Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

Men and women who consider going under the scalpel, needle or laser in order to get rid of wrinkles often have one very specific question in mind: "How young will this make me look?" A team of researchers at the University of Toronto recently quantified just how much difference cosmetic procedures can make in other people's perception of age.

In order to reach their conclusions, the team of scientists showed a group of medical students photographs of 60 patients before and after a facelift and asked them to estimate their ages. On average, the images of the individuals after their operations were rated as being about six to eight years younger than their before pictures.

The study's lead author and plastic surgeon, Nitin Chauhan, M.D., spoke with Health.com about the findings.

"It’s nice to have an objective measure," said Chauhan. "Some of our patients like to have concrete numbers to look at, and the more information you can provide, the more it facilitates decision-making."

The results may help healthcare providers manage patient expectations during counseling, which is a very important part of the cosmetic procedure process.

"Nothing we do is magical," he said. "We do certainly get 60-year-old patients who want to look 40, and this will help us when we discuss expectations."

The desire for a slightly younger looking appearance is not only a common reason for obtaining a cosmetic procedure, but it's also a sign that an individual is a good candidate for the treatment or operation, as long as they're doing it for their own satisfaction, according to MedicineNet.com.

Wanting to simply enhance your own natural beauty signifies that you have realistic expectations of what procedures – from Botox injections to invasive facelifts – can do for you. Individuals who seek plastic surgery or other treatments to look like another person may want to discuss this with their healthcare provider, who can determine whether they are a good candidate for the procedure or if they would be better off choosing another way to boost their self-esteem.

Additionally, invasive surgeries like facelifts and tummy tucks aren't for everyone. If all you need is a slight change, consider the number of new laser or injectable treatments – such as laser skin rejuvenation or Restylane injections – which come with fewer risks and provide noticeable results.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Men and women in their 60s appear to be more accepting of procedures to make them look younger – such as Botox injections or laser skin rejuvenation – than in years past, possibly due to the availability of treatments that provide subtle results with minimal side effects.

An article in the Chicago Tribune explores this trend and spoke with some people who underwent these minimally invasive procedures for varying reasons.

One woman, a 66-year-old the news source nicknamed Arleen in order to protect her identity, reported that her facial injections and partial facelift have helped her retain confidence in the workplace, where she manages many younger employees.

"All of this has made a difference and I'm very satisfied with the results," Arleen said, quoted by the news source. "It took five to seven years off, and when you're working it's important. I have younger people working under me, and I don't want to look too old."

The Tribune also spoke with a man in his 60s, who said that retirement spurred his decision to obtain a more youthful appearance.

"I was very busy before," he said, quoted by the news source "but I noticed as I aged that my cheeks got a sunken look to them."

Marc Karlan, M.D., otolaryngology professor at Northwestern University, told the news source that outside of the big cities, people prefer a more natural look, especially older individuals.

"The older my patient is, the more likely they lead with 'I want to look better but I don't want to look done.'" Karlan said, quoted by the news source. "They don't want to look frozen. In the Midwest, people want to look like themselves."

According to Spire Healthcare, there has been a 303 percent increase in the number of women in their 60s obtaining cosmetic procedures, and a 168 percent hike for men in the same age group.

The organization states that national statistics reveal that even people in their 70s are more interested now than in the past in cosmetic procedures, as there has been a 175 percent increase in men and 133 percent hike in women in this age group receiving elective surgery.

Spire Healthcare notes that individuals who are interested in even minimally invasive procedures – such as Botox injections or laser skin rejuvenation – should seek out an experienced, accredited facility or medical spa.
 

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

For some viewers, the excitement of the Academy Awards has more to do with getting a glimpse of glamorous celebrities decked out in the latest high fashions than it does with seeing which movie wins Best Picture. Year after year, actors and actress put their best foot forward on the red carpet, leading many to wonder just how they maintain their preternatural good looks.
Well, one such way is through minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, according to California plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh.

"Celebrities always look flawless, but on Oscar night they truly look their best. Whether they just need a little volume boost or a surgical lift, there are a variety of treatments I can perform to help them achieve their desired look," Azizzadeh said.

Some older stars who experience sagging or visible wrinkles may choose a neck lift or a "mini facelift" in order to look younger for the big night. The neck is a common site for cosmetic enhancement, because it has a tendency to sag or hold fat deposits, acting as a pretty obvious sign that someone is in their golden years.

Additionally, minimally invasive facelifts are not a one-size-fits-all deal, as they're easily tailored to suit a patient's features and preferences to obtain the most natural-looking outcome.

Younger actors and actresses who are just beginning to see the signs of aging often choose more subtle procedures, like Botox or Restylane injections. These products can be used around the brows and eyes for a younger appearance without scalpels.

Facial peels or laser skin rejuvenation are also popular procedures, as they help eliminate minor flaws and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles before going under the spotlight – not to mention the incessant flash of cameras.

"Regardless of the celebrity's age, the goal of cosmetic treatments is always the same – achieving natural looking results. On a night as highly publicized as the Oscars, it is vital my celebrity clients merely look refreshed, and not like they have had a lot of work done," said Azizzadeh.

Non-famous individuals seeking skin as luminous as Charlize Theron's or a face as flawless as Angelina Jolie's may want to consider doing their homework when choosing a medical spa or facility. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before undergoing any kind of procedure, asking about accreditation, experience, expectations and standards of care.
 

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day, which is why so much time is spent on picking out a gown, devising a makeup strategy and perfecting a hairstyle – not to mention the painstaking efforts made to ensure flattering lighting and photographs. As such, many brides-to-be consider minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in the months leading up to their big day.

The photos, videos and memories from your wedding will be treasured keepsakes for years to come, so it makes sense that you would want to fix minor imperfections before walking down the aisle. But it's important to do your research before going under the laser or needle.

Timing is a key issue when thinking about cosmetic procedures for a specific day, as many take time to heal or take full effect. So, you'll want to make your first step a consultation with an experienced professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about issues that you would like to fix before your big day – from acne scars, to unwanted hair, to fine lines and wrinkles. Be sure that your doctor knows the exact date of your wedding, and even go so far as to ask twice about healing times. The last thing you want is a telltale sign of a cosmetic procedure on your face.

Botox injections or Restylane treatments are good options for pre-wedding plumping or wrinkle-reducing. These products have been used for a long time, so many healthcare providers are well-versed on predicting outcomes and providing natural-looking fuller lips or a less exaggerated forehead crease. It's generally recommended that brides try out the injectables one month before their wedding.

Laser skin rejuvenation may ensure that you have a youthful glow about you during your big day. Whether your problem is uneven tone, fine lines or sun spots, the treatment has been shown to zap these issues with minimal healing time, giving you a flawless complexion without the need for layers of foundation and powder.

Getting rid of unwanted hair with laser hair removal is also a great pre-wedding treatment. Moreover, having follicles on the legs or bikini line zapped during the months leading up to the ceremony can have a big added bonus if you're going somewhere warm for your honeymoon – bye-bye razors and shaving cream!

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

When the temperatures drop outside and the air becomes devoid of moisture, many men and women notice that their skin tends to look drier and fine lines and wrinkles are more apparent than in the warmer months. Rather than letting the winter winds get the best of your skin, consider the many things you can do to fight Mother Nature.

First, remember to drink plenty of water. This will help combat thirsty skin that results from dry air, help keep cells healthy and organs functioning properly. Additionally, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts and fish. These nutritious foods are known to brighten the complexion and promote the production of natural oils in the skin.

You may also want to consider switching up your skincare routine. Choose a cleanser that is sulfate-free, as this foaming chemical is sometimes the reason behind dry skin. Instead, look for a milky or gel cleanser that gently cleans your face. Also, many individuals require a heavier moisturizer during the winter than they do in the summer. Try a few different products to see what works best for you, and avoid ones that are heavily fragranced.

Winter is also a great time to try Botox injections or laser skin rejuvenation. This is because you'll likely be cooped up in the house more than usual anyway, and both procedures require you to avoid the sun for a certain period of time afterward. 

Additionally, while Botox injections and laser skin rejuvenation result in little to no downtime following a treatment, they tend to show visible results only weeks or months following a procedure.

The laser skin rejuvenation process begins with the application of short bursts of laser by a professional to the epidermis. Rather than destroying the top layer of skin, this treatment targets the middle layer to stimulate the production of collagen and new cells, resulting in a reduced appearance of fine lines, sun spots and discoloration.

Botox injections have been the tried-and-true method of wrinkle treatments for decades. The treatment involves the administration of a botulinum toxin directly to the site of a crease or line, where it works to relax the underlying muscles and smooth the face.

While these treatments have been shown to be safe and effective, individuals considering minimally invasive cosmetic procedures should seek an experienced, accredited facility or spa, and consult with a healthcare professional before going through with a treatment.

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.