Reflections on Beauty

Reflections Spa for skin rejuvenation

Skin cells produce melanin, a pigment that gives skin its color. According to the National Institutes of Health, when skin produces too much melanin it is called hyperpigmentation. While this condition is usually harmless, it can leave people feeling self-conscious about their skin and uncomfortable with how they look. Luckily, there are treatment options out there, including laser facial rejuvenation.

Daily Glow reports that laser therapy can have a dramatically positive effect on hyperpigmentation disorders, and scientists are working on developing new laser treatments to further improve the look of skin for women who have discoloration stemming from pregnancy, sun exposure, or skin injuries.

Summer is a good time for laser facial rejuvenation

Summer is coming up, and with more time in the sun can come sunburns, which sometimes leave behind areas of hyperpigmentation. Scotsman.com recently published an article by one woman who visited her local clinic to recieve laser facial rejuvenation to combat sun spots.

She reported that the treatment only lasted 15 minutes, and the most she felt was a slight prickly sensation in her skin. After a week, most of the side effects of the treatment, such as red marks – and the author's hyperpigmentation – were gone.

"The marks heal quickly. Only two weeks after treatment, one area is just pink skin and after [two weeks] two have all but disappeared," wrote Claire Hay for the news source.

She said she "loved the results" and would consider going back for more if she finds herself battling sun spots once again.

New combination light and laser facial rejuvenation treatment

Recently, Skin and Allergy News reported on a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, which found that using a combination of a nonablative, fractional laser and an optimized pulsed light may improve hyperpigmentation in a single treatment.

This approach to facial rejuvenation was also found to improve wrinkles, but not significantly. All of the patients reported that they were satisfied with the results of this treatment, and most even said they were "very satisfied."

"A single treatment with this combined approach to facial rejuvenation can lead to modest improvement in wrinkles and significant improvement in pigmentation," said researcher Chung-Yin Stanley Chan, M.D.

The scientists added that while one treatment was successful, multiple sessions may lead to even better results.

People who experience hyperpigmentation may find effective treatment in laser facial rejuvenation techniques, and should talk to their doctor about which may be right for them.
 

Reflections Spa for smart lipo

When people think about liposuction, their first thought is probably removing fat from the stomach area. Of course, this isn't the only part of the body where excess fat shows up, which is why more individuals are turning to laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, to get rid of unwanted fat wherever it pops up.

Recently, WWL TV, a Louisana news source, reported on safe and effective solutions for loose, wrinkled skin under the arms caused by fat and aging. While diet and exercise may be able to make a dent in this problem, for many women it's not enough to get their arms looking the way they used to. According to the news source, this is where smart lipo and other laser procedures come in.

It's not just a problem for older people

The information provider spoke to Megan Zander, a 25-year-old doctor's assistant and Iraq veteran who, despite her young age and history of exercise, can't seem to get rid of pesky arm fat.

"It's the frustration behind being a very active person, being heavily into the gym, knowing how to workout right, eating properly and still not being able to get this area to go anywhere," said Zander of her arms, quoted by the news source.

Dermatologist Patricia Farris told the information provider that she sees many young women with the same problem as Zander, even if they exercise and eat right.

Laser lipo can help

The news source spoke to dermatologists who recommended laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, as a simple solution to the problem of under arm fat. A recently released report by Global Industry Analysis on the the cosmetic procedure market in the U.S. and Europe projects that the market will grow tremendously by 2017, due in part to the overwhelming popularity of laser procedures, such as laser lipo.

Plastic surgeon Cynthia Mizgala told WWL that laser lipo leaves almost no scar, and the patient can return to work the next day. Also, the procedure can be done with the patient is awake, eliminating the need for anesthesia, which can have unpleasant side effects.

After undergoing smart lipo, individuals may want to get laser skin tightening to perfect their look. According to DocShop.com, this minimally invasive procedure can help people achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without surgery.
 

Reflections Spa

Plastic surgery is something that is becoming more common, due in part to the rise of minimally invasive procedures, such as Botox injections, laser hair removal and laser liposuction. These treatments offer people results with far less cost and recovery time than a traditional cosmetic operation. As the popularity of these procedures has risen, so have the number of couples that are choosing to enhance their appearance together.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that although the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons don't keep specific statistics on the matter, both organizations have noticed a growing number of couples getting cosmetic procedures together.

A continuing trend

Although the  L.A. Times article is a recent one, cosmetic doctors also reported seeing more couples in November 2011. Then, the Today Show profiled Ira and Roberta Almeas, a couple who decided to have minimally invasive work done to make them appear younger. They received Botox injections, fillers and laser treatments.

The news source spoke to Mitchell Chasin, medical director for Reflections Center for Skin and Body who consulted with the Almeas, who said that the fact that couples are coming in together represents a growing acceptance of cosmetic procedures.

"Years ago, we would see a wife come in and she would say, 'I can't let my husband know what I'm doing,'" said Chasin, quoted by the news source. "And then the husband would come in and he would say, 'You know what, this is a secret, please don't tell my wife.'"

Men want to look good too

The Los Angeles Times spoke to plastic surgeon Richard Chaffoon and Malcolm Roth, M.D., president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and who said that when a wife comes in and has work done and then goes home looking years younger, their husbands are inspired to improve their appearance as well.

"Sometimes the man will say, 'Well, I think my wife's looking good, and I don't want to look as old as I look when she looks so young and energetic,'" said Roth, quoted by the news source.

He added that it's not always the wife who makes the first move, sometimes it is the husband who initiates a consultation with a cosmetic doctor.

Men, in particular, have been showing an increased interest in Botox injections and liposuction procedures, such as laser lipo. 

Reflections Spa

While acne doesn't usually last forever, the unsightly scars that can come as a result of years of pimples can. Luckily, there are many acne scarring treatment options that can help people improve the appearance of their skin.

Recently, The Ottawa Citizen spoke to two dermatologists about the choices people have for effective acne scarring treatment.

Acne and scarring: more common than you may think

Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Almost 85 percent of all people experience acne at some point in their lives, and many of these individuals may be in need of acne laser treatment.

To understand what acne scarring treatment is right for them, people first need to determine what type they have. According to Acne.org, there are four major types of scars: ice pick, boxcar, rolling and hypertrophic.

There are many pictures available online that can help people see which type of scars that they have.

How does acne laser treatment work?

The Citizen reports that there are two main types of acne laser treatment: ablative laser and non-ablative laser.

Ablative lasers remove a layer of skin with a laser beam and remove microscopic channels so that the volume of the scar is reduced. While this procedure is effective, is also has some side effects, such as skin whitening, so people have to be sure to choose a doctor they trust.

Non-albative lasers do not remove a layer of skin, but instead target scar tissue until it is damaged. When it heals, the texture of the skin may show improvement.This procedure has far less risk and need of downtime it may be a good idea for people who have moderate acne scars.

"By decreasing the redness of the scar, its appearance is improved," said dermatologist  Demetra Vassiliou, quoted by the news source. "With time, the redness of the scar will go away on its own."

What are other forms of acne scarring treatment?

The Citizen added that Botox injections and other fillers may improve the appearance of scars.

Also, people should avoid popping, squeezing, or picking at acne to keep scars from developing. Individuals who want to improve their skin should talk to a doctor about acne scar treatment options. 

Reflections Spa

The economy may be tough, but one thing is clear: Americans still love minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. That was the gist of the latest report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), which showed that in 2011, nearly 14 million cosmetic procedures were done in the U.S., and Americans spent more than $10 billion on them.

According to the report, there was a rise in the three main categories: common plastic surgery procedures, reconstructive surgeries and the minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as Botox injections and laser hair removal.

Botox is leading the way

The study showed that this overall growth seems to be driven by the fact that more Americans are seeing the benefits of minimally invasive procedures, especially Botox injections. The official website for Botox Cosmetics states that more than 11 million men and women have experienced the wrinkle-smoothing results of these simple injections.

In 2011, there were an estimated 5.7 minimally invasive procedures performed, which is a 5 percent increase from last year.

Minimally invasive, major results

According to 24/7 Wall St., the average surgical procedure costs $3,694, while the average minimally invasive procedure costs $376.

"Overall, cosmetic surgeries have become safer, more efficient and relatively cheaper. Generally done in an outpatient setting – in a doctor’s office or surgical center – they frequently require no overnight stays in the hospital," according to the news source.

The information provider spoke to ASPS President Malcolm Roth, M.D., who said that more people are calling for quick fixes with minimal down time. The doctor added that fillers like Botox are able to give people dramatic improvement to their appearance with less cost, risk and recovery time.

It's not just Botox

The news source discovered that the third most popular cosmetic procedure in the country is liposuction. While some people may believe that this is an invasive operation, it doesn't have to be, thanks to laser lipo. This involves targeted laser energy to help remove fat from problem areas of the body. This procedure is less expensive than traditional liposuction, and only calls for one to two days of downtime.

The results are clear: Thanks to Botox, lasers and other advancements in technology, cosmetic procedures are more popular, safe and affordable than ever before.
 

Reflections Spa for Laser Lipo

Most people get cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and feel better about themselves, but does it help? Even if a person's laser lipo or botox injection are effective at zapping fat and wrinkles, do clients actually walk away with improved self-esteem? According to a recent study published in Plastic and Reproductive surgery, the answer is yes.

Scientists found that patients who underwent a liposuction or abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck), reported that they experienced increased self-esteem and quality of life after their procedure. Researchers studied 360 people who were getting lipo and/or a tummy tuck. Also, 30 percent of these individuals also received a facelift, breast augmentation or other cosmetic procedure at the same time.

According to the scientists, 98 percent of people who had a tummy tuck and lipo said that they would undergo the procedure again. Also, 99 percent of these individuals said that they would recommend the operation to their friends.

This is a significant finding, considering that an increased quality of life is the goal for many people who get cosmetic procedures done.

"Liposuction and abdominoplasty, individually and in combination, produce high rates of patient satisfaction and reliably improve self-esteem," said researcher Eric Swanson, M.D.

These findings coincide with previous studies that have shown the psychological benefits of cosmetic procedures. For example, back in 1998, researchers from Rutgers University found that cosmetic procedures significantly improved quality of life for patients. Furthermore, the scientists said that the positive feelings reported by patients were long-term.

Medical News Today reports that in the last few years, advancements have been made in lipo that allow doctors to remove more fat cells with less blood loss, risk and discomfort. For instance, laser liposuction is known to have fewer side effects because it liquefies fat before it's suctioned out, resulting in smaller incisions and shorter healing time.

"If a patient has thought everything through carefully beforehand, talked to their general practitioner and surgeon about their aims, motives and expectation, the surgeon is skilled and well qualified, and there are no complications, most patients are pleased with their [lipo] results," according to Medical News Today.

All of this suggests that individuals who have been considering laser lipo should continue to work to find a qualified doctor and facility to receive this procedure and potentially improve their quality of life. 

Reflections Spa for Laser Tattoo Removal

Every year many Americans get tattoos to commemorate an event in their lives, show their love for someone or simply because they think it looks cool. According to Global Travel Industry News, tattoos are becoming more common, and an estimated 21 percent of Americans over the age of 18 have some sort of permanent ink on them, which is up from 14 percent in 2008.

While tattoos have become more common, many still view the body art in a negative light. For example, the news source stated that a poll by Harris Interactive found that at least two out of five people said that tattoos make individuals less attractive, while one-quarter said that people with tattoos are less intelligent, healthy or spiritual.

With this rise in tattoos comes something else – a rise in the number of people searching for laser tattoo removal.

Recently, The Huffington Post spoke to some individuals who have begun to regret the tattoos that they got years ago. While many individuals may believe that this regret is due to people thinking their ink is ugly or it reminds them of an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend, in reality, the economic recession has people re-thinking their tattoo.

"The recession and its accompanying workforce shrinkage may have caused some to rethink their tattoos. The prevailing thinking is: Why give a hiring boss any reason to reject you? No one wants to blow a job interview because of a snake crawling down their arm," according to the news source.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, an estimated 17 percent of people with a tattoo have considered getting it removed. Luckily for these individuals, there are many options for laser tattoo removal, though some tattoos respond better than others.

"Tattoos can be removed, although results may vary depending on the inks used and the depth of the tattoo. Dark blue, red, some lighter blues and green inks all respond well to laser treatment, but the best candidates for tattoo removal are people with light skin who have a black ink tattoo," according to the organization.

The Academy added that lasers may remove tattoos with the least amount of scarring. This is important, because while some individuals may want to remove their ink, they don't want to replace it with a scar. 

Reflections Spa for Botox

In the 1820s, a doctor named Justinus Kerner conducted a study that led him to discovering a bacteria called botulinum, which he believed to be nothing more than a poison. More than 100 years later, doctors purified this toxin and it became Botox, the substance we all know and love today as the injectable than can make wrinkles disappear and help a person look years younger. Now, Botox is celebrating its 10th birthday as being one of the most popular cosmetic procedure in America.

Recently, WPTV in Florida published a brief history of Botox injections as a cosmetic procedure to mark this milestone.

Botox received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 15, 2002, mainly for use on lines between the brows. Since then, doctors have been discovering all sorts of purposes for Botox injections, some cosmetic and some not. For example, Total Beauty states that professionals have used Botox injections to cure migraine headaches and ease severe underarm sweating, two conditions that can seriously impact a person's quality of life.

WPTV went on to say that since receiving FDA approval, Botox has ranked the most common cosmetic procedure year after year. Approximately 5.7 million Americans had the injections in 2011, 518 percent more than the 1.1 million who had the injections in 2002.

Botox has even been able to survive the economic recession, where so many other cosmetic procedures have failed.

"We've seen our Botox numbers go up pretty much every year. Maybe people are coming a little less frequently, but more people are coming and they're doing more areas," said Kenneth Beer, a West Palm Beach, Florida dermatologist, quoted by WPTV.

Fredric Brandt, a dermatologist in Miami, told the news source that Botox is "the biggest revolution in cosmetology and dermatology in the last 30 years." The news source stated that Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin type A, which is a potentially fatal natural poison. There's nothing to worry about, however, because in small doses the the toxin simply temporarily paralyzes small muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. Typically, Botox injections last about four months.

While some people have criticized the procedure, Beer and Brant agreed that Botox has offered their patients a simple way to look and feel younger, which may boost their confidence.

"Botox really opened the door and unleashed a new era of cosmetic dermatology," said Beer, quoted by the news source. "So it was really that approval that unlocked the door to doctors to provide safe and effective cosmetic treatments."

Reflections for Botox injections.

Many individuals view procedures like Botox injections or laser skin rejuvenation as luxuries reserved for the wealthy, despite them being more commonplace now than ever before. In Brazil, it appears as though the treatments are viewed as somewhat of a necessity, because clinics in the South American country are offering procedures at a significant discount or free of charge for low-income individuals.

The Washington Post spoke to some healthcare providers who are offering their services as a sort of charity to men and women seeking firmer necklines or wrinkle-free faces.

"What’s a wrinkle? Something minor, right? Something with precious little importance," said Nelson Rosas, a cosmetic surgeon at the Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine's Rio clinic, quoted by the news source. "But when we treat the wrinkle, that unimportant little thing, we’re actually treating something very important: The patient’s self esteem."

Proponents of offering free or cheap cosmetic procedures to low-income individuals say that correcting a physical flaw may act as a sort of therapy, curing people of their insecurities. This notion was pioneered by plastic surgeon Ivo Pitanguy, according to the WaPo. Now 85 years old, Pitanguy still operates on all people – from the rich and famous to the less fortunate.

It's true that individuals need to be aware of the risks involved in cosmetic procedures – especially invasive operations like a breast augmentation. However, wanting a slight boost of self-esteem may be a legitimate reason for going under the scalpel, needle or laser, whatever the case may be.

An article that was published in Psych Central states that cosmetic enhancement can make a significant improvement in a person's self-esteem and sexual confidence. The news source cited a Barry University study which revealed that breast augmentation may result in an improved perception of self and sexual function in women.

However, people with significant self-esteem problems may not be ideal candidates for cosmetic procedures, as plastic surgery cannot fix deep-seated psychological issues.

"There may be patients who will never be satisfied with their bodies no matter how much surgery they receive or feel that their life will completely change after plastic surgery," said Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Nursing, quoted by Psych Central.

Reflections for Botox injections.

Life in the limelight can be challenging, with media outlets and bloggers criticizing every fashion choice a celebrity makes, and each new wrinkle that appears on a star's face. Two ladies who know this well – Courteney Cox and Miss Piggy – recently spoke with news sources on why they choose Botox injections.
Cox told The Telegraph, a UK newspaper, that she's a "guinea pig" for products that promise a younger looking face.

"Look, I'm close to 50. Getting older isn't easy for anybody. Especially here in Los Angeles. So let's be clear: looking youthful is something I do a lot of research on. Man, I could use some Botox right now," Cox said, quoted by the news source.

Botox injections are just one component of Cox's skin care regimen. She also keeps her complexion protected from the sun's damaging UV rays, gets plenty of sleep and exercises regularly. Additionally, the actress said that she steers clear of carbohydrates and loads up on protein-rich foods like steak.

Clearly, Miss Piggy's diet isn't so stringent, as the full-figured Muppet was seen in her latest movie, simply titled The Muppets, downing a plate of iced donuts. She sat down for an interview with the Daily Mail in which she spilled her anti-aging secrets.

"I look younger. And the truth is that I have had work done," Piggy confessed to writer Jan Moir. "I'm not afraid to admit it, Moir. I believe one should maintain one’s beauty by whatever means necessary – nip and tuck, Botox, caulking. If it works, do it."

Last year, the International Business Times pointed out a number of other celebrities who have gone under the needle in order to look good on-screen.

Megan Fox, Kim Kardashian, Jenny McCarthy, Sharon Osbourne, Vanessa Williams, Jennie Garth, Daisy Fuentes, Simon Cowell, David Hasselhoff, Linda Evangelista, Janice Dickinson, Lisa Rinna, Cindy Crawford, Kim Catrall and Nicole Kidman all made the news source's list of Botox-ed celebrities.

Botox's popularity may be attributed to its proven efficacy and long-term safety. While the injectable is relatively common and safe, it's still important for patients to do research on the product and speak with their healthcare provider about whether Botox injections are appropriate for them.