September 2008 Blog Archive
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Some Men Are Opening Up About Botox
Cosmetic procedures including non-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox injections for anti-aging are not just the sole domain of women anymore. Many men from all different walks of life are getting procedures like this done. However, it's still not something that most men are willing to talk about openly with their friends and family because they fear that there is still some stigma attached to it. Not so for others who are trying to open up about their use of Botox and other similar cosmetic procedures.
Men get procedures like this for some of the same reasons as women do. Men who have been divorced and are starting to date again in their older years and likely to be interested in getting procedures like this to boost their confidence and improve their chances in the dating scene. Men may also get procedures like this done because of a desire to move up professionally in a field dominated by younger guys.
Question of the Day: Should men be open about their use of procedures like Botox?
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Monday, September 22, 2008
SmoothShapes System Launching in Paris
There are many people out there who are interested in weight loss and toning surgeries that don't require an extensively involved procedure. These people are typically interested in laser-based and injection-based fat reduction procedures such as LipoDissolve. A new type of this procedure called SmoothShapes is being launched in Paris at this time.
SmoothShapes is an interesting procedure that combines multiple methods of fat reduction to help tone the body without extensive surgery. The procedure combines both laser and light methods of combatting cellulite with mechanical massage and vacuum techniques that further reduce the fat and tone the body.
People are interested in procedures like this because they result in a small bit of weight loss combined with the toned look that people are seeking to have today. This is designed for people who are seeking small but definite changes to the appearance rather than for people who are serious about major weight loss surgery.
Question of the Day: Are you interested in a new fat-reduction procedure like SmoothShapes?
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Success of Botox Spurs Innovation
There aren't exactly any products on the market today that are the same as Botox. There's no such as "generic Botox". But there are a lot of injectable dermal fillers that aim to achieve the same effects as Botox.
It is believed that these other innovative products were brought into existence precisely because of the success that Botox has seen on the market. Although nobody has been able to replicate the Botox formula, many other great products have been developed in an attempt to take over some of the market that Botox is cornering.
Botox is a great brand product that people recognize and one of the most popular anti-aging medicines on the market today. However, that doesn't mean that there's not the potential that another better product could take over one day.
Learn about some Botox stats and how they influence the competition here.
Question of the Day: Without Botox, would so many dermal fillers have been created?
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Estrogen Stimulates Collagen Production ... Sort Of
Researchers are regularly working on ways to improve the ability of the body to stimulate collagen production. Natural collagen stimulation allows the body to retain an un-aged appearance that comes across as really natural-looking which is what people are seeking when they come in for anti-aging treatments.
One of the things that has been discovered recently is that estrogen can play a crucial role in collagen production. Utilizing the hormone properly can allow the skin to naturally regenerate. Wrinkles may disappear as collagen naturally rebuilds in the body.
But don't get too excited. A study found that this is only useful on parts of the body that are not regularly exposed to sunlight. Exposure to the sun reduced the benefits of the estrogen and made the results unnoticeable. This means that the areas that you're most likely to want to reduce aging in (like your face) are the areas that are least likely to benefit from the use of estrogen to stimulate collagen production.
Question of the Day: Is there a way to use estrogen to improve collaegn production on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun regularly?
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Monday, September 15, 2008
Botox Isn't Just For Beauty
The most common reason that you have probably heard of Botox is because you are interested in procedures that can reduce the wrinkles of aging that may have started showing up on your face. While Botox is great for that problem, it should also be noted that Botox isn't only something that can be used to enhance the beauty and reduce the appearance of a face aging.
Botox is also a medical tool that is used for a wide range of different ailments. In fact, it has just recently been found that Botox is a product that can be safely used by people who are suffering from chronic migraine headaches. The details of this are still being investigated but it looks like Botox could be the first therapy designed to treat migraines in this way.
Migraines are something that impact a large number of people in our society. Wrinkles affect even more of our population. Wouldn't it be great if we could get a two-for-one cure in Botox?!
Question of the Day: What are the best uses for Botox?
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Friday, September 12, 2008
UK Agrees Not To Deregulate Lasers
There has been a big issue of concern for the aesthetic medicine community in the UK which is that the government has been considering the deregulation of lasers used in procedures such as laser hair removal. Many groups and consumers expressed their fears that deregulation of lasers would lead to problems for patients of these types of procedures because of the fact that botched or unsuccessful laser treatments would be likely to result from the lack of oversight once the procedure was deregulated.
After listening to these fears, the UK government has determined that the fears are indeed valid and has decided not to deregulate these types of lasers after all. This means that UK patients can rest easy knowing that their laser procedures are most likely safe due to the fact that they are still regulated.
Now that this battle has been won, those people who made sure that the lasers did not get deregulated are still on the government's back about this issue. They say that the government also needs to make sure that regulation in the future becomes more efficient so that these procedures do remain safe and effective for all patients who choose to get them.
Question of the Day: Was the UK government correct in not deregulating the lasers used in procedures like laser hair removal?
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Women Today vs. Women in the Depression
Many cosmetic surgery articles have discussed the fact that the economy is tightening up and that this has led to changes in the choices that people are making about getting plastic surgery. A shift has occurred in which many people are choosing to get non-invasive procedures like Botox rather than more invasive plastic surgery procedures like face lifts due in large part to the fact that they can save money this way.
An article on this topic likens the situation today to the situation in the Depression. It notes that back then women would still find a way to scrimp and save enough money to buy lipstick even though it was such a luxury because it was a fairly inexpensive way that they could still beautify themselves and improve the way that they felt about their appearance in those tough times. The article says that laser hair removal today is like what lipstick was during that time.
Question of the Day: Are people getting laser hair removal today specifically because it's an inexpensive way to beautify themselves?
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Tuesday, September 09, 2008
New Facial To Take Place of Botox?
Botox is considered to be a non-invasive cosmetic procedure which allows patients to get rid of the appearance of wrinkles without having to undergo surgery. However, it's not an entirely pain-free procedure since it does involved needle-based injections. A new facial product aims to take the place of Botox by offering the same wrinkle-reducing results without the need for a needle.
"The Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial utilizes mineral-rich products from the Pro-Collagen range, including a wonder-serum and mask, to not only target those pesky lines but also improve skin firmness by encouraging cell production." (source)
Like with other procedures that are designed to give you great results in reducing wrinkles, it is recommended that you go through a series of treatments rather than a single treatment to get maximum results. Six treatments is the optimum number for this procedure. It's not right for everyone but may be an alternative to Botox for some people who don't want to deal with needles but also don't want to deal with wrinkles!
Question of the Day: Does a product like this facial product really have the ability to give you the same results as a slightly more invasive procedure like Botox?
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Monday, September 08, 2008
Improvements in Treating Hair Loss
When we think about lasers and hair, we are almost always thinking about laser hair removal. However, lasers are actually being used to do just the opposite type of procedure - they are being used to restore hair when it is being lost to age.
Both men and women may experience thinning of the hair but of course it is mean that really feel the self-consciousness as balding begins to set in. This can greatly increase the appearance of aging and is something that hasn't been easy to treat so far.
Improvements are now being made in the area of using lasers to restore hair growth so that these types of patients no longer have to suffer with loss of hair and the feelings of depleted self-esteem that may go along with that hair loss.
Clinical trials are taking place for the X5 laser which these types of patients may find to be useful in providing hair regrowth results.
"Featuring 15 individual lasers that interact directly with the scalp, the X5 is the most powerful Laser Therapy device on the market. It is also the first device to enter clinical trials utilizing individual lasers to ensure maximum user benefits." (source)
This is a good sign that there may be some relief for those people experiencing early hair loss in the near future.
Question of the Day: Are you more interested in the use of lasers for hair removal or hair regrowth?
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Friday, September 05, 2008
One in Four College Students Has Tanning Addiction
Almost everyone who wants to improve their appearance is interested on some level in getting a tan. That's because the tan is considered to be a sign of healthfulness and beauty. Unfortunately, when tanning isn't done properly it can lead to negative skin conditions that reduce the beauty of the appearance and increase the signs of aging.
A new report has found that more than one in four college students actually has an addiction to tanning. These students are physically or emotionally addicted to tanning and don't feel good about themselves if they are not tan. An additional thirteen percent were regular tanning booth users.
The concern here is that college students may not be aware of how to use proper tanning techniques to prevent the signs of aging that come with too much exposure to the sun. Learning about proper sunless tanning techniques and making sure to keep the skin moisturized can greatly help this population in getting the look that is desired without harming the skin.
Question of the Day: Is it surprising that one in four college students has a tanning addiction?
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Thursday, September 04, 2008
New European Anti-Aging Event
A new event is about to start taking place in Europe which will be beneficial to the entire business of anti-aging medical care. The event is called the European Congress on Anti-Aging and Aesthetic Medicine (ECAAAM) and is designed to bring together professionals working in all areas of anti-aging medicine to exchange ideas and further the results that are being brought about by the community. For you, this means that there could ultimately be an improvement in the anti-aging medicine in your area.
The event is taking place in Germany in about one week and will involve a diverse array of different presentations from medical professionals and treatment makers. Topics of discussion will include everything from facial rejuvenation topics to medical advances being made in stem cell therapy and hormone replacement therapy. This should result in a conversation that inspires those people attending to get more innovative in their work.
Question of the Day: What other conferences and events are there for the Aesthetic Medicine community?
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Wednesday, September 03, 2008
San Diego Skin Care Follows Economic Trends
There is a trend in cosmetic procedures right now among many parts of the nation. This trend is towards a decreased interest in invasive plastic surgery procedures and an increased interest in non-invasive procedures that can provide some of the same results at a much lower cost. This trend is being driven by the changes that are taking place in the economy and is impacting different regions throughout the U.S.
A new report indicates that San Diego is a city that is following this trend. There has been an economic downturn in this area that has impacted the interest in cosmetic surgery options available in Southern California. There has been a corresponding boom in non-invasive procedures such as chemical peels and dermal fillers.
The goal for patients has remained the same despite the economic changes in this country. Patients want to look younger and improve specific areas of their appearance. They're simply using different, more affordable, methods of making that happen through the help of professionals in the skin care business.
Question of the Day: Is the trend in San Diego non-invasive surgery representative of nationwide trends in cosmetic surgery?
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Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Injectable Silicon Not Recommended for Cosmetic Purposes
It is possible for a doctor to purchase liquid silicon for the purpose of medical procedures such as retinal detachment. Some doctors purchase it under the guise of using it for these medical procedures and then actually use it as a cosmetic product designed to correct facial deformities, remove wrinkles and reduce acne scarring. It should be noted by patients that the FDA has not approved injectable silicon for these purposes and therefore that this is not a recommended procedure.
The FDA is still reviewing the use of liquid injectable silicon for the purpose of cosmetic enhancement. Until the time when the FDA explicitly approves the product for this type of use, patients should make sure to use alternative products for the purposes intended by this product. Dermal fillers are a strong example of what can be done to serve the same purpose as injecting liquid silicon would serve.
Learn more about this topic from the original article here.
Question of the Day: At what point is it safe to use liquid silicon for cosmetic procedures?
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Monday, September 01, 2008
Botox Cream In Development
We all know that Botox is something that must be injected into the skin in order to improve the appearance by creating a fuller, smoother and more youthful look. Or at least, that's what we have been led to believe. However, a forward-thinking team of researchers from the University of Massachusetts Lowell Nanomanufacturing Center have developed a Botox-based face cream.
In the past it was believed that topical applications of Botox would be ineffective because the ingredients couldn't penetrate the skin and get down to the deeper levels of the face where change needs to occur. However, these researchers found that attaching Botox to a nanoparticle in an emulsion makes it possible for the substance to penetrate the skin.
It is going to be some time before this Botox face cream actually makes it from the research lab to the shelves of your local dermatology supplier. There will be a lot of controversy regarding the use of Botox in this form just as there was originally with Botox injections. But this is one step forward for the industry in terms of advancing the uses of Botox for skin care.
Question of the Day: What will be the next step in developing Botox face cream?
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