Cosmetic Medicine

Zeltiq’s Cool Sculpting or is it a Cool Scam?

2011-03-15T16:20:00.001-07:00

Thousands of men and women have been rushing to get the new Zeltiq’s Cool sculpting system to help get rid of their localized fat pockets. The Zeltiq system is a novel approach to getting rid of “love handles.” The doctor takes a cup-shaped device, applies it to the area of fat and turns on the vacuum. The device is cooled for about 60 minutes to a certain temperature and voila -your fat is gone. Like all things in plastic surgery, you do not see the results right away and most people need several sessions. The optimal cosmetic results occur after 2-3 months. At least that is what is supposed to happen. There is no anesthesia, no needles, no incision but you must have a lot of money. So does Zeltiq’s cool sculpting system work?

Anyone who believes that applying an ice pack to the body surface leads to burning of fat must be either very gullible, very stupid or both and deserves to lose their money. Of course, this is a swindle. There are hundreds of reports on cyberspace by women who have undergone these treatments and discovered that Zeltiq does jackshit.

What is even more depressing is that Zeltiq's cool sculpting costs $700-$1,000 per session. And if you want to get rid of the fat lumps around your belly or the back of your thighs, that will be another couple of hundred or a cool $1400 per session.

If you have any common sense, avoid this scam. The only thing cool about Zeltiq is that you will have a sign over your forehead saying that you are a cool Sucker.

Where in the body can lipodissolve be used to remove fat pockets?

2011-03-02T18:15:00.001-08:00

To date, Lipodissolve has been used to treat the following conditions:

- Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement)

- Cellulite deposits at the back of the thigh and buttocks

- Fat deposits around the eye (xanthelasma)

- Lipomas

- Fat mound in the pubis and genitals

- Revision of scars

- Unevenness that occurs after liposuction

- After weight loss surgery

No matter where lipodissolve is injected, no one ever loses the fat pockets but develop a lot of pain and depression- since the darn thing does not work

How does one use solage to erase skin blemishes?

2011-01-21T12:58:00.001-08:00

Solage should only be applied as directed. Prior to any use, always test a small amount on unbroken skin to see if you are allergic to the product. Wait 24 hours and if you are not, you can go ahead. Never apply the product on broken or bleeding skin. Apply Solage twice daily and do not get it in your mouth, eyes or nose. Wash hands before and after application. Sometimes the medication can make you very sensitive to sunlight and cause a sun burn- so wear a sunscreen each time you use Solage or avoid the sun.

Solage must be applied for many weeks before you will see a difference. The dose of Solage should not be increased without first consulting with your physician. Unfortunately, the benefits of solage are only seen in a few people with very mild skin discolorations. For the rest, that money would have been better spent on a vacation somewhere in the Caribbean

Is solage a safe skin bleaching agent?

2011-01-21T12:17:00.001-08:00

Mild side effects of solage include dry skin, redness and itching. In rare cases, Solage can cause blistering or peeling of skin. If this happens one should stop using the product and see a physician. All women who are able to bear a child should be aware that this product does contain tretinoin. Vitamin A related products can cause harm to the fetus and it is highly recommended that you speak to a skin doctor before you buy this product. Most reputable doctors are extremely reluctant in prescribing retinoids to young women because of the potential that the drug can harm a fetus.

Can you please tell me if solage can help remove colored skin patches on my hands and face?

2011-01-21T12:11:00.001-08:00

Solage is essentially a bleaching agent to lighten the dark patches on skin. One can apply the lotion on freckles, melasma, or scars. The product also contains Tretinoin (Vitamin A) to treat sun and liver spots. There is very little data on this product but anecdotal reports indicate that it is a waste of money. Solage is not a cheap medication- the price ranges from $90-$160 for a tiny vial. So far, the manufacturers have not released any type of patient data and this immediately indicates that the product sucks. All the great things that you hear about solage are from paid Hollywood celebrities. So if you have money to waste, go for it. If you do not have money to waste, then learn to like your freckles- they are harmless.

What is cost of Botox for treatment of sweating?

2011-01-14T04:49:00.000-08:00

The cost of Botox ranges from $ 700-$ 2,000 and is now available at most cosmetic and spa clinics. The procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and not covered by medical insurance. For safety, select a therapist who is credentialed to perform the procedure. Botox, when used by an experienced health care worker is a safe and effective way to eliminate the embarrassing problem of excessive sweating of the underarms, hands and feet.

There are people doing Botox injections but many cannot tell the difference between the mouth and the arse. So choose your provider well and speak to people who have had the procedure. Be realistic because cosmetic surgery may not always give you the desired result but it will always give you disappointments.

How is the Botox procedure for sweating done?

2011-01-14T04:47:00.001-08:00

The procedure is done at a spa or a clinic. Prior to injection of the Botox, the area of excess sweating is identified by staining with some starch iodine- which appear dark blue. The procedure does not require any anesthesia and both arm pits can be treated in a single sitting. For those who are afraid of needles, the area can be numbed with some local anesthetic. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and there is little downtime.

After treatment the individual goes home and should refrain from resuming normal activities for 2-3 days. Most individuals will have mild weakness in the arm which was treated. This weakness may persist for 1-2 weeks and it is for this reason, most physicians only treat one arm at a time. The decrease in sweating is noticeable within a few days after the injection but the maximum effect is not seen for 2-3 weeks. There are some individuals in whom Botox may not work. The reasons are not completely understood

I have heard that Botox works for excess sweating. Do you recommend it?

2011-01-14T04:39:00.001-08:00

Over the past 50 years, many drugs and chemicals have been developed to treat sweating- but all have failed. Recently Botox was approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of sweating. Clinical studies have shown that Botox injections can significantly decrease sweating. Botox is unique among treatments for excessive sweating because it acts directly at the origin of the sweat glands. It blocks the release of chemicals which stimulate sweat secretion.

Numerous studies have shown that Botox is very effective for treatment of excess sweating. Generally, most patients are free of sweating for about 3-6 months after a single Botox treatment. As many as one third of individuals are free of excessive sweating for at least one year. Unfortunately, Botox only works in less than 20% of people- and it is hard to know beforehand who these people are.

I am a 26 year old female and sweat excessively. What is the cause?

2011-01-14T04:33:00.001-08:00

Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is an annoying social disorder which often leads to difficulty in personal and professional life. The condition is embarrassing and interferes with many daily life activities. Clothes become damp, unsightly and must be changed several times a day. The skin folds around the arm pits and groin can become prone to irritating and itchy rashes. Wet hands can not only make writing difficult but can make a mess of all the paper work. Most of all the condition can cause embarrassment when it comes to shaking hands. For some unlucky individuals, excess sweating may also occur in the feet, leading to unpleasant smell, ruining footwear and leading to skin rashes in-between the toes. Those with foot involvement often have to change socks several times a day.

There are numerous causes of excess sweating but in most individuals the real cause is never found.

Does Radiesse work?

2010-10-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

Radiesse does work in 60-70 percent of individuals. Most times the result depend on who does your injections so it is essentially you select a physician who has a good reputation. There are way too many people performing cosmetic procedures without any prior training.

What is cost of Radiesse?

Radiesse is not cheap. Roughly the cost of Radiesse ranges anywhere from $600-$1,000. Of course, if you have more injections, the cost increases. The cost of Radiesse is not covered by any medical insurance plan

How long do the results of Radiesse last?

2010-10-15T17:44:00.000-07:00

Many clinical studies have revealed that Radiesse is safe and the results are long lasting. The cosmetic benefits of Radiesse lasts anywhere from 6-15 months. In the majority of people, the results of Radiesse start to wear off at about 6 months. Almost all individuals need touch- ups in the future to maintain the cosmetic benefit.

How are the injections performed?

Radiesse injections are performed as an outpatient and take about 20-30 minutes. The procedure is performed as an outpatient under local anesthesia. There is definitely pain associated with injection of Radiesse.

What is the Recovery period?

After the procedure, there may be some mild swelling or bruising which resolves in 2-5 days. The results after Radiesse injection are visible within 3-7 days. It is highly recommended that individuals stay out of the sun or wear a sunscreen after Radiesse injections.

Who performs Radiesse injections?

Unless you are the Queen of England or a Celebrity, it will be a nurse who will perform the injections. Radiesse injections are supposed to performed by physicians who have expertise in cosmetic procedures. To avoid any problems or complications with the injections, one should always seek a physician who has experience with Radiesse.

What is Radiesse

2010-10-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Radiesse is one of the longest acting soft tissue fillers for women who want to get rid of their wrinkles and skin creases. Plastic surgeons and a whole lot of other health professionals (nurses) frequently use Radiesse to correct large skin imperfections like deep furrows, wrinkles and scars.

What is Radiesse made of?

Radiesse is a soft tissue filler and has a unique chemical composition- it is made of tiny calcium microspheres suspended in a solution of glycerin. When injected, these microspheres embed into the surrounding tissues and provide a framework for the body’s cells to grow. The new collagen growth results in a fuller appearing skin, which appears smooth, young and wrinkle free.

What should radiesse be used for?

Both men and women who have deep creases and wrinkles can have radiesse injections. Radiesse is the ideal filler of choice for wrinkles and folds along the nose, chin and eye brows.

Pumping the body with liquid silicone: Part 2

2010-01-11T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well liquid silicone may make your breasts looks round and your buttocks more shapely, but this liquid can move in the body and it often does- into the lungs. There have been many cases of women dying after the liquid silicone has moved into the lungs and the number of people dying each year have been increasing. Sometimes the liquid silicone moves into the kidney and destroys them or it damages the heart, nerves, eyes or the brain. Further depending on who does your injections, some people have acquired nasty infections like AIDs and hepatitis from unclean needles.

Yet despite these complications, the world of liquid silicone is flourishing. It is the cheapest way to look great. Liquid silicone is easily available and all you need is a needle and a willing patient. The proper way to get enhanced breasts by a cosmetic surgeon can cost $8-$10,000 -liquid silicone can do it for less than a thousand.

And that is not all; cosmetic surgery on the black market had advanced. Besides liquid silicone, others use liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly or hydrogel for injections- even olive oil and water are used to enhance breasts using this cheap technique.

The reason for this craze is because everyone wants to attain nirvana and look beautiful.

We live in a world where we are judged by how we look but sometimes one has to accept what one looks like. Voluptuous round breasts may look sexy but death is also close by – beware of liquid silicone

Pumping the body with liquid silicone: Part 1

2010-01-11T06:03:00.000-08:00

In the quest to look sexy and have a great body outline, women have been getting pumped with illegal liquid silicone for many years. The procedure is simple - show up at a clinic, get the injection and in 30 minutes you are done. The injections do vary from about 1 cup to a whole pint of liquid silicone. The injections are painful but within a few minutes you will have big boobs and a sexy looking booty. Today, both unscrupulous doctors and non health care workers perform these illegal procedures. The procedure is done secretly as the liquid silicone injections are illegal. The black market for cosmetic silicone is sky high and worth more than gold. Both men and women want shapely things, rounded breasts and a great figure.

Also there are pump up parties- where just like Botox you go to a party, get something to eat and drink and also get injected. Plus you get to meet more people like you with a sexy body.

There is no downtime, and it is all done within 15-30 minutes. The cost can range from a $250-$750- cheaper and faster than any plastic surgeon.

So what is the big deal?

Can i use vitamin K creams to get rid of my spider veins? Part 2

2009-08-03T07:12:00.000-07:00

So do these vitamin K creams really work?

There is zero evidence that vitamin K can erase spider veins. There I not one scientific study which shows that vitamin K has the ability to reduce, prevent or remove spider veins. There is not one individual who can honestly come forward and claim that vitamin k creams removed his or her spider veins. One can eat, drink, slurp, or even use vitamin K as a suppository- the end result is just a waste of money.

Spider veins have no relation to vitamin K and there is no cream, herb or lotion which can be applied on the skin that will remove spider veins. Every single vitamin K cream sold on the market is simply false advertising with lots of false promises- such is the world of cosmesis.

Individuals who have spider veins have three options, do nothing, try sclerotherapy or laser. Vitamin k based creams or any other creams are a waste of money, time and are best considered junk therapy. These expensive creams do little more than moisturize your skin.

If you have spider veins and are not bothered by them, leave them alone. For those who seek vanity, perhaps laser is the best option. Remember though, laser is expensive, painful and spider veins do recur.

Can I use Vitamin K creams to get rid of my spider veins? Part 1

2009-08-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

Millions of women have spider veins and the majority dislike them. Spider veins commonly occur on the face, outer thigh, and lower leg. While these skin lesions do not cause symptoms, they are not aesthetically pleasing. Some women only have a few spider veins, but a few unlucky women develop multiple spider veins.

Spider veins do not cause any symptoms and if one has pain, swelling, aches or itching, then the cause is not spider veins. Spider veins are only treated for a cosmetic reason. If you have any type of symptom, then the problem will not be cured by treating spider veins.

In the last decade, hundreds of treatments for spider veins have come and gone. Almost each week there is a new cream, lotion, potion, or liquid to help one get rid of spider veins. The latest in a long line of creams is vitamin K. those who sell vitamin k related products claim that application of this cream can help erase spider veins.

There are vitamin k based products in every type of formulation on the market. These creams are sold in beauty parlors, pharmacies, cosmetic shops and at many spas. In each case, exaggerated claims are made such as applying the cream twice a day can erase the spider vein, make the skin soft, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture and so on. Most vendors of these products claim that vitamin K can remove spider veins in a few weeks.

Vitamin K is known as a fat-soluble vitamin and is generally taken by mouth. In the hospital setting, it is sometimes administered as an injection in individuals who have bleeding disorders. All humans have large stores of vitamin k and do not require supplementation. Vitamin k is readily available from the diet when one eats vegetables and legumes. It is very rare for a health care worker to prescribe vitamin K for healthy individuals.

Juvederm: part 2

2009-06-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

When does one see results after Juvederm?

The cosmetic results after Juvederm are seen in a few days. The results last anywhere from 3-6 months. Because the procedure is not permanent, maintenance or touch up injections are required 1-2 times a year.

What are the results like after Juvederm injections?

Because Juvederm is a soft dermal filler, results on the face are very pleasing. Most individuals develop a smooth facial contour, no lines or wrinkles and a younger looking face.

Is juvederm effective in all individuals?

Unfortunately. A fair number of individuals show little or no response to Juvederm injections. It is difficult to know before hand who will respond to the injections. In general, individuals who smoke and have heavy or deep wrinkles do not show a good response.

What is cost of juvederm?

Juvederm injections are considered cosmetic and not covered by Medicare or any health insurance plan. The average cost of Juvederm injections range from $800-$1200.

Final point

There are many individuals who perform Juvederm injections and overall the results are pleasing. Complications are rare but have been reported. To ensure that you have a good result with no complications, ask questions, get a referral, read about the procedure and above all else, choose your provider well. In cosmetic surgery, there are seldom any refunds.

Juvederm: a decent dermal filler but expensive

2009-06-30T08:24:00.000-07:00

There have been many types of dermal fillers developed in the past decade and none is ideal. Each and every one of them has its pros and cons. While collagen products have dominated the cosmetic market, recently novel types of dermal fillers include those based on hyaluronic acid have been developed.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Everyone has hyaluronic acid in their body; it is a natural constituent of bone, cartilage and soft tissues. It has multiple functions in the body including cushioning joints against injury, maintaining hydration, supporting surrounding tissues and providing skin support. When hyaluronic acid levels decrease due to aging or excessive sun exposure, the skin becomes wrinkled and appears saggy.

How can Juvederm reverse signs of aging?

Juvederm is usually injected to erase signs of aging and photo aged skin. Juvederm is soft, jelly-like, and very consistent filler that can readily erase fine lines, wrinkles, and creases. By filling the underlying tissues, the skin appears full, smooth, and soft. Juvederm is also widely used to plump up lips, making them sexy and luscious.

Where are juvederm injections performed?

Juvederm injections are done as an outpatient in a clinic setting. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the procedure. Individuals who are on blood thinners like aspirin should discuss with their physician when they should stop the medication prior to injections.

Is there any pretesting prior to juvederm injections?

No, Juvederm injections do not require pretesting for allergy. The injections usually take less than 15 minutes and are relatively painless. Those who are squeamish about pain can ask the therapist to numb the skin with a topical anesthetic.

What happens after juvederm injections?

After the procedure, a few individuals may develop redness and mild swelling. These side effects usually subside in a few days. The redness can be covered with a facial make-up or mascara.

Restylane: Part 3

2009-06-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

Does Restylane work in everyone?

Unfortunately, no. even though Restylane produces decent results in most people; a few individuals do not have a great response. It is difficult to tell who will not have a great response prior to the injections

Does restylane have complications?

Most definitely. There are way too many people in cosmetics performing injections. Some of training and others do not know the mouth from the a..e. Thus, when injections are performed by untrained people complications do occur. The most common complications include pain, asymmetry, scars, and granuloma formation.

What is cost of Restylane?

Restylane injections are for cosmetic skin care conditions and not covered by any medical insurance carrier. The injections are affordable; the average cost ranges from $400-$800/session.

Final note

Restylane is a decent dermal filler and does produce moderately good results. However, the one major criterion for success is finding a decent doctor. Many doctors are in cosmesis just for the money and do not care about patients. There are some good cosmetic surgeons who do a great job- the difficulty is finding one who is good and cheap.

So ask questions, get referrals, and talk to people who have had the procedure. Remember there are no refunds in cosmetic surgery and complications are generally forever.

Restylane: Part 2

2009-06-10T07:01:00.000-07:00

What happens after restylane injections?

After the injection, swelling and bruising is common and usually resolve in 24 hours. The pain is minimal and easily controlled with over the counter pain medications.

How many sessions are required?

For the treatment of small skin imperfections, a single session of Restylane may suffice but those with deep skin creases and wrinkles may need several sessions. Today there are several formulations of Restylane available. These formulations have been combined with other dermal fillers like Perlane to improve the quality and duration of effect.

Are restylane injections permanent?

No, Restylane treatments are not a permanent cure to reverse signs of aging. Thus, all individuals will need future injections if they want to continue to maintain the youthful look.

When does one see the cosmetic benefits of Restylane?

The effects of Restylane are immediate. After the initial swelling from the injection has subsided, the cosmetic results are obvious. In most cases the results of Restylane injections last anywhere from 3-6 months.

Restylane: finally a dermal filler that works, but not for acne scars

2009-06-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

What is Restylane?

Restylane is an injectable dermal filler which is not derived from animal sources. It is a biodegradable gel made of hyaluronic acid. Restylane is made in the laboratory from tissue culture.

What is the biggest advantage of Restylane?

It is a great alternative for individuals who are allergic to animal-based dermal fillers.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body. It has the ability to retain water, hydrate tissues, add volume and also acts as a shock absorber. Levels of hyaluronic acid generally decline with age, resulting in lines and wrinkle formation.

What is Restylane used to treat?

Today Restylane is widely used as a dermal fuller to treat several skin disorders like wrinkles, fine lines, augmentation of lips and revision of acne scars. Restylane injections when done well can produce a very aesthetically pleasing face. The dermal filler can plump up the lips and make them look luscious. The majority of individuals who have Restylane injection develop a younger, smoother and attractive skin.

Where are restylane injections performed?

Restylane injections are done in a physician’s office and usually take about 30 minutes. Unlike other animal-based dermal fillers, Restylane does not have to be pretested for allergy and this saves time.

Prior to the injections, the face is rinsed and injection sites are marked. Restylane is injected with a very needle to minimize the pain. During the procedure, the surgeon may apply a local anesthetic to numb the mild pain from the needle. Most individuals require a couple of injections.

Sculptra: Part 3

2009-06-10T06:40:00.001-07:00

How many sessions of Sculptra injections are required?

Most individuals require several sessions of Sculptra to obtain the maximum cosmetic benefit.

What is cost of Sculptra?

Sculptra is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by Medicare or any private health insurance plan. The average cost of Sculptra ranges from $ 2,000-$ 5,000. The costs vary because of the varying amount of Sculptra used for injections.

Sculptra injections are typically performed by a plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Different patients respond differently to Sculptra injections. Complications are rare but they do occur. So to get the best results, seek a qualified practitioner who has experience with Sculptra injections.

Final note

Sculptra is an expensive cosmetic product and the results are not guaranteed. Cosmetic doctors have hyped up Sculptra and make it sound like it is the ideal product for photo-aged skin and wrinkles. Cosmetic surgery is full of false promises and big disappointments. So read about the procedure, talk to people who have had the procedure and above all else get a second opinion if in doubt.

Sculptra: Part 2

2009-06-10T06:35:00.000-07:00

What happens after Sculptra injections?

After injection of Sculptra, some individuals develop redness and swelling at the site of injection. There is very little down time after Sculptra injections. If excessive swelling persists one can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes- several times a day. Exposure to sun should be avoided and a sunscreen is a must when going out. The majority of individuals are able to return to their daily living activities within 24 hours. These transient side effects disappear in a few days.

When does one see benefits of Sculptra?

The effects of Sculptra are not immediate. Most individuals start to see the cosmetic changes at around 3-6 weeks and the results last anywhere from 5-18 months. The end result is a soft well contoured skin figure which appears young.

Does Sculptra work in everyone?

No, there are some individuals who do not show any response to Sculptra. At best, the product works well in less than 50% of individuals.

Are there any testimonials about Sculptra?

So far all data on Sculptra are written by physicians who sell this therapy. Like everything in medicine, physician testimonials about their own products are as good as buying a second hand car from a car thief. Patient testimonials are few. The few negatives about Sculptra include pain, formation of nodules and short duration of the cosmetic response.

Are there complications of Sculptra injections?

Yes, complications are rare but have been reported. The most common complications are a poor or no result, pain, lack of response and asymmetry.

Sculptra: a cosmetic product that works!

2009-06-10T06:13:00.001-07:00

What is Sculptra?

Sculptra is a recently FDA approved cosmetic procedure to correct signs of hollow cheeks/fat loss from the face. The product has been frequently used in the treatment of emaciated individuals affected with the HIV virus. Sculptra has been shown to add volume to the face, erase wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow creases.

What is Sculptra made of?

Sculptra is a synthetic injectable material made of poly L lactic acid. Lactic acid is a common substance in the body and thus, there is no risk of developing allergies. Further, there is no risk of rejection of this naturally occurring chemical.

What is chief advantage of Sculptra?

One of the benefits of Sculptra injections is that it also stimulates synthesis of collagen in the deeper tissues. Sculptra thus, has two-fold benefits. Sculptra itself can induce volume and erase wrinkles. Further, synthesis of collagen enhances the cosmetic benefits and prolongs duration of Sculptra.

Where are Sculptra injections done?

Sculptra injections are done as an outpatient in a clinic. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the injection. Individuals who are on blood thinners, or have an active bacterial infection of skin should not under go this procedure. The injections usually do not take more than 10-15 minutes. There is no pretesting required and there is no need for general anesthesia. To prevent pain from injections, the therapist may apply a topical anesthetic 20 minutes prior to the procedure.

Genesis laser: Part 3

2009-06-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

When does one see the cosmetic effects after genesis treatment?

The effects of Genesis laser become obvious in a few weeks and lasts anywhere from 2-6 months. Maintenance treatments are required to help keep up the cosmetic benefits.

Does genesis laser work in everyone?

Definitely not. Less than 5% of individuals have mild benefit. The rest end up with a face that looks worse than they started out with. There are lots of testimonials about laser on cyberspace and the majority are negative

What is cost of the treatment?

Genesis laser system is a cosmetic procedure and not covered by Medicare or any private health insurance carrier. The average cost of treatment starts around $400-$1,000. It depends to whom you go to, where you go and the extent of you skin treatment. Most cosmetic centers do offer discounts if you enroll in several sessions of treatment. Everyone is told that they require several sessions to achieve the optimal cosmetic result.

Of course, there is no guarantee that it will work for everyone- just something to think about.