Blog

The one constant about beauty tips and trends is that they are constantly changing. At least, most of the time. Sometimes a look or a feature becomes so admired and so desirable that it actually becomes a part of our pop culture.

Full, well-defined, lush-looking lips are one of those phenomenons. As often happens, it’s the glamour of Hollywood, or the entertainment industry, in general, that creates the demand for the latest and greatest beauty style or fashion. Angelina Jolie, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Scarlett Johansson and Keira Knightley are among the few celebrities whose stunning lips, women, of every age, want to emulate.

Since the year 2000, lip augmentation has grown to be one of the world’s most popular cosmetic procedures. And thanks to the introduction of the derma fillers like Restylane, Radiesse, Juvederm and others, surgery is not the only method of achieving the look. At a fraction of the cost, the time and the discomfort, this might be the smallest procedure that makes the biggest change in your appearance.

While there are many reasons for seeking lip “plumping” or augmentation, the simplest, of course, is just being born with thin, uneven or undefined lips. Now what Nature didn’t provide, the miracles of modern medicine, can.

Another cause for enhancing the size and shape of your lips is due to the natural aging process. A loss of facial volume or fat may not only create hollows in the under eye and cheek area, but also may change the fullness and the expression of your mouth. The corners may droop and the upper lip may recede into a thin, line.

While there are other non-surgical procedures for lip augmentation, today the method of choice, by patients and doctors alike, are the injectable facial fillers containing Hyaluronic acid or similar substances. This is a natural substance already produced by the body and least likely to cause any allergic reaction.

Additionally, the Hyaluronic fillers offer the doctor more control over the volume being injected (it can even be done gradually, over a few appointments), there may be less swelling or bruising and the results are pretty long-lasting, although not permanent.

With its most recent FDA-approval, BOTOX continues on its walk to the wonder drug hall of fame.

Since BOTOX Cosmetic was first approved for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles, by the FDA, in 2002, manufacturer Allergan now has approximately 90 patents or patents pending for the potential and very diverse uses of this drug. Wonder drug, indeed.

In 2010, BOTOX received FDA-approval for the treatment of severe Migraine Headaches in patients suffering 15 or more days, a month, from this debilitating disorder. BOTOX has changed the quality of life for millions of migraine sufferers around the world. Most recently, in January, 2013, BOTOX was again FDA-approved in the treatment of another common medical ailment, an overactive bladder.

Typically, bladder control problems occur when your muscles are either too weak or too active. If the muscles are too weak, the symptoms may include untimely ”accidents” from sudden coughing, sneezing or other stress signals placed upon the bladder. When the muscles are too active, the symptoms are leakage or sudden, strong impulses to use the bathroom whether your bladder is really full or not.

These specific bladder issues are more prevalent among women and seem to increase with age or significant weight gain. However, they can occur at any time, to either gender. While incontinence is not a dangerous or serious medical condition, it can be embarrassing and might interfere with some daily activities. Extended travel, social or sporting events might also be curtailed and the emotional distress be considerable.

Here, as with other muscle-related disorders, BOTOX has offered substantial relief. In clinical studies, over a period of 12-weeks of treatment, BOTOX injections have resulted in up to 50% fewer incidents a day! That is a significant number and translates into even greater success in patient appreciation.

Originally developed for correcting the condition of “crossed-eyes,” it was discovered, quite by accident, that BOTOX also relaxed the lines and wrinkles around the area of treatment. As a result, BOTOX has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world. It has also become one of the most carefully studied and researched drugs in modern times.

To date, the results of this scrutiny have been very exciting. Among the ailments that BOTOX has been successful in treating and hopeful of receiving future FDA-approval, are excessive sweating, swallowing and chewing difficulties, muscle spasms, benign enlarged prostate and relief from various stroke-related difficulties.

Allergan suggests that, ultimately, the therapeutical uses for BOTOX may far surpass it’s cosmetic success. But there just might be 75,000,000 Baby Boomers staring at some frown lines, in the mirror, thinking, “Well, we’ll just see about that!”

Since 2002, when BOTOX was approved by the FDA, for the cosmetic treatment of lines and wrinkles, this revolutionary drug has been heralded as the first sip at the Fountain of Youth.

But, according to BOTOX manufacturer, Allergan, the drug’s medical and therapeutic uses may, eventually, far outweigh its cosmetic popularity. Currently, the company owns or has “pending” more than 90 patents for BOTOX. It has been tested and successfully used for sweating disorders, swallowing problems and muscle spasms.

Perhaps, chief among its current uses and benefits, the treatment for severe Migraine Headaches, reigns supreme. In 2010, BOTOX was again FDA-approved. But this time it was to reduce the often-debilitating effects of Migraine Headaches.

If you have been fortunate enough to never experience a Migraine, its pain is almost indescribable. Different from the regular stress, flu, alcohol, fatigue or other headaches, the Migraine Headache takes no prisoners.

The pain is severe and often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Commonly, the pain is greatly heightened by sound or light.

BOTOX, carefully injected into the head and neck, has brought life-altering relief to thousands of patients who have been eligible to receive the treatment. BOTOX is only approved for the most severe sufferers who do not respond to other drugs and that experience Migraines, at least, 15 – 20 days a month. For those patients, BOTOX is, indeed, a “wonder drug”.

While universal triggers, dietary or lifestyle, are really not exact, there are some common causes that have been noted: red wine, chocolate, aged cheese, preservatives like MSG, hot, humid weather, sleep disorders and, of course, high stress.

It’s estimated that 15% of the population experience Migraine Headaches; it often runs in families and women are more susceptible than men. Fortunately, the occurrence of Migraines seems to decrease with age.

Then, of course, you can seek BOTOX treatments to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and eliminate your headaches and signs of premature aging, at once!

Depending upon the patient’s own healing process, as well as the practitioner’s technique, there may be varying degrees of swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness, bumps and other minor, but noticeable, side effects.

But there is another factor that also plays a role in reducing the temporary side effects of BOTOX, Restylane, Juvederm and other non-invasive cosmetic dermatology procedures –your pre and post-treatment precautions! Yes, there are things you can do to help prevent and treat many of the injection side-effects or, at least, minimize their appearance.

Pre-treatment

First and foremost, always select the most experienced and skilled practitioner you can find. Do the research and revel in your results.

Secondly, be sure to allow 2 – 7 days for the disappearance of any visible traces of the treatment. Let common sense prevail – don’t schedule an important business or social event in the same week as your procedure. And, if you know that you bruise more easily, allow up to two weeks for full recovery. Usually, make-up will cover all minor redness or bruising, but be prepared for the unexpected.

One of the easiest precautions is to discontinue, if possible, the following medications/supplements one week prior to treatment. They are known “blood thinners” and might cause bruising: Aspirin (Excedrin, Motrin, Aleve, Advil), St. John’s Wort, Omega 3, Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba, Ginseng. Tylenol is always fine to use for pain. And check with your doctor for other prescribed medications you might avoid.

Eliminate alcohol and garlic 1 – 2 days before treatment; some evidence recommends eating pineapple 1 – 2 days ahead; Arnica Montana tablets may also be helpful (except if you have high blood pressure or heart problems), 1- day ahead or the morning of the procedure.

Post-treatment

Immediately following your procedure, you might ask for an ice pack to apply directly on the areas of injection. And if you have swelling, continue to apply a cold compress for 5 – 10 minutes every hour, for the first several hours, after treatment.

Things to avoid for 1 – 2 days after treatment: alcohol, exercise (except for walking), sun or heat exposure and aspirin (as above but Tylenol is still good to go). Also resist pressing on the treatment area – unless you were instructed to do so by your doctor.

With the incredible number of skin care products on the market, sometimes it feels like “your guess is as good as mine” when it comes to buying what you need. It might have been a lot easier “back in the day” when “cold cream” was the only game in town. But, of course, we don’t remember that day!

Just as a point of reference, in 2010, the world skin care industry generated over $78 billion. And, at least, 64% of that total was from facial products alone! By 2015, the market is expected to top $95 billion. That’s a lot of products. And a lot of people buying them.

So what’s going on in the skin care industry? LOTS. The innovation, the art and the science that has made today’s “60 the new 40” has revolutionized the industry. And dazzled the consumer with the possibilities. And the choices. So let’s simplify. Whether you’ve followed a tried and true beauty regimen for years or are just looking to start one, it’s always a good idea to review the bare-bone basics.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island, the two cosmetics you’d most likely pack, for the adventure, are your blush and mascara. But what do you really need to stay looking fabulous? Beautiful skin. So leave some room for the cleanser and moisturizer or you may have to toss the “lush and blush” out!

Beautiful skin starts with clean. Clean skin is healthy skin. And healthy skin is clear, fresh and youthful-looking. At any age. So every skin care program should include a mild, but effective, multi-purpose cleanser. VIVITÉ®　Daily Facial Cleanser is perfect for every day use. It removes surface oils, dirt, makeup and other impurities that clog your pores but it doesn’t rob your skin of its natural moisture. AND, unlike ordinary cleansers, it has 12% glycolic compound which is one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients in rejuvenating your skin and maintaining it’s smooth, supple radiance. You’ll love how your skin feels.

VIVITÉ® Daily Facial Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 is certainly the next must in your “love your skin” beauty agenda. Dry, itchy, flaky skin is the root of all evil! At least, when it comes to your skin. Only the sun can do more damage. And this moisturizer gives you the UVA/UVB protection you need, as well. Premature lines and wrinkles and a dull, lifeless pallor – no matter how clean – is not your best look. Quench it, drench it with emollients, nourish your skin with moisture and you’ll look vibrant anywhere!

There’s no denying that playing in the sun is wreaking havoc on our skin. Sun or age spots, over any area of skin that is over-exposure to the sun, are especially major concerns in So. California and Florida. However, they also affect sun-worshippers everywhere.

And there are other pigmentation problems that detract from the look of clear, fresh and youthful skin: redness, Rosacea, light acne scars, broken capillaries, spider veins, hyperpigmentation and other skin conditions cause distress and, actually, embarrassment for millions of people of all ages and genders.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial laser treatments to the rescue. Simply stated, a strong wavelength of light is targeted on the affected skin and absorbs the undesirable melatonin (the color-creating substance) from the area. Fast, easy, effective. And while discomfort levels vary from person to person, IPL Photofacial procedures are usually performed with a topical anesthethic and are considered virtually painless. A slight sting with each pulse is the usual description.

Depending upon the size of the area being treated – face, neck, chest, hands – and the severity of the condition, three to five IPL treatments are usually required, spaced about 4 weeks apart. The treatment time is about 30 minutes with no down time following each session. Side effects are also minimal and the possible skin reddening will disappear within a few hours and may be covered with makeup.

Sound good? It is. Effective? Most definitely. When can I start? How about today!

Back in the day, a long, long time ago, before we or our parents can remember, say in 1950, there was a gorgeous young Italian actress named Gina Lollabrigida. Simply stunning. In fact, it’s been said that Marilyn Monroe was once called “the American Gina Lollabrigida.”

The fact is, if you view her photos, on the Internet, she was really a cross between Elizabeth Taylor and a modern day diva named Eva Longoria. Another fact is that 25 years later, Ms. Lollabrigida was still dropping jaws. Was there something in the Italian air or water? Well, as the story goes, Gina’s rather infamous explanation was, “When I’m not on camera, I try not to smile or move my lips or facial muscles any more than I have to. It makes wrinkles.

Fact – Ms. Lollabrigida was right. In fact, that’s one of the major factors behind our pre-mature aging. Smiling, frowning, pouting – all the strong muscle contractions that we use to express our emotions, over and over, leave their lasting impression on our faces. Frown lines, crow’s feet, knitted brows and other lines and wrinkles are the signs of the times, the times of our lives. Thank goodness we have them. And we can get rid of them!

While BOTOX is best known for removing or reducing those lines, its secondary effect is helping to relax and re-train the muscles that created them. When the BOTOX wears off, hopefully, the frowns do, too.

While we’re not suggesting that you stop smiling or talking, we are reminding you that,today, there’s a new sign of the times…BOTOX Cosmetics.