FYI Cosmetics

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There has been much discussion over which hair removal treatments work more efficiently, intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser. IPL is often confused as a laser, however it is not. It is a non coherent light source which uses every wavelength of light in the visible spectrum and a little into the infrared spectrum, from 550nm to up to 1200nm. Laser light is coherent and uses a specific wavelength depending on the medium used (for example an Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755nm). The differences between IPL and Laser for hair removal are specific to the kind of light used and the size and shape of the spot.

The IPL is sometimes also called flash lamp therapy. The light emitted is filtered to settings for its indicated use, in this case hair removal. This filtered light is flashed from a rectangular hand piece onto the skin, targeting the pigment in the hair. The light is intended to cause thermal and mechanical damage to the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding tissue. The filtered light of the IPL cannot always successfully block out the wavelengths of light. Inconsistent energies emitted can cause the IPL to become confused and attracted to numerous targets at the same time. This includes pigmented lesions, skin color, and hair follicles. Deeper wavelengths within this broad spectrum are attracted to water in the skin and increase the chances of hyper pigmentation (brown or dark spots). While IPL is used for permanent hair reduction, its main function is to treat sun damage, poilkerderma, rosacea, broken capillaries, and vascular pigmented birth marks. For this reason the learning curve is very high when using an IPL, increasing the chances of untoward side effects and unhappy clients.

Laser light uses a specific wavelength of light enabling it to emit consistent reproducible energy every time. In the case of hair removal, it causes thermal and mechanical damage to the hair cells and it is attracted to the pigment. The Alexandrite lasers, often considered to be the “gold standard” for permanent hair reduction for skin types I-III use wavelength of 755nm. Darker skin types ranging in the Fitzpatrick scale of IV-V benefit from ND:Yag at 1064nm. This wavelength goes below the surface of the skin to the skin pigment and attracts to the chromospheres in the hair. The spot sizes for lasers are generally round and can be adjusted for custom treatments. Using smaller of larger spot sizes depending on the area of the body being treated.

Popularity of facial and body rejuvenation procedures is at an all time high, and one of the most common procedures undergone by both men and women is a neck lift. One of the first visible signs of aging comes in the form of loose and sagging skin. Men and women discover that areas of their face and body that were once firm and taught suddenly look older due to lax skin. When it comes to the neck area, having a ‘double chin’ or sagging skin in the chin area can make you look years older—because of this, the neck lift procedure is designed to remove excess fat and skin for a firmer, smoother appearance. After undergoing this treatment, patient’s look and feel years younger.

For those individuals who are starting to experience the natural signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin, a neck lift is a great way to obtain smoother, tighter skin that lasts. One of the first areas of the body that begin to show age is the neck, this aging often occurs even before the face in most cases. Creases, folding and banding of the skin combine together to visibly age us. A neck lift is a set of surgical procedures that are designed to remove excess fat and skin and tighten muscles in order to shape the neck. Three separate procedures, liposuction, cervicoplasty and platysmaplasty, are combined together to make up a comprehensive neck lift.

Each procedure involved in the neck lift is designed to help firm and tone the neck area. Typically liposuction is performed first and will help to remove excess fat. Once the fat is removed, the cervicoplasty is then performed; this procedure will remove excess skin through an incision under the chin and behind the ears. If needed, in conjunction with the cervicoplasty, a platysmaplasty can also be performed to surgically remove, reposition or tighten the muscles of the neck in order to decrease the banded appearance; this is done through incisions that are made under the chin, behind the ears or both. In some cases that aren’t as severe, once the first two procedures are performed, BOTOX cosmetic can be injected to relax the neck muscles (platysma muscle) instead of surgery.

Many patients who undergo a neck lift are doing so in conjunction with a facelift; this allows patients to firm and tone the facial and neck area all at once. Patients should expect to undergo local or general anesthesia for the neck lift surgery. Potential side effects can include bruising, swelling and a feeling of tightness in the area. Post operative care may be needed if a platysmaplasty is performed, patients should not undergo any strenuous work or exercise for 5-10 day and all post operative neck lift patients need to avoid bending and lifting for the first several weeks. For those men and women who are experiencing the visible signs of aging in the facial and neck area and are looking for an effective way to combat it, consider a neck lift today.

As the cosmetic revolution continues to push forward, treatments such as the mini facelift are quickly gaining popularity among those individuals who are searching for a smoother, firmer, younger appearance. It’s a well known fact that once you hit your mid 20’s, aging becomes part of your daily life—a part that you quickly come to dread. First come the gray hairs, then the fine lines, and after that, the deeper wrinkles and the loose and sagging skin. Growing older means that you push forward and experience more in life, but those visible signs of aging that many of us deal with on a daily basis are a constant reminder that life moves fast. Undergoing treatments to help reverse the signs of aging are helping many men and women look and feel years younger. A mini facelift is one of the great ways to feel great and look even better.

Many individuals are finding that a mini facelift is a fantastic skin rejuvenation alternative to more invasive surgical procedures. The mini facelift or what many refer to as the ‘weekend facelift’ is less invasive than a traditional facelift procedure and provides patients with the same rejuvenation results. Those men and women who find themselves in the early stages of aging (mostly those in their 30’s and 40’s) can undergo a mini facelift instead of waiting for a more invasive treatment. Those who are starting to experience wrinkles, fine lines and loose and sagging skin can see immediate results with minimal pain and little downtime.

A Mini Facelift focuses on specific target areas of the face that patients feel need to be freshened up. The procedure most often targets areas of the face such as the cheeks, neck and nasolabial folds (those creases from the side of the nose to the mouth). Smaller incisions in these areas mean quicker surgery and faster recovery times; mini facelifts are an attractive option for those who are not yet ready for a major surgical procedure yet are searching for a successful way to rejuvenate their skin. Generally mini facelifts are not designed to target upper facial areas such as the brows or around the eyes; these areas are usually treated with the traditional facelift procedure. The mini facelift is specifically designed to keep incisions to a minimum as opposed to traditional surgical approach with larger incisions.

No matter how many precautions we take to protect our skin, it will eventually start showing the normal signs of aging. For those men and women who are looking for a successful way to experience a smoother, younger appearance without being exposed to the risks and downtime associated with a traditional facelift, the mini facelift may be just the thing you need. Contact your physician today and talk about your different skin rejuvenation options. If you are looking to turn back the clock, but are not yet ready for a major surgical procedure, a mini facelift may be just the treatment you need to look and feel years younger.

A Breast Lift or Mastopexy is a very common cosmetic surgical procedure that more and more women are undergoing in order to change the way they look. Throughout a woman’s lifetime, there are many phases and changes that are experienced; all of which have an effect on the look and feel of the face and body. Pregnancy, nursing, weight gain, weight loss, diet, exercise, illness, gravity—all of these factors can affect the outward appearance of the body and as the years pass, women find that as their skin loses elasticity, the gravitational pull causes the breasts to lose their shape and firmness which eventually leads to sagging; this is where the breast lift can help.

A breast lift is a very common surgical procedure that many women undergo in order to lift and reshape their breasts. While this procedure has the capability to give you a natural, firm look, it is important for all prospective patients to remember that the results are not permanent. Gravity and skin laxticity will always have an effect on our bodies; therefore while a breast lift alone will provide results, those results will not be permanent. Because of this, women will oftentimes combine a breast lift with implant surgery in order to get longer lasting results.

Depending on the degree of ptosis or sagging you are experiencing, your breast lift procedure can differ slightly. The degrees of sagging are split into three different categories: mild ptosis, moderate ptosis or advanced ptosis. Mild ptosis is experienced when the nipples have dropped to the level of the breast crease; moderate ptosis is experienced when the nipples have dropped below the level of the breast crease and advanced ptosis is experienced when the nipples are pointing towards the floor. Depending on the severity of sagging the surgeon will alter the incision made during the procedure and will remove different sections and amounts of skin from the breast.

During your breast lift procedure the surgeon will make an anchor shaped incision which will extend down from the nipple and along the underside of the breast. Once the incision is made, the excess tissue and skin that is causing the breast to sag will be extracted. Once this stage is completed, the nipple will then be relocated by moving the areola to a higher position and the skin surrounding the areola will be brought down toward the incision and sutured. Once the breast lift is complete, the skin will be stitched around the areola as well as in a vertical line that extends down from the nipple to the underside of the breast. Your surgeon is specifically trained to make your scars as inconspicuous as possible, but it is important to remember that the scars will be permanent.

Pain, discomfort, bruising and swelling are all post surgery factors that will be experienced when undergoing a breast lift. The bruising will fade within a week or so, but the swelling can last for several months; many patients will not see full results of their procedure until the swelling has subsided. After a breast lift, patients will experience firmer, more natural looking breasts that can give them the look and the comfort they desire.

The body lift procedure is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your body for you younger, healthier look and feel. As we age, our hormones and body composition start to radically change, because of this, maintaining a youthful, toned look can become increasingly difficult. Gravity, combined with a reduction in the natural production of collagen (the building block that keeps skin firm and taut) eventually leads to loose, sagging skin. Many men and women, who can no longer tone and firm their body through the natural methods of diet and exercise, are now seeking other alternatives. A body lift can be a great way to remove excess skin and localized deposits of unwanted fat for a more natural look and feel.

A Circumferential Abdominoplasty (body lift), is a very common procedure that many men and women choose to undergo in order to remove excess skin and to re-contour the shape of the body.  Individuals experience loose, sagging skin and excess fat for a variety of different reasons; some of the more common are age, pregnancy, genetic skin conditions and rapid weight loss.  For those who eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly yet find that excess skin and fat is getting in the way of normal daily activities, a body lift may be just what you need.  Depending on where your excess skin and fat resides, you may undergo a particular type of body lift. This procedure is broken down into three separate treatments: a lower body lift (belt lipectomy) an upper body lift, or a total body lift.

Lower Body Lift:  The lower body lift procedure targets the stomach, thighs, buttocks and lower back. By combining a tummy tuck with a thigh lift a buttock lift and liposuction (if needed) all of these target areas can be efficiently treated.  The lower body lift is does not utilize on single incision, each separate area will require a separate incision.  Excess skin and fat will be removed from each of the targeted areas, after which the remaining skin will be pulled tight and sutured back together.  After this procedure, patients will experience a better toned and more contoured look in the lower body region.

Upper Body Lift:  The upper body lift procedure targets the breasts, chest arms and upper back. By combining an arm lift, liposuction and either a breast lift or male breast reduction, patients can rejuvenate their upper body for a younger, more natural look. Excess fat and skin will be removed in the same manner as a lower body lift. If the patient is male, this will extend into the breast area, if the patient is female, a breast lift will be performed to provide a more natural look. After this treatment, patients experience a better toned and more contoured look in the upper body region.

Total Body Lift: The total body lift simply combines both the lower body lift and the upper body lift into one single surgical treatment.

Whether you are looking to undergo a lower body lift, an upper body lift or a total body lift, feel confident that this innovative treatment can get you the results you are looking for. Be sure to thoroughly discuss all surgical options with your physician before committing to the body lift procedure in order to find the treatment that works best for you.

More men and women are undergoing cosmetic facial and body procedures now to look and feel their best than ever before; one such procedure is the Arm Lift. The Brachioplasty procedure, which is most commonly known as the arm lift, involves shaping and toning the arms by removing loose and sagging skin. When we are young, we maintain a smooth, firm, contoured shape due to the production of collagen within the skin; continual collagen production is what keeps the skin firm. As we age, the natural production of collagen within the body starts to decrease. As this decrease happens, skin that was once firm starts to loosen and sag. Lose and sagging skin on the upper arms can cause many men and women to become embarrassed and self conscious. An arm lift is a great way to get back that natural look and feel.

The arm lift procedure involves surgically removing the excess skin from the upper part of the arm. While this treatment is undergone for cosmetic reasons, it is still a surgical procedure, therefore patients will have to be placed under either a local or a general anesthetic; the anesthetic used will be determined on a case by case basis. Once the anesthetic is administered, the surgeon will start the procedure by making an incision on the underside of the arm that spans from the elbow to the armpit. Once made, the surgeon will then begin to trim excess skin from the area; if it is needed, excess fat can also be removed via liposuction. Once all of the excess skin and fat is removed, the skin that remains will be pulled together and sutured closed. Bandages will then be placed around the arm in order to reduce swelling and assist in the healing process.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, the Brachioplasty procedure can last anywhere from one to two hours. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so patients will be able to return home that same day. It is normal for patients to expect a good amount of discomfort for the first several days following treatment but pain can be controlled with proper medication. Patients will notice a reduction in swelling after the first few weeks; it is not until the swelling is completely gone that patients will finally be able to see their results.

In a time where body consciousness is at an all time high, we all want to look and feel our very best, but those individuals who are considering an arm lift to remove excess arm skin should seriously consider it before moving forward. While a Brachioplasty does remove excess fat and skin from the upper arm, it also leaves patients with a permanent scar, so you will be trading one imperfection for another. If that is only a minor concern for you then don’t deter from considering an arm lift. This treatment provides a great solution for those who are looking for a way to permanently remove excess arm skin. If you are interested, consult with your physician or plastic surgeon today and find out if this is the right treatment for you.

The number one fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the United States is SmartLipo™. This is one of the first laser assisted liposuction procedures that effectively destroys and permanently eliminates fat cells. Manufactured by Cynosure, the device has been FDA approved since November 2006. SmartLipo™ uses 1064 Nd: YAG laser light to melt fat and destroy fat cells, making it far less invasive than traditional liposuction.

While anyone can be a candidate for SmartLipo™ the ideal candidate is within 25 lbs of their ideal weight and exercises regularly. SmartLipo™ works best on small areas of localized fat deposits, especially areas that have not or do not responded to diet and exercise. Those who need to lose a significant amount of fat will not achieve satisfactory results and will have a more effective treatment with traditional liposuction. Since SmartLipo™ best treats small areas, the total surgery time is decreased. Minimal bruising, minimal pain, and quicker recovery times add to the benefits of the laser assisted treatment.

Similar to traditional liposuction, a tumescent solution is injected under the skin in the area to be treated. Tumescent fluid is a special solution of saline, anesthetic and epinephrine used to assist in numbing the site, minimize bleeding, decrease bruising and aide in the removal of the liquefied fat. Once the skin is infused with the solution, an optical fiber attached to a very small cannula (wand-like tube), is then inserted under the skin. The tip of the cannula or probe is then touched to the fat cells causing them to rupture and liquefy. The fat is then easily suctioned away with minimal effort. The laser energy will help coagulate blood vessels and the concentrated heat generated by the laser will stimulate the collagen to contract and tighten the skin. Since smaller areas are treated as well as smaller probes the treatment is considered minimally invasive and therefore can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. A minimally invasive procedure also means faster results with fewer complications. SmartLipo™ reports faster healing times and most patients can be back to work within 2 days and have bandages off in 2 weeks or less.

Treatment with SmartLipo™ generally results in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Usually only one 45 minute session is needed. After the procedure, a pressure garment may be applied to help decrease swelling. Most normal activities can be resumed in as little as 24 hours. Results can be seen soon after the procedure, with treated areas appearing tighter and smaller, however the best results are usually seen in 6-8 weeks. SmartLipo™ is ideal for localized pockets of fat or areas that have been resistant to traditional liposuction. The dimpling, rippling, bumps and pockets that have often been associated with traditional liposuction outcomes are generally not seen with SmartLipo. The results when performed by a skilled surgeon can be nearly perfect.

Additionally it should be noted that liposuction in any form will not improve cellulite or other skin surface irregularities, including stretch marks. It is also is not a method of weight loss.
It is important to establish realistic expectations with your doctor. As with any surgical procedure, a consultation with your certified cosmetic surgeon will be able to answer all of your questions regarding SmartLipo and liposuction. Costs can range nationally from $3000- $4000 for one area.

SmoothLipo™ by Elemé Medical is the most recent laser assisted lipolysis device now available in the United States. Lipolysis by definition is the breaking down of fat. SmoothLipo™ is a minimally invasive treatment that will, not only contour the body by breaking down localized fat deposits, but will also treat areas of lax skin giving a firmer, smoother look.

As a laser assisted liposuction treatment, it effectively destroys and permanently eliminates fat cells. Far less invasive than traditional liposuction, SmoothLipo™ uses a 980nm continuous wave laser light that give off heat to permeate into the fat cells causing irreversible damage to them. Heating also leads to skin tightening thereby improving the overall cosmetic effect. This is especially effective in areas of high laxity. The liquefied fat is then removed from the body via suction. Demonstrated effective through three years of clinical testing, SmoothLipo™ is also gentle on the surrounding skin tissue, resulting in faster recovery time and less risk of potential complications. And because the laser has a continuous wave there is less chance of patients experiencing thermal injuries (or laser burns). Minimal bruising, minimal pain, and quicker recovery times add to the benefits of this treatment.

The outcomes reveal the appearance of smoother and firmer looking skin. Some patients will see an immediate difference. However results will continue to improve for several months following the treatment. Because the heat liquefies the fat so efficiently, the removal of fat is easier and treatment time is shortened. Any area of the body can be treated including neck, arms, knees, abdomen, hips, and thighs.

Ideal candidates are those who are looking to reshape the body and tighten skin in localized areas. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, it can be performed under local anesthesia with faster recovery times, minimal bruising and minimal downtime. SmoothLipo™ works best on smaller areas of fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Laser assisted lipolysis with SmoothLipo™ will help achieve efficient body reshaping without the major surgery of traditional liposuction.

The number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the country is liposuction. Liposuction removes unwanted pockets of fat from the body through manipulation and suction techniques. VASER® LipoSelection is the revolutionary way to remove these unwanted fat pouches, by combining the technology of ultrasound energy with the advanced surgical techniques of traditional liposuction. VASER® is an acronym that stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. The ultrasonic LipoSelection gently re-contours the body by breaking up the fat, liquefying it and removing it from areas such as the abdomen, arms, back, hips, thighs, knees, neck and chin.

The first VASER® system was released by Sound Surgical Technologies LLC in March 2001. Since that time the company has received FDA approval for this third generation VASER® LipoSelection system. Traditional liposuction involves injection of a tumescent solution under the skin to assist in the fat removal. VASER® takes the traditional liposuction to the next level. Sound waves emulsify fat and the cannulas (wand-like tubes) are specially designed to minimize tissue trauma during the suction and removal portion of the procedure. Therefore, ultrasonic liposuction is not as harsh as the traditional techniques. It leaves the surrounding tissues (nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue) mostly undisturbed. This technique promotes not only smoother results but also rapid healing for patients. Additional advantages over the traditional method are minimal to no pain, minimal bruising, and the ability to target smaller areas with better effectiveness.

The VASER® is performed in a clean or sterile environment such as a physician office, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. The process can be performed under local anesthesia (awake), with IV sedation, or under general anesthesia. Both the patient and their physician decide which approach will provide them with the most comfort during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia is determined the area to be reshaped is filled with a tumescent solution. Tumescent fluid is a special saline solution used to assist in numbing the site, minimize bleeding and decrease bruising by shrinking blood vessels. The saline mixture also makes it easier to break up the fat with the ultrasound energy. Once infused high frequency vibrations, brought on by the ultrasonic probes, initiate the fat cells to break apart and liquefy into the tumescent solution. The surrounding tissues remain intact with minimal irritation. The liquefied fat is then removed through gentle suction to complete the process. The end result is an alteration in the tissue, returned blood flow to the areas of the remaining tissue which promotes skin contraction. All this combines to achieve a smooth and firm outcome. Many patients have reported an immediate difference, with final results presenting 3-6 months after the procedure.

VASER® is excellent for treating both large and small areas of fatty pockets and those especially hard to treat areas. Even delicate areas such as arms, chin and neck can be treated successfully.
Optimal candidates have excess body fat in specific areas, but otherwise have a stable body weight. The isolated pockets of fat that respond well are often resistant to diet and exercise alone. To undergo this surgical procedure, candidates must be in good general health without certain medical conditions that could complicate surgery.

As with any surgical procedure there are possible associated side effects or complications. Because heat is created during ultrasonic liposuction, the risk of burning, blisters and scarring increases. Surgeons experienced with VASER® technology will know how to avoid this problem, but the risk should still be noted. Another possible side effect associated with liposuction is a seroma. A seroma is caused when the body produces excess fluid to fill the void created by the fat removal. This is treatable. If a seroma occurs, the fluid can be removed with a syringe until the cavity has closed.

VASER® Hi-Def

VASER® is very effective for those who require a more precise method for contouring specific areas of the body. Because of this the manufacturer has also developed VASER® Assisted High Definition Liposculpture or VASER® Hi Def. VASER® Hi Def is an advanced body sculpting technique. This method can create the sculpted athletic look in usually fit men and women who could not otherwise achieve this definition with diet and exercise alone. It works to remove the superficial and deep fat that surrounds the muscle groups. In doing so the visibility of the underlying muscles are enhanced. The best example of high definition results would be the look of “washboard” abs.

Good candidates for this version of treatment are those with good muscle tone and no excess fat or skin. The patients who are more interested in a sculpting procedure as opposed to the fat debulking techniques of traditional liposuction are the ideal candidates. VASER® Hi-Def can be performed on the abdomen, female breast, male chest, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, hips and waist.

Additionally it needs to be note that liposuction, in any form, will not improve cellulite or other skin surface irregularities, including stretch marks. It is also is not a method of weight loss.
It is important to establish realistic expectations are with your doctor. As with any surgical procedure, a consultation with your certified cosmetic surgeon will be able to answer all of your questions regarding liposuction. The Cost for VASER® ranges nationally from$2500-$8000.

Smooth Lipo or Lipodissolve cellulite reduction treatments are a revolutionary new way to remove unwanted cellulite. If you find that, after completing your daily routine of exercising and eating a balanced diet, you’re still struggling with localized deposits of unwanted that just don’t ever seem to go anywhere, then maybe it’s time to consider alternatives. One alternative to consider is the Smooth Lipo treatment. Smooth Lipo or Lipodissolve is a safe and effective treatment method for the reduction of unwanted fat. If you are a relatively fit individual that is having trouble reducing fat in specific problem areas, then this treatment may be just what you are looking for.

Fatty deposits which cannot be removed by diet or exercise alone can now be treated using Smooth Lipo injections. The active substance in the Smooth Lipo injection is a natural compound produced from the soya bean and helps the metabolic process during which fat is melted away and then eliminated from the body. Lipo Dissolve injects a combination of substances such as enzymes, vitamins and phosphatidolcholine (a natural soy substance) into the unwanted excess fat pockets in order to melt them away. This injection promotes an increase in fat metabolism which allows for the efficient break down fatty deposits in order to naturally absorb and remove them from the body. Smooth Lipo is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction for those troublesome fatty areas that just don’t seem to go away.

Oftentimes when considering cellulite, areas affected by the lumpy, bumpy contours can also be considered excess fatty pockets. It is important for potential patients to realize that these treatments are not for individuals affected by cellulite that are overweight or obese. Lipodissolve is a treatment for those individuals who are in relatively good shape but simply have troublesome areas on the body where excessive fat build up causes unsightly pockets of excess fat. There are several areas of the body that can be treated with Smooth Lipo, these include the double chin, cheeks, tear sacs, inner thighs, buttocks, love handles, hips, upper and lower belly, fat bulges at shoulder-arm-joints, upper arm, knees and dorsal areas.

The number of treatments that will be needed for effective cellulite reduction and fat removal will differ from person to person, depending upon body region and body size. However, it has been found that an average of two to four treatments spaced out in intervals of six to eight weeks apart is necessary to successfully complete the treatment.

While this fat reduction procedure is minimally invasive, it does come with some risk, so it is important to get all the facts about the treatment before making any final decisions. Individuals should fully understand that Smooth Lipo is not a weight loss alternative; it simply helps those individuals to remove excess pockets of fat that cannot be reduced by diet or exercise. The Smooth Lipo injections will help with the natural metabolic process of breaking down and removing fat cells from the body. After undergoing this revolutionary treatment, individuals see a drastic reduction in excess fatty deposits. Whether removing problem cellulite or problem fat, always consider Lipodissolve.