Some vitamin and mineral supplements can interfere with your plastic surgery, Jacksonville surgeons say.

You might think that loading up on vitamins and minerals will help make your body and skin healthier, and thereby in better condition to undergo cosmetic surgery. Not so fast, says Dr. Phillip Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. Jacksonville patients are advised to avoid particular vitamins and supplements that can interfere with plastic surgery procedures and healing. Some can cause post-surgical bleeding, worsen inflammation, raise your blood pressure or alter your sugar levels. And don’t think that an herbal supplement is safe simply because it’s natural.  Some can be downright dangerous.

Among the medications and vitamin, mineral or herbal supplements you should avoid at least three weeks before plastic surgery are:

• Any diet pills or appetite suppressants – herbal and otherwise
• Blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, Motrin or Advil
• Vitamin E
• Chromium
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Ginkgo
• Goldenseal
• Flaxseed
• Fish oil
• Echinacea
• Licorice
• Saw Palmetto
• Ephedra
• Ginseng
• Feverfew
• Kava-Kava
• St. John’s Wort
• Valerian Root

After your plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s top surgeons may recommend medications or vitamin and mineral supplements known to aid the body in healing. In fact, Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia, partners in the Garcia Institute, have developed a patented line of supplements proven to help speed healing. Patients report less swelling and bruising as well.

No matter who your plastic surgeon is, be sure to tell him or her about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals and supplements you have taken over the past six months to a year. Many patients are less than forthcoming, afraid that they’ll be ridiculed by their doctors, perhaps for buying into a bogus supplement claim. But in some cases, that information can help avoid a tragedy.

If you plan plastic surgery in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call 904-247-8522 to schedule a consultation at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery today. And be sure to ask about the Drs. Garcias’ Reviva line of healing and anti-aging vitamins.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery offers New Years Resolution tips to help you prepare forand maintain beautiful plastic surgery results.

Will 2012 be the year you finally go for that facial plastic surgery procedure you’ve been thinking about? As 2011 comes to a close and the economy continues to recover (albeit slowly) people everywhere are ready for a fresh start – and a fresh look to go with it. If a youthful new look is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery has a few tips for that will help you prepare for and maintain your beautiful results.

By far, the most common New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, get more exercise and stop smoking.

“Each of these is a huge recommendation for patients preparing to undergo facial plastic surgery or even less invasive cosmetic procedures,” says Dr. Phillip Garcia, founder of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery and Reviva Medical Spa. Here’s why:

Losing weight typically improves a person’s overall health. But great weight loss can leave facial skin loose. Skin can be stretched only so far for so long before it loses its ability to snap back, and weight loss shows first in the face. If your slim-down plans are significant, lose that weight before you schedule your facelift for the best, most permanent results.

Smoking can dehydrate your skin, leaving it looking dull. It also is associated with lung and heart conditions that increase a patient’s risk of peri-operative and post-operative complications including anesthesia-related problems. Nix the habit before you undergo your facial cosmetic procedure and you’ll not only be happier with your outcome, but you’ll be safer throughout the procedure and healthier afterward. Plus, you’ll heal faster and you’ll be less prone to scarring.

Plenty of exercise; a nutrient-rich diet low in fat, salt and sugar; and lots of water will help keep your face hydrated and healthy. Like an artist starting out with a tight, smooth canvas, your plastic surgeon will have an easier time with your procedure if he can start with smooth and well-hydrated skin. Your results invariably will be better and you’ll heal faster if you go in with healthy skin.

Other tips for maintaining your new look include regular facials and taking vitamin and mineral supplements. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery offers a variety of prescription skincare systems and a patented line of anti-aging vitamins and minerals, including supplements that designed to help you prepare for your surgical procedure and maintain the results. Patients who take these supplements report less bruising and swelling, and shorter recovery times than those who do not.

Resolve to be your most beautiful you this year! Call Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery at 904-247-8522 to schedule your consultation today.

Give the gift of beauty with Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery.

What better holiday surprise than the gift of beauty? Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery offers a range of gift ideas perfect for the both the girls and guys on your holiday shopping list:

• A luxe new look: Facial cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-invasive, are increasingly popular gifts. If someone you love has talked about a chemical peel, brow lift or Botox injection, consider a Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery gift certificate toward a procedure of their choosing. A favorite this year is the Garcia Institute’s Contoura, a proprietary procedure designed to take years off a face in a matter of minutes. Certificates for a SunFX spray tanning session, hand rejuvenating treatment or lash and brow tint make great stocking stuffers.

• A sweet respite: Everyone can use a little R&R now and then. A luxurious facial treatment or massage is always a welcome gift. The Swedish massage is a favorite. The athlete in your life will love a sports massage, designed to release lactic build-up in the muscles and prevent injuries. And if someone you care about is carrying a stress load, our deep tissue massage will help him or her relax, rejuvenate and refocus.

• A little knowledge: If someone on your holiday shopping list is considering facial plastic surgery, make sure he or she is well informed. Penned by Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia, Just Faces: A Guide to Facial Plastic Surgery provides a comprehensive look at all you can expect while preparing for, undergoing and recovering from a cosmetic surgery procedure.

• A little swag: Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery and Reviva Medical Spa offer a full battery of top-quality skincare and beauty products to fill any stocking. We carry the LaLicious line of all-natural bath and body products including luxury shower scrubs, body oils and scented lotions in a variety of sumptuous scents. Known as the “skin care makeup,” Jane Iredale cosmetics are best known for their mineral makeup products that offer beautiful, smooth coverage while allowing the skin to breathe. And our DecoCandles soy blend jar candles fill your home or office with soothing scents.

• A little love: For the person who already has everything, consider a donation in his or her name to F.A.C.E., the Foundation for the Advancement of Children’s Aesthetics. This nonprofit organization provides free facial reconstructive surgery to underprivileged children with facial trauma or disfigurement throughout Northeast Florida. It’s a gift that will positively and permanently impact a child’s life.

For any of these gift ideas, stop by Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery at 700 3rd Street, suite 102 in Neptune Beach near Jacksonville. Happy holiday shopping!

Reconstructive plastic surgery after a Mohs procedure can help restore your look.

Learning that you have skin cancer can be tough enough. But if your cancer is located on your face, it can be particularly tough emotionally. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery are specialists in post-cancer reconstructive surgery and can help beautifully restore your look.

Named for its originator Dr. Fred Mohs, Mohs surgery also is known as Microscopically Controlled Excision. The technique first became available in the 1940s and involved using a chemical fixative to kill the cancer and still its movement in the skin, allowing for its removal. It gave way to “chemosurgery,” a term widely used today although the surgery has been refined over the years and rarely makes use of the chemical fixative today.

The aim of Mohs surgery is to remove cancerous tissue in an extremely precise manner, leaving as small a wound as possible. But even a small scar can mar a patient’s face, causing feelings of self-consciousness. That’s where Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery comes in. Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia work closely with Northeast Florida’s top Mohs surgeons to help patients heal with little or no scarring. The Mohs dermatologist typically will remove your cancer in his office, then place a dressing over it. You’ll then see one of the Drs. Garcia, who will carefully repair the defect at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery’s JCAHO-certified office-based surgery suite.

If you’ve been diagnosed with skin cancer on your face and plan to undergo Mohs surgery, call Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery at 904-247-8522 to schedule your post-Mohs reconstructive procedure. We’ll make sure that people see you – not your scar.

Summer break is a great time for educators, college students and busy parents with school-age children to schedule plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.

For college students, busy parents and teachers, the summer break is a great time to schedule plastic surgery or a chemical peel. Jacksonville-area plastic surgeons always see an uptick in business over the summer. With upwards of a dozen colleges and universities in the Greater Jacksonville area, plus one of the nation’s largest K-12 school systems, many of our potential patients studying or working in education look forward to a little downtime in the summer months.

For many, summer break is the perfect time to undergo that plastic surgery or chemical peel procedure they’ve been thinking about. Any invasive or intense procedure requires a few weeks of recovery time during which it’s critical to take exceptional care of your skin and to limit movement and activity. The few weeks or months off from teaching, attending classes and carting kids to and from school allows instructors, students and parents the time to focus on preparing for their procedures and caring for themselves afterward.

Among the most common summer break procedures are facelifts, eyelid lifts, rhinoplasty procedures (nose jobs) and deep chemical peels:

• Facelifts: Facelift patients typically are able to safely apply makeup and return to normal daily activities within two weeks and are fully healed in a month to four months, depending on the intensity of the procedure.
• Eyelid Lifts: Stitches are removed or dissolved typically by the fifth day and bruising clears around the fifth or seventh day. Most patients return to work after just a week of downtime.
• Rhinoplasty: Most of the swelling inside and outside the nose after nasal surgery will go away within a week after the surgery. Patients typically are able to breathe through the nose two or three days after the surgery. All splints and tapes are removed seven days after the operation and Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery follows patient’s results for a full year following the procedure.
• Deep Chemical Peels: Deep chemical peels penetrate into the deepest part of the dermis, rearranging collagen, melanocytes and skin support structures. Swelling (particularly around the eyes and lips) can persist for up to seven days and your skin may be pink for two to three weeks following the procedure.

Of course, recovery time depends wholly upon your strict adherence to your doctor’s instructions for post-procedure care. Skipping steps or trying to return to normal activity too early can cause problems that will significantly lengthen your healing time or cause permanent scarring.

If you’re considering plastic surgery or a chemical peel, Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery will help you through the entire process, from preparing you for your procedure in the weeks before to performing multiple follow up checks to make sure your skin is healing beautifully. Contact Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville at 904-247-8522 or via our online email form.

Giving plastic surgery as a gift can be tricky. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery offers tips.

No surprises! A cosmetic procedure meant to significantly enhance one’s appearance – particularly an invasive or complex surgical procedure – is not something you want to spring on a loved one. Although your intended message is one of support, it may be misinterpreted. In a recent study, nearly 2 million respondents said they would consider buying their spouse or romantic partner a cosmetic procedure as a gift – but half of them admit they would be offended to receive such a gift. The best scenario is one in which the two of you have already discussed a particular procedure and there’s no doubt that your gift will be well received and appreciated.

Allow for an exchange policy. Of course, that new sweater that’s not quite her style can easily be exchanged for that great pair of boots she’s been eyeing. The same should be true for a gift of plastic surgery. Rather than specifying a particular procedure, purchase a gift certificate that can be used toward any of multiple services. This not only gives your loved one some freedom to choose, but it also avoids a professional and ethical dilemma for the plastic surgeon. For instance, many patients who request facelifts may be able to achieve the desired look with a brow lift and a dermal filler instead. Good plastic surgeons won’t agree to any particular procedure without first consulting with the patient to make sure that the chosen procedure is the right one and that patient is physically, mentally and emotionally fit to undergo cosmetic surgery.

Plan ahead. Many of those who would love to receive a gift of plastic surgery would also love to show off that gift during holiday gatherings. That’s why plastic surgery gift giving often happens early in the holiday season, allowing the receiver time to recover before she dons that gorgeous red gown for the company holiday party or New Year’s Eve gala.

If you’re unsure whether gifting plastic surgery is a good idea for your significant other, you’re in luck. A luxurious massage or facial by Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery’s Garcia Reviva Medical Spa is always a safe bet. Call Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery at 904-247-8522 or Garcia Reviva Medical Spa at 904-694-0091 to talk with a specialist about your gift giving options today.

Just Faces serves as a comprehensive guide to anyone considering a cosmetic procedure, whether it be a minimally invasive procedure such as a chemical peel or injected dermal filler, or a more intense facial plastic surgery procedure. The book is designed to help guide not just the patient through the process, but their family members and caretakers as well. Readers will develop a more thorough understanding of the facial plastic surgery process and the importance of following preoperative and postoperative instructions to achieve quicker healing and ensure long lasting, beautiful results.

Advances in facial plastic surgery techniques and approaches are constantly occurring. Last published in 2007, the new Just Faces is nearly twice as thick, and is full of updated information and new before-and-after photos. In the book, Drs. Garcia dispel popular facial plastic surgery myths and explain their approach to helping patient achieve a natural, balanced and refreshed look. Patients looking to turn back the clock come away looking like their younger selves – not a different person. Also, those with facial features that affect their self-esteem, such as a too-prominent nose or ears, achieve a more balanced look that brings facial features into harmony with one another.  This has the effect of drawing more attention to more attractive features, such as the eyes.

“Today’s facial plastic surgery patient is far more medically savvy than in previous generations,” says Dr. Roberto Garcia. “They do more research and they ask more questions. However, myths and misunderstandings about the facial plastic surgery specialty persist. Just Faces gives potential patients and those who share their lives a crystal clear understanding of what to expect before, during and after a facial plastic surgery or cosmetic procedure.”

Dr. Phillip Garcia is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and has a special interest in rhinoplasty and surgery of the aging face. Dr. Roberto Garcia is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and focuses on cosmetic surgery of the aging face as well as advanced and revision nasal surgery. The brothers also own and operate Garcia Reviva Medical Spa, which offers advanced skincare, laser hair removal and massage services. To obtain a copy of the newly published edition of Just Faces: A Guide to Facial Plastic Surgery call 800-803-0082.

Differences affecting plastic surgery for Jacksonville men include thicker muscles, different chemical reactions and a greater variance in exposed skin areas. The skin texture of a man’s chin and neck is more coarse than a woman’s, allowing for less scarring. Men’s visible scars from neck lifts and chin implants can be covered by sideburns and beards. Women have an easier time covering brow lift and facelift scars with their hairstyles than do men, particularly men with receding hairlines. Drs. Garcia carefully consider each of these factors when choosing incision points, particularly for male patients, as they typically continue to be more concerned about privacy than do women.

Risks of complications also differ between men and women. Men tend to bleed more than do women, increasing the risk for excessive bleeding or a hematoma (blood clot beneath the skin). Both are easily addressed, but recovery tends to be a bit longer in such cases. When it comes to skincare, men are cautioned not to shave for up to three weeks after a chemical peel. For both men and women, the skin may have a red tint and the face may remain swollen and sensitive for several weeks. A benefit for men is that this redness and swelling can be at least partially hidden by beards.

Drs. Garcia perform successful facial plastic surgery for Jacksonville for both men and women every day. Both are well aware of the differences that male and female patients face. If you are planning a facial plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery is your top choice. Contact us at 800-803-0082 or via our online email form.

There are big differences in the way men and women experience plastic surgery. Jacksonville's Garcia Insitute explains.

It's imperative that you tell your surgeon about any medications or supplements you're taking prior to your facial plastic surgery. Jacksonville's Garcia Institute can advise you.

For your safety, be sure you tell your Jacksonville facial plastic surgeon about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary and herbal supplements and recreational drugs you have taken in the six months prior to your scheduled facial plastic surgery. Jacksonville-area patients are advised to avoid all types of aspirin and ibuprofen for two weeks prior to your procedure. Both of these medications are temporary blood thinners and thus can cause excessive bleeding during your surgery. If you need a pain reliever, ask your plastic surgeon if it’s okay to take acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Acetaminophen may be safer because it does not interfere with blood clotting.

If you have been prescribed antidepressant medications, make sure tell your surgeon immediately. Antidepressants and other drugs classified as MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors can negatively react to anesthesia. Telling your Jacksonville plastic surgeon and your anesthesiologist early allows them to make necessary adjustments and keep an extra cautions eye out for any potential problems.

Don’t make the mistake of assuming that because herbal remedies are naturally derived they are safe. St. John’s wort, a popular natural supplement believed to help treat depression and premenstrual syndrome, is known to interact with anesthesia. St. Johns Wort, ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba can increase bleeding. Ephedra and kava can affect blood pressure and heart rate and interfere with anesthetic medications, and kava in particular can intensify anesthesia’s sedation effects. Echinacea can contribute to allergic reactions.

The Garcia Institute’s Drs. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia also strongly recommend that you not smoke cigarettes for at least two weeks before and two weeks after your facial plastic surgery. Jacksonville patients who do not smoke heal quicker and have less noticeable scarring than do patients who continue smoking.

If you’re considering facial plastic surgery, contact Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute for a consultation today.

Confused about facial plastic surgery? Jacksonville's Garcia Institute dispells the myths.

Myth #1: Only celebrities and wealthy socialites have or can afford facial plastic surgery.

Jacksonville-area cosmetic surgery patients’ demographics mirror those in other areas of the nation. Studies show that a full 86 percent of plastic surgery patients are working women. And in a 2004 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 60 percent of the respondents reported a household income of between $30,000 and $90,000, and 30 percent reported making less than $30,000. In fact, many people struggling in today’s tight economy are springing for plastic surgery procedures that will help improve their looks and boost their confidence. Why? Because studies by trusted institutions including the Harvard University and the Journal of Economic Psychology reveal that people who feel they are attractive also tend to have higher opinions of their worth and capabilities. That confidence means higher chances of landing competitive jobs and an average 12 percent higher income than their less attractive peers.

Myth #2: All plastic surgeons are created equal.

Save for the occasional rogue busted for performing cosmetic procedures without a license, all legally compliant facial plastic surgeons have the same core training and licensing. However, not all are board-certified in specialties within facial plastic surgery. Jacksonville’s Drs. Phillip Garcia and Roberto Garcia both are certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Phillip Garcia also is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and Dr. Roberto Garcia by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Even with the same certifications, plastic surgeons across Jacksonville and elsewhere have their own personal styles. Remember that much of cosmetic surgery is an art, so it’s critical that you ask to see many photos of a cosmetic surgeon’s work before choosing one.

Myth #3: Plastic surgery leaves no scars.

All surgical procedures heal with scars, but advances in minimally invasive and endoscopic procedures are making those scars all but invisible. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, our Jacksonville surgeons make tissue incisions in strategic positions and directions to hide or minimize their visibility.

Myth #4: Plastic surgery results do not last.

This is the one myth that has an ounce of truth – but it’s entirely up to the patient. Cosmetic surgery procedures are designed to give patients lasting results, though aging and weight will factor into the long-term efficacy of any procedure. By doing your part with a nutritious diet, ample sleep, regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, you add years to your cosmetic surgery’s results.