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70% of People are Looking for Cosmetic Procedures

A few years ago, we would mention the word Botox and people would look in disbelief as if we were muttering a spell.  Aesthetic treatments were seen to treat only the wealthy and famous. We watched as celebrities continued to look effortlessly young, but not once did we consider the treatments ourselves. Fast forward a few years and the words “cosmetic procedures” is on everyone’s lips. So why has it changed? 

The Growth of Cosmetic Procedures

A recent report by ASDS (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery) saw that 70% of individuals surveyed are now looking for a cosmetic procedure. The online survey was taken by 7322 individuals all expressing their reasons as to what they thought about the treatments.

So why is it now so popular? 

A few reasons that have come to light from recent articles, surveys and reports such as the Nuffield Council on Bioethetics – Cosmetic Procedures: Ethical Issues are the following:

  • Self confidence
  • Celebrity influence
  • Physcological reasons
  • Media
  • Career reasons
  • Low cost
  • “Quick fixes”

Cosmetic procedures are also easy to reach. A quick google in your area and lists can appear of local practitioners all willing to make your vision a reality. A large part of the decision is also from the fact that cosmetic procedures in aesthetics are temporary. Results will last for an average of 3 months with the option to “top up” the treatment to maintain it’s effects.

7 in 10 are Considering a Cosmetic Procedure

Whatever the reason for your decision to consider treatment, you are not alone. Long gone are the days of this hushed topic. People now proudly show off their new features achieved with the power of the needle. Women are no longer swapping knitting patterns but practitioner details.

You are not alone in your consideration to have cosmetic procedures.

Here at Cosmetic Courses we focus on our patients. We teach our delegates how to perform treatments but also how to look after their patients. We guide them through their treatment and help them to make a decision. We work strongly by the belief that only the patient can decide what they want and encourage our delegates to listen and advise.

Top Tips for your Decision…

If you are thinking of getting a cosmetic procedure we ask you to think of the following in order to aid your decision:

  1. Why do I want this?
  2. What do I want to achieve?
  3. Have I researched this treatment?
  4. Am I prepared for the change?

A good practitioner will help you in your decision and will only carry out treatment as they see fit and when you are confident in your decision. 

Non-Surgical Treatments as a Model at Cosmetic Courses

If you’re one of the 70% interested in trying out a new cosmetic procedure becoming a model is a safe and cost-effective way of trying the latest techniques and products available.

Cosmetic Courses has been training medical professionals in the UK since 2002. As one of the longest-established providers we pride ourselves on the quality of our training and the products we use for treatment. This means that you are receiving the safest possible treatment as a model with us. The added bonus is that the treatment with us is a fraction of the high street cost.

If you would like to speak to one of our consultants or to book in for any of our Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetic Treatments please call us now on 01844 390110 or register here to receive further information.

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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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Cosmetic Surgery On the Rise

In recent years, plastic surgery has slowly been on decline in the United States. However, botox shots and other wrinkle softening beauty treatments are on the rise in Europe. German citizens in particular are taking advantage of advances in cosmetic surgery, according to the Düsseldorf based Gesellschaft für Ästhetische Chirurgie Deutschland (GÄCD).

Studies and polling data show that 171,000 German citizens have undergone cosmetic procedures in the last year, a rise of twenty percent. Comparatively, cosmetic surgery in the United States is down two percent from the previous year. The most substantial increase was seen in the use of wrinkle filling agents such as Botox. Approximately 100,000 patients used botox in 2008, a number which leaped to 146,000 in 2009 according to a survey done by the GÄCD.

GÄCD general secretary Matthias Gensior cites affordability as the primary reason for the rise in botox injections, mentioning that the economic crisis as a potential catalyst. While botox injections are still relatively expensive, they are generally cheaper than more invasive surgeries.

Most female patients sought Botox treatment in order to diminish the appearance of frown lines and crow’s feet. Male patients favoured laser treatments, according to the statistics released by the organisation. In total 130,000 women underwent Botox or needle related treatments, compared to just 14,000 for men. Meanwhile 43,000 men underwent laser surgery to even skin and smooth lines. Women, on the other hand, logged only 38,000 of these treatments. According to the GÄCD, a plurality of patients were new to cosmetic surgery. Moreover, the median age of these patients had also decreased significantly from previous years.

Non-facial related surgeries also remained popular. Liposuction remained a popular treatment for overweight women, with close to 17,000 surgeries performed last year. Corrective rhinoplasty was popular among men, with approximately 3,500 surgeries logged by doctors. Other popular cosmetic surgeries included tattoo removal and eye lifts. According to Gensior, men were far less likely to undergo more drastic surgeries due to the stigma often associated with plastic surgery. Women, he noted, undergo treatment not only for cosmetic reasons but practical ones as well. Droopy eyes, for example, make it difficult to apply make-up.

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Dermal Fillers: Cosmetic Treatment without Surgery

Research shows that more and more people are opting to undergo cosmetic procedures, and one of the main factors preventing them from doing so is financial, rather than emotional. Among the cosmetic procedures being pursued, on of the newer options is the dermal filler. These are injections of a gelatinous substance which is used to fight off some of the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and folds in the skin. The active ingredient in these injections is hyaluronic acid. The name may sound dangerous, but hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the human body. Some of its properties are the ability to contain moisture, and to tighten up wrinkles, folds, and lines in the face. In addition to this, it is much less likely to cause allergies than most of the other options available.

Dermal fillers allow a person to achieve a more youthful appearance without the need to undergo a surgical operation. The gel is injected through the use of needles which are very tiny and cause minimal scarring. The procedure is usually undergone on the face, and anesthetic is used so that the person receiving the injections does not feel anything during the injection process.

Dermal fillers give the patient a natural looking appearance of youth. It is used to minimize frown lines, smile lines, cheek lines, and lines below and around the eyes. It can also be used to puff up a person’s chin and cheeks if they become saggy, as well as to give volume and shape to their lips. Acne scars can be reduced as well, and the nose can be sculpted in to a slightly different shape without the use of invasive surgery.

The visual signs of aging occur when collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decrease. Collagen gives flexibility and shape to human skin, while hyaluronic acid provides it with much needed moisture and volume. Dermal filler may contain both of these substances, replacing the portion that was lost with age, giving the face a more youthful appearance. Small particle fillers can be used to reduce thin lines, while larger particle fillers can be used for deeper folds and wrinkles.

Dermal filler injections typically take roughly half an hour. In some cases their may be swelling and discomfort, or redness and bruising. In most cases these effects are temporary. If they last for more than a few days than you should contact your doctor.

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Critics Slam New Crackdown on Cosmetic Surgeries

Surgeons across the UK are lining up to criticise a new government initiative, backed by medical regulators and the cosmetic industry, which seeks to clampdown on cosmetic surgeries such as Botox. The government is seeking to ensure that consumers have access to credible facilities to receive cosmetic procedures by listing clinics with qualified staff and appropriate facilities. Critics however have said that the measure does not do enough to stamp out “rogue” providers of cosmetic procedures.

Currently the Care Quality Commission, which oversees medical treatment in the UK, has no control over procedures like Botox injections. Roughly 5,000 facilities across the UK provide these cosmetic procedures to over 200,000 patients a year. As a result, the procedures can be provided in places like beauty salons where the staff have no formal training in medicine, dentistry, or nursing. If the procedures are wrongly-applied they can cause health problems and good hygiene is needed to reduce the risk of infection.

The new initiative seeks to provide qualified clinics and professionals with a “Quality Assurance Mark” that will be backed up by a timetable of regular inspections. The initiative would establish a list of clinics that have qualified staff and clean facilities for consumers to choose from to ensure they receive proper treatment.

Cosmetic injections are designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and the industry has experienced a 25% growth in the last year alone, making now the perfect time in the minds of many to tighten the regulation of the industry. Due to the growth of the industry, the government has recognised the need to regulate the procedures to safeguard patients. The programme has received an initial investment of 200,000 from the government to help launch the initiative.

Critics have slammed the new initiative though calling the plan an easy out for the government to wash its hands of industry regulation. A representative from Safer Cosmetic Surgery criticised the scheme stating that the only clinics likely to sign up for the programme are those that already meet the high safety requirements.

Supporters fired back though, believing that other measures contained within the initiative will serve to further prevent irresponsible providers from conducting cosmetic procedures. Supporters have said the “Quality Assurance Mark” will serve as an additional weapon for consumers against poor facilities and unqualified providers. The measure also seeks to make it harder for unqualified providers to get insurance coverage in hopes it will prevent places like nail bars and beauty salons from providing cosmetic injections.

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Non-invasive Procedures Are on the Rise

According to a recent survey, non invasive procedures are on the rise.

A survey released by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) reveals that the number of non invasive cosmetic procedures rose 47 percent last year.

The growing trend of using non invasive procedures to look and feel refreshed is accounted for, mainly, by the state of the economy. According to 80 percent of the surgeons surveyed, many said their patients are choosing these procedures because, not only are they cheaper, they are needed to remain competitive in the workplace. According to the survey, roughly 36 percent of men and 18 percent of women report work related reasons for seeking cosmetic procedures.

According to the survey, the increase in non invasive surgeries was seen across the board with poly-l-lactic acid having the largest increase of 71 percent. Coming in close behind were chemical peels which were up 52 percent, hyaluronic acid up 48 percent and Botox up 45 percent.

Seventy-seven percent of surgeons agreed that their patients are also better educated about the different cosmetic procedures available to them. Many have done their research of the different physicians, pricing as well as recovery time in order to find the procedure best suited for their needs.

The president of the AAFPRS, Daniel Rousso said: “We are excited to see patients making educated choices. They are now open to newer, novel treatments and are making smart decisions that are tailored to their needs…the overall rise in these procedures also shows that more patients are trusting their face to facial plastic surgeons who are trained and focus solely on the face and neck. Because of this, patients are seeing better outcomes.”

Also uncovered in this survey was the fact that women are still more likely than men to undergo cosmetic procedures; women account for 84 percent of surgical as well as non-surgical cosmetic procedures. What remained unchanged, however, was the fact that the number of men and women choosing surgery for reconstructive purposes are equal.

Not surprising is the fact that, according to the AAFPRS, there has been a 91 percent increase in the number of men having Botox since 2000.

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Simple Cosmetic Treatments Increase in Popularity Among Men

As dermatological technology advances, simple cosmetic treatments such as facial fillers and Botox are no longer primarily targeted for women. Men are increasingly taking advantage of cosmetic enhancements as well, to help fight signs of age and to increase professional marketability. Men looking for an affordable alternative to invasive cosmetic surgery are turning to facial fillers, Botox, and other non-invasive cosmetic treatments in lieu of opting for costly traditional cosmetic surgery.

Non surgical treatments such as facial fillers and Botox, compared to going under the knife via face lifts and other invasive cosmetic procedures, are affordable, quick, and require minimal recovery time. However, non surgical treatments offer very similar results to surgery, by filling out the temple area, smoothing wrinkles, and eliminating sun spots from an aging face. Even nose jobs can be achieved with non surgical cosmetic treatments, by using an injectable wrinkle filler to straighten noses and smooth bumps.

Results from non surgical cosmetic treatments are instantaneous, making these cosmetic options increasingly attractive to men as well as women. In particular, the popularity of skin peels has exceeded that of facelifts among British women.

A struggling global economy has seen job seekers looking for innovative ways to increase their odds of landing a job. The job market is brutal, and competition for jobs is fierce. A younger and more energetic appearance may help job candidates look more desirable in the eyes of a hiring manager.

The global recession may have had some impact on the increasing popularity of non surgical cosmetic procedures for other reasons, as well. The simple explanation is that the procedures are much less costly than traditional cosmetic surgery. This may explain the increased popularity of skin peels among women. Also, due to the decreased recovery time, patients find they are able to return to work right away. Patients without paid leave are more likely to invest in cosmetic treatments when they are not required to miss work in order to do so.

For these reasons, non invasive cosmetic treatments have increased by five per cent in the last year. The bottom line is that non surgical cosmetic treatments offer many of the same results that traditional cosmetic surgery offered, at a fraction of the cost and recovery. With such easy ways to enhance the appearance of an aging face, it’s no wonder that these treatments have increased in popularity among men and women alike.

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Botox – Brain connection

Botox, an incredibly popular drug sold by Allergan Inc., is used primarily in cosmetic procedures designed to reduce facial wrinkles and is derived from the deadly botulinum neurotoxin produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum. A different version of botulinum neurotoxin, known as Myobloc, is used in medical procedures designed to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms in people with cerebral palsy. People who are exposed to this toxin through having infected wounds or eating contaminated food develop botulism. Botulism is a paralytic illness that can paralyze the respiratory system and result in death if not treated.

New studies have shown that Botox doesn’t just reduce wrinkles. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Neuroscience, Botox that is injected into a person’s face can move into the brain and damage the central nervous system. When Botox was first introduced to the cosmetic market, there were no warning labels or particularly nasty proven side effects. However, the FDA mandated that warning labels be added to Botox and Myobloc after people began reporting trouble breathing and swallowing after using the drugs. The FDA has mainly directed these warnings to people with neuromuscular problems, but also admits that other people may be at risk as well. Due to these concerns, the FDA has begun investigating Botox its potentially dangerous side effects.

In the Journal of Neuroscience article, researchers experimented on rats with Botox to observe its effects on the brain. The researchers found that when they injected botulinum toxin into one side of a rat’s brain, the toxin would make its way over to the other side of the brain. When they injected a part of the brain responsible for vision, the toxin made its way into the rat’s eyes. The effects of the toxin were long lasting – researchers still detected the effects up to six months later. The results of this study support concerns about the dangers of injecting Botox into a person’s face. Although Botox is one of the best selling cosmetic procedures today, maybe clients should reconsider getting Botox treatments before more information and research can be obtained on the dangers of this potentially damaging paralytic agent.

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