Plastic Surgery Issues for Men

Plastic surgery procedures aren’t only gaining popularity among women. Men, too, have begun to turn to cosmetic surgery to enhance their appearance, combat the premature signs of aging, and increase their self confidence. In fact, according to a recent study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, a full 10% of cosmetic procedures, including both surgical and non-surgical options, were performed on men. This is an increase of over 300% since 1997. This surge in popularity might be attributable to any number of factors, including increasing acceptance of cosmetic surgery and improvements in the quality of cosmetic treatments available, heightened awareness of the social impact that appearance has on both business and social relationships, and the rapidly aging baby boom generation seeking solutions to mitigate the effects of aging. Cosmetic surgery options for men Some of the most popular plastic surgery options for men include: • Male breast reduction. Gynecomastia is a common condition among men, in which excess fat deposits in the chest have the appearance of female breasts. This is generally a harmless condition, but many men are self conscious about the appearance of gynecomastia. In most cases, a simple liposuction procedure is all it takes to reverse this condition, and restore your confidence and self-esteem. • Blepharoplasty, or eyelift. This is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options among men. Blepharoplasty is a procedure to lift and tighten the skin around the eyes, eliminating sagging, dropping, fatty deposits, and the overall tired appearance around the eyes that is a common effect of the aging process. This procedure can be limited to the upper lids or the lower lids, or may be done in combination for maximum effect. • Chin implants. Chin implants and other reshaping procedures are a popular option with men whose chins are too weak, small, or otherwise poorly proportioned. Fortunately, there are a range of options available that can help men achieve a more defined jaw and better proportioned chin, to bring their features into better alignment. Depending on the type and severity of the problem, men may opt for chin implants or injectable solutions to resculpt the chin and jawline. • Liposuction. Liposuction is an excellent treatment for men who have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. A liposuction procedure can accurately and effectively target and reduce or eliminate these fat deposits with a minimally invasive procedure, which can normally be performed in a single office visit under local anesthesia. Nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for men Some of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatments for men include: • Botox Cosmetic. Botox Cosmetic is an injectable treatment that relaxes the facial muscles, usually along the brow, where deep lines can can often create a permanent frown that contributes to the appearance of age. When injected, Botox Cosmetic causes the muscles of the brow to relax, which smooths the brow and makes you look younger and more refreshed almost instantly. • Chemical peels and laser peels. Chemical peels and laser peels are skin treatments that gently slough off the damaged outer layer of skin, revealing a younger looking, more vital complexion, and reducing wrinkles, discoloration, and other signs of aging. The results of these procedures are similar, but chemical peels use safe but caustic chemicals to slough off the outer layer of skin, while laser peels use a calibrated laser that targets only the outer layer of skin. If you are a man considering cosmetic treatment, it is important that you seek the advice of a cosmetic surgeon such as Dr. Otto Placik who has training and experience treating the unique needs and aesthetic standards of men.

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TCA Tattoo Removal

Before they were ever used to fade tattoos, TCA (Trichloracetic acid) peels were often used to reduce wrinkles and lessen acne scarring as well as to remove foot corns and age spots.  All TCA chemical peel ingredients has been rigorously tested and have been proven safe and effective for removing tattoos.

In a study in the British Journal of Plastic Surgery from 1988 almost 700 people with tattoos were treated with a TCA treatment over a 6-year period between 1979 and 1988.  The results indicated an 85% success rate. These results proved it to be a simple, inexpensive tattoo fading technique.

TCA is a liquid acid that acts to gradually fade and remove inks.  It also does not contain hydroquinone – a controversial bleaching ingredient commonly included in many tattoo removal creams. TCA peeling agents are now used commonly by many dermatologists, doctors and in health spas.  They are often readily available without prescription to consumers from many stores as well as online.   However, sales of hydroquinone is being greatly restricted around the world.  It was banned in Australia and in the 21 countries in the EU as well as in some Asian countries because of its cancer causing potential and its risk of causing other skin ailments including exogenous ochronosis (a disease that may result from long-term use of various types of topical agents).

Hydroquinone is still available in some countries (including Canada) but usually only in low concentrations such as 2% – 5%.

TCA skin peels work from the epidermal layers down to the ink through a series of skin peels that are repeated over a number of months.  TCA peels are usually less painful than laser therapy and the acid often produce a slight tingling sensation when applied with a q-tip.  Baking soda and water mixtures are known to relieve this discomfort.  The inflammation caused by the acid, which is only applied for a few minutes per treatment,  causes a controlled burn.  This  results in the tattoo pigments rising to the skin surface and thereby fading the inks with repeated use.

Pre-fading a tattoo with a TCA peel kit before having laser treatments  can save you money. You will need fewer laser sessions to remove the unwanted ink and you will also experience less pain due to fewer laser sessions since the faded ink will absorb less heat from the laser to destroy the remaining ink. As an added bonus fewer laser sessions will keep more money in your pocket, TCA products are surprisingly affordable.

Just remember to keep in mind that just like other tattoo removal methods TCA chemical peels will take a commitment of both time and patience.  After the TCA is applied, users should usually wait between 3 – 6 weeks before beginning another application.

These chemical peels are not color-dependent which is untrue for many laser systems.  These acids will work equally well on all colors of  ink.  Many people are under the mistaken impression that one laser system must be just as good as any other and this is definitely not the case.

Your success with lasers will be heavily dependant on the quality of equipment that is available, not only the power of the system but also the variety of wavelengths that the laser device(s) can produce.  You need the right ‘color’ of laser light to match the ‘color’ of your tattoo ink.  People have wasted a lot of money having laser therapy done with equipment that is not at all suited to the color of ink they have.  The poor results can be easily explained away as – poor quality ink, the artist put it in too deep, your body isn’t healing properly etc.  There can be many excuses when it’s possibly the equipment that is at fault.

It’s really buyer beware and you should read up on what types of lasers are suited to your needs and make sure your practitioner has that type of equipment your needs require.

Generally speaking black and dark blue or dark red are the easiest to get rid of with lasers.  The tough ones are: lighter red (pink), light blue, turquoise (very difficult to target), light green, white, greens and certain yellow tones. These colors can require more laser sessions unless the ink is pre-faded

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Houston Skin Care: Routine Skin Regimen Options in Houston

For most residents of Houston, skin care methods are preferably non-surgical and non-invasive. Because of that, the most popular skin care procedures in this Texan city are Botox treatments, laser skin resurfacing, chemical facial peels and microdermabrasion.
If you’re curious about these procedures in Houston, skin care in general or where to find local practitioner, keep reading for more information.
Microdermabrasion in Houston, TX
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that can be done by any Houston skin care practitioner, including estheticians. The procedure is typically used to treat and reduce the appearance of minor sun damage, skin discoloration, age spots, small scars and even fine lines or other small wrinkles.
Microdermabrasion works by using a slight chemical crystal solution and an exfoliating brush that are both designed to break apart and remove dead skin cells. Because of the abrasive nature of microdermabrasion, patients may experience redness and skin sensitivity for a few days after their treatment.
Typically, the average Houston skin care microdermabrasion treatment will cost you between $75 and $150, but it can go higher depending on the size of the treatment, discounts offered by the practitioner or the number of treatments needed.
Chemical Peels – Revealing a Younger You
A chemical peel is considered a medical procedure in Texas, meaning your Houston skin care professional must be a dermatological nurse, dermatologist or other certified doctor.
A chemical peel is ideal for unevenly pigmented or sun damaged skin. Most chemical peels are comprised of glycolic acid or trichloracetic acid or a combination of these two. The procedure typically involves about 7 to 21 days of recovery, at which time the patient should avoid sun exposure or possible skin irritants.
Laser Skin Resurfacing in Houston
As one of the fastest growing sectors in the Houston skin care industry, laser skin resurfacing continues to prove itself as an effective way to reduce the appearance of scars, uneven skin tone, varicose veins and fine lines. Because of the laser light used in this procedure, resurfacing tends to produce more powerful results than peels or micro procedures.
After your laser skin resurfacing procedure, you’ll most likely experience mild swelling and minor discomfort. Your Houston skin care doctor will then prescribe you ice packs and mild pain medication. Though rare, redness can continue for several weeks.
Botox Treatments in Houston
Botox injections are both a preventive measure and retroactive treatment prescribed and administered by many Houston skin care professionals. The drug limits the ability of facial muscles to contract, therefore diminishing the appearance of wrinkles while simultaneously preventing the formation of new creases.
Most Botox treatments have a longevity period of approximately 3 to 4 months. However, some patients can go up to 6 months between treatments.
Locating a Doctor or Skin Care Professional
If you’re searching for a qualified Houston skin care professional or doctor, try the database of members at the National Coalition of Estheticians (http://ncea.tv) or the Texas Dermatological Society (http://www.texasdermatology.org) for a selection of options closest to you.

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Pampering Treatments for Younger, Smoother Skin – at Home

Sometimes when we think of a pampering of seriously therapeutic and effective skin care treatment, we think about paying top dollar at some fancy salon to sit in a chair or on a raised table for an hour or less. Sure, this can be incredibly relaxing, but unless you have millions in the bank and money to throw around, this type of indulgence can only happen once in a while.
It’s a good thing that today we have so many serious treatments that we can do ourselves, with a little caution and practice, in our own homes and for dramatically less money, that produce similar results. Now, I’m not saying you can get face lift results, because we all know you need surgery for something like that.
But really, who wants an un-natural facelift when you can keep your own natural look. It’s you, only way better, and it’s totally possible with the skin care treatments for home that I’m about to talk about. I should know, I’ve done them all!
The first one, and probably one of my favorites since I believe that with regular use it produces very effective and noticeable results, is the at home soft light, hand held laser. Several companies now make this, and most of them are comparable in value and effectiveness, as well as price. The range I’ve seen so far for these clever devices is around $100 to $300.
They last for a long time (I’ve had mine two years and there are no signs it’s going to fail any time soon), and all they take is about ten to fifteen minutes per night for a noticeable difference in your skin’s plumpness, a reduction in fine lines, and an overall rejuvenated, brighter look to the skin tone.
Whenever I use this hand held soft light laser for several nights in a row, I always have a refreshed, younger look and I’ve even gotten complements that my skin looks “different” and “great”. It does take a bit of consistence to get this one to work in your favor since anything needs a little time to work, but it is phenomenal the results you will get even using it a few nights in a row.
It’s also great for those that may suffer from acne as it helps to heal acne lesions faster as well as helps to prevent acne breakouts from happening in the first place. The laser works usually in conjunction with a light-conducting gel which needs to be applied to a clean, dry face so that the face can benefit most from the soft light therapy. The idea behind this is that it stimulates collagen beneath the skin and plumps and revitalizes the skin from within.
Now that I’ve ranted and raved about the soft light laser, onto the next pampering at-home skin care treatment that I can’t live without. This one is actually something that should be used with caution and great care, but if you use it right, and you use it consistently you will notice fabulous results within a few weeks of use. It’s at home chemical peels.
That’s right, you can do professional grade chemical peels to yourself at home. You can buy higher strength chemical peels made with different types of acids that help to slough off the dead skin and rev up collagen production and new skin cell production.
The most common types of acids that are used in these peels are lactic acid, which is a little weaker and good for acne and sensitive skin, glycolic acid, which is a deeper, more serious acid that will produce great results in aging skin for lines and wrinkle softening, and salicylic acid, which of course is also excellent for acne and is very effective at clearing pores, but is also very gentle.
It’s important to read and follow directions for at home chemical peels for the skin, since they can easily be excessive for sensitive skin, and can cause irritation and redness if they are left on too long. There are also usually indicated break times for using these peels, such as four weeks on, one off and so on so be sure to follow these rules for the best results depending on the strength of the peel and the maker’s recommendations.
Last but not least are the home microdermabrasion kits that have become so popular. In fact, one major skin care line has launched one of these kits along with a light chemical peel. Home microdermabrasion kits are a great way to slough off dead skin and reveal new, glowing skin cells as well as to ensure that skin cell turnover happens, which is one of the main reasons that skin appears to be aged when the cells start to fail to turn over as rapidly.
Using one or all of these on a revolving or simultaneously revolving basis is a great way to give your skin expensive salon treatment without going to the salon and paying hundreds, if not cumulatively thousands of dollars on expensive treatments. If you buy the right products and use them effectively, you’re bound to be suspected of getting professional skin care treatments done!

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Get Out Of The Dark! All You Need To Know About Acne Scar Treatments.

We’ve all probably had it at one time or another – acne. Unfortunately, even after the breakouts stop the remnants remain. Thanks to research and technology, there are quite a few acne scar treatment options available to reduce and even remove acne scars away.
Treating acne scars can be quite costly depending on what type of acne scar treatment is recommended for you by your dermatologist. For old acne scars that resulted from a more severe case of acne, several acne scar treatments or a combination thereof, may be required to get the desired results. A professional dermatologist is the most knowledgeable about what types of acne scar treatments are best, and can make suggestion on how to get rid of those acne scars forever.
Most acne scar treatments require clear skin before treatment begins, so this is the first issue that must be addressed. If you haven’t done it already, make an appointment with your dermatologist to get started. Every person must be evaluated individually and treated on a case by case basis, and what works for one may not work for another.
Antibiotics and acne crèmes are most commonly prescribed first to clear the skin and prevent further breakouts. Once skin has healed acne scar treatment can begin. Some common acne scar treatments are lazar removal and dermabrasion, which are quite useful for removal of low scars.
For mild cases a chemical peel may be all that is needed. Deeper acne scars may require punch techniques first, and then laser treatments. Most cases will require one or more treatments, or a combination of treatments to achieve the desired results. Most acne scar treatments can be performed quickly and with least discomfort right in the office.
Most acne scar treatments are not covered by health insurance plans, and can be quite costly if more than a couple of treatments are needed, which is the case in more instances than not. Less expensive acne scar treatments can always be tried first, especially if the scars are not too severe. Check with your dermatologist’s office for prices of various procedures recommended, and also check online for more in depth information on acne scar treatments.
Visit http://www.acne.org for a description of various procedures, and visit chat forum for discussion on experiences of others that have undergone various types of acne scar treatments as well. This is a good place to start, and make an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss what the best treatment option for you is.

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Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Surgery: The Quickest Way Of Look And Feel Your Best At Any Age

A few weeks ago, I went to receive a person whom I used to know in my childhood. I had expected an aged gentleman, but instead I bumped upon a quite handsome man who has a youthful air in his persona as well as appearance rare for his age. To see the surprise in my eyes, he confided about his secret—minimally invasive cosmetic procedure.
He preferred this approach over the traditional invasive techniques apparently because of his horror of going under the knife. But there are many more reasons, why nearly ten millions of Americans have so far opted for less invasive cosmetic procedures to get rid of the mark of aging or other flaws in their appearance. Before getting into details of many advantages of minimally invasive approach, let us explain in brief what is actually meant by minimally invasive cosmetic procedures.
Looking gorgeous even at the age of fifty—-the dream seems to be too intriguing, and it is not impossible either in the face of huge advancement in the field of cosmetic science. But lots of people just can not avail the opportunity due to their phobia about surgery or simply they can not spare the time for recovery.
But with minimally invasive cosmetic procedures coming into the scene, the world of cosmetic surgery has been revolutionized. The procedure is characterized by four features: no or minimum cutting, no or very little open surgery, minimum risk and immediate effect. To top them all, the cost is also far lower.
In general, the five most popular minimally invasive procedures include Botox injections, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, and collagen injections. Again among them, injectable filler procedures such as Botox, variety of dermal fillers Sculptra are most popular. These are mainly applied where aging is the result of loss of fat and where skin damage is more the function of sun exposure and life style factors, the process of microdermabrasion is the preferred minimally invasive procedure.
Advantages:
In general, minimally invasive surgeries are characterized by minimal blood loss and quicker recovery, with no trace of scar. So far as minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are concerned, they come with the advantages of very quick downtime with immediate or very fast result, low cost with the absence of any scar mark left after the surgery. In this fast paced world, men and women seems to have very little time for such things as going for an appearance rejuvenation, waiting for its results and spending times indoor for recovering from the procedures. However, minimally invasive techniques are the quick fix solution for this problem. It is not without reason that they are sometimes called ‘lunchtime’ procedures as they let you take the treatment in the lunchtime and then attend the important engagement following it.
With the increase in the number of patients opting for minimally invasive procedures, it is said, the days are not far when, these procedures will become the part of normal lifestyle routine and as common as going through a face massage session in your local saloon.

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Medical Skin Care: Treating Melasma

Suffering from unwanted skin conditions can be quite challenging since the skin is the most visible organ on the body. There are a number of treatment options to help remove the problem, some of which are considered to be minimally invasive and others which are more invasive. It is always a good idea to explore what options are available prior to committing to one treatment.
For some women, suffering from melasma is a fact of life, especially during pregnancy. The skin disorder can be heredity and/or linked to the production of hormones, which are especially active during pregnancy. The skin condition can also affect women who are not pregnant however and men as well. There are a number of ways to seek out treatment, and finding a dermatologist who you trust is a great way to start that treatment. There are a number of different treatment options and those include removing the problem areas slowly with creams and gels, facial chemical peels, laser rejuvenation, and other more recent technologies. Some of the technology that is hitting the skin care scene is the ipl fotofacial treatment which involves the use of an intense pulsed light which is helps to lighten the skin. This leads to lightened skin gradually and usually involves more than one treatment.
Most treatments for melasma involve minimally invasive treatments which offer a more gradual result. Melasma is considered a harmless yet potentially unsightly side effect of hormonal changes. It can be exasperated by prolonged sun exposure and during certain hormonal shifts. It is by no means only a symptom of pregnant women. Men and non pregnant women can acquire the skin condition. It is most often hereditary so if a family member was diagnosed, it is possible that it will flare up for a relative. The condition is also spontaneous in its ability to flare up and disappear on its own accord. Treatments are not necessarily permanent and some patients will have to have repeat treatments if they wish to have it removed over time.
There are benefits and risks which are associated with the treatment of melasma and some may find that it is best to simply cover the marks up with effective cosmetics rather than seek treatment. Some of the over the counter creams with acids and skin lighteners such as hydroquinone are effective at removing the marks but may need to be used habitually and this sort of use can have an adverse effect on the skin. It is therefore always a great idea to seek out information regarding the treatment option in question. Since the marks of melasma usually affect the skin on the face, it is usually a cosmetic issue and many will seek out treatments which help to remove the problem. Yet it is important to note that the facial skin is even more noticeable and any potential treatment options run a greater risk of causing unsightly skin damage which is unwanted. For this reason, understanding the benefits and risks of all treatments is best.

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Keeping Your Flawless Skin Flawless

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Face & Neck Lift : Comprehensive Facial Rejuvenation

The Face & Neck Lift Techniques:

Our faces age for many reasons. Heredity plays a role, as does gravity, which tends to pull soft facial tissues downward. In time our cheeks begin to sag, the crease running from the nostrils to the sides of the mouth is accentuated, and our jaw line and chin lose their smooth, refined appearance. As we age we also tend to lose some of out facial fat and our skin loses some of its elasticity, leading to more sagging of our features.

Exposure to ultraviolet light plays a role as well. Indeed, people who live in tropical climates, where the sun is strongest, often have prematurely aged skin, irrespective of their ethnic characteristics. In these areas, people may seek face lifts in their forties or even younger.

First described over 60 years ago, face lifts smooth and redefine the contour of the neck and jaw line to create a younger, more vital appearance.

process, the more subtle elements in facial anatomy and the technical ways to restore a balanced and more

Most patients have various motives in requesting a face lift, the outcome is significantly dependant on their expected goals, psychological well being and stability. The results are often subtle and avoidance of the “wind tunnel” or “cat woman” appearance is paramount.

There have been a number of techniques and re-invention of older techniques, some techniques better than others. A comprehensive face and neck lift will have a superior and longer lasting result for most patients. The down time and recovery is expected to be longer (2-3 weeks) due to the need to surgically address the sagging skin and the underlying soft tissues.

Some patients have heard of the “S-lift” and “Threads”, both of which offer quick “lunch-time” facelifts.

Both techniques are valid procedures if performed correctly; however, they only address tightening of the sagging skin and not the underlying soft tissues that have also sagged.

They are also limited by the type of patient for whom these procedures are suitable, these being typically young, with minimal sagging, wrinkles or sun damage and with thick skin. As a consequence the results even in these patients are extremely short lived and the results are generally substandard with most patients seeking correction of their poor result with a comprehensive face and neck lift at a later date.

Common Complications are: Scars which are hidden in natural creases and fade with time. Bruising which resolves over 2-4 weeks and decreased skin sensitivity which returns with time.

Rare Complications are: Wound breakdown which heals with antibiotic ointment and revision of the scar.

Smokers usually have the highest complication rates.

by Dr. Bobby Arun Kumar Cosmetic & Restorative Surgeon

Bare Aesthetics Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

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How to Brighten Dull Skin

Dull skin comes with aging and can also be caused by the build up of dead skin cells and keratin. The build up of dead skin cells is caused by the rejuvenating process of the skin itself. It is normal for the skin cells to die and new ones to come to the surface. However, the dead skin cells don’t always “fall off” like they should and this is what causes the dull looking skin. Below are some great tips on how to make your face look radiant and young looking again.
The first way to get rid of dull skin is to exfoliate. Exfoliation is the process of getting rid of old and dead skin cells. When done the correct way, exfoliation can leave your skin feeling and looking fresh and smooth. There are several ways to exfoliate. You can use facial scrubs, luffa sponges, chemical peels, and even microdermabrasion treatments. Exfoliating is a great thing to make your skin look healthy but overexfoliating can actually cause harm to the living skin cells. 
Another way to improve the appearance and glow of your face is to make sure you have a good diet. Foods that are processed and/or high in fat can make your face look tired and dull. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables can improve the natural glow of your face. Vitamins A, E, and C drastically improve the color of your skin, so making sure you get these from foods or taking a multivitamin is definitely a good idea. Green tea is probably one of the most natural ingredients to help improve not only your face, but total health as well. This tea actually has a natural anti-aging antioxidant ingredient that clears damaged cells and repairs them before they could turn into blemishes, wrinkles, and other impurities. Green tea can also be used as a sun block. Sun and UV rays damage the skin and green tea can actually reduce this damage. Skin disorders such as psoriasis, rosacea and warts can also be eliminated with green tea. All in all, green tea has many ingredients that along with proper nutrition can give you a youthful, healthy looking face. 
Some people don’t know that smoking causes unhealthy, dull, wrinkly skin. Nicotine in tobacco actually restricts blood blow, oxygen, and nutrients that are supposed to be delivered to the skin cells. Cigarettes contain 4000 toxins that are absorbed into the bloodstream and taken to the very structure of your skin. Because of these toxins and the inability for oxygen and nutrients to get to the skin, your skin can’t regenerate itself and produce new skin cells which give you healthy looking skin. Smoking reduces oxygen levels in the blood therefore thickening the blood. This reduces the level of collagen which in turn causes wrinkles and also is associated with slow healing of cuts or wounds. Smoking also causes the skin to thin which leaves it unhealthy. If you want youthful, vibrant looking skin, kick the habit!
Making sure your habits aren’t harming your skin, and exfoliating on a regular basis are the first steps to youthful, healthy looking skin. Also using skin brightening products like Luminyze by Urban Nutrition can enhance that beautiful glow. This cream will restore your skins natural glow, improve lines, pores, and blemishes. You will be on your way to gorgeous, youthful skin!

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