Hand Lifts and Other New Cosmetic Surgery Trends

The “hand lift” might be the hottest new trend in plastic surgery, and if so, you can blame it on selfies! Some camera-conscious women are getting Juvederm injections to smooth out their hands to show off close-ups of their engagement rings. For a temporary fix to plump up or smooth out their skin, or disguise surface veins, they are willing to fork over up to $1,300 for this 5-10 minutes procedure. But hand lifts are hardly the strangest new cosmetic surgery procedure on the menu. Here are seven other plastic surgery trends that might just leave your jaw agape.

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Navigating the Sea of Skin Care Products – Part 2 – How To Choose A Moisturizer by Madeleine Arena

THE SKIN CARE ARENA

by Madeleine Arena, B.S., M.B.A.*

Winter is almost here, and with it the cold, dry weather that plays havoc on our complexions.  If you suffer from dry skin, and so many of us do, you’ve probably been on a quest to find the one moisturizer that truly works.  Sifting through the myriad of advertising claims on your way to choosing the best product for your needs can be mind boggling.  Once again, I urge you to read the labels, and look for certain key ingredients that are proven to work.

Ingredients To Look For:

Antioxidants – are a group of natural and synthetic ingredients that reduce free-radical and environmental damage.  They’re important because Antioxidants can prevent some of the degenerative effects in skin caused by sun exposure, and can also reduce inflammation within the skin.  Remember that dry skin is caused when the outer layers of the skin lose their ability to maintain normal moisture levels.   Mostly, this is due to sun damage, or by using products that damage the skin’s protective barrier.

The most effective moisturizers are formulated with a cocktail of antioxidants that work together to help your skin.  It’s essential that you choose antioxidants that are contained in packaging that will ensure they stay effective.  That means no see through jars.  Antioxidants break down in the presence of light and air. My Recommended Anti-oxidant ingredients: Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Vitamin C, Green Tea, Resveratrol, Idebenone – a more stable form of Coenzyme Q10, Coenzyme Q10,  Spin Trap (Phenyl Butyl Nitrone),

Skin-identical/skin-repairing ingredients – are the substances that keep skin intact.  These are ingredients that already exist in your skin, and are therefore recognized by your immune system as part of your body.  They are the substances between skin cells (technically referred to as the intercellular matrix) that keep the cells connected, and help maintain the skin’s fundamental external structure.

An intact, stable, healthy, and strong structure is what allows skin to look smooth, soft, moist, supple, and young.  Unfortunately, the external structure of our skin, is easily damaged by the sun, irritation, over cleansing, over scrubbing, climate changes, and skin disorders.

When the skin’s the intercellular matrix breaks down, it results in water loss, flakiness, and a tight, dry-feeling skin.  In order to combat environmental stresses, and have a healthy, youthful appearance, all skin types must maintain, or restore the skin’s intercellular matrix.

Some well-known skin-identical ingredients, are: hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, cholesterol, ceramides, sodium PCA, amino acids, and fatty acids.  There are too many more to list here.

Emollients are lubricating ingredients that prevent water loss.  They also have a softening, protective, and smoothing effect on the skin. Preventing water loss is critical in maintaining skin’s moisture. Emollients vary in texture, and may be fluid or thick.  Some emollients include, petrolatum, fatty acids such as linoleic acid, glycerin, and fatty alcohols.

Anti-inflammatory ingredients are any ingredients that reduce signs of inflammation, such as swelling, tenderness, pain, itching, or redness. Many antioxidants fall into this category.  A couple of the best known anti-inflammatory ingredients are Bisabolol, and Chamomile.

You now have the information you need to choose the best moisturizer for your dry skin.

* Madeleine Arena is a cosmetic chemist who develops  private label skin and hair care products for the trade.

Visit her beautiful new website.

                                                                         

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Five More Beauty Secrets That Won’t Break the Bank

Five More Beauty Secrets That Won’t Break the Bank
by
Lois W. Stern

6. Brighter looking eyes
Purchase: A white or peach colored eyeliner pencil.
Directions: Apply the liner to the inner lower rim of each eyeâjust where your lashes begin. It makes the whites of your eyes appear whiter and your eyes brighter.

7. A glowing complexion
I’m not a great believer in fancy priced miracle-in-a-jar products, but am impressed enough with the ingredients in this low cost product to share it here.
40 Carrots Carrot + C Vitamin Serum is a lightweight gel that features beta-carotene, Retinol (Vitamin A) and Vitamin C, and is fortified with protein-rich soy and antioxidant-rich carrot, mango, and apricot oil. Available at your local drug store, Amazon.com and several other .com sites.

8. Flawlessly smooth skin 
Most women have some soft downy facial hair, even if it’s not readily apparent. Want to make it disappear – safely, easily and painlessly?
Purchase: A little battery operated gizmo – about the length of a ball point pen, and not much thicker – available at your local drug store.
Directions: Turn it on and gently draw the defuzzer upward against the hair growth. Yes, the fuzz will grow back in a few weeks, but it takes less than a minute to repeat the process to keep you fuzz-free.

9. While we’re talking about unsightly hair, purchase a small scissor with blunt points, that’s made especially for removing nasal hairs. Use it often to clip out straggling hairs as they reappear. A magnifying mirror is a great help for close up work. The blunt points are essential to prevent injuries.

10. Smooth, unchapped hands and feet
Directions: For ten minutes, soak your hands and feet in warm water combined with a cup of milk and a teaspoon of olive oil. The lactic acid in the milk will help you get rid of unwanted dead skin cells, while the olive oil will soothe the skin. Rinse and apply a rich moisturizing lotion. Wear cotton gloves and cotton socks overnight. In the morning you’ll enjoy softer hands and feet than you had ever thought possible.

 

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A MAGIC WAND TO GET RID OF BODY FAT – TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Modern science is making it possible to get rid of body fat without surgery, needles or cannulas. But how effective is this procedure? 

An Interview with Dr. Vic Narurkar

After watching Dr. Vic Narurkar’s Coolsculpting video,  I asked him for an update on Zeltiqu’s Coolsculpting technology, a non-invasive, procedure for getting rid of body fat.

According to Dr. Narurkar, Coolsculpting is now the number one procedure for non-invasive fat reduction. The procedure has been available for the last 6 – 7 years. Since its introduction, its treatment parameters have changed. Coolsculpting now offers several adapters designed to conform to specific body areas where fatty deposits persist, allowing doctors to customize treatments. Through experience with this procedure, doctors have discovered ways to refine treatments to make the results even more effective and long lasting. 

LWS: What treatment changes have made the results more effective.

Dr. V.N: One major change is that of application. We now overlap treatment areas. A second change is one of technique.  By offering patients two treatment cycles, we find we are able to substantially increase the effectiveness of Coolsculpting.

LWS: How do you compare the results of Coolsculpting with Liposuction?

Dr. V.N: These simple changes have allowed for optimal results and in many instances, results comparable to liposuction. Unlike liposuction, the fat is permanently gone.  It does not redistribute to other areas.

LWS: How does the body rid itself of that unwanted fat?

Dr. V.N: Following treatment, the fat gradually is eliminated through the body’s lymphatic system

LWS: What areas of the body are the primary targets for Coolsculpting?

Dr. V.N: For women, the most popular areas are the central abdomen and bra fat. For men, the most popular areas are love handles and male breasts.

LWS: You speak about male love handles and male breasts. Have many men entered this cosmetic surgery arena of lunch hour, non-invasive procedures?

Dr. V.N: About forty percent of Coolsculpting procedures are sought out by men. This is very different than most of our other aesthetic procedures, where women clearly predominate.

LWS: Is the procedure painful? Any side effects readers should know about?

Dr. V.N: The most common side effects are numbness and bruising. Pain rarely occurs, but when it does it is short lasting.

LWS: Are there any conditions, skin types or other situations that would make this treatment ineffective or not recommended?

Dr. V.N: In the three plus years Coolsculpting has been an  available treatment, patient satisfaction approaches over ninety-five percent, and the treatment is safe for all skin types. The optimal patient is somebody who is at their ideal weight and has stubborn areas of fat that do not improve with diet and exercise.

LWS: You mentioned that Zeltiq continues to develop new technologies. What changes do you foresee in the near future?

Dr. V.N: Several more adapters are in development for treatment of additional body areas.

LWS: Are there any published studies attesting to the effectiveness of these treatments.

Dr. V.N: Several peer reviewed publication studies indicate treatment results to last at least five years.

Since I have never undergone a Coolsculpting procedure,

I’m unable to comment on a personal level.

Want to read comments, pro and con, from those who have?

Check out this Real Self article.

AGELESS BEAUTY THROUGH LIP AUGMENTATION by Lois W. Stern

Unhappy with the shape of your lips? Do your lips seem to lose volume as you age? Like many other parts of the body, lips lose their smooth, full appearance as we get older. Natural substances in our bodies decrease with age, causing our skin to sag, dry, wrinkle, and crease. The lips are no exception, but they can be especially bothersome because they are such a prominent feature on the face.

Well, modern science might have just the solution for you, and it doesn’t require surgery or anesthesia. It’s lip augmentation to the rescue, a cosmetic procedure that can give you fuller, plumper lips.

Whereas years past, Collagen and fat injections were the most commonly used dermal fillers, they are used less often today because the newer options are both safer and offer longer  lasting results. There are many types of dermal fillers that can be injected in your lips and around your mouth. But the most common fillers today are products that contain hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the body. There are several hyaluronic acid fillers on the market today including various forms of Juvederm, Restylane and Perlane. These products all are injected the same way and give you similar results. Each product also contains lidocain, a local anesthetic that renders the procedure nearly painless.

Once injected, the gel in the filler supports and shapes the tissues of the lips. The  physician has control over the amount of lip volume, and for the patient who prefers to see a gradual change, injections can be given during a series of appointments until the desired results are achieved. The effects typically last around six months to a year. After that more injections are needed to keep the volume of your lips.

Are there any downsides to these hyaluronic acids? Actually very few.  Occasionally, movement of the lips creates lumps, but these can easily be dissolved. Allergic reactions are unlikely because hyaluronic acid fillers are replicated from substances similar to those found in the body. Of course these dermal fillers come at a price and as a cosmetic procedure, will not be covered by your medical insurance.

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SOLUTION TO SKIN PROBLEM: ENLARGED PORES AND OILY SKIN

There is a Solution for Most Every Skin Problem
You Just Need to Find It.

Grace’s Story

Every day when I look in my magnifying make-up mirror, I cringe at what I see: enlarged pores, blackheads, wrinkles, and brown spots. While my skin has become less oily, it seems that I have traded some of my blemishes for wrinkles. I have tried what seems like every product on the market with no success. My pores are still enlarged, I am shiny by 10:00 AM and I still have breakouts. I thought my skin would get better as I aged, but that didn’t happen. I have even begun to see wrinkles and brown spots added to the mix. I guess the only positive thing I can say for my skin is that it is not sensitive.

Luckily, I sought out a cosmetic dermatologist to help me deal with my skin problems, who worked along with a fantastic esthetician. Together they explained that although there were no quick fixes, they could help me considerably if I would consistently follow a skin care routine that they would create for me. With their support, I was eager to begin.

Grace’s Skin Problems

• oily skin
• enlarged pores
• blackheads
• breakouts
• age related fine lines
• uneven skin tone

Problem #1
Blemishes and dark spots:

Treatment plan for this problem
Since her skin was not sensitive, Grace’s dermatologist urged her to go for it – the powerful prescription medications and medical procedures that would really make a difference in helping her accomplish her skin care goals. She was directed to use a cleanser containing a combination of glycolic and salicylic acids twice a day, explaining that the synergistic combination of ingredients would help rid her skin of bacteria that could cause breakouts. She also was advised to apply a nightly dose of Retin-A to not only help alleviate her troublesome breakouts, but also to treat Grace’s early wrinkles by exfoliating her skin and stimulating new collagen. In addition, the doctor ordered a prescription strength hydroquinone serum to lighten her dark spots.

Problem # 2
Oily Skin and Wrinkles

Treatment plan for this problem
To help Grace deal with her excess oil that troubled her throughout the day, her dermatologist gave her a sample of oil absorbing tissue blotters to try. He prescribed an oil free anti-oxidant serum that contained vitamins, peptides, green tea and Resveratrol (a substance found in the skins of red grapes), to help treat her wrinkles and anti-aging concerns. He also stressed the importance of using an oil free sunscreen with an SPF-30, explaining that this step is the most effective way to prevent premature aging as well as future pigmentation problems. He cautioned her that the combination of Retin-A and prescription strength hydroquinone would make her skin more sun sensitive, so she had to be diligent in her use of sunscreen. He further recommended that she use mineral make-up with an SPF-20 in place of a liquid foundation to give her an oil free advantage, excellent coverage for blemishes and dark spots, and sun protection.

The home care routine that was designed for Grace was part of an overall treatment plan that also included monthly deep cleansing facials and chemicals peels that alternated between glycolic and salicylic acids. Her dermatologist recommended these peels every other week for the first three months, then once a month for the next six months. Chemicals peels were scheduled two weeks after the deep cleansing facials. At the end of this six month period, they would evaluate Grace’s progress and modify her skin care regime as necessary.

Now also available in all e-reader formats with full color pictures.

In chapter four of Tick Tock, Stop the Clock ~ Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour, Madeleine Arena presents a number of different, typical real life skin problems and how to best resolve them.

Beauty Within

                Beauty Without . . .

                               What’s Your Passion?

Lois W. Stern

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SOLUTION TO YOUR SKIN PROBLEM: DRY, MATURE, SUN DAMAGED SKIN

There is a Solution for Most Every Skin Problem
You Just Need to Find It.

Ella’s Story

I am an extremely active person. I spend a lot of time outdoors, gardening, playing tennis and, I must admit, basking in the sun. I always liked the way I looked with a tan and achieved a beautiful tan easily. In my younger days my skin was great, so I never thought much about the long-term effect of my lifestyle. But when I was mistaken for a senior citizen, I knew it was time for action. I experimented with a variety of over-the-counter products, but nothing seemed to help. Finally, I consulted with a leading cosmetic dermatologist to help revitalize my appearance.

Ella’s Skin Problems

• Dry, mature and sun damaged skin
• Thin, flaking skin
• Dark spots on face, chest, arms or hands
• Wrinkles around eyes, mouth and forehead

Here is the skin care treatment plan that helped Ella reverse her sun damage, improve her skin texture and even her skin tone to restore some of her youthful glow.

Problem #1 Skin discoloration on her face, neck and chest

Treatment plan for this problem
Ella’s dermatologist prescribed nightly application of Retin-A and prescription strength hydroquinone. The Retin-A acted to exfoliate her skin and stimulate new collagen. (Retin-A helps treat wrinkles by increasing cell renewal and preventing the breakdown in collagen – key contributors to skin aging.) The hydroquinone worked to lighten her dark pigmentation spots. To help Ella tolerate the dryness and flaking that resulted from the combination of these products, her dermatologist also recommended that she apply anti-oxidants and a hydrating moisturizer with good water binding ingredients, including both ceramides and hyaluronic acid following morning and evening cleansings.

Problem #2
Fine lines and wrinkles

Treatment plan for this problem
Ella’s dermatologist explained that the single most important step in treating fine lines and wrinkles is the consistent use of sunscreen, but that the combination of Retin-A and prescription strength hydroquinone will make the skin more sensitive to sun. He stressed the critical importance of wearing sunscreen every day, recommending a micronized zinc oxide sunscreen SPF-30 to provide a high level of broad-spectrum protection from the sun. He added a product rich in peptides to Ella’s daily regime, to stimulate collagen and elastin production.

Problem #3
Dry skin

Treatment plan for this problem
In addition to the antioxidant moisturizer rich in water binding agents (i.e. ceramides, and hyaluroic acid) already included as part of Ella’s daytime protocol, her dermatologist recommended the use of some hydrating ingredients such as Borage seed oil, lactic acid or Linoleic acid.

The combination of products prescribed above also helped prepare Ella’s skin for the IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments that followed. Six IPL treatments helped to greatly diminish her deep pigmentation problems, along with her fine lines and wrinkles. She is considering undergoing an alternating series of in-office microdermabrasion treatments and glycolic acid peels, also suggested by her dermatologist.

Now also available in all e-reader formats with full color pictures.

In chapter four of Tick Tock, Stop the Clock ~ Getting Pretty on Your Lunch Hour, Madeleine Arena presents a number of different, typical real life skin problems and how to best resolve them.

Beauty Within

                Beauty Without . . .

                               What’s Your Passion?

Discover the many dimensions of beauty. 

Lois W. Stern