VAVELTA® Makes Use of Baby Foreskin for Antiaging Benefits

Some of today’s top treatments that help to get rid of wrinkles and rejuvenate the appearance include dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm, and extensive surgical procedures such as the facelift.

However, a radical alternative may soon be available in the United States; a British biomedical company has developed a treatment called VAVELTA®, a set of injectable fillers made with the cells of babies’ foreskins.  The promise?  To rejuvenate the skin and reverse the signs of aging.  The injections are not made with collagen or hylauronic acid, but may help promote healthy collagen growth and encourage cellular repair.

This potent formulation is designed to populate the lower layers of skin with millions of fresh and healthy cells, allowing the body to quickly adapt the cells and help create a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance on the skin’s surface.

The makers of VAVELTA®, Intercytex, explain that the baby’s cells are some of the healthiest human cells available, and injecting these cells into the skin can help get rid of many signs of aging.  Intercytex describes the product as follows:

VAVELTA® is a skin repair and rejuvenation product.  It has been designed to improve the structure, function and appearance of skin  damaged by scarring or the aging process. VAVELTA® is a suspension of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) in cell storage medium, for injection into the skin.  When injected into the skin, HDFs are believed to lay down collagen within the dermis which restructures and repairs the extracellular matrix. (Source: Intercytex.com)

The procedure itself falls under the minimally-invasive category, and involves the administration of several injections in key facial compartments.  A local anesthetic may be used to minimize discomfort during the treatment, and the injections can only be administered by a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

VAVELTA® is currently available only in the UK, but may soon be making its way across the ocean after FDA review and approval.

Celluvation Promises Face Lift in a Bottle

Facial products such as masks, creams, gels and serums that promise to stop the clock and reduce the signs of aging continue to lead the beauty and skin industry, but is the fountain of youth really availabe in a bottle?

The makers of Celluvation say yes, claiming that their line of facial products can enhance the skin from inside out.  Instead of using harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients in their products, the company behind Celluvation promises a fresh and pure feeling with a special water-based formula.  The water is mixed with a powder to form a gel, and this can then be applied to the face as a mask.  All ingredients are from natural sources, and the powder contains minerals and antioxidant-rich ingredients such as white seaweed, glycine glutamine, histidine, amino acids, copper, tryptophan, zinc and glycol-protein.

The mask is designed to close up large pores, reduce wrinkles and hydrate the skin so it looks fresh and clean.  In addition to using the mask, individuals can use the Celluvation Accelerator, a rich serum that helps maintain a natural, healthy glow and also hydrates the skin with essential ingredients. Together, these natural products may help improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.

Some of today’s leading brands that promise to increase cell turnover and keep the skin looking young and beautiful include SkinMD, Dr. Hauschka, Pevonia, CosMedix and Obagi.

Obagi products and the exclusive Obagi facial can be found at many cosmetic surgery centers and dermatologist’s offices, and continues to offer promising results.  However, product lines such as Obagi can cost up to $400 or more for a few months supply of product, and some skin types may not react positively to the treatment.

Celluvation offers an affordable alternative for women interested in reviving dull and lifeless skin and rejuvenating their appearance.  The starter kit costs $199 which includes bottles of Celluvation Energized Water and a jar of Celluvation Powder.  More information about the products can be found here.

FDA Pushes for Product Labeling on Dermal Fillers

While millions of men and women continue turn to injectable fillers to say goodbye to facial wrinkles and achieve a more youthful, sculpted look, experts say that not all dermal fillers are created equal.

Popular fillers such as Juvederm, Artefill, Sculptra and Restylane are becoming the quick-fix solution for many patients who don’t want to undergo facelift surgery.

Fillers made with hyaluronic acid are proving to be especially popular with baby boomers and the younger generations because they pose few risks and side effects.  However, the FDA has recently received a number of complaints and reports of unexpected side effects from several areas of the country and is currently investigating popular fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane.

The FDA panel is considering adding a requirement for all dermal filler manufacturers so that all products are clearly marked with a warning lable.  Currently, each box of the dermal fillers is marked with only a few sentences about potential side effects of the treatment.  The FDA may soon be requiring more explicit details, but many plastic surgeons and company representatives are arguing that this is an unnecessary mandate.

Fillers are convenient, affordable, and can provide instant results for those who have  fine lines and wrinkles forming around the eyes and mouth, or have sagging skin around the cheeks. They are quickly becoming a non-surgical alternative in the form of the ‘Liquid Facelift’ where surgeons use a combination of different fillers to sculpt and tighten key facial compartments.

The jury is out on whether the FDA will win its case about the extra reporting, but consumers are still encouraged to do their research and make sure they understand all of the potential side effects of even non-invasive and ‘safe’ treatments.  Finding a licensed surgeon and making sure they have a few years of experience with administering dermal fillers can also reduce the risk of adverse side effects.

(Source: Plasmetic.com)

Mother of 7 Wins Free Tummy Tuck from ‘The Doctors’ TV Show

Many women find losing the excess weight around the midsection after giving birth to be one of the biggest challenges when trying to get back their pre-pregnancy figure.

While having one child can lead to weight gain, stretch marks and the ‘tummy pooch,’  having five children – in succession – can make it even more difficult to get back in shape.  Just ask Sara Tyre of Richmond, Indiana.

Sara is busy taking care of seven children under the age of 5, and recently shared her story with the producers of the daytime talk show, “The Doctors.”   According to Indystar.com, Sara Tyre was selected to receive a free tummy tuck so that she could get back in shape and enjoy being a Mom without worrying about her figure.

Cynthia Hill, Sara’s mother, explains:

“She’s very happy to have this done. This is a $10,000 operation. She e-mailed them, of course, about her stomach, and they called her back the same day. They were very interested in her.” (Source: Indystar.com)

The tummy tuck procedure was performed at The Plastic Surgery Institute in Rancho Mirage, California and is expected to be aired in December or January.  The operation is designed to get rid of the excess skin around Sara’s stomach so that it is much flatter and takes on a more contoured appearance.

The tummy tuck continues to be one of the most sought-after procedures after pregnancy, and is often a part of the ‘Mommy Makeover’ package.  Few women can achieve a flat stomach after pregnancy from diet and exercise alone because the abdominal muscles are literally pulled apart, creating a small ‘gap’ in the upper abdomen.

The extra skin and this hollowed effect makes it very difficult for women to achieve a sleek, flat and sculpted look.  The tummy tuck helps repair the abdominal muscles and also takes care of extra skin and fat around the midsection.

Lipotherme Laser Helps Break Down Stubborn Body Fat

While liposuction and body lifts continue to be popular procedures for men and women interested in losing excess body fat and achieving a sculpted look, many people aren’t able to achieve a smooth and contoured appearance right away.

Liposuction can remove excess body fat but typically leaves skin looking ‘lumpy’ and uneven.  Skin tightening treatments such as Thermage and VelaShape can help improve the appearance of the skin and even help tighten up loose skin after weight loss surgery, but a new technique has been developed by European researchers that uses heat-generating lasers to break up the fat before it is even removed from the body through liposuction.

Lipotherme is the latest liposuction-enhancing procedure that may help surgeons selectively break up body fat from different areas of the body before removing it with the suctioning device.  Breaking down the fat first means that the skin can contract quickly after the liposuction procedure, creating a more contoured and sculpted appearance.

Lipotherme is being marketed as a ‘safe and effective procedure to liquefy and remove unwanted fat in targeted body zones.’ The website offers the following information about the laser lipolysis procedure:

The clinical term for this type of procedure is laser-assisted lipolysis (also called laser lipolysis or laser lipo for short) which is an evolution of traditional liposuction. Although effective, traditional liposuction is considered a highly-invasive procedure. By contrast, Lipotherme laser lipolysis is a minimally-invasive procedure with virtually no downtime. Most patients resume normal activities the day after their procedure, however, it is recommended you wait several days before resuming strenuous activity such as exercising. (Source: Lipotherme.com)

The procedure can be used to get rid of excess fat on the abdomen, waist, back, thighs, face, chin, arms and knees.

Another popular laser lipolysis procedure is SmartLipo, and this procedure is currently available at several cosmetic surgery centers around the country.  However, Lipotherme may be the new contender as more surgeons become skilled in using the heated laser technique and has proven to be, at least for now, an effective body contouring procedure.

CO2 Laser Welding May Improve Outcome of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures that involves extensive incisions and skin grafting often require weeks and months of recovery, especially when the surgeon uses sutures to hold the tissues in place.

Procedures such as breast augmentation, facelifts and even liposuction often require creating several wounds inside and outside the body, but surgeons may soon be able to speed up the healing process using the power of carbon dioxide lasers.

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a C02 laser device that can be used to heat the body tissue and close up the wounds at a rapid rate.  The university’s Applied Physics Group are currently testing the device that emits carbon dioxide laser beams through optical fibers directly onto the skin tissues, and quickly bonds the cut to close the wound.

Currently, surgeons use stitches or sutures to close up the wound, but these can often reopen after surgery and require additional care.  Surgeons may also use a combination of bandages and compression devices to hold the skin tissues in place after surgery; the pressure helps to smooth out the skin tissues and support the healing process.

The clinical trials recently conducted showed positive results for patients undergoing gall bladder removal surgery, and the device is sensitive enough to work on other types of skin tissues.  The researchers at Tel Aviv University indicate that the technique may be safe and effective enough to be used on cuts on the cornea, blood vessels, trachea, and even organs inside the body.

C02 laser welding procedures may soon be a valauble option for plastic and cosmetic surgeons looking for effective ways to heal soft tissues and speed up recovery time after surgery.

LypoSlim Promises to Shed Inches Without Surgery

While millions of women continue to pursue liposuction and body contouring treatments to get rid of excess body fat and tighten up the skin, many turn to non-invasive spa treatments such as body wraps to lose inches after just one session.

Body wraps are typically made with ingredients that boost circulation and tighten up the skin, and may help create a smoother, sculpted appearance. Treatments include clay, mineral and herbal extracts applied to the skin so that the body can begin releasing toxins naturally.

The makers of the LyopSlim Body Wrap claim that their clients lose several inches – up to 9 inches – after just one session.  The LypoSlim Body Wrap is made with botanical ingredients including chickweed, papaya, green tea and crocus flower and works by increasing circulation and reducing  water retention in the body.

The LypoSlim Body Wrap is different than standard clay and herbal body treatments available at the spa because it involves a heat-wrapping step.  Most body wraps at the spa that promise to reduce the appearance of cellulite or get rid of excess water weight simply increase circulation so that the patient can sweat out toxins through the pores.

However, the LypoSlim body wrap involves soaking strips of cotton towels in the mixture, heating up the towel and then wrapping the solution around the patient before covering them with micron foil.  This generates a significant amount of heat in just 40 minutes, resulting in a deeper detoxification process and rapid loss of excess water weight.

The concentrated formula and treatment is now appearing at medical spas and day spas across the country, and may be a valuable alternative to surgery for many. Results may be further improved with non-invasive body contouring treatments such as VelaShape and Thermage which help to tighten and tone loose skin in the long-term.

Philips Introduces Light Therapy Device to Kick Winter Blues

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that affects millions of people each years as temperatures drop. Even those who are not diagnosed as having SAD by a mental health professional may experience symptoms including include chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety and cravings for carbohydrates.  However, light therapy has been used to treat the ‘winter blues’ for several decades, providing some hope for those who need to brighten up their days and enjoy a brighter outlook.

The Mayo Clinic explains that treating SAD with light therapy can be traced back to the early 1980s, but it has not officially been approved by the FDA because of a “lack of definitive evidence about its effectiveness in clinical trials.”

However, Philips has recently unveiled its goLITE BLUE device designed to improve the mood and even ward off depression.  The portable goLITE BLUE device emits gentle rays of light that can be programmed to a timer and used throughout the day to regulate the body’s internal clock. The small, lightweight platform that generates a soft light and can be placed easily in any room.

Philips Electronics promises that the goLITE Blu system offers quick relief for the winter blues, low energy and sleep problems – and do it all without drugs.  The blue light is essential for maintaining healthy energy levels; in fact, the light blue color is supposed to imitate the color of the sky, and emits gentle light waves of 470nm that have proven to be twice as effective at keeping internal body clocks balanced than other sources of light. Blue light is also used for acne treatments and other skin conditions that may be triggered by an impaired nervous system. (Source: LightTherapy.com)

The goLITE device is available for purchase online for a retail price of $279 and comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

Plastic Surgeons Advise on Dangers of Nicotine After Surgery

Eating a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake and getting plenty of rest are standard doctor’s orders during the recovery phases of surgery, and patients who undergo plastic or cosmetic surgery are no different.

Now, doctors are encouraging their cosmetic and plastic surgery patients to refrain from smoking – or quit completely – so that their bodies can heal properly.

The effects of nicotine on the body can be especially significant for those who undergo fat reduction treatments, skin rejuvenation procedures or body contouring that involves a significant amount of incisions and skin removal.  Oxygen is essential for proper healing, and nicotine depletes oxygen and may even slow down blood circulation.  This presents a major challenge for the body’s healing process since the skin tissues can no longer heal and repair themselves naturally.

The result?  According to Dr. Samir Pancholi, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Las Vegas, is dead, blackened skin tissue that may need to be removed completely with more surgery.  Other side effects of nicotine use after surgery include poor blood circulation and standard side effects such as shortness of breath, yellowed skin and lung damage.

Dr. Pancholi encourages patients to stop smoking for at least 4 weeks before a face lift, tummy tuck or breast lift procedure, and to quit completely if they are getting Botox injections or undergoing a breast augmentation procedure.  Botox and breast augmentation require a significant amount of blood for ample healing, and nicotine can impair this process.

(Source: Plasmetic.com)

LipoDissolve Injections Now Available for Purchase Online

LipoDissolve continues to be one of the most sought-after fat reduction treatments for many men and women who want to lose the ‘baby fat’ and trim down without surgery.  However, consumers can now take things into their own hands by purchasing the LipoDissolve injections online.

Websites such as Zipmed.net have made Lipodissolve injections available for purchase over the Internet, providing consumers with all of the injections and chemical mixtures needed to inject themselves.  The Zipmed website offers information about how the procedure works, and why the PCDC cocktail will help break down fat easily.

LipoDissolve treatments available from a licensed surgeon are promoted as ‘fat melting’ treatments that involve injecting a mixture of phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC), enzymes, vitamins and other herbal ingredients directly into the skin to help break down fat cells.

The Zipmed website further states that, “Lipo dissolve is a permanent solution. Once the fat is dissolved away, it will not return. However, to maintain the results, we encourage all patients to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle to avoid weight gain.”

Consumers can purchase a 10-week treatment kit for $540; it contains the PCDC formula, anesthetic cream, syringes, meso-needles and step-by-step instructions to perform the procedure.

But how safe is it to inject yourself with the powerful, pharmaceutical-grade compounds?

LipoDissolve was heavily marketed as ‘FDA approved’, but the FDA has only approved the phosphatidylcholine/deoxycholate (PCDC) in each mixture – and not the entire ‘fat melting cocktail’ that many consumers previously assumed. The Lipolysis Lipostabil Fat Dissolving Injections product available through Zipmed does not have any formal approval from doctors or surgeons, and there are only a handful of testimonials from ‘satisfied customers’ on theweb site.

LipoDissolve has been making waves in the cellulite reduction and fat loss industry since it appeared on the market, but has come under scrutiny as more people experience negative results from the procedure.  Negative outcomes of the procedure – even those completed at the doctor’s office – include painful swelling and bruising, hard lumps forming under the skin, and excessive pain with little or no results.

Consumers who perform the treatment on themselves do not have any guarantee of safety or results.