Reflections on Beauty

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

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 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.

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.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

The neck is often the first part of the body to show signs of aging, because its skin tends to be thin and is subjected to constant movement. Moreover, your neck doesn’t even get a break when you're sleeping, as it's usually twisted in a position that adds to the "turkey neck" effect, as well as bands, wrinkles and general sagging.

However, there are many options to obtain a younger looking neck. What you choose depends upon your personal preferences, budget, physiology and willingness to go under the scalpel.

Other than using creams or neck-strengthening exercises, Botox injections may be one of the least invasive methods of a neck lift. In an article in the Palm Beach Post, plastic surgeon Anita Mandal, M.D., wrote that Botox injections are commonly used by experienced healthcare professionals in order to give patients firmer neck skin.

According to Mandal, the injectable works best on people with hyperactive platysmal muscle bands, which run vertically in the neck but can cause a horizontal banding effect.

The Cleveland Clinic reports that Botox injections in the neck may reduce the appearance of banding, and are also an anesthesia-free outpatient procedure.

The medical resource also states that liposuction of the neck may be effective at shaving years off a patient's appearance. During traditional fat-sucking procedures, an incision is made under the chin and tubes suction out excess tissue.

However, men and women seeking major neck-slimming need not be subjected to these antiquated methods any longer. Today, laser liposuction techniques allow for fat removal with smaller incisions and less healing time. This is because the technology allows a healthcare provider to liquefy fat before suctioning it from the body, making the whole process easier.

A traditional neck lift – which is also called a cervicoplasty – may involve a number of incisions and sites of tissue removal. For instance, a surgeon would typically cut from the chin to the ears in order to gain access to the neck muscles and any underlying fat. From there, the physician may tighten muscle, remove fat and cut away excess skin. This procedure may involve general or local anesthesia, and weeks of recovery time.

Individuals who want a slimmer or younger looking neck should discuss all of their options with their healthcare provider in order to choose the method that suits them best.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Fans of Bravo's Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may not be shocked to hear it, but the female cast members aren't afraid of laser skin rejuvenation or Botox injection in order to keep their faces camera ready – not to mention looking good enough to overshadow their co-stars.

Recently, "Housewife" Brandi Glanville spoke with Shape magazine on how the 39-year-old is able to retain a smooth complexion and trim figure even while raising kids.

The reality show star doesn't merely visit her cosmetic surgeon and relax on the beach all day, either. She told the news source that she works out with her personal Pilates instructor every day in order to stay in shape. Also, she said that having children to chase after and dogs to walk forces her to get out and get moving – no treadmills necessary.

Diet is also an important component of preserving a youthful look well into one's 30s, 40s and 50s. Glanville told Shape that she stays away from sweets, and that when she's going to indulge she often chooses savory pastas and bread.

Let's not forget about her glowing complexion. Glanville admitted that she experiences occasional discoloration from her melasma and acne. For these, she said she gets laser skin rejuvenation and other light-enhanced facials. Additionally, protecting the skin from the sun with hats and sunglasses is always a good idea to keep wrinkles and sun spots at bay.

Glanville also told Shape that she gets Botox injections and other fillers to erase deep lines and wrinkles.

"Yes, I'll cop to a few plastic surgery procedures like Botox and fillers. I think everyone should do what makes them feel good but remember: Less is more!" Glanville said, quoted by the news source.

In an interview with E! Online, "Housewives" Lisa Vanderpump and Adrienne Maloof also said they get regular Botox injections. In fact, Maloof's husband is a cosmetic surgeon and reportedly lends his skills to a few of the Housewives.

"I just pop across the street," Vanderpump said about getting her Botox injections.

Just because the Real Housewives get Botox injections like they would borrow a cup of sugar doesn't mean that the procedure should be taken lightly. Individuals interested in getting injectables should first have a counseling session with their healthcare provider to make sure they are good candidates for the treatment.

Reflections for Botox injections.

Some men who notice a forehead crease creeping in or emerging laugh lines around the mouth may want more of a change than creams and serums can provide, but are hesitant about the expense and exaggerated look of a full-on facelift. For these men, Botox injections appear to be the top choice of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.

The Tampa Bay Times recently reported on the trend, which has been dubbed "Brotox."

"Today's man is evolving,'' said cosmetic surgeon Richard Castellano, M.D., quoted by the news source. Guys are feeling more comfortable with improving their appearance. They aren't as scared.''

Statistics from the American Academy of Plastic Surgeons reveal that about 300,000 men got Botox injections in 2011, which amounts to a 10 percent increase over the previous year's numbers. Castellano told the news source that in his practice, the number of male Botox clients has doubled in recent years. In fact, even the surgeon gets the minimally invasive procedure himself.

Apparently, the trend is nothing new in bigger cities, because the New York Times reported on it in 2008. According to the news source, Botox injections can be a way for a man to gain leverage in his career or appear more alert during the day. The latter was the case of Cody Lee, a small business owner in San Francisco, who regularly got inquiries from colleagues about his sleep patterns.

“I think it’s fine having some lines or wrinkles on your face, but I wanted to avoid those deep impressions," Lee said, quoted by the news source.

Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, has even begun to market the product to men, issuing informational material that features Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz, who is reportedly a Botox devotee.

Key differences between the male Botox user and ladies who get the injections are that men may need higher doses of the drug because they have thicker skin and stronger muscles. Male clients may also see their Botox specialist less often, as they tend to deal with the return of their wrinkles better than most women do.

The New York Times also reported that men are getting Botox injections in their underarms to prevent excessive sweating – which may help them land a date quicker than a smooth forehead.
 

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.
 

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.
 

Growing older is a fact of life. Although you can age gracefully – like radiant Julianne Moore or the elegant Meryl Streep – moving farther and farther away from youth is something that no one can help. Once you have resigned yourself to this fact, there's nothing stopping you from deciding to look your absolute best, no matter what decade you've entered.

Millions of Americans in their 40s, 50s and 60s are looking into fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, which can help keep them looking as vibrant and energetic as they feel. Wrinkles may be a sign of wisdom and experience, but most people would prefer to exhibit these traits through conversation. As a result, many of them consult their local medical spas to address fine lines and sun damage.

Recently, The Los Angeles Times reported that researchers are currently developing the latest generation of dermal fillers – specifically, a cutting-edge technology called the solid state hyaluronic acid filler, which is as thin as a strand of hair. The compound is placed into a needle and inserted directly into facial lines, where it takes on a gel consistency. This adds fullness to the face, making it appear more youthful and refreshed.

According to Stanford University physician Geoffrey C. Gurtner, who presented the findings to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the process is relatively painless and the filler is easy for doctors to place, allowing them to choose the exact depth and position that is desired for maximum patient satisfaction.

"This means consumers can have their forehead wrinkles removed and maintain forehead expression," Gurtner told the news source.

Older Americans may not be the only ones who can benefit from facial fillers. Active people in their 30s and 40s can sometimes experience what is known as "runner's face," in which facial skin changes due to intense exercise burning off dermal fat, according to the Ottawa Citizen.

"When you're exercising, you're straining your face muscles and putting so much effort into jogging up that hill that those lines become more noticeable," said Lina Latartara, who suffers from the condition, quoted by the media outlet.

She emphasized that people have no control over fine lines and wrinkles, but that they should do something about it if these signs of aging bother them. She opted for a facial filler to help smooth out and boost the elasticity of her skin.

These treatments may be the key to helping them look as young and healthy as they feel, boosting their confidence and self-esteem in the process.