The way that you look is something that affects you and impacts you every day. It affects the way that you feel about yourself, and that transcends into every aspect of your life, from careers to relationships.

Since the recession began, we have actually seen an increase in the number of people who are coming in to NuVision for treatments. We have had a lot of folks coming in who have just been laid off or are going to be wiping the dust off their resumes soon. Now more than ever, they want to have a refreshed and rejuvenated look.

It is a competitive world that we live in, and there are a lot more people who are working later into their retirements and working at older ages. Now they are competing with younger people for promotions and jobs, so they want to have that vibrant look the same way that somebody who may be 20 years younger than them still has.

From the standpoint of looking refreshed, what most of our clients are asking for is simply the reduction of some fine lines, nothing too big or extreme. They just do not want to look tired, and that right there gives them a boost of confidence when it comes time for interviews or other work commitments. So that is one reason why undergoing a cosmetic procedure can make a big difference for so many of our older patients.

Along those same lines, we have many younger clients coming into NuVision in the hopes of achieving a look that will give them more confidence in the office, as well. For folks who have acne, this can be a major hindrance in their confidence level when it comes time for interviews or big presentations.

If you have ever suffered from acne, you know that there isn’t anything that makes a person more self conscious than that. Whereas you can cover up with a big sweater if you gain a couple of extra pounds in the winter, there really is nothing you can do to hide your acne from the world. If you are a woman, you can wear some extra foundation, sure, but if you are a guy you really don’t have any choice.

What we find at NuVision is that the people with acne issues are really the people who are affected the most by confidence issues. Commonly, the first thing they will do when they come into the office to be evaluated is tell us that they have tried everything and nothing has worked. It gets to the point where they may have gotten depressed with the endless search for a cure to their issues.

We are at the point now where we can use good technology and practice good medicine to get our patients the kind of outcomes they are really looking for. This doesn’t just change how they look in the mirror, either. It really changes the quality of their life—and that quality of life is something that we take very seriously here at NuVision because this is a medical practice first and foremost.

The whole reason for being in the field of medicine, as far as our doctors are concerned, is to improve people’s quality of life. So the procedures we handle here in the office have everything to do with people’s self confidence, how they feel about themselves, and how they present themselves to the world.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.

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The actual procedure is relatively quick, generally falling somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes.

What is it?

Lumenis Active FX is a cutting edge procedure known as fractional laser treatment.  Don’t let the name fool you (assuming there is an equal amount of reluctance to the word “fractions” as there is “laser”), fractional laser treatment is doing wonders to damaged skin.  The term “fractional laser treatment” refers to the fact that the laser only treats a small fraction of the skin’s surface, ideally allowing for a much faster healing process.  Active FX treatment is done using a fractional C02 laser and can be successfully administered in one sitting.  Basically, a high energy beam of laser light is used to smooth out lines, wrinkles, and scars on the face, as well as remove brown spots or other discolorations.  In addition, Active FX tightens skin and helps to stimulate the formation of collagen over time.

The actual procedure is relatively quick, generally falling somewhere between 20 and 40 minutes.  About 30 minutes before the procedure, a topical anesthetic cream will most likely be applied to your face so as to minimize any discomfort.  The entire procedure is supposed to be relatively painless, the biggest setback being that after the procedure, your treated skin will probably feel sunburned.

Who needs it?

If you’re constantly spouting, “time is money, people!” then you probably don’t have that many friends because that’s an annoying thing to say.  However, if you live a fast-paced life then Active FX is ideal for you, as the procedure is done in one treatment and the downtime is minimal, at best.  So if you have to constantly be in the office, fear not, as Active FX can and will accommodate you.  You can continue to stress out about work, while looking ten years younger!

Otherwise, Active FX is a long-lasting treatment for those with dyschromia, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity.  Besides that, it can also correct acne scarring.

Benefits

Besides the obvious benefit of reducing wrinkles and fine lines, Active FX can produce immediate results in the area of skin tightening. By the end of the week, dramatic improvements in skin tone and texture should be visible, giving you that healthy youthful skin you’ve been dreaming of.  An added benefit is that the procedure stimulates new collagen formation, which ultimately leads to continued inner-tightening, meaning that the full results of Active FX may come to fruition three to five months after you’ve had the procedure.

The effects are also considerably long-lasting, in some cases persisting for years if proper sun protection is being practiced (warning: this may mean limiting the amount of times you go to see Jimmy Buffet in concert over the summer).  All in all, not too shabby for a procedure that takes less than an hour to perform.

Risks

While Active FX is low-risk, there are things that should be clarified for patients considering going under the laser.  The Active FX people, whoever they may be, like to push the idea that there is virtually no down time attributed to the procedure.  This is not completely true, as your face will be red and swollen for a majority of the next day.  Within the week you’ll start to peel and may have to return to the physician’s office for them to completely plane (i.e. razor) off the remnants of scale-like skin.  It sounds more disgusting than it actually is.  But still, if you have to give a eulogy anytime soon, hold off on your Active FX treatment until after the funeral.

The bottom line

Active FX is widely regarded as one of the best procedures available for rejuvenating skin and eliminating wrinkles.  So Grandma, rejoice in the wonders of Active FX and marvel at the amount of times people confuse you for Haley Joel Osment.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

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Elevating your legs (without crossing them) is one way to reduce the amount of spider veins you have.

It’s estimated that at least half of all people over age 50 have thread veins, which are simply enlarged blood vessels which are visible through the skin, in several places: knees, ankles, legs and parts of the face, especially on the cheeks and around the nose. Although they are most common among women, they also afflict men – even though some say they appear due to the prevalence of the female hormone, estrogen. Most people start getting them between the ages of 30 – 60, although is some cases they appear when an individual is still in his or her teens.

Luckily, several treatments now exist to treat the veins, which in medical parlance are called telangiectasia or “sunburst varicosities” – a lovely name for an unattractive sight! While they cause no physical harm, they can be ugly and cause undue emotional distress. Before having them removed, however, check with your doctor to make sure they are not the result of an underlying vascular condition.

Why We Get Veins
We get spider veins because we’re human. The human skin is a fragile thing, and veins can appear due to a number of causes, including a backup or pooling of blood in an area, excessive alcohol consumption, trauma, age, genetics, hormones, pregnancy, taking certain medications and exposure to the sun.
A variety of treatments are available to get rid of spider veins. Be aware that some thread veins are actually connected to varicose veins, which is why it’s important to have an ultrasound first before having any treatment to remove them. This is to stop them from reappearing.

If your spider veins measure more than 3mm, it might be a good idea to have them removed surgically. Most of the treatments listed below are only for smaller veins. It is recommended that around five treatments on average will be required to achieve the look you want, but every case is different – so talk things over in detail with your physician or qualified practitioner before you begin.

Treatments Available

Microsclerotherapy. A bit sticky, this one. Your veins will be injected with a fluid that makes the vein walls stick together, which stops blood from flowing to the area and prevents them from reoccurring. Don’t worry that your legs will be full of blood afterwards: the veins eventually will be absorbed by the body completely. However, as the vein must be large enough to accommodate a needle, this treatment is best for large or medium-sized veins.

Pros: It’s estimated that most patients see an improvement anywhere from 50 to 90 percent.

Cons: Good for the legs but not great for delicate parts of the body such as ankles or face. Is not always successful first time around, so follow-up treatments may be necessary for maximum effect.

Laser Treatment: Strong bursts of light are directed at the veins, which eventually fade away and disappear. About two to five treatments are necessary, with each treatment lasting up to one hour. Be aware that large spider veins usually respond better to sclerotherapy (see above) than laser treatment. Also, the veins will appear bigger and darker immediately after treatment, before they begin to fade. This is the treatment of choice for facial veins.

Pros: Considered the most effective treatment on the market today.

Cons: You can experience burns and scars if this technique is not carried out properly.

Veinwave: This thermo-coagulation technique destroys veins by heating them, using microwave technology. A fine needle is introduced over the veins, making them disappear almost instantly.

Pros: It’s not very painful, compared to other treatments, and can be used to treat either face, legs or both.

Cons: In some cases scarring may occur.

PhotoDerm: Intense pulsed light therapy reduces the melanin in your skin, making the veins fade away. Reddening may occur short-term, and several sessions may be necessary.

Pros: Can also be used to treat other skin conditions, such as port wine stains and rosacea.

Cons: Can only be used on the face.

Ways to Prevent Spider Veins
There is no fool-proof way to prevent all spider veins from occurring. But there are ways to minimize the number of veins you have. They include:

• Always wear sunscreen and minimize exposure to the sun.
• Elevate your legs when resting, don’t cross them
• Watch your weight and eat a diet low in salt and high in fiber.
• Get different parents!

Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 on up per session to remove spider veins, depending on the treatment you choose and the severity of the problem. You may also pay more if you choose to have a physician perform the technique rather than a qualified technician. Whoever you choose, make sure they are qualified and experienced, and that they have performed the technique countless times before.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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People have been relying on various types of exfoliation for centuries, and microdermabrasion falls into this category, although it’s a bit more intense than using a gritty lotion to get rid of dead skin cells on the face. In early times people rubbed themselves with rocks and bits of bark to feel more clean, silky and and smooth, in modern times a plethora of lotions and potions have been made readily available. But if you want to do more than just a surface sweep, then a professional spot of the old Microderm may be for you.

What is Microdermabrasion?
As the name suggests, this is a skin rejuvenation technique that sloughs off the entire top layer of your skin to reveal new, glowing skin underneath. Proponents of this method say it can be used effectively on stretch marks, scarring, fine lines and wrinkles and age spots or other types of skin discoloration, although its efficacy is under discussion.

Microderm is good for almost any area of the body, except where the skin is especially fine and thin. It is not recommended for use on the eyelids (ouch!) or the feet, as the skin there is extremely fine, and you will need to go very easy on the area around the lips. Suffice it to say that it is also not recommended for the genital area (unless you truly are into S & M).

Fans of Microderm say another advantage of this technique is that it allows skin products to penetrate deeper into the skin, thus helping them build up both elastin and collagen. One of the building blocks of our skin, which is found naturally in the body, collagen is what makes skin look thicker, firmer, stronger – and therefore more youthful.

Currently, three main types of Microderm, also known as a particle peel, power peel or Parisian peel, are the most popular (it’s also sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime peel”, as you can get at least some parts of your body sanded away during your lunch hour). They are:

• Crystal Microderm
• Diamond Microderm
• Home Microderm

Crystal Microderm. Your practitioner will wield a special device which blows aluminum oxide crystals across the parts of the body you have targeted. The result is that the “damaged” top skin layer is removed, while fresher layers are revealed underneath. At the same time, a vacuum-like system will manage to suck away all the dirt and dead skin that has built up in the area.

Diamond Microderm. Much like the above but the device used is fitted with a diamond tip (don’t worry about the price– it is used more than once!). This is considered especially helpful when performing Microderm on areas that are either sensitive or more difficult to access.

Home Microderm. The do-it-yourself kits usually contain a crystal-based cream for home use, often with a motorized applicator. The advantage is that it’s a lot cheaper, but it’s a question of trial and error for most people as you may have to shop around for a while before you find a cream compatible with your skin. Acne break-outs with home kits are, unfortunately, all too common. Some also provide DIY chemical peels.
What Can Go Wrong?

Microderm is considered generally a safe cosmetic treatment, but you should be aware of the following:

• You can suffer some skin discoloration, with patches of different colored skin as a result. This is common with similar procedures as well, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing. The skill of the practitioner is key, as is the case with many types of cosmetic treatments.
• You could get an infection if the equipment is not sterilized properly.
• You could get scarring if the practitioner is unskilled.
• You can suffer eye problems if stray pieces of crystal land in your eyes. These days most med spas require that goggles be worn, so this should not be an issue. Insist on them.
• You may notice redness or skin streaking, and even see some blood, for a few days after treatment until everything has healed. This is normal and should clear up on its own.

Please note that Microderm is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, teens or people taking certain medications, specifically for acne. That is because prescription drugs such as Accutane make the skin a lot more sensitive than normal. It is advised to wait at least one entire year before coming off the drug before having Microderm performed.

Other people who should refrain from Microdem are those with certain types of diabetes, rosacea, certain types of ketaratoses, eczema, lupus, active herpes and other conditions, such as present sunburn. You should always consult with a trained medical professional first before having any type of invasive or non-invasive treatments.
Finally, certain types of dermabrasion machines can be used by trained beauticians; while more “aggressive” machines that dig deeper into the skin should only be used by a medical professional.

If you decide this technique is for you, make sure you come to it with realistic expectations. If you have deep pitted acne scars, for example, don’t expect to walk away with a flawlessly smooth, creamy complexion. Know what you want – but also what you can realistically get.

People who have had Microderm carried out by a qualified professional are usually happy with the results – but that was because they knew what to expect from the start. For acne scars, age spots on the face and chest and mild blemishes it can be said to work wonders, and also, at least to some extent, to minimize the signs of aging.
In a recent poll, 68 percent of people who had Microderm said that it was worth it. If you think it could help make your skin more soft and smooth and virtually blemish free, you may want to give it a whirl. Keep in mind that with any type of cosmetic surgery as a rule, people with lower expectations are usually those most satisfied with the outcome!

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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Liposolve has the potential to take the non-invasive cosmetic surgery world by storm, overtaking liposuction in the fat-busting stakes. How? In a nutshell, it works by injecting a potion of fat dissolving medications into the body, which makes the fat melt and eventually disappear completely.

How it can accomplish this feat, however, is under discussion. Its makers say it evolved from a recipe made in the 1950s of largely homeopathic ingredients that are completely safe. Skeptics say it is made largely from a fat-dissolving substance called phosphatidylcholine, along with other ingredients not mentioned on the label.

Whatever the case, some say it’s a new miracle cure, others say it’s dangerous. It has not yet been approved by the FDA, although plastic surgeons who use Liposolve have complained that’s simply because the FDA approves only products, not procedures. While some Liposolve veterans have a fantastic experience with it, others say there are complications – including lumpiness that never goes away – and persistent pain in the area.

“I had injection to my love handles and abdomen a year ago, and in both area I’m flabbier then ever before,” wrote “franny 318” recently on a cosmetic surgery site. “Also, I have hard nodules in my stomach and lower back that simply will not dissolve. It was a big mistake and I wish I never did it.”

In fact, some medical professionals say that the term Liposolve is used to describe any one of a number of fat-busting cocktails, including a naturally produced “human compound”, that are injected into the skin to melt fat away, and that as a result, it is completely unregulated. So tread carefully – or you may step in something you wish you hadn’t!

A Liposolve Journey

Having Liposolve injections isn’t all that fun. Here are the steps involved:

1. After an initial consultation with the practitioner, you will be taken to the clinical area where the site will be numbed.
2. The practitioner or physician will inject you with Liposolve, angling the needle under the skin to distribute the contents. Fat is then released into the body’s bloodstream, where eventually the body burns it away.
3. Once you have the injections the area becomes red, swollen and hard – supposedly that means it’s working.
4. Massage the swollen areas on a daily basis to break up the nodules and have them empty out.
5. After a few days, these side effects will disappear. However, you may experience diarrhea – especially if you had injections in the abdominal area. And some people throw up after every treatment, while others experience flu-like symptoms, feeling as if they had been “run over by a truck”.
6. You will need at least four and up to eight treatments for it to work to maximum effect. Treatments must be at least several weeks apart, preferably at least four weeks.

Please note that some people have experienced an allergic reaction to Liposolve. You should have an allergy patch test at least 48 hours in advance – insist on one!

Areas that can be treated with Liposolve include:

• tummy
• love handles
• back
• face (including double chin)
• arms
• butt
• thighs

Be aware that Liposolve is intended to treat stubborn, smaller areas of fat that will not disappear through other means. If you have large areas of fat that you want to go away, try liposuction – or perhaps a spot of diet and exercise!

Reported Advantages of Lipsolve

• Sessions are much shorter than liposuction, taking on average about 15 minutes
• The result is much sleeker than results with liposuction, which can leave skin lumpy and bumpy.
• Liposolve is non-invasive, and the downtime is much shorter
• Compared to liposuction, Liposolve is much cheaper, costing anywhere from $300-$500 on average per treatment
• Reported Disadvantages of Liposolve
• Compared to dieting, Liposolve is more expensive
• Is not FDA-approved, and can be dangerous as you don’t really know what you’re getting inside those tiny syringes
• Can result in persistent pain in area
• Area treated can become – and remain – lumpy and bumpy
• There is always an infection risk when you break the skin open

Many people who visit medical spas to take away excess fat and cellulite have considered having liposuction as a way to melt away those stubborn fatty areas. Liposolve promises an alternative to liposuction that appears less-invasive, cheaper and with a shorted down time.

In a nutshell, Liposolve is a type of mesotherapy – or specialty that targets stubborn, problem areas with micro-injections of various concoctions. But does it really live up to its promise? Do the research yourself, find a clinic you like and decide – never have a treatment where something is injected into your body without doing all your homework first!

You might save a lot of time – and money and even physical and mental distress – by investing in a proper diet and exercise program. And if there are still areas of stubborn fat that cling no matter what – learn to live with them! Now there’s a novel idea…

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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Norman Rockwell | Girl at the Mirror

These are just a few of the question’s we’ll explore with this guide to the good, the bad and the ugly of plastic surgery for kids.

High School Surgical

High school can be a tough time during a teenager’s life as they try to discover who they are while still trying to fit in and make friends. This makes the question of cosmetic surgery a tough one – on the one hand, you want to teach a child to be happy with who they are but sometimes certain pronounced facial features can make a teenager feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. For instance, acne scars, nose bumps and “dumbo” ears are all sources of anxiety for many teens that can be relatively easy to fix with cosmetic surgery.

In these cases, deciding on whether or not the operation is necessary depends on how adamantly the teen feels about it. Something like acne scars can be unsightly and embarrassing for a teenager and if it has been causing a good deal of anxiety, it’s completely understandable that they may want to try cosmetic surgery. However, other procedures such as liposuction are not only unsafe, but also undermine values such as eating healthy and exercising.

So before deciding on a procedure, it is important to be certain that your child isn’t compromising values for vanity.

Talking to your Teen

To make sure that your teenager is mature enough for cosmetic surgery, it’s important to open up communication about the subject. Make sure your teenager knows the potential risks, has realistic expectations and is doing it for the right reasons. Sometimes kids feel pressured to ask for cosmetic surgery because of teasing or insults instead of actually feeling the change is necessary. Make sure that this is something the teen sincerely wants for his or herself.

Similarly, making sure that the teen is realistic about what to expect for the results can prevent disappointment and depression. Teenagers can sometimes work up unrealistic expectations about how they will look post-operation. Talking to your teen about expectations before the operation will allow them to weigh the potential outcome with the risks of the surgery which will contribute to a much more informed decision.

While it’s important to always have open communication with your child, it is doubly so when considering a surgical procedure.

Common Procedures

Listed below are some of the most common cosmetic procedures for those under 18.

Rhinoplasty – Rhinoplasty involves any reshaping of the nose. The most common rhinoplasty is dorsal bone reduction, the straightening out of bumps on the nose. Though some people reshape the nose in other ways, such as reducing nostril width, most other procedures should wait until the child is over the age of 18 because of safety concerns, and most doctors won’t perform any rhinoplasty until a teen is at least 16.

Ostoplasty – This procedure involves pinning back extended ears, sometimes referred to as “dumbo” ears. And because this surgery is considered very safe and simple, children as young as 5 have been known to get it. Like rhinoplasty, it’s one of the most common cosmetic surgeries for youngsters and is fairly controversy-free.

Scar revision surgery – Though no scar can be eliminated completely, scar revision surgery can make them much less noticeable. In teenagers with severe acne, scarring can occur both by depressing the skin and thickening raised tissue. Because some of this scarring can become quite unsightly, scar revision surgery remains a viable option for teenagers who wish to reduce the damage caused by severe acne.

Breast asymmetry correction -  This surgery is meant to correct assymetry in breast size, such as if one breast is larger than the other. The operation involves either reducing the size of one breast or enlarging the other. It is important to note that this is not breast enhancement, as you must be at least 18 years of age for most kinds of breast augmentation. However, in certain cases where there is a noticeable disproportionality in breast size, it can be a completely legitimate procedure to get.

Gynecomastia – Gynecomastia is a fairly common procedure for overweight teenage boys that involves reducing overly large male breasts. The enlargement of the male breast occurs due to abnormally large mammary glands in male teens. Though the problem is exacerbated by obesity, gynecomastia can occur in average size teens as well, though it is usually less severe.

Conclusion

Making that final decision to get cosmetic surgery for an adolescent is a complex issue and before jumping to a conclusion one should always consult with a doctor. But most importantly, the boy or girl receiving the surgery needs to be mature and knowledgable about the subject. Plastic surgery is not something to rush into – it should be carefully weighed by the parent, doctor and teenager together so that the final decision is an informed decision.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

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