Mesotherapy injections have been available in the United States for several years, but do pose some risks along with their benefits. Here's a close look at how mesotherapy works, and the pros and cons to consider before undergoing this type of treatment.
Facelift surgery offers a wealth of benefits for people with aging skin, and can completely transform your appearance. Here are some essential recovery tips after a facelift and other types of facial plastic surgery.
Dermabrasion is an advanced skin resurfacing procedure designed to remove the superficial layer of skin and promote healthy regeneration of the skin cells. If you are reviewing different anti aging procedures, consider the following facts about dermabrasion.
Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body, and today?s innovative techniques and procedures offer promising results a few weeks after treatment. Here are some tips for avoiding the common complications associated with liposuction.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults is often treated with Ritalin, a stimulant medication that helps improve brain activity and increases focus and concentration. However, some health experts believe that chiropractic therapy may be just as effective at improving the lifestyle of ADHD sufferers as prescription drugs.
People who have lost a significant amount of weight, or those that live an inactive lifestyle are prone to developing patches of cellulite.
Cellulite can appear on the hips, thighs and buttocks after weight loss, but is not uncommon in people who are at a healthy weight. While massage treatments and exercise can help to minimize the appearance of cellulite, there is still no permanent solution for getting rid of the unsightly pockets of fat.
The BellaContour device has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for enhancing muscular blood flow and reshaping the body. The device is designed primarily to target cellulite, and makes use of ultrasound therapy and muscle stimulation to achieve results. The BellaContour deviceis currently available at the Shapes Body Contouring facility, owned by Dr. Robin Owen.
BellaContour works beyond the top layer of the skin to deliver a micro-massage and accelerate blood flow deep under the skin’s tissues. It is designed with a combination of Dual Program Mode and Real Time Resonance Technology to treat multiple layers of skin in one session. This technology is coupled with an electrode system to produce better results.
There are no known side effects to this treatment, and it can be operated by non-medical personnel. The goal of these treatments is to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, improve the quality of the skin and reduce joint pain. It can be used on both men and women, and results are contingent upon the person maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Since the BellaContour system is an aesthetic device, treatments are not covered by insurance. The average rate for the treatments is $2,500 for a package of 10 procedures, and the aesthetic surgery center may offer financing options for eligible patients. More information about today’s innovative cellulite treatments can be found here.
The SmoothShapes cellulite treatment is one of the newest non-invasive cosmetic procedures available in the United States, and has steadily gained popularity among women who struggling with unsightly cellulite on their thighs, buttocks or stomach.
Most recently, a star of the hit TV series “Real Housewives of Orange County” headed to the plastic surgery office to undergo a series of SmoothShapes treatments.
Jeanna Keough says she was becoming self-conscious about the cottage-cheese appearance of her skin, especially for pictures and close-ups on television. She’s been turning to Marina Plastic Surgery Associates in Los Angeles to take advantage of the benefits of this cellulite reduction treatment, and improve her figure.
SmoothShapes is one of the few non-invasive cellulite treatments that can help reduce inches and smooth out rippled and dimpled skin. It works with a combination vacuum device and laser heat energy that pulls up and stretches the skin and tissues, stimulates circulation, and strengthens the skin tissues overall. This proprietary technology is much more effective than standard cellulite body wraps, creams and full-body massages that claim to reduce cellulite. The intensive massage action of SmoothShapes can be very effective for body contouring, and may also be beneficial for those who have undergone liposuction and are looking for an effective skin tightening treatment.
Although SmoothShapes cannot get rid of cellulite permanently, it can help to tighten and smooth out the skin so that the treated area appears more toned and firm. SmoothShapes cellulite treatments are backed by over seven years of research and clinical trials, and the procedure is currently available at several medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers around the country.
In a recent press release about Ms. Keough’s treatments, the TV star says she “feels much more confident in her body.” An upcoming episode of Real Housewives will feature Jeanna talking about her SmoothShapes experience, and show off her results.
Women of all ages continue to wage war against cellulite. The unsightly bulges and dimpled skin that results from trapped fat cells under the skin’s surface can prevent even the leanest woman from achieving a sculpted and toned appearance.
Since diet and exercise rarely eliminate the problem, surgery or cellulite treatments may be the only effective way to lose the cellulite for good.
The December 2008 issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal recently reported on an innovative ‘combo’ treatment that involves laser energy and fat transplantation for reshaping the body and reducing cellulite. The technique can be used on several problem areas including the buttocks, thighs, hips and stomach.
The procedure involves heating up the skin with a laser device to trigger collagen production, the essential compound that helps preserve skin elasticity and naturally tightens up the skin. For this study, the Nd: YAG laser was used so that the tissues could begin contracting and collagen production could occur at a rapid pace. After the laser treatment, the surgeon would fill in the depressed areas of the skin with the patient’s own body fat; this helped create a smooth, sculpted appearance and virtually eliminated the appearance of cellulite.
TheAesthetic Surgery Journal is published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and this combination procedure was listed as one of several ‘proven’ procedures for treating cellulite. Results of the study indicate that nearly 85% of patients enjoyed ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ results up to three years after the initial procedure.
Other popular cellulite treatments currently available in the United States include the Velasmooth non-invasive procedure, lower body lift surgery, endermologie and injection lipolysis.
The combination treatment is designed only for cases of severe cellulite, and is not necessarily a vanity procedure like Velasmooth and other non-invasive treatments. The YAG laser does have its risks and drawbacks, and may not be suitable for all skin types. Still, fat injections can make a significant difference in the outcome of the cellulite procedure.
Water-jet liposuction was introduced in late 2007 by a German plastic surgeon, a procedure that dislodges fat cells using high water pressure while removing excess fatty tissue. The technique was introduced at the Simply Aesthetic clinic in Singapore later that year, and many plastic surgeons in the U.S. have been paying attention to the progress and development of this unique technique since. Now, some surgeons believe that the procedure may be able to help patients get rid of cellulite, the stubborn pockets of fat that become embedded directly under the skin tissue.
Conventional liposuction techniques cannot get rid of cellulite completely because liposuction only removes fatty tissue around the muscles. Some liposuction patients report an increase in cellulite after fat removal surgery because the skin becomes loose, saggy and existing cellulite becomes more pronounced.
Water-jet liposuction works by breaking apart existing cellulite so that it can be reached easily with the suction device during surgery. The technique may allow some doctors to deliver a more precise and safer treatment, and also reduce the risk of developing unsightly cellulite. The high water jets are applied around the fatty tissue and fatty deposits to turn them into a gelatinous state; the cannula is inserted just 5mm under the skin’s surface so that the surgeon can maneuver around the fatty tissues with ease. This also allows the surgeon to get rid of all excess body fat while leave the surrounding tissues intact.
According to Plasmetic.com, water-jet liposuction may be a good match for patients who need to remove large volumes of fat but do not want to have dimpled skin after the procedure. Since there is little trauma to the surrounding tissues, the skin has a better chance of healing and recovering quickly. The procedure does not require extensive anesthesia, and an be performed within a few hours.
The Body Jet system has been introduced to several doctors in the United States, and is proving to be an effective body sculpting procedure abroad.
Getting rid of cellulite is no easy affair for the thousands of women that have unsightly patches of cellulite on their thighs, hips and buttocks. Cellulite reduction treatments claim to break down the fatty tissue accumulation in these problem areas and improve circulation so that the body can stop storing fat and get rid of the toxins and waste tissues naturally. However, some experts say that the risk factor of developing cellulite increases with an inadequate diet.
According to Professional Beauty of the UK, cellulite can be the result of ongoing hormonal fluctuations where the body retains excess amounts of water and accumulates body fat on a regular basis. Many hormonal fluctuations related to pregnancy, the monthly menstrual cycle and even the shifts that occur while taking oral contraceptives can lead to the accumulation of toxic waste products in the body which can become ’stuck’ in the tissues. Over time, this can lead to a number of side effects including tissue swelling and inflammation, but this process may also be the underlying cause of cellulite.
A recent report issued by Professional Beauty points out the importance of drinking water regularly to flush out toxins naturally and to eat a natural or whole-foods based diet that support the overall health of the body. Eating low alkaline and low acid foods is especially important for maintaining a healthy pH balance and metabolism.
The report lists a number of low-acid foods that need to be incorporated into every diet in order to reduce the risk of cellulite. Fruits and vegetables such as brussel sprouts, cauliflower, tangerines, tomatoes, raw celery, molasses, millet, green beans, cucumber and blackberries are considered to be ‘alkaline ash foods’ and may help control the amount of acid the body produces during the digestive process.
In addition to modifying the diet, the report encourages body brushing to stimulate the circulation and soaking in a mineral-rich salt bath at least once per week.
Many medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers offer cellulite body wraps made with chocolate extracts and coffee grounds, as these promote circulation and help smooth out the skin. Chocolate body wraps can help tighten and tone up the skin, and revive tired or aging skin that may be prone to developing cellulite.
Now, some experts are hailing the benefits of chocolate and clay body wraps to spot-treat cellulite and give the skin a more youthful appearance and encouraging people to eat more chocolate to stay healthy.
Chocolate clay body wraps are designed to be a decadent treat for the skin, and work by drawing out toxins from the body and increasing circulation. This helps the body become tighter, firmer and may even result in several inches lost. The typical wrap treatment involves covering the body in a rich clay ‘mask’ and then wrapping cotton and elastic bandages around the skin for maximum absorption. A sauna suit can then be worn to heat up the body and increase circulation. After 45 minutes to an hour, the body will begin releasing toxins which then results in tighter, firmer skin.
The effects of a wrap help to break down fat and increase the metabolism – these are essential for smoothing out cellulite and releasing the trapped fat cells so that the skin takes on a firmer, tighter and more youthful appearance.
Body wrap treatments made with a chocolate base offer several benefits for women who are looking for a quick and affordable way to lose a few inches. Many are combined with caffeine, peppermint and other ingredients that stimulate the skin and increase circulation.
Dr. Robert Rey, otherwise known as ‘Dr. 90210′ points out that chocolate can be a healthy substitute for caffeine and soda, allowing women to get their ‘fix’ without experiencing bloating and water retention. Healthy chocolate choices include dark chocolate and herb-infused chocolates that are full of antioxidants; these can help the skin maintain a supple appearance and may even help reduce the risk of developing cellulite.
While thousands of people continue to line up for mesotherapy and Lipodissolve injections to get rid of stubborn body fat, others are steering clear of these potentially dangerous fat reduction treatments in hopes of a safer, more effective procedure.
Researchers at Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. are testing the latest liposculpting agent called ATX-101. This injection is designed to break down submental fat, and according to Keith Leonard, the President and CEO of Kythera, may soon become the best product for localized fat reduction.
Mesotherapy is a European non-surgical body sculpting technique that involves injecting a special concentration of vitamins, minerals and enzymes into the body to break down fatty tissue; Lipodissolve works in a similar fashion, but the ‘cocktail’ is a combination of phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC), plant extracts and alpha lipid acid. However, hundreds of patients have reported side effects including tissue swelling, bruising and even deemed these procedures to be ineffective.
Will Kythera’s product be a better solution for fat removal?
According to Cosmetic Surgery Times, an ideal patient for the ATX-101 treatment is someone who only has small, localized fatty pockets. According to Dr. Patricia Walker, Kythera’s Chief Medical Officer, “This product is not intended as a weight loss drug, but rather for subtle sculpting or reduction of small volumes of fat. Patients who are at or near their ideal weight, but simply cannot eliminate the fat below their chin regardless of diet or exercise would be ideal for this product”. (Source: cosmeticsurgerytimes.com)
Testing is expected to end by early 2009, which means it may be ready for the FDA approval process as early as Summer 2009. If it reaches the mainstream market, most patients will need a series of treatment cycles to achieve lasting results, and the procedure can only be performed by licensed dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
If you’ve thought about getting rid of cellulite with some of today’s non-invasive procedures, you may already have stumbled across the VelaSmooth system, SmartLipo and other highly-advertised procedures on the market.
Getting rid of cellulite without surgery has been deemed possible by many medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers, procedures that promise to ‘melt’ fat cells, recontour the body and improve the skin’s appearance. Some of these treatments promote a proven ‘circumferential reduction’ – not necessarily blasting away fat cells – while others are designed to boost circulation and increase collagen production so that the skin appears healthier and more toned.
Critics of these treatments suggest that the cellulite reduction plan is just a hoax. The Wall Street Journal highlights Dr. Robert A. Weiss’s response to the cellulite trends, indicating that fancy massagers and ‘cellulite-fighting’ treatments do nothing for melting the fat cells or getting rid of cellulite.
Still, industry researchers report that demand for these procedures will exceed $200 million by 2012, and consumers continue to flock to medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers for the latest cellulite fix.
While thousands of women turn to endermologie, laser liposuction and mesotherapy injections to get rid of unsightly fat and cellulite, having a smooth and sculpted figure may be easier with the help of C02 gas.
Since cellulite is caused by ‘trapped’ fatty deposits beneath the skin’s surface, treatments that help loosen the fat and disperse or eliminate the cells entirely are some of the best ways to treat cellulite.
Carboxytherapy is now available at several cosmetic surgery and aesthetic surgery centers, and involves the administration of carbon dioxide directly under the skin’s surface. The pressure form the gas helps destroy fat cells and tissues, and can even be used to shrink the fat cells so that skin appears smoother, stronger and more supple.
Dr. Lisa Zdinak, an opthalmic plastic surgeon in Manhattan, explains how the C02Touch Carboxytherapy works: “My newest CO2Touch technique delivers the gas in such a manner that I can customize the treatment for each patient to ensure a virtually pain-free experience. I am also seeing more dramatic results sooner with the heated gas and my modified techniques.”
Dr. Zdinak is one of the first cosmetic surgeons in Manhattan to offer this treatment, offering women even more options for getting rid of cellulite and improving their appearance. She prefers to use carboxytherapy because it does not involve injecting foreign substances, compounds and potentially dangerous herbal solutions into the skin. (Source: PrecisionAestheticsMD.com)
Carboxytherapy is also known as the C02Touch Brazilian treatment, Brazilian cellulite reduction treatment, and C02 cellulite treatment.
People who have lost a significant amount of weight, or those that live an inactive lifestyle are prone to developing patches of cellulite.
The 
Women of all ages continue to wage war against cellulite. The unsightly bulges and dimpled skin that results from trapped fat cells under the skin’s surface can prevent even the leanest woman from achieving a sculpted and toned appearance.
Getting rid of cellulite is no easy affair for the thousands of women that have unsightly patches of cellulite on their thighs, hips and buttocks. 
Many 
While thousands of people continue to line up for 