Last updated 17 hours ago
When a tan became the sign of health and vitality in the 1920’s, we did not know much about the dangers of UV radiation, just as we knew nothing about the dangers of smoking. Now we know more, but much of the society still believes that a tan is the ultimate sign of good health, while in reality tan is simply a response to injury whether it is obtained indoors or outdoors.
Anyone who has ever tanned indoors is much more likely to develop melanoma, and for those who do it frequently, the risk of skin cancer is much higher. Melanoma cells, unlike other skin cancer types, can invade deep into tissues and spread to other parts of the body and this is the second most common cancer among people ages 15-29, and on the rise overall. High-speed and high-pressure machines are even more dangerous as they use higher amounts of UVB and UVA light. Teens are at a special risk because their bodies are undergoing accelerated growth rate and are more prone to the damage of the UV radiation. They need to know there is no such thing as a safe tan from a tanning bed.
You cannot avoid spending time outside, so make sure your skin gets the protection it needs. Avoid prolonged exposure between 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. or wear protective clothing: wide-brim hats, long pants, shirts with sleeves. Apply sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays and don’t forget your scalp- mineral powder sunscreen is not messy and will do the job.
In addition to the risk of skin cancer, exposure to UV rays causes your skin to age prematurely. Over time the skin will become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after the majority of a person’s sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. However, many visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by UV rays and with proper protection can be avoided.
Dr. Khattab is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with years of experience in skin cancer treatments. Give Beyond Beautiful Plastic Surgery a call at (310) 997-0124 to speak with one of our friendly staff. We’ll be able to give you more information and schedule you for a consultation or recommend skin care products for you and your family.
Last updated 15 days ago
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic procedure performed to achieve a slimmer youthful contour and the flatter abdomen we all desire. There are different types of this procedure and the one that is right for you depends on your personal circumstances.
Take a look at this video from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery which demonstrates real patients’ results after the tummy tuck and can help you determine what you might be able to achieve with this procedure. Tummy tuck is often the best procedure for removal of stretch marks, scarring and excess skin from weight fluctuation or child birth.
If you’re interested in learning more about the tummy tuck procedure or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, give Beyond Beautiful a call at (310) 997-2827. Dr. Khattab is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Torrance that can help you achieve the silhouette and body you’ve been hoping for. Visit our website for more information or give us a call to schedule a consultation.
Last updated 24 days ago
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat and loose skin from the stomach region and to correct stretch marks and tighten stretched muscles. The satisfaction patients experience after this procedure does not come from the reduced weight which is rarely significant, but the new youthful contour with a flatter, smoother abdomen and a better waistline.
Many factors can affect the contour of your abdomen. Pregnancy, significant weight fluctuation and aging are the most common ones. But even individuals who are not overweight sometimes have undesirable abdomen contour that cannot be corrected with exercise or liposuction. Best candidates for tummy tuck will be at a stable weight and within 10-15 lbs. of their ideal weight.
A mini tummy tuck is another option some may consider when looking into reshaping their abdomen. A mini tummy tuck is designed to help cases with a little loose skin, where the muscle laxity is restricted to the lower abdomen only and unlike in a full tummy tuck, the belly button is not moved. If you have loose skin and stretch marks above the belly button, you’ll probably need a full tummy tuck but a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon will help you to decide which one is best for you.
Panniculectomy is a procedure most commonly performed on patients who have lost significant weight and are left with an overhanging “apron” of skin and tissue or the “pannus”. Different from a tummy tuck, a panniculectomy only removes excess skin and fat and does not tighten the underlying stomach muscles. Insurance may cover the cost of this procedure if it is deemed medically necessary due to skin infections.
Recovery time from tummy tuck varies from person to person and usually takes between 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and regular activities and it will depend a lot on what kind of work you do. The same goes for exercise. Swelling and numbness after surgery is expected and significantly diminishes after 6-8 weeks but you will continue to see improvements for another 6 months or more. The incisions used for this operation are designed so that the resulting scar will be hidden by a bathing suit and the tummy tuck scar will soften and lighten as it matures. It is very important to avoid direct exposure of the healing scar to sun for about a year to prevent sunburn which could cause its permanent darkening.
It is best to wait at least 6 months after delivery and 3 months after you stop breast feeding your baby before having a tummy tuck. This will allow your hormones to reach a more normal level and you should try to shed pregnancy weight. Pregnancy after tummy tuck is possible but not ideal for your appearance and sometimes additional surgery or a revision tummy tuck is needed.
The tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and it’s important you have realistic expectations going into the surgery. To learn which option is right for you, it is best you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Khattab of Beyond Beautiful. He’s a skilled surgeon who can advise you on what to expect from surgery and which option is right for you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, give the friendly staff at Beyond Beautiful a call at (310) 997-0124 today.
Last updated 1 month ago
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today worldwide .This video gives a brief explanation of what liposuction can really do for you.
Liposuction is the most effective way of removing fatty deposits from troublesome areas and a great companion to proper diet and exercise. Good skin tone is one of the mainstays of successful liposuction results. The more elastic your skin, the better results you can get.
Sometimes additional surgery, like tummy tuck or body lift is needed to remove excess skin caused by weight loss or pregnancy. Liposuction is easier and safer than ever before but only when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a safe environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction, give us at Beyond Beautiful a call. Dr. Khattab, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Torrance, has many happy liposuction patients and will help you decide if liposuction is right for you. Contact our friendly, educated staff today to schedule an appointment and get answers to any questions you may have at (310) 997-0124.
