Let’s face it, men get BOTOX. They may not say they do. They may not even complain about wrinkles, but they do notice them in the mirror. Whether men are unhappy with an ever deepening furrow in their brow or laugh lines that are still there after the laughing has stopped, men would rather not have wrinkles if they could possibly avoid them. Men and Cosmetic Surgery While men are slowly and silently gaining ground on women when it comes to cosmetic surgery procedures, they are still in the minority. Only one out of every ten people that has cosmetic surgery is a man. There are several reasons for this disparity. Men view themselves as the bread winners (or expected bread winners) and feel like they cannot take time off work for such things. Society’s pressure to look good is not as intense for men as it is for women. Moreover, some men still feel that there is a stigma against men having cosmetic surgery. Why Men Are Choosing BOTOX While these are the reasons that men do not have as much cosmetic surgery as women, it is also part of the reason that men are getting BOTOX. Think about it. Botulinum toxin injections are an outpatient procedure. A male patient can make an appointment with a plastic surgeon or other qualified physician and within an hour can have completed treatment. There is no real recovery period from BOTOX cosmetic and men can go back to work the same day if they wish. In other words, the “bread winner” does not lose any bread by having the BOTOX procedure...
Wrinkles are usually the first signs that a person is beginning to age. They can appear out of nowhere, and even if a person maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle, takes good care of the face, and have no vices, wrinkles inevitably appear. Makeup can only do so much, which is why the plastic surgery industry has created many procedures to deal with this problem. From the full facelift, to BOTOX injections, the industry has many options. Among these options, however, one has been developed as a very natural, very effective, and very safe way to deal with wrinkles. This is called the Radiesse filler. What Is Radiesse Filler? A Natural, Non-Surgical Wrinkle Solution The Radiesse dermal filler uses microspheres, calcium-based particles that are suspended in a water-based gel that is injected into the skin. This injecting procedure is minimally invasive, which in itself already has the benefit of not requiring any surgery, thus eliminating the need for physical trauma and a long recovery time afterwards. It also makes the procedure very quick, and can be done well within the span of an hour. The results appear instantly, and the change can be seen as soon as the procedure is done. How Radiesse Works: Instant Volume and Long-Term Collagen Production But what makes Radiesse special, is that unlike treatments that only have a tightening and lifting effect, Radiesse actually continues to work as time goes on, stimulating a process called collagenesis, which is the production and growth of new collagen around the injection area. So instead of just “tightening and lifting” the target area, Radiesse actually helps the body...
Technically called microlipo injection, cosmetic fat injections are a popular procedure that involves removing excess fat from one area of the body and injecting it into another portion. The main goal of the treatment is not to get rid of excess fat, but using the body’s own fat to increase the volume of sunken or creased skin. This is different from other procedures that involve injections, such as collagen and Botox. The Procedure Often, the treatment is done inside the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the treatment, the procedure can last from 30 to 90 minutes. First, antiseptic is applied to two areas: the portion where fat will be removed and the target area that will receive the fat injections. With a syringe or cannula (a thin hollow tube), fat cells are harvested from the buttocks, stomach, or thighs. Once the fat cells are suctioned, they are processed and purified so that no foreign materials that may pose risks can be included in the transfer. The fat is then injected beneath the skin into the treatment area. While results can be evident right after the operation, it’s important to know that the effects are temporary because transplanted fat cells will die without blood supply in three to four days. The transferred fat may also be reabsorbed by the body, thus undergoing this treatment may be a gamble. Enhancing the Face Fat injections have worked well for augmenting lips, removing laughter and frown lines, and plumping up hollow cheeks. Facial fat injections are done in thin layers starting behind the muscle groups and then working...
Cosmetic plastic surgery involves techniques designed to enhance the physical appearance through surgical and medical methods. It is specifically concerned with the maintenance of an aesthetically appealing appearance, restoring youthful looks, or enhancing it beyond the average level toward an aesthetic ideal. Through surgical procedures, patients can have fewer wrinkles, a slimmer body, and fuller breasts, among other aesthetic benefits. Advances in Plastic Surgery About fifty years ago, only the rich and famous could afford to undergo surgical treatments, and at the time, the subject was whispered about and considered a taboo by some. Celebrities and other affluent people would disappear for a few months, and return to society looking younger and more beautiful, much to the shock—and disdain—of most of modern-day society. Over time, however, the practice of plastic cosmetic surgery became accepted and even encouraged in society. Today, there is open acceptance of cosmetic procedures, so much so that TV shows about the profession have become commonplace, and even popular. Due to the prevalence of surgical enhancements, technologies and techniques have been further developed so that a wide range of choices is available, from tiny tucks and snips to full-blown facelifts and massive body contouring. New advancements in the field have also lessened the recovery time and possible health problems. The Most Prevalent Procedures The most common surgeries today include: Breast Augmentation Breast augmentation is designed to make the breasts bigger through the insertion of implants. For some ladies, this cosmetic plastic surgery procedure can improve their self-image, thereby improving how they feel about their bodies. Others also undergo this treatment to restore their breast size after...
What Is Hyaluronic Acid and Why Is It Used in Dermal Fillers The benefits of hyaluronic acid as a dermal filler are fairly clear. This interesting molecule, called a glycosaminoglycan (think sugar combined with a protein), is a natural part of the skin. Hyaluronic acid gives the skin structural support by holding collagen, elastin, and other skin proteins together. What that means for the face is that hyaluronic acid can provide fullness and form. Hyaluronic acid also has the interesting ability to draw water to it. That means that if it is injected into the face as a dermal filler, it can hydrate and moisturize the face from within. Moisturizing the skin from within the skin is the goal of many cosmetics and most, if not all, fail at this task. Common Drawbacks of Early Hyaluronic Acid Fillers There have been three stumbling blocks to hyaluronic acid dermal fillers that have kept them from being even more popular. First, early users of hyaluronic acid fillers report that the injection is more painful than some other types of dermal fillers. This is because initial preparations of hyaluronic acid did not contain a local anesthetic. Second, because of the way that the hyaluronic acid filler was made, older versions often required an allergy test to determine if the patient was allergic to the compound. This added time and expense to the procedure. Third, when patients compared various dermal fillers, they decided to spend their money on one that lasts a little longer than hyaluronic acid. Captique: A Next-Generation Hyaluronic Acid Filler Captique provides a solution to all three of these issues...
While the injection of botulinum toxin is the number one non-surgical cosmetic treatment according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the fifth most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure is the injection of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers provide fullness to areas of the face and hands that have lost volume due to subcutaneous fat loss. They also fill in fine lines or deep wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have gained popularity since they do not cause a loss in muscle control like botulinum toxin injections. They are also reasonably long lasting without being permanent. There are a number of dermal fillers containing hyaluronic acid that are available on the market. Brand names of hyaluronic acid include Restylane, Juvaderm, Captique, and Prevelle. Hylaform and Hylaform Plus, though, were the first hyaluronic acid fillers available for use in the United States. Almost all hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are produced through the fermentation of specially engineered bacteria, but Hylaform and Hylaform Plus are different. These agents are made from the combs of roosters in which the hyaluronic acid has been extracted and purified. The hyaluronic acid is cross-linked with a compound called divinyl sulfone in its preparation. The amount cross-linking achieved in this process is about 20%. This cross-linking is believed to slow down the body’s ability to break down the material thus making it last longer in the skin. The major difference between Hylaform and Hylaform Plus are the size of the individual particles that are injected. Hylaform is composed of 500 micron particles (half a millimeter across) while the particle size in Hylaform Plus is 750 microns. Because...
Botox injections are a great way to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. More than 2 million Botox cosmetic injections are given yearly but the effects don’t last forever. If you are considering Botox treatment to reduce frown lines or other wrinkles on your face, you may be wondering, “How long does Botox last?” Botox is actually a naturally occurring “poison” from the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. It has been the study of much research because it is a known food toxin that causes severe gastrointestinal distress when consumed in large amounts. Researchers found that when injected in tiny amounts, Botox causes a temporary paralysis to nerves and muscles within the face. This means that certain facial expressions that people perform constantly out of habit cannot be made. Constantly forming the same facial movements is responsible for creating lines on the face. Common Areas Treated with Botox Botox can be injected into the forehead or over the bridge of the nose by a plastic surgeon to reduce constant frowning or eyebrow lifting. These expressions create deep lines on the forehead and between the eyebrows. Botox will limit the ability to make these expressions and eliminate the constant creasing of the skin that has caused the lines. Over time, the lines will lessen and the skin will assume a more youthful appearance. Botox can also be injected into the area around the nose and mouth by a cosmetic surgeon. This will prevent the further formation of lines that commonly form from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth and may reduce the appearance...
As it is the first thing noticed, it is not surprising that cosmetic surgery is performed more often on the face than any other body part. There are a number of facial cosmetic surgery procedures ranging from non-invasive aesthetic types such as Botox injections and laser hair surgery to more radical treatments like face lifts and nose jobs. Depending upon the particular desires and needs of the patient, face plastic surgery and other face cosmetic procedures can dramatically improve one’s appearance and self esteem. Non-Invasive Cosmetic Face Procedures Wrinkle Treatment can improve the appearance of minor wrinkles and lines using Botox injections. Deeper lines and wrinkles may be treated with dermal filler injections such as Juvederm and Restylane. Laser Hair Treatment can remove unwanted hair on the face by focused bursts of light which will destroy the hair follicles and prevent new hair growth. Chemical Peels using hydroxy or glycolic acids or more concentrated acids such as phenols or Trichloroacetic acid may improve the texture of the skin. It is frequently successful in reduction of the signs of aging and may be helpful for acne scarring as well. Milder versions of chemical peels may be performed in a skin care clinic but the more concentrated forms must be applied by a physician. Face Cosmetic Surgery Procedures Face Lift surgery may restore the face to a more youthful appearance by removing excess skin that has sagged and caused wrinkling. It may lift the features back to a more natural level and remove the “jowls” and double chin that often appears with aging. Nose Restructuring, medically known as rhinoplasty can restructure...
As with any cosmetic procedure or drug administration, there are associated side effects and risks with Botox injections. Most of these can be minimized by using a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist to perform your injections. A lot of doctors can perform the injections, but not many have the experience and training to give you the results you have paid for. You will pay a bit more to have the procedure done in a doctor’s office, but isn’t your face worth it? Common Side Effects Botox has been well studied and documented in clinical trials, including Botox injections for cosmetic purposes (removal of fine lines and wrinkles). Although most people do not experience any side effects associated with Botox injections, side effects are possible. Most commonly, patients report mild side effects associated with Botox injections, including flu-like symptoms, nausea, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety, bleeding at the injection site and pain at the injection sites. When Botox was used for non-cosmetic reasons, additional side effects were reported, including facial pain, indigestion or heartburn, tooth problems, upper respiratory infection, neck pain, difficulty swallowing, vertical misalignment of the eye, and high blood pressure. On occasion, patients have reported drooping eye muscles or muscle weakness at the injection sites. When reported, this side effect was most commonly resolved within days, but there have been rare reports of it taking months to resolve. Usually, side effects are mild, and either required no treatment or are easily treatable. Some uncommon side effects reported with Botox include chest pain, eye pain, speech problems, double vision, or signs of an allergic reaction, including rash,...
Botox is used widely as an injection treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, deep forehead furrows and for marked armpit perspiration. Botox works well on wrinkles, typically reducing them by about 80%. In addition, science is busy determining its uses for TMJ (temporomandibular joint disease), arthritis, migraines and BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Why Is Botox So Popular? Compared to other cosmetic procedures, Botox is FDA approved, cheap, quick, and minimally invasive. It is done as an outpatient procedure with only a topical numbing agent to minimize needle prick pain. There is no recovery time and results are evident within in one week. They last about 3-5 months. The cost per Botox treatment is between $125 and $400. Treatment costs vary widely based on region, the doctor and how much treatment you require. It is important that not all cosmetic surgeons are created equal. A lot of doctors inject Botox, but not everybody has the experience necessary to give you the best effect and minimize your risk of side effects. Even though they cost more, it is worth it to see a board certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist for your injections. Is Botox the Best Anti-Aging Option for You? While Botox is effective for dynamic wrinkles—those caused by repeated muscle movement such as frown lines and crow’s feet—it may not be suitable for everyone. If you have static wrinkles (lines visible even when your face is at rest), dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane may be more appropriate. In many cases, a combination approach using Botox and fillers offers optimal facial rejuvenation. Consulting a board-certified cosmetic surgeon ensures a custom...
