We believe in total wellness and being the best you you can be, and perhaps no one personifies this concept better than our own Dr. Randy Buckspan. On February 20^th Dr. Buckspan completed the 20^th Annual Austin Livestrong Marathon. Having completed several marathons in addition to a number of half marathons and triathlons in the past several years, Dr. Buckspan continues to challenge himself to improve and get better with each race.

Dr. Buckspan started running 8 years ago, running every morning with the best running partner a guy could ask for, his dog. “He was growing and needed exercise,” said Dr. Buckspan, “He ran every morning with me, it was good for him and me. Morning runs fit my schedule and I was used to early rising in order to get to the OR early. The physical benefits are obvious, but running also allows time for my mind to unwind and time for my body to relax.”

Anyone who has ever spoken with Dr. Buckspan knows he is a people person and a joy to talk to, so it’s no surprise that he’s so involved in these events that bring the running community together to support such great causes. “Training and competing in marathons is also a great way to meet people and make new friends”, Dr. Buckspan explained, “I continue with both Plastic Surgery and running because they are fun! he added. “The challenges of plastic surgery are similar to a marathon as both require planning and training in order to improve and do one’s best.”

The rest of us here at Personique couldn’t be prouder of him! His dedication to improving in all areas of his life from running to his surgical craft are a true inspiration. So next time you come into Personique to see him don’t forget to throw a congrats his way!

Breast size may be the greatest single biological variant among females. If the volume of a woman’s breast tissue continues to grow, exceeding a liter or so, it can pose health risks like back, neck and shoulder pain, breathing constraint and skin irritation. While oversized breasts are often correlated with general body weight, there are cases in which progressive breast hypertrophy occurs in individuals not considered to be obese. Alongside the physical complications oversized breasts cause, many women experience emotional health issues as well. Having a positive self-body image and high self-esteem are just as important to a person’s well-being as physical issues.

Chronic Pain
Women with an outsized bust often experience chronic or long-lasting pain that negatively affects their overall quality of life. The strain of heavy breasts can cause pain in the neck, shoulder and back and can even cause the individual to experience headaches.

Nerve Problems
The disproportionate size and weight of overdeveloped breasts can lead to abnormal posture that can potentially put pressure on an area of the upper body known as the “thoracic outlet”. If this happens, the extra pressure causes nerves and blood vessels to be compressed which can result in pain or tingling in the upper extremities during the day as well as night.

Encumbered Physical Activity
Large, pendulous breasts can also limit the individual from leading an active life and participating in certain activities. The individual’s large bust may prove to be a hindrance in activities like running, golf, yoga etc.. These physical encumbrances in addition to the self-consciousness one feels when partaking in them due to their body image, all prevent that person from enjoying the positive physical and psychological benefits that come with exercise.

Skin Problems
Because it is difficult to keep the areas beneath oversized breasts dry, many women will develop yeast infections, skin rashes and other irritations. Whenever sweat cannot evaporate from these areas, because it is trapped by skin or tight fabric, the surface of the skin will heat up as a result and cause heat rash. Many women with over-developed breasts will also experience chafing on the sides of the breast due to spillage when the bra cup is too small. Stretch marks are another skin blemish caused by large breasts, as well as indentions on the shoulders caused by pressure from the bra strap.

Psychological Health Issues
While many might assume it would be the opposite, many women with large breasts suffer from negative self-body image and feelings of self-consciousness. Having extremely large breasts often affects clothing choices and comfort in certain social situations. Many of these women feel judged by the size of their breasts, which can attract unwanted attention, and this unfortunately can begin to lead to the erosion of her self-confidence. If a female believes she is being pigeonholed because of her large breasts, she may eventually begin questioning her true talents and abilities. Teenagers of both sexes are especially vulnerable to teasing by their classmates and of suffering from feelings of not fitting in because their bodies don’t look like everyone else’s.

Breast reduction surgery is a very effective method for addressing all of the above issues. This type of surgery has helped improve the lives of thousands of women across the country. Studies have shown that for individuals who undergo the procedure, on average social adjustment, self-esteem and body image improve significantly. Breast reduction surgery is capable of alleviating a number of medical and psychological problems and will help create a more symmetrical and proportionate body contour.

Overdeveloped breasts aren’t just a problem reserved for women, many men develop enlarged breast tissue due to weight problems or a condition known as Gynecomastia, in which breast tissue swells as a result of hormonal imbalances. For men, having enlarged breasts can be even more stigmatizing and emotionally distressing. Fortunately, there is a surgical solution for this condition as well. Using a direct incision and lipoplasty, a plastic surgeon can help these men restore a smoother contour to their chest.

Years ago, it was widely believed that plastic surgery was a privilege reserved only for Hollywood and the wealthy. However, a recent study shows that views have changed quite significantly, and that nowadays,  people in every income bracket know of someone who has had a cosmetic surgery procedure or who would consider getting something done themselves. The February 2010 report conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery showed that 48% of respondents with an income of less than $25,000 would approve of plastic surgery, and that 52% of respondents with an income between $25,000 and $50,000 would approve of surgery. Around 23% of participants who earned below $25,000 said they would consider cosmetic surgery for themselves in the future.

“Even in this difficult economic time, people are willing to invest in the things that improve their quality of life… feeling good about the way they look is high on the list of priorities for many Americans.” Renalto Salz, MD, President of ASAPS had to say. In addition to the surprisingly high approval rates across a spectrum of varying income levels, the report also found that among all Americans, 73% of women and 66% of men said they wouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed to tell others they had had cosmetic surgery.

This interesting data shows the clear shift that is currently taking place in the cosmetic enhancement industry. As more and more of the community begins understanding the medical technologies and techniques involved in many of these cosmetic procedures, skepticism and apprehension begins to diminish. As they learn more, people are realizing that not every cosmetic procedure and aesthetic treatment costs an astronomical amount like they once thought, and that individuals of every income bracket can invest in keeping up appearances if they so choose.



After the ball drops and the parties come to an end, millions of people will resolve to make changes and improve their lives in 2011. Many of these resolutions will relate to improving health and appearances. Eating right, exercising and doing what it takes to achieve the look they want is a leading goal for many Americans as they head into the New Year.

It isn’t just about looking physically good though. At the core of these resolutions lies a common yearning, the desire for self-confidence. Confidence in our appearance can positively affect all areas of our lives. From work to dating to socializing, when you aren’t concerned about how you look and have a more positive self-image, it is easier to let your personality unfurl and shine inside and out with genuine confidence.

The New Year is a prime time to concentrate on looking and feeling better and increasing your overall prosperity in life. In recent years, plastic surgery has joined the list of options many Americans turn to in the endeavor to enhance and maintain their appearance. Procedures like breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, rhinoplasty and facelifts are some of the procedures that many request at the beginning of the year when the spirit of “self improvement” is in the air. In addition, January is an optimal time to undergo such procedures as it gives patients plenty of time to heal up in time for swimsuit season.

We see this year after year at Personique, so this year we want to do everything we can to help you achieve your cosmetic goals in 2011. So through the month of January, Personique is offering the deepest discounts in their history! We’re offering huge savings on every procedure to help you get started off poised and confident this year. However, only a limited number of procedures can be scheduled with our New Year’s special pricing, so don’t wait! Call us today at 512-459-6800 or visit Personique.com to sign up for a FREE consultation to find out how Personique can help you reach your personal goals and make 2011 the best year it can be!

For those who participated in the patient search for the documentary we thank you for your participation and remind you that the extraordinary discounts that you were quoted are good for surgery scheduled through January 31^st, 2011.

You can still start the New Year with a New You if you hurry! Here’s to achieving all of your personal goals this year and making 2011 the best it can be!

On the 12th day of Christmas Personique gave to me…. Stunning Eyelashes! We love Christmas here at Personique, and in honor of the season of giving, we wanted to give back to you guys to show our appreciation for your support. So starting this evening, we will be giving away free Latisse® (FDA-approved prescription eyelash growth treatment) to 2 of our lucky Facebook Fans each day!

To qualify for our Twelve Days of Christmas Giveaways special all you need to do is visit our Facebook Fan page at www.facebook.com/personique and click the “Like” button at the top of the page, and comment or Like that day’s post to enter your name for a chance to win a FREE Latisse® Kit.

Each day we will draw 2 names at random. Winners will be announced on Personique’s Facebook page each day until Dec. 25^th and contacted for further details. To claim your gift, winners will need to schedule a cost free appointment at Personique’s offices in Austin to ensure that Latisse treatment is right for you before using. This special offer is only available to new Latisse patients.

Latisse® solution is a prescription treatment for hypotrichosis used to grow eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker. Eyelash hypotrichosis is another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes.

Celebrities like Brooke Shields, Mandy Moore, Claire Danes, Jewel and many more use Latisse to grow longer, darker, fuller lashes, but it’s not just for the ladies. Fellas, women love a man with attractive long eyelashes too! In fact, eyes tend to be the first thing a woman notices on a man. Latisse also makes a great gift for a significant other, sister, mom or any other special lady in your life.

Head on over to Facebook now to enter your name, and don’t forget to check back each day and comment or Like the post to receive an additional entry!

Happy Holidays from Personique!
512.459.6800
www.personique.com

Every bride wants to look picture perfect on her wedding day, used to, that meant starting a few months ahead of time, working out, eating right and being in peak condition come that special day. Brides today however seem to be focusing on the bigger picture, taking it a step further and improving on everything from their lips to skin to noses to breast size. This new trend is being brought to the forefront with a new reality series set to premiere on E! November 28th.

“Bridalplasty” pits brides-to-be against eachother in a series of competitions, with the last one standing ultimately winning the bridal makeover of her dreams, and a dream wedding to go along with it. Television shows about plastic surgery are certainly not a new concept. Shows like The Swan, Dr. 90210 and Nip/Tuck have all capitalized on America’s image-centric and beauty-obsessed culture. “Bridalplasty” however is the first American reality TV show to have participants actually competing for plastic surgery as the end-prize. The concept of the show, produced by E!’s own Giuliana Rancic, has already drawn criticism as “pushing the limits of medical ethics” and undermining the “patient-doctor relationship”, according to Dr. Gayle Gordillo, associate professor plastic surgery at Ohio State University.

While plastic surgeons know that it is in fact quite common for women to come in for a procedure or two to perfect their look in preparation for their big day, many worry about the ethical and social implications such a show could have on their industry. There is fear that “Bridalplasty” will perpetuate the harmful ideals surrounding cosmetic surgery as a quick fix solution.

Regardless of how you feel about “Bridalplasty”, there is no doubt that the controversial show will ring in a sizable viewing audience come November 28th, and perhaps critics are judging the show’s premise too harshly for what it is, a reality show. Over the years, most viewers that tune into reality TV shows don’t exactly expect to see ethical decision making and moral reasoning. In fact this seems to be quite the opposite of reality television’s undertaking. It is the shock, awe and disgust that we have come to expect that keeps us tuning in. So it would seem that “Bridalplasty” has really already achieved its goal in the realm of media, where it’s better to be talked about than not talked about at all.

Halloween is the one time of the year when you get to dress up however you want and nobody can pass judgment or look at you like you’ve completely lost your mind. This is your chance to finally dress up like your favorite celebrity, movie character or anything your heart desires, so don’t spend this weekend sitting home watching The Great Pumpkin, take advantage and have fun! If you’re still stumped check out some of these easy-to-throw-together costume ideas for inspiration.

Reality TV “Star” — Snooki from Jersey Shore
Even if you don’t watch MTV’s Jersey Shore, chances are you’ve heard of one of its more well-known characters, party-girl Snooki. Her quirky style and eccentric ways have made her a household name. The best part about this costume is you can create it with items from your own closet or at a cheap discount store. This is the perfect opportunity to drag out that short party dress you bought on a whim but never worked up the courage to wear. A party dress, high-heeled shoes or knee high boots are all you need to complete this look, along with Snooki’s signature pouf hairstyle along with bronzer, and LOTS of it. Big earrings and lots of makeup will complete the ensemble.

Lady GaGa
This costume is sure to be seen everywhere this year, but it’s a fun one nevertheless! Lady GaGa is known for wearing lots of different wigs, particularly platinum blond, straitened with the blunt bangs. GaGa also likes to make a statement with her eyes and loves her false eyelashes, so you should probably grab a pair. If you’re not a fan of the false eyelashes just use an eyelash curler and voluminous mascara. For eye makeup there really is no going “too over the top” with this costume, think glitter and bright colors, check out one of her videos or watch this great tutorial to get some ideas. As for clothing, Lady GaGa has made so many fashion statements that your options are really limitless. However, her most recognizable outfit has to be the bodysuit with exposed legs, but you can also go for the Lady GaGa prom dress look. Get creative!

The Twilight Crew
Vampires have been all the rage this year, from Twilight to True Blood, Vampires are in. This costume idea is more fun with a whole crew, so if you can talk your friends into doing it with you, even better! The best part about this costume idea is the ease in throwing it together. The Edward Cullen look really just entails a white t-shirt, black jacket, black pants, pale makeup and a little glitter. For the female Vampire, a long black (or red) skirt and top or dress should do. Accessorize with a set of fangs, fake blood, white facial makeup, dark eye makeup, red lipstick and don’t forget the cape!

Zombie
Not looking to go the pop culture route this year? Don’t forget about the traditional favorites. The zombie costume never gets old, year after year people breathe new life into this old look putting their own twist on it, from zombie cheerleaders to zombie hillbillies to zombie housewives, the list goes on and on. The look is simple to create. The first step is to rip up whichever outfit you decide to go with. Next add fake blood to your costume, concentrating on the ripped areas. Then comes the makeup. First apply a thin layer of white cream face paint to achieve that corpse-like look. Use dark red makeup to create wounds as well as greens and other colors to create bruises, use darker colored makeup to achieve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. This is your time to get creative, start on your makeup early as this can be a trial and error process.