When people hear the word plastic surgery, they may think of Hollywood stars trying to delay aging or a young boy rebuilding his chin after a dog bite. However, cosmetic procedures can be safe and effective for patients of any age.
When appropriately performed by a skilled surgeon, surgical and nonsurgical rejuvenation can boost confidence and improve quality of life.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is a technique that entails swishing oil about in the mouth for 20 minutes, is an ancient Ayurvedic healing technique. It is said to detoxify the body, reduce bad breath, whiten teeth, and strengthen gums. It is also claimed to lower cholesterol and help heal sinus problems, hangovers, acne, and asthma.
While some of these claims reek of pseudoscience quackery, the fact is that some oil-pulling practices have anecdotal evidence supporting them. But more exacting clinical studies are needed to support most of these claims.
The oils typically used in oil pulling are edible and considered healthy when eaten. It’s crucial to remember that applying oil down the drain can damage pipes, so spit it into the trash after your oil-pulling session.
Clean Your Belly Button
When you neglect to clean your belly button, you create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The belly button acts like a little swimming pool for gunk like lint, sweat, dead skin cells, soap residue, and clothing fabric. This yuck can collect and cause an unpleasant odor and even an infection. Mainly, this is true if you have an innie belly button prone to collecting dirt or a navel piercing.
A surgeon like Dr. Joel Aronowitz has collected navel fluff and sent it to a lab for analysis, which revealed that it contains a mix of dead skin cells, clothing fibers, and bacteria. They suggest gently washing your belly button with warm water and soap daily, particularly after exercise or during hot weather. Washing your belly button prevents a buildup of lingering gunk and eliminates unpleasant odors. If the odor does not disappear, see your healthcare provider to rule out an infection. A doctor may recommend antibiotics or other treatments.
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing your teeth daily can prevent stains, bad breath, and more. Do you realize that it can also reduce your likelihood of requiring dental implants or treatment for gum disease? Or can it help combat chronic inflammation linked to heart problems, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and more?
Similarly, cosmetic plastic surgery procedures like facelifts and eyelid lifts can enhance natural beauty by slowing aging. However, these treatments are only as effective as a person’s overall health and skin quality. That is why it is so important to find a talented and experienced surgeon, for instance, Joel Aronowitz, MD, who can provide the results you are looking for without harming your body. It is also important to note that patients over 65 can receive cosmetic surgeries with the same complication rates as younger patients. This is an excellent sign that plastic surgery is still a safe and effective option for suitable candidates at any age.
Moisturize
Moisturizers are oil-based ingredients that reduce transepidermal water loss and create a seal on the skin to minimize dryness. They are available in various formulations, with different types designed for different seasons and skin types. For example, a light gel is ideal for warm spring and summer weather. At the same time, dry winter skin might require a thicker product that contains occlusive ingredients like petrolatum and mineral oils and emollients like esters and shea butter.
Plastic surgery can help patients look younger and healthier but cannot completely stop aging. Instead, it can enhance a patient’s natural beauty and give them a fresher appearance that lasts many years. Facelifts, eyelid surgeries, and other rejuvenating procedures remove noticeable wrinkles, tighten sagging facial muscles and eliminate excess fat and skin laxity to reduce signs of aging.