A recent study shows that people today are more open than ever about cosmetic surgery. Jacksonville patients of the Garcia Institute and others nationwide say that “having a little work done” no longer carries the taboo that it once did. Perhaps because of its saturation of TV, magazines and the Internet, talk of cosmetic surgery is increasingly an acceptable and comfortable conversation.

Go ahead - Tell it to the world! A new survey shows society is more open than ever about cosmetic surgery.

According to the study released by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, a full 71% of respondents believe society is less judgmental about cosmetic surgery than it was just five years ago, and for 62% of them, society’s relaxed attitude made them feel more comfortable about getting their own procedures. Respondents younger than age 40 were nearly twice as likely as others to consider undergoing cosmetic surgery. And though they may have kept mum about it in the past, 52 percent of respondents say they today would tell their families about having invasive cosmetic surgery. Jacksonville patients share these thoughts.

Survey respondents are most comfortable talking about:

• Laser hair removal (61.9%)
• Botox (61.9%)
• Breast augmentation (42.4%)
• Facelifts (32.2%)
• Tummy tucks (32.1%)

“This is a confirmation of what many of us have felt for a long time – that cosmetic surgery has become mainstream,” said AACS President Dr. Mark Berman. “A variety of factors have contributed to the normalization of our industry, but the bottom line is that people are not afraid to talk openly about cosmetic surgery anymore.”

Adds AACS Past President Dr. Patrick McMenamin, “It’s been a long road but thanks to the hard work of so many, cosmetic surgery is rightfully gaining acceptance in our society. We’ve reached a point where people are no longer quiet about having a cosmetic procedure and that is important to all of us.”

How comfortable are you talking about cosmetic surgery, Jacksonville? Do you still keep mum? Do you tell only closest friends or family? Or do you proudly declare it to the world? Garcia Institute wants to know your thoughts, so please leave us a comment. And if you’re considering facial cosmetic surgery, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute can be reached at (904) 247-8522 or via our convenient online email form.

More than 17 million cosmetic procedures were performed nationwide throughout 2009, according to a new survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Jacksonville Baby Boomers likely won’t be surprised by these results. The survey shows that the Boomer generation represents a large percentage of cosmetic procedure patients. In fact, among the client base of AACS members, the average age of facelift patients is 54.1 years. The average age for blepharoplasty is 52.3 years. And the average age of patients opting for Botox is 46.6.

Baby Boomers account for a growing percentage of cosmetic procedures performed in Jacksonville and nationwide.

A few highlights of the survey:

• Facelifts by AACS members rose 44% from 2008 to 2009, totaling 34,455 last year compared to 20,478 in 2008;
• Blepharoplasty procedures jumped 42 percent to 60,507 from 42,602;
• Rhinoplasty surgeries went up 74% to 21,730 from 12,460
• Invasive procedures showing the largest gain in the past five years are Blepharoplasty, abdomonoplasty and rhinoplasty;
• Less invasive procedures with the biggest 5-year gain are laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers.

The study is the first of its kind performed by the AACS and involves polling of AACS members plus randomly chosen physicians nationwide. The total number of procedures performed by AACS members has increased by eight percent since 2008.

When it comes to cosmetic procedures, Jacksonville follows the same trend that physicians and surgeons are seeing across the United States – a boom in Baby Boomer clientele. Many patients of the Garcia Institute are in their 50s and 60s and not quite ready to concede their looks. Today’s mature population is healthier, more active and more consumer savvy than any previous generation. They also are more informed about medical, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures. Jacksonville’s Boomer population is one that knows what it wants and is comfortable asking for it.

“The Baby Boomers are getting older but they still feel young and they want to look that way too,” said AACS President Mark Berman, MD. “With anti-aging procedures, people tend to feel much better about themselves afterward.”

Cosmetic procedures in Jacksonville and beyond are expected to grow as America’s economy recovers.

“The cosmetic surgery industry continues to grow at a rate many people never thought it
would reach,” Berman said. “With the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, I don’t think we’ve come close to hitting the ceiling yet. That 17 million is only going to expand.

If you’re a Baby Boomer who wants to look as great as you feel, contact the Garcia Institute at  (904) 247-8522 today.

Mothers and daughters opting for plastic surgery in Jacksonville and across the nation is on the rise. Hundreds of plastic surgeons in Jacksonville and elsewhere report seeing more mothers and daughters coming in to discuss “plastic surgery duets.” We see it among everyday patients as well as the celebrity set. Just last month, former supermodel Christie Brinkley reportedly underwent a facelift while daughter with musician Billy Joel, Alexa Joel, had a rhinoplasty procedure. Last year, Lynne Curtin and daughter Raquel of The Real Housewives of Orange County made their set of plastic surgery procedures a family affair. Some even come in threes – after all, being a grandmother ain’t what it used to be.

Mothers and daughters increasingly are opting for plastic surgery "duets."

In discussing reasons for plastic surgery, Jacksonville mothers and daughters (and sometimes sons and fathers) often bemoan shared facial features, such as the “family nose” and a tendency toward the same droop of the eyelids or cheeks. Less-than-perfect hereditary traits can be a source of angst for multiple members of a family, and many plastic surgeons in Jacksonville and beyond are seeing correcting these traits become a family effort.

Sometimes, the mix is a trio. Grandmothers, mothers and daughters come in for plastic surgery procedures either together or in quick succession. Family-centric events such as weddings often spur the move, and mothers typically lead the way. The mother of the bride comes in for a facelift, forehead lift or dermal filler in an effort to look a little more radiant for the occasion, and inspires the bride to get a pre-wedding touch up of her own. Grandmothers are in the mix as well. After all, today’s grandmothers are far more active and live healthier, more youthful lifestyles than do generations of grandmothers prior. Today’s grandmother is more likely to rock a stair climber at the gym than ride a rocking chair at the local senior citizens center. They want their looks to match their energy and lifestyles.

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, Jacksonville patients get a thorough consultation before entering into any procedure. We think that mother/daughter visits can be great because going through a procedure together lends a strong sense of support. Family members can relate to one another throughout the entire process and enjoy the camaraderie of healing together. However, it is important to understand that plastic surgery must be an individual decision and undertaking. Age and other individual factors are at play despite common genes and a mother’s experience with plastic surgery may be very different from that of her daughter’s.

If you and your mother, daughter, grandmother, sister or other family member are considering facial plastic surgery, Jacksonville plastic surgeons Drs. Phillip and Roberto Garcia are a top choice. Each are double board certified and have years of experience treating women and men of all ages. They do only facial plastic surgery, allowing them a stronger focus than plastic surgeons in Jacksonville who do both facial and body procedures. Together, take a look at our website then contact us at (904) 247-8522 or via our online email form. You each will receive a thorough, tailored treatment recommendation while enjoying one another’s support.

If you’ve been putting off facial cosmetic surgery because of a packed schedule and a busy social life, consider opting for a Lifestyle Lift®. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery Institute caters to many patients with hectic careers, full social lives and heavy travel schedules. Downtime is an elusive luxury for many, but Northeast Florida residents still want to look their best. After all, our year-round mild climate means lots of sunny days and clear nights to get out and about with friends and network with professional colleagues.

When you opt for a Lifestyle Lift at our Jacksonville surgery center, you’ll get a less-invasive approach to traditional facelift surgery performed by our highly qualified, board certified plastic surgeons. We use the most advanced cosmetic surgical techniques to tighten and smooth your face and neck, eliminating wrinkles and leaving you with a natural, youthful and refreshed look. The procedure is designed to address common signs of aging including a sagging jaw line, droopy eyelids and facial creases. The result is more significant than you’ll see with dermal fillers, but not as drastic a change as you would get with a traditional facelift.

Lifestyle Lift Before & After

Lifestyle Lift Before & After

With the Lifestyle Lift, Jacksonville area patients undergo local anesthesia (sometimes called “twilight anesthesia”), rather than general anesthesia. You’ll feel incredibly relaxed, even sleepy, but you’ll be able to respond and follow your plastic surgeon’s simple directions. While the thought of being awake during facial plastic surgery may sound a bit unnerving, local anesthesia typically causes a patient to forget all about the actual surgical procedure. The primary benefit, however, is that local anesthesia poses far less risk than does general anesthesia, which can be dangerous at worse and leave you feeling groggy for days afterward at best.

Fast becoming one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in Jacksonville, the Lifestyle Lift surgery typically takes about an hour for a skilled plastic surgeon to complete and most patients are able to return to their normal routines in a week’s time. Less time spent in surgery and the use of local anesthetics rather than more intense general anesthetics makes the Lifestyle Lift among Jacksonville’s most affordable options for effective, long-lasting facial rejuvenation.

Considering cosmetic surgery? Jacksonville-area patients have long turned to Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery Institute for a range of facial cosmetic surgeries including facelifts, forehead lifts, brow lifts, cheek implants, chin implants and lip enhancements among other procedures. Our highly qualified, board certified and caring cosmetic surgeons go the extra mile to make sure patients are happy with their results.

But will facial cosmetic surgery make you an overall happier person? It’s a tricky question and one that we at the Garcia Institute take very seriously. Over the last decade, our industry has seen a phenomenon of “plastic surgery addiction.” Patients (primarily women, but men are affected as well) experiencing depression or severely low self esteem issues began demanding multiple cosmetic surgeries and many unsuspecting, or downright unscrupulous plastic surgeons obliged. The problem gradually revealed itself when these patients returned repeatedly. Many of these patients initially seemed elated with their cosmetic surgery results, but soon returned saying they were dissatisfied.

Psychologists and cosmetic surgeons in Jacksonville and across the nation place at least some blame on popular extreme makeover television shows that make plastic surgery seem quick and easy. Scores of cosmetic surgeons have responded to the phenomenon by requiring patients who show troubling signs to undergo psychological screenings before their surgeries. Patients deemed emotionally fragile often are required to get further counseling before surgeries are scheduled and many plastic surgeons flatly deny services to patients who have shown evidence of an inordinate dependence on plastic surgery.

Garcia Institute’s Jacksonville cosmetic surgeons and other staff care about our patients’ overall wellbeing – not just their outward beauty. So, we recommend that you strongly consider your reasons for having cosmetic surgery and your expectations. Study after study shows that patients who have realistic expectations of what their cosmetic surgery results will look like and how their lives will be affected fare far better than those with unrealistic expectations. If you look like Deborah Winger, we can’t (and wouldn’t if we could) make you look like Marilyn Monroe. Also, women or men going through major life changes or crisis situations definitely should hold off on undergoing cosmetic surgery. Although many of our procedures are minimally invasive and have relatively quick healing times, any surgical procedure and the required or recommended physical limitations during the healing phase can be stressful. A tough life situation on top of it is a recipe for trouble.

Bottom line, Jacksonville – cosmetic surgery most definitely can help improve your self esteem by improving your looks, and that self-esteem boost can spill over into many facets of your life. People who are confident and happy with their looks perform better in their careers, tend to lead healthier, more active lives and experience more fulfilling social and romantic relationships. But cosmetic surgery alone won’t heal a broken spirit. Improving your self-image from the inside will always be more important and more effective than any outward fix. If you are experiencing depression or severely low self esteem spend time with friends and family members who have positive outlooks on life, exercise (endorphins are great medicine!), get counseling from a pastor, mentor or professional counselor/psychologist if needed. When you feel beautiful inside, you’ll be even happier with what we can do for your outward beauty.

Many of our prospective patients are a little antsy about what to expect after getting a facelift. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery walks you through every step of the way, assuring that you’re informed and comfortable throughout the process.

The primary questions we always hear are

•    “How will I look?”
•    “Will it hurt?”
•    “When can I return to my daily routine?”

You definitely can expect some swelling and bruising in the weeks immediately following your facelift. Don’t panic! That stranger you see in the mirror is temporary. Your beautiful, youthful new look will come sharply into focus as you heal.

As for the pain, most of our Jacksonville facelift patients take only a few pain pills over the first two days after their surgeries. Because you’ll need to sleep in an elevated position for the first week or so, you may experience mild neck and back aches. An over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol will help alleviate this discomfort. Otherwise, the primary complaint after a facelift is a feeling of tightness. This is normal as your tissues heal. Tightness typically peaks on the third day following a facelift, and subsides significantly by the fifth day.

You may continue to feel some stiffness in your neck for several weeks, but should be able to resume much of your physical activity such as running and lifting objects at the two-week mark. Take it slow, though, as your body not only is healing, but has been sedentary for several weeks and needs to ease back into its normal groove.

Most of our patients report feeling comfortable with going back out into public in about a week’s time after a facelift. Jacksonville offers year-round sunny weather that makes everyone want to get out and socialize, but your skin will be sensitive for four to six weeks following a facelift. So, avoid direct sunlight for a while, instead opting for indoor socializing opportunities. Be sure to slather on the high SPF sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat if you’ll be outside for more than a few minutes.

Of course, all the anxieties and frustrations go back to the original question – “How will I look?” The long term effect depends on multiple factors including your age, lifestyle and expectations. Going into your facelift in good health with a positive foundational self image and realistic expectations yields the most favorable results. If you’re 60, we can’t (and wouldn’t if we could) make you look 16. Our goal is to help you achieve a natural, youthful and radiant look that fits your lifestyle. No amount of plastic surgery can GIVE you confidence, but an expertly performed facelift done in tandem with your own health-conscious efforts will definitely BOOST your self confidence.

If you’re considering a facelift, Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery is ready to work hand-in-hand with you to achieve the look you want. Use our convenient online Click to Call feature to talk with a specialist, or fill out our email form to get a personal response from Dr. Phillip Garcia or Dr. Roberto Garcia today.

It’s a question we get often: How long will my facelift last? Jacksonville patients want to know that their investment will pay off not just over the next few years, but for many years. Our answer? The lasting effects of your facelift are full up to you.

Technically, your facelift will last forever because the tissues that we remove during your surgery will never return. You likely will always look younger than you are – a thought that puts a youthful smile on anyone’s face, women and men alike. But you must keep in mind that your facelift doesn’t freeze time – only shifts it backwards, so to speak. You will continue to age, make no mistake. But there are many, many steps you can take to assure a youthful look far into the future.

First, understand exactly what issues can be addressed by a facelift. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery makes it a priority to talk through every aspect of a procedure with our patients, assuring that they know exactly what’s in store. Many people believe that a facelift addresses issues of the entire face. Actually, facelifts address signs of aging primarily in the lower cheek and neck. Often additional procedures such as a browlift, forehead lift or lip enhancement need to be performed in order to achieve the full look you want.

For the best results, go into your facelift as healthy as possible. Adopt healthy eating habits, drink lots of water, exercise daily, eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol intake and, above all, learn to relax. Smoking, alcohol and stress are three of the biggest culprits when it comes to prematurely aging skin, making you look older than you really are.  If you haven’t already, begin a healthier regime as far in advance of your facelift procedure as possible. This will allow for quicker, more thorough healing. And be sure to continue your new health-conscious habits long after your facelift. Jacksonville area beaches, nature preserves, dog parks and riverwalks along with a year-round mild climate make it easy to get outside and get healthy.

While you’re enjoying all that sunshine, however, be sure to cover up when you’re outside in Jacksonville. Facelift patients are very sensitive to the sun for up to six weeks following their procedures, so we encourage you to limit your exposure. And even once you’re past the sensitivity window, be sure to use a high SPF moisturizer daily and don a wide-brimmed hat while strolling the beach to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

Over the years, you’ll begin to see signs of aging return. Maintain your facelift with noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures such as filler injections, chemical peels and laser treatments. And get into the habit of a morning-and-night skincare regime. We can help tailor a skincare program just for you with selections from our wide array of top-of-the-line skincare products. And take vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to feed your beautiful skin. We suggest our Reviva system, developed by Drs. Garcia to address many common and potential skincare needs.

Any procedure is an investment in yourself, your looks and your future. If you’re considering a facelift, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute is a top choice. Use our convenient online Click to Call feature to talk with a specialist today.

You’ve just made an investment that’s sure to pay off in multiple ways – an expertly performed facelift. Jacksonville area patients are anxious to get out into the beautiful Florida sunshine and show off their rejuvenated looks. While it’s important that you rest and take certain precautions while you heal, there are ways to minimize your post-surgery downtime.

The best recommendation we can make to ensure a quick recovery time is to get healthy now! Younger, healthier patients fare better post-surgery than others undergoing most any medical procedure. If your nutritional and exercise habits aren’t up to par (be honest) begin as early as possible before your facelift to adopt healthier habits like eating right and exercising each day. But it’s not just your physical health that counts. Reducing stress and going into your procedure with a positive mindset and realistic expectations make a world of difference.

Te ensure a quick recovery after a facelift, Jacksonville area patients follow these simple tips in the weeks surrounding their procedures:

•    Exercise each day. Just a 20-minute daily walk can help you lose weight, de-stress and get fit.
•    Avoid caffeine, aspirin and other blood thinners before and after your facelift, as thinned blood can delay healing.
•    Eliminate alcohol. It thins your blood, dehydrates you and can have dangerous interactions with anesthesia.
•    Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, drink water and avoid salt so that you’re skin is well hydrated but not retaining water – there IS a difference! Hydrated skin is more resilient. But retaining water can worsen post-operative swelling.
•    Stop smoking. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, slowing healing of incisions and putting you at a higher risk of scarring.
•    De-stress. Plan ahead to get your bills paid, your grocery shopping done and your home cleaned. Arrange for childcare, pet care and your own assistance and pampering.
•    Avoid excessive bending and heavy lifting in the two weeks following your facelift to minimize swelling and avoid bleeding.
•    Avoid sudden movements of the head and, when turning around, turn your shoulders as well to reduce tension on the sutures.
•    Avoid the sun or excessive heat including saunas, hot showers and hair dryers for four to six weeks to help minimize swelling.
•    Avoid excessive use of cell phones and telephones for two weeks after a facelift, as pressure from the receiver around the ear can damage tender skin. Instead, use a speaker phone or buy a cushioned ear piece to cover the receiver.
•    Take vitamins and minerals, but be sure to let us know of all the prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and supplements you’re taking as some can adversely interact with anesthesia and medications we may prescribe. Our Reviva vitamin and herbal supplement system developed by Drs. Garcia and compounding chemists is designed to boost your body’s healing mechanisms. Patients using the Reviva system report nearly 30% less swelling bruising and overall recovery time following  a facelift.
•    Avoid mirrors for the first few weeks. We know you’re anxious to see your results, but even the smoothest procedure results in temporary bruising and swelling. Be patient. Your beautiful new look will emerge soon.

Following these tips are sure to help keep your post-facelift recovery time at a minimum. Be sure to read all literature and follow all additional recommendations

No doubt, financial times are tough, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t afford facial plastic surgery, Jacksonville. In fact, research shows that this may be the best time to invest in your best self. But it may also be one of the scariest times, as unethical, untrained and unlicensed practitioners are on the prowl, offering what seem like very sweet deals for facelifts and facial filler injections.

A study commissioned by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and released in April 2009 shows that in 2008, 81 percent of facial plastic surgeon members say their patients opted for non-surgical procedures in order to delay the need for more invasive surgical procedures. At Garcia Institute, we offer a range of procedures for the cost-conscious patient who wants to look her or his best without breaking the bank including:

•    Non-invasive laser treatments to reduce wrinkles around the eyes and lips, smooth the surface of the face and remove blemishes such as birthmarks, spider veins and acne scars;
•    Wrinkle fillers such as Juvederm, Botox and Radiesse;
•    Lip augmentation, including laser treatments, injectable fillers such as Radiance and Restylane and permanent lip implants;
•    Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation treatments such as dermabrasion, laser treatments and deep chemical peels;
•    Minimally invasive surgeries including mini-facelifts and minor browlifts and forehead lifts.

While patients are looking to keep things affordable, they increasingly are viewing surgical procedures like facelifts, browlifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery and cheek implants as investments. The AAFPRS survey showed 75 percent of members surveyed saw an increase in patients requesting cosmetic surgery to remain competitive in the workplace. That makes sense, as today’s tight economy is forcing many Baby Boomers and people in their 50s to reenter the workplace, where they find themselves competing with workers in their 20s and 30s for jobs and promotions.

The double whammy of a down economy and a field of half-their-age competitors puts patients at risk of being lured by unlicensed practitioners offering cheap prices on treatments, fillers and plastic surgery. But many patients of these predators end up with lumps, burns, scars and other problems that may not be reversible. When it comes to plastic surgery, Jacksonville area patients can rest assured they’re in good hands when they choose Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, where our doctors are board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery. And, we accept all major credit card plus financing by Care Credit and Capital One Healthcare Finance.

Your face is your ultimate calling card. Invest in yourself with a facelift, browlift, forehead lift, lip augmentation or other procedure to restore your youth and revive your career, earning potential, social life and self confidence. Use our convenient online email form for a quick, personal answer to your questions about plastic surgery by Jacksonville’s Dr. Phillip Garcia or Dr. Roberto Garcia.