To demonstrate my commitment to this lifestyle, at the end of 2011 I co-launched a women’s health/beauty/wellness site dedicated to the premise that there is more than one way to achieve wellness and that life itself is a complex journey through which we best understand our strengths and our weaknesses when assessed from multiple viewpoints. From this belief, “be” was born.

The notion of holistic healing has taken on a life of its own and has been attributed to a number of potentially positive as well as negative connotations. As such, I prefer to talk about “wholistic” healing since all individual parts are connected to the rest and an imbalance at any level can lead to disharmony with the whole.

For example, in working with those of you interested in body contouring the conventional approach has been to emphasize the latest and greatest technologies and surgical procedures. But to offer these alone, I would be selling you short and giving you an imbalanced and partial view of what you could truly achieve. Instead, I discuss with you not only where you want to be (in terms of your appearance) but also how you potentially got to where you are today as a result of your diet and your exercise habits. The better foods you eat, the better you feel, and potentially the better you look in the long run. A revealing study released a few years ago from the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas, Southwestern identified that long-term success following body contouring procedures came as a result of three things. The first variable was the surgeon him/herself and was dependent upon their expertise, their experience, and their ability to deliver a positive outcome. And while that may seem obvious, that was not only the variable. Equally rated were the next two variables: both of which had nothing whatsoever to do with the surgeon. These variables were completely dependent upon the patient’s lifestyle choices following surgery and were as follows. The first was the quality of diet consumed. And the next was the amount of exercise that the patients maintained. And, as this study identified, these two areas were found to be extremely important in determining long-term success of the results associated with the original procedure.

This last statement cannot be overemphasized. As a physician, I have had the opportunity to work with a group of highly educated individuals who are now, more than ever, becoming an active participant in the delivery of their own healthcare. You, the consumer, are researching health issues, are identifying how to treat them, and are choosing providers based upon a number of variables including expertise, experience, and the ability to communicate. As I stated in a recent Huffington Post article, times they are a changing and so are you, the healthcare consumer. And with that change comes responsibility on the part of myself, the physician, to communicate and educate you, the consumer, as to not only options available but also alternatives and means with which to support your long-term results. It is imperative that I provide to you a solid base of information from which you can make an educated decision. And you, the consumer, are responsible for holding fast to a path that will enable you to achieve these results. Recommendations ultimately will only go as far as compliance will take them.

And so in the coming months, I encourage you to stay tuned to both this blog as well as “be” for more updates on how to live the life well lived. I look forward to guiding you down this path. It is up to you to continue it.

Shopping for lingerie isn’t the chore it was a generation ago when your only choices were bras with heavy straps and rows of hooks across the back. Denver is home to several amazing lingerie shops where you can browse for beautiful bras in an almost endless array of styles. Whether you want something daring for date night, lace-trimmed for lounging at home, supportive for sports, or a specialty garment for that special occasion, Denver’s lingerie shops have you covered.

Your breast augmentation is only the first step toward feeling good about your look; the next step is to find the lingerie to make you look and feel your best. Here are some of our favorite lingerie shops in Denver:

Pampered Passions

Featuring fine lingerie, sexy underwear, stockings, and even costumes, Pampered Passions was “awarded the best lingerie store in the USA.” As an added bonus, their store is located near our office at 9615D East County Line Road in Englewood. They have something for everyone, but their selection is especially suited to women who want to accentuate the positive. Ask for Alicia, the store owner and a bra-fitting expert. Call her at 303-346-8450 or visit the online store at pamperedpassions.com.

SOL

Located at 248 Detroit Street in Cherry Creek North, SOL offers some of the most beautiful lingerie, sleepwear, and swimwear in the Denver area. Co-owner Cindy Johnson is a nationally-recognized bra-fitting expert, and employees of the shop undergo extensive training to ensure that you get the best fit possible. They will take the time to assess your lingerie needs and help you choose just the right garments to flatter your figure and please your fashion sense. Contact SOL at 1-800-466-1356 or at sollingerie.com.

Le Soutien

Le Soutien is known as Denver’s bra boutique, but in addition to offering bras in a wide range of sizes and styles, they also sell sleepwear and swimwear. Le Soutien could be your one stop for finding pretty bras, a new nightgown for that special night, and the perfect swimsuit for your next vacation. Visit Le Soutien at 246A Milwaukee Street, call 1-866-377-0515, or shop online at lesoutien.com.

Anastasia’s European Lingerie

Anastasia’s, in the Colorado Mills Mall in nearby Lakewood, specializes in designer lingerie. Anastasia’s carries popular European styles of lingerie in cup sizes up to G, making this an ideal destination for your post-breast augmentation shopping trip. This boutique also offers fitting services and sells swimwear, nightwear, and hosiery to discerning Denver-area shoppers. Visit Anastasia’s online at a-lingerie.com or call the boutique at 303-590-1869 for more information.

Nordstrom

Women in Denver lead active lives, so you may not have time to go to an out-of-the-way store for your lingerie needs—especially since you may also need new tops and dresses after your breast augmentation. Nordstrom offers a beautiful variety in their lingerie department, and you can pick up pieces for the rest of your wardrobe while you’re there. Your Denver Nordstrom is located in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center at 2810 East First Avenue.

Victoria’s Secret

If you’re new to Denver and are worried you might not be able to find your favorite Victoria’s Secret bra, you can relax. There are two locations in Denver: one at Denver Pavilions at 500 Sixteenth Street, and one at Cherry Creek, 3000 East First Avenue. It’s hardly a secret anymore: this shop sells modern lingerie, sleepwear, casual wear, and accessories.

 
As the worldwide popularity of breast enhancement continues to grow, so do the seemingly endless options for achieving it.  But, as is often true, many of these so-called options are proving to be too good to be true and less effective than their conventional counterparts.

At present time, the most common procedure used for increasing breast volume is placement of a saline or silicone gel breast implant.  Breast implants can be placed through relatively small incisions either above or below the muscle in a procedure that generally takes no longer than 60-90 minutes and which is associated with very little downtime.  But the biggest advantage is that even though your breasts will potentially change with the aging process, the results overall are very predictable.  Even so, alternate options are being offered which claim to offer advantages over this standard approach.

Over the last few years in the UK, some practitioners have been using a hyaluronic acid based filler known as Macrolane to effectively add volume and enhance cup size.  The main advantage of this procedure was that it could be performed in an office setting with very little downtime and potentially with more finesse with respect to volume control.  But, as with many of these alternatives, it also had its downsides.  First, because it is a filler, there was no guarantee as to duration.  And so that wonderful augmentation today could literally be a thing of the past in as little as 12 months or less depending upon how your body resorbed the product.  But the biggest concern and the reason that this procedure has now been pulled in the UK is that the product may potentially interfere with the ability to adequately perform a screening mammogram.  And because of this concern, the use of Macrolane for breast augmentation is now being discouraged.  To read more about this, please visit the following link: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/interactive/news/controversial-breast-treatment-to-be-withdrawn-id801346389-t116.html

Patients today are more engaged and more educated about healthcare options and, as a result, are better able to make decisions related to their care.  At Beauty by Buford, we encourage every one of our clients to be an informed consumer and to actively participate with us in achieving their goals.  If you have questions about Macrolane or breast augmentation in general, we encourage you to either send us an email or call to schedule a complimentary consultation.  303.747.6719

We look forward to working with you!

To make sure you get the results you really want, think about your big picture goals and speak candidly about them with a board certified plastic surgeon. Describe your lifestyle and everything you may not like about your figure. Don’t be shy; this is your chance to get expert advice and insight into what is and is not possible.

Then listen to what your surgeon says. After examining you, he can give you specific recommendations for reaching your goals. He might recommend procedures you hadn’t considered.

Breast augmentation provides immediate breast enlargement, but for many women, the goal is not only larger breasts but a more attractive figure. Your plastic surgeon should take the time to explain any appropriate complementary procedures—such as liposuction, breast lift, or tummy tuck—that can be performed at the same time. Combining procedures can save you recovery time and cost (compared to undergoing the procedures separately) while perking up your profile and improving your figure.

• Laser Resurfacing: After breast augmentation, be sure the skin of your décolletage area also looks great. If your skin has sun damage that may detract from your breast surgery results, consider an ActiveFX treatment.
• Liposuction: Liposuction in Denver can complement your breast enlargement. If you’ve got distracting lumps elsewhere, refining problem areas of your figure (think: sides, back, tummy, hips, or thighs) can also improve your overall result. Strategic fat removal in the torso may be used to enhance the appearance of your breasts.
• Breast Lift: Since breast implants only restore the fullness of your breasts, consider a breast lift if you need to raise and reshape your breasts to match your vision of yourself.
• Tummy Tuck: An abdominoplasty tightens your abdominal wall and gives you a firm silhouette that ideally complements your augmented breasts.
• Mommy Makeover: Some women can benefit from the Before Baby Body procedure, a revolutionary program developed by Dr. Buford that helps you recapture your pre-pregnancy look.

The procedures you choose depend entirely on what you want to accomplish. Do not let a surgeon talk you into a procedure you do not want, but if an additional procedure increases the likelihood that you will be satisfied with your results, then consider it. You can only know for sure which procedures will help you at a consultation with a plastic surgeon who has performed many breast surgeries.

The decision to undergo breast augmentation is not one to take lightly. Do it for yourself and no one else. Have a clear vision of your goals. Remember that no amount of online research can substitute for an in-person consultation with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. And finally, if you’re going to do it, do it right—with the right doctor, the right facility, and the right treatment team in whom you can place your confidence. When you trust your surgeon, you are more likely to end up with the stunning new figure that you wanted in the first place.

To address this, I am offering you the chance to help me and to help future patients and, in doing so, you can help yourself to a free laser procedure.

Let me know why it’s so important to you to have a laser treatment. Are you going to a class reunion, getting married, or simply feeling that you just don’t look as youthful on the outside as you feel on the inside? Send me your inspirational story along with a few headshots and you could walk away with a complimentary laser treatment.

In exchange for this, I am simply asking that you allow me to take photos each day for the first 10 days after your treatment and use these photos to educate other potential patients. Your name and identity will not be revealed but your face will be shown as part of a national educational campaign. You will also be responsible for any topical products associated with the aftercare but these are a small fraction of the normal price I generally charge for the laser procedure itself.

All potential clients will be carefully screened to determine eligibility for the laser procedure and are welcome to opt out at any time before the treatment with no financial obligations whatsoever. As a nationally recognized speaker and lecturer for the Lumenis laser as well as a director of an official Lumenis Training Center, I personally have over 5 years of experience using this technology and am confident that it has tremendous potential for reversing many age-related changes with less downtime and discomfort as compared to conventional laser resurfacing.

Again, if you would like to be considered for this complimentary procedure, please send at least two side photos, one front and one side angle and a brief explanation as to why you are the person who is most deserving a complimentary full face fraction laser treatment to drbuford@beautybybuford.com by April 6, 2012. All potential participants will be medically screened prior to treatment, will be financially responsible for post procedure treatment kit, and must be available for daily photos following the treatment for 10 consecutive days consent to use of these photos for patient educational material.

If you have any questions about this exciting technology or are simply interested in learning more about this opportunity, please either email us at drbuford@beautybybuford.com or call our office at 303.747.6719. We encourage you to visit our extensive before and after photo gallery of Active FX Treatments at http://www.beautybybuford.com/gallery/laser-skin-resurfacing

We thank you in advance for your interest and look forward to working with you.

Warmest regards,
Gregory A. Buford, MD FACS

• Follow Dr. Buford’s instructions! Once you schedule your procedure, we will provide you with pre-op and post-op instructions. These aren’t suggestions; they are rules to follow if you want the best possible outcome.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you’re in good general health and at an appropriate weight for your height. If you’re too heavy or too thin, you add extra and unnecessary risks during surgery.

• Eat right. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet while waiting for the date of your surgery. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Get at least 20–25 percent of your daily calories from protein each day to ensure proper cell development and healing.

• Drink lots of water. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to sustain your blood and tissue health. Ideally, you should drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. It’s a good habit to develop.

• Stop smoking. If you smoke, you should stop at least three weeks before your surgery. Smoking impedes your blood circulation, damages your skin, and slows healing. Some surgeons won’t even operate on smokers.

• Come clean. Tell us about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you’re taking. Some can interfere with surgery. For example, vitamin E and medications like ibuprofen can cause excessive bleeding.

• Get your head together. Prepare yourself psychologically for the responses you may receive from others—both positive and negative. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, especially during your recuperation period. And allow them to help while you heal.

• Prepare your healing space in advance. Set up an area in your home—whether in your bedroom or living room—so you’ll be comfortable after surgery. Gather everything you might need, from pain medication to a telephone (with our number) to the TV remote. Keep magazines and books nearby to keep you occupied.

1. You can either accept and celebrate them as reminders of your life and times past or
2. You can decide to reduce their influence on your present and future life.

If you opt for #2, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of American men and women get a little help to rejuvenate their face. In Denver facial plastic surgery and non-surgical techniques have helped thousands. Here are several common facial issues and how we might recommend resolving them:

• Skin Texture & Color. Few of us go through life without a few battle scars. Acne and injury can leave their mark on your skin, or you may develop areas of darker pigmentation (age spots). Regardless of your particular problem, talk to your Denver board certified plastic surgeon about laser resurfacing, a procedure that can balance the texture and tone of your skin.

• Droopy or Furrowed Brows. You can be the happiest person in the world, but if your brows droop over the corners of your eyes, your face instead tells a sad story. A surgical brow lift can correct the problem. If you simply have deep frown lines, let Denver plastic surgeon  Dr. Gregory Buford perform a “chemical brow lift” using the injectable BOTOX® Cosmetic or XEOMIN® to give you a more youthful look while still allowing you to express a range of emotions.

• Deep Lines and Wrinkles. It’s great to be the life of the party, but all that laughing can leave your face etched with deep lines around your nose and mouth. Don’t let these laugh lines bring you down. Because then you’ll have frown lines to worry about. Juvéderm® is an injectable gel that firms and smooths your skin, decreasing deep-set lines.

• Overall Loss of Volume. As you get older, your skin naturally loses volume, like a balloon losing its air. It becomes slack and loose, allowing wrinkles to form. Just as you can re-inflate a balloon, you can restore volume to your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. You have a couple options:
• Injected under your skin, Juvéderm® gives your skin a smoother appearance that can last up to one year.
• Radiesse® may stimulate your body’s own natural collagen production, providing results that can take years off your appearance.

Facial changes are an inevitable part of aging, but we can help you find just the right product, procedure, or technique to make your friends and loved ones think you’ve discovered the fountain of youth. Then it will be up to you, not your face, to say what’s on your mind.

A motivating factor for many people is a desire to feel sexier than ever, but how long will liposuction get in the way of your sex life? Nights in Denver can get awfully cold, so let’s talk about how soon after liposuction you can warm up with your partner again.

Denver liposuction is a surgical procedure, so you will need some recovery time. The good news is that liposuction is not as invasive as a tummy tuck or a breast lift, and so recovery time is much shorter. You’ll be back in the saddle—this time without the saddlebags—before you know it.

During your liposuction procedure, we start by injecting a tumescent solution under your skin in the area you want contoured. This helps to limit bleeding and prepare the fatty tissue. For each area, we make a small incision in a place where the scar won’t be conspicuous. We use ultrasonic energy to liquefy and break up the fat prior to removing it through a thin tube (called a cannula).

Before you go home, we’ll give you detailed instructions on caring for your incisions, making yourself comfortable, and speeding the healing process. You can expect some bruising, discomfort, and swelling in the treated areas, and you may be sore enough for a few days to want to take prescription pain medication. It may take several weeks for the swelling to go down so you can see your new, sleek body.

I know what you’re thinking: several weeks? Relax; that’s only to see your final results. Depending on the area treated, many of our Denver patients get back to their normal activity level in just a few days.

Deciding when to have sex after liposuction depends on the areas that were treated and how much fat was removed. If you had liposuction under your chin, on the backs of your knees, or your upper arms, you may be ready to resume sexual relations within a few days. But if we removed excess fat on large areas of your thighs, belly, and/or buttocks, you might have to wait a week to ten days. Before then, your body will be tender and that could make the experience painful. There’s nothing sexy about that. You also won’t want to compromise the healing process or your final results.

It’s important to follow our instructions when you leave and to listen to your body. Even if it’s been long enough according to your post-op booklet, if you feel like you’re not ready for sex, give it a few more days. Waiting a little longer might make that first reunion with your partner even more exciting!

If you’re healing well, feeling comfortable, and going about your daily life, you can probably try having sex. Go easy the first time. Be gentle and avoid any areas that are still healing. In general, follow your doctor’s orders, and then let your body tell you whether or not you’re ready to have sex after liposuction.

Does everyone need a combination approach?  No.  To answer this, you really need to look at the three dimensional view of your abdomen and back and circumferentially examine what is going on.  Many people notice fat that has accumulated around their love handles and upper buttocks.  And even if they exercise, this fat often doesn’t go away.  Resistant areas such as this are great targets for liposuction and can great a “WOW” result following a tummy tuck because it simply blends everything better.  By addressing the flanks, the sides, the upper buttocks, and the abdominal wall, I usually create a result that is far better than that accomplished with a tummy tuck alone.  And that is  why a majority of my patients will opt for a combination approach as compared to the tummy tuck alone.

So what does a tummy tuck really do?  By itself, the tummy tuck procedure effectively tightens loose muscle to the middle of the abdomen and removes excess skin.  Alone, it does very little to nothing to address fat.  That is why a majority of Plastic Surgeons have added liposuction to their tummy tuck procedures.  It simply improves the overall result.

But what about that laser procedure you just saw on TV?  You’ve had two kids and you’re not happy with the appearance of your tummy.  And didn’t it promise to flatten your abdomen, and bring those loose muscles together?  Probably.  But as with most cases where it simply sounds too good to be true, this is the same.  As consumers we are continuously bombarded with options and many of these options promise to be better than traditional treatments.  And sometimes they are.  But, unfortunately, many of these new procedures are simply technologies looking for an application.   Simply firming up abdominal skin will not address the muscle separation beneath and can simply not give you the same result as a tummy tuck.

Also, be very wary of before and after photos.  I emphasize to every one of my patients that they need to carefully scrutinize the lighting, the angle, and the overall picture.  Unfortunately, some practitioners will show photos that look amazing but the simple fact is that the procedure yielded less of the result than the photography.  Another important factor to consider is the source of the photos.  I was surprised to read an article this week that suggested some practitioners are using stock photos for their before/after’s and not their own.  Ask your physician whether or not these are actual patient examples.  If the practitioner does not have photos because he hasn’t performed many of these procedures, this is not a red flag but it certainly should be taken into consideration.

I hope that helps!  If you are interested in learning more about the exciting combination procedure of a Tummy Tuck plus Liposuction, I encourage you to contact me at 303.747.6719 and see how great your tummy can really look!