According to a survey from the National Women’s Health Resource Center, 56 percent of women aged 40 to 84 have experienced vaginal dryness after menopause. Women may also experience sexual changes as a result of childbirth or the natural effects of aging. Their lives can be impacted by decreased sexual sensation, lowered sexual function, and urinary incontinence.

While these changes can be frustrating, there are treatment options available. diVa laser vaginal rejuvenation effectively treats these symptoms by stimulating blood flow and collagen production. Here are the most common questions patients have about the diVa treatment.

What Causes Age-Related Vaginal Changes?

As women age, decreased estrogen production leads to thinning of the vaginal walls, decreased lubrication, and even tissue inflammation — all of which contribute to uncomfortable symptoms. While menopause is the most common reason for these changes, they can also occur with childbirth, breastfeeding, chemotherapy, and certain medical procedures such as a hysterectomy.

How Does Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Work?

The diVa procedure uses Hybrid Fractional Laser (HFL) technology, which allows the surgeon to individually target the treatment for each patient. When applied to the vaginal walls, the laser resurfaces the tissue and replaces it with healthy, new tissue. The lasers also stimulate the production of collagen, a vital substance for strong, healthy tissue.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Laser Rejuvenation?

The diVa treatment can alleviate a range of symptoms, such as:

• Sexual dissatisfaction, including pain during intercourse
• Increased dryness or reduced sensation
• Accidental bladder leakage, especially when coughing, sneezing or laughing

How Long Does It Take?

This is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. Each treatment takes just three to five minutes. During the procedure, most patients experience minimal discomfort and only a slight pressure in the treatment area. While some women experience noticeable relief from symptoms right away, others need one or more additional treatments a few weeks apart to receive the full benefit.

What Does the Recovery Look Like?

After the procedure, regular activities can be resumed immediately. It’s normal for patients to experience minor cramps or spotting. Women should avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours following the treatment. As an added precaution, it’s also recommended to avoid swimming pools or bathtubs during the first 48 hours.

About The Author

In the Columbus area, women considering vaginal rejuvenation can trust our team at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. As a Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson completes ongoing education to offer the most innovative and safe treatments available. Call us at 614-442-7610 to schedule a consultation at our comfortable, spa-like office and learn about reducing sexual symptoms of aging without invasive surgery or hormone treatments.

So you’ve made your first appointment for a dermal filler injection. Dermal filler, such as Juvederm, offers a safe, non-surgical way to help restore hyaluronic acid in the skin. This adds volume and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, giving you a more youthful experience.

As your treatment gets closer, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do to prepare ahead of time. The answer is “yes!” Doing your homework and making some slight adjustments to your routine can alleviate any stress ahead of the treatment and minimize your recovery. Here are four tips on how to prepare for your first dermal filler appointment. 

Set a Clear Goal

Before going into the procedure or consultation, be sure that the desired outcome is clear. Patients should prioritize their aesthetic goals and have a clear budget in mind for the treatment. It’s also a good idea to take a few pictures so you can see how the area improved following your treatment.

Do the Research

Your physician is a great resource for questions about the procedure, but it never hurts to do a little outside research. Patient reviews and testimonials can be especially helpful in helping you understand what to expect. Take notes while you’re reading through them and bring them with you to your first appointment. That way you won’t forget to ask any questions when meeting with your doctor. When it comes to choosing a provider, look for someone who is board-certified and has a well-trained staff. 

Get Proper Nutrients

What’s inside the body can affect your reaction to the treatment. You might need to alter your diet a bit in the two weeks leading up to your appointment. Avoid aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications — such as Motrin and Advil — Vitamin E, and fish oil. All of these can increase bruising following the treatment. Eating more leafy greens and Vitamin K also can help prevent bruising/swelling.

Have a Clear Schedule

One of the most important things you can do is build in recovery time. There may be visible redness and swelling immediately following your appointment. For added discretion, book injections on a Friday or take a day off from work following the injection. 

Dermal fillers like Juvéderm® can be administered in as little as 15 minutes with results that can last up to a year. If you want more information about dermal fillers, schedule a consultation today with Donaldson Plastic Surgery.

About The Author

As one of Donaldson Plastic Surgery’s most experienced aesthetic providers, Adrienne Yanich, RN has helped countless women feel more confident in their own skin through the use of filler injections. She has been certified by the esteemed American Academy of Facial Aesthetics and continues to help patients everywhere learn more about every facet of cosmetic injectables – from first appointment preparation to proper aftercare.

Ohio in winter is hard on the skin, especially along the lakeshore with the constant wind and relentless lake-effect snowstorms. Indoor heat, particularly from radiators, exacerbates the drying effect winter weather has on the hands, feet, and face. Moisturizing consistently in winter is essential to mounting a cold-weather defense for skincare, but moisturizing correctly is key to making that defense work. Follow these dos and don’ts for winter skincare to keep skin glowing even when temperatures are frigid.

Do Drink Plenty of Water

The first rule of hydration works from the inside out and controls the skin’s principal source of water year-round. Since skin is 64 percent H20, it mostly hydrates from within. With adequate, regular water intake (at least two liters/day), the body can keep the dermis plump and stimulate its collagen production. Collagen is essential for regenerating skin and enhancing its elasticity.

Don’t Take Extra Hot Showers

Often the go-to for cold mornings, long, scalding hot showers will actually strip away the natural oils from the skin and could leave sensitive areas like the hands and face irritated and dry. Instead, opt for a warm shower and try not to spend too much time under the hot water.

Do Moisturize Strategically Overnight

The secret to winter skincare is to therapeutically moisturize overnight. The treatment consists of coating hands and feet in a deep moisturizer, like olive oil or Vaseline, then covering them with cotton socks and gloves for the night. The extremities enjoy a warm soak of healthy emollients and vitamins while the body rests. Overnight moisturizing also helps counter the effects of dry night air, radiators, and space heaters. A cold-mist humidifier may provide additional relief from nighttime dryness.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

To avoid making dry matters worse, aestheticians recommend daily facial cleansing using gentler, less abrasive skincare products. They also advise against exfoliating more than once or twice weekly and suggest choosing a scrub with small, soft beads. Never use facial cleansing cloths—not even to remove makeup. They often contain harsh, dehydrating chemicals, and they strip away vital natural moisture that protects the face from the elements.

Do Find the Right Moisturizer

For those who can’t tolerate heavy creams well, serums are an excellent winter skincare solution. They contain little or no lubricants or thickeners, so the skin quickly and deeply absorbs nourishment from them. Serums can also be used underneath other lotions as a first layer of defense or alone for a lighter yet deeply penetrating skin moisturizer.

For help finding the right skincare system for you, schedule a consultation with our staff at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. During the visit, you can book one of our restorative facials or proprietary peels to repair and defend your skin during winter weather.

Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can change a woman’s body, making it hard to return to her pre-baby self. A mommy makeover typically describes a combination of a tummy tuck with a breast lift and sometimes liposuction, designed to counteract pregnancy’s effects on the body.

While many women consider rejuvenating their bodies with a mommy makeover after having children, the decision to have plastic surgery should depend on your unique goals and situation. These are five questions you should ask yourself before scheduling this procedure.

Am I at a Healthy, Stable Weight?

It’s important for you to be at a healthy weight before having this procedure, since gaining weight can ruin the effects of the surgery. Before moving forward, you should attain a comfortable weight through diet and exercise and maintain the weight loss for at least six months.

Am I Done Having Children?

Because the weight gain of pregnancy would disrupt the results of a mommy makeover, it’s important to have a conversation with your partner first to make sure you’re happy with the size of your family before having this surgery.

Am I Still Breastfeeding?

If you have recently had a baby and are still breastfeeding, then you should postpone the procedure until several months after the infant weans. This gives your body time to recover before the stress of surgery and prevents complications such as excess bleeding.

Am I Able to Take the Time I Need to Recover?

After having an abdominoplasty and breast lift, it’s important to rest for several weeks so the body can heal. This means no household chores, no work outside the home, and no lifting children. You should make sure to have a support system in place for recovery before having the procedure.

Why Do I Want to Have Plastic Surgery?

In addition to practical preparation, it’s critical to be emotionally prepared for this major physical change. You should opt for a mommy makeover because of a desire to look and feel your best for yourself, not because of pressure from a partner or judgment from external sources.

If you have examined these questions and feel ready for a mommy makeover, you can consult with Dr. Donaldson to create a personalized surgical plan. Our website features testimonials from real women in the Columbus area who have had positive experiences with Donaldson Plastic Surgery. 

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is Columbus, Ohio’s foremost expert when it comes to the Mommy Makeover surgical procedure. He has given thousands of women the information they need to make the best decision for themselves at this stage in their lives. With more than 20 years of experience to his name, he continues to help women everywhere understand all facets of this procedure – including the questions they should ask themselves before moving forward. 

Some women wear the same makeup shades they used throughout their teens and 20s, while others are more adventurous and prefer to try out new looks. Among both groups, certain techniques can be combined with the right skin care system to help create a vibrant, youthful glow, while the wrong techniques can add years to a woman’s appearance. Here are the five most common makeup mistakes for women in their 40s and beyond.

1. Using Too Much Foundation

Wearing heavy, thick makeup can emphasize the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and large pores rather than covering these perceived imperfections. To avoid this effect, women should choose a foundation one shade lighter than their skin tone. Add coverage only where needed for color correction and blend well. Those who use powder should apply it strategically rather than all over. Sheer formulas tend to work better for older women rather than long-wearing or matte varieties.

2. Wearing Black Eyeliner

A soft, brown eyeliner is the best choice for older women who want to emphasize their eyes. Avoid lining the lower lashes, since this will emphasize sagging skin in that area. A thin line close to the top lash line is usually the most flattering option. Go for a creamy pencil formula and smudge the line just slightly.

3. Choosing the Wrong Color Blush

While blush adds appealing brightness to the face, a powder formula applied to the apples of the cheeks can highlight sagging skin. Instead, choose a cream blush blended well in thin layers from your cheekbones toward your temples. This creates a healthy flush of color that mimics the look of naturally rosy cheeks. When it comes to color, those with fair skin should go for pinks and peaches, while coral and berry hues are most flattering for darker skin.

4. Applying Dark Shadow All Over Your Lids

A smoky eye can definitely be sexy for an evening look, but don’t apply the dark color all over the lid. Instead, dab the dark shade at the outer corners to widen eyes and avoid drawing attention to wrinkled lids and crow’s feet.

5. Over-doing Lip Liner

At best, lip liner provides a subtle definition to the lips and keeps lipstick in place. Choosing the right shade is critical, though, since a liner that’s too dark looks instantly dated. Opt for lip liner one shade darker than the lip color of choice.

Women who want to freshen their makeup routine or want advice on creating a gorgeous new look can visit Michelle at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. As our lead makeup artist, she’s committed to helping clients feel beautiful and confident. Aesthetic services at our Columbus office include complimentary color match consultations, makeup lessons, and expert application for special occasions.