photo courtesy of Cosmetic Surgery of New York, Port Jefferson

Botox is an injectable, but it’s not a facial filler. It works by freezing the muscle that can cause the wrinkle. It’s derived from the botulinum toxin which is a neurotoxin. Even though it is a toxin, Botox is safe to use by a board certified and experienced plastic surgeon. Its best use is for dynamic wrinkles (the ones formed by the muscle movement of facial expressions). The results will typically last between 4 and 6 months.

Restalyne is hyaluronic acid gel filler. It is used to smooth out fine to moderate lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. It is also used as a lip plumper. The acid filler is not an animal product and it is safe as an injectable. The best use of Restalyne is for static wrinkles (the wrinkles that are always visible). Restalyne results will typically last 6 months for lip plumping and 9 months for facial smoothing.

Juvederm is also a hyaluronic acid filler with the consistency of a gel. It is used to treat moderate to severe lines and wrinkles by adding more volume under the skin. It is available in 3 different densities depending on the severity of the wrinkles. Usually results last 9 month.

Only a plastic surgeon can determine which injectable is right for you. It may be that you have both static and dynamic wrinkles and could benefit from more than one type. Be safe and allow an experience board certified plastic surgeon to safely administer your anti-aging injection.

But daughter Alexa and ex-wife Christie Brinkley reported aren’t accepting the Piano Man’s beautiful words. It’s been reported that Alexa Joel recently had rhinoplasty and her mom former supermodel Christy Brinkley has had a facelift.

Last season on “The Real Housewives of Orange County”, mom Lynn got a facelift, brow lift and neck lift while her daughter Racquel got her nose reshaped.

Duos undergoing plastic surgery together are part of a new trend. Recently the American Academy of Facial, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reported a 34% increase in the number of people getting surgery with a partner. Be it friends, couples, sisters or mothers & daughters.

Why is this trend seen as disturbing? Most doctors advocate having a support system at home for surgery patients. Having sympathetic and empathetic assistance from loved ones helps people through the healing process.

photo courtesy of Infotainment India

Many surgeons and psychologists agree that this type of compulsive surgery can be a result of body dyspmorphic disorder(BDD). This disorder is characterized by an obsession with improving even the smallest flaws about the body or face. When you look in the mirror and the only thing you see are flaws, this can be a sign of BDD. BDD is not limited to plastic surgery addiction, it is often seen in people with anorexia and bulimia.

Plastic surgery can be a great tool for those who have a body issue, whether from birth or recent injury. Overuse and increased risks associated with multiple surgeries can lead to undesirable results and possible health problems down the road. Most surgeons are careful and select patients who are healthy and have realitistic expectations.

According to recent reports, Hollywood, which has often been accused of creating the “plastic” female icon, is now looking for a more natural look in their casting. Where will poor Heidi work?

photo courtesy of Dr. Richard A. Moss, Quincy, MA

The lift focuses on specific areas of the face such as the neck or the folds around the nose. A mini-lift uses smaller incisions; the surgeon can lift, remove and reposition facial tissue for optimal results. These lifts usually focus on the lower half of the face and cannot be used to achieve results on the forehead or brow.

The best candidate for this type of surgery is usually someone in their 30’s or 40’s who is just beginning to experience signs of aging such as some facial or neck sagging and drooping. It can also used as a touch-up for full facelifts.

Smaller incisions mean less healing time and complications. The surgery is shorter and requires less anesthesia and equipment. The results are more subtle and than a full facelift and will not last as long, typically 2-5 years.

So if you’re looking for a subtle improvement to the lower face and neck area with less expense and downtime, a mini-face lift may be perfect for you.

photo courtesy of Dr. Michael Cohen, Baltimore

Feeling like a wrinkly sac after achieving phenomenal weight loss can be demoralizing for anyone. Many people can find themselves 100, 150 or even 200 lbs slimmer after bariatric surgery or highly restrictive diets. But along with that tremendous weight loss comes excess skin.

Many opt for a “body lift”, one of the fastest growing areas of cosmetic surgery. A body lift or body contouring involves removing the excess skin remaining after weight loss. It’s more about removing excess skin than excess fat.

A body lift can encompass several types of surgery. A lower body lift would cover abdomen, buttocks and outer thighs. An upper body lift would handle excess skin on the breast, lateral chest and back. A lift on the extremities takes care of the arms and inner thighs.

This is a long and invasive surgery. It may be done in several surgeries to minimize the length of time you spend under anesthesia. It can be quite expensive depending on the amount of surgery required. Doctors warn that significant scarring is inevitable with this type of surgery. However, people are often so happy with the change in their quality of life that they deal quite well with the scarring.