Dr. Robert A. Guida, MD., F.A.C.S., says that more than ever before, doctors and patients are turning to injectables rather than more costly and invasive procedures to achieve a youthful appearance. Why? Aside from all the recent celeb Botox confessions (Courtney Cox, Simon Cowell and Vanessa Williams to name a few), injectables are far less costly — ranging from approximately $600 to $1,000 in comparison to surgeries starting around $8,000. But, before you go running to the nearest doctor’s office for a little “wrinkle relaxation” courtsey of the needle, Dr. Guida has a few pointers to make sure first …read more

The at-home beauty tool category saw significant growth in 2008, with a number of devices launching in the marketplace. One segment of beauty tools that has sparked considerable interest among consumers has been the emergence of hair removal systems. The December issue of Allure Magazine, the go-to source for all things about the beauty industry, validates the importance of this segment by naming the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System one of “the most promising” Do-It-Yourself (DIY) systems on the market.
However, this new category can be confusing for consumers who are faced with many new choices but possess minimal knowledge on …read more

As the economy continues to look bleak, studies show that U.S. residents are cutting back on cosmetic procedures. A recent poll by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) indicated that 59% of women said the economy influenced their plans for cosmetic procedures – up 9 % from a similar poll in March. Another recent poll of the Society’s members found a 62 % decrease in all cosmetic procedures in the first half of 2008 compared with the same time period last year.
But even though the economic landscape isn’t pretty, you don’t have to sacrifice their looks and …read more

This Sunday night, many of us will be glued to our television sets watching our favorite stars as they walk down the red carpet at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards.  And you can bet we’ll be paying attention to what they’re wearing, who they’re with, and just how well they’re aging.
From choosing the best hair style, flawless makeup and finding the perfect outfit, celebrities carefully plan every aspect of their appearance before stepping in front of cameras.  In the past, finding time
to schedule cosmetic touch ups with enough recovery time was a challenge.  But now, the latest
non-invasive cosmetic techniques …read more

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, in 2006 almost 600,000 cosmetic veneer procedures were performed in the United States. As the procedure becomes more popular, it’s important to distinguish the good, the bad and the ugly of veneer creation. Mitchell Dental Spa, Chicago’s premier dental spa located in Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, offers some important tips for those looking to upgrade their smile.

“The smile is the picture and a person’s face is the frame,” says General Manager Jeff Doan. “It is crucial to look at each aspect of a person’s face to optimize the …read more

Yesterday’s Wall Street Journal features an article discussing the trend of “keeping up appearances” through cosmetic surgery despite the dismal economic climate (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122999145997128503.html). still spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a recession to maintain their beauty regimens for career or personal reasons through smaller, less invasive and less costly procedures.
Nice to know a pesky thing like a DEPRESSION isn’t getting in the way of beauty!

Twenty-six percent of all engagements take place during the holiday season. Would her hands be ready to show off that new ring?
The HandSpa is designed exclusively to plump up hands and diminish fine lines and the appearance of veins on the backs of hands.
It looks like a nail dryer and emits red and amber lights to combat aging skin and uses Revitalight’s world-renowned intense LED photopulsation.
Used by itself or in conjunction with creams or serums, it helps reduce wrinkles and smoothes skin, producing more youthful hands after only a few 10 minute sessions.
A girl can never be too …read more

In a high-def world, old-school skincare treatments like facials and laser rejuvenation just don’t cut it. Actresses resort to “blu ray” makeup to make their skin appear crystal clear when under scrutiny and now Manhattan-based plastic surgeon Dr. Kamran Jafri is introducing the newest way to make your pores look perfect: Botox!
Botox, which is most commonly associated with reducing wrinkles in the face, is now being used to treat other skin conditions such as large pores, oily skin, and inflammation from acne. The new technique is called intradermal Botox, and it is transforming the way people with less-than-perfect skin look …read more

As technology in the field of laser procedures have advanced over the course of just the last five years, there is now a way to get rid of everything from sun damage to fine lines and wrinkles without multiple trips to a dermatologist’s office.
The Fraxel re:pair treatment is the latest advance in the field of fractional ablative skin repair. The Fraxel re:pair laser system is distinguished by its ability to ablate tissue deep within the dermis. The treatment is made-up of deep microscopic ablated zones surrounded by undamaged tissue, rather than a thin, general ablation of the entire surface like …read more

The holidays are an exciting time of year for festive gatherings, friends, family, and… cosmetic procedures??
According to The New York Times, (December 29th, 2005 New York Times, Style section) December has always been a busy month for plastic surgeons, whose schedules fill with patients seeking a little streamlining before the holiday party season or in advance of body-baring winter beach vacations. However, along with the injections and the nips and tucks of cosmetic procedures comes unsightly bruising and painful swelling.
Not to worry! If you’re entertaining the idea of having a cosmetic procedure this holiday season, there’s a beauty secret you …read more