Why DIY Skin Tightening May Be Too Good To Be True August 21, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD There comes a time when many of us look in the mirror and wish that we had a more refreshed, youthful look. There are many products on the market today that promise just that through at-home treatments and devices—television, magazines, and your favorite beauty stores are saturated with ads for miracle cures in a tube. From skin creams to handheld laser and ultrasonic devices pledging to smooth fine lines and plump the skin, they all promise the same thing: making you look years younger, right in the comfort of your own home. But are these products hit or miss? Handheld...
Top Nine Life-Enhancing Things To Do With Coffee July 24, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD The stimulating properties of coffee have long given us the extra "oomph" we need to complete that project or finish an overdue assignment. Studies have shown that in addition to getting you to work on time, this energizing and antioxidant-infused morning favorite can provide a host of health benefits to those who enjoy moderate intake around 2 cups per day. But did you know that these little beans are also unsung heroes of at-home skin care? It's true! From hair rinses to skin-awakening face masks, adding coffee to your beauty routine can help rejuvenate your skin and brighten your day....
How to Make Laser Hair Reduction Work Better For You July 17, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD We love summer for a lot of reasons—the permission to don more casual clothing like cute sundresses, cut-offs, swimsuits and tank tops is one of them. But there's a flipside to a wardrobe that puts our legs, arms and bikini areas in the spotlight: we have to get rid of unwanted hair. If you're considering laser hair reduction, you likely already know that this treatment is one of the best ways to permanently end your battle with unwanted face or body hair. But did you know that there's a lot you can do to help make sure you get the...
Win a $50 Visa Gift Card! June 10, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD This giveaway is now closed to entries! Thank you for participating. We will update the post once a winner has been chosen. This summer we are running a contest to reward one of our lucky readers! Summer is about doing things that are fun and easy, like our contest. To enter, just leave a comment below answering the question, What is your favorite summertime ritual? To Enter: Leave a comment on this post telling us about your favorite summertime ritual. Who is eligible to win? Anyone over the age of 18 and living in the United States. One vote per...
5 Things You’re Doing Right Now That Make You Look Older May 21, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD Did you know that your workout might actually be making you look old, rather than keeping you young? Or that too many cookies could lead to sagging skin? In your rush to prevent aging and turn back the clock, don't overlook these 5 common habits that may actually be doing more harm than good—you might be surprised at some of the things on this list. #1: Staying up late Sure, you may not be keeping your old 2 am college bedtime, but staying up late and missing out on a full night's sleep increases the risk for serious health problems....
3 Go-To Spring Events In & Around Little Rock May 12, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD Ah, spring is here! Celebrate the return of warm weather by getting out and about to see some of the great activities coming up in Little Rock (or just a short drive away). Here are three notable events to consider: 26th Annual Magnolia Blossom Festival – May 16 & 17 Whet your appetite for outdoor grilling season and enjoy fun. Voted one of Arkansas' Top 10 events, the Magnolia Festival truly has something for everyone. Friday evening, you can enjoy a Puppet Show with the kids, witness a steak eating contest, and relax with free outdoor concert by Journey Tribute...
Do I Have Time for a Mommy Makeover? April 2, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD As a mom, you're probably thinking, "I barely have time to wash my hair in the morning, much less time to recover from cosmetic surgery." But if you're unhappy with the changes that pregnancy and childbirth have had on your body—deflated breasts, loose skin & tummy muscles, or stretch marks—pause for just a minute and hear us out. By combining breast augmentation or lift with body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck or liposuction, a mommy makeover can help you get your desired body back the way you want it. While you will need to take some time out from your normal...
True or False: Liposuction Permanently Removes Fat February 27, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD Many people know how effective traditional liposuction can be in sculpting the body and removing bothersome deposits of fat. When I'm in a consult with a prospective patient, I often get questions about the long-term results of liposuction. Here's a common one: does liposuction permanently remove fat from the body? The short answer is yes—the fat cells removed during liposuction are gone forever. But the long answer is more involved. You can still gain weight after the procedure, which may adversely affect the results of liposuction. Any weight gain is deposited in the body's remaining fat cells, which can grow in...
What’s the Difference Between Dermal Fillers? February 6, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD Some people are years away from considering facial plastic surgery, but still want to look youthful and renewed. If you're one of these people and would like to refresh your look, how about trying an injectable filler? These products, such as JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, and Sculptra® Aesthetic, can restore fullness to the face and smooth lines and wrinkles, leaving you looking relaxed and rejuvenated. The wonderful thing about these products is that they each offer different benefits. Here's a review of the filler products we offer for facial rejuvenation, and what each one do for you. JUVÉDERM®—This dermal filler is composed...
Botox and Laser Resurfacing in Combination January 6, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD BOTOX® injections are a great way to minimize or even eradicate facial lines. Although BOTOX® has been used "off label" on "crow's feet" for years, 2013 saw the FDA officially approve BOTOX® for that use. BOTOX® works best for patients whose facial lines are due to muscle contractions rather than loss of dermal elasticity. These are hyperkinetic facial lines caused by years of muscle contractions until the dynamic line resolves into a static line, or lines at rest as many people call them. Basically, when you smile, the muscles around your eyes cause the skin to crinkle and over the...