Fact Or Fiction – Lets Bust Some Hairy Myths

I want to sport hairy limbs, said no well-groomed female ever. That being said, the biggest dilemma every female faces in the unwanted-hair-department is: what method of hair removal should I adopt? Nowadays we have a plethora of choices that cater to female body grooming that range from shaving, chemical depilation, waxing, threading, mechanical epilation, lasers and IPL assisted permanent hair reduction. Which one is the best? It’s not an easy question to answer. One simple answer is: it all depends on you, your lifestyle, your threshold of pain, and off course affordability.

 

To get clarity and expert opinion on the topic, Gillette Venus recently conducted a survey. Three hundred and fifty dermatologists across Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman were contacted to identify what in their opinion was the safest, most convenient and least painful method of female hair removal. And guess what? ---- Female Shaving ranked as the top-of-mind method for all ages.

This survey also honed on to the top aspects dermatologists and women consider while choosing their preferred method of hair removal. The top considerations that got highlighted while filtering available choices included: a chemical-free process, hygiene factors, the element of convenience and pain during hair removal.

The survey asked skincare experts to shed some light on the myths of shaving as a primary method of female hair removal. While answering the misconceptions and myths that surround the shaving concept, 70% of the dermatologists agreed that shaving exfoliates the skin, and does not cause faster or thicker hair growth. All dermatologists pinpointed the fact that hair traits are genetically inherited and shaving can’t change that.

As the hair grows naturally through the skin the tip of hair gets tapered off and thinned. When we shave the hair shaft thickness appears more because the tapering journey of hair as it happens from under the skin to the top is omitted. We perceive that the hair is thicker but in fact hair diameter remains exactly the same. Thicker means blunt when it comes to shaving.

Additionally the dermatologists were questioned about the side effects commonly reported with depilatory creams (chemical burns, allergic reactions, etc). Over 80% of the respondents cited that they preferred shaving because it is chemical free and hence safer than creams.

Additionally the dermatologists were questioned about the side effects commonly reported with depilatory creams (chemical burns, allergic reactions, etc). Over 80% of the respondents cited that they preferred shaving because it is chemical free and hence safer than creams. 

The Scientific Truth

Taking this survey into account lets get you all the valid scientific information that dermatologist and skincare expert rely on to dispel the notorious myths pegged with shaving: Will shaving cause my hair to grow back thicker, darker & faster?

Scientists have actually conducted multiple studies over the years to test whether shaving affects hair growth, size, and texture, this research has been published in dermatology textbooks as well as scientific peer review journals. All these studies unanimously conclude that shaving has no effect on hair's color, texture or growth rate.

Fact #1 - Hair Color And Thickness

Hair color, texture, length, and thickness are genetically determined. Apart from genetics hormonal changes, low level laser stimuli, and certain medications can have some affect on the hair morphology and they can alter the hair color, length, and thickness. Hair bleaches and chemical depilatory formulations can seep under the skin and irritate the hair root, hence over time change the hair texture or length. But shaving only cuts hair from the skin surface it has no effect on the hair roots, which lie deep under the skin, hence it can never change those traits.

Fact #2 - Hair Growth Rate

Research has shown that hair grows quarter of an inch every month. Hormonal changes and certain medications can alter the hair growth rates, but shaving can’t do so. As shaving only clips hair from the skin surface and has no access to or affect on the hair roots which lie deep under the skin. Hence scientifically speaking shaving can have no effect on hair growth rate.

No matter which method of hair removal you adopt, it’s always important to know the science behind the procedure of your choice and the right way to go about it. Shaving done with a proper razor, under hygienic conditions is a great choice for any modern girl who doesn’t want to break her bank while achieving smooth limbs on the go.

References:

- Bulliard H. Influence de la section et du rasage repete sur l'evolution du poil. Annales de Dermatologie et de Syphiligraphie. 1923; Series 6:386-91

- Seymour RJ. The effect of shaving upon the rate of hair growth. Am J Physiol. 1926; 78:93-8

- Raymond J. Myers, James B. Hamilton. Regeneration and rate of growth of hairs in man. Annals Of The New York Academy of Sciences, March 1951; Volume 53, P 562-568

- Trotter M. Hair growth and shaving. Anat Rec. 1928; 37:373-379

- Lynfield YL, Macwilliams P. Shaving and hair growth. J Invest Dermatol. 1970 Sep; 55(3):170-2.

- Peereboom-Wynia JD. Effect of various methods of depilation on density of hair growth in women with idiopathic hirsutism. Arch Dermatol Forsch. 1972; 243(3):164-76.

- Elise A. Olsen. Methods of hair removal, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 40, Issue 2, February 1999, Pages 143–155

- K. Cowley, K. Vanoosthuyze. Insights into shaving and its impact on skin, British Journal of Dermatology, March 2012. 166: 6–12.

Become The Queen Of Self Grooming — Dr. Shazia Decodes Braun Beauty Tools For The New Brides

New year, new starts and now we also have the wedding season in the air. Ladies I know when it comes to getting married, you feel a lot of pressure to look prim, proper and positively radiant. This entails hair-free body as well as flawless healthy skin — with or without makeup. And when you do decide to glam up a little and put on some makeup you want to dazzle the world like a glamazon fit to rock the cover of any beauty magazine. Can you do all that without multiple visits to beauty saloons and skincare clinics? — Off course you can! By incorporating Braun Beauty Portfolio in your daily life you can take charge of your skincare and grooming needs without breaking your bank plus save on pesky trips between beauty parlors and skin spas. How Braun can help you shine bright like a diamond? — Lets find out.

Beauty Grooming Starts With Smooth & Hairless Face / Body:

You can’t look feminine and polished with hair sprouting out of your arms, legs and face. So first things first lets fix that. Braun believes in lavishing a modern-day girl with choices: for long term hair removal you can pick Braun Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa or if you’re interested in permanent hair reduction you can choose Braun Silk-expert IPL.

This is one beauty tool that you can rely on explicitly and constantly to deliver long-lasting salon-smooth hair-free skin. I believe today’s modern woman deserves professional hair removal results at home plus a gold standard of experience when she indulges in self-grooming using her beauty tools. The Braun Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa gives you just that plus much more now. Innovation Alert — Recently a NEW Deep Massage pad attachment has been added to the existing skin removal system that can help revitalize the skin. This massage pad adapts to the body’s contours and helps improve skin appearance by stimulating blood circulation. Better circulation in the skin means more oxygen and nutrients reaching the skin. Hence the skin looks more healthy and radiant. The dual combination of the massage applicators and exfoliation pads results in glowing skin and salon worthy results.

If you are looking for permanent hair removal experience from the comfort of your home, then choose Braun Silk-expert. It literally gives you the best experience your money could ever buy. The Braun Silk-expert IPL is the only IPL device in the market that comes with SensoAdaptTM technology. This technology continuously reads your unique skin tone and adapts the light intensity accordingly, avoiding any chance of getting side effects like burns or hyper-pigmentation. To make at home IPL treatments even more accessible, Braun is adding the Silk-expert 3 to its IPL family, which will make IPL treatments even more affordable.

With this one beauty gadget and its multiple interchangeable applicators you can experience quality deep cleansing, exfoliation, revitalization as well as facial hair-removal in one go. By learning how to use Braun FaceSpa to your best advantage you can master smoother, and revitalized skin. Recently Braun has unveiled an exciting new upgrade to the skincare routine with the NEW FaceSpa. Featuring the same superior facial epilating and cleansing brush heads, the 3-in1 facial system now comes complete with a Skin Vitalizing pad that can deliver smoother and revitalized skin in as little as three treatments. The revitalizing pad features easy to clean, non-absorbing silicon tips, that smartly adapt to skin contours and stimulate skin with hundreds of micro-vibrations. With the optional range of brushes, this 3-in-1 facial system allows you to experience up to six different treatments in one device now.

The NEW & Improved Braun Beauty Routine For The New Brides

All new brides-to-be rejoice, as Barun has you covered when it comes to your beauty and grooming needs. Now you can remove unwanted hair as well as deep cleanse, exfoliate and revitalize your skin with Braun all by yourself from the privacy of your own bedroom in three easy to follow steps.

Smoother Skin In Three Days

Braun FaceSpa beauty set empowers you daily to cleanse and exfoliate like a professional. You can use normal or sensitive skin cleansing brushes according to your skin-type to thoroughly clean your skin. The soft bristles of the cleansing brush reach deep into the pores and crevasses of your skin delivering six times better cleansing than manual face washing.

Exfoliation brush can be used to removed dead skin and reveal a more fresh skin. If you have oily and normal skin you can use exfoliation applicators daily or every other day. If you have dry or sensitive skin indulge in exfoliation every 7-15 days.

With the new Skin Vitalizing pad, you can reveal clearer, smoother skin in under a week. Best time to add this massage step is while you’re doing your evening skincare routine. When used in combination with your daily moisturizer or anti-aging skincare serums skin vitalizing pad enhances the efficacy of your skincare products.

To finish off your beauty ritual the beauty sponge applicator can be used to apply your skincare serums and creams on daily basis. This applicator enhances the absorption of your daily skincare giving you more bang-for-your-buck. For a more professional makeup experience you can also use the beauty sponge applicator to apply your skin foundation, as it delivers natural looking results with no caking or tire-marks.

Massage Your Way To Firm And Toned Skin

If you’re new to epilation, use your Silk-épil 9 to remove unwanted hair once a week for the first month. After this, repeat once every 2-4 weeks. The NEW Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa now comes with a Deep Massage pad attachment that can be used once a week to boost circulation and reveal radiant skin. You can use it independently from the epilator head both, in or out of the shower. If you use it with a massage-oil you can enjoy a relaxing shower experience. After your shower you can also use it with a cellulite or skin firming cream to tighten and tone your skin.

Permanent Visible Hair Removal With IPL

Most ladies these days want permanent hair reduction, so they can enjoy freedom in life wearing whatever whenever without thinking — “are my arms and legs hair-free?” After shaving, use your Braun Silk-expert IPL on a weekly basis for visibly permanent hair removal over time. Try using the Gentle mode on any sensitive areas such as underarms and the bikini line.

To compliment your Braun set of Beauty tools the only thing you need additionally is a confident dazzling smile and with that in place, now you are all set and ready to face life and your commitments with smooth, beautiful and glowing skin day-in and day-out.

The Natural Face Lift

Recently a beauty news channel interviewed me, here’s my detailed talk for your review.

Hi I am Dr. Shazia Ali. I am an aesthetic dermatologist practicing for the last 12 years at Al Tababah Specialized Clinic in Jeddah. I have been lucky enough to be trained at the prestigious University of Wales & College of Medicine in UK for the core as well as aesthetic dermatological sciences. I am extremely pleased to be here with you all today we will be talking about — aging, youth and beauty plus how to preserve it all. I’d love to share with you my personal concept of Natural Facelift — a proverbial sip from the fountain of eternal youth if you may, with focus on keeping things real and naturally youthful, as I am not a big fan of artificial.

When I moved to Jeddah from UK back in 2004, I was pleasantly surprised to see how up-to-date the ladies here were when it came to keeping up with the international trends in beauty as well as aesthetics. And over the span of last decade or so I have noticed that now even men are becoming very conscious about appearance and they like taking care of themselves — which is great. Multiple psychological studies done across the globe have shown us that, looking good & feeling good about yourself gives you a confidence boost to live a fuller, happier & more productive life. This proves aesthetic medicine should be an integral part of our lives.

Talking about local beauty standards and ideals — Every Culture & Region Has Its Own Unique Beauty Standards

Initially when I moved to Saudi I had to struggle a lot to convince my clientele to buy the natural and just refreshed concept of beauty compared to what was popular — exaggerated and over the top. I have been doing my best educating and communicating with the local populace not just in my clinic but also through social media and blogging gently reminding people to accept natural as the norm and convince them go for treatments that enhance their individual natural beauty instead of trying to copy paste famous celebrity features and end up looking like aliens trend.

Seems my hard work along with global aesthetic natural trend shift has paid off and — Now a lot of people are asking the RIGHT QUESTIONS — How should we approach aesthetics? What can we do to preserve our youth and look good for decades to come without looking artificial and stretched & stuffed? — Answer is simple, start early to preserve and maintain your youth.

To move forward in the right direction vis-a-vis the anti-aging treatment plan I always ask my patients/clients — What is the image of beauty and youth in your mind?

And one concept that everyone agrees upon is: -Tight luminous, flawless skin with a uniform complexion (almost Child-like), Features wise - high cheek-bones, defined jaw line, well proportioned facial contours, arched brows and a toned silhouette. 

Second important concept is complete head-to-toe beauty — your body should match your face in beauty as well as age.     

Now that we have established what we want to achieve — we can make a logical treatment plan — target the right areas that need work and voila you can deliver youth and beauty.

To get tight luminous, flawless skin with a uniform complexion treatments with energy based devices and peels have come a long way.

To get flattering contours and replenish the lost volume fat or HA based injectable implants deliver miraculous results.

Upper face hyper dynamic muscles causing frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crows feet can be treated beautifully with neurotoxins.

Fact of life is nothing stays the same — over time things deteriorate and people who are interested in looking good need to understand and know —why do we age? And that maintenance is important

Looking at the aging process Aging skin with sagging and wrinkles basically result from a combination of many factors including cellular changes, collagen depletion, bone and fat loss. All this happens over time as a result of hormone changes, damage caused by free radicals, or consistent muscle activity. Modern life style & stress accelerates this process even more making us look much older than what we chronological should. You might be a vision of beauty in your teens & twenties but eventually your Lifestyle, eating habits and genetics along with how well you take care of your skin determines how you look in your thirties & onwards.

A holistic approach from inside out along with your aesthetic doctor’s help can preserve youth in a much more efficient manner rather than relying on fixing just one cause of aging.

Talking about the concept of — The Natural Facelift

As far as aesthetics are concerned we are living in real exciting times, now modern medicine can give everyone a chance to look as good as they feel. The traditional surgical facelift has been replaced with something better and natural — I call it , The Natural Facelift! A combination of non-surgical minimally invasive facial contouring and tightening techniques that can transform any aging face into a more refreshed, youthful version of themselves — it’s almost like time travel. Gone are the days when you would walk out of an aesthetic practice looking surprised, over stretched, unnatural and ridiculous. The celebrity faces we saw few years back on TV that looked like over stuffed pillows are no longer a desired or acceptable option. Over the top artificial work has been replaced with results that restore youthful but natural fullness of a well-contoured face and smooth textured skin, wrinkles should not be replaced by surprised over arched brows on the contrary they should be ironed out gently while respecting the facial harmony.

Aging, slows down the skin’s production of collagen and elastin. Facial volume is lost because of fat and bone loss with aging process and together these changes result in hollowing of mid-face, sagging features and skin creasing. Pigment changes lead to age spots and the surface texture becomes rough. 

The term Liquid Facelift was coined few years back to improve multiple areas of the face, including the eye, nose, chin, cheeks, temples, brows, mouth, forehead and the neck with the use of advanced dermal fillers, usually in combination with BOTOX®. In right artistic hands results look natural, youthful & beautiful.

I believe to further improve upon this concept of restoring golden proportions and facial contours, we also need to engineer skin surface and structural changes so we can recreate a complete and holistic youthful appearance. A well-contoured face with older looking thin lack luster skin can never look youthful. Adding skin tightening and hydration techniques along with facial contour restoration with injectable implants makes results even more superior and attractive.

My multi-prong approach to impart youth and beauty includes:

·      Treating skin with RF, Ultrasound, laser technologies to boost collagen and tighten and lift.

·      To create uniform complexion laser & chemical peels come in handy

·      To work on volume loss and improve facial contours fillers or fat give great results. Breakthroughs in aesthetic products such as Boletero, and Radiesse®, are providing longer lasting and more natural-looking results.

·      Finally treat hyper dynamic muscles with neurotoxin to further smooth out the lines etched by time.

Working synergistically each treatment compliments the other giving natural and qualitative results rather than one treatment delivering artificial results.

Another thing I’d like to highlight here is — ALL fillers and Energy based Technologies are not created equal

Boletero, Juvederm and Teoaxne RH Ranges are the latest fourth generation of fillers, which are far superior to other dermal fillers available in the market. They give beautiful natural results without causing any long-term side effects associated with older generation of fillers. Studies have shown that some of the newer generation hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxy apetite (Radiesse) based dermal Fillers not only replace lost volume in the face, but they also help your body to regenerate on its own making new collagen.  They can be used to contour and/or lift any number of facial features without feeling lumpy or inelastic.

When looking at energy based devices for skin tightening & lifting as well as skin smoothing, we have had a great success with Scarlet which is a radioFrequency based device, as well as focused ultrasound and Fraxel as well as fractional CO2 lasers.

When it comes to treating muscle movement related wrinkles — In the right hands BOTOX® has proven to be a magical injectable. Since its discovery it has been consistently delivering beautiful results. Most patients experience noticeable improvement within 3-14 days of their treatment, the leading. It is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic medical procedure with no down time required. With botox you can achieve great things like

·      Reduces Crow's Feet

·      Reduces Frown Lines

·      Reduces Wrinkles

·      Lifts Facial Features

·      Contours the Face

Catch 22 is it requires —Maintenance: Every 3 to 5 months.

Together the judicious and artistic use of injectable dermal fillers, neurotoxins and energy based devices can lift, plump, contour and rejuvenate skin and face, taking any visage from looking tired, drawn and ordinary to radiant, refreshed and beautiful.

To sum it up — The Natural Liquid Face Lift can accomplish any of the following:

·      Improved smile, fuller sexier lips

·      More rested and energetic Look

·      Natural curved and youthful facial contour restoration

·      Reduced facial lines

·      Reduced facial folds

·      Reduced wrinkles

·      Reduced creases

·      Gentle facial lift (individual facial features or facial overall lift)

·      Profiloplasty (improving your side look by balancing forehead, nose and chin contours)

·      Skin hydration, radiance and shine

Six Steps To A Bootylicious Behind

A round perky derrière can make any ordinary dress look couture and transcend a regular pair of skinny jeans to object of envy. “Brazillian Butt” a beauty benchmark celebrating the country’s gravity-defying bundas showcased in teeny bikinis is on every girls must-have beauty wish-list. If you think this supernatural phenomenon is all coz of lucky genes you’re very wrong. These curves are the direct byproduct of the country’s sun-and-sport culture, which emphasizes on regular workouts and diligent skincare.

Here’s a foolproof blueprint for a bootylicious behind even if you don’t carry the Brazilian genes.

1) First & Foremost - Exercise

If your bottom is too flabby then its time to officially shake that booty. Start exercise on regular basis to tone up the muscles and optimize the shape of your bum. Walking gets great results, providing it is done on a daily basis.

Here is a simple tried and tested exercise protocol that can enhance your butt shape if practiced regularly. 

2) Let’s Get You All Smooth Bummed - Off With The Orange-peel

Cellulite makes skin look uneven. Effects of aging, hormones and unhealthy lifestyle make the collagen bundles that connect your skin to the underlying fat become weak. Fat starts to protrude in some areas leading to a dimpled orange peel appearance. Unfortunately exercise can’t solve this problem entirely. To smoothen and strengthen the skin and get rid of orange-peel effect without affecting the buttocks’ shape doctors usually combine Carboxy Therapy treatments with Multipolar Radiofrequency treatements. By increasing oxygen flow to the cells, carboxy therapy galvanizes cell exchange and encourages the elimination of fat pads peeping through the damage collagen fibers. Radiofrequency enhances the skin’s surface by making the collagen bundles stronger and plumping the dermis. It usually requires 5 to 6 sessions performed once a week to see good results.

3) Stretch Marks

These white stripes represent scars in your skin. While undergoing growth spurt during puberty or with weight gain your skin gets stretched to accommodate for size change. If your skin doesn’t have enough elasticity, collagen and elastin bundles break and the crack is filled with white scar tissue. A combination of Carboxy Therapy along with Micro-needling and Fractional CO2 Laser treatments can work wonders in erasing the stretch marks. The idea is to replace old damaged skin with new healthy skin which is plump with collagen and elastin. By boosting oxygen flow to the cells, carboxy therapy encourages cell regeneration. Micro-needling, which involves injecting the skin using different sized micro-needles, stimulates fibroblast induction. Fractional CO2 laser physically removes the scar tissue with micro beams and replaces it with fresh healthy skin.

4) Plump Up For A Shape Change

To improve the shape of buttocks, we can use injections of Fat taken from your own body or synthetic injections like Macrolane ® which are composed of highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid. These two are the most effective methods to add volume and create a rounder shape for the buttocks. Fat is natural filler and can be harvested from patients own body especially from lower back and thigh areas to create a tiny waist and slim thighs that contrast with a rounder bum in a more flattering way. One session plus a touch up 4-6 weeks after the first session gives long-term results that last 3-5 years. When opting for Macrolane ® injections you have to keep in mind that usually a large quantity of product is required to create an attractive shape (the cost can be quite high). After the injection session patients must avoid sitting or sleeping on their back for 7-14 days, so as not to displace the injected product. Top-up sessions are required every 18 to 24 months. Procedure is considered uncomfortable even painful in some cases depending on your pain threshold.

5) Lift That Butt Up

Radiofrequency devices can help to lift and tighten the skin around the buttock area. They also help to slim down and create better contour for your behind. To achieve good results 5-10 sessions are needed which should be scheduled 7-15 days apart.

Tensor threads and tissue inducers can also be used to lift the buttocks (that are not very bulky), but the success rate is questionable in most cases. Using special vectors specialized Prolene 2.0 threads can be injected by a specialist under local anesthetic. You get 10-15% results immediately but the final results become apparent in 3 to 6 months. These threads are 100% biodegradable and within year or two they are fully reabsorbed hence they need top up every 1-2 year.

6) Tone Up And Slim Down

If your buttock area is too large, there is nothing better than HIFU or focused ultrasounds to reshape it. Focused ultrasound beams destroy excess fat while improving the skin tone. Usually three sessions are required, with a month in between. Cryolipolysis, meanwhile, is great for the fat that lurks in the fold under your buttock. It works by freezing and thus destroying the fat cells. Cryolipo cannot be used on the whole bum, as it works best on small, well-defined areas.

This six-step approach to fix the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fat and muscles delivers best looking and shapely bums that anyone can ever wish for. First step towards a perfect behind is awaiting you – Get Moving!

NATURAL Is The New Gold Standard

Aesthetic medicine is basking in its golden era and the range of products available these days to fight aging and enhance beauty are quiet impressive allowing smart options for the connoisseurs of beauty to deliver beautiful as well as NATURAL results. When it comes to aesthetic trends and choices, present always reflects on the past and unfortunately we did experience an era of over done and over stretched “Stepford Wives” results not so long ago. The concerns and misperceptions since created are still holding women and men back from getting aesthetic treatments. 

Beauty industry and aesthetic doctors are working hard to clear those concerns of late and promote NATURAL looking results. For the concept “Less Is More” and “Natural Is The New Gold Standard In Aesthetics” to succeed we need thought cohesion between consumers, doctors, and the aesthetic industry.

Galderma a global leader in aesthetic solutions recently commissioned a first-of-its-kind “Break The Ice” survey to gauge public opinion on wrinkle relaxing injectable toxin results. The survey revealed that 74% of American women and men ages 30-50 would be more interested in treatment if results looked natural, not frozen. Though majority of participants in the survey agreed on the fact that a person with frown lines between the eyebrows looks stressed (39%), old (36%), even angry (24%) and many participants acknowledged the fact that their face looks older than they feel, very few showed interest in taking action to learn about treatment options that have natural-looking results. Less than 40% said they would be comfortable talking about their interest in treatment with a healthcare specialist.

Breakthrough Moments & Breaking the Ice

The survey highlighted the fact that digital technology has transformed people’s perceptions of facial aging. More than 70% participants acknowledged the fact that the use of technology, made them realize their face looks older than they feel. For many, these digital wake-up calls were triggered while seeing themselves in selfies (43%), tagged photos (33%) on social media or “Throwback Thursday” posts (33%) making them self-conscious of their frown lines.

Results from the Break the Ice survey show that a good majority (64%) of men and women noticed frown lines between their eyebrows as they age, first seeing these lines on average at age 34. Confirming the fact that we constantly notice age and beauty in faces we encounter, 77% reported noticing frown lines on others, such as their friends, family members and coworkers. A surprising 74% reported thinking about their face looking older one or more days a week. Men and women are more aware of their frown lines when they catch a glimpse of themselves in the mirror (70%) and get ready in the morning (56%).

Knowing that so many people worry every week about their frown lines and aging faces, but looking at their answers so few are comfortable discussing treatment options – even with a healthcare specialist is indeed unfortunate.

In today’s golden era of aesthetic medicine no one should feel old, sad or self-conscious when safe treatment options are available that can make people feel youthful, happy and refreshed with natural-looking results in little to no downtime. Looking at the reflection of yourself, if frown lines and wrinkles bother you, you now have choices available to you to lose those lines without losing yourself. Natural aesthetic results are within reach of anyone who just wants to enhance their look – not change it completely. With the right healthcare specialist and the right products, people can get the natural-looking results they desire.

NATURAL is the new gold standard not only while using toxins to freeze the wrinkles, but also while using hyaluronic acid fillers to refresh and renew and rejuvenate signs of aging. Restylane® fillers, Restylane Skinboosters™ and Emerval fillers are great product lines that help doctors to deliver NATURAL results while restoring youthful skin and facial contours. Proof In Real Life is another beautiful campaign celebrating the golden era of NATURAL aesthetic results.

I applaud Galderma’s efforts in breaking the ice and getting public engaged in a dialogue about perceptions of aging and beauty while keeping focus on NATURAL results. These campaigns represent a vital investment in aesthetic industry’s mission to deliver, in partnership with healthcare professionals, insight-driven education for consumers that empowers aesthetic choices and self-confidence.

Scoop, Chisel And Contour – Always Bet On Fat

You might hate your love handles or the muffin top but believe it or not all your unwanted flab is laced with a potential to bring forth youth and beauty. Yup you heard it right, your unsightly spare tires can come in handy any time to buoy up your mission to defy aging or simply to enhance your facial/body contours when you feel like fitting-in perfectly with the mold called the “Golden Ratios Of Beauty”.  Fat grafting is a simple procedure where we take fat from an area where it is unwanted and graft/inject into an area where you need volume or contouring. In the recent years the procedure has seen a sharp rise in demand as natural vs. artificial choices are becoming popular with the aesthetic consumers.

A Short Recountal Of “Fat Transferring”

The first evidence of fat transfer was recorded in the 18th century, but it never became widely accepted until modern liposuction techniques were developed. Too many complications as well as unpredictable results (how much fat would “live” after the transfer) prevented the procedure from gaining mass acceptability. The trend began to change when in the early 1990’s Dr. Sydney Coleman, a New York City based Plastic Surgeon, began publishing papers describing standardized techniques for fat extraction, processing, and injection. Since that point in time the procedure’s popularity has increased tremendously along with a wider variety of clinical applications.

Currently aesthetic surgeons around the world agree that fat grafting is an ace up any surgeon’s sleeve and in aesthetic inner circles we lovingly call it liquid gold.

The Grafting Process

The process of fat grafting involves three steps: extraction of the fat from the donor area with liposuction, cleaning/processing of the fat, and finally reinjection of the purified fat into the area needing improvement. Fat is taken from the donor area (stomach, hips, and thighs) using special liposuction techniques with thin cannulas. The fat is either “decanted” or “washed” to separate out the viable adipose fat cells to be used in the graft. Depending on the areas to be injected it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete the procedure.

Common Areas of Fat Grafting

Simply put, fat can be used anywhere dermal fillers or implants would be used. Previously neglected areas including women and men’s shoulders, breast, pectorals, hips, legs and stomachs can be easily injected to create definition.

I mostly use it for facial rejuvenation to restore a more youthful appearance by adding volume to the areas below the eyes or nasolabial folds, cheeks, nose, temples, lips, jawline and even the forehead. Breasts are the new frontier; the breast size can be enhanced by one or two cup sizes using fat. It can also correct breast symmetry, repair radiation damage and correct deformities from lumpectomies or breast reconstruction. The demand for buttock enhancement, also known as a Brazilian Butt Lift is skyrocketing with a reported 84% increase in 2015. Buttock augmentation can change the size and shape of the buttock while sculpting the hip-waist ratio for a more feminine (or masculine) silhouette. Hand rejuvenation is becoming more popular to not only plump up the volume and padding on the hand, but also improve the texture and appearance of the skin.

How Long Does The Results Last?

Fat over time has proven itself to be truly a versatile material that allows us to reframe and reshape different body parts with long lasting results. Looking at fat distribution in body and how it changes over time one interesting fact has been lime lighted through research - as we age we lose fat from hands, face, breast and buttock but we don’t lose it where we want to lose it from– waist, inner outer leg and love handles. This fact works to our advantage to remove fat from where it will never disappear and put it where we need it. As research has backed the fact that fat cells follow a certain genetic predisposition and the fat taken from these new areas should live forever.

High Demand, Few Experts

It is important to note that extracting fat is a very technique dependent procedure. Applying the fat is the ultimate artistic procedure. Demand is high, but the results vary from one injector to another. Few practitioners are considered experts, so it is critical if you’re considering the procedure done choose doctor with the experience, training and eye of a sculptor. In my humble opinion a conservative approach involving delicate handling of fat while extracting and multiple fat grafting sessions over several months gives the best results.