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.

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.

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.

According to recent news from American Health & Beauty, the problem with traditional liposuction is its inability to tighten the skin. Numerous individuals turn to tummy tuck surgery (“abdominoplasty”) for firming in the mid-section, while others may undergo newer liposuction techniques that involve a laser or ultrasound to melt the fat before it is removed. Many could say, however, that another innovative tightening method is necessary.

The “MAstertuck™,” developed by board certified New York cosmetic surgeon Dr. Mokhtar Asaadi, is a new technique that is designed to help patients achieve beautiful results without additional procedures.

As told to American Health & Beauty, Dr. Asaadi said: “For some people, no matter how much they diet and exercise, they can’t rid themselves of excess weight that is genetically predisposed to accumulate around the mid-section. The MAstertuck can give them the ‘kickstart’ they need.” Using Vaser advanced ultra-sound energy to emulsify fat so that it can be removed from targeted areas of the body, Dr. Asaadi is able to extract large volumes of fat and provide appropriate skin tightening by performing the Mastertuck. It has been reported that this skin tightening technique provides skin shrinkage of up to 19 percent immediately following the procedure, with that number increasing to between 30 and 40 percent after a month.

Tightening of the skin can also be necessary for the face. Dr. Steven J. Pearlman, a dual board certified facial plastic and reconstructive plastic surgeon in New York, offers more than one way for a patient to gain firmer, tighter facial skin. If an individual recently lost a large amount of weight or recently underwent a fat reduction procedure, but still has sagging skin in the facial region, Dr. Pearlman may perform one of several methods of facial rejuvenation for skin tightening. These include the “cheek-neck lift,” “Complete Facelift,” “short-flap facelift” or the “SMAS facelift.” Patients can learn which procedure will best meet their needs during the consultation. The practice of Dr. Pearlman can be reached at (212) 223-8300.

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.

It’s called Aquamid ® and here in America it’s not well known. In Europe however, over 300,000 injections have been performed. It is used to contour the face and create more defined cheek bones. It’s also used for lip augmentation and chin augmentations to name a few. As of this update (September 9th, 2008) Aquamid is not FDA approved, but that doesn’t stop patients in Europe.

According to www.responsesource.com:

Aquamid® can be used to enhance and contour the face and create more defined cheekbones. The volume created comes mostly from water (97.5%) cross linked with Polyacrylamide to create a soft and uniform hydro gel that moves naturally with the face. As water is recognised by the body Aquamid® is readily accepted and forms a thin membrane around the implant which helps keep it in place, therefore preventing migration. In comparison to fillers containing micro particles, Aquamid® does not cause a foreign body reaction and will not cause tissue to harden. It simply becomes a soft and stable part of the tissue and remains in natural harmony with the body. Results achieved by Aqaumid® are instant and long lasting.

How long will it last then? It lasts at least four years according to a study published in 2004. 104 patients in the study that received the injections were asked after four years what they thought of the results. 78% said very good and 22% said good.

So what are you to do if you can’t make a trip to London anytime soon to get this filler? Ask any dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon if they have it for off-label use. Sometimes they will bring it back from medical conferences in Europe. You can also wait for the FDA to approve this filler, as they are expected to approve it eventually.

Check out this article about new facial fillers that are on the way.

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.