Kick Off a Summer of Self-Care With Boston’s Guide to Cosmetic Enhancements
As summer settles in, now is the perfect time to invest in a seasonal refresh. If you’re ready to dive into a summer of self-care, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. From ways to refresh your smile and prepare yourself for cosmetic surgery to post-op skin care tips, we’ve done the research so you can get started on your cosmetic enhancement journey worry free.
Read on for more.
Perfect Your Smile
Looking to improve your oral hygiene in 2024? Here are four cosmetic procedures that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
As the songs goes,“When you smile, the whole world smiles with you.” But if you’re unhappy with your pearly whites, that sentiment may feel further from the truth. Thankfully, new advances in cosmetic dentistry have made it easier (and faster!) than ever to improve your smile. Whether you want to dazzle at a job interview or laugh out loud on a date night, there are many reliable ways to perfect your teeth and keep you grinning from ear to ear.
Tooth Whitening
Stop squinting in the mirror to check the effects (or lack thereof) of your whitening toothpaste. Instead, get help from a professional with an in-office whitening treatment. The simple procedure takes just 60 to 90 minutes and includes a thorough cleaning of your teeth, followed by an application of a powerful whitening solution by your dentist. The procedure can be repeated until you’ve achieved your desired shade of white.
Veneers
Whether you’re suffering from unevenness, yellowing, chipping, gaps, or all of the above, veneers can be a cure-all for your cosmetic dental woes. Following an initial consultation, thin layers of porcelain are designed to look like improved (but still natural) versions of your teeth. The veneers are then placed by a dentist during a second appointment. While an instant, perfect smile can be a dream come true, the procedure is permanent, so think carefully before making a decision.
Braces and Aligners
Your orthodontic options have come a long way since your childhood choice between red or blue braces. Clear or tooth-colored ceramic braces offer a subtler solution while remaining just as effective. Even harder to spot, Invisalign offers adults with minor misalignments a convenient, removable solution. Lingual braces use traditional metal brackets, but craftily hide them behind the teeth.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Silver fillings can be an unsightly, permanent reminder of cavities. But thanks to tooth-colored, composite resins, your molar can look as good as new after a trip to the dentist. Better yet, the process for receiving a tooth-colored filling is as simple as traditional fillings and can be completed in one visit. It can be healthier for your teeth, since it doesn’t require the dentist to remove as much of the natural tooth structure as other types of fillings.
The New You
Scheduled for cosmetic surgery? Here’s how to get yourself ready for your procedure.
With cosmetic surgery, it’s easy to get swept up in nerves and excitement over getting the look you want. But you’ll need to put in a little work beforehand, too, if you’re going under the knife. Preparing your body and life prior to heading into the operating room will help ensure a comfortable and speedy recovery.
Stop Drinking and Smoking
These two habits are not only known to increase the risk of complications in surgery, but they can also slow down the recovery process and result in a higher chance of scarring. Even just taking a break from drinking and smoking for one to two days before surgery reduces those risks greatly.
Focus on Your Diet
Before surgery, make sure your body is at its healthiest and has the nutrients it needs to heal. A diet high in fruit, vegetables, and protein—and low in processed foods and sugar—can keep your body nourished before, during, and after surgery. Avoid eating too much sodium, which can lead to high blood pressure and other complications.
Ask Your Doctor About OTC Medications, Vitamins, and Supplements
Prior to surgery, your surgeon will probably ask you to stop taking over-the-counter medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Aleve, since they may increase the risk of bleeding. And, while vitamins are good for you in most cases, they’re not always best for your pre-surgery diet. Supplements in tandem with most cosmetic surgeries can have adverse effects. Anti-inflammatories supplements, such as turmeric and fish oil, could slow the healing of incisions, and vitamin C could delay the closing of blood vessels. Before surgery, talk to your doctor about any medications and herbal and dietary supplements you’re taking and figure out which ones you need to pause before and after your procedure.
Set Up Your Recovery Area
Once the surgery is over, recovery is the name of the game. During the this healing period you may not have full range of motion, so preparing your house for this will be vital to a successful recovery. Put food, water, and any medications you’ll need at waist level, and rely on chairs that you can easily sit in and exit comfortably. If you undergo a more invasive surgery, make sure you have a place to sleep that does not require the use of stairs and ask someone to stay with you to assist as needed.
Set Up Alternate Care for Your Kids and Pets
Depending on the surgery, you may be down for the count for a few days and unable to function the same while you recover. Making arrangements for responsibilities you have will give you peace of mind so you can relax fully during your healing time.
Love Your Skin
Caring for your skin after cosmetic surgery or a procedure can help you minimize downtime and scarring and get back to your daily routine with ease.
Stay Safe in the Sun
Turns out our mothers were right about the necessity of aggressively applying sunscreen before stepping outside. Protecting skin post- procedure is even more important, as sun exposure can darken scars permanently, and after some procedures, your skin will be more sensitive. Apply sunscreen year- round—not just in summer, and keep your scars covered for about a year. If recovering from a face procedure, a big beach hat is a great added barrier of protection.
Build a Skincare Routine
Using gentle, nourishing products on the scars can help them to fade faster. Look for paraben-free cleansers without harsh chemicals, and massage gently onto your skin—avoid scrubbing. Keeping the healing area moisturized is also key to speeding up recovery and minimizing visibility. Petroleum jelly is an affordable and gentle option that you likely already have in your medicine cabinet. After cleansing and moisturizing, feel free to dab on a little concealer as well.
Hydrate & Start Slow
Drinking plenty of water will rejuvenate your skin from the inside out—whether you had a minor treatment or a more extensive operation. You may be able to take slow strolls soon after your procedure, which can help increase blood flow and speed up recovery time, but don’t sign up for the office dodgeball league just yet. Avoid strenuous activities for about two to three weeks. Once you get clearance to exercise from your doctor, start easily and remember to slather on the SPF for outdoor workouts.
A Nose for Health
Could the linchpin to your health and wellbeing be right under your nose? While much has been made of everything from gut health to skin health, nasal health doesn’t really get talked about. Nose structure is not only critical for your appearance, but for your health. There are many benefits of getting your nose in tip-top shape.
Here are three benefits of rhinoplasty you might not have considered.
Look Better
Simple tweaks to your nose can positively impact your self- esteem. From correcting a deviated septum to fixing a collapsed nostril, nasal procedures can improve your look and the all-important function of your nose at the same time. Different issues in structure can have a negative effect on the nose’s appearance and function. Asymmetry can cause a feeling of stuffiness, while a snub nose can increase nosebleeds. The aesthetic benefits of an improved nose can go beyond the look of your nose to your whole body. When you breathe deeply through your nose, your lungs fully expand, which realigns your spine and improves your posture—so if you have a neck ache after hunching over your computer all day, proper breathing might be the cure.
Perform Better
Unobstructed breathing delivers more oxygen to your body, which provides a whole range of positive health effects. Your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood, and the resulting lower blood pressure can reduce the strain on your heart and improve its overall function. Cardiovascular performance during exercise can improve, and even your sleep may become more consistent and restful.
Feel Better
Getting more oxygen to the brain more consistently improves the function of the amygdala and the hippocampus, the areas of the brain in charge of emotions and memory. Put simply—nasal breathing can boost your mental state. Being able to breathe properly through your nose could also save yourself a trip
to the dentist by preventing mouth breathing, which can have disastrous consequences for your oral health.
Resource Guide
The Boston Center for Facial Plastics, PLLC
Boston | 857-350-4205 | drezzatmd.com | @bostonfacialplastics
Dr. Waleed Ezzat is double board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He is a clinical associate professor at Boston University School of Medicine and the director of the division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Boston Center for Plastic Surgery
Boston, Brookline, and Wellesley, MA | 617-564-3832 | bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com | @bostoncenterforplasticsurgery
Boston Center for Plastic Surgery is home to some of the most sought-after plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists in the area. With over 35 years of experience, they are proud to offer comprehensive facial and body surgi- cal and non-surgical aesthetic services under one roof.
Brookline Progressive Dental Team
Brookline, MA | 617-232-8113 | brooklinedentalteam.com | @brookline_progressive_dental_team
Brookline Progressive Dental Team is a group of highly skilled, board-certified prosthodontists who specialize in restoring oral aesthetics and function. They are proud of the personalized, patient-directed care they offer to restore your appearance and oral health.
Jeannie Chung Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation
Wellelsey, MA | @drjeanniechung
Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. During this time, she has established a reputation of transparency and expertise among her evergrowing patient base.
The New England Facial & Cosmetic Surgery Center
Boston | 617-865-6800 | classicface.com | @centerforclassicbeauty
Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS, has been a pioneer in the advancement of noninvasive facial rejuvenation for 25 years. Her commitment to artistry and excellence has helped place her in the Top 9 of US Aesthetic Doctors.
Newton Dental Associates
Newton, MA | 617-965-0060 | newtondentalassociates.com | @newtondentalassociates | @newtondentalassociates
Dr. Anna Berik created the Berik Acceleration Method (BAMTM) for her Invisalign patients. BAMTM reduces treatment time from 12-18 months to as little as three months. As the country’s leading Invisalign providers, Newtown Dental Associates will ensure you can have your dream smile in just a few months.
Newton Medical Aesthetics
Newton, MA | 617-925-2855 | newtonmedspa.com
Newton Medical Aesthetics is a women-owned and operated team of experienced doctors, master nurse injectors, and master medical aestheticians in Newton, MA. The team offers individualized treatment plans, which are created with clients to meet the specific objectives of each patient.
Plastic Surgery of Southern New England
Fall River, MA | 508-567-3202 | drbabbitt.com | @therealplasticsurgeon
Plastic Surgery of Southern New England is a state-of-the-art practice offering the full range of services, from world-class aesthetic surgery in their AAAHC accredited surgical suite to injectables, permanent makeup, facials, and weight management.
Premier Dermatology
Wellesley, MA | 781-304-8680 | premierderm.org | @premier_dermatology
The Premier Destination for all your skin care needs, Premier Dermatology provides exceptional dermatologic care for the entire family. With more than 65 years of combined experience, their providers, Dr. Melissa Burnett, Dr. Elissa Lunder and Kristen Rivard, NP, are sought-after experts in the field of medical, pediatric and cosmetic dermatology.
Warshauer & Santamaria
Boston | 617-437-1520 | backbaybostondentist.com |Warshauer & Santamaria
Nestled in the heart of Back Bay on Commonwealth Avenue for over 60 years, Warshauer & Santamaria has stood out as one of Boston’s most distinguished practices. Dr. Santamaria and Dr. Dehni lead an award-winning team with an impressive array of specialists, including prosthodontists, periodontists, restorative dentists, and endodontists.
Boston magazine is compiling a list of this summer’s premier cosmetic enhancements. For more, click here.
