naples beauty
is a rolling pageful of current events, mini-lectures, and helpful hints about the world of aesthetic medicine and plastic surgery, edited by naples' most affable board-certified plastic surgeon, dr. andrea basile.

Friday, April 30, 2010

Naked Ambition

Last Sunday I came across an article in a New York Times Style Magazine which caught my eye.
...Perhaps because its title is “Naked Ambition”.
In this piece, the writer, Caroline Weber, examines the current trend of clothing made with sheer, and flesh-tinted materials which blur the distinction between the body and the garment. When the clothing blends into the person wearing them, the result, presumably, is that the garment doesn’t distract the eye from the individual wearing it.
Ms. Weber makes the point that this concept is hardly new, citing, as examples, the diaphanous gowns worn by Cleopatra, and the graceful, loungewear donned by maidens in works by Botticelli.
At the same time, such clothing also does very little to camouflage a particular body’s shape, and age, and level of upkeep. I guess it is easier to have that kind of confidence if you are a young Egyptian queen or Venus.
The idea of clothing being more a window than a curtain seems to be an extreme representation of a more conservative view voiced by Coco Chanel, quoted in the article, who supported the notion that an article of clothing should compliment, and not steal attention from, the wearer.
It was this quote that had me recalling a recent consultation I had with a patient who wished to regain a youthful bust.  This woman told me: “ I do not want my breasts to enter the room before I do, or to scream across the lounge “hey look at me!””. While Ms. Chanel was but referring to clothing, the parallel is clear: A bosom of proportionate size, and youthful shape, can compliment, balance, and complete a body rather than compete with it. It does not need to be an over-inflated, an up-near-the-collar-bone set of golden globes. (Though some of my patients prefer exactly that). A simply feminine, elegant bust is what many more women today are looking for.
This “nude” clothing trend, seems to be in a sense, about honesty, and social transparency (pun intended). Perhaps this style philosophy is the result of a backlash from the recent disheartening national financial masquerade, leaving us all somewhat untrusting. Perhaps we are just tired of false advertising.
This wispy simplicity in clothing is similar to the sense of lightness, of body and spirit that women are seeking when they discuss with me their frustrations with their constant need to wear a supportive garment, and all the limitations in style, and lifestyle that goes with these gel/miracle/wonder-pusher uppers. There is a youthful freedom in not always worrying about how things fit, and how different your body might look in and out of clothing.
Honesty, simplicity, and ease of use, are very liberating elements. Of course, being truthful is easier when we have no secrets.
One might argue, therefore, that with this trend of transparent style, the best accessory is a well-shaped body. Indeed, whether the dress is Chanel-simple or see-through, a proud, proportionate, youthfully-packaged body is the sexiest accessory during any fashion era.
Feeling good about ones' self ultimately shows in the eyes, and voice, and posture. When that ‘look’ and demeanor exists, who needs layers of clothing and  accessories?
-drB

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Naples Hooters- Your Top Ten!

Last Saturday, April 17th, the top representatives from the Southwest Florida Hooters Restaurants (by representatives, I mean bikini worthy staff), (and by "top" I mean beauty, poise, sense of fun, and sheer nerve) came to Naples to compete for entry to the nationally televised miss Hooters International Competition finals later this year.  Here are the top ten (out of thirty). Of these, five qualified to go on to the regional finals to be held next month on Boca Raton.  Once again, the job of the judges was a difficult task. Without sounding like a complaint or whine, since I'm sure anyone would take my place in a heartbeat, let me point out that critiquing these wonderful young ladies is difficult, sometimes absurd, and kinda mean. A lot of it is pure gestalt, and evaluating the energy, and poise with which they present themselves. Well, another tough assignment completed.
"Thank you" to the Hooters of Naples for letting me be part of their world for little while.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon- SAFELY

Just when I thought I had repeated myself one too many times (..."This is how to pick your Plastic Surgeon"), it becomes apparent to me that the challenge of finding a safe, qualified, and effective plastic surgeon is still a process which often stumps the general public. I continue to be surprised at some of the stories I hear about how intelligent and trusting citizens put their lives and appearances in the hands of practitioners whose only qualifications are that of self-promotion. A recent California survey revealed that the majority of Cosmetic Surgery providers in San Diego are not actual Plastic Surgeons, urges me to re-iterate some fundamental steps to ensuring that your aesthetic concerns are discussed and treated by someone who deserves your trust.
Before reviewing some guidelines to "Finding Dr. Right" let me mention that the study in Southern California (where it was documented that Hyaluronic Acid Gel Fillers are being offered by 1867 'practitioners', and Liposuction is being done by 834 individuals--but only 495 trained Plastic Surgeon exist in the same geographic area) is only putting numbers to what we already know to be the case- not just in San Diego, but all across the country. "Cosmetic" procedures (I place the word cosmetic in quotes because it is a word with no legal meaning) are being offered by many physicians of other specialties, primary care M.D.'s and D.O.'s, Dentists, Oral Surgeons, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Immigrants whose background may have included, unconfirmed, medical background in other countries, and even Salon personnel. These procedures are being done in offices, nail salons, hotel rooms, tanning centers, and ad hoc clinics. "Why?" you might ask. Because they legally can; because they may even think they know how, because it makes them money- being qualified and safe takes a lot of expense which these people do not have. Whether or not these service providers have had any training, have had the right kind of training, can take care of any complications which may arise, use legitimate products, answer to any higher authority, and have the experience and interest in human aesthetics and all its implications-- is up to you to discover before you make a commitment. I would like to help you.
"Finding Dr. Right"
Plastic surgery involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a surgeon you can trust.
Choosing an ASPS Member Surgeon ensures that you have selected a physician who:
  • Has completed at least five years of surgical training with a minimum of two years in plastic surgery.
  • Is trained and experienced in all plastic surgery procedures, including breast, body, face and reconstruction.
  • Operates only in accredited medical facilities
  • Adheres to a strict code of ethics.
  • Fulfills continuing medical education requirements, including standards and innovations in patient safety.
  • Is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
Questions to ask Before and During the Consultation
  • Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
  • Were you trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
  • Do you have hospital privileges to perform this procedure? If so, at which hospitals?
  • Is the office-based surgical facility accredited by a nationally- or state-recognized accrediting agency.
  • How many procedures of this type have you performed?
  • Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
  • Where and how will you perform my procedure?
  • How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
  • What are the risks and potential complications associated with my procedure?
  • How are complications handled?
  • What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my surgery?
Please do you homework. The experience of Plastic Surgery or a non-surgical Aesthetic Procedure, in the right hands, is usually a wonderfully positive, empowering process. This is especially true if you have the confidence - before, during, and after - that you chose your provider well.
There are many wonderfully gifted, compassionate, professional, and experienced, and properly trained Plastic Surgeons out there. Not as many as you would think by just reading the billboards and ads posted by the wanna-bes-- but be patient, use your resources wisely, and you'll find the right one.