December Newsletter 2023

Dec 1, 2023

From the corner office

I recently reviewed the longest ongoing, continuous study of human development, the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The research began in 1938 at Harvard as two studies, looking at both Harvard male graduates and disadvantaged middle and high school boys from Boston. It then merged and now follows about 3,000 original surviving participants and their children and spouses. It assesses many data points, including sociologic, mental health, and physiologic parameters down to the level of DNA and mRNA analysis to determine amongst several endpoints, what optimizes our well-being. 

I recently reviewed the longest ongoing, continuous study of human development, the Harvard Study of Adult Development. The research began in 1938 at Harvard as two studies, looking at both Harvard male graduates and disadvantaged middle and high school boys from Boston. It then merged and now follows about 3,000 original surviving participants and their children and spouses. It assesses many data points, including sociologic, mental health, and physiologic parameters down to the level of DNA and mRNA analysis to determine amongst several endpoints, what optimizes our well-being. 

Many of the takeaways are not surprising but reinforce much of what we already know about health and well-being. Prioritizing physical activity and healthy eating and avoiding cigarettes and drug and alcohol abuse, while cultivating and nurturing social connections, provides the greatest sense of well-being and happiness. When octogenarians were asked to look back on their lives, personal accomplishments were less valued than relationships, even when they included winning a Nobel prize. A healthy marriage can add seven years of life for women and 12 years for men, probably because we have someone caring about us and someone to care about, though on the whole women outlive men in the United States 81.2 years to 76 years, respectively. 

In a separate study looking at 416,000 individuals, it was determined that exercising just 15 minutes per day can reduce your risk of dying by 14% and can add an additional three years to your life, while each additional 15 minutes of exercise per day can reduce your risk of dying by 4%. It also improves the quality of your life daily. So, as those who have visited me in the office can attest, there is a sign in my treatment rooms that reads, “Ask your doctor if getting off your ass is right for you.” In almost all cases the answer is a resounding YES! Better to wear out than to rust. 

If we are going to live longer, one of the not-so-fun things about getting older is that both men and women may experience thinning hair. Speaking personally, I never thought that my thick, healthy hair would let me down, but I only had to look at my ancestors to know that my coveted coiffe would not be with me to the end. With my hair thinning, I started using topical minoxidil and then added Nutrafol Men’s Hair Growth Supplements (which also serves as my daily multi-vitamin supplement) and finally, Isdin Lambdapil Hair Density Lotion topically. In fact, when I added topical Isdin Lotion, my wife noticed that my hair was looking better and she didn’t even know I had started using this product! 

With these interventions, I was able to reduce my hair shedding and begin to improve my scalp coverage. I was pleased and thought that if I could keep the hair that I had, I would feel okay. However, now that we have introduced Sylfirm X, which has been shown to improve hair growth in areas of thinning, I have raised my expectations. Perhaps my hair won’t be as thick and dense as it was when I was younger, but I now believe that it will continue to improve, and that makes me happy. 

If you are battling thinning hair and looking to improve scalp coverage, Nutrafol has oral supplements formulated for both men and women under and over 45 years of age. Supported by nine double-blinded published studies showing statistically significant improvement in hair growth, Nutrafol is a product that works. The good news is that when you buy Nutrafol through our office you can enjoy significant savings when compared to buying it online or through your hair salon. Yes, it is substantially less expensive in a doctor’s office! If you are interested in Nutrafol, Isdin Lambdapil Lotion, or Sylfirm X to treat thinning hair, I encourage you to consult with one of our aestheticians.

Helping you look and feel great about yourself is what motivates my team and me every day. For many of us, looking good is part of our sense of well-being and a great motivator, which encourages us to make excellent life choices when it comes to our bodies and our relationships. 

As 2023 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for trusting us to care for you. It is both a privilege and a pleasure. I hope that 2024 brings you happiness and the world peace.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Seth A. Yellin, MD, FACS

Founder & Director, Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center

Fellow, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Diplomate, American Board of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 

Fellow, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Diplomate, American Board of Otolaryngology


From The West Cobb Office

I want to start by saying thanks to everyone that came out to support us in West Cobb for our Botox and Bubbly event! We had a blast seeing and treating you! And hopefully we can make this a West Cobb tradition! 

And with the end of the year quickly approaching us, I also want to take this opportunity to thank all of my patients who continue to make my job so rewarding and so much fun. It’s a pleasure to see you and treat you and I really am thankful for each and every one of you. I hope you take some time this holiday season to enjoy a bit of self care and relaxation. 

If you are considering getting injections before the end of the year, call and get on the schedule as soon as possible as availability is limited this month. I will also be seeing patients a few days in Marietta if this location is more convenient for you. Looking forward to seeing all your beautiful faces soon and looking forward to a great 2024! 

Kelly Houmand PA-C, MMS, PA-C



About the organization, Operation Warmth
Operation Warmth Cobb is an initiative dedicated to ensuring that children in Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools are equipped with warmth during the harsh winter months. Founded in 2011 by a compassionate individual named Barbara Hickey, this endeavor was sparked by the observation of students lacking adequate winter clothing. Barbara, witnessing the generosity of an office secretary distributing new coats to some children, was moved by the realization that numerous kids lacked winter wear due to financial constraints.
Driven by the noble goal of collecting 500 new winter coats initially, Operation Warmth Cobb has surpassed expectations, having gathered over 10,000 winter coats, gloves, and hats for students in need. The initiative, fueled by community support, has been a beacon of hope for countless children who would otherwise face the bitter cold without proper attire.
Despite the incredible impact made thus far, the demand persists and grows annually, as evidenced by over 1,000 new coat requests each year. Operation Warmth Cobb remains steadfast in its mission to provide essential warmth and comfort to these deserving children, relying on the generosity and kindness of donors and volunteers to ensure that no child goes without the necessary winter clothing. Through the collective effort and unwavering dedication of the community, Operation Warmth Cobb continues to spread warmth and joy, making a significant difference in the lives of local school children year after year.

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770-425-7575

Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center
Marietta – West Cobb

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