May 16th, 2013 Dr Taranow
Traditional tobacco cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, more than 50 of which are known to cause cancer. As people became aware of the harmful effects of smoking tobacco cigarettes, alternatives to these “cancer sticks” have been highly sought after. Many products, from gums to patches, have been developed to help kick the butt, but, unfortunately, only about 10 percent of people who try to quit smoking cigarettes are successful.
Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik introduced the first tobacco-less electronic cigarette to the market in 2004. After this, many companies all over the world began manufacturing their own electronic cigarettes and developing new technologies to improve quality, and now there are numerous different brands to choose from. Although electronic cigarettes, commonly known as “e-cigarettes” or “e-cigs,” have not been approved by the FDA as smoking cessation devices, many people use them as an alternative way to get their nicotine fix or to help them quit smoking conventional tobacco cigarettes altogether.
What are electronic cigarettes and how do they work?
Electronic cigarettes are devices that use battery power to convert a liquid solution into vapor. This vapor is inhaled the same way that conventional cigarette smoke is inhaled, but e-cig vapor does not contain the thousands of harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
The main liquid in e-cigarettes is usually propylene glycol, which has been approved for use in food by the FDA. Natural and artificial flavors are used to create different aromas and tastes. Liquid cartridges with varying amounts of nicotine are available, or cartridges containing no nicotine at all can be purchased.
There are generally three main parts to an e-cigarette: the battery, the vaporization chamber, and the cartridge with liquid. The battery powers an atomizer in the vaporization chamber, which converts the liquid in the cartridge into vapor for inhalation using heat. Some e-cig companies utilize a cartomizer, which combines the atomizer and cartridge into one piece that connects to the battery, making their e-cig a two-piece product. The cartomizer lasts longer with more puffs per refill and usually costs less than the cartridge for a three-piece electronic cigarette.
Main Brands and Costs
- SmokeStik®- Celebrities such as Dennis Quaid, Katherine Heigl, and Charlie Sheen have been seen puffing on this brand of e-cigarette that uses a cartomizer rather than an atomizer and cartridge. SmokeStik offers a disposable version of their e-cig at $12.95 for beginners or experienced smokers who don’t want to make an investment before trying it out. Their starter kits range from $39.95 to $99.99 and come with a carrying case, charger, and a variety of flavor cartomizers.
- V2® Cigs- The V2 Cigs company offers over 10 different flavor choices, with fragrances and tastes based on top tobacco cigarette brand flavors so people can still enjoy their favorite aromas without the harmful effects of the tobacco smoke. V2 offers a wide range of products that can cost anywhere from $24.95 to $159.95.
- Green Smoke®- Green Smoke e-cigs advertise as having very similar nicotine levels and smoke volume as conventional cigarettes, and they are known for their strong flavors. They offer a trade-in program where you can exchange your current e-cig for a Green Smoke e-cig at no cost. Their single kits range from $59.97 to $129.97, their “Love Birds Kit” with contents for two smokers is $169.97, and their six-pack of disposables is $59.97.
- blu eCigs®- This company has developed Smart Pack Technology that can be turned on or off, and it lets you know when blu retailers or other blu smokers are within 50 feet of you. This pack also has a battery management system to monitor and charge the spare battery, and it has a mini USB for data management and charging the pack battery. Liquid cartridges are available with and without nicotine. Starter kits offered by blu range from $69.95 to $89.95 and include a pack, two electronic cigarette batteries, a wall and USB charger, and a five-pack of e-cig cartridges in the strength and flavor of your choice.
The Benefits
- Healthier than Traditional Cigarettes- Because there is no tobacco used in electronic cigarettes, the thousands of carcinogens found in traditional cigarette smoke are not put into your body when you inhale the vapor. This eliminates the chances of lung cancer, periodontal disease, as well as a multitude of other cancers and diseases that are caused by smoking traditional cigarettes. E-cigs also eradicate tar buildup in the lungs, mouth, and airway from smoking. The tar resin that builds up can break down healthy tissue over time and is highly poisonous. Many people have also reported that their “smoker’s cough” has been relieved after switching to e-cigs. The heat produced to convert the liquid to vapor is much lower than the temperature for combustion used in smoking tobacco, so if undisclosed chemicals (see “Quality Control” in The Negatives section) are present in the e-cig liquid, lower amounts will be released into the vapor and inhaled compared to traditional cigarettes. While mimicking the act of smoking a tobacco cigarette, e-cig users can still enjoy “smoking” without so many of the negative consequences and feel less guilty.
- Less Regulations of Use- Since e-cigs do not produce ash or an offensive odor that can affect the people around you, they are not subject to smoking laws and are generally legal to use in non-smoking areas. Because no flame is used to vaporize, e-cigarettes are cool to the touch and are not controlled by fire codes.
- More Youthful Appearance- Electronic cigarettes do not contain the thousands of chemicals in the tobacco plant or those added by cigarette manufacturers, which can contribute to premature aging of the skin. When these chemicals are released into the environment they dry out the natural oils in your skin as the smoke touches your face, and this can cause wrinkles and a grayish skin color to develop. In addition, the heat that cigarette smoking exposes you to and squinting your eyes to avoid getting smoke in them can also contribute to wrinkles. Further, some research suggests that smoking increases the production of an enzyme that breaks down collagen in skin. E-cigs eliminate these wrinkle-causing factors.
- Price- Although the initial cost of the e-cig device may be expensive compared to traditional cigarettes, the cartridges or cartomizers are the only parts that need to be replaced once all of the liquid has been vaporized. Depending on the brand of e-cigs, cartridges may last about as long as a pack of 20 tobacco cigarettes and sell for anywhere from $2 to $10. Consumers can purchase less expensive bottles of e-liquid to refill the cartridges themselves, making them cheaper than a regular pack of cigarettes. Replacement cartomizers also cost less than the equivalent amount of traditional cigarettes. Smoking regular cigarettes can increase the price you pay for dry cleaning and dental cleaning, and it can also lower the resale value on vehicles and homes stained from tobacco smoke, while e-cigarettes do not leave smoke stains. In addition, switching to e-cigs can also prevent illnesses and reduce the cost of other health-related expenses from smoking traditional cigarettes.
- Low Nicotine and Nicotine-Free Options- Liquid cartridges are available with variable amounts of nicotine that can be controlled by the e-cig user. Many companies also offer cartridges and cartomizers with no nicotine at all for users who simply want to enjoy the taste of the vapor. Although most electronic cigarettes do contain nicotine, this chemical is believed by some to help improve conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Tourette’s Syndrome.
The Negatives
- Nicotine Affects Health and Appearance- Although there is no tobacco in electronic cigarettes, many of the liquids used for vaporization contain nicotine. Nicotine is a chemical known to have numerous adverse health effects, such as causing birth defects and other reproductive harm, accelerating the development of hardened arteries by increasing the level of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your body, and making many smokers hyperglycemic by blocking the release of insulin. In addition, nicotine narrows the blood vessels in the skin and restricts blood flow. This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the skin, which can lead to premature wrinkles. Nicotine is also a major cause of yellow teeth, which can make a person appear older than their age.
- Quality Control- Health experts worry that manufacturers may not make public all of the chemical ingredients contained in their liquid cartridges. A small study conducted by the FDA in 2009 revealed that some cancer-causing compounds that are found in tobacco were also found in some e-cigarettes, as well as other toxic chemicals. These products have not been submitted to the FDA for approval or evaluation; therefore, the actual levels of nicotine in these products and whether they contain other harmful chemicals are not known.
- Unknown Effects- Since electronic cigarettes are a relatively new development, there has not been enough time to conduct adequate studies of them. Both the short- and long-term health effects of exposure to pure nicotine vapor are unknown, and it may take more than a decade to determine the long-term effects.
Consensus
When it comes to smoking, obviously the healthiest choice would be to quit altogether. Unfortunately, this is a daunting task to some because nicotine can be highly addictive. Cigarette smokers who desire a healthier alternative can switch to electronic cigarettes and experience less detrimental effects on their health, but there are still negative consequences that accompany e-cigs.
For those who have quit smoking, but still want to smoke occasionally, e-cigs may be a viable option. Former smokers should beware of how addictive nicotine is and test out an e-cigarette first to determine if it is right for them before making a major purchase.
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April 30th, 2013 Dr Taranow
Celebrities continue to influence and inspire individuals to enhance their image. These three desirable celebrities are among the many trendsetters, while also being three of the most profitable entertainers of Hollywood:
Jennifer Lopez – $52 million
Photo courtesy of FreeDaz
The 43-year old Latin beauty was recently named the most powerful celebrity on the planet by Forbes Magazine.
- Was a judge on “American Idol” from 2010 to 2012
- Received lucrative endorsement deals with companies like L’Oreal and Gillette
- Has a clothing line at Kohl’s and a top-selling fragrance
Rihanna – $53 Million
Photo courtesy of Mix1079
When it comes to being socially relevant the 24-year old Barbadian star is at her peak. She has more than 24 million Twitter followers and over 50 million friends on Facebook.
- Signature fragrance (Reb’l Fleur) made her millions since hitting shelves in 2010
- Performed in an 85-show world tour in 2012
- Starred in the movie Battleship in 2012
Britney Spears – $58 million
Photo courtesy of Billboard
Absent from the spotlight for much of 2011, 31-year old Britney Spears bounced back to the top with more than 75 shows in the past 12 months.
- Latest Album Femme Fatale earned platinum in 2012
- Performed in 75 shows in the past year
- Became a judge on NBC’s “X-Factor” in the fall of 2012
If you are interested in enhancing your look, please feel to contact the office of Dr. Taranow by calling (212) 772-2100. Together, the two of you can decide which cosmetic procedure(s) will meet your desired results.
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April 17th, 2013 Dr Taranow
Plastic surgery is not a weight loss method nor is it intended to provide you with a healthier lifestyle. Rather, it is designed to enhance a person’s body after he or she has already attempted to reshape his or her body via the natural route – diet and exercise. In fact, the best candidates for plastic surgery are those who are physically and psychologically healthy, and possess realistic goals and expectations.
If you are interested in enhancing your body with a procedure, such as liposuction to get rid of that “muffin top” or tummy tuck surgery to remove that post-pregnancy pooch, now is a great time to make sure your diet and exercise regimen is intact and effective. Not only will this help prepare your body for surgery, it will help to maintain your outcome. The longevity of your results from liposuction and tummy tuck surgery is in your hands. These plastic surgery procedures can help you reach your aesthetic goals, but if you do not keep up with healthy eating and regular exercise the excess fat will return.
In order to maintain a healthy weight, it is important to focus on balancing the number of calories you take in with the number you burn by working out. Because weight control is a personal issue and everyone responds differently to individual plans, you may want to meet with health experts for an assessment. A nutritionist and/or personal trainer can help you learn about the best options for your particular body.
A healthy lifestyle will not only help manage your weight and properly prepare you for surgery, daily exercise and sensible eating will reduce your risk for certain health conditions.
If you would like to discuss your surgical options, regarding which procedure(s) will provide you with optimal results, please feel free to call (212) 772-2100 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Taranow.
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March 22nd, 2013 Dr Taranow
Celebrities continue to influence and inspire individuals to enhance their image. These three desirable celebrities are among the many trendsetters, while also being three of the most profitable entertainers of Hollywood:
Jennifer Lopez – $52 million
The 43-year old Latin beauty was recently named the most powerful celebrity on the planet by Forbes Magazine.
- Was a judge on “American Idol” from 2010 to 2012
- Received lucrative endorsement deals with companies like L’Oreal and Gillette
- Has a clothing line at Kohl’s and a top-selling fragrance
Rihanna – $53 Million
When it comes to being socially relevant the 24-year old Barbadian star is at her peak. She has more than 24 million Twitter followers and over 50 million friends on Facebook.
- Signature fragrance (Reb’l Fleur) made her millions since hitting shelves in 2010
- Performed in an 85-show world tour in 2012
- Starred in the movie Battleship in 2012
Britney Spears – $58 million
Absent from the spotlight for much of 2011, 31-year old Britney Spears bounced back to the top with more than 75 shows in the past 12 months.
- Latest Album Femme Fatale earned platinum in 2012
- Performed in 75 shows in the past year
- Became a judge on NBC’s “X-Factor” in the fall of 2012
If you are interested in enhancing your look, please feel to contact the office of Dr. Taranow by calling (212) 772-2100. Together, the two of you can decide which cosmetic procedure(s) will meet your desired results.
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March 15th, 2013 Dr Taranow
One of the first questions prospective patients ask regarding their surgical procedure is: How long is the recovery period? Although every procedure has an estimated healing time, there are several things you can do both before and after surgery to help maintain a smooth – and swift – recovery period.
It is important that you consume a healthy diet prior to surgery, and especially during recovery. Fish, chicken, eggs, and rice are all full of amino acids consisting of nutrients that promote the wound healing. Vitamin C and zinc boost the immune system and help fight against infection. Multivitamins with B12 and iron all promote the formation of new blood cells.
If your surgery requires anesthesia, you may wake up feeling groggy and even numb after surgery. Possible side effects of anesthesia include constipation and difficulty urinating. Generally the patient is put on a clear liquid diet to get the digestive system moving again. Once the anesthesia wears off, you may feel a pain increase. To help reduce any discomfort, as well as swelling, certain medication may be prescribed.
Prior to being discharged from the surgical facility or hospital, your surgeon or someone from personnel should provide you with full instructions on how to keep the wound clean and bandaged.
It is important that you rest after any procedure. Depending on your doctor’s instructions, your downtime will vary. Some procedures require weeks of rest and recovery, and depending on the procedure, physical therapy sessions may be necessary. Other procedures may require only a few days of downtime, in which you will be able to return to normal activities in due time. It is crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders regarding the healing process, as well as listen to your body and how it feels.
If you experience other post-surgery complications, such as fever, difficulty in breathing, uncontrollable pain, or consistent diarrhea, it is vital that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Problems such as these can result in more serious complications, so they must be treated immediately. Dr. Taranow is available to meet with you and address your concerns.
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March 13th, 2013 Dr Taranow
Although most people desire the sun-kissed look, the sun’s rays may actually harm the skin. This can make you appear older than you are, possibly causing irreversible damage.
Excessive exposure to the skin can cause fine lines, coarse wrinkles, skin discoloration, freckles, pigmentation, and/or ruptured blood vessels. These skin abnormalities have the potential to make you appear worn, tired, and old. Whether it is the hot summer sun, or the shaded winter sun, it is crucial that you consistently protect your skin with a strong sunblock, preferably with a sunscreen of an SPF 15 or higher.
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer, and it is often caused or enhanced by the sun.
Melanoma, a deadly form of cancer, can spread to other organs if not treated. Ultraviolet radiation, which may also result from a tanning bed, can cause ruptured skin cells and severe destruction of elastic or collagen tissue.
There are various ways to prevent skin damage from the sun. It is important to avoid it during its peak times, usually from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Also, wear clothing that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays; a wide-brim hat can shade your eyes, ears, facial skin, and neck. The eyes are also sensitive to the sun, so it is important to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Clothing that is loose-fitting, but tightly-woven, can also help prevent skin damage.
Fortunately there are numerous treatments that can help reverse or treat moderate to severe skin damage. At Dr. Taranow’s practice, he offers Nia Skin Care products to repair and treat damaged skin. Nia Skin Care products have the organic compound niacin, an important B vitamin that is known to promote skin cell growth. The niacin products treat moderate to severe sun-damaged skin on the face, chest, arms, back, and legs. The series of niacin products are created to penetrate into the damaged skin to prevent, repair, and fight the signs of damaged skin.
Dr. Taranow can answer any questions you may have regarding the skin care solutions for your skin. Please feel free to schedule a consultation to get started.
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March 7th, 2013 Dr Taranow
Although women continue to dominate when it comes to undergoing plastic surgery, more than ever men are proving that they desire cosmetic enhancements as well. Just like women, they have “problem areas” too – places on the body where diet and exercise do not improve. Many men are also unhappy with the lines and wrinkles that have come with aging, and realize that over-the-counter products can only take them so far. Although women may be more likely to talk amongst one another about their self-consciousness, men are still going forward with a cosmetic procedure to enhance one or more parts of the body.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the top five cosmetic surgeries among men in 2011 were: nose reshaping (62,000), eyelid surgery (29,000), liposuction (23,000), breast reduction (20,000), and facelift surgery (11,000). The top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures that men underwent last year were: Botox® (363,000), laser hair removal (186,000), microdermabrasion (166,000), chemical peels (88,000), and soft tissue fillers (87,000). At his New York plastic surgery practice, Dr. Taranow offers both male and female patients several surgical and non-surgical options.
The type of procedure or treatment you decide on will be based on your particular cosmetic needs; therefore, in order to provide you with an optimal outcome and a new look. Dr. Taranow will need to meet with you for a consultation in order to discuss the various factors involved with your procedure(s) of choice. After learning about your specific interests, he may create a individualized treatment plan.
Whether you’re interested in liposuction to remove fat deposits from certain areas of the body for a more masculine appearance or wish to gain a more youthful look with the use of Botox or a soft tissue filler, Dr. Taranow looks forward to providing you with great satisfaction and natural-looking, rewarding results.
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March 4th, 2013 Dr Taranow
A woman’s breasts can create feelings of both pride and embarrassment, depending on her size and shape. Droopy, sagging breasts are one type of figure flaw that can do the latter, while undermining a fabulous fashion statement. Although large, heavy breasts are more prone to the obvious effects of gravity, those with a small bust may also notice a decline in perkiness as the breast tissue ages. Here are a few simple, general tips to help guard against premature breast sagging:
Maintain a healthy weight while avoiding yo-yo dieting. Because your breasts are one area where your body naturally stores fat, drastic weight changes can alter the appearance of the tissue in this area. Weight gain can lead to stretching of the skin, while weight loss can leave you with droopy skin. Repeated fluctuations in weight tend to reduce the skin’s elasticity and ability to return to its natural form.
If you sunbathe, be sure to slather on the sunscreen. Ultraviolet rays not only increase your risk of skin cancer, they can also cause your breast skin to lose resilience. Repeated exposure to UV rays can cause the collagen and elastin in your skin to break down, increasing the likelihood of sagging breasts. Although the risk is greatest when the sun directly hits your bare skin, keep in mind that UV rays can also penetrate thin fabrics.
Wear bras that fit correctly. Studies show that most women wear the wrong bra size. Even though most catalogues and online stores provide detailed fitting tips and guidelines, your best bet is to be measured by an experienced professional in a lingerie shop. Like your jean size, your bra size can change over the years. Therefore, you should get re-fitted whenever you gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight and/or when your usual size begins to feel uncomfortable.
Moisturize your breast skin. When applying lotion or a body cream, don’t forget your breasts. It is important to moisturize your skin especially after bathing in warm or hot water. This is because higher temperature tends to pull natural oils from your skin, leaving your breasts dry and unprotected. In addition, use a light touch when massaging emollients into your breast skin to avoid unnecessary pulling or tugging of the tissues in this tender area.
Even with the utmost care, some breast sagginess is inevitable. Certain factors, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, heredity, natural aging, and gravity can cause breasts to droop and sag. Breast lift surgery is among the most popular choices in plastic surgery for women, as it can help restore a more youthful breast shape and form. An initial consultation with Dr. Taranow can help determine if you are a good candidate for breast lift surgery.
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February 28th, 2013 Dr Taranow
The popularity of non-surgical aesthetic procedures is greatly increasing, and cosmetic fillers (“dermal fillers”) are among the most commonly requested solutions for providing youthful, rejuvenated appearances. Currently, collagen is one of the most popular types of fillers on the market, as it helps to firm and plump skin that suffers from deep lines, wrinkles, and depressions.
Here are some frequently asked questions that Dr. Taranow commonly addresses:
What is collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein substance within the skin, and plays a key role in supporting its structure. Collagen is useful in helping to temporarily enhance your appearance by filling in scars and adding volume to areas of loose, drooping skin or thinning lips. Injecting collagen helps to supplement and replace the skin’s natural collagen supply.
How is the procedure performed?
The initial preparation involves determining the proper location for the injections, cleansing with an antibacterial agent, and numbing with a topical anesthetic. The actual injections usually take no more than a few minutes. Deep lines may require multiple injections to provide optimal results.
Will the injections hurt?
The topical anesthetic is designed to help minimize any discomfort during the procedure, although you may feel some slight pressure or mild discomfort. Icing the treated areas after the collagen injections can help relieve any minor pain that arises as the anesthetic wears off.
What are the side effects of collagen injections?
The most common side effects are temporary and mild, which may include slight bruising and pain around the injection site, as well as redness or bumpiness immediately after the treatment. These side effects usually resolve within hours or days. Allergic reactions, skin ulcerations, infection and tissue necrosis are rare, less likely side effects.
How long will the results last?
Collagen injections can make an impressive impact on your appearance, but the results are only temporary. In general, you can expect the noticeable results to last an average of three to six months. Because the injected collagen gradually wears down over time, maintaining your favorable appearance may mean scheduling maintenance injections about two to four times per year.
To find out if collagen injections are right for you, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Taranow. He also offers Restylane® and Juvederm® cosmetic fillers.
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February 22nd, 2013 Dr Taranow
There’s no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to a woman’s bustline. In fact, deciding how big to go is often the toughest decision for those considering breast augmentation. Here are essential factors to understand as you research your options with this procedure:
Cup Size
“Cup size” is the term most commonly used when referring to breast measurements. Bra manufacturers use cup size to determine how much room to allow for breast tissue, in order to provide a suitable fit, while band size refers to the length of the band that circles the ribcage. Generally speaking, a regular C-cup is one-half of an inch smaller than a full C-cup, which can mean that someone with a full C cup often feels more comfortable wearing a bra in a D-cup size. Although this may seem fairly straightforward, studies have shown that most women end up wearing the wrong size bra. Many women contemplating breast implant surgery preview various sizes by going to department stores and trying on larger-sized bras, stuffing them to make them appear full. While this may give you an idea of how your enlarged breasts will appear under a sweater, it won’t give you a realistic preview of the increased amount of weight and volume the actual implants will add.
Measuring in CC’s
Plastic surgeons typically measure in cubic centimeters (cc’s). The greater cc’s your implants, the fuller, more voluminous your breasts will be. That said it is important to select implants that complement your individual physical build. A taller woman with a broader ribcage will look more natural sporting larger implants than a petite woman who has a smaller physique.
Lifestyle
Your physical appearance is not the only factor to consider when contemplating how big to go. Your level of activity and fields of interest can play a major role in how satisfied you feel with the size of your implants. If you are used to participating in high-impact sports, running and rock climbing, or if you regularly use your arms and upper body for activities like tennis, competitive swimming or racquetball, you may find that large implants hinder your movements or seem to get in your way.
The vast majority of women who undergo breast augmentation surgery are very pleased with the results because they didn’t make a haste decision. A consultation visit with Dr. Taranow can help you determine which size and shape of implants will best suit your body frame and lifestyle.
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