Herbal Skincare - Natural Skin Renewal Without Dangerous Chemicals

The anti-aging industry constantly brings a new 'magic' ingredient to their products that are proclaimed to reduce wrinkles. It is difficult to understand the reason for this continuous search for new ingredients. There are many herbs that have stood the test of time which are used successfully in various countries to treat many skin problems. Some of them have been researched by scientists; others have gone through natural trials conducted by millions of people speaking different languages that have observed the herbs to have the same properties.

The beauty industry is not very keen on using a common herb, even if it has been proven by thousands of years of trials. The multinational companies want the WORD - a 'magic' ingredient...something that can be patented to add a cloud of mystery to the products. A WORD that will make people to buy their product.

A few years ago 'collagen' was the WORD. It is true that collagen is naturally present in the skin and it makes the skin look younger and softer, but there's a big deception here...

The 'magic' ingredient doesn't work. If you apply collagen topically it just sits on the surface of the skin and DOES NOTHING - it can't be absorbed by the skin simply because its molecules are much bigger than the skin cells. You couldn't push an elephant through the eye of a needle, right? The collagen must be made by your own body.

Currently "nano" technology seems to be taking a leading position in the 'magic' word contest. Yet the leading experts with a background in natural therapies warn that some of these products used by many brands of cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are becoming known as 'universal asbestos'.

Prof. Samuel Epstein, a professor emeritus of occupational and environment medicine at the University of Illinois in Chicago who is also the chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition warned about the public health hazard posed by these products.

Nanoparticles can easily penetrate the skin and go straight into the underlying blood vessels producing toxic effects. They can cause nerve damage and disorders in the brain. In the web interview conducted by Dr. Mercola, Prof. Epstein warns that these are "the most dangerous types of products in the whole cosmetic industry".

According to Prof. Epstein, in 2008 a British Royal Commission warned "that products that contain nanoparticles pose very high toxic risks".

Do you want to risk your health and become subject to experimental practices or would you rather use products that are based on herbs that are well known to present no health risk while offering the most effective anti-aging properties?

A short summary of properties of herbs provided in this article may be found useful to people searching for natural products.

Pearl Powder
Using pearls in skincare is not a new idea. It is believed that the women of the far-east owe their pure, clean, and glittering skin to their traditional usage of pearl products. For centuries, Asian women have used powder made from crushed freshwater pearls to maintain their youthful appearance. The last Empress Dowager of China not only used pearl powder on her face, but she ingested it daily. She was famous for her beautiful skin even at the age of 74.

What is so special about Pearl Powder?
The nacre of a pearl contains the same essential amino acids that heal and maintain cells in the human body. Deficiency of any one of these key amino acids can cause skin to look coarse and wrinkles. Pearl powder also contains proteins which renew skin cells and vitamin B Complex and Polysaccharides which strengthen the muscles and the metabolism.

Ginkgo Biloba tree is one of the world's oldest living tree species, believed to have survived for 250 million years. Individual trees have lived 1000 years. It first originated in China and Japan. After surviving atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Ginkgo Biloba's resistance to all kinds of pollution, viruses and fungi became legendary. Ginkgo Biloba has revitalising, stimulating and firming qualities. It is a powerful antioxidant. It improves blood circulation and protects capillaries.

The main chemical substances in the leaves of Ginkgo Biloba are the flavone glycosides and therpene lactones. The flavonoid components enhance the proliferation of normal human skin fibroblasts and have been proven to have collagen activating properties (Journal of Drugs and Dermatology, Nov. 2007).

Sea Buckthorn - known as one of nature's most incredible medicinal plants. The ripe berries of Sea buckthorn contain more than 190 varieties of bioactive substances. They include 6 different vitamins, 22 fatty acids, 42 kinds of lipids and 36 kinds of flavoinoids and phenols. Sea buckthorn berries cannot be matched in the plant kingdom for their content of Pro-Vitamin A (carotenoids), Vitamin E and Vitamin K. Sea Buckthorn berry promotes cell tissue regeneration. It has proven effective in the treatment of burns, skin ulcers, acne and dermatitis. Russian cosmonauts use Sea Buckthorn Oil for protection against radiation burns in space.

Rosehip Oil is extremely high in essential fatty acids. Fatty acids are key building blocks of cellular membranes that allow efficient transportation of nutrients from the extracellular space into the intracellular environment where metabolism takes place.

Lotus Seeds contain a special protein-repair enzyme, a factor contributing to their remarkable longevity. The process of continuous repair of the seed is similar to what takes place in the human body. Insufficient levels of the repair enzymes speed up protein degradation which affects collagen production. Clinical trials showed that Lotus Seed Extract helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 50%.

Gotu Cola (Centella Asiatica/Hydrocotyl) has been used to promote the healing of surgical wounds, burns, tissue inflammation and psoriasis. Studies have shown that Gotu Cola can increase collagen synthesis. It can also strengthen capillaries by repairing damaged connective tissues surrounding them. This restores tissue firmness and skin elasticity.

Ginseng boosts the skin's metabolism and replenishes nutrients the skin needs. The active components called ginsenosides are responsible for the revitalisation and reactivation of epidermal cells and collagen synthesis.

Pomegranate contains one of the most powerful free radical scavengers, Ellagic acid. The Ellagic acid strengthens the cell membrane, making it less susceptible to free radical damage and prevents water loss from cells. Pomegranate works as a very effective sunscreen.

Does Cosmetic Surgery Really Boost Your Self Esteem?

I think we all know the importance of high self-esteem these days. You simply have to have a comfortable sense of self to be happy and also to succeed in the things which you do. Without a pretty good sense of self-worth you tend to shrink into yourself and your comfort zone only ever covers a relatively small area.

The world over the last few decades seems to have got ever smaller as boundaries have changed. We are able to travel from one side of the world to the other in a matter of hours. We can speak and see each other with the use of video-cams in same time pretty much no matter where we live. Those who have high self-confidence and self-esteem enjoy the benefits which such easy accessibility brings. Those with a lower sense of self can however find the world to be an even more threatening place to be than ever before.

And so it is no wonder that we see a ballooning industry in self-esteem and self-confidence products. All will work for some and not for others. It is important to know how to choose what will work best for you. It is equally important to have the right mind set so as to allow yourself to grow in self-esteem.

I was extremely surprised and disappointed to read a report upon the tendency towards cosmetic surgery as a way to boost one's self image. The GoodSurgeonGuide.co.uk reported that almost 60 percent of a representative group of women in the UK said in a survey that they would be happy to have cosmetic surgery if it was government funded. In contrast, only 14% of these ladies said that they would never consider undergoing cosmetic surgery.

What I found most shocking in the results found was that 43% of the ladies surveyed said that they would request surgery (paid for by the NHS) for their children if they had been bullied because of how they looked. Surely there are less invasive ways in with to learn how to deal with bullies and bullying? Are there not ways in which a child could be helped to build their self-esteem and self-confidence so that they can stand up to bullies?

Cosmetic surgery should not be seen as a quick fix for ones self-confidence or self-esteem. In fact the greatest failing in plastic surgery lies in a person's potential inability to raise their self-image to match their new look. You have to build your self-esteem from within, irrespective of how you look. Cosmetic surgery alone will not do it for you. Perhaps it will stop a child from being bullied, but what are the side effects which that child has to deal with?

Self-esteem is based upon how you think about yourself. You cannot get away from this basic fact. To build your self-esteem you have to change the way in which you think. The tendency to look to superficial treatments such as cosmetic surgery merely reflects an unwillingness to look within. If you are considering plastic surgery as a one-stop cure for all of your self-esteem issues you are probably "barking up the wrong tree".

Roseanna Leaton, specialist in hypnosis downloads to build confidence and self-esteem from within.

P.S. Grab a free hypnosis mp3 from my website and find out how easily you can boost your own self-image.

Cosmetic Procedures To Whiten Stained Teeth

The quest to find that brighter and gleaming smile hasn't been easy at all over the past years. Ammonia and chlorine were used to whiten people's teeth back in the eighteenth century. It became harsher in the 1950s as the dentists used highly concentration solutions of hydrogen peroxide and baked the teeth under a heat lamp.

Such outdated methods were quite physically torturing, not to mention too expensive, to get much popularity. Today, that has become more subtle and for the Americans, teeth whitening have never been easier than it is now. Last year, the Americans spent over $250 million on bleach, cap, zap and other whitening products. That's still expected to grow steadily.

For both dentists and patients, this seems like a win-win situation. This is very similar to most home treatments, in which the patient is required to wear a specially made mouth guard that has a layer of peroxide gel pressed against the teeth, for two weeks. The most widely used and popular whitener used presently is the simple peroxide bleaching. However, the price for teeth whitening treatment using peroxide still amounts from $200 to $500.

It is less common, but more effective to use lasers to activate the peroxide based gel, and make it react considerably faster. The laser's benefit is speed. A laser treatment offers the same exact results that you can get from wearing a mouth guard with peroxide solution for several weeks, provided that you find yourself a good dentist.

Even though this is still quite expensive, about $100 or more per tooth, it's gaining quite the popularity since it is faster and easier. The stains may eventually return after bleaching, so ceramic veneers are a better alternative to caps. In this process, which costs $500 to $800 per tooth, a thin ceramic cover is essentially glued to the surface of the tooth, providing a more appealing color, and in some cases correcting irregularities in the shape of the underlying tooth.

Besides when your tooth is accidentally chipped or damaged, and you have to use veneers, teeth whitening procedures are not covered under your dental insurance. Though disappointing to patients, dentists sure like it. This is a good motivation for dentists to continue expanding their practice in managed care, such as teeth whitening. To summarize all of that, since managed care has taken hold of dentistry, dentists were able to put even brighter smile on their faces, metaphorically, for all the benefits they acquired.

The quest to find that brighter and gleaming smile hasn't been easy at all over the past years. In the eighteenth century, people used ammonia and chlorine to achieve the same whitening effect on the teeth. Dentists would use hydrogen peroxide before baking teeth under a heat lamp, as recently as the 1950s.

These outdated methods didn't really get that much popularity, as they are expensive and physically discomforting. As of late, the teeth whitening procedures have become more subtle and affordable, making the American's quest an easy route. Americans last year spent more than $250 million to bleach, zap, cap or otherwise whiten their smiles, and the amount is expected to grow steadily in the coming years.

Cosmetic Dentist - Orthodontics

When you need a cosmetic dentist, there is a wide array of treatment options available. There are so many new treatment methods available, that anyone can have a great-looking smile and healthy teeth. This field of dentistry provides treatment methods for chipped, broken, or missing teeth. Not only can they provide patients with dental crowns and fill decayed teeth so they are healthy and attractive, but they can also provide many other treatments including orthodontic treatments. Although orthodontics is commonly a childhood problem, many adults also require the services of a orthodontist.

A cosmetic dentist specializing in orthodontics can repair teeth that aren't aligned properly, are crooked, or cause a overbite. When these common problems are discovered by a general dentist, it's recommended that the patient consult with a orthodontist to determine the best method of treatment. In the past, when teeth were crooked or not aligned as they should be, the orthodontist would apply traditional metal braces, which were painful to have put in, and were very unattractive. The technology has improved so that there are newer alternatives to the traditional braces, which are much more comfortable.

The cosmetic dentist who is a orthodontist uses braces which have brackets that are created to bond to the teeth. Metal arch wires thread through the brackets to guide the teeth so they're straight. It usually takes some time for the teeth to become aligned into their proper position. The newer braces come in a wide range of choices so they not only work to align the teeth, but they're much more attractive than in previous years. Some of the braces available now are the same color as the teeth, and others are manufactured from plastic and are clear so they're not as visible. Before making the decision about braces, find out about costs and what your dental insurance will cover.

Among the types of braces the cosmetic dentist may use are Damon brackets. They're designed so that the wires move within the brackets, making them more comfortable. They're a good option for most patients since the time they're left on the teeth is less than other types of braces, and they don't require as many adjustments as traditional braces. The tooth-colored braces are created from a ceramic material so they look more natural. Not everyone can wear them, so you'd have to consult with your orthodontist. When they have to be worn over a long period of time, they don't cause discoloration of the teeth. The newer clear braces are nearly invisible with the exception of the wires, so they're a good alternative.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL): The Well-Kept Secret of Plastic Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most common invasive procedures performed in plastic surgery. Statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgery indicate that over 300,000 liposuction procedures were performed by board certified or eligible plastic surgeons last year.

Despite a growing demand for the procedure, liposuction continues to be one of the most controversial procedures in plastic surgery. Severe complications, and even reports of deaths, have appeared in the mainstream media, creating questions regarding the safety of liposuction. Early reports of complications stemmed from an underestimated blood volume loss associated with subcutaneous aspiration.

Liposuction was first described in Europe in the early 1970's. Several surgeons contributed to the new technology. However, French gynecologist Dr. Yves Ilouz, is largely credited with popularizing the innovative body contouring procedure. Liposuction, or more accurately, suction assisted lipectomy (S.A.L.) quickly gained popularity in the United States.

Tumescent S.A.L.

In the 1980's, in response to excessive blood volume loss, several authors described a pre-suction treatment stage using wetting solutions. The term tumescent infiltration describes the use of such a stage. The process involves subcutaneous infiltration of varying combinations including saline (or lactated Ringer's solution), epinephrine, and a local anesthetic. The effect of tumescent infiltration is to provide vasoconstriction in the subcutaneous layer and create increased adipocyte fragility. The clinical effect is a diminished blood loss compared to the original dry technique. Tumescent S.A.L. has been the conventional method used in the U.S. since the late 1980's.

The mechanism of traditional S.A.L. is conceptually simple. A rigid, hollow cannula, connected to a suction machine, is inserted into the subcutaneous space. Rapid, coarse strokes by the surgeon create a series of tunnels, eventually becoming confluent, diminishing the fat pannus. The underlying problem with the technique is that there is no tissue selectivity. The suction energy evacuates or destroys all elements of the subcutaneous tissue plane, including valuable structures such as blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissue.

Critics of the procedure describe it as rough and traumatic, translating clinically into a painful, bloody process with a prolonged recovery. In addition, loss of essential connective tissue leads to rippling of the skin, the most common complaint following traditional liposuction. One study reported an 80 % incidence of skin irregularities following S.A.L.

Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (U.A.L.)

In the late 1980's plastic surgeons in Europe and Latin America began experimenting with the use of ultrasound to achieve subcutaneous lipolysis. The use of ultrasonic energy was not new. Our colleagues in radiology, ophthalmology, obstetrics, gynecology, urology, neurosurgery and other specialties were already familiar with the use of ultrasound in both a diagnostic, as well as therapeutic, capacity. The application of this energy to plastic surgery was appealing however, for two reasons. First, ultrasound has an established history of safety. Secondly, the vibratory frequency of the ultrasonic energy can be made specific to the adipocyte. It is this tissue specificity that underlies the mechanism and benefit of ultrasonic lipoplasty.

The procedure is performed using a device made up of three component parts. Electrical energy is converted into ultrasonic energy using an ultrasonic generator attached to a handpiece containing a piezoelectric crystal. A hollow titanium cannula attached to the handpiece delivers the energy to the tip at a frequency specific to adipocytes of 22,000 cycles per second. The process is similar to phacoemulsification used in ophthalmology.

The cellular effect is membrane fragility and cell implosion, a process known as cavitation. More importantly, the energy at a frequency of 22K Hz. is not absorbed by the other elements in the subcutaneous tissue, thus largely sparing the blood vessels, nerves and fibrous tissue. At a clinical level this translates into less bleeding, less pain, fewer skin irregularities and a faster recovery.

The procedure is performed in a manner similar to traditional liposuction. A small incision is made in the skin followed by tumescent infiltration. However, since it is the ultrasonic energy that does the work and not the forceful suction, the cannula strokes with U.A.L. are slow and smooth instead of rapid and coarse. The technique has been described as a violin or air brush type movement.

U.A.L. in the U.S.A.

The introduction of tumescent U.A.L. into the U.S. mainstream occurred in the late 1990's. Although early machines originated in Italy and France, two American manufacturers, produced devices for the international market. Great enthusiasm, fueled by media attention touting U.A.L. as the "magic wand" of liposuction, created an eager anticipation of the emerging technology.

Anecdotal reports soon surfaced describing limitations and complications related to the procedure. Among the concerns expressed were the risk of burns and post-operative seroma formation. Some authors recommended limiting the amount of energy time per site and even avoiding U.A.L. completely in certain body areas.

Data collected in 350 consecutive tumescent U.A.L. cases, revealed no burns and few, minor complications and minimal blood loss. Moreover, there was no correlation between U.A.L. energy time and complications. The main disadvantages of U.A.L. are largely related to cost and training. As with any new technology, a learning curve also exists with U.A.L. In addition, the slower stroke movements require additional time. A typical U.A.L. procedure takes approximately 25% longer than the same procedure using S.A.L. Proponents of U.A.L. feel the benefits of the procedure make the extra time worthwhile.

In summary, ultrasonic lipoplasty is an innovation available to plastic surgeons for body contouring procedures which offers greater tissue selectivity and less connective tissue trauma. The procedure is safe with a high degree of patient satisfaction and can be performed safely by qualified, trained surgeons.

Sun Tan & Cancer - A Very Scottish Affair

There is growing concern about the link between cosmetic sun bed use and the rising incidence of skin cancer in Scotland. This issue was highlighted at the Scotland Against Cancer conference last year at which a case was made for thorough regulation of sun bed operators. It was felt that tighter controls could have a positive impact on skin cancer prevention efforts.

Individuals and organisations with an interest in skin cancer prevention have continued to express concern about rising sun bed use and the effect this may have on levels of skin cancer which is the fastest rising cancer in Scotland, and a particular problem in the West of Scotland. The risk of skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to ultraviolet light and intense exposure to such light is the most dangerous to the skin. For example, too much time spent in the sun on holidays abroad or excessive time spent in the sun on the occasional hot day in Scotland, constitutes this type of exposure.

Sun bed use also provides a form of intense exposure to ultraviolet light. Just one session a month will double the average individual's annual dose of ultraviolet radiation. Sun bed use is on the rise in Scotland and there is now a significant body of evidence to suggest that the sunbed industry suffers from a lack of regulation. Cases of malpractice by operators have been documented in a survey by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS). In particular there is evidence that children, who are especially sensitive to ultraviolet light, are now regularly using sunbeds. Just one day of burning as a child increases the risk of getting skin cancer as an adult.

Tanning in General

Tanning is your body's natural protection against sunburn; it's what your body is designed to do. Developing a tan is your body's natural way of protecting against the dangers of sunburn and further exposure.

Whether you tan outdoors under the sun or indoors in a tanning facility, the tanning process is the same. This natural process takes place when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. Light is composed of energy waves that travel from the sun to the Earth. Each energy wave can be identified by its length in nanometres, (nm), which is one-billionth of a meter. Light can be broken into three general categories: infrared, visible and invisible. Ultraviolet light is in the invisible light spectrum. There are three kinds of ultraviolet light: UVA, UVB and UVC. Tanning itself takes place in the skin's outermost layer, the epidermis. There are three major types of skin cells in your epidermis: basal cells, keratinocytes and melanocytes. All play different roles in the tanning process. Everyone has roughly the same number of melanocytes in their bodies--about 5 million. Your heredity determines how much pigment your melanocytes can produce. Melanocytes release extra melanosomes whenever ultraviolet light waves touch them. This produces a tan in your skin.

Skin Types

I. - Always burns; never tans, pale white skin; "Celtic"

II. - Burns easily; tans minimally; White skin

III. - Burns moderately; tans gradually to light brown average; Caucasian skin

IV. - Burns minimally, always tans well to moderately brown; Olive skin

V. - Rarely burns; tans profusely to dark; Brown skin

VI. - Never burns; deeply pigmented; Black skin

Effects of UV

There is a body of scientific research demonstrating that the production of the activated form of vitamin D is one of the most effective ways the body controls abnormal cell growth. Moderate exposure to sunlight is only way for the body to manufacture the vitamin D necessary for producing activated vitamin D.A 1997 report by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine recommends 200 IU/day of vitamin D for women aged 50 years or younger, 400 IU/day for those aged 51-70 and 600 IU/day for those older than 70. Moderate exposure to sunlight helps the body manufacture vitamin D and eating salmon or mackerel and drinking fortified milk or juices is a step in the right direction. The amount of vitamin D formed in a given period of exposure depends on the colour of your skin--that is, how rich your skin is in melanin. Melanin absorbs UV radiation. Therefore it diminishes the production of vitamin D. The darker a person's skin, the longer he or she has to be in the sun or exposed to UVB radiation to form a significant amount of vitamin D.
Like melanin, sunscreen also absorbs UV radiation and therefore greatly diminishes the skin's vitamin D production. For example, sunscreen with a PDF of 8 diminishes a person's ability to produce vitamin D by 95%. In addition, winter sunlight in the northern latitudes does not have enough UVB radiation to produce vitamin D in the skin leading to diminished vitamin D levels in winter.
Moderate exposure is the most responsible way to maximize the potential benefits of sun or UV exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight. Avoiding sunburns is critical to moderation. Experiencing painful sunburns before the age of 20--not lifetime exposure to the sun--is the factor associated with an increased risk of malignant melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

History and Facts of Indoor Tanning

Europeans started tanning indoors with sunlamps that emitted ultraviolet (UV) light as a therapeutic exercise to harness the positive psychological and physiological effects of exposure to UV light. This practice became widespread in Europe, particularly in the sun-deprived northern countries by the 1970s--several years before the first indoor tanning facility was established in the UK. Although indoor tanning is considered a cosmetic exercise the roots are therapeutic and many people do in fact visit tanning facilities for that purpose.

The indoor tanning industry has grown substantially in 25 years. Today it is a strong part of the small business community. And each year about 10 percent of the public visits an indoor tanning facility. This business is estimated to be worth £3 billion worldwide.

The indoor tanning industry's position is summed up in this declaration:

"Moderate tanning, for individuals who can develop a tan, is the smartest way to maximize the potential benefits of sun exposure while minimizing the potential risks associated with either too much or too little sunlight."

The indoor tanning salon industry claims to be part of the solution in the ongoing battle against sunburn by teaching people how to identify a proper and practical life-long skin care regimen. No legislation covers indoor tanning just the following government guidance:

"Like the sun, sun-beds give out UV rays that can increase the risk of skin cancer. The more you use sunbeds, the greater the risk is likely to be and when the tan fades, the skin damage remains. If you're under 16 you should never use a sunbed, as young skin is more delicate and prone to damage than older skin. Even if you are over 16 you should be very careful if you choose to use one. You should also really avoid sunbeds altogether if you:

a. - have fair or freckly skin

b. - burn easily

c. - have a lot of moles

d. - have a family history of skin cancer

e. - use medication that increases your sensitivity to UV.

If you do decide to use one, limit yourself to two sessions a week, over a period of 30 weeks, every year. But remember that if you don't tan in the sun, you won't tan any more easily on a sunbeds."

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer has a 20- to 30-year latency period. The rates of skin cancer we are seeing today are most likely the result of bad habits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s that were based on ignorance and misinformation about sun tanning. In those days, many people still considered sunburns an inconvenient right of spring, a precursor to developing a summer tan. People believed that sunburns would "fade" into tans, and so tanners hit the beaches with baby oil and reflectors. Severe burns were commonplace. Today we know how reckless and uninformed that approach was. What's more, the photobiology research community has determined that most skin cancers are related to a strong pattern of intermittent exposure to ultraviolet light in people who are genetically predisposed to skin cancer. These skin cancers are not simply the result of cumulative exposure. Once again, this suggests that heredity and a pattern of repeated sun burning are the primary factors associated with skin cancer.

Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes). An increased risk of melanoma has been associated with people who have moles or repeated sunburn experiences as a child or young adult. Most melanomas occur on non-sun-exposed parts of the body. For example, melanoma is infrequently found on the face. Although melanoma accounts for only 5% of all newly diagnosed skin cancer cases each year, it is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is the only form of skin cancer that is aggressive with any regularity.

Heredity, fair skin, an abnormally high number of moles on one's body (above 40) and a history of repeated childhood sunburns have all been implicated as potential risk factors for this disease. As a nation high in Celtic heredity Scotland needs to consider these facts.

Scotland's Skin Cancer Epidemic

Scotland may be experiencing a skin cancer epidemic with the incidence of skin cancer tripling in the last thirty years. There were over 7,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed in 2001, up from 2,200 in 1975 and higher rates of melanoma incidence have been reported in Scotland than in the rest of the UK.

In the age group 20-39 years, malignant melanoma is the second most common cancer in the UK. This is an unusually young age distribution for an adult cancer and emphasises the importance of its prevention and early treatment to avert the potential loss of many years of life.
On average, about 20 years of life are lost for each melanoma death in the UK.

The NHS and a number of cancer charities have most clearly linked the steep rise in incidence to changing cultural perceptions of a tan as desirable and the steep rise in the number of people taking holidays in the sun.

Tanning grew significantly in popularity through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s and as skin cancer may take 20 or more years to develop; the high rates of skin cancer can be expected to continue for many years to come.

Mortality from skin cancer, particularly melanoma, it's most aggressive form, has not fallen despite major public health initiatives to raise awareness of sun protection and skin cancer. Attempts are being made by health promotion agencies to tackle this growing problem through encouraging people to change their behaviour on holiday and convincing Scots to take care on sunny days at home.

Another source of ultraviolet light is that derived from sunbed use and medical evidence on the risk of sunbeds to health is increasing. Sunbeds have been linked to a variety of negative health effects, including eye damage, photodermatosis, photosensitivity, premature skin ageing and skin cancer.

Ultraviolet rays from sunbeds have been classified as Group 2A carcinogens by the International Association for Research into Cancer (IARC) that is, "probably causing cancer in humans." Recent analyses from studies in different countries over the last ten years have shown that the use of sunbeds increased the risk of cancer and the risk appears to be higher if use begins early in life.
Furthermore, in the UK a significant study from the British Medical Association found that sunbed users were 2.5 times more likely to develop skin cancer. The risks appear to be higher in the young.

A model has been developed to estimate human ultraviolet exposure to both sunlight and sunbeds, and this information was used to predict the contribution of sunbeds to melanoma mortality in the UK. The results of this study indicate that sunbeds cause 100 deaths from melanomas each year in the UK

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended in 2005 that no one under 18 should use a sunbed and that there is a need for guidelines or legislation to reduce the risks associated with sunbed use. WHO argues that growth in the use of sunbeds, combined with the desire and fashion to have a tan, are considered to be the prime reasons behind the fast growth in skin cancers in developed countries. The highest rates are found predominantly in those countries where people are fairest-skinned and where the sun tanning culture is strongest: Australia, New Zealand, North America and northern Europe. The people of Scotland are particularly fair-skinned and therefore at relatively high risk of developing skin cancer.

Risk Associated with Sunbeds Use

Despite common claims, radiation from sunbeds is no safer than exposure to the sun itself. The emission from many sunbeds is greater than that from the midday sun in the Mediterranean. The UVA portion of the emission spectrum can be 10-15 times higher than that of the midday sun.
A 1986 survey found that people believed that sunbeds cause less damage to skin than outdoor tanning. This is partly because of the marketing of sunbeds as a way of getting a 'safer', 'controlled' tan. Positive health claims are still being used to market cosmetic sunbeds.

In 2005 the action of ultraviolet light on skin to synthesise Vitamin D in the body was used in an advertisement funded by The Sunbed Association to promote the use of sunbeds as healthy. When a consumer complained about the inference, the Advertising Standards Authority upheld the complaint, in recognition of the fact that health professionals do not recommend sunbeds as the main source of Vitamin D, because of the risk associated with skin damage and cancer.
This was also the conclusion of the recent American Academy of Dermatology conference in May 2005. This conference reviewed evidence and recommended that Vitamin D supplements are a safer, cheaper and better alternative to raise Vitamin D levels than ultraviolet light, especially for the frail elderly and possibly for dark-skinned people with low sun exposure. Because of the documented causal relationship between skin cancer and sunbeds, many international and UK health organizations have publicly recommended that sunbeds should not be used, or their use should be limited and regulated to protect public health.

Lack of Regulation

There exists no relevant legislation other than the general Health and Safety guidance, mentioned earlier, to control the use of sunbeds.

The HSE has issued guidelines and cosmetic sunbed premises and machines are subject to the requirements of health and safety legislation in Scotland. Control of exposure is governed by the general provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulation 1999.

To comply with this legislation, duty holders are required to assess the health and safety risks caused by their work activities which will include the risks to employees and customers from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and put in place measures to control these risks as far as is reasonably practicable.

Specific guidance has been issued by the HSE on Controlling the Risks from the Use of Ultraviolet Tanning Equipment and can be found at:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg209.pdf

Some businesses operate under a voluntary code of conduct agreed by the Sunbed Association. The Sunbed Association claims 20-25% of cosmetic sunbed premises are in membership. Consequently, with those numbers, voluntary arrangements can only have limited effect.

Although the Sunbed Association provides training schedules, there appears to be no requirement for training associated with the use of non-therapeutic UV radiation. The responsibility is on the provider to supply appropriate information that will allow potential clients to make an informed decision about whether or not sunbeds are suitable for their use. International legislation is diverse but it is significant that the need for regulation is recognized in France, Belgium, Sweden, Canada and the USA. European standards exist to regulate ultraviolet lamp emission strength and sunbed products.

The Case for Sunbed Salon Licensing

It is only within the last decade that public health authorities in Scotland have begun to highlight the health risks associated with sunbed use and in particular, the increased risk of developing skin cancer. In the past, many local authorities provided tanning facilities within their own leisure centres. The association of sunbeds with leisure facilities reinforced the perception that a tan is a sign of good health. Fortunately, over the last decade most sunbeds have been removed from local authority premises. In the main, this has been done because local authorities perceive this to be an action they can take to discourage the use of sunbeds for cosmetic tanning purposes, and to highlight the dangers associated with use.

In addition, the problem of skin cancer has often been viewed as a local community issue, with the subsequent onus on local authorities to take action. However, while the provision of sunbeds in local authority facilities has decreased, the number of commercial sunbed premises has increased.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that some cosmetic sunbed premises are poorly run and offer little advice on the health risks associated with sunbed use.

A 2003 REHIS survey of 794 cosmetic sunbed premises in all 32 Scottish local authority areas identified a number of un-staffed and unsupervised premises and salons that were failing to check the age of customers or enquire about skin type or medical conditions which may deem sunbed use particularly ill advisable. In addition, the survey highlighted a number of salons that were failing to offer customers adequate eye protection.

Surveys in the UK and North America show that tanning salon operators typically show ignorance of sunbed risks and fail to enforce rules for using sunbeds.

The University of Dundee and Perth and Kinross Council in a joint study of privately operated premises in Tayside revealed the following major incidences of poor practice:

o 89% exercised no administrative control on the number of sessions/customer

o 81% failed to give adequate advice to customers

o 59% maintained no customer records

o 33% displayed no guidance to users

The recent change by many commercial operators to adopt more powerful UV lamps using shorter wavelengths has led to even greater concern amongst health professionals. An assessment by the Photobiology Unit at the University of Dundee Ninewells Hospital concluded that "all tanning units are potentially harmful and that the newer stand-up type has a much greater risk than has been generally appreciated.

Scottish Executive Proposal

Compel local authorities to issue licences regulating cosmetic sunbeds premises. Require providers of cosmetic tanning facilities, or equipment, to obtain a licence to operate from the local authority. The licensing conditions would be set so that local authorities could:

o Prevent the use of sunbeds by children

o Protect adults from over-exposure

o Ensure that sunbed users are supervised

o End the use of coin-operated machines

o Ensure that sunbed sessions are monitored and limited

o Provide health risk information in sunbed parlours

o Inspect premises

The proposal seeks to achieve a number of objectives. By providing health risk information it aims to ensure adults are equipped to make informed choices about the risks of sunbed use. The conditions of licensing would require staff to be on premises, which would help to prevent overexposure to ultraviolet light, especially by those who are more sensitive such as users with fair skins. Reduce the number of burns and accidents currently attributed to the misuse of unsupervised equipment and would drive up standards amongst operators. Premises not holding a licence would not be permitted to trade.

The lack of sunbed regulation in commercial premises and the damaging impact this can have, is best illustrated by example.

In the summer of 2004, two young boys aged 11 and 13 years old used unsupervised sunbeds in Stirling and were so badly burnt, they had to be admitted to hospital. Stirling Council environmental health officers were alerted to investigate the incident but because there was no legislation covering the regulation of sunbeds, action could not be taken against the salon for being un-staffed or for allowing young people under the age of 16 years to use a sunbed.

Impact of Licensing Scheme

It is anticipated that those businesses which could not meet a licensing requirement would be required to either invest in their businesses or be forced to cease trading. This would also eliminate the existence of coin-operated sunbed machines as well as the presence of un-staffed locations.
The cost of a licensing scheme must be balanced against the cost of reducing the harm caused by sunbeds. Although there would also be an administrative charge to operators of premises, in the long run the regulations would reduce the number of Scots - presently around 7,000 per year - who are being treated for skin cancer by the National Health Service.

Conclusion

Scotland needs to take action to tackle skin cancer and the public health message that sunbeds are potentially dangerous needs to be heard loud and clear. A system of licensing for sunbed salons could do for skin cancer what the health warning on packs of cigarettes has done for lung cancer.
It would introduce health controls in an otherwise very unregulated area, it would protect our young people and children from harm and it would raise public awareness of the dangers of skin cancer.

It is suggested that the voluntary regulation scheme is ineffective, and there may be a need for formal regulation in this area. Regulating sunbeds to ensure that children do not use them and to ensure that all users are aware of the risks associated with sunbed use, could be a major step forwards in the drive to control Scotland's skin cancer epidemic.

Reference Material: (If you have a deeper interest)

1. Statistical Information Team Cancer Research UK (2006) 'CancerStats, Malignant Melanoma-UK'Information available online at http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerstats/

2. Spencer, J. & Amonette, R. Indoor tanning: risks, benefits, and future trends.

3. Solar and ultraviolet radiation. (IARCPress, Lyon, 1992)

4. Gallagher RP, Spinelli JJ, Lee TK. Tanning beds, sunlamps and risk of cutaneous malignant melanoma,Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2005;14:562

5. Young AR, Tanning devices - fast track to skin cancer? Pigment Cell Res 2004;17:2-9

6. Karagas MR, Stannard VA, Mott LA, et al. (2002) Use of tanning devices and risk of basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Journal of the National Cancer Institute 94:224-6.

7. Westerdahl J, Olsson H, Masback A et al. (1994) "Use of sunbeds or sunlamps and malignant melanoma in Southern Sweden".American Journal of Eepidemiology 140:691-9.

8. Diffey, B. A quantitative estimate of melanoma mortality from ultraviolet A sunbed use in the U.K.Br J Dermatol 149, 578-81 (2003).

9. WHO fact sheet : Sunbeds, tanning and UV exposure, March 2005, at http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs287/en/

10. Gerber, B., Mathys, P. Moser, M., Bressoud, D. & Braun-Fahrlander, C. Ultraviolet emission spectra of sunbeds. Photochem Photobiol 76, 664-8 (2002).

11. Wester, U., Boldemann, C., Jansson, B. & Ullen, H. Population UV-dose and skin area--do sunbeds rival the sun? Health Phys 77, 436-40 (1999)

12. Autier, P. Perspectives in melanoma prevention: the case of sunbeds. Eur J Cancer 40, 2367-2376 (2004). Advertising Standards Authority- non-broadcast adjudication, 7September 2005, http://www.asa.org.uk

13. Lim HW, Sunlight, tanning booths and Vitamin D, J Am Acad Dermatol 2005;52;868-76

14. British Medical Association- http://www.bma.org.uk

15. REHIS calls for Executive Action on Sunbeds, poor standards putting Scots at risk,November 2003

16. Ross, R. & Phillips, B. Twenty questions for tanning facility operators: a survey of operator knowledge. Can J Public Health 85, 393-6 (1994)

17. Moseley, H., Davidson, M. & Ferguson, J. A hazard assessment of artificial tanning units. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 14, 79-87 (1998).

18. Culley, C. et al. Compliance with federal and state legislation by indoor tanning facilities in San Diego. J Am Acad Dermatol 44, 53-60 (2001).

19. Moseley, H, MDavidson and J Ferguson. (1999) "Sunbeds and the need to know" British Journal of Dermatology. 141: 573-609

20. Royal Environmental Health Institute survey, November 2003 [cited in note 2].

21. NHS Scotland - Survey of Sunbed Salons in Scotland. Information collated by Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland, 3 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7DH, November 2003.

Cosmetic Surgery after Gastric Bypass

Gastric Bypass is a relatively new medical procedure that causes much wanted massive weight loss. For those that undergo the procedure, cosmetic surgery after gastric bypass is a common follow up.

Gastric bypass surgery is one of the fastest growing surgical procedures in the United States today. Over 145,000 people had gastric bypass, also known as bariatric, surgery in the year 2004 alone, which showed a huge increase over the 47,000 patients that underwent this procedure in 2001. While the use of gastric bypass to lose weight has become more common, it is not a perfect solution. Many patients require cosmetic surgery after gastric bypass surgery, in order to get the exact look they want.

Cosmetic surgery after gastric bypass can be a mandatory step for some patients, due to the amount of weight that they lose and the loose skin that is created by this weight loss. Directly after the gastric bypass surgery, most patients are placed in body shaping compression garments. These garments help to put pressure on the areas of the body that are going to be losing the most weight, such as the abdomen and the thighs and buttocksocks. The purpose of this compression is to help the body's tissues (skin especially) to contract naturally after a large weight loss, and also to stop edema (swelling from fluid).

The most common cosmetic surgery after gastric bypass is the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. This surgery involves cutting off excess skin in the stomach area, and then helping to redrape the skin over the muscle, pulling it taught. While the tummy tuck procedure does leave at least one scar, often this surgery and resulting scarring is preferable to the excess skin.

Another procedure that is often performed after gastric bypass is liposuction. While liposuction is not the best way to lose large amounts of weight, it can be helpful after bariatric surgery, because it can remove fat deposits from areas where weight loss by itself is not working. Examples of this can be in the chin area - some patients have double chins even after losing large amounts of weight through surgery, or in areas such as the love handles, which may not disappear even with massive weight loss.

Cosmetic surgery after gastric bypass can be a good way to help bariatric patients to feel their very best. While the gastric bypass may be the major surgery, additional cosmetic procedures can help to make bodies that have lost a lot of weight look even shapelier. The removal of excess skin or fat deposits can help patients to really have the body they've always wanted.

My 'Plastic Surgery Of The Future' Predictions - From 2005!

In 2005, I wrote an article containing my predictions for the future of Plastic Surgery and what we might see happening within the next few years. I thought it would be fun to see, now some 7 years later, how accurate my predictions were.

Face- Seven years ago, I predicted that there would be less and less surgery and more innovations every year in the non-surgical, office-style methods to restore and rejuvenate the face. In 2005, I predicted that by 2010, non-surgical cosmetic procedures would actually outnumber surgical procedures. It occurred way before that. By 2007, non-surgical cosmetic procedures were responsible for 80% or more of all the cosmetic procedures performed annually in the U.S.and they have stayed in that dominating 80% range ever since! The number of injectable products, non-invasive treatments, and office options we have to offer is almost overwhelming! And each year, the bar gets raised just a little higher on the ease of the treatments, the quality and duration of the results, and the limited down-time. The "Facelift in a bottle" has really become the reality! There are currently literally dozens of very good options in "wrinkle fillers" - many lasting a year or even more. One filler - Artefill簧 - can smooth and fill out facial folds and wrinkles for several years with just one simple office treatment! We also have alternatives to Botox簧 such as Dysport簧 and Xeomin簧 - injectables which have subtle variations in benefits for individual patients. The word is out that we are very likely to see yet another "new and improved" form of Botox coming out this year from Johnson & Johnson called "Puretox"!

Body Fat- In 2005, I predicted that O.R. liposuction would fall by the wayside as minimally invasive and non-invasive techniques for body reshaping would take over. We're still not quite there yet, but I guessed that the technology enabling office domination over the O.R.for body reshaping would take awhile - I gave this until about 2017. I guess the validity of this prediction still remains to be seen as Liposuction and Tummy Tucks still sit prominently among the top five cosmetic surgical procedures.But you may have noticed lately that there seems to be a lot more advertising and promoting about some interesting sounding techniques to reshape the body without surgery. For example: laser lipo, fat "freezing", radiofrequency, body "tytening", high intensity focused ultrasound, etc. We've all seen doctors "hawking" these unproven and often minimally effective new "machines" on TV, claiming that these can reshape and tighten the body just as well as liposuction or tummy tucks. But although they may be suggesting that these techniques are realistic alternatives to surgery, the results rarely even come close. There may be some value and truth to the science involved - but the bottom line is that we are still somewhat in the "developmental" phase of all this and no technology has yet emerged as a real winner. When non-invasive body contouring is truly perfected, ethical cosmetic surgeons will proudly offer it to their patients and we will then see an explosion in popularity rivaling that already seen for facial rejuvenation with the neurotoxins, like Botox簧 and the wrinkle fillers, like Restylane簧!

Breasts- Nearly 10 years ago I predicted that an injectable-type product would ultimately be approved by the FDA which would allow women to enhance the shape and size of their breasts with a simple office treatment. I said that the treatment would take about an hour, with no implants, no surgery, no incisions, and no recovery. I called this fictitious injectable product "Breastylane" and commented on its softness, natural feel, lack of lumpiness and duration (about a year). Injections could be "supplemented" if desired at any time, and yearly visits could be used to simply maintain or modify as needed to account for aging, weight loss/gain or other factors. I did not think we would have this until 2020 or so. Sorry to say that we are not ahead of schedule on this one. But there are some indications that 2020 might not be all that unrealistic as a target date! Some "high volume", biologically compatible, synthetic injectable products have already successfully been used for buttock augmentation (i.e. the "Brazilian butt lift") instead of implants (not so good) or fat (not always enough). The results are being analyzed and the data is being put together. We might just have that "Breastylane" in a couple of years! Interestingly, however, currently fat injection/sculpting for the breasts seems to be picking up speed and acceptance in the Plastic Surgery community as an alternative to synthetic silicone implants. More and more surgeons are reporting some very nice and very natural looking results utilizing fat injection enhancement of the breasts.

Skin- One of the "Holy Grails" of Plastic Surgery for some time: a non-surgical, non-invasive technique for tightening loose skin. I predicted several years ago that a major revolution in bio-technology would hit the scene by 2025 which would allow for any hanging or loose skin of the face, jawline, and neck to be snugged up, smoothed and tightened - without any surgery. Well, we do have several types of lasers and similar technologies that have demonstrated some nice effects in this area, but we still don't have a reliable technique for anything other than the most mild forms of skin laxity. And the application of lasers, radiofrequency, etc. to other areas of the body, such as loose arm skin, the abdominal skin, or loose skin of the thighs? No non-invasive technique seems to have been developed yet which we can really say works all that well. Lifts and tucks are still the mainstays for loose skin...at least for now. But when loose, inelastic skin anywhere on the body can be consistently tightened and smoothed, with a simple external treatment, the long scars and long surgeries of tummy tucks, thigh lifts and breast lifts might just become ancient medical history. Although I gave this all until 2025, there are some signs in the research I'm reading these days that perhaps we'll see this a reality a little sooner. Imagine that although a grandmother of 5, Madonna might appear regularly in a very revealing "belly shirt", advertising her "Hot Seniors" fashion line and honestly denying any suggestion that she's had any cosmetic "surgery"!

The Importance of Cosmetic Dermatology

Some people visit theirs every day, while others have never been to see one, but regardless demand for dermatologists is constantly growing in the United States. People tend to spend far more money than they realize each year on products which only provide some relief, and do not cure the inherent problem the person is having with the skin. The realization that visiting a dermatologist can provide real and permanent solutions to problems ranging from acne to sun damage is enough to send most people to a dermatological practice straight away. Prescription strength medications to correct problems going on with a patient's skin are just the beginning. New technologies are being invented regularly that truly take the practice of dermatology to new levels. One example is that of the use of lasers in medical and cosmetic dermatological practices.

Two of the most common reasons that people visit a dermatologist for the first time are sun damage and acne. While many people struggle with acne from the teen years on, they do not consider going to a dermatologist until they reach adulthood and have reached the end of their patience. Sun damage, on the other hand, is often something which appears gradually with age, but outwardly can appear to have quite a sudden onset. This kind of damage can even turn into precancerous cells. Luckily, with laser treatments San Diego dermatology professionals have discovered ways to assist patients with all of the above conditions.

The benefit of laser treatments is that they do not only treat the symptoms of a condition, but encourage the production of chemicals and elements in the skin which occur naturally, but are needed in greater quantities for the improvement of appearance. This can accomplish anything from tightening the skin to eliminate wrinkles, to encouraging healing to removing scars, liver spots and stretch marks. In other words, these laser treatments can actually rejuvenate the skin leaving it younger, fresher and healthier than before. Modern treatments also go to great lengths not to burn or damage the skin which can have negative effects in the long term. As a result the recovery times are short, the number of treatments required fewer than ever before, and the pain far less than ever before. In fact, many modern procedures are nearly painless! For more information about new laser procedures like Intense pulse light, photodynamic therapy, Active and Deep FX, Fraxel Repair, CoolTouch 2, Relume and more begin by speaking with your dermatologist!

Cosmeceutical Solutions

Over time, our skin matures through a process known as photo-aging. Photo-aging consists of premature aging from sun exposure and smoking and chronological aging that is influenced by our genetics. These changes are manifested as thickening of the top layer or epidermis of the skin, a decrease in oil production, thinning of the deeper layer of skin as a result of the loss of collagen, elastic fibers and fat and thickening of the muscles of facial expression. This leads to a dull complexion, sagging skin and wrinkles. These unwelcome changes occur as a result of the pull of gravity, facial movements and damage over time to DNA, collagen and cell membranes by free radicals.

Fortunately, many new and effective cosmeceutical skin care lines have become available to correct and protect against the effects of photo-aging. These products are designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, irregular pigmentation and to improve the overall clarity and texture of the skin. All of the currently available cosmetic products utilize one or more of the following agents - Sunscreens, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Anti-oxidants, Retinoids, Human Growth Factors and bleaching agents.

Sunscreens

Regular use of an effective sunscreen is the single most important step to maintain healthy looking skin. Even though our skin loses about 1% of its collagen and elastic tissue per year after the age of 25, it is the effect of ultraviolet light from the sun that causes most of the visible effects of aging skin as well as skin cancer. It is impossible to completely eliminate exposure to UV radiation but it can be minimized by protective clothing and the proper use of an effective sunscreen, one that protects us from both photo-aging UVA rays as well as cancer-causing UVB rays. If your skin is sensitive, use sunscreens that have physical blockers such as micronized zinc oxide and titanium oxide. If you are acne prone, use oil-free or noncomedogenic sunscreens. 

Alpha Hydroxy Acids

AHAs or fruit acids are present in various foods. The most commonly used AHA is glycolic acid which is derived naturally from sugar cane and can also be synthesized. AHAs are commonly used in low concentrations in cleansers, moisturizers and toners and in higher concentrations in peeling solutions. Their principal effect is to exfoliate the damaged outer layer of the skin and to refine its texture and appearance. AHAs also unclog pores and loosen the barrier between cells to allow effective penetration of other topical agents including moisturizers, retinoids, bleaching agents and antioxidants. AHAs are also outstanding hydrating agents and are thought to stimulate collagen production within the deeper layers of the skin.

Furfuryladenine 

Furfuryladenine is marketed in a moisturizing base as Kinerase. It is an alternative for those who cannot tolerate the acid-based AHA rejuvenation products. It is actually a plant growth hormone that has been shown to improve hydration, texture, discoloration as well as reduce fine wrinkles when used for at least 6 months. It is extremely gentle and may be used as a moisturizer in conjunction with AHAs or other agents or alone for skin rejuvenation especially in those with sensitive skin.

Antioxidants

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is also available in skin care products and protects the skin from free radical damage produced by normal aging, pollution and UV radiation from sun exposure. Free radicals result when oxygen is burned in biological systems to provide energy for growth and repair. These reactive molecules can damage normal cellular processes and structure and are a key contributor to the aging process.   While sunscreens remain the mainstay for protecting the skin against UV - induced changes, the addition of topical antioxidants provides added protection against these free radicals. 

Human Growth Factor

Various human growth factors have been incorporated into topical preparations. They are harvested as a by-product of tissue-cultured human skin. HGFs have been shown to reduce the number and depth of wrinkles and fine lines as well as improve skin texture and elasticity.

Vitamin A or Retinoids

Vitamin A acid also known as Retin A was developed over 25 years ago as an acne treatment but has been found to be effective for the prevention and treatment of skin aging. The benefits include improvement in fine wrinkles, uneven pigmentation and rough skin texture and an increase in collagen production leading to healthier skin. These benefits are related to the dose and duration of use with optimum results occurring after a year. Topical retinoids can be very irritating and most patients will initially experience redness, flaking and increased sun sensitivity. Newer formulations including Retin A Micro and Renova utilize improved delivery methods to minimize irritation. Another new retinoid, Tazorac, has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of resistant hyperpigmentation such as melasma.

Bleaching Agents

Hydroquinone is the most commonly used agent for bleaching brown marks, irregular pigment and melasma. It blocks the formation of melanin therefore the pigment will return when the product is discontinued. Aggressive exfoliation and sun protection are necessary for best results. No bleaching cream can quickly improve the appearance of brown spots and results take at least 6 weeks to 3 months.

An ideal skin rejuvenation routine incorporates several products in a complimentary fashion. Cosmeceuticals help prolong and complement other cosmetic rejuvenation procedures.

Reasons Why You Should See a Cosmetic Dentist

If you have done everything possible to take care of your teeth and still wind up in need of treatment that will make your smile more appealing, maybe you should consider seeing a cosmetic dentist. This professional specializes in improving the way your teeth and smile look. They can provide different treatment options to help increase your overall satisfaction with your smile.

One commonly performed procedure that a cosmetic dentist provides is teeth whitening services. By using bleaching products and techniques, a patient's teeth can be made several shades brighter and whiter than they were previously. Many people take advantage of this service to improve the color of their teeth and to get rid of any unsightly stains.

A cosmetic dentist can also help patients who are missing one or more of their teeth. There are different prosthetics and procedures available that can replace the missing teeth. Common replacements are dentures, implants and other prosthetics which all can give you a new set of realistic looking teeth. Keep in mind that some tooth replacements require that the patient undergo oral surgery. For instance, dental implants require oral surgery so the dental specialist can implant the screws into your gums and jaw bone for proper implant placement.

Since a this type of professional can do much to improve your appearance, it is important that you choose a professional you can trust. This means you may have to spend a little time doing some research to make sure that you choose the right professional for the job. Even if your primary dentist refers you to a cosmetic dentist, you should still check the professional's credentials and reputation.

Keep in mind that most dental procedures can be very expensive and most dental plans do not provide coverage for any procedures. It is an elective field and if you choose to take advantage of any procedures, you need to make sure that you have budgeted accordingly and have additional funding set up. Some dental providers have financing options available so you can afford more of their procedures and avoid having to delay any treatments.

If you are thinking about having a cosmetic procedure done, it is important that you talk to your dental professional first. They can provide you with information on any treatment you are looking to have and also refer you to the appropriate professionals if they are not qualified to perform your treatment. Remember. It is in your best interest to screen any professional you choose to do your treatment and you should always ask to see pictures of work they have performed on previous patients.

There is no reason why you have to walk around, hiding your teeth because you are embarrassed about your smile. It doesn't matter what the appearance of your teeth are, something can be done to make them more appealing. Contact your local cosmetic dentist and make an appointment to learn more on how you can get a more attractive smile.

Hazards of Cosmetic Surgery

Many questions have been raised against plastic surgery especially after the recent death of Miss Argentina due to complications from a surgical procedure called gluteoplasty. Even if the US is one of the leading countries with regards to cosmetic surgery safety, you should still research and understand the risk and statistics of cosmetic surgical procedures if you are planning to have one.

Risks in surgery

From just a simple scar to serious complication or even death, these are all the risk that one should take when undergoing surgery. A simple mistake during surgery will lead to deformities, and worse, it can damage a person's psychological and emotional well-being. Even expert surgeons can make mistakes that will result to scarring and will lead to becoming more conscious than ever before on that area because of the marks that was left by the procedure. Although these complications rarely happen, we still can't discount the fact that there is still a slim chance of this scenario.

Dangers in Surgery

Some fatal complications that may happen during the surgery include problems with anesthesia which is very fatal; mistakes like the use of wrong implants or incision of the wrong muscle or tissue.

Accidental cuts on nerves may result to loss of sensation or even movement which could become a permanent disability depending on the severity of the damage to the nerve. Usually, there is decreased sensation and weakness in the operated area following surgery. But if this extends for longer periods, then you should see a doctor to see if something is wrong.

Dangers after Surgery

Complications like internal hemorrhage, blood clot formation and infection may happen after the surgery. Even careful monitoring is given; this cannot always prevent complications from happening. If the attention is given to the patient post-surgically, this may lead to serious infection and at times can become life threatening.

Internal damage and infection may also result if surgical tools are left inside the body. This kind of case is often overlooked and not immediately noticed following surgery. Oftentimes, it will only become apparent that a foreign object is inside the body once infection sets in.

Patient's health

Recovery depends upon the patient's health. If the surgeon operates a patient in bad health status, it would be the surgeons fault if something bad will happen to the patient.

10 Tips on Selecting the Best Cosmetic Dentist

It's not easy to look for the right cosmetic dentist no matter how much you browse the web for dentistry articles. These articles tend to describe dental skills and experience, but good interpersonal skills also count. So here are some tips to make the search easier.

1. Do some research; cosmetic dentists may not be documented by association of dentists in your country. So look for licenses and certifications. Ask your friends if they can recommend a good dentist. At least one of them should be able to give a name.

2. Consider the training the dentist has in cosmetic dentistry and find out if their degree is from one of the top dentistry schools. It's not enough that they are a licensed dentist. Considerable skill and experience in cosmetic dentistry is vital.

3. Have a dental examination. A good way to know if a dentist is any good is by asking for a dental examination, which is less expensive than any cosmetic procedure. This will allow you to determine whether the dentist is professional in dealing with you. It will also let you take a look at the office environment. Is it neat and tidy? Does the dentist seem well organized?

4. Ask what could be done to your teeth for that perfect smile. Seasoned dentists will include all problems in your dentition and recommend a number of options. Cosmetic dentists should consider your facial bone structure and the shape of your lips and gums. They may suggest reconstruction, wearing braces or other options. See how well the dentist provides recommendations.

5. How does the dentist approach you? It's very important for dentists to be warm and friendly. There are many people who are afraid of dentists. Those who are friendly and nice can calm patients and make them feel more comfortable.

6. Look at sample work done on previous clients. There is no better way to evaluate the skill and experience of a cosmetic dentist than to look at their portfolio.

7. There should be no bad press about the dentist. Bad dental news about a dentist works against them. Consider dentists who maintain a good reputation.

8. Consider the median cost. Inexperienced dentists tend to charge lower fees because they are building their practice. Well established ones can charge exorbitantly. Go for those who charge reasonable fees. You can find a dentist who will add a sparkle to your smile without turning your pockets inside out.

9. Manage your expectations. The services you receive depend greatly on your budget. Do not expect too much if you are paying the lowest price point. You probably hear people complaining after a basic dental cleaning procedure that their teeth didn't go white. A dental bleaching procedure is much more costly than a basic cleaning, and this procedure will not be done unless you specifically asked for it or your dentist advised it and you agreed.

10. Ask who will do the procedure. Sometimes the dentist made you very comfortable during your initial appointment, but upon your second visit you are surprised to discover a different person installs the dental implants or applies braces. So ask who will be performing your procedures. If the dentist does not do the procedures, at least have them introduce you to the one who will.

Breast Symmetry Procedures - What to Expect

Almost all women have some degree of asymmetrical breasts, but some women have a significant unevenness in breast shape and size; this can be corrected with a breast augmentation or breast reduction procedure. Breast symmetry procedures are performed to restore or reduce the volume or amount of tissues in the breast so that the breasts appear more balanced and the woman can feel more comfortable with her appearance.

If you have uneven breasts and are considering cosmetic surgery to enhance your silhouette, here's what to expect with breast symmetry procedures:

How are Breast Symmetry Procedures Performed?

Breast symmetry procedures are typically performed under general anesthesia, and the amount will depend on the length of the surgery and the type of techniques the surgeon will be using. If the surgeon is only creating a few small incisions to remove excess fat with liposuction, or to remove small pieces of breast tissue, the procedure may be performed using local anesthesia.

If one or both breasts need to be made larger, the surgeon may use a miniature version of saline or silicone implants; in this type of surgery, the surgeon will need to make an incision near the breast tissue and around the areola to create a small pocket for the implant. The implant will be inserted into the pocket and the surrounding tissues will be repositioned before the skin is sutured back together.

If one or both breasts need to be reduced in size, the surgeon may use a mini-liposuction procedure to extract any excess fatty tissue. The surgeon can then reposition the breast tissues so that the breast appears more even and resembles the size and shape of the other breast. All incisions made can be sutured together and gauze or a tight bandage will be wrapped around the treated area so that it can heal.

Are there Potential Risks or Complications with Breast Symmetry Procedures?

Most patients will experience tenderness, soreness or even mild swelling in the areas of the incisions for at least 48-72 hours after the procedure, and the surgeon will have wrapped the breasts in a tight gauze to encourage rapid healing. As with most breast augmentation and breast reduction procedures, there are some risks and complications to be aware of. Breast symmetry procedures may cause significant discomfort and pain for several weeks after surgery if the body is unable to heal properly.

If the scar tissues from the incisions become infected or inflamed, you may need additional treatment or required to take medications to help improve the healing process and reduce the risk of tissue damage. If the scars do not heal properly at all, you may be left with noticeable scars that are difficult to hide. These and other risks associated with the surgery will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Other Information About Breast Symmetry Procedures

Finding the right plastic surgery doctor for the procedure is important for the success of your surgery, and you'll need to work with a plastic or cosmetic surgeon who already performs breast augmentation or breast reduction procedures on a regular basis. Surgeons who specialize in breast augmentation may use advanced techniques for the surgery so that your results appear natural and leave you with as few scars from incisions as possible.

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery - Have You Joined The Growing Trend?

Cosmetic plastic surgery has just exploded in the last 10 years. It is simply amazing to see what today's doctors and technology can do to alter your image and create a whole new you. So, just how popular has cosmetic surgery become here in the United States? Here's a quick look with some statistics that may surprise you.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, in 2006 there were approximately 11.5 million cosmetic surgeries just in America.

Why the increase? For one, reality TV has bombarded us with shows that take an average person and change them into a beauty queen. We are also seeing a dramatic rise in TV commercials advertising these types of procedures. Finally, costs have come down to where procedures are affordable to almost everyone now.

Another factor to the rise in cosmetic surgery is the baby-boomers. These massive groups of people are all trying to look younger and recapture their youthful appearance. And they have the discretionary income to do so.

What are the most popular procedures? In 2006 here is what the top 5 surgical procedures looked like:

1. Liposuction

2. Breast Augmentation

3. Eyelid Surgery

4. Tummy Tuck

5. Breast Reduction

It seems like we have an almost equal number of women who want larger breasts and those who want smaller breasts.

The most common non-surgical procedure is far and away the Botox procedure. Over 2.5 million Botox procedures were done on women in 2006. Amazingly, only 300,000 men opted for this procedure.

The most popular cosmetic surgery procedure for men is liposuction. In 2006 there were more than 50,000 of these procedures done on men.

Another point that illustrates just how popular cosmetic surgery has become in this country is the fact that since 1997, there has been a 446% increase in the number of procedures performed in the United States.

There is no denying that cosmetic plastic surgery has exploded in our nation, and the trend looks to continue and further grow for years into the future.

6 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures You Can Do at Home

You already look perfect, but you shouldn't worry too much if there are imperfections that you feel need to be fixed. You don't have to undergo plastic surgery or spend a lot of money to look like a superstar. Here are some makeup remedies that you can try out.

1. For dark under eye circles

You can make under eye circles go away with a combination of two concealers. Start with a pale pink concealer to correct the purple-green color of your circles. Then, apply your usual (yellow-toned) concealer. Make sure you apply concealer under each eye, up the lash lines and toward the inner corners. Use your fingers to gently pat and blend the concealer. Lock it in place with loose powder.

2. For lines around the lips

Plump the skin around your mouth with a moisturizer will help reduce lip lines. Follow that with a lip balm made with beeswax; its heavy consistency softens lip lines and creates a barrier that keeps lip color from migrating. Then, choose a creamy matte lipstick to wear over the liner in a shade similar to your natural lip tone.

3. For bringing out cheekbones

Use a bronzer on the bottom of part of your cheekbones to "shade" the area. Then, use an upward sweeping motion following the line of the lower part of the bone. The idea is to create definition through shading where there is none. Then, apply some blush to the tops of your cheekbones in the same upward sweeping motion. This should follow the bone up around to your eye sockets.

4. For thin lips

Top lip color with a dot of clear gloss in the center of your top and bottom lips. It's the reflective quality to the highest points of your lips that creates a pouty appearance.

5. For blemishes and scars

Apply cream or cake-type concealer into acne pits, using a fine brush. The concealer should be one shade lighter than the foundation. In case of dark patches, use a concealer that is one or two shades lighter than the foundation. After concealing, apply normal foundation all over the face and neck.

6. For a tired, aged face

To look fresh after pulling an all-nighter, pat concealer onto the inner corners of your eyes, under your lower lashes and next to your nose. Finish by swirling bush or bronzer over your cheeks.

Once you get the hang of doing these makeup tricks, you'll look great in just a matter of minutes.

Can I Really See a 'Before and After' Before Cosmetic Surgery?

Individuals who are researching cosmetic surgery clinics or seeking a plastic surgeon do so for one reason - they want to change an aspect of their physical appearance. Plastic surgery can reduce the appearance of scars, reconstruct breasts or enhance features. Procedures such as rhinoplasty or breast augmentation have become common and many individuals seek these options as a way to enhance their lives. Plastic surgery can do these things, but the results may not always be what people expected.

Cosmetic surgery clinics commonly use a technology called digital imaging or plastic surgery computer imaging. This technology allows a surgeon to manipulate a photo of the patient using techniques such as digital photography, scanning, composition and manipulation of graphics. The images that are created through this manipulation are a guide for both the patient and surgeon as to the desired outcome of the procedure. There are a number of factors that individuals should consider after seeing the images provided by their surgeon.

1. Digital imaging or computer imaging requires the software user to have considerable skill in a variety of manipulation areas. The software is not an automated process and the image created by the surgeon will not necessarily take into consideration the individualized muscle, nerve and bone structure of the patient. In easier terms, the results in the picture may not be obtainable based on your body structure.

2. Every patient is different. Some individuals may take a longer time to heal; others may experience an increased level of scarring or have a higher incidence of infection. Skin can stretch, swell or shift for an extended period of time after surgery. The final results of any cosmetic procedure may take quite some time to be fully revealed. All of these factors will affect the final outcome of any cosmetic procedure.

3. Digital imaging does not provide an accurate prediction for all cosmetic procedure types. These images have been proven to be useful for liposuction, breast augmentation, facial resurfacing, nose surgery or tummy tuck procedures. If your procedure is not listed above, fully research the success of the software on your particular procedure.

4. The result of your cosmetic procedure will ultimately be based on the skill of your plastic surgeon. Meet with prospective surgeons, discuss the surgery process in as much detail as possible, ask about the best and worst case scenarios for recovery. Ask the surgeon for pictures of previous clients. These client portfolios should include a photo of the individual before surgery, the digital image used as a surgery guide and a photo of the individual after healing is completed. Evaluate the success of the surgeon in recreating the desired outcome.

If you choose to undergo any cosmetic procedure be aware that the digital image created by your surgeon does not guarantee an actual surgical outcome. This image is a three dimensional image used to provide insight into your expected outcome. Use the image to open a conversation between you and your surgeon based on your expectations.

Cosmetic Dentist and Advice for Veneers

A cosmetic dentist is a dental specialist who focuses on the aesthetic aspect of dentistry. This means that the professional aims to improve and beautify the oral cavity and the smile of his or her patients. There are many different procedures and solutions that fall under this kind of practice. Among these is the use and application of veneers. They are the solutions to a number of dental problems that plague many people. These issues include, but are not limited to, discoloration, chips, breaks and crooked teeth.

Veneers

These dental applications are actually facades which are applied on the teeth of the patient to improve their appearance and function. A cosmetic dentist will advise his patient regarding their fragility because they tend to come off or break when they encounter a hard object. There are two materials which are commonly used for these; they are porcelain and composite compound. The porcelain is basically more fragile than the composite compound.

Veneers made from the porcelain are also more tooth-like in appearance. This is based on the opacity and the color of the material and the basis of the general preference of many people for this type. The downside to this material is the cost. Since it is generally more expensive even without being used as a dental application, it follows that when it is formed as a cap for the tooth, it is be really expensive. The composite compound is hardier compared to it but also more plastic-like in appearance when viewed up close. The cosmetic dentist will recommend this to patients who have a preference for the less expensive material and for those who like to eat tough foods.

Advice

The cosmetic dentist needs to educate his patient regarding the use and application of veneers before they can be applied on the teeth. It is important that the patient knows that each tooth that will use the veneers will need to be reshaped in such a way that will render them unusable without the applications. The reason why they are reshaped is to accommodate the application of the caps on the tooth. If the caps are placed without reshaping, they cannot be accommodated due to the tightness between each tooth.

There is usually a very slim gap between each tooth, even the floss sometimes has a difficult time passing through these gaps. Porcelain cannot be made as thin as floss because this will impact the fragility of the material and make it more prone to cracking. On the other hand, the composite compound may be more resilient than the porcelain but it is also requires more work to polish and shape even after it has been applied on the tooth. Dentists will also advise their patient to take things easy when it comes to tough food especially if these are applied on the front teeth.

The cosmetic dentist will need to be very skilled in reshaping the tooth in order not to render it useless with too much reshaping. This skill is usually taught during dental school and honed with experience and through the years of practice.

The Latest Trends in Botox: Results From a Recent Advisory Panel

I recently participated in an Advisory Board Panel Discussion on Botox. As always, the conversation was lively and there were a number of very valuable insights that I learned from interacting with my Plastic Surgery and Dermatology peers.

First, we talked about the relative growth of Botox over the last few years and how this treatment has grown in popularity, despite the economic downturn, and effectively out-performed many of the other elective procedures that we are all performing in our offices. That being said, there was a common feeling that while a majority of our Botox patients previously saw it as a "nice to have", they now see their treatments as a "must have" and will actually budget and allot dollars towards each session. In fact, some practitioners even went so far as to say that their clients saw it as their edge in a workplace that has grown increasingly competitive and that they wouldn't think of giving it up. And from the sentiments of my clients, I can certainly support that.

Next, we talked about trends in the number of units and treatment areas that I clients are choosing. The overwhelming sentiment was that a glassy, polished forehead is no longer the norm and that more and more clients are opting for fewer units in this area to allow for maximal lifting of the brows. What many of us have found is that the more aggressively we treat the forehead muscle and the more we target these lines, the less lifting and shaping we have of the lateral brows. Think of this way. The face is essentially comprised of muscles that lift and muscles that depress. To reverse aging, we generally try and treat the muscles that pull tissue down to allow for maximal lift. However, given that the forehead muscle is a "lifter", the more we treat it the less arching we see of the brows. So many of us have opted for a more conservative approach to the treatment of the forehead and explain to our patients that they can either have fewer lines and wrinkles or more optimal shaping of the brows. For the most part, my clients generally prefer the latter.

In contrast, the central brow (or "glabella") appears to be an area where most of our clients still prefer a stronger treatment. The more we furrow our inner brows over time, the more chance we have of developing the notorious "11's". And when we do, we can look angry, mean, or simply upset when in reality we are none of these. And so the treatment pattern here is still focused on a stronger blockade of the brow muscles along with gentle elevation and shaping of the inner brow.

The crow's feet area is less well-defined. Some clients like a stronger treatment and a more thorough eradication of these lines while some prefer to maintain these lines of expression and go for a more subtle approach. As with all of the other areas, discussion with our clients before treatment is essential in determining what should be treated and how aggressively it should be managed.

With that in mind and with seemingly every person somehow connected to the medical profession injecting BOTOX, how in the world do you know who to choose? The answer is simple. Look for a trained professional with an aesthetic eye who has enough experience to know not only what to do but also what not to do in order to help you achieve the most optimal results. And, above all, do not let price be the determining factor. Unfortunately, you often get exactly what you paid for and so keep in mind that it is far easier to achieve a good result the first time around than to try and fix a bad result after it happens.

I hope that helps. For more information on Botox Cosmetic or other facial injectables, please feel free to contact us at our Denver Plastic Surgery office. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cosmetic Surgery - The Most Common Procedures

Cosmetic surgery is no longer just for celebrities, or the rich and famous. The influx of people who are receiving cosmetic surgery now a days its astounding. You probably know at least one person who has had cosmetic surgery. And if you don't know someone directly, we sure see enough of it on TV and in the pages of magazines and ads. Everyone from the soccer mom, to the grandmother, to the professional athlete and rock star are having plastic surgery. The problem is that everyone has at least one imperfection on their body that they would like to fix. And cosmetic surgery can enhance, improve and restore that problem spot to perfection, without the extra work of dieting and exercise and without leaving more than a pinprick of a scar in some cases.
Whatever your desired beauty it can be yours through cosmetic surgery. From the stomach to the breasts to the nose and the eyelids there is very little room for error. Although there is no limitation to what someone could claim as imperfection, the surgery rosters are full of new surgeries and the list has not stopped yet. More obscure surgeries are being done everyday such as the Phalloplasty which is used to enlarge the penis, Buttock augmentation, Labiaplasty a surgical reduction and reshaping of the labia, Otoplasty a reshaping of the ear, and Orthognathic Surgery is manipulation of the facial bones through controlled fracturing. The five most popular aesthetic surgeries right now are breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty and abdominoplasty.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures of our time has to be liposuction. Liposuction is process where by fat is removed from different areas of the body. A vacuum is inserted into the specific area to extract fat deposits. If there is difficulty with suction, a fluid with anesthetic may be pumped under the skin, or an ultrasound probe can break up fatty deposits before the surgery begins. Due to the very small incision this procedure can usually be completed with very little scarring. Moreover, most often than not liposuction in the abdominal area is done in conjunction with a tummy tuck. Other areas of liposuction include the thighs inner and outer and flanks.

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is used most often in conjunction with liposuction of the abdomen. However, in other cases tummy tucks can be used for patients after pregnancy or individuals who have lost a tremendous amount of weight. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the middle to lower abdominals to tighten the abdominal wall. Not everyone is permitted to get a tummy tuck. The restrictions require people to try exercise and diet before even considering this procedure. They restrict it to people who are looking to lose their last 10-15 pounds. Surgeons regulate patients who can receive this surgery because of the risks and complications. Due to high risks of complications not all states allow the combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty during the same surgical timeframe. This will require two different surgeries and take additional time to heal. Unlike the liposuction, tummy tucks will cause a scar. Due to the amount of skin that has to be removed during a tummy tuck this will determine how big scarring will be.

Mammoplasty refers to all of the different types of breast augmentations. Breast enlargement or enhancement, breast reduction, mastectomy, mastopexy, and breast reconstruction are all different types of breast surgeries. However, breast enlargement is the surgery we will cover here. Breast enhancement is the most common cosmetic surgery in the US. Women who are genetically challenged in the breast department have been receiving breast enlargement surgery for years. There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled implants. Determining to have breast augmentation should be considered carefully. Many women choose to have it done and don't know what size to go up to. Some choose too big and later want to have them removed or reduced where as other women choose too small and want to make them bigger. Pectoral implants are the mens version of breast augmentation.

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping has been done for thousands of years. People who elect to have nose jobs come from all walks of life and are usually trying to correct a crooked appearance of the nose. There are two types of rhinoplasties open and closed. An open procedure requires a small incision at the base of the nose where the skin separates the nostrils. With a closed procedure no incision is required. During a rhinoplasty the surgeon will reshape the cartilage and bone of the nose. Once complete the skin is smoothed around the newly formed nose. Unless there was trauma, birth defects or breathing problems caused by the nose, rhinoplasties are purely cosmetic. Some reasons people elect to have nose surgery are a large nose, a bump in the bridge of the nose, or a crooked nose.

Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery is done to remove excess skin or fat from the eyelid. As we age the elasticity of our skin decreases overtime causing our skin to sag. In the eyelids sagging skin can cause sight problems if the eyelids hang over the eyelashes. Most eyelid surgeries are for cosmetic reasons and are done on older patients. However, lower eyelid surgery is normally done to reduce puffiness and bags around the eye, which cause skin wrinkles. There are two types of blepharoplasty, the first involves an incision on the outer lid to remove excess skin and fat, however the second transconjunctival blepharoplasty requires an incision on the inside surface of the lower eyelid which only allows for the remove of fat deposits and not excess skin.

Whichever cosmetic surgery procedure you choose remember that there are always risks of complications. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully to ensure a full recovery. It will take time after your surgery is complete to see the end result of your painful transformation to beauty but most say that it is worth it.

Cosmetic Surgery in China: Is Growing Demand Causing Surgical Errors?

Before 1980 plastic surgery was completely banned throughout all of communist China, but with a booming economy propelling it forward cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular among its estimated 1.3-billion person population. In Fact, China's cosmetic surgery industry is estimated at $2.5 billion a year. The number 9 People's Hospital in Shanghai completed over 25k plastic surgery procedures in 2003, which is a 25% increase from the previous year.

It's difficult not to notice the link between a relatively new growing capitalism economy and the increasing demand for luxury purchases such as cosmetic surgery. The demand is not surprising, however the types of cosmetic surgeries more commonly performed in China are quite different then those most commonly performed in western society. In China the most popular procedures are not breast enhancement, liposuction, or tummy tuck; in fact the only procedure that may be commonplace between China and the west is rhinoplasty, in which the Chinese usually opt for nose enlargement. The most popular cosmetic procedure in China is called "double eyelids", a procedure where naturally smooth Asian eyelids are creased to appear more European. The procedure requires that a thin layer of fat is removed from the eyelid, and then a crease is stitched in. Some Chinese believe foreigners perceive them as having flat faces and small eyes, so they see western features as being more attractive.

With the popularity and demand for plastic surgery in China rising, the number of surgical errors is closely following. The Chinese do not have well-established regulation and enforcement, so even gross surgical errors often do not result in legal consequences for unscrupulous doctors. Last year China was shocked by the sudden death of singer Wang Bei, who died during a cosmetic surgical procedure to grind back her jaw (another technique to give a more European look to the face).

It is also believed that several hundred thousand women were injected in the face and breasts with a toxic substance known as Aomeiding. Pictures online show women with a greenish substance leaking from their skin, and individuals report continued pain and discomfort in the affected areas. No legal charges are known to have been issued to medical professionals at this time.

Wherever there is a demand for a product or service anywhere in the world there is an opportunity for business, unfortunately that means there is also an opportunity for people to take advantage of the situation in an unscrupulous manner. In a situation like China's, there is an even higher risk because the financial opportunity is so high, and the risks relatively low. Without better regulation and more active enforcement, the Chinese people may continue to be the victims of doctors willing to risk patient health for short-term profits. Right now the plastic surgery industry in China is trending towards a marketing and sales model instead of adopting overall health and well-being philosophies more intoned with patients real needs.