The SoCal Cosmetic Network is Southern California’s exclusive network for all cosmetic care related treatments and procedures. The SoCal Cosmetic Network exists for YOU, the consumer. This network is a simple place for you to easily view, research, and contact any of our sponsored cosmetic care professionals here in Southern California as informatively and quickly as possible about any information you would need to further any desired treatment or procedure.
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People want information in the “now”. To accommodate this demand, The SoCal Cosmetic Network was constructed to be a very simple and navigable website for the consumer. This way they can easily find and contact the top-rated professionals in their area as soon as possible. Once the prospective consumer views our site, they can easily research our exclusive clients’ information regarding their background and specified cosmetic treatments, procedures, and products offered in a highly informative and time-efficient way.
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Areas in Southern California where you can find the top-rated cosmetic related professionals, clinics, spas, and salons are in and around the various cities within Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Diego County.
In Los Angeles County, cities and communities such as:
Agoura Hills, Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Avalon, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bell, Bel-Air, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Brentwood, Burbank, Calabasas, Carson, Century City, Cerritos, Chatsworth, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Culver City, Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte, Eagle Rock, El Monte, El Monte, El Segundo, Encino, Gardena, Glendale, Glendora, Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park, Industry, Inglewood, Irwindale, La Canada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, Lakewood, La Mirada, Lancaster, La Puente, La Verne, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Panorama City, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Silver Lake, Sherman Oaks, Signal Hill, Simi Valley, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena, Studio City, Tarzana, Temple City, Toluca Lake, Torrance, Tujunga, Universal City, Valencia, Van Nuys, Vernon, Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Westlake Village, West Toluca Lake, Westwood, and Whittier.
In Orange County, cities and communities such as:
Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Irvine, La Habra, La Palma, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, and Yorba Linda.
In San Diego County, cities and communities such as:
Alpine, Bonita, Bonsall, Borrego Springs, Bostonia, Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Clairemont, Coronado, Crest, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Fairbanks Ranch, Fallbrook, Granite Hills, Harbison Canyon, Hidden Meadows, Imperial Beach, Jamul, Julian, Kensington, La Jolla, La Mesa, La Presa, Lake San Marcos, Lakeside, Lemon Grove, Mira Mesa, Mission Beach, Mission Valley, Mission Hills, National City, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Pine Valley, Poway, Rainbow, Ramona, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, San Diego Country Estates, San Marcos, Santaluz, Santee, Solana Beach, Sorrento Valley, Spring Valley, University City, University Town Center, Valley Center, Vista, and Winter Gardens.
Acupressure is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique based on the same ideas as acupuncture. Acupressure involves placing physical pressure by hand, elbow, or with the aid of various devices on different acupuncture points on the surface of the body.
Arm Lift is also known as brachioplasty, which is a surgical procedure that is used to remove loose skin and excess fat deposits that accumulate in the upper arm area. The more a person ages, the upper arm skin can become quite loose and flabby. Brachioplasty is used for patients who have a desire to tighten up this skin. In certain cases your trusted plastic surgeon may suggest to you that liposuction should be used alone as procedure or together with an arm lift to best remove the excess fat build-up in the upper arms area.
Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to reshape and firm the abdomen. It involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the middle and lower parts of ones abdomen in order to tighten the muscle of the abdominal wall. This type of cosmetic surgery is usually sought after by women that arent considering giving birth to any more children. It is also common among individuals who have excess abdominal fat deposits, which do not respond well to diet and exercise.
Abdominoplasty operations vary and are frequently subdivided into categories:
A complete Abdominoplasty involves five steps:
A partial Abdominoplasty involves three steps:
An extended Abdominoplasty is a complete Abdominoplasty with extensions into the thighs (front) and/or flanks (back).
An Abdominoplasty can be combined with a liposuction treatment.
Recovery from a complete Abdominoplasty can take between four to six weeks, as patients are usually advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work. Heavy activity especially must be avoided during this time. For the first ten days, a patient may experience bruising and a bit of discomfort. A supportive abdominal binder is normally worn to contain swelling and support the muscular repair. Patients are advised not to smoke for several months prior to surgery and also during the recovery period after the surgery. Studies suggest that smokers have a higher risk of complications with this operation.
Blepharoplasty or "eyelid surgery" is the reshaping of the eyelids or the application of permanent eyeliner, including Asian Blepharoplasty.
Blepharoplasty is a cosmetic plastic surgical procedure that is intended to reshape the upper eyelid or lower eyelid by the removal and/or repositioning of excess tissue as well as by the reinforcement of muscles and tendons that surround the eye. This type of procedure is used to improve the appearance of sagging upper eyelids and puffy lower eyelids that may look like "bags". When upper eyelid changes become severe with many of the elderly, blepharoplasty may sometimes be undertaken to open up the impaired field of vision that results by overhanging skin.
Blepharoplasty is performed through external incisions that are made along the natural skin lines of the eyelids, such as the creases of the upper lids and below the lashes of the lower lids, or from the inside surface of the lower eyelid. Initial swelling and bruising take one to two weeks to resolve but at least several months are needed until the final result becomes stable. Depending upon the scope of the procedure, the operation takes one to three hours to complete
Asian Blepharoplasty, or double eyelid surgery, is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery among those of east and Southeast Asian background. About half of this population are born without an eyelid crease and are called single-lidded. Surgery is used to create a crease above the eye, thus making the eye appear more open and alert and facilitating the application of make up.
Blu-U Acne Treatment: BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy is extremely safe and painless and only affects the problematic areas. It involves treating the affected areas of skin as they are exposed to the light while the patient is wearing safety goggles.
This treatment is for individuals who have acne and or actinic keratoses (also referred to as AKs). Actinic keratoses are caused damage to the skin from sun exposure. It would look like scaly patches of slightly reddened skin that are rough to the touch. Blu-U is used together with Levulan® Kerastick® (aminolevulinic acid HCl, also known as ALA) to treat the damaged areas of the patients face and scalp.
During the acne treatment the Levulan Kerastick is applied to the patients skin and it is then absorbed. Once it has been absorbed into the patients skin, it changes into a porphyrin, which is an anti-bacteria agent. The Blu-U system uses a high-intensity narrow band of blue light that activates the porphyrins. The porphyrins commence a chemical reaction that destroys the P. acne bacteria that causes acne. This will cause the AKs to peel off the patients skin within a week or so following the treatment.
Typically, The Blu-U treatments involve a short treatment session of 16 minutes each, twice a week for four weeks, and then once a week for four weeks. Your series of treatments should be completed, yet you may need additional treatments periodically throughout the year. Along with the Blu-U treatment, an individual can combine it with certain antibiotics taken orally or topically over the skin. You should however consult your physician.
Although the inflammation may be gone for most patients, some people may experience a residual redness where the inflamed blemish had been located. Over time, the redness you may experience should dissipate. If not, consult with your physician for additional information for treatment(s) you may require.
Body Contouring: See Abdominoplasty
Body Massage is the practice of applying structured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration manually or with mechanical aids - to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, joints and lymphatic vessels, to achieve a beneficial response.
As form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, and improve circulation. Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.
In commercial settings, massage techniques involve the client being treated lying down on a massage table or in a massage chair, or on a mattress on the floor. Except for modalities such as Thai Massage or Barefoot Deep Tissue, the massage subject is generally unclothed, and the body may be "draped" with towels or sheets. This also helps keep the client warm. In some jurisdictions it is required that certain areas such as the genitals on both genders and the breast/nipple area on women be draped at all times.
Due to the necessary physical contact between the practitioner and the client, sexual arousal (or signs of it) is possible, but rarely intentional. In many forms of massage, the treatment may start with the client face up or down for the first part of the session: the client then rolls over for the second half of the session. Relaxation is necessary for maximum therapeutic benefits to be achieved.
Body Sculpting: See Liposuction
Body Wraps or a body wrap can help with the healing of various skin problems, tone and tighten ones skin, improve circulation, alleviate muscle and joint pain, treat acne, detoxify the body and help mobilize fat so it can be eliminated from the body naturally.
It is safe for one to do a wrap every day. You can even undergo multiple wraps in any given day to quicken the effects if desired.
Body wraps work in two phases: absorption and squeezing (compaction).
During the absorption phase, a substance is applied to your body by cloth, which may be bandages or wraps. Once the pores of your skin are opened up, the internal fluids are released and absorbed by the substance and the bandage. A good absorbent is definitely needed to maximize the effects for losing inches and detoxification of the body.
The squeezing phase simply compacts the tissues together after the internal fluid has been removed. After the fluids have been extracted, empty pockets are left between the cells. Once the wrap squeezes the cells closer together, the patient should be left with a thinner looking body.
As the body's cells of the patient are held together in this shape, which is only for a very short time, the body's cells will begin to readjust themselves to maintain their new shape.
You will most likely perspire a lot when getting a body wrap treatment done. It is highly suggested that you should drink lots of water before, during, and after the body wrap treatment.
Feel free to drink water before, during and after the wrap. You wont have to worry about the inches coming back, as the weight loss isnt just water weight.
BOTOX® Botulin toxin is a neurotoxic protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is the most poisonous naturally occurring substance in the world. Though it is highly toxic, it is used in minute doses both to treat painful muscle spasms, and as a cosmetic treatment in some parts of the world. It is sold commercially under the brand name BOTOX.
The term BOTOX is a trade name and is not used generically to describe the neurotoxins produced by Clostridia species. Besides the various cosmetic uses for BOTOX, it is also used for the treatment of various ailments that affect many people all around the world.
Brachioplasty: See Arm Lift
Breast Implant is a prosthesis used to enlarge the size of a breast (known as breast augmentation) for cosmetic reasons, to reconstruct the breast (e.g. after a mastectomy or to correct genetic deformities), or for the purposes of male-to-female sex reassignment surgery.
Typically, patients that are seeking breast augmentation are usually of younger age, healthy, and are of a higher socio-economic status. Many of these patients experience a greater distress about their appearance in a variety of situations, and have probably endured more frequent teasing about their appearance.
Saline-filled implants are the most common implant used in the United States due to restrictions on silicone implants, but are rarely used in other countries. Good to excellent results may be obtained, but as compared to silicone gel implants, saline implants are more likely to cause cosmetic problems such as rippling, wrinkling, and be noticeable to the eye or the touch. Particularly for women with very little breast tissue, or for post-mastectomy reconstruction, plastic surgeons believe that silicone gel implants are the superior device. In patients with more breast tissue, however, saline implants can look very similar to silicone gel.
Implant Placement Techniques:
Breast implants for augmentation may be placed via various types of incisions:
The placement of implants is described in relation to the pectoralis major muscle:
Breast Lift or Mastopexy surgery is a group of operations that is designed to improve breast ptosis ("droop"). Any of these may or may not be performed with breast augmentation (the placement of breast implants) to also increase volume and improve breast shape. The shape of a breast is determined by its skin, its volume and by the connective tissue structure within its tissue. Mastopexy procedures may address any of these by reshaping the skin 'bra', by adding volume or by altering the structure of the breast tissue.
The full breast lift involves an incision across the base of the breast as well as incisions around the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) and an incision between the areola and the base of the breast. It allows maximal correction of breast shape at the cost of more scarring.
Modified breast lifts use fewer incisions than the full procedure. A popular form of the modified is also known as the Benelli breast lift. This uses only an incision around the areola. Less scarring comes with less correction of the breast's shape. Benelli procedures are frequently performed along with breast augmentation but are criticized because of the tendency to reduce projection of the breast.
Mastopexy suffers from inescapable realities: aging breast tissue may not allow lasting correction of ptosis because gravity will always overcome surgical correction.
Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, which is the darker skin that surrounds the nipple. If the womans breasts are small or have lost volume, i.e. after a pregnancy, breast implants may be inserted together with mastopexy and can most definitely help increase both the firmness and the size of their breast.
Breast Reconstruction is an operation that is performed to rebuild a breast, usually in women. It involves using autologous tissue or a prosthetic material to construct a natural-looking breast. Often this includes the reformation of a natural-looking areola and nipple. This procedure involves the use of implants or relocated flaps of the patient's own tissue.
The type of reconstruction that is most suitable for your situation will depend on:
The primary part of the procedure can often be carried out immediately following the mastectomy. As with many other surgeries, those with significant medical comorbidities (high blood pressure, obese, diabetes) individuals who smoke are higher-risk candidates. Surgeons may choose to perform delayed reconstruction to decrease this risk. Patients expected to receive external beam radiation as part of their adjuvant treatment are also commonly considered for delayed autologous reconstruction due to significantly higher complication rates with tissue expander-implant techniques in those patients.
Breast reconstruction is a large undertaking that usually takes multiple operations. Sometimes these follow-up surgeries are spread out over weeks or months. If an implant is used, the individual runs the same risks and complications as those who use them for breast augmentation but has higher rates of capsular contracture (tightening or hardening of the scar tissue around the implant) and revisional surgeries.
There are many methods for breast reconstruction. The two most common are:
Recovery from implant-based reconstruction is generally faster than with flap-based reconstructions, but both take at least three to six weeks to recover and both require follow-up surgeries in order to construct a new areola and nipple. All recipients of these operations should refrain from strenuous sports, overhead lifting and sexual activity during the recovery period (three to six weeks). TRAM flap patients can show abdominal muscle weakness on EMG studies, but clinically most patients return to normal activities after recovery.
There is little information about upper body exercise post-mastectomy. Issues such as simple mastectomy, mastectomy with reconstruction, mastectomy with lymph node excision and reconstruction all factor into limitations to amount and extent of upper body exercise. Generally, cardiac exercise (treadmill, walking, etc.) are approved for rehabilitation post-surgery and for weight control. Women who have undergone breast reconstruction must still be followed for local or regional recurrence of their cancer with manual exams of the breast/chest wall and axilla.
Breast Reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure, which involves the reduction in the size of breasts by excising fat, skin, and glandular tissue; it may also involve a procedure to counteract drooping of the breasts. As with breast augmentation, this procedure is performed most often on women, but may also be performed on men afflicted by gynecomastia.
Breast reduction surgery is oriented toward women with large, pendulous breasts, since the weight of their breasts may cause neck, back, shoulder, circulation, and/or breathing problems. The weight may also cause discomfort as a result of brassiere straps abrading or irritating the skin. Even if physical discomfort is not a problem, some women feel uncomfortable with the large size of their breasts in proportion to the rest of their bodies. Reduction mammoplasty affords the recipient smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. The surgeon may also reduce the size of the areola or nipples.
Although not advocated as a cancer risk reducing procedure, a woman's risk of subsequently developing breast cancer will be reduced proportionately to the amount of breast tissue left. It is recommended that patients receive new baseline mammograms 6-8 months after breast reduction to accommodate expected radiographic changes and give a new basis to compare future imaging studies to.
Except in unusual cases, this procedure is performed on individuals with fully developed breasts. It is not recommended for women who intend to breastfeed, although the success rate in breast-feeding among reduction patients mirrors that of the general population. Doctors almost always perform breast reductions while the patient is under general anesthesia. During pre-operative visits, the doctor and patient may decide on new (usually higher) positions for the areolas and nipples.
The most common procedure involves an anchor-shaped incision, which circles the areola (aka. "Wise-pattern" reduction). The incision extends downward, following the natural curve of the breast. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin is removed. Next, the nipple and areola are moved into their new position. Recently there has been increasing interest in limited scar techniques, which leave only a vertical or vertical with a shorter horizontal scar.
In some extreme cases, the areola and nipple may need to be completely removed for relocation and replaced as a skin graft (aka "free nipple graft"). In these cases, sensation from the areola area will be lost.
Patients may take a few weeks for initial recovery, however it may take from six months to a year for the body to completely adjust to the new breast size. Some women may experience discomfort during their initial menstruation following the surgery due to the breasts swelling.
Scarring from this procedure may be extensive and can be permanent. Initially the scars are lumpy and red, but gradually subside into their final smaller sizes as thin white lines. Though permanent, the surgeon can generally make the scars inconspicuous to the point that even low-cut tops may be worn without visible scars. Other common problems include: asymmetry, delayed wound healing, altered nipple sensation, fluid retention in the breast, altered erogenous function, late changes in shape and recurrent ptosis (breasts) (drooping.)
Brow Lift: See Forehead Lift
Buttock Augmentation (or "butt augmentation" or "butt implants"): which is an enhancement of the buttocks. This procedure can be performed by using silicone implants or a fat grafting and transfer from other areas of the body to the buttocks.
There are two types of buttock augmentation:
Cellulite Treatment is offered in various forms such as liposuction, surgical thigh lifts, massage, and electric muscle stimulation. The use of electric currents passed through pads placed on the body will cause the muscles to contract and relax alternatively. Exercise and good workouts can build up the muscles, yet cellulite may still be evident on the thighs.
Body Brushing treatments can remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, as this makes it easier for toxins to be removed from the body. The Vibratory Endermatic system for cellulite treatment helps to increase blood circulation, while stretching the connective fibers. This will in turn reduce dimpling of the thigh skin. This treatment does not cause harm to the collagen, destroy subcutaneous tissue, or damage the elastin layers of the patients skin. A combination of various massage techniques with endermatic applicators has been known to produce pleasing body results for many patients.
Patch contour deals with the application of various patches, which contain Celidium cartilagineum that converts fat into energy, while it eliminates unwanted toxins from the body. This procedure has produced pretty good results by reducing stubborn cellulite build up on the thighs.
Chemical Peel is a body treatment technique that is used to improve and smooth the texture of the facial skin using a chemical solution that causes the skin to blister and eventually peel off.
The regenerated skin is usually much more smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. Some types of chemical peels can be purchased and administered without a medical license, however it is highly advised that you seek professional help from a plastic surgeon or dermatologist on a specific type of chemical peel before a procedure is performed.
There are three types of chemical peels:
Alpha Hydroxyacid Peels
Alpha hydroxyacids (AHA) are naturally occurring organic carboxylic acids such as glycolic acid, a natural constituent of sugar cane juice and lactic acid, found in sour milk and tomato juice. This is the mildest of the peel formulas and produce light peels for treatment of fine wrinkles, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. Alpha hydroxyacids can also be mixed with a facial wash or cream in lesser concentrations as part of a daily skin-care regimen to improve the skin's texture.
AHA peels are used to:
AHA peels may:
Trichloroacetic Acid Peels
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is used as an intermediate to deep peeling agent in concentrations ranging from 20-50%. Depth of penetration is increased as concentration increases, with 50% TCA penetrating into the reticular dermis. Concentrations higher than 35% are not recommended because of the high risk of scarring.
Trichloroacetic acid peels:
Trichloroacetic acid peels may:
Phenol Peels
Phenol is the strongest of the chemical solutions and produces a deep skin peel. Recent studies have suggested that phenol is most likely the only carrier for another active component in the solution, namely croton oil.
Phenol alone produces only a light peel, which is ineffective for restructuring the deeper dermal structures (such as wrinkles). The term Phenol/Croton oil peel has been proposed as a more accurate descriptor, but the established terminology phenol peel continues to be the dominant usage, as the role of croton oil in the mix is not as widely understood.
Effects of a phenol chemical peel are long lasting, and in some cases are still readily apparent up to 20 years following the procedure. Improvements in the patients skin can be very dramatic. A single treatment usually achieves the desired result.
Phenol peels are used to:
Cheek Augmentation is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is intended to pronounce the cheekbones in a person's face. Prominent cheekbones have long been a sign of beauty in both men and women. People who want more prominent cheekbones can have an implant placed to rest on top of their cheekbones.
A plastic surgeon will usually make an incision in the upper mouth near the top of the gum line and slide the implants into place. Another method that may be used, is to make an external incision near the eye, but most patients do not prefer this method since it can create a visible scar. However, the intraoral (inside the mouth) approach carries a higher risk of infection since the mouth contains more bacteria.
Cheek augmentations are usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia and take about one to two hours. Recovery from this surgery usually takes about ten days.
Cheek Implants can be made of different materials, and may come in many different sizes and shapes depending on what the patient desires, as each is unique. The most common implant is solid silicone, however other materials can be used as cheek implants.
The second most popular material used for cheek implants is expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE). It is known to integrate well with internal tissue to prevent the implant from shifting around and out of place. Bone grafting can also be used to build up an individual's cheekbones as well as coral and other less common materials.
Chin Augmentation using surgical implants can alter the underlying structure of the face, providing better balance to the facial features. This operation is often performed at the time of rhinoplasty to help balance the facial proportions.
Chin Implants are made in various shapes and sizes. They are made out of both solid and semi-solid materials.
Most often, an incision is made inside the lower lip, or under the chin. An implant of the desired size and shape is then placed inside the chin. If the incision is inside the mouth, it is closed with sutures (stitches) that later dissolve. If the incision is under the chin, removable sutures are used. At the end of the surgery, the chin is often taped to minimize swelling. The procedure generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Some swelling and perhaps bruising can occur, but this will be helped by an application of tape or other material. This tape is removed about a week after the surgery is performed. Pain and discomfort may last for several days following the procedure, but this can be eased by an oral analgesic. Some facial movements, such as talking and smiling, may be a little difficult for several days following the surgery.
Collagen is the main protein of connective tissue in animals and the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 40% of the total. It is one of the long, fibrous structural proteins whose functions are a bit different from those of globular proteins such as enzymes.
Collagen is tough and inextensible, with great tensile strength, and is the main component of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and teeth. Along with soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. It strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue development. It is present in the cornea and lens of the eye in crystalline form. It is also used in cosmetic surgery and burns surgery.
It is a protein in the extra-cellular membrane that supports the cell and gives it structure from the outside. They are connected to the cell from the fibronectin protein, which is connected to the integrin proteins embedded in the plasma membrane.
Collagen has been widely used in cosmetic surgery and certain skin substitutes for burns patients. The cosmetic use of collagens is declining because:
Collagens are still employed in the construction of artificial skin substitutes used in the management of severe burns. These collagens may be bovine or porcine and are used in combination with silicones, glycosaminoglycans, fibroblasts, growth factors and other substances.
Synthetic alternative to collagens and natural ECM have long been clinical goals for non-immunogenic biomaterials. One such MIT-invented family of materials self assembles to form a nanofibrous matrix PuraMatrix Synthetic ECM, which can culture anchorage-dependent cells for tissue engineering and bioproduction.
Collagen is also sold commercially as a joint mobility supplement.
Cosmelan® is a depigmentation treatment that is based on the inhibition of tyrosinase, a basic enzyme in the melanin formation process. Several of the useful substances that are present in the Cosmelan formula act by blocking this enzyme, or by inverting the metabolic process of the transformation chain. The primary action of this treatment is to eliminate the melanin patches on the patients face, such as melasma and chloasma.
There are many benefits associate to the use of Cosmelan. It is extremely effective with all types of melasma, it compatible with all types of skin, it aides in rejuvenating the skin, it has a light peeling effect, the treatment can be used year round, and benefits many acne patients.
After starting the Cosmelan depigmentation treatment, a noticeable and significant improvement of the skin can be observed after only one week.
Cosmetic Dentistry is a part dentistry in which the primary focus is the modification of the overall appearance of a patient's oral cavity and surrounding structures, in conjunction with the prevention and treatment of organic, structural, or functional oral disease. Through cosmetic dentistry, the appearance of ones mouth can be altered to more closely match the patient's subjective concept of what is visually pleasing.
Common cosmetic dental treatment options include:
Whitening, or "tooth bleaching", which is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure. Many whitening options are now available, yet dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.
Enamel shaping removes parts of the contouring enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth.
Bonding is an option for chipped or cracked teeth. It is a process in which an enamel-like dental composite material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished.
Veneers, ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth, are an increasingly popular procedure. They are an option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.
Cosmetic or Aesthetic Surgery is most often performed in order to change features the patient finds unflattering. In many cases, however, there are medical reasons.
Cosmoderm & Cosmoplast is a safe, natural protein that is carefully injected into the skin to reduce the appearance of smile lines, facial scars. It also augments the lips to create a fuller, more youthful appearance. No allergy testing is needed before using this collagen filler.
Dermabrasion is a cosmetic medical procedure in which the surface of the skin is removed by abrasion (sanding). It is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin.
The procedure is very painful and usually requires a general anesthetic or twilight anesthesia, in a case where the patient remains partly conscious. Afterward, the skin is very red and raw-looking, and it takes several months for the skin to regrow and heal. Dermabrasion is useful for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars.
Dermabrasion is most often used to improve the look of facial skin left scarred by accidents or previous surgery. Its also used to smooth out fine facial wrinkles, such as those around the mouth. Sometimes its used to remove the pre-cancerous growths called keratoses. Dermaplaning is commonly used to treat deep acne scars.
Both dermabrasion and dermaplaning can be performed on small areas of skin or can be done on ones entire face. They can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other procedures such as a face lift, scar removal or revision, or a chemical peel.
Dermatologists are physicians (medical doctors) specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and tumors of the skin and its appendages. There are medical and surgical sides to the specialty.
Dermatologic surgeons practice skin cancer surgery (including Mohs' micrographic surgery), laser surgery, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and cosmetic procedures using botulinum toxin ('BOTOX®'), soft tissue fillers, sclerotherapy and liposuction.
Ear surgery, or Otoplasty, is procedure usually performed to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.
The majority of the time, this operation is done on children between the ages of four and fourteen. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery is done, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure during adolescent years. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are usually no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.
Eyelid Surgery: See Blepharoplasty
Face Lift, technically known as a Rhytidectomy (the surgical removal of wrinkles), is a procedure used in plastic surgery to give a more youthful appearance. This procedure usually involves the removal of excess facial skin, with or without the tightening of underlying tissues, and the re-draping of the skin on the patient's face and neck.
During the traditional face lift, an incision is made in front of the ear extending up into the hairline. The incision curves around the bottom of the ear and then behind it, usually ending near the hairline on the back of the neck.
After the skin incision is made, the skin is separated from the deeper tissues with a scalpel or scissors (also called undermining) over the cheeks, chin and neck. At this point, the deeper tissues (SMAS - facial suspension system of the face) can be tightened with stitches, with or without removing some of the excess deeper tissues.
The skin is then pulled upwards and backwards and the amount of excess skin to be removed is determined by feel. The excess skin is then removed and the skin incisions are closed with sutures and staples.
Face lifts work best on women with thin skin and good bone structure. They are best for eliminating loose skin folds in the neck and wrinkles in the cheeks. The areas not well corrected by a face lift include the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
A face lift may leave long scars. However, the portion of the scars in front of the ear are usually inconspicuous. The scar behind the ear is hidden from casual view. Hair loss in the portions of the incision within the hair-bearing scalp can occasionally occur.
In men, the sideburns can be pulled backwards and upwards, resulting in an unnatural appearance. In women, one of the telltale signs of having had a face lift is an earlobe which is pulled downwards and/or may be a bit distorted. If too much skin is removed (as was common many years ago), the face can assume a pulled-back, "windswept" appearance.
Face lifts are commonly combined with eye surgery (blepharoplasty) and skin resurfacing (chemical peels or lasers). They are typically performed under general anesthesia or deep twilight sleep.
The most common complication with this procedure is bleeding which usually requires a return to the operating room. Less common (but graver) complications include damage to the facial nerve and necrosis of the skin flaps.
Contraindications to face lift surgery include severe concomitant medical problems. While not absolute contraindication, the risk of postoperative complications in increased in cigarette smokers and patients with hypertension and diabetes. Patients should abstain from taking aspirin or other blood thinners before surgery.
A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, grooming steps and deep cleansing of the face by various means including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. It is a common spa treatment.Facial Implants: See chin and cheek implants
Forehead Lift, is also regarded as a "brow lift" procedure that restores a more youthful and refreshed look to the area above the persons eyes. The procedure is used to correct drooping brows as it improves the horizontal lines and furrows that can make a person appear angry, sad or even tired.
In a forehead lift, the muscles and tissues that cause the furrowing or drooping are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the eyebrows and minimize frown lines.
A conventional surgical method may be used by your trusted surgeon, in which the incision is hidden just behind the hairline. It may also be performed with the use of an endoscope, which is a viewing instrument that allows the procedure to be performed with minimal incisions. Both techniques yield similar results smoother forehead skin and a more lively appearance.
A forehead lift is a common procedure performed on individuals that are usually in the age range of approximately 40-60 years old in order to minimize the visible effects of aging. Forehead lifts can also help people of any age who have developed furrows or frown lines due to stress or muscle activity. Individuals with inherited conditions, such as a low, heavy brow or furrowed lines above the nose can achieve a more alert and refreshed look with this procedure.
Forehead lift is most often performed in conjunction with a face lift to provide a smoother overall look to the face. Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can also be performed at the same time as a forehead lift, especially when a patient may have a significant skin overhang in the upper eyelids area.
Hair Extensions that are most popular and used mainstream are not made of "fake" or "synthetic" hair. In one method, the hair is attached in a strand-by-strand method that lasts up to 6 months. A tiny rice grain attachment is placed 1/4" away from the scalp and human hair is blended to match a clients color.
Human Hair, unlike synthetic hair, can be curled with heat, and washed as often as needed. Method of attachment can vary from a Keratin wax adhesive, which can be removed with an acetone based remover or a Hair Locking system, which is a copper tube clamped around the hair.
Hair extensions are used to give the appearance of length, thickness, and fullness. A number of men have also resorted to hair extensions now for a fuller head of hair.
Hair Loss Treatments for thinning hair consist of two FDA approved treatments for hair loss - Propecia and Rogaine.
Propecia is a once a day oral pill which blocks the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that creates Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male hormone associated with thinning hair in men with male pattern baldness.
Rogaine is a topical lotion available in a regular and extra strength version, which stimulates hair growth in both men and women. Other treatments have been shown to be effective although not specifically FDA approved for hair loss including Avodart and Nizoral.
Invisalign® straightens your teeth by using a series of clear, removable aligners. The course of treatment involves changing aligners approximately every two weeks, moving your teeth into straighter position. Unlike braces, these clear aligners can be removed while you eat and brush your teeth as usual.
The average Invisalign treatment takes approximately one year. You'll need to see your Certified Orthodontist or Dentist every 6 to 8 weeks for adjustments and to check the progress of treatment.
Maintaining regular intervals, you will receive a new set of custom-molded clear aligners to continue the straightening process. The total number of clear aligners is specific to each individual and will be determined how many are necessary by your Doctor.
Labiaplasty (sometimes spelled labioplasty) is a plastic surgery procedure involving the labia, any of four folds of tissue of the vulva (female external genitalia).
Labiaplasty may be undertaken for functional reasons, aesthetic reasons, or a combination of the two. The procedure can involve creation or reshaping of the labia. Labiaplasty is sometimes performed to revise aesthetic conditions such as large inner labia, as well as to repair the area following disease or injury, especially from childbirth.
A hoodectomy may be performed to expose the clitoris in order to address sexual dysfunction such as clitoral phimosis or lack of orgasm. The procedure is frequently performed to reduce the size of one or both sets of labia.
Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure usually performed under local anesthesia. After surgery, women may experience some mild discomfort and swelling, which usually disappears completely after 1-2 weeks.
Laser Hair Removal has a primary principle behind it, which is selective photothermolysis. Lasers can cause localized damage by selectively heating dark target matter in the area that causes hair growth while not heating the rest of the skin. Light is absorbed by dark objects, so laser energy can be absorbed by dark material in the skin, yet with much more speed and intensity. This dark target matter, or chromophore, can be naturally-occurring or artificially introduced.
Hair removal lasers selectively target one of three chromophores:
Carbon, which is introduced into the hair follicle by rubbing a carbon-based lotion into the skin, following waxing (this type of lotion is an "exogenous chromophore"). When irradiated by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, the carbon causes a shock wave that is capable of mechanically damaging nearby cells. This method has been abandoned since it does not cause permanent loss. (It has been replaced with the long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser which targets endogenous melanin in the follicle.)
Hemoglobin (gives the red color to blood) occurs naturally in blood and it preferentially absorbs wavelengths from argons, and to a lesser extent from rubies, alexandrites, and diodes. It minimally absorbs the Nd:YAG laser wavelength. Hemoglobin is not a primary target for laser hair removal.
Melanin is considered the primary chromophore for all hair removal lasers currently on the market. Melanin occurs naturally in the skin (it gives skin and hair its color). There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin (which gives hair brown or black color) and pheomelanin (which gives hair blonde or red color). Because of the selective absorption of photons of laser light, only black or brown hair can be removed.
The number of sessions necessarily depends on various parameters, the most important of which being the localization of the area to be treated and gender. In addition, resting follicles are not damaged by the laser. It is necessary to foresee between three to six sessions, but it also depends on initial pilosity and the degree of hair removal required. Certain areas (back and face in men, for example) may require a prolonged treatment whose exact duration cannot be predicted in advance.
The intervals between sessions depend on the area of the body to be treated and gender and are spaced progressively. Concerning the moustache and chin, an interval of 6 to 8 weeks is usual.
Hair removal lasers are effective treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (commonly called ingrown hairs or "shaving bumps"). For darker skin patients with black hair, the long-pulsed Nd: YAG laser with a cooling tip can be safe and effective when used by an experienced practitioner.
They have recently been reported as helpful treatment for pilonidal cysts, since they eliminate the ingrown hairs that produce the troublesome foreign body reactions in this congenital malady.
Laser Resurfacing is a technique used during laser surgery wherein molecular bonds of a material are dissolved by a laser. It is often used in a medical context, especially in dermatology, for the treatment of acne vulgaris, scars, and spider telangiectasias or "spider veins" a symptom of ataxia telangiectasia.
It can be combined with liposuction when this is done to remove excess fat from the chin and jaw area. The skin may be wrinkled after fat is removed and laser resurfacing can help tighten and smooth it over the new contours.
Laser Scar Removal is a process where the laser is moved along the scar. This vaporizes or removes a layer of skin and exposes a more natural-looking skin layer, which heals over time to minimize scar appearance.
The laser scar removal procedure is often performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center, surgeon's office, or hospital. Sometimes, general anesthesia (while you are asleep) is used. Typical time in surgery may range from a few minutes to ninety minutes. Patients typically return home during the same day.
Laser Tattoo Removal is the most common method of removing tattoos. This type of procedure works by targeting the ink with pulses of highly concentrated light that works to break up the ink into tiny fragments. These tiny fragments are then cleared away from your body by your own immune system.
The complete removal of the tattoo cannot be achieved with only one treatment. The more treatments you have done, the more the laser can penetrate to destroy the ink. However, with the more treatments you have, the more damage can be potentially done to your skin, which can cause painful blisters and scabs that can eventually lead to scarring. Experts in tattoo removal therapy say that with the advanced technology, scarring is minimal, and sometimes even non-existent. This varies per all patients unique situations.
Light Therapy or phototherapy consists of exposure to specific wavelengths of light using lasers, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a prescribed amount of time. It has proven effective in treating Acne vulgaris, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and for some people it has ameliorated delayed sleep phase syndrome. It has recently been shown effective in non-seasonal depression. Proponents claim demonstrable benefits for skin conditions such as psoriasis and, more controversially, a degree of "skin rejuvenation."
Blue/Red light Treatment
Visible blue light in the range 440nm has been shown to activate porphyrins in Propionibacterium acnes, which damage and ultimately kill the bacteria by creating free radicals. Application of the light for 3 consecutive days has been shown to reduce the bacteria in the pores by 99.9%. Since there are few porphorins naturally found in the skin, the treatment is believed safe; although eye protection is necessary due to light sensitive chemicals in the retina. The light is usually created by fluorescent lamps, bright LEDs or dichroic filament bulbs.
Treatment is often accompanied with application of red light, which has been shown to activate ATP in human skin cells, and seems to improve response rates. (Essentially a Photobiomodulation effect.)
Overall improvements on average are about 75-80% for patients, which occurs over 3 months; most studies show that it performs better than Benzoyl peroxide but treatment is far better tolerated. Some research suggests that about 10% of patients dont see any improvements.
Home use light boxes usually work well, are effective for people with long-term acne, are likely to be cheaper than dermatologist office light treatments, and can be repeated over several years for negligible cost. As of 2006 even though they are not cheap, the cost is on a par with the total cost of benzoyl peroxide, moisturizer and facial washes over the total life of the light box, and the light boxes may yet get cheaper due to economies of scale.
Liposculpture can be performed during facial plastic surgery to complement other procedures such as rhinoplasty, chin implant, and facelift or neck lift. Neck Liposculpture, or Cervical Liposculpture, is performed to remove unwanted fatty deposits from below the chin. Ideal patients have good skin elasticity and have achieved a stable overall body weight. Recovery time is generally one week.
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty ("fat modeling") or suction lipectomy ("suction-assisted fat removal") is a cosmetic surgery operation, which removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, arms and elsewhere. The fat is usually removed via a cannula and aspirator.
Liposuction is not a low-effort alternative to exercise and diet. It is a form of body contouring and not a weight loss method.
Male Breast Reduction also known as Gynecomastia, which is a medical term that was derived from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." This actually a common condition among many men, as Gynecomastia affects about 40 to 60 percent of all men. It can affect one breast or both. Through research, certain drugs and various medical problems have been linked with male breast over-development, yet there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.
For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.
Manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands enjoyed by both sexes. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish.
Some specialty manicures, such as the French Manicure, may also be offered. Treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. A similar treatment performed on the feet is a pedicure. The word "manicure" comes from the Latin manus, meaning "hand," and cura, meaning "care".
Various services for nails can be provided, such as the application of artificial nails such as nail tips, acrylics and artificial nail gels. A manicurist can also apply treatments to real nails, such as filing, polishing, and painting. Fancier manicures include painting pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are regulated and must be licensed. Because the skin is being manipulated and sometimes trimmed, and because there is a risk of infection when tools are used on multiple people, proper sanitation is critical.
Mesotherapy is an alternative medicine treatment intended to stimulate the repair of the tissues called by its exponents the "mesoderm", including the skin, connective tissue, and adipose tissue. It involves the injection of chemicals, vitamins, and other random products into the "mesoderm" (fat), just under the skin, to treat various ailments especially in subcutaneous fat to allegedly reduce the fat or improve cellulite.
Mesotherapy is part of a branch of medicine called homotoxicology, which is purported to encourage the body to stimulate its own healing processes in order to cure ailments. It can be used for painful as well as general medical conditions.
Mesotherapy concerns include bruising, allergic reactions, liver damage, atrophy (loss of tissue volume) and infection.
Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a cosmetic procedure popular in day spas and medical spas, in which the stratum cornea (outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion. Different methods include mechanical abrasion from jets of zinc or aluminum oxide crystals, or a roughened surface. Particles and removed material are usually suctioned off using a small vacuum attached to a wand.
Microdermabrasion is used to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin. The procedure is not painful and requires no anesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars. Microdermabrasion can also be used for treatment of acne, but must be repeated periodically to be effective.
Nose Job: See Rhinoplasty
Otoplasty: See Ear Surgery
Permanent Makeup is a cosmetic technique which employs tattoos (permanent pigmentation of the dermis) as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup, such as eye lining (eye shadows and mascara) and other permanent enhancing colors to the skin of the face, lips and eyelids. It is also used to produce artificial eyebrows, particularly in people who have lost it as a consequence of old age, disease, such as alopecia, chemotherapy or a genetic disturbance, and to disguise scars and white spots in the skin such as in vitiligo. It is also used to restore or enhance the breast's areola, such as after breast surgery.
Other names used are dermapigmentation, micropigmentation, permanent cosmetics and cosmetic tattooing. These procedures are regulated in many countries and states, many of them requiring a registered professional, such as an esthetician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon to perform it. In the United States and other countries, the inks used in permanent makeup and the pigments in these inks are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives.
The skill and the experience of the tattoo artist are fundamental. Before committing to permanent makeup, particularly if for cosmetic purposes only, patients should be aware of the potential problems of later removal and complications that may ensue. As with tattooing, permanent makeup may take long painful sessions.
Permanent makeup is very useful for women who cannot apply makeup easily because they have allergic reactions to makeup materials, or have vision deficits or tremors or restrictions of precise movements of the fingers and hands, such as in arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other conditions. Permanent makeup is also used to camouflage facial scarring.
The pigmentation of permanent makeup may fade over time, particularly under the effect of sunlight. It usually lasts for a decade or more before fading significantly. Touching up the makeup restores original color.
As with any tattoos, permanent makeup is difficult to remove. Common techniques used for this are laser resurfacing, dermabrasion (physical or chemical peeling), scarification and surgical removal. Another interesting technique is camouflaging, i.e., adding a new pigment, which counteracts the tattoo color and emulates normal skin color. Removal may be even more painful and laborious than the tattooing itself.
As it happens with tattoos, skin micropigmentation used in permanent makeup may have complications, such as allergies to the pigments, formation of scars, granulomas and keloids, skin cracking, peeling, blistering and local infection. The use of unsterilized tattooing instruments may infect the patient with serious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Removal problems may also ensue, due to patient dissatisfaction or regret, and they may be particularly difficult to remove in places such as eyelids and lips without leaving permanent sequelae.
Rarely, some people with permanent makeup have experienced temporary swelling or burning in the affected areas when they underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The probable cause is magnetic interference with metallic components (iron oxide) of some pigments used in the tattoo.
Photo Rejuvenation, is also known as "FotoFacial™" and is a cosmetic treatment that is designed to produce younger and healthier looking skin, with no-downtime. Sun damage, aging, and heredity all can affect your skin's appearance, which may manifest as freckles, rosacea or redness, wrinkles, prominent capillaries, brown spots, blotchy skin color, enlarged pore size and uneven pigmentation.
PhotoRejuvenation is based on the use of technology of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), which is a specific bandwidth of light that is selectively absorbed by unwanted lesions as it is directed at the skin. IPL is very safe and has minimal discomfort if any at all.
Plastic Surgery is a general term for operative manual and instrumental treatment in which is performed for functional or aesthetic reasons.
Radiesse® is an injectable filler that is used for correction of deep wrinkles and skin defects as it may last up to one year. Radiesse is made of very tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres. These microspheres form a scaffold through which your bodys own collagen grows, as this produces the long-term effect.
Radiesse is known to be very effective in improving the look of "smile lines." Radiesse is injected with a local anesthetic and will produce immediate results. There is no significant patient downtime after the treatment has been completed, as youll be able to go about your daily routine without any problems.
Restylane® is the trade name for a specific formulation of hyaluronic acid. It is composed of cross-linked long chain hyaluronic acid. Restylane is FDA approved for cosmetic injection into subdermal facial tissues.
Restylane is most commonly injected under the wrinkles and aging lines of the patients face such as the nasolabial folds (smile lines), and forehead wrinkles. It can also be used for filling aging-related facial hollows that are under and around the eyes area. Restylane may also be used for lip augmentation, while giving the patient plump and fuller looking lips.
A Restylane treatment usually will last from 6 to 12 months. Although varies amongst patients.
Rhinoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that is used to improve the function (reconstructive surgery) or appearance (cosmetic surgery) of a person's nose. Rhinoplasty is also commonly called a "nose job."
Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes to correct birth defects or breathing problems. It can be combined with other surgical procedures such as chin augmentation to enhance the aesthetic results.
A Rhinoplasty can be performed under a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic, depending on patient or doctor preference. Incisions are made inside the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the columella, the bit of skin that separates the nostrils. The surgeon first separates soft tissues of the nose from the underlying structures, then reshapes the cartilage and bone causing the perceived deformity.
In some cases, the surgeon may shape a small piece of the patient's own cartilage or bone to strengthen or increase the structure of the nose. Sometimes this is done for cosmetic reasons (to improve the shape of the nasal tip, for example) or it may be done to improve breathing and function of the nose.
In rarer cases, a synthetic implant may be used to reconstruct the nose if the normal structure of bone and cartilage is badly damaged or weakened. Alloplastic synthetic materials are often associated with long-term complications such as migration and extrusion. Alternatively, cartilage from the septum, ear or rib may be used.
To improve nasal breathing function, a septoplasty may be performed, with or without cosmetic changes. The cartilage that is removed may be used as a graft to improve the appearance and structure of the nose
Rhytidectomy: See Face Lift
Sclerotherapy is a procedure used to treat blood vessels or its malformations (vascular malformations) and also those of the lymphatic system, which are vessels involved in the immune system providing protection against infection. A medicine is injected into the vessels, which makes them shrink.
It is suitable for most children and young adults with vascular or lymphatic malformations. In adults, sclerotherapy is often used to treat varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
In Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy, the ultrasound is utilized to visualize the underlying vein so the physician can deliver and monitor the injection.
Even though lasers are commonly used for the treatment of varicose and spider veins, sclerotherapy (vein injections) continues to remain the standard for eliminating spider veins (telangiectasiae) and smaller varicose leg veins.
In its modern resurgence sclerotherapy has evolved into the most effective and comprehensive tool for the management of large varicose veins and venous malformations. The technique utilizes guidance by ultrasound to inject a " foamed solution of a drug " foam sclerotherapy.
The power of this "liquid tool" in the effective closer of diseased blood vessels is much higher compared to ordinary sclerotherapy. Importantly this technique is minimally invasive, cost effective and could be used repetitively for the long-term management of chronic vascular diseases (varicose veins and venous malformations) unlike major surgical techniques.
Proper sclerotherapy must be performed by an experienced health care provider for excellent results to be reliably obtained. Gently and accurately injecting the unwanted veins with a sclerosing solution causes the target vein to immediately shrink, and then dissolve over a period of weeks as the body naturally absorbs the treated vein. Because the sclerosant is injected directly into the vein, there is no damage to the surrounding skin as can be experienced during laser therapy.
Unlike a laser, the sclerosing solution additionally closes the "feeder veins" under the skin that are causing the spider veins to form, thereby preventing a recurrence of the spider veins in the treated area.
Sculptra® or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), is an FDA-approved dermal filler manufactured by Dermik Pharmaceuticals, which conducts the North American business of Aventis Dermatology, the global dermatology unit of Aventis (of Sanofi-Aventis).
PLLA was approved by the FDA in August of 2004, for the treatment of facial fat loss (also called facial lipoatrophy). It continues to be studied for this use. Facial lipoatrophy is a condition in which people lose fat in their faces, especially in their cheeks and around their eyes and temples. People with HIV who take anti-HIV drugs may develop lipoatrophy.
PLLA is injected into the skin in areas where fat has been lost. It causes the skin to thicken, improves appearance of folds and sunken areas, and hides the fat loss. For most people who participated in PLLA clinical studies, the effects of treatment lasted for up to two years after the first treatment session.
PLLA does not cure or prevent HIV infection or AIDS and does not reduce the risk of passing the virus to other people.
Side effects of Sculptra® may include the delayed appearance of small bumps under the skin in the treated area. Generally these bumps are not visible and may only be noticed when pressing on the treated area. Other side effects may include injection-related events at the site of injection, such as bleeding, tenderness or discomfort, redness, bruising, or swelling.
A Sculptra® injection produces an immediate fullness, which then disappears over several days. However, the body reacts to its presence by gradually depositing new collagen, leading to thicker, healthier-looking skin.
PLLA is also used by dermatologists as a volume filler for lipoatrophy of cheeks in thin fit women or men who have lost facial fat.
Thermage® is a non-invasive treatment that is used to tighten skin, renew facial contours and healthier collagen. This procedure is available only in the offices of professionally qualified physicians who specialize in cosmetic procedures.
The Thermage procedure utilizes a patented monopolar capacitive radiofrequency (CRF) technology, which is called ThermaCool™. This procedure has been clinically proven to tighten and gently lift skin to smooth out wrinkles and renew facial contours.
The incision-free procedure is very quick and easy and doesnt require any downtime for the patient from their normal daily activities. Unlike various other lasers, this type of procedure can be performed on patients of all skin types.
The patented ThermaCool™ system uses a sophisticated treatment tip called ThermaTip™, which delivers a controlled amount of CRF energy. The ThermaTip™ device uniformly heats a volume of collagen in the deeper layers of the patients skin and its underlying tissue, while it simultaneously helps to protect the outer layer of the skin from discomfort with cooling.
This deep heating action causes deep structures in the patients skin to tighten up immediately. Over time, new and remodeled collagen will be produced to further tighten skin. This will result in healthier, smoother skin and a more youthful appearance.
The Thermage procedure takes approximately twenty minutes to two hours, which will depend on the size of the treatment area. Additional time may be required for the patient in order to prepare the skin prior to going through with the procedure.
Thigh Lift is type of operation that is done to tighten the loose skin of the thigh and buttock areas. It does not change the texture of the skin, yet it stretches it, so the crepiness is made less noticeable.
This type of surgery is performed to undermine the skin and remove the excess fat. The incision is placed around the upper thigh and buttock, which is usually in a transverse direction.
The main risks to this surgery are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling to the areas performed on.
The recovery for this procedure usually takes about one to two weeks, yet the majority people are back to work within two to four weeks.
Tummy Tuck: See Abdominoplasty
Waxing is a temporary method of hair removal, which removes the hair from the root. New hairs will not grow back in the previously waxed area for three to eight weeks. Almost any area of the body can be waxed, including eyebrows, face, bikini area, legs, arms, back, abdomen and feet.
Waxing is accomplished by spreading a wax combination thinly over the skin. A cloth or paper strip is then pressed on the top and ripped off with a quick movement against the direction of hair growth. This removes the wax along with the hair and dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth.
New hair growth in waxed areas is soft and fine, not sharp and coarse like shaved hair. After repeated waxing for areas like the eyebrows and lower legs, hair regrowth is less common and eventually the hair will never regrow.
Various types of waxing are available, yet some types must be performed by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician. The different types of waxing that can be performed are:
Most parts of the body can be waxed, but other parts, not listed above are not given special consideration. Areas individuals should never wax include inside the ears and nose as well as eyelashes. Areas of the body that should only be waxed by a licensed professional include the female genitals, male genitals and the nipples.
There are many benefits to waxing versus other forms of hair removal. Waxing is a long lasting method. Hair in waxed areas will not grow back for three to eight weeks; when the hair does grow back it is soft and thin. When hair is shaved or removed by depilatory cream, the hair is removed at the surface rather than the root. Within a few days, the hair can be seen at the surface. With these methods, hair tends to grow back in a rough stubble.
There are many drawbacks of waxing as well. Waxing can be painful when the strip is removed from the skin. Although the pain is short-lasting, it can be very uncomfortable. Another drawback to waxing is the expense. Waxing is usually performed by a licensed cosmetologist, therefore the cost can be very high. There are do-it-yourself waxing supplies for at home, but may be difficult to use on oneself for some areas on the body. The last drawback to waxing is that hair removal is not permanent. When removed against the direction of hair growth, the wax strip may disturb hair follicles, causing hairs to begin to grow in different directions. This may cause hair growth to be more noticeable and make other methods of hair removal more difficult. Fortunately, with the assistance of a licensed cosmetologist, this risk is negligible.
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