A new age group is starting to take interest in non-surgical facial rejuvenation – teens. Recently, Charice, an 18-year-old singer who is set to appear on the hit TV show “Glee,” has undergone Botox injections. She states that she did so in hopes to achieve a more “fresh” look on-camera, as the surgeon who performed the injections says that this will help her attain a thinner facial appearance.

As younger Hollywood starlets are undergoing facial rejuvenating procedures, many of their fans (and critics) are expressing concern over their desire to look even younger than they already do. Their teen and pre-teen fans who look up to them have expressed concern over why they feel the need to cosmetically enhance their appearance. Although most stars say they want to be positive role models for their adoring fans, their own lack of confidence seems contradicting. As media outlets “out” young stars who undergo plastic surgery procedures, more teen fans are flocking to their local surgeon.

With the media constantly covering stories regarding “young Hollywood” and who got what done, facial rejuvenation is frequently requested by individuals everywhere. Now, both men and women a more likely to consider a minimally invasive treatment in order to achieve a refreshed facial appearance and keep up with latest trends.

The most common procedures include microdermabrasion, Botox ®, and fillers such as Juvederm ® and Restylane ®.  These non-surgical treatments can help patients reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, fine lines, and creases. Botox is intended to temporarily block the nerve signal that causes the underlying muscle to contract, which leads to unwanted signs of aging. Facial fillers can help patients who have lost volume in the cheeks regain a more youthful look. At the Toronto practice of William G. Middleton, M.D., patients may undergo a variety of these procedures to rejuvenate their facial appearance. According to Dr. Middleton, “Non-surgical procedures are extremely common in my practice. Fillers have become exceedingly popular and are in almost as much demand as Botox.  Patients use Botox, fillers, thermal skin tightening, and laser peels to both delay surgery before the fact, and to prolong the longevity of surgical results after. Glowing, healthy skin is the best accessory!”

If you are in the Hamilton or Oshawa areas, you may wish to browse the website of Dr. Middleton to learn more regarding the non-surgical options available. You can also schedule an appointment to discuss your treatment.

We humans have an intrinsic appreciation for a full, pouty set of lips. It’s an attraction that knows no geographical or societal bounds; beautiful lips area admired by men and women from any city, be it Tokyo, Sao Paolo or Newport Beach. Lip enhancement procedures, coincidentally, are now being called the best thing to happen for lips since lipstick. Today, there are a number of FDA-approved lip enhancement treatments available, most of which are minimally-invasive and very low-risk.

For patients receiving lip enhancement for the first time, most doctors recommend an injectable with temporary results. The leading temporary lip enhancement injectables used today contain hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance found in the connective tissues of the body. These injections essentially plump the underlying tissue by promoting skin hydration, for a fuller look and a feel that passes the “kiss test.” The results usually last around eight months before the body metabolizes it naturally. Brand names include Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Pervelle. In the past, collagen was also used for lip enhancement, but most surgeons now prefer hyaluronic acid, as it has a lower risk of allergic reaction and lasts longer.

Permanent lip enhancement is more complex and carries more risks and expenses. The most common procedures implants skin or fat from your own body or a cadaver into your lips. It is difficult to get natural-looking results with a fat graft, as the body tends to reabsorb some of the tissue. Synthetic materials which aren’t reabsorbed, such as silicone or saline, can also be implanted, but may cause allergic reactions or form hard nodules. Permanent lip implants may also react to cold weather and feel unnatural while kissing or eating. Because of the possible complications, it’s best to consult an experienced and highly medical specialist, and explore all of your options before moving forward with a permanent lip enhancement.

In summary, it is possible to correct thin lips, “marionette lines” and other signs of aging apparent in the lips. In fact, proximately 21,651 non-filler lip augmentation procedures were performed in the United States in 2009. But because many lip enhancement procedures are relatively new, it’s best to ensure that your surgeon is using an FDA-approved injectable or filler with an established track record.

Plastic surgeons throughout the country were extremely vocal when it came to the proposed tax on cosmetic enhancements. In the end, the law did not pass. Instead a 10 percent tax is now being imposed on tanning salons. This is meant to discourage people from tanning in booths and thus reduce their risk of skin cancer. Supporters of the new tax state that tanning salons are the main cause of melanoma, and imposing the tax may keep frequent tanners away from the booths. If not permanently, at least cause them to visit less often.

Although the tanning business is upset over the new federal tax, plastic and cosmetic surgeons are relieved that they were able to bypass the plastic surgery tax. However, this leaves questions as to whether the plastic surgery industry will have to face this threat again in the future; for now, the cost of Botox ® injections and breast augmentation surgery remain the same. Those who frequently undergo a non-invasive treatment such as Botox or facial fillers already have ongoing expenses, due to treatment that may require several sessions, and an added tax may deter their appointments.

In Frisco, Botox and other facial rejuvenation procedures are offered by Robert M. Friedman, M.D. If you would like further information regarding these treatments, you may visit his website and schedule an appointment with Dr. Friedman.

Many individuals who show signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, often opt to undergo Botox ® injections. This facial injectable temporarily blocks the underlying muscle movement that causes these unflattering characteristics. In addition, Botox has been used on patients who suffer from excessive sweating, migraines, and muscle spasms due to cerebral palsy.

Although several patients have experienced successful results with Botox injections, the FDA-approved usage of this facial injectable is for use in between the brows. That being said, all other uses are not considered approved and are constantly facing lawsuits when complications arise. Several plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, registered nurses, and physician’s assistants who train in administering the injectable are educated on the “off-label” uses as well. Due to these types of treatments and the increase in deaths and illness related to Botox, there is a probe going on with Orange County Botox maker, Allergan. The millions of dollars spent on settling with patients and their families who had unsuccessful results is said to be caused by the misuse of Botox – treating conditions not approved by the FDA. Now, surgeons are working to have the off-label treatments approved.

One of the most noticeable features of the face is the person’s smile. Traditionally, full lips with a well-formed upper lip “cupid’s bow” are considered aesthetically attractive. As a result, many Hollywood stars have opted to undergo lip enhancement in order to achieve more voluminous lips. With the use of facial fillers, plastic surgeons can help thin-lipped actresses gain the smile they desire.

However, there has been a recent increase in overly plumped lips amongst female stars. From Christina Aguilera to Courtney Cox, it appears that a mere subtle enlargement through injectables is out of the question. New York City plastic surgeon Steven J. Pearlman, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a facial surgery specialist who offers this treatment. Having performed this procedure for many years, Dr. Pearlman has perfected the “Cupid’s Bow Lip” technique with the use of Restylane ®. This allows the patient to attain the volume they want without losing the natural contour of the lips, which is what non-celebrity patients are looking to do. Dr. Pearlman’s goal is to provide you with a natural enhancement – not a plastic pout like that of movie actress Melanie Griffith.

The craze of Botox® seems never-ending, and according to a recent ABC 4 News report, this never-ending beauty craze is known as the “Botox Boutique.” Giving in to the popularity of this facial injectable and its ability to reduce the amount of wrinkles and fine lines by temporarily paralyzing muscle movement, Beauty Addix in Murray, Utah (within close distance to Salt Lake City) has made Botox conveniently accessible to shoppers seeking facial rejuvenation. Dermal fillers, such as Restylane® and Juvederm™ continue to attract those who desire a more youthful appearance, but Botox reigns above all non-invasive, cosmetic facial procedures. Therefore, to many people, it makes sense that a fashion spot would want to stay current on all that is related to beauty by offering the public the chance to enhance their face as well as their wardrobe.

According to this report, walk-ins are welcome as well as expected, allowing shoppers the chance to undergo a non-invasive procedure in the same store where shoes, clothing, and accessories are displayed.

But how does this reflect on the medical industry? Many cosmetic surgeons and dermatologists are weary of providing cosmetic enhancements in anything other than a medical setting. Just as it is important to undergo a surgical procedure in an accredited facility by a qualified cosmetic or plastic surgeon, many professionals agree that Botox should also be performed in a safe environment by a trained professional.

Dr. Jennifer Boyden, the trained medical doctor on hand at Beauty Addix, acknowledges that the boutique is a casual environment. However, when an individual walks into the room for Botox, it is anything but laid-back. Quoted in the ABC 4 News article, Dr. Boyden says: “That casualness ends at this door. When they step into the procedure room, when they are with a physician, when they are with are estheticians, we are taking these things very seriously.”

At Light Touch Laser Skin Care Center, a professional medical practice under the direction of Jackson Rhudy, M.D., patients can learn more about Botox and dermal fillers, and how they may provide beautiful, bountiful results. Located near Park City, Utah, Dr. Rhudy can meet with you for a consultation to determine which procedures are right for you.

The constant pressure to maintain a youthful and wrinkle-free facial appearance has led several individuals toward considering Botox ® injections. A facial injectable that is meant to temporarily block movement from the underlying muscles on the face, Botox can also cause patients’ emotions to be misinterpreted. While a person’s facial skin is smooth and no longer displays fine lines or creases in the forehead area, those around him/her may not be sure of how he/she is feeling.

Those who are interested in Botox injections must take into consideration the fact that their face will essentially be frozen in order to thwart wrinkles. This also prevents them from expressing their emotions appropriately. Although furrowed brows may not be aesthetically appealing, they do, however, show whether a person is angry or upset. According to a recent study, when not properly displaying one’s emotions, social events and gathering may be somewhat uncomfortable. However, these side effects do not seem to stop men and women from undergoing Botox injections, in which case it is best to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Doing so can help patients fully understand the effects of this facial rejuvenation treatment.

In the past few years, cosmetic injectables have been all the rage. And they should be. These procedures can non-invasively correct wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fill out sagging areas all without surgery. But the relative ease of the treatment is deceptively simple, and many patients tragically assume that working with facial injections is foolproof.

Cosmetic procedures such as Botox® and Restylane® should still be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. With that in mind, any doctor offering Botox injections for less than the price of a meal at Applebees should raise immediate red flags. There is plenty that can go wrong with a facial injection, and cost-cutting shortcuts can lead to disastrous results.

The story of Priscilla Presley and a group of her celebrity friends stands as testament. Presley hired a Brazilian doctor for injection parties without checking his credentials. After they suffered complications such as swelling, pain and hard, bumpy nodules, they discovered that the doctor had used a cheap grade of silicone commonly used in automobiles rather than an FDA-approved cosmetic filler. The silicone was virtually impossible to remove. In another case, a Florida plastic surgeon swapped out a raw botulism toxin instead of name brand Botox, which completely paralyzed one patient, who was kept alive on ventilators for months and never quite fully recovered. Other doctors my target injections in the wrong areas, causing drooping eyelids and lips or other unnatural results.

The most egregious of cases described here were performed by doctors without valid licenses or qualifications. The patients could’ve saved themselves a great deal of money and anguish by checking their credentials – something that should have been an immediate first step when offered treatments at such a low price. Given the high level of standards that qualified doctors must adhere to in terms of accredited facilities and ongoing medical training, the costs of cosmetic procedures shouldn’t feasibly dip below a certain level unless some facet of safety is compromised along the way.

To avoid being burned by fly-by-night cosmetic surgeons and rip-off artists, take time to verify the qualifications of your doctor. For example, Dr. Stuart B. Kincaid, a San Diego Botox specialist, is a board certified plastic surgeon who works in a fully accredited and certified facility. You can verify this information online or during a free consultation – steps that can help you save face (literally) or even your life.

Most people who visit a cosmetic plastic surgeon do so in order to improve the aesthetics of their face and/or body. However, some treatments can also be used to help those who have medical conditions and are in need of alternative solutions. Recently, Henry Winkler, former star of the television show “Happy Days”, stated that he believes Botox ® injections can be of great benefit to individuals who experience limb spasticity after a stroke. After watching his mother struggle with this condition for 10 years, he is dedicated to spreading the word on the use of Botox to help treat upper limb spasticity.

Therapeutic use of Botox injections allows patients to regain function of their upper limbs and once again be able to do normal, daily activities. After just two rounds of treatments, a stroke patient from Dallas, Texas was able to dress herself with minimal assistance, as well as stretch out her arms to embrace her children. By injecting Botox into the fingers, wrists, and elbows, the muscles relax and no longer hinder movement. In addition to helping stroke patients regain dexterity, Botox can be used to help those who suffer from chronic migraine headaches.

Based in the Dallas area, Benjamin Bassichis, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a facial surgeon who offers patients Botox injections for headache relief. Administered in small doses, Botox can also help treat severe sweating, an overactive bladder, and ringing in the ears. Fort Worth area Botox patients turn to Dr. Bassichis to undergo Botox injections in order to alleviate symptoms and all patients to enjoy a better quality of life.

Prospective patients may browse Dr. Bassichis’ website to learn more regarding Botox injections and schedule a consultation.