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    MARKETING YOUR SPA THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING

    MARKETING YOUR SPA THROUGH CHARITABLE GIVING

    WHY GIVE?  IS CHARITY THE NEW BLACK?

    By Kim Marshall

    Raise your hand if your spa or product company has ever received a donation request letter?  Now keep it up if you feel certain that you’ve understood the real value of donating to charities and if any donation your spa has made has truly impacted your spa’s bottom line.

    Sure, “Tis the season of giving” if you’re going to do it any time of the year, this is it.  But, can you really know if donating a percentage of profits is smart business?

    According to the 2013 Cone Communications Social Impact Study, 91% of global consumers are likely to switch brands to one associated with a good cause, given comparable price and quality

    The Nielsen 2013 Consumers Who Care Studyreported that50% of global consumers said they would be willing to reward companies that give back to society by paying more for their goods and services.

    MILLENNIALS  research the boston consulting groupInterestingly, research shows that giving back is one of the most important things to MILLENNIALS – who, at about 78 million strong, are currently the largest generation in the US and, ranging in age between 18 and 36, who may be part of your spa’s present target demographic and certainly will be your spa’s future demographic and its current employee pool.  Surveys continue to show that the social-media-happy Millennials – who have been taught to recycle and use the internet since kindergarten — prefer to actively engage in a cause campaign by encouraging others to support it and by participating in fundraising events.

     

    PRICEPOINT TO PRICEPOINT/BRAND TO BRAND

    That said, we must agree that most spa treatments at day spas and resorts are priced to appeal to a wealthier demographic.  So it stands to reason that one key way to get your spa top-of-mind to your target audience and keep it there is being part of high-profile charity events.

    These opportunities range from donating spa packages to local private school fundraisers to being part of a star-studded fundraising gala.  But make sure your brands are compatible.

    “I wouldn’t donate a stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora and a treatment at its gorgeous CLARINS  Spa to a fundraiser for our local dog park,” explains Los Angeles based Director of Luxury Sales for Starwood Hotels who donates trips worth well over $1.5 million annually, “but I would for the annual fundraiser at the Geffen Theater near UCLA since the audience of 250 is always power packed with A-list celebs and entertainment execs.  Those are the same folks who would vacation at our resorts. ” 

    Everyone loves the lure of celebrity exposure but to keep it soulful, be clear about what you’re supporting.  For instance, Nancy Davis’ Race to Erase MS gala in L.A. – with headlining performers ranging from the The Eagles to Elton John and a ballroom full of Silent Auction items — has funded research to help develop 9 different drugs to treat Multiple Sclerosis.  When she began the event twenty years ago to benefit the disease she suffers from, there were none.  Perhaps your team has a relative or friend suffering from MS?   Another compelling reason to rally behind a cause.

    And be ready to really give – a pedicure package typically won’t make the cut.  In the past we’ve had clients donate to poker fundraisers for the Clinton Foundation, Ben Affleck’s Eastern Congo Initiative (actually held at the home of the COO of Facebook), Matt Damon’s water.org and Hank Azaria’s Determined to Succeed for underprivileged students.  But since the players have to ante up $10,000 towards the charity to be part of the game, the resort and spa packages they might win have to be over-the-top with a “money can’t buy” experience kind of theme and values of at least $10,000 each.

    CHOOSING A SIGNATURE CAUSE

    Peggy Wynne Borgman who owns one of the original day spas on the West Coast – Preston Wynne in Silicon Valley says “We’ve aligned ourselves with one signature cause, since we feel we can be more impactful if we do.”

    Not only has Borgman served for ten years on the Board of the local domestic violence agency NEXT DOOR, a Santa Clara non-profit that provides critical assistance and shelter for victims, but the spa has helped organize fundraisers called “Healing Touch.”  With a rallying cry of “Hands are for helping, not hurting,” the spa helped transform a ballroom of a local luxury hotel into a fabulous one-night-only spa featuring the Bay Area’s top massage therapists, estheticians and makeup artists.  This “feel good as you do good” Girl’s Night Out featured cocktail length spa treatments, music, refreshments, chocolate, celebrity-style goodie bags, and a grand prize drawing for a private spa party for 12 at Preston Wynne Spa.  Guests also had an interactive way to learn more about the charity’s programs through a “treasure hunt” that qualified them to win great spa prizes. Guests were also be able to shop for spa products and holiday gift certificates  to top spas in the region, with a portion of all proceeds going to the agency’s general fund.

    Borgman agrees that most spa directors are deluged with requests for local and even national donations each year.  Her spa also strategically makes in-kind donations to local causes and for top clients for premier events that they are sure will showcase the spa.  But, by and large, they address the issue with their own Community Investment Program that helps channel donation requests into activities that balance the benefits to both the organization and the spa, and also serves to reduce the wear and tear on staff for preparing donations.

    Interestingly, just five hours across the Pacific, Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea – a Waldorf Astoria Resort on Maui – shared a similar idea about giving.

    Sharon Ogawa, who heads up the resort’s award-winning, oceanfront Spa Grande  known for its lavish water therapy circuit, explains  “Each year, Spa Grande provides support to two main charities – domestic violence and breast cancer  — with a goal of sharing the message of beauty, empowerment and wellness with others. We support the local chapter of Women Helping Women – a charity that provides emergency shelter and programs for victims of domestic violence — through sponsorship of their annual gala night and through our popular Diva’s Night Out events, where we invite the ladies of the chapter to come in and have a spa pampering on us.”

    The spa’s Diva’s Night Out is held for the local market and happens the last Friday of each month where local ladies get spoiled with chocolate mini treatments, indulge with sinful chocolate desserts and de-stress with a two-hour soak on the hydrotherapy circuit – and they can even bring their daughters.  So you can imagine the oasis of calm the spa provides for women who are part of the WHW program. Ogawa says they will also do holiday makeup at their salon for women in the program.

    Spa Grande also supports the National Breast Cancer Association through their Diva’s events.  Each September, they host the ‘kickoff to Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ with a pink-themed fashion show, donations and silent auction benefitting the National Breast Cancer Society, and recognition of survivors – all during the monthly Diva event.  “It is a powerful, bonding event about beauty and life,” Ogawa concludes.

    Untitled-8Or maybe you can donate to a cause you’re good at.  Motykie Med Spa was just opened in Los Angeles by board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Gary Motykie, who was featured on E TV’s Dr. 90210.  During his two years on the show, he received letters asking if he might donate breast reconstruction to cancer survivors whose insurance covered the initial cancer surgery, but not the emotionally crucial secondary breast reconstructive surgery.  It moved him to start a charity called The Healing Curve where he donates reconstructive surgery for breast cancer survivors and victims of trauma, serious illness, prior unsuccessful surgery or birth defects.   www.thehealingcurve.org

    SERVE THOSE IN NEED

    Be smart, strategic and soulful. Some ideas include:

    –          Offering pre-prom makeover services to low income schools – Chelsea Clinton’s reported for NBC  about local businesses donating to make a prom possible for students whose high school was destroyed in the tornado that hit Joplin Texas last year:    http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/47150686#47150686   You can pay that forward in your own community.

    –          Care to the caregivers – Once a month have a special Give to those who Give Day with special treatment rates for Nurses, Teachers, Firefighters, Vets and Policemen.  Make sure to pitch local t.v. stations to cover the “before and after’s” – especially if the community has just gone through a major event.

    –          Are your employees or high profile clients playing in a charity golf tournament or tennis tournament that is especially meaningful to your community?  Donate sports massages.

    –          If you decide to support a  marathon for a charity or a 5K or 10 k event for breast cancer research:

    o  Find out how your massage therapists or reflexologists can get involved for pre & post event treatment stations.

    o  Find out how many of your clients will be participating.  Think about what spa service would help them – do they have knee issues or low back or feet specific problems?  Maybe reward them for participating in the event by offering them a special rate on treatments after the marathon.

    o  Many businesses have groups participating in events like these.  A treatment at your spa could be the company’s reward to those who participate as an incentive.  It would help get them “work ready” the day after the event as well.

    All those things add up to help you become your community’s favorite spa that members can then support with gift certificate purchases and visits when anniversaries or holidays  come around.

    But remember:

    • Find out exactly how your donation will be showcased.  If it is an elite event that prefers to be subtle with its prize promotions, ask if you can have a tasteful IPAD display of your spa and donation.  If it’s a live auction item – WRITE THE COPY or at least approve it and make sure their AV system works and will display your images WHILE the well-prepared auctioneer is reading your prize description.  At the very least, create a gorgeous product gift basket with tastefully displayed descriptions  (clear, classy, compelling and brief in a Lucite holder) on the auction table.
    • Attend the event to make sure your donation is handled properly.
    • Know your market and what matters to them!
    • Find out what causes your staff care about.  Make sure they’re involved in your charitable giving and your whole spa will be infused with holiday cheer the year round.

     

     

    Las Vegas’ Mondays Dark to Host “Women Who Rock” Event

    Benefiting Dr. Gary Motykie’s, The Healing Curve Breast Reconstruction Charity

    Untitled-8Las Vegas, NV– On October 13 at 8:30 p.m. Vegas’ newest tradition, “Mondays Dark” will continue with a night like no other, “Women Who Rock,” to benefit The Healing Curve Breast Reconstruction Charity at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. All songs will be from amazing Women who have rocked our world! Special guests to be announced soon. The Healing Curve by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Gary Motykie, is non-profit initiative to help women who have beaten breast cancer but are left with breast deformity and scars as a result of the mastectomy that saved their lives. “There are plenty of charities that are focused on ‘finding the cure’, but who is helping the survivors get back what breast cancer has stolen from them: their lives, their identity and their breasts!” –Dr. Gary Motykie. Dr. Motykie’s inspiration for starting the non-profit came after the flood of requests the doctor received as a result of episode of Dr. 90210 that showed him reconstructing the bodies- and positively affecting the lives- of breast cancer survivors. The scope of The Healing Curve has recently been expanded to help patients with birth defects, traumatic injuries from accidents, victims of poorly performed surgery and injured war veterans. Marked by the third Monday night of each month, Monday’s Dark,  is a hot bed of entertainment, music and comedy for a cause gathering an eclectic cast of guests including stars from Hollywood, the Strip, musical acts, athletes and celebrity chefs for 90 minutes of chat, entertainment  and a lot of laughs. Considering Mondays Dark’s female empowering non-profit of choice, The Healing Curve “Women Who Rock” will be a fun and feminine event you won’t want to miss. “Boobies Rock” T-Shirts will be available for purchase and the Rock of Ages Vegas band Arsenal will be playing for invited performers. You can pre-purchase $20 tickets at http://www.axs.com/events/252669/mondays-dark-with-mark-shunock-tickets?skin=vinyl or buy $30 tickets at the door. Only 300 tickets available and they are almost sold out! For more event information, please visit http://mondaysdark.com/ or email scotmckinley@gmail.com For more charity information, please visit www.thehealingcurve.org or email info@thehealingcurve.org   “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of lift is to give it away.” –Pablo Picasso. 

    The Healing Curve Charity Concert in Chicago, August 3, 2014

    The Healing Curve Charity Concert Content: August 3, 2014

    Event Recap

    Jox Rox Chicago and Par fore the Cause came together in the name of THE HEALING CURVE for a summer charity event of monstrous proportions. The event took place at CD&ME in Frankfort, IL. It was an ideal setting to raise money for board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie’s Foundation THE HEALING CURVE– which provides reconstructive surgery for breast cancer and trauma survivors. A beautiful outdoor stage was surrounded by acres of rolling fields, gardens, an incredible waterfall, and a giant fire pit. Starting at 1 pm, the event was an amazing day filled with sweet melodious tunes from several amazing bands, spectacular food from the top food wagons in Chicago, wonderful drinks from several local bars, an auction full of high demand sports memorabilia, dunk tanks, mechanical bulls, and even a giveaway for an all-inclusive trip to LAS VEGAS. The Chicago Six, a band featuring Dan Hampton, Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Otis Wilson of the Super Bowl Champion ’85 Bears, along with Jim Peterik of SURVIVOR , started the day with a meet & great with fans and headlined the concert late into the evening.  Hundreds of people attended from all over the states to drink, eat, listen to music, and more importantly, support THE HEALING CURVE and all its recipients.

    Thank you to everyone who took part in this amazing event. To those who took the months to put this together, the sponsors, all the bands, food trucks, volunteers, CD&ME, and most importantly all who came and gave their support to this incredible charity- THANK YOU- it is all of you who make THE HEALING CURVE possible!

    Event Announcement

    Nothing says Chicago like ‘Da Bears,’ and CD & ME is proud to host a benefit concert on Saturday, August 2, organized by Dan and Gina Hampton’s charity, Par Fore the Cause, assisted by Dave Los and Jox Rox Chicago, and featuring former Chicago Bear Dan Hampton’s band, Chicago 6.

    The beneficiary of the concert will be The Healing Curve, a charity founded by Dr. Gary Motykie, who donates his services to provide reconstructive surgery for breast cancer survivors, war veterans, car accident victims and children born with birth defects. Dr. Motykie was inspired to start The Healing Curve after a flood of heart-wrenching fan mail sent in response to Dr. 90210, his hit show on E!, where he provided reconstructive surgery for women who had beaten cancer but whose bodies were devastated by the mastectomies that saved them.

    “I am thrilled to be doing this concert for them,” said Gina Hampton, president of Par Fore the Cause. “Dr. Motykie is originally from Chicago, and he has a heart of gold. We’re basically raising the funds for the anesthesiologists and the office staff. Dr. Motykie donates all of his time.”

    Doors open at 1 p.m. and tickets provide for a day of entertainment. Bands include The Shed/341, 7th Heaven and Chicago 6 (composed of former Bears Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael and Otis Wilson, along with Eddie Kammerer, Matt Kammerer and John McFarland). Former Survivor front man Jim Peterik will close out the event with his band, Ides of March.

    In addition to the nonstop musical entertainment, International Redkin Artist Leah Freeman of The Fuse in Manteno will be on hand with other Redkin staff at a Blow Dry Bar for complimentary blow outs. Each ticket holder will also receive free travel size samples of Redkin products with VIP ticket holders receiving full size product samples. Redkin’s own Charlie Kennedy will be flying in to Chicago to emcee the entire benefit.

    “He is amazing, fun, witty and gets the crowd going,” said Hampton.

    Food vendors include The Chicago Pizza Boss, The Windy City Patty Wagon, The Calle Wagon and The Husky Hog, along with a cash bar.

    Premier sports memorabilia and autographed guitars will be a few of the featured items in the live and silent auctions. Gina Hampton also reports that if the event meets the fundraising goal during the evening, her husband Dan will take the seat of honor in the dunk tank. Par Fore the Cause thanks Title Event Sponsor Rich Galgano of Windy City Wire and all of the other sponsors and donors who are helping make this event happen. Corporate sponsorships are still available. Contact Hampton at parforethecause@aol.com.

    Event Location & Ticket Information

    Tickets range from $15 general admission to $275 all-inclusive VIP seating with Meet & Greet option. All tickets can be bought online at www.cdandme.com or at the box office, 23320 S. La Grange Road in Frankfort. Doors open at 1:00 p.m.

    For more information, please call 815-469-7315

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    New RealSelf.com Article on Dr. Motykie: “Hollywood Plastic Surgeon Reveals That Plastic Surgery Isn’t Enough”

    When it comes to anti-aging, it’s far too easy for many of us to buy into the latest craze promising quick results.  Should you be considering a cosmetic procedure to achieve your results? In this RealSelf.com article, Dr. Motykie offers his advice on finding a plastic surgeon, as well as the things you should absolutely avoid. 

    Dr. Motykie covers why consumers should definitely be aware of the “Groupon-ization” when purchasing anti-aging and wellness services. His rule #1: Don’t bargain shop for parachutes or plastic surgery. He points out when it comes to online ratings there’s lots of misinformation about surgeons in the digital world — don’t depend on the same type of review system that is used to rate movies or restaurants to rate your doctor. Read the full article here: www.realself.com

    Plastic Surgery Questions Covered and More:

    1. WHAT ARE THE LATEST ANTI-AGING TRENDS AND WHY DOES WELLNESS HAVE TO COME FIRST FOR THE BEST RESULTS?
    2. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU NEED TO GO BEYOND THE BEAUTY COUNTER?
    3. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, CHANGES FOR THOSE SHOPPING FOR COSMETIC SURGERY RIGHT NOW?
    4. DO YOU HAVE ANY PERSONAL STORIES TO SHARE AROUND THIS ONE?
    5. HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER COUNTRIES?
    6. WHAT ARE COMMON PITFALLS OR MARKETING PLOYS THAT THE CONSUMER SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

     

    To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

     

    Dr. Motykie’s The Healing Curve Breast Cancer Charity

    Ever since the establishing of his plastic surgery practice, Dr. Gary Motykie has consistently remained in touch with various community issues, and made contributions in several ways. He is motivated by the idea of using his skills and experience to provide a healing touch to those in need wherever possible. This passion became a foundation for the establishment of “The Healing Curve,” a nonprofit organization that Dr. Motykie formed in 2008.

    Dr. Motykie felt inspired to launch The Healing Curve following his appearance in the episodes of E! Entertainment’s popular TV show Dr. 90210. During the filming of these episodes, Dr. Motykie performed reconstructive breast surgeries to restore the physical and emotional well-being and rebuild the confidence of women who had survived breast cancer.

    Key Role of the Organization

    The Healing Curve has been set up to perform a key role of providing medical support to women who have beaten breast cancer, but are left to struggle with the post-op challenges of breast tissue loss and scars. This can occur following a mastectomy or breast removal procedure to treat the patient and save her life.

    The Healing Curve provides financial assistance and other forms of support to enable these patients undergo corrective surgeries to address the physical deformities that may have occurred as an outcome of cancer, severe injury, previous unsuccessful surgeries, and/or birth deformities.

    Financial Support for Breast Reconstruction

    The Healing Curve came into being with the primary goal of providing reconstructive surgical procedures to breast cancer survivors. A number of patients who undergo breast cancer surgery may be left feeling inadequate following the primary surgery because they cannot afford secondary procedures to complete the reconstruction and restore the aesthetics. Insurance companies usually cover the initial costs of breast reconstruction, but may not cover secondary surgeries.

    This is where The Healing Curve makes effective interventions to help those who do not have the financial means to bear the costs of these secondary procedures. In Dr. Motykie’s own words: “I started The Healing Curve to help those women who have won the battle against breast cancer but have lost their breasts, their femininity and their self-esteem in the process. These women have already been through so much with cancer itself; they deserve the best possible breast reconstruction that plastic surgery can offer.”

    Expanding the Scope

    Once The Healing Curve organization was on its feet, Dr. Motykie quickly found out that the need for such surgeries extended beyond just the breast cancer survivors. The organization decided to reach out to all survivors who may have suffered a physical deformity arising from an earlier surgery, serious injury or illness, or congenital defects.

    Dr. Motykie’s original goal to perform breast cancer procedures on the Dr. 90210 series was to allow people to know how plastic surgery can restore hope in the lives of the patients. However, the show’s overwhelming response led the organization to embrace all patients who had suffered physical deformities due to any reasons, and were facing financial constraints to overcome those deformities through surgery.

    To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

    Dr. Motykie is Interviewed by Siempre Mujer Magazine

    What do you do in the medical spa?

    My goal as director of the Motykie MedSpa is to give patient other treatment options besides plastic surgery to look and feel rejuvenated. The time has come to combine the East and West philosophies of cosmetic medicine and wellness.  These professions have traditionally been seen as adversarial instead of symbiotic. I personally feel that these treatment modalities combined in tandem will amplify aesthetic outcomes and magnify patient’s beauty from within the body.  The future of anti-aging is not in a capsule or a jar, its learning how to listen to our bodies and keep an open mind in regards to treatments that may offer benefits outside of the realm of tangible scientific evidence.

    2. In a recent article you talked about the grouponization of anti-aging and wellness, how does this trend affect consumers and doctors?

    As soon as medicine becomes a business, profits become more important than the patients. Unfortunately, like all of business, you will ultimately get what you pay for in the end. If a patient chooses to bargain shop for their wellness treatments by searching for deals and coupons, they may end up paying with their health which is far more devastating than paying a little bit more money for a quality service at a reputable doctor’s office.

    3. You also mentioned the success of non-invasive technologies such as radio frequency, skin tightening, fat freezing and laser skin rejuvenation, have you heard of any new discoveries or technologies that surprise you recently?

    There will always be a “new” technology on the horizon that is faster, cheaper and better. The real question is if the technology is effective and safe.  I am not surprised by the “newest” technology but I am excited by the effectiveness and safety of the newer radiofrequency and laser devices that allow for visible results with minimal downtime. As we move into the future we may see an end of liposuction and facelift surgeries due to the rapid advances in skin tightening and cool sculpting technologies.

    4. If a woman is thinking about having a plastic surgery, what are the three decision-making factors that she should consider?

    There are three important questions to answer before undergoing cosmetic surgery: Is it right for me? How do I find a competent surgeon? Is the surgical facility properly equipped for safety?

    To help figure out if plastic surgery is a reasonable option for you, take a hard look at yourself and determine if your goals are realistic. Plastic surgery can do many wonderful things, but there are limits.

    Contrary to mainstream media, plastic surgery results should optimally be very natural and undetectable.  It is not intended to make you look different, strange or like your favorite Hollywood movie star. What it can do is make you look younger, refreshed and more beautiful when performed for the right reasons.  Make sure your motivation for surgery is based on how you feel about yourself and definitely not to satisfy someone else’s desires.  No one else can see what you see when you look in the mirror and most friends and sometimes loved ones cannot understand why you would go through surgery when they love you just the way you are.  Remember, contrary to popular belief, most successful plastic surgery is done in spite of social pressures, not because of them.

    Now that you have made the choice to have surgery, how do you find a competent surgeon?  There are many sources for locating a plastic surgeon including advertisements, televised media and the internet. However, while many excellent surgeons use these services to attract and inform patients, they are all also unregulated so they are typically more of an infomercial than a testament to the surgeon’s true skill set and experience. So don’t depend upon these sources alone. Check on the doctors training, board certification, society memberships and online reputation. The gold standard for surgeon credentials is certification by a specialty board that is a member of The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). A board-certified surgeon has gone through extensive, well-regulated and monitored training, and has passed a set of rigorous examinations in order to be part of an elite group of highly educated, skilled and ethical doctors. There are many so-called “Boards” that are inventions of less-well-trained doctors in which the training is neither regulated nor monitored. These pseudo-boards are not recognized by the ABMS.

    The main guardian of patient protection from incompetence is the hospital with which your doctor is affiliated. As many plastic surgery procedures are done in a surgical center or a well-equipped office surgery, check to see if the surgeon that you choose also has privileges to perform these same surgeries in a local hospital. Lastly, be sure that the operating facility where your surgery is to be performed is certified by one of three or four certifying organizations to be sure that it meets all safety standards. The major accrediting body is the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).

    5. If she is considering alternatives to a surgery, where can she start looking?

    An accredited medical spa is a good place to start learning about alternatives to plastic surgery because they can offer non-invasive treatments such as Botox, injectables and lasers that can improve your appearance without the need for surgery or time off work. These “lunchtime” procedures offer quick results with minimal risk of swelling and bruising. There is even “lunchtime” liposuction now which is performed through freezing of the fat cells using the CoolSculpting system. The procedure takes about one hour to perform and is essentially painless. The newest radiofrequency skin tightening platforms also allow for alternatives to traditional facelifts and can help to tighten and smooth out the skin almost anywhere on the body without the need for surgery.

    6. In your experience with women, does the skin type or ethnicity matter at the moment of having surgery?

    Skin type and ethnicity can be a factor in deciding whether or not to have certain surgical procedures. The main issue is scarring due to the fact that darker skin tone patients may form thicker and/or darker scars (ie. hyperpigmentation). Prior to considering surgery most patients already now if they have problems with forming thicker scars based on how childhood scars healed as well as scars from other possible surgical procedures or such simple things as prior ear piecing. If you have a history of forming thicker and/or darker scars procedures such as breast lifts, tummy tucks or facelifts that involve longer scars should try to be avoided in favor of procedures that involve fewer scars. The good news is that scar prevention and treatment therapies have improved dramatically over the past several years so that even in patients that tend to form thicker scars combined treatment modalities have vastly improved the final appearance of many surgical scars.

    7. What are the three most common risks of surgeries?

    The three most common risks following surgery are discomfort, bruising/swelling and fatigue. Most other risks are very uncommon. You should expect some discomfort after surgery that can be elevated with commonly prescribed pain medications from your surgeon. Swelling and bruising after surgery is common and expected. Be sure to schedule enough time of off work to allow resolution of the majority of the swelling and some herbal products such as Arnica and Bromelien have been shown to speed up the healing process after surgery. Expect to be tired after surgery because your body is using its energy to heal itself. Make sure to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and get up every once in a while to walk around for your piece of mind and to improve the circulation in your lower legs.

    8.  Is it possible to have the wrong motivations to have a procedure? In what cases is advisable not to have it?

    While it is true that studies have shown that cosmetic surgery can improve self-esteem, you must have a realistic self-image to begin with. For instance, some patients have wanted a nose job since they were teens, a flaw has always bothered them, and now they want to correct it. A patient may want to reduce wrinkles with laser resurfacing later in life. These are examples of healthy motivations for surgery. Particularly if the patient has a strong sense of self to begin with, and this one aspect of his or her appearance is eroding their self-esteem.  Other patients my just want a boost; they feel good about themselves but after doing their research  have concluded a procedure would make them feel even better about themselves. For instance, a woman may want breast augmentation of one or two sizes to further enhance her beauty, or a breast reduction because of back and neck pain. A man may want a brow lift to look a bit younger. These too are realistic and healthy reasons for seeking elective surgery. Realistic expectations are the core of a healthy decision making process.

    On the other hand, there are reasons, you may not want to seek cosmetic surgery. If you are in the middle of a crisis you may need to heal emotionally before you consider cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is never an answer to emotional turmoil. In fact, it is best to have a healthy mental outlook if you want cosmetic surgery. A good surgeon will likely dig a bit to find out the motivations behind you getting your “work” done. Why? It’s a major concern if a patient thinks having a stronger chin, smaller thighs, or a bump-less nose will usher a cheating ex (or a particular job promotion) into their corner. In fact, I turn down a fair number of people who come in for consultation, not because of their physical health, but because they have unrealistic expectations. For example, a woman may want a facelift because her husband is having an affair with a younger woman. I could do the surgery and get an amazing result but there’s a risk that she’s not going to be happy because I can’t give her what she truly wants which is her husband back.”

    Your doctor also wants to know how much time you spend thinking about your appearance – is it more than an hour a day? Have you ever skipped a social event to “hide” yourself? And last, have you undergone multiple procedures (from different doctors) to “fix” areas like your hairline, nose, breasts, or belly?  Affirmative answers to these questions may signal a deeper mental health issue, like body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). BDD is characterized by an unrelenting obsession to “fix” a perceived flaw that is often seen as minor or is even undetectable by others. Though the flaws may seem minor, those who suffer from BDD are experiencing real distress over their appearance — and this may drive them to never-ending hours of exercise, layer upon layer of makeup, avoidance (or obsession) with mirrors, and/or the nagging feeling that bigger implants or just one more syringe of Restylane will solve everything. Though BDD is a term that is somewhat carelessly thrown around popular culture today (much like OCD) it’s important to note that BDD is a relatively rare condition that affects only 5 to 15 percent of the population. Treatment for BDD happens outside of the operating room, and often includes medications and psychological counseling.

    It’s normal for your physician to ask what brought you in, and I always encourage patients to bring in pictures of the results they desire. More than once I’ve had a patient bring in a picture of something that could never be achieved.  I think the greatest source of unhappiness for a patient after plastic surgery is that of unrealistic expectations so a surgeon who is candid about saying they may not be comfortable performing your surgery is probably doing exactly what he/she was trained to do. Be a good doctor. Your surgeons job is to decide if what you want can realistically be done — and be done in a safe way with a high chance of success. Good surgeons turn down patients all the time. It’s the not-so-good ones who would be willing to do anything for a fee.

    To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit:

    Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles

    Plastic Surgery | Beverly Hills | Los Angeles | West HollywoodAdvancements in cosmetic surgery techniques and technologies have made it a popular option for many people who are keen to improve their aesthetic appearance. Dr. Gary Motykie is a board certified plastic surgeon providing state of the art procedures for the face, body, and breast.

    Patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other areas who are looking for majestic, secure, and predictable plastic surgery procedures may consult with Dr. Motykie. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Motykie will evaluate various factors before recommending the most suitable procedure.

    Facial Surgery

    Face is the most conspicuous part of the body from an aesthetic perspective. Signs of aging or other anomalies, which may occur due to heredity factors, aging, sun exposure, stress, and other reasons can be corrected with facial cosmetic surgery. Facial procedures can correct conditions such as appearance of wrinkles and lines, bags underneath the lower eyelashes, sunken cheeks and lips, poorly defined facial contour, excess fat deposits, and drooping skin in the cheeks, neck, and jaws. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Motykie provides the following facial procedures to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and other areas:

    • Balance Profile
    • Brow Lift
    • Chin Augmentation
    • Endoscopic Brow Lift
    • Eyes (Lower Blepharoplasty)
    • Eyes (Upper Blepharoplasty)
    • Facelift
    • Facial Fat Grafting
    • Facial Reshaping
    • Lip Augmentation
    • Neck Liposuction
    • Otoplasty
    • Revision Rhinoplasty
    • Rhinoplasty

    Body Contouring Procedures

    Stubborn fat pockets in certain areas of the body, sagging skin that has lost a substantial amount of elasticity, weakened underlying muscles, and uneven body contours are certain conditions that may not be improved without plastic surgery. Body contouring procedures may be performed to improve the appearance of abdomen, thighs, buttocks, breasts, groin, and upper arms in proportion to the rest of the body.

    The appearance of cellulite that can make the skin appear rough and wrinkly can also be improved with body contouring surgical techniques. Major body contouring procedures that Dr. Motykie provides include the following:

    • Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
    • Revision Abdominoplasty
    • Arm Lift
    • Body Lift
    • Brazillian Butt Lift (Fat Grafting to Buttocks)
    • Fat Transfer
    • Mommy Makeover
    • Liposuction
    • Thigh Lift

    Breast Procedures

    Breast surgery can be performed to enhance or reduce the size of breasts, raise drooping breasts, reconstruct one or both breasts, reposition and resize areolas and nipples, and correct asymmetrical breasts. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Motykie provides the following breast procedures:

    • Breast Asymmetry Correction
    • Breast Augmentation
    • Breast Augmentation Revision w/ Replacement of Implants
    • Breast Augmentation Revision w/ Areolar Lift
    • Breast Augmentation Revision w/ Immediate Placement of Breast Implants
    • Breast Augmentation Revision w/ Full Lift
    • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) w/ Augmentation
    • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) w/ Areolar Lift
    • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) / Full Lift
    • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) w/ Immediate Placement of Breast Implants
    • Breast Lift (Mastopexy) Revision
    • Breast Reconstruction
    • Breast Reduction
    • Nipple/Areolar Reduction
    • Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

    Patients who are unable or unwilling to receive surgical procedures may benefit from several non-surgical alternatives that are also provided by Dr. Motykie.

    To see more services and treatments provided by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Motykie in Beverly Hills | Los Angeles and his team please visit: