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Patients Report High Satisfaction with Facelifts, According to New Study

A study of 93 facelift patients found them to be very satisfied with the results of their surgery: 96.7 percent reported a more youthful appearance and they felt the procedure shaved 11.9 years off their age, on average.

The study also found that after surgery:

• 82 percent said they had an improvement in self-esteem
• 69.6 percent reported their quality of life improved

The study’s author Dr. Eric Swanson writes that patient satisfaction and the effects of surgery on quality of life are two of the most important factors in determining if a surgery is a success, but they had not been previously prospectively studied in patients undergoing facelifts alone or in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures.

Swanson conducted interviews with the patients (mean age of 56.6 years)  one month after surgery; the patients had a deep plane facelift alone or a facelift and another facial rejuvenation surgery, such as eyelid surgery, forehead lift or endoscopic forehead lift. Other commonly performed procedures done at the time of the facelift included laser resurfacing, fat injection and chin augmentation.

Despite the substantial recovery time the patients reported for facelifts, the majority of patients (83.9 percent) said they would have the surgery again, and 93.5 percent said they would recommend the surgery to someone else.

Dr. Swanson concludes, “With proper patient preparation and education, facial rejuvenation effectively meets patient expectations. These findings support the recommendation of surgical facial rejuvenation to patients who wish to look younger.”

The study will appear in the next Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal and the study’s abstract is available online.

Anti-Aging Treatments for Hands Include Fillers, Lasers

When it comes to fighting the signs of aging, emphasis is often placed on the face, but your hands are just as likely to reveal your age.

Cosmetic surgeons are now using many facial rejuvenation techniques as anti-aging hand treatments. The techniques are approved by the FDA to treat the face, but can be used as off-label treatments for other areas of the body, including the hands.

“As we age, our hands tend to lose their firmness and volume and the veins and tendons become more pronounced,” said Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, a dermatologist and fellow in the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. “In addition, changes in texture where the skin appears crinkled or is marked with spots, commonly called ‘liver spots’ or ‘age spots,’ are the hallmarks of an aging hand.”

Anti-Aging Hand Treatments

Fillers have long been used to restore volume to the face. Now they’re also being used to re-establish fullness to the hands. Adding volume to the hands helps to diminish the appearance of veins and tendons.

Popular fillers for the hands include Restylane and Juvederm. Some patients may experience bruising, and results last about a year, according to Dr. Glaser.

Lasers can also be an effective anti-aging procedure for the hands. They are great for treating uneven skin tone and texture and pigmentation and discoloration on the face, and they can be used to treat the same problems on the hands.

Talk to your cosmetic surgeon about the available options to treat aging hands. Meanwhile, don’t forget that prevention is best, so wear sunscreen and be sure to cover all exposed areas of skin, including the backs of your hands.

Sources: AAD.org, WebMD

Beauty Products Considered a Necessity, Survey Finds

Beauty products are a necessity, not a luxury, according to About.com’s 2010 Beauty Study, which found that over two-thirds of respondents will still purchase beauty products even while watching their budgets. Eighty percent plan to spend more or the same this year on cosmetic products.

The survey, conducted online in August, investigated how consumers shop for beauty products, what influences their purchase decisions, and what they’re looking for in beauty products.

It revealed that the 1,952 respondents use beauty products for several reasons:

• 69 percent use them to make sure hair and skin stay healthy
• 67 percent use them to help solve specific skin and hair problems
• 59 percent use them to maintain a certain look/style
• 55 percent use them to look the best for their age

Consumers reported that they love products that offer free samples or coupons, but they also said recommendations from friends (55 percent) and experts (43 percent) are factors in motivating them to try new beauty products. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said that celebrities are also a big influence, especially for haircuts and styles.

Over half of participants also showed a preference to well-known brands over generics because they are more reliable and are perceived to have higher value: consumers prefer established brands over generics for cosmetics (73 percent), skin care products (72 percent), and hair care products (67 percent).

The survey found that despite the economic situation, consumers are willing to pay for beauty products if they meet their needs; almost half (47 percent) said price was not a factor if a product solved their beauty problem.

Read more about the 2010 Beauty Study.

Latest Cosmetic Surgery Skin Care Products Reviewed

Express.co.uk examined whether some of the latest professional-grade skin care products are a substitute for cosmetic surgery procedures and found procedures are more effective and have longer-lasting results.

The website had a tester try several cosmetic surgery skin care products for reducing lines and wrinkles, firming skin and plumping lips. The results were not as good or as long-lasting as cosmetic surgery procedures.

For example, a cream that contained peptides to plump lips did instantly add volume. Dr. Michael Prager, a cosmetic surgeon in London, said that while the cream works as a quick fix and hydrates lips, is unlikely to be a long-term solution.

A dermal filler like Restylane, which was recently approved by the FDA for lip augmentation, is your best bet for fuller lips; results last about six months.

After using an anti-aging neck cream that contains a “tensing agent to give an instant lift to saggy skin” for a week, the tester reported that her skin looked smoother and less wrinkly. However, Dr. Prager said it would only work on minor problems and to remove loose skin from the neck, a neck lift is going to give patients the best results.

They also examined a product that claims to be a Botox cream. The tester reported that fine lines filled in and that while her skin felt dry, “the instant results are amazing.”

Dr. Prager believes the cream is filling lines with an ingredient such as collagen and probably has hydrating qualities. For longer-lasting results, Botox injections are the way to go.

Cosmetic surgery procedures produce better and longer-lasting results, but professional skin care products can help you maintain your look between procedures. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon about what products he or she recommends for you.

Facts About Botox Every Patient Should Know

Actress Courtney Thorne-Smith uses BOTOX® Cosmetic, and she isn’t hiding it. She told People magazine, “I’ve used it, I like it, it works well for me. That’s just the simple truth.”

She is also helping Allergan, the maker of BOTOX, educate consumers on facts about BOTOX and changes in perceptions about the injectable since the drug launched almost 10 years ago.

Allergan reports that since FDA approval, the number of women who believe that BOTOX is an effective way to treat frown lines between the eyebrows has increased from 21 percent to 79 percent in 2010.

Women, like Thorne-Smith, have become more open about getting BOTOX treatments, and 90 percent of women who have had BOTOX say they would recommend it to a friend.

“I found I’ve been able to use it and have full expression and look really normal,” she said. “I found the frown line was distracting me – I was conscious of it. Now I’m not.”

Botox Facts

Here are some facts about BOTOX, in response to some of the most common questions consumers have about injectable treatments, according to a survey conducted by Allergan and HealthyWomen of 826 U.S. women ages 35 to 65.

Botox safety: For every injectable treatment, including BOTOX, it’s important to review the Important Safety Information and Medication Guide with your physician as serious side effects can occur. The most common side effects include pain or temporary bruising at the injection site, temporary tiredness, headache and nausea.

Cost of treatment: Cost varies across the country based on a number of factors. Allergan reports that according to one survey of doctors, the average cost of BOTOX is approximately $400 for treatment of the glabellar lines between the brows.

Facial movement after Botox: Injectable treatments such as BOTOX should not radically change one’s appearance. When BOTOX is administered by an experienced physician, a person can still frown and look surprised without lines between the brows.

Length of results: BOTOX treatment effects can last up to four months.

Discomfort from treatment: Discomfort associated with the injection is usually minimal and brief, and your physician may apply an ice pack or anesthetic cream.

Reasons Why Your Friends Might Look Younger Than You Do

Do you sometimes worry that your friends are aging more gracefully than you are? Perhaps it’s all in your head, or maybe there’s some truth to your suspicions. There are a number of contributing factors that can lead to premature signs of aging. Before considering popular anti-aging treatments like laser skin resurfacing it may be a good idea to identify the underlying source. Check out some of the most common reasons for premature aging below.

Skincare Regimen

Taking care of your skin from a young age is an essential anti-aging component that shouldn’t be overlooked. Unfortunately, when we’re young, it’s easy to skip the sunscreen in lieu of a golden tan or to forget to wash dirt and grime from our faces on a nightly basis. Unfortunately, these seemingly harmless habits can wreak havoc on your skin in the long run. While it’s never too late to adopt a healthy skin care routine, it may a little difficult to play catch up with friends who started taking care of their skin at a young age. Laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are great ways to rejuvenate your skin.

Healthy Habits

If you want to maintain youthful, glowing skin, tobacco use is a huge no-no. Smoking dehydrates the skin and has been shown to accelerate facial aging. If you’re a current smoker, quitting is probably long overdue. In addition to your smoking habits, eating habits are also important. Healthy eating will not only keep your waistline slim and slender as you get older; it can also have a huge impact on your skin. A low-fat diet that contains plenty of whole grain wheat, vegetables, fruits and lean proteins is the best way to keep your skin glowing.

Genetics

Even if you’ve been taking pristine care of your skin for years, genetics can still play a role in your body’s natural aging process. Check in with mom and dad to find out how they’ve aged over the years. Chances are that if your mom struggles with sagging skin, forehead wrinkles or eye bags, you will too. If this sounds like you, there are a number of cosmetic surgery procedures and non-invasive injections that can be used to correct significant signs of facial aging. The best way to find out if you’re a good candidate is to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist.

Reverse the Signs of Aging with Facelift Surgery

Many of the early signs of aging appear on the face and neck first, and you may be feeling self-conscious about those crow’s feet, deep creases along the forehead, and sagging skin around the cheeks. While non-surgical treatments like injectable fillers and skin tightening procedures can temporarily rejuvenate your look, you can restore those youthful contours for longer lasting results with a facelift. Ready for a transformation? Here are some things to consider before getting facial cosmetic surgery.

Continue reading “Reverse the Signs of Aging with Facelift Surgery” »

Lacking Luscious Lips? Try Lip Fillers

If you feel like your lips could use a boost but you don’t want to deal with the pains of an invasive procedure, we have the perfect solution. Lip augmentation with lip fillers can give you the full, voluptuous lips you’re looking for. Continue reading “Lacking Luscious Lips? Try Lip Fillers” »

Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara Talks Cosmetic Surgery

At this point, there’s no denying that Modern Family’s Sofia Vergara (aka Gloria) is one of Hollywood’s sexiest actresses, and like her co-star Julie Bowen, she isn’t afraid to open up about cosmetic surgery.

When recently asked by StyleCaster, the actress had this to say:

“Yeah, I would definitely do something. Not something crazy but little things here or there. Hopefully, when the time comes and I’m considering it, there will be even better treatments out there.”

Vergara is certainly right – the future of cosmetic enhancement is looking bright. Scientists are even developing new treatments that involve injecting stem cells taken from a patient’s blood to banish wrinkles.

This isn’t the first time Vergara has talked cosmetic enhancement. Back in 2011, she offered up her two cents to Health Magazine.

“I don’t really think that plastic surgery can make you look young,” she told the mag. “It can make you look prettier, but if you go with the mentality of being young, I think that’s where accidents can happen.”

Trends in Cosmetic Enhancement

Sofia Vergara isn’t alone when it comes to her views on cosmetic enhancement. In recent years, the rates of both non-surgical and surgical procedures continue to see increases, despite a rocky economy.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 13.5 million non-surgical procedures (e.g., Botox injections, wrinkle fillers and laser hair removal) and over a million surgical procedures (e.g., breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and liposuction) were performed in 2011. Non-surgical procedures were up 5 percent from 2010, while surgical procedures were up 2 percent.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Answers to Common Liposuction Questions

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery body contouring procedure that removes unwanted fat and recontours the targeted area for a more aesthetically-appealing look. Here are answers to some common liposuction questions.

Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

Liposuction is not an obesity or weight loss treatment; it selectively removes persistent subcutaneous fat — fat that’s directly under the skin — that you have not been able to get rid of through diet and exercise.

Before surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will ask to lose as much weight as you can, as the results will be better if you are at a healthy weight prior to surgery.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?

Liposuction can be used to treat many areas of the body where fatty deposits are found, including the abdomen, neck, chin, chest, upper arms, hips, thighs, knees and ankles.

Does liposuction remove cellulite?

Liposuction is not a cellulite removal procedure. Patients should be aware that sometimes removing the fat just under the skin can actually worsen the dimpled look, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS). Talk to your cosmetic surgeon about what kind of results you can expect from liposuction, based on your body.

Does the removed fat come back after liposuction?

Fat does not return to the area treated with liposuction, according to the AACS. However, it is recommended that you keep up a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and exercise.

While a recent study did find that fat may come back and be redistributed in other areas of the body after liposuction, researchers reported that the women in the study were happy with their results.

For more information on liposuction, contact Will Surgical Arts in Ijamsville, Maryland.