Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

We all know what they look like: Swollen, twisted, blue or purple veins popping up under the skin, making an unsightly and knotted mass on the legs. But what exactly are spider and varicose veins, and how can they be treated?

Well, the condition appears when the valves in the vein stop functioning properly, according to Medical News Today. In a normal vein, the mechanisms open and close to promote an even, one-directional flow. However, some individuals have a harmless congenital defect in their valves, causing blood to move in both direction and leading to dilated, bulging veins, the news source reported.

It's estimated that 30 percent of adults have varicose or spider veins, which most often occur in women. While these blue bulges may make you feel too shy to wear skirts, dresses or shorts out in public, they are unlikely to cause any negative health problems.

In some cases, varicose or spider veins may become painful or make the legs feel heavy. Individuals with these symptoms may want to seek treatment for their condition in order to improve their quality of life.

People who are not too bothered by their appearance but want to make an effort to stop the progression of the condition may want to consider compression stockings, which squeeze the legs from the ankle up to improve circulation. These can be uncomfortable, especially during warm weather, and may not be effective for some, but the stockings are still a good option for certain individuals.

Ligation and stripping is a method in which a surgeon ties off the vein, threads a wire through it and pulls it out through an incision. This operation completely removes varicose veins, but comes with risks of bleeding, bruising, pain and even deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, patients typically need to take one to three weeks off work and other activities while they heal.

Technology in laser vein removal has come a long way since its early days. The technique consists of strong bursts of light that make spider veins fade away, according to WomensHealth.gov. Usually, a patient require two or three sessions to completely get rid of unsightly veins, each lasting about 15 or 20 minutes. Best of all, individuals can resume normal activities following laser vein removal.

For more severe varicose veins, an endovenous laser vein treatment may be needed. During this procedure, bothersome veins are treated from the inside with radiofrequency or laser energy to restore normal blood flow and reduce the appearance of bulging veins. 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

Some tattoos require multiple sessions to completely erase them, while others are zapped in minimal time. As a result, it's a good idea to get laser tattoo removal during the winter months, especially if you like to show some skin once the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

After all, springtime represents new beginnings, and what better way to do so than by getting rid of body art that may remind you of something – or someone – that is no longer a part of your life?

This appears to be the mindset of some celebrities who have been cited in the news lately as saying that they're in the process of having ink removed.

First, Mark Wahlberg told David Letterman that he's getting some regretful tattoos erased – namely, a homemade "twisted" shamrock that has been covered with an image of Looney Tunes' Sylvester the cat enjoying a Tweety Bird snack.

"The first tattoo I got, I was 12," Wahlberg told Letterman. "We did it with Indian ink and sewing needles, and it was bad."

The Departed star told the Late Show host that he's already attended about 30 sessions to get about seven images removed, and he's slated to get about five to seven more.

Actress Eva Longoria is reportedly having the remnants of her marriage to basketball star Tony Parker wiped out, according to TMZ. She has the word "nine" inked on the back of her neck, representing her now ex-husband's number on the San Antonio Spurs.

British news sources report that singer Cheryl Cole is going about her divorce in a similar manner, having the scrips "Mrs. C" removed from the back of her neck.

"There's no chance of her getting back with [ex-husband] Ashley [Cole] and she no longer wants the reminder of his cheating ways on her skin," a source told the Daily Star.

Whether a laser tattoo removal patient is looking to forget about a rebellious youth or get over an ex, they should be sure to do their research first.

Individuals should have at least one consultation with a healthcare provider before making an appointment. Additionally, they should ask how often the physician performs laser tattoo removal, what kind of tools and equipment are used, post-treatment care, healing time and the number of sessions required to erase or fade a tattoo. 

Reflections for laser liposuction.

Men and women in their 20s may be considering minimally invasive cosmetic procedures as a preventative measure, to help preserve their youthful appearance as they enter their 30s. While certain treatments are certainly effective in doing this, others can do little to stave off the signs of aging because they're meant to treat existing problems.

For example, young adults who are concerned about crow's feet or marionette lines later on may be better off practicing healthy lifestyle habits rather than getting Botox injections or laser skin rejuvenation. These treatments are meant to provide immediate or gradual improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, not to prevent them. However, if a 20-something does happen to have a deep facial crease or acne scars, then injectables or laser acne treatment may be able to help.

Young men and women who want to maintain their good skin should remember to use sunblock when going outdoors, drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and save injections and peels until they need them.

However, there are some minimally invasive cosmetic procedures for which 20-somethings are ideal candidates, such as laser liposuction.

"A patient in their twenties considering liposuction can take advantage of the youthful, elastic state of their skin and improve the overall aesthetic outcome. While it may not be essential, liposuction as a preventative measure can help a patient address areas that bother them now while their ability to bounce back is greater," said plastic surgeon Lauren Greenberg, M.D., of California.

Moreover, since laser liposuction permanently removes pockets of fat, the procedure may help women stay firm throughout and after a pregnancy.

Individuals who are considering a cosmetic treatment should speak with their healthcare provider about the risks involved, as well as their psychological readiness and expectations for the treatment. Ideal candidates for these procedures should have a realistic idea of the outcome and be getting the treatment for their own personal reasons, and not to please someone else. A patient should also be in good physical health to ensure proper healing and keep the chances of complications low.

Additionally, it's important to seek out a board-certified, accredited healthcare provider in order to obtain the best possible care and minimize risks.

Reflections for Botox injections.

When plastic surgery first became a trend, the typical customer was an aging socialite living in a big city. Also, patients were once left with noticeable scars and required to spend long stretches of time in recovery. With today's advances in technology, there are more minimally invasive procedures than ever – from laser liposuction to Botox injections – and the stereotype of a patient receiving these treatments is no longer relevant or accurate.

An article in the Philadelphia newspaper The Inquirer reported on evolving trends in cosmetic surgery, stating that healthcare providers in the 1960s could never have dreamed up the treatments that are available today.

Plastic surgeon Daniel Baker told the news source that the variety not only means more options, but also a need for research on the part of the patient.

"It's a new world, where it's difficult to separate the hype form the science," said Baker, quoted by the news source. "Every patient must be a savvy consumer."

Cosmetic surgery clients range from 20-somethings looking for a breast augmentation, to men seeking subtle changes to look younger in the workplace, to older women seeking alternatives to traditional face lifts, such as laser skin rejuvenation.

"The evolution in the face lift is astounding, with less radical lifts, minimal scarring, lower morbidity and shorter recovery time," Baker said, quoted by The Inquirer.

The LA Times also reported on the growing diversity of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments, describing a modern medical spa as a "smorgasboard of the latest nonsurgical cosmetic procedures."

According to the news source both the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery estimate that about 80 percent of cosmetic procedures in 2010 that were performed in-office did not involve scalpels or stitches.

The LA Times spoke with president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Jeffrey Kenkel, who confirmed that there appears to be a growing demand for new procedures, such as laser liposuction or laser skin rejuvenation.

"Some patients only want a little bit of change," Kenkel said, quoted by the news source. "Others "just aren't interested in a surgical option."

The surgeon said that patients should seek out a healthcare provider who can give them realistic expectations for the outcome of a procedure, as well as provide a full range of services.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

A team of scientists at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine reviewed 98 studies that examined the long-term effects of different cosmetic procedures to determine which can be deemed safe. The researchers discovered that the most safe and effective procedures include Botox injections, liposuction and laser treatment of veins and other skin conditions.

Authors of the study said that patients should be inquisitive when considering cosmetic procedures, which includes in-depth conversations with their healthcare provider.

"Patients need to be smart consumers and ask their doctors better questions such as, 'How does procedure A compare to procedure B?'" said lead author Murad Alam, M.D.

The team looked at cosmetic dermatology techniques. They found that while Botox and other injectable botulinum toxins have had their critics, studies show them to be safe.

"These have been around for 20 years and during that entire period, when an approved pharmaceutical product in approved doses is used for cosmetic purposes, there have not been any instances of serious reactions," Alam said.

Liposuction procedures using lasers or fluid injections were also found to be safe. However, the study authors noted that the long-term efficacy of these procedures is still unknown. New methods of laser liposuction tend to require less healing time than earlier techniques.

Individuals interested in laser skin rejuvenation may be happy to know that the use of infrared light or ultrasound to eliminate sagginess or wrinkles is safe.

Alam reminded patients to be careful when choosing a cosmetic procedure facility.

"Patients should get treatments from experienced practioners with access to the data and an ability to evaluate it, rather than someone at a nearby spa who just has one laser, is minimally trained and is not able to evaluate the scientific evidence but eager to use this device for every patient complaint," Alam said.

An article in Psychology Today states that in addition to choosing a trusted spa or healthcare facility, patients should be mentally prepared for a cosmetic procedure. Psychologist Vivian Diller, Ph.D. told the news source that she uses an acronym to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery: S.A.F.E., which stands for safety, affordability, for whom are they getting the treatment and expectations for the outcome.

Reflections for Restylane injections.

One of the best ways people can get a good idea of whether a cosmetic procedure is worth the time, money and recovery time is by reviewing testimonials of people who have had the minimally invasive techniques. These are typically found on the websites of accredited medical spas and facilities, as well as other resources dedicated to customer satisfaction.

Recently, cosmetic procedure review site RealSelf conducted a survey to determine the most popular procedures of 2011 and how happy patients were with the outcomes of their operations or treatments.

Administrators for the website said derriere enhancements were big last year – no pun intended.

"Anytime we see a big spike in searches at our website for a particular procedure, this points to a dramatic increase in consumer attention. In 2011 lifting and enhancing the butt topped the list, and we foresee this holding strong for 2012 as well," said Alicia Nakamoto, VP of community for RealSelf. "There are some definite pop culture cues driving this trend – take the royal wedding for example – and where the waif look was once in, women now want to know how to get a fuller backside!"

While Pippa's posterior certainly drew attention, women still appear to want fuller lips, a slimmer waist and a smooth complexion.

Lip augmentation increased in popularity by about 25 percent, and more than half of the individuals surveyed said the procedure was well worth the cost. There are many options for achieving a fuller pout these days, including Juvederm and Restylane injections.

Also popular were new laser liposuction techniques, which experienced a 28 percent hike in searches. A whopping 75 percent of patients who received the procedure said they were satisfied with their results. Obtaining slimmer thighs or a svelte waistline has never been easier, as new laser liposuction techniques can give patients maximum results with minimal scarring and bruising. The procedures work by liquefying fat before suctioning it out, making the removal of flab easier and less painful than ever before.

Botox injections appear to still be going strong, as searches for the wrinkle-smoother went up by 11 percent, and about 65 percent of patients said it was worth the cost. Botox works by temporarily freezing facial muscles which cause wrinkles, such as laugh lines and forehead creases.

Reflections for Botox injections.

The New Year inevitably brings about a plethora of 'top 10' lists, and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments are no exception. Canadian dermatologist Barry Lycka recently made his predictions for the 10 most popular industry trends for the upcoming year.

Consumers already appear to be favoring low-cost procedures that require little to no recovery time over invasive operations like surgical face lifts or tummy tucks, and there may be an even bigger demand for these treatments in 2012, according to the doctor.

Medical spas and facilities may also be seeing more men coming through their doors over the year. Previous reports have suggested that cosmetic operations are no longer a woman's game, as career-minded males are beginning to see a younger looking appearance as an edge in the workplace.

Patients may also begin eschewing scalpels and stitches in favor of laser and injectable treatments. After all, no one enjoys stitches, incisions and excessive dressing, not to mention the long healing times that invasive operations tend to require.

Healthcare providers and cosmetic professionals may also see an uptick in the use of new topical treatments, as well as a slew of new products on the market, Lycka said.

For individuals who want dramatic results, new surgical techniques may emerge to provide patients with better results and lower risks of complications.

Fans of Botox injections may have more options in 2012, as Lycka predicts that more anti-wrinkle treatments will be developed to reduce the appearance of crow's feet, laugh lines and forehead creases.

The same goes for fillers, according to Lycka. The dermatologist says that Restylane injections may also be seeing some competition on the market.

The use of lasers is also expected to rise as technologies advance. For instance, liposuction has recently been made easier than ever with the use of procedures like SlimLipo, which liquefies fat before suctioning it out. This makes for a smaller incision and less bruising.

Lycka also reported that he expects to see heated debates over the efficacy, necessity and best practices in cosmetic surgeries.

Finally, the dermatologist predicted that more physicians will be offering cosmetic procedures in this year. This may be due to the fact that patients typically pay up-front and out-of-pocket for these services, which means a potentially more fiscally sound practice.
 

Reflections for laser acne treatment.

The cast of popular the FOX show Glee never fails to look young, bright and fresh, even as many of the cast members are well out of their teenage years. However, for Naya Rivera, who plays the cheerleader Santana in the series, the feeling of having to hide her skin is all too familiar.

Rivera told People Magazine recently that she experienced an acne breakout earlier this year, causing Glee's makeup department to do special touch-ups on the star and making her self-conscious.

"It sort of just came out of nowhere. It was like adult acne, and I was like, I've had great skin my entire life. How am I dealing with this now at 24?" Rivera told the news source. "It was pretty embarrassing going to work every day and having to be on camera and having the makeup artists be like, 'Oh, what's going on?'"

The actress said that while she's been able to clear her complexion using a popular skin care regimen, she still has "scarring issues" to remind her of the breakout.

Rivera and individuals with similar – or more severe – scarring problems may want to consider laser acne treatment, such as fractional laser resurfacing. This advanced technology uses ultra-precise light beams to make microscopic holes in the face that reach past the epidermis. These encourage the skin to heal and build collagen, filling the holes and the acne scars for a smooth complexion.

It's important to give the procedure plenty of thought and planning, especially if you have a big event coming up. It takes about four days for the skin to heal from the treatment, and optimal results may not be visible for up to six months following laser skin rejuvenation, since it depends largely on the skin's own healing abilities. It should take just one session to obtain smooth skin, but an evaluation may be necessary following a treatment.

Luckily, people of all skin tones can achieve scar-free skin using acne laser treatment, as modern technologies are advanced enough to accommodate a number of complexions. However, individuals with dark skin may want to seek out a specialist or ask a potential healthcare provider about their experience working with people with darker tones.

In any case, it's important to seek out an experienced, accredited professional to minimize the risk of complications.

Reflections for Botox injections.

In the 1960s, Botulinum toxin A was used to treat crossed eyes, as it helped to reduce the muscle spasms behind the eyes responsible for the condition. Eventually, dermatologists began to see the substance as something that could revolutionize cosmetic procedures, possibly putting an end to invasive operations or harsh chemical peels.

Now commonly known as Botox, the Allergan-produced cosmeceutical is a household name. In fact, American Health and Beauty recently reported that Botox injections were named the Reader's Choice top injectable or filler.

This is despite the arrival of rival products Xeomin and Dysport, which are now on the market.

Botox differs from fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane because it targets the muscle movement from which wrinkles and fine lines stem. By contrast, the fillers simply plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of the signs of aging. These and injectables like Botox give noticeable results without the use of a scalpel, but individuals should consider the differences between the two before deciding which is more appropriate.

"People who are interested in non-invasive, non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers don't really understand that they treat different things. Botox stops active expression lines, such as in the forehead, between the brows or crow's feet. Facial fillers are used to volumize and plump up areas of the skin or lips," said Texas plastic surgeon Haresh Yalamanchili.

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing wrinkle-inducing muscles for a smoother look. Dermatologists and healthcare providers report that the best results are typically seen when Botox injections are applied to the eyebrows, forehead and crow's feet, which develop at the corners of the eyes.

While it's a tried-and-true technique for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, Botox injections have also been shown to help treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating and temporomandibular joint disorder, which is inflammation in the jaw.

Botox injections have been shown to be safe and effective, but that doesn’t mean that an individual doesn't need to do research on the product as well as medical facilities before undergoing the procedure.

It's important to have an open discussion with a healthcare provide to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you. Additionally, this talk will help you have realistic expectation of the outcome of Botox injections.

There have been reports in the news lately about Botox parties, during which some people have received an unhygienic or inappropriately. As such, it's important to seek out an experienced, accredited professional.

Reflections for Botox injections.

In the 1960s, Botulinum toxin A was used to treat crossed eyes, as it helped to reduce the muscle spasms behind the eyes responsible for the condition. Eventually, dermatologists began to see the substance as something that could revolutionize cosmetic procedures, possibly putting an end to invasive operations or harsh chemical peels.

Now commonly known as Botox, the Allergan-produced cosmeceutical is a household name. In fact, American Health and Beauty recently reported that Botox injections were named the Reader's Choice top injectable or filler.

This is despite the arrival of rival products Xeomin and Dysport, which are now on the market.

Botox differs from fillers like Juvederm, Radiesse and Restylane because it targets the muscle movement from which wrinkles and fine lines stem. By contrast, the fillers simply plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of the signs of aging. These and injectables like Botox give noticeable results without the use of a scalpel, but individuals should consider the differences between the two before deciding which is more appropriate.

"People who are interested in non-invasive, non-surgical treatments like Botox or fillers don't really understand that they treat different things. Botox stops active expression lines, such as in the forehead, between the brows or crow's feet. Facial fillers are used to volumize and plump up areas of the skin or lips," said Texas plastic surgeon Haresh Yalamanchili.

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing wrinkle-inducing muscles for a smoother look. Dermatologists and healthcare providers report that the best results are typically seen when Botox injections are applied to the eyebrows, forehead and crow's feet, which develop at the corners of the eyes.

While it's a tried-and-true technique for minimally invasive facial rejuvenation, Botox injections have also been shown to help treat migraine headaches, excessive sweating and temporomandibular joint disorder, which is inflammation in the jaw.

Botox injections have been shown to be safe and effective, but that doesn’t mean that an individual doesn't need to do research on the product as well as medical facilities before undergoing the procedure.

It's important to have an open discussion with a healthcare provide to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you. Additionally, this talk will help you have realistic expectation of the outcome of Botox injections.

There have been reports in the news lately about Botox parties, during which some people have received an unhygienic or inappropriately. As such, it's important to seek out an experienced, accredited professional.