Benefits of a Nose Job Extend Beyond Cosmetic Purposes

From makeup, to skincare products, to plastic surgery, patients go to great lengths to enhance their facial beauty. As the demand for cosmetic treatments continues to increase, nose jobs are consistently among the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed on the face.   

Because the nose is the centerpiece of the face, feeling uncomfortable about the size, shape, or any other minor issues can make a patient feel less confident about his or her appearance. Fortunately, a rhinoplasty procedure can correct any flaws of the nose and, in turn, boost a patient's confidence.  

During initial consultation appointments, I always mention to prospective patients that rhinoplasty produces additional benefits beyond the cosmetic ones. Nose surgery can be performed to open airways and improve breathing, which can add oxygen to the blood stream and increase energy. Opening the airways of the nasal cavity also assists in enhancing breathing while sleeping, allowing for a full night’s sleep that increases overall health and improves a patient’s mood.   

When it comes to the actual procedure, I inform my patients of the 2 main approaches: open or closed nose surgery. Open rhinoplasty approaches the base of the nose through an incision, whereas closed rhinoplasty reshapes the nose from inside. Then, we trim and reshape the cartilage inside the nose to achieve the desired shape and size.  

I feel it is also important to highlight that a rhinoplasty procedure is performed within a couple of hours, yet requires a recovery process that lasts up to 6 weeks. However, I have found the swelling reduces between 2-3 weeks, which allows my patients to see the results sooner. The additional weeks of recovery are reserved for the internal healing of the reshaped areas.   

I also advise telling patients what they can expect following the procedure. Many experience some bruising after a nose job, which can appear in the form of darkened eyes and welts in the operated area. As I mentioned before, the swelling will be present initially, but it will subside within a couple of weeks.   Regardless of whether a patient is considering rhinoplasty to correct a breathing problem or for aesthetic purposes, a nose job can significantly improve a patient’s self-esteem, and that is something one cannot put a price tag on. As healthcare professionals, it is our job to ensure every patient has the necessary education and tools to make an appropriate decision regarding rhinoplasty. 

By Robert T. Grant, MD, MSc, FACS, www.hcplive.com

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Youth and beauty are good for your business

By Martha Drezin

Nobody said life was fair

Why would Rhonda Abrams, who has made a name for herself providing business expertise, offer beauty advice? She explains in a recent USA Today article: “Your face is an increasingly important business asset.”

Social media places your face up front and center in Skype, Face Time and webinars. As such, your face can allure or repel potential clients. To add insult, and to put it mildly, Skype and Face Time are not particularly flattering modalities. They are distorting and emphasize any tendency you may have towards multiple chins.

Should you be valued for experience and wisdom? Should the quality of your work speak for itself? Yes. But who says life is fair? Abrams acknowledges the injustice of a culture in which younger competitors are constantly nipping at your heels like naughty puppies. So, you can either right the wrongs of society, which is quite a tall order, or improve your appearance to help you land the client you need.

Abrams interviewed a prominent New York plastic surgeon who suggests that your first line of antiaging defense may be a liquid facelift – a combination of injectable Botox and fillers. (A classic facelift is a very good option but costs about $15,000 and may keep you away from your business for a couple of weeks.)

Botox can relax the lines and furrows caused from repeat muscle use. Gel fillers, such as Juvéderm or Restylane, can plump out facial areas that form folds, such as the vertical nasolabial folds, which run from your nose to your mouth, and the marionette lines that may extend from your mouth to your chin, making your chin appear puppet-like. These injectables are administered in a doctor’s office and require no time off from work.

To get an anti-aging bang for your bucks, the surgeon Abrams interviewed ordered the recommended procedures, starting with the most important:

Botox injections to relax your 11’s (vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows)
Botox for horizontal forehead lines (also raises the eyebrows and opens the eyes)
Filler in the deep folds around your mouth.
These guidelines provide a general idea of how to proceed, but your face is unique and deserves careful assessment. For the best results, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Reference: www.smartbeautyguide.com

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What is Rhinoplasty and How can it Benefit You?

Rhinoplasty is sometimes referred to as "nose reshaping." It can improve the appearance and proportion of your nose, or correct a breathing problem associate with the nose.

Rhinoplasty enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.

Rhinoplasty surgery can change:

• Nose size in relation to facial balance
• Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
• Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
• Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
• Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
• Nasal asymmetry

If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion.

Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum

Nose surgery that’s done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing.

Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.

Reference: American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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5 Anti-Aging Procedures Worth The Money

According to Shape Magazine the wrinkles on our skin suggest some of us have been folded a little too long. The aging process is sneaky. One day you’re a fresh-faced teenager who forgot to apply sunscreen during a long weekend at the beach and the next, you’re looking back at a reflection that reveals years of sun damage and general wear and tear. You can’t stop the clock, but, thanks to plastic surgery, you can certainly keep it at bay and look as young as you feel. If you’re interested in plastic surgery, here are five procedures that are worth the investment.

Facelift – As the face ages, elasticity and muscle tone are lost, creating sagging skin, jowls, creases from the nose to the mouth, and even the dreaded double chin. A facelift (rhytidectomy) improves these conditions by repositioning and trimming away excess skin. The underlying foundation of connective tissue is tightened as well to produce a naturally lifted look. Incisions are typically made at the temples, ear and lower scalp. Your plastic surgeon may suggest a neck lift procedure in conjunction with the facelift. This is recommended because it improves sagging skin and wrinkles at the chin and neckline.

Eyelid Surgery – They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, but as the years go by, those windows are going to need a little TLC. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed on the upper eyelid, lower, or both, depending upon your desired outcome.  Eyelid surgery can improve droopy upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, and in general, create a more well-rested and alert appearance.  

Browlift – Also called a forehead lift, this procedure aims to correct a droopy brow line and helps to smooth creases in the skin that often make a person look worried or angry. Incisions are well hidden in the frontal hairline. When complete, the browlift helps to achieve an overall smooth appearance of the face, particularly when combined with blepharoplasty of the eyelids.

Lip Augmentation – Ladies, think plump, healthy, robust lips. The lips of your youth, not the lips of a certain former soap opera star. To achieve a full, natural look, your plastic surgeon may use a safe injectable filler (popular brands like Juvederm or Restylane), or choose to use your own fat, harvested from the thighs or buttocks.

Facial Implants – Sophia Loren may have been blessed with the high cheek bones of a model well in to her retirement years, but the rest of us probably won’t be so lucky. Thankfully, chin, cheek and jaw implants can be used to create a smooth contour and improve a recessed chin or flattened cheek area.

Together, you and your surgeon will determine the type of procedures needed to achieve your desired results. As with any procedure, prices will vary and insurance does not cover the cost - so do your homework, get referrals, and always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Call 954.585.3800 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Don't have time to visit us at the office? We offer Skype meetings with our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. 

Source: www.shape.com 

Check out this Review for Dr. Christopher Low!

Dear Dr. Low,

It is so rare to find a doctor that truly cares! I can't thank you enough for all your help through my procedure and recovery! I have never had a doctor who personally called or texted to check on me. Needless to say give up a Sunday to git me in!
What more can I say. You have exceeded my expectation as a surgeon/doctor. I just wish I found you the first go around!

Thank you for Everything!

Happy New Year!

To the Best Doctor Ever! (Trust me I have had Several)

Thanks,
Michelle


Call 954.585.3800 to book a FREE Consultation with Dr. Christopher Low
www.taksehape.info

Free Dysport at Take Shape Plastic Surgery

Take Shape Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, is proud to announce that we will be offering 3 FREE Area's of Botox to anyone who purchases 2 vials of Sculptra.

This is just another way Take Shape wants to give back to our patients this Holiday Season.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Take Shape Plastic Surgery offers 3D Imaging of Patients

When communicating with your Plastic Surgeon, you want to make sure that they understand the exact vision of yourself you want to see, especially when it comes to your final outcome. While many plastic surgeon's offices do their best to come close, Take Shape Plastic Surgery takes it a step further. We now do this, by 3D imaging each patients body or face. This allows for one of our skilled surgeons to edit with the patient their look on computer, and then bring their vision to life in the operating room.  

Take Shape uses the Axis Three, the gold standard is 3D patient Imaging. The Axis Three redefines the aesthetic consultation experience by providing precise, easy-to-use, 3D patient simulation tools that generate anatomically-accurate images.  While assisting surgeons in the planning process, ultimately, these tools enable patients to visualize in 3D, using their own bodies, how they will look after surgery. 

Axis Three products combine scientifically proven, Tissue Behavior Simulation (TBSTM) engine with patented Color Coded Triangulation (CCTTM), 3D imaging technology to deliver unprecedented patient confidence.  Take Shape Plastic Surgery is dedicated to understanding patient's needs and exceeding expectations.

5 Reasons Breast Augmentation is The Most Popular Plastic Surgery Procedure

For the past seven years, breast augmentation has dominated the charts as the number one cosmetic procedure since 2006 and has averaged around 300,000 patients each year. How does the procedure continue to be this popular each and every year?

Reason #1 Breast Augmentation Satisfaction Ratings Are Through the Roof

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently published a study in which 98% of women surveyed had said that their augmentation results met or exceeded their expectations. Another 90% of the women surveyed also reported an increase in their self-esteem. This trend has been consistent with other surveys as breast augmentation continues to achieve high patient reviews. The procedure has even been linked to other benefits including an improved sex life. All of these positive results and reviews continue to spark new interest in other women.

Reason #2 The Procedure Does Not Take Long or Require a Lengthy Recovery

A breast augmentation usually takes just a couple hours and does not require an overnight stay at the hospital. There is little interference with daily life and depending on their occupation, most women return to work after just a few days spent recovering.

Reason #3 The Implants Have Been FDA Approved For Safety

Both saline and silicone gel implants have been approved by the FDA for breast augmentation after extensive studies on each. Because saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, they are safe in case an implant ruptures. The new silicone gel implants have been created to not leak into the body if there is a rupture. Neither silicone nor saline implants have been tied to any major disease or breast cancer.

Reason #4 Breast Augmentation Results Last Long

Though implants are not intended to be lifelong, the results last for decades. There is typically no need to replace or adjust the implants at regular intervals and the implants have proven extremely durable.

Reason #5 A Woman Can Achieve the Results She Desires

With the wide variety of implants available, and now the addition of the new MemoryShape silicone gel implants, women are better able to achieve the personalized results that she desires. There are currently seven implants and three manufacturers that have been approved for use in the United States. Each implant then breaks down into several different sizes, shapes, and profiles. The diverse group of implants allows women to better customize the look that they want.

Prevent Aging with Simple Steps

Want to have skin that looks young and healthy well into middle age? Then you need to consider more than just the moisturizer you use and the SPF rating of your sunscreen - you also need to think about what's on your plate. It seems that every day, a new study comes out that profiles a food linked to anti-aging. It can be hard to keep up, but the Huffington Post recently compiled a list of some of the foods that have been linked to promoting health and beauty.

Have a drink

It's not just the foods we eat that can help us keep young, but also what we drink. According to the news source, pomegranates have recently been shown to slow down the oxidation of DNA - in case you're wondering, oxidation essentially means "wear and tear." Eating pomegranates can be messy and frustrating (all those little seeds!), but you can easily get your fill of the fruit by having a glass of pomegranate juice.

This may sound a bit hippie-dippy, but drinking green tea is also a good way to slow down the aging process. The drink is full of antioxidants, and on top of that, the nutrients it carries can help reduce chronic inflammation, which plays a part in diabetes and other illnesses. Drink up!

Know your colors

If you're standing in the produce aisle feeling confused about what foods you should pick up, keep an eye out for orange veggies. Carrots, pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes all fall into this category, and their color is no coincidence. Alpha-carotene is what gives these vegetables their hue, and it's also good for the body.

Don't forget about orange and other brightly colored fruits, as well. According to the news source, vitamin C has been proven to slow cell aging, which could help keep you young.

Is it too late?

These anti-aging food news items can be frustrating for those of us who have already begun to see signs of aging. Even if you stock up on green tea, carrots and pomegranates, you won't be able to eliminate wrinkles and other age-related skin blemishes without a bit of outside help. Fortunately, the world of aesthetic medicine has advanced to the point where it is now possible to turn back the hands of time and get rid of these unwanted attributes. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, dermal fillers, for example, can get rid of deep facial lines, while chemical peels and skin resurfacing can eliminate pigmentation problems, sun spots, minor facial scars and other skin woes.

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WWW.TAKESHAPE.INFO

Male Pec Implants - Plastic Surgery For Men

Women aren't the only ones enjoying the benefits of body implants, men are also joining the club. One of the most popular implants are implants for the pectoral muscles.

Men have become increasingly interested in male chest enhancement. Some men are unable to achieve a defined chest area through exercise. Some men may have underdeveloped chest muscles due to a growth defect or injury. Therefore, they may decide to receive male pec implants as a way to achieve a defined contour.

Not only do male pec implants result in a defined shape, but they also result in increased self-esteem and confidence for men who may have, at one time, been embarrassed by their appearance.

During the initial consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss your expectations and desired outcome. Your surgeon may also take photographs and give you specific instructions for the day of the surgery. He or she may also show you the different shapes and sizes of the implants. Your surgeon will help you pick out a shape and size that will fit naturally with your body shape. It is important for you to make your doctor aware of any past surgeries or procedures you've had or any current medical conditions you have. Your doctor will also want a list of current medications you are taking as he or she may alter or discontinue these before surgery. Your surgeon may also require you to stop smoking if you are a smoker since smoking can cause complications during and after surgery.

The surgery involves making an incision in the armpit. Through this incision, your surgeon will place the implant under the pectoral muscle. The incision is the closed. The implants are held in place by the chest muscles or by sutures that are visible through the skin. The surgery takes one to two hours to complete and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery can take place in a hospital or outpatient surgery center and will depend on your doctor's personal preference.

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication to reduce discomfort after surgery. You will need to wear an elastic bandage to reduce swelling after surgery. You should expect to experience soreness and bruising which will subside within a week. While results of surgery are immediately visible, it can take up to six weeks to see full results as it can take this long for the swelling and bruising to completely disappear. You will need to avoid strenuous activity the first few weeks after surgery. You should be able to resume normal activity after a month.

Hidden Dangers of Injectables

THE dangers of getting injectables from the wrong doctor

Choosing your doctor is the most important decision you will make about injectable beauty treatments of any kind. While, there are many doctor's offices and Medispa's that offer this service a board certified plastic surgeon or a plastic surgeon trained Physicians Assistant is a patients best bet. Take Shape Plastic Surgery is your best bet when it comes to injectables. At Take Shape Dr. Christopher Low, Dr. George Dreszer, and Dr. Russell Sassani can help any patient get the results they want. 

Your prescribing doctor should hold one of these qualifications:

Plastic Surgeon

Your plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and/or the Canadian Society of Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Plastic Surgery.

Facial Plastic Surgeon

Your facial plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and be a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons and may also be a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon

Your ophthalmic plastic surgeon would be certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Dermatologist

Your dermatologist would be certified by the American Board of Dermatology or the American Osteopathic Board of dermatology and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and may also be a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

All Physicians

Nurse Injectors and Physician's Assistants
A licensed Registered Nurse (RN) or a licensed Physician's Assistant (PA) can be an appropriate provider of injectables depending on your state's regulations. The following conditions should be met:

• The nurse or PA is under the supervision of a qualified doctor who has prescribed the injectable treatment appropriate for you.
• The nurse or PA can demonstrate appropriate medical education and training specific to the delivery of injectable beauty treatments.
• The nurse or PA follows all of the appropriate steps in performing your injections, including informed consent about the risks and benefits of the injection process.
• You have the option to request the doctor perform your injections.

A RN or PA injector should also have recent continuing medical education (CME) to be abreast of the latest injectable techniques, and should inject patients just like you on a regular basis (several patients weekly).

Your doctor should also have recent continuing medical education (CME) to be abreast of the latest injectable techniques, and should inject patients just like you on a regular basis (several patients weekly).

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) holds that only physicians should administer injectable dermal fillers and neurotoxins.

Visit www.takeshape.info for more information! 

954.585.3800 to book a FREE CONSULTATION. 

Fat Grafting with Concentrated Stem Cells Vs. The Traditional Facelift

Before

After

Dr. Sassani states that he has been achieving significant and natural looking results with the addition of fat grafting with concentrated stem-cells to the list of services that he provides. The ideal candidate for this new innovative procedure has suffered a loss of volume of the face, which compromises skin texture. The skin may appear thinner lacking its once youthful volume.

Though injectables have their place in anti-aging, there is a significant difference between fat grafting with concentrated stem cells and all other injectible procedures. All injectables such as, Botox, Juvederm and Radiesse are composed of synthetic materials. In contrast, fat grafting with concentrated stem cell is completely natural because it is composed 100% of the individual’s own fat cells. Fat grafting with concentrated stem cells offers something no other injectable can; use of the patient’s own tissue.

The fat is harvested from the lower abdomen and/or inner thighs to provide the volume necessary to correct the deficiency in the face. As an added bonus, the stem-cells that are transported along with the fat grafts are believed to improve overall skin color, texture and pore size. Stem cells are the repair cells of the body as they morph to become whatever cells they come in contact with. The harvested fat is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate these stem-cells for injection.

When should one have a facelift and when should you consider fat grafting with concentrated stem cells?

This procedure can be done either alone or in conjunction with facial aesthetic procedures. For patients exhibiting a loss of facial volume only, fat grafting with concentrated stem-cells done alone can be the ideal solution.

As the name suggests, facelifts lift sagging skin, tone the face and neck muscles, and remove the wrinkles. The ideal candidate for a facelift has suffered a loss of skin elasticity and muscle tone of the face and neck. Often the candidate will appear tired.

For candidates desiring a lift and tone of the face and neck with volume restoration, a facelift in combination with fat grafting may be the best solution. This candidate will have suffered a loss of skin elasticity, muscle tone and noticeable depletion of volume to the face.

The recovery time for all the procedures is approximately two weeks. After this time, the patient may comfortably return to normal social activities and interaction. A patient’s skin quality, texture, and tone will continue to improve as the stem-cells integrate. The end result is a tailored and youthful appearance with volume restoration and the skin noticeably improved overall. Patients will appreciate that the rejuvenative effects are enduring.

Take Shape Plastic Surgery, PA offers free consultations. They welcome you to visit their Medicare-certified, state-licensed, nationally-accredited, ambulatory surgical center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. You can check out their website at http://www.takeshape.info or call (954)585-3800 to schedule an appointment

Dr. Christopher Low joins Dr. Russell Sassani with His Board Certification to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

When looking to have a plastic surgery procedure such as Breast Augmentation in Fort Lauderdale, many people may not know exactly how to measure the quality of a plastic surgeon. Many plastic surgeons have before and after pictures on their websites or in their offices displaying their work. However, before and after pictures are not the only thing one should look at when choosing a plastic surgeon. There are several other factors one should look at. One of the most important of these is whether the surgeon is certified by an accredited organization. For example, a surgeon should be certified with The American Board of Plastic Surgery. This is a respected board organized in 1937 to establish requirements for the qualifications of applicants who request a certificate of their ability in the field of Plastic Surgery. Certification implies a special combination of basic knowledge, surgical judgment, technical expertise, ethics and interpersonal skills in order to achieve satisfactory patient relationships and problem resolution. It is an extremely specialized field and in general, it is not a good idea to have a plastic surgery procedure done by someone who doesn’t focus solely on plastic surgery.

Once candidates for the American Board of Plastic Surgery have met the requirements for acceptability and passed the required examinations, the Board will issue certificates attesting to their qualifications in plastic surgery. A Board certified surgeon should have special knowledge and skill in the design and surgery of grafts, flaps, free tissue transfer and re-plantation.  Also required is competence in the management of complex wounds, the use of implantable materials, and in tumor surgery.

When looking for a board certified plastic surgeon in Fort Lauderdale residents should also see if their chosen plastic surgeon is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The mission of the ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. It also advocates for patient safety and plastic surgery education. Its members are at the forefront of technological advancements in the field of plastic surgery and it is a very important criterion when looking for a plastic surgeon. When making the decision to get a major surgery like breast augmentation can go to www.plasticsurgery.org to see a list of Board certified plastic surgeons.

Take Shape Plastic Surgery offers a wide array of cosmetic surgery including facial aesthetic surgery, body contouring, and breast aesthetic surgery. The clinic is also renowned for the reconstructive surgical work that is offered. Also on premises is Take Shape Surgery Center, L.L.C., a Medicare-certified, state-licensed and nationally-accredited, ambulatory surgical center. This facilitates a more personalized, convenient and comfortable experience for patients.

Patients can be assured that the plastic surgeons at Take Shape Plastic Surgery possess the skills, training, and aesthetic eye to ensure that the patient’s desired cosmetic result becomes a reality and that reconstruction patients achieve the best possible outcome. For more information please call Take Shape Plastic Surgery P.A. at 954-585-3800 or visit on the web at http://www.takeshape.info or http://www.facebook.com/takeshapeplasticsurgerycenter. Take Shape Plastic Surgery P.A. is located at 4161 N.W. 5th Street, Suite 100, Plantation, Florida 33317.

Sculptra Injectable

What is Sculptra Aesthetic?

Sculptra is an injectable liquid used to add volume to areas of the face to create a soft, natural, more youthful recontouring of the face. It builds your own collagen while it gradually disappears. When done well, it doesn't have that "over stuffed" look that is all too common when too much Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse are used in the cheeks. It is best for adding volume to: 

• hollow cheeks
• softening boney cheekbones
• nasolabial and melolabial folds (nose to mouth/mouth to chin)
• hollow chin area
• defining the jawline
• hollow temples
• some body sites  

What is Sculptra made of?

Sculptra (generic name is "poly-L-lactic acid" or PLLA) is a synthetic of lactic acid.  Lactic acid is made in our muscles after exercise.  Polylactic acid is lactic acid molecules stuck together in strings (a polymer).  It is made in a laboratory and contains no animal products and no human DNA.  It very gradually disappears by the action of your own cell enzymes.

Is Sculptra FDA approved?

In 2009 Sculptra got its full FDA approval for cosmetic use in the United States. It has had partial FDA approval here for over five years. It has been used extensively in Europe for over ten years and is approved in Canada, Europe, and over 20 other countries.

How is Sculptra different than Juvederm/Restylane (HAs)?

Sculptra adds volume to the face and fills grooves and hollows. This can give some lift and help with wrinkles because many wrinkles are created by loss of volume (think of a deflating balloon). Juvederm and Restylane (HAs), in general, fill specific wrinkles and lines. In the past few years longer lasting HAs have been added like Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane. These can also be used for cheek contouring and a "lift" effect. The choice between the HA fillers and Sculptra often comes down to the amount of volume replacement desired, your age, and maintenance issues.

How Many Women Get Breast Implants Each Year?

If you're a woman looking into getting a breast augmentation, one of your reservations about the procedure may be the idea that relatively few women go for it these days. An admirably cautious notion that happens to be far from the truth.  

Have you ever wondered exactly how many women get breast implants each year in the United States? After all, it seems like a lot of Hollywood celebrities have perfect breasts and the woman in your yoga class is just too flawlessly shapely to be natural, right? Well, the answer is a lot more women than people think are undergoing breast augmentation each year.

Breast augmentation was the #1 procedure in the country in 2011 with 307,000 women getting implants. This is a 4 percent increase from the previous year and a 45 percent increase from 2000.  These statistics show that breast augmentation is one of the fastest growing procedures in the industry because women want to feel confident about their bodies and their breasts. You have the right to feel beautiful, and if that means enhancing your breasts so you can feel comfortable in a top or bathing suit, that's okay.

The dramatic increase in breast implant surgery does not necessarily reflect a similarly dramatic increase in the number of women with breast implants, however. Many women who undergo surgery are replacing old implants that have broken or caused problems; some women report as many as ten or more surgeries as their implants are replaced over the years.

The important thing to remember is that breast enhancement is for yourself. It's not about what a man thinks or even what your friend thinks, it's about doing what can help you feel beautiful. More and more women are realizing this and that's why thousands of breast augmentations are performed in the United States each year.

There's no reason to feel insecure about your body now, or even your decision to get implants. It's time to focus on what will make you a more comfortable and empowered woman. If that's getting a breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon today. You have the right to look and feel your absolute best!

Botox May Make You Happier

Two and a half million people each year now have Botox. That’s the wonder drug that makes your wrinkles go away. And that makes people happy, right? You bet it does. It turns out that people who use Botox can’t frown and people who can’t frown are happier than people who can! The simple act of frowning can turn your mood gloomy. When the frown muscles are paralyzed, it is harder for people to maintain a negative affect.

We all know that when we tell a sad person a joke or even tickle them, we can often break them out of their sullen mood. And that may be at least partially because the forehead muscles break their gloomy hold over your appearance and your brain. The mind/body connection is intimately connected and recent Botox studies underscore this!

Dial up the Botox and you may just be able to dial down the Prozac.