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.