Cosmetic Surgery Without The Knife?
Non-surgical options to facelifts and other procedures have become the latest trend in the plastic surgery world.
(PRWEB) September 14, 2004 -- 55-year-old P.J. holds a high-level director’s position at one of America’s largest high-tech firms in California’s Silicon Valley where she is extremely busy. But P.J. -- who asked not to be identified -- had terribly sun damaged skin and a bad case of rosacea that made her look like she was blushing most the time. Ruddy, flushing skin on her face, neck and chin often troubled her because new clients and others meeting her for the first time often assumed they had just said, or done, something to embarrass or cause her upset. Or, they assumed she was shy or incompetent. And that was a big mistake for anybody to make
“My red, red nose looked like it belonged to a serious drinker,” P.J. told CosmeticSurgery.com
To cope, she often used green makeup under her regular makeup and wore as many high collar garments as possible to mask her flushing. She wanted the condition repaired but had little enough time for treatment, let along recuperating at home while incisions healed. She additionally thought chemical peels were pretty nasty stuff and not at all for her.
Then, while researching cosmetic surgery online, P.J. read about a laser treatment – intense pulsed light -- that could be performed during lunch, was reasonably priced and required virtually no time off from work
P.J. had her first treatment and left the doctor’s office on a Friday with some additional redness in her face. A week later, she reports, people were asking with surprise, “What have you done? You’ve gone from red to pale
Millions like P.J. are seeking quicker facelifts without scalpels or downtime.
Thus, short, “no-knife” procedures (known to doctors as “minimally invasive”) are now the fastest growing segment of the booming scene in U.S. cosmetic surgery.
Just look at the numbers: According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) in Alexandria, Virginia, 76 percent of the 8.2 million cosmetic procedures done in 2003 (the most recent year for which the organization has statistics) were low budget procedures done in a doctor’s office in one hour, or less, appointments.
Driven by burgeoning numbers of rapidly aging Baby Boomers who are taking to heart that old saw about how time marches on. But in many cases, Boomers are finding that march is usually across one’s face. Thus, millions are indulging in defensive aging, getting a nip here and a tuck there during short appointments rather than splurging for a full facelift.
Mini procedures are often done in as little as one-quarter hour and sometimes include slightly more invasive procedures like a chin or cheek implant (one hour,) laser eye bag reductions and liposuction of the face, performed with micro-canola, small vacuum devices that suck out facial fat.
Thus, many more people are getting nearly the same results as with major cosmetic surgery but without incisions and long recovery times while paying about one quarter the cost. The downside is, you need to go back anywhere from every three to eighteen months for the injectibles to continue working.
“The motto for cosmetic surgery in the near future will be ‘Less is more,’” says Ronald L. Moy, M.D., associate clinical professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. “Patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s are opting for less invasive, ‘mini’ or ‘lunch time’ procedures to avoid major facelifts later on in life.”
Already, a few cosmetic and plastic surgeons have declared the handwriting is on the wall and have consequently moved their offices to shopping centers and strip malls, driven by the mini procedures trend. Those physicians also want to be seen where crowds gather.
Improving your looks without the knife includes the use of lasers, soft tissue fillers, light chemical peels and wrinkle removers.
Among the more popular:
*Botox. Botox injections -- at a national average of $497 per session -- are an extremely popular way to reduce crow’s feet, furrowed brows and soften wrinkles around the mouth. Downside: Botox is only effective for about three months so it must be redone. But compare it with CO2 laser resurfacing which may take many months to heal and costs about $3,125.
“Patients are told they must have the injections again and don’t mind coming back because it is minimally uncomfortable,” says Marie Nassiff, M.D. in Green Bay, Wisconsin. “Anesthesia is usually not required because the Botox needle is finer than a human hair.”
In 2003, Americans received almost three million Botox injections, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
*Hylaform, Restylane, CosmoPlast and Sculptra (about $400 per injection) are substances used to fill in deep wrinkles (like the nasolabia fold) and to fill in thin lips, wrinkles around the mouth, and some scars. However, when injectibles go into deeper tissues, an anesthesia is more often used.
Says R. Stephen Mullholand, M.D., a plastic surgeon in Ontario, Canada. “Many patients near 40 become concerned about smile lines, lip lines, crow’s feet and their damaged skin which starts showing the excess of sun exposure, smoking and the ravages of aging and heredity.”
Other injectable fillers include Hylaform gel, which requires no allergy tests.
“Injectable procedures require about half an hour and no downtime for the patient afterwards,” says Dr. Marie Nassiff in Green Bay Wisconsin. “The most common side effect is some swelling and some redness that goes away in about half an hour.”
*The “Feather Lift” and “Thread Lift.” Special sutures with hooks or loops are used to pull a drooping jowl, brow or cheek back to where they once rested in youth. Knot-like barbs on the thread pull the features back into place by anchoring the thread to muscles deeper in the face. A feather lift can usually be done in about thirty minutes using local anesthesia in the surgeon’s office. Plus, according to Stephen Margolis, M.D. in Concord, Massachusetts, there’s a bonus: As you age, you can go back and have the physician adjust the threads to allow for additional drooping. Proponents of the thread procedure say it provides 60 to 70 percent of the look delivered by an invasive facelift.
“I wanted to look better but did not want to be put out by anesthesia,” says 52-year-old Carol Wilson, a homemaker in Toronto, Canada. “So I had the thread lift because I spent my youth in the sun of South Africa, and had extremely sun damaged, saggy skin in my face. People now think I am much younger.”
*Dermabrasion. The top layer of skin (epidermis) is ground, or sanded, down to allow new, fresher skin to regrow. The average national cost per dermabrasion treatment is about $400 but compare that to a full face laser resurfacing which ranges between $4000 and $8000.
That’s what Barbara Carroll did. A 45-year-old paralegal who moved from England to the San Francisco Bay area, Barbara used to worship the California sun because her native land is notorious for a lack of strong sunshine.
“I was starting to get brown spots on my face from so much sun bathing but I did not want to be put under anesthesia. So I opted for microdermabrasion,” Barbara says. “The treatment took about fifteen minutes and now my skin looks clean and fresh.”
Chemical peels. Lighter chemical peels use acidic solutions to take away the outer layer of skin and bring fresh, newer skin to the surface. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, after surveying their physician members says the average cost of a chemical peel is $607.
Thermage: Tighter, more youthful skin is also done during the lunch hour through a technique popularly known as Thermage (radiothermoplasty) during a lunch break. Physicians say its best use is on the neck. The treating instrument heats the deeper layers of the skin and works by tightening the internal collagen in the skin (the top layers of skin are protected with a cooling spray) making the internal skin grow back firmer and tighter. The number of treatments depend on the patient’s age, skin type, health habits and other factors. Results appear within the first two to six months. The procedure may cause some patients to show minor redness, like a mild sunburn, in the treatment area. It is most commonly used for wrinkles around the eyes.
There are so many potential approved and non-approved, sound and unsound cosmetic treatments, the physician first of all becomes an advisor to help patients find their way through a literal forest of options,” says Michael G. Ledbetter, M.D., in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Thus, the day is already here when you can leave your office at noon and return looking younger.
Your biggest worry then might be explaining what you ate for lunch that enhanced your looks so well.
For more information, visit http://www.cosmeticsurgery.com
Hyperhidrosis - A Solution for Sweaty Hands?
Nine-Year-Old Austin Girl suffered from Hyperhidrosis from birth. More and more young people are being diagnosed with the excessive sweating disorder. These young people are choosing surgery over Botox injections.
"Sweaty-hand girl" was Heather Chody’s nickname in school.
The shy nine-year-old girl had hands that would instantly sweat in any conditions. Her schoolmates refused to hold her hands and called her names. Her school papers were ragged and torn due to the wetness from her hands. Heather self-esteem was deteriorating.
Heather suffered from hyperhidrosis, excessive sweating of the hands, face, feet and underarm area. Hyperhidrosis affects over 7.8 million Americans. Caused by an overactive sympathetic nerve, hyperhidrosis is now being recognized as a chronic medical condition affecting work, school and social interaction with the public.
"We could definitely see Heather’s self confidence was waning," said Robert Chody, Heather’s father and also a hyperhidrosis sufferer. "Once we determined there was a problem we started looking for help."
The Chody’s researched different treatment options through the Internet. Botox injections, Iontophoresis, (water shock therapy), and surgery were included in the options. The Botox treatment includes multiple injections directly into the hands to freeze the sweat glands providing temporary relief for up to a year. Cost for the Botox treatment is approximately $1,000.
"I couldn’t see Heather receiving shots into her hands and then having to do it all over again in a year," said Mr. Chody. "Her mother and I decided that surgery was the best option and since I have had facial sweating for years, I decided to have the surgery as well."
The Chody's traveled to San Antonio Texas to see Dr. David Nielson, a board certified cardio-thoracic and endoscopic thoracic surgeon. Dr. Nielson has treated hyperhidrosis for years with a minimally invasive surgery he created, the Micro Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy. Through advance technology and research, Nielson revolutionized endoscopic sympathectomy to create the Micro ETS procedure, the least invasive surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis. The Micro ETS procedure has a 99 percent improvement rate for palmar hyperhidrosis (hands) and almost equally as high for facial sweating and underarm sweating.
Using micro-instruments, Dr. Nielson makes a single incision, one-twelfth on an inch per side, under each arm. Nielson inserts a 2-mm scope, camera and micro scissors into the incision. Nielson compares the size of his instruments to angel hair pasta. Once the sympathetic nerve is identified, he severs it, which instantly improves the excessive sweating. The procedure takes 30 minutes. The patient is able to leave two to four hours after the surgery. Most health insurance covers the procedure and the results are usually permanent.
"Surgery is always a last resort," said Dr. Nielson. "But as technology has allowed, I have been able to take this surgery from a 5 mm incision, or even larger, to a very small 1/12 of an inch incision. The recovery time is less, there is virtually no trauma to surrounding tissues. Patients can resume normal activities within days."
"I can recount hundreds of stories of patients from teens wanting to go to the high school prom to adults changing careers because the anxiety of their hands or face sweating was too great, said Dr. Nielson. It is most gratifying to see patients in post-op rubbing their hands because they are dry and warm."
Fourteen-year-old Margaret Keckly, from Truckee, California, elected to fly to San Antonio, to undergo surgery for her hyperhidrosis of the hands.
"I have had sweaty hands for as long as I can remember," said Ms. Keckly. "I did not want to get shots in my hands and then go through it again in six months."
"After the surgery, I kept asking my mom if she wanted to feel my hands. They were dry," said Ms. Keckly.
For more information on hyperhidrosis, go to www.etsus.com or call 1-877-VERYDRY.
Is Green Tea The Key To Weight Loss?
There’s recently been a LOT in the weight loss news concerning green tea.Green tea’s weight loss effects have been causing more and more people to start sipping the ancient Japanese brew.But just how does green tea help you lose weight? And does it really work or is it all just hype? This article gives you the real facts about drinking green tea to lose weight.Advantages of Drinking Green Tea for Weight Loss:1) Green tea revs up your metabolismA study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that green tea extract resulted in a significant increase in energy expenditure (a metabolism 'boost').The researchers also concluded that that over a 24-hour period, green tea extract increases the metabolic rate by 4%. These effects are probably due to the high concentrations of catechin polyphenols found in green tea. These work to help intensify levels of fat oxidation and thermogenesis (the rate at which your body burns calories).2) Green tea inhibits fat absorption and helps glucose regulationExperts tell us that the catechins in green tea help to inhibit the movement of glucose into fat cells. Green tea may also act as al glucose regulator. It helps to slow the rise in blood sugar after a meal.
This prevents high insulin spikes (lots of insulin promotes fat storage) and the subsequent fat storage.3) Green tea may help reduce appetiteScientists at the University of Chicago found that green tea caused rats to lose up to 21 percent of their body weight. Rats injected with a green tea extract lost their appetites and consumed up to 60 percent less food after seven days of daily injections. This may have something to do with the blood sugar regulating effects of green tea.4) Green tea can help you save calories on your morning brew.We are a nation hooked on our java. Be it the regular double-cream, double-sugar standard or that mocha, dappa, frappucinno, the calories we ingest just to get our morning caffeine is wreaking havoc on our waistlines.If you want to save mega-calories in the morning but still get your caffeine fix, try substituting green tea for coffee. Or have a green tea in the afternoon instead of that 700 calorie mocha-chillate dream.
You’ll definitely notice the difference in your waistline after a few weeks.So there are 4 ways that green tea can help you with weight loss. But how much do you actually have to drink to get these amazing metabolism boosting effects?Experts vary but the general consensus seems to be that 3 – 5 cups of green tea per day is optimal. Doing this can help you burn an extra 70 calories per day which amounts to 7 pounds per year. Pretty good for not exercising or cutting calories, right?However, 3 – 5 cups can be a lot for some people, so you might also want to consider green tea extract, green tea pills or a green tea patch.Disadvantages of Drinking Green Tea For Weight Loss:#1) Green tea is not a magic bulletWhile some people will tell you that green tea is the be-all-end-all for weight loss success, I think the keyword here is balance. You’re not going to eat 5000 calories a day, drink a cup of green tea and make it all go away – it just isn’t going to happen.
A healthy diet and increased exercise will go a long way in helping you lose weight and keep it off.#2) Be cautious of the caffeine if you have health problemsFor some people that have heart troubles, high blood pressure or stimulant sensitivities, the caffeine in green tea may not be the best idea. If you’re worried about the caffeine from green tea, try taking green tea extract. Most green tea extract is made from decaffeinated green tea so you can still get the weight loss benefits without the caffeine.If you think the caffeine may be a problem, make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea for weight loss. Also make sure to consult your doctor before starting green tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.Bottom Line: Green tea helps you with weight loss by boosting your metabolic rate, regulating your blood sugar, suppressing your appetite and giving you something else besides that high calorie, high sugar coffee beverage to drink in the morning. While it's not the magic bullet, it can definitely give you a boost in weight loss and in your overall health!
Kathryn O'Neill is a contributing writer to Diet and Weight Loss Reviews: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com For more free weight loss tips and articles, visit: http://www.FreeToBeThin.com/Articles.html Copyright Kathryn O'Neill
Ever Considered AntiAging - And Soybeans?
Looking for a high-protein, low-fat alternative to meat that can actually reduce your cholesterol level, ease menopause and help prevent osteoporosis and even cancer?
Soy protein is a "complete" protein and just as nutritious as animal protein. In those countries where soy is the main source of protein, rates of heart disease and certain cancers( particularly breast, cervical, prostate and colon) are relatively low. Soy also protects against osteoporosis and some symptoms of menopause.
Let's take a look at some ways that you can substitute soy for animal products.
Tofu--made from soy milk. It can be blended, stir-fried, steamed, grilled and baked. Crumble firm tofu into the cheese for lasagna, or add it to chili or spaghetti sauce.
Miso--soybean paste, often put in soups.
Tempeh-made from fermented soybeans, can be made into a spread or pressed into a cake and marinated, grilled or baked.
Soy milk--is rich, cream milk of whole soybeans. Pour over breakfast cereal or mix half-and-half with dairy milk. Add soy milk to coffer in place of milk or creamer. Choose a low-fat product fortified with calcium.
Soy flours--can be used to thicken gravies and cream sauces, to make homemade soy milk, or to add to baked goods for a protein boost. Using about 15% soy flour in a bread recipe procudes a dense, moist, nutty-flavored bread.
Soy sprouts--like alfalfa sprouts, can be added to salads and other dishes.
Soy cheese is great in omelettes. Soy flour can be added to pancakes and waffles. Soy protien powders and soy based meal replacement drinks are convenient and tasty way to increase soy intake. Soy "burgers" are available at most heath food stores. Textured vegetable soy protien can be added to ground beef or turkey recipes. (10% soy in such dishes blocks the formation of cancer causing HCA's, hetero-cyclic-amines, in meat.)
Try to eat some legumes every day. And make soy your most common choice. The average Asain eats one and a half servings a day.
by Dr John H Maher, Ed., "Longevity News", "Your Prescription for Wellness"
More Details at: http://www.RxforWellness.com
As you know, SBIers do so well that over 40% own more than
one web site. Just in case YOU've been thinking about picking up an
SBI!, what better time than the "back to work" season, when
our batteries are recharged and new horizons call us forward?
Beauty Fitness Lifestyles is our second SBI site, built completely using the SBI system.
Get one SBI! for yourself and give the other to a friend or
family member. Use this special to spread the word and get
people you know started on the road to e-independence, too.
That gives them one full year to build an e-business and
never again have to go "back to work" after Labor Day.
There's nothing like owning your own e-biz, as so many
thousands of SBIers already know. So get started now and
give one (or two) to friends and family.
But hurry...
The special ends at the stroke of midnight, September 6, 2005.
For details, just go here...
