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.

Are you a good candidate for Botox? Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can help you decide.

If you’ve been considering Botox, Jacksonville plastic surgeons Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia want to help make sure you’re a good candidate. Although it’s a minimally invasive procedure, Botox, like any cosmetic procedure, has both benefits and risks. Here’s what you need to know before making your decision.

Ideal candidate for Botox injections are between the ages of 18 and 70, have reasonably good skin tone and are both physically and emotionally healthy. They want to diminish or eliminate lines and wrinkles on their face and neck, but have realistic expectations of what Botox can do for their looks and their lives.

You may not be a good candidate for Botox if you:

• Have a disease or medical condition that affects nerves and muscles;
• Are breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant soon;
• Have any severe allergies or any known allergies to bovine products or to preservatives found in Botox Cosmetic;
• Are taking antibiotics, heart medications or certain other drugs;
• Have a neurological disease;
• Have Lambert-Eaton Syndrome or Myesthenia-Gravis Syndrome, muscle-weakening disorders;
• Have skin infections on the areas to be treated with Botox;
  Have sagging, drooping or sun-damaged skin.

When you choose Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery for your first Botox injections, you’ll get a thorough consultation to make sure that Botox is right for you. If not, our double board-certified plastic surgeons and expert aestheticians can suggest alternatives to help you achieve the look you want. Call 904-247-8522 to schedule your appointment today.

As they say, “the eyes have it.” Or something like that. Truth is, your eyes are the first features someone notices when they look at you – and they’re one of the top tell-tale indicators of your age. If you’re aiming to smooth out those under-eye crinkles that add years to your look, you’ve got several options including under eyelid surgery and Botox. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can help you choose.

Also known as “blepharoplasty,” eyelid surgery effectively removes excess skin and bulges from around your eyes, including both upper and lower eyelids. This excess skin below the eyes is what causes that crinkled look. Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia remove the skin via a tiny incision underneath the eyelashes in the first crease or behind the eyelid. Careful placement of the incisions assures that your plastic surgery scars will be unnoticeable or even invisible.

Another option for treating under-eyelid crinkles is Botox. This method of treatment is used far less frequently because it demands an incredibly skilled hand and a tiny amount of Botox. Also, Botox may not work well for every patient, depending upon the facial structure and the way the skin beneath the eyes fold when the patient smiles. It’s most effective in conjunction with Botox treatment of crow’s feet.

Chemical peels also can be an effective choice for treating under-eye crinkles, but again – this takes a highly skilled professional. Chemical peels that are too strong or administered incorrectly can be harmful to the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can help you decide the best treatment for your under-eye crinkles and set you up with great skincare products and vitamins that help keep your skin smooth and youthful. Call 904-247-8522 to schedule a consultation today.

Prepare now for a beautiful start to 2012.

New year, new decisions, new look – that’s the hallmark of every January 1. But don’t wait. Begin preparing now for your beautiful new look via plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s top facial plastic surgeons say.

“Plastic surgery isn’t a one-day deal,” says Dr. Roberto Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery in Neptune Beach near Jacksonville. “Preparing your skin and body in the weeks and months prior to a surgical procedure like a facelift, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle afterward, can greatly increase your chances of healing quickly, healing well and loving your results.”

Dr. Garcia recommends these tips to help you prepare for your facelift or other plastic surgery:

• Begin eating and drinking healthily now. Healthy, hydrated skin heals quicker and better.
• Nix smoking and heavy alcohol intake at least two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery. The effects of smoking and drinking alcohol can slow healing.
• Let your doctor know all of the medications and natural supplements you’re taking or have taken over the past year. Some can dangerously interact with anesthesia and medications your plastic surgeon may administer or prescribe. Others can thin blood and cause excessive bleeding. Others, like Echinacea, can contribute to allergic reactions.
• Begin and maintain a skincare regimen.
• If you have short hair, grow it out a few inches to help cover incisions while they heal.
• Plan to have day-to-day chores and activities, like cooking, cleaning and caring for children and pets, handled for you during the week after your facelift or other facial plastic surgery.

Planning and scheduling your facial plastic surgery now can help ensure a beautiful start to 2012. Call Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville’s only plastic surgery practice boasting a JCAHO-certified office-based surgical suite, at 904-247-8522 today.

Squinting at the small screens on your cell phone and other handheld devices can cause wrinkles. Jacksonville cosmetic surgeons offer face-saving tips.

Jacksonville cosmetic surgeons Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia want you to be aware of the potentially aging effects of staring at the small screens on your cell phones, MP3 players and other mobile devices.

It seems everyone and their toddler has one and the thought of going about our day-to-day routines without one of our handheld helpers is almost unfathomable. Cell phones alone allow us to talk, email, text, catch up on the latest news, buy movie tickets and get step-by-step directions to our next destinations. Meanwhile, MPs and e-book readers are increasingly popular.

“While mobile devices certainly make our lives easier, all that squinting to read the tiny lettering can lead to crow’s feet and wrinkles between the eyes,” says Dr. Phillip Garcia, founder of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery and Reviva Medical Spa. “Plus, there are indications that being in front of standard sized computer screen for long periods of time can have a dulling effect on the skin.”

So how do you fight the skin aging and dulling effects of computer, cell phone and other screen types, Jacksonville? Cosmetic surgeons recommend regularly scheduled facials to keep your skin hydrated, smooth and taut; skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels to help repair damage from device screens, sunlight and exposure to other environmental elements; or injectable treatments such as Botox or Restylane to smooth out wrinkles.

If you’re seeing the effects of computer screens and mobile devices on your skin and facial features, the Drs. Garcia and their staff of highly trained skincare specialists can help. Call 904-247-8522 for a personal consultation today.

Eyelid surgery by Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery can be an effective option for anyone seeking a more youthful, rejuvenated look around the eyes, and a particular benefit to patients whose drooping eyelids impair vision.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville focuses on both aesthetic and functional benefits of eyelid surgery.

Formally known as blepharoplasty, eyelid surgery involves removing excess skin, muscle or fatty tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. Most upper eyelid surgeries and lower eyelid surgeries are performed for cosmetic reasons. The primary aesthetic result is a firmer, refreshed look around the eyes. But in many cases, eyelid surgery can significantly improve a patient’s vision as well. For instance, a blepharoplasty procedure can address a severely hooded eyelid that partially obscures a patient’s vision or open up naturally small eyes.

The body’s thinnest and most delicate skin is the skin around the eyes. As we age, the underlying eye muscles weaken and the skin stretches. For most, this simply means an older, often tired look. For many others, however, the resulting droop of the upper eyelids can compromise vision by more than 50 percent. Patients considering blepharoplasty often complain that their eyelids feel heavy and that they feel tired even after a full night’s sleep. And any amount of vision loss can hinder independence and everyday activities from reading your favorite novel to assembling a puzzle with your grandchild to driving your car.

In an upper eyelid surgery, excess fat, muscle and loose skin is removed with incisions made along the natural folds and creases of the eyelid, and fine sutures are used to close the incisions. This helps minimize the visibility of any scar. Lower eyelid operations involve removing excess fat and skin through a tiny incision beneath the eyelashes in the first crease. If only fatty pockets need to be removed, your surgeon may instead cut behind the eyelid, making the incision completely invisible. Self dissolving sutures are used, leaving no visible scar.

Typically, upper and lower eyelid surgery is completed within two hours. Permanent stitches are removed three to five days following the surgery and you’ll be advised to use cold compresses and keep your head elevated when lying down to help speed healing and relieve discomfort. You’ll also need to avoid certain activities and environments – particularly bright, direct sunlight – while you heal.

Eyelid surgery done for cosmetic reasons only won’t be considered by insurance companies. However, photographic documentation of obstructed vision and physicians’ projections on the percentage of vision improvement may convince your insurer to pay for a portion of your eyelid surgery costs. Insurance providers differ on the requirements for such coverage, and Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery’s surgeons and staff will work diligently with you and your provider to help land coverage of qualified costs. We also accept major credit cards and work with financing companies including CareCredit and CapitalOne Healthcare Finance. For more information or to schedule an eyelid surgery consultation, contact Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville at 904-247-8522.

Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery cautions viewers and participants of the new E! show, "Bridalplasty," in which brides-to-be compete for plastic surgery and the chance to be the "perfect bride."

In the newest and perhaps most controversial show of the upcoming Reality TV season, a bevy of brides-to-be will go head-to-veiled and tiara topped-head competing for a full battery of plastic surgery just in time for their weddings. In fact, the winning bride’s new look will literally be “unveiled” for family, friends and fiancé to see for the first time when she reaches the altar, say producers of “Bridalplasty,” the Shanna Moakler-hosted show that reportedly will air on the E! this fall.

Good for TV network ratings? That’s all but assured, given reality TV’s undeniable draw. Good for the brides? That’s debatable, says Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery (Jacksonville, FL) founders Drs. Phillip Garcia and Roberto Garcia. Of course, every bride wants to look beautiful on her big day and it’s not uncommon for women to undergo cosmetic procedures in the months just prior to walking down the aisle – even unbeknownst to her husband-to-be. However, a drastic change made with the wrong mindset can lead to heartbreak.

Remember the short-lived Fox TV show, “The Swan,” which featured women who underwent extreme surgical makeovers and competed against one another for a pageant crown? Media jumped on the fact that multiple participants saw their romantic relationships crumble as the bandages came off. In a People magazine article two months after the show’s second season finale, the husband of “Swan” participant Beth Lay suggested that the experience made her too self-conscious. Critics suspect that the “Bridalplasty” winner may face similar risks in her personal life.

“Plastic surgery must be a personal decision made by the patient, for the patient with no coercion by anyone else – lovers, friends or especially reality TV show producers,” says Dr. Roberto Garcia. “Motives must be sound and expectations must be reasonable.  After all, plastic surgery cannot be undone – only revised – should you be unhappy with the results.”

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, each patient is counseled not only on the physical changes she hopes to make, but on the emotional reasons for and expectations of a chosen cosmetic procedure. Our success is in patients who enjoy long-term satisfaction with their new looks, and our most satisfied clients are those who carefully consider all options and make the decisions solely for themselves. If you are a bride-to-be considering a facial plastic surgery or other cosmetic procedure, Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville can help make sure your decision about improving your look is a happily-ever-after one.

At Garcia Institute in Jacksonville, plastic surgery for men is growing. At one time a taboo subject among men everywhere, cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular for men, particularly Baby Boomers putting retirement plans on hold.

More men in Jacksonville and nationwide are opting for plastic surgery to help them remain competitive in the workplace.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the top facial plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures among men in 2009 were:

• Botox (308,000)
• Microdermabrasion (177,000)
• Chemical Peel (93,000)
• Soft Tissue Fillers (71,000)
• Nose Reshaping (66,000)
• Eyelid Surgery (30,000)

A major reason for plastic surgery among Jacksonville men is career competitiveness. According to the 2009 Harvard Study of Health and Life Quality, attractive and confident job seekers stand better chances of getting hired than do less attractive, less confident competitors. And the Journal of Economic Psychology published findings of a study that show employees deemed more attractive make 12 percent more money annually than do their less attractive coworkers.

These statistics are prompting many Jacksonville men to undergo plastic surgery. Jacksonville is not immune to the economic troubles that have hit the nation, so many local Baby Boomers are delaying retirement plans and instead finding themselves vying for promotions or new jobs. Trouble is, their competitors may be literally half their age. An AARP study shows this to be the case for 25 percent of respondents to a study on the issue, and many feel they’re at a competitive disadvantage when younger job seekers are eyeing the same positions. A recent NBC poll revealed that 95 percent of men undergoing cosmetic procedures are working professionals looking to extend the life of their careers and boost their income potential.

For men considering plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute is a top choice. Dr. Phillip Garcia and Dr. Roberto Garcia are board-certified specialists in facial plastic surgery and our facility is North Florida’s only office-based surgery suite certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Organizations. Contact us at 800-803-0082 or via our online email form to schedule a consultation today.

When it comes to celebrity lookalike plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute (also known as Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery) cautions patients. Recently, Kim Kardashian made news by discouraging a fan, via Twitter, from undergoing a cosmetic procedure in an attempt to look like the celebrity.

“Don’t try 2 b someone else,” the TV personality tweeted.

Considering a celebrity lookalike plastic surgery? Jacksonville's Garcia Institute can help you achieve your own unique, star-worthy look instead.

Just last year, actress Demi Moore also held a mini “Twittervention” to plead with a mentally ill fan who planned her own set of lookalike surgeries. And we’ve all heard of Sarah Burge, the British model and socialite who has branded herself the “Real Life Barbie.”

Every plastic surgeon in Jacksonville and beyond has seen countless patients and potential patients walk into the office armed with stacks of magazine clippings of celebrities whose looks they want to emulate via cosmetic surgery. Angelina Jolie’s lips, Jessica Alba’s nose and Scarlett Johansson’s eyes are popular requests. And it’s not just the ladies looking for a star-inspired makeover. Male patients considering cosmetic surgery have been known to ask for Matt Damon’s jaw line or Johnny Depp’s cheek bones.

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville patients are encouraged to bring photos – even celebrity clippings – as references to help communicate the look they hope to achieve. However, in these cases patients also are cautioned to understand the limitations – both physical and ethical – of plastic surgery. Jacksonville’s Drs. Phillip Garcia and Roberto Garcia are experts in the field of facial plastic surgery and are dedicated to helping patients become the best versions of themselves – not of someone else, celebrity or otherwise.

When a patient shows an unsettling interest or obsession with a particular person, it’s considered an emotional or psychological red flag, as was the case with the woman who aimed to replicate Demi Moore’s look. Such patients often are found to suffer from a range of problems from low self esteem to more complicated mental health issues such as body dysmorphic disorder or a borderline personality disorder. Plastic surgeons in Jacksonville and nationwide have become adept at spotting patients with potential psychological or emotional issues and likely will turn these patients away. Many will require certain patients to undergo psychological screenings before agreeing to treat them. Unfortunately, these patients who do manage to convince a surgeon of a drastic lookalike procedure rarely are pleased with the outcome, which can exacerbate their emotional troubles.

If you’re considering a celebrity-inspired plastic surgery, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute can help determine whether your particular facial structure may make a similar look impossible. Plus, keep in mind that today’s hot celeb look today may not be all the rage a few years from now. Instead of trying to copy a particular feature, we’ll craft a look that is based on your preferences and enhances your current look. To achieve your best look, contact the Garcia Institute at 800-803-0082 or via our online email form.

Could your career and income potential get a positive boost via cosmetic surgery? Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute remains busy even as the downturn in the economy has many struggling financially. In fact, plastic surgeons in Jacksonville and beyond report that even as patients look for ways to cut costs at home, they’re financing body and facial plastic surgery.

Research shows that beauty and confidence can help boost your career competitiveness and income potential.

Jacksonville women – and men – are landing financing rates as low as four percent and credit limits as high as $10,000 to fund cosmetic procedures that will improve their looks, thereby improving their career and earning potential. Why? Because as anyone in the advertisement or entertainment fields can tell you, youth and beauty sells – and not just on TV. The same adage goes for corporate offices across the country.

When it comes to competing for that new job, first impressions are important – and bankable, according to multiple recent studies. The 2009 Harvard Study of Health and Life Quality concluded that attractive and confident job seekers stood better chances of getting hired than did less attractive, less confident competitors. Another study in the Journal of Economic Psychology suggests the benefits of a beautiful face and physique continue after the hire. It concludes that employees deemed more attractive make 12 percent more money annually than their less comely coworkers. In these tight economic times, that statistical tidbit alone is enough to prompt an investment in cosmetic surgery.

Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute is seeing this trend at play in older patients as well. Many people who had planned to retire instead are opting to remain at their jobs and vying for raises or promotions, or looking for new jobs. An AARP study shows this to be the case for a full 25 percent of respondents to a study on the issue, and many feel they’re at a competitive disadvantage when younger job seekers are going for the same positions. And it’s not just women. A recent NBC poll revealed that more men than ever before are undergoing cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers (wrinkle fillers) and plastic surgery. Of them a full 95 percent are working professionals looking to extend the life of their careers and boost their income potential.

Of course, without confidence and ability, you’ll never get a great job, promotion or raise solely based on a cosmetic surgery. But Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute can help you address any facial issues negatively affecting your competitive spirit. If you’re ready to get your best look, contact us at 800-803-0082 or via our online email form.