Sculptra is used as a skin filler everywhere from the face to the feet (ever hear of foot pillows?)  Here is some of the latest news:

Sculptra Injection Basics

What Is Sculptratm? Sculptratm, marketed in Europe as New Fill, is an injectable facial filler capable of returning fullness to the face and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. Currently, Sculptratm is FDA approved in the …

‘Foot lift’ using Sculptra

Here’s an example of an off-label use of Sculptra’s dermal filler to rejuvenate the foot. In this TV news clip, Marc Kerner, MD, FACS, advises a patient who wants to be able to wear stiletto heels again without pain to the balls of her …

SCULPTRA - a new concept in facial contouring for a younger …

Sculptra is the latest facial rejuvenation treatment to restore facial shape and volume that is lost through natural aging, weight loss and sun damage. Sculptra is a cosmetic treatment that works with your body to stimulate the …

The best feature about Sculptra is its ability to stimulate collagen production.  The only downside lately are some reports of nodules developing months after injection.

Sculptra Side Effects

Injectable poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra, Dermik Laboratories, Bridgewater, NJ) available in Europe as New-fill since 1999 and in the US market since August 2004 has a significant history of side effects. The early usage of Sculptra was …

Are you interested in fixing an imperfection?  If you are, you probably have considered cosmetic surgery. As great as cosmetic surgery is, it is also important to look at it realistically.  Unless your surgery is considered a reconstructive surgery or your health is at risk, there is a good chance that your health insurance will not cover the procedure. 

It is also important to note that cosmetic surgery is often considered major surgery.  Whether you are simply just looking to reduce the appearance of your stretch marks or if you are looking to have a full body lift, cosmetic surgery is still a big deal.  Although most surgeries are performed successfully, there are risks and dangers associated with surgical treatment, including infection, excessive scarring, poor wound healing, and more. 

If you are unable to afford the cost of cosmetic surgery or if you don’t feel like you can handle the whole process(emotionally or financially), you do have other options.

Maybe the problem is relatively minor; for example, some people want to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, a tattoo, or a birthmark. Usually laser treatments will effectively treat these types of problems.   

There are other alternatives including over-the-counter skin care products.  Although these skin care products will not remove a tattoo and cannot reduce the appearance of a birthmark, you can get treatment for stretch marks, small scars, and wrinkles. Visit your local drug store to examine some of these products.  Shopping and reading reviews online is nice as well.  Typically, those with Vitamin E and Vitamin C are recommended for an improvement in appearance.

If you want to remove unwanted hair, you have a number of different options; laser treatments are very successful.  There are also a number of skincare products, and waxing and shaving are also two other options. Electolysis takes multiple sessions and is still done.

If you have problem areas that won’t budge, like love handles or chubby knees, you may opt for liposuction. It is ideal for those who are otherwise not overweight but have persistent areas that retain too much fat.  Those who are truly obese could explore gastric bypass surgery,or lap band surgery.  All these types of surgery work well, but they are expensive.  The good news is that there are always ways that you can lose weight naturally.  Although it may take some time getting use to, you can lose weight by creating and following a healthy meal plan and  exercise plan.

You have a number of different options, as opposed to cosmetic surgery, when needing to lose weight, remove excess fat from your body, get rid of unwanted hair, or treat other cosmetic imperfections.  Speaking to your primary care physician may be advised before deciding on a particular course of action.

Botox has now been used for a number of years for men and women that want to hide signs of aging; however, a lot of people are still unclear as to what this substance is and how it works. The disease botulism and its antidote was first studied back in the early 1960’s and what we call Botox is derived from the poison Botulinum toxin. Baby boomers may remember the killer disease botulism that occurred after eating food that wasn’t properly preserved. However, it was initially tested for use as a treatment for disorders of the mind.

A new treatment finally came into use in 1989 when the FDA granted approval for it to be used on patients with visual conditions, including people with eyes that were not aligned correctly and those that suffered from uncontrollable blinking (called blepharospasm); the paralytic effect was found to be highly effective without untoward side effects.

More research was carried out into other medical uses, and in 2000 Botox started to be used on patients with cervical dystonia(neck and shoulder spasms), and still more eye disorders were approved at the same time. The discovery of the effect Botox had on reducing frown lines finally brought Botox to the anti-aging industry; after further tests in 2002 the FDA allowed it to be used for the first cosmetic enhancement. Botox had a new field of use.

It has since expanded , and is also used to treat over-active sweat glands and migraine headaches.  But it has been the use of Botox in the anti-aging industry that has grown into a huge market.

When Botox is injected into the muscles of the forehead , it blocks nerve impulses which results in the weakening of the muscles that cause frowning; after several days the lines lessen. The same process can be used on laughter lines around the eyes, lips, and neck as well. This is a medical-grade form of the botulism toxin and is FDA approved.

This popularity is due to the fact that we all have wrinkles and lines (increasing with age) when we smile, laugh and make other facial movements. Manufacturers have tried to produce creams that eliminate these wrinkles and creases, but so far none have performed as well.

Botox is injected directly into the muscles that control facial expressions and paralyze them for about 3 months. Research suggests that after a succession of injections patients can start to lengthen the time between treatments. This may be because of the increased length of time without moving certain facial muscles.

Your face can still provide expressions , but they are greatly diminished and you will look if not so much younger, more rested. Botox treatment is relatively expensive; the reason is the cost to produce the toxin and its instability after being re-constituted; a bottle of Botox needs to be used soon after opening.

Who can use Botox? Surprisingly, the use of Botox is being explored by younger and younger people. It is a fact that Botox is not as effective once your wrinkles are "permanent" (your skin still has furrows even when stretched), so some young people have begun Botox therapy to forestall any naturally occurring wrinkles.

Make the most from your Botox treatment: Botox paralyzes muscle. Immediately after your injection and for the first hour, move the muscles involved constantly (for example, if you had a botox injection into your forehead, raise your eyebrows up and down for the next hour). The medicine will bind to the muscle more effectively this way. Some professionals will remember to tell you this, but don’t be upset if they don’t. Now YOU know…