.

NeckLift

Another big indicator that you are aging, and something that Botox and injectables unfortunately can’t help with, is the loss of elasticity in your neck. However, if you are considering getting a facelift, you may want to get a neck lift as well. As the skin around your neck loses elasticity, it can start to resemble more of a turkey neck than a human neck. During the surgical procedure, you will be placed under anesthesia and incisions will typically be made under your chin. After which, the surgeon will then lift and tighten the skin, and remove any excess skin in the process.

Unfortunately, sometimes Botox just doesn’t cut it and surgical procedures may be desired. However, it should be noted that just because you get a facelift or necklift, your skin will still continue to show signs of aging. If you would like to learn more about these surgical procedures or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact our Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants office today.

When do wrinkles appear?

When you reach certain age it tends to become increasingly apparent that time will keep marching on whether you want it to or not. It’s not so much that we want to stop time as that we may like to stop the aging process and the way it shows up on our skin. There are several factors that affect the elasticity and the thickness of our skin, and therefore its vulnerability to wrinkles.

Factors that affect elasticity

The sun. However much we may need vitamin D from natural sunlight, UV rays can do a number on the skin. UVA and UVB rays are some of the most prevalent wrinkle-causers known to man. This is because they break down the fibrous strands of collagen that support overlying tissues. Even more importantly, getting too much sunshine without adequate protection from broad-spectrum sunscreen can quickly put you at risk for skin cancer.

The eyes have it. The earliest signs of aging most often show up around the eyes and also around the mouth. Sometimes, it is between the brows where we noticed the signs of aging. Why? It comes down to facial movement. Every time we frown, smile, and laugh, the skin wrinkles. Over time and that good old loss of elasticity, the lines around the brow, eyes, and mouth become deeply ingrained fixtures on the face.

The Importance of Skincare at Any Age

The good news about facial aging is that there’s a lot we can do to slow its progression.

• Avoid direct sunlight at the height of intensity. This is typically between 12 PM and 4 pm.
  Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or 30 anytime you will be in the sun. Don’t just apply at once; reapply if you go in the water or if you sweat.
• Apply nourishing cream and see around the eyes. Ingredients to look for include green tea, vitamin C, and pomegranate extract. These powerful antioxidants fight environmental damage that can lead to wrinkles. Other important ingredients include alpha hydroxy acid, which facilitates adequate absorption of other ingredients.
• Be gentle! Rubbing your eyes were tugging at your skin can exacerbate the problem of looseness and creases.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The good news about aging in today society is that we have innumerable ways to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and just about any other problems that may occur. Our patients can benefit from both surgical and nonsurgical treatments such as brow lift, eyelid surgery,  Botox, and dermal fillers.

Let us help you care for your skin. Schedule your consultation today.