Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for Botox injections.

Many individuals resolve to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle when Jan. 1 rolls around. While these are great goals to set, and will certainly help you achieve a more youthful appearance, why not consider finally getting that minimally invasive cosmetic procedure you've been thinking about as well?

The New Year is a great time to consider these treatments, since you will likely be cooped up in the house as the snow falls, and will heal just in time for Valentine's Day. Moreover, if your plan is to do more yoga or hit the treadmill each day, people may chalk up your new look to weight loss rather than facial rejuvenation.

Botox has been very popular in recent years due to its effectiveness, short healing time and relatively low cost. It also has a number of purposes, from reducing the appearance of laugh lines to stopping excessive underarm sweat.

If acne scarring has been hurting your confidence, now might be a good time to consider laser acne treatment. Technology has come a long way since earlier methods, so today's procedures can quickly and effectively minimize the marks of past skin conditions.

Laser hair removal can help you say bye-bye to waxing, bleaching and shaving the upper lip or stubborn chin hairs. You may require more than one session to remove all unwanted hair, but modern lasers can provide smooth results, regardless of your skin or hair color.

The New Year may also be a good opportunity to get rid of regrettable tattoos through laser tattoo removal, especially if the ink reminds you of a past love or a time in your life that has ended.

No matter what procedure you choose, be sure to do plenty of research before going under the needle or laser.

It's a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before choosing the right one, even if it means interviewing multiple physicians. It's better to spend your time being picky about your professional than to spend time and money fixing a botched procedure.

Check to make sure the facility or medical spa that you are going to is accredited and trusted. It may even be a good idea to ask friends and family members for recommendations.
 

Reflections for laser liposuction.

Flabby arms are famously stubborn, causing unsightliness and embarrassment no matter how much time is spent on push-ups, curls or weights. Moreover, an arm lift is likely to cause scarring and may be too extreme for men and women with just a little bit of extra skin to get rid of.

Individuals who experience this issue may benefit from laser liposuction in the arm region combined with a skin tightening procedure, such as Thermage.

"By double-downing and combining non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, we can get good skin tightening results in those difficult areas, without significant downtime and scarring," said Louis Cole, a plastic surgeon in Atlanta.

Laser liposuction not only removes unwanted fat, but stimulates collagen production in the skin, which is known to help firm flabby skin. Cole said that it may take some time to see optimal results from this technique.

"Patients will look good at two to three days but will look even better at three to six months," said Cole.

People may be aware of a laser liposuction procedure called SmartLipo, which uses laser technology to melt fat before it is suctioned out of the body. By liquefying the fat tissue first, healthcare professionals are able to more easily remove it, leaving a smaller scar than traditional liposuction. Another technique known as SlimLipo is gaining popularity, as the wavelengths used during this procedure are better able to target fat cells, making for a safer technique and better-looking outcome.

SlimLipo is a little more exclusive than SmartLipo right now, since a smaller number of medical spas and plastic surgery centers are approved to perform the procedure. Procedures done with SlimLipo are known to give quicker, tighter and more contoured results than other laser liposuction methods.

Individuals who choose a combination of the laser liposuction and skin firming treatment may be interested to know that procedures like Thermage work by contracting collagen in the deeper layers of the skin using radiofrequency energy. In two to three months, patients will see the maximum results from the treatment, and they should last for years afterward.

People should be sure to have a thorough consultation with an accredited healthcare professional before deciding on cosmetic procedures to correct flabby arms. Additionally, they should be sure to carefully select a trusted, experienced physician.

Reflections for laser skin rejuvenation.

Men and women who spend their summers by the pool or at the beach trying to perfect their golden tan may regret those days spent baking under the sun's UV rays once the winter months roll around and that bronze glow disappears, leaving behind a wrinkled, spotted epidermis.

Perhaps next summer they will remember the sunblock, but in the meantime, they have a few options to obtain a refreshed complexion.

In addition to using a rich moisturizer on areas most affected by the sun, people may want to consider laser skin rejuvenation. One particular type of this procedure is the De-Lite Laser Treatment, available at Reflections Medical Spa in New Jersey, which is designed especially for the décolletage, the area of the chest that tends get the most sun exposure.

This laser skin rejuvenation process targets brown spots, discoloration resulting from sun damage and keratoses, which are benign growths. Additionally, the treatment may help reduce the appearance of broken capillaries, fine lines, wrinkles and rough skin.

The procedure lasts only about 20 to 30 minutes, and requires a topical anesthetic. While patients may experience slight discomfort during the laser treatment, many report having mild to no pain afterward. No recovery time is needed following laser skin rejuvenation, but you will want to ask your medical professional about post-treatment self-care. Some patients decide to take a few days of rest following the procedure.

A pre-treatment discussion is recommended as well, which is the case with any cosmetic procedure.

"There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for premature aging, which is why I always recommend scheduling a consultation with a board certified physician," said Shelby Brantley, M.D., a Mississippi plastic surgeon.

The De-Lite Laser Treatment uses a combination of laser technology, and typically requires just one session.

Other treatments to reduce skin damage on the chest include intense pulsed light devices, under the brand names Starlux and Ellipse. These often require a few appointments to achieve optimal results, but recovery time is minimal.

The Erbium peel can also combat the effects of the sun using a laser that removes the top layer of skin, which allows a more youthful epidermis to appear.

Another option is the Sapphire Photo abrasion, which is a form of microdermabrasion that gently exfoliates the outer layer of the skin for a smoother looking surface.

Reflections for Botox injections.

People spend years and thousands of dollars on education in order to achieve success in the business world. But studies have shown that attractive people tend to earn more than their average-looking counterparts, so would it make sense that a Botox injection or laser liposuction may boost earning potential?

Oprah.com recently featured an article on a woman who underwent several cosmetic procedures and subsequently saw her career rise to an impressive level. The woman spoke anonymously, to retain professionalism in case a colleague or potential employer decided to Google her, about how improving her physical appearance helped her climb the corporate ladder.

The woman said that she sees her cosmetic operations as an investment.

"My recent facelift stemmed from a conversation I had with my CFO about our financial projections. He advised me that in the long run, it's critical to allocate adequate resources to asset maintenance. I can tell you that he got no argument from me," she told Oprah.com

The woman theorized that the procedures helped boost her confidence, which is something that employers look for and clients are impressed by.

GlassDoor.com reported on some of the quick fixes that may help a person make a good impression at a job interview.

According to the source, a face that is free of blemishes or acne scars tends to be looked upon favorably by others, suggesting that laser acne treatments may help a person score their dream job. Additionally, spots or discolorations caused by aging – which can be erased by laser skin rejuvenation – may have a subconscious, negative impact on a prospective employer.

Botox injections or fillers to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may also give a person a leg up in the job market, as these treatments can give the impression of youthfulness, vitality and energy.

Other procedures that GlassDoor.com recommended were teeth-whitening, LASIK surgery and rhinoplasty. The last option is pretty extreme, so individuals should have several counseling sessions and give considerable thought to the operation before succumbing to the scalpel.

In that same vein, people should be aware that having clear, wrinkle-free skin alone may not land them their dream job. Cosmetic procedures are not a cure-all when it comes to self-esteem and life issues. However, they may be able to give secure, savvy individuals the boost of confidence they need to take the bull by the horns in the job market. 

Reflections for laser liposuction.

Perhaps one of the most important things a person should consider when planning a cosmetic procedure is finding a trusted, accredited professional. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has strict regulations and approval processes for medical spas, products and devices to minimize the chances of a complication. 

While the promise of Botox injections or laser liposuction done at a low price may seem like a good excuse to book a flight to a foreign country, this may put patients at risk for an infection or a botched procedure because some regions aren't as vigilant as the U.S. in regulating the professionals and equipment used in healthcare.

A recent study conducted at Nassau University Medical Center in New York revealed that American plastic surgeons are observing an uptick in the number of individuals seeking corrective procedures for a surgery they had abroad.

"Medical tourism patients are often lured by the apparent lower cost of surgery elsewhere or by the availability of procedures that are not approved here in the U.S.," said co-author Kaveh Alizadeh, M.D., M.Sc., FACS.

Authors of the study obtained survey responses from 368 plastic surgeons in the U.S. and found that about 80 percent reported having experience treating a patient who had a botched procedure in a foreign country, mostly stemming from breast augmentation or body contouring. Additionally, about half of the respondents said the number of people seeking corrective procedures from these operations has increased in recent years.

Moreover, corrections can require multiple appointments and turn out to be quite expensive.

"When patients return to the U.S., it can become a costly scenario if they develop complications and the procedure or patient is not covered by medical insurance," said Alizadeh.

The most common complication that the surgeons observed was infection, amounting to about 31 percent of reported problems. Additionally, patients experienced open wounds stemming from poorly done stitches, contour abnormality and severe bruising.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that the most popular destinations for plastic surgery are Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Mexico, Philippines, Poland, South Africa and Thailand.

The ASPS recommends doing research on the potential risks of a cosmetic procedure and consulting a medical professional before scheduling an appointment.  

Reflections for laser liposuction.

Myths regarding cosmetic procedures, even those that are minimally invasive, can give people the wrong impression of why men and women get them and the types of people who go under the knife, needle or laser. These misconceptions sometimes make cosmetic procedures seem unattainable and frivolous. However, making improvements to one's face or body is not a luxury reserved for the famous or wealthy.

The Harley Medical Group in the UK recently conducted research to identify and debunk the myths surrounding cosmetic procedures.

"Patients who are looking into surgical options have lots of questions about their procedure and it is important that they are properly informed," said Lisa Littlehales, a lead nurse at the medical group. "We decided to do the survey as people often people have assumptions about cosmetic surgery, which in reality are completely untrue."

First, the percentage of patients who get procedures as a result of vanity or compulsiveness is very low. The survey found that 95 percent of individuals who visited the medical center had considered their procedure for several years, and that 85 percent of respondents said they were getting an operation, injection or laser treatment to boost their confidence levels. On average, people think over getting a cosmetic procedure for two to three years.

Additionally, the treatments are not reserved for socialites, models and starlets. An estimated 45 percent of women who go in for a procedure are mothers who want to strengthen their confidence by correcting some of the effects that pregnancy had on their bodies. Additionally, the medical center reported that they've seen a 17 percent rise over the past five years in the number of people older than 65 who get cosmetic treatments or operations.

Individuals who think liposuction is an alternative to diet and exercise may want to think again. The procedure is best suited for people who have made these lifestyle changes but still have stubborn areas that will not slim down. For these individuals, treatments like laser liposuction may be the best option, since they leave minimal scarring and don't require the patients to spend long periods of time in compression garments, as was the case with older procedures.

People who are interested in cosmetic procedures but are hesitant for whatever reason should seek out an accredited, experienced facility and meet with a healthcare provider for a consultation. These professionals are educated to provide the most accurate information to potential patients.
 

Reflections for SmartLipo.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that many view as simply a convenient path toward thinner thighs or a flat belly. However, research that was presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that the procedure may actually have cardiovascular benefits for individuals with high blood levels of triglycerides.

A team of scientists analyzed the fat present in the blood of 322 liposuction patients. They discovered that volunteers who had triglyceride levels high enough to put them at risk of cardiovascular disease experienced a significant improvement in their blood test results.

"Liposuction has long been considered a purely cosmetic procedure but this study has found that white blood cell counts decrease, on average, 11 percent after liposuction," said Dr. Bruce Katz, director of JUVA Skin & Laser Center and pioneer of SmartLipo. "High white blood cell counts are associated with a raised level of inflammation within the body and have been linked to coronary heart disease, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This suggests that liposuction may translate into a procedure that has the ability to reduce a patient's health risk."

However, authors of the study were careful to note that the procedure is not a replacement for doctor-recommended therapies to help improve cardiovascular health in at-risk patients.

The researchers said that their findings also show that the subcutaneous fat which lies directly beneath the skin may have more of an impact on wellness than previously thought. Currently, it is believed that the visceral fat located deeper in the body and close to vital organs is the most damaging type of lipid.

The study authors also noted that liposuction is the fourth most common cosmetic procedure in the U.S. Moreover, a new technique known as laser liposuction makes a slimmer waistline and healthier heart easier to achieve.

A procedure called SlimLipo uses lasers to liquefy fat, which is then suctioned out of the body. Since the lipids are more fluid, a medical professional can make a smaller incision than was required with older techniques. This means less scarring and less time spent in compression garments after the operation. Moreover, practitioners report that SlimLipo is significantly less painful than traditional liposuction.

Individuals who are considering SlimLipo treatment should seek out a trusted medical facility that is staffed with experienced healthcare professionals.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

When shopping for shoes or clothing, it's a great idea to look around until you find the best price. However, when it comes to choosing a medical professional for Botox injections, laser tattoo removal or smartlipo treatments, going for the facility with bargain basement prices may not be a good idea.

You only get one body, and choosing an inexperienced or untrustworthy healthcare provider to perform cosmetic procedures can result in botched results, partial paralysis, infection or scarring.

A survey conducted by technology company Suneva Medical reveals that while many individuals do sometimes price shop for their minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, the first thing people usually look for is past patient satisfaction. Additionally, while customers are willing to shell out some extra cash for a younger looking appearance, they want their procedures to give lasting results.

"Unlike what we saw in 2008, today more patients see value in spending more for something that delivers the results they want for a longer period of time. With consumer confidence in the U.S. as low as it is, this survey points to a real trend among patients making smart decisions when it comes to fighting the signs of aging," said Park Avenue plastic purgeon Z. Paul Lorenc, M.D.

A CNN article provided some pointers for people seeking out a trusted cosmetic professional. First, the news source recommended checking out a surgeon or healthcare provider's records. Many times, if there has been a lawsuit associated with a particular provider, it can be found online.

Additionally, be sure to visit your professional before scheduling an appointment, and come with questions written down. Ask how often they perform a particular procedure, where they were trained and under which boards they are certified.

You may want to be skeptical of a professional who tries to sell you on multiple procedures at one time, as this may signal that they are only after money and not giving their patient the best results possible.

The Suneva survey also revealed that the vast majority – about 94 percent – of medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers are beginning to offer procedures that will give customers a more natural appearance, as opposed to a face that has obviously had some work done.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Today's youth-obsessed culture applies not only to women, as men are increasingly becoming concerned about looking older, especially when it comes to how appearance may affect their careers. The baby boomers are getting older and their younger counterparts are well into the job market, competing with ample energy and experience. So, what's a man to do?

It appears as though more men are turning to minimally invasive cosmetic procedures in order to get a leg up on the competition.

"More and more men are interested in taking advantage of the facial rejuvenation treatments that women have known about for years," said Los Angeles plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, M.D.

The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons (AAPS) reported that the top five most popular procedures among men are laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, soft tissue fillers and Botox injections, which is the most sought-after treatment. The number of men getting the wrinkle-smoother increased by 9 percent from 2009 to 2010, according to the AAPS, while the rates of laser hair removal went up by 4 percent during that time period.

The AAPS also reported that liposuction among men increased by 7 percent between 2009 and 2010, eyelid surgery rose by 4 percent and breast reductions went up by 6 percent.

In total, the number of men receiving minimally invasive cosmetic procedures spiked 45 percent from 2000 to 2010. On the other hand, rates of males getting more invasive surgeries decreased by 48 percent over the decade, according to the AAPS.

Some attribute this disparity between invasive and minor procedures to the fact that men today want more subtle changes.

"It is important that plastic surgeons have adequate experience performing cosmetic surgeries on men to ensure that male patients receive natural looking results," said Azizzadeh. "In addition to surgical technique, it is also important men find a surgeon that understands the importance of subtlety. Male patients often prefer more conservative results so that they do not end up looking like they have had a lot of work done."

An article in the La Jolla Light reports that men are steering away from the cowboy look and moving toward a more modern appearance. Today's icons are Justin Timberlake, Kanye West and Mad Men's Don Draper, not the Marlboro Man, the news source stated.
 

Reflections for Botox injections.

Everyone has a photo of themselves that was snapped during a holiday celebration that they would like to banish from all family photo albums. Maybe it was taken from a bad angle to reveal a less-than-shapely neckline or perhaps the lighting emphasized laugh lines or forehead wrinkles.

It can be relatively easy to ensure that this year's snapshots are all magazine-worthy. However, it definitely takes some planning ahead.

First, identify which procedure is most appropriate for you by consulting with a trusted, accredited professional. Once you and your healthcare provider have determined which treatment will help you feel confident in front of the camera, schedule an appointment that will leave you plenty of time to heal and recover before any important holiday events.

If you've chosen Botox injections to help smooth out facial wrinkles, you're in luck because results are instant. Your professional will have some post-treatment tips for you, and you may experience some redness at the injection site. As a result, you may want to schedule your appointment at least one day prior to any parties.

Dermal fillers to plump lips, smooth wrinkles or give volume to cheeks are a little more complicated when considering the number of treatments available – such as Restylane, Juvederm, Sculptra and Radiesse. Dermal fillers typically require no recovery time, but some can leave bruises that may last for a few days. Additionally, treatments that last longer sometimes result in soreness in the affected area, so it's a good idea to discuss these factors with your trusted professional.

Laser skin rejuvenation can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, creases, age spots or sagging skin, as well as hide the signs of rosacea, acne and melasma. Choosing which form of treatment will require an in-depth discussion regarding your expectations and any special needs or caveats you may have. In general, these procedures take about a week before results are visible and optimal.

If you plan on wearing skirts or dresses during the holidays, you may consider leg vein treatments to eliminate spider or varicose veins. While the procedure takes only a short amount of time per session, it may take several appointments in order to completely eliminate visible veins, depending on the severity. Additionally, these sessions may need to be spaced out over several weeks.