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Articles

Aging and Wrinkles – Nanoparticles Can Hasten the Visual Signs of Aging

Recent research indicates that nanoparticles of pure gold discovered in common items, like personal cosmetics products (along with solar cells and MRI contrast drug delivery agents) can hinder fat (adipose) storage and produce accelerated wrinkles and aging. Also, these particles can slow down injury healing and cause diabetes. This work is detailed in the journal Nanotoxicology.

Extensive Testing

The Living Skin Bank is a top class facility for developing skin tissue for burn victims and several injury therapies.The research team tested what effect nanoparticles in vitro had on several kinds of cells, such as the fat (adipose) tissue, to find out whether their normal functions were hindered when they were exposed to extremely low nanoparticle doses. Subcutaneous adipose tissue serves as insulation from the cold, and as a nutrient reserve. Furthermore, it is discovered around internal organs, for extra padding, in breast tissue and yellow bone marrow.

Stem Cells

The team found that the stromal cells, which are derived from human adipose (a kind of adult stem cell), were easily immediately penetrated by gold nanoparticles, and that these particles built up inside the cells, without any clear pathway for eradication. The existence of these particles hindered several cell functions, like cell division (replication), collagen contraction and movement. These processes are vital to injury healing.

Significant Potential Harm

The research team reported that the most alarming discovery was that these particles impacted on RNA expression, genetic regulation and obstructed the body's ability to differentiate between fat cells and mature adipocytes. Also, this study is the first to prove the effect of nanoparticles on stem cells in adults. These cells are the cells used by the body for the continuous regeneration of organs. The study showed that stromal cells, derived from adipose, which are responsible for multiple organ regeneration (including nerve, skin, hair and bone), ignored necessary cues and did not differentiate following nanoparticle exposure. Moreover, when gold nanoparticles were present, adiponectin was reduced. This protein is responsible for fatty acid breakdown and glucose level regulation, which facilitates metabolism control.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology remains at the forefront of clinical research, and it has opened up new doorways in materials and energy science. Inevitably, social responsibility and progress go hand in hand, as new technologies have to be environmentally friendly. By all accounts, the test results above are pivotal to accomplishing this.The MRSEC or the National Science Foundation Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers and Polymer Programs funded the research on cellular toxicity, led by Stony Brook University, in cooperation with the New York State Stem Cell Science.

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Articles
Skin

FDA Proposes Cancer Warning Signs at Tanning Salons

Tanning salons are establishments that provide services that enable people to acquire a tan while indoors. Generally, they have a number of beds where people lie for a specific time to progressively tan the skin. Normally, for an individual to accomplish the longed for tan, they must attend sessions for a number of weeks or a number of months and to continue keeping the tanned skin, they must attend regular tanning sessions.

The danger of UVA Light Rays

When tanning salons initially became popular, they were believed to be a safer option to outdoor tanning due to less prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB irradiation. More established salons specifically used UVB rays and this exposed clients to considerable jeopardy and the possibility of skin damage. Presently, most tanning salons use UVA light rays and while this poses a lesser risk of harm, there is still the possibility of skin damage.

The FDA Requirement for Cancer Warning Signs

The FDA wants tanning salons to post cancer warning signs and has been debating the matter for some time now. The idea behind tougher warnings is based on the fact that there is a growing general scientific agreement that there are no safe tans. Tougher regulations are also as a result of concerns about the apparatus that is used not working correctly and thus exposing customers to too much radiation.

Regulatory Control Measures by the FDA

At present, indoor tanning beds are categorized as low risk medical equipment and are not subject to any audit or inspection by the FDA. However, renewed safety concerns have led to suggestions by the FDA to place the industry at the middle risk group of classification. This would necessitate that companies that deal with cosmetics and specifically in the area of tanning would demonstrate that their equipment has incorporated the latest developments and safety issues are not a concern anymore.

Cosmetics Companies Not Committed To Correct Safety Measures

This would also ensure that their sunlamps release correct amount of energy and that all preventative safety determinants are put in place. The FDA argues that while most indoor tanning companies ought to be carrying out testing, they are currently not doing so. The FDA also believes that those that are actually doing it are going about it the wrong way or are not undertaking sufficient smart testing measures.

Research Backs Up Complacency Claims

Research has also highlighted the fact that the tanning industry has in most cases overlooked safety protocol as well as regulations. This is particularly because the advocated tanning exposure periods have been surpassed by 95% of indoor tanners as a report by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine has indicated. When cosmetics companies do not post consumer warnings and admit consumers under the age of 18 to tan without permission from parents, this puts people under great risk.

The Importance of Warnings and the Young at Age

The FDA's argument is further reinforced by the fact that many people risk getting melanoma, one of the most prevalent forms of skin cancer. Studies indicate that the risk of melanoma increases by 75% for people that use tanning beds at an early age. While tanning beds have some warnings that link them to cancer, the markers are not easily detectable to consumers and do not specifically disclose their risks to young customers.

What the FDA Envisions For Consumers

Stringent measures are required as well as firmer warnings, more regulation, and a reclassifying of the tanner beds. While the FDA acknowledges that people will still use the beds, they would like to see these beds be made as low risk as possible. The FDA also wants consumers to be given access relevant information about critical hazards. Basically, the FDA objectifies a situation where consumers know what dangers they expose themselves to so that they can make informed decisions.

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Articles
Dermal Fillers

fillers – Choosing a Doctor

Cosmetic physicians perform more treatments with injectable facial fillers than any other procedure except Botox, making them the most popular choices for clients who want to smooth out fine lines. Some report they look years younger after only a few sessions. One of the most common concerns among newcomers is whether their facial features will remain the same, with or without their regular cosmetics. The answer depends on the expertise and experience of the cosmetic physicians; so first-time clients are strongly advised to do their background research.

The Physician's Specialty Matters

Doctors with backgrounds in facial reconstructive surgery, general cosmetic surgery or cosmetic dermatology are the best choices for administering injectable fillers. Physicians in any area of medicine can learn how to perform facial injectables by completing a few training courses, but they often lack the in-depth knowledge of facial structure necessary to make the best recommendations for the number and type of fillers for different clients.

Other Indicators of Experience

One easy way for new clients to determine a cosmetic surgeon’s experience is the presence of the Allergan Black Diamond plaque displayed in the doctor's office or clinic. When a physician has purchased fillers in large quantities, he or she receives this plaque along with it. Once a prospective client has vetted an experienced doctor for these treatments, the next step is to determine which specific types of injectable fillers are the most appropriate.

Not All Cosmetics Fillers are the Same

First-time clients are often advised to start with an injectable filler that lasts only temporarily, such as Juvéderm or Restylane. If the results are not quite as pleasing as expected, the filler will gradually dissolve through the body's natural elimination processes. Each new client needs to be happy with the resulting appearance before getting more permanent injections with fillers such as Radiesse or Sculptra.

Consultation Considerations

Each candidate for injectable fillers also needs to keep in mind that no one can see themselves in three dimensions. Every person's reflection in a mirror is different than how others see him or her from the outside. This fact ties back into the importance of consulting a doctor with plenty of aesthetics experience and an artist's eye for facial structure.Most doctors advise that new clients for facial rejuvenation injections start slowly with the number of treatments. Physicians with extensive experience are able to make the proper adjustments as needed to the number of administered injections.

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Articles
Skincare

Skin Care – Turn Back the Clock

The nation is becoming obsessed with skin care treatments and cosmetics. Today, many are trying to turn back the clock and reverse the visual signs of aging. Innovative skin care treatments have allowed patients to remove years off of their appearance.Although no one is interested in "growing old gracefully," the thought of having cosmetic surgery can be slightly daunting. Those who have saggy skin, wrinkles and unwelcome laughter lines want to be able to combat the aging process without extensive or invasive procedures. Numerous plastic surgeons and cosmetic physicians have developed a wide variety of skin care treatments that can improve the texture, tone, and overall health and appearance of the skin.

Popular Treatments

Dysport and Botox are well-known neurotoxins, designed to combat the perpetual folding of skin that creates wrinkles. Such injections aim to smooth out wrinkles and forehead lines and reduce crows’ feet.Belotero, Sculptra, Juvéderm and Restylane are popular fillers. These treatments reduce visibility of facial lines, especially smokers’ wrinkles; and also work to eliminate the appearance of crows’ feet under the eyes.Laser and light treatments like Fraxel and Photofacials are good ways of improving overall skin tone. Such procedures stimulate collagen production and reduce the impact of sun damage, enhancing the overall health of the skin.

The Effects of Sun Damage

Those who spend time basking in the hot sun are doing more harm than good because the sun can cause unseen skin damage. Some say that the price of appearing younger is rising by the minute, but the skin specialists say that expensive skin care products are not always needed.Those who are seeking to slow the aging process should wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, but it is important to find a sunscreen that does far more than just block out the sun. Physicians can recommend sunscreens that contain anti-inflammatories, glycolic acid, de-pigmenting agents and antioxidants, as means of combating sun damage. These sun creams can be worn under cosmetics.

Antioxidants and Retinoids

While cosmetics and skin care treatments can make almost anybody appear younger, those who enjoy a healthy diet are far more likely to have good skin. Antioxidants are wonderful for the skin and should either be incorporated in the daily diet or applied topically. Green tea, argan oil, resveratrol, oxofullerane, idebenone and ascorbic acid are all good examples of antioxidants that contribute to healthy skin.People spend all of their time flexing their facial muscles. Every time people smile, laugh, cry or frown they are contributing to the formation of yet another wrinkle. Retinoids help to keep wrinkles at bay and improve the appearance of any existing deep facial lines.When such deep lines start to form, some opt for injectables. Injecting neurotoxins tends to smooth the lines that appear on the forehead and in between the eyebrows; and are often utilized as preventative skin care treatments.

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Articles
Dermal Fillers

Cosmetic Surgery - Who is Protecting the Patients?

Recently, a review of the cosmetics industry in the United Kingdom revealed some concerning points on the use of injectable fillers. I the United States and in Great Britain, the sector of injectable anti-wrinkle fillers is a multibillion-dollar industry.

Warning Signs

In 2012, a French company called Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) gave over 40,000 British women low quality silicone implants. This scandal has caused uproar because these women were prevented from taking legal action as they not covered by any laws or regulations. These women are now forced to either live with substandard, potentially risky implants, or have another implant procedure done, which can prove to be very expensive.After the United Kingdom saw the PIP breast implant scandal in 2012, the British government commissioned an independent panel to review various practices and sectors of the cosmetics industry. The panel came to the conclusion that all fillers should require a prescription for use and that only trained and qualified professionals should be allowed to inject them. The medical director of the UK’s National Health Service reports that non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as fillers and laser therapies, accounted for nearly 90 percent of cosmetic procedures. However, most of these procedures were entirely unregulated.

Unlicensed Practitioners

In the United Kingdom, anyone can set up shop and inject fillers without having to file for a license or undergo any formal training. This has lead to exponential growth in the anti-wrinkle segment of the cosmetics industry. The review calls fillers "a crisis waiting to happen."

Regulating fillers

The FDA regulates fillers in the United States, allowing only fourteen fillers on the market, including products from Allergan, Valeant and Merz. By contrast, the United Kingdom currently has between 140 and 190 different types of fillers available on the market.The review strongly recommends that fillers be regulated just as if they were medical devices, like implantable pieces. It also recommends that all professionals performing cosmetic procedures, even filler injections, be registered and properly trained.

PIP Fallout

In addition, this review suggests that a national breast implant registry be created within the next 12 months. They believe that such a registry would help monitor and ensure the safety of breast implants. This suggestion comes on the heels of the PIP scandal.

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Articles

Upper Arm Lift Surgery Gains in Popularity

Plastic surgery and cosmetics procedures have seen an increase in popularity over the last decade. Many new procedures and surgeries have been introduced to the market and prices have become more affordable. Cosmetic surgery procedures, especially fillers, have been increasingly popular. However, it was the upper arm-lift cosmetic surgery that had the greatest rise in popularity between 2000 to2012, according to a recent plastic surgery report.

Eliminating Excess Skin

Those who successfully lose large amounts of weight end up with excess skin in various parts of the body, especially the upper arm. This makes many patients feel uncomfortable about their appearance when in many types social settings. However, advances in plastic surgery have rendered tummy tucks and upper arm-lifts effective in eliminating such skin.When it comes to removing flabby skin under the arms, the influence of celebrities such as Michelle Obama has helped increase the trend. Doctors have noted that most people request a tummy tuck after losing weight and then later go under the knife to get rid of excess skin under the arms.

Additional Procedures – Buttocks Implant

While buttock implant procedures have gained popularity in the last few years, they registered a significant drop between 2011 and 2012. A report published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that butt lifts declined by 36% while butt implants fell by 25%. Doctors attribute this decline to a dip in excitement around the cosmetic surgery industry in relation to butt lifts and implants.

Chest Reduction

Contrary to popular belief, men of all ages go under the knife to enhance their looks. Men account for around 1.1 million cosmetic surgeries every year. One of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures among men is chest reduction. In fact, this procedure alone saw a 4% increase in 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Breast Augmentation

Among women, breast augmentation topped the list of most common surgical procedures despite dropping by seven percentage points since 2011. Despite the drop, plastic surgeons still performed about 286,000 breast augmentations in 2012. Another cosmetic procedure that dropped in popularity is liposuction. Figures from the aforementioned report show that less than 10% of these surgical procedures are not purely cosmetic and as such, involve some form of reconstruction.

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Articles
Skin

Face Taping – Does it Work?

With all the cosmetic procedures for getting rid of wrinkles, most people don't think of tape as their first choice. However, facial taping is a technique used by Hollywood actresses to keep their faces tight and wrinkle free. However, the question remains whether tape actually works in the long run?

Frownies

Frownies are transparent stickers that are available in several sizes and shapes to fit on various areas of the face. Frownies have been around for over a century and can be found in numerous drug stores and online websites. Recently they have been receiving competition from Furlesse, another anti-wrinkle patch. Frownies use the simple concept that adding tape to the skin can make it stay flat, thereby eradicating wrinkles.

Do Patches Work?

Some believe that adding Frownies or Furlesse patches every night can create a positive difference against wrinkles. While sleeping skin gets scrunched and squished, making the wrinkles worse. The patch acts as a retainer, holding the skin in place and preventing it from getting stretched.

What's the Point of Facial Tape?

Facial tape is marketed to give buyers an instant facelift. Although there are several success stories using tape, studies have shown that this technique does not work for everyone. To wear the tape in public, the user needs to have long hair that can cover the pads that are pulling back the skin. Without long hair, the user will not be able to hide the tape anchor.

What Is the Process for Applying Facial Tape

The face gets cleansed with exfoliating cream to remove dead skin. Facial tape is then applied to stretch the skin, creating a youthful and natural appearance. Using tape, the jawline is pushed up to the cheekbone region and the nose skin is pulled back to the ears. Tape is also used on the eyebrows to make the eye area tighter. Additional tape is used for any remaining lines around the forehead and lips. This process is repeated several times. On the last time, the bandages are soaked to moisten the skin.

Does It Work?

Many spas that use face tape report that their clients see a measurable and visible difference. For users who are not sure of any difference, some spas encourage them to take a before/after picture.

What Type of Facial Problems Can Tape Fix?

Facial tape has been used to treat loose skin hanging from the eyes, sagging jowls, double chins, crows’ feet, and any wrinkles on the face. However, one session usually is not enough to remove visible wrinkles. For people who have serious wrinkles, cosmetics and other anti-aging treatments may be required.

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Articles
Skincare

The Beauty Market Focuses on Brighter Skin

In the past, the anti-aging market has focused on wrinkle prevention and treatment. Today, the major focus has shifted to ways of brightening and evening a person's skin tone. Here is a closer look at how different parts of the world are dealing with this quest for youth. Understanding the cosmetics and other treatments of each region will explain the many possible ways to brighten skin.

France

France believes that sugar is the key to great skin. Sugar on cell's surfaces can prevent dark spots from developing. One product created with this in mind blends vitamin C with glycans to keep skin radiant and even in tone.

China

China has long used holistic practices for healing. One correcting serum contains natural ingredients that are native to China. Rosa Rox Burghii and licorice root are two key ingredients reported to protect against skin discoloration.

Iceland

Minerals in Iceland's glacial water have been turned into a serum, mask, and eye treatment, which reverse acidity and slow the production of melanin. This results in reportedly a more youthful complexion.

Israel

Hyperpigmentation is a common skin problem. A popular line of skin products in this country uses technology to lighten skin and correct dark spots. Results are supposedly quick and can be seen in a few weeks. It seems to be just as effective as prescription alternatives.

Japan

Products that are used to whiten the skin are very popular in countries like Japan. One product that is meant to get rid of spots and lighten the skin tone uses positive and negative ions to penetrate deep into the skin and get rid of melanin. There are also lightening ingredients included to create a glowing effect and protect against free radical damage. Most users notice visible results after one application.Other technology is being used to research an ingredient called Pitera. This is derived from yeast and is rich in vitamins and amino acids that make skin smoother.

Korea

Korea has long been obsessed with cosmetics and other skin care products. This country is hard at work trying to uncover a way to brighten the skin. An innovative brand has revealed a collection that uses ingredients like white ginseng to lower inflammation and increase circulation.The current trend in beauty is uncovering a product that improves skin tone. Countries all over the world are developing cosmetics and other products that bring back a youthful glow to skin. As a person ages, skin tends to accumulate dark spots and other discolorations. Using products that correct this problem will be the key to the modern fountain of youth.

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Articles
Facelift

Stem Cell Facelifts

As many women enter their forties, they begin to notice their facial features becoming gaunt and older looking. Traditionally, face-lifts have been popular for those not happy with the visual signs of aging. However, a new minimally invasive procedure, called the stem-cell face-lift claims to plump the skin and restore a youthful, full look to one’s face.

Stem Cell Benefits

A traditional face-lift uses surgical procedures to cut and lift skin that is sagging, and sews it back tightly, into a new place. With a stem-cell face-lift, fat injections that are taken from other areas of the body, such as the stomach or thighs, are placed into the facial skin to help the face increase volume and in turn making it look more youthful.Stem cells, also known as “undifferentiated cells” can be found in various tissue types throughout the body. Such cells are essentially ‘blank slates’ that have potential to transform into a specific, differentiated cell such as a skin cell, blood cell, muscle cell or fat cell.Scientists have explored stem cells’ regenerative potential for decades. Those familiar with the subject believe that these cells have the ability to generate tissues that could help to heal a wide range of conditions such as heart disease, spinal cord injury and even Alzheimer’s.

Proponents

Doctors that are proponents of the procedure are certain that loading the injected fat with additional stem cells will result in better skin. They believe that the youthful glow returns to the skin due to the stem cells, and that injecting fat alone will not yield the same results. These doctors claim to use a mechanical process in order to break up collagen and separate stem cells from the rest of the tissue.

Criticism

Many critics are wondering how the stem cells are effectively utilized in this procedure, suspecting that the fat taken from the harvesting sites are simply spun in a centrifuge before injecting it into hollow areas of the face. This makes it a simple fat grafting procedure and does not specifically involve stem cells.However, many critics of this new face-lift procedure, look down on this medicine for lack of evidence based practice. Consumers should be wary, they say, and make sure to distinguish between medicine and marketing techniques. Because no widespread studies have been done yet to prove the efficacy of stem cells for face-lift procedures, there is no truly supportive clinical evidence at this time.

Current Study

This is not to say that the procedure or others of its type do not have potential. Stem cells found in fat release growth factors that have been proven to bolster tissue healing and can provide for the formation of new blood vessels in the skin. Clinical trials are ongoing that are weighing the impact of stem cells on fat transfers. Depending on how these trials play out, there will be an answer on the true effectiveness of the current form of the stem-cell face-lift.

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Articles

Telomeres and the Science of Reversing the Signs of Aging

Since the turn of the century, major developments in cellular biology and other sciences have made a direct impact on the cosmetics and beauty field. The way researchers understand the aging process and the cellular science behind it have parlayed into techniques of potentially slowing, even reversing signs of aging. It may sound like science fiction, but it begins with the telomere, a natural portion of the chromosome that contains DNA code. It brings homeostasis, or balance, to the chromosome.

What Telomeres Tells Us

The telomere is a potential key to unlocking major breakthroughs in reducing the visual signs of aging. Scientists have deduced that telomere length and lifespan have a direct correlation. Efforts are now being made to create a procedure that actually lengthens telomeres and slows the aging process.Currently, tests exist that can reveal how fast someone is aging. A simple blood test that evaluates telomere length can give patients a specific outlook at their rate of cellular decomposition compared to average, healthy individuals.

How Telomeres Can Transform Aesthetic Medicine

This science has been evolving since the early twentieth century. In the 1980's, researchers found a laboratory enzyme that had the potential to increase the size of telomeres. The discovery of this enzyme was a major step, but it was not directly applicable to humans. Nearly a decade later found a form of this enzyme, known as telomerase, was found that could slow the shrinking of telomeres and drastically reverse aging factors. Incredibly, mice that were given this enzyme actually lived about 25 percent longer.

The Science of Telomeres

These elusive and mysterious parts of the chromosome are measured in base pairs. People begin life with an average length of 8,000 base pairs. By 65, the length drops incredibly. On average, the length of telomeres in senior citizens is nearly 80 percent smaller than length at birth.Biologists have found that change in lifestyle can boost telomerase levels to provide lasting effects on telomere length and thus aging itself. Increase in cardiovascular and aerobic exercise, improved diet, reduced stress and limitation of exposure to harmful chemicals can all heighten enzyme levels, preserve telomere length and reportedly slow, or even reverse aging.

Current Products

This does not seem like anything new, though. Most people are aware that a healthy lifestyle can markedly slow aging signs. The real breakthrough is the application of safe and natural plant extracts that can increase levels of Telomerase in humans.The plant extract known as TA-65 has demonstrated that it can preserve and rejuvenate telomeres. It is an emerging treatment, with only 600 doctors in the country dispensing the extract. However, the potential impact is nothing short of a scientific marvel.Throughout the 20,000 people that now take TA-65, reports have surfaced that its application successfully improves bone density, immunity, mental acuity, cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels. Perhaps most promising of all is that the TA-65 showed a direct effect on telomere length. This could be a sign of treatments to come that could provide a longer lifespan, slower aging, and a more vibrant youthful appearance.

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Articles
Breasts

Round or Shaped Implants – Which do Women Prefer?

When women choose breast augmentation, they open the door to a series of additional choices. Some traditional choices are well known even among people who have not undergone breast augmentation or reconstruction. For example, the choice between saline and silicone is discussed frequently and has been a public issue for some time.Advances in plastic surgery have made some additional choices necessary. Surgeons can use round or shaped implants when patients choose silicone for their breast augmentation. However, it is difficult for patients to have a point of reference when these decisions come up. They rely on their doctors to guide them because they may have only a few examples of people in their life who have had breast augmentation. They may even be entirely uninformed about the procedure outside of what their doctor tells them.

Common Complaints

The reason why many people choose silicone over saline in the first place is the sensation factor. Many people have said that silicone feels more natural in the hands when compared to saline, like real tissue. When deciding between round and shaped implants, doctors often try to help patients by referring to this issue and the way that round and shaped implants deal with them.

Round Vs Shaped Implants

Round implants are the traditional implant that has been around for decades. However, some patients complained that this did not always result in a breast that had a natural shape. With patients who had smaller breasts to begin with, they often felt like their round implants were obvious and odd-looking.

Breast Augmentation Concerns

An additional concern in patients after surgery was the tendency of some implants to ripple. Saline implants were infamous for this weakness. However, this is also a possibility with silicone. Doctors use this as a reference point as well when discussing the matter with patients.Shaped implants were developed to deal with these desires. They are packaged in silicone shapes that appear more like breasts prior to surgery. However, these shaped implants have also generated some concerns.

Results

Overall, when asked about their implants after recovery, patients seem to emphasize that their round implants felt soft. Patients with shaped implants, who were asked the same battery of questions, were less emphatic about the softness of their breasts and were more likely to characterize them as firm.These results can be read in various ways. Obviously, softness is desirable as a trait for reconstructed or augmented breasts. Yet firmness is also considered desirable. This information makes the choice just as difficult as it was before.However, doctors have definitely perceived round breasts to be more prone to rippling than shaped implants. The shaped devices, which have a textured exterior, seem to hold on to avoid losing contact with the connective tissue that surrounds them.Nevertheless, women and surgeons remain divided on the issues. Satisfaction with each type of implant is roughly the same. The differences are not presently significant enough to encourage large groups of patients or doctors to prefer one or the other.

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Articles
Botox / Wrinkles

Martha Stewart – Botox and Juvéderm

Celebrities are known for their beauty, even into old age. Aside from plastic surgery, most stars follow a particular beauty routine in order to maintain their appearance. For example, Martha Stewart has recently revealed how she has managed to look and feel good, even at age 71.

Begin Early

Getting out of bed early is very important. This gives one time to wash the face properly. Martha Stewart applies a mask over her face, neck, and chest to maintain proper moisture levels.

Scrub The Right Way

It is important to loofah dry skin away from arms, thighs, and feet. Martha Stewart uses special soaps along with cleansing brush to eliminate rough skin.

Exfoliation

Getting rid of dead skin cells is essential to a proper beauty regimen.

Moisturize Therapy

Most celebrities take a great number of pictures. To keep skin from appearing red and chapped, it is essential to moisturize. Martha Stewart will often use a facila moisturizer on her body.

Get Rid Of Blemishes

Although Martha Stewart rarely gets pimples, she will squeeze away the problem with no other use of chemicals.

Use Surgery Sparingly

Martha Stewart denies having facial procedures, but admits to Juvéderm injections. She also admits that Botox work well when used sparingly. However, she says that too much of these fillers can make a person appear very unnatural.

Stay Hydrated

It is essential to keep the body well hydrated. Martha Stewart drinks plenty of water along with the juice of one lemon each day. Instead of tap water, she keeps large bottles of water scattered across her properties.

Stay Light On Cosmetics

Instead of covering the face with a lot of cosmetics, Martha Stewart prefers to use little makeup. She only uses a touch of tinted primer and some bronzer. She also only uses liquid foundation when needed and stays away from powders because they can make a person appear older than they actually are.

No Hair Products

Martha Stewart prefers to keep her hair as natural as possible. She uses few products and stays away from strong scents.

Preserve Hands

Hands are the key to retaining youth. Martha Stewart receives a weekly hand massage and practices hand exercises. This keeps them from appearing wrinkled or too thin. It is also important to maintain good body posture as well.

Homemade Products Work Best

Martha Stewart prefers to create her own skin treatments. She mixes sea salt, lemon peel, and sesame oil as a scrub. It is odorless and dries into a powder.Celebrities often follow special rituals to maintain beauty. The above steps are part of Martha Stewart's daily routine to look and feel good.

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Articles

Mommy Makeovers

Although there are certain conditions to be expected in women post-maternity, medical professionals and beauty experts agree that many of these conditions are preventable, so there really is no excuse why new mothers can't look good after giving birth. Even the most common beauty problems can be fixed, thanks to preventative treatments, beauty therapies and a few good tricks.

Loose Skin

When one is pregnant, weight gain can occur in the stomach and other places, such as the butt, hips, thighs or other areas. However, often times after the baby is born, women will be left with extra skin. Treatments are available which will help to give a little tightening and procedures such as the tummy tuck, are permanent solutions to extra sagging skin.

Saggy Breasts

Breasts increase in size during pregnancy but also go back to their original size after. As a result, breasts begin to lose a bit of their firmness and appear saggy.Wearing a reliable support bra will help hold breasts in place and prevent pain during movement. A breast lift can also work wonders for repairing what Nature can't. A breast lift procedure may be combined with implants to lift saggy breast tissue and create volume.

Thinning Hair

Thick, shiny, glorious hair ceases to be that post-maternity, mainly because the hair stops growing and starts shedding. Vitamins and nutritional supplements, along with good food choices will help keep hair follicles healthy. Hair will, of course, grow back but if temporary measures are required, thickening shampoos and other treatments could provide much-needed boost. Thickening treatments will not actually increase the number of hair in the scalp but they will plump up the hair strands, creating more volume and a thicker appearance.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks occur as a result of stretched skin in the stomach area. Most women will have it, although some lucky ones won't. Stretch marks are permanent and although harmless, they are considered an aesthetic issue. Certain cosmetics can help hide them but they are best prevented using peptide-based creams.To get rid of stretch marks, topical treatments or even laser resurfacing are recommended. Stretch marks are best treated when they are still red.

Acne

The hormones of pregnancy can cause acne to appear, often leaving scarring and pitting. To prevent this, use products that contain niacin or wash using a cleansing brush like the Epione ClearTouch Matrix and 5% benzyl peroxide.Doctors do not recommend topical or oral medications to treat pimples and acne during pregnancy. A few treatments, such as laser, peels and retinoids, should also be avoided.

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Articles

Will the Next Great Skin Care Product Be Found in a Wine Glass?

According to researchers from Harvard Medical School, resveratrol, which is a compound found in red wine, provides some great anti-aging benefits. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in plants such as cocoa and grapes and it contains properties that protects from excessive ultra violet rays and infections.A study published in Science Magazine on March 8, 2013 by the aforementioned Harvard researchers confirms that these properties can provide great anti-aging benefits in humans. Moreover, the study indicates that resveratrol stimulates the production of SIRT1 in the body.

SIRT1 Benefits

SIRT1 is a serum that helps to block diseases in the body since it increases the speed at which the body's energy production centers operate and this ultimately boosts the ability of the body to fight diseases. The researchers who conducted the study believe that resveratrol ability to stimulate SIRT1 makes it a suitable ingredient for anti-aging or drugs that can reverse the effects on the natural aging process.According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, none of the anti-aging drugs and serums that are currently on the market can activate the production of SIRT1 as effectively as resveratrol. However, in the past, some health experts have questioned the ability of resveratrol to stimulate SIRT1 production. In fact, some earlier studies were able to show that resveratrol only stimulates SIRT production when combined with an artificial chemical.

Additional Research

Researchers had published a similar study in 2006 that linked resveratrol to SIRT1 production and longevity of mice. In order to prove that resveratrol could achieve the same results in humans, the team of researchers embarked on a mission to establish exactly how resveratrol works for the past six years before publishing their findings this year.After conducting years of research in order to prove that there is indeed a link between resveratrol and SIRT1 researchers at Harvard Medical School conducted clinical trials that generated proof that resveratrol can speed up mitochondrial activity. Researchers insist that the conclusions of their study, which indicate that resveratrol contains anti-aging benefits, are irrefutable. In an interview, they asserted the studies have established that with more research scientists can establish that aging is a reversible process.

Harvard and MIT

Following the publication of the study, several other scientists have concurred that the evidence provided in the study conducted by Harvard Medical Study is compelling. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times a biologist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology actually acknowledged that the professor had presented strong evidence in his study.

The Perfect Anti-Aging Cream

In view of the findings of the aforementioned study, many individuals looking for the perfect anti-aging cream are likely to reconsider the use of such cosmetics. While there is already some evidence that shows how a glass of red wine may slow down the natural aging process, only further research on the benefits of resveratrol will tell for sure.

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Movie Star Naomi Watts Discussed Plastic Surgery

Though most celebrities adamantly deny that they will ever even consider plastic surgery, award winner Naomi Watts says that plastic surgery is not out of the question. Though Watts says that she needs expression in her face to aptly play the emotional roles that she has lately been filling, plastic surgery is not something that she completely dismisses.

Plastic Surgery

Watts says that though she has not gotten any plastic surgery herself, she does not judge those that do as it is a personal choice and that those that do not opt for fillers and other face freezing procedures tend to inhabit two extremes. She says that in some cases they look freakish and tend to make their faces so immobile that playing roles correctly is not possible while others recover well from these procedures.

Workout Regimen

Watts also says that she does Pilates and yoga to keep her great physique and that even though she is aging, she is doing it gracefully. For many, the signs of a good life are wrinkles and smile lines and Watts feels as if those are some of the things that make it possible for her to play emotional roles and to show that she has lead a rich life. Many of those individuals in Hollywood are so scared of aging that they run to the plastic surgeon the second they see a line, Watts is exactly the opposite. Though she is aging incredibly well and lines do not seem to be an issue with her at all, Watts is willing to admit that she may feel like getting plastic surgery in the future if the situation permits. However, Watts says that her favorite roles are those of women with rich lives, and without lines and wrinkles, this is not possible.

Diet

For Watts, the key is aging gracefully and taking the time to enjoy the things that she has lived through. Watts also says that diets are not her thing, that rather than depriving herself of the foods that she loves, she eats in moderation and works to balance her diet while still eating the foods that she loves. Bread and pizza are at the top of the list and though she does not indulge in large amounts of either, she does eat some occasionally. Watts also claims that motherhood and family are two of the things that help to make her feel and look younger. Rather than spending time worrying about not getting enough sleep, Watts spends her time relishing the love and support that she feels from her family.

Juggling Career and Motherhood

Like so many other women, Watts says that motherhood is one of the most fulfilling things she has ever been a part of. Though she does not get as much sleep as those that do not have children, she feels incredibly enriched and fulfilled because she is a mother. Naomi Watts is one of the few actresses in Hollywood that are happy with their lines and with their lives without the aid of plastic surgery and other anti-aging products and procedures.

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Plastic Surgery for Men Up 106% Since 1997

In the past, plastic surgery has been common for women that are looking for ways to boost their appearance and enhance their beauty. Recently, trends have been seeing more and more men taking advantage of these types of procedures as well.Shedding an age old negative stigma, men's plastic surgery procedures are becoming commonplace. Besides tummy tucks, men are also receiving face work including Botox and fillers. Almost ten percent of a typical plastic surgeon's patients have become men. This figure has nearly doubled over the last two years alone.

Popular Procedures

As people are getting healthier and losing weight, extra skin may be left behind. This can be nearly impossible to get rid of without surgical intervention. Men are eliminating this skin with tummy tucks.Many men seek procedures like fillers because males burn a great deal of fat, especially in the face as they age. Fillers will give a man a more youthful appearance. Other popular trends for men include Cool Sculpting and laser hair removal. These take away fat from around the belly and remove hair from sensitive areas of the body.

Confidence Boosting Procedures

Typically, men undergo plastic surgery to increase their appearance and boost confidence. The most popular procedures for include nose jobs, liposuction, eyelid surgery, ear reshaping, and breast reduction. Many older men undergo plastic surgery in order to help themselves compete in the youthful job market. Younger male clientèle typically intend to enhance their physique. For example, high definition liposuction sculpt a better "six pack" using an ultrasonic unit that melts fat, contracts tissue, and lets a doctor mold the skin. This procedure has replaced common liposuction, which only reduces fat from one particular area.

Varying Preferences

There are certain differences between men and women when it comes to plastic surgery. Men tend to choose procedures that require less recovery time and present little pain. Men are also more decisive and decide to go under the knife much quicker. Women usually like to research procedures and think it over more carefully. Women are normally out to look younger and are willing to receive more invasive surgery that comes with more recovery time. Men prefer to gain confidence and appear quickly refreshed. This means that results must look extremely natural.

Changing Societal Values

It is obvious that more and more men are opting for plastic surgery. Whether it is used to appear younger, remove excess skin, or sculpt the body, trends show a great increase in the number of men willing to go under the knife. As society values youthfulness, this number is certain to increase. In the end, it is no longer an embarrassment to admit to a bit of surgical nip and tuck, even for a man.

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Facelift

Lunch Hour Facelifts More Popular than Ever

The face-lift has a long history of being a reliable type of cosmetic procedure that has allowed doctors to repair loose, sagging skin common among aging individuals. Most people usually associate the face-lift procedure with surgery and in fact, a good number of anti-aging treatments of this type still subject patients to going under the knife. For anyone who has always wanted a younger, fresher look, the new lunch-hour face-lift may be the answer.

The New Face Lift

Unlike the more traditional plastic surgery procedure we know as the face-lift, the new types of face lifting treatments involve not one but several small nonsurgical procedures. An increasing number of women are now opting to go in for such minimally invasive procedures including Botox, special fillers and laser resurfacing to smooth out lines and fill in creases. A large number of women are opting for such quick treatment packages that involve little to no recovery time, so one doesn't have to worry about being missing in action at work. Aside from this, the results are immediately visible and the procedures can be done in the time allotted for one’s lunch break.

Cost and Safety

The lunch-hour procedure may be relatively simpler and quicker compared to traditional treatments but they come with a cost. Additionally, there are a few things that one will need to keep in mind if they are considering going in for a lunch hour face-lift. The first is doing proper research on what the desired procedures in order to understand the full commitment that one is making. Despite being referred to as lunch break techniques, some procedures may require a short period of rest. Therefore, patients should consider their time commitments, and schedule such procedures on a day that they would be able to miss work if necessary.

Find the Right Doctor

Finding a qualified physician for the treatment to ensure safety and the best results is the next step. Getting recommendations from people who have had similar procedures and written reviews will help narrow down the right one. Visit the cosmetic surgeon prior to undergoing any treatment in order to speak about what you expect from the procedure and what actually will be done. It is also imperative to find out the realistic amount of time necessary for the procedure to be completed and to learn about any side effects, such as rashes and swelling, and if minimal make up will help cover them.

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Botox / Wrinkles

Johnson & Johnson to Unveil New Anti-Wrinkle Drug to Compete with Botox

Can It Be Bigger and Better?

However, the new drug is likely to find it tough to win over the market mainly because Botox performs so well. To outdo its competitors, the new drug has to work faster, produce long lasting effects, and/or be more affordable than Botox. The good news for J&J customers is that they have brilliant researchers who produce great products. Even with that, loyal Botox consumers might take time to switch to the new product because Allergan, the manufacturer of Botox, has built a strong brand.

Will J&J Add Medical Benefits?

Some of its other medical uses include treating migraines, overactive bladders, and sweaty underarms. According to revenue projections from Morningstar's Waterhouse, the J&J anti-wrinkle drug should generate.

Joining the Competition

Granted, several companies have already introduced anti-wrinkle cosmetics treatments in a bid to wrest market share from Botox including MerzPharma Group's Xeomin and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc.'s Dysport. However, the aforementioned drugs have only yielded a paltry 15% market combined. J&J expects to grab the number two market spot ahead of Dysport and Xeomin.Morningstar believes that competition will be quite fierce in emerging markets where Botox has not made serious inroads such as South America and Asia. In addition, the drug is likely to find acceptance among people looking for the next big revelation that can deliver superior cosmetics results particularly in terms of youthful and wrinkle free skin.

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Kate Middleton – The Most Popular Celebrity Facial Feature

There are a number of things for which some women are envious of Kate Middleton and included among them are her husband, her poise and her celebrated sense of style. However, there is another thing for which some women envy her and that is her nose.The New York Daily News has reported that there are a number of young women in Long Island and New York who are flocking to the offices of plastic surgeons in a manner that is similar to a spring sale at Barneys, in order to get the sniffer of the Duchess of Cambridge.

Why Kate?

The nose of the Duchess is popular among patients who are on the quest for a "natural" look. He says that women, particularly those who are over 28 years of age, would like to have the nose of a woman who they consider strong, refined and regal. Kate’s nose appeals to many women because it is cute and perky and it is not too big. Her nose will suit just about any type of face.The Daily News noted that with that type of funds on the table, New York plastic surgeons that have been noticing the royal rhinoplasty trend have become proactive. Many New York plastic surgeons have created portfolios of Kate Middleton photos to present to patients when they come in for their consultations.

Across the Pond

However, New Yorkers are not the only ones; women in the United Kingdom are requesting Kate Middleton nose jobs as well. According to data released in 2012 by the Transform Cosmetic Surgery Group, Kate Middleton's nose is the celebrity facial feature that is most frequently requested.

Will it Be a Boy or Girl for Kate and William?

The growing popularity of the royal nose job comes as Middleton, who is more than half way through her first pregnancy, reportedly said at a ceremony on St. Patrick's Day that she is hoping for a boy but Prince William, her husband, would like a girl.

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Chin Augmentation Combined with Nose Job

According to a study recently carried out by Italian researchers, combining chin and nose surgical procedures offers the best results. The researchers from the University of Verona found that changing the profile of your chin (genioplasty) and nose (rhinoplasty) results in minimal instability over the long term. This is good news if one is considering plastic surgery to change the way their face looks. Although rhinoplasty can alter the facial profile of a patient with minimal change, adding genioplasty to the equation significantly improves aesthetic appeal.

Why the Combination?

In most cases, the relationship between the chin and the nose plays a big role in determining how proportionate one's face appears. As a result of this correlation, having one of the two surgical procedures does not guarantee a proportional outcome. This is why having the two procedures at the same time may produce better results. With chin surgery, the bone remodeling normally guarantees better stability over the long term. Additionally, the combined cost of both procedures would be lower than getting each procedure separately. Healing would also occur simultaneously, reducing recovery time.

Study’s Results

The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Facial Plastic Surgery involved 90 people and spanned two years starting in January 2002 and ending in January 2004. During the three-year follow-up period, the researchers found that 45.6% of people who had plastic surgery to reduce the size of their chins did not register any visible changes afterwards. Additionally, 52% of participants who had chin extensions registered no more than a millimeter of change, which plastic surgeons refer to as a stable profile. On the other hand, a nose job is much riskier because all rhinoplasty surgeries change within 12 to 24 months altering your facial profile.

Other Considerations

One has to take into account possible complications that can arise after the initial surgery. In some cases, patients have to seek out another plastic surgeon to make the necessary nose job corrections and revisions. This can make the cost of the operation even more prohibitive.The process of altering the chin involves inserting an implant or cutting the chin bone and changing its position. Although this procedure carries risks such as nerve damage, an experienced and skilled surgeon can get yield results. When it comes to chin enhancement, it is best to go for a bone genioplasty. Compared to chin implants, the long-term outcome is more stable because implants can erode into the underlying bone structure.If one is considering undergoing plastic surgery to change the way their face looks, it is advisable to have the two procedures at the same time. Benefits of taking this approach include lower costs, shorter recovery period, as well as a better facial profile.

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