Jacqueline Luxe

Is Too Much Texting Causing You Turkey Neck?

jacquelineluxe — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:44:11 PDT

Texting on your phone too much could cause neck wrinkles or “Smart phone neck” as it has been dubbed, reports the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Another cell phone side effect can be breakouts on the side of the face where you hold your phone. To alleviate this, try exfoliating that side of the face nightly or try keeping your phone from touching your face. You may also benefit from a skin care plan and products from your doctor. Dr. Robert Kratschmer explains that, “Wrinkles and crepey skin on the neck are very common. Some are even arguing that consistent texting and web browsing on your cellphone can contribute to these issues. That constant looking down posture leads to a scrunched up neck.”

If these less invasive options are still not enough, Houston, Texas Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Kratschmer offers other aesthetic options for neck lines and wrinkles.

You might choose to combine a neck facial with a laser treatment, light therapy, chemical peel or skin care product regimen, depending on your surgeon’s advice. A new procedure called Smartlipo Triplex is a minimally invasive, laser-assisted lipolysis procedure that targets trouble spots and permanently eliminates fat.

Dr. Kratschmer explains that, “A long, narrow neck and a strong jawline are desirable aesthetic traits. But aging or weight fluctuations can hide the neck, jaw and chin – with loose skin or pockets of fat. Depending on which problem you have, a surgeon may recommend neck lift surgery (to address loose neck skin) or lipo-contouring of the neck area. Determining the right procedure will involve an assessment of your skin elasticity, health and medical history.”

The vertical bands that extend from under the chin to the base of the neck are caused by the neck muscle called the platysma. Botox can be injected into the muscle to temporarily reduce the appearance of these bands. This is a simple in office procedure that requires no anesthesia and allows you to get right back to your normal activities.

A neck lift procedure sometimes called a cervicoplasty or neck lift with platysmaplasty, the procedure will last two to three hours. Of course, if you are having a neck lift in conjunction with liposuction, facelift, forehead lift, or other surgeries, the time will vary accordingly. Your exact procedure will depend on your desired results and your own personal circumstances. In order to undergo a neck lift, you must be in good general health, both physically and mentally.

Dermatologist Touts 5 Off-label Effective Cosmetic Treatments

jacquelineluxe — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 22:44:38 PDT

Though Botox® and other injectables are often associated with wrinkle reduction between the brows, many overlook the fact that these procedures can do wonders for a myriad of other cosmetic issues. As many doctors are on the hunt to discover the next blockbuster use for certain injectables, the most effective cosmetic treatments are time-tested. Here, board certified dermatologist Dr. Gregory Nikolaidis gives the rundown of the 5 most effective and recommended off-label treatments. “From a structured nose to the appearance of youthful eyes, off-label uses of injectables have been proven to be both popular and effective,” explains Dr. Nikolaidis. “For many hesitant to undergo surgery for a permanent change, they opt for off-label uses of injectables that deliver results.”

Non-Surgical Necklift with Botox®

Does your neck give away your age? A youthful face can look unnatural with an aging neck. As we age, the muscles in the neck tend to tighten and separate. This creates bands that are visible in patients typically in the their late 30’s and early 40’s. By injecting Botox® in specific areas along these bands, it can relax them and create a more chiseled and youthful appearance in the neck.

Treatment of Lines in the Décolletage with Botox®

Though patients are warned of all the dangers of basking in the sun, many complain about cosmetic damages-specifically, damage to the décolletage. “Patients often complain of lines in their mid-chest,” says Dr. Nikolaidis. “We often come across a patient’s misconception that these lines occur from his/her sleeping position. However, these lines are merely an indication of photo-aging of the indicated area of the skin and can be eliminated with the appropriate injection of Botox®.”

Youthful Hands with Radiesse®

Alongside your neck, the hands are another telltale sign of aging. As we age, we tend to lose volume in our subcutaneous tissues. One of the areas this is most manifested in is on the back of the hands. “Patients often complain of the bones and veins on their hands being too visible and making them look older than they feel,” adds Dr. Nikolaidis. A dermal filler such as Radiesse® can be injected into the fascial space between the deep subcutaneous tissue and the muscles of the hand. It can then be easily spread by an experienced physician, with results lasting up to two years.

Non-Surgical Nose Job with Juvederm®

Slight imperfections of the nose can often be rectified with injectables. Often times patients complain of a slight bump on the upper part of the nose. For patients not ready to go under the knife, a dermal filler such as Juvederm® can be injected on either side of the bump making the nose appear straight on profile.

Youthful Eyes with Juvederm®

Have “laughter lines” or “crow's feet”? Smooth contours on the face enhance the appearance of youth. As we age, there tends to be more “hills and valleys". “One way that we can make patients appear more youthful is filling in the valleys between the eyes and the cheeks with Juvederm®,” notes Dr. Nikolaidis. "With this procedure, you can say goodbye to uneven and bumpy skin--diminishing wrinkles and fine lines for a smooth vibrant look."

For more information on Dr. Gregory Nikolaidis or Westlake Dermatology visit the practice’s website at westlakedermatology.com.

Image courtesy of 123RF.com

Botox: Still The Belle Of The Cosmetic Procedural Ball

jacquelineluxe — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:25:20 PDT

In some industries, new technologies and trends come and go so quickly that the most popular choice changes from week to week. But in the field of Medical Aesthetics, there is one procedure that continues to be the sought-after “look of the moment” – Botox. The overwhelming amount of celebrities that have admitted to using the cosmetic drug continues to bolster the popularity of the treatment among real women, ranging from “too young” women attempting to prevent signs of aging to “too old” women who desire to combat their wrinkles. Below, Clinical Director of LaserTouch Soho, Mike Sendogan, gives us a tour of popular Botox procedures and explains their seemingly unwavering appeal.

“American women are bombarded by images of outwardly flawless women on a consistent basis. Inevitably, these celebrities and models become their idols, in a sense – on everything from style, to parenting, to medical procedures. It’s true that many women have a problem with the concept of aging, but it goes further than that. These procedures are quick, largely painless, and have a short recovery period. That spells success for Botox, and I don’t anticipate that it will lose popularity in the foreseeable future.”

The obvious place to start for most women, forehead and frown lines are target trouble spots for wrinkles. The root cause for this procedure is “excessive facial movements”, but over time, all levels of facial movements will produce wrinkles. What is the process to get rid of the first classic signs of aging? “It’s important to note that following the patient’s wishes, Dr. Vafa makes recommendations for the amount of injections needed to produce the desired result,” says Mike.

The procedure is comfortable and usually does not require anesthesia. Some patients opt for numbing of the area, which is done with a cold pack.
Depending upon the desired areas of injection, treatments can take as little as fifteen minutes. Dr. Vafa makes recommendations based on his own findings as well as the needs and wants of the individual.
There is little to no bruising following injection. Most patients report that results last anywhere from three to six months.

The term “brow lift” can oftentimes be associated with actual cosmetic surgery. But Botox can achieve this look, in a virtually non-invasive way. For career women, working mothers, or even students, a short recovery period is key to the appeal of these procedures. “Dr. Vafa can inject Botox into the outer area of the brow to create a lifting effect. For a lot of women, this look is one of the most desirable. With millions of procedures all over the world, Botox has been and continues to be the most popular aesthetic treatment today.”

With minimal to no pain, patients can opt for numbing with a cold pack , but most patients do not require it.
Treatment time is fifteen to twenty minutes. That means patients can stop in on their lunch break and return to work shortly afterward, which has led to high demand.
Downtime is not recommended and bruising is uncommon.

Information courtesy of Mike Sendogan LaserTouchSoho, New York

Top Five Lunchtime Cosmetic Procedures

jacquelineluxe — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:02:52 PST

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a typical “average day” for an American includes 9 hours at their job, 8 hours sleeping and about 2 hours caring for others, eating and performing household chores. It comes to no surprise that a new trend has emerged where many people are using their lunch hour for appointments rather than eating.

Dr. Mitchell Chasin, Medical Director of Reflections gives us the run down of his own lunchtime bookings;

1. ACNE– Acne is not a teen condition; it actually affects 25% of adults in their 30s and 40s. Fortunately, acne is treatable and several powerful laser options are available. Combining the Vbeam Laser, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and neutralizes the acne forming bacteria, with Fraxel reduces the appearance acne scars.

2. WRINKLES – Dermal fillers and innovative treatments like Fraxel, ePRIME or eMatrix all have been clinically proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating the production of new collagen.

3. SUN SPOTS – Brown spots not only look unhealthy, they make many women feel older. Fraxel, eMatrix and Q-switch lasers reduces the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles caused by the summer sun

4. HAIRY SITUATION – Whereas shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing are all temporary; laser hair removal offers a permanent method to remove unwanted hair. The FDA has cleared Lasers for permanent reduction of unwanted hair and the results are excellent.

5. SKIN REJUVENATION – As you age, your skin’s collagen and elastin begin to break down faster than you can rebuild them, making your skin look tired and less radiant resulting in noticeable wrinkles and lines on the forehead as well as nasolabial folds. State of the art laser technologies, like Fraxel Re:pair, GentleYag or Photodynamic Therapy Rejuvenation have been clinically proven to dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Exclusive Interview With Dr.Chasin Of Reflections - An Insiders Guide Into Cosmetic Surgery

jacquelineluxe — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:54:44 PST

Today's society is filled with cosmetic and aesthetic procedures done everyday. With 13.1 million cosmetic procedures done in the United States alone, it's a jungle out there. We caught up with Dr. Mitchell Chasin - the Medical Director of Reflections in New Jersey, to have an insiders guide into the world of cosmetic surgery.

JacquelineLuxe: Dr.Chasin can you please share with us the latest trends in laser and aesthetic technology that are being practiced today?

Chasin: Technology is always advancing in the world of laser and aesthetic medicine, and right now skin rejuvenation and non-invasive body contouring are very hot. On the facial rejuvenation front, one of the newest technology is Syneron-Candela’s ePRIME.

ePRIME uses a set of micro-needles to deliver radiofrequency energy right into the layer of skin where it’s needed most. It helps to promote the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid and elastin, providing smoother, fuller and tighter looking skin in one single treatment. On the non-invasive body contouring front, we’re seeing good results using Zeltiq’s CoolSculpting technology, and we’re expecting some other very exciting devices in 2012.

JacquelineLuxe: It seems as though cosmetic procedures are ever more popular, with both women and men having more aesthetic works done. Dr. Chasin what would you say are the most popular treatments clients are receiving these days?

Chasin: BOTOX continues to be the most popular treatment, mostly because everyone has heard of it and it has such a great track record of success and safety. Once people come in and see all the other things we can do for them, they’re hooked! Facial rejuvenation technologies like Fraxel, eMatrix, Ulthera and ePRIME are very popular, and we also see many people who are interested in Laser Liposuction.

Also, we’ve pioneered a new technique for treating excessive underarm sweating called AxiLase, which is drawing people from all over the country. And it’s not just women – our practice is seeing more and more men who come in looking to stave off the signs of aging and gain a competitive edge in the dating world and at work.

JacquelineLuxe: There are always the 'Do's & Don'ts' with any aesthetic procedure. Dr. Chasin, can you share some tips with our audience as to the correct and safe approach with having a procedure done.

Chasin: First off, Google is your friend. Google the condition you want treated. Google the procedure you’re interested in. Google your doctor and read the reviews. A little research can save you a lot of time and trouble. You also want to call the office and ask how many devices your doctor owns. It is important to look for a doctor who is committed to aesthetic medicine, and the number of lasers she or he owns is an indication of their investment in the field.

Also, many doctors have a single do-all laser in the office that does many things, but does few of them well. Ask a few questions to make sure that you’re getting the best technology available to achieve your aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, be sure to ask about how many times the doctor has performed the treatment, ask to see before and after pictures of that doctor’s patients (and not ones supplied by the aesthetic companies) ask what the treatment feels like, ask how much downtime you can expect and any other questions that will help you make an informed decision.

Finally, trust your gut, if it doesn’t feel right, find a different doctor. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

JacquelineLuxe: Acne is not only a teenage skin disorder, but it still affects both women and men in their adult years. Is there a cure out there, besides the regularly endorsed benzoyl peroxide skin treatments? And how can we effectively take care of acne with one of your procedures?

Chasin: There are a variety of laser and light sources we use to treat acne. Treatment recommendations are based on type of acne, skin type and whether scars are present. A very powerful treatment option is combining the Vbeam Laser, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and neutralizes the acne forming bacteria, with Fraxel to reduce the appearance acne scars.

JacquelineLuxe: The holidays are upon us, and it's time to be looking our best! Dr. Chasin, what types of procedures would you recommend to perk up our skin and make us look fresher!

Chasin: For a quick fix, I recommend Botox and dermal fillers, which can dramatically reduce fine lines and wrinkles in short period of time. For even more profound results, I recommend a series of skin resurfacing treatments such as Fraxel or eMatrix, which will reduce the appearance of sun spots and wrinkles which were caused by the summer sun, especially when combined with Q-switched lasers.

But of course the best way to look great during the holidays is to smile and make merry with your friends and family. Nothing makes someone look better than happiness!

To learn more about Reflections medical procedures, visit reflectionscenter.com.

The Adonis Effect: Men Turn To Cosmetic Procedures To Perfect Their Image

jacquelineluxe — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:15:29 PDT

Those in search of their own fountain of youth turn to cosmetic procedures to plump, nip and tuck away the years. But while most assume women make up the patient roster for cosmetic procedures, men have found ways to improve their self-image as well. They are just keeping it a secret.

On any given day, if you look in the reception area of the renowned JUVA Skin & Laser Center in Manhattan, you will notice just as many male patients as female. Dr. Adam Schaffner, Director of Plastic Surgery at JUVA, says men are turning to him for ways they can look and feel like a better man.

Whether it is for personal fulfillment or to enhance a professional image, popular facial procedures include enhancing jaw lines to project a strong impression, injecting BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers to eliminate the look of fatigue, trimming extra skin and softening wrinkles around the eyes, and fixing nasal imperfections like bumps, ridges and a bulbous tip.

Making alterations to a man's body has become increasingly more popular in the past decade as advances in laser and cosmetic procedures have made them easier and more accessible. Whether treating "man boobs", known as gynecomastia, love handles, or a lack of definition, liposuction can help reshape areas to improve contour. Lipoetching accentuates the pectoral, abdominal and oblique muscles. Finally, laser-assisted liposuction helps tighten skin and reduce the amount of bruising and swelling associated with other liposuction techniques.

"There is a misconception that cosmetic procedures are geared towards preserving a woman's youth and that men don't have similar insecurities about their face or body," said Dr. Schaffner. "Men discreetly and quickly undergo minimally invasive procedures that help achieve their desired image."

SOURCE JUVA Skin & Laser Center

Can Your Smartphone Be The Cause Of Your Wrinkles?

jacquelineluxe — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:59:14 PDT

Wrinkles may be a sign of approaching middle age but younger women now have a reason to worry - the smartphone squint. Many of them are developing premature wrinkles from staring at their smartphones, says Dr. Brian Glatt, a New Jersey board-certified plastic surgeon. According to Dr. Glatt, “The trend for ‘BlackBerry Botox’ is highly increasing especially among women who are addicted to gazing on their BlackBerries or iPhones all day. Peering at a small screen causes facial strain, around and between the brows which may cause premature wrinkles on the face.”

Tips for Smartphone users to help prevent against the need for Blackberry Botox

1. Take a break – It’s important to put down or at least glance up from your Smartphone regularly so that your eyes can rest. Though squinting is necessary when using a Smartphone, taking time to relax your eyes can make a significant difference in reducing this new type of strain on your facial muscles.

2. Turn the light down low – too much light and contrast can cause you to narrow the eyes to take in the brightness. A no-no for fresh-looking eye contours. Combat the dreaded ‘crow’s feet’ effect by dimming the screen in your ‘settings’ options – and see how low you can go on the light emission. The less, the better. (as a bonus, this will also help preserve your phone’s battery life!)

3. Enlarge the text – If you find yourself struggling to read the small text on your Smartphone and start holding it so close you wrinkle your nose so much it hurts, just enlarge the text by simply going to your settings and altering the text size. Also, the zoom function can be a fantastic thing – use it to focus in on images on your device so you can see much more clearly and avoid pulling the inner eye.

4. Looking after your eyes – If you can bear it, spend less time glued to your iPhone or Blackberry. And during this timeout, take some deep breaths to relax the face into a more natural expression, and gently massage the area around the eyes – a simple thing that can make a big difference to preventing those lines that starts subtly but can get deeper and more pronounced. Not only will your face be serene looking, you will feel more serene – and in a much better state to deal with any inbox horrors.

5. Don’t forget to smile! - If you are experiencing stress from being constantly attached to your Smartphone, just think about the potentially negative effect this is having on your youthful appearance. Then, take time to do something that relieves the tension, like playing on a fun app, like TomCat or Angry Birds; this will help relax your face, soften your expression and prevent long term frown lines. Smartphone-related wrinkles are the latest condition that doctors attribute to overuse of technology.