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.

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.

Some attribute it to shows like “Dr. 90210,” “Extreme Makeover,” and “Nip/Tuck.” Others cite the “Oprah effect.” But as cosmetic surgery rises in popularity, it is likely that it has just as much to do with the way that Baby Boomers live their lives.

The topic was discussed at length in USA Today. According to the paper, Baby Boomers are working longer, remarrying, and trying to be healthier. “I just [want] to look as young as I feel,” said a 59-year old business owner who explained that he ate well and worked out, but supplemented his overall health regimen with cosmetic surgery. This sentiment is shared by millions of other Baby Boomers. Diet and exercise remain important to staying in shape, but while their bodies and lifestyles may not belie their age, their faces often do. Signs of aging such as baldness, crow’s feet, wrinkles, and sun damage cannot be rectified without surgical or non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Because of this, some Baby Boomers are viewing cosmetic surgery as preventive medicine, much like visiting a dentist every six months. This shift is made possible partially by technological advances, which allow cosmetic procedures to be less intrusive than they once were. Surgical procedures, such as facelifts, liposuction and eyelid surgery have benefited from more precise tools that allow smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Meanwhile, other procedures, such as Botox, chemical peels and hair removal, do not require surgery at all.

It is often said that “30 is the new 20” and “40 and is the new 30” and so forth—and with cosmetic surgery, this is becoming even more true. Baby Boomers are claiming that cosmetic surgery helps them keep an edge not just in the dating scene, but also in high profile jobs. Dr. Amy Bandy, a Newport Beach plastic surgeon, often performs facial procedures and other types of cosmetic surgery for Baby Boomers in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. This may give them a more youthful look so they have the confidence to re-enter the workplace, pursue new romance, and/or otherwise continue an active, outgoing lifestyle.

As Baby Boomers continue to embrace their physical, professional, and social lives to the fullest, it seems as if the youth-restoring capabilities of cosmetic surgery make a perfect fit.

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.

Let’s forget about political issues and let’s take a look at the real story here.
Did she get plastic surgery done?
It sure looks like it. After all, how else can you age 24 years without looking a day older?

On the right is a before and after picture, of 24 years. Her eyes are just as big, forehead just as smooth, under the eyes just as full, as 24 years ago. I doubt she’s had major plastic surgery done, such as a face lift. The only sign of aging is that her smile has perhaps a few more wrinkles. These all look filled in with some kind of facial filler. If I had to guess as to which facial filler she had done, I’d say Juvederm for the area around her cheeks and under her eyes, and Botox for any wrinkles around the eyes and forehead.

Regardless of any plastic surgery she’s had done, there is also a good possibility that she has had nothing done to her face at all. Is the cold and crisp Alaskan air preserving beauty like some sort of air borne “Fountain of Youth”?
I doubt it.
I’m sure many will disagree with me when I say she has to have been under the needle. How could anyone resist looking young when the cost of facial fillers is so low?
You be the judge.