Saturday, January 26, 2008

Cellulite reduction

CelluliteBetween 80 and 90 percent of women will develop cellulite after the age of 18. Few men will develop cellulite. Hardly fair, the causes of cellulite are thought to be due to a combination of factors including hormonal, aging, genetics and possibly a female difference in fat layer architecture. Cellulite may not be curable but you can improve unsightly puckering by understanding cellulite and how to take control.

What exactly is cellulite? Cellulite is the unsightly dimpling and puckering of the skin most often involving the thighs and buttocks. While most women carry their weight gain in these areas, you don’t have to be overweight to have cellulite. As we age, collagen and elastin bundles break down, weakening the dermis. We are all familiar with what the end result is upon our face... wrinkles. But on the legs and buttocks, in response to this loss of dermal elasticity, the fat can become displaced upwards into the lower dermis. Fibrous bands that are supposed to tether the skin down start to trap this displaced fat creating the lumpy bumpy appearance of cellulite.

Think of a quilted mattress (the fat) with the buttons as the tether points (the fibrous bands) and you quicky get the idea. So how do you get rid of that cottage cheese sitting on your thighs? Seems like there are cellulite “cures” advertised in every magazine you pick up or every infomercial you watch.

Previously, the FDA has only approved a nonsurgical form of deep massage called endermologie for temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. Endermologie came to us from France where it has been used for at least 10 years. In February of 1999, Vanderbilt University published a widely publicized medical journal article that showed that this procedure did indeed help improve the structure of the skin and disperse the trapped fat. An endermologie machine rolls and sucks the skin in a vacuum-like manner. A form of deep massage, it aims to loosen or break down some of these fibrous bands and disperse the lumps of fat into a smooth layer. Endermologie is performed as a weekly series of treatments. Typically anywhere from 12 or more treatments are performed to achieve whatever the maximum effects will be and then you undergo periodic maintenance therapy.

The common complaint about endermologie is that it requires a multitude of injections, which for those people adverse to pain, can be discouraging. If you can get beyond the prospect of needles, results vary from individual to individual in our experience.While no treatment is a guarantee, an adequate daily water intake and exercise can help many women improve the look of their cellulite. Unfortunately a single “emergency” treatment for a special occasion is unlikely to do much for your cellulite. Cost for a series of endermologie treatments tends to run over $1000. A new FDA approved therapy is the Accent Laser from Alma Lasers. Link to http://www.optimalhealthtoday.com/cellulite.htm

The Accent Laser applies bipolar heat to the skin and subcutaneous tissues, disrupting the fibrous bands that run in the soft tissues. Simultaneously, the laser has a tightening effect. Thus far, The Accent has been quite successful in improving mild to moderate cellulite. Results vary and selection of appropriate candidates is critical to achieving success and meeting patient expectations. Fill out a consultation form to ask our Dermatoloy Specialist if you're a candidate for Accent Laser.

With a recent study from Vanderbilt in 2001 published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery showing that deep mechanical massage can indeed help improve the appearance of cellulite (although highly dependent upon the skill of the masseuse), there has been great interest in home massage. A variety of massage tools with rubber tips, wooden balls and even motorized massage heads are sold with claims of helping improve the appearance of cellulite. These devices tend to be inexpensive, often less than $10.00 for the simple wooden tools. From a practical standpoint I think you may increase your chances by having someone else administer the home massage as they can apply a more direct pressure upon the skin. I take a realistic view of these. While I don’t think they’ll harm you, provided you’re not massaging to the point of bruising, I think they will provide limited improvement. Still, a modicum of improvement if it happens is better than none at all.

Spas have taken deep massage one step further and offer a Japanese version of cellulite treatment known as body brushing. In this technique, a plant based bristle brush (often coconut husk or other fiber) is roughly moved across the skin’s surface trying to exfoliate away the outer most portions of the epidermis. The theory: increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage thus removing toxins from the skin and improving cellulite. The reality: makes absolutely no physiological sense. While you may experience a nice glowing appearance to the skin similar to what you’d see after a microdermabrasion treatment, neither increased blood flow nor lymphatic drainage have any bearing at all upon the cause or cure of cellulite. Enjoy the treatment for what it is but don’t plan to get rid of those lumpy legs.

A litany of cellulite creams are out there. Many of the "older" versions of these products contained the active ingredient theophylline best known for its use as an asthma medication. The topical application of theophylline does not cure cellulite but rather temporarily plumps up the skin for a few hours creating a smoother texture. One of the reasons that so many of us are suddenly confronted by cellulite in our 40´s is that as we age, the levels of enzymes we need to breakdown stored fat as well as prevent fat deposition go down. Combined with a loss of dermal collagen, the appearance of cellulite is worsened. If we could strengthen the dermis which thins with age and contributes to the formation of cellulite we could theorhetically prevent or improve cellulite. Furthermore, if we could speed up eliminating some of that misplaced fat, then our dimples could be more effectively smoothed away. From this explanation of the process, you may understand how the BiPolar Laser therapy has great promise as the first device the address the two major underlying abnoormalities of cellulite.If you have a strong predisposition for developing cellulite you should consider the following factors that tend to have a significant impact:

Junk food, alcohol, fried food & sugar overwhelm the body

Poor blood circulation due to lack of exercise

Changes in estrogen levels which dictate how much fat your body stores or releases

The underlying physiology of the body can contribute the following factors:
Capillary walls become excessively permeable causing localized accumulation of fluid
Inadequate lymphatic drainage slows the removal of excess fluid

The changes in blood flow, lymphatic drainage, fat, and connective tissue result in cellulite - a bumpy or dimpled appearance of the skin. Deep tissue massage with the goal of improving lymphatic drainage theoretically may improve cellulite deposition.DS Laboratories Oligo.DX Cellulite Reducing Gel attacks cellulite in the following ways, even in women who do not respond to diet and exercise:
1. Dilates the capillary vessels facilitating the removal of metabolized fats and the draining of liquids and toxins trapped in the tissues.
2. Accelerates the digestion of fats stimulating the action of the skin’s enzymes.
3. Accelerates the biochemical processes needed for cell drainage and regeneration. A member of the mint family, Coleus forshkohlii contains the active ingredient forskolin, long used in Asia and India for its weight loss and lipolytic (fat metabolizing) abilities.

Pills have absolutely no effect upon cellulite. Cellasene has not been proven in medical literature to improve the appearance of cellulite or take off inches. In some way it is comforting to know that almost all women get some degree of cellulite. It seems to be one of those sisterhood things. It is equally comforting to know that there are some steps we can take to help improve its appearance.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Botox Juvederm Philadelphia Mainline Information


Botox treatments - Anti Aging Cosmetic Enhancement -Forehead, Around Eyes and Lips Botox Before and After Picture Botox Specials and Coupons

Why Botox Philadelphia ?
If you are experiencing wrinkles or expression lines on the face, forehead or around the eyes, Long Island Botox will help these symptoms to gradually fade giving you a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Long Island Botox significantly repairs deep lines and wrinkles (visible signs of stress and aging) due to squinting, laughing , frowning, smoking, and anxiety.

What is Botox Ardmore ?
Botox is an FDA approved muscle-relaxing agent used to gradually reduce undesirable wrinkles and lines. Philadelphia Botox is derived from the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum that has traditionally been used by ophthalmologists in the treatment of blepharospasm. The tightening of facial muscles controlled by the brain is inhibited by injecting Botox into the affected area leaving the appearance of the overlying skin smooth and unwrinkled. Botox is the anti-aging cosmetic treatment of choice for Long Island.

Botox Philadelphia Treatment Information ?
The Botox Treatment typically takes approximately 10 minutes. It is not necessary to anesthetize the area to be treated due to insignificant discomfort associated with the procedure. The discomfort can be compared to that of being pricked by a pin. Botox is injected into the area affected by visible lines with a very thin needle. The Long Island Botox causes the muscles initiating the lines and wrinkles to relax which reduces the appearance of undesirable wrinkles and lines on the skin. The skin's reaction to the muscles is what commonly causes wrinkles. Life's daily routines can commence immediately following Botox treatment. The results of the Botox treatment may be seen as soon as 3 days following treatment. The greatest results will be visible in 10-14 days. After the initial treatment results will last from 3 to 4 months before they begin to gradually fade away. Additional Botox treatments should be sought to extended desirable results by an additional 4 to 8 months.


Are there side effects from Botox Philadelphia ?
Normally any side effects are slight and short-lived. Temporary bruising (resolves itself within 2 to 3 days) Minor relaxation of an eyelid (very rare-return to physician) Unbalanced Expression (very rare-return to physician) Botulin toxins (Botox) includes proteins. The body's natural ability to produce antibodies which safeguard against proteins can reduce the positive effects of Botox.

Botox Mainline with a facelift
Botox Center City may be used in combination with a facelift, laser resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, however, it is not meant to be a replacement for the desired results of a facelift.
Contact your local expert today, to learn more about Botox Philadelphia

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Philadelphia Botox TM Blog Juvederm

What do you have to lose, maybe the lines on your face? This site provides a wealth of information about Botox and what it can do for you. You’ll find out about: wrinkles and what really may help; what kinds of wrinkles and facial lines can be removed by botox; why Botox, and the social issues surrounding your Botox choice; what to expect with your Botox cosmetic procedure; a gallery of Botox before and afters (many submitted by you) how to maintain your new smooth complexion with Botox; who should be administering Botox (remembering that Botox is a prescription drug); how to find it and how to pay for it, learn about the prevalence of Botox and how many people are like you; Botox resistance and what you will hear from your uninformed Botox colleagues and friends. Where to get Botox in Philadelphia

Botox Alternative for Skin Tightening Philly

"Non-invasive treatments are the largest and fastest growing category in aesthetic medicine," said Yariv Matzliach, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing for Alma Lasers. "The Accent system has been approved for use in Europe, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Canada, where dermatologists, plastic surgeons, OB/GYN's and general practitioners have achieved outstanding results and a consistently high level of patient satisfaction.

Now with its first FDA cleared indications, the Accent system is poised to provide medical professionals and their patients in the United States with a new level of safety, efficacy and satisfaction in the non-invasive treatment of wrinkles and rhytids using a combined treatment with Unipolar and Bipolar RF technologies."According to one Principal Investigator in the FDA study, Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PHD, Assistant Clinical Professor, Yale University School of Medicine, and Director, Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City, "I found the Accent system to be superior to prior generations of RF technology in the treatment of skin laxity, particularly on the neck. It is also a remarkable breakthrough that the system is painless and requires no anesthesia. Accent treatments can be performed rapidly with no downtime and can be applied concurrently with other non-ablative modalities, such as injectables to achieve better results in what is termed the 'non-surgical facelift.' Immediate skin tightening is evident and the results are often considered striking."

"We have found the Accent system to be very safe and relatively comfortable with a high percentage of responders," states David H. McDaniel, MD, Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Director of the Institute of Anti-Aging Research Center of Virginia in Virginia Beach. "Compared to other RF devices we have used, treatment with the Accent system is much less painful, faster and easier to perform. It also allows more 'artistic' use on the face. Although responses vary, a high percentage of treated subjects showed a visible response. Some observe an immediate skin tightening of the face. Many of the subjects noticed a difference in the way their clothes fit after a few treatment sessions. It can also be used as part of a broader spectrum of non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments or procedures which might include fractional resurfacing, IPL or LED photomodulation, and Botox? or other injectable fillers.

"Maurice Sherman, MD, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, University of California - San Diego, and the owner of the Del Mar Cosmetic Medical Center in southern California, said "We obtained remarkably good results with the Accent system. It was consistent for all of the patients that followed the protocol. All of them showed an improvement. Some dramatic, some moderate, but every patient expressed satisfaction with the results. Everyone said that their skin felt tighter the day after the first treatment." Added Dr. Sherman, "Of all the RF systems on the market today, I feel the Accent is the most effective technology out there."

Any Alternatives to Botox??

Here is a recent article from NY Times regarding alternatives to Botox:
Las Vegas — A versatile pulsed light device
provides effective skin tightening for today’s
discriminating patients,according toStephen
Bosniak,M.D.

The Harmony laser (Alma Lasers)
equipped with the Harmony ST module is
unique because it joins eight modalities — of
pulsed light,UVB,near infrared light,and five
types of lasers — in one system,according to
Dr. Bosniak, an attending surgeon at the
Manhattan Eye,Ear and Throat Hospital and
a Manhattan-based ophthalmic plastic sur-
geon in private practice.

“Our patients now want it all, and their
expectations are exceedingly high,”he says.
InNew York,Dr.Bosniak observes,“Even a
5-year-old can recognize a bad Botox (botu-
linum toxin,Allergan) treatment.”When this
treatment first became available, he says,“It
was like magic,and not everyone knew about
it.Now,everyone knows.And it can’tbe over-
done — it must be perfect.”

Newer noninvasive modalities
Similar expectations apply tonewer noninva-
sivemodalities for facetightening and lifting,
Dr.Bosniak says.

“We must not only tighten and lift,” he
says,“but wemust treat skin texture,pigmen-
tation and broken capillaries at the same
time.” Therefore, he says that if there’s a
modality that tightens and lifts,“then wehave
to introduce a second modality to help with
the pigmentation and telangiectasias”tomeet
patient demands.

Inhis practice,he says he frequently com-
bines the Harmony laser with nonsurgical
treatments including botulinum toxin injec-
tions, fillers, radiofrequency (RF) skin tight-
ening and photodynamic therapy.

“They all have their place when used
together,”Dr.Bosniak says.