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Facial Fillers

When patients are looking for wrinkle and age spot reduction, they often look at fractional laser resurfacing and other skin invasive skin tightening techniques. Facial fillers, or dermal fillers, can often replace laser and surgical treatments. A variety of facial fillers are now available, and patients should speak with a qualified dermatologist or physician about which is best for them.

Dr. Tahl Humes is the owner and medical director of VITAHL Medical Aesthetics in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Humes, who performes both surgical procedures and facial fillers, says that she prefers Juvederm because her patients have less swelling and bruising than with other varieties. Juvederm is a smooth gel non-animal dermal filler with the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid available. Dr. Humes says that she prefers Juvederm, but uses Restylane on a rare occasion as well.

As the body ages, it’s normal to see a decrease in the volume appearance of the cheeks because of either fat loss in the face or because of reabsorbtion of bone. This often causes a hollow appearance in the cheeks. Dr. Humes prefers Radiesse or Sculptra for this larger area because these products are better for larger areas. Radiesse and Sculptra are both non-hyaluronic acid based fillers used in recontouring the face. To get the most out of facial fillers, patients often combine large area treatments with individual line treatements.

Dr. Humes recommends Sculptra treatments to her patients who want to keep their filler treatments under wraps. Sculptra treatments done over a period of three months offer a more gradual change. As a bonus, Sculptra stimulates natural collagen slowly and helps to keep a more natural look. With this type of treatment, others won’t quickly notice that the patient has had treatments.

With the many options available with fillers, doctors are now able to meet the needs of almost every patient. Facial fillers are a temporary solutions, though. Some may only last six months while others may last as long as two years. Patients interested in facial contouring, resurfacing, or lifting should speak with their doctor about facial fillers to see if this choice is right for them.

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Alternatives To A Face Lift: Injections and Fillers

Many people are fighting to reverse the effects of aging. Now with an alternative to plastic surgery, less invasive facial treatments are being sought after. Some of theseFace Lift include, laser treatments, injections of Botox and dermal fillers.

These treatments are great for those aging employees who are trying to stay younger looking so as to stay competitive in the job market. There are also professions where you want to look younger, like the others to fit in. You don’t want the age to start showing on your face. With the economy being so fragile, these treatments are a lot less expensive to obtain.

New dermal fillers are an excellent way to correct sagging cheeks and laugh lines. These fillers are made of a complex sugar that is found in many tissues in the body called hyaluronic acid. The most popular treatment is one an injection to treat expression lines between the brows and on the forehead. This popular treatment is called injectable botulinim toxin.

These less invasive treatments are being chosen over plastic surgery because they are only a fraction of the cost with much less recovery time. These treatments can cost anywhere from $400 to $1000 with a few hours recovery time, some injections can even be done on your lunch break, while a facelift can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 and take weeks to recover. The only downside is that people are spending thousands of dollars getting treatments repeated for maximum results which can end up costing you more than the facelift would have.

Many plastic surgeons have turned their businesses to offering these fillers and injections, as their surgery business is declining. However, there are some issues that fillers and injections will not correct, so plastic surgery is required. It has been estimated that plastic surgeons are accumulating over 50% of their income from fillers and injections, like Restylane and Dysport.

There is a growing concern among experts that people will be on the bandwagon to try any new thing that becomes available. This can put their health at risk and it is best to stick with the methods that are proven to help, rather than gamble on a new, untested method.

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Cosmetic Procedures In Elderly Women Skyrocket

With the advent of plastic surgery, and alternative procedures that do not involve surgery, wealthy women started the war against aging. As time has progressed however, technology has gotten much better, and as a result, these procedures have become safer, more appealing, and more affordable. As such, more and more people have turned to new procedures such as face-lifts and Botox injections.

Though some use cosmetic procedures just to enhance their own image and try to look better, people are starting to use it to turn 50 into the new 30. Recent studies and new polls suggest that the amount of women approaching old age, and seeking cosmetic procedures to delay aging, has come close to doubling in recent years. These studies also suggest that with more advances in the cosmetic field, these numbers will only continue to rise.

Many celebrities that have fallen from their pinnacle of beauty, are also now seeking these cosmetic treatments. Although not an intended effect of their procedures, due to their high amounts of public exposure, these celebrities serve as walking advertisements for the cosmetic surgery industry. Many people that idolize either these people, or beauty, may seek out these treatments solely because the people they look up to find them to be fine.

Some people may question why a women would want to change her natural body in the first place, but the answer is actually pretty obvious. Where sees 50 years ago, aging was tolerated as a natural part of life, the modern media now portrays aging as something bad and ugly. As women get older and experience menopause, their bodies start changing in ways that are now considered to be unattractive. They then seek out these cosmetic procedures, not only to make themselves look more attractive in society’s eyes, but also to improve their own self-esteem.

Though many question the ethics and morals of plastic and cosmetic surgeries, their benefits to society are obvious. With many famous figures acquiring new looks through these measures, they provide inspiration for common people to go out and get them to. Because of society’s misconstrued views of aging, plastic surgery is as psychological as it is physical, helping older women both look better, and improve their confidence in themselves. As these procedures become safer and more affordable, there is no doubt that the number of people seeking them will only continue to rise, and their benefits to society will be enjoyed by more and more people.

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4 Different Ways to Get Rid of Acne Scars

Many people get acne, usually in their teen years, and many people get scars by bursting the pimples caused by acne. Acne scars are a very irritating thing to live with and until recently were a permanent skin problem. Luckily with the advancements made in medical science this is no longer the case.

The top 4 ways to get rid of acne scars are each a little different from each other because different levels of acne require different methods. So whether your scarring is only slight or is extremely noticeable one of these treatments should definitely work for you.

1. Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a very useful, non-invasive skin care procedure. The top layer of skin is removed with an exfoliating device allowing new skin cells to come to the surface. This treatment is good for minor acne scarring and other minor skin problems, or just to keep your skin nice and healthy looking.

2. Collagen Injections

For more noticeable acne scars, collagen injections may be a good idea. The procedure is exactly what it sounds like, collagen is injected into the scars with a syringe and fills the areas, eliminating any signs of damaged tissue.

There is a little pain involved with collagen injections, but it should only last about 10-20 minutes. Getting the injections also takes only a short amount of time so it can be done easily during the day, leaving you with a nice, clear complexion.

3. Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are more commonly used for sun damage and other skin problems, but also work with acne. Chemical peels go where Microdermabrasion can’t, peeling off several layers of skin rather than just one. This allows them to get to the layers of skin where the roots of the scars are and erase them.

This method is a good one for bad scars because it is fast and easy, suited to both men and women and can be modified to fit your specific skin needs.

4. Laser Resurfacing

This method should only be used as a last resort because it is painful and takes time. Laser resurfacing gets rid of the most extreme acne scars by using a laser to remove the bad tissue and let new skin grow in it’s place. Do your research and consult your doctor before considering this procedure.

With these methods, now you and anyone else can have clear, scar-free and healthy skin.

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The Secret of Cosmetic Treatments

Do you ever wonder why Brad and Angie always look beautifully put together and ready for the red carpet? Some say it’s genetic, that their beauty is the reason they are famous in the first place, and that their money will allow them to go “under the knife” to preserve their youth.

But only a few know the secret of Hollywood. And now they are letting us in on it.

The Dermaroller

Although the Dermaroller resembles an instrument of torture, people with youthful skin swear by it because it produces healthy, supple, bright skin. It also eliminates the need for many different cosmetic and plastic surgeries. The Dermaroller is a small roller covered in tiny needles, designed to prick the skin and stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen.

Does it Work?

Dr. Sach Mohan of Transform clinics says, “It’s the latest thing on the block, and it is phenomenal…it harnesses the skin’s ability to repair and regenerate itself.”

Although this “torture method” causes people to grimace, it is wildly popular. Therapists apply topical anasthetic over the area prior to use, completely bypassing the risk of going under general anasthetics. This minimizes any pain and discomfort associated with the Dermaroller.

Does it Bleed?

It does cause minimal bleeding, but the therapists immediately apply a second cream to treat the bleeding. The patient generally looks pink and sunburned immediately after the surgery. A day after the procedure, the patient’s skin looks smooth and healthy. Healthcare professionals recommend having six consecutive monthly treatments for lasting effects.

A Growing Trend

The Dermaroller is a rapidly increasing trend. This is a breakthrough technology that prevents patients from having to undergo risky systemic anasthetics, invasive treatments, and long recoveries. Facelifts are becoming a thing of the past.

And facelifts have never completely taken care of rough, scarred, and stretch marked areas. Or skin that’s not on your face. “As people grow older the skin in the back of the hands becomes crepey,” says Mohan. “We’re now using volumising injections. They involve a single injection in the back of the hands.”

What’s Next?

The Dermaroller is the hottest breakthrough in cosmetic treatments. However, cosmetic advancements are already underway: topical botox without a needle. “topical application of botox which can penetrate the skin into the muscle,” explains Mohan. “In the future it’s going to be all about minimal discomfort and minimal bruising. That’s the holy grail.”

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Acne 102 Available Acne Treatment

In this article, we will take a more in-depth look at what Acne Treatment options are available to help those who are suffering from acne scars.

Laser resurfacing is one treatment option that should be considered and it works in a way that is similar to dermabrasion. CO2 and Erb: Yag lasers are the types which are the most often used in laser resurfacing treatments. What the laser does is basically destroy the epidermis as well as the top dermal layer. The affected skin is taken off and the damaged tissue is given time to heal in a process similar to dermabrasion. The skin will eventually heal completely and the texture of the affected region will be improved.

As this Acne Treatment kills cells, it has risks that are close to those of dermabrasion. As a result of using this Acne Treatment, those who have a darker complexion face the risk of developing further scars or hyperpigmentation.

For atrophic scarring, it is possible to insert a needle under the scar in order to release the scar tissue. This procedure is called subcision and has shown a lot of effectiveness, as it only targets scar tissue that is under the skin, allowing new and healthy skin to regenerate itself and replace the tissue that was damaged. This treatment is quite simple and only requires a local anesthesia.

If you have deep ice pick scars, one of the available treatment options for you is punch excision and grafting. The scar is excised with the help of a device called a punch. The wound will then be sewn together by using a suture. While this procedure does actually cause some scarring, the new scar that is formed will be a lot smaller than the original. This new scar can also be removed by using other methods. If the scar is too large to be effectively removed with punch excision, a further possibility is getting a skin graft.

In certain cases it is possible to add fillers which will give more volume to the skin. While this procedure will make acne scars flatter, it is not permanent. It will require periodic injections of the filling material in order to maintain its efficiency. While it may not be an ideal choice to use fillers as a primary treatment, this method can be combined with other treatments in order to achieve its desired effect.

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Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

Everyone enjoys basking in the warm sun during summertime, and although the sun may fell wonderful and make you look tanned, the sun can be very damaging to your skin.

Even after you have experienced sun damage, there are steps you can take to reverse your damaged skin and prevent further extensive sun damage.

There is no true way to prevent sun damage other than by completely staying away from the sun, but the next best thing is to liberally apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to your skin every two hours and wear a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves.

If your skin does begin to show signs of sun damage, make sure to apply ointments such as aloe that will moisturize and heal your skin.

Although too much exposure to the sun can become a bad thing, getting no sun is likewise bad for your skin. Your body needs a fair amount of vitamin D that the sun provides. Vitamin D from the sun is what gives your skin its healthy glow.

The tan that your body gets from the sun is actually your skin’s response to the heat. Your skin protects itself from the sun by becoming pigmented. Most damage to the skin of older adults originates from sunburns received as a child.

There are a few things that you can do to ensure healthy skin. One thing you can do is increase antioxidants by drinking green tea and taking vitamins C and E. Smoking is also very bad, because it causes your skin to become leathery and discolored. Those that smoke add a minimum of 10 years of age to the look of their skin.
For someone who wishes to undergo treatment for skin damage, topical applications would be the first approach. Items such as moisturizers and exfoliates usually deliver fast results to light skin damage. For those who are looking to get rid of brown sunspots, Erbium laser resurfacing works by using the water inside of damaged cells to reduce lines. Intense pulsating light therapy works to clear faces of red and brown spots. Those with severe damage and deep lines would do best with dermabrasion and chemical peels.

Make sure to protect your skin by always applying a generous amount of sunscreen to your body, and do your best to stay out of direct sunlight. By doing this you will ensure better all around health for your skin.

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Youthful Skin Without Surgery

Dermatologists have some encouraging news for everyone who wants to recapture Youthful Skin and skin tone but are hesitant to undergo any type of surgery.Youthful Skin According to new dermatology studies, there is a new method that uses a combination of soft dermal fillers and tissue tightening techniques that can practically rub out your wrinkles and renew old skin.

The landscape of dermatology and how it deals with aging has changed dramatically. Dermatologists no longer look at aging skin as particular wrinkles or folds. Instead, dermatologists look at the entire face. This new approach treats soft tissue as support below the visible layers of skin which in turn supports the deeper underlying fat layers for Youthful Skin.

With this view, dermatologists now realize that cheek volume is an important part of re-establishing the skin care balance and assignation most patients want in a younger looking appearance. Volumetric loss of this underlying cheek fat layer makes wrinkles and folds more pronounced.

There are many dermal filling agents available today that can fix facial contour imperfections that result from aging. First, a dermatologist will make sure to determine what a patient wants to improve about their face. What follows afterwards depends on patient preference and what needs to be treated. It is then determined what substance will be best suited to treat the patient’s unique contour imperfections and volume irregularities.

Deeper and denser dermal fillers, like calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, dimethyl methacrylate, hydrogen dioxide and hyaluronic acid, are are typically employed to add volume to volume irregularities. These compounds also diminish the wrinkles formed from bottom of the nose to both corners of the mouth.

The reason dermatologists are excited about these developments is because the more the field determines about facial anatomy, especially the varied lipid sections of the cheek and the deposits of discrete lipids that collect in middle of the facial structure, the more exacting they can be. These studies can greatly increase a dermatologist’s ability to restore vitality, voluminosity, youthful appearance to the face. It aids in adding the right shape the cheek during the volumetric lifting process.

In conclusion, dermatologists conclude that volumetric enhancement using thicker and deeper dermal fillers is rapidly becoming the key lynch pin of an effective facial and dermal revitalization for patients seeking a youthful appearance without having to undergo any major surgery.

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Take Precautions To Prevent Those Pesky Dark Spots

Nearly everyone will suffer from those pesky dark spots, also known in the medical world as hyperpigmentation, sometime in their older years. Many people today suffer from dark spots due to multiple health problems such as vitamin D deficiency, cosmetic allergies, drug allergies, hormonal disorders, and sun damage. Hyperpigmentation can also arise from birth marks, freckles, melasma, injuries, burns, acne, rashes, and procedures like waxing and facials. Also, take precaution when tanning, because the temporary skin darkening that results from repeated sun exposure can easily become permanent.

If you realize that you are suffering from hyperpigmentation, consult a doctor as soon as possible. If your dark spots are treated early enough, you will be better able to protect your skin. Instead of seeking help from a professional, many resort to their own home remedies of drinking healthy juices or going to beauty clinics, which do not always sufficiently help their situation. Dermatologists are able to best treat hyperpigmentation because they are able to identify the source of your dark spots and suggest ways to prevent them. Hyperpigmentation is usually treated topically. The application includes ingredients such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, glycolic acid, mild steriods, and other skin lightening agents. Sunscreens with an SPF higher than 20 should also be used to prevent hyperpigmentation. Use a higher SPF if you will be outside for an extended period of time, and if you have sensitive skin, buy cosmetics that have sunblocking agents added into them. If you respond poorly to topical medicines or have allergies, you should consider procedures such as chemical peels, lasers, or microdermabrasions. If you notice irritation of the the skin or experience irritation or burning after applying this topical medicine, consult your doctor immediately.

Hyperpigmentation can become a major concern since it is very difficult to get rid of, but by taking some of these precautions you may be better able to handle your dark spots. Attempt to eat at least two vegetables and fruits every day. Don’t drink more than a couple of cups of coffee or tea each day, and do your best to stay away from both spicy foods and junk food. Drink excess amounts of water each day, and attempt to keep regular eating habits and a healthy diet. By doing all of these things you will be able to prevent excess dark spots, and you will have an overall healthier well being.

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Increase in Botched Plastic Surgeries

Cosmetic treatments and surgery seem to be recession proof with people still being very interested in turning back the clock. But, there is a fear that with the lack of regulations being so immense just about anyone can set up shop. A rise in bungled non-surgical cosmetic treatments has been reported recently, and cases are popping up at an alarming rate in courts.

Even with the recession, it is estimated that these procedures have grown in popularity by nearly 25% in the last year. There were about 5,000 facilities in the UK practicing around 200,000 procedures, in total, over the last year.

These non-surgical procedures are carried out with lasers and injections and should be performed by well-qualified medical professionals. However, the truth is, this is not always the case. This equipment can be easily obtained by non-medical personnel and anyone can open a salon and offer these services.

Typically, clinics using high-powered lasers must be registered with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, but these cosmetic treatment facilities are not being regulated. The Independent Health Advisory Service has also failed to regulate the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments, and these treatments are causing most of the problems.

With no regulations being issued, the people practicing these procedures are doing so without proper training. They are practicing with nothing but an interest in making their money back on the very costly equipment they have purchased. This leads to an interest in quantity over quality, and people get hurt.

If these high-powered lasers are used at an inappopriately high setting clients can be severely burned. Clients are being left with burns resulting in permanent scarring. If the victims of these bungled operations are lucky, Clients are being left with burns resulting in permanent scarring, but the deeper burns are there for life. This irreversible damage can lead to severe psychological distress for the client.

If you are considering a cosmetic treatment, do your research. The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors has a list of licensed facilities which offer these treatments. Doctors practice under a code of ethics and are required to give you a realistic assessment of how cosmetic procedures may help you. Furthermore, if anything were to go wrong during a procedure, an investigation could be held through the General Medical Council. If this investigation found the physician to be negligent, he/she could lose their license. Please protect yourself.

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