The Centre, P.C. - Plastic Surgery Blog
The Centre, P.C. offers the latest plastic surgery procedures to patients in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.
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Bright Colors, Conservative Lines at the Oscars this Year - Friday, February 29, 2008
There is no spectacle quite like the Oscars for people interested in celebrities, fashions, and good looks. The red carpet at the Oscars is the biggest showcase of what makes people look glamorous and exciting.
This year, rich reds and purples dominated, taking over from the pale creams, blushes, and mints of last year, although there was nothing so stand-outish as Nicole Kidman's huge red bow from last year (or really any bows this year, thank god!). Even though the Oscars are traditionally more conservative than the Golden Globes (not held this year because of the writers' strike), this year was even more son than most. It seemed that the stars were going out of their way to hide their busts, especially. Gone were the open and breast-baring gowns worn by Jessica Biel, Portia de Rossi, and Jennifer Lopez last year, replaced by a variety of breast-concealing strategies. The majority of gowns not only came up over the breasts this year, but were built with curve-erasing straight cuts, whether horizontal as in Heidi Klum's and Miley Ray Cyrus's or diagonal as in Anne Hathaway's and Katherine Heigl's. Actresses seemed eager to erase their breasts, or at least draw attention away from them, such as with Hathaway's garland of roses, or Nicole Kidman's massive display of diamonds. Most dramatic were the feathery bustlines of Jessica Alba's purple Marchesa gown or Penélope Cruz's black strapless Chanel. This year there were no low backs as were worn last year by Gwyneth Paltrow and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
Instead, dresses like Heigl's crimson Escada column gown placed emphasis on overall good body contours. Even more dramatic in this way was Marion Cotillard's ivory-and-silver Gaultier gown, with scalloped fabric that drifted over every curve of her body. If the Oscars are any indicator, this year could see less demand for breast enlargement, but continued interest in body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks.
If you are interested in getting classic curves, contact the Center, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana for your initial consultation.
Breast Reduction Surgery May Help Self-Confidence, Health - Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgery operation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and we are all aware that more proportionate breasts can give a boost to a woman's self-confidence, but people often overlook that breast reduction can be just as big a boon to a woman's self-image. If you have overlarge breasts, you may suffer in many ways.
You may be unable to buy clothing off the rack, having to order it online from specialty retailers, where it is much more expensive. You may also find your breasts interfere with many of your everyday tasks. You may be self-conscious on a daily basis, uncertain and defensive upon meeting new people. Finally, and most importantly, your health may suffer. You may suffer back pain and spine problems. Your large breasts may also make it hard or impossible for you to exercise, leading to weight gain and general poor health.
But there is no reason why you need suffer. If your large breasts are causing you pain, discomfort, or inconvenience, they can be corrected with breast reduction surgery. Contact the Centre, P.C. today to set up an initial consultation to learn how breast reduction surgery can help you.
Americans Have Healthier Attitude toward Cosmetic Surgery than Britons - Friday, February 22, 2008
According to a study by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), British women were more likely than American women to have plastic surgery to please the men in their lives. According to a survey of British and American women who had undergone plastic surgery procedures, British women were much more likely to say they had made their decision as a result of something said by their husband.
Although British men and women are reputed to be more polite than their American counterparts, British women reported that they were convinced to have cosmetic surgery by comments made by their husbands or boyfriends, such as a British barmaid who had a tummy tuck after her husband complained that having children had ruined her figure. Another common procedure done to please husbands is breast enlargement in response to husband's wandering eyes. Other research has also shown that British women were more likely than American women to conceal their surgery from family and friends.
Psychologists warn about the dangers of having cosmetic surgery to please others. There is a great deal of physical and emotional trauma associated with the surgery, and if the relationship doesn't work out, you can end up blaming your body. If you decide to have cosmetic surgery, it is best to make your own decisions and do it for yourself.
We at The Centre, P.C. know about balancing health, happiness, and beauty. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, please contact us to discuss your options.
Looking for an alternative to cosmetic surgery? Try Invisibility - Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Do you ever feel so self-conscious about your appearance at a party that you wish you could just disappear? Well, sometime in the future you may be able to do just that. Experts in the new field of "transformation optics" are working on ways to make objects disappear.
Physicists and engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a system that can shield an object from being seen by light in the microwave spectrum, while not interfering with light passing from other objects. The result? Complete invisibility of the object. You could see everything around, without even a shimmer to indicate the invisible object.
So some day you may be able to make that embarrassing nose disappear. In the meantime, however, rhinoplasty is a proven way to make your nose look good today. If you feel self-conscious about your nose or any other part of your body, please contact The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana today to schedule your initial appointment.
Do You Hear What I Hear? Ear Surgery Works!! - Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Children (and adults) with ears that stick out probably know full well the teasing that goes along with this appearance imperfection. Children with protruding ears may be subjected to nasty names like Dumbo or Mickey Mouse on the schoolyard. This can be very damaging to a child's psyche and self-confidence. Adults may fare better when it comes to remarks about their looks, but regardless of your age, no one likes to be made fun of and teasing does hurt your self-esteem.Thankfully, there is a cosmetic surgical procedure called otoplasty that repairs protruding ears and does wonders for the patient's self confidence. Often times, patients choose to have other cosmetic procedures done in conjunction with otoplasty such as facelifts, blepharoplasty or eyebrow lifts.
The Procedure
Otoplasty begins with an incision just behind the ear, in the natural fold where the ear is joined to the head. Your surgeon will then remove the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, the surgeon will trim the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then pin the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage.
In other instances, the surgeon will not remove any cartilage at all, using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place. After sculpting the cartilage to the desired shape, the surgeon will apply sutures to anchor the ear until healing occurs to hold the ear in the desired position.
After Surgery
Soft dressings applied to the ears will remain for a few days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort. If you are accustomed to sleeping on your side, your sleep patterns may be disrupted for a week or so because you cannot put any pressure on the ear areas. Headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position for two weeks after the surgery.
The risks are minimal. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing. Because this scar is in a natural crease behind the ear, the problem of visibility is inconsequential. Anything unusual should be reported to the surgeon immediately.
To learn more about otoplasty or any one of the many cosmetic surgical procedures available today, please contact The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana today to schedule your initial appointment.
The Health Benefits of Olive Oil - Monday, February 11, 2008
We have all heard that olive oil is the healthiest of the oils to consume in the foods we eat, but did you know it could be beneficial to your health in other ways? According to studies, olive oil has the following health benefits:Reduces your risk of developing skin cancer because olive oil contains polyphenols, highly potent plant antioxidants that protect against the cell mutations that can cause skin cancer.
Healthy for your heart. Olive oil helps to keep your good cholesterol levels up and lowers your bad cholesterol levels. It also reduces inflammation in your body.
Keeps blood pressure down. The strong polyphenols help dilate arteries, which, in turn, lowers blood pressure.
Helps you lose weight. While all oils have virtually the same amount of calories, olive oil is extremely flavorful, making you less likely to add on extra sauces and dressings.
Eases headaches. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a natural compound that blocks pain and inflammation, similar to how ibuprofen works.
To learn more about how to keep your skin healthy and young-looking, please contact The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana today to schedule your initial appointment.
Post-Op Care Integral Part of Cosmetic Surgery - Tuesday, February 05, 2008
As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery. Following the post-operative advice of Dr. Downs and the staff at The Centre, P.C. could well be the difference between an exceptional result and a mediocre one. Regular follow-up visits are very important in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery.Post-operative care entails being careful about the area of the body that was operated on. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice our surgeons regarding post-op care. Having realistic expectations about your recovery is also very important. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery.
Please contact The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana to schedule your initial consultation today.
Can Botox Prevent Wrinkles from Forming? - Monday, February 04, 2008
As a matter of fact, the answer is yes. Small amounts of Botox can be used to help break unconscious wrinkle-forming habits such as frowning and squinting, both of which lead to the development of crow's feet around the eyes.And comparing the cost of Botox to the cost of needing surgery down the line, the use of Botox and the expense of using Botox are much more appealing.
To learn more about Botox, please contact The Centre, P.C. in Elkhart, Indiana today to schedule your initial consultation.
The Centre, P.C. is a unique plastic surgery practice located in northern Indiana. Our heartland values of compassion and concern for your particular needs are complemented by the professional expertise of our surgeons and staff.
At The Centre, P.C., we offer two tracks to patients in Elkhart and South Bend and throughout Indiana and southern Michiana. On the one side are our cosmetic surgery and skin care services and products. And on the other is a coordinated set of services – surgical as well as therapeutic – for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the hand, wrist and forearm due to illness or injury.
- 800.909.2992
Elkhart Office
RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514
FAX: 574-293-1511
Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Fax: 219.926.3534
