Sometimes we feel all of our efforts to stay in shape and eat healthily during the summer are slowly trumped by temptation of the holiday season’s treats and sweets. Sugar can be the single ingredient in our diet that separates us from our skinny jeans. Since we would all like to have our cake and… Read more »
One of the nice things about a free market economy is competition, which creates the incentive to be better at what we do. In medicine, we strive to achieve our patients’ goals more predictably, with shorter recovery and less down time. The competition between health care providers, medical device companies and pharmaceutical companies encourages evolution… Read more »
Plastic surgery results usually come out great, but there are exceptions. Unsatisfactory results occur often enough that some surgeons, like me, develop a reputation as being the go-to man to rescue a bad result. When a surgical nose result is bad, it’s very troubling to a person. It cannot be concealed. Make up helps a… Read more »
The use of radiofrequency technology for medical and cosmetic procedures has become a popular and effective choice for both medical offices and consumers. According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the non-invasive, electric current technology is proven to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and scarring, smooth surfaces and stimulate collagen production.1 That same technology is… Read more »
My little man loves going with me in the car, but he’s not always crazy about the destination. New places tend to make him nervous and clingy, even at festive four-legged gatherings. But what a surprise I got when we walked through the door at Venus de Fido… Venus de Fido brings health and beauty… Read more »
Lips speak to people – literally and figuratively. Even when someone isn’t talking, a down-turned corner of the mouth says, “I disapprove. I’m sad. I’m angry.” That’s not so bad if you are expressing sadness, anger or disapproval, but what if you aren’t? Lips can betray you and say something that isn’t true or correct.… Read more »
As you may recall, my most recent article discussed weight gain associated with alcohol intake during menopause (I Need a Drink, Desert Health May/June 2016). While the article was enlightening, writing it did nothing to burn the extra twenty pounds I’ve accumulated through this hormonal roller coaster that is “middle-aged.” So, I found myself faced… Read more »
There are plenty of reasons why grains can impact your weight loss goals, aside from gluten. We are aware of the obvious benefits of swapping burger buns for whole grains or gluten-free options, but often grains, and wheat in particular, are overlooked as a hidden cause of resistant weight loss. Let’s take a look at… Read more »
Chances are that you either have, or you know someone who has, varicose veins. That is because vein disease affects 1 in 4 adults. A common myth is that varicose veins (veins that bulge underneath the skin in the legs) are a cosmetic problem, but in certain situations they can lead to swelling and pain… Read more »
The desert is an amazing landscape which can look barren and dry for months of the year and then in spring, vibrancy occurs. There is no better way to explore this beauty than through hiking. This spring unveiled a burst of color on many plants like the beavertail cactus with bright fuchsia flowers which open… Read more »
One of my favorite movies of all times is the 1997 HBO movie Breast Men with David Schwimmer and Chris Cooper. It was humorous and astonishingly accurate with regards to the evolution of the modern implant and the eventual controversy that enveloped it. There is something new with breast implant design that just came out,… Read more »
The eyelids are delicate structures meant to protect the eyes. Like all skin, they are prone to various lumps and bumps that leave us wondering, “Is this something to worry about?” Areas of concern may appear gradually or seemingly suddenly. They may be quite obvious or very subtle. An exam by a physician is the… Read more »
In my practice, 2015 could be called “The Year of the Rear” because buttock procedures have exploded in popularity. Both men and women are having procedures done in higher numbers than ever before. The most commonly requested procedure is known as the Brazilian butt lift. There are a handful of high profile celebrities that deny… Read more »
A double chin can make you look older and heavier, no matter what your age and weight. Often, genetics play a big role, as the fat in this area (known as submental fat) may persist, despite efforts to diet and exercise. In the past, the only option to treat this often undesirable feature was surgical,… Read more »
Skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It’s what holds our muscles, bones, and tissue intact and also provides a barrier, keeping the bad organisms out and absorbing the good. Skin helps regulate our body temperature by absorbing and releasing heat and helps flush out toxins. Amazingly, skin also regenerates and heals itself. So,… Read more »
Did you know your skin is a reflection of your gut health? If you’ve tried every lotion and potion to achieve perfect skin without success, maybe it is time to take a look at the end of your fork. The key to beautiful skin is focusing on digestive function and quelling inflammation. Wheat and other… Read more »
Based on the thousands of patients who receive Botox injections each year, one would think the answer to this simple question must be, “Yes!” Expression of emotions through facial animation is one of the most socially significant of human behaviors. More than a century ago, Charles Darwin, famous for his theory of evolution, wrote The… Read more »
Twenty years ago, non-invasive options for cosmetic improvement were few and were crude compared with what is available today. Collagen and silicone injections were the only options for fillers, and chemical peels were the solitary choice for skin resurfacing. The collagen of yesterday was effective for a very short time compared with today’s options, and… Read more »
Liposuction has been around since the mid-seventies. First used by an Italian gynecologist, the French surgeon Dr. Illouz was the first to apply the procedure to purely cosmetic cases. The technology has come a long way since then, but traditional liposuction remains a mainstay in plastic surgery. The primary goal of the advancing technology is… Read more »
Indie Lee was like many of us, an executive woman who worked hard, enjoyed life and paid great attention to what she put in her body. A native New Yorker, she had a large greenhouse in her back yard filled with organic herbs and vegetables and led a health-conscious existence. Then, in 2008, a string… Read more »