Dr. Levens Gives Back To The Community Through The “Ultimate Makeover Project”

Posted on January 22, 2012 by Briana

South Florida’s “Ultimate Makeover Project” inaugural season has come to a close. The project that kicked off in early May 2011, enlisted the help of a choice 10-member team of South Florida physicians and professionals sharing a common goal: to provide pro-bono makeovers to the less fortunate, and to raise awareness and money for select charities in the community.

Three women were selected for the project: Madai Parra, a mother of three who has wanted a tummy tuck for nearly 10 years; Tanya Jones, who has been wearing glasses and contacts since she was eight, and Diana Liu, a brain and lung cancer survivor who’s teeth were ruined during radiation and chemotherapy.

Fast forward five months and all three women are thrilled with the results. Parra, previously a size 12, is now a size 8 through surgery and dieting. Jones no longer has to wear glasses or contacts and is now able to drive at night with the help of Lasik surgery. And finally, Liu has a brand new smile after receiving full cosmetic surgery.

The selected candidates were nominated by local charities and were either uninsured or underinsured, and fell below the 200% Federal Poverty Level. Participation in this project was voluntary and all chosen candidates were extensively screened, counseled and evaluated by health care professionals before being selected for their cosmetic procedure.

The project, which focuses on deserving South Floridian women, will continue to select yearly candidates for cosmetic surgery at no cost.

Members of the Ultimate Makeover Team include: Dr. David Levens, Plastic Surgeon; Dr. Charles Nottingham, Cosmetic Dentist; Dr. Randy Burks, LASIK and Eye Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon; Dr. Jay Singer, Orthodontist; Dr. Nicholas DeTure, Periodontist; Dr. Mark Scheinberg, Cosmetic Gynecologist; Rob Samson, Personal Trainer; Alex Nottingham, J.D., M.B.A., Consultant & Coach and Dr. Amber Stirlen and Licensed Psychologist.

For more information, call Dr. Levens at 954-752-1020 or visit ultimatemakeovers.org.

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A New Trend for Brides-To-Be: Rhinoplasty, Liposuction and Other Cosmetic Surgeries

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Briana

Bride by For_Anise, on Flickr

Getting ready for the big day can be a very stressful planning process for many brides-to-be. While most brides are scrutinizing over invitations, bridesmaid dresses and last minute workouts, other brides are adding liposuction or rhinoplasty to their pre-wedding to-do list. According to a recent story which aired on Good Morning America, bridalplasty is the newest trend to hit the bridal circuit.

According to Dr. Tenley Lawton, a board-certified plastic surgeon in California, brides-to-be are frequent customers at her clinic. While some are just seeking Botox injections, others are spending up to $15,000 on cosmetic procedures.

“It’s a whole lot of money… We want to make sure the patient is doing this for the right reasons. They’re doing this for themselves, not just for their fiancés or any other motive,”Dr. Lawton recently said on GMA.

Linsey Ray, a prior patient of Dr. Lawton’s sought out plastic surgery to improve her looks before saying ‘I do’ at her wedding. Ray, who had a long history of struggling with her weight, was able to shed pounds prior to her wedding through a healthy diet and exercise plan, but was self-conscious about the excess skin that was left behind.

“I know it sounds crazy but… it is the worst thing in the world to literally wear three tank tops to hold all your suction in, everything and so it’s worth it for me,” she said.

Ray said the pain after surgery was very uncomfortable, but she has no regrets. “I feel like everything just fits the inside now. The inside matches the outside package… I just want my day to be like… That was my special day and I got to get to feel like a princess,” she told GMA.

If you’re considering rhinoplasty, Botox injections or other cosmetic procedures to be picture-perfect on your wedding day, make sure to plan ahead. As rule, it’s best to schedule your consultation 2-3 months prior to your ideal scheduled surgery. You’ll also want to plan for your recovery period. Some procedures require almost no down time, while others like a tummy tuck, may take a couple of weeks.

Learn more about rhinoplasty and other cosmetic procedures.

Sources: ABC News

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Avoid Dry Skin This Winter, Try These Skin Care Tricks

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Briana

Skin CareWinter months can make it difficult to maintain healthy skin, especially if you are already prone to dry or flaky skin year round. While there is no way to completely change your natural skin type, there are a few modifications you can implement in your daily skin care routine to diminish some of the harsh effects of winter weather.

First and foremost, avoid taking hot showers during the winter months. According to Dr. Neil Sadick, clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, hot showers can stimulate further dehydration of your skin. Winter air already contains less moisture than other seasons, so it’s important to protect your skin’s natural oils. Also, avoid body soaps that contain detergents because these can also diminish protective skin oils.

In addition to changing your daily shower routine, you may want to reassess your daily skin care regimen. Not all products are necessarily made to be used year round. Cleansers and exfoliators for example, should be milder in the winter than in the summer, while moisturizer should be a richer to protect your skin during winter weather. Also, don’t forget that daily sunblock application is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

Hydration is important to the health of your skin year round, but don’t assume drinking liquids in excess will help your dry skin, according to Dr. Alicia Zalka, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale. If your skin is already very dry, these extra liquids may just evaporate instead of retaining moisture within the skin. It’s essential that you moisturize the outer layer of your skin so that you can retain moisture underneath the skin’s outer layer.

Finally, try your best to avoid consuming liquids that are known to dehydrate the skin.  Alcoholic drinks as well as caffeinated beverages are especially damaging during dry winter months.  These beverages should be consumed in moderation or eliminated altogether in order to reduce dry skin.

Learn more about skin care treatments in Coral Springs.

Source: USA Today

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Allergan Not Affiliated with PIP Breast Implant Scandal

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Briana

Gel-Filled Breast ImplantsAllergan Inc., a top breast implant device manufacturer, has released a statement publicly separating the company from the Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) breast implant scandal which is currently under investigation in Europe. Allergan, maker of popular breast implant products such as NATRELLE, McGhan and CUI, is in no way affiliated with PIP and seeks to reassure patients and surgeons that Allergan products are of the highest quality and safety.

Allergan breast implant devices have been successfully on the market for almost 50 years. The products are available in over 60 countries and are subjected to rigorous national and international quality control standards and practices.

Among the many products manufactured by Allergan every year, silicone gel-filled breast implants are by far the most favored among both patients and surgeons. The gel-filled implants have been placed in more than 1 million women worldwide.

As a result of hundreds of thousands of clinical trials, peer-reviewed journals and published reports, silicone gel-filled breast implants have become one the most studied devices in the world. Allergan’s gel-filled implants specifically, have set themselves apart from various competitors due to their more cohesive silicone gel and their stronger outer shells.

A recent report published by the U.S. FDA has again confirmed the safety and effectiveness of silicone breast implants when used as intended, however, it is important for patients to recognize that breast implants are not made for lifelong use. Patients at some point in their lives may require a removal and replacement. Breast implants should be monitored regularly by a physician.

Allergan is committed to excellence and continues to set the industry standard for breast implant manufacturing with their strong adherence to the most stringent of safety and quality standards.

Learn more about gel-filled breast implants in Coral Springs.

Source: News-Medical.net

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