Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for Restylane injections.

When looking in the mirror, you may blame an exaggerated forehead crease or crow's feet at the corners of your eyes for revealing your age. However, obtaining a younger looking appearance entails more than reducing the severity of wrinkles, and it may involve something that you fought in your younger years.

In your 20s, you might have lamented a little bit of roundness in your face or chubby cheeks. But now that you're older, that volume is gone and it may be the reason why wrinkles are forming and skin is sagging.

"As much as lines and wrinkles make us look older, we're learning that volume loss is just as critical," said California dermatologist Jenny Kim, M.D. "Because of that, we're looking at the aging process a little differently now and understanding the importance of replacing volume loss in the face and to restore the fullness of a more youthful appearance."

While you may not have guessed that a loss of volume was to blame for an aging face, it's something that cosmetic surgeons have known for years. As such, there are a number of minimally invasive procedures to restore a plump look, such as Restylane injections or laser skin rejuvenation.

"Many fillers for the aging face are now designed to create a fuller, more youthful appearance, instead of targeting only wrinkles or fine lines," said Kim. "In addition, facial rejuvenation with lasers is now more targeted, resulting in quicker results and less downtime."

The dermatologist noted that once a person reaches 40, they naturally begin to lose the fat and collagen in their face. This can lead to shadowing or darkening of areas that have already begun to show the signs of aging. Fillers, such as Restylane injections, can help restore fullness to the cheeks.

Additionally, laser skin rejuvenation can play a significant part in smoothing the epidermis, which may make it look fuller and more vibrant.

When used in conjunction with a healthy skin care routine, these minimally invasive cosmetic procedures may result in a fresh, youthful look, as opposed to the frozen or stretched appearance that sometimes resulted from traditional, invasive facelifts.

Even though these new treatments are able to take a few years off a patient's face with minimal risks or side effects, individuals should still be sure to do their homework when choosing a medical spa or healthcare provider.
 

Reflections for laser acne treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Inner beauty is just as important as outer, but it's often physical appearance that makes a first impression on other people. Americans spend time and money on their hair, makeup and clothes, but these embellishments may be secondary to the most crucial accessory of all: flawless skin. After all, fine lines, wrinkles and redness are often the first indicator of age, since our skin tends to loose its supple elasticity as we grow older.

"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," plastic surgeon Rod Rohrich explained. "Sagging neck skin is the telltale sign of true aging, so restoration of the neck is an important part of facial rejuvenation."

No matter how much you spend on beautiful clothes and expensive cosmetics, having smooth, youthful skin is the key to looking vibrant and refreshed. The good news is that sagging neck skin doesn't necessarily require a full-blown surgical operation. Minimally invasive therapies like Ulthera are available to help tighten and rejuvenate areas that have loosened with age.

This innovative technique relies on the application of ultrasound to allow physicians to see beneath the skin and directly target layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production. This produces a firming effect that results in younger, fresher skin over time.

"With Ulthera, we can reach some of the deeper facial structures and some of the connective tissue that we could only get with surgery before," said surgeon Haresh Yalamanchili, quoted by American Health and Beauty. "We can tighten up some of the deeper muscles and connective tissue without having to use a knife or sutures by going deeper under the skin with the ultrasound. Therefore patients don't have the downtime or the expense associated with traditional surgery."

He added that patients in their late 30s to early 50s are ideal candidates for this procedure, since these individuals generally see the most dramatic improvements. Their skin still has good elasticity and may respond better to the ultrasound, although older people have also experienced satisfactory results.

Those who are interested in Ulthera have nothing to lose by speaking to a skin care professional at their local medical spa. Learning more about the technique can help get them on their way to firmer, younger looking skin.

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. 

With summer just a couple of months away, it's likely that many families are planning fun vacations for when the kids get out of school. While buying a new swimsuit may be at the top of your list, experts say that sunscreen should be, too.

If you know you will be in the sun for more than 20 minutes, taking the time to apply sunscreen could prevent the development of serious diseases later on, according to the American Melanoma Foundation.

There are many choices available on the market today, but experts recommend using a product with at least SPF 15.

Chemical sunscreens are effective for most people. These tend to be colorless, form a thin film and act as filters that reduce the amount of UV radiation penetrating the skin. However, those who are especially sensitive to sunlight should opt for physical sunscreens, which are often visible when applied, do not easily wash off and work to physically block out UV radiation.

Although safe, effective treatments such as laser skin rejuvenation exist to address sun damage, making efforts to protect skin in the first place is a good way to go.  

Many people have experienced under-eye puffiness at one time or another. This condition may be more common with age, when the tissues in this area of the face begin to weaken and droop. Puffiness, combined with wrinkles, can make people look much older than they actually are.

Although makeup can help to a certain extent, some individuals have turned to facial fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm to brighten up their faces, American Health and Beauty reports.

These treatments contain a revitalizing chemical known as hyaluronic acid, which plumps and smooths the under-eye area. Filling in wrinkles and creases around the eyes can help the face appear fresher and younger, while reducing the appearance of puffiness.

A recent study conducted by makeup giant Clinique found that 53 percent of women cited puffiness as their number one beauty concern.

"We were really shocked," said Tom Mammone, Clinique's executive director of research and development, quoted by the news source. "We knew that many of our people [had] suggested that it was a concern, but we didn't really know until the survey that it is a major issue."

In addition to facial fillers and makeup, experts say that using a product with alphahydroxy acids or vitamins C and K can smooth and add volume to skin. 

It's natural to want to look your best, no matter what your age. Whether you want to slim down for your wedding, look fresh-faced for your son's graduation or stay competitive in a youth-dominated job market, looking for ways to hide your flaws while emphasizing your best assets can be as simple as talking to a specialist.

More Americans are turning to laser skin rejuvenation and laser liposuction than ever before. Clinics across the country are reporting upticks in numerous cosmetic procedures as both men and women strive for clearer skin and a trimmer figure.

Advancements in technology have made these minimally invasive techniques safer and more effective, which in turn has significantly decreased recovery time. As a result, countless patients are leaving with a higher degree of satisfaction.

Recently, a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that 90 percent of Americans who undergo a cosmetic procedure report glowing reviews from their family and friends. Best of all, looking good means feeling good too, as 80 percent of survey respondents experienced improved self-esteem.

Don't let your dissatisfaction with your appearance bring you down. Go out and do something about it. Talking to a skin or liposuction specialist can take you that much closer to a whole new you. 

Celebrities may be called "stars" for a reason. Every time a red carpet event like the Oscars rolls around, Hollywood's most beautiful people gather to show off their sparkling jewels and equally dazzling skin. Although diamonds and designer gowns may be hard to come by for mere mortals, achieving a flawless complexion worthy of the silver screen can be done, according to dermatologist Pat Wexler.

In a recent interview with CBS News, she revealed the holy trinity of perfecting one's skin: getting rid of wrinkles, creating contours and smoothing texture. All of this may be accomplished with a Fraxel laser treatment, a top-of-the-line procedure that has freshened faces across the country.

"The Fraxel makes microscopic little tunnels in the skin and you're growing new collagen," Wexler told the news source. "After four or five treatments, you've got a whole new surface of the skin, [and] no pigmentation irregularities. The skin has a radiance. It's got a glow to it. It feels like baby skin."

So many people dream about splurging on star-worthy bags and shoes. So why not consider acquiring Hollywood-ready skin? By speaking to a local laser skin specialist about techniques such as the Fraxel laser treatment, you could turn that particular dream into a reality.

Thermage, a safe and simple non-surgical procedure, can reduce the appearance of aging skin by applying radiofrequency energy to the skin.

In the past, surgeries such as face lifts, liposuction, and body contouring were performed to remedy problems like sagging facial skin, loose body skin and stretch marks. For many people, Thermage has been an alternative to surgery with results that have been remarkable. Plus, there’s absolutely no down time or scarring.

Thermage’s radiofrequency waves force the underlying tissue to tighten. It is often used for non-surgical brow lifts and non-surgical tightening of facial wrinkles on the forehead, around the eyes, the face, the neck and, most recently, for tightening loose body skin on the arms, legs, abdomen and buttocks.

Thermage uses very specific radio frequency energy, which causes your collagen to contract and causes new collagen to form, thus lifting sagging skin. Administered in our New Jersey cosmetic surgery office, Thermage treatment can take from a minutes to just over an hour, depending on the area treated. You’ll be surprised at the results!