As a plastic surgeon, skin is my specialty. I see all manner of skin, some which is smooth well into a person's later years, and those with rough skin that is aged well before its time. The question comes up often: How does a person preserve her skin to avoid premature aging? This is an issue with many of my patients, whether they are getting a labiaplasty or vaginoplasty (as many of mine are), or a facelift or breast augmentation. Let me explain some tips for avoiding premature skin aging.

- Tip number one: Reduce the amount of animal fats you consume. A lot has been said lately about trans-fats. These are those that are manufactured as opposed to occurring naturally. Eating a high amount of these is unhealthy and might speed up your skin's aging process. Keep in mind that margarine is almost entirely polyunsaturated fatty acids. These acids are known to cause skin aging and wrinkling in many people. When you reduce your intake of animal fats, you help your skin to protect itself against the effects of stress. So instead of trans-fats, incorporate omega-3 fats / fatty acid foods like fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, or soybeans.

- Tip number two: Use alcohol in moderation. Whenever a person drinks alcohol, the tiny blood vessels beneath her skin become dilated. This increases the blood flow to the surface of her skin, making her skin appear flushed. It also eventually causes wrinkles.

- Tip number three: Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. In essence, caffeine acts like a mild diuretic, which means it draws water out of the body. This in turn causes the skin to lose much of its moisture and plumpness. Perhaps you've noticed that when you drink a lot of caffeine, you don't need to visit the bathroom as much. That's because of the diuretic effect. By limiting yourself to two cups of coffee a day (or the equivalent in other beverages), you'll help your skin retain its moisture.

- Stop smoking! It not only damages your skin, but just about every other part of your body as well. Cigarette smoke makes your blood vessels construct, resulting in a decrease of blood flow to the skin. Smoking creates wrinkles and crow's feet as well as lines around your mouth.

- Reduce your sugar and carb intake. Any time you eat sweets or sugary snacks, increased levels of sugar get into your blood stream. The sugars produce compounds in you which have a negative effect on human skin.

- Don't stress out! Any time you're upset or worried, your face assumes a certain frowning appearance. This will cause permanent worry lines on your face. You can combat these wrinkles by reducing stress in your life. How? It could be as easy as taking up a new hobby, doing some activity that you find enjoyable, begin exercising regularly, or stay away from situations that you know will bring on stress.

Following these steps might not prevent you from ever needing plastic surgery, but they will work together with any procedure you get to keep you looking as long as possible.