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Secretive About Botox

Although an estimated 2.6 million Americans receive Botox treatments every year 75% of patients are secretive about it. In Britain, secrecy about treatment runs high as well, with 72% of women and 81% of men not saying a word about their treatments. Usually, when complimented on their improved appearance, patients make up a cover story, sometimes attributing their sudden youthfulness to the use of a sunblock or a moisturiser.

In a recent survey in southern California, plastic surgeons estimated different percentages to the level of secrecy. The average estimate is about 45%.

Dr. Edward Domanskis, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, estimated it to be from 60% to 70%. Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, a plastic surgeon in Beverly HIlls, approximated it to be about 60%. Dr. Val Lambros, a plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, guessed it to be from 30% to 40%. Dr. John Di Saia, a plastic surgeon in San Clemente and Anaheim, reckoned it to be less than 10%. And Dr. Michael Persky , a plastic surgeon in Encino, made an educated guess at about 15%, with 99.9% for celebrities.

Doctors are asked to keep the treatments a secret. Patients ask doctors to only call them on their mobile phones within a certain time frame. Women might only come for treatments while their husbands are out of town on a business trip to allow for enough time for the bruising to heal. Some of these women get all their treatments done all at the same time. Others spread them out; for instance, lips one month, Botox the next month, and so on.

Sculptra, a new, slow-acting dermal filler, is especially popular with secretive patients. During their research, the manufacturers learned that a certain population wanted gradual, rather than a sudden improvement in their appearance. Consequently, doctors usually ask patients if they would prefer a slower transformation in their features. With Sculptra injections, it may take from 6 to 10 weeks for the full effects to show. For secretive patients, this is a perfect solution. However, the effects of Botox and other even fillers are also easy to hide. According to Dr Val Lambros, “If you fill nasolabial folds it’s pretty easy to hide, but more advanced uses of fillers in other parts of the face, like around the lower lids can bruise and be harder to hide. Of course the chance of bruising is higher the more you want to avoid it.”

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The Cosmetic Treatment Registry

Amid growing concerns over cosmetic treatments being done at inappropriate settings, the Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) is launching a voluntary register of injectable cosmetic treatment providers for botox and dermal fillers.

After its start in the early 90’s for cosmetic purposes, Botox has continued to be in use by people from all walks of life, such as celebrities and regular folk. It works to reduce wrinkling when people make facial gestures by paralysing nerves in the upper face. Dermal fillers on the other hand, fill in imperfections on the lower face and can also produce a lip pout or bigger cheeks.

Despite undoubted risks, many still continue to turn to these treatments. Currently in the UK, there are over 5,000 providers carrying out nearly 200,000 treatments each year. Some of the fillers offer temporary solutions, while others are permanent. With so many providers, it’s about time more regulation was put in place for the safety of consumers.

The new register requires treatment providers to pay registration and annual fees, in addition to promising a face-face consultation with all clients prior to any treatment. Providers must also ensure that the treatments take place in a safe and sterile environment by either a doctor, dentist, or registered nurse. The IHAS has yet to disclose where the collected fees will go and how they will be put to use.

Though some say it’s an attempt by the industry for self-regulation, heavy criticism has already started coming from plastic surgeons. A recent poll of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons concluded that only 4% would consider signing up. However, the consensus is that a separate set of new European regulations that are being discussed currently are said to likely be more robust and not disguised with other small changes not as widely known.

This registry begs the question for both providers and consumers, is it really worth it? The providers profit off consumers who wish to attain immortality in looking young, but the technical process for providers to keep their business in accordance with the law now seems quite tedious for the upkeep of such practices. Though it is pro-consumer by demanding more in standards, the future looks dim.

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Youthful Skin Without Surgery

Dermatologists have some encouraging news for everyone who wants to recapture Youthful Skin and skin tone but are hesitant to undergo any type of surgery.Youthful Skin According to new dermatology studies, there is a new method that uses a combination of soft dermal fillers and tissue tightening techniques that can practically rub out your wrinkles and renew old skin.

The landscape of dermatology and how it deals with aging has changed dramatically. Dermatologists no longer look at aging skin as particular wrinkles or folds. Instead, dermatologists look at the entire face. This new approach treats soft tissue as support below the visible layers of skin which in turn supports the deeper underlying fat layers for Youthful Skin.

With this view, dermatologists now realize that cheek volume is an important part of re-establishing the skin care balance and assignation most patients want in a younger looking appearance. Volumetric loss of this underlying cheek fat layer makes wrinkles and folds more pronounced.

There are many dermal filling agents available today that can fix facial contour imperfections that result from aging. First, a dermatologist will make sure to determine what a patient wants to improve about their face. What follows afterwards depends on patient preference and what needs to be treated. It is then determined what substance will be best suited to treat the patient’s unique contour imperfections and volume irregularities.

Deeper and denser dermal fillers, like calcium hydroxylapatite, polylactic acid, dimethyl methacrylate, hydrogen dioxide and hyaluronic acid, are are typically employed to add volume to volume irregularities. These compounds also diminish the wrinkles formed from bottom of the nose to both corners of the mouth.

The reason dermatologists are excited about these developments is because the more the field determines about facial anatomy, especially the varied lipid sections of the cheek and the deposits of discrete lipids that collect in middle of the facial structure, the more exacting they can be. These studies can greatly increase a dermatologist’s ability to restore vitality, voluminosity, youthful appearance to the face. It aids in adding the right shape the cheek during the volumetric lifting process.

In conclusion, dermatologists conclude that volumetric enhancement using thicker and deeper dermal fillers is rapidly becoming the key lynch pin of an effective facial and dermal revitalization for patients seeking a youthful appearance without having to undergo any major surgery.

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The Anti-Aging Industry Continues to Grow

The cosmetic enhancement industry has seen rapid growth over the past ten years. The sheer number of images that we are exposed to of people receiving treatment to fight the effects of aging is staggering. You see them in movies, television, and magazines. As a matter of fact, a study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons predicts that the number of cosmetic procedures undergone each year will have grown by an amazing four hundred percent between 2005 and 2015. A large part of the reason for this is that injections have been replacing more invasive surgical procedures such as face lifts. Injections are both less expensive and offer almost no downtime in comparison to surgical procedures, making them a very attractive option.

Recently, a panel discussion on the future of cosmetic enhancements was held in Toronto, where many of the city’s most respected plastic surgeons, cosmetologists, and dermatologists met to discuss some of the latest changes and the future of the industry. Dr. Sheetal Sapra, director of dermatology at the Institute of Cosmetic and Laser surgery says that back in 1990, nearly all of the cosmetic work that was conducted in Canada was performed by plastic surgeons. This has changed quite drastically. Now only about twenty percent of the work that they do is surgical in nature.

The reason for this change is something called combination therapy. Combination therapy is the use of several different facial injections in combination with one another to receive the desired cosmetic effects. Some of the treatments that may be undergone include Botox, which is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes the muscles of the face, causing them to relax and allowing wrinkles and creases in the face to smooth out. Other treatments such as Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane contain within them synthetic fillers that help to rejuvinate a sculpt the skin. These fillers include hyaluronic acid and collagen, which are natural proteins produced by the body that help keep tissue healthy. They may also include artificial chemicals that help give form to the face. Other treatments include laser treatments which can be used in order to remove brown spots or rosacea from the face. Fractional tightening is another option which can be used in order to smooth wrinkles and creases, improve the texture of the skin, and fight acne scars.

Dr. Stephen Mulholland, one of Canada’s most respected plastic surgeons, claims that about sixty minutes of work and three thousand dollars is enough to take five years off of somebody’s face today.

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Lip Augmentation Treatment

Lip augmentation treatment is a cosmetic procedure that is popular today among the routine cosmetic options that help women look younger. It increases the size of the lips. TheLip Augmentation upper and lower lip may be treated at the same time or one may be treated alone. On the majority of sites where patients can discuss their cosmetic procedures only 50% of the women who have had lip augmentation were happy with the results. It is a simple procedure that can have great benefits, so why do so many people regret having it?

Many plastic surgeons believe that the main cause of bad lip augmentation treatment is because the injector is inexperienced. Without thorough knowledge of the subject they tend to inject too much filler. Since it is easier to add more filler later than it is to remove excess, it is best to start with small amounts of filler and see the results.

There are different types of filler from fat to hyaluronic acid-base material such as Restylane and Juvederm. These are clear gel that is similar to what is found in the body. Fat is also a good filler because it is a permanent solution for most people. First, it needs to be harvested then injected into the lips. 30% to 50% of it grafts to the new location so it usually needs to be done twice to get the best results. Implants are permanent but sometimes are not put in the right place and end up looking lopsided. Any permanent cosmetic procedure needs to look right the first time. Otherwise, it is better to use the fillers that wear off in three to six months.

Recovery time varies. Injections take 1 to 2 recovery days but bruising and swelling may last a week. Implants and grafts take 1 to 2 recovery weeks and may be stiff for 2 to 3 months. Synthetic implants are good because they form scar tissue, so they stay in place and are never absorbed by the body, but there is the possibility of infection and rejection by the body. Fillers made from collagen taken from cadavers or cow skin can cause an allergic reaction even though the collagen is purified.

It is advisable to seriously consider whether or not lip augmentation treatment is a good idea. Even though significant complications are rare, there are risks depending on the chosen filler as well as the possibility of allergic reactions and scarring.

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Is Botox Losing the Dermal Filler War?

Starting in May of 2009, a battle broke out between two different kinds of wrinkle smoothing injections. Botox, a product by Allergan which has been the market standard for years, faces a new competitor. This new competitor is Dysport, by Medicis. The facial injection wrinkle treatment industry is a multi-billion dollar section of the market that has traditionally been most heavily driven by Botox. While the economic crash did have an effect on many of the more costlier cosmetic options, it did not seem to have any effect on the sales of Botox. Botox, of course, is not the only facial injection on the market. It was, however, the only muscle paralyzing injection available, with all of the other options working to rejuvenate the skin rather than relax the muscles. Dysport has changed that dynamic. This puts Allergan and Medicis on more equal footing, both companies now offering both a neurotoxin and a dermal filler.

Allergan has responded to this change in the market by creating the “Botox Brilliant Distinctions” program. This program allows customers who purchase treatments from Allergan to redeem points which can be used on other Allergan treatments. Medicis, on the other hand, has created the “Dysport ‘Love it or Leave it Challenge.'” This option allows new customers to try out Dysport and receive a seventy five dollar rebate. They can then decide how much they are satisfied with the treatment, and then after three months they can buy either Botox or Dysport, receiving a second seventy five dollar rebate no matter which of the two options that they choose to go with.

According to Jeffrey Adelglass, the surgery director for SKINTASTIC which is a cosmetic company that runs its operations in Texas, customers are taking advantage of both of these programs, and truly are trying both available products. He says that there are in fact “distinct benefits to each of the treatments; they do behave slightly differently.” The savings are exciting to Adelglass as well, because they mean that his patients have more money available to use on some of his other procedures such as cosmetic laser surgery. Customers should always verify that any one who is injecting anything in to their face is a licensed medical professional and that they have had a great deal of experience with facial injections. Understanding how much experience that they have with the procedures is something that a customer should probably be aware of before they even visit their office.

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“Vampire Filler,” the Latest Anti-Aging Trend

Under the influence of the “Twilight” movies and the “True Blood” show, vampires have become very popular in modern culture. At the same time, dermal fillers that smooth out facial wrinkles are becoming very popular as well. Those two trends combined lead to the inevitable “vampire filler.” Because of the sex appeal currently associated with vampires, and because of the fact that the treatment uses the blood of the patient, it is no surprise that this name came to be associated with the treatment. This injectable skin treatment is made using the blood cells of the patient who is getting the treatment. It is said to be the next best thing to a face lift, and it does not require any waiting as the result of intensive surgery.

Another great thing about vampire filler is the fact that it is a completely natural treatment. Using blood platelets, the procedure stimulates the body to produce its own collagen, which is a rejuvenative protein that is good for the skin.

The process begins when blood is drawn from the arm of the patient who is going to receive the treatment. The blood is then spun around in order to separate the blood plasma from the blood cells. This process takes about six minutes. This platelet rich fluid has been used in order to repair tendons and joints for years. This liquid, which contains the platelets of the patient’s blood, is then injected back in to lines in the face, such as the wrinkles that occur around the eyes, the nose, and the mouth. Since the injection is made from the patient’s own blood, it is much less likely to lead to allergic reactions. Other dermal fillers are likely to cause uncomfortable inflammation. This means that vampire filler is less likely to lead to pain or bruising than other dermal fillers are.

The Vampire Filler injection process takes roughly twenty minutes in total. While some results are visible immediately, the full effect does not occur until about three weeks after the treatment is administered. A single injection has effects that can last for as much as two years.

Find out more about our aesthetic training courses for medical professionals here. 

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Dermal Fillers: Cosmetic Treatment without Surgery

Research shows that more and more people are opting to undergo cosmetic procedures, and one of the main factors preventing them from doing so is financial, rather than emotional. Among the cosmetic procedures being pursued, on of the newer options is the dermal filler. These are injections of a gelatinous substance which is used to fight off some of the effects of aging, such as wrinkles and folds in the skin. The active ingredient in these injections is hyaluronic acid. The name may sound dangerous, but hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the human body. Some of its properties are the ability to contain moisture, and to tighten up wrinkles, folds, and lines in the face. In addition to this, it is much less likely to cause allergies than most of the other options available.

Dermal fillers allow a person to achieve a more youthful appearance without the need to undergo a surgical operation. The gel is injected through the use of needles which are very tiny and cause minimal scarring. The procedure is usually undergone on the face, and anesthetic is used so that the person receiving the injections does not feel anything during the injection process.

Dermal fillers give the patient a natural looking appearance of youth. It is used to minimize frown lines, smile lines, cheek lines, and lines below and around the eyes. It can also be used to puff up a person’s chin and cheeks if they become saggy, as well as to give volume and shape to their lips. Acne scars can be reduced as well, and the nose can be sculpted in to a slightly different shape without the use of invasive surgery.

The visual signs of aging occur when collagen and hyaluronic acid levels decrease. Collagen gives flexibility and shape to human skin, while hyaluronic acid provides it with much needed moisture and volume. Dermal filler may contain both of these substances, replacing the portion that was lost with age, giving the face a more youthful appearance. Small particle fillers can be used to reduce thin lines, while larger particle fillers can be used for deeper folds and wrinkles.

Dermal filler injections typically take roughly half an hour. In some cases their may be swelling and discomfort, or redness and bruising. In most cases these effects are temporary. If they last for more than a few days than you should contact your doctor.

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Dermal Filler and Botox Cosmetic Training Courses

Surveys done by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons have identified botox cosmetics and dermal fillers as two anti-aging solutions that have attracted a lot of public demand: because they provide a non-invasive solution to looking younger. Plastic surgeons should consider adding these procedures to their practice. They are not only popular but can also be done in the office.

Hands On Training Programs

Although there are training programs throughout the UK to supply cosmetic experts, the best training will inevitably be hands-on training by a qualified doctor/surgeon.

While its possible to learn much from listening to lectures, watching power point presentations and studying textbooks, the most important skill to learn is how to skilfully administer injections. This can only be learned through a hands-on approach. A trainee who understands all about Botox Cosmetics and Dermal Fillers but not how to inject a patient’s face is poorly equipped for the real world.

Certified Instructors

While medical schools are taught by doctors who are experts in their specialty, the same criteria does not appear to be applied when it comes to non-invasive cosmetic training. Many of the instructors who teach about Botox Cosmetics and Dermal Fillers are not qualified. A trainee has to inquire about the qualifications of the instructors before enrolling in a school providing cosmetic training.

Post Training Support

Apart from getting hands-on training from a qualified and certified instructor, the trainee will also need post-training support. This will help with dealing with situations not covered during the training. While training programs may be able to cover a lot of ground, they can’t realistically cover everything, so questions based on exceptional situations will inevitably arise during the course of dealing with patients.

Additionally, the best training should also include ways to build an effective business practice.

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Acne Scarring Treatments – Surgical and Non Surgical

Acne scars can often leave a person feeling self-conscious and unattractive, inhibiting their behaviour and self-expression in many ways, but with the number of surgical and cosmetic treatments available, it’s possible to feel beautiful and self-confident again.

The best type of treatment depends on the types of scars and the available cosmetologists in your area.

Essentially, there are three distinct types of treatment.

The first type of treatment for acne scars is resurfacing both the scars and the surrounding skin. Using procedures like chemical peel treatments, an exoderm lift, laser resurfacing, and cry slush superficial acne scars can be abraded.

A chemical peel treats shallow scars by using chemicals like resorcinol, tretinoin, lactic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, tricholacetic acid, and glycolic acid to peel away the old skin. Depending on the extent of acne scarring, the chemical peels may be mild, moderate, or deep. With the old skin removed, new skin, free of acne scars, can grow in its place.

An exoderm lift has to be done by a reputable cosmetologist otherwise it can result in permanently scarring the face. Alternatively, if performed expertly, it can create a dramatic change, removing hypertropic and deep acne scars. Unlike a chemical peel, which uses only a single chemical, this procedure uses a precise combination of 12 different chemicals and oils.

Laser resurfacing treats superficial and moderately deep acne scars by resurfacing and augmenting skin tissue through laser ablation and fractional laser.

Finally, cryoslush, also known as cryo-peeling, uses carbon dioxide to peel away scar tissue.

The second type of treatment for acne scars is filling in the depressions created by the scar. By smoothing over the sides of the skin that create the depression, scars are less noticeable. Injected dermal fillers can raise the scar to the surface of the skin, thus removing the depression in the skin.
And the of third type of treatment for acne scars is using surgery to correct the scars using procedures like dermabrasion, needle subcision, and acne scar revision.

Dermaabrasion can be used for shallow to deep scars, as well as hypertropic ones. The skin is abraded using a high speed rotating brush with either an aluminium oxide crystal or a diamond tip.

Needle subcision works on each scar separately, cutting off the fibrous tissue beneath depressed scars and bringing them up to the surface.

Finally acne scar revision works on each scar individually using the best treatment for that scar like graft or excision or subcision.

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