Cosmetic Face Surgery - Rolling Back the Time-Clock

Cosmetic Face Surgery - Rolling Back the Time-Clock
By Natasha Bradley

Looking for a Philadelphia cosmetic face surgeon, you will likely turn up with a large list. As with any other medical professional, no matter what the specialty, they like to set up their practices in areas of higher population.

This is the case in Philadelphia. However, you will want to be sure that you learn as much as possible about each cosmetic surgeon, because you don't want to wind up at the hands of a surgeon who isn't qualified, certified, or who has a list of unhappy patients.

Your wisest avenue when searching for a Philadelphia cosmetic face surgeon is to ask friends, family or acquaintances if they can recommend a surgeon. If a friend or family member has had a procedure done by a cosmetic surgeon, they may be the best way to learn if a cosmetic surgeon is good or not. If you can't find a good recommendation, you may have to resort to searching for a good Philadelphia cosmetic face surgeon all by yourself.

The next best way to research is to go through the yellow pages, or use the internet search -- for those who are computer savvy. Make a list of all the potential cosmetic surgeons and take the time to call each office. By asking questions, such as learning the doctor's certifications, abilities, education level, you can get a good idea of how skilled and qualified the Philadelphia cosmetic face surgeon may be.

However, you never want to end your search with an interview over the telephone. Even the most unqualified surgeon may be able to communicate well and give a good phone interview. For that reason, you must insist on a private consultation.

The Private Consultation

During your consultation with the plastic surgeon, request to see photos of their previous patients. You are looking for before and after photos that will show how good the surgery turned out.

You are looking for previous client satisfaction. If the doctor doesn't have any available photos, or refuses to show them, or dodges around any of your questions, it could mean there is something to hide. These surgeons will not be worth your time and you definitely will not be able to trust them.

The key is to be overly cautious when looking for Philadelphia cosmetic face surgery as you want to be completely happy with the results. With the right facial cosmetic surgeon, those lines and wrinkles will be gone and you will finally look years younger. Then, you will have no qualms about asking the question, "How old do I look?"

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natasha_Bradley

Cosmetic Face Surgery - Rolling Back the Time-Clock

Asymmetrical Face Surgery - What it Involves

Asymmetrical Face Surgery - What it Involves
By Trina Rowde

If you are planning to undergo an asymmetrical face surgery it's important to first know what it involves. This type of surgery involves various procedures depending on each individual case.

With asymmetrical face surgery, several procedures may have to be done to even out the facial structure. Depending on the level of severity, your surgeon may have to extract fat or tissue from one portion of your face and transfer it to the other side to make your features appear more proportional.

If there isn't enough fat to extract to balance out your face, your surgeon's alternative may be to inject a dermal filler onto the part of your face that appears less full.

If the mentioned procedures are still not an option for your particular case, then your surgeon may employ facial implants. These are often used for cheek and chin augmentation, which are usually the initial steps to creating more symmetry. Your surgeon will create an incision to the appropriate part of the face. An implant will then be inserted and secured with sutures that will eventually dissolve.

If the asymmetry involves mainly protruding or uneven ears, your surgeon may refold the ears so that they match and appear more proportionate to your head. Your ears will then be pinned back.

Some people undergo surgery to improve their somewhat asymmetrical face and others do it to repair facial damage due to a health condition or accident. Consult your surgeon for the best type of asymmetrical facial surgery to use in your case.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trina_Rowde

Asymmetrical Face Surgery - What it Involves

Stretch Mark Removal - Get Rid of Striae With New Fractional Laser Treatment

Stretch Mark Removal - Get Rid of Striae
With New Fractional Laser Treatment
By Brooke Seckel

Stretch marks, also called striae, are one of the most frustrating problems I have encountered in my 25 years of plastic surgery practice. They are such a common problem, affecting a majority of women who have had children, no matter how careful they have watched their weight during pregnancy and no matter how hard they have worked to regain their shape and fitness after childbirth.

In recent years, the use of steroids has caused stretch marks in many young men who have worked very hard at body building and fitness. What has frustrated me most is that I have had very little to offer my patients that effectively removes stretch marks.

Time and again I have read articles or seen presentations at meetings which claim that the laser can remove stretch marks and striae, but close observation of the results of good clinical studies have been too disappointing for me to try these therapies on my patients. Until now, I could only offer a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, which only partially removes the problem from the lower abdomen, and I have had no solution for other body areas.

Recently, however I have been very impressed with the significant removal and improvement I am seeing in laser stretch mark removal using a combined technique with the Starlux 1540 non-ablative fractional erbium laser resurfacing technique combined with the Starlux LuxIR Deep infrared skin tightening technique.

This technique was developed by an Italian doctor named Dr. DeAngelis and a man from Palomar Medical laser company named Richard Benkowski. The results of this new laser technique are the first I have see that show nearly complete removal of even mature striae.

What Causes Stretch Marks and Striae?

The skin covering our body consists of the outer surface that we see called the epidermis and a deep pink layer called the dermis. The dermis is the pink tissue we see after the epidermis has been scraped off for example when we scrape our knee.

The dermis supports our skin, plumps the skin, gives the skin substance and elasticity. Elasticity is the skin component which allows our skin to stretch, move and return to a normal shape after being stretched.

During pregnancy, the skin of the abdomen stretches to many times its normal size as the baby grows. After the baby is delivered, the skin's elasticity in the dermis, contracts to bring the abdominal skin back to its normal shape.

During skin stretching, if the dermis expands too much or too fast, the dermis can break, split or rupture. These breaks in the dermis of the skin cause a wide depressed scar which is called a stretch mark or striae.

If you look at a striae under the microscope you see a defect or space in the dermis where the dermis has been ruptured or split. The use of steroid medications also causes striae even without tension or pulling on the skin.

The mechanism of the striae caused by steroids is a direct damage or dissolving of collagen in the dermis by the steroid medication. Very rapid growth spurts during adolescence or even in adults who are weight lifting and have rapid muscle expansion, can also cause rupture of the dermis and striae.

The basic building block of the dermis is collagen. Collagen is the main ingredient in the dermis and collagen fibers are ruptured and damaged in the dermis beneath the striae.

How Do We Remove Stretch Marks and Striae?

Removal of stretch marks and striae requires building new collagen in the dermis of the skin to replace the lost collagen and tightening of the skin to bring the stretched skin back together. To date, the only mechanism available to produce new collagen in the dermis and to tighten skin has been with heat produced by lasers, infrared energy and other forms of heat energy.

When the collagen in the dermis is heated to 66 degrees centigrade, the collagen shrinks and tightens, and the collagen is stimulated to remodel and grow new collagen.

This principle is used in all forms of laser and light energy skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, and wrinkle removal treatments. Examples are the Starlux 1540 and 2940, Fraxel, Fraxel repair, ActiveFX, DeepFX, Refirme, Affirm, Thermage, Titan, and LuxIR Deep technologies.

How Does the Starlux 1540 Laser Treatment and the LuxIR Deep Stretch Mark Removal Therapy Work?

The Starlux 1540 fractional erbium non-ablative laser goes deep into the dermis to heat the collagen to 66 degrees centigrade and promote the growth and production of new collagen to replace the collagen lost in the dermis in the stretch mark.

The Starlux 1540 also causes collagen shortening which tightens skin. The Starlux 1540 works down to about 1000 microns deep in the dermis. That is about half of the depth of the skin.

The LuxIR Deep is a fractional Infrared device which delivers heat to the very deepest layers of the dermis, deeper than the 1000 microns affected by the Starlux 1540. These deeper layers are where the elasticity of the dermis resides. Thus the LuxIR Deep adds not only new dermal collagen production but also adds significant skin tightening.

Both of these devices are called fractional because the heat is delivered into small partial areas of the skin instead of the entire skin surface. Because untreated areas of skin are left, the skin does not slough or peel, thus no skin is removed or ablated. Thus non-ablative laser and light treatment.

These non-ablative treatments leave the skin intact so that no surface healing is required-no down time, unlike the old time laser resurfacing which required 2-3 weeks for skin healing.

What Is the Starlux 1540 Laser Treatment and the Starlux LuxIR Deep Treatment for Stretch Marks Like?

Topical anesthetic or numbing cream is applied to your skin before the Starlux 1540 treatment to make you more comfortable. Cold packs also are very helpful. The LuxIR Deep has its own skin cooling device and is not painful.

These combined treatments take time. A lower abdomen can take an hour and a half for the combined treatment. Larger areas can take longer.

Once your treatment is over, your skin will be pink but usually otherwise normal. There is typically no blistering, peeling or skin injury which requires dressings and wound care. A soothing ointment is applied after your treatment and you go home.

How Long Until I See Results?

You will see improvement about a month after the treatment. New collagen production does reach a peak for 3 months. It will be 6 months after your last treatment to see a final result. Typically 5 to 6 treatments are required.

Remember, we are stimulating the dermis of your skin to repair and heal the dermis with new skin plumping collagen and skin tightening. It took 9 months to form the striae, so expect that it will take at least 6 months after your last treatment to see a good result and at least a year to see a full result.

Depending on the severity of your striae, you may need more treatments to get continuing improvements and when done you may need yearly touch up treatments for the first year or two.

Who Should Do My Starlux 1540 laser and LuxIR Deep Infrared Treatments?

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the experts in laser treatments on the skin. Not all plastic surgeons and dermatologists use lasers, so you will have to do your homework to find an expert.

Ask your primary care physician for a recommendation. Also visit the websites of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic plastic Surgeons for information on lasers and board certified doctors in your area.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Seckel

Stretch Mark Removal - Get Rid of Striae
With New Fractional Laser Treatment

Buttock Injections - Why They're Very Dangerous

Buttock Injections - Why They're Very Dangerous
By Betty Betters

Buttocks injections have potentially amazing results. You can walk in flat, walk out WOW!

Sounds just like a Wonder bra ad, right? There lies the problem and potential for danger. Normally anybody thinking about plastic surgery would plan and think and maybe see a few plastic surgeons to prepare for a surgery. Whatever, the surgery they are interested in.

But with buttocks injections, the fact that there is no waiting and the possibility of instant gratification in about two hours, changes normal sane women into frenzied impulse shoppers , i.e. ...I have to have this now! Just think your favorite clothing store turning into a dollar store for only one day. Get the picture? Its not always pretty.

Buttocks injections are a surgery that changes the shape of your body and will inject a substance (Hydrogel or PMMA) into your body that will stay with you forever. So why does the normal mental process of thinking, planning, and exploring options just fly out the window, with buttock injections? There are many reasons, lets take them one at a time.

• Injectable fillers are not considered real surgery by most people. This view needs to be adjusted to anything that goes in your body to stay should be considered a surgery.
• The shear instant gratification possible with this procedure is enormous. You can really go from flat bottomed to a beautiful curvaceous back end in a couple of hours. This is what makes a lot of women jump prematurely. I know I have to be impulse careful it is my personal nature. You need to take a step back and really remind yourself that this is a cosmetic surgery.
• Cost of buttocks injections plays a role as well. Considering, that you can get better results with injections than implants in my opinion, the cost is pretty inexpensive. Buttock augmentation with Injections is about half the price of getting implants. Plus you avoid the recovery time of nearly three weeks that comes with traditional implants.

All these reasons add up to a lot of normal women having the procedure in haste. My advice to anyone looking into getting more projection for their backside is, take your time. Take the same care that you would if say, you were getting a tummy tuck or a breast augmentation. Do your research and look at lots of photos to get yourself ready and to have realistic expectations.

Chose you doctor very carefully and make sure that they have a lot of experience with this procedure. With Injections this often means going out of the country to find the most experienced doctors as this is not a popular procedure in the U.S. With a little homework you can get that amazing, WOW buttock augmentation you always wanted and be safe in the process.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Betty_Betters

Buttock Injections - Why They're Very Dangerous

Laser Scar Removal With Starlux 1540 Fractional Non-Ablative Treatment

Laser Scar Removal With Starlux 1540
Fractional Non-Ablative Treatment
By Brooke Seckel

Smooth unblemished skin is something we all desire but few of us ever have. Cuts and bruises, surgery, accidents, burns and acne all can leave very noticeable scars which can affect our self esteem and bother us. People can't help staring at scars, which of course makes those of us who have them very self conscious.

In the past, surgical removal was the treatment of choice. However surgical removal leaves another mark and involves surgery. Laser skin resurfacing has also been used, but the laser resurfacing technique only smoothed the superficial surface of the skin, and did not correct the depression or divot in the skin that occurs with most noticeable scars.

What Causes A Scar?

A scar is caused by damage to the dermis, the deep layer of the skin below the surface. A scratch or cut, surgical incision, an acne pustule, a deep burn, or any trauma that goes deep into the skin injures the dermis. If the dermis cannot regenerate itself enough to replace all of the damaged tissue, a depression exists in the skin which appears as a visible scar.

Injuries that affect only the surface of the skin, called the epidermis, usually heal without a noticeable mark. When you see a visible mark it means that the injury was deep enough to damage the dermis and the dermis has not been regenerated.

How Can A Scar Be Improved or Removed?

What is needed for improvement in most visible scars is the production of new dermis to replace the lost dermis and plump the skin. The main component of the dermis is collagen, and if the dermis can be induced to produce enough new collagen, the depression will be plumped and become less visible.

The basis of the new Starlux 1540 process is the production of new collagen in the dermis.

How Does Starlux 1540 Laser Treatment Work?

The Starlux 1540 erbium laser beams actually go deep into the dermis and promote the growth of new collagen in the dermis. This new collagen fills the deficient dermis and plumps the skin beneath the depression.

The best thing is that the Starlux 1540 is a non-ablative laser which means that the surface of the skin is not damaged or removed during the treatment. This means that you do not have to go through the prolonged healing required by old time resurfacing. Your skin surface is still intact immediately after treatment.

What Is The Starlux 1540 Treatment Like?

We apply a numbing cream to your skin prior to treatment for your comfort. The Starlux 1540 hand piece has a small circle at the end which is pressed against the skin, and the laser is turned on. You will feel heat as the machine is turned on; however patients find it easy to tolerate.

The skin is not broken, thus your skin is only pink or red after treatment. No open wounds, no skin peel, no need for soaks or dressings. The pink may last 24 hours, but you can use makeup to cover the pink because the skin is intact.

How many Treatments Are Needed?

You will need at least 4 treatments spaced 4-5 weeks apart for maximum collagen production and skin plumping. Severe, deep wounds caused by acne or surgery may require more treatments for optimal results.

When Will I See A Result?

You will see swelling the first two weeks after treatment but this swelling is just the immediate effect of the treatment. New collagen production does not begin for 6 weeks after the treatment, and visible improvement usually is seen by the third month. Remember, we are stimulating the skin to make new collagen, which takes time. There is no quick fix for immediate results, even with surgery.

The collagen production continues for six months to a year after the last treatment.

By 6 months into the program, which is 3 months after your last and fourth treatment you will be seeing visible results. The results will continue to improve for at least 6 months after your last treatment.

Who Should Do My Starlux 1540 Treatment?

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the experts at laser skin treatments. You should inquire if the doctor specializes or is experienced in these techniques, as many board certified doctors don't use lasers.

The best results I have seen have been with the Starlux system made by Palomar Medical. They have a special interest in this procedure and improvement, unlike other companies that have focused mainly on wrinkle removal.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Seckel

Getting Buttocks Injections, What to Expect

Getting Buttocks Injections, What to Expect
By Tonya Peterson

If you are considering using a body filler as an option to increase your buttocks, this is what you can expect during the procedure. The two most popular forms of injectable body fillers used for buttocks enhancement are Hydrogel or PMMA. Let's show you the process with Hydrogel.

During the first treatment you will have your consultation where the surgeon will mark the areas where the product will be injected along with the incision points. Be sure you are aware of where the incisions will be and are OK with their location. They may become tiny permanent scars. Make sure during this consultation the surgeon knows exactly what type of shape you desire and where you want the most projection.

I personally recommend to all potential patients, bring pictures of buttocks you think would be right for you. Try to find pictures of body types that at least generally match your own, but have a better buttock projection. Another good tip is to bring two photos, one which shows what you consider to be too big and the other what you consider too small. This can really make a great outcome more likely if you and your doctor are on the same page about your goals. Here are the volume enhancement options with Hydrogel buttocks injections.

Hydrogel can increase the size of the following:

1. Upper buttock

2. Middle buttock

3. Lower buttock

4. Hip expansion

5. Outer thighs

6. Calves

Facial areas

1. Lips

2. Cheeks

3. Chin

4. Wrinkle treatment- laugh lines, frown lines, brow lines

5. Bridge of nose

Once you are done with your consultation you will change into a surgical gown and the doctor will take you into a clean room. A surgical theater is generally not used for this procedure. After thoroughly sterilizing the area, the doctor will inject a local anesthesia directly into the buttock. You will feel some discomfort at first, but moments after the area will become numb and subsequent injections of local anesthesia will be barely felt.

A micro incision is made and a small cannula is inserted to inject the gel. The Hydrogel is applied just above the muscle in the deep layer of fatty tissue. There will be several injections into each area of the buttocks and after each injection the doctor will deeply massage the area which helps shape the area. Many patients report that the deep massage is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure. it is absolutely critical that the shape be molded.

Depending on how many cc's you are receiving the procedure will take between 1 and 3 hours in total for the first treatment. If you need a second treatment this normally takes place a few days later. The plastic surgery costs for buttock injections run about forty percent less than traditional implants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Peterson

Getting Buttocks Injections, What to Expect

Celebrity Breast Implants Make a Large Difference

Celebrity Breast Implants Make a Large Difference
By Leonard Dawson

Breast implants are one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed on females. While many women across the world have this procedure, most news certainly seems to revolve around celebrities who have undergone the procedure.

One of the reasons for this is that we are simply a celebrity obsessed culture. We look to television, music, and movie stars as examples of what a woman should look like, and we find many different examples. There are many celebrities who have had breast implants for various reasons, and here is a look at just a few of them.

A unique choice of breast implants has been chosen by Victoria Beckham of the Spice Girls and wife to England footballer David Beckham. While many celebrities choose to have subtle implant procedures, Beckham chose rather large implants that are quite prominent for her body type.

Many surgeons as a rule would most likely advise against the procedure, yet Beckham has managed to create a very stylish and elegant look for herself, proving that sometimes the success of the surgery is also about the personality and style of the patient.

Demi Moore is another example of a celebrity who has undergone the breast augmentation procedure. Moore has had multiple surgeries, changing from smaller to larger breasts on a few occasions. She has always chosen her surgeons well, however, and her breasts have always suited her natural physique, which is the true hallmark of quality augmentation.

Perhaps no celebrity breast augmentation has garnered more attention lately than that of Christina Applegate. Upon learning that she had a tumour in one of her breasts, the star of many hit television shows opted for a double mastectomy augmentation surgery during which she received double implants. The procedure provided great medical benefit to Applegate, and has left her looking as stunningly gorgeous as ever.

One of the biggest benefits has been that it has changed the public opinion about breast augmentation. Applegate's case has helped people realise that breast augmentations hold a very valid place in society and can offer great benefit to people who have cancer or are at high risk of developing it.

Celebrity breast augmentations are common. While each case is different, all of the celebrities listed here found the best surgeons for their cases. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, look into the reputation and record of your provider. With the right surgeon, you can get implants that improve your body image while fully suiting your body style and physique.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leonard_Dawson

Celebrity Breast Implants Make a Large Difference

Know Your Ways to Lose Double Chin

Know Your Ways to Lose Double Chin
By Mark Marshall

Millions of people struggle to lose double chin and the stubborn fat depositions around their neck. As people grow older more and more fats get accumulated in their body. Gradually a double chin is formed. However, people also show traits of double chin even when they are not old or fat when their genes are responsible for this.

To Lose Double Chin the simple procedures are to be followed regularly. These are recommendations from doctors and nutritionists.

Diet - To Lose Double Chin the first and foremost thing to be monitored is your diet. The fast food hubs are store yards of high calorie foodstuffs. The body needs vegetables and fruits for having a great metabolism for your digestive system. Hence have more vegetables and fruits that contain L-Carnitine which assists in eliminating body fats naturally.

Work Out - Regular work out must be made as a habit to keep the weight under total control. The fats that are stored around your neck will get reduced by regular exercise and sweating.

Facial Workout - The platysma muscles located near your jaw is responsible for its movement. Various facial exercises when done regularly can reduce fat muscles at a fast rate. The right workout can minimize this.

Good Posture - Maintaining a good posture helps you lose double chin. This is also helpful to keep your spine straight giving you a youthful look. Sit up straight always keeping your jaws straight. Eventually this will make your jaw muscles more firm and hence you will look thin on your face.

Cosmetic Surgery - A kind of clinical surgery also removes fat from the skin. This is known as liposuction where a small incision is made on your body from where a vacuum hose is inserted. This sucks out fat from under the skin without damaging the nerves and tissues. However, these should be done by professional licensed surgeons only.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Marshall

Know Your Ways to Lose Double Chin

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach

Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach
By Brooke Seckel

Loose sagging skin on our face, stomach, arms and other areas is very distressing to many of us. Loose skin or integument (integument - medical term for skin) makes us look old and out of shape, no matter how hard we work out and try to stay fit.

In the past, effective skin tightening required plastic surgical procedures like face lift and tummy tuck. However, in the past few years, many new non-surgical and laser skin tightening methods have been developed. The new skin tightening technology has been steadily getting better as the machines improve and as doctors learn how to maximize the results achieved.

Today, often using a combination of different methods, substantial skin tightening can be achieved without surgery, a very different situation than just 3-4 years ago when Thermage, Titan, Refirme, and LuxIR Deep were introduced. There are many skin tightening advertisements that can be misleading, so you really need to be an informed consumer and understand the technology if you are going to achieve the result that you desire. Below I will explain how the new skin tightening technology works and which methods are the best.

How Non-surgical Skin Tightening Works

Tight, firm skin requires good elasticity. Elasticity means the ability of the skin or integument to snap back or tighten after it has been displaced or pulled away from the body. Good elasticity depends on healthy collagen and elastin fibers that lie very deep, near the bottom of the dermis, the deep layer of our integument below the surface. Collagen and elastin fibers act like small rubber bands that hold the integument tight against our body, and pull the loose tissue back when it is stretched or pulled.

Aging, sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, stress, excessive alcohol intake and an unhealthy diet and lifestyle all destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis and cause the integument to loosen and sag. Stretching caused by pregnancy or rapid weight loss after dieting or gastric bypass surgery also destroys collagen and elastin in the dermis and results in sagging and loss of tone.

All laser and non-surgical skin tightening methods work by stimulating the growth of new collagen and elastin in the dermis. When you heat collagen and elastin to 66 degrees centigrade, the collagen and elastin fibers shrink or tighten, and are remodeled with new collagen and elastin formation. The effect of this skin tightening and new collagen and elastin formation is that the deep dermis contracts and becomes firmer and the loose tissue is tightened.

The elastin and collagen lie very deep in the dermis, and the major challenge is to get enough heat deep down in the dermis to remodel elastin and collagen without burning the surface of the integument as the heat passes through the more superficial layers.

This has been accomplished by using very effective cooling devices that cool the surface while the heat energy is passed through the surface on its way to the deep dermis. Machines that have this ability are the Palomar LuxIR Deep, Thermage, titan and Refirme to name a few.

A newer method applies heat to the deep layers from underneath. New laser liposuction technology like SlimLipo uses a small laser cannula placed beneath the integument to melt fat. The heat also causes contraction and firming of the overlying loose tissue. This technique has been very effective for the tummy and neck or double chin.

Laser Skin Tightening

Old time CO2 and Erbium laser resurfacing did effectively tighten loose tissue. However, recovery was very difficult with lengthy healing time, prolonged redness and hypo pigmentation or loss of color after the procedure. These techniques are no longer widely practiced.

New fractional laser resurfacing techniques are a great improvement. By fractionating or breaking up the laser into many small beams, untreated areas are left to speed healing and complications are less common. The new fractional resurfacing techniques also can go deeper into the dermis to firm up the deeper collagen and elastin layers. Fractional laser resurfacing machines include the Starlux 1540 and 2940, Fraxel, ActiveFX, DeepFX, Profractional, and Affirm machines.

These skin tightening techniques can be used on and are most effective on the face. Because integument healing is required, these fractional resurfacing techniques are less effective in other areas such as the neck, stomach, and arms.

Lasers are not the treatment of choice for sagging and laxity of the neck, abdomen and arms. These areas require more heat energy that can only be delivered by infrared and radiofrequency machines.

Infrared and Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

The most effective surface applied skin tightening machines today use either radiofrequency or infrared heat energy to firm loose and sagging tissue on the neck, arms and tummy. These machines have sophisticated cooling hand pieces to prevent burn injury.

These machines can penetrate deeply into the dermis, down to 2000 microns where the elastin fibers are most plentiful. These deep treatments are necessary for maximum firming and skin tightening. Commonly available machines are Palomar's LuxIR Deep, Thermage, Titan, and Refirme among many others.

Understand that 4 treatments are usually required for the best result with most machines. New collagen and elastin production will not occur until 6 months after your last treatment, so it takes time to see your final result.

In my opinion, the best results are about a 20-30% improvement. Even better results are possible with higher energies using the LuxIR Deep which has superb new cooling system which allows us to more than double the energy we are using. The new LuxIR Deep cooling with increased energy delivery also shortens the duration of treatments.

Still, infrared and radiofrequency machines cannot yet achieve the same results that I can achieve with a face lift, tummy tuck, or arm lift.

Laser Liposuction

Recently, new laser liposuction technology called SlimLipo has produced remarkable firming of the loose integument and fat during the fat dissolving process. Because the SlimLipo laser fiber is placed beneath the integument, the laser beam has closer and more direct access to the subcutaneous elastin fibers.

Laser liposuction has been used successfully to firm the loose tummy, loose arm, loose neck, and to firm the hips and thighs. This new laser liposuction method will be a very important in years to come.

Which Skin Tightening Method Is Best For You?

Your choice of a firming method will depend on how much loose skin you have and where the loose skin is located. If you have wrinkles, sun damage and mild laxity around the cheeks and mouth, then fractional laser skin resurfacing with combined Starlux 1540 and 2940 lasers are your best option.

If you have good skin, and mild to moderate skin laxity of your cheeks, neck, abdomen or arms, the Infrared or radiofrequency skin tightening will give you a 20-30 % result. I use the LuxIR Deep skin infrared skin tightening machine made by Palomar.

If you have both fat and loose skin on your tummy, arms, neck, double chin, hips or thighs, then laser liposuction is your best choice for skin tightening. I use the SlimLipo laser liposuction machine made by Palomar.

How To Find A Doctor

Board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are the laser experts, but all board certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists are not experienced in lasers.

Therefore, you will have to do your homework and inquire of the doctors if they are experienced with lasers and laser surgery. It is very important to consult an expert. Although the nurse or medical aesthetician may do the infrared or radiofrequency integument firming, the doctor who supervises the treatment must understand lasers and light technology. Laser liposuction and laser resurfacing must be done by an experienced physician.

Today there are many non plastic surgeons and dermatologists who advertise laser and light services who are not experts at these techniques. You really need to ask the right questions and investigate. These new technologies can be dangerous and harmful in inexperienced hands.

Good places to look are the websites of the following organizations:

American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS)

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brooke_Seckel
Skin Tightening - How Laser Treatments Firm Your Face and Stomach

Hydrogel Buttocks Injections - What To Expect After the Procedure

Hydrogel Buttocks Injections - What To Expect After the Procedure
By Tonya Peterson

These are typical instructions following the procedure. Consult with your doctor to make sure these apply to you. Even though the plastic surgery costs for Hydrogel buttocks injections are a lot less than implants, it is still an investment and should be well looked after. Hopefully literally!

• After the application of Hydrogel, the area will appear red and swollen for approximately 48 hours, also due to the strong massage given in order for the product to spread evenly under the skin. Some areas may seem larger than other areas, but they will even out in approximately two weeks.
• There can be a small sepage of the Hydrogel after its application in the body area. It will subside after the first 48 hours.
• The patient may feel some pain in the body area, similar to sore muscle pain after having exercised a lot, and there might be a slight increase in body temperature.
• The swelling of the injected area will decrease after approximately 48 hours. That is why the touch up with Hydrogel will take place two days after, in order to see where the necessary corrections must be done.
• Expect some reduction in volume, size and projection after the first treatment, it is absolutely normal and to be expected.
• The final results will be seen after approximately one month, when the Hydrogel will be completely encapsulated.
• Stretch marks may occur due to the rapid increase in size with Hydrogel implants

The final size and shape depends on what volume your buttocks had before the procedure and the amount of Hydrogel injected. If your skin is elastic, or there is excess skin more Hydrogel can be injected. However if your skin is not elastic and very tight this will lower the amount of Hydrogel that can be injected.

INSTRUCTIONS: HYDROGEL

1. Start taking your antibiotics the day before your procedure, if possible. If not, then please begin the day of your procedure and continue for 6 days.

2. Every time after showering, disinfect and put a gauze compress over the small hole in the body area where the Hydrogel has been injected. A strip of adhesive tape can be placed over the gauze in order to keep it in place

Things not to do for patients receiving Hydrogel Buttock Enhancement

DO NOT sleep on your back for 24 hours after your treatments. Please sleep face down or, if your doctor recommends otherwise, you may sleep on your side.

DO NOT sit down for long periods of time especially on any hard surface. 45 minutes is the maximum amount of time you should be sitting down without getting up. This applies for the first 24 hours after each treatment.

DO NOT take very hot baths or very cold baths/showers.

DO NOT put ice packs or heating packs on the area treated with Hydrogel

DO NOT perform excess high impact sports such as jumping, running, etc.

DO NOT expose the area treated by Hydrogel to direct sunlight until all bruising and swelling has completely disappeared, that is, approximately for 21 days (this includes your face area too.)

DO NOT have any sexual intercourse for the first 48 hours.

Things to do for patients receiving Hydrogel Buttock Enhancement

DO walk around in air conditioned areas.

DO massage the body area where the Hydrogel has been injected. Ask Dr. Di Blasi to show you how to massage the area. You will need to do this everyday for one month, twice a day.

DO take anti-inflammatory medication 2 times a day for 4 days.

DO work out after your treatment, but only do the following: walking, swimming, lozenges, stretching and Pilates.

Web: http://surgicalservicesinternational.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tonya_Peterson

Hydrogel Buttocks Injections - What To Expect After the Procedure

Celebrities With Bad Teeth That Have Succumb to the Celebrity Cosmetic Dentistry Craze

Celebrities With Bad Teeth That Have Succumb
to the Celebrity Cosmetic Dentistry Craze
By John Z Birch

Sadly not all of us can be born with a set of perfect teeth and as we grow the situation doesn't really get any better. As you grow reasonably straight teeth can turn into bad teeth over night as different problems like an impacting wisdom tooth. For this reason many cosmetic dentists are offering improvements to bad teeth from tooth whitening to veneers and braces. Hollywood stars are frequently getting cosmetic dentistry to get those celebrity teeth to shine on the red carpet.

Hannah Montana star and daughter of achy breaky country singer Billy Ray, Miley Cyrus' bad teeth have been fixed. The young singer and actress had bad teeth for a while but recently it looks like Miley has spent some of her hard earned cash on some veneers. Her teeth used to be a darker and some would say more natural shade as well as having slightly short and crooked canines. Those days now appear to be gone as Miley Cyrus' celebrity status continues to rise.

Tom Cruise is an A-list Hollywood superstar. After having starred in classic films from The Colour Of Money to more recent appearances in Tropic Thunder, Tom Cruise bad teeth have plagued him since he was young. Tom has a crooked jaw that is out of alignment with his top teeth making his whole mouth appear crooked. As a child, his teeth were even worse with an enlarged front tooth that looked like it could fall out at any minute.

Not all Hollywood stars turn to cosmetic surgery, some stars have still made a good living despite having bad teeth. Morgan Freeman is one of these stars. Morgan Freeman's teeth are a mess but it is a testament to the man for sticking with them. The star of such films as Wanted and Seven, Morgan Freeman didn't start his career till later in his life which might explain why his teeth are in a state. His teeth are badly stained and his gums appear to be receding and could do with a good once over.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Z_Birch
Celebrities With Bad Teeth That Have Succumb
to the Celebrity Cosmetic Dentistry Craze

Celebrities Who Have Had Cosmetic Surgery

Celebrities Who Have Had Cosmetic Surgery By Amy Nutt

They will deny, deny, and deny some more that they have had cosmetic surgery, but there are plenty of celebrities who have had it done. If they won't admit it through the words that come out of their mouths, the difference in their appearance tells everything. Nevertheless, there are those celebrities who will admit to having such procedures as Botox done. They don't seem to have too much of an issue admitting that because it isn't surgical.

Surgical disasters
However, there are some celebrities that are considered cosmetic surgery disasters. One of the most recent ones was Lisa Rinna and she even admitted that she thought the results were horrendous. Other celebrities include:

- Melanie Griffith with her unnaturally thick lips. Being a naturally beautiful woman, many are saying that she should not have had her lips augmented because they overshadow the natural beauty that she possesses.

- Faye Dunaway is one in which her skin has been pulled too tightly.

- Kenny Rogers is another one who has changed quite a bit due to cosmetic surgery. He definitely looks different and the opinion is not always a favorable one.

- Joan Rivers is one you can't really forget. As a matter of fact, she might be the first one that you think of when someone mentions bad cosmetic surgery. She has even made fun of herself in a TV commercial where she says, "I can't feel my face. So you do have to admire her for finding humor in it.

There are certainly more surgical disasters than this, but these are some of the most notable.

Not so disastrous
There are some celebrities who have had cosmetic surgery that isn't so disastrous. The truth is that it can help some individuals. Take these celebrities, for instance:

- Pamela Anderson is quite obvious with the breast implants and it has been rumored that she has had some work done on her face as well.

- Nicole Kidman is more on the rumor side of things, but she has changed in the past 15 years or so. She has gotten older, but her nose has changed completely. However, she is still beautiful.

- Paula Abdul has had some work done, but it isn't horrendous work. It looks as if she has had a little tweak here and there.

- Victoria Beckham is still gorgeous although she has had some work done. It is quite obvious that she is different from what she used to be. And we do know that she has had breast implants.

- Jennifer Grey had one of the most obvious changes. She had a nose job done many years ago and when she did this, it made her unrecognizable to many of her fans. It was a dramatic change in her appearance, but it was one for the better.

- There is also the Ashley Simpson nose job, which improved her looks. That was actually a wise decision on her part, although she was a pretty girl anyway.

- Marilyn Monroe is an oldie and she has been gone for quite some time, but she had had Rhinoplasty surgery sometime between being a brunette and becoming a blonde.

- Halle Berry has even had a nose job, but we all know that she is beautiful either way. She could have left her nose the way it was and everyone would have loved her just as much.

This is a good rundown of the good and the bad in celebrity cosmetic surgery. It is quite amazing the results that we have seen in some of our favorite stars. And if you wondered about any of them, now you know.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Nutt

Celebrities Who Have Had Cosmetic Surgery By Amy Nutt