Plastic Surgery – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery

Things You Need to Know Before Your Mommy Makeover

drm@matthesenmd.com (Jennifer Matthesen) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 01:17:30 GMT

A mommy makeover procedure is no secret, as it is a procedure that many women receive once they are finished having kids. That being said, a mommy makeover isn't just one procedure — it's an umbrella term for numerous procedures completed at one time to help a woman feel more confident in her body after having kids. If you or someone you know is considering a mommy makeover, it's important to learn all the facts. Continue reading to learn about four important details of the procedure, and reach out to Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville to schedule your consultation!

There Is No Standard Mommy Makeover Procedure

Just as every woman is different, so is every mommy makeover. That means that there is no "standard" procedure for this type of surgery — it can vary depending on the woman's body and what she wants to achieve with the surgery. Before your procedure, you'll schedule a consultation where you and the surgeon will discuss your goals, and the surgeon will provide you with more information about what procedures would be necessary to achieve your desired results.

You'll Likely Need a Full Tummy Tuck

While some mommy makeover procedures only include liposuction or a mini tummy tuck, some women who have had babies will need a full tummy tuck in order to achieve their ideal results. During the surgery, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat around your abdomen, as well as tightens abdominal muscles that may be loose after giving birth.

The Procedure Typically Includes Breast Procedures

In addition to a tummy tuck, many women choose to have breast procedures done at the same time. This can include a breast augmentation, lift, or reduction. Again, the exact procedures will depend on your individual goals and body type, but generally speaking, these procedures are often combined in a mommy makeover.

Plan for Recovery

Like any surgery, it's important to plan for recovery after a mommy makeover. This will likely include taking some time off work and avoiding strenuous activities. The surgeon will provide you with more specific instructions depending on the procedures you have done and your individual body. Additionally, you may want to avoid getting a mommy makeover too soon after childbirth, as the recovery process may get in the way of caring for your newborn.

If you're considering a mommy makeover, reach out to Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville! We'd love to schedule your consultation and help you achieve the results of your dreams. Explore our website to learn more about our procedures and get started with your mommy makeover today!

4 Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

drm@matthesenmd.com (Jennifer Matthesen) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:19:11 GMT

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure where the plastic surgeon improves the shape and appearance of the abdomen. This procedure can also be used to remove excess fat and skin, while also restoring weakened muscles. If you or someone you know is interested in a tummy tuck procedure, or you want to know more, our team at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville can help! Explore our website to learn more, and continue reading below for a few benefits you can experience after having the procedure.

Improved Abdominal Appearance

A tummy tuck is a procedure that can help improve the appearance of the abdomen. This procedure can remove excess skin and fat, tighten stretched muscles, and reduce stretch marks to give you a flatter-looking stomach! If you have been unhappy with your abdominal area for some time now, this could be a great option for you to consider.

Achieve a More Desired Contour

For many people, the abdominal area is an area that can be the source of a lot of self-esteem issues. Whether you have stubborn areas of fat that won't go away or you're simply displeased with the contour, a tummy tuck could be just the solution you've been looking for. As stated above, one of the biggest benefits of a tummy tuck procedure is that it can deliver a more desired contour of the abdomen, giving you a body and appearance you can be proud of.

Improved Posture

When the abdominal muscles are weak, it can often lead to poor posture. This is because these muscles play a big role in keeping us upright. After a tummy tuck procedure, many people report improved posture as one of the benefits they experience. This is likely due to the fact that the surgery restores weakened muscles, allowing you to stand up straighter and hold your body properly.

Reduced Pain and Discomfort

Oftentimes, people who have children or experience significant weight fluctuations may suffer from lower back pain and other forms of discomfort. In addition to improving your posture, restoring the weakened muscles in your abdomen can also help relieve some of the pain and discomfort you may feel in your back and other areas.

If you're considering a tummy tuck procedure, our team at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery is here to help. We have years of experience and we are more than happy to answer all of your questions. Reach out to our team in Jacksonville to schedule an appointment today!

How to Select a Great Plastic Surgeon

drm@matthesenmd.com (Jennifer Matthesen) — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 17:40:51 GMT

Whether you're looking to improve your appearance or your quality of life, a top-tier plastic surgeon is of the utmost importance. You need to find a surgeon that you can trust to provide you with high-quality results, as well as help you determine which course of action will help your vision become a reality. That's where Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville comes into play. Our surgeons can provide you with the high-quality results you desire. Explore our website to learn more about the services we offer, and continue reading for a few tips on what to look for in a great plastic surgeon.

Level of Experience

One of the most important considerations you need to make when searching for a plastic surgeon is their level of experience. The more plastic surgery procedures they've performed, the better chance they have at providing your desired results. You also want to make sure that plastic surgery is their specialty, as opposed to just one cosmetic procedure they perform on occasion. When looking for a plastic surgeon, always make sure to ask about their experience and what procedures they specialize in.

Board Certification

In order for plastic surgeons to be board-certified, they must undergo rigorous training and pass an extensive examination process. This certification is vital, as it ensures that your plastic surgeon meets the highest standards in terms of safety and quality. When looking for a plastic surgeon, always make sure to ask if they're board-certified. If they are not, you may want to consider finding another plastic surgeon.

Referrals

A fantastic way to find a great plastic surgeon is by getting referrals from friends and family members who have had cosmetic surgery procedures done in the past. Ask them about their plastic surgeon and if they would recommend them for your own procedure. Getting a referral from someone you trust can help put you at ease when it comes time to schedule the procedure with that plastic surgeon, as you'll have some peace of mind knowing that someone close to you has already gone through the same process before.

Comfort

Above all, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon. You will be working with them very closely in the months leading up to your plastic surgery procedure, and they'll need to know all about your medical history, as well. It's important that you find a plastic surgeon that you can get along with and trust completely. Before choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your cosmetic surgery, make sure you schedule an initial consultation to see if you feel comfortable with them.

These are just a few tips on what to look for when selecting a great plastic surgeon. If you're still unsure of who to choose, please don't hesitate to contact us here at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery in Jacksonville. We would be more than happy to help guide you in the right direction and answer all of your questions. In the meantime, explore our website to learn more about the procedures we perform and schedule a consultation with our team! We look forward to working with you.

Protect Your Skin for Spring

Mon, 17 May 2021 17:11:08 GMT

After a cold winter, many of us are looking forward to getting out in sunnier, warmer weather. Before you rush outdoors, though, don’t forget one of the most important aspects of skin health: protection!

As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Your skin is under constant threat from UV rays, as well blue light (smartphones and iPads, anyone?) and environmental toxins. Whatever parts of your body are covered, your face is nearly always exposed. UV rays cause wrinkles by damaging collagen and elastin (the structural framework of your skin), as well as causing unwanted, uneven pigment (solar lentigines, poikiloderma, to name a few). Worse yet, they can even cause DNA damage to skin cells, leading to actinic keratoses and skin cancers.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen will protect from UV rays, and should be worn every day, even in times of seemingly low exposure. Choose a sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher; made of physical blockers like titanium and zinc, which deflect UV rays, rather than chemical blockers, which absorb those rays (but keep that energy close to the skin). And most importantly, choose one that you will wear!

Various screen covers and lenses can limit blue light, as can some skin care products (such as SkinMedica’s new Lumavive line). Blue light is a hot new topic, so expect to hear more from us on that subject in the future!

Antioxidants

Antioxidants help combat toxins, as they replenish the body’s ability to neutralize free radicals from oxidative stress (which is how toxins do their damage). Vitamin C is one of the most important antioxidants for skin and throughout the body; other important ones are retinol (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, Niacinamide, Resveratrol, Coenzyme Q-10, Polyphenols, Flavonoids, and Glutathione. Look for products with any/all of these listed in the ingredients.

Botox

Botox can actually have a protective effect on the skin, as it relaxes facial muscles, which decreases mechanical stress on overlying skin (aka dynamic wrinkles).

Avoid

And, of course, there are things you should avoid: don’t smoke, avoid second-hand smoke, and limit dietary sugar and “factory fats” (trans- or hydrogenated fats). These all contribute to oxidative damage and accelerate aging, so avoid them as much as possible. [Bonus: avoidance of them is good for the rest of your body, as well!]

Whether you want to avoid sun damage, prevent signs of aging or simply look and feel your best, these skin protection tips can help you do so. To learn more about skin care products and treatments, contact us today at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery.

Correct Your Skin for Spring

Fri, 14 May 2021 17:26:01 GMT

Despite all our best efforts to protect and nourish the skin, we may still have suboptimal skin. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options to address existing skin concerns.

Skin Pigmentation

Unwanted or uneven pigment responds to lightening agents, such as hydroquinone (a “big gun”, for short-term use) or milder agents safer for long-term use (vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, arbutin). While many skin pigmentation concerns can be treated over time with skin care products, you may desire a more immediate solution. In these cases, laser treatments can be highly effective. Although there is some downtime required due to the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, spring is the perfect time to take action.

Acne

Acne is a complex condition resulting from overproduction of sebum (“oil”), clogging skin pores, allowing growth of bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes), which causes inflammation and blemishes (aka “zits”). A good skincare regimen will keep skin clean and exfoliated. You can further enhance cell turnover with a retinoid product, and manage sebum production with the right non-greasy moisturizer (since overly dry skin stimulates more sebum!). Also – limit the dietary carbs, as P. acnes lives on sugar.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles can be managed and prevented with Botox ; while resurfacing with lasers or chemical peels can address deeper, recalcitrant wrinkles. Facelift surgery is the gold standard (the name rhytidectomy literally means ”wrinkle removal”), and fat transfer can add volume where it is needed, but also improves skin quality as a long-term bonus. Some newer minimally invasive technologies can tighten skin and increase collagen synthesis (e.g. microneedling , IPL photofacial , nanofat, etc.)

After you correct skin damage, you’re in an excellent position to protect and nourish the skin for continued long-term skin health. With the right habits and skincare products, maintaining healthy skin can actually be quite easy. Just remember the three pillars of skin care: protect , nourish and correct . If you need any help identifying the treatments or skincare products for these goals, contact us today at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery. We’ll be happy to help you on your journey to healthy and beautiful skin.

Nourish Your Skin for Spring

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 17:31:16 GMT

Skin is your body’s largest organ, and it serves you in a myriad of ways. But for your skin to take care of you, you need to feed it right. If you don’t provide it with the appropriate nutrients and care, then you won’t be able to achieve the smooth, glowing and healthy skin that we all want. Below, we’ll explore some of the essential ingredients you should use to nourish your skin.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A (aka retinol, retinoids, adapalene) is the essential nutrient for skin cells. It optimizes cell turnover (which is abnormally slow both in aging skin, as well as in acne). Products containing vitamin A derivatives can be irritating to the skin or cause sensitivity to light, so they are typically applied nightly. But some preparations are more soluble in the skin and safe to use both day and night (such as Environ’s SkinEssentA and YouthEssentiA lines). Like sunscreen, this is considered a basic essential in skin care, so choose one that you will use. DAILY.

Peptides

Peptides are considered the “superfoods” of skin as they act as chemical messengers to skin cells, specifically prompting more collagen production. Look for names like Matrixyl, Trylagen, and Copper peptides in the ingredient list of products.

General Nutrition

Nutrition should not be neglected! While I am a tremendous fan of medical grade skin care products, never neglect your own power to nourish from within. Diets containing protein, gelatin, or bone broth provide raw materials for collagen synthesis. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and brightly colored fruits and veggies – look for red, purple, and orange — provide many of the antioxidants listed above. [In case this looks like generic “healthy diet” stuff: YES. Starting to see a pattern?]

Vitamin D

Adequate Vitamin D is also essential for skin health. Vitamin D is actually a hormone (not technically a “vitamin”) with a myriad of bodily functions, and you want a serum level of at least 50 ng/mL (with 30 ng/mL being the lower limit of normal). Suboptimal levels correlate with many skin disorders; AND, most Americans have suboptimal levels! We can get more from SUN or from SUPPS (supplements). Sun exposure means being shirtless in peak midday sun, while your facial skin should be protected at all times (it is constantly exposed, and its limited surface area contributes little to vitamin D synthesis). Supplements (vitamin D3) are widely available; dosing should follow serum levels. For more information as well as home test kits, see www.vitamindcouncil.org. Or ask your primary doctor: it is becoming pretty standard to optimize vitamin D for overall health maintenance.

If you’re having trouble finding the right skincare products for nourishing the skin, contact us today at Matthesen Cosmetic Surgery. We’ll help you identify the products that will be most beneficial to you so you can achieve optimal skin health.