Choosing Aesthetics As a Profession

By Lorena Popp, MD

Astoria Laser Clinic & Med Spa

. http://www.astorialaserclinic.com/

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Choosing Aesthetics As a Profession

Some people wonder why an internal medicine doctor chooses to perform cosmetic procedures, and offers these as part, or all, of their practice. Gaining specialized training in aesthetics helps a doctor offer patients help for their physical, emotional and aesthetic goals.

As an internist specializing in medical cosmetics, there is a certain recognition that beauty starts from within, and every person looks his/her best when they are happy. It is imperative to follow a healthy lifestyle including enough rest and exercise. It is also as important to feel good about who you are and how you look in order to fully enjoy the little things in life. The key is to find a physical and emotional balance.

But, there is more. Clinical evidence suggests that stress and depression can exacerbate illnesses from heart disease to obesity and even cancer. So it is extremely important for patients to modify their diet and reduce (as much as possible) their intake of carbohydrates and saturated fats; shifting towards a protein rich, whole food diet.

Every individual has a unique concern when coming in for an aesthetic consultation. Age has nothing to do with it, once that unique concern arises. Many people start getting Botox in their late 20's and early 30's because Botox can clearly prevent fine lines from forming. This wrinkle preventive treatment also helps patients who suffer from chronic migraines to have less frequent attacks.

Many patients typically inspired by celebrities strive for “pillow lips” during enhancement procedures. For lip enhancement, injections can give very natural looking results for enlarging the lips. Most fillers are a synthetic form of a naturally occurring compound in our bodies calledhyaluronic acid. Its ability to hold a large number of water molecules allows for hydration and augmentation of tissue.

There are different types of fillers, each achieving different results. Some have a much firmer consistency that requires a physician to correctly mold it. Others diffuse into the injection site rather easily, which negates the need for manual shaping. Choosing between a thicker or thinner injection solution depends on the final appearance that the patient wants.

More dramatic results require a filler with a firm and more viscous consistency. The lip shape desired by the patient is largely determined by where the injections are placed. Obviously, physicians strive for balance and symmetry across the length of the lips. In addition, they are able to modify the lips contour by choosing strategic injection sites.

In the modern world where there are so many available options, it makes sense that many aspects of your health can benefit from being treated by a physician trained in both internal medicine and aesthetics. Having healthy, happy patients who feel their best everyday is a goal worth pursuing not just for the patients, but also for the doctors who can deliver those results.