Natural Alternatives to Botox

Botox is quickly fulfilling the hopes of many mature men and women by helping to defy the signs of ageing.

And the global financial crisis has not dampened Australia's appetite for cosmetic surgery — spending on procedures like Botox and laser hair removal has increased 15 percent over the last year to $345 million.

But some people are not ready to take action as drastic as an injection to hide the wrinkles.

Thankfully, the revolutionary treatment that plumps up creases in the face has also sparked a boom in cosmetics that aim to reach the same result — without the needle.

See these natural alternatives:

Freeze-Frame

The product's beauty consultant Sonia Amoroso says the cream appears to erase wrinkles in the short term and contains a breakthrough peptide which also reduces the appearance of wrinkles in the longer term — 28 days.

"It is not going to freeze the muscles but over time it does relax the appearance of wrinkles," she says.

Freeze-Frame is exclusive to MYER stores and is available for around $90.

Liftmassage

Liftmassage claims it is a 100 percent natural alternative to botox. The skin workout is designed to stimulate tissues at a cellular level, were the fibroblasts are.

Fibroblasts are responsible for the collagen and elastin production that gives skin its firmness and elasticity.

In just four sessions, Liftmassage aims to repair the visible effects of aging- lines, wrinkles and loose skin.

Kosmea Eighth Natural Wonder

Kosmea dubs it's Eight Natural Wonder facial serum as "nature’s answer to cosmetic surgery". Hibiscus extract and organic rose hip oil aim to "freeze" fine lines and wrinkles.

Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-on

Aussie beauty recommends Garnier's roll-on eye cream infused with caffeine for dark circles and puffy eyes.

Boots Vitamin E by RoC

Love classic, simple skincare with added benefits? This range is perfect for you. No fuss, just good, basic skincare that contains Vitamin E (essential for retaining skin’s moisture) and helps to repair, smooth and soften your skin. The range also contains wheatgerm oil, which can help nourish and condition the skin. The new and improved range consists of 11 great products including a 2 in 1 Cleanser (great for ladies on the go), Moisture day cream and Eye Cream (with SPF 15 for added protection).

Like the natural approach?

A website founded by women for women could help you find effective natural alternatives to cosmetic surgery and save you from going under the knife.

"We want to build a social network for women so they can say 'I'm a without surgery person'," she says.

"It's not an advertising platform. This site is an authentic site to tell women that we've tried and tested something and it does work so you should try and test it yourself."

More than 5000 women have already joined the website since it's launch two months ago. Members can post their unedited feedback on treatments that they believe don’t work, or are a waste of money.

Natural treatment versus the real thing
Associate Professor Greg Goodman from the Dermatology Institute of Victoria says lotions and potions just cannot compete with Botox because they cannot get through the skin.

"They will not give the effect that consumers are expecting to get. They will sit on top of the skin," he says.

"Real botox in injected under the skin where the muscles are that actually cause some movements."

Many dermatologists say the conventional anti-ageing approaches are still the best:

Avoid the sun

Dont' smoke

Don't use solariums

Does a Surgical Sex Change Really Change Your Sex

help2health.co.cc
Gender reassignment, known casually as a sex change, is any procedure performed to give a patient sexual characteristics that differ from those of the patient’s biological sex. The vast majority of sex reassignment surgical procedures are sought by male-to-female transgender individuals, but an increasing number of female-to-male transsexuals, sometimes called transsexual men, are seeking gender reassignment.

Transitioning from a biologically female state to a male identity can be a very complicated or very simple procedure. Depending on the preferences of the individual patient, it can involve simply cross dressing to appear as the opposite sex or include hormone replacement, chest reconstruction and, in the most extreme cases, a full genital sex change.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

In general, transitioning from a biologically female state to a male appearance involves the use of extensive hormone therapy. This procedure, which must be performed with the careful supervision of a physician, is similar to traditional male hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is one of the biggest steps that can be taken to transition to a male appearance that matches the patient’s gender identity.

Hormone replacement therapy for transsexual men generally involves shots, patches, pills or skin implants. These treatments, which vary widely in their cost, generally increase the amount of testosterone in the body. Other forms of female-to-male HRT do not use testosterone, instead relying on steroid-like compounds or “ando pro-hormones,” which encourage the patient’s body to produce its own testosterone.

This process produces a male-like appearance, often leading to the growth of more facial and body hair and increased muscle mass. In general, it also causes menstruation to stop within five months and the clitoris to enlarge. This transition is usually the first, and sometimes the only, step taken when undergoing a female-to-male sex change.

Hormone replacement therapy for transsexual men has some drawbacks, including the tendency to aggravate cardiovascular disease and cause psychological disruptions. Many transsexual men undergoing HRT report mood swings and aggressive outbursts. Unless a hysterectomy is also performed, many are also at risk of developing endometrial, ovarian or uterine cancers.

Chest Reconstruction for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

Because genital surgery is often prohibitively expensive, complicated or unsuccessful, many transsexual men opt to have “top” surgery only, which usually involves the removal and reshaping of the breasts. Cosmetic breast surgery performed on female-to-male transsexuals usually involves a full mastectomy. Although care is taken to prevent scarring, many transsexual men experience scarring on both sides of the chest.

During chest reconstruction surgery, fatty tissue is removed from a single incision on each breast. The areola (the dark part of the breast) is then shrunk and placed as a graft on a different part of the chest, where it is dressed carefully with sterile bandages. Usually, the surgery is not particularly painful and daily activities can be resumed within a week.

In general, chest reconstruction surgery is the easiest and most successful part of a female-to-male sex change. The chests of transsexual men are usually almost identical to the chests of biological men, with the only key difference being mild scarring on each side of the chest. The majority of transsexual men are very satisfied with the results of this surgery.

Genital Modification for Female-to-Male Transsexuals

The most complicated step in a female-to-male sex change, genital modification, can occur in a variety of forms, with varying degrees of complexity and complication. The simplest form of female-to-male sex change surgery includes the removal of the vaginal canal (by sewing it shut), which is a procedure that usually takes place only if the patient has already had a full hysterectomy. Hysterectomies that involve the removal of the uterus and ovaries are also often performed to eliminate female hormones.

Phalloplasty, or a penis construction, is also a common procedure for female-to-male sex reassignment. With all forms of phalloplasty, the labia are joined together to form the appearance of a scrotum. Implants, which are designed to look and feel like testicles, are sometimes placed inside this new scrotum. A new penis is then constructed using a variety of different methods.

Another method known as metoidioplasty creates a new penis from the clitoris. Tissue from the labia or another part of the body can then be used to make it slightly larger. This usually results in a small penis when compared to the penis of a biological man.

Another popular genital modification used to create a penis involves the insertion of a tissue graft from the leg, arm or abdomen. This can incorporate unneeded muscles or even small bones, from other parts of the body, to create a relatively large phallus. This surgery is quite complicated in some cases but can create a penis up to seven inches in length of surprisingly normal appearance.

Phalloplasties can also involve the additional use of an erectile implant to enable erection and sexual penetration. These implants can be simple, rod-like prosthetics or very complex pumping mechanisms. The urethra can also be directed, often in a separate surgery, to flow into the new penis. While this adds complexity to the procedure, it is an important aspect of a sex change for many transsexual men.

Other surgical alterations undergone by transsexual men include facial implants, pectoral-muscle chest implants and body contouring with liposuction. These procedures, often far more simple than the others involved in the transition, can contribute to the patient’s male appearance.

Depending on the patient’s own circumstances, a female-to-male transsexual might choose to undergo most, many, a few or none of the procedures described. While some transsexual men are content and satisfied without any surgical or hormonal alteration, others may be willing to undergo the risks associated with gender reassignment treatments in order to confirm and experience the physical sensations of male biology.

For more information on transgender issues and health, try the following links:
American Educational Gender Information Service
Transgender on Wikipedia
Transgender Organizations on GenderAdvocates.com

If you are considering cosmetic or plastic surgery procedures, Yodle Local can help you find a plastic surgeon near you.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care an appropriate health care provider.

Cosmetic Surgery Breakthrough - Eyelash Transplant

www.piercemattiepublicrelations.com

2009 is the year of the eye lash, we are obsessed - in America we have Brooke Shields touting Latisse, we have the new vibrational mascara wand from Lancome called Oscillation and we also have industry veterans who pioneered the category of growing the hair of your eyelash with Jan Marini's Marini Lash but leave it to the Brits to create the first cosmetic surgery procedure to fix your weak lashes. I am not certain if the beauty PR team at Pierce Mattie will elect to have this done, but we do find it most buzz worthy!

A breakthrough in UK cosmetic surgery with the announcement of the first ever eyelash transplant, allowing women and men to regain their eyelashes through a micro-surgical transplant allowing women and men with complete or partial eyelash loss to regain their eyelashes through a micro-surgical transplant procedure - doing away with the need for false eyelashes.

The micro-surgical eyelash transplant procedure is only available in the UK, by Transform and marks an important landmark in permanent treatment of Madarosis - the medical term for eyelash loss.

The procedure takes approximately four hours and is done under local anaesthetic. It begins by taking a hair graft from the back of the head and then by dissecting it under a microscope, it is placed into tiny incisions in the eyelid.

The procedure is minimally invasive and usually only one session is needed with natural results visible between 4-6 months post procedure.

Ideal candidates of eyelash transplants are those who suffer from alopecia, trichotillomania (self-inflicted obsessive plucking), or those who lost hair due to radiation or chemotherapy. However, the treatment can also be used for cosmetic purposes to improve the fullness and length of lashes - competing directly with the false lash market.

Transform's Shami Thomas comments; "As the UK's largest cosmetic surgery provider, we're constantly looking for innovative treatments that can offer our patients a new-found confidence.

"We often look to America for the latest in cosmetic surgery as they're the pioneers in the industry, but not all are as successful and safe as this one. The Eyelash Transplant procedure is a very safe, cost-effective and pain-free treatment that can have life-changing effects."

Case Study

Transform treated the UK's first ever patient, 19-year-old Louise Thomas of Stockport, Manchester, with resounding success. Trichotillomania sufferer, Louise, comments "Having suffered from trichotillomania for 17 years, I learned to accept that I'd never have real lashes again. That's quite a hard issue for a young girl to come to terms with.

"When I heard about this treatment it sounded too good to be true but the results are absolutely amazing! I feel so feminine again and simple things like being able to wear mascara have made such a positive difference with my confidence."

Hydrelle(TM) a New, FDA-Approved Dermal Filler with Lidocaine for Significant Wrinkle Correction and Greater Patient Comfort

Hydrelle™ is a new, FDA-approved hyaluronic acid based dermal filler for the treatment of facial wrinkles, such as nasolabial folds, also called "smile lines." Hydrelle™ is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler formulated with an anesthetic (lidocaine) for greater patient comfort. Proven safe and effective, Hydrelle™ has been specifically formulated to deliver rapid results comparable to other hyaluronic acid fillers; and the lidocaine anesthetic is integrated, providing a more comfortable injection experience for patients. Hydrelle represents an attractive value for a safe and cost-effective filler option, since patients only require approximately 50% of typical injection volumes, thus requiring fewer syringes to fully correct facial wrinkles.

Coapt Systems, Inc. - Yahoo! Finance
Coapt Systems, Inc. announced the launch of Hydrelle(TM) a financially attractive alternative to traditional fillers such as Juvederm® by Allergan Medical, and Restylane® by Medicis Pharmaceutical.

Hydrelle has been specifically formulated to deliver rapid results comparable to other hyaluronic acid fillers; and the lidocaine anesthetic is integrated, providing a more comfortable injection experience for patients. Hydrelle represents an attractive value for patients seeking a safe and cost-effective filler option, since patients only require approximately 50% of typical injection volumes, thus requiring fewer syringes to fully correct facial wrinkles. Hydrelle also represents a significant opportunity for aesthetic professionals to expand their respective practices by offering patients an advanced, long-lasting dermal filler with an affordable price, particularly during volatile economic times.

Hydrelle is indicated for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds. In a randomized, controlled pivotal U.S. study of 208 patients, Hydrelle was proven safe and effective. In a multi-center, international study, Hydrelle demonstrated patient and physician satisfaction, and filler effectiveness for up to one year.

Laureen DeBuono, President and CEO for Coapt Systems stated, "Coapt Systems has established an excellent reputation as a provider of superior, bioabsorbable suspension devices for face lift procedures within the aesthetic marketplace. Now we have a perfect opportunity to compliment our product portfolio with the Hydrelle dermal filler product line." "Hydrelle represents an important clinical and business distribution milestone between Coapt Systems and the world-class hyaluronic acid product developer and manufacturer, Anika Therapeutics," said DeBuono.

"I look forward to using more Hydrelle and to continuing to offer it to my patients because I have experienced excellent results," said Michael C. Pickart, M.D., F.A.C.S. "The wrinkle correction is very good compared to competitive products currently on the market, and patients have found Hydrelle to be more comfortable during injection, with less pain. In particular, Hydrelle is definitely my preferred filler of choice for the oral commissures, since they are so hard to numb with dental blocks and topical creams."

Coapt Systems Executive Vice President, Global Marketing and Sales, David Barella stated, "The Coapt Systems sales and marketing team is delighted to introduce Hydrelle to the facial aesthetic community throughout the U.S. I believe that a long-lasting, more comfortable, and cost-effective dermal filler represents a valuable advantage to the millions of women and men that seek to improve their facial appearance every year." Additionally, Barella said, "Physicians will also enjoy the convenient, ready-to-use benefits that Hydrelle with lidocaine offers, without costly and labor intensive pre-injection mixing."

Hydrelle is available to qualified physicians, or properly licensed practitioners only.

About Hydrelle:

Hydrelle is the first FDA-approved injectable dermal filler to combine hyaluronic acid and lidocaine, a local anesthetic that improves patient comfort, and provides physicians with a new alternative for their aesthetic practice. Designed, developed and manufactured by Anika Therapeutics, Hydrelle is formulated for durability based on its proprietary cross-linking technology and the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid. Hydrelle is exclusively distributed within the U.S. by Coapt Systems.

Hydrelle is indicated for injection into the mid-to-deep dermis for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds (such as nasolabial folds). In clinical studies, adverse events were usually mild to moderate in nature and generally resolved within seven days. The most common side effects were injection site reactions of swelling, redness, bumps, bruising and tenderness. Hydrelle should not be used by patients with severe allergies. For complete patient safety information, please consult the Hydrelle Instructions for Use.

About Coapt Systems, Inc.:

Coapt Systems develops and markets unique facial rejuvenation products that help produce beautifully natural, long-lasting results for forehead, brow, cheek, and neck lifts. Endotine® and Ultratine(TM) are clinically-proven products that provide face lift patients with minimally invasive treatment and rapid recovery. NovielleTM biocompatible hydrogel injectable fillers can provide immediate voice restoration for patients suffering from vocal fold insufficiency. Coapt Systems is venture-backed and headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

About Anika Therapeutics, Inc.:

Headquartered in Bedford, Mass., Anika Therapeutics, Inc. develops, manufactures and commercializes therapeutic products for tissue protection, healing and repair. These products are based on hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring, biocompatible polymer found throughout the body.

New Cosmetic Surgery Device 'PlasmaBlade' is a New Cutting Edge Surgical Device

New Surgical Device Revolutionizes Face Lifts, Abdominoplasty and Breast Reduction Surgery Promising Patients Quicker Recovery Time, Less Pain and Fewer Bruises

The all new PlasmaBlade, promises plastic surgery patients quicker recovery time, less post-surgical pain, and less bruising than commonly used techniques in traditional plastic surgery practices across the US

(PRWEB) August 3, 2009 -- More than one hundred thousand women undergo facelift (rhytidectomy), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), and breast reduction surgery (reduction mammaplasty) each year. And while the temporary discomforts of facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and breast augmentation procedures have long been the price to pay for beauty, new cutting-edge technology is changing all of that.

The new surgical device is called the PlasmaBlade. It not only causes less bleeding by 60 percent, but cosmetic surgery patients have reported fewer bruises and less pain and discomfort following surgery.

PlasmaBlade Family

peaksurgery.com

The control of a scalpel. The bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery.

The PlasmaBlade is a family of disposable cutting and coagulation devices that offer the exacting control of a scalpel and the bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery without extensive collateral damage.

The PlasmaBlade is based on proprietary pulsed plasma technology. This technology represents an evolutionary leap in the advancement of radiofrequency surgical technologies, which originated with traditional electrosurgery and progressed to plasma-mediated energy devices.

The following PlasmaBlade tissue dissection surgical devices are FDA-cleared and commercially available:

• The PlasmaBlade 4.0, which is designed to be used to cut through all types of soft tissue, including skin, fat and muscle;
• The PlasmaBlade Needle, which has a fine needlepoint tip and is specifically designed for ultra-precise surgical procedures;
• The PlasmaBlade EXT, which is designed for use in surgical procedures requiring an extended-reach tip;
• The PlasmaBlade TnA (Tonsil and Adenoid), which has interchangeable tips specially designed for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgery.

All of the PlasmaBlade tissue dissection surgical devices are used in conjunction with PEAK Surgical’s PULSAR Generator, which supplies pulsed waveforms that produce short plasma-mediated electrical discharges through the PlasmaBlade. Because the radiofrequency is provided in short on-and-off pulses with low duty cycle, and the blade is insulated, heat diffusion and associated heat damage to surrounding tissues is limited, resulting in less collateral damage and more precise tissue dissection. In contrast, most radiofrequency-based surgical devices use continuous voltage waveforms and un-insulated electrodes to cut tissue.

The PlasmaBlade provides surgeons with a single device that offers:

• the precision of a traditional scalpel;
• the bleeding control of traditional electrosurgery technology;
• minimized thermal damage;
• the ability to quickly and easily cut through all types of soft tissue, including skin, fat and muscle;
• the ability to operate in a wet or dry surgical field.

Results of a preclinical surgical incision healing study of the PlasmaBlade demonstrated that it efficiently cut tissue with effective hemostasis and minimal thermal damage compared with standard surgical techniques. Based on these and other results from preclinical studies, PEAK Surgical believes that the PlasmaBlade may offer an effective alternative to the traditional scalpel or electrosurgical devices, potentially providing surgeons with better outcomes for their patients, including increased procedure efficiency, reduced surgical incision scarring, faster and stronger wound healing, and faster recovery.