November 2008 Blog Archive
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Economic Meltdown Means One Thing – BOTOX
Botox is no longer the way of the wealthy and beautiful, our global economic woes have begun to take a toll on cosmetic dermatology prices. A large number of dermatologists are cutting costs on facial fillers, with hopes of promulgating their practice and staying afloat during the tumultuous market. Fewer people are spending thousands on plastic surgery and opting for a cheaper alternative, however even Botox and fillers can get pricey. So to meet the demand and the financially problematic clientele, prices are being cut.
Rather than seeing patients cancel or postpone appointments, physicians would rather drop prices and entice customers. "Another recent poll of the group's members found that 62% reported a decrease in all cosmetic procedures the first six months of this year compared with the same time in 2007."
Though some procedures will never die out like breast augmentations and liposuction, many other elective procedures see dwindling numbers of patients. If this trend continues, we may see so many cosmetic dermatologists struggling and drastically lowering prices or making package deals to persuade customers to keep up their beauty and wrinkle-free looks.
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Friday, November 28, 2008
Unapproved Facial Fillers
The FDA and a number of cosmetic dermatologists are urging people to take caution before getting injections of facial fillers. The anti-aging gels may claim they rid you of wrinkles, but reports of botched jobs have increased significantly. The FDA is concerned that people are seeking alternatives to facial fillers or taking the cheap avenue for looking young. But cutting costs in such fashions may result in bumps, lesions and scars. The Associated Press reported that doctors feel the current regulations on facial fillers is far too lax or simply disregarded.
Harvard Medical School dermatologist Dr. Michael Bigby said, 'This is almost a no-brainer, the current label is not adequate.' The panel of doctors other experts unanimously agreed on the need for more safety studies."
Fillers have long had clean safety records when done by a properly trained physician with the right products, however when used by untrained technicians and unsafe gels and products the situation becomes seriously dodgy. Dermatologists and the FDA are hoping to put an end to the botched jobs and phony physicians, and bring back the reputable and credible avenues for anti-aging procedures.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Beautiful and the Botoxed
Nicole Kidman has been making headlines in recent weeks with the debut of her Blockbuster Australia, but the Aussie star is also getting heat from the press and paparazzi about her looks. She has denied rumors of Botox, but entertainment gossip junkies like Perez Hilton, US Magazine and OK have all had speculations that the beauty queen is getting Botox injections into her forehead. Today even a British tabloid magazine called Kidman bored and filled with Botox. Many of Hollywood's leading ladies have experienced such scrutiny from the entertainment press, most notably Meg Ryan, Meryl Streep and Diane Lane.
Frankly, so what if these dashing stars want a prick here and there? As long as it is not affecting their acting skills and facial expressions, such scrutiny is unnecessary. However, my only point is that if the aforementioned women or any others do get facial fillers or Botox, they should openly discuss and admit it like Sharon Osborne and Lisa Rinna. After all these women are the role models for millions of people worldwide.
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
New Face Filler Enters Market
Smile like you mean it. New cosmetic filler called Evolence designed solely for smile lines has swept into the derma world. Those on the hunt to look younger faster are in for a treat; previously parts of a persons face would look vibrant and youthful except for near the mouth. But this new filler focuses on wiping out the lines and wrinkles near your smile. The new treatment has a sundry of perks as well; the process is fairly painless, quick and leaves virtually no bruising in comparison to other facial fillers and Botox.
Dr. Gerald Bernstein a dermatologist using the smile-line method said, "I would say the likelihood of bruising is less than some of the other fillers. You can walk out of the office. You don't have to hide or wear dark gasses or explain to people that someone just didn't beat you up or that you had a procedure done."
Even better than the lack of pain and bruising are the fast results. After a few minutes it is said that the full effect of the filler kicks in. And for those of you worried about another anti-aging gimmick, think again, physicians say Evolence lasts nearly a year. Which not only helps your wallets, but your smiles as well.
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Teens High Risk for Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is common for middle-aged people, but the rates are increasing for the young as well. The vast majority of teenagers are constantly in the sun; from school, beach, and sport they are typically in the sun for hours on end. This puts them at a high risk for developing skin cancer either at a young age or later in life. One of the main problems is that many are unaware of the risks involved in extended periods in the sun, similarly most lack the knowledge or care to apply sunscreen daily and wear hats during sport. Awareness is a key factor in preventing skin cancer. After weekends laying on the sand or playing soccer many kids get burned regularly, putting them further in harms way.
By simply being sun-smart you may be able to prevent your chances of getting skin cancer. Granted we all fall victim to forgetting sun-screen or wearing a hat, but much of this based on habit. So if we habitually wear sun-block and regularly reapply it whilst outdoors in the suns peak UV hours, we have already increased our protection. Parents also must instill such sun protection behaviors into their children from a young age.
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Monday, November 24, 2008
Who needs Tupperware when you've got Botox
Aging baby-boomers don't need anymore Tupperware, today these wrinkle-haters need Botox injections. The hottest at home party involves some hors d'oeuvres, champagne a few pricks of the wrinkle-ridding gem. Beauty at home has become quite the popular fad in cities like Los Angeles and Manhattan, but this new fad is taking even the Midwest by storm. Dermatologists in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan are being hired to go women's homes for Botox parties. Which is a safe way to bring anti-aging cosmetic dermatology straight to your home. Many women are apprehensive about Botox, so in the comfort of their own homes in front of friends they may feel considerably more comfortable.
In recent months the notion of Botox for bridal parties was making waves, but Botox parties seem to be the trendy "it" place to be seen. The Desperate Housewives of Orange County have even had a party of their own.
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Thursday, November 20, 2008
Caffeine and Skin Cancer
Researchers have released preliminary information on a study about caffeine consumption and skin cancer. Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the US, affecting 1 in 5 Americans each year. This new research claims that UV and sun damaged skin may be able to be repaired through caffeine intake. The study done one mice, shows that mice who were injected with doses of caffeine per-day were less likely to have skin cancer, the research shows that the mice with caffeine injections also had fewer damaged skin cells than those without caffeine.
The lead dermatologist of the study Paul Ngheim said that it seems that the caffeine helps the body eliminate damaged cells so healthy ones can replace them. Ngheim is hopeful that this research will allow him to conduct similar studies on humans, because he thinks caffeine is a cost-efficient solution for skin cancer treatment and prevention. So coffee addicts stay tuned, your love for caffeine may have some benefits other than just boosting your energy.
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Monday, November 17, 2008
Botox Etiquette
When is it ok to ask someone if they have dabbled into Botox? Is it ever socially appropriate to burst out such a blunt question? Some would say being so audacious is quite intrusive, but is Botox really that personal? In an age where twenty-somethings are pricking their clear foreheads for prevention, and fifty-somethings frequent the dermatologist more often than a GP, why not ask colleagues, peers or pals if they've had an injection or two. Frankly there is nothing to be bashful about because everyone is doing it!
Just ask fashion designer Tom Ford, a nosy journalist was only able to wait minutes before asking the handsome fashion connoisseur about his derma habits. "I have had Restylane and Botox, but I don't think of that as plastic surgery any more. It's true I can't really frown, but I can move my eyebrows, so ..."
So this season accessorize your glamorous haute couture with Botox.
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Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Yoga Face
As great as chemical peels, injections and fillers are why not try facial yoga? After all yoga does wonders for your body and vein health, give it a go and see what yoga can do for your wrinkles. When fighting against those aging lines toning and exercising the facial muscle serves as an anti-aging tactic. Annelise Hagan a yoga instructor for Manhattan took the test upon herself. She started doing these facial exercises on herself and her students.
She tells the LA Times that results showed up immediately. "Tension is one of the major culprits in facial wrinkling. If you release tension, you'll see results."
Due to the success of face yoga, Hagan compiled her tips and techniques in "The Yoga Face" for beloved fans and to popularize the idea.
Though the techniques won't stop you from aging, gasp, they will aid in relieving some tension and wrinkles from worn out areas of your face. So it may be worth coupling face yoga with a Juvederm injection or chemical peel.
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Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Botox for Prevention?
We exercise and eat well to prevent gaining weight, so should we use Botox to prevent wrinkles? Preventative Botox jabs are becoming quite common among the twenty-something ladies. There are a number of downfalls to these made-up preventative measures. Firstly, it will cost you and arm and a leg to get these early-injections. In economic crunch times like right now, this is not the right place to be investing if you are say 25-years-old. Secondly, Botox is not a wrinkle-prevention treatment; it is used to temporarily rid wrinkles and aging lines in people who are AGING! And most importantly, the early-aged Botox will do more damage than good for your skin; the purpose is to add firmness to loose skin, not to add firmness to already firm skin.
Rather than injecting Botox at an early age, relish the youthfulness of your age and worry about Botox later. Dermatologists would be frowned upon if they began Botox prevention treatments. So you'll be tough to actually find one who will do it for you. Leave Botox for the forty and fifty-somethings, and just enjoy your twenties.
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Monday, November 10, 2008
Botox, Bums, and Brazilians
Many anti-aging and cosmetic enhancement wonders of the world have either originated or become the craze in Brazil. From derriere "booty-jobs" to cosmetic surgery tourism, Rio residents are swooning over beauty treatments. The newest hit stirring around Rio and Sao Paulo is Botox. But in true Brazilian form there's a twist to the story. This isn't your normal outing to the dermatologist for your quarterly Botox prick, this Botox is for free and it's for the poor. Brazilians even want their poverty stricken residents to look like Giselle Bundchen.
The Associated Press has reported that beauty-obsessed Brazilian Society of Aesthetic Medicine will be providing people who earn less than $250 a month with free Botox injections. The only catch is that Botox injecting trainees will be giving these people their dose of beauty. The organization is hoping this will give student doctors adequate experience for a booming industry, and similarly giving financially struggling people an opportunity to indulge in the luxuries of the lavish life.
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Sunday, November 09, 2008
When Bad Acting Happens to Good People
This morning's Sydney Morning Herald Life and Beauty section gave me inspiration for this blog. Have Hollywood's leading ladies acting skills gone awry because of too much Botox? Well, this movie critic thought Meg Ryan and Annette Benning's acting was seriously comprised because of the lack of facial expressions. So should movie producers and film studios start sanctioning against actors delving too deep into the cosmetic world? Has Nicole Kidman's face and acting gone cold and emotionless? Maybe. According to this critic, in the film The Women, she was far too distracted by the lack of movement in Meg and Annettte's faces that she walked out. Slightly too drastic for my liking, but I do understand what she means.
Actors have taken cosmetic dermatology and anti-aging to a new level. Moderation is the key here folks. Too much Botox, Juvederm and fillers can do more harm than good. So next time your due in for your Botox prick, do take caution in the number of injections. From now on the film industry should label their guidance ratings with: B for Botox, J for Juvederm and F for Fillers to forewarn patrons of their possible poor acting.
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
DIEP Flap Revolutionizing Mastectomy
Two Colorado based plastic surgeons have pioneered the DIEP Flap surgery for breast cancer patients. The duo has developed a new alternative to breast reconstruction that can not only provide an aesthetically appealing look to the breasts, but also safety. 260,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, many of which undergo breast reconstruction after a mastectomy to rid themselves of the cancer.
Dr. Jeremy Williams and Dr. Christopher Williams are thrilled to unleash the DIEP Flap, "DIEP Flap provides state of the art technology to breast reconstruction. During a mastectomy, skin and tissue removed during the surgery is replaced with skin and soft tissue borrowed from the abdomen. Unlike the TRAM flap procedure, the DIEP flap takes tissue from the abdominal area, but leaves the muscle intact. Giving women the same, natural look and feel without the complications arising from removing the muscle in the abdominal area."
This new creation provides women with a choice for reconstruction. Although it is a new and delicate procedure, it may revolutionize the industry.
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
Injecting Fat into Breasts gets the OK
For years injecting fat into breasts was a controversial topic for plastic surgeons. However, injecting fat for reconstructive purpose has been given the thumbs up, but not for enhancement use. The safety and efficiency for augmentation is still considered unreliable and dubious. Doctors and researchers came to a consensus about this topic at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons conference in Chicago.
The process is called fat grafting – surgeons take fat from one area of the body and transfer it into the breasts to reconstruct and adequately shape the contour of the breast. Too much fat injected into the breasts (typically augmentation purposes) can be seriously harmful to the patient, over time fat can harden up and make it difficult to detect cancer in mammography scans.
Still regardless of its use fat grafts maintain a reasonably high risk of complications which is why physicians opt for its use only when necessary, "For post-mastectomy reconstruction, I think it is a reasonable thing. There is minimal breast tissue left so it really doesn't interfere with the surveillance that much. … And I agree that fat is an ideal filler. Its non-toxic, it feels natural, improves the breast contour and size and symmetry. However [fat injections] inability to produce consistent and reproducible results is a problem," said Dr. Nora Hanson an Oncologist.
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Thursday, November 06, 2008
Celebrity Confessions
Last week Hollywood heard from Courtney Cox and her love/hate relationship with Botox. Today, Dancing with the Stars Alumni Lisa Rinna has opened up about dabbling into Juvederm, Botox and other fillers. This refreshingly honest star said to reporters at In Touch magazine, "We all know everyone does it! We go on Jenny Craig and do all these things to change ourselves, so why can't we get a little filler?"
The 45-year-old celeb also admitted she overdid it with Juvederm. "I saw a picture of myself and thought, 'Uh-oh. You have to be careful. I'm a perfect example of that."
So when you are looking into getting rid of your wrinkles it's important to go to a professional dermatologist and voice your concerns about looking 'too overdone,' always know what you want out of the procedures.
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Wednesday, November 05, 2008
UV Rays: How to Stay Safe
The summertime sizzle may be over, but with climate change and global warming a few hot sunny days may peer through the storms this winter. For those of you holidaying to the Southern Hemisphere these sun safety tips may come in handy. The International Dermal Institute is recommending that this holiday season, whether its rainy, cloudy or sunny for everyone to protect their skin from the suns strong Ultraviolet rays by always applying sunscreen.
Dr. Diana Howard of the IDI encourages protection, "We need to protect our skin any time it's exposed to daylight, not just when we think our chances of exposure are higher."
IDI has said that even daily low-dose exposure to sunlight can be damaging after a few years. Sunscreen application is essential to preventing skin cancer and skin damage. In some parts of the world the o-zone layer is completely depleted, so only 15 minutes in that area can cause serious skin damage and burns. Since we are creatures of habit, start adding sun-block application to your daily routine, after a short while it will become completely second-nature.
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Sunday, November 02, 2008
Stop Stressing!
If you're spending long painstaking hours in the office and are stressed out about the dwindling economy you may be in for some skin problems. A study released by the American Journal of Pathology says that stress induces skin inflammation, skin disease and acne. Put down your blackberry because stress not only triggers relationship problems, but may also cause diseases like psoriasis.
"The immune cells in skin can over-react, resulting in inflammatory skin diseases like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis."
If you're worried about your skins health it may be a good idea to change your eating, exercise and most importantly working habits. That means stop stressing and book your first flight out of the country for a relaxing holiday in the sun (but remember to pack some sunscreen).
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