Fixing Pesky Lip Winkles
May 23rd, 2012
Lip wrinkles or sometimes referred to as “smokers lines,†are the lines that radiate out from the lip margin. They can be the result of aging, sun exposure, smoking, and /or genetics. They often may make a person look older. Women generally dislike them because their lipstick runs into the wrinkles, giving a pronounced pursed look. Skin resurfacing may reduce these wrinkles, but this procedure frequently carries a possible downside. Invariably there is bleaching of the skin, which more often than not requires make-up to conceal.
Fortunately there are other choices to reduce lip lines. Injectable materials have made a dramatic contribution in the area of treating these wrinkles. Filler materials are currently the first line of defense. Products like Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane are a few of the ever-increasing number of dermal filler type materials on the market today. They are injected under the skin and actually fill in the lines. These newer products are based on a hyaluronic acid formulation, a natural component of your normal skin. Interestingly, when lip lines become apparent, there is frequently a loss of lip size or fullness at the same time. Not only can the lines be corrected, but the lips can be restored to more youthful size and shape, as well.
It is important to seek qualified professional advice when considering these procedures. Most cosmetic surgeons do not charge for patient consultations. Here are some links for locations near you. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and Dermatology Clinic Directory.
Couples Plastic Surgery Increasing Trend
April 30th, 2012
Couples seeking anti-aging rejuvenation and undergoing cosmetic surgery together represents a growing trend. While the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons doesn’t keep specific statistics regarding couples, they confirm that there is anecdotal evidence suggesting that more couples are having cosmetic surgery together. This current trend is consistent with the increase of cosmetic procedures performed on men, who now account for almost 10% of the total.
Last week, John Glionna wrote an article for the Los Angeles Times, where he offers a first-hand account about his own experience with cosmetic surgery. He laments about being prone to having saggy bags under his eyes and his wife bringing it to his attention. Glionna creatively describes these eye bags as “making you look like some punch-drunk boxer who’s gone too many rounds.” It is true that the puffy dark circles can make you look older than your age and appear tired and weary, even when you are well-rested.
Men are usually prompted to consider cosmetic surgery by their wives or when they accompany their wives to her plastic surgeon’s office. This might help to break the ice and for men feel more comfortable to discuss a little nipntuck for themselves. I have seen a gradual increase in men embracing the notion of undergoing cosmetic surgery. Statistics indicate that 23,000 men had eyelid surgeries last year to help shave a few years off of their tired appearance. It is second only to liposuction among popularity with male patients. I have seen a spike in both of these procedures within my own practice.
Image: LA Times
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