We are incredibly fortunate to live in Fairfax County, a community that has a bustling holistic wellness scene, full of many restorative businesses that can benefit our minds, bodies and spirits. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite health-focused restaurants, spas and fitness studios in the Greater DC metro area. Invest in your own self-care and support the local economy by showing love to these great local businesses today!

Nourishing Eats

Greenheart Juice Shop was founded in 2013 by a small team with a big passion for plant-based nutrition. With four locations in the area, as well as a presence at several area farmers markets, they provide an impressive selection of cleansing juices, nut milks, salads and other freshly made consumables for optimum wellness. We can’t wait to try the Immunity Pack of juices to safeguard our bodies, from the inside out, for the upcoming winter season!

While eating highly nutritious food is always important, it is especially critical to provide your body with key micro- and macro-nutrients before and after a surgical procedure.

GreenFare is an organic cafe that opened in Herndon in 2015 with the mission of nourishing people and planet. They are not just a place for plant-based whole-food dining, but also healthy living and education—they advertise themselves as “an innovative community restaurant and learning center” that collaborates with medical professionals, environmentalists, and animal welfare advocates to positively transform our world. This is truly a one-stop shop for everyone on their wellness journey. Their daily menu is sustainably and seasonally focused, and they also offer catering services, virtual classes and other special events. Their meal plans and meal delivery programs also make an awesome gift idea!

Tip: For optimal healing, try supplementing your diet with these or other healthy options before and after plastic surgery! While eating highly nutritious food is always important, it is especially critical to provide your body with key micro- and macro-nutrients before and after a surgical procedure.

Bend & Breathe

Beloved Yoga is a serene 6,500 square foot sanctuary with six studio spaces for group yoga, private yoga, and Ayurvedic medicine. They offer over 80 classes per week – for everyone from the beginner yogi to the teacher in training, from kids to seniors. Don’t forget to check out the Sanctuary gift shop, the lending library, and the community lounge when you stop in for a class!

Sun & Moon is a locally owned and community-supported yoga studio and school. Since 1994, they’ve been teaching students and guests the magic of movement and mindfulness, with the opportunity to explore, play, inquire, and heal. They stand out from other yoga studios in the area by blending the ancient traditions of hatha yoga with their mission of inclusivity and social justice. Between their two area studios, and their large team of instructors and healers, they offer a wide variety of classes and events for everyone in the community. They also have gift cards—perfect for the hard-to-shop-for friend.

Primp & Pamper

Organic Nails & Spa is a salon offering luxury manicures, pedicures, and waxing services across three locations in Northern Virginia. Their calming, soothing space will delight the senses and bring joy to your day, while their natural and organic spa ingredients connect you with the serenity of nature even further. For those worried about sanitation and safety, you can have peace of mind knowing that their team uses appropriate sterilization methods, as well as offering non-toxic polishes free of formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals. Planning a girls day out, a corporate event or other group celebration? Enjoy complimentary beverages during your visit!

Ladan Holistic Spa is a wellness spa located in nearby Falls Church. Their therapeutic aesthetic treatments use only organic and natural products—many of them made by hand in-house. They also offer rejuvenating energy-healing experiences such as sound baths, reiki, and hypnotherapy, as well as a variety of workshops for spiritual healing and growth. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re bound to find something to balance your body here.

Get Moving

Urban Evolution is a unique “multi-movement” fitness gym offering experiences in a variety of sports and activities, including Parkour, Tricking/Freerunning, Aerial Acrobatics, Gymnastics, Yoga, Hip Hop Dance, Juggling, and more. Students not only get to utilize strength conditioning, confidence-building and problem-solving in their classes, but they also get to have FUN in a diverse and thriving community. Their classes welcome students of all ages and levels, so you can feel comfortable trying something new!

DivaFit is Northern Virginia’s premier pole dance and aerial fitness studio. Their aerial classes use silks, trapeze, and other circus arts to help students develop elegance, strength, stamina and flexibility. You’ll build a stronger, more flexible, and confident you, as well as lasting friendships and memories to last a lifetime. Looking for a higher intensity workout? Try a lap dance, chair dance, pole dance, or deep flex class. None of their specialty classes require previous experience, so grab a friend, your favorite heels and get moving!

Refresh & Rejuvenate

Nothing says self-care quite like a spa day at Hess Plastic Surgery! Board certified Fairfax plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess has served patients in Northern Virginia for over 20 years, and his talented team of medical aesthetic experts provide a full selection of rejuvenating skin procedures to give you natural-looking results that will leave you feeling confident and beautiful. From injectable dermal fillers to skin-brightening facial treatments, to CoolSculpting or surgical options, we can improve virtually any aspect of your appearance that you’re dissatisfied with. To set up your personal consultation and learn how Dr. Hess can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, call our practice at (703) 752-6608 or contact us online.

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The damaging effects of UV radiation include sunburn, premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancers. We all know that wearing sun-protective clothing and using sunscreen are some of the best ways to defend our skin, but a study suggests that your eating habits—particularly if you’re snacking late at night—may also have an effect on how well your skin is protected from UV damage. Here’s what you need to know.

How late-night eating disrupts your skin’s natural protection

A University of Texas study published in the journal Cell Reports looked at the effects of switching some mice’s natural eating pattern from night (they are nocturnal) to daytime. The researchers found that the disrupted eating habits resulted in greater vulnerability to UVB skin damage compared with that of the mice who ate at their normal feeding time.

The irregular eating pattern resulted in a change to the circadian rhythm of the mice’s skin, which led to a reduction in an important enzyme that helps to protect skin against UV damage. In the mice fed during the day, the enzyme became less active in the daytime and more active at night—the opposite of what it should be doing in these nocturnal animals.

Your skin’s natural ability to protect you from sun damage may be compromised by eating at the wrong time of day.

More research is needed to know if the same results would be seen in humans. Still, a researcher behind the study stated that these results are a good reason for us to avoid abnormal eating schedules (particularly eating at night), which could potentially shift our skin’s internal “clock.”

More reasons to avoid late-night snacking for healthy skin

Apart from the implications of the University of Texas study, you should also avoid late-night snacking because it can disrupt sleep, and disrupted sleep contributes to skin aging. A Cambridge University study on bedtime eating and drinking noted, “earlier timing of eating or drinking in relation to bedtime – between 4 and 6 h [before] – increases the likelihood of optimal sleep duration.” This means that, if your bedtime is 11:00 p.m., the ideal time for your last meal of the day is between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

To protect your skin, avoid the temptation of midnight snacks and try to eat your meals at regular times during the day.

Further, it’s common to crave unhealthy ‘junk’ food when snacking at night. Many popular American snack foods (particularly those that are sugary, fatty, or contain milk) are known to be associated with acne. A previous study has also found that ultra-processed foods are associated with faster aging.

And your skin isn’t the only part of your body affected by the timing of your meals: a study out of Japan found that dinner before bed and/or late-night snacking was linked to metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and obesity. Late-night overeating is also associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors.

But how do I avoid late-night snacking?

To avoid the temptation of chips and ice cream at bedtime, it’s important to create new habits for yourself, starting with breakfast. Eat bigger meals during daylight hours, and have healthy snacks—such as fruit, veggies, or raw nuts—ready to eat in-between meals. When you do crave an evening snack, try substituting it with a calming ritual: do a series of gentle stretches, make yourself a cup of herbal tea, or listen to a guided meditation. If you must have a snack, choose something light and easily digestible, such as a piece of fruit.

Eating foods rich in healthy fiber, fat, and protein promote healthy skin and help to prevent late-night cravings.

Thankfully, many foods that are good for your skin and overall health, including fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds, are also known for offering healthy fiber, fat, and protein—nutrients that can help to reduce snack cravings between meals. Avoid overconsumption of sugar and processed foods in your diet, which will do the opposite, increasing cravings. Lastly, be sure to drink plenty of water, as it is key for optimal health.

Support your skin health with Dr. Hess in Fairfax, VA

Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess has been serving patients in the Fairfax, VA area for over 20 years and was named one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Plastic Surgeons for 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2021, and 2022.

Dr. Hess and our medical team offer a full range of skin treatments in addition to procedures for the breast and body. We would love to help you create a customized skin treatment plan to rejuvenate your appearance and achieve your aesthetic goals. Schedule your consultation with us online or call (703) 752-6608 to get started on your personal transformation.

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Many of us practically live online, whether in Zoom meetings during the workday or scrolling away a few free hours on social media. This pattern invites comparisons between how we look in front-facing video cameras (which are fundamentally unflattering) with influencer-generated selfies (which are staged, filtered, curated, and often misleading).

This post will help you consider whether or not hyper-awareness of appearance flaws is a case of Zoom Dysmorphia or not—and offer tips on how to separate the way you see yourself on camera from how you feel about your appearance normally.

What should I know about Zoom dysmorphia before undergoing plastic surgery?

Body dysmorphic disorder, colloquially called “dysmorphia,” is a serious mental health disorder that is diagnosed and treated by a mental health professional. Dysmorphia involves a preoccupation with an element of your appearance, or multiple elements that may shift over time, and a perception that the flaw is much greater than others perceive it to be. “Zoom Dysmorphia” refers to dysmorphia fueled by seeing yourself on video calls.

If you think your nose looks too big on video calls, changing your computer setup (and not your face) may help you feel more confident.

Aesthetic medical providers have noticed an uptick in patients who say that their desire to improve their appearance was motivated by time spent in video calls. (You may have heard this phenomenon called the “Zoom Boom.”) But cameras at close-up angles are not a reliable way to assess whether or not you need plastic surgery, and plastic surgery does not treat or cure body dysmorphia.

While it is common for those with dysmorphia to seek cosmetic procedures, patients with dysmorphia tend to hold unrealistic expectations for their results and are thus much more likely to feel dissatisfied with the outcome.

How can I make myself look better on Zoom calls?

A recent article published in Aesthetic Authority shares that dermatologists, like plastic surgeons, have seen a rise in aesthetic consultations during the pandemic. The article details some practical tips for coping with feelings of Zoom dysmorphia:

• Keep your camera at eye level to reduce the amount of distortion of your face
• Move the camera farther away from your face
• Try a separate webcam that plugs into your computer and can be placed at a more flattering angle
• Add a ring light to your setup
• When possible, turn off your camera and join the meeting through voice
• Replace time spent on social media with other activities that increase confidence
• Talk to a mental health professional about other strategies

While these tips may help with passing concerns about appearance flaws, seek mental health services for persistent feelings of dysmorphia. If you believe that you or someone you know may be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder, know that it can only be treated by a mental health professional. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will help you find a provider in your area: call their helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or search for your location online through their behavioral health treatment locator.

How do I know if I am ready for plastic surgery?

If seeing yourself on screen in remote meetings has you considering plastic surgery, it’s important to check in with yourself before planning a procedure to decide if Zoom Dysmorphia is part of your motivation.

1. Take notice if you only think about your flaw on Zoom

You may not be a good candidate for plastic surgery if your flaw only bothers you in video conferences. For example, if you think your nose looks too big, it may just be related to using the front-facing camera. In that case, changing your setup (and not your face) may suffice. It may also be possible to just ignore it, since all of us with built-in cameras (rather than fancy video conferencing setups) are experiencing this problem!

2. You may be a good candidate if you always wanted a cosmetic procedure

Hundreds of thousands of people undergo plastic surgery every year, and the process can lead to increased confidence in a number of cases:

• You wanted to make a change before you started looking at yourself critically in video conferences. If the video conference simply reminded you of the procedure you have long wanted, that is a normal, appropriate rationale for seeking a procedure now.
• Your signs of aging seem out of tune with how you feel. If you want to reset the clock, that is also a very typical rationale for undergoing a procedure.
• You have realistic expectations for what a procedure can do for you. Plastic surgery has limits. Look at the before and after galleries of board certified plastic surgeons in your area, seeing what kind of results the surgeon was able to achieve for patients who look like you in the “before” photos.

3. Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon

Consult with a trusted plastic surgeon for a reality check. They are uniquely qualified to help you decide whether or not what you see as a flaw merits an aesthetic change, so talk to them frankly about how video conferencing instigated your interest in a procedure. This initial meeting is your plastic surgeon’s chance to understand why you’re seeking a procedure now and to help you understand what a cosmetic surgery can (and cannot) achieve.

Board certified plastic surgeons uphold a high standard of ethics, and if they believe you may have body dysmorphic disorder, they will encourage you to seek appropriate help from a mental health professional.

Visit Dr. Christopher Hess in Fairfax for a seasoned, board certified plastic surgeon

Seeking a sensitive plastic surgeon who truly cares about their patients and will devote time to learning about you and your goals? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Hess in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Hess is committed to safely achieving natural-looking results that increase patients’ confidence. To learn more, call us today at 703.752.6608 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.

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Because sleep impacts so many of the body’s systems, it plays an essential role in human physiology. The benefits of good sleep are not only better mood and alertness, but good sleep also supports your immune response, cognition, memory, mental stability, and, it turns out, the health of your heart.

New research on the ties between sleep and cardiovascular health

New research from Harvard Medical School has found that irregular sleep patterns harm cardiovascular health, particularly in adults older than 45. Their study followed nearly 2,000 men and women aged 45 to 84 who did not have any prior cardiovascular disease. Researchers monitored each participant’s sleep patterns for 7 days using a device strapped to their wrist. Each person also underwent an in-home sleep test and filled out a questionnaire-based sleep assessment.

The study’s findings were dramatic: over the subsequent 5 years, those with irregular sleep patterns had twice the rate of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease than participants with regular sleep patterns. The correlation was the strongest for minority populations, particularly African Americans.

“Research published online by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that older adults with an irregular sleep schedule had nearly double the risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with those who had a regular sleep schedule…even after study authors adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, average sleep duration, and other sleep problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea.”—Harvard Medical School.

Why does an irregular sleep schedule cause an increased risk of cardiovascular disease? Irregular sleep impacts the body’s circadian rhythms—and those rhythms directly affect the cardiovascular system’s health. Circadian disruptions change the rhythms of the autonomic nervous system, which control blood pressure and heart rate.

Here’s how to get your sleep back on track

There are numerous techniques for getting your sleep schedule on track, as well as helpful tips for falling asleep in the first place. Here are some of the ways to improve your sleep hygiene:

Move your body!

Exercise improves the quality and duration of sleep, and it also increases the time you spend in deep sleep—the period during the night when the body restores and repairs itself. Expending physical energy during the daytime means you’re better able to wind down when nighttime comes.

Take in the news in smaller doses

A relentless onslaught of upsetting and unsettling news is bound to wind up your mind and amplify worries. Instead, stay informed by consuming smaller doses of news at a designated time early in the day and avoid overwhelming yourself with news close to bedtime. (You can always tune back in when you feel less stressed!)

Get plenty of natural light

Light regulates your sleep and wake cycles and sets your body’s circadian clock. The body gets confused if it takes in too much light for too many consecutive hours and vice versa. (This is the reason behind jet lag.) Because exposure to natural light during daylight hours—especially in the morning—keeps your body’s clock in sync, it also impacts the quality and duration of sleep at night.

Limit screens and blue light

Most of us spend many hours a day glued to screens—and your computer, phone, tablet, and television emits blue light wavelengths, which have a powerful effect on your sleep-wake cycle and your internal body clock. Too much blue light too close to bedtime decreases melatonin levels and derails your body’s natural tendency to feel sleepy. Besides reducing screen time, you can also change computer and device settings to dim the screen.

Caffeine cut-off

If your sleep pattern needs regulating, drinking or eating anything caffeinated is going to make your job that much harder. If you can’t quit your morning cup of coffee, then commit to avoiding caffeine after midday.

Winding down

Give your body and brain the right cues that, as bedtime approaches, it’s time to wind down. Incorporate activities that promote relaxation into your nighttime routine: a warm bath or shower, a good book, a cup of Sleepytime tea, meditation, and stretching are all great options.

Comfortable sleep environment

If your body is comfortable, you improve your chances of getting quality sleep. Are your pillow and mattress working for you? What about bedroom temperature? (Cooler environments promote better sleep.) Consider blackout curtains or some way to block light from waking you too early. Methods for masking sounds outside—a white noise machine or phone app or a fan can help too.

Good sleep benefits are worth the effort it takes to change bad habits and replace them with ones that improve your sleep hygiene. Your heart, immune system, nervous system, and brain (as well as the people you live with!) will thank you.

The post Sleep Off Track? New Research Suggests Irregular Sleep Schedules May Impact Your Heart appeared first on Dr. Hess.

As a plastic surgeon, my work naturally requires peak brain health, and I observe healthy habits to ensure I’m giving my best to each and every patient. Good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and healthy eating are all key.

As such, I was interested to see Harvard Health’s survey of foods linked to better brainpower. The article provides a nice summary, but I wanted to delve deeper into the science behind the statements. The good news is there have been a fair number of studies showing how specific foods can affect both short-term cognitive performance and longer-term brain health. Here’s what I found.

Proven cognitive performance boosters

Hoping to boost your near-term cognitive performance? Here are a few proven options.

Walnuts have multifold benefits

If you’re looking for the perfect snack to keep at your desk, consider walnuts. A 2015 medical study published in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging found “significant, positive associations between walnut consumption and cognitive functions among all adults, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.”

They are also well-known as a healthy protein and have high levels of antioxidants. That’s not all: walnuts contain other compounds shown to have “notable antitumor activity” (which have even been used in the development of antitumor drugs).

Caffeine for “attention, concentration, and vigilance”

This won’t be news to most of you, but caffeine does indeed make you sharper. The good news is only a moderate amount is required, so tea-drinkers also experience benefits. A medical study released in 2014 notes that the “beneficial impact of moderate caffeine intake by habitual coffee consumption on cognitive performance is principally due to direct enhancement of attention, concentration, and vigilance.”

Furthermore, a Mendelian randomization-based study published in 2018 in the journal Nature concluded that moderate, long-term caffeine consumption does not have negative effects on cognitive health.

Foods to support long-term brain health

While performing well at daily tasks is a worthy goal, thinking about the long game can benefit us as we age.

Green, leafy vegetables can help you be 11 years younger (!) cognitively

The National Institute on Aging recently highlighted the impressive benefits of consuming at least one serving of leafy greens per day. Remarkably, increased greens intake helped 80+-year-olds perform like people 11 years younger on cognitive tests when compared with cohorts who did not eat their greens.

Increased greens intake helped 80+-year-olds perform like people 11 years younger on cognitive tests.

The 2017 study, published in the journal Neurology, had “adjusted for age, sex, education, participation in cognitive activities, physical activities, smoking, and seafood and alcohol consumption” to be sure it was indeed the leafy greens providing the benefits. They noted beneficial nutrients available in leafy greens include phylloquinone, lutein, nitrate, folate, α-tocopherol, and kaempferol.

Omega 3 fatty acids—available in foods including fatty fish, flaxseeds, avocados, and walnuts—support the brain

Fatty fish have long been thought of as “brain food,” and a 2014 study published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine showed that having baked or broiled fish once per week was “positively associated with gray matter volumes.” A 2016 JAMA study reinforced the idea, stating that “moderate seafood consumption was correlated with lesser Alzheimer disease neuropathology.”

It is interesting to note that Omega 3 supplements were not necessarily proven to help with cognitive decline and, in fact, lower doses of these supplements were more likely to be associated with positive benefits. As such, food sources are likely the best way to boost your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids.

Berries

Thanks to being high in flavonoids, berries have excellent antioxidant properties and provide a number of significant nutritional benefits. A 2012 study published in the Annals of Neurology concluded that “higher intake of flavonoids, particularly from berries, appears to reduce rates of cognitive decline in older adults.” Furthermore, this 2014 study published in the journal Neural Regeneration Research notes “nutritional interventions rich in phytochemicals such as berry fruits may be a valuable asset in preventing against aging by reducing or delaying the development of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.”

The study also noted additional benefits conferred by specific types of berries. For instance, did you know blackberries can help normalize cholesterol and blueberries can inhibit inflammation?

Want to eat for brain health? Follow the science for proven benefits

While “brain food” is not a new concept, and overall healthy eating is important, it’s helpful to know which foods truly are effective when it comes to supporting our gray matter. I hope you’ve found this summary useful.

If you’d like to look youthful in addition to maintaining a sharp mind, feel free to contact me at Hess Plastic Surgery. I’d be glad to help you design a plan to address visible signs of aging.

The post Can What You Eat Impact Your Brain? Harvard Health Says Yes. appeared first on Dr. Hess.

A lot of our patients are dedicated to leading a healthy life, prioritizing consistent trips to the gym as part of their daily routines. One of the hallmarks of athletes—and those of you devoted to an exercise routine—is the ability to keep pushing, forcing yourself into physical activity even when you’re not “feeling it.” While it’s occasionally admirable to exercise through fatigue, pain, or mild illness, it’s also important to recognize when your body needs rest.

Muscle soreness could mean whatever illness you’re battling has invaded the muscles. This is a sure sign you need rest.

This is an especially salient point at the onset of cold and flu season. A recent article from Outside raises the question: can you work out when sick? We think their takeaways are highly valuable!

Can exercise prevent illness?

If you feel an illness coming on, a little exercise may be just what you need: it can help unclog your sinuses, increase blood circulation, and give you a boost of energy to fight through the sniffles. Then again, that trip to the gym could also sap your body of the energy and strength it needs to fight off your symptoms, ultimately sidelining you for days or more.

So, can you work out when sick? It all depends. Here are some guidelines to follow.

• Be sure you check for fever. If you are running a fever, most doctors would tell you to stay home and give your body some rest. Plus, you don’t want to pass on an illness to others. If you’re running 101 or higher or have had a low-grade fever for multiple days, head to a doctor’s office.
• If your symptoms are above the neck, it’s probably okay to hit the gym. A brisk workout can actually help you clear up sinus issues. Just be thoughtful of others and avoid spreading your germs. The CDC has a great list of hygiene tips.
• If your symptoms are below the neck, it’s likely better to rest up until your body has had time to recover.
• Take stock of any muscle soreness you may be experiencing. If you’re feeling stiff or sore, that could mean whatever illness you’re battling has invaded the muscles, and you’ll be better off if you don’t push them into workout mode.

Listen to your body

So, can exercise help prevent illness? Absolutely! As cold and flu season approaches, we encourage our clients to stay committed to their regular exercise routines. At the same time, listen when your body is telling you to step back and take it easy.

All of us at Hess Plastic Surgery wish you a healthy and enjoyable fall!

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Why would healthy and beauty be growing, while other industries remain flat in the country?

Inexpensive Ego Boosts Are Popular

It could be that people simply need a boost. When unemployment is nearly 23 percent, “inexpensive ego-boosts go a long way” reports PRI’s Marco Werman.

Salon manager Patricia Marquez explains, “a person needs to feel handsome to feel comfortable with themselves, she says. “If they don’t look good it doesn’t matter what they do; you have to feel comfortable in your own skin.”

One theory says that during an uncertain economy, women take refuge in beauty products, especially lipstick, according to Leonard Lauder, chairman of Estee Lauder.

In 2001, Lauder claimed that sales of lipstick go up whenever the economy goes down.

During times of distress, women skip the clothes and shoes, finding satisfaction in simpler beauty enhancements like lipstick.

Analda Santano, who works at the busy Cinema Nails salon, agrees with Lauder’s theory. She explains that people want to be prepared when the economic crisis finally ends and jobs become available. “The well-groomed will be well positioned when opportunity knocks,” she said.

In America, A Similar (But More Expensive) Story

Newsweek reports this week on a similar trend back home. “We might be cutting back on basics, but we’re pouring money into our looks,” writes Rebecca Dana, who offers some peculiar statistics about the cosmetic surgery industry:

“Between 2009 and 2010, Americans spent 3.8 percent less on food, 2 percent less on housing, 1.4 percent less on clothes, and 7 percent less on entertainment. At the same time, we spent 1.3 percent more on breast augmentation, 5.1 percent more on lipo, 8.1 percent more on eyelid surgery, and a whopping 24.4 percent more on butt lifts.”

In a recession economy, looking good appears to be a high priority for Americans and Europeans alike. Perhaps it is important to remember the multitude of other ways you can reinvent yourself during uncertain times. You can get an “inexpensive ego boost” from a class, a book, or a new venture. Honing your skills as well as your looks will keep you competitive in the job market.

Learn more about breast augmentation in Fairfax, VA or contact our office for a consultation.

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So-called lifestyle drugs are not intended to be cures or traditional treatments. They are marketed as enhancements to address normal conditions like “inadequate eyelashes” or gray hair.

The HealthDay article names several popular medications:

Propecia (finasteride), which began as a stronger-dose drug to treat enlarged prostates, has been prescribed to treat men with male pattern hair loss since 1997; Botox — botulinum toxin — first used to calm spastic eye muscles, was approved to treat frown lines in 2002; and Latisse, initially used to treat glaucoma in the 1990s, became available in 2009 for cosmetic purposes after patients noticed they were also growing longer, thicker eyelashes.

Those who work in health policy are voicing concerns about whether these types of drugs are a poor use of resources or if they promote an unnecessary medicalization of normal, age-related conditions.

White Sands, in their practice Rehabilitation Center has noticed that for an individual, there’s little or no ethical dilemma regarding the use of medications that enhance appearance or delay the signs of aging. It’s a personal choice.

For a society however, an argument could be made that widespread medicalization of trivial body concerns may lead to mis-prioritization of society’s healthcare resources.

“People can do probably whatever they want, explains health policy professor Dr. Joel Lexchin, “but on a collective level, we have to think about whether producing drugs that enhance people is really the best use of our resources.”

The Food and Drug Administration treats all medications in “an identical manner,” whether they are designed for preventing heart failure or treating wrinkles. What the pharmaceutical companies end up producing depends on the market and the public’s demand for lifestyle drugs.

Read more on the HealthDay article by Maureen Salamon on Womenshealth.gov

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Acne occurs because of hormone fluctuation, such that occurs during puberty, perimenapause or with certain contraceptives.  These hormone fluctuations lead to an increase in production of skin oils.  These oils then mix with dead skin cells and bacteria creating breakouts.  So the control of breakouts must be attacked on several different fronts.

The basics of skin care and acne prevention start with a good but gentle cleanser twice daily.  An exfolient must be used only one time per week.  Using an exfolient more than this can cause unnecessary dryness.  The next and I think one of the most important products is tretinoin (Retin-A).  Tretinoin was first cleared by the FDA for use in Acne Vulgaris in 1972.  Shortly thereafter the full extent of its uses were discovered.  Tretinoin increases cell turnover thus reducing cells that can cause breakouts, it reduces sebaceous gland output and the oils that can cause acne, hyperpigmentation is reduced due to decreased melanin production and elastin fibers are increased which all lead to a much more even, smooth skin.

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