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.

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.

As the “Baby Boomers” enter their 50s and 60s, signs of aging are taking a toll on their facial appearance even though they may feel younger. In order to maintain their youthful look, many are opting to undergo cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. The most common of these include facelift surgery and eyelid surgery, as well as non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments. The combination of these can often provide longer lasting results with a more natural look.

According to a study performed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), patients undergoing facelift surgery increased by 44 percent from 2008 to 2009, while eyelid surgery rose 42 percent. In addition, Botox ® and facial fillers have also increased by 157 percent and 245 percent, respectively. This could be due in large part to the combination of surgical and non-surgical procedures in order to achieve long-lasting, optimal results. Surgeons have noticed a trend in their patients’ ages as well; members of the AACS say that the average age of their facelift patients is 54.1 years old, and eyelid surgery patients are 52.3 years of age. On average, those receiving Botox injections are 46.6 and individuals undergoing filler treatments are 46.8.

A Beverly Hills facelift surgery specialist,  plastic surgeon Jason B. Diamond, M.D., F.A.C.S. performs this facial rejuvenation procedure in order to help patients achieve a more refreshed appearance. Dr. Diamond also offers minimally invasive treatments, including Botox and laser skin resurfacing. Further details regarding these procedures are available on Dr. Diamond’s website.

There is a new wrinkle, of sorts, in the cosmetic filler wars. Plastic surgeons are being trained to use a new type of collagen injections to fill in those undesirable creases!

“I look in the mirror and go, oh my gosh, I can’t believe I’m 49,” said Tonya Wilder.

At 49, Tonya Wilder says “parentheses” don’t belong on her face.

“Right in here is the most I guess because when you smile, it’s – so, if we could soften this a little bit,” said Wilder. She wants her nasolabial folds (the line or crease that runs from the corner of the nose to the outer area of the lip) filled in.

And Dr. Rod Rohrich, has a new weapon in the fight against creases. It’s called “Evolence.”

“It stimulates the natural collagen and is gradually replaced over 6-9 months,” said Rohrich.

Evolence promises to fill immediately and last longer, no bruising or swelling. It’s collagen that actually comes from pigs.

“The collagen looks just like type 1 collagen of humans,” said Dr. Rohrich.

Tonya only needs one syringe and within 20 minutes, her wrinkles are less noticeable. Dr. Rohrich says she’s free to go back to work and make plans that night.

“If you feel good about yourself then you have a different attitude. Yeah I think it’s worth it,” said Wilder.

Evolence is an FDA-approved facial filler only for the nasolabial folds. It lasts about six months and varies in price.

With Aquamid being only available in Europe because of the FDA’s lengthy process of approving the drug, the next best facial filler is Juvederm ® because while Artecoll ® is similar to Aquamid ® in that it lasts 10 years it’s only approved to be used in the nasolabial folds. Juvederm can be used to fill in almost anything on the face, including lips, cheek, and other areas of the face.
Is it worth it to fly over to Europe to get Aquamid injected instead of getting Juvederm locally?

The True Cost Of Getting Aquamid
Aquamid is only available in Europe, and is commonly used in London. The airfare to London, cost of the hotel, cost of food, and how long of a stay greatly impacts this cost. A frugal estimate would be $2000-$3000 just to stay in London for 5 days. The actual cost of the procedure can vary, but the average is about the same as a face lift which is $5000.

It’s going to be expensive, above $5000. But, the filler will last up to 10 years.

The True Cost of Getting Juvederm
The average cost of getting Juvederm done is $690. Wherever you live in the United States, it’s easy to find a plastic surgeon or dermatologist within driving distance. Also the filler will last up to two years.

If you were to get new injections every two years, that would cost you $3450. That’s significantly less than one injection of Aquamid.

Over 10 years
Aquamid is the more expensive choice, and it may be FDA approved in the near future as clinical trials started in August of 2006. With Juvederm costing thousands less initially and over time clearly the cost winner is Juvederm.

Juvederm is cheaper, but only a Doctor can tell you which facial filler is right for you.

If  you’re looking for information on Artecoll ® here it is. It lasts up to 10 years and is approved by the FDA strictly for the use of filling in Nasolabial folds only. Those are the “smile lines” to the side of your mouth.

Here is a good before and after photo of a patient using Artecoll. It’s still keeping those wrinkles at bay 8 years after getting it injected!

As with all facial fillers only a Doctor can tell you for sure what’s right for you.

What Is Sculptra and What Can It Do For Me?

Sculptra is a facial injectable that has been used throughout Europe since 1999. Europe is known to have the newest Facial Fillers before the U.S. because of the lengthy testing that the FDA puts all facial injectables through.

It fills in sunken eyes, wrinkled skin folds, hollowed cheeks, and indented chin surfaces.

Sculptra is injected by a doctor into areas of facial fat loss (facial lipoatrophy) in patients with, or receiving treatment for, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Is Sculptra FDA Approved?

Yes, it was approved August 3rd, 2004.

How Long Does Sculptra Last?

Up to two years.

How Much Does Sculptra Cost?

Each syringe costs between $450 and $550. The amount that the plastic surgeon or dermatologist charges you will vary, but don’t expect to pay for just the syringes. It would be irresponsible for me to tell you how much it costs because it depends on how much the Doctor decides to inject, and how much they charge to do the procedure.

However on average the procedure costs between $750 and $1,900 per treatment. There are many ways to finance the procedure, from loans to even getting your insurance to pay for the procedure.

Before and After Photos of Sculptra Patients

I can’t host before and after pictures here due to legal reasons, but I found a ton of before and after pictures here.

What Are The Risks?

Side Effects are usually temporary, and if present will disappear within 3 to 15 days. You may have tenderness, redness, bruising or swelling at the site of the injection. Other side effects may include small bumps under the skin in the treated area which may appear over time. These bumps are not always visible, and often are only detected by pressing on the skin.

Areas that receive a Sculptra injection should be massaged a few times each day for several days after the procedure. Following the procedure an ice pack should be applied for a few minutes at a time to the treatment area to help reduce swelling for the first 24 hours after treatment. To avoid direct contact with the skin place the ice in a cloth. It is also recommend that excessive sun and/or UV lamp exposure be avoided until any visible swelling and redness has subsided. Sculptra has safely been used since 1999 in over 150,000 patients world-wide under the trade name New-Fill.

How Can I Find A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

If you’re interested in the procedure and looking for a qualified plastic surgeon in your area use this search tool. This site is great, and it’s fun using their Google Maps ™ surgeon finder.

Board Certification is important, so make sure you research which boards are real and which are fake.