Warmer weather means fewer clothes. No longer can one hide behind the bulky coats of winter, especially in the sticky New Orleans heat. As you’re preparing for summer vacations to near or exotic beaches, or simply staying put to explore the streets of your favorite city, now’s the time for a little pick-me-up. There are plenty of local practices to turn to that can help you become a more perfect you.
At NOLA Laser Liposculpture (3600 St. Charles Ave., Suite 201, 224-2808, www.nolalaser.com), Dr. John L. Uhl uses state-of-the-art lasers to liposuction any problem areas one may have. Sometimes, diet and exercise don’t take care of certain areas, but laser liposuction can help sculpt your body. NOLA Laser offers several different techniques, including Zerona® – Dr. Uhl is the first physician in New Orleans to offer the technique that, through a series of laser treatments focused on the body core, breaks down fat without surgery and downtime.
The practice also offers a new procedure that can decrease fatigue and depression and increase libido and muscle mass. “I am especially excited about our bioidentical hormone replacement therapy [BHRT], which not only is cancer-protective but also restores quality of life,” says Dr. Uhl. The procedure injects testosterone pellets into men and estrogen/testosterone pellets into women. For women, good candidates include early menopausal women and women who have previously had a hysterectomy. The therapy will be specifically designed to each individual to put an end to hot flashes, night sweats and weight gain, to name a few. For men, BHRT is helpful for those experiencing weight gain, fatigue, lost libido and other unwanted symptoms. The therapy increases stamina and muscle mass allowing for an enjoyable, active lifestyle.
When it comes to your skin, Audubon Dermatology (3525 Prytania St., Suite 501, 895-3376, www.audubondermatology.com) offers services and products to give you a natural glow. The first step to a fresh face is maintaining a basic skin-care regimen. Dr. Sarah Jackson recommends the Obagi Medical systems. “The Obagi System has been formulated to improve the signs of aging at the cellular level, which minimizes the signs of premature aging, reduces future photodamage, helps skin look and act younger and healthier,” she says. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Hooper believe Retin-A is still the leading anti-aging product on the market today. And of course, don’t forget the sunscreen!
Exfoliation is also important for skin radiance. Dr. Jackson recommends the SkinCeuticals Micro-Peel. The in-office epidermal peel is non-invasive and immediately resurfaces and improves skin health with little to no downtime. For a more aggressive way of reducing pigment problems including facial redness or hyperpigmentation, the physicians offer photorejuvenation, a laser-type process that incorporates gentle pulses of intense pulsed light (IPL) to deliver energy into the skin, targeting the problem areas which slowly disappear from the body’s natural healing process. Dr. Jackson and Dr. Hooper use the Palomar IPL system.
At Sadeghi Plastic Surgery (3434 Prytania St., Suite 420, 210-3831, www.sadeghiplasticsurgery.com), one can achieve beautiful results in facial, breast and body contouring procedures. “The best aesthetics are those that look subtle and natural, with the least telltale signs of surgical (or even non-surgical) rejuvenation,” says Dr. Ali Sadeghi. “I believe that spending as much time as necessary with each patient in understanding their aspirations is crucial in formulating a customized plan.”
The practice Uptown offers a full complement of aesthetic services, both surgical and non-surgical. There are various treatments for facial rejuvenation that can have patients looking their best in no time! For frown lines and fine wrinkles Dr. Sadeghi recommends Botox®. When used in conjunction with fillers, these wrinkles and lines can be removed without the need for surgery. This “lunchtime procedure” takes around 10 minutes and no recovery time is needed. Frown lines will disappear in one to two days and last up to six months.
One in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer. After treatments and surgeries, a woman can feel less secure about her body. New Orleans is on the forefront of breast reconstruction surgery.
After a mastectomy many women undergo breast reconstruction. The Center for Restorative Breast Surgery (1717 St. Charles Ave., 899-2800, www.breastcenter.com) has performed more than 3,000 breast reconstructions for women from all over the world who come to New Orleans for the Center’s innovative procedures. For women who want immediate breast reconstruction, the revolutionary Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy (NSM) offers the patient a more natural looking breast by preserving its natural appearance.
“As a surgeon, I am proud of the results we are able to provide our patients,” says Dr. Sullivan. “The sincere reactions and pure satisfaction expressed by the women who have undergone the surgery speaks volumes about the difference it can make in a woman’s personal life.” Doctors Sullivan and DellaCroce, leading pioneers of the procedure, perform the operation by making a small incision below the nipple and removing the breast tissue under the skin. This allows for a more natural looking reconstruction while minimizing scarring. The envelope is then filled with tissue from the abdomen or buttocks to allow for a beautiful, more natural looking result.
In Metairie, patients only have to go to one location for complete care – including consultations, diagnostic testing and operative procedures – the NOLA Group for the Advancement of Breast Reconstruction (Omega Hospital, 2525 Severn Ave., 832-4200, www.omegahospital.com/breast-reconstruction.asp), which also specializes in breast reconstruction. Under the direction of Dr. Robert Allen, the group brings together physicians to work with cancer surgeon, Dr. Alan Stolier.
At the hospital, a separate wing is dedicated exclusively to breast reconstruction patients. Upon arrival, each guest receives monogrammed scrubs, robe and gift provided by Earthsavers. Each room is equipped with comforting amenities, including a pull-down Murphy bed for family members to stay overnight.
