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Injectables, fillers, Botox®, creams, treatments…what is all of this and how does it work? Anti-aging is not a one-shot solution. Battling the signs of aging is a multi-stage, multi-level effort.

As we age, environmental factors cause skin damage; sunlight, airborne pollution, cosmetics and other factors all take a toll on skin. The basis of an effective anti-aging routine includes using a good, high quality cleanser every night to insure that your skin is clean.

Masks and facials are treatments typically administered at a spa that provide deep cleaning and de-stress the skin, important for keeping lines and wrinkles at bay. Skin can also be rejuvenated and dead or damaged skin removed via microdermabrasion, chemical peels and/or laser resurfacing, all of which actually remove the top layer of skin, promoting healing and skin regrowth.

Many anti-aging creams and serums also help counter signs of aging by reversing the damage done to skin. These products use a variety of natural elements to replace collagen and restore elasticity and strength to the skin. There are general creams for daytime and nighttime application as well as specialty serums that treat specific areas (i.e. under the eyes).

Eventually–despite our best efforts–gravity, age and genetics result in lines, wrinkles and folds that simply can’t be eliminated or even minimized to your satisfaction. At this point many people turn to injectables and fillers, the most popular of which are Botox®, Juvederm® and Sculpra Aesthetic®. These products may be used individually or in a combination, depending upon the results you are trying to achieve and your specific situation. Botox relaxes the muscles and is often used for severe frown lines in the brow and crows feet around the eye area. Fillers use a variety of elements found in the skin to replace lost volume and “plump up” areas of the face. This is particularly effective for deep folds such as those that stretch from the edge of the nose down around the mouth area.

As you can see, anti-aging skin care is really a process, and there are a variety of options which may be right for your skin. The professionals at Amae Plastic Surgery Center can work with you to discuss what you hope to achieve and help determine the best regimen to keep your skin and healthy and as youthful as possible.

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A recent study shows that facial rejuvenation surgery takes off an average of seven years. The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Toronto and the NorthShore University Health System in Illinois. In the study, sixty first-year medical students were show photos of facelift patients and asked to guess their ages. Both before and after photos were randomly evaluated by test participants, who underestimated the patients’ ages by 1.7 years for the “before” photos and 8.9 years for “after” photos, resulting in an average of 7 years. The study used photos from patients who had undergone 1) facelift and neck lift, 2) face and neck lift and upper and lower blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and 3) face and neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty, and forehead lift. In general, the perceived difference in age was larger for patients who had undergone more procedures.

This study is important in that it is one of the first studies to quantitatively and objectively study the impact of facial rejuvenation surgery on perceived age.

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery seem to be fairly synonymous in our vernacular. When most people think of plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery comes to mind. Typically it’s thought that someone undergoes plastic surgery solely to make themselves look better. But, beyond cosmetics, plastic surgery has a number of health and wellness benefits.

Donna McLean, a London mother of three, turned to an eye-lift procedure when aging caused her naturally hooded eyelids to begin interfering with her vision. After a minimally-invasive procedure her vision improved and she experienced the added benefit of looking younger.

Studies have shown that cosmetic surgery can help improve self-image and that this improvement leads to an increase in happiness and a decrease in depression. The benefits of cosmetic surgery include not only improved physical appearance, but also psychological well-being.

And don’t discount the physical health benefits from many cosmetic procedures, including breast reduction, which can help decrease back and neck pain, a tummy tuck that improves posture and decreases back pain, and breast reconstruction for cancer survivors.

The reality is that people undergo cosmetic procedures for a variety of reasons, not just “vanity.” Self-esteem is linked to body image, and self-esteem is important to our overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing physical challenges that you think could be addressed through plastic surgery, contact Dr. Ali today for a consultation.

Amae Plastic Surgery has a couple of great offers on Sculptra Aesthetic, but you need to act fast!

Sculptra Aesthetic Offer One

This special introductory offer is for new patients. Purchase your first vial of Sculptra Aesthetic and get your second vial free. Must receive treatment before 12/31/11. ONLY ONE OFFER LEFT, so stop by or call (855) 335-7200 right away to purchase.

Sculptra Aesthetic Offer Two

Existing Sculptra Aesthetic patients can save up to $150. Simply purchase up to three vials of Sculptra Aesthetic by December 31, 2011 for a $50 per vial rebate (up to $150 total rebate) and have until Dec 31, 2012 to complete the treatment. Call (855) 335-7200 for details.

Call (855) 335-7200 today or stop by the office to take advantage of these great offers.