8 Beauty Tips from a Female Plastic Surgeon
Have you ever wondered how the experts maintain their own health and beauty? Here, female Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily J. Kirby shares the top beauty tips she practices to keep her skin healthy for lasting beauty.
Prioritize hydration
We know that you know that water is essential. Still, in case you need a little encouragement to refill your water bottle, a research study by Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology measured the effects of increased water intake on skin aging, superficial and deep skin hydration, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL—when water evaporates through the skin). The study found that drinking more water enhanced participants’ overall health, and it also significantly improved superficial and deep skin hydration and reduced visible signs of skin aging and TEWL.
Aim for at least 8 8 oz. glasses of water daily, and ideally more when exercising or during illness.
Schedule regular skin treatments
Many women (and men!) use neuromodulators, such as Botox®, Dysport®, and Daxxify™, to soften or erase expression-based lines and wrinkles. To maintain the wrinkle-reducing effects, schedule touch-up injections every 3-4 months.
You can benefit from tox injectables at any age; some patients in their 20s and 30s use Botox for “pre-juvenation” to prevent or delay lines and wrinkles from forming, while patients 40+ use injectables to soften existing signs of aging and prevent them from deepening. So, no matter your age, you can start your treatments and see pleasing results!
We also recommend pairing Botox-type injectables with annual laser skin resurfacing. There are several different types of laser treatments, and they all reduce common signs of aging, blemishes and discoloration, while boosting collagen and elastin growth to improve the health and appearance of your skin. Getting a personalized laser skin treatment each year keeps your skin in prime condition as you age.
A physician-led medical spa will offer the latest laser treatments and have the experience to recommend the right laser treatment for you. Some of the most popular laser treatments include:
If you keep up with yourself, any cosmetic changes you decide to make are unlikely to be drastic.
Taking good care of yourself helps to maintain refined results from any surgical or non-surgical enhancements.
Avoid smoking and vaping
Smoking and vaping significantly accelerate the skin’s aging process. These products reduce the blood flow to your skin, leading to pronounced wrinkles, discoloration, and an overall dull appearance.
In addition, prior to any plastic surgery, you must be willing to abstain from smoking or using tobacco products for several weeks before and after surgery. This reduces your risk of complications while under anesthesia and prevents a prolonged recovery or poor wound healing, which could impact your results.
Here are a few resources from the CDC, including Tips From Former Smokers®, to help you kick the habit.
Use sunscreen every day
Protecting your skin is essential. Choose high-quality sunblock with zinc and/or titanium for optimal protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. While sun exposure is beneficial for vitamin D synthesis, you only need 10 minutes of direct exposure for a week’s worth of vitamin D. Always use sunscreen to avoid unnecessary skin damage and faster skin aging. Keeping a wide-brimmed hat close at hand is an excellent option for extra coverage!
Sun damage causes 90% of visible skin changes.
Invest in medical-grade skincare
Trendy drugstore products at slightly lower price points may seem appealing; however, professional products are formulated with higher-quality active ingredients and achieve more significant improvements much faster than OTC options. Medical-grade skincare is also packaged professionally, allowing active ingredients to stay effective longer than drugstore brands. Medical-grade skincare products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and effective.
To help you select the right products based on your skin’s needs, see a licensed aesthetician working at a physician-led medical spa that carries professional skincare.
Get routine health screenings
Your overall health impacts your skin’s appearance. Detecting potential health issues early with regular screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and routine lab work typically makes treating concerns more manageable and gives you peace of mind about your health. Begin mammograms at age 40 if you are at average risk for breast cancer, and start colonoscopies at age 45, per recently updated guidelines.
Work in a workout routine
Aside from exercise’s overall health and wellness benefits, regular physical activity enhances blood circulation. Increased circulation hydrates the skin and delivers vital nutrients to reduce signs of aging, chronic dry skin, and other concerns, such as acne. Exercise also indirectly promotes collagen production to improve the skin’s appearance and elasticity.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an “Instagram-worthy” workout routine for a beauty boost; one of the most beneficial routines is walking! Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that has a long list of health and beauty benefits.
Make the most of the outdoors
Speaking of walking, head outside: spending time outdoors calms the mind and benefits your skin (as long as you wear sunscreen). Regular outdoor activities decrease stress levels, preventing stress-induced breakouts and premature aging. Studies also show that walking in green spaces and other outdoor settings increases self-esteem and boosts your mood.
About Fort Worth Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emily Kirby
At Kirby Plastic Surgery in Fort Worth, Dr. Emily Kirby brings extensive experience and meticulous care to provide natural, aesthetically pleasing results. Whether you are considering breast, body, or face procedures, or want to explore the non-surgical services offered onsite at Kalos Medical Spa, our team is ready to guide you through every step of the process.
To learn more about our comprehensive offerings, call/text us at (817) 292-4200 or connect with us online. We look forward to getting to know you and sharing how we can help you look and feel your best.
