Cosmetic Surgery: good post operative recovery tips

Good preparation for cosmetic surgery should always include planning for the post operative recovery period. If you are considering having a plastic surgery procedure such as liposuction or breast enlargement then below are a few useful tips on preparing for a smooth post operative
recovery period:

Arrange for sufficient time of work: post surgery the body needs time to recovery. It is hence essential that you take adequate time of work to rest post having cosmetic surgery. The exact time you will need to take of work will vary according to the type and extent of surgery that you will be having. Therefore make sure to discuss well in advance with your cosmetic surgeon how long you should take of work to rest post surgery.

Make sure somebody is available to look after you post surgery: if you are planning to have extensive cosmetic surgery then it is strongly advisable that you have somebody to look after you during the recovery period. The support of family and friends during the early stages of post operative recovery can be invaluable as you may not be able to carry out all your day to day activities on your own during this time period.

Have a plan to manage any potential complications post surgery: Although most plastic surgery procedures have a low complication rate it is essential that a plan is put into place to manage any post operative complications which may arise. This includes being able to readily access the cosmetic surgeon and team who have been assigned to look after you post surgery. If you are considering having cosmetic surgery abroad it is essential that you consider how your cosmetic surgery provider plans to manage any complications which may arise due to the surgery and how practical the management plan is if you live in the UK.

Know what to expect post surgery: the more knowledge you have regarding the post operative recovery period, the more psychologically prepared you will be for it. Not obtaining adequate knowledge beforehand and consequently having unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary disappointment post surgery. The Hurlingham Clinic and Spa is one of the leading cosmetic surgery clinics in the UK. For further information it can be contacted on 0207 348 6380
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Say goodbye to sagging breasts with Breast Lift Surgery

Time changes everything; factors like pregnancy, weight fluctuations and ageing do take a toll on a woman’s breast size and shape. As skin loses its firmness, breasts can begin to sag. Breast Lift Surgery also known as Mastopexy is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure which helps raise and reshape the breasts to give them a firmer and more youthful look.

There are many different techniques available to perform breast lift surgery. However the surgery generally involves removing excess skin from around the breast and moving the nipples and areola up to a higher position to give the breasts a more firm appearance. The exact technique used for your surgery will depend on your goals, anatomy and objectives.

Breast lift cosmetic surgery generally takes between one and a half to three hours to perform and is often performed under TIVA (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia). An ideal candidate for undergoing breast lift surgery is the one who understands the procedure thoroughly and has realistic expectations of the results which can be achieved.

Having breast lift plastic surgery should not interfere with breast feeding in the future as the surgery leaves the milk ducts intact. However, if you are thinking about having children in the future it can be a good idea to postpone the operation until afterwards because pregnancy often stretches the breasts which can reduce the benefits of the surgery.

Breast Uplift surgery is likely to carry a low complication rate if it is performed by a good cosmetic surgeon despite being a relatively complex procedure. The most likely side effects of breast lift surgery being some bruising and swelling. Some patients also tend to experience a loss of sensation around the nipples for some time post surgery but in most cases this generally tends to recede over a few weeks to a few months.
Post recovery you can generally expect to be up and about in one to two days. However recovery does take time and it is advisable to take at least one week off work to rest. You should also avoid lifting anything heavy or anything above the head for a few weeks. Sex should also be avoided for about 1 week and strenuous sports for at least a month.

It should also be noted that many women choose to combine their breast lift surgery with either breast enlargement or breast reductions surgery to achieve both the breast size and shape that they desire.
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Gynecomastia FAQ’s

What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the development of abnormally large breast tissue in males. Gynecomastia can result from an imbalance in sex hormones which can be caused by a wide range of conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, certain genetic disorders, steroid use, certain tumours or as a side effect of certain medications. In many cases no known cause is found for the breast enlargement and the condition is then often described as idiopathic gynecomastia.

What should I do if I suspect I am suffering from gynecomastia?
If you think that you may be suffering from gynecomastia, they should consult with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is confirmed the physician will then look for any underlying cause for the condition which if found should then be treated appropriately.

Can I have cosmetic surgery to treat gynecomastia?
If an underlying condition is found for the gynecomastia it should firstly be treated. However in many cases no underlying condition is found for the breast enlargement or the underlying cause is treated but then the patient is left with enlarged breasts which although not directly harmful to the patients health can have a massive psychological impact on the patients wellbeing. In such cases plastic surgery can be a suitable solution as it can help reduce and reshape the breasts to give then a more pleasing appearance.

What does breast reduction gynecomastia surgery involve?
The surgery primarily involves the removal of fatty tissue and glandular tissue. The fatty tissue can be removed by liposuction alone, usually ultrasound assisted liposuction. The removal of glandular tissue may involve the usage of a scalpel. Incisions will be made around the breast region to perform the surgery which is usually very inconspicuous. The exact locations of the incisions will depend on the extent of the surgery and if very large amounts of breast tissue need to be removed the surgeon may also have to alter the skin to adjust to the new smaller chest contour. Gynecomastia cosmetic surgery can be performed under both general and local anaesthesia. You should feel free to discuss the procedure in depth with your surgeon who will also take a detailed medically history to ensure there is no underlying condition causing the gynecomastia (breast enlargement) before operating.

Is surgical treatment for gynecomastia covered under medical insurance?
The cost of cosmetic surgery for treating gynecomastia may be covered by medical insurance but policies vary greatly. It is advisable to check in advance whether any surgical treatment for the condition will be provided by your insurer and if this is the case then be sure to get written confirmation of this before your surgery is performed to avoid any problems post surgery.
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Information On Skin Care Training For Dermatology

Whilst everyone experiences, the skin is the body’s biggest organ and it is a mirror in which you are able to ascertain the current condition of your health and amidst other ways of caring for the skin, one can as well consider the holistic approach to skin care that aspires at amending the total health of the individual and not exactly the health of the skin. Therefore, as you are considering skin care training for dermatology, it is aspiringly a sound idea to also conceive entering in holistic skin care schools that can pave the way for you to enter into a very rewarding career in skin care and even dermatology.

To a higher level not just skin care

If so your concern in acquiring skin care training for dermatology directs you to enter in a holistic skin care institution, you will ascertain about more than just skin care and will admit learning about suitable nutrition in addition to when acquiring specific know-hows to bestow appropriate skin care. You had better also be geared up to pick up stress reduction, body balancing, emotional purging in addition to as herbology and even homeopathic modalities.

The destination of accomplishing higher knowledge in skin care can best be accomplished by enrolling into skin care training for dermatology and is it a master’s degree that you draw a bead on for, or a simple certification, you should have acquired more than just skin care because it is pays to even learn about overall nutrition as well. In fact, skin care training for dermatology needs to cover a wider area than simply addressing sun damage as well as acne and overactive pores.

By getting certification or a degree in skin care, you ought to become one of the many skin care professionals that are able to accommodate their freshly adopted knowledge in dealing with patients under dissimilar environments. Suitable skin care training for dermatology should also teach you how to fight the effects of aging and also the proper way of addressing abnormal condition associated to pigmentation and then, , while adequate skin care knowledge will also pit these professionals into a world where the daily schedule is full of hustle and bustle and where there is also great deal of chance in coming across various array of customers.

There are respective schools that provide you the opportunity to ascertain professional techniques such as international skin treatments and speed waxing and also customized protocols for caring for patients so that is the bottom line with skin care training for dermatology. Skin care training for dermatology will not only expose you to the learning of the classic European skin care techniques but you are going to learn Chinese acupressure as well and with new therapies coming forth every day, you may also progress to learn about aromatherapy and reflexology.

Source: http://www.3x24.com/information-on-skin-care-training-for-dermatology/80677

Anne Hathaway slams cosmetic surgery

Washington, Aug 9 : Hollywood actress Anne Hathaway has voiced her opinion against the growing rate of plastic surgery amongst actors - insisting film stars need flaws to express emotion.

The ‘ Princess Diaries’ actress has spoken out against actors who alter their faces with plastic surgery to enhance their looks.

The actress emphasizes on the fact that flaws are an important aspect to express emotions.

The star, who is the face of beauty giant ‘Lancome’, revealed that she once considered nose job and she was pretty insecure about her looks, but later she learnt to be happy with her flaws.

"I wanted a nose job, but now, my nose is what lets me change my face a lot - and I can be glamorous as Agent 99 (in Get Smart), then look rough as a drug addict for
(director) Jonathan Demme (in forthcoming movie Rachel Getting Married),” Contactmusic quoted Hathaway, as saying.

"Your face needs to have character if you''re an actor - otherwise you''re just a face," she added. (ANI)

Is Plastic Surgery Right for You?

With today’s cultural emphasis on health, longevity and wellness, cosmetic surgery has become a popular accepted extension of improving one’s self image.
At a press conference on “Redefining Vanity”, a social psychologist at Stanford University described a new world in which plastic surgery is acceptable and unstigmatized; a world in which it is “healthy” to do whatever it takes to feel better about yourself. It is a world in which “women and men are increasingly pro-choice about appearance enhancement.”
Women generally do not list aging, career advancement, or attracting a mate as their primary motivation for cosmetic surgery – the top reason given by most women is to feel better about themselves. Cosmetic surgery today is not just about self as in ‘selfish’. It’s about self as in ‘self-worth’, ‘self-confidence’ and ‘self-fulfilling’. To suggest that changing one’s looks can profoundly affect the quality of one’s life is extreme; however, small details of our appearance can be critical determinants of how well we do in our personal life, interactions amongst friends and our professional life.
The circumstances for each individual will be unique. While making the decision whether or not one is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, it is important to consider the following: nasal surgery will never cure depression, a tummy tuck will not secure a job for which one is not qualified, and a breast reduction will never make your parents or boyfriend love you more.

What cosmetic surgery can provide is the combination of a self-confidence boost and the edge that good looks confer in this society. Potential patients who seem seriously depressed or looking for a quick-fix or impossible results should consider other means for addressing issues that surgical intervention could never resolve. Some patients will take heed in this advice while others will continue to look for a surgeon willing to perform the “quick-fix”. However, the vast majority of people who want a breast augmentation, nasal surgery or liposuction are not emotionally unstable or selfish people. They are realistic women who think a smaller nose, slimmer thighs, or bigger breasts will make them feel good about themselves and be noticed and approved by others.
Can plastic surgery change your life? Yes. Will it? That depends on several factors, most notably: what you look like, what you think you look like, and what aspect of your life needs changing. If your answers point toward having cosmetic surgery, go for it – and focus on how wonderful the new you is going to feel.
Sources: cosmetic surgery

Europeans Take Beauty Trip to U.S.

Many Europeans once considered American plastic surgeons -- with their top-notch skills and celebrity clientele -- to be an extravagance. Now, they might be a bargain.
Surgeons in New York, Florida and California say they are seeing an influx of overseas patients who are taking advantage of the weak dollar to schedule cosmetic surgery, sometimes combining it with shopping and sightseeing excursions.

Michael C. Witte
"I wanted to have a face-lift, but I was on a very tight budget," says Leslie Reynolds, a manager of a London skin-care clinic who is in her 50s. After conferring with a plastic surgery consultant, she selected a surgeon in Palm Beach, Fla., and flew there for surgery, followed by a two-week stay at a beach resort. She says her total expenses came to about $14,000, less than she would have paid for a face-lift at a private medical clinic in London.
U.S. hospitals and prominent plastic surgeons have begun to tailor marketing campaigns targeted at Europeans, touting both their medical expertise as well as lower cost. Some U.S. plastic surgeons are promoting themselves through in-flight magazines read by international travelers. The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary in Manhattan, one of the U.S.'s oldest specialty hospitals, is preparing to launch a marketing campaign in London. The initiative is "capitalizing on the value of the dollar" as well as a recognition that New York is "very much a destination," says Allan Fine, a hospital vice president.
In the past three years, the U.S. dollar has fallen by 24% against the euro, and 11% against the British pound.
"With the exchange rate in favor of most European currencies, cosmetic surgery in New York has become more affordable and less expensive than in Europe," according to a draft of a brochure the hospital is getting ready to distribute. Face-lifts, eyelid surgery and nasal plastic surgery are among the featured offerings. The hospital said it is also planning an ad program in some specialized regional publications in the U.K. A plastic surgeon in London has been lined up by the hospital to care for the medical travelers after they return home. On an adjusted basis, prices are expected to be about 25% lower than for comparable services in London, according to the hospital.
While there are no data on how many foreigners are traveling to the U.S. for plastic surgery, patients, surgeons and consultants say they are seeing an increase. "There's no question this is a trend now," says Wendy Lewis, a plastic surgery consultant who regularly travels between London and New York. "The psychological cachet of having something done in New York or L.A. carries weight with many Europeans," she adds. She estimates that it costs the equivalent of $30,000 to have a face-lift with eyelid surgery in London, including one night in a hospital and a semiprivate room. In New York, it's about $22,000, so the difference pays for the trip, she says.
The arrival of foreign patients in the U.S. marks a shift in the way medical tourism has flowed when it is cost-driven. Many uninsured Americans travel to Asia for procedures like heart surgery or hip replacements. Cosmetic operations account for only a fraction of medical travel, according to a recent study prepared by the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The overall medical-travel market is small, but its potential for growth is significant, the study concludes.
The U.S. has always been a center for plastic surgery, not because of price, but because of high quality, says Foad Nahai, president of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Europeans are realizing that for the price of a surgeon in their own country they can afford an internationally recognized specialist in the U.S.
Bryan Forley, a plastic surgeon in New York, says he first noticed an uptick in international patients two or three years ago. His office arranges lodging and nursing care for overseas patients at hotels near his office in Manhattan. A British patient who came for surgery this year says she was surprised by the personal service she received from Dr. Forley, including a post-surgical checkup at her hotel on a Sunday morning.
Many surgeons acknowledge that the U.S. economic slowdown is forcing them to work harder to find patients. "We are willing to try other markets because of what's happening" to consumer spending here, says John Sherman, a plastic surgeon in New York. He says some Europeans have found him through a full-page advertisement in American Airlines' American Way in-flight magazine. The ads, listing more than half a dozen of "The Best Plastic Surgeons in America," are designed to publicize endorsements by Castle Connolly, an independent provider of physician information.
Kim Koger, the Florida surgeon who operated on Ms. Reynolds, says he never expected his practice to have so many international patients. "I'm not sure if it's the nice euro exchange rate" or because the European jet set likes to vacation in Florida, he says. Dr. Koger says he has operated on patients from Spain, France, Germany and the U.K., including some who own homes in South Florida.
Ms. Reynolds says that after initially contacting Dr. Koger, his assistant suggested staying at the nearby Jupiter Beach Resort, which has tennis courts, pools and a gym. She says that she and a friend arrived two days before surgery and stayed for 12 days afterward.
Ms. Reynolds says she is very happy with the results of her surgery. "Now, one of my sisters wants to go after Christmas and I might go with her to see Dr. Koger for a checkup," she says.

Source: online wsj

FOR A PSYCHOLOGICAL UPLIFT

New York: Breast reconstruction after cancer surgery can have lasting benefits for women’s psychological well-being and body image, a new study suggests.
Research has shown that for women who have a mastectomy to treat breast cancer, reconstructive surgery can provide a psychological lift, helping to improve self-esteem and body image.
But whether those benefits last — and whether they differ based on the type of breast reconstruction — has been less clear. In the current study, of 173 breast reconstruction patients, researchers found that many of the psychological gains women had shortly after the surgery were still apparent two years later.
On average, the women were still reporting improvements in energy, anxiety and ability to work and enjoy social activities. And the type of reconstruction had “surprisingly limited effect”, say researchers, led by Dunya Atisha of the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. They report the findings in the June issue of the Annals of Surgery.
The study included 173 women who had undergone breast reconstruction at one of 12 US medical centres. The majority had immediate reconstruction, done at the time of their mastectomy, but some waited to have the procedure.
The patients also varied in the type of reconstruction they had. The majority underwent a procedure known as TRAM, where tissue from the lower abdomen is used to reconstruct the breast, while about one-quarter were given artificial implants.
In general, the team found, the longterm psychological benefits were similar regardless of the type of surgery the women had. There were some differences, however, between women who had had immediate reconstruction and those who had delayed the procedure.
Women in the latter group tended to have fewer gains in psychological wellbeing — the one exception being bodyimage improvements.
The reasons for the differences between the two groups are not clear. But the decision to delay breast reconstruction is not always based on a woman’s preferences; some, for example, may need to delay it because they are having radiation therapy after their mastectomy.
Atisha’s team says studies should continue to follow breast reconstruction patients over the long term to see how different procedures affect their psychological well-being.

Source: Times of India

Promoting Plastic Surgery, Party-Style

JAIMY LYNN COHEN, a 48-year-old violinist from Bellmore, patted her hips. “I’ve got these lumps that are happening over here,” she said to Dr. Scott E. Newman, a plastic surgeon. “Is there anything you can do for me?”
The physician invited Ms. Cohen for a consultation in his makeshift office: a table with a mirror on top and platters of Hershey’s Kisses. It was set up in the middle of a bazaar of pampering services at a “Girls Night Out” exposition at a dance studio here.
Without having her undress — he hadn’t brought along a screen, he said — the doctor quickly suggested liposuction as a way for Ms. Cohen to “spot reduce.”
The five-minute consultation was one of about 40 Dr. Newman gave on a recent evening as groups of women perused his album of “before” and “after” photographs while he explained breast augmentation options. Some signed up for free “demonstration” shots of Botox to smooth furrowed brows and injections of Restylane and Perlane to fill in facial lines.
The event, which Dr. Newman sponsored, was billed as an “evening of indulgence” that included wine, chips and dips, and 53 vendors selling purses, baubles and lingerie.
The 200 women who attended, paying $50 to enter, could also choose from a carnival of options. Psychics read their fortunes, a “happiness coach” dispensed advice, skin artists drew temporary henna tattoos, and reflexologists gave foot baths.
In the competitive, lucrative cosmetic surgery market, a few of the Island’s more than 80 cosmetic surgeons are turning to elaborate soirees to beef up their client lists and stand out among the crowd of anti-aging specialists.
“In this day and age, doctors market,” Dr. Newman said.
On the same evening as the Glen Head event, Dr. Stephen T. Greenberg, a Woodbury-based plastic surgeon, hosted a “cosmetic surgery fashion show” at the Carlyle on the Green, a catering facility in Bethpage State Park, using 10 of his recent patients, ages 22 to 51, as models.
The event attracted about 200 people, mostly women, paying $20 apiece; it cost about $12,000. Dr. Greenberg described it as “like a bar mitzvah.” It had an open bar, a disc jockey and performers on stilts during cocktail hour. The dinner buffet included carving, pasta and dim sum stations.
The goal was to create “a fun night, an educational night” that “demystifies” cosmetic surgery, Dr. Greenberg said. In front of the audience, he asked a 28-year-old patient named Jennifer, who later identified herself as his front desk manager and would not disclose her last name, what had bothered her about her breasts and whether the procedure she had undergone to enlarge them had been painful. Meanwhile, Leeana Karlson, co-host of Dr. Greenberg’s show on KJOY radio, 98.3 FM, showed the crowd silicone gel implants like those the surgeon had used.
Dr. Alan H. Gold, a Great Neck-based plastic surgeon and president of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, said such events “have moved plastic surgery from an art and science to entertainment.”
“It is certainly not the norm of what we would consider appropriate promotion of a surgical practice,” he said. “But there is no ability to mandate good taste.”
Dr. Greenberg said that after years of promotion and advertising, he had “more patients than I could ever want to operate on.” Still, he said, the event would lure new patients that he “may not have had otherwise.”
Many of the guests “want to meet me,” he said, because of his two-hour weekly radio show, “Nip/Tuck Saturday Night.”
As the music throbbed, Marilyn Knapp, 36, a massage therapist from Deer Park, strutted down the runway in a halter-top cocktail dress, flaunting her newly reduced and lifted breasts, flatter stomach and liposuctioned chin from procedures Dr. Greenberg had performed in March.
Ms. Knapp said she was “honored” when Dr. Greenberg asked her to be in the show because her body “was recovering so well.”
Dr. Greenberg said he didn’t offer Botox or other injections in nonmedical settings. But he mingled with potential new patients, like Shureta Povataj, 35, of the Bronx, who had come to meet him and to ask his patients if they were happy with their outcomes. She was relieved when Dr. Greenberg told her not to worry about the cellulite on the back of her legs and amenable to his suggestion that she come to his office to discuss the nose job she was considering.
Dr. Greenberg has conducted promotions at nightclubs, country clubs and educational facilities, according to Todd Shapiro, his publicist.
Yes, publicist. Mr. Shapiro said he is paid $3,000 a month to boost Dr. Greenberg’s media coverage.
Dr. Newman, 47, also has a publicist, Lucy Rosen, who said she earns $5,000 a month. At her suggestion, Dr. Newman has been making the rounds of networking events since he opened an office in Garden City in April.
“It is a matter of being visible in the community” and dispensing information, said Dr. Newman, who offers limousine service to his ambulatory surgery center in Yonkers.
As women crowded around, Dr. Newman cited one advantage of the party format. “A lot of people are afraid to come to a plastic surgeon’s office,” he said.

Source: surgery news

Surgeon Launches Updated Web Site for Plastic Surgery Patients in San Diego and the Temecula Valley

Offering plastic surgery for San Diego and Temecula residents, Dr. Richard Chaffoo is a triple board certified plastic surgeon. His updated Web site contains even more information on cosmetic options and shares stories from real patients of the practice.

La Jolla, CA (PRWEB) June 26, 2008 -- Richard Chaffoo, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., has just re-launched his Web site (www.drchaffoo.com) to provide new features for online visitors. He sees patients from across Southern California in communities such as San Diego, La Jolla, Temecula, and Riverside. Dr. Chaffoo is triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

"I hope that this updated Web site makes it even easier for people considering plastic surgery in San Diego and the Temecula Valley to learn about their options," says Dr. Chaffoo. "Many times, the women and men who come to my practice aren't sure which procedures are right for them. That's why my site provides detailed information on almost a dozen popular plastic surgery procedures for the breast, body, and face. I also highlight information on the latest medical spa treatments, which I offer in partnership with La Jolla Dermatology."

One of the exciting new features on the site is the Real Patient Stories section, which provides accounts from 4 patients talking about their experience working with Dr. Chaffoo. A few of the stories even have personal photos shared by the patients, so that Web visitors can get a better sense of how surgery has transformed their looks.

"I am grateful to have so many patients who are willing to share their experience," says Dr. Chaffoo. "They're doing a tremendous service to others considering plastic surgery in San Diego and the Temecula Valley. People want to know what they can expect if choose cosmetic surgery, and hearing from real patients is a perfect way to learn about your options and get a sense of what to look for in a surgeon."

La Jolla and Temecula Valley plastic surgery patients choose from a wide variety of procedures at Dr. Chaffoo's practice. Many of his patients are interested in facial sculpting procedures such as rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, or a face lift.

"My advanced training in surgery for the face, head, and neck allows me to create results for my patients that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional," adds Dr. Chaffoo. "For instance, a person considering nose surgery may want to enhance their look, improve their breathing, or both. Most cosmetic surgeons won't deal with a patient's functional concerns, but I have advanced knowledge of the structures of the nose and can provide comprehensive improvement."

Dr. Chaffoo also offers surgical procedures for the breast and body. Many women are ready for a breast enhancement procedure such as breast augmentation, breast lift, or breast reduction. Body contouring procedures include liposuction and abdominoplasty, a procedure also known as a tummy tuck.

"No matter what their procedure interest, I hope visitors to my updated site can see the dedication my staff and I have to achieving remarkable results and ensuring patients have a satisfying experience from start to finish."

Dr. Richard Chaffoo (www.drchaffoo.com) holds the rare distinction of being triple board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Chaffoo possesses over 20 years of experience in aesthetic surgery. The San Diego plastic surgeon has two plastic surgery centers - one in La Jolla and one in Murrieta - where he serves patients from Riverside to San Diego. Dr. Chaffoo is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, and member of The International College of Surgeons. He also holds fellowships and faculty positions at Stanford University and The University of California at San Diego.

Soruce: Plastic surgery

Dry Skin Care Breakthrough Also Helps You Look Younger

Montrose, CA (THE OPEN PRESS) June 23, 2008 -- As much as people say it doesn’t matter to them that they look older, it’s hard to imagine a woman who doesn’t look in the mirror and wish those lines, wrinkles, creases and crepe-y skin would just go away. But without surgery or other invasive procedures, that’s a tall order. However, there’s a new breakthrough in skin care technology women are raving about. Most started using it for dry skin care and were very pleasantly surprised to discover it also made them look younger. What is this breakthrough skin care product? It’s called shielding lotion – find out what it can do.

Unlike other skin care products, a good shielding lotion actually enables the skin to heal. It bonds with the outer layer of the skin to form a new protective layer that keeps out chemicals while locking in natural moisture. That protection, along with natural healing ingredients, can make changes you would never expect from a dry skin care product.

Here’s what users have to say:

"I wouldn't go without this shielding lotion. My hands, arms and face are baby soft all during the winter. Young people want to know how come I look so young.....instead of 66, they all think I am 50! I love your product... and am even using it in the summer because going from hot, humid weather into drying air conditioning is not the best thing for your skin, either!"

“I liked shielding lotion so much I went back and bought three additional bottles. I notice it has a tightening effect (on my face) which at age 50, is probably all good! It’s not dreadful like some skin care products that make you feel like you just put bondo on your face, just a little extra "something."

“I got rid of all of my moisturizers. I mean, really, why bother? I am 47 and they say 40 is the new 30. This is going to help me retain my youth for the rest of my life. I can't imagine being without this stuff. I have found a product that is going to help my body retain its youthfulness. I'm going to age so slowly as a result - that's just the bottom line."

"I am in my late 50s and my skin is showing signs of my age with wrinkles and some deep lines. Recently there were hot, dry Santa Ana winds blowing and my exposed skin felt dry and crackling like I was being eaten by invisible fire ants. I began using shielding lotion on my arms and legs and got instant relief. Then I noticed that the thin skin on my lower legs looked young again and had lost that shiny, papery look. A few days later, after I stepped out of the shower, I put some of your shielding lotion on my arms & legs while it was still moist and then, because my face felt tight and dry, I put it on my face and neck. Voila! I looked younger. There was an obvious difference almost immediately. I have continued to use it on my face and throat and that crepe-y upper chest skin for the last few months. There has been a remarkable difference in my skin in these areas. The skin under my chin is not wrinkling as much while I lose weight, and the thin skin on my chest below my throat seems thicker. Best of all, the lines on my face have reduced dramatically. I am thrilled! Not only does the skin on my arms, legs and feet feel great but they look younger too. The best part is the fact that my facial skin looks so much younger and smoother.”

If you haven’t tried this revolutionary skin care product yet, there’s no time like the present. If you get even half the results experienced by these users, you’ll be thanking yourself very soon. And, really, although looking younger may not be important enough to warrant surgery, wouldn’t it be great to get just a little help – and find a good dry skin care treatment in the process?

Source: Skin Treatment

Microdermabrasion-Chemical Peels Treatment can change you look

There are a number of skin treatments which promise a refreshed, even complexion, utilising safe methods. And who doesn't want that?

Well, microdermabrasion might be for you. The process originated in Europe in the late 1990s and was dubbed, 'the lunchtime peel', because of the quick recovery time. It is a popular process which takes place right there in your dermatologist's office.

According to local dermatologist Dr Frances Berry: "Micro-dermabrasion is a resurfacing technique, which involves the combination of suction and buffing or lightly abrading the skin with crystals to remove or exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, allowing replacement with fresher, smoother skin and stimulating collagen repair," he said in an interview.

Primarily, it is used for rejuvenation, treatment of the changes we see with ageing, like sallow and rough skin, dark spots, fine wrinkles. He said it can also be used for melasma, shallow scars and stretch marks.

It takes approximately 15-20 minutes. "A hand-piece is used to direct a stream of crystals over the skin which are then vacuumed or suctioned off," he added.

Relatively painless, the feeling is often described as a vacuuming sensation.

Individuals require a series of three to six treatments every one to two weeks, and some patients may require maintenance treatments once a month. There may be some redness after the procedure. Individuals may resume their normal activities but are usually advised to avoid sunlight and products with Retin-A or other retinoids for 48 hours. Moisturisers and mild cleansers are suggested during this period. Some side effects may include mild stripping of the skin.

Microdermabrasion may be used in combination with chemical peels for greater effect. It can be used on all skin types and requires no anaesthetic.

Source: Health News

Taking care of your skin

Healthy skin is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle - and vice versa. For good skin care, start developing healthy habits that protect your skin from the outside and the inside.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.
• Practice an effective skin care regimen.

To take care of your skin effectively, you need to identify your skin type. When choosing how to cleanse and treat your skin, remember that what works for someone else will not necessarily work for you. Based on the characteristics of your skin, skin types can be grouped into one of the following:

Dry skin: Often feels uncomfortably tight and rough. For this particular skin type, avoid cleansing with hot water and using soaps and alcohol-based products. Cleansing creams or cloths will help infuse moisture into the skin without stripping away natural surface oils. It is important to moisturize your face with lotions or creams to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best!

Oily skin: Skin may appear shiny with dilated pores and is prone to blackheads and pimples. Use a mild cleanser twice a day. If acne breakouts are a problem, talk to your dermatologist to help you select a medicated face wash best suited for your skin. Don't make the mistake of over-scrubbing acne-prone skin - it will worsen the problem. After cleansing, follow up with an astringent to remove the excess oil. Moisturize with a light oil-free product specifically formulated for oily skin types. Avoid using any type of oil-based cosmetics on your skin, as they may clog pores and promote pimples and blackheads.

Combination skin: People with combination skin have areas that are dry and areas that are oily. The nose, forehead, and chin tend to be the oily zones. There are many products on the market that can be applied to both areas of your face.

Normal skin: People with "normal" skin have a pinkish, glowing complexion with hard-to-see pores. This type of skin maintains a balance between dryness and oiliness. As this skin presents no particular problems, its water/oil balance does not need adjustment - just ongoing maintenance. Therefore, the use of a skin care product that helps the skin keep its water balance is recommended.

People with sensitive skin should always use beauty aids that are mild. Always test the product on a small area on your arm to see how your skin reacts before using it on your face. Don't assume that a "natural source" product doesn't contain ingredients that can irritate your skin. Try cleansing with gentle, milky, water-soluble lotions and tepid water. Avoid face-cleansing gels or soaps that contain drying alcohol, preservatives, or strong-acting acid, since these ingredients can irritate the skin. Do not use exfoliating scrubs or astringents on sensitive skin, because they can cause inflammation.

Source: news

Anti-ageing cream goes young

When consumer products major Hindustan Unilever (HUL) recently relaunched its Pond’s anti-aging skin cream range, it was not only launching a ‘new-improved’ version of the product but also responding to a larger change in the core target consumers of anti-aging products — from the middle-aged 35-40-years-old women to 20-something girls, yes, but even men too!

Says Oriflame India national sales manager Shilpa Ajwani: “Today, we have customers in the 20-years-plus age group who start preventive skin care through anti-aging creams and while women are still the larger consumer base, there is faster growth in demand for anti-aging products by men too. This is unlike the scenario sometime back when classically 40-years-plus women were our target customers.”

The company launches about six anti-aging products a month, which now account for over a quarter of its sales in India.

Cosmetics are conventionally bundled into three categories — skin lightning, moisturising and anti-aging. Market research firm ACNielsen puts the anti-aging cosmetic market in India at over Rs 60 crore. Though just over 2% of the country’s Rs 3,000-crore skin care market, the anti-aging segment is the fastest growing at 93% year-on-year.

Anti-aging cosmetics include products as diverse as anti-aging lipsticks and eye balms, facial creams, hair lotions and foot creams. Consumers pay Rs 500-6,000 for such products from brands like Mary Kay, Revlon, Schwarzkopf, Procter & Gamble, HUL, et al.

Schwarzkopf Professional country head Murali Sundar confirms anti-aging products’ age defying trend: “With time, usage of anti-aging products has got little to do with a person’s age. Rising consumer awareness means that people in their late twenties have started buying our anti-aging hair care products. While the bulk of our customers are still women, men are fast waking up to hair-care.”

While busy lifestyles and concomitant stress hasten skin aging, rising incomes and awareness are facilitating fast consumer adoption of anti-aging products. But that’s not all, for there is also another important factor at play here. Consumers today opt to prevent and correct rather than repair at a later stage. Marketers are quick to spot this trend and are responding appropriately.

Says HUL skin care category head Venkat Shridhar: “Today, sales of bulk of our anti-aging creams come from 28-30-years-old women. Personal care spends have increased a lot in the past 3-4 years. Easy access to parlours, supermarkets and greater exposure to media have led people to spend more on hygiene and beauty. Hence, all our communication also highlights prevention as the way out to delay aging.”

Agrees Mary Kay India senior marketing manager Nirupama Rao: “Anti-aging products have ceased to be prescriptive in nature. Today, they are used for preventive purposes. Consumers realise that they help in delaying the damage caused due to aging.”

Though the current penetration of anti-aging products is low, marketers see huge potential in the category and are prioritising for its growth. Says Devendra Shinde, marketing head, Kaya Skin Clinic, Marico’s 56-store strong skin-care division: “Our age control Botox and Fillers treatments have grown up to four times in the last year.
Currently, age control packages account for 15% of our revenues and are expected to grow even more robustly.”

“We are witnessing a 30% year-on-year growth in the anti-aging segment. The age of consumers of anti-aging cosmetics is coming down rapidly and there is increased penetration of these products in India. This segment is expected to contribute substantially to our growth,” says Revlon India marketing director Deepak Bhandari. The company markets its anti-aging products under the Revlon Reveal brand, priced Rs 350-750.

Source: Economic times

In Honor of Kanye's Mom, Lawmakers Push for Stricter Plastic Surgery Rules

SACRAMENTO — Six months after Kanye West's mother died following liposuction and breast surgery, two state lawmakers are pushing for greater protections for cosmetic surgery patients.

Such surgeries are increasingly carried out in outpatient clinics, where doctors can avoid the type of rigorous review they would expect at traditional hospitals.

"These (clinics) are not hospitals," state Sen. Mark Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), chairman of the senate Committee on Business, Professions and Economic Development, told the Los Angeles Times in a story printed Monday. "You have to raise the standards."

Though California has previously pushed to regulate outpatient surgical centers and legislators passed a law saying such centers must be accredited by a state-recognized agency, Ridley-Thomas said the law has been ineffective. He has proposed legislation requiring regular inspections.

Known as SB 1454, his legislation would require outpatient facilities to be inspected at least once every three years.

Another lawmaker is also pushing for new protections.

Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter said Donda West's niece asked her to introduce a bill requiring a health check before a person chooses to have cosmetic surgery. She introduced the "Donda West Law" in February.

West, 58, died at a Los Angeles-area hospital on Nov. 10, a day after she underwent breast reduction, tummy tuck and liposuction procedures.

She had been sent home following

her 5 1/2-hour surgery. A coroner's autopsy report found that West most likely died of heart disease coupled with complications after plastic surgery. But, it said the exact cause of death couldn't be known.

Dr. Jan Adams, who operated on West, has denied any wrongdoing.

California is not alone in seeking to increase oversight of cosmetic surgery doctors. Florida has passed a law designed to educate patients about their doctor's credentials and in the Canadian province of Ontario, officials are clamping down after a woman died following liposuction.

Source: News

Cosmetic Skin Fillers May Cause Delayed Side Effects

Cosmetic skin fillers called polyalkylimide implant injections may cause infrequent, but sometimes severe, immune-related side effects months after treatment, Spanish researchers warn.

These implants, which consist of gel and water, are used in cosmetic procedures for facial features such as the lips, cheeks, forehead and lines that develop between the nose and mouth (nasolabial folds).

"In the early reports on polyalkylimide implant injections for cosmetic purposes, there were no significant signs of bioincompatibility (rejection of, or reaction to, the foreign material). However, more recent evidence refutes these statements, and so the complete safety of polyalkylimide implant gels can no longer be assured," wrote Dr. Jaume Alijotas-Reig, of Vall d'Hebron University Hospital and Autonomous University of Barcelona, and colleagues.

They assessed 25 patients who developed adverse effects 12 months or more after polyalkylimide implant injection. The problems included swelling, hardening, and swollen or tender nodules (skin lesions) near the injection site, along with systemic troubles such as fever, arthritis, and dry eyes or mouth.

"Eight patients were previously injected with another implant," the study authors wrote. "Tender inflammatory nodules were seen in 24 patients. Systemic or distant manifestations appeared in six cases. Laboratory abnormalities were found in 20 cases. After an average of 21.3 months of follow-up, 11 patients appeared to be free of adverse effects, and 10 still had recurrent bouts."

The actual rate of these kinds of delayed adverse events is unclear, said the authors, whose findings were published in the May issue of the journal Archives of Dermatology.

"Considering the increased use of polyalkylimide implants in European countries and in the United States, physicians should be aware that intermediate or delayed adverse effects can occur with polyalkylimide implants just as they can with collagen, polyacrylamide, polylactic acid or methacrylate (cosmetic fillers)," the authors wrote.

More information

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have more about cosmetic procedures.

Could New Acne Treatment Cause Cancer?

My mother always says “look beneath the skin.” Great advice from a child psychologist turned stay-at-home mom for evaluating relationships, but keen advice for evaluating well-respected journalism as well.

Browsing Yahoo Health, an article from Reuters caught my eye. “Drug Combo treats severe acne in women: study.” Knowing the emotional turmoil those tiny spots can inflict on the composure of otherwise self-confident women, I rapidly clicked, and even more quickly became alarmed.

This study, published in the January 2008 Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, cites the combination of the birth control pill Yasmin(r) and spironolactone (a diuretic) as a safe and effective treatment for acne. In this study, recipients had an 85 percent chance of either being free from their acne or having excellent improvement. And complications were low. There was no significant weight gain or menstrual cycle irregularites and no problems with elevated potassium levels.

But, what about the long run? Most of these women are young!

We know that oral contraceptives, such as Yasmin, are associated with a small increase in the risk of pre-menopausal breast cancer. How small? In the worst case scenario in the studies, using these for four years before the birth of a first child conferred a relative risk of 1.4. Simply said, if we consider the current risk of breast cancer to be one in seven women (some may argue one in eight or nine), this risk would now be one in five. This risk can often be justified. Going through pregnancy and delivery could definitely be considered riskier. But acne?

And then add in spironolactone. This is a great drug in certain conditions. It can help with fluid retention in those with heart failure and cirrhosis, and be a life saver for those with a condition called primary aldosteronism. Yet, as with many potentially life-saving treatments, that treatment can come at a cost. Spironolactone is listed in California’s Proposition 65 under chemicals associated with a risk of cancer.

Shocking - but not really. Looking back at the treatment of acne over the years, we laugh at our ignorance as we raised cancer risk while treating a cosmetic nuisance. First it was X-rays, now known to increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Then it was sun (UV ) exposure. Will we look back in thirty years and question why we considered a combination of a known and a probable carcinogen an acceptable treatment for something only skin deep?

Myself - I plan on listening to my mother’s advice. “Look beneath the skin.” With the alarming incidence of breast cancer in our country, and one in three women expected to develop some form of cancer in addition to skin cancer, I think I’ll opt for safer alternatives.

And for my kids it serves as an internet lesson. Unlike the TV ads as of late portraying the wonderful advantages of a multitude of meds, a laundry list of potential problems did not follow this article, nor was I able to find a direct way to contact anyone to discuss our concerns.

Get extensive information on cancer prevention by reading “Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time: Practical Advice for Preventing Cancer” to learn more.

Source: Health Guide

Diet treatment call for epilepsy

A special high-fat diet helps to control fits in children with epilepsy, a UK trial suggests.
The number of seizures fell by a third in children on the "ketogenic" diet, where previously they had suffered fits every day despite medication.
The diet alters the body's metabolism by mimicking the effects of starvation, the researchers reported in the Lancet Neurology.
The researchers called for the diet to be more widely available on the NHS.
It is the first trial comparing the diet with routine care, even though it has been around since the 1920s.
Children are given a tailored diet very high in fat, low in carbohydrate and with controlled amounts of protein.
It is not exactly clear how it works but it seems that ketones, produced from the breakdown of fat, help to alleviate seizures.
A total of 145 children aged between two and 16 who had failed to respond to treatment with at least two anti-epileptic drugs took part in the study.
Half started the diet immediately and half waited for three months.
The number of seizures in the children on the diet fell to two-thirds of what they had been, but remained unchanged in those who had not yet started the diet, the researchers reported.
Five children in the diet group saw a seizure reduction of more than 90%.
However, there were some side-effects including constipation, vomiting, lack of energy and hunger.
Availability
Professor Helen Cross, study leader and consultant in neurology at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, said the diet had been around for a long time but had fallen out of favour because it was thought to be too difficult to stick to.
"The parents say the first two weeks are quite difficult, but then it becomes much easier because you can make foods in bulk and it especially helps if you can see the benefits from it," she said.
"We have to be sensible about it, in this study we had children who had complex epilepsy.
"If your epilepsy is easily controlled on one medication then I wouldn't advocate the diet, but if at least two drugs have failed then it should be considered."
She said national guidelines recommend the diet as a treatment option, but a shortage of dieticians meant it was often unavailable.
A spokesperson for Epilepsy Action said: "The results of this trial add valuable information to what is already known about the diet, presenting evidence that it works for some children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
"In addition to this, however, we also recognise that the ketogenic diet is not without its side-effects, and that the risks and benefits should be considered before prescribing, as with drug treatment."
She said the results would hopefully encourage wider inclusion of the diet in the management of children with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Source:BBC

Effective Acne Treatment Must Attack the Root Cause

An effective acne treatment must attack the root cause of acne - the excess oil that forms in the skin. That excess oil comes from glands in the skin. Those glands contain the natural chemicals that are needed for the formation of skin oils. An effective acne treatment must either do away with any excess amount of oil or must block the biochemical pathway that permits the natural synthesis of skin oils. At an optimal level, the production of skin oils encourages the creation of a shiny and youthful-appearing skin. When skin contains the proper amount of oil, then a teenager can feel content to look in the mirror, and to see his or her healthful face. When facial skin contains too much oil, then the same individual must often view a pimply face in the mirror. An effective acne treatment puts an end the production of excessive amounts of oil. Literature on the latest acne treatment indicates that it carries out its important function by blocking the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Why does such an action inhibit the formation of excess sebum in the skin? The hormone referred to as DHT is the product of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. That reaction takes place when testosterone molecules in the blood mix with the 5 alpha reductase in the skin cells. That mixing leads to the production of DHT. The formation of DHT in the skin cells then paves the way for the formation of added amounts of skin oil. When an adolescent has a large amount of testosterone in his or her facial skin, or when he/she has highly active reductase enzymes in the skin, then that teen is apt to have very oily skin. A teenager with oily skin must frequently deal with recurring bouts of acne. That is why teens who suffer from acne flare-ups have reason to give this new acne treatment a careful examination. Such an examination should show the acne-prone teenager that he or she can use that new acne treatment to launch a powerful, three-pronged attack - an attack on the factors that contribute to the formation of acne pimples. The real beauty of the new treatment for acne comes not from the product's effectiveness, but from its ability to deliver a triple punch More importantly, that triple punch comes from a product that does not demand careful and time-consuming product application.
Source: Acne Treatment Consultant

Kids Today: Acne serious problem for teens

Teenage years are filled with new experiences and new choices. Unfortunately, something that also comes with this age is the dreaded pimple.

Pimples, zits, or whatever you call them is an "inflammation of the oil glands, most of which is associated with hormone changes," said Dr. Aloys Tauscheck, M.D., and a board-certified dermatologist at Paragon Medical Center in Sheboygan.

During the teen years, hormones are going haywire. During this time, "hormones are definitely not stable," Tauscheck said.

Stress also has a huge effect on breakouts. During testing and exams pimples are more likely because the stress changes the body's hormones.

Although the 13- to 20-year-old crowd makes up the majority of patients Dr. Tauscheck treats for acne, studies suggest that 15 percent of people over the age of 25 also have acne.

Genetics also plays a huge role in developing acne.

"Acne is much affected by genetics," Tauscheck said. "Eighty-five percent of teenagers have some form or another (of acne)."

Pimples can have a horrible effect on a teen's self-confidence during a time where they are figuring out who they are. Kids often tease each other about it, which lowers confidence.

"They do pick on kids. You can't hide it," Tauscheck said.

Some teens don't let it get to them, though.

Nicole Bartel, 13, said, "I feel fine (when I have a pimple) because I have confidence in myself so it doesn't bother me."

Others take the approach that it's just a part of growing up.

"Everybody gets them," said Sam Van Wyk, 14.

There is a multitude of ways to treat acne, but the best way by far is by preventing it.

"Every night I wash my face," Bartel said.

A common misconception is that dirt causes acne. It is recommended that people only wash their face once a day because washing too frequently can cause irritation and actually make acne worse.

Behavior modification, like keeping yourself from resting your face on your hand, helps keep acne at bay.

If pimples do appear, products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid may help certain types of acne because they are anti-inflammatory.

To treat blackheads, which are oil-plugged pores, certain types of prescriptions should help.

Pimples that lead to inflammation and infection and also need to be addressed with a topical solution, cream, gel or antibiotic pills. Some antibiotic pills increase chances of depression though.

Another type of acne is "yellow puss jewels," which may have bacteria in them and need to be taken care of because they can lead to cystic or nodular acne — which can get as big as grapes. They are deep and painful pimples which can lead to scarring if untreated.

Tanning does improve your acne because it dries the oils up, but it is not recommended because of dangerous skin cancers.

Wearing sports equipment, like football helmets, a tennis headband or wrestling gear, may irritate acne, so it is important to try to keep that to a minimum and keep oil from building up, because that's partly what causes the acne.

It is extremely important not to pop pimples. That can lead to more infection and long-term scarring.

"It's important to treat acne early and don't pick at it," Tauscheck said.

There are many myths that come with acne, like how a bad diet can make it worse. Studies have shown this is untrue, although some people may find that individual foods may cause flare ups in their acne at times. Eating or drinking milk products has also been said to cause acne, but is untrue.

"If that were true, my kids would have a face full of acne because they have drunk so much milk," Tauscheck said.

Bad hygiene doesn't cause acne either, although it is recommended to keep yourself clean because it will remove the oils.

Sleep deprivation also tends to cause acne, possibly because it leads to more stress. It has also been shown that drinking a lot of water to flush yourself of impurities doesn't make your complexion better, although it can improve the look of your skin.

It is important to control acne not only for the emotional side of it, but the long-term physical effects it can have.

Acne scarring can occur in as short as six months and can't be treated well until the person has grown out of the acne stage, which is usually beyond their teenage years. Facial peels, chemical peels and laser treatments can be used, but they are never 100 percent effective.

Acne scarring can be covered up with a camouflage product, but it can make acne worse. The best way to prevent acne scarring is to prevent acne.

People with untreated acne also have a higher risk of depression than people with treated acne.

Acne doesn't just occur on the face like many people think. It is quite common to develop it on the chest and upper back as well, and still is important to get that treated correctly as well.

Acne, in all its related forms, is very serious and needs to be taken care of right away with either over-the-counter treatments or a by a visit to a dermatologist if necessary. Letting it progress until it goes away will only make things worse physically and emotionally.

There is no "simple pimple."

Source: Acne treatment

Breakthrough cosmetic treatment now in Athlone!

La Belle Femme Beauty and IPL Clinic is pleased to offer a breakthrough technology which is proving to be one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in years!
New Photopneumatic Therapy tm (PPX) is the first FDA approved, painless procedure for the treatment of permanent hair reduction for face and body; pore cleansing acne treatment; acne rosacea and redness; and brown spots and sun damaged skin.
There are several key differences between PPX and other laser treatments:
PPX is effective - it is the first and only therapy to use a pneumatic energy (vacuum) which pulls the skin into the treatment handpiece. This manipulation of the skin increases the effectiveness of treatment as the target, be it hair, or damaged or discoloured skin, is brought closer to the surface, resulting in less discomfort and a stronger and more effective response. PPX is seven times faster than other treatments, so hair removal on large areas such as the back or whole legs can be completed in less than 30 minutes as opposed to up to two hours with other laser and light-based hair reduction treatments.
It is also exceptionally hygienic, providing ‘replaceable treatment tips’ for each client, so the tip that is touching your skin today has never touched another person's skin before, eliminating the risk of cross contamination and infection.
The highly efficient delivery of energy allows PPX therapy to use only a fraction of the energy that other treatments require, making it safer than other treatment modalities.
In a recent study, PPX Pore Cleansing Acne Treatment has even worked for people who have previously tried, but had no results with, topicals, antibiotics, and painful laser treatments.
Renowned clinics such as the Harley Medical Group and the Ailesbury Clinic provide photopneumatic therapy, and now it is available locally!
Call Roisin Collins, proprieter at La Belle Femme Beauty and IPL Clinic, Belhavel, Golden Island, Athlone, at (090) 6450645 and book your free consultation today.
Source: Acne Treatment

New rules loom in cosmetic surgery

Ontario doctors could soon face stringent guidelines preventing general practitioners from performing high-risk cosmetic surgical procedures - including facelifts, tummy tucks and liposuction - after the provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons meets to approve two sweeping regulatory changes today.

The vote comes nearly seven months after 32-year-old real-estate agent and mother Krista Stryland died following a liposuction procedure performed by a family physician who advertised herself as a cosmetic surgeon.

One of the new regulatory amendments would bar doctors from using the title "surgeon" unless they are formally certified as such by the provincial body or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

A second amendment would end the popular practice of doctors advertising medical specializations for which they are not formally accredited.

Contravention of these rules would constitute professional misconduct, which is subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Ontario's plastic surgeons, who train for five years in residency before being certified, have long complained that general practitioners who call themselves "cosmetic surgeons" confuse and endanger patients. The college does not recognize the term as a formal specialty.

In April of last year, the Ontario college heeded those protests and embarked on a review of the booming, and largely unrestricted, field of cosmetic surgery. At a meeting that month, council members admitted that rapid growth in the field had outpaced their ability to regulate it. The body realized it had no way of knowing who was performing cosmetic procedures or whether they were qualified to do so.

In its annual membership renewal survey, the college found that the number of physicians performing cosmetic procedures increased 150 per cent between 2002 and 2006.

After Ms. Stryland's death drew wide media attention to the free-for-all field last September, the college fast-tracked its review.During a November meeting, the college revealed that it was investigating 16 physicians who were routinely performing operations for which they may not have been formally accredited.

Investigations of those physicians are continuing, said Kathryn Clarke, a spokeswoman for the regulatory body.

Critics said the college wasn't acting fast enough.

"In hindsight, you might have wished you moved faster," Ms. Clarke said. "We are now moving as quickly as we can, but in a very thorough fashion."

The regulatory body took its first major step toward clamping down on cosmetic surgery in February, moving ahead with the creation of an inspection system for out-of-hospital facilities such as surgical clinics.

Previously, surgical clinics such as the one where Ms. Stryland underwent liposuction were not subject to any form of regulation, according to the college.

The inspections will not apply to minor "lump and bump" procedures performed under local anesthetic in doctors' offices.

The college has been circulating versions of the proposed amendments since November and is expected to approve them today. They would then be passed along to the provincial government for final assent, a process with an indefinite timeline, according to Ms. Clarke.

"These are very big changes and very positive changes," she said.

Source: www.theglobeandmail.com

Use of brain-boosting drugs reported in survey

One in five respondents to a new survey in the journal Nature say they've used drugs to boost their brain power.

Ritalin is a stimulant approved to treat attention-deficit disorder.

"We were putting our finger in the air to see what our reader response would be. And it was tremendous," said Brendan Maher, an editor with the widely read scientific publication. "What it's suggesting is there are a high percentage of adults using these drugs."

The informal, nonscientific survey, conducted online, polled 1,400 people in 60 countries. Most of the responders, the majority of whom said they worked in biology, physics, medicine or education, reported taking the drugs to improve their concentration.

The drug of choice was Ritalin; use of a similar drug, Adderall, also was reported. The stimulants are approved to treat attention-deficit disorder, but scientists say they would have a noticeable effect on almost anyone.

"It does work. We know that from lab studies," said Martha Farah, director of the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania. "Obviously they help people with ADHD, but for many, if not all, normal people, they also enhance attention."

Other surveys have found as many as one in four college students have taken prescription stimulants, with or without doctor's orders.

All of this is risky. The drugs can cause cardiovascular problems and can lead to addiction. And no one knows much about the long-term effects.

"I sometimes call this America's uncontrolled experiment in pharmacology," Farah said.

Half of the responders in the Nature survey reported unpleasant side effects, such as headaches, anxiety and sleeping troubles. But 69 percent said the boost was worth the risk.

"People are using them even though they do feel side effects," Maher said.

How people obtain the drugs is less clear. A third of responders said they bought their drugs over the Internet. The majority said their drugs came from a pharmacist, or from a family member or friend.

When asked whether such off-label drug use should be monitored by a doctor, a surprising 23 percent of responders said no. Most thought healthy adults should be allowed to take the drugs if they wanted to, with restrictions for children. But a third also said they'd feel pressured to give the drugs to their children if other children were taking them.

"What it suggests is there is a sense of coercion. You feel a competitive nature," Maher said. "If others are taking them, you might be missing out on something."

Saint Luke's gets award for patient safety

A week after the release of its best-in-market patient-satisfaction scores on the federal Hospital Compare Web site, Saint Luke's Health System has distinguished itself in the area of patient safety.

Health Grades, an independent health care rating company, reported Tuesday that Saint Luke's Hospital was one of 249 U.S. hospitals to receive the company's 2008 Distinguished Hospital Awards for Patient Safety.

The ranking placed Saint Luke's Hospital in the top 5 percent of nearly 5,000 U.S. hospitals in terms of patient-safety outcomes, Health Grades said in a release. Saint Luke's was among only 115 U.S. teaching hospitals and nine Missouri hospitals to receive the award, the release said.

Saint Luke's, which won the award for the fourth consecutive year, also was the only hospital in the Kansas City area so honored this year.

"Saint Luke's is gratified to once again achieve this impressive level of patient safety," G. Richard Hastings, CEO of Saint Luke's Hospital and the Saint Luke's Health System, said in the release. "This honor is evidence of the skill and dedication of Saint Luke's nurses and doctors who care for our patients every day."

If all U.S. hospitals had performed at the level of the 2008 patient-safety awardees from 2004 through 2006, the years examined in the new patient-satisfaction study, an estimated 220,106 patient-safety incidents, 37,214 Medicare deaths and $2 billion in spending could have been avoided, Health Grades said in the release.

Health Grades said its analysis of 41 million Medicare patient records determined that patients treated at the top-performing hospitals had, on average, a 43 percent lower chance of experiencing one or more errors, compared with the poorest performing hospitals.

The overall incident rate was about 3 percent of all Medicare admissions evaluated, accounting for 1.1 million patient safety incidents during the three years examined in Health Grades' fifth-annual Patient Safety in American Hospitals Study.

"With the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services scheduled to stop reimbursing hospitals for treatment of eight major preventable errors, including objects left in the body after surgery and certain post-surgical infections, starting Oct. 1, the financial implications for hospitals are substantial," Health Grades said.

Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/stories/2008/04/07/daily14.html

Scientists develop technique to "clean" stem cells

HONG KONG, April 8 (Reuters) - Scientists in Singapore have developed a strategy to "clean up" embryonic stem cells, which researchers hope can one day be used to replace damaged tissues and for other tailor-made personal treatments.

Embryonic stem cells are master cells that can grow, or "differentiate", into any type of cell or tissue, and are subsequently transplanted into the body.

But some studies have shown that residual stem cells that fail to differentiate can turn cancerous later on.

In the journal Stem Cells, scientists in Singapore said they generated antibodies that successfully killed off these residual stem cells in mice.

"Although human embryonic stems cells are a very powerful source to make differentiated cells, like heart cells, the problem is that you can have residual cells and there is a safety concern because they can form ... a mass of tumour cells," said Andre Choo, senior scientist at the Bioprocessing Technology Institute in Singapore.

"So if you give a product that is 95 percent heart cells, but 5 percent embryonic stem cells, it may be a problem later on," he said by telephone.

The researchers managed to generate antibodies in mice after injecting human embryonic stem cells into the animals.

The antibodies were then harvested and added to cultured embryonic stem cells that had been newly differentiated on laboratory dishes.

"It (the antibody) specifically eliminated undifferentiated cells within 30 minutes but left differentiated cells untouched," the researchers wrote.

The mixture was later injected into a batch of mice, while another batch of mice were given untreated stem cells.

After 6 to 8 weeks, the researchers detected tumours in the mice that received untreated stem cells, but those that received the mixture of stem cells and antibodies were free of tumours even after 20 weeks.

"We made antibodies that can kill them (undifferentiated stem cells) ... it acts as a clean up step for you to remove any of these rogue cells or potentially problematic cells," Choo said. (Reporting by Tan Ee Lyn; Editing by Alex Richardson).

source:http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSHKG297707

No real evidence for 8 glasses of water

Adults have long been told drinking eight glasses of water daily is healthy, but University of Pennsylvania researchers say the evidence is thin.

So the advice goes, drinking all that water is helpful for a range of health benefits from keeping organs healthy to warding off weight gain and improving skin tone.

Dr. Dan Negoianu and Dr. Stanley Goldfarb of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia reviewed the published clinical studies on drinking water and found solid evidence that individuals in hot, dry climates, as well as athletes and those with certain diseases have an increased need for water. However, no data exists for average, healthy individuals.

Studies show increased water intake improves kidney function, however, the studies do not indicate any sort of clinical benefit.

Some propose that drinking more water helps fight obesity, but the researchers say studies on water and weight maintenance were inconclusive.

Headaches are often attributed to water deprivation, but there is little data to back this theory. Water has also been touted as a skin elixir, but no studies have shown any clinical benefit to skin tone from increased water intake.

The findings are published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

source: http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Health/2008/04/03/no_real_evidence_for_8_glasses_of_water/6125/

Breast Augmentation Surgery

In previous century, cosmetic surgery came in the existence and new technologies have been introduced for correcting women’s breasts or enlarging their size according to their physical appearance. Now physical disorders are not big concerns. Some people are changing their sex with the help of plastic surgery. In these kind operations, breast augmentation and breast reduction surgery plays an important role.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in America according to the American Society of Plastic surgeons. Approximately 291,000 breast augmentation operations were performed in year 2005.

Medical science has been introduced silicone and saline two types of breast augmentation treatment. These treatments are using contemporary types of breast implant filler materials. These materials are available in different shapes and textures in hospitals for giving perfect shape and size. Silicone gel is the most popular material used in breast augmentation. In starting, it was not used in America due to some harmful symptoms. But now FDA has been approved it for using in breast augmentation in America, this department make research 15 years and find it reliable for breast enlargement.

Silicone material provides best shape and size in comparison of saline material used for breast augmentation and breast reduction. It is used in more than 60 countries in 90 to 95% breast augmentation operations.

Right time to breast augmentation: breast augmentation can be performed at any age after getting full body development. It may be 18 years old to 60 years old. But there are some important factors keep in mind before getting breast augmentation. These are as follows.

• If you are over weight and thinking to reduce your weight. Then you should stay for getting your body shape.
• If it is your pregnancy time, then you should plan your breast reshaping or breast augmentation after few months of delivery.
• In young age it may boost your career and your confidence so select perfect time and be getting ready for perfect breast augmentation.

These are simple points to think but correct guidance can be acquired only with good plastic surgeons. So always go for good plastic surgeon, who had good experience in such kind of cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery Clinic