FYI Cosmetics

As innovative technologies continue to be introduced, the popularity of cosmetic procedures is steadily on the rise. Until recently, individuals would have to undergo lengthy, painful procedures that required extensive downtime, in order to achieve desired results. Now, with the advent of laser technology and improvements in surgical techniques, aesthetic procedures are safer, more effective and more long lasting. Throughout 2008 the popularity of cosmetic procedures, both aesthetic and surgical soared, but there are a handful of procedures that stood out among the rest. The top three cosmetic procedures of 2008 include Botox Injections, Laser Hair Removal and Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and the top three surgical cosmetic procedures of 2008 include Liposuction, Blepharoplasty and Breast Augmentation.

Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Non-surgical cosmetic procedures have absolutely exploded over the past few years, but none stand out as much as Botox and Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and Laser Hair Removal. These procedures are by far the most popular of all non-surgical aesthetic procedures because they are safe, effective and provide lasting results.

Botox: Botox is a therapeutic muscle relaxing agent that works to interfere with muscle nerve endings in order to block the signals to your muscles that would normally tell them to contract. Normal muscle movement, over time, can cause the skin covering it to wrinkle. By relaxing these muscles, the skin will not be able to shift therefore the skin will be smooth and wrinkle free. Botox is most often used on the upper part of the face–around the eyes and on the forehead.

Hyaluronic Acid: Similar to Botox, Hyaluronic Acid injections such as Restylane, work to smooth the skin on the lower part of the face. Hyaluronic Acid is a natural component of the connective tissue, its function is to cushion and lubricate. As we age, collagen production slows and connective tissue thins which causes the skin to take on wrinkles and fine lines. By injecting this natural substance into the skin, it naturally plumps which smoothes fine lines and wrinkles for a smoother, younger appearance.

Laser Hair Removal: Considered the most revolutionary of all aesthetic laser procedures, laser hair removal is designed to remove unwanted facial and body hair safely and effectively with lasting results. While individuals will require a series of treatments, this procedure can have men and women smooth and hair free in mere months. Nothing compares to this hair removal option and its continued growth in popularity proves this.

Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic surgery has always been popular for certain ailments, but advances in surgical technology have brought a new life to cosmetic surgical treatments as a whole. In some cases, laser technology has allowed more traditional surgical procedures to become less invasive and less risky.

Liposuction: What once was a very risky treatment, the introduction of laser liposuction has raised the bar on liposuction treatments. Laser lipolysis or laser liposuction has made this fat reduction treatment less invasive, less painful and involves less risk and significantly less downtime. By effectively liquefying unwanted fat cells, laser liposuction removes unwanted fat without causing damage to the surrounding tissue and vessels. The results—a more contoured shape that lasts.

Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is another treatment that has gained momentum in 2008. As we age, the skin and muscle around the eyes tends to sag and loosen which causes excess droopiness; this can make many people look older than they really are. The Blepharoplasty procedure works to remove excess fat, skin and muscle from above and below the eyes in order to achieve a more youthful, alert appearance.

Breast Augmentation: Breast Augmentation or Augmentation Mammoplasty, is a treatment that involves the enhancement of the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. There are several reasons why women undergo this treatment, some are looking to correct breast reduction that occurred after pregnancy, and others use it as reconstructive procedure following breast surgery. Other uses include balancing different sized breasts or simply enhancing natural body contours. No matter the reason, this treatment can help women to achieve the look and feel they desire.

Whether you are interested in aesthetic or surgical cosmetic procedures, know that continual advancements in technology have allowed all cosmetic procedures to become safer and more effective. Feel confident that when going under any of these treatments, you’ll achieve the results you are looking for!