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By Richard T. Ethridge, M.D., Ethridge Plastic Surgery | www.drethridge.com

Thinking about cosmetic surgery? Below are 10 important questions to think about.

1. How do I determine if I’m a good candidate for cosmetic surgery?
A preliminary consultation is the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic surgery. In general, cosmetic surgery procedures may be appropriate for women or men who meet these criteria.
Each candidate should be:
§                     psychologically stable
§                     close to their ideal weight (within 30%)
§                     able to maintain a healthy lifestyle
§                     realistic in their expectations
§                     looking to improve self-image (how people perceive and feel about themselves)
Realistic expectations are important. It’s best not expect cosmetic surgery to change your life. If you do not meet every single criterion, it does not necessarily mean you won't be a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, but if you meet none of them, it's most likely your doctor may want you to make some lifestyle changes before surgery.
 
2. Why am I considering cosmetic surgery?
The best reason to undergo cosmetic surgery is to improve your self-image, thus enhancing your feeling of well-being and fostering emotional health. Again, it is important to be realistic about the results you are looking to achieve. Do not expect cosmetic surgery to mend a troubled marriage, help land you a job, change your social life, or reinstate the vigor of your youth. Instead, focus on the way you feel about yourself and the impact that a physical change could have on that feeling.
 
3. Am I considering cosmetic surgery for myself or to please someone else?
Cosmetic surgery is a personal choice --- it’s your body. Your partner, friends, and family are there to support your decisions, not to make them for you. People who care about you and love you should never pressure you about considering a surgical procedure.
 
4. How long have I been thinking about this surgery?
Make sure you have allowed yourself adequate time to make the decision that is right for you. This timeframe varies by individual. Talk to your doctor if you need guidance.
 
5. Are there other lifestyle changes I’d like to make to improve myself?
Making the decision to undergo cosmetic surgery can have wonderful results and can provide a self-confidence boost. But, be conscious of other lifestyle changes you can make to compliment your procedure(s). Proper exercise and diet are a critical part of maintaining your physical and mental health --- even of maintaining your results after certain procedures.
 
6. Do I have any existing medical conditions that would be risk factors for having surgery?
As with all types of surgery, there are potential complications that may occur during or after the procedure. Delayed wound healing may occur in patients with diabetes, a history of radiation treatment, autoimmune disease, or a history of smoking. Potential risks can be addressed by undergoing a thorough medical evaluation prior to surgery.
 
7. Is the timing convenient and appropriate?
Plan the timing for your surgery to best suit you and your life. Consider family and work situations. Consider stress levels. Times of high stress such as divorce or death of a loved one may not be ideal for undergoing surgery. And, although your doctor is able to provide an estimated recovery time, healing can vary by individual. Overexertion without adhering to proper recovery requirements can be dangerous to your health.
 
8. Can I afford the surgery?
Speak with your plastic surgeon about the cost of the procedure(s) in which you are interested. If you are concerned about expense, ask your plastic surgeon if he or she offers financing. Many offices do.
 
9. Have I done my research about the procedure? About the surgeon?
Do your homework. With the world at our fingertips via the Internet, there is a wealth of information available to help you become knowledgeable about your options---whether it be learning about the latest surgical procedures or researching local surgeons’ credentials. Make a list of all the questions that cross your mind during your research. Then, ask your plastic surgeon to answer them.
 
10. Do I have more than one opinion?
I recommend scheduling consultations with at least two different plastic surgeons. Ask both surgeons your list of questions. Asking questions can help you get a feel for who is most in tune with you, your needs, and your desired results. It’s also important to evaluate each surgeon’s bedside manner and attentiveness during your initial consultation. Choosing a surgeon with good bedside manner and who will listen to you will provide reassurance and comfort throughout your cosmetic surgery experience. 
Consider asking friends or family members if they’ve had positive experiences with any plastic surgeons. Or, confide in your family doctor, and ask for referrals.
These questions are just the beginning, but getting answers is an important point of departure as you journey toward a good plastic surgery outcome.

A Fort Worth plastic surgeon, Richard T. Ethridge, M.D., P.A., Ph.D.,
strives to promote health and well-being through a comprehensive
and personalized approach to rejuvenative and reconstructive surgery.
 Dr. Ethridge specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a focus on
cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the breast, body, and face.
For more information, visit www.drethridge.com or call 817.921.5566

Spring has hardly sprung, and already my spring outfit count is on the rise. In the past month, I have made hundreds of outfits for my clients, ranging from casual, to professional, to dressy. With such a busy season under way, I am left wondering, "When am I going to find time to dress myself for spring?" Before you worry too much about me, let me reassure you that I have never been one to choose much over fashion, and I am sure I will find the time to fine-tune my wardrobe, even if it means working into the wee hours of the night.  Sleep can wait, fashion comes first!

While I know that I am in the minority when it comes to loving fashion more than, well a lot of other things, I don't expect others (including my clients) to stay up all night putting together their outfits. If you haven't made your appointment for a spring wardrobe overhaul (or at least a spring wardrobe remix), now is the time. My appointments are booked a month out, and I want to make sure that you don't miss out on your opportunity to look fabulous this spring!

For your enjoyment, here are some samplers from my spring wardrobe creations. Don't you want your outfits to be this fabulous this spring? Call or email me asap to reserve your spot on my calendar!

By: Elaine Stoltz, AICI CIM

The following ladies looked beautiful in their outfits:

• Penelope Cruz in her red gown
• Helen Mirren in her sheer, lilac gown
• Cameron Diaz in her gold, sparkly gown
• Jenna Hurt in her cream and black overlay gown
• Elizabeth Banks in her soft, grey-blue gown
• Tina Fey in her black, one-shoulder sequined gown
• Monique in her bright blue gown

Outfits that were beautiful, but I did not think were flattering to the wearer:

• Sandra Bullock in her pale, gold gown: Her lipstick and hair overpowered the outfit.
• Jennifer Lopez in her pale, lilac gown: Her natural coloring overpowered the dress.
• Sarah Jessica Parker in her yellow Chanel gown: The dress was too straight and boxy for her body, and the color did not flatter her skin tone.

Well, the big night has come and gone, and I'm left thinking how brightly many of the stars shown, and how, well, others didn't. Here is a quick review for my best and worst dressed of the evening.

Best Dressed: Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth stole the show in her wispy, blue gown. She was 100% on trend, wearing the hottest color of the season in ruffles and frills that are spring 2010 inspired. The shape of the gown showed off her beautiful shape, and her earrings and clutch complemented her and the outfit effortlessly.

Worst Dressed: Katheryn Bigelow (won the Oscar for Directing)

Fashion may not be her thing (directing sure is, way to go girl!), but Katheryn needs to hire a stylist that has her back. Her dress was dated, reminding me of a 1990's prom look, it was way too tight with drag lines around the hips and waist, the color washed her out, and she wasn't properly accessorized. All the other starlets at least wore a brillant bracelet or earrings. Katheryn only worn diamond studs, leaving much to be desired, frosting-wise.

By: Katie Passmore

Is your makeup "on trend," or are you still stuck in 1992? Or worse, 1982? Like fashion, makeup trends come in and go out each season, so we have to keep our makeup products and application techniques current. If you are not sure if your makeup will be in style this spring and summer, here are some trends to keep you from looking like a 1980's cover model.

• Pastel eye shadows are very popular this season. Brush a little lilac, soft pink, green, yellow or tangerine on your lids. But remember, only one color at a time.
• Make your eyes a statement. Apply bold liner on the top lid with nothing on bottom. Then add lots of great mascara for a fifties-inspired look.
• Keep your lips neutral and sheer, but if you like color on your lips, bold reds are in, and coral in the hot new color for spring.
• Be sure your lips are pouty and moist. Add a little gloss to your favorite lip color, or wear gloss alone to create this trend.
• Like your lips, your skin should also be luminous this season. For a fresh, dewy look, dust a bit of shimmer on your cheekbones, temples, brow bones and the inside corners of your eyes.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a 1980's makeup face, it is time for a cosmetic makeover! Just as you reevaluate and update your wardrobe each season, make sure to bring your makeup in for a checkup. Flip the page to learn the rest of my top makeup trends for spring 2010. Write them down, tape them to your makeup mirror, and abide by them each morning so that you will have a fashionable face to match your stylish wardrobe!