Lipo 360 in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know About This Body Contouring Technique.

If you are looking for an effective way to transform your figure and look your best, you have come to the right place! In this article, you will dive into the fascinating world of Lipo 360 as it is performed in Colombia, discovering what it is, how it works, and why it has become a popular option for those who want to sculpt their bodies comprehensively.

Introduction:

Lipo in Colombia has always been performed in a comprehensive manner, covering all the areas that our patients frequently wish to treat. This concept revolutionizes the traditional Lipo performed in other countries, especially in the United States, where body contouring is done only in limited areas. This technique, also known as Lipo 360, offers impressive results by addressing not just one specific area but the entire body contour. Can you imagine eliminating those unwanted fat deposits around your abdomen, back, flanks, and other problem areas in a single procedure? Well, Lipo 360 does exactly that, giving you the opportunity to achieve a slimmer and more defined silhouette in a comprehensive way.

Here are some frequently asked questions that may arise when considering Lipo 360 in Colombia:

FAQs about Lipo 360 in Colombia:

  1. What exactly is Lipo 360 as performed in Colombia?
    Lipo 360 is a liposuction technique focused on sculpting the entire body contour, addressing areas such as the abdomen, back, flanks, and waist to achieve a more toned and defined appearance.
  2. What is the difference between Liposuction and Lipo 360?
    Liposuction is performed on limited body regions, such as the abdomen or waist, while Lipo 360 covers all body regions, including the abdomen, waist, back, lumbar and sacral regions, arms, and thighs.
  3. How is the Lipo 360 procedure performed in Colombia?
    During Lipo 360, the surgeon makes small strategic incisions around the area to be treated. Then, a liquid solution containing Saline Solution with small doses of adrenaline is infiltrated to facilitate fat removal, followed by the aspiration of fat deposits using a specialized cannula.
  4. How long does a Lipo 360 take?
    Considering that the surgery includes multiple body regions, the average duration of a Lipo 360 ranges between 3 and 4 hours.
  5. What are the benefits of Lipo 360?
    The benefits of Lipo 360 include comprehensive body contouring, faster recovery, and visible and long-lasting results three months after surgery.
  6. Who are good candidates for Lipo 360?
    Good candidates for Lipo 360 in Colombia are individuals who are close to their ideal weight but have localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is important to have realistic expectations and be in good general health.
  7. If I have Obesity, am I a good candidate for Lipo 360?
    Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. In this case, it is recommended to lose weight before surgery. To assist with this, we offer a tool called “Ketogenic Adaptation Therapy,” which not only aids in weight loss but also improves overall health, allowing patients to maintain their ideal weight in the long term.
  8. How much does a Lipo 360 cost?
    The cost of Lipo 360 varies depending on the complexity of the case. Patients with a higher weight may require longer and more complex surgery, leading to higher costs. Likewise, patients with previous localized liposuctions may need additional time due to the presence of fibrosis. The cost ranges between $3,900 and $4,900 USD.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Lipo 360 we perform in Colombia is an exciting option for those who want to comprehensively transform their bodies and achieve a slimmer and more defined figure. With impressive results and a faster recovery compared to other similar procedures, it is no surprise that this technique is gaining popularity across the country. If you are considering Lipo 360 in Colombia, be sure to consult with a certified plastic surgeon to determine if it is the right option for you. Get ready to take the first step toward a new version of yourself and enjoy the benefits of a more sculpted and toned figure!

Guide to Finding the Best Plastic Surgeon in Colombia

Are you looking for the best plastic surgeon in Colombia for your procedure? If so, here you will find all the information you need to choose the most trustworthy, high-quality, and experienced professional in the field. Let’s discover how to find the right one!

Mejor cirujano plastico de Colombia
Best Plastic Surgeon in Colombia

1.- Examine the license and professional credentials of the plastic surgeon you choose to ensure that they are a qualified doctor, prepared to offer the best possible results. Verify that the surgeon belongs to the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Although membership in these societies does not guarantee service quality, it does certify that the surgeon you are looking for has met the necessary requirements to be recognized as a true plastic surgeon. This certification results from completing between 4 to 5 years of specialization, which may include two years of general surgery and three to four years of plastic surgery.

2.- Check patient reviews about the plastic surgeon you are considering. An excellent way to ensure that the plastic surgeon you choose is competent is to know the opinions and experiences of previous patients. You can find these reviews on the Google My Business profile, in forums, and in review magazines on aesthetic surgery. Reviews from open forums on women’s topics portals are particularly useful.

3.- Filter the reviews you find. If you see too many short reviews with comments like “good surgeon,” “everything went well,” or “the best,” be skeptical of these reviews, as they may be manipulated. Many surgeons offer rewards to their patients for leaving positive reviews or fabricate them to hide genuine negative opinions. A truthful review will always be long enough for the patient to share their experience with the surgeon or express gratitude for the results and care received. If in doubt, try to contact the person who left the review through their Google profile.

4.- Trust the results you can verify directly. If a family member or friend has undergone surgery with the surgeon you are considering, ask about their experience and request to see their results. Although every patient is different and each achieves results based on their own body, desired changes, and post-surgery care, seeing the results obtained by the surgeon you are considering is a good guide to the experience and outcomes you might expect.

5.- A good surgeon will conduct a thorough pre-surgical medical examination, asking about all your medical history, detailing the risks and benefits, and being honest about the real results you can achieve with the surgery. The human body is unique, and therefore, the plastic surgeon must evaluate how a given procedure can help you achieve the results you are seeking before proceeding with the surgery.

6.- Get to know the clinic where you will be operated on before making your final decision. Ideally, the clinic should be at Level IV or higher, with all the necessary resources to handle complications, such as an intensive care unit, emergency services, and on-site diagnostic imaging services like CT scans, MRIs, angiography, and X-rays. If the clinic where you will be operated on is a modified house with only operating rooms and a recovery area, run away from that surgeon.

7.- Finally, choose a surgeon who is willing to commit to you, who provides you with their personal phone number so that you can contact them in case of an emergency or to address any questions that arise after surgery. They should personally attend to you after the surgery to conduct follow-ups, answer your questions, and even remove your stitches. A surgeon who is distant from their patient is not the right surgeon for you.

Why Have Surgery with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado?

Is It Safe to Undergo Plastic Surgery in Colombia?

Plastic Surgery in Colombia.

Undergoing plastic surgery in another country is an adventure that requires taking certain precautions to ensure a successful outcome.

In Colombia, it is indeed safe to have surgery if you follow these precautions:

  • Choose a properly certified plastic surgeon. You can read our article on this topic [here].
  • Always request information about the clinic where the surgeon operates. It is much easier to find complete information about a specific clinic online. It is recommended that the clinic have basic emergency resources such as an Intensive Care Unit, diagnostic imaging, a clinical laboratory, and an emergency department. You can assess the surgeon’s prestige by knowing the place where they operate. In our case, we have a Level IV clinic (the highest level in Colombia is Level V), with an ISO 9001 International Certification.
  • Avoid low prices. Although one of the main advantages of having surgery in Colombia is that costs are significantly lower compared to other countries, an excessively low price is a red flag. It may indicate that the surgeon lacks formal certification as a plastic surgeon or uses low-cost resources, such as low-level clinics or inexperienced anesthesiologists. Providing a high-quality service always involves higher costs, which translate into better care and safety.
  • Do not trust only what you see on a surgeon’s social media. Many surgeons manipulate photos or use techniques to alter the actual results of operated patients to showcase misleading outcomes. It is much better to contact previous patients and ask about their experience and satisfaction with the results. You can find this information on Google reviews, where patients share their opinions.
  • Avoid plastic surgeons who perform multiple procedures per day. Many times, these surgeons delegate parts of the surgery to a nurse, a surgical assistant, or, at best, another surgeon you do not know. Ideally, your surgeon should perform a maximum of two surgeries per day—or just one if it is a major procedure. The best way to ensure quality work is to be fully dedicated to it, and this requires energy, which gets depleted in long surgeries. Remember that a surgeon running a “factory” will always have “workers” performing surgeries.
  • Request a virtual consultation with your surgeon to get to know them and assess your level of trust. During the consultation, ask to see photos of previous patients and have them explain the techniques they use. Take the opportunity to clarify all your doubts and ask about their plastic surgery training, the university where they studied, and the time they spent in their training. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado, you can do so [here].
  • If possible, travel with a companion to receive assistance from a family member or friend during your recovery. If this is not possible, ask your surgeon to provide a nurse to assist you throughout your recovery process.
  • Follow the recommended recovery time given by your surgeon. This period will vary depending on the procedure(s) you undergo.
  • Do not undergo more than two surgeries at a time. To minimize risks, it is best to have one surgery or a maximum of two, ensuring that the second procedure is not as extensive as the first.
  • Inform your surgeon about any chronic illnesses so that they can arrange a pre-anesthesia evaluation before your trip. You can find our pre-surgery recommendations [here].
  • If you smoke, quit at least one month before surgery. Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of plastic surgery, as it affects blood circulation in the tissues being treated, leading to complications such as tissue loss.
  • Maintain a healthy diet to keep a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30. Excess weight increases the risk of complications and makes surgery more challenging. The best results are achieved when the patient maintains an appropriate weight.

BY FOLLOWING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, YOU WILL HAVE A HIGH PROBABILITY OF HAVING A SUCCESSFUL PLASTIC SURGERY IN COLOMBIA.

You can request a consultation with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado [here].

Why Choose Dr. Giovanny Alvarado for Your Surgery?

Procedures We Perform.

Why Do Stains Appear After Liposuction?

Manchas de Liposuccion
Liposuction Stains

One of the common issues we see is the presence of gray or bluish stains on the skin of patients who have undergone liposuction.

There are several causes that explain these skin alterations:

  • Very superficial liposuction: When liposuction is performed too close to the skin, damage to the blood vessels or arteries that supply the skin can occur. This leads to circulation issues in the skin, which manifest as streak-like stains that become more noticeable in cold weather.
  • Excessive fat removal from all layers: It is also common to see patients with dark brown spots or skin with a leathery appearance caused by excessive fat removal. It is essential to maintain a uniform fat layer under the skin during liposuction so that stem cells, which are abundant in fat, can help generate new, healthy skin cells. This ensures that the skin maintains a youthful and smooth appearance after surgery.
  • Irregular fat removal: If liposuction is performed hastily or without proper technique, without following a precise sequence and without considering the correct layer for suction, skin irregularities can occur. This can lead to depressions and the presence of fibrosis—scar tissue beneath the skin. To avoid this issue, it is important to maintain a deep fat layer that acts as a cushion, allowing the skin to settle evenly after surgery.
  • Use of thick cannulas: Cannulas are tube-like instruments connected to a vacuum suction system to extract fat using negative pressure. Thick cannulas create large spaces in the fat beneath the skin, which later fill with fluid, leading to irregularities and hardening once the recovery process is complete. The best way to prevent this issue is to use cannulas no larger than 3 millimeters in diameter, with a maximum of two oval-shaped openings in a straight line. Proper surgical technique is crucial, ensuring precise depth control, a radial motion when passing the cannula, and avoiding staying in a single spot for too long.

HOW TO TREAT LIPOSUCTION STAINS?

The most important step is prevention, using a refined and careful surgical technique with thin and short cannulas (no longer than 20 cm) and avoiding excessive fat removal.

Postoperative massage is essential to reduce the risk of fibrosis formation. The fluid that accumulates under the skin should be drained using an appropriate Lymphatic Drainage technique.

Carboxytherapy can also be beneficial. This involves injecting medical-grade carbon dioxide (CO₂) beneath the skin using a specialized machine and a thin guide. Carboxytherapy significantly helps prevent fibrosis and reduces bluish skin discoloration.

Reconstructive Surgery is an option for patients with significant irregularities. This procedure involves micro fat grafting in areas with indentations while removing excess fat where necessary. We specialize in this type of surgery, as it is common to see patients needing correction after previous liposuction procedures.

Request a Consultation via WhatsApp with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado.

Why Choose Dr. Giovanny Alvarado?

Surgeries We Perform.

Medical Tourism in Colombia

Medical tourism has evolved due to the high and growing demand for various healthcare services, with aesthetic procedures being among the most popular.

Many medical centers, clinics, laboratories, and facilities are located in the north, center, and south of Cali, offering comprehensive and cost-effective service packages. The outstanding results achieved by patients and the affordable costs compared to other global destinations have solidified the city as an attractive location for various medical procedures. (Health Tourism, 2018).

According to a study by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), Colombia ranks as the third most visited country in the region for aesthetic procedures, surpassed only by Brazil and Mexico. (Bernal, C. 2021).

Tourists choose medical tourism in Cali for various reasons, including:

Access to cutting-edge medical technology

Higher quality services

Lower-cost treatments and medications

Innovative procedures not widely available elsewhere

According to ProColombia, 16 Colombian clinics are ranked among the top 40 in Latin America. This is largely due to Colombia’s rigorous medical education system, which includes postgraduate programs, scholarships, and international exchange programs that help physicians stay updated with the latest advancements.

Challenges & Future Development

Despite its growth, Colombia still faces challenges in expanding medical tourism, such as:

Overcoming the language barrier

Greater investment in medical and wellness infrastructure

Standardizing medical record management

Building more healthcare free zones

Establishing strategic alliances with globally recognized institutions (Dinero Magazine, 2010).

Cali is a thriving hub for medical tourism and continues to evolve to enhance the experience and satisfaction of international patients.

The Future of Medical Tourism in Colombia

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism has set a goal for 2032 to attract 2.8 million medical tourists, generating an estimated 6.3 trillion pesos in revenue (Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, n.d.).

Plan Your Medical Procedure in Cali

If you are considering traveling to Cali, Colombia for an aesthetic procedure, contact us for a free consultation and full assistance via WhatsApp:

High-Intensity Exercise for Weight Loss: A Practical Guide

Imagen de Persona Iniciando un Ejercicio de Alta Intensidad como complemento a una Cirugía Plástica
High-Intensity Exercise

In the ongoing quest for effective weight loss methods, high-intensity exercise has emerged as one of the most efficient and powerful strategies. This approach, known as HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), has gained popularity due to its ability to deliver significant results in a short period of time. In this article, we will explore how high-intensity exercise can be your ally in weight loss, along with practical tips to integrate it into your daily routine.

What Is HIIT?

HIIT is based on alternating short bursts of intense exercise with intervals of rest or low-intensity activity. This method can be adapted to various physical activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or bodyweight exercises, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals, regardless of their fitness level or personal preferences.

Benefits of HIIT for Weight Loss

Time Efficiency: One of the main attractions of HIIT is its ability to deliver noticeable results in short training sessions, making it ideal for those with busy schedules.

Boosts Metabolism: High-intensity exercise accelerates metabolism, not only during the workout but also for hours afterward—a phenomenon known as the “afterburn effect” or Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC).

Versatility: HIIT can be practiced anywhere—from a gym to the comfort of your home—and can be adapted to any exercise preference.

Improves Cardiovascular Health: HIIT workouts not only aid in weight loss but also enhance heart health and lung capacity.

How to Incorporate HIIT into Your Routine

Start with the Basics: If you’re new to high-intensity exercise, begin with short sessions (10 to 15 minutes) and gradually increase duration and intensity.

Warm-Up: Before each HIIT session, perform a 5 to 10-minute warm-up to prepare your body and reduce the risk of injury.

Training Structure: A common HIIT structure involves 30 seconds of intense activity followed by 30 seconds of rest or low-intensity exercise, repeating this cycle for 20 to 30 minutes.

Keep It Varied: To avoid boredom and plateaus, change up your exercises and adjust the intensity regularly.

Listen to Your Body: While HIIT is high-intensity, it’s essential to listen to your body and take additional breaks if needed.

Safety Considerations

Although HIIT is an effective weight loss strategy, it should be approached with caution, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. Consult a healthcare professional or a certified trainer before starting any new exercise program.

Conclusion

High-intensity exercise provides a promising route to weight loss, combining efficiency, versatility, and substantial health benefits. By incorporating HIIT into your lifestyle, you will not only work toward your weight loss goals but also improve your overall cardiovascular and physical health. Remember to start gradually, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey toward a more active and healthy life!

Intermittent Fasting as a Tool for Weight Loss

Ayuno Intermitente como complemento de una Cirugía Plástica

Intermittent fasting is a strategy not only for losing weight but also for improving health on various levels.

The strategy is based on two normal physiological processes: the mTOR metabolic pathway, which is activated when we consume abundant food, and the AMPK metabolic pathway, which is activated when we fast.

This natural ability of the human body has been encoded in our genes since the time when the human species was nomadic and relied on gathering food and hunting for sustenance.

Due to the absence of agriculture and the inability to store food, our ancestors went through periods of abundant intake when they arrived in a region rich in tropical fruits, vegetables, tubers, etc., and game animals. During this period, the excess food was stored as fat, leading to weight gain. Fat became a highly efficient energy reserve due to its ability to concentrate large amounts of calories.

During times when natural resources were depleted and our ancestors moved to another region in search of food, there was a period of food scarcity or minimal intake, corresponding to an obligatory fast.

Simply put, the mTOR pathway is activated when we consume a sufficient amount of food, especially branched-chain amino acids (Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine). It is responsible for stimulating protein production and the formation of different cellular components. This process is called anabolism.

When we are fasting or when food intake is insufficient to meet the body’s energy needs, the AMPK metabolic pathway is stimulated.

The AMPK pathway is activated when ATP production levels—the energy units the body produces in the mitochondria—decrease due to fasting. Activation of this pathway initiates a process opposite to the mTOR pathway, producing catabolism, which manifests through the physiological phenomenon known as AUTOPHAGY.

Autophagy is the body’s most important mechanism for renewing its cellular structure by degrading damaged or malfunctioning proteins and cellular elements.

Literally, the body “eats itself,” using structural elements (proteins, enzymes, organelles, etc.) that are useless and accumulated in the lysosomes, which function as the “garbage bin” of the cell.

The importance of this process lies in its ability to remove “toxins” and unnecessary elements from the body while stimulating the formation of new mitochondria (organelles responsible for generating energy in the cell) and renewing cells, generating a rejuvenation process.

During fasting, the body not only uses proteins and other damaged structures but also body fat.

When the AMPK pathway is stimulated, weight loss occurs due to the release of triglycerides from fat cells, which are then transformed into Ketone Bodies by the liver—substances that serve as an alternative fuel to glucose but are more efficient and produce fewer waste byproducts compared to glucose metabolism.

This is the reason why we can observe the following beneficial effects of intermittent fasting on health:

  • Weight loss due to the utilization of body fat reserves, mainly intra-abdominal fat, reflected in a reduction of abdominal circumference.
  • Skin rejuvenation or visible improvement in skin quality, with a reduction in acne and other skin conditions like rosacea.
  • Visible improvement in “cellulite” or orange-peel skin due to the elimination of “toxins,” improved circulation, and better lymphatic drainage in the subcutaneous tissue.
  • Metabolic regulation through the control of Insulin Resistance and other hormones involved in appetite.
  • Improved sleep quality due to circadian rhythm regulation.
  • Improvement of intestinal bacterial flora, which plays a role in multiple health processes such as immune defense, mood, and weight.

HOW CAN I PRACTICE INTERMITTENT FASTING?

Intermittent fasting consists of extending the normal fasting period that occurs while we sleep to a minimum of 12 hours, ideally reaching 18 hours. This means consuming food within a window of 12 to 8 hours, for example, having the first meal of the day at 10:00 a.m. and the last meal at 6:00 p.m.

If you currently have a poor diet that is very high in sugars and High Glycemic Index Carbohydrates, such as white rice, potatoes, pasta, and white bread, your body will likely have high Insulin levels, a phenomenon known as Insulin Resistance.

High insulin levels make fasting difficult because the body will demand frequent food intake to maintain blood glucose levels. Additionally, the brain has developed a dependency on sugars and foods that rapidly raise blood sugar levels (High Glycemic Index foods) through the stimulation of Dopamine, a hormone that generates well-being and pleasure.

These two phenomena make intermittent fasting challenging, so it is necessary to start the process very gradually:

  • Delay breakfast by one hour each week. If you are used to having breakfast at 7:00 a.m., you can delay this meal to 8:00 a.m. for two weeks and continue delaying it until reaching 10:00 a.m.
  • Then, reduce the amount of food consumed at breakfast or replace it with foods that do not rapidly elevate blood sugar, such as eggs, plain Greek yogurt (without fruit or sugar), aged cheeses, and butter or ghee.
  • Finally, eliminate breakfast and replace it with unsweetened liquids like herbal tea, coffee, or tea.
  • At the end of approximately two months, you could be eating within an 8-hour window, having lunch at 12:00 p.m. and dinner between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

To accelerate this process and obtain benefits more quickly, it is possible to undergo a Treatment to Change Metabolism.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT IN A HEALTHY WAY?

Five Supplements to Boost Your Defenses

Dr. Giovanny Alvarado, a Plastic Surgeon from the city of Cali, Colombia, has dedicated the last 10 years to studying Nutrition and a Healthy Lifestyle with the purpose of helping his patients beyond surgeries.

The recommended supplements are:

  • Vitamin D
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin C
  • Echinacea
  • Transfer Factors

Our Immune System consists of a set of cells located in different parts of the body, responsible for detecting and fighting any infectious agent that enters our body and threatens our health.

When an infectious agent such as a virus enters the body, the immune system detects this agent as a foreign body called an antigen. The antigen is identified by macrophages, which capture and destroy it, delivering part of this infectious agent to T-type lymphocytes. These lymphocytes produce substances called cytokines, which summon other immune system cells and initiate an inflammation process at the site where the infectious agent is located. They also deliver information to B lymphocytes so that they produce substances that block the infectious agent, called antibodies. Antibodies will allow the infectious agent to be blocked more quickly and effectively the next time it comes into contact with defense cells.

This brief summary of the immune process is mentioned to explain that the immune response is complex but can be optimized in multiple ways. In this article, we will recommend the following five supplements that have been proven effective in stimulating, enhancing, or boosting the immune response.

1 – VITAMIN D

The main source of Vitamin D is our own body, which can produce it through the action of sunlight.

Vitamina D disponible en Artemisa.co

It has been found that Vitamin D increases macrophage function and activates the production of substances that attack viruses in the respiratory system, preventing respiratory infections.

In conditions of low sun exposure, it is very likely that we have a Vitamin D deficiency, making it necessary to take a Vitamin D supplement. The dose of Vitamin D should be calculated according to blood levels of this vitamin. However, the cost of this study or the difficulty in accessing it forces us to optimize our levels preventively by taking 5,000 units per day of Vitamin D3, at least during periods when we may be more exposed to infection.

If we can measure our Vitamin D levels, the supplement should be taken until levels between 40 and 60 nanograms per liter of blood are reached.


2 – ZINC

The richest foods in zinc are oysters and clams. They are followed by beef and chicken. Zinc is also found in almonds, oats, wheat germ, peanuts, cheeses, and eggs.

Zinc Disponible en Artemisa.co

Zinc is important for the development and maintenance of immune system cells. It allows white blood cells to produce “Reactive Oxygen Species” (ROS), which are unstable oxygen molecules due to having an extra proton, which is transferred to the proteins of viruses and bacteria, damaging and killing the harmful germ.

Zinc also increases the number of natural killer cells that destroy virus-infected and cancerous cells.

At the pulmonary level, it has been observed that zinc supplementation can reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections because it decreases the possibility of the virus entering the cell.

The suggested dose of Zinc is 30 milligrams per day, divided into two doses.


3 – VITAMIN C

Vitamin C is found in greater amounts in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and tangerines, but kiwi is one of the fruits with the highest concentration of vitamin C.

Vitamina C disponible en Artemisa.co

Vitamin C supports the immune system in various ways. It can accumulate in neutrophils, improving their ability to capture and kill viruses.

It has also been observed that it increases the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes, improving the immune system response. It stimulates macrophages, which trap virus-infected cells, reducing the virus’s replication capacity.

Although 100 milligrams per day are enough to meet daily Vitamin C needs, the recommended dose to maintain good levels of Vitamin C that significantly improve the immune system is 500 milligrams to 1 gram per day.


4 – ECHINACEA

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is a medicinal plant native to North America, whose purple or pinkish flowers resemble a daisy.

Equinácea disponible en Artemisa.co

It has been observed that echinacea extracts stimulate immunity, reducing the intensity and duration of infections caused by the common cold virus.

Antiviral and antibacterial effects have been demonstrated, produced by the increased mobility of neutrophils and the production of natural killer cells. It also stimulates cytokine production and macrophage activity.

The recommended dose is 250 milligrams per day. Although it can be used in infusion form from dried flowers or roots, it is important to take a standardized preparation in capsule form.


5 – TRANSFER FACTORS

Factores de Transferencia

The immune system has the ability to learn from previous infections so that when it encounters the same infectious agent again, it can respond so quickly that we do not even realize why we do not get sick.

This information acquired by the immune system can be transmitted from mother to child through colostrum in mammalian milk or through eggs in birds. The factors transferred to the offspring are called TRANSFER FACTORS and include not only the information to react to infectious agents by quickly forming antibodies but also help to modulate or regulate the immune response so that, once the defense process is completed, it can be stopped in time to prevent tissue damage to the body itself.

The role of Transfer Factors is to educate and alert immune system cells that do not yet have this information, allowing for a milder course of infection.

Transfer Factors can be accompanied by other natural compounds that also stimulate the immune system, such as medicinal mushrooms, among which Sen Su Take (Agaricus blazei), Cordyceps sinensis, and Maitake stand out.

It is important to keep in mind that the immune response requires modulation or self-regulation so that it does not end up affecting the body itself and perpetuating an inflammatory process. When there is a failure in this modulation, diseases called “autoimmune” can develop, in which the body fails to recognize its own components and ends up attacking itself. The most well-known autoimmune diseases are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.

In patients with autoimmune diseases, taking supplements that stimulate immunity is not recommended, as they usually receive medications that do the opposite.

Before taking any of these supplements, it is important to consult with your trusted doctor.

Avoid self-medication, especially if you are sick or believe you have an active infection.

HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT IN A HEALTHY WAY

Ten Tips for Choosing a Good Plastic Surgeon in Colombia

If you wish to undergo plastic surgery in Colombia, we recommend following these steps:

1.- Verify your plastic surgeon’s training. The training of a plastic surgeon requires several stages that you should take into account:

A plastic surgeon is a doctor who has studied general medicine for six years. Subsequently, they have completed a specialization in Plastic Surgery, which can last between four to five years or more, depending on the place of training. This training may include one or two years of general surgery and three or four years of plastic surgery and can be completed at Colombian universities or abroad, accredited by the Colombian Ministry of Education.

It is very important to verify that your surgeon has completed this full-time training, meaning a minimum of eight hours per day, plus night shifts and academic training at different times, and not just weekend courses once or twice a month. To verify this, ask your surgeon to explain how their training was carried out and confirm that the university accrediting them has an affiliated hospital where plastic surgery services are provided. A quick way to verify this is through the website of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery, where you can find the names of surgeons whose résumés have been analyzed and approved by this society.

2.- Obtain references from patients operated on by your surgeon. Talk to patients you find in the consultation who have already undergone surgery and ask about their experience, especially how attentive the surgeon was after the surgery and whether the surgeon was available at all times to answer questions or concerns.

Also, ask how many times the surgeon attended to them after surgery and if they were attentive to resolving their doubts and concerns.

3.- Prepare all your doubts and questions before your first appointment with your surgeon. It is very important that the consultation is long enough for you to resolve all your doubts about the surgery, the procedure itself, its risks and how to avoid them, what results to expect based on your current body conditions, and what to expect after surgery, including recommendations and tips for a quick recovery. To do this, it is useful to prepare a list of questions so that nothing is forgotten during this crucial moment in selecting your surgeon.

If your surgeon has given you enough time and conducted an adequate medical examination by reviewing the areas to be treated, taking your weight and measurements, asking about your medical history, explaining the procedure, and what results can be obtained in your case, you can have greater confidence that they are a well-trained professional.

4.- Choose based on the trust the professional inspires. It is very important that there is empathy between you and your surgeon, as both of you will go through a journey together for several weeks until you complete your recovery.

The surgeon must be able to inspire trust, even if you have only interacted for a few minutes. Here, it is useful to assess how honest your surgeon is in explaining the scope and limitations of the techniques or if they merely tell you that everything you want is possible without considering the limitations that a particular procedure may have, which depend largely on the patient’s current conditions.

5.- Avoid low prices. Although plastic surgery in Colombia, especially in the city of Cali, has very competitive prices compared to other countries, these prices should not be too low, as they would not cover the cost of a high-quality clinic, an anesthesiologist trained in plastic surgery, and a full-time service.

Avoid low prices where the surgeon does not promise personalized post-operative follow-up but rather through a nurse. Do not choose a surgeon who offers you a clinic without sufficient backing, built in remodeled houses instead of facilities originally designed as clinics.

Remember that correcting or redoing a surgery that has yielded unsatisfactory results is much more expensive.

6.- Ask where you will be operated on. Before deciding to undergo surgery with a particular surgeon, investigate the conditions of the clinic where the procedure will take place. It is very important that this clinic is an established institution with all the necessary services to handle complications, such as an Intensive Care Unit, a Diagnostic Imaging Unit (X-rays and Computed Tomography at a minimum), a clinical laboratory, and a blood bank.

Ideally, the clinic should have a surgical unit dedicated exclusively to plastic surgery, separate from operating rooms for other specialties such as general surgery or gynecology. This ensures that surgeries are performed in rooms where contaminated or infected procedures from other specialties, mainly general surgery, have not been conducted.

7.- Do not trust surgeons who promise miraculous results. While it is true that plastic surgery can produce excellent changes in patients, there are limitations inherent to the techniques used and the patient’s body conditions. These limitations must be discussed with the surgeon so that if they promise results beyond what is expected or possible, you should doubt their honesty.

It is very likely that in this case, the surgeon is only interested in “selling” the procedure and not in helping the patient achieve harmonious results that make them feel better about themselves.

8.- Do not undergo surgery with a surgeon who suggests procedures you do not want or have not requested. One of the ethical principles and rights of patients is to freely decide on their care. When a surgeon suggests that a patient undergo a procedure they do not want or do not see as necessary at the moment, it is advisable to reject this proposal and consult another surgeon.

9.- Do not choose a surgeon based on advertising. While it is true that social media and advertising on the internet or physical media such as magazines or newspapers are valid ways to promote a service, it is also true that any doctor can advertise without necessarily being a certified plastic surgeon.

Considering this, it is advisable not to rely solely on advertising, especially advertisements on widely disseminated social media platforms like Instagram.

Nowadays, it is easy to find doctors without plastic surgery credentials making large-scale advertisements on these platforms, as well as on Google, where many fake plastic surgeons use “commercial” names or different terms from traditional plastic surgery procedures to give the impression that it is a new and more advantageous procedure than what a properly trained plastic surgeon offers. This is merely a marketing strategy to attract clients, which often leads to disappointment for patients. Therefore, do not trust procedures with unique names promoted on social media or the internet. The worst way to choose a surgeon is through social media without first verifying the previous steps.

10.- Consult with several surgeons. It is very useful to get opinions from different surgeons before making a decision. Consulting other surgeons helps you make a better decision based on the trust they generate and the information they provide, as it allows you to have a broader perspective on which procedure is most suitable for you and what to expect from the surgery.

You can choose the surgeon who has provided the best information, the one who has shown the most interest in answering your questions, the one who offers a realistic and non-exaggerated solution to your needs, the one willing to help you before and after surgery, the one who provides their personal phone number before surgery to answer your questions at any time, and the one who inspires the most confidence.

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Dr. Giovanny Alvarado - Plastic Surgeon
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