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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

Actress Jennifer Aniston appears on the March cover of InStyle magazine looking not a day older than she did when the world better knew her as Rachel from Friends. She recently told the magazine that she also feels like the same person who made shaggy layers a hot trend in the mid-1990s.

Aniston, 43, told the style news source that she looks at 20-year-old actresses and feels like she's looking at one of her peers – and don't even get her started on being asked to play the mother of a teenager as a character role.

"You lose perspective," Aniston told InStyle, on feeling young. "Being offered the part of a woman with a 17-year-old child. It's like, 'I'm not old enough to have a 17-year-old!' And then you realize, well, yeah, you are. Young? I don't feel my age. I feel young every day."

Perhaps her glowing skin has something to do with it. The notoriously tight-lipped actress hinted that she's a fan of laser skin rejuvenation.

"I'd love to be a dermatologist. I'd be so obsessive about it. I'm fascinated by skin, products and lasers. I go on the internet and read all about it. I call it 'laser porn,'" Aniston said, quoted by the news source.

Hydration and good nutrition also play a part in Aniston's youthful glow, according to a 2009 article in Elle magazine. The actress' dietitian Carrie Wiatt told the news source that supplements aimed at reducing inflammation in the body – namely, those containing omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and querecitin – help keep the skin supple and glowing, as they promote moisture retention and blood circulation.

Aniston is also known to be an exercise enthusiast, especially yoga. An article in Yoga Journal magazine reports that the mind-body practice may help improve skin health by reducing stress and promoting overall wellness.

Women who want to obtain a younger looking appearance can learn a lot from Aniston's practices – including the fact that she does her research on laser skin rejuvenation. While the procedure is not invasive and has been found to be safe, it's important to seek out an experienced, accredited professional in order to get the best results and minimize the risk of complications.

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!

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.
 

The announcement that model Heidi Klum's and singer Seal's marriage was on the rocks sparked audible gasps, as many viewed the famous couple as rock-solid. Now that the 38-year-old Klum has confirmed that a divorce is imminent, Yahoo! wonders whether she'll consider getting Seal's name removed from her arm.

It's true that the ink, located on her right forearm, is done in such creative script that one can barely make out the word. Still, the Project Runway host may be thinking about laser tattoo removal in the relatively near future. That is, if she follows the trend of other heartbroken celebs, such as Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry.

Perhaps less a surprising breakup was the one between tattoo artist Kat Von D and Jesse James, who famously cheated on Sandra Bullock. Even less shocking is that Von D got an inky memento of her former beau, in the form of a portrait of James as a child, located on her ribcage, Yahoo! reported.

An article in the Chicago Tribune recently explored the many reasons behind tattoo removal, which appear to be as varied as the techniques to erase old body art.

Typical catalysts for getting laser tattoo removal include zapping the memories of an old love, forgetting about a rebellious youth or a loss of affection for an old icon, whether it be the Taz, the tasmanian devil, or Marilyn Monroe.

In one case that the Tribune reported on, a young woman seeking a job as a nanny was being gifted laser tattoo removal by her parents, who believed that the peace sign on her wrist may hold her back from getting hired.

"I usually cover it up with a Band-Aid," said Mollie Linn, quoted by the news source.

Deciding to get a tattoo removed may not be as difficult as choosing what procedure to have it erased with, according to the Tribune. There are a number of methods of laser tattoo removal, and which one is most appropriate may depend on the size, color and age of the body art.

As a result, it's a good idea to have a thorough consultation with a specialist to determine what laser tattoo removal technique will work best for you. Additionally, be sure to seek out an experienced, accredited professional. 

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.

We all know what they look like: Swollen, twisted, blue or purple veins popping up under the skin, making an unsightly and knotted mass on the legs. But what exactly are spider and varicose veins, and how can they be treated?

Well, the condition appears when the valves in the vein stop functioning properly, according to Medical News Today. In a normal vein, the mechanisms open and close to promote an even, one-directional flow. However, some individuals have a harmless congenital defect in their valves, causing blood to move in both direction and leading to dilated, bulging veins, the news source reported.

It's estimated that 30 percent of adults have varicose or spider veins, which most often occur in women. While these blue bulges may make you feel too shy to wear skirts, dresses or shorts out in public, they are unlikely to cause any negative health problems.

In some cases, varicose or spider veins may become painful or make the legs feel heavy. Individuals with these symptoms may want to seek treatment for their condition in order to improve their quality of life.

People who are not too bothered by their appearance but want to make an effort to stop the progression of the condition may want to consider compression stockings, which squeeze the legs from the ankle up to improve circulation. These can be uncomfortable, especially during warm weather, and may not be effective for some, but the stockings are still a good option for certain individuals.

Ligation and stripping is a method in which a surgeon ties off the vein, threads a wire through it and pulls it out through an incision. This operation completely removes varicose veins, but comes with risks of bleeding, bruising, pain and even deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, patients typically need to take one to three weeks off work and other activities while they heal.

Technology in laser vein removal has come a long way since its early days. The technique consists of strong bursts of light that make spider veins fade away, according to WomensHealth.gov. Usually, a patient require two or three sessions to completely get rid of unsightly veins, each lasting about 15 or 20 minutes. Best of all, individuals can resume normal activities following laser vein removal.

For more severe varicose veins, an endovenous laser vein treatment may be needed. During this procedure, bothersome veins are treated from the inside with radiofrequency or laser energy to restore normal blood flow and reduce the appearance of bulging veins. 

Some tattoos require multiple sessions to completely erase them, while others are zapped in minimal time. As a result, it's a good idea to get laser tattoo removal during the winter months, especially if you like to show some skin once the sun comes out and temperatures rise.

After all, springtime represents new beginnings, and what better way to do so than by getting rid of body art that may remind you of something – or someone – that is no longer a part of your life?

This appears to be the mindset of some celebrities who have been cited in the news lately as saying that they're in the process of having ink removed.

First, Mark Wahlberg told David Letterman that he's getting some regretful tattoos erased – namely, a homemade "twisted" shamrock that has been covered with an image of Looney Tunes' Sylvester the cat enjoying a Tweety Bird snack.

"The first tattoo I got, I was 12," Wahlberg told Letterman. "We did it with Indian ink and sewing needles, and it was bad."

The Departed star told the Late Show host that he's already attended about 30 sessions to get about seven images removed, and he's slated to get about five to seven more.

Actress Eva Longoria is reportedly having the remnants of her marriage to basketball star Tony Parker wiped out, according to TMZ. She has the word "nine" inked on the back of her neck, representing her now ex-husband's number on the San Antonio Spurs.

British news sources report that singer Cheryl Cole is going about her divorce in a similar manner, having the scrips "Mrs. C" removed from the back of her neck.

"There's no chance of her getting back with [ex-husband] Ashley [Cole] and she no longer wants the reminder of his cheating ways on her skin," a source told the Daily Star.

Whether a laser tattoo removal patient is looking to forget about a rebellious youth or get over an ex, they should be sure to do their research first.

Individuals should have at least one consultation with a healthcare provider before making an appointment. Additionally, they should ask how often the physician performs laser tattoo removal, what kind of tools and equipment are used, post-treatment care, healing time and the number of sessions required to erase or fade a tattoo.