Blog Archive

Breast augmentation surgery has become one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures worldwide. But with its popularity comes a crucial question — how safe is breast augmentation surgery?  Before you schedule your breast augmentation surgery, read what leading cosmetic surgeon Rick J. Smith, MD, has to say about the procedure...

During the fall, the last thing on your mind is wearing shorts. However, if you want to be ready to bare your legs next summer, now is the perfect time to think about a thigh lift. If sagging skin and stubborn fat around your thighs keep you from wearing shorts...

Gravity tugs at your tissues throughout your life. However, it has little effect in your youth because your skin has plenty of fat and collagen to withstand it. As you age, though, you lose that structural fat and collagen, leaving your face vulnerable to gravity’s constant force. The good news...

Breast enlargement in men, medically known as gynecomastia, is most common in adolescent boys and elderly men. Even so, it can affect males of all ages. Researchers estimate that 50-65% of boys and men worldwide struggle with gynecomastia.   What causes a man’s breast tissue to overdevelop? The problem is usually...

Few people have flawless skin, and those who do likely had help achieving it. The question is: What kind of help? The aesthetics industry offers so many options for addressing complexion complaints that it’s challenging to know which work and which are hype. Rick J. Smith, MD, works with patients...

Aging is an honor; each passing year adds wisdom, experience, and grace. But let’s face it — as you pass 40, you begin noticing changes in your skin that are less desirable than wisdom and grace.  If you’re like many women, you’d like to curb those natural complexion complaints without...

Large breasts symbolize femininity and beauty, which explains why breast augmentation consistently ranks among the top treatments on the annual American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ cosmetic surgical procedures list.  However, oversized breasts aren’t always a positive. Pain, poor posture, and skin problems drive many women to seek breast reduction surgery....

Puffy eyes make you look tired and old, so you want to do all you can to keep your skin taut. But a quick glance at your parents has you wondering whether they’ve passed their baggy eye genes to you.  Our providers Rick J. Smith, MD, FACS, Kathy Kuehne, LE, Lisa Allen, RN,...

Even-toned and unblemished skin may be the beauty standard, but it rarely occurs in nature. Most skin shows its age and the wear-and-tear it’s endured over the years, including sun exposure.  When the sun hits your skin and penetrates the deeper layers, it causes damage below the surface. You can’t...

Some people wear their wrinkles as a badge of honor, but most of us would rather hide the lines that tell the world our age.  At Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan, we offer a comprehensive line of professional aesthetic services based on cutting-edge research and years of experience....

They call it a double chin, but what it really is is extra fat that’s settled below your chin and jawbone. Medical professionals call it submental fat.  If this describes your profile, you can blame genetics, aging, weight gain, or even posture. But, regardless of the culprit, your goal is...

Drooping eyelids are usually a cosmetic issue, and most treatments that address them are elective. But when sagging skin gets in the way of your vision, it becomes a medical problem, and corrective treatments become critical to your visual acuity and safety.  If drooping eyelids are affecting your field of...

Light-emitting diode (LED) therapy has been a mainstay in the medical and cosmetic fields since NASA started studying its ability to help heal and grow tissues and cells in the 1990s.  Rick J. Smith, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon, is a big believer in the power of LED light therapy...

You’ve been searching for a solution to crepey skin, minor scars, and sunspots, but creams and ointments don’t seem to work. These days, you have many options that can rejuvenate your skin, but if you’re looking for a good entry point into the world of advanced skin care, a chemical...

Social media influencers bombard your feed with promises of miracle creams and ointments, but they don’t know what we know. Rick J. Smith, MD, one of the most experienced and sought-after plastic surgeons in East Lansing, Michigan, has skillfully performed cosmetic procedures for years, such as facelifts and brow lifts....

It’s still snowy, rainy, and cold in Michigan, but believe it or not, summer is around the corner, and you’ll soon trade your parka for short-sleeved shirts and tanks. Don’t let your arms stop you from soaking in the sun and enjoying the season — we can shore up the...

You can’t scroll through your social media feed or walk down the skin care aisle in your local store without seeing the word “collagen.” But what is it, and what does it do for your skin? Rick J. Smith, MD, fields these questions daily from our patients in East Lansing,...

Plastic surgery is a splurge that some people only dream about. Although they want nothing more than to refine and reshape their looks, many put it off, finding excuses not to treat themselves to a tighter, slimmer body and a more appealing profile.  This holiday season, you can make your...

Although all plastic surgery procedures took a dip during the pandemic, at last count in 2019, breast lift surgeries ranked among the top three cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, with more than 110,000 performed during that year alone — almost twice as many as the year before. So, what’s...

You might be surprised by how feeling good about your appearance affects your interactions with others. When you’re happy with your look, you tend to smile more, be perceived as more open, and you may also unconsciously behave more confidently. But, when you’re concerned with dark spots, wrinkles, dull-looking skin,...

Just as plump lips are the signature of youth; thin or wrinkled lips are giveaways of advancing age. If you’d rather your lips not reveal your age, it may be time to consider a dermal filler treatment of hyaluronic acid (HA). At Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan,...

You’d never eat rancid meat or slather on a cosmetic made from lethal chemicals, so why would you ever agree to receive an injection of Botox® — a known toxin? While the concept seems counterintuitive, we think you’ll find the explanation fascinating and enlightening. Here, Dr. Rick J. Smith in East Lansing, Michigan, discusses...

When you think of plastic surgery, do you envision a middle-aged woman getting some “work” done? That stereotype has been fairly accurate for many years, but recently, there’s been a change in plastic surgery demographics. We’ve seen the trend firsthand here at Rick J. Smith, MD, in East Lansing, Michigan. We’ve...

If you just had a baby, we’re not surprised you’re here researching tummy tucks. This ab-altering procedure is a popular choice among postpartum moms.  However, there are some important things to consider before committing to surgical intervention to get your pre-pregnancy body back. At Rick J. Smith, MD, located in East...

Genetics and sun exposure play a role, but if you live long enough, the march of time takes its toll on all skin.  As you age, various systems in your body begin to slow and function less efficiently. Your skin is no exception. You start producing less collagen, elastin, and...

Collagen is a protein that supplies the fibrous structure and volume in your skin. Most adults slow down their production of collagen in their early 20s, which means skin loses its youthful characteristics, such as resilience, smoothness, and tautness. Collagen has become a buzzword in skin care lately, and with...

Pregnancy and childbirth change everything from your shoe size to your disposable income, but it’s all worth it when you watch your child and your family grow. Over time, many of the effects of pregnancy wear off — you lose the weight, enjoy (relatively) stable hormone levels, and walk without...

Picture-perfect skin – we all want it. You’ve probably bought many products and undergone treatments to smooth away imperfections. Women in their 30s and 40s are most concerned with fine lines and wrinkles. Are you concerned about improving wrinkles or another skin concern? Injectables, like BOTOX® and dermal fillers, are...

Your at-rest facial expression speaks volumes even when you’re silent. It may be giving away your secrets by revealing your age or misrepresenting it. As your brows and forehead lose their ability to resist wrinkles, and the skin begins to droop downward, you might appear angry, tired, or disinterested. A...

Certain areas of your body seem to hold onto fat, and nothing you do seems to diminish those stubborn pockets. Submental fat, the kind that settles in under your jawline and gives you a double chin, is one of the most obstinate types of fat in your body. Diet and...

Age, weather, sun, pollution, friction, hormones, sleep patterns, hydration, and gravity are just a few of the things that wreck your skin. If you think you can combat those with a jar of cream you buy at the drugstore, you’re in for a disappointment. With winter looming here in East...

Diet and exercise are great ways to stay healthy and manage your weight, but there are some conditions this dynamic duo just can’t fix. Stubborn belly fat and stretched-out skin can defy your best efforts. If that sounds familiar, you’ve probably begun to research your options, and there’s no shortage...

Rick J. Smith, MD, our board-certified plastic surgeon here in East Lansing, Michigan, helps women reach their aesthetic goals through a variety of surgical procedures that are almost always considered cosmetic, such as breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast fat injections. One procedure is performed for both aesthetic  and medical...

The clock and calendar aren’t always kind to the delicate skin tissue on your face, and it’s one of the first places signs of aging appear. Wrinkles, creases, sun spots, and loose skin thwart your efforts to look younger. And though you’d like to do something about it, you may...

The old adage “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” certainly holds true when it comes to large breasts. While onlookers may find them attractive, large breasts can be a painful burden for the women who sport them.  If you have heavy breasts and are tired of carrying the...

Whether they develop due to acne, surgery, an accident, or a burn, scars are common. However, thanks to technology, some scars don’t have to be permanent (or as prominent) thanks to laser resurfacing treatments. At Rick J. Smith, MD, our plastic surgeon Dr. Rick Smith and our team of aesthetic...

A brow lift is one of the many cosmetic surgery procedures available to manage the signs of aging and to give your face a more symmetrical and tighter, younger look. Easing fine lines and wrinkles is just one of the benefits of getting a brow lift.  From saving money on...

The fountain of youth might be a myth, but there are more cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery procedures available than ever to help you look and feel as youthful as possible at every age.  Facial fillers give a non surgical treatment for making improvements to your skin. At Rick J....

Breast augmentation is the most popular and common form of cosmetic plastic surgery.  If you’re considering altering your breast size or shape, rest assured that you’re not alone. Whether you’re interested in a bigger cup size or a breast lift (or both), here’s what you need to consider when deciding...

It might seem hard to believe, but the first face-lift procedures were performed over 100 years ago. Thanks to modern technology and developments in cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, face-lifts are now less invasive and more effective than ever. People of all backgrounds and ages choose to get surgical and...

Botox® has become extremely popular. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, it was the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedure in 2018. At Rick J. Smith, MD, our plastic surgeon Dr. Rick Smith and our team of licensed estheticians and nurses offer aesthetic and plastic surgery procedures at our...

Many cosmetic procedures that were once invasive or required surgery are now available without surgery, incisions, or long recovery periods thanks to laser technology. Depending on your goals, you can now improve the quality of aging or damaged skin or eliminate scarring with comfortable, non-invasive outpatient laser procedures.  At Rick...

Diet and exercise are the most important factors in losing unwanted pounds and maintaining a healthy weight, but unfortunately, they’re not always enough to get rid of that last bit of excess fat. If you’ve tried everything to get a flatter stomach but still need a little extra help, you...

Over the last few decades, Botox® has become a household name. It’s widely available for both cosmetic and some clinical applications like migraines and incontinence. Like any aesthetic procedure, the training and experience of the practitioner are important factors to consider before getting a Botox® injection for both your safety...

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. There are many myths and misconceptions about the procedure, and this article is designed to dispel some of those myths. At Rick J. Smith, MD, our plastic surgeon...

There have never been more skin care products and treatments available (both surgical and non-surgical) to manage the signs of aging and improve damaged or less than perfect skin. However, skin care involves more than just what you see and feel on the surface. From protecting yourself from sun damage...

There’s never been a better time to invest in your appearance. Whether you want to manage the signs of aging or make aesthetic improvements to your features, there are more cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments to choose from than ever before. Thanks to technology, surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures are...

Like many cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, the tools and techniques now available for a facelift have come a long way over the last few decades, making them less invasive and with more natural-looking results than ever. At Rick J. Smith, MD, we offer a range of plastic surgery and...

Women of all ages and backgrounds choose to undergo breast lifts for many personal reasons. More women are choosing to contour rather than alter their natural shape. While implants are still popular and very common, breast lift procedures are gaining popularity. If you’d like to change or improve the shape...

Millions of Americans of all ages and backgrounds struggle to control and get rid of belly fat. While a balanced diet and regular exercise are the best tools against weight gain, especially in the abdominal area, they’re often not enough to guarantee a flat, toned stomach and stronger core. From...

There have never been more opportunities to look and feel your best, whether you’re in your twenties or reaching your golden years. From topical treatments and products to minimally invasive, non-surgical cosmetic services, beautiful and healthy skin is within reach. If you have started to notice common signs of aging...

The upper arms can be very difficult to sculpt and tone. Even with a dedicated workout routine and healthy diet, loose and flabby skin can’t be eliminated or tightened by lifting weights, doing push-ups, or cutting back on your daily amount of calories. (In fact, weight loss can actually lead...

Countless environmental and physiological factors conspire to rob your skin of its suppleness and vibrancy. Harsh weather, UV rays, pollution, and stress are just of few of these thieves. East Lansing’s premier plastic surgeon, Dr. Rick J. Smith, offers a range of diverse restorative treatments, depending on your skin’s needs....

Your skin’s rejuvenation process slows down naturally as you age. As a result, sun damage becomes more apparent, as do fine lines and wrinkles. Consider modifying your skin care routine to include professional chemical peels. Adding this treatment option to your regular anti-aging routine can help your skin look and...

Just the name of the skin procedure, “microneedling,” sounds painful. The effective skin-transforming procedure offered here at Rick J. Smith, MD uses a pen equipped with dozens of tiny needles to poke holes in your skin that trigger your natural wound-healing process. While the word microneedling might sound daunting, most...

Getting a tattoo can be a meaningful and fun experience. Many who sport ink and intricate designs are proud of their body art, but you might feel that you had a lapse in judgment when you got your tattoo. If you regret a tattoo or are unhappy with the way...

Few people want to look older than they are, but the effects of time catch up with everyone. On your face that can mean wrinkles and fine lines as your skin loses elasticity, discoloration from exposure to the sun and other elements, or scars due to acne and other conditions....

Having a baby is an exciting moment. What’s not exciting, however, is the loose, extra skin that remains after childbirth. Luckily, there’s an effective solution for removing it — a tummy tuck.  Rick J. Smith, MD, and his expert team specialize in tummy tucks, and they welcome all patients in...

Each year, at least 100 million people acquire a new scar. For some, this is a chance to tell an awesome story, but for others, it’s an embarrassing and unsightly reminder. Scars used to be one of those things you had to learn how to live with. But not anymore!...

How often do you look in the mirror and see little lines around your mouth and at the edge of your eyes? Do you hold back your smile in photos so the wrinkles don’t make an appearance on social media? Seeing wrinkles and fine lines on your face and other...

It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the summer months are rapidly approaching, so it’s worth knowing the preventive measures you can take to lessen the risk of sun damage giving you skin cancer. Nearly 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and 1 in 5 is expected to...

If you’re in the market for a breast augmentation procedure, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information out there. From implant type to size and shape, there’s a lot to consider before committing to a procedure. One thing you’ll want for sure is a board-certified plastic...

With so many tools and techniques for trimming your midsection, including liposuction and nonsurgical body sculpting, you may be surprised to learn that the tummy tuck is still one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures in the United States. That’s because it can fix more than just your belly...

Injectables are a low risk, affordable, non-invasive option that can take years off your appearance. Juvederm products are the number one selling filler that helps soften wrinkles and add volume and fullness to the face. Each type of filler adds volume to a different area of the face to help enhance...

Myth #1: There Are Many Different Types Of Face Lifts. While many people seem to believe this, there are actually only two types of face lifts. The first reestablishes the planes of the mid, lower face and neck. The second, and more typical for younger patients, tightens the neck and jawline. In no...