The new spectrum of facial rejuvenation

• Injectable fillers. Juvederm and similar products are able to add volume to the face, remedying sunken features and deep folds.
• Botox. This classic alternative to surgery works by relaxing certain muscles while allowing others to stretch, reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
• Laser therapies. From tightening sagging skin and destroying fatty deposits to removing hair and unwanted blemishes, lasers have become increasingly important tools for plastic surgeons across the country.

Other procedures that are starting to make waves include injections of stem cells or fat into the face. These injections, which can target the lips, nasolabial folds, hollows of the eyes, or the jaw line, can create a more youthful appearance in many patients. However, further research is needed to determine the longer-term effects of stem cell injections, which aren’t harmful but are scientifically unproven, according to a spokesman for the American Society of Plastic Surgery.

In the coming decade, cosmetic patients can look forward to further developments in youth-enhancing technologies, as dozens of devices are currently in development, testing, or awaiting approval from the FDA. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann, a cosmetic dermatologist, it’s important for patients to do some research and find qualified practitioners with extensive experience in facial rejuvenation techniques. “It’s an art, so you have to find a doctor that is an artist,” Baumann told the Herald. “When you see someone with big lips or big cheeks, ask who their doctor is — and then don’t go to that doctor.”

According to BAAPS president Fazel Fatah, who recently spoke out in an interview with the Independent, the plastic surgery industry has been marred by a rogue attitude:

“We have warned against the unrealistic expectations set by reality ‘makeover’ shows and against crass competition prizes promising ‘mummy makeovers’ and body overhauls. In no other area of surgery would one encounter two-for-one offers. The pendulum has swung too far.”

The association has proposed a six-point plan to counter these rogue practices:

1. Ban all advertising for cosmetic procedures. Prescription medications in the UK may not be advertised and Fatah argues that this should also apply to cosmetic medical procedures.
2. Establish an implant registry to track all types of silicone implants.
3. Reclassify dermal fillers as medicines and limit their usage. While only about a dozen fillers are approved in the United States by the FDA, British authorities have approved over 100 different types of fillers.
4. Compulsory registration of practitioners in all aspects of aesthetic medicine and lasers.
5. Mandatory annual safety audits.
6. Revalidation and mystery shopping.

These proposed measures have met with significant support, although some groups are calling for a more measured response. The Independent Healthcare Advisory Service, an industry body, says that it opposes a wholesale ban on advertising, arguing instead for responsible and ethical advertising.

It’s true. Botox use among men of all kinds is on the rise. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 336,000 men received Botox injections last year. That’s more than two and a half times the number performed in 2000! The rugged face of modern male Botox, which extends far beyond the Hollywood elites and East Coast metrosexuals, was discussed in a recent feature on Good Morning America.

Male Botox Users on Good Morning America

• Marc, a Detroit industrial worker who repairs cars in his spare time, received a Botox session as a Christmas present from his wife. He’s targeted his frown lines and crow’s feet and loves the results, although he admits his brother thinks the whole thing is a little odd.
• Julio Mendez also received a Botox voucher for Christmas. He can’t wait to get rid of the lines on his forehead.
• 29-year-old actor Johnny Markoudakis likes the fact that he looks less stressed and more laid-back.
• Jason Grange, a 41-year-old real estate analyst, says that he’s been “hooked” on the procedure.

All across America, plastic surgeons have seen more and more men pursuing Botox, facial fillers, and other minimally invasive procedures. In the 21st century, it’s become more socially acceptable for men to care about their appearance. Botox, Perlane, Restylane, and Juvederm have been deployed to target wrinkles, crow’s feet, laugh lines, and sagging features.

Traditionally the product of women, Botox has become another tool in the male arsenal. According to plastic surgeon Anthony Griffin, who was interviewed by the Daily Mail, “it’s still a competition in our society for looks and, you know, better-looking men get paid more, and they get prettier girls.”

Two sisters, who note that they usually give clothing or personal items for presents, may be exchanging different items this year. Sister Tina’s #1 wish for a gift? Botox.

Though her sister feels she may not need the injectable, Tina is sure about her request for a plastic surgery gift. She says she began getting Botox treatments after a recent break-up and continues to see improvement in the appearance of crow’s feet.

While the 2011 Christmas season may see an uptick in the number of plastic surgery gifts, it’s nothing new for many consumers. In 2010 alone, patients spent more than $10 billion on cosmetic surgeries and treatments.

With the continued acceptance of injection treatments like Botox and Juvederm it may be increasingly common for people to give plastic surgery gifts, which one woman called “injectable youth.”

Though non-surgical options are the most cost-effective way of giving plastic surgery gifts this year, some gift givers may choose to help out with cosmetic surgeries, too. Popular procedures include facial rejuvenation, body contouring and breast surgeries.

To learn more about plastic surgery gifts and specials on Botox in Munster, please email plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson.

Like many women who have begun to experience the early signs of aging, like glabellar lines between the brows, actress Courtney Thorne-Smith, is an avid user of Botox and is eager to share her experience with the product and help answer common Botox questions.

Since her doctor began treating her with Botox nearly 10 years ago, Thorne-Smith says she is completely satisfied with the results. She says she wants women to know there are resources available to help them learn about how Botox may treat their own wrinkles and lines.

Allergan surveyed a range of women from age 35 to 65 and found out that the number of women considering talking to their doctor about Botox has quadrupled since 2002. Nearly 80% of women see Botox as an effective means of treating glabellar lines, a treatment Thorne-Smith says she has undergone with great success.

Even with this new knowledge women have about the injectable treatment, some Botox questions still remain. According to the survey, women most often wanted to know:

1. Are these products safe? Each aesthetic injectable treatment has a unique safety and efficacy profile and treatments are not interchangeable. For every injectable treatment, including BOTOX^® Cosmetic, it’s important to review the Important Safety Information and Medication Guide with your physician as serious side effects can occur. The most common side effects include pain or temporary bruising at the injection site, temporary tiredness, headache and nausea.
2. How much do these treatments cost? Cost varies across the country based on a number of factors. According to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons survey, the average cost of BOTOX^® Cosmetic is approximately $400 for treatment of the glabellar lines between the brows.
3. Will my face still have expression? Injectable treatments such as BOTOX^® Cosmetic should not radically change one’s appearance. When BOTOX^® Cosmetic is administered by an experienced physician, a person can still frown and look surprised without those moderate to severe lines – also known as the “11” – between the brows.
4. How long does treatment last? Minimally invasive treatments are temporary. BOTOX^® Cosmetic treatment effects can last up to four months.
5. Is treatment painful? Discomfort associated with the injection is usually minimal and brief, and your physician may apply an ice pack or anesthetic cream.

We encourage you contact your plastic surgeon with your own Botox questions. Please join the mailing list of Munster plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson to find out about upcoming specials.

When looking at a group of 50 women, aged 30 to 50 who were being treated for glabellar lines, the study found a decrease in treatments did not yield a decrease in results. The study discovered that after a patient has undergone regular Botox treatments every four months for two years, the frequency can be lowered. The frequency of how often to get Botox may not dramatically effect its effectiveness.

In fact, the study found that patients who had completed the initial two-year treatment and then received Botox injections only every six months achieved similar results. This is when compared to those who continued receiving Botox treatments every three months.

Though Allergan, the maker of Botox, may still recommend continued treatment every three months, those looking for a cost-effective alternative could reduce the number of yearly treatments.

As an added benefit, the study found that the patients in the age group also experienced a reduction in the formation of wrinkles when Botox use was continued past two years.

Patients interested in Botox in Valparaiso and the surrounding area are encouraged to join the mailing list of Munster plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson.

Using special brow lift techniques, plastic surgeons are able to help a patient appear younger and open an eye area that may suffer from a descending brow. Rather than fully lifting the brow to a higher position, your surgeon may only lift part of the brow for an ideal result, as discussed in Cosmetic Surgery Times.

One way a brow lift is sometimes performed is by unilaterally lifting the entire brow, but this may not be the ideal brow lift technique. In fact, in some cases, it may make the patient appear older and create a hollow appearance above the eyes, which may later need to be corrected.

Rather, the brow should ideally be lifted in a minimal manner, which can still create a dramatically younger-looking visage. In the case of plastic surgery, oftentimes less is more.

Instead of focusing on how high the brow should be after surgery, the shape of the brow overall may be more important. In the past, what was considered a beautifully shaped brow was different than it is today. At one point, a downturned brow was desirable, and later a more upturned brow.

Today’s ideal is somewhere in the middle, where the brow is lower near the center of the face, higher near the end and with a peak above the iris of the eye.

If you struggle with a descending brow but may not yet desire one of these brow lift techniques, Botox may be used to treat some types of brow deformities. Botox works by paralyzing the muscle at the treatment site, allowing the skin and brow to relax in a more natural position.

To learn more about brow lift techniques or how your plastic surgeon may use Botox to treat an aged-looking brow, we encourage you to join our mailing list.

Why Are Couples Choosing Non-Invasive Plastic Surgery?

The trend is likely because people are not only living longer than before, but also because they are working harder, which puts added stress on the skin, according to Dr. Leo R. McCafferty, vice president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The uptick in non-invasive plastic surgery may also be attributed to improvements in the economy, which has seen consumers with more spending money.

One plastic surgery practice near Pittsburgh saw about six couples for non-invasive plastic surgery five years ago and now sees almost 30 couples per year.

Not only are couples undergoing similar non-invasive plastic surgery treatments to maintain a youthful look for their spouses, but they may also be doing so to stay competitive in the workplace.

What Non-Invasive Plastic Surgery Options Are Couples Choosing?

Though surgical procedures are still popular among a range of patients, young and mature, non-invasive plastic surgery is only gaining traction. Most popular among women and men looking to shave a few years off is Botox, an injectable that smooths out many types of facial wrinkles.

Though one woman had undergone non-invasive plastic surgery treatments like chemical peels, she had not pressured her aging husband to do so. However, when he began to notice wrinkles creeping across his cheeks, he chose to have injectable fillers, like Juvederm or Restylane, to fill in the deep lines.

When you visit board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robinson’s office for a consultation, make sure to inquire about non-invasive plastic surgery as well as traditional plastic surgeries to reduce the signs of aging and refresh your skin, at any age.

When it comes to brow or facelifts, incisions cannot always be easily hidden in the hairline as they usually can on women, if the man is balding. Additionally, men who have facial hair or sideburns must receive special attention from their plastic surgeon to ensure the location of the facial hair remains natural, Genter said. Finally, as most men do not wear makeup, any surgical scars or post-surgery swelling may be somewhat more difficult to conceal.

Even with these added hurdles, men are increasingly turning to Dr. Genter and his contemporaries for treatments like Botox and dermal fillers, as well as procedures like eyelid surgery, to stay competitive in the job market.

Other popular procedures for men include male breast reduction, the range of facial rejuvenation procedures, as well as non-surgical options like chemical peels and skin resurfacing treatments.

The number of operations performed in China doubles every year and in 2009, China was ranked third in the number of procedures performed with more than two million. Ranked numbers one and two were the US and Brazil, respectively.

While plastic surgeries may often be thought of as an age-fighting measure, in China, the most popular procedure is actually eyelid surgery to increase the apparent size of the patient’s eyes. This surgery involves adding a crease in the eyelid to create what is called a double eyelid.

One such patient, 25-year-old Chen Xiaomeng, pictured, underwent the procedure and was pleased with the result and is now considering nose surgery. It may have been easier for her to undergo plastic surgery than it may have been in generations past since, “Cosmetic surgery is now accepted in practically every household,” Xiaomeng said.

Other popular procedures in China include rhinoplasty to build up the bridge of the nose, jaw surgery to lengthen and narrow its appearance, as well as facelifts and non-surgical wrinkle treatments like Botox.