According to the FDA, “these Lipodissolve products include statements that they eliminate unwanted fat, have an outstanding safety record, and are superior to other fat loss procedures. Some medical spas also claim that Lipodissolve products can treat medical conditions, such as male breast enlargement, benign fatty growths, and surgical deformities.” There is no current proof that these statements are correct.

The FDA has not approved any drug used in this cocktail which may include: phosphatidylcholine (PC), deoxycholate (DC) and pentoxifylline, lidocaine, aminophylline, calcitonin, isoproterenol, caffeine, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts. Not all Lipodissolve cocktails are the same and may have some undocumented supplements or herbs in them.

Side Effects Being Watched by the FDA:

According to the FDA, “The overall safety of Lipodissolve products is not known. There are reports in the scientific literature of complications and adverse effects ranging from injection-site reactions (e.g., prolonged swelling, redness, pain), skin reactions (e.g., panniculitis, ulceration, abscess, necrosis, scarring) and skin infections. These adverse events may be attributed to the drugs injected, injection technique, or the formulation of the solution.”

If anyone has any adverse effects with Lipodissolve, they are asked to contact the MedWatch program (FDA voluntary reporting program).  You can reach them by calling 800-FDA-1088 or electronically at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.

Comparing Apples to Oranges:

Although it is good to keep the public informed, it is very difficult to compare a few side effects to sometimes fatal consequences with liposuction.  With liposuction surgery, 25% of the patients have complications and 7% of them are considered major. There have been some fatalities with liposuction and some near fatalities, as with the comedian, Kathy Griffin.

Note:  There have never been any documented deaths with Lipodissolve or mesotherapy in the US.

FDA Articles – Is the FDA Helpful?

Thermage--is it worth the cost?

This product is considerably safer than procedures such as Botox, lipolysis injection, and even the traditional facelift. Thermage has a very short downtime when compared to more invasive and expensive procedures, but some patients report that the costlier options work somewhat better. In fact, while nearly three-quarters of facelift patients were very satisfied with their results, as compared to only just over one-third of Thermage patients.

That said, for some, the cost is the biggest concern. Going with a method that may not produce results that are as noticeable is preferable to paying much more than you can afford for something that you know will work. For these, make sure that you check with a doctor before undergoing any type of treatment, to make sure it will not interfere with any medicines or plans that he/she has you under presently.

How effective the Thermage treatment is really depends on how skilled the surgeon is/is not. Those that have more experience with the treatment do a better job than someone who is unfamiliar with it, obviously. Sometimes it pays to spend a little more for someone who really knows what he or she is doing.

The cost of Thermage depends on who does it and where you go to get it. The better and more qualified the provider the more you should expect to pay. However, as mentioned before, sometimes it is worth a little more money to get more noticeable results. On average, patients should expect to pay between $2000 and $2500, depending on the city/country they call home. Bigger cities cost slightly more in some cases.

Patients should remember that it can take up to six months to see the maximum result of the treatment, and it will have to be repeated every two years or so in order to maintain a youthful appearance. If you believe Thermage is right for you, consult with a doctor to find licensed providers in your area.

Thermage treatments can be almost as painful to endure as a facelift is to recover from. In fact, many people report little or no change even after the painful and expensive treatments. For most, thermage is not an option at all, and would not be considered as an effective anti-aging remedy.

Thread lifts are another common plastic surgery alternative, though they should probably be classified as surgery. After all, a surgeon must pass a barbed needle under the skin in order to complete the treatment. While it is not as bad as a facelift, it still has characteristics that would normally classify it as a type of liposuction. If the barbs fail, the thread can pop out and become very painful and even leave a scar.

Many creams and lotions can cause allergic reactions to the sensitive skin of the face and neck areas. It is important to talk with a doctor, pharmacist, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional before you use any, especially if you are taking any medications or have known allergy problems, particularly those to medications.

Similar to a thread lift, acupuncture can be painful and expensive, although it has no downtime and very minute chance of causing any type of allergic reaction. However, some long lasting side effects for a very few include nerve damage, full or partial facial paralyzation, and similar problems.

As you can see, simple is not always better, but these solutions are likely a better alternative to plastic surgery than a risk to your body. Overall, many doctors would recommend them highly over liposuction, and they will normally cost much less without a recovery period as well.

Collagen is the substance that supports and connects our bodily tissues including skin, bones, muscle, tendons and cartilage. As collagen degrades and production is hindered, wrinkles begin to appear in various zones of the body. Collagen keeps our skin looking plump and tight. However, as our skin is damaged by external elements and age takes its toll, collagen production slows down and existing collagen degrades. For those who may be bothered by the tell-tale signs of age associated with collagen degradation, there are treatments available in the form of collagen injections. Here are a few things to know about collagen injections before you decide to undergo treatment sessions.

What Are Collagen Injections Made Of?

The collagen injections used cosmetically are made of human, bovine and porcine collagen as well as a number of synthetic substances. The majority of these injectable collagens are biodegradable, creating the requirement for regular injection treatments. There are some designed to be a permanent fix.

Where can Collagen Injections Be Administered?

Collagen can be used as a treatment for wrinkles in many areas of the face, but are administered mainly to areas between the nose and mouth and are also used to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet around the corners of the eyes. Collagen is also used to heal scars, burns, and to fill in hollow cheeks and plump the lips.

Common Side Effects

Because of the use of bovine and porcine collagen, which comes from cows and pigs, it is quite common for these substances to incite some form of allergic reaction when the human body rejects them. An experienced practitioner knows this and will do allergy testing before administering any injection – a good question to discuss during the initial consultation.

Collagen can be a great alternative to face lifts because of their non-invasive nature and their use of natural elements. Even their synthetic elements are derived from the use of all-natural vitamins, herbs and minerals. Each practitioner may use a different form of collagen, so it is important for patients to discuss their medical history and any underlying allergies or medical conditions prior to treatment in order to avoid adverse effects.

Simple home remedies can replace plastic surgery.

How To Use Tea Bags to Rejuvenate Your Eyes

This treatment requires your tea bags to be nice and cool in order to work properly for most skin types and works best when used before bed. Prepare your tea as your normally would, by placing two orange pekoe teabags in boiled water. Let them brew for approximately five minutes before wringing all liquids out of them. Flatten the tea bags out again, place them on a plastic dish and put them in your freezer for about fifteen minutes. After removing the tea bags from the freezer, find a nice, comfortable spot to lay down. Close your eyes, place the tea bags over them, and relax. Turn the tea bags over after about 10 minutes, and let them sit for another 10 minutes. When you’re all done, dispose of the tea bags and rinse your face with cool water to remove any tea stains or residue.

In winter months, many people opt to use warm tea bags to help relax the eyes a bit more. The same instructions above can be used with warm tea bags, and works quite well for people who find their skin exceptionally dry. If using warm tea bags, you’ll want to have a towel under your head to prevent staining of furniture or pillows in case the liquid seeps down your face.

Spa Treatments

This is a treatment program that has become quite popular in various spas, and many have begun to market special-formula tea bags designed for this kind of use. While many people swear by these spa-brand cosmetic tea bags, even more find that a simple orange pekoe bag works fine and is far more cost effective. However, if you want something tailored to your specific eye-skin issue, spa tea bags might be the answer for you.

In a world where we are over-encumbered by expensive creams, treatments, cosmetic surgeries and more, a simple and inexpensive treatment is a welcome relief. For most people, there is absolutely nothing to lose by trying this eye rejuvenation technique – except for two tea bags and about an hour of your time.

People seek an answer to common signs of aging.

Aging seems to be a subject of great interest in many regions all over the world. We’ve created, and supported, television shows based on making people look younger and hiding the signs of age that they display. New products and technology are constantly in development designed to help people retain or regain their youthful appearance. Many even go to such great lengths as to choose plastic surgery to correct these aging signs. There are a few common signs of aging that seem to be of the utmost concern to a very large number of people internationally.

Crow’s feet One of the first signs of aging, especially for women, is often crow’s feet, which are three little lines that find homes at the outer corners of the eyes. Crow’s feet are a common result of sun damage, squinting and exposure. Crow’s feet are often treated with collagen, Restylane and Botox injections, but there are also many topical creams available on the retail market as well.

Wrinkles around the mouth and nose As our skin loses elasticity and collagen production begins to decrease, wrinkles begin to form in many places around the face. Most commonly, wrinkles first appear around the mouth and nose, but there are many ways to avoid these signs of aging. By properly protecting your skin all year round from the dangerous effects of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays with a high SPF sunscreen, you can ensure wrinkle development will be reasonably delayed. Habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug abuse also encourage the development and definition of wrinkles in these zones. Pre-existing wrinkles can be treated with laser therapy, Botox and collagen injection and with a number of topical creams available on the retail market.

Loose, sagging skin around the jaw line and neck Collagen is what keeps our skin tight and plump, essentially keeping everything where it should be. As we age, collagen production is slowed down and our skin begins to lose elasticity. This brings about a sagging, loose appearance as gravity takes effect. The loose skin collects around the jaw line and into the neck, often causing the “turkey gobbler” appearance. This can be rectified with surgical measures or other alternatives such as the Natural Face Lift System.

There are many, many signs of aging, but what shows most prominently is wrinkles and sagging skin. This are features naturally associated with the aging process, but thankfully medical technology and science have offered many solutions to ease our concerns, with both over the counter interventions and liposuction as potential answers.

Is the cost worth the risks?

More people turn to Botox and similar forms of liposuction or plastic surgery each year, often with little or no research into the actual cost beforehand. The cost of Botox is normally determined by a few factors, depending on the person and individual situation.

However, with the many dangers and risks associated with Botox injections, some wonder if it is worth it. There are many negative side effects possible with these injections, but, if done correctly, the results can be tremendous. So, is it worth the cost? You’ll have to decide for yourself, preferably with the help of a licensed healthcare professional.

In reality, the actual cost of a series of Botox injections varies based on the city, doctor, facility, and other similar factors. While experts say to expect a bill around the $450 mark, some cities may be higher or lower. For example:

As you can see, the cost of Botox relies heavily on what part of the United States you call home.

Botox is actually a bacteria, and can be toxic in large doses, although it has been used in the medical community for various cosmetic reasons for several decades. Botox is also used for treating conditions such as sweating (extreme cases), migraines/headaches, eye twitches, and vocal chord conditions effectively.

If you only have fine lines and wrinkles, the cost is definitely not worth the risk. Botox is designed to improve or eliminate deeper wrinkles/lines, crow’s feet, vertical and/or horizontal creases, and similar problems. It is virtually ineffective for the small stuff. So, before you consider Botox injections or other plastic surgery treatments, consider an at-home remedy first.

Vitamins can be an important part of looking younger.

Not everyone in our society immediately chooses plastic surgery to correct aging symptoms. When people opt to purchase anti-aging skin products, many choose to get one of three products: the most expensive, the most advertised, or a highly popularized one. That said, you should keep in mind that your skin is sensitive to strong chemicals, including cosmetics. It goes without saying that it is safer not to stifle the skin’s natural breathing process by using these products. A somewhat lighter product made of all-natural ingredients is almost always a better solution for your skin.

The first step towards preventing the signs of aging through natural products is to take care of your skin by nourishing it, depending on your individual skin type. Lemon oils with Vitamin C are believed to be very beneficial in maintaining the skin’s natural texture, while vitamin E is a very good way to nearly halt the appearance of wrinkles and other similar age-related problems. To get plenty of vitamin E, you can use quick-fix products massaged onto your face, such as:

• Almond oil
• Olive oil
• Apricot oil
• Wheat germ oil

A nutritious diet loaded with fruits and vegetables and coupled with exercise can provide the body the nutrients necessary for younger-looking skin. Keeping hydrated and getting plenty of sleep can also help maintain flawless skin. In fact, for nearly everyone, a facelift should be the last alternative considered.

Apart from home remedies, men and women desiring to improve aging skin can purchase all-natural products, but it is important to verify the product’s quality and all ingredients before using any product. The most trustworthy natural products are tested and packaged by various dermatology groups to verify their composition and usage, for your protection.

All-natural cosmetics are usually composed of a wide variety of natural ingredients, like botanical oils, vitamins and herbal extracts. these are necessary to restore skin elasticity and softness, making it appear younger and healthier. Herbal extracts also add moisture and balance by cleansing your skin. A wide range of homemade facial packs can be used to close pores, thereby maintaining the skin’s suppleness.

The best part about making use of natural skin care products is that they do not normally have any type of side effects, except in very rare situations. When these remedies are used as recommended after determining your skin type and physical background, they are generally the smartest solution to any type of skin problem. Obviously, all-natural products are much cheaper and can be more effective than any type of plastic surgery.

In modern society, it is no longer necessary to wish ourselves younger with no hope of ever regaining our youthful features. Cosmetic surgeons are available in most areas of the world in abundance and in a wide variety of specializations designed to help patients look younger and feel better about themselves.

Face lifts, or rhytidectomies, are used to shave years of aging from a person’s appearance by tightening the skin, reducing the appearance or jowls and double chins and smoothing surface wrinkles.Unfortunately, sometimes face-lifts go wrong.

Face lifts are designed to treat the area of the face from the bridge of the nose to the chin, while eyelid and brow lifts are designed for the areas around the eyes and forehead.   Surgical procedures of this nature are performed in hospitals in most areas of the world, and patients are almost always required to spend at least twenty four hours under the care and supervision of medical professionals.

The procedure can be performed with a local anesthetic accompanied by a sedative, but many surgeons prefer their patients be given a general anesthesia which renders them unconscious. These surgical procedures can last anywhere from two to five hours.   Beginning with an incision that follows the hairline around each earlobe and ends on the hairline behind each ear, the surgeon will first remove excess fat tissue in a process similar to liposuction. After the excess tissue is disposed of, the skin will be tightened and shaped, then secured normally using stitches.

Excess tissues are trimmed away and disposed of. Sometimes, the surgeon must also tighten the platysma muscle tissue in order to treat jowls and droopy skin.   There really aren’t any differences in the way this type of procedure is performed on men and women, except that it is possible for the surgeon to use the hairline of sideburns on men as an additional point of incision to tighten skin around the jaws.

No longer is this type of surgery gender specific, as more and more men opt to improve their physical appearance with cosmetic surgeries. Before agreeing to face lift surgery, consider options to facelifts that might be available to you.

Why Botox Injections Aren't Safe

Nearly 4.1 Million Botox procedures were performed in 2007 alone–according to Forbes. And by now, of course, the mainstream train of thought is “what’s wrong with Botox?” Well, there’s a lot wrong and in this blog we’ll tell you why.

Botox merely masks the problem of laugh lines, crows feet and brow lines , rather than improving it.  According to Dr. Greg Wiener, a Chicago-based surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, “Botox works so well because it paralyzes the muscles.”  And that’s exactly what it does.

Botox, as stated in previous posts,  is made from deadly Botulinum toxin type A which can cause paralysis.  And though the FDA rules out Botox as having any real serious side effects, the fact is there’s a thriving market for  substitute versions of the product. So much so, that you might not even know what you’re getting injected with. Even at a medical clinic!

According to ABC News, Eric Kaplan, a wealthy chiropractor, business consultant and author of a book on healthy living, decided to undergo a Botox treatment with his wife for the first time in South Florida.  The Kaplans thought the Botox would help them look younger, but it did the opposite.  It turned the clock forward.

Within two days of their treatment, the Kaplan’s had to be flown to a paralysis recovery center in Atlanta.  After two months, Bonnie Kaplan can finally swallow again and is regaining her mobility, but she still can’t speak.  Eric, on the other hand,  is unable to swallow and must be fed through a tube.

If you just don’t like the idea of regularly injecting poison into your face, you may wonder what alternatives you have for keeping your face youthfully smooth.  Don’t risk the dangers; find a better alternative. You don’t have to paralyze your face to get younger-looking skin. For a run-down of some safer solutions, stay tuned. Our next blog will give you the scoop on better anti-aging alternatives that are poison-free!