BellaSugar

Beauty Byte: Filler Injections Can Cause Permanent Damage

BellaSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 08:00:29 -0800

Here's another reason to stay away from the needle: Some British and European doctors are raising concerns about facial fillers. A handful of plastic surgeons is worried that these injectables could permanently damage skin over time. Dr. Daniel Marchac, a prominent French plastic surgeon, said he had been contacted by at least 25 patients who developed untreatable fibrous tissue and other changes after being injected.

"We will see in the future patients of 50 who have had 15 years of fillers with fibrous, tough tissue we wouldn't be able to do anything with," he said. "The serious things are the permanent fillers, and the second is abuse of resolvable fillers." Abuse, in his view, involves using temporary fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane twice a year for four years. (Botox, which isn't a filler, isn't a worry, the doctors say.)

This story makes a good point: Some technologies are so new that we don't yet know the long-term effects. (Remember what happened to this woman?) Plus, if plastic surgeons are raising concerns-and they have every financial reason to encourage cosmetic procedures-I think it's worth paying attention to them when they say it's dangerous stuff.

Source

Bella Brand: Renée Rouleau Skin Care

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:06:24 -0700

I just heard about this skincare line called Renée Rouleau, which was founded by a skin salon owner of the same name. (Rouleau also christened September as National Skin Care Awareness Month.) The Rouleau collection consists of more than 60 products, which run the gamut from cleansers to sun protection.

The star product I'm excited to try is the just-released Instant Line Filler with Vitamin C ($62.50). The wrinkle-reducing serum is made with Restylane (typically delivered through injections) and something called Hyaluronic Filling Spheres, which act like little sponges to plump the skin. Frankly, the whole concept sort of boggles my mind it sounds so cool.

It doesn't tingle, but your skin will feel tighter and moisturized. Though I haven't tried it yet, I did speak with one woman who claims it has really helped firm her crow's feet and brow furrow. (Of course, she's only 29, so take that with a grain of salt.) Use the serum in the morning when your skin is cleansed but still moist.

Would You Vampirize Yourself?

BellaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:00:33 -0800

Maybe Dracula had it at least a little bit right: apparently blood really can keep you young, but only if it's your own.

In the UK, the hottest new antiaging procedure is "S3" or Stimulated Self Serum skin therapy, which is a pretty alliterative euphemism for injecting your own blood into your face. Well, not your blood, exactly, but the clear serum that's left over once your red blood cells and platelets have been removed. The doctor draws blood from you, separates it, mixes your serum with amino acids and other vitamins, and then injects the slurry right back into your face. Apparently, a similar procedure has long been used to help regrow gum tissue in those with receding gum lines, so doctors figured it would work to regenerate skin cells, too.

This sounds like it could work, although it doesn't seem that different from mesotherapy or injectables to me. Maybe it's intended for people who want a slightly more "natural" outpatient procedure, though. What do you think? Would you try this as opposed to Botox or Restylane, or is it just another cosmetic procedure with a slightly vampiric twist?

Would You Get Botoxed on a Boat?

BellaSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:00:46 -0700

When it comes to the swanky treatment, a vacation on a cruise ship might just be the answer, as cruise lines are offering up luxe services despite the lousy economy. Take Celebrity Cruises, for instance. In addition to offering lessons on foreign languages, mixology, Photoshop, and astronomy in its latest "Celebrity Life" package, the company also a has plans to add posh beauty treatments, including a 24-karat gold facial, Botox, Restylane, and Perlane.

Botox on land is one thing, but Botox on a floating vessel? I'm not so sure about that. The Celebrity Life program debuts this week on the fleet's latest ship, Celebrity Equinox, and will roll out to the rest of the fleet in November. Would you partake in some on-board beautifying, or is this a voyage you'd prefer to skip?

Five Reasons Jessica Simpson's Beauty Show Might Be Awesome

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:00:15 -0700

This week, we learned that Jessica Simpson is planning a new reality show. With a working title of The Price of Beauty, the show will follow Jess around the world as she explores body image and conceptions of beauty. Could it be that after the Mom Jeans debacle, she has body image on the brain? And could it be that TPOB will turn out to be must-see TV? For five ways this show could turn out to be amazing, read more.

There's a high likelihood of priceless quotes
Jessica probably will never have another Chicken of the Sea moment, but let's hope for some good "platymapus"-style moments. Let's face it, the girl can be funny - especially because she knows how to laugh at herself.

. . . but Jess is older and wiser, too
Six years have passed since she did Newlyweds, and she's matured a lot. If she can explore different cultures' beauty ideals with a curious mind, this show might have some substance along with the silliness.

She's gonna be a Gonzo girl
Reports say that Jessica will subject herself to "shocking" beauty treatments. She's already admitted to having had Restylane injections, so can we expect more needles, prodding, and poking? Witnessing a bird poop facial could be funny, but she has the opportunity to show the not-so-pretty side of primping, too. Either way, it should provide some compelling footage.

She's got a few things to say
Frankly, it seems like Jessica is tired of people discussing her weight. (Who wouldn't be?) After being criticized for being "fat" - which is a stretch, and even if she were fat, so what? - she's probably ready to take on our culture's obsession with thinness. If she challenges our often-narrow vision of what it means to be beautiful, that could be powerful television.

Role model, hello!
Lots of girls look up to Jessica, and if she's able to present a diverse view of what it means to be beautiful, they could wind up feeling good about not looking "perfect." And that could be the show's biggest success of all.

Are you curious to see how this show unfolds? Will you be checking it out with me?

Source

Set Your TiVo For Super Botox Me

BellaSugar — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 06:00:31 -0700

Kate Spicer was pushing 40, and like so many women, she wasn't crazy about her appearance. So she did a little gonzo journalism by diving into the world of cosmetic treatments for an upcoming BBC America documentary called Super Botox Me. After a bull semen hair treatment in London, she jets off to the United States for a beauty prescription of Botox, Restylane, Fraxel, and more.

You can check out a preview clip online. In it, Spicer goes to see Dr. Fredric Brandt, the dermatologist rumored to treat celebrities including Madonna. (He also injects his own face with Botox, which blows my mind.) "It's no different from getting a haircut," he tells Spicer as he injects her neck with Botox. If you've ever wanted to know what that or Restylane injections (yowch!) look like, consider your wishes granted. "I'm a total Botox slut," Spicer quips after her second round of Botox in a 24-hour period.

The show premieres March 26 at 9 p.m. ET on BBC America, and I'd say it's required viewing for anyone considering Botox - or anyone who just wants to peek inside the world of extreme beauty.

If You Were Asked to Get a Cosmetic Treatment For a Wedding, Would You Do It?

BellaSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:00:55 -0700

Just when you think Bridezillas couldn't get any scarier, the New York Times reports on a gauche new wedding trend: The bridal cosmetic surgery party! Yep, now in addition to spending $300 on a ruffled puce dress, bridesmaids are being asked to have a little Botox, Restylane, and even boob jobs before the big day - and it's not even their big day.

“If I were 25 or 26 and getting married, a bracelet, necklace, or matching earrings would be fine,” says a bride-to-be who took her bridesmaids to a medspa. But at the ancient age of 35, it's no good: "As you get older, everyone is more conscientious about their skin and appearance. Giving them something for themselves - as opposed to something that they’ll never wear again - is more meaningful.”

The day my friend asks me to slice open my chest or get botulinum toxin jabbed into my forehead is the day I say, "Sorry, toots, but I can't be in your wedding." Do you feel the same way, or is this justifiable?

Source

Tips For a Flawless Wedding Day Face

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:00:49 -0700

The last thing that you want captured on film on your blissful wedding day are your under-eye circles, open pores and heaven forbid - pimples. It's never too early on your wedding beauty calendar to tackle the issues that keep your skin from looking and feeling its best. The typical bride aims for rosy cheeks, pink lips, lush lashes and radiant skin (although I encourage you to express yourself in your own way). To ensure that your face is as flawless as possible, here are a few tips to help prep your skin for your exciting walk down the aisle.

Acne: If you are prone to acne or cystic acne, you may want to see a dermatologist and try a round of antibiotics to keep breakouts at bay. You can also try a vitamin C or glycolic peel a few months before to see if they will help kill unwanted bacteria.
Sun spots: If you have apparent spots on your face from spending too much time in the sun, there are ways they can be lightened and removed (if necessary), but it can take up to six months. The first step is to exfoliate regularly. If that doesn't help, move onto microdermabrasion in combination with lightening creams.
Large pores: Large pores attract dirt which automatically draws more attention to them. Play around with using a pore minimizing primer or serum, to help shrink them after you have deep cleansed your skin.
Dark circles/bags: For eye bags, restrict your diet to low-salt foods and see if that helps. Apply de-puffing eye creams to help draw out moisture, and use a regular mask. Treatments for dark circles include creams and makeup to help hide them or Restylane injections and laser treatments to completely remove them. Again, this could take a few months so it's something to consider when you still have a good amount of time before the big day.

Source

Beauty Byte: Teens Getting Pre-Prom Botox?

BellaSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 16:20:31 -0700

I know that teens today take prom way more seriously than when I was in high school. I've heard tales from everything from designer gowns and lavish pre-prom pampering to reservations at the most sought-after restaurants. But this is just totally ridiculous: According to the New York Post, some wealthy high schoolers are getting Botox and lip injections in preparation for prom. According to the story:

Dr. Lewis Feder said two teens came to his Fifth Avenue office for some pre-prom primping that included Botox between the eyes.

"They both had very hyperactive muscles," said the Fifth Avenue doctor. "We gave them each half a syringe, and the muscles are smooth and beautiful."

He said he has also given three other girls - two from Westchester and one from Manhattan - Restylane injections for artfully fattened lips that cost about $600 each.

"Their parents authorized me," he said.

Given, three teens does not a trend make, and the Post is probably blowing it out of proportion a bit. But I still find it pretty horrifying that teens would be getting Botox. What do you guys think?

Source