The world of medicine is not what it used to be, especially when it comes to the anti aging approach. Turning back to the clock on age is something that many Americans are concerned with, and understandably so. Our society is obsessed with age; those who look younger and fitter are more likely to get better jobs, better dates, and better opportunities. With that being said, there’s more to the anti aging movement than appearance. Anti aging also has a lot to do with people’s overall health and lifestyle. Looking better also means feeling better, and ensuring a longer and happier life. This is one of the many reasons why personalized concierge medicine is sweeping the nation. Yet many people don’t even know what this medicine is, let alone that it’s a valid option. Concierge medicine refers to a personal one-on-one relationship between a patient and a doctor, often achieved through a retainer. However, some doctors are now providing these services with an annual or monthly fee — usually around $1,200 to $5,000 a year. These lifestyle medicine services are more personalized, with doctors offering a higher level of care because they aren’t committed to too many patients at once. It allows them to help patients change their bad habits, and for that matter gives patients access to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that can really change a person’s life. Let’s look into some of the services concierge medicine can provide.
Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic procedures aren’t always invasive surgeries with permanent and dramatic effects. Some people just want a boost, and there are many minimally invasive procedures that can achieve just that. One of the more popular cosmetic procedures right now is smartlipo, a cutting edge approach to weight loss and shaping the body. While traditional liposuction is a more involved procedure, smartlipo has the same effect — a reduction in fat and loose areas of the body — with less invasion. Smartlipo involves liquefying fat through laser technology before removing that fat through a tube called a cannula. Often, smartlipo has a faster recovery time. With that being said, it’s not for significant weight loss, but rather the reduction of stubborn pockets of fat that have remained after a person has already lost weight. Many practitioners of concierge medicine also give Botox injections. Botox is more popular than ever; in 2012, 489,000 patients between the ages of 19 and 43 underwent the procedure, compared to 220,000 in 2002. A great thing about Botox is that it is not permanent, but can be easily maintained — and for that matter, it can help prevent wrinkles and fine lines in a real way.
Diet And Exercise
Diet and exercise is not about fad challenges or temporary changes. When people do take that route, they often gain weight back as quickly as they lost it. Having a physician on hand to advise you on diet and exercise will help you make permanent lifestyle changes. It can also help you go the extra mile — for example, while thirty minutes of modest exercise three to five days a week can have positive benefits, those benefits are maximized if you exercise daily. A concierge physician can also talk to you about cutting back on unhealthy food, and increasing your intake of healthy food. They can even help you design a diet plan that is not only healthy, but doable. Certainly, having someone you can refer to about your diet and exercise choices can make a huge difference.
Habitual Changes
It can be extremely difficult for people to change their bad habits, especially when those habits have addictive elements. This is certainly the case for tobacco and alcohol. Both of these products have negative effects on the body and mind, and cutting back on them — or cutting them out of your life entirely — can save your life. A concierge physician can be the person you need on your side, advocating for your health and helping you make the changes you need.