Anti aging Cosmetic Surgery with Radiesse

A Natural Look that Lasts

I have reviewed a few other wrinkle fillers including Restylane, Artecoll, Juvederm and Botox and found one of the best cosmetic dermal fillers for anti aging your wrinkles and deep folds in the skin is Radiesse. I’ve done the research, spoken to the various companies that make these cosmetic wrinkle fillers and with women and men who have actually had the work done.

I was speaking with my anti-aging specialist, a medical doctor and a bioidentical hormone expert and I asked her if she uses any cosmetic filler herself. She confirmed that she used “everything” and specifically used Botox for around the eyes and forehead and a filler called Radiesse for her nasal labial folds. She looks fabulous. I asked her why she uses Radiesse and she said it is because it is the longest lasting filler and therefore becomes the cheapest. Radiesse can last up to a year or more and I am considering, for the first time, actually getting it done myself.

What to Expect from Radiesse

Cosmetic surgery for the face done with Radiesse is a budget conscious decision. As far as cosmetic fillers go, it does the job of filling deep folds in the skin which come as a result of aging and the reduction of collagen and elastin within the skin. The best thing about Radiesse is that it is long lasting. This makes it great for your budget. Instead of having to go and get cosmetic surgery each four to six months, you can have this done once a year or even up to once every two years. The end result is natural and reduces the look of tiredness in your face.

Radiesse can be used for nasal labial folds, augmenting the cheek bones, jaw line contouring, tear troughs, marionette lines and filling up old scars such as acne scars. It is advertised as a “next generation in longer lasting wrinkle correction.” As a dermal filler, it’s one of the best.

What is Radiesse made of?

Radiesse has been approved by the health agencies in North America and Europe (FDA approval) and is a safe treatment for the correction of wrinkles and folds.

It is made of calcium based microspheres in a natural gel and is injected into the problem areas. These microspheres work with your body and help support and stimulate the growth of your own collagen. They eventually break down and are naturally absorbed into the body. The results are immediate and last anywhere from one to two years. It is safe and has been clinically tested over many years. Over 4000 doctors have received training with Radiesse dermal filler application.

How is Radiesse used?


Radiesse is injected into the problem sites under the skin. It is used with a local anesthetic to numb the pain of injection which is like a small pin prick. An ice pack is applied immediately after to reduce numbness and swelling. Your doctor may massage the areas after injection to ensure even correction. You could have some side effects such as mild irritation, itching, bruising, swelling or tenderness at the injection site, but most of these side effects are rare.

It can be done in a lunch hour, but maybe take the day off to admire your new younger looking skin. There may be“firmness” to the injection site, but this will dissipate in the days that follow. Avoid aggressive washing or rubbing immediately after having the Radiesse dermal filler done.

As an anti aging tip for best dermal fillers, Radiesse is one of the best choices because of its safety and lasting qualities.

Collagen Injections for Lips

Collagen is one of the original dermal fillers and was once widely used in cosmetic surgery. Collagen injections can be used to plump up lips, erase wrinkles and diminish acne scars. Collagen injections lips are something many people wish to have.


Collagen injections essentially replace the missing or broken down collagen in the body. Once the collagen is injected, it fills up spaces in the tissues and supports the skin. This leads to a decrease in the wrinkles and fine lines. When the lips are injected with collagen, they appear plump, sexy and luscious.


The currently available collagen lip injections products used in cosmetic surgery include Zyderm and Zyplast. Both are derived from bovines and widely used. Other bioengineered collagen lip injections include cosmoderm and cosmoplast. The major difference between the bovine and the bioengineered collagen is that the former do not require an allergy skin test.


Collagen lip injections are typically done by a physician who has been trained in the field of plastic or cosmetic surgery.


Sometimes the surgeon will use your own body’s collagen to inject it elsewhere. Autologen is extracted from other parts of the body – the major benefit of Autologen is that there is no risk of an allergic reaction.


Another collagen lip injection product is dermalogen which is collagen extracted from human cadaver. It is also widely used but there is always a risk of an allergic reaction. Collagen injections lips are not for everybody.


A recently developed collagen lip injection product is ArteFill. This dermal filler is a hybrid gel made with bovine collagen and synthetic microspheres (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA).


Prior to the collagen lips injection, the physician will cleanse the face and mark the area. To numb the pain, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. All collagen lip injections provide a temporary cosmetic benefit. The lips will appear luscious but future injections are required to maintain the cosmetic benefit.


After the procedure, there is mild discomfort, swelling and bruising which subsides in 48-72 hours. The lips may remain red for about 24 hours but this can be hidden with some lip make up.



Even though the lips appear swollen, the final cosmetic result is more obvious after a week. In almost all cases, the lips may appear overfilled but this is only transient. The injected lips will appear sexy and erotic for about 2-6 months.


For those individual who are allergic to collagen and wish to get collagen injections lips, there are other options available to augment the lips.

Collagen 101

Mankind has always been in search of a remedy to stop or reverse aging. While we still do not have the magic bullet, there are some who believe that collagen may be the molecule to help us look young. What is collagen you may ask?



Well, collagen is natural substance in our body and is vital for maintaining support and integrity of the tissues. Collagen also plays an important role in wound healing. If collagen is absent, wound healing can never occur. Further collagen is vital for bleeding to stop after a cut on the skin. The collagen molecule is also a good absorbent of water and maintains hydration.


When collagen levels decrease for whatever reason, the underlying tissues will shrink, the skin will sag, fine lines and wrinkles will develop. Collagen does disappear with age but why collagen levels shrink prematurely in some individuals is not known. Smoking is known to cause a premature decrease in collagen levels and this results in the appearance of wrinkles much early in life. So how does one increase the levels of collagen in the body?


Collagen Creams

There are many collagen creams and lotions available today which contain collagen. These collagen based creams are said to be effective moisturizers and supposed to reverse aging. Anecdotal reports indicate these collagen containing creams – antiaging creams can erase stretch marks, smoothen out the fine lines and help the skin recover after an injury. The internet is inundated with website that make exorbitant claims about such collagen containing creams and helping you fight the signs of an aged skin. The big question remain how effective are these collagen creams? One has to remember that aging is not only dependent on levels of collagen but there are many other substances like hyaluronic acid, glycosaminoglycans, elastin, copper, vitamin C and so on. The other problem is that not all the collagen in the creams can penetrate the skin and enter the deep layers. Most experimental work reveals that collagen containing creams have little effect in reversing signs of an aged skin. Further, these collagen creams are relatively expensive, the majority have never ever been tested and there is no clinical evidence to back up the claims made by the dealers of these antiaging creams.



So what is the other option?

Collagen Injections

For about 3 decades, collagen injections have been used as dermal fillers to erase wrinkles, lines and even plump up the lips. The injections of collagen do work but of course, they are much more expensive than the creams. There are many types of collagen injectables available today. Because of the possibility of an allergic reaction, all individuals have to undergo allergy testing before the injections can be done. This takes about 4 weeks and the injections are only done if there are no signs of an allergic response. The collagen injections lips are done with a very fine needle and can help make you look young and have sexy luscious lips.



The majority of individuals who undergo collagen injections lips procedures are in their middle ages and would like to erase the wrinkles, fine lines and frown lines. The injections are done in a spa or a clinic and have some downtime. All individuals get some degree bruising and swelling which subside in 4-9 days. Most individuals get a decent result but there are many who do not. The collagen injections lips process are not entirely pain free and they are expensive. And finally, collagen injections do not maintain the cosmetic changes forever. Most of the cosmetic benefits of collagen injections disappear anywhere from 3-6 months. Collagen, today, is not a commonly used dermal filler as there much better and safer fillers available.


So is there a way to stimulate collage synthesis in the body?

Yes, there are some ingredients that can promote synthesis of collagen. The most commonly used agents include the following:

Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen. In the old days, deficiency of vitamin C was known to cause severe depletion in collagen, bleeding gums and sagging skin. Augmentation of the diet with vitamin C in these individuals rapidly led to reversal of these skin ailments. Thus, if you are going to buy any skincare product to increase your collagen, make sure it has vitamin C.


The other key ingredients which are also important in the synthesis of collagen is
Copper. In the past decade, there has been a lot of data indicating that copper peptides can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and erase some of the signs of aging. Formulations containing copper peptides are available but they are also expensive.


Collagen supplements

There is a lot of hype about collagen supplements and their role in treating aging and many other medical disorders. Today supplements containing collagen such as collagen pills, antiaging creams – collagen creams are widely sold in many spas and health stores. When it comes to skin care, there is a lot of controversy about collagen supplements. The vast majority of collagen taken as a supplement is immediately broken down in the stomach and very little is absorbed in the body. Plus, no scientific data has ever shown that taking supplements of collagen can reverse aging. The majority of supplements containing collagen sold in spas do only one thing- clean your pocket.


Conclusion

For those of you who are looking for something to fight nature, just remember that collagen is only component among the myriad molecules which are involved in aging. All the collagen pills, collagen creams – antiaging creams ,lotions, potions and injections have one thing in common- they cost money and a lot of it.


If you plan to look young and remain beautiful, this involves a more comprehensive multistep approach. Besides taking vitamin C and eating a healthy diet, stop smoking and walk or do antiaging exercise regularly. Adopting this simple cost free method of skin care will keep you young and beautiful, and of course, praying a little every now and then would not be a bad idea. God may listen, but whether he/she will make you look young is another story.

Doesn't she look happy and healthy in this photograph?

Fractional Laser and Aged Skin

Today, the availability of fractional lasers has been a major boost towards the treatment of photo aged skin. Several lasers have been developed in the last decade which are now showing great promise in reversing many skin disorders.


Unlike the previous lasers, fractional lasers have one common theme. They are selective in their effects and cause very little harm or damage to the surrounding normal skin. Even though there are several fractional lasers available, they all essentially perform in a similar manner and produce excellent results.


Lasers which penetrate the skin less are usually less painfully compared to lasers which penetrate deeper into the skin. However, deeper penetrating lasers also have a longer lasting cosmetic effect.


None of the fractional lasers have a permanent effect. All can cause temporary reversal of the fine lines and wrinkles.


Fractional lasers can be used to treat the following skin conditions:

- reversal of fine lines and wrinkles
- remove pigmented or skin discolorations
- reduce melasma (skin changes seen during pregnancy)
- reduce pore size
- reduce or improve the texture of scars
- smoothen out traumatic scars
- reduce signs of photo aging

All fractional lasers work in a similar way. The lasers generate a beam of energy which penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. The heat produced results in destruction of old pigmented cells and stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastic. The collagen then adds to tissue support, fills up hollowed spaces and retains moisture. The end result is a skin which appears smooth, fresh and much younger looking.

The currently available fractional laser devices include

- Fraxel®,
- ActiveFXTM
- Lux 1540TM
- AffirmTM,
- ProFractionalTM

Most individuals need 4-6 sessions to get the optimal cosmetic benefit. Individuals who have deeper scars and wrinkles may need a few more sessions. The fractional lasers have minimal downtime and the side effects are mild. The most common side effects after the fractional laser treatment for aged skin include

- mild redness
- swelling
- bruising

These side effects are transient and usually disappear within 2-4 days. One can conceal the skin side effects with mascara or make up.


Because there are many people who perform fractional laser skin resurfacing to reverse the signs of aging, it is essential to choose your therapist well. The lure of money has numerous non health care professionals performing laser treatments all over the country. While complications are rare, they do occur and may be irreversible. So in the end, buyer beware. Before you go and get the signs of nature reversed it is important to read about the procedure, know what you want and have an estimate of what your budget is. Looking young does not come cheap- especially when it comes to lasers.

Best AntiAging Cosmetic Procedures - Botox

When you decide it is time that you look into investigating cosmetic surgery or wrinkle fillers to improve your looks and feel better about yourself, there are many options available to you. Your first line of action should be to talk to your friends who have had these cosmetic procedures done before. Then do some research on the internet. And here is where I will help you with a brief summary of the Botox procedure. I will write further in new postings about other cosmetic procedures available to you. If the wrinkle filler Botox sounds like something you would be interested in, your next step is to book a consultation with an anti-aging specialist who will make the best suggestion to you. Botox is one of the most commonly used cosmetic procedures for filling in areas of your face which have formed wrinkles or depressions due to declining levels of collagen and elastin.

Botox is very commonly used today. It was first approved by the government for the treatment of childhood cerebral palsy, ophthalmic disorders and hyperactive muscles in 1997. Botox does not have many side effects, but the few that you might experience are really minimal, temporary, and reversible . Botox is mainly used for cosmetic purposes to decrease frown lines and crows feet and other small lines around the eyes. It was approved for cosmetic use in April, 2001.


How Botox works is that once injected, it relaxes the muscles that actually create the wrinkles giving the face a more relaxed and youthful look. The process can be done over a lunch hour and there is no downtime to the procedure.

What is Botox exactly? It is a purified protein which is injected into the area that needs it. It is used for frown lines in the forehead and wrinkles around the eyes. After injection into the muscle, it causes the muscle to relax, smoothing out the wrinkle which has formed over the muscle. It does not affect the sensory nerves so you will still have feeling in the area of the injection. I advise you to only an experienced doctor inject the Botox because they are experienced and will be able to evaluate the correct dose and the exact injection site.

As far as safety is concerned, Botox has been used in ophthalmology for over 10 years and for cosmetic injection surgery for at least seven years. You may experience a slight bruising in the area after injections, but this is temporary thing. If you are pregnant or a nursing mother, you should not use Botox.

Botox injections effects are temporary and can last anywhere from three to four months. After that time, you will need to get more injections to maintain the effect. The good thing is that after using Botox a few times in one area, you will find the effect of Botox may start to last for a longer period of time.

If you are interested in pursuing this best antiaging procedure, please contact your cosmetic surgeon or anti-aging doctor to find out if Botox is right choice for you.

How to Boost the Production of Collagen

As you age, collagen and elastin production levels in the skin decline. For our next natural anti aging tips, I am going to tell you how to boost collagen levels in the skin naturally. There are several steps you can take to overcome the decline of collagen production as you age. If you are interested in doing everything you can to help boost the production of collagen in your skin read further..



Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids and is the chief component in the connective tissues in the ligaments,skin, and bones. As we grow older, what leads to wrinkles is that the ability of our skin to replace damaged collagen decreases and this over the years leads to wrinkles in the skin. You need a a multifaceted approach to replenish the declining levels of collagen in your skin.

There are a few easy things you should be doing to avoid destroying your skin. This includes the basics rules of avoiding free radicals, sun damage, smoking and going to see a doctor about replacing your diminishing hormone levels if you are at the age where your hormones have become unbalanced. Hormone imbalance can occur as early as your mid-thirties and getting a hormone panel done by your doctor can identify this problem. I am talking about natural bioidentical hormones here because I am all for natural solutions to fight the process of aging. Supplementing diminishing hormones helps keep your skin young. In addition, drink six to eight glasses of clean water and eating a healthy diet daily will help your skin in looking maintain a youthful texture. To assist in Keeping your skin soft and moisturized, use a daily moisturizer and a night cream every day..

You can also take natural food supplements that you can find at your local health store which you can take that will assist in the production of collagen. Vitamin C and Hyaluronc Acid supplements – are both sold at your local health food store are the two basic supplements you should take to help with the amount of collagen production levels in your skin.


Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan , which exists naturally in all human body tissues. It is located in the extra cellular matrix of the skin and in the synovial fluid which moisturizes the joints and cartilage . It gives skin its volume and fullness . As we age, we the amount of hyaluronic acid declines in the body.

Vitamin C is very important for the synthesis of collagen. If you are over 45, we recommend taking 1000 milligram of Vitamin C a day which is also valuable for fighting off the effects of stress and illness. A friend of mine, who is 10 years older, told me she is now taking 1400 milligrams daily. Vitamin C is needed in larger amounts when you body is under stress or fighting off sickness. What you don’t need, meaning any excess amounts of Vitamin C are eliminated. Your best options about Vitamin C intake is to talk to your compounding pharmacist, naturopath or doctor about the exact amount you should be taking.

Another health supplement I find useful after the age of 50 is called “Genacol”, a supplement containing a concentration of enhancing collagen amino/peptides which improves the production of different types of collagen in the body. Genacol is also an excellent supplement for dealing with arthritis problems. You can buy Genacol again, at your local health store.

Another best natural antiagin tip is something we should all be doing regularly to fight off the hands of time. Exercise which includes building up decreasing muscle mass can help the skin in look less saggy and firmer. The antiaging benefits of exercise are wonderful including the physical benefits of firmer, harder muscles, heart health, lowered cholesterol and an increased sense of wellbeing from the resulting production of the “feel good” hormones - oxytocin and endorphins.

You could also look into having collagen injections which plumb up wrinkles and give volume to the face. These are cosmetic procedures which use subtances like Botox and Artecoll which actually increase collagen production in the area of your face that is injected with the substance..

So look into these natural anti aging tips for increasing the collagen production in your skin. Consult with your naturopath and anti aging doctors for their recommendations. This is what is available to you to keep your skin looking great as you age.