Friday, November 20, 2009

Hair Restoration For Women


 Hair Plugs Guide - Hair restoration surgery for men is very popular and effective for nearly 90% of balding men in this country. This cosmetic technique has helped thousands of men to receive a hair line and fairly full head of hair again. When contemplating hair restoration for women the situation can be different. In fact, for years most women were not candidates for this procedure and it was assumed that women’s hair loss would just be something to live with. This may be changing.

When a man develops balding it us usually caused by androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. This condition is exhibited by hair loss around the face, on the top of the head, and the crown of the head. This hair loss is due to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a metabolite of the male hormone testosterone. This just means it is formed when the hormone is metabolized or used up in the body. Both women and men have this hormone to varying degrees. In pattern baldness the DHT shrinks the hair follicles in the areas of the scalp that exhibit balding. It does not affect all the hair on a man’s head though, as you have probably seen a guy can be bald on top the head but still have good hair growth around the sides and back of the head.

These areas of hair growth are known as stable sites. The hair follicles at these areas of the head do not tend to be affected by the build up of DHT. Thus when hair follicular units are removed from these donor areas and transplanted into the bald spots the hair can grow for years to come with not problems caused from the affects of male pattern baldness. These hair implants are very effective at filling in the bald spots for men.
Women Hair Restoration

This is not true for women with hair loss and patchy baldness. Female pattern baldness does result in patches of baldness but they are not localized like a man’s. That means they can be anywhere on the head. This is both good and bad. The bad part is this means all the hair follicles on a female’s head are susceptible to DHT shrinking. Thus if a cosmetic surgeon transplants hair from one area of the scalp that still has hair growth, and places it in the bald spot, the chances that it will just whither up and fall out are very great. This means most women are not good candidates for this standard hair restoration procedure.

Luckily there may be another option. Since women’s hair loss is not localized they tend to not lose the hair that borders the face. Men, on the other hand, almost always have this receding hair line problem. Thus it is very important for men to get a good quality hair implanted at the front of the scalp in order to rebuild the hair line and reframe the face. Women do not have this problem. In fact female hair restoration does not usually have to worry about the quality of the hair shafts because the balding spots are on the top, sides, and back of the head. This means hair that does not completely match the natural hair found on the head can be used as filler to give the women the appearance of a fuller head of hair.

A new method has been developed that may be able to help with hair restoration for women by taking advantage of this fact. Follicular Unit Extraction is a method of hair transplantation that may be able to help. With this procedure individual hair follicles or hair follicular units are removed instead of entire sections of scalp. This means the hair from other parts of the body may be used as transplant donors. For example, the unwanted underarm hair may be able to be transplanted on the head to fill in bald spots. The texture of the hair shafts do not match the head hair usually because it is courser and darker but if it is used as a filler for women’s pattern baldness it may give good results.

Since there are not many hair restoration products for women this may help with balding spots. It is certainly worth talking to a cosmetic surgeon about this possibility. Hair restoration for women is a tough challenge but there are options available. Don’t give up and keep looking for the treatment that will be right for you.

Azfibrocel-T 'Laviv' Reviewed by FDA for Wrinkle Reduction USA in 2010

Cosmetic Surgery Today - Innovative treatments for wrinkle reduction include laser skin resurfacing treatments, facelift surgery and dermal fillers such as Restylane and Botox. However, cell therapy may be another option for men and women in the United States in the near future. Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated, a biotechnology company focused on developing regenerative fibroblast cells for aesthetic, medical and scientific application has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee is reviewing azfibrocel-T, an autulogous cell therapy for the treatment of nasolabial fold wrinkles in adults.

The FDA is currently evaluating the treatment under the brand name, Laviv ™. The treatment works by using the patient’s own natural fibroblasts. The fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and then re-injected into the skin as a personalized treatment, allowing for the formation of new cells and stronger connective tissue fibers. Over time, this results in a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance. Fibrocell Science, Incorporated is planning to continue studes for additional aesthetic and therapeutic sues.

Fibrocell Sicence, Incorporated is the result of the reorganization of Isalogen, Incorporated, a company emerging from bankruptcy. Azfibrocel-T was the sole topic of discussion at the Cellular, Tissue and Gene Therapies Advisory Committee Meeting on October 9, 2009 in Maryland. In may 2009, the FDA accepted azfibrocel-T for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial fold wrinkles for full review. The target date for an FDA response under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act is January 4, 2010.

If Laviv ™ becomes available in 2010, the treatment will be joining the ranks of fat transfer procedures, laser skin resurfacing and other skin rejuvenation treatments. Laviv ™ would be made available at many plastic surgery centers and aesthetic centers around the United States.

Zerona Laser Fat Removal without Surgery - Pros and Cons


When you want to get rid of excess body fat, diet and exercise may not be enough. Your genetic makeup dictates where you will accumulate and store a few extra ounces and pounds of body fat over your lifetime, and these deposits can become resistant to any type of diet or lifestyle changes. Liposuction and laser fat removal procedures offer a few options for getting rid of excess fat for good. The Zerona low-level laser was introduced in April 2008, and is one of the first noninvasive fat removal procedures on the market. Here’s a close look at the benefits and drawbacks of the Zerona laser:

How the Zerona Laser Works

The Zerona system is a low-level laser designed to get rid of body fat and shape and tone up the skin without surgery. Results of a pilot study were presented to the American Society of Lasers in Medicine and Surgery in 2008, and the procedure has received FDA clearance to be used in the United States. The low-level laser helped patients lose an average of 5-6 inches from their waists, hips and thighs in a matter of a few weeks.

The Zerona laser works by emitting cold laser energy into the body tissues; this energy is absorbed by the body fat, and the fat is broken down and then channeled out of the body. The laser virtually stimulates the break down and removal of body fat, without affecting the surrounding skin and tissues.

Key Benefits of the Zerona Laser

Results of the pilot study showed that patients could lose as much as nine inches after their first series of treatments; results could be seen in approximately 14days, and no side effects were reported. Other key benefits of the Zerona laser include:
  • No downtime
  • No incisions or marks from the treatment
  • No need to wear compression garments
  • Ongoing fat loss days and weeks after treatment
  • No reported side effects
  • Uses the Erchnoia laser, which received FDA market clearance for liposuction in 2004, and for acne in 2005

Drawbacks of the Zerona Laser

While the Zerona laser offers several benefits, there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Some of the disadvantages of the procedure include:
  • No long-term studies to support effectiveness
  • No guarantee on inches lost
  • Need for continuous treatments in order to stimulate fat loss; in some cases, up to six sessions in a two-week time frame
  • Need to maintain a healthy diet and continue exercise to keep the weight off
Overall, the Zerona laser offers several benefits for anyone who wants to get rid of a few ‘vanity pounds’ and improve their figure. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at a cosmetic surgery center or medical spa. Prices vary by location, and most doctors offer a discount on a package of six or ten treatments.
Learn more about fat removal procedures in our information guide, or consult with a cosmetic surgeon in your area to find out if the Zerona laser procedure is a good fit for you.
Financing available 





Monday, November 16, 2009

Using a Tattoo Removal Cream


When you were younger you made the decision to get a tattoo. Now due to your job, family or other reasons you wish to get it removed. As you know getting a tattoo is a lot easier compared to getting one removed. There are many ways to remove a tattoo such as; chemical peels, lasers, dermabrasion, intense pulsed light and topical creams. Tattoo removal creams may not be the number one treatment used by a cosmetic surgeon, but for the most part it’s the number one tattoo removal technique practiced.

Some people may combine tattoo removal methods for example; lasers and topical creams. Though laser removal can be expensive because you need to go to a professional laser removal specialist, some people feel topical creams can’t rid of the tattoo by itself.

Many tattoo removal creams bleach the skin which will fade the tattoo and surrounding skin over time which is good if you are using it in combination with a laser treatment. Wrecking Balm can be used alone in your home. There is no guarantee that it will remove the tattoo 100% because it depends on several factors like tattoo age, color shade, size and type of ink used.

Wrecking Balm tattoo removal cream touts that it can be the low-cost option that will penetrate the skin and break up the ink so it can be exfoliated. Remember with any product on your skin you need to test an area for allergies. Wrecking Balm system has 24 applications and costs $150.00.