Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for Botox injections.

Sometimes, when people read about the ease of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox injections or Restylane treatments, they are tricked into believing that these techniques are simple enough to be performed at venues like house or hotel parties. However, this notion is false, as there are serious risks involved in having these procedures performed by anyone except a medical professional in an appropriate facility.

In fact, a recent USA Today article reports that a main topic to be discussed at the annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians is the problem of at-home silicone injections, which have led to death in some cases.

The news source states that when non-medical grade silicone is injected by an unlicensed practitioner, the substance can travel to either the lungs or the brain, causing an embolism in either organ. This was the cause of death in one 22-year-old woman who was admitted to the University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, as a lung complication led to a collapse of her heart.

"Sometimes the person doing the injections claims to be a physician from another country and in some cases the patient knows very well it's not a physician but, feeling they can't afford to go to a legitimate board-certified plastic surgeon, they find a short cut," said Malcolm Z. Roth, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, quoted by the news source.

An experienced, accredited professional would never perform a non-emergency procedure in a setting other than a medical facility, the news source added.

Botox parties pose risks as well. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, there are some red flags that indicate that you should steer clear of certain wrinkle-reducing fests.

First, a credible practitioner will always ask for a complete medical history and ask questions to determine whether the injectable is appropriate for you. If not, they should offer alternatives. Informed consent is also something that a legitimate professional will ask for after educating you on all of the risks involved in a Botox treatment.

One good reason a person should choose a licensed facility over a Botox party is that there have been reports of individuals being injected with baby oil or other inappropriate fluids, which comes with significant health risks. Moreover, the treatment requires follow-up care, and a party practitioner is unlikely to offer such a service.
 

Reflections for laser hair removal.

Sometimes, clinical strength and even prescription antiperspirants aren't enough to keep underarms dry. In recent years, women have been turning to Botox injections in an effort to stave off excessive sweating. While the results are effective, they're also temporary.

Enter AxiLase.

It's a laser treatment that requires small incisions on both sides of the armpit. The area is filled with a numbing fluid and passed over with a laser that destroys sweat glands. Using a gentle suction, the glands and fluid are removed from the treated area, resulting in a permanent reduction in underarm moisture. The following are some commonly asked questions about the procedure that may help you determine whether the solution is appropriate for your needs.

- What are the benefits of the procedure compared to using deodorant or other antiperspirants?

AxiLase does far more than cover up odor or plug sweat glands, making it a much more intensive treatment for underarm wetness. Sometimes, people with hyperhidrosis, the clinical term for unpredictable or excessive sweating, do not get adequate relief from their condition by using antiperspirants alone, making alternative solutions necessary in some cases. 

- How do I know if I have hyperhidrosis?

The main symptom of the condition is excessive sweating. However, you may be more likely to develop hyperhidrosis if you have anxiety problems, diabetes, are going through menopause or are experiencing a number of other chronic conditions. A physician can conduct a test for the condition, so it may be a good idea to visit your healthcare provider if you suspect that you have hyperhydrosis. 

- What does pre- and post-treatment care involve?

Before undergoing an AxiLase procedure, you should discontinue any medications that may thin your blood, such as aspirin, vitamin E, ibuprofen and fish oil. Additionally, smokers should avoid lighting up prior to the treatment. Afterward, you will need to rest for two days, and should consider having a friend stay with you for the first night following your procedure. For one week, you will need to wear compression dressing over the affected area.

- Can other body parts beside the underarm undergo AxiLase?

No. However, hyperhidrosis is known to affect the hands and feet, so it may be a good idea to consult your healthcare provider regarding excessive sweating in these extremities.
 

Reflections for Botox injections and laser hair removal.

The daily routine of shaving underarms and applying antiperspirant may be a hassle for some women and simply uncomfortable for others. Moreover, limited research has suggested that antiperspirant can potentially increase a person's risk of breast cancer or Alzheimer's disease. As a result, women may want to consider long-lasting alternatives to razors and chemical-laden antiperspirant.

Imagine how nice it would be to get ready in the morning without fear of getting caught with underarm stubble or sweat stains.

Kelly Osbourne can surely relate. The Daily Mail reports that the reality television show star posed at an E! event in Germany wearing a chic red sheath and sporting a Marilyn Monroe-inspired hairstyle, but one detail detracted from her stylish look: underarm stains.

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne's daughter tweeted about the incident. ":( pulled a fashion no no last night i had sweat marks because there we heat lamps on the red carpet! #eww," she wrote.

Other stars may also want to think about procedures that can give them pristine pits, since it appears as though the pose du jour for fashion magazines involves hands over or on the head with underarms exposed. The Daily Mail featured a spread of Bazaar, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Elle and several international Vogue covers featuring celebrities showing off their hairless (except in the case of James Franco's Paris Men's Vogue shoot) and moisture-free armpits.

"Models and actresses not only have to worry about complexion, hair and nails, they now have to ensure their armpits are flawless too," according to the news source.

CBS News reported on the trend of Botox as a sweat inhibitor during the 74th annual Academy Awards. The last thing that stars who don high-end gowns and couture evening wear want is a sweat stain ruining the ensemble.

AxiLase is a more permanent solution to underarm sweat. The one-time laser treatment words by decreasing the amount of sweat glands in the armpit. 

Botox injections work to prevent excessive sweating by paralyzing the sweat glands, a treatment that is effective for about six months.

Laser hair removal works by damaging hair follicles directly beneath the skin, thereby slowing hair growth, according to the Mayo Clinic. It can take a few sessions in order to completely cover an area, and follow-up procedures may be needed in order to maintain a fuzz-free underarm. To treat a relatively small area like the armpit, the procedure may take less than one hour per visit.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

The teeth are sometimes the first body part to show signs of aging, especially for smokers or red wine-drinkers. They can become discolored, unevenly worn or chipped, leading many people to seek veneers or other forms of cosmetic dentistry.

However, a new set of shiny, white teeth may look out of place when surrounded by laugh lines or fine wrinkles around the lips. Pankaj Singh, D.D.S., recently spoke at the American Academy of Implant Dentistry's Annual Scientific Meeting and said that restoring facial volume is an important part of completing a look following a cosmetic dental procedure.

"Besides creating beautiful smiles, we like to create harmony between the dento-facial complex by addressing the deep lines and wrinkles in the face that can prevent our patients from looking their best," said Singh. "Soft tissues that ring the mouth are as important as perfectly restored teeth for an attractive and confident smile."

Botox injections work by blocking nerve impulses, thereby relaxing facial muscles and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Fillers, on the other hand, can help restore volume loss with the help of hyaluronic acid, a compound naturally found in the skin. Treatments like Restylane contain this ingredient and have been shown to result in a more youthful appearance.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recently conducted a survey that revealed 99.7 percent of people in the U.S. believe that a nice-looking smile is key in attaining friends and a business network. Moreover, three-fourths said that a person has a lower chance of attaining professional success if they have an unattractive smile.

These statistics may be the reason that rates of teeth-whitening procedures have grown 300 percent over the past five years, and that the number of people getting porcelain veneers has increased by 250 percent, according to the survey.

While it has been reported that 8 percent of dentists in North America are now offering Botox and other filler procedures at their office, it may be a good idea to seek out a specialist. There are risks that come along with these treatments, and choosing an experienced professional is integral in obtaining a natural-looking outcome.

Women and men seeking a more youthful smile should consider doing research to look for the best cosmetic dentist they can find, and follow up that appointment by visiting an extensively-trained Botox or cosmetic specialist.
 

Restylane for fuller lips.

The hyaluronic acid gel-based filler Restylane has been safely and legally used by professionals to help give volume to lips for some time now. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration officially recognized the safety and effectiveness of the treatment for lip augmentation.

The approval is not likely to change practices in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, but will allow the makers of Restylane, Medicis, to market the product as a lip enhancer.

New York cosmetic physician Heidi Waldorf predicted that the change is likely to increase the use of Restylane. However, she said that choosing an experienced medical expert is key to obtaining aesthetically pleasing results.

"More doctors will begin to offer Restylane for lip augmentation due to potential increased patient demand," said Waldorf. "Nevertheless, both the patient and doctor have to be aware of the importance of balance and shape of the face, including the lips. You don’t want to just treat the lips or the results can be very unnatural and overdone looking."

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), an estimated $716 million was spent on enhancements using hyaluronic acid in 2009, which amounts to a 9 percent increase in individuals getting the procedure from the previous year and a 11 percent hike from 2000. Patients who underwent the procedure tended to be women who were age 40 or older. The total number of hyaluronic acid treatments for 2009 was more than 2.1 million, according to the ASPS.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that good candidates for lip augmentation are generally healthy and free of oral herpes or scarring. Additionally, individuals with diabetes, lupus, connective tissue disorders and blood clotting issues may be at a higher risk of complications from the procedure. Patients should also inform their cosmetic practitioner of any allergies or sensitivities before undergoing the treatment.

People who have realistic expectations of the outcome of their lip enhancement are more likely to be satisfied with the results. Individuals should not expect a radical change in their appearance, but a subtle alteration that complements their facial features.

The medical resource reports that Restylane and other hyaluronic acid fillers are unlikely to cause allergic reactions, as the chemical is biosynthetic. Results can be expected to last from six months to one year, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time in which people remember loved ones who had the condition and try to raise money for those in treatment for the all-too-prevalent disease. Some breast cancer survivors do not need a special month to remember their fight, since many still have a small tattoo on their chest placed there by a radiologist in order to mark the radiation field for treatment.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the tattoos are necessary during radiation therapy in order for healthcare providers to have a precise point that will help them determine how to position a patient during imaging or treatment procedures. Such techniques include CT scans, MRIs, PETs and ultrasound.

An article on the ABC News website reports that the patient may have as many as five of these small dots, which are typically blue. Jay Harris, M.D., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, told the news source that the markings may be needed in the future in case of recurrence, due to the risks of treating the same area with radiation more than once.

In her book Living Through Cancer, Carolyn Kaelin, M.D. M.P.H., of Harvard Medical School, reports that the tattoos can sometimes cause women distress, especially those placed in the highly visible collarbone area. Women who desire laser tattoo removal for their markings should get clearance from their radiation oncologist before going through with the procedure.

If you do decide that you want to have your radiation markings removed, have a number of good-quality photographs taken prior to the procedure so you have a reference in case later treatments are needed.

Additionally, be sure that you choose a tattoo removal specialist who has experience. While the markings may be small, laser procedures require precision. They work by applying highly concentrated light beams through the skin, resulting in a blood- and scar-free tattoo removal. Small tattoos are good candidates for removal, and will likely require only a few sessions. Laser tattoo removal is an outpatient procedure that requires local anesthesia.

For women who have survived breast cancer and have remained cancer-free for a significant amount of time, laser tattoo removal may help rid them of the everyday reminders of their difficult time.  

Reflections medical spa offers Botox injections.

Celebrities face a conundrum when it comes to cosmetic procedures, as they are scrutinized for showing the slightest signs of aging and yet need to retain their familiar faces for the public, making invasive procedures an impractical option. As a result, it should come as no surprise that many turn to Botox injections for a younger-looking appearance while retaining trademark features.

The latest celebrity to come out as a regular Botox user is Two and a Half Men star Courtney Thorne-Smith, who recently told People magazine that the procedure is well-suited for her and her personal needs.

The 44-year-old actress said she's been getting the treatment for the past 10 years and that she has yet to experience any kind of facial stiffness or loss of expression. Thorne-Smith said that some good skin care products and Botox have helped her age gracefully.

"My hope is that if I take good care of my skin and use Botox, I won't have to use anything else," said Thorne-Smith, quoted by the news source. "Never say never. I always want to look like myself – that's key for me. I don't want to look like a different person, I don't want my face frozen."

Unlike operations like face lifts and nose jobs, people in the public eye are often willing to admit that they use non-invasive procedures like Botox and laser skin rejuvenation, for instance. Perhaps this is why Botox has become the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., according to TheHealthGuide.org. The website reports that the number of individuals getting the treatment has risen by nearly 500 percent over the past decade.

Other celebrities that have helped normalize Botox include Brooke Shields, Courteney Cox, Vanessa Williams and Jennie Garth, according to People. The news source spoke with healthcare providers in Los Angeles and New York City, who estimated that about three quarters of stars older than 35 have had Botox treatments.

"Such a large segment of the population is getting Botox now, it doesn't have the same stigma as it did in the past," says New York City-based dermatologist Neil Sadick, M.D.

Additionally, People reported that as dermatologists become more familiar with Botox and similar treatments, they are able to avoid the "frozen forehead" look.  

While it's been estimated that about 87 percent of cosmetic procedure patients are women, that doesn't mean that men are not interested in looking their best as they age. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that the number of men getting these aesthetic treatments rose by 2 percent over the last year.

Results from a recent Cosmetic Surgery Center of Maryland survey reveal that males are looking for more subtle enhancements, while women desire more noticeable changes, such as larger breasts.

Procedures meant to smooth out wrinkled skin or remove excess fat with minimal scarring and less noticeable results tend to be favored by men as a way to lift their self-esteem, as opposed to operations aimed at grabbing attention, said the study authors.

U.S. News has cited statistics from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons which reflect that the number of men seeking spider vein removal skyrocketed 226 percent during the mid 2000s. Additionally, the rates of male laser resurfacing patients rose 172 percent, while men getting microdermabrasion and Botox injections increased by 159 percent and 42 percent, respectively, during this time period.

The news source also mentioned that the number of males getting invasive cosmetic procedures dipped by 10 percent from the early to the late 2000s, suggesting that men are looking to improve their appearance without scalpels and anesthesia.

A Forbes magazine supports this idea and reports that Botox, laser hair removal and microdermabrasion are the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, and men are using them as a way to gain an edge in the office.

"As a guy in the public eye you want people to think you look really good, really rested, like you're eating all your fruits and veggies," said David McDaniel, Virginia-based director of the Institute of Anti-Aging Research, quoted by the news source. "You don't want people to think, 'I wonder who did his Botox?'"

Common sites of liposuction in men are the lower back, upper flanks and abdomen, according to the news source. Additionally, males are looking for removal of the extra flab under the chin. For this procedure, laser liposuction may be the best bet, since it tends to leave minimal scarring.  

How often do you hear the saying, "You are what you eat?" Do you think about this phrase when you're out at a restaurant, trying to decide between a side of fries and a green salad? Does it come to mind at your friend's cocktail party, where the desserts are beckoning to your waistline? If so, you may not only be looking out for your figure, but also protecting the vibrancy of your skin.

Nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains not only nourish your body, but they can help keep your face looking dewy, fresh and youthful as well. Skin care expert Nicholas Perricone, who penned a book called Forever Young on the art of aging gracefully, explained that radiant skin begins with a healthy diet.

"If you eat the wrinkle-free way for even a short period of time, you will experience dramatic changes, not only in how you look, but how you feel," he told Access Hollywood.

Fresh-faced actresses like Kate Hudson and Eva Mendes are big fans of salmon, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Grilling this wholesome fish for lunch after a healthy breakfast of eggs and fruit can be a great way to help ensure that skin stays firm. After all, it's the biggest organ in the body, and pampering it can go a long way toward keeping signs of aging – like wrinkles, sagging and fine lines – at bay.

Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow, whose glowing skin graces the red carpet on a regular basis, is a big advocate for incorporating as many vitamins and minerals as possible into her diet. According to MSN Entertainment, the star of the new movie Contagion believes that a nutritious diet helps restore the body's natural processes, including the maintenance of skin.

Paltrow, who offers lifestyle and diet tips on her personal blog GOOP, advises others to drink plenty of water for fresh, soft skin, since many Americans are chronically dehydrated.

It's never too late to start eating healthy. Women in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond can take steps to improving their skin now. Focusing on good nutrition, using the right products for your skin type and looking into minimally invasive procedures like laser skin rejuvenation can help you look your freshest well into later life.