Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for SmartLipo.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that many view as simply a convenient path toward thinner thighs or a flat belly. However, research that was presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that the procedure may actually have cardiovascular benefits for individuals with high blood levels of triglycerides.

A team of scientists analyzed the fat present in the blood of 322 liposuction patients. They discovered that volunteers who had triglyceride levels high enough to put them at risk of cardiovascular disease experienced a significant improvement in their blood test results.

"Liposuction has long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure but this study has found that white blood cell counts decrease, on average, 11 percent after liposuction," said Dr. Bruce Katz, director of JUVA Skin & Laser Center and pioneer of SmartLipo. "High white blood cell counts are associated with a raised level of inflammation within the body and have been linked to coronary heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This suggests that liposuction may translate into a procedure that has the ability to reduce a patient's health risk."

However, authors of the study were careful to note that the procedure is not a replacement for doctor-recommended therapies to help improve cardiovascular health in at-risk patients.

The researchers said that their findings also show that the subcutaneous fat which lies directly beneath the skin may have more of an impact on wellness than previously thought. Currently, it is believed that the visceral fat located deeper in the body and close to vital organs is the most damaging type of lipid.

The study authors also noted that liposuction is the fourth most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Moreover, a new technique known as laser liposuction makes a slimmer waistline and healthier heart easier to achieve.

A procedure called SlimLipo uses lasers to liquefy fat, which is then suctioned out of the body. Since the lipids are more fluid, a medical professional can make a smaller incision than was required with older techniques. This means less scarring and less time spent in compression garments after the operation. Moreover, practitioners report that SlimLipo is significantly less painful than traditional liposuction.

Individuals who are considering SlimLipo treatment should seek out a trusted medical facility that is staffed with experienced healthcare professionals.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

When shopping for shoes or clothing, it's a great idea to look around until you find the best price. However, when it comes to choosing a medical professional for Botox injections, laser tattoo removal or smartlipo treatments, going for the facility with bargain basement prices may not be a good idea.

You only get one body, and choosing an inexperienced or untrustworthy healthcare provider to perform cosmetic procedures can result in botched results, partial paralysis, infection or scarring.

A survey conducted by technology company Suneva Medical reveals that while many individuals do sometimes price shop for their minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, the first thing people usually look for is past patient satisfaction. Additionally, while customers are willing to shell out some extra cash for a younger looking appearance, they want their procedures to give lasting results.

"Unlike what we saw in 2008, today more patients see value in spending more for something that delivers the results they want for a longer period of time. With consumer confidence in the U.S. as low as it is, this survey points to a real trend among patients making smart decisions when it comes to fighting the signs of aging," said Park Avenue plastic purgeon Z. Paul Lorenc, M.D.

A CNN article provided some pointers for people seeking out a trusted cosmetic professional. First, the news source recommended checking out a surgeon or healthcare provider's records. Many times, if there has been a lawsuit associated with a particular provider, it can be found online.

Additionally, be sure to visit your professional before scheduling an appointment, and come with questions written down. Ask how often they perform a particular procedure, where they were trained and under which boards they are certified.

You may want to be skeptical of a professional who tries to sell you on multiple procedures at one time, as this may signal that they are only after money and not giving their patient the best results possible.

The Suneva survey also revealed that the vast majority – about 94 percent – of medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers are beginning to offer procedures that will give customers a more natural appearance, as opposed to a face that has obviously had some work done.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Today's youth-obsessed culture applies not only to women, as men are increasingly becoming concerned about looking older, especially when it comes to how appearance may affect their careers. The baby boomers are getting older and their younger counterparts are well into the job market, competing with ample energy and experience. So, what's a man to do?

It appears as though more men are turning to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in order to get a leg up on the competition.

"More and more men are interested in taking advantage of the facial rejuvenation treatments that women have known about for years," said Los Angeles plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, M.D.

The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) reported that the top five most popular procedures among men are laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, soft tissue fillers and Botox injections, which is the most sought-after treatment. The number of men getting the wrinkle-smoother increased by 9 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the AAPS, while the rates of laser hair removal went up by 4 percent during that time period.

The AAPS also reported that liposuction among men increased by 7 percent between 2009 and 2010, eyelid surgery rose by 4 percent and breast reductions went up by 6 percent.

In total, the number of men receiving minimally invasive cosmetic procedures spiked 45 percent from 2000 to 2010. On the other hand, rates of males getting more invasive surgeries decreased by 48 percent over the decade, according to the AAPS.

Some attribute this disparity between invasive and minor procedures to the fact that men today want more subtle changes.

"It is important that plastic surgeons have adequate experience performing cosmetic surgeries on men to ensure that male patients receive natural looking results," said Azizzadeh. "In addition to surgical technique, it is also important men find a surgeon that understands the importance of subtlety. Male patients often prefer more conservative results so that they do not end up looking like they have had a lot of work done."

An article in the La Jolla Light reports that men are steering away from the cowboy look and moving toward a more modern appearance. Today's icons are Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Mad Men's Don Draper, not the Marlboro Man, the news source stated.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Everyone has a photo of themselves that was snapped during a holiday celebration that they would like to banish from all family photo albums. Maybe it was taken from a bad angle to reveal a less-than-shapely neckline or perhaps the lighting emphasized laugh lines or forehead wrinkles.

It can be relatively easy to ensure that this year's snapshots are all magazine-worthy. However, it definitely takes some planning ahead.

First, identify which procedure is most appropriate for you by consulting with a trusted, accredited professional. Once you and your healthcare provider have determined which treatment will help you feel confident in front of the camera, schedule an appointment that will leave you plenty of time to heal and recover before any important holiday events.

If you've chosen Botox injections to help smooth out facial wrinkles, you're in luck because results are instant. Your professional will have some post-treatment tips for you, and you may experience some redness at the injection site. As a result, you may want to schedule your appointment at least one day prior to any parties.

Dermal fillers to plump lips, smooth wrinkles or give volume to cheeks are a little more complicated when considering the number of treatments available – such as Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse. Dermal fillers typically require no recovery time, but some can leave bruises that may last for a few days. Additionally, treatments that last longer sometimes result in soreness in the affected area, so it's a good idea to discuss these factors with your trusted professional.

Laser skin rejuvenation can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, age spots or sagging skin, as well as hide the signs of rosacea, acne and melasma. Choosing which form of treatment will require an in-depth discussion regarding your expectations and any special needs or caveats you may have. In general, these procedures take about a week before results are visible and optimal.

If you plan on wearing skirts or dresses during the holidays, you may consider leg vein treatments to eliminate spider or varicose veins. While the procedure takes only a short amount of time per session, it may take several appointments in order to completely eliminate visible veins, depending on the severity. Additionally, these sessions may need to be spaced out over several weeks.
 

Reflections for laser tattoo removal.

Twilight actress Nikki Reed recently got married and marked the occasion with a laser tattoo removal. She had the name of a former lover removed from her wrist, according to media reports. 

The starlet said that the old beau's name needed to go now that she is married to singer-songwriter Paul McDonald.

"That was called a period of time in my life that we’re now removing," Reed said, quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle. "It’s somebody’s name. It’s a ballet dancer’s name that I met while I was living in Russia."

Reed isn't the first celebrity to get a partner's name inked on them only to have it removed or altered after the demise of the relationship.

Earlier this spring, the blog Bossip reported that Marc Anthony had his "Jennifer" wrist tattoo covered up with an intricate design after the dissolution of his marriage to the pop singer.

Angelina Jolie made the mistake of having her partner's names tattooed on her several times over, and has since gone through a number of laser tattoo removal procedures and alterations.

First, the actress got a tattoo of an "H" on her wrist in honor of then-boyfriend Timothy Hutton. After their split, she re-dedicated the design to her brother, James Haven. During Jolie's three-year marriage to actor Johnny Miller, the pair got matching Japanese character tattoos, which she has since had covered up with a quote.

Perhaps most famously, Jolie had two designs to commemorate her union with Billy Bob Thornton: one on her upper arm above a dragon and another that was rumored to be in a much more private area. Jolie told the media that she would have "a lot of dermatology appointments" after the couple's divorce.

Let's hope that her relationship with Brad Pitt is a lasting one, since she told media outlets last year that she got a tattoo "for Brad" on her inner thigh.

Charlie Sheen had his inked tribute to Denise Richards removed from his wrist after the couple's 2006 divorce. Then, in 2008, Richards had her "Charlie" ankle tattoo turned into a fairy.

In a creative move, Johnny Depp famously had his "Winona Forever" tattoo turned into "Wino Forever" after the actor split with Winona Ryder in the early 1990s.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Many already know about the wrinkle-smoothing effects that Botox injections can provide, and some are still discovering that the procedure can help alleviate chronic migraine headaches, as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Botox as a treatment for the condition last year. Now, people in Canada can reap the benefits of these injections to reduce the severity of painful, persistent headaches.

Health Canada recently announced that it has approved the use of Botox to treat chronic migraines in light of studies supporting its efficacy and data that suggest this health condition may be costing the country money due to lost productivity.

Clinical trials have shown that nearly three-quarters of patients experience a 50 percent reduction in the number of days they experience migraines after receiving Botox treatment for one year, according to Health Canada.

"This is an important clinical advancement benefiting patients in Canada who suffer from chronic migraine," said Stu Fowler, president and general manager, Allergan Canada, producers of Botox. "Until now, patients have had to rely on temporary, short-term means of coping with chronic headache pain. The approval of Botox as a preventive treatment for chronic migraine now offers neurologists, as well as headache and pain specialists a new, clinically-proven way to manage this debilitating condition."

Chronic migraines are defined as occurring at least 15 days per month and lasting for four hours or more. It's estimated that this condition affects 270,000 Canadian adults, costing about $1,800 annually for each patient. Healthcare expenditures stem from doctor visits, trips to the emergency room, diagnostics and prescription drugs.

Moreover, chronic migraines are thought to lower productivity, costing Canada money due to absenteeism. In a study, a total of 28 percent of individuals with the condition reported that they work fewer hours than their peers because of their headaches and 24 percent said they chose less demanding fields of work due to the pain. Researchers estimate that chronic migraines cost Canadian companies about $500 million each year.

Once a migraine sufferer gets a recommendation from their healthcare provider to receive the procedure, they should be sure to seek out an experienced practitioner. Botox injections to treat migraines are administered to seven muscle areas in the head and neck, and results should last about three months.
 

Thousands of American mommies make ‘me’ time with makeovers

Most moms today are considered superwomen. Between shuttling kids to soccer practice, bandaging scraped knees, paying the bills and working a full-time job, is there anything these ladies can't do? Not surprisingly, however, these responsibilities take up a lot of time. Once in a while, a woman has to take time out for herself. Whether she decides to get a pedicure, shop for new shoes or simply sleep in on Sunday, paying attention to her own needs once in a while is essential to her well-being.

For a growing number of mothers, quality "me" time involves getting a cosmetic procedure like laser liposuction. According to 2009 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 325,000 minimally invasive treatments were performed on mommies between the ages of 20 and 39 that year.

The demand for face- and body-enhancing makeovers is growing every year among women of childbearing age. Plastic surgeon Tracy Hankins explained that this may be because ladies have so many choices available to them when it comes to battling wrinkles and belly fat.

"Increases in patient awareness on the variety of techniques available to rejuvenate the body after pregnancy has directly increased the popularity of the mommy makeover," Hankins stated. "By combining surgical procedures, in just a few short hours, patients can regain their youthful contours and shape in a safe and effective manner."

Pregnancy and childbirth can significantly change the way a woman's body looks, as well as the way she feels about her appearance. Even with good nutrition and regular exercise, most moms struggle to achieve their desired figure.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons conducted a survey that revealed that cost may still be a barrier to cosmetic enhancement for some women. About 62 percent of respondents said that they would consider a mommy makeover it was if not for the expense.

However, this has not deterred countless Americans, particularly those who do research to find a reputable medical spa in their area. For people who obtain the results they want in a safe, timely manner, the benefits often outweigh the cost.

Hankins emphasized that mommy makeovers help women feel more confident and comfortable in their own bodies. Thanks to significant advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery, numerous safe and effective techniques such as laser liposuction can help these ladies feel great about themselves. 

Reflections for Ulthera.

Small crow's feet on the outer edge of the eyes or accentuated laugh lines are signs of aging that you likely notice, and perhaps fixate on. Although these minor features can easily go unnoticed by others, this may not be the case for sagging neck skin.

Wobbliness under the chin. Turkey neck. Jowls. Whatever you want to call them, they're one of the most obvious tells of a man or woman's age.

"The front of the neck is one of the primary features we use to guess a person’s age. It often catches our eye first," said cosmetic surgeon Rod Rohrich, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. "Sagging neck skin is the telltale sign of true aging, so restoration of the neck is an important part of facial rejuvenation or facial plastic surgery."

Signs of aging on the neck include a banding pattern, extra fullness or wrinkles, which can be made even worse if you happen to have a smaller chin. Moreover, unavoidable head movements and the position that you sleep in can cause the skin around the neck to sag and lose shape.

When neck creams and strengthening exercises can't reduce the appearance of a wrinkly neck, you may start to think about other cosmetic procedures.

"The key is to identify the underlying problem," explained Dr. Rohrich. "Is it wrinkles, or is it only deep lines that bother the patient? Maybe it’s just sagging skin, but not wrinkles. Perhaps the problem is both the skin and fat. Or, it could be all three: skin, fat and muscle."

If the problem is little more than deep lines, Botox or fillers like Restylane may lead to a younger-looking neck. For a fuller-than-desired neck, laser liposuction can prove a slimmer neckline.

Another option is a relatively new procedure called Ulthera, which uses gentle sound waves to stimulate collagen production and perk up underlying neck tissue. Since the treatment can lead to higher levels of natural skin-firming collagen, results look natural and can last a long time. Moreover, it requires no incisions or injections, which means no scarring.

Ulthera may also be a viable option for people who want a mild eyebrow, face or buttock lift, as well as those who experience unwanted sagging of the skin around the knees.
 

Reflections for acne laser treatment.

Having blemishes or acne scars is known to have a significant impact on how a person views themselves, sometimes leading to very low self-esteem. Actress, singer and dancer Julianne Hough knows how this skin condition can make an individual feel and spoke with People Magazine about it.

"You try to tell yourself that you’re fine and it’s all good – and you really should be fine – but it definitely affects you," Hough said, quoted by the news source.

The starlet was able to overcome her bad skin with a rigorous treatment regimen, and now has smooth, glowing skin. Whether she chose to have a laser resurfacing or Restylane injections to help remove signs of acne or was just lucky enough to be naturally scar-free, it's clear that there is reason for people experiencing chronic pimples to be optimistic about their futures.

There are several ways to eliminate or reduce the appearance of acne scars. It may depend on your particular skin type, so it's a good idea to choose a reputable professional to consult with. Additionally, you may want to get informed on your options before going in for a consultation.

Laser acne treatments stimulate collagen production and produce a smooth new epidermis. This can be done with either a non-ablative procedure, wherein no tissue is removed, or in an ablative fashion, in which the top layer of skin is vaporized or removed. However, microablative, or fractional, treatments are now considered the "gold standard" in acne scar removal because the lasers used are so precise that they can target very small portions of tissue, leaving healthy skin intact.

For blemishes that have left deep soft scars behind, filler injections may be an appropriate course of action. Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse treatments work by filling in the skin and smoothing out any grooves left behind.

Dermabrasion is a process that can provide smooth skin for people with certain types of acne, but make matters worse for others, such as those with deep "ice pick scars." Essentially, the top layer of skin is sanded off with a brush, which can significantly reduce the signs of acne on the right patient. This procedure also comes with the risk of pigment changes that can require additional treatment.
 

Reflections for laser hair removal.

Unwanted body or facial hair can be a pain – literally – and also a time-consuming process for some women. Adding to the hassle is the fact that few hair removal techniques can be used on all parts of the body. As a result, ladies may want educate themselves about the many ways to obtain smooth skin to find the most appropriate method for them.

Shaving is inexpensive, fast and can provide great results for women with fine body hair. However, it can also cause stubble, ingrown hairs and razor burn, especially for those with coarse or thick patches. Additionally, hair grows back quickly after a shave, so it's a process that needs to be repeated several times weekly. In order to obtain the best results, you should shave after a shower or bath, when hair and skin is soft and lubricated. Using a shave gel or lotion, sweep the razor evenly against the direction of the growth.

Tweezing works well in small areas like the eyebrows, upper lip or chin. The drawback is that it can be painful and leave behind redness and swelling. While this technique does provide longer lasting results than shaving, that means that you may also be walking around with botched eyebrows if you make a wrong move. Using a pair of good quality tweezers, pluck one hair at a time from the base of the strand.

If your pain tolerance is high, waxing or sugaring may be a good option. These procedures involve smearing a sticky substance over a large portion of the body, then ripping out hundreds of follicles in one fell swoop. Results last much longer than that obtained from shaving, but waxing or sugaring often requires you to grow your hair out, which may present challenges if you like to regularly don skirts and tank tops.

Laser hair removal is a semi-permanent method of hair removal that provides smooth results on any part of the body. Moreover, you can talk to your accredited professional about how to tailor your hair removal process to your skin and hair type. Depending on the thickness of the hair, a laser removal procedure may require a few sessions, each lasting about 30 minutes. By choosing an experienced facility, you can be sure that you will get the best, long-lasting results, whether your desire is perfectly sculpted eyebrows, fuzz-free underarms or silky smooth legs.