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Is Your Sunscreen Actually Doing Its Job?

The Decision to Undergo a Full Facial Rejuvenation

Facial aging is a natural process, but for many, the visible changes can feel at odds with how they perceive themselves. Total facial rejuvenation offers a way to restore confidence and achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance. For Tina, the decision to undergo a full facial rejuvenation in 11 days wasn’t made overnight. She had long noticed hooding around her eyes, and as she entered her 50s, she became more aware of skin laxity, volume loss, and hormonal changes that subtly reshaped her face.

After six months of research, reading patient reviews, and watching countless videos of before-and-after transformations, Tina found Dr. Raghu Athré. His expertise in local anesthesia with oral sedation was a game-changer for her—allowing a safer, smoother recovery without the risks of general anesthesia.

“I’ve had complications with general anesthesia before, and I didn’t want to go through that again. Finding a surgeon who specialized in local anesthesia was my number one priority.”

Beyond that, Tina felt a sense of trust and connection with Dr. Athré. She traveled from Florida to Texas for the procedure, knowing she was in capable hands.

See the Transformation: A Real Patient’s Total Facial Rejuvenation Journey

Wondering what total facial rejuvenation really looks like? Watch Tina’s story as she goes through the total facial rejuvenation process.

📺Watch the full story here:Facial Rejuvenation Case Study: She Finally Feels Like Herself!

Facing the Pre-Surgery Jitters

Even with months of research and preparation, pre-surgery anxiety is completely normal. The night before surgery, Tina admitted she felt nervous—a feeling many patients can relate to. Dr. Athré reassured her:

“Nerves are normal. The moment I start numbing you up, that’s when they’ll fade.”

Rather than suppressing this natural emotion, Dr. Athré explained that feeling nervous is the body's way of acknowledging an important event.

“It tells me you’re real. That this is important to you.”

For Tina, hearing this helped put things into perspective. The waiting was the hardest part—but she was ready to move forward.

What’s Included in a Total Facial Rejuvenation?

A total facial rejuvenation isn’t just one procedure—it’s a customized combination of treatments designed to address multiple concerns at once. Tina’s transformation included:

  • Upper & Lower Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty): To remove excess skin and create a more youthful, alert look.
  • Facelift & Neck Lift: To lift sagging facial skin, define the jawline, and smooth the neck.
  • Upper & Lower Lip Lift: To enhance lip shape, creating a more balanced, feminine appearance.
  • Fat Transfer: To restore volume loss in areas like the cheeks and under the eyes.
  • Stem Cell Treatment & Skin Rejuvenation: To accelerate healing and improve skin texture.

This multi-procedure approach meant that Tina could achieve dramatic yet natural results in a single surgical session, minimizing the need for multiple recoveries over time.

“We are doing just about everything,” Tina joked before surgery. “There aren’t many structures that aren’t being touched!”

Surgery Day: A New Beginning

The morning of her surgery, Tina was surprisingly calm.

“Yesterday I was a little nervous, but today I’m just ready.”

Dr. Athré performed the entire surgery under local anesthesia with oral sedation—meaning Tina was comfortable and aware, but not fully unconscious. This approach:

  • Minimizes post-op grogginess
  • Reduces swelling and bruising
  • Allows for a quicker recovery

The entire procedure took about nine hours, including brief breaks to ensure Tina remained comfortable. By the end of the day, she had completed her transformation and was on her way to recovery.

Recovery: From Swelling to Stunning in 11 Days

Post-Op Day 1: First Look at Results

By the next morning, Tina was feeling remarkably well.

“I don’t feel any pain—just a little tightness.”

She was already noticing significant improvements

  • ✔ Brighter, more open eyes
  • ✔ A tighter jawline and smoother neck
  • More feminine lips that enhanced her natural features
  • ✔ Minimal swelling and bruising, thanks to Dr. Athré’s advanced healing protocol

She also had zero need for pain medication—a testament to the gentle yet effective surgical approach.

Post-Op Day 2: Seeing the Transformation Take Shape

On day two, Tina had her drains removed, marking a major milestone in her recovery.

“I was worried about the drains, but I barely felt them being removed.”

Seeing her face free of surgical dressings for the first time, she was amazed at how much had changed in such a short period.

“I love my lips! I’ve never had lips before, and now I finally do.”

Week 1: Back to Normal Activities

By day 6, Tina was able to apply light makeup and even join a video call for work.

“I don’t need to be perfect yet, but I feel presentable.”

By day 10, she was comfortable going out in public—her swelling had subsided significantly, and her results were becoming more refined each day.

📌 By week 3, any lingering swelling would be minimal, and she would look and feel fully recovered.
📌 By 3-6 months, her final results would be completely settled.

Why Total Facial Rejuvenation is Life-Changing

For Tina, this experience wasn’t just about looking younger—it was about feeling like herself again.

“I want my face to match how I feel inside. I want to feel feminine and vibrant.”

Her biggest advice? Don’t wait.

“If you’ve been thinking about this for years, just do it. I wish I had done this sooner.”

Thinking About Total Facial Rejuvenation?

If you’re considering total facial rejuvenation in 11 days, Dr. Raghu Athré specializes in achieving natural, long-lasting results while using techniques that minimize downtime and discomfort.

📍 Athré Facial Plastics – Where science meets artistry.

📅 Schedule your consultation today!

📺 Watch Tina’s full journey here:YouTube Video

Sunscreen is supposed to be your first line of defense against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and most importantly, skin cancer. But here’s the thing: most people are using sunscreen incorrectly—or worse, they’re buying the wrong kind altogether. In a recent video, Dr. Raghu Athré, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and expert in facial rejuvenation, breaks down why chemical-based sunscreens might not be as effective as you think, and how to make smarter sun protection choices moving forward.

Not All UV Rays Are the Same—And Not All Sunscreens Protect Against Them

Let’s start with the basics. The sun emits different types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, but the two that matter most for your skin are UVA and UVB.

  • UVB = Burning: These rays are responsible for surface-level sunburns and are what SPF numbers typically measure.
  • UVA = Aging: These longer-wavelength rays penetrate the skin deeper, breaking down collagen and accelerating aging. They also contribute to skin cancers.

Even worse? The thinning ozone layer is letting more of these rays through, increasing your overall risk. And here’s where the issue with sunscreen starts to appear.

The Truth About Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and then converting that energy into heat. Ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone help stabilize skin and reduce free radical damage, but they don't block the rays from hitting it in the first place. That means UV exposure still occurs before any protection kicks in.

The biggest takeaway is that chemical sunscreens don’t actually block UV rays—they just attempt to minimize the damage once they have entered your skin.

Mineral Sunscreens Are More Effective—and Here’s Why

On the other hand, mineral (or physical) sunscreens contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act like tiny mirrors, bouncing the sun’s rays off your skin. Zinc oxide, in particular, offers the broadest range of UVA and UVB protection of any sunscreen ingredient available.

Dr. Athré explains it this way: if he were building the “perfect sunscreen,” it would be zinc oxide-based, possibly supplemented with additional stabilizing agents. Most medical-grade sunscreens use zinc oxide for this very reason.

So, why are chemical sunscreens still on every drugstore shelf? The reasons are cost, aesthetics, and consumer preference. Chemical sunscreens tend to apply invisibly and feel lighter, but that comes at the cost of protection.

The Label Doesn’t Always Tell the Full Story

Dr. Athré took a trip to Costco and found zero sunscreens with zinc oxide among major name brands. Most featured chemical ingredients are exclusively. The problem? They gave users the illusion of protection without actually blocking UV penetration.

When shopping for sunscreen, flip that bottle around and look for zinc oxide at or near the top of the ingredient list. Without it, you’re not getting full-spectrum protection—no matter what the front label claims.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Really Use?

Even with the right sunscreen, most people aren’t using enough to get the protection they think they are. According to Dr. Athré:

  • Use a nickel-sized amount for your face.
  • Use a shot glass (1 ounce) for your entire body.

Consumer studies show that most people use only a third of the recommended amount. That means if you’re applying SPF 30 but underdosing, you’re really getting something closer to SPF 10.

That number is even worse with powder or spray sunscreens—closer to SPF 3. Reapplication matters, too.

There’s No Such Thing As All-Day or Waterproof Sunscreen

Despite what labels promise, no sunscreen lasts all day, and none is truly waterproof. At best, sunscreens are “water-resistant,” and even then, they last only 40 to 80 minutes.

Dr. Athré’s rule of thumb:

  • Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
  • Reapply more often if swimming or sweating.

Sunscreen for Kids: A Lifetime of Protection Starts Early

One of the most sobering insights Dr. Athré shares: Your risk of melanoma is directly tied to how many bad sunburns you had before age 12.

Children’s skin is even more vulnerable to UV damage, making early sun protection a crucial part of lifelong skin health. Think of sunscreen not just as a cosmetic habit, but a medical one.

Dr. Athré’s Final Sunscreen Rules

Here’s the bottom line, according to Dr. Athré:

  1. Always choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide.
  2. Apply the right amount: nickel-sized for your face, a shot glass for your body.
  3. Reapply often, especially during outdoor exposure.
  4. Don’t rely on marketing. Flip the bottle and check the ingredients.
  5. Start early—the damage begins young, and prevention is key.

Recommended Mineral-Based Sunscreens (With Zinc Oxide)

These broad-spectrum options meet Dr. Athré’s standards:

  • EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 – Ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin
  • Blue Lizard Mineral SPF 50+ – Gentle, reef-safe, great for kids
  • Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral SPF 36 – Sheer tint, no white cast
  • Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 – Powder formula that sets makeup

All of these contain zinc oxide as the primary active ingredient and are broad-spectrum. That means they help protect against both burning (UVB) and aging (UVA).

Sunscreen: The Most Powerful Anti-Aging Product You Own

It’s easy to get caught up in expensive serums, resurfacing treatments, and miracle creams. But if you’re skipping proper sun protection, none of those things will matter long term.

As Dr. Athré says, “We only look at skin health from a superficial point—like smoothness or glow—but it’s so much more. Protecting your skin is about preventing cancer and preserving health. It just happens to keep you looking younger too.”

Want help choosing the right mineral sunscreen? Call our office or stop by. We carry medical-grade options with zinc oxide for true UV protection—and real results.