You’ll Pull Your Hair Out: Pregnancy and Hair Loss

Before you even have a chance to pull your hair out, you may already notice hair loss after your new baby has arrived. With limited sleep and the task of navigating motherhood, you’re already stressed enough: you shouldn’t have to worry about pregnancy hair loss, too. Here’s what’s going on with your hair, and why you don’t need to worry:

Hair Loss During Pregnancy

While you were pregnant, your body was certainly going through some changes, including hormone levels, vitamin deficiencies, blood pressure, and swelling. For the most part, this over-production in certain hormone levels will encourage your hair growth, leading to fuller, healthier locks. Of course, what goes up must come down: you’ll lose a lot of that new growth during the first five to six months after pregnancy. Although the name post-partum hair loss is scary, don’t panic: you aren’t actually losing hair:

  • At any given time, only 90% of your hair is actually growing. The other 10% is during a rest phase, during which it will begin to fall out to make room for new, healthy hair to grow. On average, pregnancy notwithstanding, you lose about 100 hairs per day; you just don’t realize it since it isn’t all at once.
  • During pregnancy, estrogen prolongs the growing stage, causing your hair to grow for a longer period and cutting back on the hair that you lose. Post-pregnancy, your hair is slowly returning to normal levels, causing the extra hair growth to fall out. According to celebrity hairstylist Richard Ward, interviewed by the experts at Mybaba.com, the more dramatic the change during pregnancy, the more dramatic the change afterward.
  • Breastfeeding may prolong the shedding of your new hair growth, but it doesn’t prevent it from happening. Regardless, your hair should return to normal within a year after giving birth—so you don’t need to panic about buying a wig.

If you aren’t experiencing hair loss, consider yourself fortunate: according to urpregnancy.com, only about half of all pregnant women experience post-partum hair loss. However, if you’re experiencing extreme hair loss during or following pregnancy, it may be more than just a little extra hormones. Talk to your doctor to see if it could be one of the following:

  • Discontinuation of birth control method
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Vitamin deficiency
  • Thyroid problems

As always, talk to your doctor if you have questions regarding the effect hair loss may have on your health. If you have yet to experience hair regrowth or are beginning to notice thinning hair, you may want to talk to us about hair transplantation. Whatever the problem is, we can help you solve it—so set up an appointment today!

Results of the 10-year FDA-sanctioned Mentor Contour Profile Gel/Memory Shape (Gummy Bear) breast implant Study, co-authored by our own Tim R. Love, M.D., have officially been published in the December 2017 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The Study explored the overall safety and effectiveness of the Gummy Bear implant and concluded that “Contour Profile Gel/MemoryShape [Gummy Bear] breast implants are safe and effective for primary and revision breast augmentation and reconstruction for women at least 22 years old,” according to findings.

As one of only twenty plastic surgeons who participated as a Study Investigator, Tim R. Love, M.D. is a thought leader and expert in Gummy Bear implantation. For more information, read the published study. To better inform you of breast augmentation options, we have compiled some of our own articles about the Gummy Bear implant below.

Tim R. Love, MD and the Gummy Bear Implant: Videos and Testimonials

Making the decision to select the breast implants best for you can be challenging. Here, Tim R. Love, M.D. gives a video interview explaining the procedure, while a happy patient shares her great results in a testimonial.

Saline V. Silicone Breast Implants and the Gummy Bear Implant: Choosing Your New Boobs

When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, you probably have many questions like which implants are best for you. This guide covers several options including saline, silicone, and the Gummy Bear (solid silicone).

We would LOVE to be a part of your breast augmentation journey. To learn more about which implant is best for you, please call us at (405) 751-LOVE(5683) or contact us for questions or to schedule a consultation.

100 Years of Hair: The History of Hair from the 1900s to Now

When you’re looking at old photographs, what’s simultaneously going to make you cringe and be a dead-giveaway to what decade it is? That’s right: it’s all about the hair. From long and luscious locks to layered bobs, the past 100 years have seen it all. Just in time for a little throwback, we’ve compiled a list of the most memorable hairstyles and what it took to achieve the look:

1920s1920s photo of woman with short hair

The 20s had a lot to roar about: shorter skirts, shorter hair, the right to vote, and a backfire on the alcohol ban. But this iconic decade did a lot more than inspire a legendary book (and now movie) called The Great Gatsby—it started a hairvolution. Starting with Louis Brook and dancer Irene Treman, the locks were cut into clean bobs with straight bangs—vastly different from the long, curled tresses of previous times.

1940s & 50s: 

group of 1940s women

Much in part to a certain film entitled Gone with the Wind, curled and half up was the defining hairstyle of the early 40s. Vivian Leigh’s Scarlett faded easily into the easy waves of Rita Hayworth’s “Old Hollywood” style. The cascading curls, often coiffed up away from the face, were an easy beauty trend that belied the work it took to get there.

1960s:

The 60s held a lot of changes in hairstyle and beauty—from the super-short bangs via Audrey Hepburn to the long locks often associated with the Hippie culture. Especially in the early 60s, when mod-inspired everything was just starting to come into trend, model Twiggy’s pixie was incredibly popular.

1970s:

women in the 1970s
from Flickr user Walter with CC BY-SA 2.0

At the beginning of the decade, the high-styled bouffant of Priscilla Presley was immensely popular—although tedious to recreate. For some, the pin-straight locks of Cher were easier to duplicate, although heartthrob Farah Fawcett stole the show when she arrived with feathered waves. The curled mane seemed effortless and beautiful, urging women everywhere to bug their salon stylist for a similar look.

1980s:

1980s hair
photo by Alan Light

In the 80s, bigger was always better—and that included hair. Laura Hutton’s voluminous, wavy mane certainly rocked the boat in the early half of the decade, although Jennifer Gray wasn’t about to let you put baby in the corner with her beautiful feathered ‘do. Icons like Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Cyndi Lauper also demonstrate that volume—paired with neon and leather—could really make a statement to last for centuries.

1990s:

the FRIENDS cast
from Flickr user lucianvenutian with CC BY-SA 2.0

Do we even have to mention it? FRIENDS star Jennifer Aniston’s “Rachel” cut—face-framing layers—swept the nation off its feet and right into the hair salon. Meg Ryan’s shag was also highly imitated, although women began to grow out their fabulously short ‘dos towards the mid-to-end of the 90s—the better to use those colorful scrunchies, of course!

2000s:

women with pink and blue hair in the 2000s
from Flickr user Stephanie Kroos with CC BY-SA 2.0

So far, in this century, we’ve experienced everything from bohemian-styled waves to half-shaved rocker hairstyles in every color. A few styles were so nice we saw them twice—blunt bangs, voluminous waves, poufs reminiscent of their bouffant parent. So what does the future look like? While The Hunger Games may have you considering bright colors and glitter, we think we’ll wait until then to see.

If you’d like to get ahead of the game and get your hair back, contact us–we’d love to help!

5 Tips to Avoid a Sunburnt Scalp

When it comes to avoiding sunburn, most of us remember to slather sunscreen on our arms, legs, back, and stomach. The next morning, however, we’ve all woken up with a red, sore, sunburnt scalp. Ouch! And once the sting has dissipated, the scalp gets unbearably itchy and moves into unsightly peeling – not pretty. Nothing ruins a good summer day like lingering sunburn. And sunburn on the scalp can even affect the hair follicles and the hair growing in. Fortunately, scalp burn is preventable. Here are five tips to help you avoid these frustrating burns.

1. Go undercover and wear a hat

You don’t want to have greasy-looking roots when you’re in public (or ever), which makes the thought of applying sunscreen to your scalp very unappealing.  Here’s a more stylish solution: find some kind of head covering – from a basic baseball cap to a stylish straw topper – to keep your scalp covered. This will prevent scalp burn, shade your eyes from the bright sun, and even help you look stylish long after you’ve sweat through every layer of clothing.

2. Use a non-greasy sunblock spray

There are a variety of sunblock sprays on the market. Allure magazine recommends using a spray like Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray to protect the scalp without causing those telltale greasy roots.

3. Change up your part

If you still have a full head of hair, you’re probably most concerned about protecting that bare stretch of skin that is your part. Change up your hairstyle to prevent exposing this sensitive patch of skin. For most people, a ponytail or half-pony will work well. Use barrettes or clips to help hold hair in place throughout the day.  If you want to stay on your game, pack a hairbrush or comb and check periodically to make sure your hairstyle is still in place – and trust your locks to do the sun-blocking for you. Watch held up by water

4. Keep track of the time

Whether you’re trying to prevent burning your scalp or your entire body, you know you’ve got to pay attention to the time of day. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoiding direct sun exposure during these hours can drastically reduce your chance of sunburn. Try to schedule activities for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon and have a much more enjoyable time outdoors without having to worry as much about the sun.

5. Get a Hair Transplant

Wait, what? Hear us out: people who have lost most or all of their hair have virtually no defense against the sun from the neck up. You can help the scalp regain its natural protection with a hair transplant – and look younger in the process. If you’ve got some hair covering your scalp, you’ll be less stressed about sunburn. Hair transplants are relatively straightforward for most people and can help patients regrow 60 percent new hair in the six to nine months following the procedure. As summer and the strength of the UV rays begin to demand attention from those of us who like to spend time outdoors, make sure you’re protecting your scalp.

How Weight Loss Can Affect Your Breast Implants

DR TIM LOVE - TUMMY TUCK (1)Many women get a breast augmentation as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance their overall health and appearance. This often includes a commitment to losing weight or building muscle through exercise, especially after significant life events such as completing child-bearing. Understanding the relationship between weight loss and breast implants is crucial for those considering or who have already undergone this procedure.

How does weight loss impact breast implants?

A moderate amount of weight loss is unlikely to significantly affect the appearance or integrity of breast implants. Typically, a substantial weight loss — a significant percentage of the individual’s total body weight — is necessary to see notable changes in breast size and potentially affect the implants’ appearance. For an average-sized woman, a weight fluctuation of 10-15 pounds is generally not enough to cause a noticeable difference. However, larger weight changes may lead to more pronounced effects.

The impact also depends on the composition of breast tissue — the ratio of fatty tissue to glandular tissue. Women with a higher proportion of fatty tissue in their breasts may notice more noticeable changes with weight loss. It’s important to consult with a family doctor and/or plastic surgeon if planning significant weight loss after surgery, as they can provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

Will my breast implants still look good after weight loss?

In most cases, breast implants will continue to look aesthetically pleasing even after weight loss. This is particularly true for women who had less fatty tissue in their breasts initially and opted for augmentation to enhance their size and shape. Since smaller breasts typically have less fat, the loss of weight is less likely to significantly alter the augmentation. In some instances, weight loss may even enhance the appearance of the implants, making the breasts look fuller and more proportionate to the rest of the body. However, individual results can vary, and it’s essential to closely monitor any changes in the breasts during and after the weight loss journey.

Advice and Monitoring

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure, and the effects of weight loss on implants can vary from person to person. Regular follow-up appointments with a plastic surgeon are key to ensuring that the implants maintain their desired appearance. These check-ups allow for timely adjustments or revisions if necessary, ensuring long-term satisfaction with the results.

Considering breast implants?

If you’re contemplating breast augmentation, it’s vital to choose a reputable surgeon and discuss all aspects of the procedure, including how future weight loss might impact the results. A thorough consultation will help set realistic expectations and prepare for any potential changes post-weight loss. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider before and after surgery is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us. We’re here to guide you through every step of your breast augmentation journey, ensuring your health and aesthetic goals are met.

How Weight Loss Can Affect Your Breast Implants

DR TIM LOVE - TUMMY TUCK (1)Many women get a breast augmentation as part of a comprehensive plan to enhance their overall health and appearance. This often includes a commitment to losing weight or building muscle through exercise, especially after significant life events such as completing child-bearing. Understanding the relationship between weight loss and breast implants is crucial for those considering or who have already undergone this procedure.

How does weight loss impact breast implants?

A moderate amount of weight loss is unlikely to significantly affect the appearance or integrity of breast implants. Typically, a substantial weight loss — a significant percentage of the individual’s total body weight — is necessary to see notable changes in breast size and potentially affect the implants’ appearance. For an average-sized woman, a weight fluctuation of 10-15 pounds is generally not enough to cause a noticeable difference. However, larger weight changes may lead to more pronounced effects.

The impact also depends on the composition of breast tissue — the ratio of fatty tissue to glandular tissue. Women with a higher proportion of fatty tissue in their breasts may notice more noticeable changes with weight loss. It’s important to consult with a family doctor and/or plastic surgeon if planning significant weight loss after surgery, as they can provide tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

Will my breast implants still look good after weight loss?

In most cases, breast implants will continue to look aesthetically pleasing even after weight loss. This is particularly true for women who had less fatty tissue in their breasts initially and opted for augmentation to enhance their size and shape. Since smaller breasts typically have less fat, the loss of weight is less likely to significantly alter the augmentation. In some instances, weight loss may even enhance the appearance of the implants, making the breasts look fuller and more proportionate to the rest of the body. However, individual results can vary, and it’s essential to closely monitor any changes in the breasts during and after the weight loss journey.

Advice and Monitoring

Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure, and the effects of weight loss on implants can vary from person to person. Regular follow-up appointments with a plastic surgeon are key to ensuring that the implants maintain their desired appearance. These check-ups allow for timely adjustments or revisions if necessary, ensuring long-term satisfaction with the results.

Considering breast implants?

If you’re contemplating breast augmentation, it’s vital to choose a reputable surgeon and discuss all aspects of the procedure, including how future weight loss might impact the results. A thorough consultation will help set realistic expectations and prepare for any potential changes post-weight loss. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider before and after surgery is essential for achieving the best possible outcome.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, feel free to contact us. We’re here to guide you through every step of your breast augmentation journey, ensuring your health and aesthetic goals are met.