May 2008 Blog Archive
Friday, May 30, 2008
Adding Fat to Face Can Reduce Appearance of Aging
The majority of women who are interested in cosmetic procedures want to look younger. And a large percentage of them would like to lose weight. So it can seem contradictory to these women that the answer to the first problem is to add fat to the face. However, that's exactly what should be done to revive the youthful look of the face.
Of course, we've already known this to some extent. Dermal fillers are used to fill out the face, plump up the lips and cheeks and reduce wrinkles. Essentially, this is adding a bit of fat to the face to regain that structure and shape that you had in the past. But now it appears that there's a specific part of the face that could use some more fat.
Studies have shown that we have a deep fat compartment in our cheeks. Cosmetically restoring this with fat serves to improve the appearance of the cheek, reduce overall wrinkling of the face and even add a bit ore curve to the upper lip. All of this makes you look younger.
Question of the Day: How do you feel about adding injectable fat into your cheek's deep fat compartment?
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Thursday, May 29, 2008
Collagen and Why Skin Treatments Work
Science Daily has an interesting article up this week regarding the way that our skin works and the reason that certain anti-aging skin treatments have proven to be successful. If you've ever wanted to know why it is that we get wrinkles and what there is to be done about it, this information is worth taking a look at.
The first thing that you'll learn from this report is that more and more experts are starting to confirm the basic belief about how our skin works. Essentially, what happens in the body over time is that the natural collagen in the skin starts to break down. This happens to the thick layer of skin inside the layer that we actually see when we look at our own face. The result is that the foundation of the skin starts to collapse a bit and we get wrinkles.
The good news about this information is that there are strong indications that the collagen breakdown can be reversed. Collagen injections and replenishment for the skin can effectively reduce the breakdown, reversing some of the effects and allowing the skin to appear younger. Three treatments are specifically cited as being useful for allowing this to happen: "topical retinoic acid, carbon dioxide laser resurfacing and injections of cross-linked hyaluronic acid".
Question of the Day: Do you have a better understanding of the cause of wrinkles and how to treat them?
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Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Celebrity Botox: Chef Gordon Ramsay
There are many men out there, including men in Hollywood, who get Botox to smooth their wrinkles and reduce the appearance of aging. The chase for youth is hardly limited to the ladies these days. Nevertheless, the Botox that men get usually isn't as noticeable as that of women (perhaps because we're often not looking for it) so it's always interesting to see when men are getting the injections.
The latest celebrity who is rumored to be getting Botox is Chef Gordon Ramsay from Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares. This is interesting because the roles that he plays as a leading chef rely on his skills, not his appearance. And yet, just like the ladies in Hollywood, it is now necessary for men on the small screen to look their best no matter what the reason is that they've made it on to TV. After all, who wants to see wrinkles on their HDTV?
Some people are saying that the Botox (or whatever wrinkle-smoothing procedure Ramsay may have had done) actually takes away from his personality. His persona is grumpy, angry, irked ... a look that's hard to maintain when you're all smooth and wrinkle-free. Learn more here.
Question of the Day: Does a wrinkle-free look enhance or detract from who Chef Gordon Ramsay is?
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Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Australia's Top Model Causes Controversy with Lip Enhancement
When we talk about the ues of dermal fillers, we're usually talking about their use by older women who are seeking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the face. However, there is another common purpose for these products which may be used by younger people. That is for the purpose of plumping up the lips.
The procedure is considered to be no big deal in comparison to the range of different cosmetic procedures that are out there. It's something which is done by a fairly large percentage of young women, especially those in Hollywood. However, it caused a lot of controversy in Australia when it was discovered that one of the models from Top Model there had gotten the procedure done several times.
Alex Girdwood is twenty years old and she's got all of the beauty that a model could seek. But, just like every other person out there, she had flaws that she wanted fixed. She had thin lips that she desired to be plumper. Not content to use lip-plumping lipsticks for a temporary boost, she got collagen injections in her lips.
Read here about the controversy that followed.
Question of the Day: Is there anything wrong with a Top Model getting lip augmentation of any kind?
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Monday, May 26, 2008
Celebrity Botox: Amanda Holden
British actress Amanda Holden has put in a lot of effort over the years to insist that her beautiful wrinkle-free skin was the result of a healthy diet and great genes. The woman has finally decided to confess that a little bit of help from the Botox doctor didn't do her looks any harm either.
Holden, who is in her late thirties, says that she never had any problems with her skin until last year when she spent time in Africa for something that she was filming. The filming was done outdoors and the sun there did a number on her skin. For the first time in her life, Holden noticed that she had wrinkles.
She wanted to eradicate those wrinkles and she knew tons of people who had gotten procedures like Botox. In fact, she didn't really know anyone besides herself that hadn't gotten some sort of work done. So she took the plunge and restored the youth to her face.
Holden was concerned because she had seen cases in which Botox had caused problems for people with showing emotion; that whole "frozen face" problem that you hear about had her worried. However, her Botox worked just fine and she says that she'll be doing it again in the future.
Question of the Day: Why do you think Amanda Holden was so adamant about denying that she'd gotten Botox before?
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wrinkle Treatment Options
One of the surest signs that you're getting older is wrinkles. You see them and you know that your youth is on the way out. Others see them and automatically know that you're not in your twenties no matter what type of shape your body is in. That's the reason that so many people want to get their wrinkles removed.
Here are some of your options for getting rid of wrinkles:
- Botox and other dermal fillers. These are commonly used to get rid of wrinkles by plumping and smoothing out the skin. This is one of the most popular methods of treating wrinkles.
- Surgical facelift. This is only an option for deep wrinkles not fine lines but it's something to consider if you've got a big wrinkle problem.
- Chemicals. You can remove some of the wrinkles from your face by getting rid of the outer layers of your skin with chemicals.
- Facial yoga. Some people believe that face yoga can reduce wrinkles when combined with a healthy diet and other exercise.
- Wrinkle prevention. Staying out of the sun and away from cigarettes won't get rid of the wrinkles that you already have but it will help prevent future wrinkles from developing.
Question of the Day: What would be your preferred method for treating wrinkles?
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Thursday, May 22, 2008
Have Your Spouse Look at Your Skin
Most people who are interested in skin rejuvenation procedures are not interested in having people see them with bad skin. You want people to see you looking your best. As a result, many people fail to take advantage of the fact that they have spouses and other loved ones who could look at their skin regularly with an eye towards dermatological problems.
A spouse can be a terrific tool for early detection of skin cancer and other skin problems. Unfortunately, most people avoid having their spouse look at flaws on their bodies too closely. This often leads to later detection of disease which means more health problems than necessary.
You can certainly ask your skin care doctor to do your basic skin checks for you. Every time that you get a procedure like laser resurfacing or dermal fillers done, your doctor can do a look at your skin to see if there are problems. However, your spouse and family members might be a better option for catching problems and nipping them in the bud.
Learn more about this issue here.
Question of the Day: Are you uncomfortable having your spouse see your skin when it is less than its best?
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Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Botox Parties: Questions to Ask
Last week we discussed Botox parties and getting Botox done at places like your local bar. Although some people may find these situations to have positive results, it is generally recommended that you avoid getting treatments at them. Botox parties can be good for getting information but the actual injections should be done by a qualified doctor in a doctor's office.
For those people who are considering attending Botox parties, the ASAPS has put together a list of questions that you should always make sure you've asked yourself about the situation before going ahead with getting treatment. Those questions include things like, "has the doctor taken my medical history" and "is this setting safe in the case of a medical emergency".
The purpose of asking yourself questions like these is to make sure that you consider all of the risks of Botox and that you've had adequate information provided to you by an experienced and licensed doctor. It's easy to get lured in to getting Botox when someone is right there offering it to you at a low cost but that doesn't mean it's the best idea at the time.
Question of the Day: Do you think Botox parties are a good thing or a bad thing?
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Warnings About Certain Dermal Fillers
There is a new study out which suggests that patients may want to speak with their doctors about the potential risks of the dermal fillers that they are using. The study shows that polyalkylimide implants may have adverse effects on the body which were not previously known about. These effects are similar to those which have been found to be caused by collagen in the past.
The study was not able to determine the extent of risk *or* even the extent of damage that could be done as a result of using these products. Therefore, it wouldn''t make sense to panic about the issue. Using these products doesn''''t mean that you''re going to have these effects. Instead, it means that you should be aware of the risks as you would need to be with any procedure.
Those people who are particularly concerened about the new findings can discuss alternative options with their skin rejuvenation doctor. The products are used as dermal fillers to plump the lips and cheeks, there are many other products on the market which could be used as an alternative to this.
Question of the Day: Do you believe that a single study that is this inconclusive is grounds to change your skin rejuvenation regimen?
Monday, May 19, 2008
Screenings for Skin Cancer Awareness Month
We're smack dab in the middle of Skin Cancer Awareness Month and that means that it's a good time for a reminder that you should get regular screenings for skin cancer. These screenings allow for an early diagnosis of the problem which results in more effective and efficient treatment.
Many different dermatologists around the nation are offering free skin cancer screening throughout May in celebration of the importance of the month. Take a look around your area to see if there are any doctors near you that are offering this service. If you can't find screening for free, consider paying to get checked out. In the end, it means that you save your health and the appearance of your skin.
Another thing to keep an eye for in your area is this year's Healthy Skin Tour. This is a tour that offers free skin exams along with lots of information about how to take care of your skin. The tour started off in New York at the beginning of this month and will be on the road through October.
Question of the Day: Have you ever asked your dermatologist about the risk of skin cancer?
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Friday, May 16, 2008
Getting Botox at the Bar?
You've heard of Botox parties. Maybe you've even attended one. The most legitimate of these events are held at doctor's offices in order to provide potential patients with information about Botox and other cosmetic procedures. But a Botox party at a local bar? Bad idea, right?
Not everybody thinks so. A bar in the Los Angeles area has started offering a Botox night once a week. Patrons of the bar can get Botox injections right there on site. The injections are being done by a doctor who will not be drinking during the process. Additionally, anyone who has had too much to drink will be denied the right to get the injection.
Reputable doctors tend to agree that this type of Botox party is a mistake. The bar is not an appropriate setting for cosmetic procedures. Instead, Botox and other dermal fillers should be obtained inside of a doctor's office. Although the procedure is quick and easy, it's still a medical procedure. It should come along with a clean environment and a review of the patient's medical history.
Question of the Day: Would you consider getting Botox if it was offered at the local bar?
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Thursday, May 15, 2008
Guide to Treating Acne
We all have skin problems of one kind or another. The most common of these problems is acne. Most people deal with a bout of acne in their teens and then don't have to worry about it much anymore. However, there are a large number of people who struggle with adult acne. And even those who no longer have breakouts sometimes have skin damage as a result of their teen acne.
A medical report available online this week succinctly covers the basic treatments that you can get to deal with acne and the effects of acne. Some of the choices that you might ask your skin rejuvenation specialist about include:
- Chemical peels .
- Microdermabrasion.
- Laser resurfacing.
- Phototherapy.
- Cyst extraction.
The type of procedure that you'll need to assist you with your acne problems depends upon the type of problem that you're having and the results that you're seeking to achieve from treatment. Working closely with your doctor can help make sure that you get rid of this common problem once and for all.
Question of the Day: What methods do you use to treat acne?
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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Celebrity Botox: Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock is well in to her forties but you wouldn't know it by looking at her face. People who pay attention to these things have suggested that she's probably using Botox or some other sort of dermal filler to maintain that youthful appearance.
There isn't any confirmation right now to the rumors that Sandra Bullock is a fan of Botox. And with so many other dermal fillers on the market, it would be nearly impossible to guess specifically what she's using if she's using anything at all.
But whatever she's doing seems to be working for her. There aren't any picures floating around of Bullock looking like she got bad Botox. Sometimes you'll see celebrities with puffy faces and overdone lips resulting from a poor choice on the part of the doctor (or from taking the photos too soon after the treatment was done). That's not the case with Bullock who appears to be looking just fine in all recent photos.
You can't fault a woman for wanting to maintain her youth - especially in Hollywood!
Question of the Day: Do you think that Sandra Bullock is getting Botox treatments?
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Fat Cells Get Fatter Over Time
The makers of fat-blasting products like laser liposuction might want to take a close look at a new study which reveals that the number of fat cells that exist in the body are established during the teen years and never change. We obviously do get fatter after our teen years but it turns out that this is caused by the individual fat cells growing in size rather than the number of fat cells changing.
There is no way to know for sure if this information could be of use to the manufacturers of products such as Smart Lipo. However, it could be an interesting area for these types of researchers to explore. These products rely on lasering away the fat on the body; it could make a difference to know that you're trying to reduce the size of fat cells rather than to get rid of a certain number of cells.
Right now all of the solutions that we have for dealing with fat fail to reduce the number of fat cells in the body. The study showed that successful bariatric weight loss surgeries reduced the size of fat cells but not their number. This means that there is potential room for the creation of products that actually diminish the number of fat cells in the body.
Learn more here.
Question of the Day: Would you be interested in a product that reduced the number of fat cells in the body even if you knew that this had never been done before?
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Anti-Aging Pill Protects Skin from Sun
One of the best preventive approaches that you can take to anti-aging is to make sure that you do not ever allow the sun to damage your skin. Sun spots, wrinkles and other signs of aging in the face are frequently caused or exacerbated by the sun. Although there are treatments available to repair these problems, it makes a lot more sense to prevent them than to treat them whenever possible. A new pill out on the market could help.
The product is branded under the name SunPil. As the name suggests, it is a pill that you can take to protect your skin from the sun. Working from the inside out, as opposed to the way that sunscreens work, this product provides a new method of skin protection that we haven't typically seen on the market before. It uses anti-oxidant properties to help the skin develop a natural protection for itself.
The manufacturers of this product say that light sunscreen should still be worn even when taking this product. However, it's a product that can make it easier to protect your skin on a daily basis. You should expect to see it hitting the shelves (or your local skin care specialist's office) by the end of the year.
Question of the Day: Is it a good idea to protect your skin from the sun using a pill?
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Friday, May 09, 2008
Celebrity Skin Treatments: Kim Kardashian
If you follow reality television at all then you haven't been able to miss the show Keeping up with the Kardashians. Whether you love it or hate it, it represents the next genre of reality television shows in which we've started watching quasi-celebrities reveal their lives in order to become a new kind of celebrity. One of the characters who has gained some serious attention as a result of the show is Kim Kardashian, the stunning beauty who has revealed all in magazines like Playboy.
People who are interested in Kim's appearance may want to know what kind of treatments she's gotten done over the years. A few of the non-invasive procedures that Kim has reportedly had include:
- Laser hair removal. Who can blame her; no woman wants to shave if she doesn't have to and Kim has a busy, busy life.
- VelaShape cellulite reduction and body shaping treatments. These are non-invasive treatments designed to melt the fat right off of the body.
- Basic skin rejuvenation. The treatments she's had are varied but she's done some work to keep her face looking smooth and fresh.
As more of Kim's life gets revealed through reality TV, we might find out more about the different treatments that do and don't work for her over time.
Question of the Day: Do you love or hate Kim Kardashian?
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Thursday, May 08, 2008
Sunscreen Is Safer But We Still Need To Watch Out
As the weather starts to get warmer, most of us will be making a few changes to our standard skin rejuvenation treatments. For one thing, we're more likely to get laser treatments done towards the end of the work day when the sun won't be so harsh on the skin. We're also more likely to get treatments that help give a moisturized appearance to the face. But one of the most important things that we'll be doing is ramping up our use of sunscreen.
Dangers associated with skin exposure include everything from unsightly sun spots to fatal cancers. Luckily, a new study shows that there have been advances made to the sunscreens on the market which should make them more effective in protecting our skin. The key is to look for a sunscreen that has a higher SPF level than others on the shelf as well as to make sure that you choose one which protects against UVA rays as well as UVB rays.
Despite these advances it remains up to each individual to do what it takes to protect the skin. Studies have proven recently that people who work outdoors are increasingly less likely to get screened for skin cancer. They've also shown that self-exams (possibly with the help of a loved one) can be crucial in making sure that you get early treatment of any problems that do arise.
Make sure that you work with your dermatologist to figure out what changes and precautions you need to take as the summer sun starts to heat up. Consider the pros and cons of sunless tanning and make sure you understand the impact of the sun on any regular treatments that you get done.
Question of the Day: How well your skin rejuvenation routine change as we enter the summer months?
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Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Botox As A Way To Leave Youth Behind
When you think about the reasons that someone might get Botox, you probably come up with a mish-mash of causes that all boil down to a general desire to look younger. However, not everyone has the same goal in mind. An interesting article published recently over at Metro Spirit discusses a situation in which Botox can actually be used to rid yourself of some of your youth (in a positive way).
The article is written by a woman whose husband opted to get Botox with the goal of removing a deep-seated wrinkle between his brows. The wrinkled caused his face to have an angry look, making people mistake him for being a meaner man than he really was. Although not traditionally interested in cosmetic procedures, he jumped at the chance to get Botox to remove this wrinkle.
The article's author points out that her husband was a somewhat angry / angsty teenager who had a chip on his shoulder about the world. As he got older, the angst faded away and he became a chilled-out kind of guy. The brow wrinkled that made him look mean also made him look like he was still an angry teen. Removing it with Botox helped his face reflect the more mature approach to life he'd taken over the years.
What an interesting twist on the typical Botox story!
Question of the Day: Do you think that women can also use Botox to leave their youth behind or is this a strictly male thing?
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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
New Facial Filler Could Hit Market
There is a lot of interesting news coming out of this year's American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) meeting which is taking place this week in San Diego. One of the releases that has been announced is the possible move forward of a new facial filler which is designed to augment and contour the face. The product, called Aquamid(R), is intended to be a long-lasting treatment which will allow the patient to achieve results that do not require extensive follow-up.
The information presented was based on a five-year study of the treatment that has just concluded in Europe. That study showed that the new product is successful in its goal of improving the appearance of the face by changing its volume and toning its contours. It also showed that the product appears to be safe for the use of patients.
It is believed that the makers of Aquamid(R) will now move forward with clinical trials in the United States. Those trials will, of course, take some time so don't expect this product to be on the shelves of your local dermatologist's office quite yet. However, it's looking to be a great new product which could supplement the dermal fillers that are currently being used and so is something to keep an eye on for the future.
Question of the Day: Would you be interested in participating in a clinical trial for a product like this facial augmentation filler?
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Monday, May 05, 2008
The Reasons Some Doctors Are Opposed to Lipodissolve
Lipodissolve is a procedure which has gained a lot of attention as a non-invasive procedure designed to provide some of the same effects as liposuction, reducing weight on the body and providing a more toned and slim appearance. However, the cosmetic surgery industry seems to be divided as to whether Lipodissolve is a good product or one that should be avoided by patients. One doctor recently argued that those surgeons who are opposed to the use of Lipodissolve are biased by the fact that the product may take away from their more invasive surgery practices.
This doctor makes the point that the main argument used by anti-Lipodissolve surgeons is an invalid argument. These surgeons are warning consumers that the FDA has not approved Lipodissolve for use in the market. However, this doctor points out that the FDA does not approve procedures (only products) and that Lipodissolve is a procedure. Therefore it's not something that the FDA would have any reason to approve.
The reality is that there are pros and cons to Lipodissolve as compared with liposuction. There are more risks involved with liposuction but there may also be more rewards. Patients have to weigh their own needs against the information provided by their doctors in order to determine which of the procedures (if either) is right for them.
Question of the Day: What is your initial stance on the question of Lipodissolve?
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Friday, May 02, 2008
Skin Creams: What Works and What Doesn't?
People who go to cosmetic doctors frequently get lured in to the use of creams that claim they can do what the doctors are doing. Common creams include those intended to remove fat and get rid of wrinkles. In most cases, the people who try these creams find after a short period of time that they need to go back to their doctors to see real effects.
However, it is possible to use some creams and gels, usually in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, in order to improve your appearance. An article over at ReviewJournal.com recently took a look at multiple products and gave some insightful information into which products do and don't work.
The purpose of the products reviewed in the article included getting rid of stretch marks, offering the appearance of a flat stomach and reducing the wrinkles around cleavage that can reveal a woman's true age. The products discussed in the article were all on the pricey side but they did create some success for the individual who used them.
Your best bet is to work with your doctor to choose creams and gels that will supplement the cosmetic procedures that you are getting done. This can reduce the need to see your doctor on a frequent basis and enhance your appearance over time.
Question of the Day: Which creams have worked for you and which have not?
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Thursday, May 01, 2008
UK May Deregulate Laser Treatements
If you want to get laser treatments - such as laser hair removal or laser resurfacing - in the UK, you need to go to a doctor. However, that may not be the case in the near future because the UK is considering the deregulation of these laser devices. UK doctors who are experienced in working with laser technology are expressing their opposition to the deregulation.
The concern, as you might expect, is that unqualified people will set up laser treatment practices. This could result in bad cosmetic work being done throughout the UK which would then give a negative slant to the entire practice. When done by a qualified doctor, these laser treatments are all believed to be safe. However, lack of qualifications seriously increases the risk of harm during treatments.
Learn more here.
Question of the Day: Should the UK deregulate cosmetic laser technology?
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