Most women absolutely love receiving gifts. At least, I do. So if I were recovering from breast augmentation at home vs. an aftercare facility, one of the last things I’d want to do is to actually go out and buy all of the necessities to ensure a speedy and proper healing period. Nope! I’d prepare beforehand and explore all of the cute gifts that JustGotEm.com offers. Milan Skrecek talks about the start of his successful venture:         

Q: Tell me again about the beginnings of JustGotEm.com. You mentioned that the idea sprang from a girlfriend of yours who underwent breast augmentation…

A: Back in 2001, I was dating a girl who had decided that she wanted to have breast augmentation surgery. She was extremely excited and nervous that she was getting the surgery done, and I wanted to show her that I was going to be there for her during her recovery.

I started to research recovery gifts, thinking that there would be hundreds to choose from but quickly found out that there weren’t any that were a “congratulatory” gift, one that showed that I cared. I was frustrated that I couldn’t find a decent gift box that helped women recover from augmentation surgery. Being an extremely creative individual, I compiled a selection of “smaller” gifts to make up a large congratulatory gift box.  It was more of a gift basket back then, full of most of the items you can get in the current versions of Justgotem’s gift boxes.  

A few days before her surgery, I presented the gift box to her and she loved it! It had a list of tips for both pre- and post-surgery and items that would help her through her three-week recovery process. She was so impressed that I created the gift box, telling all of her friends and stating that I should sell this “because it actually works.” So I did and started offering the breast augmentation recovery gift boxes online in 2002, and business has been amazing ever since. 

Q: When did you realize that your idea would be a success?

A: There were a couple of different moments I realized that the recovery gift boxes would be a success. The first one was having my girlfriend use my items to recover faster; actually watching the recovery gift box items in action. The second was about a month after launching the Web site. We didn’t have that much money to roll out a large scale marketing and advertising campaign but word got out that finally a well packaged, personal recovery gift box with quality, essential items was available. Sales went through the roof all by word of mouth only. The third was when I was receiving positive testimonials on how great the gift boxes were to use. It’s always nice to hear that you’ve helped someone through a tough time with a product you’ve created. 

Q: With so many different gift boxes, greeting cards, and clothing items to choose from, how does a person know what to select for his or her loved one?                          

A: You first have to determine how much recovery aid you or your loved one will require. Depending on your recovery needs, Justgotem.com has different levels of recovery gift boxes that include items that target different aspects of your recovery process. You also have to determine your budget. Justgotem.com has seven different gift boxes all valued priced depending on your budgeted recovery needs.

After choosing the recovery box you’ll need or want to give, you can add a clever greeting card (six to choose from), or select a cute top from the American Apparel clothing we offer in our clothing section. All of your items are beautifully wrapped and shipped to your door in attractive, but discreet, packaging.

If anyone is unsure about which recovery gift box is the right choice for them, you can always contact us and we can help you determine the right choice depending on your needs.

Q: Tell me about the creative minds behind your greeting cards. They are very creative and witty!

A: Our team gets together once a month to explore new gift box ideas, additional augmentation recovery information to add to the Web site, and any other beneficial items to add to make our Web site a resource for anyone needing recovery information. In one of our meetings, I brought up the idea of making funny greeting cards and they were very well received. We came up with three that first day, which flew off the shelves once we posted them on the Web site. We’re now up to six different cards and will have an additional three by the holiday season.

Q: I think it’s great that a portion of your sales are being donated to Breast Cancer Research. How did that relationship develop?

A: My mother is a breast cancer survivor so it was just a natural fit for our Web site. Anything I can do to help find a cure for this disease, I will. 

Q: What are your ultimate goals/plans for JustGotEm.com?

A: My ultimate plans for Justgotem.com are too take it to another level. Besides developing addition gift boxes and adding new recovery information, Justgotem.com will be recognized as a brand that is trusted and sought after for every breast augmentation procedure. Making the brand instantly recognizable is my ultimate goal.

Q: What do you love most about your job?

A: This might sound a little cliché, but I love the fact that I help women recover faster and with more comfort with a product that I created. Justgotem.com has helped thousands of women through their recovery process and we are blessed to still be in business after five years. 

~ Interview conducted by Elana  

Photo Credits: JustGotEm.com

My entire life I have seen my mom, Lori, suffer from debilitating headaches. Until recently, about one-and-a-half years ago, she has anguished from the pulsating pain caused by the dreaded migraine. Although her headaches have not completely gone away, they are definitely less severe and not as frequent since receiving Botox injections. According to my mom, “ I am able to do a lot more without the headaches. Before I would lie around with pain, but now I have more of an active life.”

 Her form of relief? Botox injected from Upland, California-based neurologist Shashi Shah, M.D. To learn more about the procedure that has made a world of a difference in my mom’s life, I decided to talk with Dr. Shah directly to gain insight.

 
Q: How does Botox work to prevent migraines?

A: “Botox works by interfering with the pain pathway, and also by relaxing the muscles that are tight in the neck area. It has been clinically proven to be helpful in moderate to severe types of tension headaches associated with tight neck muscles, and also migraines.”

Q: How do you determine if a patient is an ideal recipient of Botox?

A: “Patients do have to come in to see me for an initial consultation to determine if he or she would be a candidate. Then I give them a neurological exam and review their medical history.”

Q: How long do the injections take? And, what does the procedure consist of?

  A: “The actual procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the day of the procedure, the Botox is mixed with preservative-free normal saline as soon as the patient walks in. The mixture can sit for no more than three to four hours. It has to be used fresh.”

Q: Is there an average of injections administered?

A: “Per sitting, anywhere from 40 to 45.”

Q: How severe is the pain associated with these injections?

A: “It’s less painful than getting a regular shot. Most patients are already in pain so this is not as bad as that pain.”

Q: How often are the injections administered?

A: “Usually we recommend it every three months. After a series of injections, some patients might be able to decrease the frequency to four months.”

Q: What type of results do patients typically receive from Botox?

 A: “The patient does not notice any results right away. After about three days they usually start noticing the benefits, for example; improvement in the tightness of the neck muscles, improved range of motion, and reduction of the frequency and intensity of headaches. The benefits reach a peak in three weeks and they last for about three months. There is about 30 to 40 percent improvement after the first series, and after the second it is usually about 50 to 60 percent. After three of four series, we see 75 to 80 percent in most patients. The quality of life is better.”

According to Dr. Shah, Botox can even be used to help alleviate the pain associated with writer’s cramp and tennis elbow!

 In the meantime, I strongly recommend that if you are plagued by uncompromising, unrelenting, and unbearable headaches, consider Botox injections. Because the injections don’t get absorbed into the circulation, there are no systematic Botox side effects. So why not try it? It has made a world of a difference for my mother, and may just be perfect for you as well.

(Consult a Botox specialist with any additional questions — learn if your’re an ideal candidate!) 

Dr. Shah can be reached at (909) 946-2828.

Her address:  600 N Mountain Ave. # D 100
                            Upland, Ca 91786

~ Leeann

Photo Credits: Courtesy of my own camera work!

Case in point – Subject: you, Object: mirror, Time of day: irrelevant simply because the only sentiment crossing your mind is, “Aaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhh! Another pimple!” Followed by the inevitable question, why me? Most people wish that getting rid of acne was as easy as using a magic eraser pen. Reality stands – it’s simply NOT.

Truth is, acne affects thousands of people, both adults and children, with each person experiencing his or her own unique case – some arguably worse than others.

For those of us who suffer from the onslaught of acne or know someone who does, the following Q and A with patient preferred dermatologist, Laura A. King, M.D. in Orange County of Southern California renders great insight into the causes and treatment of acne. A board certified skincare physician with the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), Dr. King treats her patients with quality care and aims to rid their skin of those confidence-destroying blemishes:

Q: The “why me” question probes the minds of many people. Generally, given your experience and expertise, what are the most common causes of acne?

A: “Rising hormone levels during adolescence (puberty) cause the oil (sebaceous) glands of the skin to get bigger. The glands are connected to a hair-containing canal called a follicle. These glands make an oily substance called sebum which reaches the surface by emptying through the opening of the follicle on to the skin surface. Oil dead skin bacterial accumulates in the pore; the cells at the top of the pore become sticky, forming whiteheads and blackheads. If too much accumulation occurs, the pore wall weakens, ruptures, and sends oil dead skin bacterial into surrounding tissue. This causes swelling, inflammation and infection – these are pustules and cysts. (Oil and fatty acids are irritating to skin tissue).”

Q: What do various prescription acne treatments intend to target?

A: “Control of acne is an ongoing process. The dermatologist works with the patients in the prevention of new acne. Often times, the regimens are changed to find what works for each individual. There are many factors to consider, make-up, lotions, medications and menstrual cycles can contribute to acne. Antibiotics taken by mouth such as tetracycline, minocycline or erythromycin are often prescribed for moderate or severe cases. Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane), is sometimes used for severe cases that has not responded to other treatments.”

Q: What preventative and affordable measures can the average person take to better the appearance of their acne?

A: “Start with a visit to the dermatologist. Follow their directions and keep follow-up appointments. No one has the time and money to throw away on ineffective treatments. Working with a skin care professional will aid in keeping the treatment of acne affordable.”

Q: Acne is not necessarily limited to the face. Many people often have breakouts elsewhere, including their backs. What skincare methods do you recommend for body acne?

A: “There are some nice pumice scrubs on the market, but be careful not to damage the skin by over-scrubbing. We like the Pumice Scrub from Only Yours Skin Care. Glycolic based products also prove to be effective. We recommend GLYTONE skin care products; their Mild Gel Wash is our leading seller; our patients just love it. Choose products that are non-comedogenic, use gels instead of creams. Benzoyl peroxide washes are effective and easy to use on the back. They are available in both over-the-counter and prescription form. Patients are usually instructed to leave a wash in the shower. Oral antibiotics are also effective for non-facial acne.”

Q: Many people suffer from acne scarring. What treatments (i.e. bleaching agents) yield noticeable results?

A: “Acne scarring can often be helped with exfoliation, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and dermal fillers. Treatments vary in price and effectiveness. Bleaching agents deal with the pigmentation issues and not the scarring issue itself. The over the counter agents typically are not strong enough to be effective. A dermatologist can prescribe a more effective one for you to use.”

Know that you are not alone in your fight against acne! Doing your research and seeking the help of a qualified dermatologist are great steps in achieving your goal of a more refreshing, clearer appearance – and, if you’re like me, that is music to my skin. After all, an abundance of pimples is more than enough to call off a night out on the town!

~ Mellori V.

Top Image Credit: www.acne.org

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