Posts

, ,

Treating Frown Lines and Facial Wrinkles

Frown lines around your mouth or forehead can make you look tired and older than your age. However, there are methods for preventing and eliminating these wrinkles.

Skin maintains its elasticity with the natural substances of collagen and elastin. However, your body produces less of these chemicals with age and your skin has a harder time staying taut and bouncing back when stretched. Think of a worn-out rubber band that is too stretched to return to its original size. The aging process is made worse by factors like sun exposure and smoking. With years of repetitive movements like frowning, laughing, and squinting, frown lines form.

To prevent frown lines, protect your skin from the sun. Wear large sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Make sure to reapply sunblock often. Wrinkle creams are good for both treatment and prevention since they nourish your cells and help replenish your depleting collagen. Look for lotions and creams that contain retinol or vitamin A, vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid to moisturize. Alpha and beta hydroxy acids can also help to remove or exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal more youthful skin underneath. For an effective and relaxing solution, facial massages may actually help prevent frown lines. A massage stimulates blood flow to the area, and exfoliation reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. If you’re concerned about wrinkles on your entire body, use oils like coconut or almond oil to keep skin soft and well-hydrated.

Diet can also be a factor that affects the health of your skin. Foods that contain antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids are known to affect the firmness of your skin. Instead of processed foods, go with fruits and vegetables and drink ample water.

Once you have the wrinkles, though, it is difficult to reverse the curse. One of the most popular treatment options for frown lines is the use of Botox. Botox injection can almost immediately reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and it lasts for months. Similar treatments include fillers like hyaluronic acid, collagen and calcium hydroxylapatite. Surgical brow or forehead lifts are more expensive, but they last for years. Less extreme treatment options include non-surgical procedures like chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser skin resurfacing.

/by
,

Can Botox’s Smoothing Effect Be Socially Hazardous? Experts Disagree

A study carried out in the US by psychologist David Havas and colleagues from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Arizona State University and the University of Chicago has had UK newspapers crying out that Botox injections will cause friendships to fail. The study’s conclusions suggest that using Botox procedures to effectively “freeze” the muscles that cause lined foreheads and crow’s feet will make users’ faces respond more slowly to bad news, giving the impression that they are indifferent or lacking in sympathy. Yet according to leading UK health website the study may be flawed and its conclusions should not give consumers cause to worry that Botox will destroy their relationships.

The study consisted of recruiting 41 women from cosmetic surgery clinics to participate in a test that involved reading 60 sentences on a computer screen. The women, who received $50 towards the cost of their procedures as compensation, took two tests–one just before their Botox treatment, and the second two weeks afterwards. Both times they read 20 happy, 20 sad and 20 angry sentences, pressing a key on the keyboard to indicate when they had finished reading each sentence.

Analytical techniques such as regression analysis were used to cancel out the effects the position of the questions in the tests, the emotions they were designed to express, and possible anxiety about the Botox procedures. The overall result of the study was the finding that although the time for reading the happy sentences remained unchanged, participants took approximately 0.2 to 0.3 seconds longer to read the sad and angry sentences after their Botox treatments. Drawing on earlier research on both animals and humans, the study’s conclusion was that Botox’s paralysing effect on facial muscles was hindering emotional processing, particularly if the paralysed muscles were the ones usually used to express the emotion in question.

NHS commenters have pointed to several flaws in the study, including the small size of the sample and the fact that previous studies have not shown for certain that reading time is an indicator of the effectiveness of emotional processing. In addition, no research was done to assess the popularity and/or sociability of the study participants, or to independently assess their facial expressions as they read the questions. It seems likely, therefore, that UK newspapers were jumping to unwarranted conclusions when they deduced that Botox use could ruin friendships.

/by
,

Women Increasingly Using Collagen Dermal Fillers on Feet

Plastic surgery usually makes people think about some of the more obvious and traditional procedures, including breast implants, face lifts,Collagen Dermal Fillers liposuction, and Botox injections. But you may be surprised to hear that, lately, women have been focusing on plastic surgery on another area of their bodies: their feet. But it is not all about appearance this time. More and more plastic surgeons are implanting collagen dermal fillers into the balls of women’s feet to help make the pain of wearing high heels just a little more bearable.

Women who are into wearing trendy stiletto heels are often burdened with the less-trendy foot pain that they cause. High heel shoes transfer weight into the toes and balls of the feet, focusing constant pressure on a part of the foot with a relatively small surface area. Over time, the fat in the balls of the feet deteriorates, and when this is combined with ageing, shoes can become quite uncomfortable and even painful.

The procedure required to implant dermal fillers is relatively cheap and painless, and you can recover quickly. The collagen contained in the implants is a natural protein found in skin tissue, so it breaks down over time and dissolves in the body naturally. That means, however, that the procedure must be repeated about every two to three months. Some women have chosen to undergo the procedure only every so often as needed. Cosmetic surgery clinics have seen a spike of interest in the procedure around the holiday season in particular, presumably due to holiday parties and more time spent in high-heeled shoes.

In 2009, sales in foot implants in the UK jumped five times the prior rate, and the number is expected to grow as the economy improves. Even celebrities are getting in on the trend. Last November, Victoria Beckham mentioned that she, too, was considering having work done on her feet to remove bunions formed from years of wearing heels. It was also said that she expressed interest in dermal fillers.

The trend in high heeled shoes does not seem to being changing anytime soon, and designers continue to challenge their clients with taller and more extreme footwear. Plastic surgery may seem to be an extreme decision, but if you’re on your feet often in heels, it could be a cheap and simple option to prevent more permanent damage!

/by
,

Botox Misconceptions

From the time Botox was introduced into the market, the number of patients requesting Botox injections has rapidly increased. The popularity of the Botox injection reflects not just its effectiveness, but its versatility and safety in treating several aesthetic and medical conditions. Botox is a protein mostly known for its ability to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, but Botox injections are commonly used to treat hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating in the palms, feet and underarms, strabismus, eyelid spasms, and to reduce neck pain and stiffness. Botulinum neurotoxin, known to the public as Botox, is produced solely by the pharmaceutical company Allergan, and although its name includes the word toxin, there are no toxic side effects from using Botox.

Misconception: Botox injections are highly toxic

A common misconception about Botox is that it is toxic. In fact, Botox has no none permanent side effects. All side effects related to Botox injections are minimal and temporary, and are confined to swelling, headaches and short-term allergic reactions. However, these side effects are common for a majority of drugs, including aspirin and cough syrups. Drugs that contain toxins are commonly used in medicine to treat several medical conditions. Digoxin is a toxin based drug derived from plants and it is commonly used to treat several arrhythmia inducing heart conditions. Drugs such as Lignocaine uses toxins derived from sea anemones to stop the acceleration of multiple sclerosis. It is also used to treat heart irregularities and is widely used as an effective topical drug for treating multiple forms of skin inflammation. The term toxin does not on its own imply a dangerous ingredient. It is the form and amount of toxicity in a specific drug that produces poisoning. Botox is derived from botulinum toxin which can be poisoning, but the amount used in a Botox injection is extremely low and thus does not have the ability to produce poisoning. This is very similar to the administration of vaccines. Vaccines carry an extremely low amount of pathogens or protein toxins to prevent or treat several medical infections. The injection of Botox is confined to a specific muscle and does not leak into the surrounding area. Although all drugs carry some risk, Botox has proven to be very safe. Ultimately, just like any medical treatment, Botox must be performed by a trained medical professional to ensure proper administration.

/by
,

Botox and Derma Wrinkle fillers

As a person gets older, wrinkles, age marks, and other skin blemishes become prevalent. Older scars obtained in a person’s younger years become more noticeable, such as acne scars. Volume loss in the skin, photo damage, and hyperactive muscles are other common sources of wrinkles and age lines. Women aren’t the only people looking for a way to get their younger appearance back Men are also interested in looking and feeling younger. More and more men are looking into dermal wrinkle fillers and Botox injections to get their skin looking young and fresh as it once was.

As a person ages, the natural moisture in the skin and the rate that cells renew themselves slows down. This results in skin that is dry and scaly. Wrinkles can occur when emotions reach their extremes. Emotions such as anger can cause wrinkles and furrows over time. This is due to a certain expression being held for a long time, for instance an angry scowl or frown. The muscles between the eyebrows contract during certain emotional states, and can cause furrows and creases that get deeper over time.

Botox, otherwise known as botulinum toxin A, was approved by the FDA in 2002 as a treatment for wrinkles and frown lines. This cosmetic treatment is comprised of purified protein that diminishes a certain muscle’s ability to contract. The Botox is injected directly into the muscle and prevents over-activity of that particular muscle. When first injected, the Botox relaxes the muscle temporarily, cutting off the formation of wrinkles. The skin over the muscle relaxes and softens, lessening the look of wrinkles.

Another option for younger and smoother looking skin are dermal wrinkle fillers. Dermal wrinkle fillers are injected into the deep lines of the face, such as smile lines, “crows feet” beside the eyes, and other areas where wrinkles form. Dermal wrinkle fillers can restore volume to hollow skin or an area of the face that has lost natural fat. Collagen, for example, can be injected into the lips to give them a plumper and fuller look.

Cosmetic fillers can be injected to worry lines in the forehead, and hollow areas in the cheeks or under the eyes to bring back some of the volume that was lost. Skin cosmetic fillers restore the facial skin so they look fresh and young again. Many FDA approved dermal fillers are available on the market these days to treat a man’s wrinkles and age lines.

/by
,

Botox:Not Just for Celebrities Anymore

Botox injections, once a shameful secret among celebrities, is now becoming commonplace. In fact, it’s not just the elite or mega-wealthy who opt for specialty beauty treatments these days. In an article for the Yorkshire Post, Dr Paul Charlson, who works as the medical director of a specialist clinic near Brough, in Elloughton, was quoted as saying “Over the past year I’ve seen a marked increase in the number of people asking for this treatment. ” He goes on to say that “it’s not just image-conscious women who want to enhance their looks and turn back the clock by appearing younger in this way, men are keen to do the same.”

According to Charlson, clients who seek these treatments have high profile careers, or work in the public eye. These everyday celebrities are people like judges, members of the clergy, reporters, comics, public speakers and even people who give a lot of presentations at work. What began as a medical treatment to help puff up droopy eyelids that interfered with a patient’s vision, to stop abnormal muscle twitches or spasms or to prevent excessive sweating is now a common way to hide from mother nature and turn the clock back a few years.

One apprehensive patient was pleased that the procedure involved no bruising and that she left the office with nothing but teeny pinprick marks where the needles entered her skin. Thanks to a topical anaesthesia, however, she didn’t feel the injections at all. The Botox works slowly in the body, full effects are visible 3-5 days after the procedure. The results generally last a few months, but can last longer since clients may be able to retrain themselves to not use facial expressions that are making them wrinkle.

Some people are concerned about the safety of the procedure. Be sure to select a practitioner who is a member in good standing of the BACD. The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors ensures that its members are all registered with the General Medical Council and that they maintain ongoing education, to be sure they’re always working with the latest safety standards and scientific discoveries.

In addition to hiring a professional practitioner, patients should be sure that their caregiver discusses the procedure with them ahead of time and that they know what to expect every step of the way. Understanding what’s going to happen can prevent unhappy results down the line.

/by
, ,

Permalip ®:Revolutionary Lip Enhancement

Professional beauty experts contend that the key to a youthful appearance is the lips. If your lips are full and young-looking, other age-related flaws such as crows’ feet and frown lines become less noticeable in your overall appearance.

While such environmental factors as sun exposure adversely affect your facial features, the aging and thinning of your lips as you advance in years depends largely on your genes. You can prevent looking older than you feel by being proactive and correcting the demise of the thickness and plumpness of your lips. Additionally, if you are young but want more volume to achieve that ideal look of “kissability,” there are both temporary and permanent cosmetic fixes to give you the lips you desire.

Temporary Cosmetic Enhancement

Temporary treatments to replace the youthful lip fullness that time begins to take away include such injection programmes as Botox and collagen. While Botox works beneath the skin to immobilize the muscles that govern your facial expressions, thus smoothing those wrinkles that become apparent when you frown or smile, collagen injections actually plump up your lips, filling in the lines just beneath your skin surface. The downside of injection treatments is that their positive effects last only 3-9 months, and then the treatments must be repeated.

A Permanent Solution

Permalip® is a new advance in the field of cosmetic surgery that offers a permanent solution to the problem of aging lips. The ground-breaking procedure utilizes a unique silicone implant to fill and plump your lips for a lifelong, beautiful smile.

The Permalip® implant, developed by U.S. cosmetic surgeons, is composed of a soft, pliable silicone solid. A proven procedure that developers have extensively tested, Permalip® has attained CE Marked approval for use in Europe. This permanent lip enhancement that will keep your appearance youthful without repeated treatments.

Unlike older implant treatments, the Permalip® implant is rupture-proof, will not bond with surrounding tissue, and will not harden or deteriorate throughout years of use.

The Procedure

It takes less than one hour under local anesthetic for your cosmetic surgeon to place your implant. You will retain no visible scarring, and you can feel confident knowing that the procedure is fully reversible and can be adjusted for size upon your request.

You will enjoy full recovery from the procedure within two weeks, and the beautiful results will keep you looking as young as you feel. Permalip® is truly revolutionary.

/by
, ,

Critics Slam New Crackdown on Cosmetic Surgeries

Surgeons across the UK are lining up to criticise a new government initiative, backed by medical regulators and the cosmetic industry, which seeks to clampdown on cosmetic surgeries such as Botox. The government is seeking to ensure that consumers have access to credible facilities to receive cosmetic procedures by listing clinics with qualified staff and appropriate facilities. Critics however have said that the measure does not do enough to stamp out “rogue” providers of cosmetic procedures.

Currently the Care Quality Commission, which oversees medical treatment in the UK, has no control over procedures like Botox injections. Roughly 5,000 facilities across the UK provide these cosmetic procedures to over 200,000 patients a year. As a result, the procedures can be provided in places like beauty salons where the staff have no formal training in medicine, dentistry, or nursing. If the procedures are wrongly-applied they can cause health problems and good hygiene is needed to reduce the risk of infection.

The new initiative seeks to provide qualified clinics and professionals with a “Quality Assurance Mark” that will be backed up by a timetable of regular inspections. The initiative would establish a list of clinics that have qualified staff and clean facilities for consumers to choose from to ensure they receive proper treatment.

Cosmetic injections are designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and the industry has experienced a 25% growth in the last year alone, making now the perfect time in the minds of many to tighten the regulation of the industry. Due to the growth of the industry, the government has recognised the need to regulate the procedures to safeguard patients. The programme has received an initial investment of 200,000 from the government to help launch the initiative.

Critics have slammed the new initiative though calling the plan an easy out for the government to wash its hands of industry regulation. A representative from Safer Cosmetic Surgery criticised the scheme stating that the only clinics likely to sign up for the programme are those that already meet the high safety requirements.

Supporters fired back though, believing that other measures contained within the initiative will serve to further prevent irresponsible providers from conducting cosmetic procedures. Supporters have said the “Quality Assurance Mark” will serve as an additional weapon for consumers against poor facilities and unqualified providers. The measure also seeks to make it harder for unqualified providers to get insurance coverage in hopes it will prevent places like nail bars and beauty salons from providing cosmetic injections.

/by
, ,

Plastic Surgery Decline – A Boost for Botox and Fillers

Women are not as eager to have cosmetic surgery as they once were as recent statistics show that procedures have declined by almost 20% in the previous year. Breast augmentation, facelift and tummy tuck procedures are not occurring as frequently.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that in 2005, 2.1 million procedures were performed whereas in 2009, 1.9 million were done. Surgeons feel the largest factor is the current economy. The luxury industry in general has suffered a blow as consumers exhibit more frugal behavior. Health insurance in most cases does not cover the cost of rhinoplasty or breast augmentation and procedures typically run thousands of dollars.

In the last ten years, the cosmetic surgery industry experienced a surge. Procedures once procured by celebrities and the affluent were being acquired by women of lower class status. The topic was commonly discussed in various forms of media and popularized by such TV shows as Nip/Tuck and Dr. 90210. Reality TV shows, The Swan and Extreme Makeover chose everyday citizens to undergo head to toe transformations to the delight of the viewing audience. These shows are no longer broadcasted.

In recent years, celebrities and others opting to have elective procedures have been the subject of ridicule and gossip. Procedures are scoffed at as being too noticeable or individuals are accused of being addicted to personal appearance and cosmetic surgery.

Heidi Montag, a reality show actress, received criticism from peers, the public and family when she admitted to undergoing 10 cosmetic procedures within a year. Miami Beach plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Hall believes that society’s desire for luxurious excess is coming to a close. People are exercising common sense when it comes to surgical cosmetic procedures.

Though cosmetic surgery is declining, non-surgical procedures are on the rise, which may merely reflect a more conservative choice in treatment. Botox injections, filler injections and laser treatments are less expensive, quicker and patients forfeit long recovery times associated with traditional surgery. Individuals are opting for procedures that are less invasive.

Physicians are noticing cultural as well as economical redirection. The size of breast implants has reduced along with the economy. Washington plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Baxter cites that while at one time one third of his patients chose B cup sizes, currently one half of the patients choose the smaller size.

The industry now wonders what the long term effects will be. Opinions differ, but most concur that while individuals may opt for other procedures, the vanity of humanity will continue to feed the desire for change.

/by