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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The cost of responding to infections in patients who have had a joint replacement can be considerable. Tens of thousands of dollars can be wasted when a single individual has a knee or hip replaced but has to have the synthetic joint removed. This adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars lost in the U.S. health system as the numbers of people having joint replacement surgeries rises.

Risks to Patients Who Experience Infection

If the area around a surgical opening becomes infected, patients experience pain, are prone to needing additional surgery, and need to take antibiotics to combat the problem. Given all of this, such patients frequently require amputation. According to doctors, an infection can linger and grow without being detected for many months, even as long as two years. Fewer than five percent of all patients contract infections, however this amounts to thousands of patients per year.

Where Do Infections Come From?

A lot of infections come from doctors and nurses. Mistakes can be easily made and bacteria get can easily infiltrate a surgical site. The bacteria on one’s own skin often pose the greatest threat of infection.Staph infection is known to affect many people who remain asymptomatic until their bodies are put under pressure. Bacteria remains on the skin even long after a person washes using soap and water. It is very easy for these pathogens to be transported from one part of the body to another, or from the skin into the bloodstream through open incisions.

How to Lessen the Risk

A federally funded initiative known as Project Joints implemented a regimen to combat the risk of infection in numerous hospitals. Beginning thirty days prior to their scheduled procedure, patients are educated on to how to wash properly before and after a procedure and are given a special preoperative soap to wash with for at least three days prior to an operation.Project Joints also requires that tests be done to discover if staph bacteria is present in a person's body using a nasal swab. The initiative also involves cutting hair around the surgical site rather than shaving, so as to prevent small wounds that would permit bacteria to enter into a patient's bloodstream.

Using Antibiotics

The initiative requires that any incision site be swabbed by nurses with an antiseptic product to remove dirt, bacteria, cosmetics, or whatever remains on the skin immediately prior to the operation. Many doctors also administer precautionary antibiotics, and they also respond aggressively to any positive tests for staph or other infection.The project also suggests that the smallest details cannot be overlooked. It even encourages patients to make sure their sheets are clean when they go to bed the night before they enter hospital for surgery. Studies show that when these measures are taken, rates of infection drop by more than 50%.

Acne breakouts seem to occur at the most inappropriate times. Numerous factors may lead to this problem. Here is a look at eight things that can make a person break out. Contact Epione for your acne treatment options!

Big Plans

Planning for something exciting can cause acne to occur. Events like a vacation or a wedding may be happy times, but can be extremely stressful to plan. Stress causes the immune system to lose control and pimples to erupt. During a stressful time, it may help to take some ibuprofen, which calms inflammation.

Hair

Most people use a wide range of products on hair. These items can rub against the face and block skin pores. To prevent breakouts, it will be wise to clean the forehead with salicylic acid.

Water

Most people do not know that the water used to shower can actually lead to acne. Hard water does not properly rinse soap off of the skin. The residue may lead to pimples. To correct the problem, a person may need to purchase an inexpensive water softener.

Toothpaste

Pimples may occur on any part of the face. When a person is allergic to certain ingredients in toothpaste, perioral dermatitis can occur. Likely culprits will be fluoride and whitening additives. To avoid or correct the problem, it may be best to temporarily use toothpaste that is free of fluoride.

Coffee With Cream

Although there is no conclusive scientific research that has blamed dairy for acne breakouts, many people believe that the proteins and peptides in milk trigger pimples. To rule out dairy as a problem, it is best to avoid rich latte or creams and drink black coffee. After a few weeks, a person may notice a clearer face.

Husband/Boyfriend

When a man has stubble and kisses a woman, it can lead to great friction that causes her skin to become irritated and inflamed. A girl's skin can begin to break out. Another thing that may be to blame is the man's heavy aftershave. To solve the problem, a man should shave his face and stop applying cologne to the face. This will keep kissing more comfortable and less likely to cause pimples.

Birth Control

Even though most birth control pills can clear up acne, a change in hormones can cause breakouts. It may be wise to switch brands. A gynecologist will be able to help realign hormone levels and stop pimples.

Sun Exposure

The sun is known to dry up pimples. However, too much exposure can cause the skin to thicken. This can lead to blocked pores. To avoid this problem, it is always smart to apply an oil free sunscreen that contains UV protection.Breakouts can occur at any time. Instead of reaching for cosmetics to cover up the problem, it is better to get to thee root of the problem. The above things are just a few common reasons why a person may suffer bouts of acne.

The majority of individuals are aware of things like sun, smoking and stress that speed up the aging process and the need for cosmetics and plastic surgery. However, there are a number of surprising things that can also accelerate the visual signs of aging. Here are nine of the lesser-known culprits:

Sexual Sparsity

Too little sex is a dismal state of affairs but does it actually speed up the aging process? Sex helps people feel better and promotes immune function. Experts suggest that having sex about two times per week can contribute to slowing down aging.

Withering Warmth

Photo aging from the sun and radiant heat from a potbellied stove or an open fire are major radiation sources. Extended exposure to those heat sources deteriorates the skin and could actually result in skin cancer.

Pressuring Pillow

The American Academy of Dermatology believes that constantly sleeping on the face is among the primary causes of wrinkles. Sleep lines can become etched on the surface of the face when one sleeps in particular positions.

Dangling Dieting

Yo-yo dieters that are known to jump from one "miracle diet" to another need to be aware that these diet offer only short-term results and they accelerate aging as well. Losing weight too rapidly results in the loss of more muscle than fat, and often results in a period of rapid weight gain.

Technical Troubles

The jury is out on whether radiation from cell phones is bad for our health or not. Yet, it is advisable to play it safe and switch off these devices when sleeping. However, cell phone radiation has been linked to the disruption of sleep patterns and natural hormone cycles, processes vital to youthful appearance.

Sucking on a Straw

Frequently pursing the lips causes the muscle to get stronger and creases the lips. As individuals age, their skin loses elasticity and get thinner. Signs of aging can become more prominent after one reaches their forties if they always use a straw when sipping drinks.

Low-fat Life

Even though low-fat diets are quite popular, there are “good fats” such as those derived from olive oil and avocado, which help us avoid chronic disease and premature aging. Such “good fats” get eliminated from these diets. A healthy and balanced diet can be an effective counter to the visual signs of aging.

Banish the Brush

Unwashed cosmetics brushes can damage both health and looks. Dirty brushes can result in skin infections and unnecessary breakouts. It is imperative to use spray cleaners, soapy cleansers, and lots of water to keep makeup brushes clean at all times.

Excessive Exercise Exertion

The tremendous anti-aging benefits of exercise are undeniable. However, going overboard is counter-productive. Overactive athletes can be afflicted with "facial wearing," which is a haggardly, sunken-in look which require plastic surgery and significant amounts of facial fillers to be reversed.

Among non-supporters of plastic surgery, there is a common viewpoint that people who go under the knife to improve their looks are actually unhappy and unsatisfied individuals. After all, why go through the pain, expense and sometimes extensive recovery period that some surgical procedures require, only to change one’s outward appearance? Surprisingly, the results of a recent study conducted over the long term shows that people who undergo plastic surgery may have just stumbled upon a way to find happiness and satisfaction... and high-end cosmetic surgery have nothing to do with it.

The (Good) Psychological Effects of Plastic Surgery

Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum and Basel University conducted a study that attempted to discover the effects of cosmetic procedures on an estimated 550 individuals. The European study, which was released in early March 2013, showed that patients who underwent cosmetic surgery reported an increase in confidence following their procedure.To impose a control on the study group, the researchers surveyed 264 individuals who wanted to have a plastic surgery procedure but decided not to go through it, and 1000 individuals who were not interested in undergoing any cosmetic enhancement. Of the participants in the study, women comprised 87% of the patients who chose to have plastic surgery. There was no noteworthy difference seen in members of the groups when it came to unhappiness and life satisfaction. There was also little difference among participants when it came to issues such as mental well being.

Realistic Expectations

Researchers used what is known as the "Goal Attainment Scale" as an instrument for psychological testing. The scale is designed to determine what patients thought and felt using open questions in addition to providing a choice between ten categorical aims. The questions also included two unrealistic goals, which stated that the patient hopes to become a new person completely and that he or she will be able to overcome problems once the aesthetic ideal is achieved. Of all respondents, only twelve percent chose these answers. The majority of patients opted for the more realistic goals, such as eliminating blemishes and imperfections, improving their self-confidence and feeling better.

Plastic Surgery = Happiness?

The subjects were all tested prior to surgery and several times post-op. They were asked to undergo the survey again 3, 6 and 12 months after the procedure. An average number of participants claimed that they have reached their goals and that they are satisfied with the results over the long term. Here is the more interesting part: compared to individuals who opted against plastic surgery, patients who underwent cosmetic procedure said they felt healthier, had improved self-esteem, felt less anxious and were much more confident about the attractiveness of their body. Researchers also did not observe any negative effects on the participants as a result of their plastic surgery procedure. As a result of feeling better about themselves, the participants turned out to enjoy a better level of happiness than those who did not undergo plastic surgery.

Choosing a doctor can be difficult. At first glance, the need for patients to have an empathetic physician may not seem that important. However, for frequent care, or any surgery or procedures, having a doctor that one likes and trusts is quite important. Doctors should be chosen based on more than just location, recommendations, and experience. There are several traits patients should look for when selecting a new doctor.

Empathy

A new study conducted at Michigan State University indicates that having an empathetic doctor can decrease the awareness of pain. Research had already proven that patients with empathetic doctors had better health outcomes, but this is the first study of its kind to show that empathetic doctors can impact pain perception. It is recommended that patients pay attention to how their physician makes them feel. If the physician is not empathetic, it may be time for a new doctor.

Not in a Hurry

A quality doctor should take the time to listen to patient concerns. Even if he or she has a waiting room full of patients to see, each patient should be made to feel as if they are the only patient at the time. Correctly diagnosing a condition and prescribing a medication or treatment requires doctors to slow down and pay attention to their patients as individuals.

Gets Adequate Rest

Doctors should always be well rested and on high alert. Doctors who do not sleep well, or sleep very little, can be more dangerous and their judgment can be lacking. Patients who see a doctor that yawns constantly or appears frequently with circles under their eyes may want to look for a new physician. Many people do not know that patients have the right to ask their doctor if they have received adequate rest.

Up to Date

Good doctors are not necessarily the ones who have been in practice the longest. Many times newer doctors know best when it comes to newer procedures and the latest treatments. Local teaching hospitals can offer doctors who have experience with the latest in new procedures and techniques. It can be especially beneficial to have a newly trained doctor when having a laparoscopic, robotic, or cosmetic procedure.

Validates Concerns

A good doctor also listens to and validates patient concerns, as trivial as they may seem to the doctor. Patients should feel comfortable speaking to their doctor about anything and not feel judged. A doctor who criticizes or dismisses concerns or lifestyles is probably not one that is trusted and should be dismissed from patient care.

Professionalism

Quality doctors should always keep their patient relationships professional. Flirting or discussing personal details of a patient's life takes the relationship out of the medical realm and is unethical. This behavior can make doctors less focused on patient care and the health of their patients. Patients are less likely to discuss some of their embarrassing health issues or cosmetic concerns if the doctor-patient relationship seems more than friendly.Finding a good doctor can be a difficult task. However, patients who have doctors with all of these traits are predisposed to be happier and healthier. With health and happiness on the line, it is important to find a doctor who has empathy, takes the time to listen to and validate concerns, keeps the relationship professional and keeps up to date on advancements in the practice.

There are a wide variety of different cosmetics procedures that a person seeking fat reduction can undergo. Bariatric surgery, liposuction, laser fat reduction, ultrasound, and cold therapy that freezes one’s fat away have been popular methods of reducing fat. Until now, however there was no way to effectively get quality fat reduction from a cosmetic operation without pain or extensive. A new treatment, however, may be the fat-buster that countless people are hoping for. The Vanquish device, manufactured by BTL Aesthetics in Massachusetts, seeks to eliminate excess quantities of body fat by using radio frequencies to eliminate the bulk carried around in the midsection and thighs without harming (or even touching) a patient's body.

An Upgrade On Existing Treatments

If one is seeking cosmetic fat reduction surgery, they may not be particularly pleased by their options. A liposuction treatment, for instance, will suck the fat right out of one’s belly or thighs, but will leave you sore for weeks, sometimes unable to sit down without pain and bruises. An ultrasound machine will break up fat molecules deep within your body, but can also damage organs, requiring strong pain medication. A cold therapy routine will freeze away one’s fat, but in order to do so one must go back for weeks or even months of treatment and be subject to having to take painkillers. Other treatments (some not approved by the FDA) involve injecting chemicals that can leave a patient swollen and sore.

Radio For Fat Busting

By heating up the body tissues, it is possible to accelerate the burning of fat. Heating muscles, after all, is what happens during high intensity exercise, requiring fat cells in order to power the heat and then deliver healing nutrients to the area. The Vanquish machine uses radio waves in order to heat up the interior of our waist or legs or arms and obliterate fat. Though it uses deep-tissue heating in order to burn away body fat, one does not experience hot sensations, as skin is heated up to about 101 degrees Fahrenheit, only three degrees warmer than normal body temperature. Patients who went under the Vanquish's radio waves reported feeling warm, and that it felt as if they were standing in front of a heating vent.

How To Get The Treatment

To get the full benefit from Vanquish, it is necessary to receive four treatment sessions, once a week, in order to evenly melt away the fat from the target area of the patient’s body. Since the body does heat up and sweat, patients will need to drink water both before and after treatment. Many of the dead fat cells will be swept out with liquid waste, so not drinking water can lead to blockages. To date, no patients have made complaints about pain or damage to their skin or underlying muscle mass.

Recently, research gave wine lovers another reason to raise their glasses – this time for its supposed anti-aging benefits. Resveratrol, a chemical found in red wine and cocoa has already been speculated to reduce blood pressure in men and help maintain motor balance in the elderly. Now with anti-aging benefits to boot, is resveratrol can become the new darling of the cosmetics industry.

What is Resveratrol?

Resveratrol is an antioxidant with a polyphenolic structure, naturally found in both red wine and cocoa. It belongs to a group of 600 antimicrobial chemical compounds collectively named phytoalexins. Plants produce phytoalexins to fight infections, change in weather, extreme climates, ultraviolet light and other severe conditions.The research for resveratrol is not without its set of challenges. Most of the data was collected using laboratory mice and not humans, for example. A 2012 study gave resveratrol to mice with balance issues, and after receiving high doses for at least a month; the mice were able to walk across a balance beam with no problems. This same effect would be problematic to gauge in humans simply because it would take 700 bottles of red wine for humans to get the same concentration of resveratrol in their systems. This much alcohol is lethal.

Cosmetic Companies Give Resveratrol a Chance

Most prominent studies that link resveratrol with anti aging benefits have been around for only a few years. Its anti aging benefits have not been detailed yet but the cosmetics industry seems to be giving it a hard chase already. Many spas around the world including Les Sources de Caudalie in France and Aire Ancient Baths in New York have tipped their traditional spa bath infusions and replaced them with tubs full of red wine. A skincare brand named Resvology also sells products with an ester of the compound that they claim erases fine lines and wrinkles.

How Should Resveratrol be Administered?

The Mayo Clinic has stated that the human body does not readily absorb oral resveratrol supplements. Different studies imply different methods for intake of the chemical. A 2005 study published in the National Institutes of Health reports that when researchers applied resveratrol externally on the skin of animals and exposed them to ultraviolet radiation, the compound protected the subjects from skin damage. Another study published in October 2012 in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology reported that a 60-day course of orally administered resveratrol improved moisture, softness, elasticity and complexion in subjects.Resveratrol is touted as perhaps the most effective sunblock found in plants and animals. With anti aging benefits, UV protection, cancer prevention and improved motor control in its roster of benefits, resveratrol may soon become a very popular antioxidant in the cosmetics industry.

It's a skin condition that leaves millions begging for brighter days. It can elicit worry in even the most self-assured. Acne is one of the most undesirable conditions out there today. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most ubiquitous. 85% of the population will have experienced it. It's like an unfortunate rite of passage; after all, it primarily effects our youth. Those undergoing the hormonal changes of puberty are apt to be more affected. Yet they’re not the only ones, not by a long shot. Even adults may still suffer from severe cases of acne. Even if new pustules don't develop, scars from the past can constantly degrade confidence.

Exciting News

Medical science is proving its ingenuity once more with an incredible breakthrough. Scientists have been using DNA science to discover better ways to treat acne and skin conditions. Ironically enough, a recent study published in the Los Angeles Times indicates that the source of our new hope against acne comes from what may appear to be the source of the problem in the first place: bacteria.

National Institutes of Health

The study is one part of a push by the National Institutes of Health to map the human microbiome -- the trillions of microbes living inside and on our bodies that have been evolving along with humans.Much of the focus so far has been on the study of the species of bacteria in the gut. The Human Microbiome Project has also been looking at communities of microbes living in the nasal passages, mouth, and the skin.

DNA Sequencing

DNA sequencing has determined that this bacteria is in fact related to the type that we suspect brings about acne. Potentially, this discovery is could lead to the development of treatments that selectively target only the "bad" bacteria that cause acne, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Yet, despite this relation, it's just different enough to actually cause an opposite effect that will help individuals remove their acne.

The Science Behind it

The specific type of bacterium used is called Propionibacterium acnes or P. acnes. As its name implies, this is what we suspect causes acne in the first place. However, DNA sequencing allowed scientists to discover an entirely new strain of the bacterium. The idea may seem strange to some, but the discoverers likened it to a more familiar species, cannis familiaris, or the domesticated dog. Dogs are still called dogs, but there's a huge difference between a Mastiff and a Chihuahua.The separate DNA structure actually allows this strain to combat acne in such a way that it neutralizes the bad bacterium. The researchers in charge of the study believe that this research is extremely promising. It's already helped volunteers rid themselves of their acne. While they were utilizing the P. acnes their skin was clearer than without it. Hopefully down the road, this will be a viable way to treat acne and prevent scarring.