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.