A few great Cosmetic Tricks From Plastic Surgeons
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1by Cosmetics Expert Mike Dune
A plastic surgeon in Southern California recently got some attention when his trick – using shoelaces to correct a common breast augmentation complication – was picked up by major journals and even Discover magazine.
How fascinating to know that simply placing shoelaces in a certain configuration around your breasts can make such a difference. And how fascinating that this news came from a plastic surgeon, who could prescribe a lucrative corrective surgery rather than sending someone to the drugstore for a pair of $2 shoelaces! That got me thinking … what other simple aesthetic tricks do plastic surgeons know that we don’t?
I headed to RealSelf.com to find out. This site is a plastic surgery forum where people can submit questions and get candid advice from qualified plastic surgeons. Here are some of the most interesting non-surgical tricks I found.
The Marble Trick
This trick is for people who are healing from tummy tuck surgery, which often moves or changes the belly button. In order to make sure the belly button, or umbilicus, heals into a nice, deep shape, rather than being stretched flat, some surgeons recommend taping a marble inside. That causes the skin and scar to heal into a more visually appealing position, and it prevents the need for revisionary surgical procedures. On RealSelf, Dr. Marc DuPéré, who frequently performs tummy tuck surgery in Toronto, says, “A marble is an easy way to achieve the right size of belly-button. You apply it for 12-15 hours every day for 4-6 weeks. Great trick!”
The Underwire Trick
It’s common for plastic surgeons to recommend breast augmentation patients wear bras with no underwire while they heal. Sometimes, though, they make an exception with the underwire trick. An underwire can encourage the formation of an inframammary fold, which is the natural fold under the breast where it meets the chest. Some patients, especially those with smaller breasts, don’t have this fold, and wearing a bra with an underwire encourages it to form for a more natural-looking shape. The support of an underwire bra may also help prevent breast implants from slipping too low during the natural “settling” process after augmentation.
Settling Tricks
Speaking of the breast implant settling process, some women have trouble getting their implants to drop. Plastic surgeons usually place implants somewhat high on the chest, because they tend to descend as the patient heals and her skin and tissues stretch. For women who want to speed this process, surgeons suggest some settling tricks, which usually involve breast massage. There are numerous techniques that typically involve applying equal pressure on all sides of the breast a couple of times a day. Some surgeons also recommend applying pressure with bandages or compression garments at the top of the breasts. It really depends on the individual case, and surgeons say patients should check with their own physicians for advice.
Tricks for Puffy Eyes
Here’s a trick we can all appreciate whether we’ve had plastic surgery or not. A dermatologist weighed in on RealSelf about ways to soothe puffy eyes with things you can find in your kitchen. She recommends applying chilled cucumber slices, tea bags, or even potato slices. Astringent or tannic chemicals in these products help reduce puffiness, but the real key is the low temperature, which alleviates inflammation.
Ask your own cosmetic medical provider if he or she has any great non-surgical tricks. You may be surprised what you learn.
Your Opinion?
Mike Dune
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