beauty home

Today, we are living in a beauty obsessed society. The world of cosmetology is increasing ever since. People are so much fascinated by beauty that they do all possible things to look good. No body is untouched with all the options that are available in the market to look good. So, in the race of looking prettiest, long hair extensions play an important part. These extensions are supplement to our hair that makes hairs look good. It will help you get a hair style of your own choice and will make you confident so that you can also enjoy an esteem position in your society. Sometimes people are known by the kind of hair they have. A long and beautiful hair is always admired by others.
Long hair extensions are locks of human or synthetic hair that are placed on your hair either to thicken or to make the length of hair longer as per your choice. Hair extensions is a simple means through which one can get the latest hair style that is in trend. The extension can add volume, thickness and length to your hair and giving you a completely new style and look. The process that is used to lock the extensions is found varying from one extension to other. It is used by the use of glues, pre-tipped, braids, weaves, clips or metal rings and others. These processes also differ from each other in cost. These extensions help you in giving you a makeover. Hair extensions are of two types, one is real hair extension and other is synthetic.
Real hair extensions are natural human hair that you can make use of it to get the style, feel and look which you like as per your lifestyle. If you are going to experiment with your hair and looks so you need to make sure about the kind of products are you going to use. You must consult the hair stylist for the kind of extension that you want to use. The stylists will advice you that kind of extension which will suit you according to your hair. Real hair extensions are little more expensive than your synthetic hair styling process. Depending on the size of your budget, you can opt for the extension you want. Cold fusion, ceramic fusion, links, shrinkies etc are some of the new techniques that are used in hair extensions to get an appealing look.
Well, there can be various reasons for opting a hair extension. The reason can be to add volume, length and shine to your hair, while another reason can be to cover up your bad hair. If you have a bad hair cut, there is no other way than to cover up with hair extension instead of wearing your own bad cut hair. You can use real hair extension if you have to attend some special occasion like a wedding, parties or some social gathering. You need to visit your stylist and talk with her personally before trying for any extension. Look for a good hair stylist that will advise all the pros and cons of using hair extension. After using it, you need to give some extra care to your hair because the extensions may loose if not cared properly. Well, hair extensions exist for certain period of time varying from 2-3 months. You can wash your hair in the very natural manner. You should give visits to your stylist after certain period of time.

Should you buy a product just because some celebrities use it? The Sedu ionic ceramic tourmaline flat iron hair straightener is one of those products. There's a rumor that Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston have used a Sedu.
However, whether or not this rumor is true, the real effectiveness of a Sedu has received many rave reviews by women who have transformed their hair thanks to the Sedu.
The Sedu ionic ceramic tourmaline flat iron hair straightener has a number of features that make other flat irons seem ordinary.
Sedu uses tourmaline, a gemstone that when heated generates up to six times more negative ions than ordinary flat irons. Negative ions smoothes the outer layer of the hair making it look shiny. Hair bombarded with negative ions help to eliminate frizz or split ends and makes it more manageable.
With the Sedu, the hair passes between smooth ceramic plates that won't kink or damage hair. The Sedu plates generate infrared heat that penetrates the inner core of each strand of hair so the hair's outer layer won't dry out.
The temperature setting on the Sedu is adjustable to make it safer or easier to straighten any type of hair. If the hair is fragile or damaged, the user can select a safer lower temperature. The temperature can be set higher to make the effort of straightening thick or coarse hair easier.
To top off all these great features, the Sedu warms up fast. It only takes 25 seconds for the Sedu to reach the temperature selected. Ordinary flat irons may take up to 60 seconds to reach the same temperature. Straightening curvy or wavy hair takes less time with a Sedu.
Recapping what we have just said, the Sedu heats up fast, can straighten any hair type, won't damage it and delivers six times more negative ions than ordinary irons making any women's hair shinier and manageable.
So, as you can see the Sedu ionic ceramic tourmaline flat iron hair straightener doesn't need the buzz that someone famous is using it. Sedu's effectiveness and customer testimonials are more than enough.

They say, there’s never a wrong time to do the right thing. Here, we’d say, there’s never a wrong time to do the natural thing. What we mean by this is that your skin’s best care lies in the lap of nature and the natural beauty products. Young or old—you can switch to a natural skin care program anytime you want.
Often people confuse between organic and natural products. While natural and organic skin care products are closely similar, differences do exist. But rest assured, both are better treatments than the everyday beauty products available in the market. It’s because natural beauty products are derived directly from nature, having more natural ingredients to make your skin soft, supple and healthy. When you’re using natural or organic skin care products, you will notice the difference yourself. Therefore, it’s always recommended to go for natural products than those that are doctored in the lab with harsh chemicals or other agents. For instance, beauty oil extracted from a flower would apparently look or smell the same, but the one produced naturally or organically would be more kind on your skin than the regular product. Thereby, your skin stays in health for a longer time.
If you’re wondering if organic skin care products promise the same wide range as that of regular products, here’s a short list of the most popular natural skin care items: body lotions/creams, cleansers, masks, scrubs, peels, body wraps, sunscreens, toners, massage oils, make-up, body shampoo, face serums, make-up removers, anti-aging creams, etc. So you can get almost anything you need to take care of your skin from the natural skin care products range. All botanicals used in the manufacturing of organic products are devoid of chemicals or pesticides.
Natural skin care is rewarding in another way. It has an element of authenticity. All organic products are tested and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture. So all you need to do while buying your beauty products is look out for the USDA Organic seal.

"Have you ever notice how you can put your makeup on much faster in the dark?"
Women, being beautiful, or at least something that doesn't scare folks on the street is a daily chore. You know the table overflowing with beauty lotions, creams, scrubs, ointments and rubs. Something for women to put on at night and something to take it off in the morning. Something for the shower, something for after the shower and something for before you put your clothes on. A bewildering array of beauty products designed to enhance you and hopefully lift your spirits.
Well, I learned, with humor, that you can't get everything out of a bottle. So, let me tell you about the night I was watching QVC with my checkbook a little too close at hand.
On my television screen that evening, there was a miraculous beauty product, whose name I have now forgotten, that was designed to reduce visible wrinkles in 20 minutes. Just 20 minutes! (Makes you think about what the invisible wrinkles are about.) I watched with close attention, as a woman with a touch of white in her hair confidently sat upon the high chair as the camera zoomed in for a close up shot. Closer and closer the camera went until finally wrinkles came into view. There they were, little tiny lines radiating from the corners of her eyes.
So saszam, a little dab of the elixir and 20 minutes later, the model's skin looked younger and as radiant as promised. So with the clock ticking away toward the end of this amazing introductory offer, I quickly grappled for the phone and feverishly dialed in.
Like clockwork, A few days latter, the order arrived. I eagerly ripped open the package and dashed upstairs to the my bathroom mirror. I washed my hands and face, clearing away as instructed all accumulated oils and dirt. I put the prerequisite amount of the magic lotion, just as they showed us, on my middle finger and stared deeply into the mirror at my eyes and found... I didn't have any wrinkles!
So, the moral of this story is:
QVC can sell anything to you in the space of 20 minutes.
Even if you don't need it you could still end up buying it, and
Some of us have way too much time on our hands.
So before you reach for the phone and dial in clamoring for your very own bottle, tube, vial, tub, your magic beauty cream, women ask yourself, do commercials make you feel ...withered, dried up, cracked, caked, oily, frizzy, flat, shinny, pealing, with an itchy scalp? If so, do what I now do. Turn off the TV, grab a good book and remember, you are just a cute as you were before the commercial. So,"have you ever notice how you can put your makeup on much faster in the dark?" That is the real key to beauty.

Wrinkles, deep folds and fine lines are signs that we are no longer are as young as we feel. These can be dynamic (appear with facial expression) or static (there all the time). Dynamic wrinkles are caused by muscle activity and become static and deeper with time.
Many of us yearn to look youthful without plastic surgery or having a face frozen by Botox injections. Fortunately, this is possible and easily achieved with a judicious mix of Botox and injectable fillers.
Botox is a purified protein that prevents muscle contraction. Used in large amounts, it can cause a frozen unnatural look. However, judicious use can produce a very natural result as the facial muscles are just weakened & not paralyzed.
Botox for cosmetic use has gone beyond wrinkle relaxation. It is now also used for facial contouring and face lifting. The traditional uses (reduction of frown lines, forehead lines and crow's feet) remain the most frequently requested cosmetic procedure in the USA.
Injectable fillers or dermal fillers are used to treat static lines.
Most of the wrinkles and folds that develop in the bottom half of the face are caused by loss of elasticity, atrophy of underlying support structures and the pull of gravity over the years. Things like folds between the nose and the mouth (naso-labial lines); marionette lines running from the mouth to the chin can be improved with dermal fillers.
These are substances, injected under the skin to create volume and smooth out the folds on the surface in procedures known as soft-tissue augmentation. Not only does it plump-up the area being treated, but recent research shows that some of these fillers also stimulate your skin to produce more new collagen and stop the further breakdown of your existing collagen.
Fillers are often used to enhance facial contours too: lip, nose and chin augmentations are popular requests.
There are many types of filler available on the market and the hyaluronic acid fillers are generally the most popular in view of their safety and affordability. Temporary fillers can last for up to a year depending on the location of injection and the type of filler chosen.

We see them everywhere; on TV, on magazine covers while we wait in shopping lines, and sometimes,on occasion, on a friend or a stranger. Just seeing a great hairstyle and falling in love with it is only the bare beginnings of creating a whole new you. Before sitting in your stylist's chair and expecting miracles from him or her, let's discuss what you need to take into consideration before those scissors touch a single strand.
First of all, consider your lifestyle. Do you work indoors in an office all day? You can afford to spend the extra time on your look should you desire since there should be nothing working against your hair such as wind or rain. Or are you out in the elements? Perhaps you go to the gym after work and need a style that dries by itself and yet still looks presentable? A precision cut or permanent wave may suit this type as they both would dry stylishly on their own. Longer hair of course should be clipped up in the wind to protect its health as well as its beauty.
Secondly, how much time do you really have to spend in the morning to create your fabulous look on a daily basis. Not how much time you'd like to spend or think you will, yet the harsh reality of how many actual minutes on the ticking clock do you have before you really need to hit the road to work or school? An everyday look should fit into your routine.
Should you only need a few, quick curls, then plugging in the old curling iron every morning will become second nature having it ready for a couple of quick applications. Do you shower in the morning and would rather have a cut that you can just blow dry or flatiron and have it lay right in place? Your style will demand more trips to the salon for trims as any style that has that precision cut to keep it low-maintenance will have to have the style kept "in shape". And this doesn't necessarily mean a short haircut as medium length styles can have blunt lines or textured ends to speed up the styling process having them styled straight or perhaps in a little "flip".
Have a little more time to spend on your do? Perhaps you would like a little more body or curl. Large, loose curls are are the rage now, ranging from gigantic 3-5 vertical curls that are left undisturbed to fall freely during the day to the more time-consuming S-waves. Should you prefer the latter on a regular basis, you should consider a design-wrap perm to lock these defined patterns in and cut your styling time way down. This will be less damaging to your hair in the long run as you won't be applying the direct heat from appliances on a daily basis.
So now you have an idea of time and environment. The next step is the hardest. Your head and facial shapes, as well as your neck structure are all very important things to consider in determining how well you might carry off that cute style you just saw. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a perfect oval face, a well defined jawline, a sleek neck of average length, all of which are well-balanced enabling you to wear short, medium or long styles of any type, you need to face the facts that you probably cannot wear just any hairstyle that you fall in love with.
Brush all your hair back off of your face, clip it or place a headband. What do you see? An oval, a square shape? Heart? Is it oblong? Or Diamond shaped?
Square, Heart and Oblong shapes usually tend to have "high foreheads". These require a part close to the center that allows hair to fall along the temples and covers up the majority of the forehead. Though the best remedy for this situation are bangs, or as they call them abroad, fringe. Bangs cover or break up areas that we would prefer to disguise.
Diamond and Heart shaped faces have very narrow chins and styles that hit about the jawline is best to help "fill in" this weak area. Or a longer style could be worn with layering in this area that may be textured with curls which would also serve the same purpose. However, Square and Oblong shapes have thick, wide jawlines and it's best to draw attention away from this area. These face shapes should not have a hairstyle that widens this area further. Hair should be flat (straight) against the sides of their chins or at least much longer or shorter to draw attention up or down away from the chin or jawline. Remember this can apply to anyone with a double chin or thick throat area as well.
These same rules apply to the top of the face. A short forehead, one who has a hairline that comes down close to the eyebrows, also needs camouflaging. Bangs are an option here. Diamond, Square and Oblong shapes do not want hairstyles that comb back to expose these flaws. It's best to allow hair to fall on the forehead somehow to disguise your less than perfect hairline.
A Diamond or Oblong shaped face needs to be very careful to avoid hairstyles with fullness across the nose and eye level as these styles will only make their face shape appear wider here. Neck length can appear shorter or longer according to your needs, depending on your style and its length. This physical characteristic is often overlooked.
Now to discuss your hair color. Yes, it's something you really need to consider as it can make or break any hairstyle. You can have the best haircut in the world for you, however, if the color is all wrong, it ruins the whole look. For those of you, who already color their hair or are considering it, know these important factors. Black and very dark shades are not just for the young-at-heart, they are for the younger and younger looking crowd only. These unforgiving colors will only harshen the features of anyone who has found themselves with fine lines and wrinkles. Very fair, porcelain skin should steer clear of very light shades as this usually washes them out.
Determine if you are a warm or a cool color person. Yes, it's something else to think about, yet it is a good thing to know not just for hair color, yet for makeup color and clothing colors as well. While some folks are lucky enough to wear either one, some look only good in one or the other.
Look good in pinks, blues, or violets? These make you a "cool color person". Only look good in warm colors? Then you usually select reds, oranges, or yellows. Green is a neutral shade and some colors steer away from their usual temperature. For example, red can be cool if it has purple undertones like say a burgundy and yet it can be quite warm if it has more of an orange cast to it.
Why is all of this important?
Well, if you are a cool color person, you cannot wear true reds or an auburn hair color unfortunately. Ever see a redhead wearing purple clothes? This is an extreme example, yet I think you get the picture. Likewise if you only look good in warm colors, anything violet, blue or possessing a blue cast would be out of the question.
Yes, there IS a lot to consider when you are talking beauty and fashion. However, once you sift through all the determining factors and find what really works best for you, you'll learn to really spot a great haircut or style that would be perfect for you instantaneously. And shopping for clothes and makeup will become much easier and fun!
Spare yourself the heartache of crying yourself to sleep knowing your hair will take forever to grow out from a bad style. Find a stylist who will really, truly listen and who has this knowledge and then some. ALWAYS take pictures with you when you want to make a hairstyle change. Not only will you know both of you are on the same page about your looks, you will reap the rewards of all your homework and knowledge. And feeling better about yourself can only lead to more confidence and a better outlook on life in general.

We liken it to orange peel or cottage cheese. Women have it, so do men. Cellulite, also known as dermatomyoliposclerosis, affects the young, the old, the fat, the slim, the gym-sculpted and the couch potato. General estimates say up to 90 per cent of women have it. But can we do anything about cellulite? Cellulite is a disease of the fat level of skin. The fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by fibrous bands. When there is a build-up of toxins and poor lymphatic drainage, water retention occurs and cellulite forms. The fibrous bands can contract, resulting in a permanent dimpling of the skin.
Unfortunately, once formed cellulite is hard to dispel with lifestyle changes alone. Many have suggested drinking more water, exercising and eating healthily, but none of these are effective. Even liposuction, often touted as the cure for cellulite, can worsen the situation. Hormonal changes also contribute to cellulite, which partly explains why women are more prone to it, and genes are thought to play a part. Cellulite appears largely on the thighs and bottoms, but can be found on the inner knees, hips, lower abdomen and under the arms.
Advances in Aesthetic Medicine have brought with it a number of effective cures for cellulite:
Mesotherapy improves the circulation, dissolves excess fat deposits and removes hardened fibrous connective tissue. Mesotherapy can dispel cellulite after 6-10 sessions, but mild to moderate cellulite responds as well, if not better, to machine treatments.
Endermologie, the use of suction and rolling technology, physically improves the circulation and expels toxins from the affected areas. The skin tone is improved, and even end stage fibrotic cellulite can be less visible after such treatment.
Ultrasound treatment can melt the fat in the treated areas and therefore reduce the bulging in the affected area. Coupled with lymphatic drainage, toxins can be eliminated for effective cellulite elimination.
Biomesosculpture is the latest in cellulite treatment. This technology stimulates the extra-cellular matrix surrounding our cells to reduce toxin stagnation. The infusion of a luxurious chocolate slimming cream infused with pure plant botanical and homeopathic extracts (ivy, dandelion, juniper) reduces cellulite and fat buildup. MRI studies show the instant inch-loss is due to fat reduction and not just water loss. The slight rise in temperature generated stimulates collagen production, hence stimulates skin firming and rejuvenation.
Of all the treatments listed thus far, Biomesosculpture shows the most promise as it treats cellulite formation at root cause. This detoxifying treatment has immediate, permanent results. With minimal downtime, this treatment is safe enough to use every day. Cumulative inch loss is far greater than surgical fat reduction if sessions can be taken in close succession, with the major advantage of minimal discomfort or disruption of normal activities. Ten sessions are suggested for each area. Results may continue to improve after the treatment course, as the toxins causing the imbalance and stagnation have been eliminated. Biomesosculpture can be used for spot reduction, reducing the appearance of cellulite, lymphatic drainage, buttock lifting, thigh tightening, waist reduction, hip reshaping and stomach rejuvenation. It can also be used for facial rejuvenation and chin/jaw line lift.

STEP-BY-STEP: THREADING
One of the best methods of upperlip hair removal is threading. Threading removes the tiniest and finest hair right from the root. Here's how you can thread at home.
Getting rid of hair on the upperlip is extremely annoying. If you get it waxed, you need for it to grow a certain length before you can wax it again. If you get it threaded at the parlour, you wait until there is a slight green shadow before visiting the parlour again. Bleach isn't very good for the skin and it leaves the hair lighter but not completely invisible. And hair removal cream doesn't remove the hair from the root, causing hair to grow back thicker.
The best method of hair removal from the upperlip is threading. You don't have to wait for hair to grow a certain length threading removes the tiniest and finest hair right from the root. Tweezing does the same as well, but tweezing is more painful, more time consuming, and tends to leave in-growths.
If you have easy access to a parlour just across your home which charges Rs. 5 for upperlip threading, you can skip this article. But if not, here's how you can remove upperlip hair at home, easily and quickly.
Take around 2 feet (24 inches) of thread length. Make sure you use a good quality, strong thread. There is no special thread for threading, you can use any thread as long as it is strong and doesn't snap easily.
Take both ends and knot them up. You need to have a circle of thread. Although beauticians normally use thread straight from the reel keeping one end in their mouth and holding the other end, you don't need to get so technical especially because you will not be able to thread your own upperlip in this manner.
Now hold the thread with both hands, and wind it around ten times. The wound bit now lies in the center of the circle.
Now, place the thread around the fingers of both hands. Push the wound portion towards one hand by widening the fingers of one hand and simultaneously closing the fingers of the other hand.
Similarly, by opening the fingers of the closed hand and closing the fingers of the other hand, push the wound portion in the other direction.
Keep practicing pushing the wound portion back and forth. Once you are able to push back and forth easily, you can move on to the other step practicing on a body part.
It is best to practice threading on your leg. Most people have a lot of hair on their legs and their legs are easily reachable. They don't have to strain too much to look for hair or to reach it, and they don't have to look in a mirror.
Sitting on your bed or on a chair, prop up one leg and identify the portion from which you want to remove hair. Place the thread on this portion. Let the wound part be one end of the hair, and the thread from the other side should be on both sides of the hair you want to remove. Now, move the wound portion to the other side, making sure that it catches the hair while moving. It will then lift the hair from the root as it moves back and forth.
You will need practice before you can manage. And if you know how to thread your upperlip yourself, you can run thread through it for a couple of minutes every other day so your upperlip is always completely free from hair. No more waiting for the hair to grow back before your next threading or waxing session at the parlour.

EyeBrows: Creating the Frame of the Eye
The key purpose for eyebrows is to prevent moisture (such as perspiration or rain) from going into the eye. The shape of the eyebrow and the direction which the eyebrow hairs point make sure that this moisture flows sideways around the eye to help protect the eye. Plus, the protruding brow ridge and the eyebrows also help shade the eyes from sunlight.
Eyebrows create a frame for the eye. Our eyebrows are linked to our expressions in amazement, surprise or anger.
So....It is important to discover what the best shape for your eyebrows is without sacrificing their natural appearance.
To create the best shape, and have maximum control, tweezing is best. However, that is not say you can't have your eyebrows waxed, but you lose on the control aspect.
Eyebrows - Basics 101
The beginning of the brow should align with the center of the nostril.
The arch of the brow should fall at the back third of the eye.
The eyebrow should follow the length of the eye but it shouldn't extend into the temple area. The basic rule is that the front part of the brow should never drop below the back part of the brow.
Tips To Thicken Thin Eyebrows:
Eyebrow should begin parallel to inner corner of eye and end just beyond eye.
Eyebrow is fullest at Nose Bridge, gently arches and softly tapers at the end.
Start at the bridge of the nose with EyeBrow; apply color over entire eyebrow area in short hair-like strokes.
Tips for Full Eyebrows::
The beginning of the eyebrow should be in line with inner corner of the eye and end just beyond eye.
Use a feather-touch stroke with brow color to fill in any areas with sparse hair.
Blend with eyebrow brush.
Brow Tips: To Tweeze or Not to Tweeze...That is the question
Most of us need to tweeze (at least a little bit), to allow the brow to suggest a more finished look to the face. Besides the general rule of using a very good tweezer, it's a good idea to go to a reputable eyebrow professional at least once. It's worth the $12.00 to $15.00 to have her decide what's right for your face and establish the line for you. You can take over from there.
The reason for going to a professional is so that you know which hairs you need to tweeze, and which ones to leave alone. Knowing which ones to tweeze really makes all the all the difference in an attractive brow vs. one that isn't.
If you don't do this professionally, try different shapes over your brow first to get the right one for you first. And follow the stenciled shape the best you can.
To help you really see what you are doing, use a good magnifying mirror (at least with 5x magnification).
Go Slow - Check your work.
Your brow should align with the center of the nostril.
Eyebrows should follow the length of the eye, and not extend into the temple area.
Avoid over tweezing!
Don't tweeze a thin line thinking it will make your eyes look larger...because it won't and it wall be not easy to correct.
To make it less painful, tweeze immediately after showering.
By the way, don't tweeze too often. Once or twice a week should suffice, as the idea is to control the new growth so the brows don't lose their shape too quickly.
And Ladies...Please never, Never, NEVER shave or EVER bring a razor near the delicate eye area! Shaving eyebrows can cause skin discolorations and your brows never grow back the same.

Finding the best product for shaving pubic hair starts with the disposal of your old razor blade, and ends with the purchase of a new personal shaver;
Personal shavers are by far the safest and most effective method for shaving pubic hair. Perfect for women and men, these amazing little devices will leave your pubic area smoothly shaven without the risk of ever nicking or cutting yourself, even sensitive regions such as the testicles.
Unlike regular razor blades, personal shavers are used on dry skin and hair. This makes pubic hair shaving less messy and more time efficient.
Let us take a look at what makes personal shavers such an effective pubic hair removal tool;
One of the most noticalbe differences between a personal shaver and a regular shaver is its cylindrical shape. This shape enables you to shave even the most awkward regions of you pubic area without ever cutting your self.
Personals shavers have a combination of special rotary blades and a thin foil. This combination ensures that there is no risk of ever cutting your self while getting the smoothest shave possible. These rotary blades are able to remove the most stubborn and curliest pubic hairs in your pubic area with no effort at all.
In order to get the best results out of your personal shaver, always hold it at a slight angle whilst shaving. Keep in mind to move the personal shaver in small circular motions on the area you wish to shave. If you come by any loose skin, simply pull the skin tight with your fingers before shaving that area.
Before purchasing any personal shaver, always do your research to make sure you are purchasing a good quality one. Poor quality personal shavers have a reputation of leaving you with an unsatisfied shaving experience and risk of nicks and cuts.

Many of us enjoy the benefits of getting older – we are able to spend more time doing the things we love, we have more knowledge and can take advantage of the senior discounts offered at our favorite restaurants and stores. Unfortunately, wrinkly dimpled skin or cellulite normally comes with the package. Nobody likes the unsightly fatty deposits that form around the hips, thighs and buttocks and resemble cottage cheese. However, many anti-cellulite creams that provide a safe, easy way to fight this universal problem.
Before we discuss the products, it helps to understand the process of cellulite - this occurs in 4 stages. The initial stage involves the deterioration of the blood vessels, then the weakening of the dermis which is one of the main layers of the skin. This is followed by the breakdown of collagen and elastin produced in the body and ultimately the breakdown of the connective tissue in the dermis.
Now on to the information you really want to know. What are anti-cellulite creams and how do they work? These products are meant to be rubbed into the skin and assist in draining, firming, hydrating and reconstructing the skin’s tissue. This is meant to reduce the visible dimpling and wrinkling of the skin resulting in a smoother appearance. The list of ingredients used in these creams is too long to list, but many of them contain retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, plant extracts or even caffeine!
Opinions vary greatly as to the actual benefits of these creams so you will need to try them out for yourself. Companies are making a lot of money selling these products because of the high demand. As the focus on looks and beauty increases, so does the number of anti-cellulite creams purchased. Many people are not worried about the cost – they will pay almost anything to get rid of the “orange peel” skin. Companies such as Hydroderm have created a product called Body Shape which specifically targets cellulite.
We may have to face the fact that cellulite is a normal part of aging. That doesn’t mean that we have to give up on fighting it. Start by purchasing an anti-cellulite cream and get ready to face the bathing suit season with renewed enthusiasm!

Lots of people have such fair eyelashes that they need to wear mascara all the time, but overuse can cause drying out of the lashes which in turn can cause dryness and possibly consequent fall out. This is why there is such a demand from the clients of beauty salons worldwide for a permanent solution to eyelash color.
So voila - Eyelash Dye.
There are also times when wearing mascara is out of the question. For instance if you are swimming or going to the gym and you still want to look good.
Who wants their eyes to look 'piggy'piggy' (ie small) and you're not going to look your best. Are you?
If you thinking about dyeing your lashes you'll read lots about the dangers of the procedure. Well let me tell you, I've often had it done and guess what? No problems. As long as you go to a good reputable salon you will be OK
What you must never do is try it at home. Why take the chance. It's too near your eyes to take chances If you decide that you really do want to do this at home, possibly because of cost or convenience, please understand that you will almost certainly never get professional results. It's like comparing most things done by a professional. They are usually 150% times better- even something as apparently simple as painting a wall will look better when a professional does it, i.e. streaks, runs, not enough preparation etc etc. etc. - need I go on.
The Advantages of Eyelash Dye
No need to wear mascara Great if you're allergic to mascara. Who doesn't want to wake up in the morning with beautiful dark silky lashes? Fabulous for holidays when you are on the beach and in the sea.
The Disadvantages of Eyelash Dye
Cost, although compares favorably with many other beauty treatments. The inconvenience of going to a salon. It's not permanent and has to be renewed regularly.
Do your own research if you are still worried. All I can say that is you follow all the guidelines you ever read on what to do and what not to do in your life you will never do a thing.

Plastic surgery is no longer exclusive to the Hollywood elite! Nowadays, people of every walk of life are having cosmetic surgery and the reason for this upsurge in plastic surgery is its affordability. There are several reasons why people now can afford the cost of plastic surgery procedures, including:
1. Availability of Financing for Cosmetic Surgery - In the old days, no financial company would loan money without collateral, especially if it was for cosmetic surgery. Now, some of the major financial institutions are marketing primarily to the plastic surgery crowd. They realize that those with a steady income can make payments for cosmetic surgery, just as if they were making it for a new car. In fact, some loan companies are becoming even more creative. They are willing to give patients a cosmetic surgery home equity loan, with the payments added to patient's monthly mortgage payment.
2. Cost of Cosmetic Surgery - Whether it is because the relative cost of cosmetic surgery procedures has come down or that the price of most other things have gone up, the prices of plastic surgery procedures are now within people's spending budget.
3. Plastic Surgeons Offer Financing - While it used to be that one had to pay cash for plastic surgery, now plastic surgeons accept credit card payments, financing, or even offer cosmetic surgery savings plans.
Most people have a false perception of what cosmetic surgery costs. In fact, most think that they could never afford plastic surgery. Once they realize that getting the body that they always wanted is no more expensive that buying a used car, they are eager to change their life for the better.
Hidden Costs of Plastic Surgery The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) publishes annual statistics on the cost of different plastic surgery procedures, which are stratified to the region of a specific country. Although this is an approximate price that plastic surgeons charge to perform such procedures, the total cost could widely vary, depending on the cost of the operating room facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and necessary equipment or garments. Don't be fooled by the seemingly amazing prices that you might see published in throw-away magazines, or from the ads you hear on the radio or watch on TV. They might not have included the overall price.
________________________________________ For example, some competitive national chains that are owned and operated by non-plastic surgeons offer ridiculously low prices, with a small footnote that the cost of anesthesia or operating room fees are extra. Others might advertise attractive prices that fail to mention that your anesthesia is going to be provided by a nurse and not a board certified anesthesiologist. Others even advertise "board certified cosmetic surgeons," when only later you find that your surgeon is a dentist, gynecologist, or even a general practitioner and does not hold board certification in plastic surgery. Please know that there is only one accredited and nationally accepted board of plastic surgery. The so-called "Academy of Cosmetic Surgery" is a non-accredited corporation that offers certificates to any doctor that takes their weekend courses…So don't bargain with your life!
________________________________________Any surgery is a serious endeavor that has costs associated with it, due to the basic expenses of an accredited surgical facility and board certified staff. While it doesn't hurt to get a good price, it is not worth possibly compromising your well-being and health for the sake of the cheapest price.
________________________________________The average total price for some of the common plastic surgery procedures including fees for the plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgery center, implants (if indicated) and follow-up care is noted below. These do not included the cost of pre-operative testing (blood test & EKG), special equipment, implants, garments, or specialty aftercare, and if necessary, the cost of revisions.
________________________________________Cost of Plastic Surgery Procedures:Body ContouringLiposuction of the abdomen and flanks$ 5,500-10,000Liposuction of arms and outer chests$ 4,500-7,500Liposuction of thighs (complete)$ 6,000-12,000Liposuction of neck & face$ 2,800-5,000Liposuction of calves $ 4,500- 7,500Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)$ 7,500-15,000Lower Body Lift $ 15,000-25,000Upper Body Lift $ 10,000-20,000Arm Tuck (brachioplasty) $ 6,800-14,000Thigh Lift $ 9,500-16,000Calf Augmentation $ 6,000-10,000 Male Breast Reduction (for gynecomastia) $ 5,000- 9,500Male Breast Reduction (after bariatric surgery) $ $9500-18,000________________________________________Breast Enhancement SurgeryBreast Augmentation (saline)$ 5,500-10,000Breast Augmentation (silicone)$ 7,500-12,000Breast Implant Exchange (saline)$ 6,500-12,000Breast Implant Exchange (silicone)$ 8,500-14,000Capsulectomy $ 6,500-12,000Breast lift (minor)$ 6,800-12,000Breast lift (major)$ 8,500-16,000Breast reduction$ 9,500-20,000________________________________________Facial Cosmetic SurgeryUpper Blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck)$ 2,600-4500Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck) $ 2,800-5,500Canthopexy (lower eyelid lift) $ 3,500-6,000Brow Lift, Forehead Lift$ 3,500-6,000Mid-Facelift $ 4,500-8,000Facelift (neck & face)$14,000-25,000Thread Lift (limited) $ 5,000-Thread Lift (major) $ 12,000-Lip augmentation (temporary fillers per cc) $ 330-1,500Lip augmentation (permanent implant)$ 3,000- 5,000Rhinoplasty (nose job)$ 5,500-10,000Nasal augmentation (with implant) $ 5,500-10,000Septoplasty with Turbinectomy (nasal blockage) $ 4,500-12,000Cheek augmentation (with implant) $ 4,500-8,000Chin augmentation (with implant) $ 4,500-8,000

The same basic steps are used when you apply eye makeup, whether you go for nude makeup or the seductive, smoky eye look. You change your look by your choice of colors. Go for natural colors, close your your skin tones for that nude makeup look, something rosier if you want to look radiant, something more golden, or with metallics if you want glamour, or darker, smoky colors for the smoky eye look.
Decide on your look. Pick three colors for your eyeshadow.
A light shade for the highlights. This could be a pearl-like shimmer, a very light metallic, or simply a very pale color.
A medium shade which would be the main color you would use.
A dark shade for the shadows.
Applying the eye makeup
Apply your foundation first over your entire face before you start on your eye makeup. You need a good canvas to work with.
Apply an eyeshadow primer from lash to brow to make your eye makeup last. You can skip this step if you prefer.
Using a makeup brush or eyeshadow sponge, apply the medium shade from lashes to the crease of your eyelid.
Draw a line as close to your upper lashes as possible with your eyeliner, from inner corner, to the outer corner of your eye. For smoky eyes, draw a thick line. Use an eye pencil to darken your lower lash line as well.
Using the edge for your eyeshadow brush, or with an eyeliner brush, go over this lash line with the dark eyeshadow.
Apply the dark eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid to deepen your eyes.
Use the light color on the brow bone to highlight your eyes.
Apply the light shadow from lash to crease at the center of your eyelid.
Go over the entire eyelid lightly with a large brush to blend the colors.
Apply mascara on your upper and lower lashes

The same basic steps are used when you apply eye makeup, whether you go for nude makeup or the seductive, smoky eye look. You change your look by your choice of colors. Go for natural colors, close your your skin tones for that nude makeup look, something rosier if you want to look radiant, something more golden, or with metallics if you want glamour, or darker, smoky colors for the smoky eye look.
Decide on your look. Pick three colors for your eyeshadow.
A light shade for the highlights. This could be a pearl-like shimmer, a very light metallic, or simply a very pale color.
A medium shade which would be the main color you would use.
A dark shade for the shadows.
Applying the eye makeup
Apply your foundation first over your entire face before you start on your eye makeup. You need a good canvas to work with.
Apply an eyeshadow primer from lash to brow to make your eye makeup last. You can skip this step if you prefer.
Using a makeup brush or eyeshadow sponge, apply the medium shade from lashes to the crease of your eyelid.
Draw a line as close to your upper lashes as possible with your eyeliner, from inner corner, to the outer corner of your eye. For smoky eyes, draw a thick line. Use an eye pencil to darken your lower lash line as well.
Using the edge for your eyeshadow brush, or with an eyeliner brush, go over this lash line with the dark eyeshadow.
Apply the dark eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid to deepen your eyes.
Use the light color on the brow bone to highlight your eyes.
Apply the light shadow from lash to crease at the center of your eyelid.
Go over the entire eyelid lightly with a large brush to blend the colors.
Apply mascara on your upper and lower lashes

Maintaining healthy, vibrant looking long hair requires a great deal of time and effort. There are a number of problems that naturally accompany long hair. Your lifestyle and you diet will have an affect on the quality of your hair. If you don't maintain a healthy balanced diet or if you skip a lot of meals eat, you are more likely to have hair that is dry and coarser. Stress and a lack of sleep also play apart in your hairs health, and the longer your is hair, the more noticeable the damage will be to your hair. Hair breakage is very common with long hair. When strands of long hair start to break, your hair will start to take on an uneven look. Hair breakage is the cause of flyaway hair and split ends. To keep your hair looking healthy, and tidy you need to engage yourself in a long hair care program that will restore the luster and shine of your long hair. However when it comes to long hair care products, you should be very careful!
Today there are many long hair care products being sold that might not be suitable for your hair. If you are serious about finding a long hair care program that will work well with your hair you should consult an expert before you purchase any over the counter products. A expert will be able to look at your damaged hair and provide you with sound advice concerning products you should use to fix the damage that has been done that has been done to your hair. Because there are a number of things that we don't about our own hair its always a good idea to consult an expert first and get their advice. I'm not going to lie to you, unless you are a really smooth talker your probably going to need to spend some money to get a professional to look at your hair and give you advice, but the money you end up spending will be well worth the advice the advice that you are given.
In order to maintain healthy long hair, constant trimming and proper shampooing need to be part of your hair care program. Because its impossible to avoid hair breakage, you need to trim your hair regularly. Whenever you notice splits ends you should go, and get your hair trimmed before your hair starts to look untidy. You should also use a shampoo that is right for your type of hair. You should always follow the advice of your hair care expert when it comes to choosing the shampoo that is right for your hair type, and you should never purchase anyone of the run of the mill shampoos that you find on the shelf at your local supermarket without consulting a hair care specialist first.

Cosmetic surgery has become one of the most popular means by which to improve one’s appearance and get rid of unwanted characteristics. Whether you are having a nose job or a tummy tuck, there is a procedure that can help. As with any other type of surgery, however, there are risks that you should be aware of before you decide to go under the knife.
Before you will be able to have a cosmetic procedure, you will need to know if you are even a good candidate. While this is not always a crucial detail, it can matter. While it is certainly possible to have such procedures done no matter what age you are, good health and realistic expectations are necessary. Keep in mind that improve, not perfection, is the goal of any cosmetic procedure.
Sometimes the question arises concerning age. While, as stated above, cosmetic surgery can be performed at any age, there are situations where a specific age is preferable. For example, someone under the age of 18 would not be able to obtain a nose job without a parent’s consent.
Another common question is whether or not more than one procedure can be performed at once. The answer is generally yes, but this needs to be discussed in thorough detail with the surgeon. The answer will most likely depend on what types of procedures you wish to have performed, and what parts of your body they will affect. The surgeon may decide to split certain procedures into sections. For example, facial surgeries may be performed at the same time, while surgery on another part of the body may be performed at a later date.
Another main concern is the scarring that will occur after surgery. It is not possible to eliminate them from happening, but it is possible to properly care for them so they will become more difficult to see over time. Surgeons, however, are trained to help hide most, a procedure that is most often successful. It really depends on the type and extent of the surgery. In any case, be sure to take the advice of your surgeon and properly care for yourself after the surgery. This is crucial to the healing process.

Ingrown hair conditions can range from mildly irritating to serious when infected. Checking online ingrown hair picture libraries can assist by aiding an individual to compare the problem they have with pictures of various ingrown hair conditions.
One has to be cautious with self-diagnosis as a serious condition may go untreated and lead to a more serious infection or skin condition. However, looking at ingrown hair picture libraries can assist as many times simple precautions and treatments from home can solve the problem.
If you would like to research ingrown hair picture libraries for images of ingrown hair skin conditions and diagrams of how ingrown hairs form etc. then use the three top resources listed below.
Before going into the top 3, please note this important tip when searching. Simply entering the phrase ingrown hair into a search field will yield thousands of general results. Putting the phrase in quotes will make the search much more specific and greatly reduce the number of results. The figures listed below were accurate at the time of writing:
Resource 1: Google
ingrown hair: 9,680 images
"ingrown hair": 1,800 images
Google has a specific search engine that focuses on image files. Simply go to: images.google.com
and enter ingrown hair into the search box for a variety of images ranging from close-ups of facial ingrown hair, razor bumps, boils, and pimples to diagrams of a hair follicle. Be aware there are also a number of advertisements for ingrown hair products in the ingrown hair picture search results.
Resource 2: Yahoo
ingrown hair: 1,724 images
"ingrown hair: 724 images
Yahoo also has a large ingrown hair picture library which you can access by going to: images.search.yahoo.com
There appear to be less advertisements in this collection and more images showing ingrown hair conditions on the face, legs, and thighs.
Resource 3: Microsoft
ingrown hair: 1,436 images
"ingrown hair: 352 images
Microsoft launched a new search portal in 2006 called live.com. They also have a very good ingrown hair picture library which you can access by going to live.com and clicking on the tab marked Images. Again simply enter the phrase ingrown hair in the search box.
While this collection also contains numerous advertisements for ingrown hair related products, a good number of pictures are helpful to the ingrown hair sufferer as they show closeup detail of ingrown hair on the face, legs, and pubic area along with helpful diagrams.
As the ingrown hair picture libraries show, the condition can be slight, with just one or two ingrown hairs or it can be extensive with whole areas of skin irritated by numerous ingrown hairs.
Tweezing is a good option for the occasional ingrown hair but multiple hairs may need the help of special solutions formulated to free the trapped hair under the skin.
Tend Skin is one popular product, and Nisim International's Kalo Ingrown Hair Treatment is also effective. (See resource box) By just rubbing these solutions into the skin regularly each day, ingrown hairs can be cured within a few days and prevented from reappearing.

You’ve made the exciting decision to have cosmetic surgery. You’ve selected a cosmetic surgeon who is highly experienced and qualified in the procedure you are going to have and now you’re ready to schedule the big event. What should you do next to make sure your experience is as comfortable and easy as possible? Begin planning for your recovery.
As with any surgery, cosmetic surgery procedures usually require a recovery period of a few days to a few weeks. If you can efficiently plan for this time in advance, it will help make your recovery as worry free and pain free as possible. You can do this by following the steps provided below:
1. Schedule your surgery for a Friday. This will give you an extra two days of recovery before you have to go back to work.
2. Buy at least two weeks worth of groceries and other necessities before your scheduled surgery. The less reasons you have to leave the house while recovering from surgery, the easier your recovery will be. You don’t need the added stress of running errands or moving about in any way. If you are going to have a surgery that requires you to eat soft foods, make sure your grocery list reflects that.
3. Pre-cook meals for yourself and/or your family. If you do not have someone who will be helping cook meals for you or your family, it is a good idea to do this in advance. Then, all you have to do is defrost and heat up your meals.
4. Prepare your bedroom or another comfortable area of your home to be your ideal recovery spot. Whatever your recovery entails (elevating and icing a body part, sleeping in a particular position, etc.) you should set up your recovery area in advance and make sure everything you need is within your reach.
5. Fill your surgery-related prescriptions in advance. You will likely need to take pain medications and/or antibiotics during your recovery. Your surgeon will prescribe these to you in advance and you should fill them at your local pharmacy before your surgery.
6. Plan your transportation to and from the surgery. You will need a friend or loved one to drive you to and from your appointment. Make all the necessary arrangements for this well in advance and avoid unnecessary stress.
7. Decide what you will tell friends and family if you’re not planning on telling them about the surgery. For some patients, cosmetic surgery is a very private decision. If you do not want to tell friends, coworkers or other family members the specifics surrounding your surgery, you can tell them you are having a reconstructive surgery or going on vacation.
8. Ask a friend or family member to stay with you overnight on the day of your surgery. On the very first night following your surgery, you may not be able to easily take care of yourself. For this reason, you should ask someone to stay with you to help prepare ice packs and meals and ensure you take your medications at the appropriate times. If there isn’t anyone available to do this, you can hire a nursing agency for approximately $300 to $500 per day.

Cold laser therapy, or low level laser therapy, is a treatment in which a cold laser is used to treat acute and chronic pain. It is also called a "soft laser." If you suffer from back pain, joint pain, tendonitis, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, neuropathy, neck pain, or other related health conditions, cold laser therapy might be a viable solution for you. How it Works Cold laser therapy works by increasing the levels of serotonin to help your body heal itself. The therapy is noninvasive and non-thermal. The cold laser was derived from phototherapy, a light healing method developed more than 30 years ago. In phototherapy, a special type of light penetrates the surface of the skin as well as underlying tissues to stimulate natural healing in the body. The low level laser light used in cold laser therapy is actually the compressed light of a wavelength from the red part of the light spectrum, or the cold part. During the cold laser process, the body's cells are exposed to photon energy, which in turn increases the cells' metabolism, helps to develop muscle tissue and collagen, improves blood circulation, stimulates tissue repair and the healing of wounds, and stimulates the nervous and immune systems. Cold lasers are also used in acupuncture to stimulate the acupoints of the body without using needles. Types of Cold Laser Treatments There are several types of cold laser treatments such as the Q1000 Laser, 660 Probe, 808 Probe, Q1000 Propack, and the Q10 Laser. The Q1000 Laser features nine different wavelengths meant to help cells for nerves, muscles, bone, ligaments, skin and tendons. Also with the Q1000 Laser, light is sent through quartz crystal, which gives the laser organic characteristics. The 660 Probe is a gentle cold laser that penetrates deep into the body and provides more concentrated healing. It is often used for dental healing, facial or skin treatment, acupuncture, anti-aging, physical therapy, and more. The 808 Probe uses an infrared laser to reach cells in the innermost parts of the body. It helps with bones and teeth as well as ligaments, tendons, and joints. The Q10 Laser is less expensive than the Q1000 and helps with injuries, pain, and facial rejuvenation. It's also great for traveling. The Q1000 Propack combines all soft lasers into one package. Using Healing Lasers You can use healing lasers at home. Some lasers require training while others are fairly simple to use. The simpler models are designed so you can hold the laser near your body in the area where treatment is needed without discomfort. The laser does the work for you. The lasers also have different modes to help with certain needs. If you are considering cold laser treatments, consult with your doctor first

I’m often asked by clients if they should go grey or not. The question comes down to you. If you are willing to invest the time and money in keeping your hair colored and cut regularly to cover the grey, then go for it. However, if you know you are the type of person who cannot be bothered seeing your colorist for two hours every 5 weeks, then you should think about going grey. If you’ve decided you are ready to embrace your grey like Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, or Judi Dench, then follow these tips to make sure you stay chic with your new do.
Keep your hair healthy
When hair is grey it has a tendency to look dry and brittle. Keep it silky and sultry with regular deep conditioning. When hair is healthy it keeps its shape, looks better longer, and keeps you feeling beautiful throughout the day. Silver is sexy, so make sure your hair makes people want to touch it because it is so healthy.
Get an interesting cutGrey hair tends to make you invisible if you have a boring cut. With a great cut you demand attention. Try an asymmetric cut or a blunt bob to stop people dead in their tracks. A great way to see what styles look best on you is to visit a wig store. Once there, you can let your imagination run wild with any style you like. I also suggest taking photos of yourself in wigs that you like in order to show your hairdresser and help in the transformation process.
Up your make upGrey lightens your natural coloring, so it is important to up your make up once you have gone grey. Foundation is key, as are eyes that pop and a little more blush. If you are not used to wearing much make up, this may feel like too much, but you will see that once you start creating more drama with your make up you will increase your presence and perception to others.
By following these quick tips, grey hair can be sexy. They key is not to let everything else go along with your hair color. Grey hair still requires maintenance, a good cut, and more make up to pull off successfully. Don’t be afraid to grey. The sooner you embrace it, the quicker you will be able to channel your inner Helen Mirren or Meryl Streep and be that sexy, silver, starlet.

Cosmetic surgery clinics seem to be popping up everywhere. I never noticed organizations that practiced “aesthetic medicine” so much as I have in recent years. Maybe it’s a sign of the times or maybe it’s a sign of my age. Finding the right cosmetic surgery clinics for your specific needs is crucial to your appearance as well as your health.
Make sure that you do your homework before signing up to have a procedure done. Cosmetic surgery clinics are growing in numbers and some may offer great prices but this does not mean that these clinics are right for you. You may wind up paying a bigger price in the long run. Cheap is not the best approach when it comes to cosmetic surgery clinics.
The first thing that you want to do is start reading up on different procedures that you would like to have done. Maybe you would like a tummy tuck or perhaps you are simply interested in a laser face resurfacing procedure. In either case, there will be a number of cosmetic surgery clinics that offer services for you. However, only a few will be up to par.
Once you have narrowed down your choices according to the specific procedure that you want, you really want to weed out some of the cosmetic surgery clinics that are not right for your needs. The process may be a little daunting at first but it is never a good idea to just pick the clinic that it closest to home. This approach is a bad as going for the cheapest cosmetic surgery clinics in your area.
Of course, you want to stay close to home if you can but you really are doing yourself a disservice if you don’t explore cosmetic surgery clinics that have outstanding reputations. After all, you are going to be wearing the results for the rest of your life. You do want to make sure that your physician is top-notch.
So how do you discover who the leader in the field of cosmetic procedures is? It takes research. Probably the best route to take is to speak directly with patients who have been to the cosmetic surgery clinics that interest you. This may be a little more difficult than it seems. It is easy to find endorsements but it can be tricky to find a disgruntled customer.

Between kids, school, and work, it’s easy for a frazzled female to let her beauty routine slip, but no matter how ragged your obligations make you feel, sacrificing your sexy to the demands of modern living can be the exception instead of the rule. Here are five tips that prove you can achieve glam on the go, and without spending a whole paycheck.
• Flawless skin in a hurry – get it with a tinted moisturizer. Tinted moisturizers are light, easy to apply and quick. Look for one with SPF of 15 or higher that’s non-comedogenic like Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer Tinted Moisturizer.
• Lovely lips lickity split – for sheer drama and sex appeal nothing beats red lipstick. This year red lips are back in a big way and this new generation of pucker paints goes on smoothly and swiftly with a glossy shine. For maximum impact try Rimmel Vinyl lip gloss.
• Bee-line to glamour – what’s more compelling than a gorgeous set of peepers? Make yours pop with eyeliner. Not only is it quicker than mascara, but it’s twice as sexy. You can avoid the inevitable smudges and problems with precision by choosing a semi soft stick. A good one is Maybelline’s Expert Soft Pencil.
• Head rush –generally reserved for the occasional bad hair day, the pony tail is a fast and versatile do that rarely gets the respect it deserves. A classic in the truest sense, the youthful and sophisticated pony tail is suitable for women of all ages. Sex it up by wearing it to one side or if you have them, with wispy bangs.
• Dressed in a dash – as you know, the right outfit can make or break your hottie factor. But what if you only have time to throw on some jeans and a tee? No worries! Nothing’s hotter than a well-fitting pair of jeans, fitted T-shirt, and sexy shoes. And by sexy we don’t necessarily mean a pair of towering heels. Try a cute ballet slipper, a pair of riding boots (tuck your jeans in them), or a chunky heeled motorcycle boot.

While you might have heard about skin dermabrasion, you may be asking “what is microdermoabrasion?” This treatment is an alternative to the more rigorous and harsh skin treatments previously available and it is rapidly gaining popularity among those who want great results without having to suffer through weeks of unsightly skin. Here we will discuss the basics of what is microdermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion is similar to dermabrasion, but much gentler. It uses a crystallized cream containing aluminum-oxide crystals to gently abrade the skin and remove only the outer layers. This cream is most often applied with a battery-operated tool that has interchangeable heads, a scrubbing brush, an applicator, and a sponge. These help lightly “sand” the affected skin, remove it and then soothe it with a gel or cream designed to stimulate cell growth.
What is microdermabrasion effective at treating? This new method of improving problem skin is very useful for virtually any surface problem. It has been proven effective against fine lines and wrinkles, age or liver spots, mild sun damage and also surface scars, such as those caused by acne. It can also reduce or even eliminate stretch marks and large pores. Many people are turning to microdermabrasion for minor problems instead of resorting to the major process of chemical peels or regular dermabrasion.
Microdermabrasion has many benefits over the more standard, invasive techniques previously used to treat similar problems. For one, it has virtually no recovery time, you can do it on your lunch break and go right back to work afterwards. You might be a little red, but the slight discomfort experienced during the procedure shouldn’t affect you once it is over. You will probably even have your co-workers wondering what is microdermabrasion, eager to try something so simple.
By now, you are probably wondering “what is microdermabrasion NOT good at?” While very effective against surface problems like little scars and uneven skin tone and texture, microdermabrasion is not meant for deeper treatments. Even for such disorders as acne scarring or stretch marks, you may need repeated treatments in order to get the results you want. This can end up being nearly as expensive (though not as painful!) as a regular dermabrasion treatment.

Morbid obesity is a new epidemic afflicting nearly one third of all those in Southern California, including Beverly Hills and Los Angeles. One of the most effective ways for permanent weight loss has been through “bariatric” surgery, including gastric bypass and gastric banding.
Having successfully battled obesity, these people are now faced with a new challenge – excessive and hanging skin folds of the abdomen, arms, thighs, breasts, and face. Thinking that once they lose their massive weight they will be attractive again, men and women are disappointed and frustrated with unsightly folds of skin that now cover their groin like an apron, hang off their arms like “bat wings,” and wiggle from their legs when trying to jog. It also creates a problem for personal hygiene and in finding clothes that fit.
This challenge has led to the development of new ways of body contouring; specially designed for individuals after massive weight loss surgery. An experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon can help to determine if this procedure is right for you.
The most common post-bariatric body contouring plastic surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is a tummy tuck, or “abdominoplasty.” These are not standard tummy tucks, but rather extensive or “high tension” tummy tucks designed to also lift the sagging hips and thighs, while tightening the loose abdominal wall muscles. A more extensive form of this tummy tuck is called a body lift or belt lipectomy, which removes the excess skin of the abdominal fold as well as that from the back; resulting in a greater lift of the sagging buttocks and the thighs. Panniculectomy is a more specific form of a tummy tuck selected for those with extremely large, heavy, and hanging abdominal pannus. Often, obesity results in the over-stretching and weakening of the abdominal wall, which produces a ventral hernia. This and other types of hernias can also be repaired at the time of a tummy tuck or body lift. The cost of a body lift in Los Angeles is approximately $16,000 to $28,000. The second most common body contouring procedure in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills after massive weight loss is breast lift surgery and breast reduction surgery. These procedures are not limited to women, because men also develop hanging breast/chest folds after weight loss. In women, an inverted-T or anchor mastopexy is used. (Only a skilled Los Angeles breast augmentation specialist should perform this surgery)
Often breast implants are added to replenish the lost breast volume. This procedure is, at times, combined with an upper body lift which removes the excess skin folds of the upper torso that extends to the upper back. Breast reduction surgery for post-weight loss male patients has a different aim and design. Its goal is to create a flat and masculine chest. Breast reduction for men typically causes a scar that falls in the under-breast fold as well as around the areola. It can also be combined with an upper body lift or a brachioplasty. The cost of breast lift surgery in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles is approximately $ 8,500 to $16,000.
The third most common body contouring surgery in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills following massive weight loss is brachioplasty. Brachioplasty, or an “arm tuck,” removes excess hanging skin of the upper arms. In its extended form, it also removes the redundant skin folds of the outer chest and the axilla or the armpit. The cost of brachioplasty in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is approximately $6,500 to $12,000.
The fourth most prevalent post-bariatric plastic surgery procedure in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is a thigh lift. Thigh lifts address the excess skin folds of the inner or medial thighs, that of the outer or lateral thighs, or that of the entire thigh. It can be rather extensive, reaching along the entire length of the thighs and legs. The cost of thigh lift in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills is approximately $12,000 to $20,000.
Finally, the least common plastic surgery procedure performed as a result of massive weight loss is a facelift. This is due to the fact that people gain relatively far less weight in their face that their body. Therefore, after massive weight loss there is relatively less loose skin of the face, as there would be on the other areas of the body. Nevertheless, patients have less loose facial skin, hanging neck folds, jowls, and cheeks after weight loss. A variety of facial cosmetic surgeries including neck lift, facelift, mid-face lift, or a forehead lift can address problems associated with sagging facial skin, accordingly.
In planning for body contouring procedures after massive weight loss, special attention has to be given for optimizing safety and minimizing potential complications. These types of procedures that are rather lengthy, complicated, and are performed on patients that might have other associated risk factors such as sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, venous insufficiency, malnutrition, etc. These patients need to be medically optimized and cleared by an internist, pulmonologist, or a cardiologist prior to surgery. Furthermore, the surgical facility must be equipped and staffed to provide specialized care for such surgeries, as well as to provide extended post-surgical monitored care.
Dr. Sean Younai is a board certified Los Angeles plastic surgery specialist with formal training in plastic & reconstructive surgery, as well as general surgery at some of the most prestigious university residencies in the United States. As a cosmetic plastic surgeon, he has had ample experience in performing post-bariatric body contouring surgeries including tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty), panniculectomy, belt lipectomy, repair of ventral hernia, body lift, thigh lift, brachioplasty, upper body lift, breast reduction, and breast lift surgery.

Breast augmentation has become, if not the most popular, at least one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures sought in Beverly Hills. In fact, the popularity of breast implant surgery has moved beyond Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Southern California, to the rest of the United States. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), in 2003 nearly 255,000 women in the United States underwent breast augmentation; nearly twice the number performed in 1998.
In this educational article about breast augmentation, as well as in other breast related articles provided on www.beautifulfigure.com, board certified plastic surgeon and renowned breast augmentation specialist Dr. Sean Younai reviews some of the pertinent topics about breast augmentation (or enlargement), saline and silicone breast implant placement or exchange, breast lift or "mastopexy," breast reduction surgery, and the treatments for complications of breast augmentation or "augmentation mammoplasty."
Why do women seek breast augmentation?• Some women never developed normal shaped, or normal sized breasts as the rest of their body matured. Frustrated with the lack of results from breast enlargement firming creams, pills, exercises, or machines, these women turn to breast augmentation surgery to achieve the proportional figure that they had always desired.• Other women were unfortunately born with abnormal or asymmetrical breast deformities such as Poland's Syndrome, which results from the failure of breast gland and pectoral chest muscles to development on one side. Similarly, others were afflicted with tubular or tuberous breast deformity which causes the constriction and narrowing of the base of the breast along with the enlargement of the areola. Breast implants and breast augmentation surgery has been able to give these women normal-looking and beautiful breasts.• Many women have lost breast volume, fullness, and shape with pregnancy, breastfeeding and nursing. While happy with being blessed with childbirth, these women feel that in return they have lost their youthful appearing breasts. These fashion-conscious women of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Hollywood have sought breast augmentation as a means of regaining their proportional figure, so once again they can fit into form-fitting tops, bras, and other clothes.• Obesity afflicts 65 percent of all adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Bariatric or Gastric Bypass surgery has become a very popular treatment for morbid obesity. After such massive weight loss surgery, women lose significant breast volume and are left with empty and sagging breasts. Breast augmentation along with breast lift surgery, or mastopexy, has been the answer for those women who seek to regain a normal figure and breasts after massive weight loss.• Breast Augmentation with breast implants has been a viable and safe option for breast reconstruction, which is done on many women who have lost their breasts to breast cancer. Breast Reconstruction with breast implants utilizes breast implant expanders to first enlarge the breast skin envelope before the final saline or silicone breast implant is placed.
What information should you consider before proceeding with breast augmentation? During your consultation at the California Center for Plastic Surgery (www.beautifulfigure.com) , Dr. Younai will review your options for different types, shapes, textures, and sizes of saline or silicone breast implants, as well as, different approaches for breast enlargement.
Breast implants can be inserted via an armpit incision (transaxillary), areolar/nipple incision (periareolar), breast fold incision (inframammary), or belly button incision (transumbilical). While an armpit or transaxillary incision scar might not be very noticeable, it usually results in the breasts being too far apart, causing lack of a strong cleavage. It also carries a higher risk for implant displacement and breast asymmetry.
An inframammary or periareolar approach can usually produce the nicest cleavage and the most precise placement of breast implants.
While the transumbilical approach is marketed by some plastic surgeons as "scarless breast augmentation," indeed it is not so! I have personally consulted women who were not pleased with the belly button scar; especially since they were no longer able to wear cut-off tops. The transumbilical route of breast implant insertion also carries an increased surgical risk of possible damage to internal organs if the inserting metal rod is misguided.

Spring is definitely the season of renewal and the time to revitalize your skin and refresh your skin care regimen to achieve the glowing fresh look.
Here are some of my best skin tips for obtaining the radiance of the Spring Season:
Moisture in all for seasons: Even though the gloomy, dull winter months have passed, it is still important to moisturize in all seasons, even spring, to balance PH and promote cellular renewal. "Many people think that it is vital to hydrate your skin only in the winter, but moisturizer helps nourish your skin and maintain its health all year .
Your skin doesn't stop at your neck: Remember to exfoliate and moisturize consistently to leave your entire body smooth and ready for the elements. With bathing suit season almost here, it's important to make sure that you exfoliate and moisturize to keep your skin radiant and smooth. To enhance your skin's beauty find a good body moisturizer with Shea Butter to help make your skin healthy, radiant and hydrated.

Plastic surgery is no longer exclusive to the Hollywood elite! Nowadays, people of every walk of life are having cosmetic surgery and the reason for this upsurge in plastic surgery is its affordability. There are several reasons why people now can afford the cost of plastic surgery procedures, including:
1. Availability of Financing for Cosmetic Surgery - In the old days, no financial company would loan money without collateral, especially if it was for cosmetic surgery. Now, some of the major financial institutions are marketing primarily to the plastic surgery crowd. They realize that those with a steady income can make payments for cosmetic surgery, just as if they were making it for a new car. In fact, some loan companies are becoming even more creative. They are willing to give patients a cosmetic surgery home equity loan, with the payments added to patient's monthly mortgage payment.
2. Cost of Cosmetic Surgery - Whether it is because the relative cost of cosmetic surgery procedures has come down or that the price of most other things have gone up, the prices of plastic surgery procedures are now within people's spending budget.
3. Plastic Surgeons Offer Financing - While it used to be that one had to pay cash for plastic surgery, now plastic surgeons accept credit card payments, financing, or even offer cosmetic surgery savings plans.
Most people have a false perception of what cosmetic surgery costs. In fact, most think that they could never afford plastic surgery. Once they realize that getting the body that they always wanted is no more expensive that buying a used car, they are eager to change their life for the better.
Hidden Costs of Plastic Surgery The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) publishes annual statistics on the cost of different plastic surgery procedures, which are stratified to the region of a specific country. Although this is an approximate price that plastic surgeons charge to perform such procedures, the total cost could widely vary, depending on the cost of the operating room facility, anesthesia, follow-up care, and necessary equipment or garments. Don't be fooled by the seemingly amazing prices that you might see published in throw-away magazines, or from the ads you hear on the radio or watch on TV. They might not have included the overall price.
________________________________________ For example, some competitive national chains that are owned and operated by non-plastic surgeons offer ridiculously low prices, with a small footnote that the cost of anesthesia or operating room fees are extra. Others might advertise attractive prices that fail to mention that your anesthesia is going to be provided by a nurse and not a board certified anesthesiologist. Others even advertise "board certified cosmetic surgeons," when only later you find that your surgeon is a dentist, gynecologist, or even a general practitioner and does not hold board certification in plastic surgery. Please know that there is only one accredited and nationally accepted board of plastic surgery. The so-called "Academy of Cosmetic Surgery" is a non-accredited corporation that offers certificates to any doctor that takes their weekend courses…So don't bargain with your life!
________________________________________Any surgery is a serious endeavor that has costs associated with it, due to the basic expenses of an accredited surgical facility and board certified staff. While it doesn't hurt to get a good price, it is not worth possibly compromising your well-being and health for the sake of the cheapest price.
________________________________________The average total price for some of the common plastic surgery procedures including fees for the plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, surgery center, implants (if indicated) and follow-up care is noted below. These do not included the cost of pre-operative testing (blood test & EKG), special equipment, implants, garments, or specialty aftercare, and if necessary, the cost of revisions.
________________________________________Cost of Plastic Surgery Procedures:Body ContouringLiposuction of the abdomen and flanks$ 5,500-10,000Liposuction of arms and outer chests$ 4,500-7,500Liposuction of thighs (complete)$ 6,000-12,000Liposuction of neck & face$ 2,800-5,000Liposuction of calves $ 4,500- 7,500Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)$ 7,500-15,000Lower Body Lift $ 15,000-25,000Upper Body Lift $ 10,000-20,000Arm Tuck (brachioplasty) $ 6,800-14,000Thigh Lift $ 9,500-16,000Calf Augmentation $ 6,000-10,000 Male Breast Reduction (for gynecomastia) $ 5,000- 9,500Male Breast Reduction (after bariatric surgery) $ $9500-18,000________________________________________Breast Enhancement SurgeryBreast Augmentation (saline)$ 5,500-10,000Breast Augmentation (silicone)$ 7,500-12,000Breast Implant Exchange (saline)$ 6,500-12,000Breast Implant Exchange (silicone)$ 8,500-14,000Capsulectomy $ 6,500-12,000Breast lift (minor)$ 6,800-12,000Breast lift (major)$ 8,500-16,000Breast reduction$ 9,500-20,000________________________________________Facial Cosmetic SurgeryUpper Blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck)$ 2,600-4500Lower Blepharoplasty (eyelid tuck) $ 2,800-5,500Canthopexy (lower eyelid lift) $ 3,500-6,000Brow Lift, Forehead Lift$ 3,500-6,000Mid-Facelift $ 4,500-8,000Facelift (neck & face)$14,000-25,000Thread Lift (limited) $ 5,000-Thread Lift (major) $ 12,000-Lip augmentation (temporary fillers per cc) $ 330-1,500Lip augmentation (permanent implant)$ 3,000- 5,000Rhinoplasty (nose job)$ 5,500-10,000Nasal augmentation (with implant) $ 5,500-10,000Septoplasty with Turbinectomy (nasal blockage) $ 4,500-12,000Cheek augmentation (with implant) $ 4,500-8,000Chin augmentation (with implant) $ 4,500-8,000

The same basic steps are used when you apply eye makeup, whether you go for nude makeup or the seductive, smoky eye look. You change your look by your choice of colors. Go for natural colors, close your your skin tones for that nude makeup look, something rosier if you want to look radiant, something more golden, or with metallics if you want glamour, or darker, smoky colors for the smoky eye look.
Decide on your look. Pick three colors for your eyeshadow.
A light shade for the highlights. This could be a pearl-like shimmer, a very light metallic, or simply a very pale color.
A medium shade which would be the main color you would use.
A dark shade for the shadows.
Applying the eye makeup
Apply your foundation first over your entire face before you start on your eye makeup. You need a good canvas to work with.
Apply an eyeshadow primer from lash to brow to make your eye makeup last. You can skip this step if you prefer.
Using a makeup brush or eyeshadow sponge, apply the medium shade from lashes to the crease of your eyelid.
Draw a line as close to your upper lashes as possible with your eyeliner, from inner corner, to the outer corner of your eye. For smoky eyes, draw a thick line. Use an eye pencil to darken your lower lash line as well.
Using the edge for your eyeshadow brush, or with an eyeliner brush, go over this lash line with the dark eyeshadow.
Apply the dark eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid to deepen your eyes.
Use the light color on the brow bone to highlight your eyes.
Apply the light shadow from lash to crease at the center of your eyelid.
Go over the entire eyelid lightly with a large brush to blend the colors.
Apply mascara on your upper and lower lashes

Maintaining healthy, vibrant looking long hair requires a great deal of time and effort. There are a number of problems that naturally accompany long hair. Your lifestyle and you diet will have an affect on the quality of your hair. If you don't maintain a healthy balanced diet or if you skip a lot of meals eat, you are more likely to have hair that is dry and coarser. Stress and a lack of sleep also play apart in your hairs health, and the longer your is hair, the more noticeable the damage will be to your hair. Hair breakage is very common with long hair. When strands of long hair start to break, your hair will start to take on an uneven look. Hair breakage is the cause of flyaway hair and split ends. To keep your hair looking healthy, and tidy you need to engage yourself in a long hair care program that will restore the luster and shine of your long hair. However when it comes to long hair care products, you should be very careful!
Today there are many long hair care products being sold that might not be suitable for your hair. If you are serious about finding a long hair care program that will work well with your hair you should consult an expert before you purchase any over the counter products. A expert will be able to look at your damaged hair and provide you with sound advice concerning products you should use to fix the damage that has been done that has been done to your hair. Because there are a number of things that we don't about our own hair its always a good idea to consult an expert first and get their advice. I'm not going to lie to you, unless you are a really smooth talker your probably going to need to spend some money to get a professional to look at your hair and give you advice, but the money you end up spending will be well worth the advice the advice that you are given.
In order to maintain healthy long hair, constant trimming and proper shampooing need to be part of your hair care program. Because its impossible to avoid hair breakage, you need to trim your hair regularly. Whenever you notice splits ends you should go, and get your hair trimmed before your hair starts to look untidy. You should also use a shampoo that is right for your type of hair. You should always follow the advice of your hair care expert when it comes to choosing the shampoo that is right for your hair type, and you should never purchase anyone of the run of the mill shampoos that you find on the shelf at your local supermarket without consulting a hair care specialist first.

What is one word that can cause widespread fear and loathing in women all across the world? Although images of spiders, snakes or even bad dates might come to mind, an even more common fear exists – cellulite! The unsightly wrinkling of skin around your hips, thighs and buttocks is experienced by most post-pubescent women. Although you can’t completely eliminate cellulite, you can empower yourself to reduce the condition.
If you want to know how to prevent cellulite, you need to inform yourself of the various methods available.
The cosmetics industry has been more than happy to take advantage of this widespread condition by offering an endless variety of products aimed at fighting cellulite. Anti-cellulite creams, lotions or gels are now available in most department stores and the majority of cosmetic companies now offer products specifically targeted to reduce cellulite. For example, Hydroderm has created a product called “Body Shape” which increases moisture to the skin. The active ingredients of the lotion are delivered into the fat cells in an effort to dehydrate and reduce the size of the individual fat cells. The prices and results vary greatly so you will need to invest a little time to determine if any of the products actually do produce visible results.
An option that requires a little more effort, but greatly improves your chances of positive results is weight and interval training. Interval training consists of alternating between a recovery or slower pace and a faster high-exertion pace of exercises. Fitness instructors recommend performing vigorous interval training at least twice per week. Weight lifting sessions should also be incorporated into your weekly routine – especially exercises targeted for the lower body such as squats, leg presses and lunges. Regular cardiovascular exercise will help you to burn extra calories and transform body fat into energy, thus minimizing the appearance of cellulite.
Another alternative is to adopt a healthier diet. Try to reduce the number of refined carbohydrates and saturated fats you eat. Trade unhealthy choices such as white flour, vegetable oil and junk food for healthier options such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. With a little patience, you may begin to see a visible reduction in cellulite in as little as 3 weeks.
If you prefer a faster solution to reducing cellulite, you can opt for liposuction. This medical procedure involves removing the pockets of excess fat from specific regions of your body. You need to remain aware of the risks involved, not to mention the cost and pain. For women who are not ready to take this step, massage therapy is available. This non-invasive method increases blood flow and assists with the elimination of excess fluid. The procedure is less painful, risky and costly than liposuction, but may require multiple sessions.
Although you can’t completely eliminate cellulite, you can empower yourself to reduce the condition. Make changes to your exercise routine or diet, try some of the creams or lotions available, undergo liposuction or invest in massage therapy. Hopefully the end results will allow you to don your short skirts and bathing suits with a renewed pride.

Cellulite is fat that is caught between bands of connective tissue. By taking a Lifestyle approach (diet, exercise, anti-cellulite treatments, the mind-body connection (your secret weapon)) you can reduce it significantly and keep it off.
Proper skincare comes under the anti-cellulite treatments category of the Lifestyle Approach. By treating your skin properly, you can make your cellulite prone areas look better. The two things you need to address in terms of skincare and cellulite are the elasticity of the skin and the circulation to the skin.
An interesting analogy is the one of the balloon. Think of your skin like the "skin" of a balloon. Think of your muscles (and their structure) that are in the cellulite prone areas as the air in a balloon while you read the following ways to take care of your skin.
Exercise is an important part of skincare. Aerobic exercise will help to bring circulation to your cellulite prone areas. It will also help you to burn fat. Circulation is a very important element in minimizing cellulite. Some handheld devices also will help with circulation. There are creams and lotions that are invigorating and bring more blood flow to the parts of your body that have cellulite.
By increasing circulation through exercise, creams and lotions and handheld devices, you help to support and nourish your muscles (or air in the balloon). Toned muscles improve the appearance of your body, your skin and the areas where you have cellulite.
If you want to have smooth skin, like the "skin" of a full balloon, then you need to improve the elasticity of your skin. There are creams that do this and help to hydrate your skin. Creams are usually richer then lotions or gels.
Exercise is also very important, but in the area of elasticity, you need to do anaerobic conditioning exercises that "tone" your muscles. If you have good muscle tone, then the muscles (air) will press up into your skin and make it smooth. Pick some exercises that target your hips, buttocks and thighs and do them at least twice per week.
Another important part of skincare in terms of elasticity is hydration. You must keep your skin hydrated by drinking lots of water so that it will stay firm. Also, if you stay hydrated, you are less likely to retain water.
Be sure to wear sunscreen in order to maintain the elasticity of your skin. The sun breaks down your collagen causing your skin to sag. A full spectrum sunscreen (one that blocks UVA and UVB rays) is an important part of any skincare routine, including cellulite.

The November 17th 2006 Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of the use of Mentor and Allergan (Inamed Corporation) silicone breast implants in the United States has raised many questions among women in Southern California, especially those in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.
Prospective Los Angeles breast augmentation patients want to know if they can now receive silicone gel-filled breast implants, and if so, what types of silicone breast implants are available? And what are the potential adverse effects or concerns?
Candidates for Silicone Breast Implants
• Only women of 22 years of age and older can have silicone breast implants for breast augmentation or enlargement.
• Women of all ages can now qualify to have silicone implants for breast reconstruction.
Contraindications for Use of Silicone Breast Implants
Breast implant surgery should not be performed on:
• Women with active infection anywhere in their body
• Women with existing cancer or pre-cancer of their breast who have not received adequate treatment for those conditions
• Women who are currently pregnant or nursing
You should also know that silicone gel-filled breast implants have not been clinically tested on women with:
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or scleroderma
• Conditions that could interfere with wound healing and blood clotting
• A weakened immune system (such as women receiving immunosuppressive therapy)
• Reduced blood supply to the breast tissue
• Radiation to the breast following implantation
• Clinical diagnosis of depression or other mental health disorders, including body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders (Please discuss any history of mental health disorders prior to surgery) Differences in the Use of Saline & Silicone Breast Implants
Unlike saline breast implants, which are filled with saline after insertion in the body, the silicone breast implants are pre-filled with silicone. Therefore, silicone breast implants, especially the cohesive gel, memory gel, “Gummy Bear,” and the contour profile gel implants, require a larger incision for the insertion of the implant. In fact, the FDA does not allow the use of the periumbilical approach (TUBA) for the insertion of silicone implants, because excessive squeezing or manipulation during insertion can damage the silicone gel-filled breast implants.
What are some of the important factors you should consider when deciding whether or not to get silicone gel-filled breast implants?
• Breast implants do not last forever. If you decide to get breast implants, you will likely need additional surgeries on your breasts over your lifetime due to complications or unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes.
• Many of the changes to your breasts following implantation cannot be undone. If you later choose to have your implants removed and not replaced; your breasts will not change back to the way they looked before your implant surgery. You may have permanent dimpling, puckering, wrinkling, or other cosmetic changes.
• When you have your implants replaced (a revision), your risk of complications increases compared to your primary (first) surgery.
• Routine mammograms to screen for breast cancer will be more difficult with breast implants.
• Breast implants may affect your ability to breastfeed, either by reducing or eliminating milk production.
• If your silicone gel-filled breast implant ruptures, it is likely that neither you nor your doctor will know. This is known as a silent rupture. This is why an MRI is recommended at three years after implantation and then every two years thereafter to screen for rupture. However, sometimes there are symptoms. These include hard knots or lumps surrounding the implant or in the armpit, change or loss of size or shape of the breast or implant, and pain, tingling, swelling, numbness, burning, or hardening of the breast.
• Over your lifetime, the cost of MRI screening may exceed the cost of your initial surgery. The MRI screening cost may not be covered by medical insurance.
• All silicone breast implants “bleed” or leak a very minute amount of silicone. However, worldwide studies have not linked silicone bleed to any illness.
What are the different types of silicone breast implants available?
Both Mentor and Allergan manufacture a variety of silicone breast implants. Mentor produces silicone implants of different firmness depending on the degree of silicone cohesiveness. The so-called “gummy bear” implants are the more cohesive silicone gel-filled breast implants made of firmer silicone gel filler to help maintain the shape of the implant.
Potential Complications of Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants
In the Mentor and Allergan core studies, the most frequent complication was re-operation (additional surgery) – 25-35 percent. Capsular contracture or hardening of the breast implants (13-17 percent) was another frequent complication. Additional common complications include implant removal (7-10 percent), breast pain (7-8 percent), nipple sensation changes (1.5 percent), rupture (2.7- 4 percent), and asymmetry (3-5 percent). The complication rates were typically higher for revision surgery than for primary (first-time) implants.
Decision to Have Silicone Breast Implants
As a plastic surgeon, I often get asked if I would recommend silicone breast implants to my wife. Frankly, many national studies have established the safety of silicone breast implants and have found no link to the development of autoimmune disease, cancer, etc. Nevertheless, there are still unanswered questions about the long-term results (per FDA). Those who choose to have silicone implants enroll in the 10-year, post-approval study so that more light can be shed on the long-term effects of these medical devices.