July 2008 Blog Archive
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Celebrity Botox: Phoebe Price
If you are someone who follows the gossip from the red carpet then there is a good chance that you have seen a photo of Phoebe Price. And there is a good chance that the photo caught your attention. That's because Price is known as someone who has quite a garish appearance.
Many people say that she has gotten bad cosmetic work done but the truth is that Price accents her features in a way that makes them look not so hot. The bright red color that she dyes her hair isn't quite right. The bold makeup is a little bit off. And the clothing does more to cause gossip than anything else.
It's probably true that she's gotten some cosmetic work done. It has been suggested that she gets dermal filler injections and lip injections. She may have breast and cheek implants. It's hard to say for sure. But whatever she has or hasn't had done, she could improve the way it looks by softening her appearance and going for a more natural look.
Question of the Day: Does Phoebe Price get celebrity Botox?
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Photofacials Recommended for Red Skin
There was an article published online recently which recommended a series of tips for women with skin problems. The majority of these tips were designed to allow the reader to reduce skin blemishes without having to see a doctor. However, there was one condition that a trip to the doctor was recommended for - redness of the skin. The procedure that was recommended for this problem was photofacials.
Many women hope that they can do basic skin care and cleaning of the face to get rid of this problem but that's not the case because the problem is actually due to a melatonin buildup or vein issue in the lower layers of the skin. Basically the way that the photofacial works is that it uses a laser to get down into the lower layers of the skin where the problem really exists. This resolves the problem in a way that you can't do from your own home.
Question of the Day: Are photofacials the best solution for women seeking a quick fix for redness of the face?
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Dermatology as a Two-Tier Business
There is an interesting article this week in the New York Times which explores the fact that dermatology has become a two-tier business. One tier caters to the medical clients who haev always gone to dermatologists to cure problems like acne. The other tier caters to the cosmetic clients who come in for Botox injections and laser hair removal. The report suggests that the cosmetic patients are treated better and more quickly than the medical patients in some doctors' offices.
The example given in the article is probably extreme. It cites the case of a doctor who has separate phone lines and waiting rooms for medical patients vs. cosmetic patients and indicates that the care provided to the cosmetic patients is better than that given to the medical patients. The reason cited for this is that the cosmetic patients expect to be treated luxuriously whereas the medical patients do not. This is probably not common but it could be true that cosmetic patients tend to get better and quicker treatment to at least some degree because of the fact that they are paying out of pocket for procedures that allow them to demand extra attention.
Question of the Day: Do dermatologists treat their medical and cosmetic patients differently from one another?
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Monday, July 28, 2008
New Products May Reduce - and Reverse - Skin Cancer
Researchers are examining a series of new products that may have the potential to reduce the damage caused by the sun. These new products not only serve to protect the sun from skin cancer but may also be capable of reversing the damage that the sun has already done to the skin.
"We are looking at a number of molecules that can be used with sunscreen or without sunscreen. They are not simply blocking the radiation, but they are reversing the damage caused by radiation." (source)
The studies thus far have been effective on animals. The tests are now moving to the human testing phase in the hopes that these products can eventually be released to the market. In the meantime, make sure to wear your sunscreen, engage in good sun safety habits and consider sunless tanning instead of tanning in the sun!
Question of the Day: Is it possible for a product to reverse the damage caused to the skin by the sun?
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Friday, July 25, 2008
New Dermal Filler Passes Clinical Trials
When people first started getting Botox injections, the average person didn't really know what these were for. Today, almost everyone knows the purpose and use of Botox as aan anti-wrinkle, anti-aging product. And many people realize that there are a lot of dermal filler injections out there trying to do what Botox does but to do it better.
One of those newer products, CosmetaLife, has just passed clinical trials. This is a gel-based dermal filler designed to reduce the appearance of aging in the face. It is reported to be longer-lasting than many of the dermal fillers on the market today due to the fact that it offers natural dermal correction. The company that makes this product hopes to release it to the market as early as next year.
Question of the Day: Should we continue to make new dermal fillers in the hope that they will be even better than leading products like Botox and Restylane?
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Fat Injections Increasingly Important for Facial Cosmetic Surgery
Facial cosmetic surgery sees a surge in different trends over time. Some of these trends stick; others quickly fade away. In some cases, procedures that are around for a long time suddenly begin to get popular. That has been the case for the procedure of fat grafting which can be used to supplement the results of cosmetic surgery for the face.
Changes have been taking place in how fat grafting is done which include reducing the amount of fat grafting that is done in a relatively new procedure. This procedure goes by several names including structural fat grafting, microfat grafting and lipostructure. It refers to the use of limited fat grafting using injections that basically create layers in the skin. These layers allow for naturally renewed skin growth in the area of the injection and ultimately lead to improved natural-looking results for cosmetic procedures of the face.
Learn more about this interesting trend here.
Question of the Day: Should fat grafting injections be used for cosmetic surgery procedures on the face?
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
New Laser Treatment Has Long Term Impact On Wrinkles
One of the first signs of aging that people start to notice in themselves is the development of wrinkles. As such, this is one of the most common reasons that people will seek out assistance from a cosmetic doctor. They want to get simple anti-aging efforts from someone who is capable of getting rid of their wrinkles. That's why Botox is so popular.
A new study indicates that there may be a laser procedure for the treatment of wrinkles which is not only effective in getting rid of the wrinkles but which may also be long-lasting in its effects. The treatment is called carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.
"In carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, a laser blasts water molecules inside and outside of cells, which vaporizes the water and causes heat damage to the surrounding tissue. The skin's response mechanism to this tissue damage is to produce more of the wrinkle-filling protein called collagen." (source)
In terms of the results that you see, this treatment could appear similar to the results that you would get from using a dermal filler. However, the collagen in the skin would be that produced by the body instead of an external filler being injected. This could haev longer-lasting anti-wrinkle results.
Question of the Day: Will laser services prove to be more effective than dermal fillers for the long term treatment of wrinkles?
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Skin Regeneration Device Approved in China
A highly innovative device designed for natural skin regeneration has just been approved for use in China after a long process of testing and delays in that approval. There were concerns that the new device needed to be tested carefully because of the innovation of the machinery. That testing has been completed and the new device is now available for use by cosmetic doctors in the country.
The reason that this is of interest is because of the fact that the skin regeneration device has the potential to be so useful to the medical market (and the average consumer) and that it is such a truly innovative type of machinery.
"The technology utilises a patient's own skin cells thereby achieving improved matching of the skin's texture and colour in the treatment area and eliminating the likelihood of tissue rejection ... (It) has proved highly effective in the treatment of burns, small wounds, encouraging scar free healing and re-pigmentation." (source)
This device could be used for a variety of different people seeking treatment from a dermatologist or skin care cosmetic surgeon. It is particularly useful in cases where the skin has been damaged as a result of burns but may be effective for various other skin-related problems.
Question of the Day: How will the release of this skin regeneration device in China impact the skin care market in the US?
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Cosmetic Procedures Safe Even Outside of Hospitals
The majority of the cosmetic procedures that are being done today are non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as dermal filler injections or laser hair removal. These procedures are typically done in the doctor's office or even in med spa settings. This has raised some concerns about whether the settings for these procedures are as safe as if the work was done in a hospital setting.
A new study indicates that procedures done in doctor's office which have been accredited are just as safe as procedures that are done in hospitals. This is true not only for non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as Botox but also for invasive plastic surgery procedures. The likelihood of complications appears to be as low in these settings as in hospitals.
It should be noted that this does not mean that all med spas or doctor's offices are safe. Instead, it means that fully accredited professional offices that treat the procedure like the medical procedure it is are safe places to get this type of work done.
Question of the Day: Is a med spa setting as safe as a hospital setting for cosmetic and plastic surgery?
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Friday, July 18, 2008
Doctors Turning to Email for Appointment Reminders
Every six months, you probably get a postcard from your dentist reminding you that it's time to come in for your next check-up. However, that could soon be a thing of the past as more and more doctors are embracing new technology and using email reminders to let patients know that it's time for their new visits. And many of them are using software programs that will automatically send out these reminders for them so that you never get your reminder later than you should.
For example, there is a program called Smile Reminder which is frequently being used by doctors and med spas who have patients that need repeat procedures such as Botox. The results of Botox injections only last for a set period of time before the wrinkles start coming back and a new round of Botox injections is required. Instead of making you wait until you notice these wrinkles, the Smile Reminder program will send you an automatic reminder when it's about time for you to come back in.
Question of the Day: Do these automatic appointment updates take the personal touch out of medical and cosmetic care?
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Thursday, July 17, 2008
Why We Care About Celebrity Skin Care
One of the most common topics of discussion when it comes to celebrities is the topic of their skin care. It ranks right up there with talks about their sex lives and rumors about their criminal misdeeds. But why is it that we're so interested in celebrity skin care?
Part of the reason is that Hollywood makes it look as though the faces and skin of celebrities are flawless. We want to know what their secrets are so that we can obtain that flawless skin for ourselves. And we want to gossip about the pictures that reveal their flaws so that we can feel better about our own imperfect skin.
However, we also talk about celebrity skin care because we're interested in getting information about the latest new skin care techniques out there. Celebrities are the first ones to engage in procedures ranging from Botox to laser hair removal. We learn from the choices that they make to get these procedures done.
Question of the Day: What causes the greatest interest in celebrity skin care?
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Celebrity Lip Plumping: Kim Vo
Kim Vo is a celebrity hair stylist who has gained a moderate amount of fame for his role as a judge on Bravo's Shear Genius as well as for his work on famous celebrities including Britney Spears. The majority of people who have seen has work would argue that he has a serious eye for style when it comes to hair. However, not everyone would agree that the style extends to other features of the face and body.
Awful Plastic Surgery points out the fact that Kim Vo appears to have had some sort of work done on his lips over the years in order to plump them up. It isn't clear whether this was a dermal filler injection designed to plump the lips or a more invasive lip augmentation surgery. In either case, some would say that the plumped up lips aren't looking as good as they could and are taking attention away from the fabulous hair.
Question of the Day: Does celebrity stylist Kim Vo get his lips plumped?
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Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Penzyme Named Miracle Anti-Aging Cream
People who are interested in improving the appearance (and reducing the aging) of their skin are always hoping that cosmetic researchers will find a miracle cream that can achieve the best results. Some people are saying that the solution has been found in the nait-aging cream called Penzyme.
Extensive recent tests, trials and studies indicate that Penzyme has a variety of different uses that could be implemented by cosmetic doctors. These uses range from basic moisturization of the skin to a reduction in the recovery time associated with issues such as arthritis.
It is believed that cosmetic doctors may find this product useful as an anti-aging cream designed to supplement anti-aging treatments done in the office. The ability of the product to nourish the skin could make it a successful pre-treatment and / or post-treatment product.
Question of the Day: Is Penzyme the new miracle cream for anti-aging?
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Monday, July 14, 2008
Botox and Facials for the Armpits
When you think about going to a skin rejuvenation doctor to get a treatment like Botox, you are almost certainly thinking about getting an injection to the face. Of course, you might be aware of the fact that Botox is used on other parts of the body, but the mainstream Botox user is planning to get injections that will reduce facial wrinkling. And when you start talking about simple treatments like a "facial", you're almost certainly talking about treatments done to improve the appearance of the face.
But not necessarily.
There is a spa in New York that is offering botox treatments and a "facial" for the underarms as part of a summer special. You may think that this sounds ridiculous but it actually makes a lot of sense. Many people do make use of Botox injections to reduce sweating, particularly prior to big events like weddings. And when it comes to the armpit facial, what you're really talking about is waxing and smoothing the skin in this area.
Question of the Day: How many different applications are there for Botox?
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Friday, July 11, 2008
30+ Groups Beg UK Not to Deregulate Cosmetic Lasers
Last month we reported on an issue of concern in the UK caused by the fact that a plan for deregulation of the use of medical laser equipment may be put into place. Consumer groups fear that this could lead to bad procedures such as laser hair removal and laser resurfacing that are unsuccessful or botched due to lack of appropriate regulation.
The issue is still not resolved and more people are joining in the debate to try to convince the UK government that deregulation is a bad idea for the patients of cosmetic procedures in the region. Most recently, the Royal College of Nursing has spoken up about this issue, urging the government to recognize the fact that deregulation is not in the best interest of the people who get treatments utilizing these lasers. Over thirty different groups have said the same thing but the government has not made a final decision regarding the issue.
Question of the Day: Is deregulation of lasers a bad idea for the UK to move forward with?
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Thursday, July 10, 2008
Olympics Brings High-Performance Skin Care To Beijing
The Summer Olympics are upon us and they're going to be a topic of small talk conversation for the next couple of months. Most people will be talking about the high-performance athletic abilities of the athletes who are competing in the games. However, a few select people are instead talking about the high-performance skin care that's being taken to the Olympics by some of the American sports representatives.
There is a product called MISSION product which bills itself as the first-ever line of skin care products that is specifically designed to meet the unique skin care needs of athletes. The products are basic anti-aging products like sunscreens and moisturizers but they are tweaked to meet the high-strain conditions that athletes face on a daily basis.
Five of the people who are participating in the Olympics this year will be using these products. This should prove that the products are worth their merit; after all, there are not sports more intense than the Olympic Games!
Question of the Day: Should American Olympic athletes be testing out skin care products during the games?
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Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Botox Maker Wins Patent Lawsuit
Allergan is the company that is best known for being the one that manufactures Botox. However, Allergan also makes a variety of other different products that aren't as well known as Botox is. Some of these are for cosmetic enhancement whereas others are for medical purposes. Many are designed for both (like Botox which can be used to treat certain types of injuries despite being primarily known for its use as a cosmetic enhancement tool).
One of the products that Allergan makes which isn't specifically designed for the cosmetic industry is a product designed to treat eye pain and inflammation in the eye. The company has just won a lawsuit against rival Apotex Inc. which prevents the rival company from making a generic version of the product until 2009 (presumably when the patent period on the product runs out).
Some would say that it's not fair that Allergan is dominating the market with this product, suggesting that the generic version be made available to the public at an earlier date because of the lower cost to patients. However, companies like Allergan rely on patent periods not only to build up their profits but also to be able to research the additional applications of the product. (For example, Allergan wants to use one eye product as a lash enhancement tool.)
Question of the Day: Should Botox-maker Allergan be able to prevent others from creating a generic version of their products?
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Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Sunless Tanning People Safer In the Sun
People who choose to get sunless tanning to improve the appearance of their skin are more likely to engage in safe sun practices than are those people who try to get a tan through natural sunlight tanning. This is because the people who choose to get sunless tans have a tendency to be more aware of the risks of sun damage and to take extra precautions when they are out in the natural sun.
There are an unfortunately large number of people who are interested in getting natural tans and who choose to avoid safe sun practices when tanning outdoors. These people risk getting skin problems ranging from harmless sun spots to serious skin cancer issues. These people can learn a serious lesson from those people who engage in sunless tanning which is to always be aware of the risks of the sun and to try to minimize those risks when tanning.
Learn more about this here.
Question of the Day: Why do people who do sunless tanning tend to have better safe sun practices than people who don't?
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Monday, July 07, 2008
Celebrity Botox Party: Jade Goody
Jade Goody is a reality television actress and entrepreneur in the UK. She's been the subject of a lot of plastic surgery discussion over the years, the most talked-about of which is the fact that she got breast implants which she later said that she regretted. The most recent news from the cosmetic surgery files on Jade Goody is that she recently attended a celebrity Botox party.
Botox parties had faded out of popularity for awhile but they seem to be back with a vengeance. They are a place that people can go to get information about various non-invasive cosmetic procedures. In the case of this party, the guests were also able to test out their interest in these procedures by getting free treatments on site. It is not clear whether Jade got any work done or if she just enjoyed partying with friends at this event.
In general, Botox parties are not recommended as the time or place to get cosmetic procedures done. It is very important that you work with a qualified doctor in a setting where your medical history can be taken and you can make an informed decision about the pros and cons of treatment.
Question of the Day: Did Jade Goody get cosmetic work done at the Botox party she was seen at recently?
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Thursday, July 03, 2008
New Collagen Filler Approved by FDA
People who are interested in reducing the appearance of aging are going to choose a few major procedures that are helpful in this area. The most common of these procedures is the use of a dermal filler to plump up the cheeks and reduce wrinkling in the face. The more choices that a patient has among dermal fillers, the more likely it is that he or she will find tthe results of the procedure to be satisfying. There's good news in this area because the FDA has just approved a new dermal filler to be added to the list of available options for patients seeking this type of cosmetic enhancement.
The new dermal filler is a collagen-based facial filler called Evolence. The product is specifically designed to correct facial wrinkles and folds that often aren't addressed through the use of other dermal fillers (such as correction of nasolabial folds). The product has been safely used in other countries for the past four years and will now be available in the American market. Doctors will begin receiving training to use this product in the second half of this year so patients should expect to see it made available shortly after that.
Question of the Day: What makes this new dermal filler different from the other dermal fillers already available on the market?
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Wednesday, July 02, 2008
New Hair Removal Option Appears Successful
Applisonix LTD has recently announced that it has a new hair removal product which appears to be among the top of all products in terms of the effectiveness of hair removal. Testing of the product has shown an effectiveness rate of nearly 40% after initial treatment which is comparable to the top products available in the market today.
"These results reflect the new technology's capability of competing with expensive professional light-based systems. From studies published in this field, it seems that with most light based systems, one treatment can reduce the hair count by 10%-40%, thus the results position Applisonix' technology within the highest level of hair removal technologies."
This product is designed as a hair removal solution for all different types of people. It was tested on both men and women with varying skin tones and hair colors and was successful across the board. This could mean that it would appeal to a wide market interested in reducing body and facial hair for cosmetic purposes.
Question of the Day: Will we see new hair removal options available soon as a result of this successful testing?
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Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Doctors Asked to Repair Med Spa Mistakes
You often hear the warnings against going to a med spa to get treatments such as laser hair removal or dermal fillers. That's because these places don't necessarily have qualified doctors on site and therefore often report more problems with treatment than do doctor's offices. In fact, it is quite common for doctors to be asked to treat the problems caused by Med Spa technicians.
For example, one report recently comes from a man who went to a Med Spa to get laser hair removal. The procedure resulted in a number of serious burns to the area where the lasers were applied (something that obviously shouldn't happen). He is now seeing a dermatologist to try to remove or reduce the scarring from that incident.
This doesn't mean that all Med Spa facilities are bad. There are plenty of facilities that do have qualified doctors on site. It just means that you need to do your research into the qualifications of the people at these places to make sure that they are properly prepared to provide you with quality medical care.
Question of the Day: What can be done to reduce the number of problems that people face in a Med Spa setting?
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