Facial contouring is basically trying to give you back the face that you had when you were in your mid-twenties. Remember when you had the nice high cheekbones and thicker lips? With dermal fillers, you can contour your face back to the way it once was.

As we age, everything starts to droop and sag, and you lose a lot of volume in areas of the body such as the face and neck. Your cheeks go down, they get sunk in, your nasolabial folds start to lose volume, the lips start to droop downwards, you get the appearance of what we call “marionette lines,” and the jowls becomes loose.

Recreating Lost Youth

With facial contouring, however, you can actually re-form high cheekbones with filler, refill in the nasolabial folds, fill in the marionette lines and add some dermal fillers to help define the jowl line better. When you actually do all of this, the result is that it lifts your face back up and you look much younger.

The best result, obviously, will come about if you take care of each area individually. But sometimes patients just want to do one thing at a time. If that is the case, the first thing you should do is the nasolabial folds. If you fill those in, it actually lifts the bottom part of your face up. So if you had to choose one area, that is where you should start.

Liquid face-Lift

Facial contouring with fillers is often called a liquid face-lift, trying to get back the years that have gone away. With plastic surgery, you may get similar results but you have to go under general anesthetic. So, there is a much higher risk of complications, there is a lot more downtime and it much more expensive.

With a liquid face-lift, however, you can have injections during lunch if you want, and then go straight back to work. It depends on what fillers you use, but within a year or two, you will have to refill again. Still, it is definitely worth it as even the life of a surgical face-lift is only anywhere from 5 to 10 years.

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.

Tags: anti-aging, dermal filler, face lift, med spa, med spa treatments, medical spa

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But what if there was a way to get the positive effects of a traditional plastic surgery face lift- without the plastic surgery part?

With today’s cutting-edge technology, it may just be possible- and easier than you’d imagine. Offered at medical spas across the country, non-invasive face lifts promise skin that’s years younger- without “going under the knife.”

What is a Non-Invasive Face Lift?

A non-invasive facelift is a procedure that improves the overall appearance of the skin of the face without any surgical procedures. The goal of a non-invasive facelift is to get the anti-aging results typical of a traditional facelift surgery, without the cost and extreme physical difficulties involved with the actual surgical procedure.

Who Needs a Non-Invasive Face Lift?

Anyone looking for smoother and more youthful skin may consider a non-invasive face lift, especially those who are seeking more dramatic results than what over-the-counter anti-wrinkle skin creams and specialized spa procedures can offer.

Non-invasive face lifts may be also be appealing to those who want the noticeable after effects of a surgical facelift without having to invest the time, pain, or effort into a surgical procedure.

What are the Different Kinds of Non-Invasive Face Lifts?

One of the most popular non-invasive face lift procedures is the laser face lift. A laser face lift doesn’t require any anesthesia, and there is no cutting or scarring. During this non-invasive face lift procedure, a medical spa professional uses laser technology to resurface and tighten the epidermal layer of skin. Although this treatment is less extreme than the traditional plastic surgery face lift, risks are still involved. Side effects can include skin sensitivity and discoloration. Also, a laser face lift may be cheaper than a traditional face lift, but it’s still an expensive option.

The Microcurrent Facelift (also called the Bioultimate Facelift) is another non-invasive face lift option. During this procedure, gentle electric currents are used to stimulate a natural cellular reaction that encourages new skin cell growth to reveal smoother and younger looking skin. The Microcurrent Facelift improves the appearance of sun damage and fine lines by enhancing the skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin. This non-invasive face lift option is one of the most affordable, although results may be less dramatic than with the laser face lift.

Thermage Skin tightening is one kind of non-invasive face lift used by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. During a Thermage procedure, specialized heat is used to stimulate collagen growth in problematic areas (thoses areas affected by wrinkles or age lines). Patients may see immediate results from Thermage, and can return to daily activities almost immediately after a short recovery time. However, Thermage is relatively costly, and occasionally short-term side effects can include redness, swelling, and blisters.

What are the Benefits of Non-Invasive Facelifts?

Non-invasive facelifts can make you look years younger than your actual age, diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Also, results may look and feel more natural, since the procedures work on smoothing your actual skin, rather than using plastic surgery or “lifts.”

A major benefit of non-invasive face lift is that these procedures are less painful, time-consuming, and expensive than a traditional face lift, and require no surgery or anesthesia.

What are the Possible Disadvantages of Non-Invasive Facelifts?

Every non-invasive face lift procedure has its own risks and recovery time, but many include after effects like redness and swelling. One possible disadvantage of any anti-aging skin procedure is possibly unsatisfactory results. Everyone’s skin is different, and some people’s age lines and wrinkles may be more persistent than others. Your medical spa professional should be able to give you a general idea of what kind of results to expect.

The Bottom Line:

With today’s cutting-edge technology, there’s no need to head to the plastic surgeon to get the younger, smoother skin you’ve been looking for. Non-invasive face lift procedures offer real results without the pain, cost, or time required for a traditional “face lift”. But be sure to discuss realistic results with your medical spa professional, and make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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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As with many medical procedures, candidates for Thermage should be both mentally and physically healthy, without any lingering medical issues that have thus far gone unresolved.

Thermage is a non-invasive procedure used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, tighten skin, and give an overall more youthful look to the faces of men and women. Even better, the procedure requires no surgery, no injections, and no downtime—making it the perfect options for patients looking to feel refreshed and rejuvenated without taking the time away from family or work.

What is Thermage?

Thermage is a medical procedure that increases the collagen in patients’ faces through the use of a device called a ThermaCool. Using the ThermaCool, doctors are able to send radiofrequency energy through the patients’ skin to heat up the collagen inside the face. This heat, in turn, helps to build up the natural collagen in the deepest layers of the face and eventually leaves patients with noticeably tighter skin.

Once the hour-long procedure is nearing completion and a patient’s face has been satisfactorily heated up, physicians will then use the ThermaCool device to cool the epidermis back down, helping to prevent any possible heat damage that can happen within the skin’s deepest layers and maintain the safest possible experience for patients. More importantly, whereas many other non-surgical procedures require multiple visits to the physician, Thermage can be completed in just one office visit every two years.

Because the procedure is non-invasive and non-surgical, patients do not need to worry about any lasting scars or any complications that can arise from anesthesia. Instead, they may experience a “deep heating” sensation or the feeling of mild pinching while the procedure is going on, although even this minimal discomfort is rare for most patients. Afterwards, many physicians will prescribe an oral pain medicate to sedate any linger sensations that may persist for some patients.

Who are the best candidates for Thermage?

Patients who desire a more youthful-looking face without the downtime of a typical face lift procedure are the most common candidates for Thermage no matter the skin type or color, so long as they have realistic expectations as to the outcome of the procedure, along with a healthy attitude toward their own looks.

In addition, cosmetic professionals offering the technique say the best results are achieved on patients seeking one to two millimeters of facial tightening at most—as compared to the one to two centimeters candidates seeking a surgical brow lift can expect to obtain.

As with many medical procedures, candidates for Thermage should be both mentally and physically healthy, without any lingering medical issues that have thus far gone unresolved. Because this procedure deals with facial collagen, it is also wise for patients to check in with their dermatologist before having Thermage, to rule out skin cancer or any other problems with skin or face.

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The most obvious benefit of having cosmetic eyelid surgery is the improvement in appearance that comes from the removal of any excess skin or fat pockets around the eyes.

What is Eyelid Surgery?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery is a procedure which aims to give the eyes a more youthful and ‘perky’ appearance. Generally, this involves the removal of any excess skin or fat deposits that can build up as we age. The muscles around the eyelids can also weaken, causing any fat deposits to ‘droop’ and bulge away from the eye area – this phenomenon is sometimes known as bags under the eyes. Folds and creases can appear in both the upper and lower eyelids, which many people find detrimental to their appearance and self confidence. Eyelid surgery aims to correct these problems by tightening up the skin and removing any ‘bags’ that may be present. Eyelid surgery can be carried out on the upper or lower eyelids of both eyes, either on different occasions or during the same procedure.

Who Can Benefit From Having Eyelid Surgery?

Anyone who finds themselves unhappy with the way their eyes look can benefit from an eyelid surgery operation. Generally, as people age, they will find their eyes lose the youthful look they once had. Cosmetic eyelid surgery is one solution to this problem. Bear in mind that eyelid surgery does not reduce the appearance of the wrinkles found in the corners of eyes, sometimes referred to as ‘crow’s feet’.

There are times when the appearance of someone’s eyes is not due to the aging process, but instead perhaps an accident or injury has caused a build-up of fatty tissue below the eyes or has damaged the muscles which support the eyelids. It is possible that eyelid surgery could help these people regain their previous appearance and lost confidence; however this is at the discretion of a qualified surgeon, and is by no means guaranteed to work in these cases.

What are the Benefits of Eyelid Surgery?

The most obvious benefit of having cosmetic eyelid surgery is the improvement in appearance that comes from the removal of any excess skin or fat pockets around the eyes. As time goes on, patients may well find that the muscles in the eyelid area also strengthen, lifting the eyes and enhancing the youthful look that was gained following the procedure. Another benefit is the increase in self confidence that comes from the improvement in appearance that patients receive following a period of healing. There are also certain cases where eyelid surgery can aid a medical issue, rather than simply being carried out for cosmetic reasons.

What are the Risks of Eyelid Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with eyelid surgery. Generally the operation is safe and well-tolerated; however it is important to know the risks before you decide if eyelid surgery is for you or not.

Immediately following the operation, patients can suffer from some or none of the following negative effects:

• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Scarring and bruising around the eyes
• Itchiness around the eyes

These issues will generally clear up within a few days (or weeks) of the operation, and should not be considered to be long term side effects. Obviously, it is vital that you discuss these possibilities with a health professional before having the surgery, as all patients are different and your reaction the surgery may differ.

Eyelid Surgery: The Bottom Line

Overall, cosmetic eyelid surgery is a great way to restore vitality and a youthful look to eyes which have become tired-looking through the natural aging process. The operation can be performed in under an hour in some cases (depending on whether you are having both eyes and/or eyelids operated on).

There are risks involved which should be carefully considered before making a decision; however, these are roughly the same as any other cosmetic surgery procedure.

If you are looking for a way to boost your self confidence and revive your tired eyes, you may well want to give some thought to cosmetic eyelid surgery.

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Despite hundreds of lotions and other products available on the market to correct the signs of aging, there is currently only one proven way to cure a sagging brow—by undergoing a brow lift procedure. Also known as a forehead lift, plastic surgeons performing the procedure can drastically change the overall look of a patient’s face in a matter of hours through a series of short incisions and endoscopic techniques used to erase the common signs of skin damage effecting millions of Americans.

What is a brow lift?

A brow lift is a minimally invasive procedure designed to remedy the creases that develop across the forehead with age. Although specific techniques are continually evolving, brow lifts performed by certified plastic surgeons most commonly involve a series of short incisions made above the hairline, beginning behind the ears. Once these incisions have been made, a trained physician will “lift” the forehead muscles, giving the face a tighter overall appearance.

Because medical technologies are evolving so rapidly, an increasing number of doctors are beginning to use new techniques such as coronal incisions or pre-trichial incisions rather than the more common hairline incision. Which specific technique is used in the procedure, however, is up to each patient and physician individually.

The majority of brow lifts take no more than two hours to perform and only require patients to go under IV sedation or twilight anesthesia, making the operation a relatively short and simple process when performed by a qualified medical professional.

Who are the best candidates for brow lifts?

The best candidates for brow lift surgery are most commonly adults in excellent health and over the age of 30—although most patients range in age from 40 to 70—who happen to be suffering from a sagging or lower-than-normal position of the eyebrows. Other potential candidates for brow lifts include those with deep creases across their forehead, or frown lines between the eyebrows and across the bridge of the nose.

Prior to undergoing the procedure, patients may be asked by their physician to undergo lab testing or a medical evaluation to certify their overall health. In addition, they may need to adjust the dosage of certain prescription medications before or after the procedure, and may also need to stop smoking well in advance of the surgery. It is imperative that anyone contemplating undergoing a brow lift be completely honest with their doctor about all medical and lifestyle issues prior to going under the knife.

Increasingly, younger patients are choosing to undergo brow lifts in conjunction with a hair transplant, fat transfer, blepharoplasty, or face lift as a way to increase the youthfulness in the face. In these cases, patients may need to undergo additional medical testing prior to the procedure to ensure they are healthy enough for the brow lift operation.

What are the benefits of brow lifts?

Satisfied brow lift patients report an endless number of benefits, aside from the obvious cosmetic outcome of having fewer deep lines and wrinkles on the upper face. Depending on a patient’s desired results and appearance prior to the surgery, the overall outcome of a brow lift can be anything from subtle to dramatic.

For many, a successful brow lift can be the first chance in years for their outward appearance to reflect the youthful spirit and energy they feel inside. Once initial swelling has subsided and a patient has undergone a full several weeks of recovery, the majority report feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated than they have in years.

What risks are involved?

As with all surgeries, those undergoing brow lifts do face a certain set of medical risks. Although complications are rare, patients should be aware that they may not be able to move their eyebrows or forehead after the surgery, a condition that requires additional surgeries to correct. In addition, brow lift patients risk losing sensation at the incision line, permanent hair loss, or scarring, as well as more common plastic surgery risks which include infection, bleeding, or other minor complications.

Patients should consult with their doctors to receive full information about each of these potential side effects and complications before going under the knife.

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.

If you are considering a brow lift procedure, check out the following links to find plastic surgeons in your area:

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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A dental face lift is designed to do exactly what the name suggests – increase the tautness of skin on the face to ease the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, with a view to making the patient look younger than their years. The difference between a dental face lift and a ‘regular’ one is the fact that nothing is actually done to the skin. The entire procedure is a dental one and involves the restoration of the teeth in order to rebuild facial muscles that may have weakened over time.

How Do Dental Face Lifts Work?

The theory goes like this: as we age our teeth become more and more worn down. This wear decreases the amount of space between the nose and the chin. Lost teeth are another reason for a reduction in this distance. Dental face lifts work by rebuilding and replacing any missing or worn down teeth. The aim of this process is to gradually rebuild the facial muscles around the mouth and therefore restore the face to its natural height. As the muscles develop, the skin on the face will once again become taut.
Dental face lifts are still a relatively new concept and as such there is no ‘solid’ scientific evidence that they really do work. The one thing that is certain, though, is that they do not involve any unnatural manipulation of the skin. This means that you won’t come out looking like a science fiction character if anything goes wrong!

Who Can Benefit from Dental Face Lifts?

Anyone who would like to have younger looking skin combined with a brand new set of repaired teeth will likely benefit from dental face lifts. It all depends on what you, as a patient, wish to gain out of the procedure. It may be best to expect a great new smile and then, with any luck, be even more pleasantly surprised if your wrinkles disappear or improve as a result.

What are the Benefits of Dental Face Lifts?

The benefits of dental face lifts are (or at least can be) twofold. Firstly, the worn down or missing teeth are being repaired or replaced – meaning that no matter what happens with the skin on the face, the patient will have a brand new set of healthy teeth. Secondly, the patient’s skin should become tightened as the muscles rebuild, leaving them looking younger and reducing the appearance of any wrinkles that may have set in over the years. Because dental face lifts are mainly a cosmetic procedure, the only real medical benefit that can be foreseen is the replacement of damaged or missing teeth, which can cause bacteria buildup and encourage the development of oral diseases.

Are Any Risks Involved with Dental Face Lifts?

Whilst ‘regular’ face lifts come with a whole host of possible problems and risks, because dental face lifts are a purely dental procedure they are generally considered much safer. The risks that are present are really only those that you may face as a result of any trip to the dentist. Be sure that the teeth you are having to replace your old ones are to your liking – as it can be quite tricky (and expensive) to have the whole procedure carried out again.

Dental Face Lifts: A Good Alternative?

So, are dental face lifts a good alternative to the more ‘traditional’ face lift surgeries? Well, they certainly have less risk involved and the method by which they actually lift the muscles in the face is effectively natural; however, dental face lifts are not yet a tried and tested method of providing a face lift. The upside to them is that they will certainly provide you with a healthier, whiter smile – and that fact alone may well justify their existence, and cost.

The information in this 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.

For more information, check out the following links to find dentists in your area:

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You're having surgery abroad because it's cheaper: that doesn't mean choosing the cheapest, nastiest place you find to save a few more bucks.

Well, here’s what a lot of people are doing: they are combining exotic foreign holidays with having plastic surgery abroad. Even as cosmetic surgeons are offering financing options for cosmetic surgery wannabes in the midst of the current financial crisis, for some people expensive surgery just isn’t possible, even on an installment plan. And why not stay in a five-star resort in Brazil or Barbados as you recover, rather than in a shared room in your dingy local hospital?

The advantage: not only do you save money and get both surgery and holiday for the price of one, but you can heal in relative anonymity, without the intrusive stares at your scars from friends and family. The disadvantage: the surgery may be slipshod, and could result in disfigurement or even death.

If you’re planning to become a cosmetic surgery tourist, the advice is to play it safe. Here are a list of dos and don’ts to keep in mind before you book that procedure – and that flight…

DOs
Everything you should do beforehand to ensure your experience is as safe, productive and even enjoyable as possible, and that you are happy with the outcome…

DO rely on friends and family who have been there before. Word-of-mouth is often the best advice you can get in this situation. If someone has been to your chosen clinic or hospital with positive results, chances are you’ll have a similar experience. At home you would meet the surgeon face-to-face, so try to meet someone who has done this already before you make a final decision.

DO try and do as much research into your chosen location as possible, and talk to people on the phone beforehand, especially if nobody you know has been there before. You don’t want to get there and find that nobody speaks English – and end up with a face lift instead of a butt lift (or vice versa).

DO check out your insurance beforehand, and make sure you are fully covered in case anything happens to you while you’re away. You should also make sure your insurance will cover you for any medical complications abroad. If needed, get extra insurance well in advance of your departure. Find out also what recourse you will have if you find your surgeon has been negligent.

DO ensure that you leave full contact details with friends back home. Even if you want your surgery to be a secret – which is why some people choose to have it done abroad, as per above – you still need to let someone know where you are.

DO look into the implications that travel will have on your health. If you are planning to have liposuction, for example, it will not be safe to fly for a while because of the risk of developing deep-vein thrombosis. Taking a long-haul flight the day after a major nose job is probably not a good idea either. And if you have butt-lift surgery or vaginal reconstruction, think twice before reserving a (hard) seat on a 12-hour flight the following afternoon. Find out everything you need to know before you go.

DON’Ts
Mistakes you shouldn’t make, and pitfalls you should avoid before leaving the safe shores of home for unknown cosmetic climes…

DON’T go somewhere too remote, in case anything happened to you. You don’t want to be far away from home with no emergency health access, lying in a hospital in the middle of an inaccessible – and inhospitable – desert or jungle. And remember that a clinic that specializes in plastic surgery may not be able to carry out the procedures necessary to save your life if something goes wrong.

DON’T book the surgery without checking first for any “hidden” extras. It may look cheaper, but once you book in the cost of hotel bills, travel expenses etc, it might make more sense – and cents – to stay at home. Also, it might cost a lot more to fix a botched job over there than over here.

DON’T go without investigating the credentials of your chosen surgeon. He or she may have impeccable ones, having studied at Harvard medical school before spending 25 years in private practice with a 100 percent-satisfied client list and spotless safety record. On the other hand, some countries have less strict regulations and licensing procedures than we do in the US, and you may not get the person you hoped for.

DON’T choose the cheapest option. When it comes to your looks, your health and even your life, money should not be the decisive factor. You’re having surgery abroad because it’s cheaper: that doesn’t mean choosing the cheapest, nastiest place you find to save a few more bucks.

DON’T go without discussing the operation in detail with a plastic surgeon at home, as well as with your own physician. Most surgeons offer free consultations; take advantage of this and try to find out all you can about your chosen op before you go, including the possible risks and complications as well as the right after-care procedures. And take notes!

Taking advantage of cheaper cosmetic surgery costs abroad can be a great way to see the world and get bigger boobs while you’re at it. But don’t just jump at the first bargain package on offer. You get what you pay for, and you want to pay for safe, correct surgery that will leave you looking healthy and looking even more beautiful, not a botched nightmare of an operation.

Getting the right information well in advance is vital, and will give you the confidence you require to travel without fear. Do your homework carefully and be prepared, don’t just close your eyes, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Good luck!

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Are you ready for your close up?

1) Mesotherapy for Face and Neck Rejuvenation

If it’s French, it has to be good, right? Mais oui! This treatment was pioneered around 60 years ago by Frenchman extraordinaire, Monsieur Michel Pistor. It involves injecting a specially formulated concoction of vitamins, minerals and medications to improve parts of the face and body, giving them a sleek, new contour. It is considered especially effective for sagging necks and faces, although it is also used to treat cellulite and other skin conditions.

Pro: Side effects are limited, as the work is localized to the areas that need work only.

Con: Effects may be only slightly visible, at best.

2) Facial Acupuncture

It’s thought that inserting needles into specific points on your face can stimulate the production of collagen, which is produced naturally in our body and makes us appear more youthful. But is facial acupuncture really an ancient Chinese secret, or simply a modern western scam?

Pro: Relatively painless with virtually no recovery period needed

Con: If you have a needle phobia, this isn’t the treatment for you.

3) Oxygen Facial

If you want to pay big bucks to have some air sprayed at your face, try an oxygen facial. Actually, it isn’t just the Big O that’ll hit you: the oxygen “atomizer” also contains a blend of collagen, vitamins and minerals that are designed to smooth out wrinkles and plump up your face. Breath of fresh air or just hot air? You decide.

Pro: It’s super-trendy, with big-name stars such as Madonna reportedly big fans.

Con: Skeptics say it doesn’t really work, and that any short-term “plumping” effect is really just mild inflammation caused by the oxygen acting as an irritant.

4) Radio-Frequency Facial Treatment

The idea is simple: special radio waves heat up the collagen underneath your facial skin, making it shrink. When finished, your face should appear smoother and tighter. It also is reported to help lessen the effects of minor acne, rosacea and uneven pigmentation.

Pro: Unlike laser treatments that purport to have similar effects (see below), this is non-invasive.

Con: A marked change will only occur after a series of treatments.

5) Laser Skin Tightening

An infra-red light heats up the collagen underneath the skin in your face, making it tighten. This is accomplished by blasting quick pulses of light, which can be a bit uncomfortable. Most patients say it feels like having an elastic band snapped repeatedly on their skin (sounds fun, no?). The effects are considerably less dramatic than with laser skin resurfacing, but it is also less risky.

Pro: Initial results are visible straightaway.

Con: At least two to three treatments several weeks or a month apart are needed for maximum efficacy.

6) Microdermabrasion

Small crystals of aluminum oxide are sprayed across your face using a device similar to a sandblaster. The crystals are abrasive and their goal is to take off the top layer of your skin, leaving a new layer as soft as a baby’s bottom. These days, you can even perform the miracle at home, thanks to special do-it-yourself kits. Also dubbed the Parisian Peel, it is widely considered more gentle than a chemical peel (see below).

Pro: Works best with skin that is scarred, sun-damaged, or showing excessive signs of aging.

Con: Although it is advertised as being completely painless, it can cause some irritation and discomfort, and in some cases can result in a nasty rash.

7) Chemical Peel

If throwing acid in your face sounds fun, try this! Seriously, a chemical peel is a lot like microdermabrasion in that its goal is to renew the way your face looks and feels by getting rid of the damaged top layer of your skin to reveal the softer second layer. This is accomplished by using a chemical concoction of phenol and special acids designed to enhance your appearance.

Pro: In some cases, chemical peels were successful in getting rid of acne and pre-cancerous growths, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines associated with aging.

Con: Some people have bad reactions to certain acids, such as alphahydroxy acid, used in a chemical peel, and may experience redness, a tightening sensation and acute stinging. Remember when Sex and the City’s Samantha had a lunchtime peel that went wrong? Ouch!

Botox

It sounds too good to be true: scientists have discovered that a poison made by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum can paralyze the facial muscles, getting rid of visible wrinkles as long as it lasts. Small amounts injected into certain parts of the body will block off nerve impulses to these muscles, such as those under the eyes and on the forehead, thus effectively erasing crow’s feet and frown lines – temporarily. Larger amounts, when ingested, can cause food poisoning. Ain’t science wonderful?

Pro: A 15-minute treatment can work for months, with immediate results.

Con: Too much Botox can give you freezeface: if you still want to show any expression at all go easy, otherwise people won’t know if you’re smiling or about to throw up.

9) Filler Injections

They are certainly cheaper and less invasive than going under the knife, and injections of dermal fillers such as Perlane or Restylane are largely successful in making people look significantly younger. Made of hyaluronic acid derived from non-animal sources, Perlane is better suited for deeper wrinkles than its sister Restylane. Both injectable gels are manufactured by the same Swedish firm and are suitable for people with allergies to animals or eggs.

Pro: As a topical anesthetic is administered beforehand, the injections are relatively pain-free.

Con: Courses of injections are not cheap and regular top-ups are necessary for best effect.

Looking younger has never been easier. But while there are loads of medical spas around these days, it’s always a good idea to visit a reputable one and shop around before taking the plunge. You may also want to have your treatment carried out by a doctor instead of a technician to reduce the risk of anything going wrong. Do your research carefully, and don’t opt for the latest fad unless it has well-documented medical evidence to back it up. Remember: you get what you pay for!

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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Who is Getting Plastic Surgery?

Women make up most of the clientele on a plastic surgeon’s roster. This fact comes as no surprise since many feel that beauty greatly affects their ability to control their world. Here is the breakdown of the procedures women usually seek most:

Liposuction: the removal of fat deposits on target areas of the body like the stomach, hips or thighs.

Eyelid surgery: the removal of fat, skin or muscle as a way to smoothen, widen or lift the eye area.

Breast augmentation: the placement of silicon pouches underneath the breast tissue in order to increase its size.

Nose job: the reshaping of the nose.

Face lift: the tightening and removal of sagging facial tissue.

What are the Risks of Plastic Surgery?

The risks of plastic surgery vary. Through the years, medical professionals have aggressively worked to reduce these risks. Yet, they are still present. Here are the common ones:

Burns: Instruments used in plastic surgery like lasers and cannulas can burn a patient’s skin, leaving an unsightly mark.

Scarring: Cuts to the skin can result in permanent jagged marks or raised scar tissue like keloids. Keloids are especially common in African Americans, Latinos and Asians.

Infection: The immune system of the body is programmed to reject foreign objects like implants. When this occurs, a person normally gets an infection.

Bleeding: Excessive bleeding is a problem for some patients that can cause death.

Deformity: The overuse of plastic surgery by a person can deform their facial features.

When Should a Person Avoid Getting Plastic Surgery?

Poor candidates for plastic surgery are ones with ailing health or psychological issues. A man or woman with congenital heart disease might die under the stress of surgery. Also, a man or woman who is getting plastic surgery to appease a psychological disorder can also have poor psychological results from plastic surgery. Doctors usually try to rule these kinds of people out right away.

Is There any way to Reverse Bad Plastic Surgery?

When plastic surgery turns out bad, it is not always easily reversed. The reason repairs are difficult often has to do with too little body tissue left in the affected area or scarring. All that a skilled plastic surgeon can do is reduce the ugliness of the area.

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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Abdominoplasty

The first area where cosmetic surgery might be needed after significant weight loss is the stomach, where skin often drapes where fat has melted away. An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as the “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the muscles in the abdomen and removing excess skin.

According to YourPlasticSurgeryGuide.com, most people are good candidates for abdominoplasty, though women who are considering getting pregnant should avoid this procedure. If you’ve experienced significant weight loss but want to have a child, it might be a good idea to wait for cosmetic surgery.

Face Lift

Another area affected by significant weight loss is the face and neck. This is the first place many people lose weight as they begin to shed pounds, and the skin around the cheeks, jaw line and throat can begin to sag. Fortunately, a face lift can solve this problem.

In some cases, a thread lift is more economical and practical than a face lift after significant weight loss. A thread lift is less expensive and takes much less time, involving less recuperation time as well. However, this procedure won’t necessarily be effective for significant excess skin. A face lift or thread lift can also help with hollow cheeks, which often develop from a sudden drop in weight.

Redraping

In some cases, excess skin is a problem all over the body after significant weight loss. This can occur along your sides, under your arms, along your thighs and even in your breasts. If this has become an issue for you, it might be best to discuss cosmetic surgery redraping with your physician.

Redraping is a procedure that involves removing the excess skin and literally redraping the remaining skin over the area that has been affected. This can be done on most parts of the body and might take place in several stages.

Breast Reduction

Finally, another cosmetic surgery option for significant weight loss is the breast reduction, which is often necessary for women. If your breasts do not shrink while losing weight, you could begin to experience back and shoulder pain that will continue for the rest of your life. A breast reduction will decrease the weight of your breasts, thereby alleviating the pain.

Any cosmetic surgery you undertake after significant weight loss should be the product of careful consideration. Discuss possible procedures with your family and with your physician to determine which is best for you, then learn as much as you can about the operation. Many types of cosmetic surgery take weeks of recovery and may cause severe pain immediately after the surgery is finished.

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.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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