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While opening the door for so many other non-invasive anti-aging treatments, BOTOX remains the country’s most popular cosmetic procedure with an estimated $1.3 Billion in sales, annually.

But that’s just the beginning for this revolutionary drug. As one of the most studied and researched drugs in modern medicine, there have been a slew of additional uses for BOTOX, since 2002. Among the most prevalent medical, rather than beauty, uses are for severe Migraine headaches (FDA-approved in 2010 for people suffering 15 days, or more, a month), excessive sweating, bladder control, swallowing and chewing difficulties, muscle spasms and some stroke-related symptoms, as well.

However, today, there have been more cosmetic applications of BOTOX that are rapidly gaining in popularity and offering even more possibilities for BOTOX LOS ANGELES, BOTOX BEVERLY HILLS and BOTOX around the world! Here is an update on a few of them.

For over ten years, BOTOX has been used for the frown lines, between the eyebrows. But, as of September, 2013, the FDA has approved the drug to remove the “crow’s feet” at the corner of your eyes. Caused by squinting, frowning or heredity, these tiny lines have been the source of adding years to an otherwise clear appearance. Often combining treatment of the brow frown lines along with the “crow’s feet,” the eye area can be dramatically smoother and more youthful-looking quickly, relatively pain-free and most affordably.

Surprisingly, “gummy” smile is not a result of gums that are too large or teeth that are too small. Often it’s because facial muscles are too tight and lift the top lip too high. Injections along the lip line will help correct this effect.

At last report, Allergan, the company that produces BOTOX, had more than 90 patent-pending uses awaiting approval by the FDA. And more are added on a regular basis.

The miracle defenses against premature aging are already legend. Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse; if they are not household names, they are, at least very well known around the world.

But what if your skin is, thankfully, wrinkle-free? Here’s an encore for the derma fillers. But this time, they serve a totally different purpose. The lip and chin augmentation; the jowl reduction. Through the non-invasive procedures of the facial fillers, it is not only possible to alter the structure of your face, it’s popular.

Adding filler to strategically placed areas of the nose can hide (but not remove) a “bump” or add contouring to increase or “even out” areas that need tweaking. Likewise, filling areas around the “jowls” can make them less obvious or can help add volume to a receding chin line. And so forth.

Additionally, treatments with fillers may be done in more than one visit if you want the results to be very subtle and gradual and they are temporary. Surgery is not. In rare cases, the fillers may even be removed, if, for some reason, you are not happy with the results. Of course, surgery is a lot more difficult to “correct.”

Since cost is always an important factor in deciding which cosmetic procedure is best for you, obviously, the “non-surgical surgeries,” that can be achieved with the derma fillers, is considerably less expensive than their counterparts. Fillers, on average, depending upon your location, can cost between $500 – $800 per syringe. A nose job can cost between $5,000 – $10,000 and a chin implant between $4,000 – $7,000. Prices do vary, greatly, so you can research the costs, in your area.

Other major factors, of comparison, is the nature of the procedure itself, pain, side effects and recovery time. Again, all of these factors are, obviously, greatly in favor of the non-invasive filler procedures.

In the hands of a skilled and experienced practitioner, these procedures are fast, relatively painless and may last up to a year, depending upon the product. There is no, at-home, recovery time and side effects of swelling, bruising, tenderness or redness usually disappear within one week.

So if you have always wanted a slightly different profile or preferred the image of a strong, assertive chin, today it might be possible to achieve the look without the strain on the pocketbook! Why not go for a consultation now and enjoy an early Holiday gift just for you?

One of the most frequently asked questions, regarding facial derma fillers is: What are the differences among Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse – and how do you choose the right one for you?

Those are excellent questions. However, since they all are formulated to treat or correct the same signs of aging, a good starting point would be noting the similarities before exploring the differences.

The derma fillers are designed to plump, or “fill,” albeit temporarily, the wrinkles, folds and loss of firmness created by the natural aging process. The key component of this aging process is the diminished production of our body’s own hyaluronic acid. And it’s that hyaluronic acid that three of the four fillers, Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane, have in common. Radiesse is comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite.

Being products that the body already produces, means that all of the above fillers will be easily accepted without allergy-testing or concern about rejection.

So which filler is best used for what?

Restylane and Perlane are practically identical, but Perlane is a denser product for filling deeper areas, like under the eyes, where the injections might be more noticeable. Aside from the eye area, these fillers are used for the nasolabial folds, between your eyebrows, around your mouth and and for redefining your lip borders. Both products last between 6 – 8 months, depending upon your age, skin type and use of your facial muscles.

Juvederm is similar to Restylane and Perlane but it seems to “inject smoother” than Restylane and is, therefore, better-suited to delicate under-eye and lip areas.

Radiesse is the newest of the fillers. It is definitely recommended for deeper folds and hollows and will last as long as 12 months.

Recent studies have indicated that Radiesse might also be among the products, like Sculptra that actually helps the body re-build its own collagen. In other words, when the product has completely left your body, your own collagen will continue to have some lifting, filling and firming effects.

The bottom line, with the fillers and all cosmetic dermatology procedures and products, is that your physician knows best! When it comes to your appearance, always put yourself in the hands, literally, of the most skilled expert!

“For every time, there is a Season…” Those are the words that have put the sun and surf of Summer behind us and welcome the fabulous beauty of Fall. The season of reflection, the time for Thanksgiving.

But, as we noted before, Fall is also the time for rejuvenation and repair, a preparation for the festivities to come. The Holidays. The New Year. So let’s prepare.

When it comes to beauty and new beginnings, everything starts with your skin. If it’s dry, hydrate it; if it’s parched, nourish it; if it’s wrinkling, smooth it; sagging, lift it; hollowing, fill it…and on and on. The bad news is that with each turning of the seasons, time leaves its sign. The good news is that modern cosmetic dermatology can reverse it! Let’s review some of the most common areas of concern and the best ways to relieve them.

For some of us, a long look in the mirror is all we need to know which product or treatment or procedure is the best place to start. For others, perhaps, a consultation with a top-notch cosmetic dermatology physician is best. Make the appointment today.

Of all the non-invasive cosmetic procedures available, BOTOX Cosmetic remains the best-known and most popular anti-aging treatment. And for good reason. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s very affordable and its results are dramatic.

Erase, release, relax your facial lines and wrinkles. With virtually no pain and no side effects and lasting up to four months! What could be better? BOTOX L.A., BOTOX BEVERLY HILLS and BOTOX WEST HOLLYWOOD, right here at Your Laser Skin Care Center, are only a phone call away.

But sometimes it’s folds or grooves, “Marionette” lines, puckering above your lips, hollows under your eyes or beneath your cheekbones that are the cause of your concern. The derma fillers: Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Perlane are there to remove these, and other, signs of premature aging. Ask about them, learn about the differences, the side effects, the duration and the cost. Let your physician guide your choice and then enjoy the magic.

If it’s the texture, tone or tightening of your skin, mild scarring, discoloration, unwanted hair, broken veins or other blemishes that you want to eliminate, the newest laser technology, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or chemical peels might fill the bill.

If the turning of the season has turned your attention to achieving a natural, fresher, younger-looking and more radiant appearance, there’s never been a better time. And Your Laser Skin Care has never had a better selection of services at a more affordable price. Let’s celebrate the Season.

While preparing your menus, gifts and guest lists for the coming Holidays, this is the perfect time to prepare your own personal skin care regime, as well. Facials, peels, fillers, BOTOX, there is an array of relaxing, rejuvenating and repairing beauty treatments to help you put your best face forward for the Season.

If removing unwanted hair is one of your ongoing concerns and you were intrigued by our recent discussion of laser hair removal treatments, let’s take a look at the actual procedure, side effects and follow-up care.

At least, 2 – 4 weeks prior to treatment, avoid exposure to the sun, which can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase possible side effects. For the same period of time, avoid plucking, electrolysis or waxing which removes the very hair roots that the laser is targeting. Shaving does not remove anything except the hair on the surface of the skin so may be used prior to the procedure.

During treatment, you and the practitioner will wear protective glasses and a cooling gel and, perhaps, a numbing agent may be applied to your skin. The hair to be treated may be trimmed or shaved within millimeters of the skin’s surface. While every patient reacts differently, laser hair removal is not, generally, known as a painful procedure. It has been described as the quick snap of an elastic band.

Upon completion of the procedure, you may receive ice packs for possible redness or swelling. Usually, side effects are very temporary. For a day or two, after treatment, your skin might feel as if it’s sunburned and cool compresses and moisturizers may eliminate any discomfort.

The best care, after laser treatments, is gentle care. Keep the area clean but refrain from scrubbing or using harsh products. And for at least 2 – 4 weeks, remember to apply a sun-
screen with an SPF of 30…which is a good habit to continue whenever you will be outdoors.

Do note that it might appear as if your hair is still growing. This will change over the next week or two as the treated hair will begin to fall out. And remember that new, untreated hair will be growing in and you should schedule your next appointment for between 4 – 6 weeks.

Unwanted hair removal remains one of the most persistent and unpopular beauty chores that both women and men face. Daily or weekly. For women, it’s primarily facial hair that causes the most embarrassment and concern; for men, it could be the hair on their chest or back. But regardless of the location, it is always an unpleasant, time consuming and tedious task.

So it’s no surprise that laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the U.S. – even with new home products always arriving on the market. Shaving, depilatories and electrolysis all have their drawbacks. Either they have to be performed daily or several times a week or they are too painful, too expensive, too difficult to learn or simply too messy and inconvenient. The laser is easy and it’s permanent. And even better, it is not considered particularly painful and any side effects only last a few days.

The laser treatment is simple; a concentrated beam of high-intensity light and controlled heat is targeted into the hair follicles. The pigment, in the follicles, is penetrated and the hair is destroyed while the surrounding skin is not affected. This laser process offers several distinct benefits.

First, as the term indicates, the procedure is “laser fast.” Each laser pulse can treat many hairs in a fraction of a second. For example, the upper lip area may be treated in less than a minute! Secondly, the process is affecting only the hairs you want removed. And thirdly, it is the most permanent of the hair removal systems.

It’s important to note why it’s necessary to have repeated treatments, usually scheduled four to six weeks apart. The laser can only target the hair that is there! Dormant follicles need time to grow before the laser can remove them. So time between treatments is allowed until there is no new growth to treat.

With all the benefits of the latest and greatest laser technology, why spend time and money on any other process? Get ready for the Holiday Season and call for Your Laser Skin Care, LA near Beverly Hills, laser hair removal today.

Every season brings its own unique qualities and nuances. Each creates a mood and encourages personal reflection. Fall is making its appearance and our skin is responding. It’s a good time to reflect.

If we look at Fall in the traditional terms of life stages, here is the time for renewal and repair. Here is the perfect time to recover from the heat and sun and, perhaps, the excesses of summer indulgence and activities. It might be the best time to look and listen to what your skin is telling you. And, of course, here is the best time to prepare for the Holiday season approaching fast!

If there were times when your sun block or UV protection was not quite sufficient or re-applied often enough, if you spent extended time in the water or the wind, what were the effects on your skin? On your face, your arms, your chest?

Have a few brown spots or “freckles” appeared? Patches of crinkly skin? Lines or wrinkles? Have you had a few “break-outs” from oil-clogged pores? And finally, are you protecting your skin, now, for the Winter season that will, surely, bring its own beauty care challenges?

No one sees your skin as much as you do and no one knows it quite as well. Sometimes, that’s both the blessing and the curse. While you may be the first to notice changes, while your critical eye counts each line and worries over every wrinkle, the reverse may also be true. There are also times when we only see what we’re used to seeing. We quickly skim or scan our faces and bodies and it would take a very obvious difference to catch our attention.

Why not make a special date with your mirror? Set aside some personal time to spend fifteen or thirty minutes just between the two of you. Remove your makeup, pull back your hair and simply look at your face. You might be surprised at how lovely it is. Find your best features and enjoy them.

Then look yourself in the eyes and see what or where your attention is drawn next. Naturally and slowly, try to look at yourself as if for the first time. The good and the not-so-good. And then set about correcting it.

Dry flaky skin? Enlarged pores? Perhaps you will choose one of the wonderful VIVITÉ® skincare products. Frown lines and wrinkles? Perhaps BOTOX Cosmetic or Dysport can easily and affordably offer the solution. IPL, derma fillers, Laser skin tightening and an array of other non-invasive cosmetic treatments are available to renew, revitalize and reverse the effects of premature aging.

So your mirror has done its part; and you’ve done yours. Now might be the time for a “second opinion,” a consultation with your cosmetic dermatology physician. Point out your concerns and discuss the possibilities. Remember, most cosmetic procedures require a bit of time to reach their full effect or for even the mildest side effects to completely disappear. Celebrate the Season with the best gift of all – a fresher, smoother, more youthful and radiant-looking complexion!