Reflections on Beauty

Reflections Spa for smart lipo

When people think about liposuction, their first thought is probably removing fat from the stomach area. Of course, this isn't the only part of the body where excess fat shows up, which is why more individuals are turning to laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, to get rid of unwanted fat wherever it pops up.

Recently, WWL TV, a Louisana news source, reported on safe and effective solutions for loose, wrinkled skin under the arms caused by fat and aging. While diet and exercise may be able to make a dent in this problem, for many women it's not enough to get their arms looking the way they used to. According to the news source, this is where smart lipo and other laser procedures come in.

It's not just a problem for older people

The information provider spoke to Megan Zander, a 25-year-old doctor's assistant and Iraq veteran who, despite her young age and history of exercise, can't seem to get rid of pesky arm fat.

"It's the frustration behind being a very active person, being heavily into the gym, knowing how to workout right, eating properly and still not being able to get this area to go anywhere," said Zander of her arms, quoted by the news source.

Dermatologist Patricia Farris told the information provider that she sees many young women with the same problem as Zander, even if they exercise and eat right.

Laser lipo can help

The news source spoke to dermatologists who recommended laser lipo procedures, such as smart lipo, as a simple solution to the problem of under arm fat. A recently released report by Global Industry Analysis on the the cosmetic procedure market in the U.S. and Europe projects that the market will grow tremendously by 2017, due in part to the overwhelming popularity of laser procedures, such as laser lipo.

Plastic surgeon Cynthia Mizgala told WWL that laser lipo leaves almost no scar, and the patient can return to work the next day. Also, the procedure can be done with the patient is awake, eliminating the need for anesthesia, which can have unpleasant side effects.

After undergoing smart lipo, individuals may want to get laser skin tightening to perfect their look. According to DocShop.com, this minimally invasive procedure can help people achieve younger-looking, smoother skin without surgery.
 

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 Laser Lipo

Most people get cosmetic procedures to enhance their appearance and feel better about themselves, but does it help? Even if a person's laser lipo or botox injection are effective at zapping fat and wrinkles, do clients actually walk away with improved self-esteem? According to a recent study published in Plastic and Reproductive surgery, the answer is yes.

Scientists found that patients who underwent a liposuction or abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck), reported that they experienced increased self-esteem and quality of life after their procedure. Researchers studied 360 people who were getting lipo and/or a tummy tuck. Also, 30 percent of these individuals also received a facelift, breast augmentation or other cosmetic procedure at the same time.

According to the scientists, 98 percent of people who had a tummy tuck and lipo said that they would undergo the procedure again. Also, 99 percent of these individuals said that they would recommend the operation to their friends.

This is a significant finding, considering that an increased quality of life is the goal for many people who get cosmetic procedures done.

"Liposuction and abdominoplasty, individually and in combination, produce high rates of patient satisfaction and reliably improve self-esteem," said researcher Eric Swanson, M.D.

These findings coincide with previous studies that have shown the psychological benefits of cosmetic procedures. For example, back in 1998, researchers from Rutgers University found that cosmetic procedures significantly improved quality of life for patients. Furthermore, the scientists said that the positive feelings reported by patients were long-term.

Medical News Today reports that in the last few years, advancements have been made in lipo that allow doctors to remove more fat cells with less blood loss, risk and discomfort. For instance, laser liposuction is known to have fewer side effects because it liquefies fat before it's suctioned out, resulting in smaller incisions and shorter healing time.

"If a patient has thought everything through carefully beforehand, talked to their general practitioner and surgeon about their aims, motives and expectation, the surgeon is skilled and well qualified, and there are no complications, most patients are pleased with their [lipo] results," according to Medical News Today.

All of this suggests that individuals who have been considering laser lipo should continue to work to find a qualified doctor and facility to receive this procedure and potentially improve their quality of life. 

Reflections for laser liposuction.

People who want to lose weight may daydream about laser liposuction as a way to slim down without having to make much effort. However, while the procedure may give beautiful, long-lasting results for some individuals, others are better off seeking other options. The success of laser liposuction depends on the area that you wish to minimize, the condition of your skin and your overall health.

First, it's important to know that laser liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise. The ideal candidate is near his or her ideal weight, but has a problem area or two that will not respond to sit-ups or calorie-cutting. Individuals who are carrying a lot of excess body fat may want to first try traditional methods of weight loss before considering cosmetic procedures.

Additionally, a responsible healthcare provider will want to know details about your medical history to make sure you are not at an increased risk of complications, and that you are likely to have a successful outcome from the procedure. It's important to be honest with your physician, and be wary of professionals who do not inquire about any past operations or conditions, which may have an effect on how your body responds to cosmetic treatments.

Next, you should to consider the area that you want to be slimmed down. Women commonly get liposuction on their hips, thighs, waist, abdomen, back, arms, neck and face. In men, the most popular sites to have fat removed are the flanks, abdomen, chest, neck and face.

Individuals often see great results from laser liposuction done on the upper arms, hips, flanks and the sides of the thighs. People may want to inquire with their healthcare provider about possible issues stemming from lipo of the rear thigh, buttocks, forearms or calves, because while they are sometimes treated with the procedure, these are not ideal areas for everyone.

If you have loose skin, which is often the result of significant weight loss, you may want to consider another procedure, such as body contouring or a tummy tuck. Suctioning fat may only lead to more loose skin, so ideal candidates for laser liposuction have skin that is elastic enough to retract after a procedure.

Lastly, know that while lipo may effectively get rid of a problem area, you'll still need to keep up a healthy diet and exercise routine after the procedure in order to maintain results and stay in good overall physical condition.
 

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. 

Ours is a society in which body image plays a very important role, both in our perception of ourselves and of others. Men and women all over the country want to look their best, which is why so many people are trying to make better lifestyle choices, like walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator or choosing a salad over a cheeseburger.

While exercising and eating healthy are two of the most important things you can do in terms of losing weight, sometimes you may need an extra boost in order to achieve your ideal figure. Many Americans are in the same boat, which is why so many people are talking about laser liposuction.

The minimally invasive technique can be performed on multiple areas of the body, such as the stomach, love handles and thighs, and works to sculpt your shape without the need for major surgery. Most people only need a day or two to recover from the procedure, which relies on targeted laser energy to eliminate fat.

However, people always wonder: "Will the fat come back later or is it gone forever?" Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine recently teamed up to address this question.

Led by physician Robert H. Eckel and registered nurse Teri L. Hernandez, the scientists discovered that in some patients, the fat returns within one year to other areas of the body, particularly the upper abdomen.

"The fact that fat returned is of great interest to us as scientists," Eckel said. "It supports the idea that levels of body fat are very tightly regulated by mechanisms we have yet to uncover. This was the hypothesis we were testing and it was confirmed."

He added that the same observation was made in rats, as the animals experienced a return of fat following its removal.

The researchers suggested that the brain somehow knows how much fat the body contains and responds in order to regulate that weight.

According to Eckel and Hernandez, the findings emphasize that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, it is a technique that can complement healthy lifestyle choices and allow patients to sculpt their bodies to achieve the contours they desire.

"Despite fat returning, the cosmetic shape benefit was retained and [the patients] have been very happy with their surgery results," Hernandez concluded. 

However, there is an excellent chance that the fat will not return for those who are willing to work hard to maintain the results of their liposuction. Experts recommend that individuals who are considering the procedure begin making healthy lifestyle choices ahead of time, which can help them keep it up afterward. In fact, many people who undergo liposuction find it easy to remember to eat well and exercise after seeing their satisfying results.

A newly sculpted, shapely physique can be a great motivator, encouraging people to keep the fat off and get into the best shape of their lives. 

As wedding season rolls around, bridal boutiques and flower shops aren't the only ones seeing more newlyweds-to-be – cosmetic specialists are, too. In preparation for the big day, brides and grooms alike are seeking ways to make sure that they look picture perfect.

Clinicians have reported an upsurge in the number of people seeking out laser liposuction, according to the Calgary Herald. In particular, more men are asking about the minimally invasive technique, which uses targeted laser energy to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen and thighs.

According to specialist Sean Hintz, this non-surgical cosmetic treatment is both safe and effective. However, he warned against relying on laser liposuction alone to achieve a better body, saying that the technique is meant to complement healthy lifestyle choices such as eating nutritious food.

"I would not recommend that someone come in and have this done, and then eat at McDonald's every day," Hintz told the Shreveport Times.

Those who exercise and eat a healthy diet may be most satisfied with the results of the procedure. Most people just need a day or two to recover, making laser liposuction a smart choice for busy brides and grooms who need to get right back to wedding planning. 

It's hard to find someone who is completely happy with their appearance. In fact, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of the West of England revealed that 30 percent of women are willing to trade at least one year of their lives in order to achieve their ideal body shape.

Lead investigator Phillipa Diedrichs and her colleagues administered a survey to college women at several campuses around the UK.

About 16 percent of the respondents said that they were willing to give up one year of their lives in order to achieve a better body shape, while 10 percent said they would trade up to five years.

"The findings highlight that body image is an issue for all women and not just adolescent girls, as is often thought," Diedrichs explained.

Of the women surveyed, about 39 percent said that they would be willing to undergo cosmetic procedures such as laser liposuction. The majority of these respondents said that they would be willing to have multiple procedures to get the body they wanted.

Trimming down via a safe, minimally invasive technique can be a good way for women to feel a little more confident about their appearance. 

Americans shape up with the help of laser liposuction

Diet and exercise are the go-to methods for slimming down, and many people who choose to undergo laser liposuction as an additional enhancement have been satisfied with the results. This may be why the popularity of the procedure has risen so fast in recent years, with an estimated 500,000 procedures performed in 2005, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The technique "is a very minimally invasive procedure," said surgeon Marcia V. Byrd, according to CosmeticSurgery.com. "The laser constricts blood vessels as it works, so virtually no bruising is created. Plus, the cannula inserted into the treatment areas is the size of an 18-gauge needle. That is a thickness equal to two pencil lines drawn next to each other."

Laser liposuction has helped many Americans achieve their desired body shape. One patient from Long Beach, New York, who ran triathlons, hiked and lifted weights, opted to undergo the procedure in order to further sculpt and enhance her body.

The technology is designed to permanently destroy fat cells and tighten up skin in trouble spots, such as under the chin, according to the Miami Herald. Many patients who are looking for a trimmer body have benefited from the sculpting and shaping capabilities of laser liposuction.

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.