FYI Cosmetics

No one soon forgets that apprehensive feeling of sitting in the waiting room of the dentist’s office. Hearing the whirl of the drills, knowing that no matter how much novocain they give you…you ‘feel’ like you can still feel it. For those men and women who are weary of climbing into ‘the chair’, laser dentistry may be a great alternative. Patients treated with laser dentistry techniques have found that their cavities can be filled quickly and painlessly, gum disease can be remedied in minutes and teeth whitening has never been easier. For those who usually avoid the traditional dentist at all costs, laser dentistry can finally be your answer to a healthier, whiter smile.

Cavity Removal: Cavity removal is one of the dental procedures that patients are most hesitant about. For some, having cavities filled can be a painful and terrifying experience, but laser dentistry has changed all this. Non-invasive laser technology has been developed to remove all decay within a tooth as well as prepare the surrounding enamel for bonded fillings both quickly and painlessly. During treatment, the laser energy targets and dissolves unwanted bacteria found within the cavity; a great alternative when weighed against the picking and drilling of traditional cavity removal. The lasers used during this treatment are so advanced and so precise, they are even capable of detecting cavities in their earliest stages. This allows dentists to stop cavities before they start.

Periodontal: Periodontal, or gum related dental care has greatly advanced due to laser dentistry technology. If not continually taken care of, over time tartar can do real and lasting damage to the gums. It initially causes swelling and bleeding which eventually leads to the gums weakening and pulling away from the teeth. These empty spaces then fill with bacteria which results in gum disease. Dentists treat active gum disease with lasers by targeting and removing the disease-causing bacteria in the spaces between the gums and the teeth. Traditionally this is a very painful procedure that requires considerable recovery time but laser technology has significantly reduced the amount of pain and down-time associated with periodontal procedures.

Laser Teeth Whitening: There aren’t many teeth whitening procedures available to consumers today, most are over the counter remedies that only provide temporary results. Laser teeth whitening is a revolutionary new cosmetic dentistry procedure that is changing the way individuals whiten stained and discolored teeth. The procedure is very simple—a whitening gel is applied to the teeth and then the laser light is passed over the treatment area in order to target this gel. When the laser light is applied to the gel, it activates small crystals within that penetrate through the tooth enamel in order to effectively break up stains. Treatments usually take about an hour, but will depend on each individual’s level of discoloration. This is an innovative treatment that has allowed men and women to have whiter, brighter smiles for years.

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Whether you are in need of a simple cavity removal or a major whitening procedure, laser dentistry can provide the relief that you are searching for. Do some research and find out how each procedure works because laser dentistry is quickly becoming a revolutionary way to provide safe and effective dental care for all patients. Patients that have undergone laser dental procedures are happier with their results, but more importantly, are no longer afraid to go to the dentist!

Freckles, whether on the face or body, are something that most individuals experience, at least to some degree. Genetics and heredity play a large role in the outward appearance of our skin, but sun exposure and other harsh daily elements can also cause the pigment of our skin to change. While freckles are generally harmless, more and more men and women are looking for ways to remove unwanted freckles. There are several skin rejuvenation techniques for freckle removal currently available that can help you to restore clear, blemish free skin with lasting results.

Freckles are easily identifiable on the skin because they are small, flat and round, usually uniform in color and appear darker than the surrounding skin pigment. Freckle formation is due to cells called melanocytes—they generate an increased amount of melanin in the skin. When an increased amount of melanin exists, it collects abnormally in specific areas of the skin which leads to the formation of freckles. Freckles, for the most part, begin their development around the age of two, and while some individuals are genetically predisposed to freckles (many redheads will have overly freckly skin) it is repeated sun exposure that most often initiates and enhances their appearance. Freckles are not cancerous in nature and it is not medically necessary to remove them, but men and women often choose to remove unwanted freckles purely for aesthetic reasons.

When figuring out how to remove your unwanted freckles, it is important to take into consideration that there are two distinct types of freckles. The first type are called ephelides, the second type are called solar lentigines. Ephelides are also known as simple freckles; these are the freckles individuals are genetically inclined to get and therefore are harder (but not impossible) to remove. Solar lentigines are also known as sunburn freckles and because they are caused by sun exposure, they are more superficial and therefore easier to remove. While freckles most often appear on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders, arms and hands, they can be seen anywhere; and can be removed from anywhere.

There are several treatments currently available designed to help remove unwanted freckles. These include:

Bleaching Agents: Bleaching agents specifically designed for freckle removal are not intended to bleach the skin; instead they work to inhibit the production of melanin which stops freckles from forming on the face and body. However, because the bleach is used on the entire skin area (not just the freckles) it sometimes tends to lighten the skin so it is not the most effective method.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels work on many different levels to rejuvenate the face by removing the outer layers of skin. By removing dead skin cells and rejuvenating the face, blemishes are lightened which allows the skin to take on a more uniform appearance.

Laser/IPL Treatments: Laser and light based treatments for freckle removal are the most advanced treatment methods for unwanted freckles. The laser light attracts to the melanin in the freckles; the light energy then transforms into heat which effectively fragments the melanin particles which are naturally re-absorbed and expelled by the body’s immune system. A series of laser treatments can drastically reduce the appearance of unwanted freckles.

If you find that freckles are starting to form on your face and body and are searching for ways to stop it, the best freckle removal technique will always be prevention; work hard to stop the freckles before they start. Freckle formation prevention is very simple, just wear sunscreen. By protecting your skin from sun exposure, you’ll surely slow down (or even stop all together) the formation of unwanted freckles. Wear SPF 30 or higher every single day, whether in direct sunlight or not, to help keep your skin clear and blemish free.

Whether you are interested in prevention or are interested in how to remove your unwanted freckles, consider all of your treatment alternatives so that you can find the freckle removal technique that works best for you.

Suffering with Acne, whether as a teen or as an adult, can be a very harrowing experience. What’s worse, once the acne desists, individuals are often left with a constant reminder—acne scars. Depending on severity, acne scarring can have a great effect on one’s appearance and overall self esteem, but feel confident that not all hope has been lost. As technology has progressed, new treatments have been developed that can help combat the permanent acne reminder. Learning about acne scar removal and the treatment options available can help individuals to find a treatment that will help them to achieve the smooth, clear complexion they desire.

There are several acne scar removal procedures currently available to consumers; therefore, depending the severity of your acne and acne scarring, some may work better than others. By fully researching all of your options you’ll be bale to discover which acne scar removal treatment will best suit your individual needs.

Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers are one of the fastest and simplest ways to correct, soften and reduce mild to moderate acne scarring. Dermal fillers are natural compounds that are injected into and under the surface of the skin in order to fill in pitted acne scars. These compounds are extremely safe as they are made of natural ingredients and are easily administered. They are very beneficial to men and women with acne scarring because they provide immediate results with minimal to no downtime.

Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive skin resurfacing treatment that works to remove the superficial layers of the epidermis. Through the use of gentle mechanical abrasion, pressure, crystals and suction, this innovative treatment works to scrape away the surface layer of skin. These treatments help to remove dead skin cells that may eventually cause the formation of acne and in addition can reduce pore size, minimize the formation of acne and soften acne scars. Microdermabrasion is most often used on those patients that have both active acne and acne scarring.

Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are another acne scar removal treatment option that can lead to a smoother, clearer appearance. During the chemical peel, a chemical solution will be applied to the skin in order to smooth skin texture by eliminating the damaged weakened outer layer of the epidermis. Chemical peels, similar to microdermabrasion, work to help alleviate both mild to moderate acne and acne scarring. There are varying degrees of chemical peels so depending on the severity of your specific situation, different options are available.

Laser Acne Removal: One of the most innovative ways to reduce the visible signs of acne and acne scarring is with laser acne treatments. Fractional and/or resurfacing lasers can be used to partially ablate the epidermal layer of skin in order to promote the natural growth of collagen in order to fill in pitted acne scars. Laser acne removal treatments can naturally decrease the depth of acne scarring for a smoother appearance.

Depending on your current level of acne and acne scarring, one or several of these acne scar removal treatment options may be beneficial for you. Discover today just how easy it can be to eliminate your acne scars once and for all!

Nearly 50% off all men and women experience hair loss.  While everyone normally sheds and regrows hair daily, hair loss results when more of that hair is shed than grows back. Hair loss or alopecia can be defined by four different types: traumatic alopecia, drug induced alopecia alopecia areata, and androgenic alopecia.  Traumatic alopecia is hair loss due to an injury to the affected area where the hair will not grow back anymore.   Drug induced alopecia is caused by medications such as chemotherapy.  Alopecia areata is a disease state that caused hair to fall out in spots or evenly all over the body.  Androgenic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss and is genetic.  Often referred to as male pattern baldness, androgen alopecia can be found in both men and women and is the most treatable form of hair loss.

Whether the hair loss is caused by illness, genetics or medication, several treatments are available to assist in maintaining or restoring hair.   Medications such as Propecia (finasteride), is a daily pill that can help to restore and maintain hair loss in men.  Propecia ceases the progression of hair loss, while maintaining the remaining hair.  This effect works as long as the pill continues to be taken.  Effectiveness of this medication has been reported to cease hair loss in 60% of men who use it on a daily basis.  Minoxidil or the brand name Rogaine is a topical treatment used for maintaining existing hair.  It has also been reported to stimulate hair growth in 50% of both men and women. The important fact to keep in mind with taking medication for hair loss is that should the medication be stopped hair loss will likely occur to the new growth as well as the hair that was maintained by taking the medication.
Hair transplantation is the only permanent solution for hair restoration.  Hair transplants are a minor surgical procedure that is done under local anesthetic.  The process involves removing from an area of the head that is genetically programmed not to fall out) and is referred to as donor hair.  The hair transplant surgeon removes the donor hair, sutures closed the area it was taken from, leaving a thin scar that will be covered by existing hair.  The tissue that has been removed is then sectioned into micrografts (1-3 hairs) and follicular units (groups of hair that grow naturally together).  The tiny incisions are then made in the scalp and the dissected hair follicles are then inserted.  A tiny blood clot then forms around the hair follicle and the healing process begins.  The hair “takes root” in its new area and will begin to grow within a few months.  This hair is genetically programmed not to fall out the hair making the results permanent as the hair continues to grow throughout a person lifetime.  More than one surgery is needed to achieve the desired result and cost for the surgery can range from $2500- $10000 nationally.  One procedure can take from 2-5 hours to complete.

Additional treatments for hair restoration can include wigs or hair pieces, scalp rotation and scalp reduction (bald tissue is removed thereby making the bald area smaller).

Consult a hair restoration specialist to determine which procedure is right for you.
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When you ask a woman if you could change one thing on yourself what would it be? A great majority will stated they would like to have larger breasts. Breast enhancement surgery can encompass a variety of different procedures for a patient depending on their goal. These surgeries can enlarge, lift, reduce or reconstruct after a trauma or catastrophic illness.

Breast augmentation is a procedure to make the breasts larger and or fuller. Implants or fat transfer can achieve this goal. The surgery will restore volume that may have been lost after weight loss or pregnancy or to make a fuller appearance that did not occur during the normal growth process. Augmentation can also be performed in combination with reconstructive surgery after a trauma or a catastrophic illness such as cancer.

The augmentation is accomplished by inserting implants either submuscularlly or subpectorally. Both of these terms refer to the implants being placed under the chest muscle. A submuscular augmentation gives a more natural appearance with less risk of the implant being noticed under the skin. An alternative to this is to insert the implant subglandularly or above the chest muscle. A subglandular augmentation is often completed for women with a fair amount of breast tissue already and can be done alone or as part of a breast lift.

There are four techniques available to the surgeon and patient for insertion of the implant. The inframammory crease is when the incision made is placed under the fold of the breast. An areolar incison is when an incision is made around the nipple. Transaxillary incisions are made within the crease of the underarm. The transumbilical breast augmentation is also known as a TUBA. The TUBA has the incision made inside the belly button. The implants are then guided up through the abdomen with a scope type instrument and placed above the muscle.

The breasts are made larger with implants. Implants are made of silicone or saline. Silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel. These gel filled devices tend to be more costly however, they can have a more realistic look and feel to them. Saline implants are inserted as an empty shell then filled to the desired size with sterilized normal saline prior to the completion of the surgery. Both silicone and saline implants come in several sizes and shapes for a customized fit that is agreed upon by both the patient and the surgeon prior to the surgery.

A breast lift or mastopexy is a procedure that raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin, reshaping and tightening the surrounding tissue. Lifts are usually indicated after childbirth, weight loss or aging. To achieve the desired look, the surgeon elevates the breast on the chest wall by removing tissue and then repositioning the nipple and areola. Scarring can be minimal depending on how much needs to be lifted and the style used. The types of breast lifts include a crescent, donut or keyhole lift. A breast lift can be done alone, or in conjunction with an augmentation for added fullness.

Breast reconstruction may be done after illness or injury where the breast tissue was removed, as in the case of a cancer. The surgeon recreates or makes a new breast with implants or fat injections into the areas. Depending on the removal surgery this may also involve rebuilding a nipple and areola to restore the body to a more “normal” state.

There are several reasons for having a breast augmentation. Consulting with a qualified cosmetic surgeon will help you to determine which augmentation procedure is right for you.