November 2007 Blog Archive
Friday, November 30, 2007
Botox Seller Looking into Eyelash Enhancement
Allergan, a company which develops and commercializes a number of products including the widely-loved Botox injections, may be testing the possibility that one of its other products (Lumigan) can be used for enhancing eyelashes. Lumigan is a glaucoma drug but it's been picked up by the aesthetics industry as a product which actually has the ability to make eyelashes grow longer.
The use of Lumigan for this purpose is currently controversial. Cosmetic companies have begun creating mascara-like beauty products which include Lumigan as an ingredient. Some doctors have begun prescribing Lumigan for eyelash enhancement. And researchers are working double-time to see if they can develop a more complete product to market to people interested in extending their eyelashes.
Allergan is one of the major researchers exploring that option. They have even pursued patents to prevent others from developments in this area. It is believed that their development of Lumigan would mirror the way that they developed Botox, originally a neuromuscular drug, for cosmetic purposes.
You can learn more about this from the complete article in The Daily Herald.
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Thursday, November 29, 2007
Lip Fillers Recommended For Nice Winter Lips
A recent article at The Daily Herald discussed the fact that your lips need a lot of care in the winter that they might not need during the rest of the year. As we move towards the cooler months, you'll want to avoid chapped lips by protecting them from the wind and cold. But if you're looking for lips that do more than just survive the winter, if you really want lips that stand out and get noticed, you might want to consider getting out of the chilly air and into your doctor's office for some lip filler treatments.
Lip augmentation treatment options include:
- Collagen
- Hylaform
- Restylane
- Radiesse
These treatments can improve the appearance of your lips in a number of ways. They can make thin lips look fuller and reduce lines and wrinkling around the lips. Once you've gotten your treatments, you'll want to protect your lips with appropriate balms or glosses. Ask your doctor what type of winter protection is right to use after the treatment.
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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Florida Woman Gives Herself LipoDissolve for Christmas
It's a tad bit early in the season to be giving yourself Christmas presents but Florida resident Tammy Conner doesn't care. She's started getting a series of LipoDissolve treatments as a gift to herself and she's enjoying every minute of the indulgence. Well, maybe not every minute. Conner admits that the procedure is a little bit uncomfortable and that the injections cause a fever-like feeling when they're first obtained. Plus the cost isn't covered by insurance so she's got to foot the pricey bill herself. But despite these drawbacks, Conner reports that the LipoDissolve treatments are one of the best Christmas presents she's ever gotten.
Conner is getting a fairly standard treatment regimen of injections - six of them, three weeks apart - to remove the fat on her stomach as well as under her arms. She reports that she has lost nearly three inches on her waistline, bringing her down a full pants size, and that she believes she'll lose a little bit more weight before the series of treatments are complete.
Florida Today has the full story.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Would you Feel more Comfortable with a Female Doctor?
Most women who go in to get their skin rejuvenation treatments done don't have a preference for whether their doctor is male or female. Unlike in the sensitive case of working with a doctor such as a gynecologist, skin rejuvenation treatments are non-invasive and considered neutral enough in terms of privacy to make most women comfortable with a doctor of either gender. However, some women do say that they would prefer to get treatments such as LipoDissolve or Botox done by a female doctor.
A recent press release pointed out that skin rejuvenation and fat-dissolving treatments can be highly personal for some women. They may just feel better with a female doctor. Although we maintain that it's more important to concern yourself with the qualifications of your doctor than the doctor's gender, we do understand that some women prefer female doctors providing their care. For this reason, our network of qualified physicians is comprised of both male and female doctors.
For example, although we don't know anything about the doctors discussed in the press release, we do know from the release that they are a male/female team located in Minnesota. And we also know that there is another male/female team in Minnesota that we do know enough about to recommend as doctors. Aesthetic Laser and Skin Solutions in Maple Grove, MN is an office co-owned by a qualfied husband/wife team. They offer a diverse range of treatments from LipoDissolve to Dermal Fillers.
If you're not located in Minnesota but are interested in finding a female doctor, check our network to see if we can meet your needs.
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Monday, November 26, 2007
Finding Good Skin Rejuvenation in California
A couple of weeks ago it was reported by California journalists that a Sacramento med spa may have closed down without warning its customers. (You can read the full report here.) The med spa in question still has an operating web site (here) so it's not clear whether or not they really shut down. However, it brings up that old issue of making sure that the doctors you go to for your skin rejuvenation treatments can be counted on to be good doctors.
We don't know about the med spa in question but we do know about eight different facilities located all throughout California where you can get skin rejuvenation treatments done by qualified professionals. From San Diego to Santa Barbara and Long Beach to Oakland, these doctors are available to give you treatments ranging from laser hair removal to laser tattoo removal.
You can find a list of these doctors and their contact information located here. If you're interested in finding a good skin rejuvenation specialist who is located in a state other than California, you can start your search here. By going to a qualified professional you'll avoid problems like your med spa shutting down before your treatments are complete. Why cause yourself more hassle than life already has?
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Friday, November 23, 2007
Lip Implants vs. Lip Augmentation Injections
Some people don't like the idea of plastic surgery but have no problem at all with getting minimally invasive procedures like lip injections. Others would rather get a more permanent solution from the get-go rather than having to go in for regular treatments. We have seen the division on this issue in the past when discussing permanent skin fillers. It's also a topic of hot debate amongst people who want fuller lips.
Like with skin fillers, one choice is to get regular injections which plump the lips but don't last more than a few months. Another choice is to get implants into the lips which are designed to be more permanent. Sometimes the choice for permanence is made for the convenience of the patient. Other times it is made because temporary injections proved to be inefficient. NBC Florida recently reported on a woman who saw no results with injections but is quite pleased with her permanent lip implants.
There are, of course, pros and cons to both kinds of treatments. What those are varies from person to person. Some people think that temporary is a great quality and others think it's an annoyance. You should find a doctor who is willing to sit down and discuss your needs before deciding on a treatment.
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Thursday, November 22, 2007
Thankful for Laser Tattoo Removal
Happy Thanksgiving!
Yesterday we took a look at the importance of being thankful for the little things in life, including the skin rejuvenation treatments you get and the benefits they have on the rest of your life. One of the things that we mentioned was that some people are thankful for the technological improvements which make laser tattoo removal possible.
Many cosmetic enhancements are done just to make someone feel better about themselves. And that's okay. But there are some treatments that can actually improve your relations with society. That's something to be thankful for. Laser tattoo removal is one of those treatments.
Many of the people who get tattoo removal are trying to move forward from a past which is less than socially acceptable. A common patient for this procedure is a gang member who has been rehabilitated. He has left the life of crime and gone to school but can't get a job because employers won't look past the tattoos. Laser tattoo removal helps him get rid of the ink and realize his goals.
Some skin rejuvenation treatments make you feel better about life. Others actually make your life better.
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Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Your Vote: Which Treatment Are You Most Thankful For?
Yes, we know that you have many things besides your appearance to give thanks for tomorrow when you sit down with your friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. You should definitely express your gratitude for the loved ones in your life, the success you've seen in the last year and the health of yourself and those around you. But when that's all said and done, you should remember that there are smaller things to be thankful for as well.
And for many people, one of those things is their skin rejuvenation treatments.
People who get treatments to improve their appearance often exclaim about how great they feel after the procedures are done. They look better. They feel better about themselves. And they see changes happen in their life as a result of the new confidence that they have in themselves. These aren't things to be forgotten in the midst of giving thanks.
Which treatment are you most thankful for? Did laser hair removal help you to feel less self-conscious so that you could be comfortable finding the love of your life? Did dermal fillers work to give you a younger appearance that let you grab life by the horns and ride it? Maybe laser tattoo removal let you leave a bad past behind you and move forward with achieving your goals.
Whatever it was, remember the little things this year when you give thanks for all of the positive changes that have happened in your life. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Cure Blindness in Africa with Botox
You want to do your part to contribute beneficially to the world around you. That's especially true during this festive time of year when we are beginning to think about all of the ways that we can give to others. But the fact of the matter is that most of us don't really want to inconvenience ourselves to help others. And that too is especially true at this time of year when we are so busy with our own holiday activities that it's hard to consider fitting in the needs of others.
One way that you can give to the world around you this year without changing your schedule is to go get Botox. Yes, really. A project called "Botox to Cure Blindness in Africa" which was launched in Southern California has taken hold around the nation. Participating doctors give the proceeds from their Botox treatment to a charity which raises money for cataract surgeries working to give sight to the nearly 7 million Africans suffering from blindness. And you can benefit at the same time because many of the doctors are giving Botox at a discount to encourage participation.
"'Everybody gets Botox, so why not help somebody while you're getting it?' Marria Pooya, spa manager, said. (Source)"
Of course, you still want to make sure that you find a doctor that you can trust. Just because someone is giving to a good cause doesn't mean that they're good at their jobs. But if you can treat yourself to a treatment this holiday season and help someone else at the same time, why wouldn't you?
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Monday, November 19, 2007
Celebrity Botox: Simon Cowell
Simon Cowell, the biting judge from American Idol, sat down recently and dished with Daily Mail about his beauty and fitness regimen. Although he denies getting celebrity plastic surgery (he was asked about pec implants), he readily admits to regular Botox injections.
At nearly 50, eating healthy and exercising will take you a long way in the good looks department. However, you aren't going to have a perfect face at that age. Cowell says he doesn't know any working guy his age who doesn't use Botox and he's not afraid to admit that he benefits from it as well. He's not obsessed with it, just aware that it can help him look a little better for the cameras that like to keep such a keen eye on him.
Cowell is able to make the most of his Botox boost by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This helps to keep his skin and body in good shape so that not too much Botox is needed. Botox alone can do wonders but it's best when used minimally to supplement a body that is already healthy.
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Friday, November 16, 2007
Men Can Move Up In The Workplace With Rejuvenation On Their side
To compete in the modern professional world, men have to have the whole package. They need to be articulate, technologically savvy, respectful to women, confident and aggressive without being overbearing ... it's a narrow tightrope to walk. And many older men in the business market are finding that it's easier for the young guys than it is for them.
In order to be able to hold their own in this world, men have to look the part. As a result, an increasing number of men are turning to skin rejuvenation treatments. They can improve their appearance with a little help from minimally invasive techniques. This goes a long way towards boosting their confidence and helping them move forward in the professional world.
"Male Baby Boomers realize they're competing with younger men, both in the workplace and in the social arena," says Allan Parungao, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon. "Many men are turning to minimally invasive plastic surgery to help them maintain their edge."(Source: press release).
Men can benefit from a number of different treatments. Dermal fillers to reduce signs of aging in the face are a common treatment. Skin resurfacing and lipo options are also up there on the list. Women have always known that they had to look their best to get the job done. Now the guys are starting to realize it as well.
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Thursday, November 15, 2007
Divided on the Issue of Permanent Skin Fillers
Permanent skin fillers. Does that phrase strike fear in your heart? Or are you one of the people who believes that a single "super Botox injection" that lasts a lifetime would be a draem come true? People who enjoy the benefits of dermal fillers like Botox or Restylane are very divided on the issue of permanent skin fillers. Nevertheless, they're increasingly an available option for getting rid of your wrinkles for good.
A recent news report covers the basics about these new permanent skin fillers. They point out that there is an appeal to the permanency. After all, it would be nice to go to the doctor once and never have to make time in your schedule again. But they also point out that permanency is a little bit of a frightening thing. Some people get dermal fillers and find that they don't want them forever. You can't easily go back and change your mind with the permanent kind like you could with basic injections.
One of the things that you need to remember is that your body is going to continue to change. You may enjoy the benefits of permanent fillers but you're not likely to be completely done with rejuvenation treatments just because you ge them done. And if you're changing things around in the future, you may wish that you didn't do something quite so permanent in the past. Then again, if you're the kind of person who knows what you want and sticks with it, permanency may work in your favor.
What do you think: are permanent fillers or temporary fillers the better choice for you?
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Get Dressed Up and go to a Botox Party
When Botox parties were first announced to the world, everyone assumed that they'd be just a fad. However, they've been around for years now and are just as popular as they ever were before. Often, these parties are hosted by doctors who are seeking new patients. It's a promotional gimmick but it's also a way to let the general public know about their rejuvenation treatment options. And for people who get Botox on a regular basis, these parties can be a great way to meet new people and mingle with old friends.
The Journal Record recently reported on several different Oklahoma doctors who throw Botox parties on a regular basis. For some, it's just once or twice a year. For others, it's a monthly thing. For all, it brings their old patients together with new patients to enjoy the benefits of Botox.
If you're new to rejuvenation, you might consider attending one of these parties. You're under no obligation to get any treatments done so you can think of it as just a great way to get information. You'll meet people who get a variety of different treatments on a regular basis as well as people who just started out with their rejuvenation process. This can be of great assistance to helping you see what treatments might be right for you.
Of course, you will want to make sure that you find a doctor who is truly qualified to provide you with the treatments that you desire. You may find that the Botox parties are only a starting point and that a different doctor would suit your needs better. But there's nothing wrong with seeing what your choices are.
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Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What Was Your Rejuvenation Gateway Drug?
For most women, it's Botox. They get it once to see how it works and they find that they love the results. Their faces look fresher, they get comments that they appear younger and the attention is addicting. They love the way that they feel and they want more of that delicious feeling. So they check out what else is on the menu at their doctor's office.
Is Botox the gateway drug for plastic surgery? Maybe. But just like there are some people who only dabble in drinking and never move on to harder drugs, there are plenty of people who enjoy their Botox but don't ever get more invasive procedures done to their face or body. They find what works for them and stick with it.
Often what happens is that a woman will branch out from one minimally invasive treatment to another. She likes what Botox is doing for her browline and starts to wonder if Juvederm in the lips would be a good thing. By working closely with her doctor, she can find the right combination of treatments to give her the emotional high that she's been seeking all her life.
Everyone has their vices. For some people, those vices are devastating to their lives. For others, they actually add to their existence on this planet. Sure, getting treatments can be a little addicting. But is there really something wrong with being addicted to looking your best?
What was your gateway drug into rejuvenation treatments?
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Monday, November 12, 2007
The Importance of Finding a Doctor you Trust
Nothing can make a great skin rejuvenation procedure go horribly awry faster than having a bad doctor. Treatments are just treatments but a doctor can make them either work wonders or wreak havoc on your face. You want to make sure that you work with a doctor that you can trust so that you get the benefits of your treatments without the problems that can happen when things go horribly wrong.
For example, take the case of SELF beauty editor Elaine D'Farley. She recently revealed that she went against her doctor's suggestions about Botox. She had been enjoying regular Botox treatments with him in moderation, boosting the youthfulness of her appearance through subtle injections. He warned her against doing too much. She agreed but then got swept away in a conversation with a different doctor. She decided to get more Botox than she needed and ended up with one of those expressionless faces that becomes the butt of Botox jokes.
The moral of the story is that she should have stuck with going to the one doctor that she'd already seen positive results from working with. They had discussed what she was seeking from her treatments and worked out a plan to help her achieve that. By taking a one-time trip to a new doctor that didn't hear what she was saying she needed, D'Farley set herself up for bad care. Take the time to find a doctor who is willing to work with you on getting the right look for your face.
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Friday, November 09, 2007
Celebrity Botox: Young and the Restless
A recap of The Young and the Restless last week harped on actress Judith Chapman (who plays Gloria on the show) about the amount of Botox that she's had done. But it wasn't so much that she's had it done that seemed to be the point. It seemed more like there was the hint of suggestion that Judith might want to consider other work as well. What the author of the post said was:
How much Botox has this woman had? Do you ever notice that her neck skin is really wrinkly, but her face is as smooth as a baby's butt?
At first glance, it seems like a derisive statement. But the truth of the matter is that most women want a face that looks so smooth. So what the real issue is, then, is that perhaps Chapman should think about doing something to improve her neck. A neck lift would be one option. Or if Judith doesn't want to engage in celebrity plastic surgery, a non-surgical face lift might do the trick.
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Thursday, November 08, 2007
Does Caffeine Battle Cellulite?
We're always trying to find ways to battle cellulite. After all, it's considered one of the most unattractive aspects of a woman's body as she starts to age and it's something that happens to almost all women. So we're all interested in the solutions that are out there for minimizing cellulite on our bodies. Would you believe that caffeine might be one of those solutions?
No, you should rush out and buy a gallon-size cup of coffee. Imbibing the caffeine isn't going to work. But a report from CBS News shows that a number of different cellulite creams are beginning to use caffeine as a primary ingredient. Caffeine tightens the blood vessels which may improve the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, some cellulite creams use a product called Coffeeberry which includes both caffeine and anti-oxidants to further stimulate improved appearance of the body.
Despite this information, the report readily informs readers that cellulite creams don't actually get rid of cellulite. They minimize the appearance and feel of the cellulite for a time so that you can achieve a look that you want. However, to actually reduce cellulite, you'll want to consider something like laser cellulite treatment.
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Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Botox: Valuable Enough to Steal?
Would you steal Botox from your dermatologist's office? Now, most of us aren't interested in lives of crime but even if we were, Botox probably wouldn't be the first thing on our list of items to steal. Nevertheless, it happens. Thieves break into the offices of plastic surgeons and skin care experts, grab thousands of dollars worth of Botox and make their escape.
Don't believe me? Take a look at this crime report from last week's Des Moines Register. Couched in between such standard crimes as the theft of a diamond ring and a series of drunk driving arrests, you will find that there is an announcement from a dermatologist that $6000 worth of Botox was stolen from an office in West Des Moines.
What exactly does one do with Botox after stealing it? Give injections to themselves and their friends? Put it up on the black market and see who is buying? It sounds like a bad episode of Nip/Tuck except that it's happening in real life in The Midwest.
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Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Avoid Age Spots During Cooler Weather
We all remember to put on our sunscreen during the hot months of summer. But those months are gone and many of us aren't as good as we should be about protecting our skin. After all, it's cloudy and cool and no one really thinks about the fact that they might get sunburned. But the truth is that even if you don't get sunburned, the rays of the autumn sun could be doing damage to your skin.
Jean Mitchell at The Dayton Courier reported last week on this issue. More specifically, Mitchell looked at the concerns that older folks should have about sun damage during the winter months. She found that older skin is more prone to damage from the sun, including such problems as age spots. She recommends common sense solutions that we sometimes neglect in the autumn including use of sunblock and moisturizers.
Although this is specifically a problem for folks concerned about anti-aging, it's something that we should all think about as the months get cooler. Our skin deserves attention and care all year long. Engaging in sunless tanning to get the look we desire while maintaining the care of our face and body with moisturizers, exfoliants and the right treatments can help us look our best for many years to come.
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Monday, November 05, 2007
Botox for Decapitation Victim
Botox is normally considered a cosmetic procedure which is done by people interested in improving their appearance. However, there is a more serious side of surgery that Botox can also assist with if it's given the chance. Consider the case of Shannon Malloy who was decapitated in a tragic accident earlier this year. You would think that such a tragedy would lead to death but medical magic was worked and Malloy's head and neck were fused back together, with most of her function returning.
However, one problem that's continued as a result of the near-decapitation is that Malloy's eyes are permanently crossed. Or perhaps it's not so permanent after all. Her doctor examined the damage closely, determining that there was nerve damage in the communication area between her brain and eye muscles, and that this damage might have a chance of being repaired using Botox injections. The Botox can relax the muscles which are currently pulling against each other in a contorted manner.
The Botox was unsuccessful in its first round but that was due to the fact that the injections caused the eyes to overcompensate and turn outwards more than they should have. Additional surgical Botox treatments have a good chance of remedying the problem. And you thought the only thing Botox could do for your eyes was smooth out the wrinkles around them!
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Friday, November 02, 2007
Throw Yourself a Rejuvenation Treatment Party
Getting together with the girls can take many forms. Frequently, these forms are related to supporting each other in our beauty efforts. We go make-up and clothes shopping with one another. We take yoga and pilates classes at the same gym so that we can motivate each other to keep going. We get manicures and pedicures, massages and haircuts together. A day at the spa is a common way for gals to get together, gossip and treat each other and themselves well.
But sometimes it all gets a little bit stale doesn't it? You love getting together with the gals for these beauty indulgences but you want to do something a little bit different than what you always do. Why not throw yourself a rejuvenation treatment party? No, you don't have to splurge and hire Botox doctors to make a house call for the event. It can just be a way to share information and explore your treatment options with the girls.
To throw a rejuvenation treatment party you'll need to do the following:
o Gather together information about different treatments that might be of interest to the party. Get brochures from your favorite professionals so that you can flip through the information easily. Make sure to cover a wide range of treatments from Blue Peel to LipoDissolve.
o Plan on some simple healthy snacks to get everyone in the mood. Get several bottles of red wine. You can make the excuse that many celebrities have said that bathing in wine is good for your skin. You'll just be drinking it, but that's beside the point.
o Come up with a creative beauty game. A favorite is to put a bunch of beauty products in a bowl (exfoliators, moisturizers) and have blindfolded guests feel the materials and identify them. They get to keep what they get right.
o Invite a small group of your close friends. If you can include some people who regularly get treatments, you'll have a better discussion at your party. At the very least, ask that everyone brings one beauty tip to the table for discussion.
A rejuvenation party can be a great way to see your friends, do something different and get information about various skin rejuvenation techniques all at the same time. Celebrate yourself!
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Thursday, November 01, 2007
Celebrity Beauty Book Recommendation
There was a book put out at the end of last year that got overlooked despite the fact that it deserves some attention. "The Black Book of Hollywood Beauty Secrets" is a compilation of all sorts of different beauty tricks that are reportedly used by your favorite (and not-so-favorite) celebrities. It was put together by Kym Douglas and Cindy Pearlman, journalists who have worked regularly with these celebrities and so who have the inside scoop on what the ladies do to get their skin and bodies in good shape.
The reason that the book is so great for the average girl is that it gives a whole lot of tips that can be used by a person who doesn't have a celebrity budget. It turns out that a number of the stars aren't using the fancy treatment options that are available at high prices but instead are using simple cost-effective tricks to keep themselves looking great. For example, various facial treatments including egg whites as a main ingredient were recommended throughout the book.
Of course, we know that celebrities also go get treatments that must be done by a doctor to help keep their skin clear. They get a chemical peel or some Restylane injections to improve their appearances. But the results of such treatments are always better on bodies that are starting out in tip top shape. This book gives you lots of tips for how to get yourself in that kind of form. And it gives some good celebrity gossip too.
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