Over 20 years of experience crafting evidence-based content for consumer health sites, medical professionals and health care brands. Got a project? Email me at adrienne@writeradrienne.com
Plastic Surgery Recovery Timelines and Aftercare Tips
Waking up from plastic surgery can feel like being a kid on Christmas morning. The excitement, anticipation and nervousness — oh my! But, as eager as you may be to see and start enjoying your results, patience and proper aftercare can be essential to both a safe and comfortable recovery and your results.
Below, we'll explore some common factors associated with recovery and how managing them can help make your recovery as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
How old is “too old” for plastic surgery?
The number of Americans over 65 is rising, and all Baby Boomers will be over 65 by 2030. Consequently, the number of Baby Boomers seeking plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments is also growing. In 2024, this age group made up 59 percent of all facelifts performed in the United States and 61 percent of people who had skin resurfacing treatments.
If you're a Baby Boomer – or Baby Boomer adjacent – you may wonder if you're too old for plastic surgery from a safety standpoint. Well, it turns out...
The One Difference Between STIs and STDs — and How to Minimize Your Risk
STIs and STDs aren’t the same thing. Really!
If you thought they were, you’re not the only one. The terms are often used interchangeably even though they’re different conditions.
So, what’s the diff and why does it matter? We’ll get to that and answer some of your other STI and STD questions here.
What’s the short answer?
STIs are sexually transmitted infections. STDs are sexually transmitted diseases.
An STI is only considered a disease when it causes symptoms. That’s it. That’s the one diff...
Stubborn knee fat? There are several solutions for that
No part of the body is immune to the effects of genetics, aging, gravity or weight fluctuations, including your knees. Excess fat, sagging skin or wrinkles – or all of them – can develop on and around the knees, affecting the overall contour of your legs and aging them.
Knees might not be the most obvious choice for cosmetic surgery, but more people are seeking out procedures targeting this often-overlooked area, driven by growing interest in anti-aging treatments and body contouring, especia...
Does Absinthe Really Make You Hallucinate?
Absinthe, a liqueur, is a combination of spirits and herbs, mainly fennel, anise, and a type of wormwood called Artemisia absinthium. That’s what it’s named after.
Van Gogh and Picasso were big fans of absinthe back in the day, along with other artists. Some believe that absinthe-induced hallucinations partly inspired some of their greatest works.
These hallucinations were thought to be an effect of thujone, a compound in the type of wormwood used in absinthe.
But the thing is, absinthe doesn’t actually cause hallucinations...
Celebrity transparency in plastic surgery
We've been seeing an increasing acceptance and embracing of plastic surgery in recent years, but things went next-level when Kylie Jenner responded to a comment on TikTok with specifics about her breast augmentation, right down to the implant type, size and placement.
This shift in celebrity transparency around plastic surgery marks a significant departure from the days of stars denying having had work done, even when some of the work was far from subtle.
Along with helping to destigmatize pl...
The Ultimate Guide to Period-Related Breakouts
As if being bloated, crampy, and cranky as all get out isn’t bad enough, some of us also get period acne. As a matter of fact, 65 percentTrusted Source of people report a worsening of their acne during their period.
Here’s what to know about managing and treating period-related acne and whether you’re dealing with run-of-the-mill breakouts or stubborn, painful chin cysts...
Understanding and Managing Chronic Inflammation
Inflammation refers to your body’s process of fighting against things that harm it, like infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself.
When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system.
This response includes the release of antibodies and proteins, as well as increased blood flow to the damaged area. In the case of acute inflammation — like getting a cut on your knee or dealing with a cold — the whole process usually lasts for few days.
Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your bod...
Types of Pain: How to Recognize and Talk About Them
Pain comes from the communication between your nerves, spinal cord, and brain. Depending on the underlying cause, your pain may be acute, chronic, neuropathic, or nociceptive, which is divided into visceral and somatic pain types.
We all feel pain differently, so you may find it difficult to describe the pain you’re feeling to others. You can also experience more than one type of pain at a time, which only adds to the difficulty.
Understanding the different types of pain can make it easier fo...
Why You Want to Eat All the Things Before Your Period
If you’re having certain food cravings during your period, it’s likely related to your hormones or serotonin. Common cravings tend to be carbohydrates and sweets. Hear what health writer Adrienne Santos-Longhurst has to say.
Don’t be too hard on yourself for wanting to inhale some chocolate and chips with a side of tacos just before your period.
Period cravings and hunger are real, and there are reasons — legitimate, scientifically proven reasons — why you want to eat all the things before yo...
Treating Moderate to Severe Ulcerative Colitis with Biologics
Biologic medications treat ulcerative colitis by reducing inflammation in your body. If other treatments have not helped to manage your symptoms, biologics may be an effective option.
Treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC) has two main goals: to help subdue your flare-ups and to reduce the number of flare-ups you have. Biologics are among the newest drugs available for treating UC. They can be beneficial for those who haven’t found relief yet.
What are biologics?
Biologics are a class of genet...
Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Trends: 9 Expert Picks for 2026
Subtle enhancements with natural-looking results, procedures to complete your post-weight-loss body and plastic surgery tailored to men are just a few of the 2026 cosmetic trends to keep your eye on. Learn about these and more...
Common IBS Symptoms in Females
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects the large intestine. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. It may also cause diarrhea, constipation, or both.
While anyone can develop IBS, the condition is more common in women, with a prevalence of 12% in women versus 8.6% in men.
Many of the symptoms of IBS in females are the same as those in males, but some women report that symptoms get worse during their menstrual cycle...
The Science Behind Angry Sex and How to Make It Happen
What’s the big deal?
Passion, for starters!
Angry sex tends to be the kind of throw-down, need-you-right-now sex you read about in bodice-ripping romance novels or see in rom-coms.
It can be fiery, exciting, and the ultimate tension release.
But as great as it can feel to give in to all of that emotion and pent-up frustration, angry sex isn’t always the best idea.
If you’re in it for the wrong reasons — like avoiding a difficult conversation — you might want to hold off.
Read on to learn more about why angry sex happens, how to spice things up, and when to reconsider.
The key to a happy relationship? For some couples, it's living apart: 'Trust, honesty and humour'
U.K. data indicates that seniors who live separately from their partners have better mental health than those who live together.
Newlywed actor Jack Wagner's relationship recently made headlines when he shared that he and his new wife plan to continue to live separately. While some fans were shocked by this seemingly unconventional living arrangement, it's not actually that uncommon at all.
While several celebrity couples, including Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden, have touted the benefits of s...