At Murphy Plastic Surgery we are constantly promoting the use of sunscreen to all of our patients so we love reading articles that help the public better understand the importance and must knows about sunscreen like the one in Men’s Journal for September 2010.  The article titled “The False Security of Sunscreen” brings up some startling facts, fantastic reminders and helpful sun protection products.

One of the most startling facts in the report states that while most sunscreens protect against UVB rays 92% of them fail to block the suns UVA rays which penetrate deeper and are the cause of skin cancer.  Another interesting fact for those of us living in the mile high city is that UV rays increase by 4% for every 1000 foot jump in elevation, so above 12,000 feet we double our UV exposure.  The reflection of the sun off of water increases the intensity of UV rays by 50% and off snow increases the intensity of  by 80%!  While Dr. Murphy has always recommended that patients reapply sunscreen every hour while out enjoy our beautiful Colorado outdoors, it might be necessary to reapply every 30-40 minutes while in the water or on the slopes.

One of the rules we tell patients to follow when looking for a sunscreen is to make sure it contains the ingredients zinc and titanium dioxide.  The Men’s Journal article also recommends looking for the ingredient avobensone ormeroxyl sx.  These ingredients are key to blocking both UVA and UVB rays.  The article also recommends picking sunscreens without vitamin A and oxybenzone which have been linked to increased risk of tumors and DNA damage.  You should also avoid sprays and powders, use an spf of 30 or higher and still get a healthy dose of vitamin D from the sun (15 minutes a day is about all you need!).

If you need an excuse to go shopping there are some fantasticly fun and protective products on the market now.  Plain t-shirts can block 86% of the suns rays but brands like Columbia make shirts that can keep out 98% of the suns rays.  Hats and sun glasses are always a must for outdoor play.  Which is a perfect excuse to go out and buy the Oakley’s you’ve always wanted which can block 99% ov UVB and 95% of UVA rays.  And check out www.uvsunsense.com for their sunsense wrist band.  Apply lotion to the wrist band and as the band fades from orange to lavender you know it’s time to reapply.  As always you can pick up the best in sunscreens from Murphy Plastic Surgery.  Stop by our office in Englewood anytime, no appointment necessary or call to have your favorite sunscreen shipped.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

A Flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control.  But regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.  Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging.  The most common causes of this include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgeries or significant fluctuations in weight.

If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate procedure to help achieve your goals.  In general, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles.  This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

Dr. Murphy often incorporates liposuction during this procedure to give the patient a more contoured figure with a very positive result.  Liposuction can be done to the hips, flanks, thighs and  buttock areas during the same procedure as the abdominoplasty for a minimal cost.

The best way to learn how a tummy tuck can help fulfill your personal goals is a consultation with Dr. Murphy.

www.murphyplasticsurgery.com

If you haven’t visited our website recently please go to the website and view before and after photos of many different procedures that Dr. Murphy performs in our surgical suite.  There is an abundance of information about each procedure.  We have been working hard to make our website a customer friendly and knowledgeable site.  I encourage everyone to forward our website information to your friends and family.  Most of our business comes from patient referrals.  New patient and second consultations are complimentary.