Doctor Specifications. Today, a lot of professionals have added injectables to their repertoire (dentists?! OBGYN!?). Dr. Guida warns that for both safe and effective results, the best doctors to administer a Botox boost is facial plastic surgeons or dermatologists who have experience operating on the face. They will be more familiar with the position, location and function of the muscles, so they know the exact place to make the injection. And, for the best results, the correct placement of the Botox injection is critical.

Instant Gratification? Don’t be surprised if you glance in the mirror without noticing an immediate difference. Dr. Guida says that it may take up to 48 hours to see results and up to 14 days for the full effect to sink in. So don’t go running back for a touch up until the Botox has had time to work its magic. However, Dr. Guida does encourage patients to return after two or three weeks for a small touch up if necessary. Feedback is essential so the Botox injection can be fine tuned and for the individual.

Painless “Pinch”. Does it hurt?! “Expect to feel a pinch, about the equivalent to a bee sting.” If you’re concerned, Dr. Guida recommends putting numbing cream on the area 10 minutes prior to the injection. A topical numbing cream and/or ice prior to an injection will minimize the pain significantly.

Lunch Time Procedure. Patients can return to work immediately after. There maybe the appearance of a small bump at the injection site that lasts 10-15 minutes. The makers of Botox do recommend that users ***DO NOT *** lay flat for four hours after the injection so the Botox doesn’t migrate. But, Dr. Guida says not to sweat it…he’s taken a yoga class 30 minutes afterwards. Downward dog didn’t cause any interference!

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However, this new category can be confusing for consumers who are faced with many new choices but possess minimal knowledge on choosing the best device. According to Kevin Appelbaum, CEO of TRIA Beauty, the biggest challenge for consumers is to determine which devices actually work — and which provide value for their money.

“Clearly the most dramatic breakthroughs in the beauty industry over the next five years will be light-based devices that feature technology previously available only at doctor offices,” said Appelbaum. “But, not all technologies translate into safe, effective tools that deliver the desired long-lasting results. The consumer needs to be educated about the choices and technologies.”

In the case of hair removal beauty tools, manufacturers use a variety of technologies to achieve smooth, hair-free skin. According to Appelbaum, the market is divided into three categories:

High-power lasers — Diode laser technology is the gold standard for physicians and continues to be the preferred method for in-office hair removal. Its precision technology and single-band light enable it to target just the dark pigment in hair. This makes it easier to use, less painful and more effective at delivering permanent hair reduction. Clinical studies show that the laser energy not only removes the hair but prevents it from growing back. After six monthly treatments, consumers can expect virtually hair-free results. The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System uses the same diode laser technology used by the professional systems and was developed by the same scientists who invented the technology back in 1993. Clinical studies demonstrate that it too delivers long-lasting hair reduction and prevents the hair from growing back.

Low-power flashlamps — Less expensive, broad-spectrum light devices do a good job at removing hair short-term, and are a great option for consumers who only want temporary hair reduction. These devices are typically used once or twice a month to maintain a hair-free appearance. Clinical studies show that the hair typically grows back when the monthly treatments are stopped.

Heat-based razors – Using technology created for the consumer market, these hand-held tools are effectively thermal razors, burning the hair away from the surface of the skin. They require more regular use.

To make the process of choosing the most effective DIY device easier, consumers should first decide whether they want lasting results, such that the hair won’t grow back, or if they would prefer temporary hair elimination. There are a variety of devices that deliver temporary hair elimination, and cost and comfort will likely determine which product is best for each consumer.

For consumers who desire long-lasting results and a device that actually prevents the hair from growing back, they should ask three questions:

1. Is the device FDA-cleared? FDA clearance indicates a safe and effective product, although actual performance can vary dramatically between products.
2. Does the device deliver sufficient power? Typically, higher power levels are required to deliver better performance and more lasting results.
3. Are there clinical studies published in respected journals to support the science behind the device and the claimed benefits? Tools that have published clinical data that supports their effectiveness are the most reputable within the market.

Image: TRIA Beauty

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But even though the economic landscape isn’t pretty, you don’t have to sacrifice their looks and personal well-being. The trend toward minimally invasive treatments is on the rise and the reason is two-fold: 1) they won’t break the bank and 2) less recovery time means less time away from the office. And, just because these procedures are less invasive, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t extremely effective.

Leading Beverly Hills based plastic surgeon Dr. John Anastasatos is available for interviews to discuss four affordable alternatives to big ticket surgeries that will leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated:

CHEMICAL PEEL {Cost: Varied, but can be as low as $300.00}
Instead of costly surgeries, a simple, skillfully performed chemical peel on the face and neck can remove the older, surface layers of skin and produce new skin that is softer, smoother, shinier and tighter. Although lasers can perform this type of resurfacing, peels are much more economical and time-tested for their efficacy. In most cases peels are as effective as or better than lasers to rejuvenate and treat facial and neck conditions. The peels are also very effective for treating blemishes, acne scars, pores and color changes of the face, giving it a more uniform color and texture. The results of peel treatments can be long lasting and fewer treatments may be required for patients compared to laser treatments. The science and use of the diriment types of peels are an art form and should be performed by a doctor who has expertise in that area.

DERMABRASION {Cost: Approximately $900.00}

Dermabrasion is an excellent low-cost way to smooth out fine and deep facial wrinkles; particularly those around the mouth, instantly making the mouth appear rejuvenated and youthful. It is also good for correcting dark spots and shallow acne scars, leaving the overall appearance of the skin more smooth, even and uniform.

ENDOSCOPIC BROW LIFT {Cost: Approximately $3,000.00}

Botox is not the only minimally invasive solution for forehead wrinkles and droopy brows. The endoscopic brow lift is a simple, minimally invasive procedure performed through a mini- camera and entails three tiny (3-4mm) incisions at the hairline, thus leaving no noticeable scars. This is cutting edge procedure! The procedure softens the look of the forehead (by lessening the forehead wrinkles), raises the brows, and ablates the thick difficult wrinkles n between the eyes resulting in a more relaxed and refreshed look. It “opens up the eyes” without giving an un-natural look. The result is very natural looking. While this procedure may be more expensive than Botox upfront, the results are long-lasting and cost-effective in the long run.

LIP AUGMENTATION USING FAT {Cost: Approximately $1,200.00}
Injectable dermal fillers such as Botox, Restlyane and Juvederm are all available for lip augmentation and certainly do provide that extra volume to achieve Angelina Jolie style lips—at least temporarily. However, these results only last for a few months and need to be consistently repeated with added cost each time. As an alternative method, your own fat can be used to create lip volume in a more natural and permanent way. In addition the fat has the ability to produce volumetric changes in the lips and around the mouth that beautify not just the lips but the whole peri-oral area (the area around the mouth). Therefore is much more versatile and effective in many cases producing improved results. And because you are using your own tissue, there is little risk of bodily rejection. Again, the cost is more expensive upfront but this procedure pays off in the long-term.

REMOVING UN-ATTRACTIVE VEINS (TELANGIECTASIAS) FROM THE FACE AND BODY {Cost: Approximately $300.00}

Cost effective alternatives to lasers include injections and electro-coagulation. In properly selected patients who are good candidates’ electro-coagulation of these telangiectasias can be done comfortably in the office, safely, expeditiously and economically. These treatments may not require repeat additional treatment sessions like many laser treatments do.

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“These procedures, which are popular with celebrities who need big results in a short amount of time, are now accessible to everyone who wants to look fabulous for a special occasion,” said Kimberly Butterwick, M.D., member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

To be “camera ready” for an upcoming event, Dr. Butterwick recommends the following timeline:

One Month Before:
•       Contour Thread lifts use non-absorbable thread under the skin’s surface to anchor and gently pull skin upward for an effective facelift without detectable scars.  Recovery time depends on the area treated, but lifts done to the jaw line and cheeks regularly require a week of downtime, while other areas have two to three week recovery periods.  Results vary and depend on the patient’s age as well as the skin’s elasticity. Generally, results last two to five years.

One Week Before:
•       The Fraxel Laser procedure successfully treats non-facial areas to resurface small wrinkles, improve texture, tone and pore size, and rejuvenate skin in the neck, chest and hands area.  There is no scarring and a brief recovery period of two to three days.  Results can last for years.

Days Before: Fillers and Lasers
•       Restylane is a dermal filler that adds volume and fullness around the face and to improve the look of wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes.  Minimal swelling and bruising may occur, but patients are usually ready to be seen the next day.
•       Sculptra is used to add volume and natural curves to the face in patients that have gaunt and sunken cheeks from fat loss either due to aging or illness.  This procedure can be done in one office visit.
•       Intense Pulsed Light is used to treat freckles, port wine stains, varicose and spider veins and flat birth marks on larger areas of the body such as the neck, chest, legs or forearms.  There is virtually no downtime and results are very effective.  Mild redness and swelling may occur around the treated area directly after a treatment but will subside in a few days.
•       Photo Facial treatments are used on patients who suffer from irregular skin texture or skin discoloration due to the effects of red blood vessels and brown spots.  Four to six treatments are recommended depending on the severity of the problem.  A patient’s skin will be refreshed and glowing without any recovery time.  Maintenance treatments are suggested once a year to keep skin in tip-top shape.

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“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 realistic look of their veneers.”

Creating the perfect veneers is a very involved process that needs personalization to achieve a realistic-looking smile. Doan says that it is important to recognize that each patient’s mouth structure is different and looking at the patient’s face shape, lip fullness, texture and size of the teeth and mouth is key to achieve for the perfect smile.

Doan offers some advice on veneers for those who want to be an expert on the subject before saying ‘Ah’:

• Mismatched Color – Good veneers should complement the patient’s skin color and eye color. Cheaper veneers are often too white or the top and bottom rows of teeth are not the same color, making it easy to point out a faux smile.
• Uneven Steven – Poorly installed veneers can cause an uneven bite, which can lead to problems with chewing and problems with the patient’s jaw. Good veneers should feel natural in the patient’s mouth and fit without effecting the bite or smile.
• Bad fit – Good veneers should fit over the patient’s teeth and feel natural. Poorly done veneers often crack if the dentist does not shape of the tooth correctly before fitting the new veneers to the patient’s teeth.
• Texture – Cheap veneers often mimic bathroom tiles rather than human teeth. The best veneers look like real teeth and dentists should pay special attention to tooth shape and texture during the creation process.

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Nice to know a pesky thing like a DEPRESSION isn’t getting in the way of beauty!

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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 prepared…so I’m going to attempt a few test sessions and see what happens. What do you all think of this?

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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 at their old-school treatments and remedies.

The difference between intradermal and regular Botox is where it is injected: where regular Botox is injected deep into the muscles of the skin, causes wrinkles to smooth out, intradermal Botox is injected into the skin itself.

The injection of Botox into the skin actually causes the pores to constrict in size, which is a huge plus for anyone who has tried to reduce them in the past – there have always been different methods and applications to reduce pore size, but there is nothing topical that can be applied to the skin to reduce their appearance.

Because of its interaction with the pores, Botox also does wonders for oily and acne prone skin. The pores of the skin contain sebaceous glands, which secret oil, which can cause oily skin and acne if the glands are over productive. By restricting the muscles of the pores, Botox also stops oil production from the sebaceous glands, allowing acne prone skin to become clear.

“Botox has been used in the ‘off label’ form for many years, with the most notable targets being wrinkles. Throughout the course of the application of Botox for wrinkles, doctors were noticing a reduction in pore size and an overall ‘matte’ finish on the skin,” says Dr. Jafri. “What we have discovered now is that Botox can be used for more than just wrinkles, and it can change the lives of those with acne prone skin. It provides an effective treatment where acne problems were previously left untreated.”

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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 traditional CO2 lasers.

Dr. Cameron Rohksar, Medical Director of NY Cosmetic Skin and Laser Surgery Center, explains: “Fraxel created the technology behind fractional laser applications. By treating skin with microscopic laser columns instead of full surface tissue removal, patients can access the benefits of the gold standard in skin resurfacing – CO2 Laser – without the lengthy downtown and recovery. Our patients come in and are amazed that it only takes one treatment. That’s it.”

Just as with standard Fraxel, the new Fraxel Re:pair leaves untreated areas around each treatment zone to accelerate healing. The big advantage of the Re:pair is the use of carbon dioxide laser beams which not only affect wrinkles and discolorations, but have the ability to tighten skin by altering the weakened collagen in the skin found in the dermis.

Faster Healing with Minimal Downtime

Healing is quick with most patients experiencing only a 3 to 5 day downtime. Following 2nd treatments, healing has proven to be even quicker. Redness lasts from 1 to 4 weeks on average, though varying levels of pinkness may last longer which can be balanced by use of a mineral makeup. With the Fraxel Re:pair there has been no scarring and no hypo-pigmentation (pigment loss) which was a problem with older laser technology. The new Re:pair system allows area treatments without the telltale demarcation, so even having a small area around the lips means there is no “white -out” that told the world you’d had resurfacing done.

Helene Ladenheim of Manhattan had tried everything else under the sun before she tried the Fraxel re:pair treatment. She found herself having to go back several times with other methods. “I wanted to get rid of the damage I’d done being out in the sun and eliminate the wrinkles. I’d tried many other types of lasers but this treatment was by far the best I’d encountered and the great news is that I don’t have to repeat it over and over again. It does the job in one treatment just like they said it would. I couldn’t be more pleased with how my skin looks and feels now.”

Photo credit: Newscom

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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 should know about to help cut post-op bruising heal in half the time.

Biopelle’s new Auriderm post-op gel and Auriderm post-procedural relief kit can get you out of the house and into your party dress faster! Bruising, redness and swelling from cosmetic procedures such as injections of Botox or injections of fillers such as Restylane® can often take at least a week to disappear. With the holidays just around the corner, who has that much time to wait?

Auriderm features Vitamin K Oxide, a more stable form of Vitamin K. Auriderm uses a patented nanosome delivery technology to deliver Vitamin K Oxide to the dermal layers, helping it to penetrate more effectively and intervene with the bruising process. The result is faster post-op bruise healing, which will help you to look your best, faster.

The Auriderm post-procedural relief kit offers an extra benefit, Arnica Montana, an herbal remedy used for hundreds of years in Europe. It reduces swelling and shortens the recovery period after physical trauma. Available in an oral form in the Auriderm post-procedural relief kit, it works with Auriderm post-op gel to let you enjoy you the results of a cosmetic procedure faster. It can even be taken the day before a procedure to help get a jump on healing. The Vitamin K Oxide in Auriderm post-op gel actually speeds up the most critical step in the body’s natural bruise resolution cycle.

Don’t be late to holiday parties because you’re busy covering your black-and-blues. It’s the holidays! Think green and red and make sure to stand under the mistletoe!

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