American Beauty
Wednesday, 22 April 2009 10:44
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Author: Julie Drennan Arnold
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One of the perks of travelling to California every few months is observing the newest methods, products and trends emerging in my field of Medical Beauty. As patients often ask me about all that is new, I thought I would share some emerging trends.
The biggest trend is the move away from drastic plastic surgery, and the increase of non-surgical options for both men and women. Newer methods reduce downtime, are less obvious, leaving you looking healthier and refreshed but not “done”, making it easier to have subtle, gradual improvements without surgery. In California, patients want procedures to be done quickly, as non-invasive as possible and require as short a recovery time as possible.
It is not a question of if, but who is choosing to enhance or improve their appearance by non-surgical means. According to a survey of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
36% of plastic surgeons saw a couple wanting procedures together.
25% saw a mother and daughter together.
31% saw a patient who received procedures as a gift.
Women and men want to look younger for work and career, as well as to feel better about themselves.
Instead of dramatic surgery, one might have strategically placed Botox to slightly lift the brow and ease crow’s feet without the frozen brow look, which is outdated. Botox continues to be the most popular first choice in the fight against wrinkles, but the techniques have become much more refined over the years.
Next, a bit of facial filler can be injected into lines and wrinkles. Fillers can also add volume to areas of the face, or ease certain types of scaring. There are many types of wrinkle fillers; with the most popular being the Hyaluronic based fillers, such as Restylane. A new filler, called Agarose, is sugar based, and is growing in popularity. Facial fillers, used correctly, feel natural and do not look obvious. Californians especially, like non-animal, non-permanent fillers.
An area of huge growth is the emergence of Non Ablative Skin Resurfacing and other Laser Procedures. Fractional Skin Tightening is a laser procedure which can dramatically tighten the skin, ease wrinkle and can be used on previously difficult areas to treat, such as the eye area and the neck. Generally a patient has three sessions, done monthly for the greatest improvement. Fractional Laser can leave the skin red and puffy for a few days, but can be disguised with medical make-up whilst recovering. So, rejuvenation of the eyes and neck is a popular choice for both men and women. Top up sessions, once yearly are beneficial to maintain results.
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL treatments are still increasing in popularity for treatment of Rosacea, acne scaring, sun damage and facial thread veins. It is also beneficial for certain types of pigmentation.
Next on the list is the menu is the ever-popular menu of Medical Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peeling, Laser Hair Removal and Sclerotherapy to reduce thread veins in the legs.
Medical Skin Care continues to grow in importance. Products available only through Medical Beauty Clinics or a Doctors office contain levels of Retinol, Growth Peptides and other ingredients that can make a visible difference in the quality and texture of the skin. Retinol and exceptionally good sun protection are two key tools in protecting and rejuvenating the skin. Increasingly, more naturally based medical products are becoming available.
Speaking personally, I used to live on or near the beach, always had boats, and during my summers off from school I was a lifeguard. Though I wore sunscreen, it did not contain UVA protection, and I have had to work hard to reduce the damage constant exposure caused. Nearly everyone I meet in California is well aware of the damage the sun can cause to the skin, and take steps to protect themselves. Products with SPF 25 plus, containing UVA and UVB block are worn year round.
With so many choices available, my advice remains as always, to seek out several consultations with clinics before proceeding with treatments, to have an idea of budget and personal goals in mind before your consultation, and ensure that all your questions and concerns are dealt with in a professional and informative manner.
Julie Drennan Arnold is a Medical Cosmetic Consultant at Bio2 Clinic in Leamington Spa 01926 424666
The biggest trend is the move away from drastic plastic surgery, and the increase of non-surgical options for both men and women. Newer methods reduce downtime, are less obvious, leaving you looking healthier and refreshed but not “done”, making it easier to have subtle, gradual improvements without surgery. In California, patients want procedures to be done quickly, as non-invasive as possible and require as short a recovery time as possible.
It is not a question of if, but who is choosing to enhance or improve their appearance by non-surgical means. According to a survey of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)
36% of plastic surgeons saw a couple wanting procedures together.
25% saw a mother and daughter together.
31% saw a patient who received procedures as a gift.
Women and men want to look younger for work and career, as well as to feel better about themselves.
Instead of dramatic surgery, one might have strategically placed Botox to slightly lift the brow and ease crow’s feet without the frozen brow look, which is outdated. Botox continues to be the most popular first choice in the fight against wrinkles, but the techniques have become much more refined over the years.
Next, a bit of facial filler can be injected into lines and wrinkles. Fillers can also add volume to areas of the face, or ease certain types of scaring. There are many types of wrinkle fillers; with the most popular being the Hyaluronic based fillers, such as Restylane. A new filler, called Agarose, is sugar based, and is growing in popularity. Facial fillers, used correctly, feel natural and do not look obvious. Californians especially, like non-animal, non-permanent fillers.
An area of huge growth is the emergence of Non Ablative Skin Resurfacing and other Laser Procedures. Fractional Skin Tightening is a laser procedure which can dramatically tighten the skin, ease wrinkle and can be used on previously difficult areas to treat, such as the eye area and the neck. Generally a patient has three sessions, done monthly for the greatest improvement. Fractional Laser can leave the skin red and puffy for a few days, but can be disguised with medical make-up whilst recovering. So, rejuvenation of the eyes and neck is a popular choice for both men and women. Top up sessions, once yearly are beneficial to maintain results.
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL treatments are still increasing in popularity for treatment of Rosacea, acne scaring, sun damage and facial thread veins. It is also beneficial for certain types of pigmentation.
Next on the list is the menu is the ever-popular menu of Medical Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peeling, Laser Hair Removal and Sclerotherapy to reduce thread veins in the legs.
Medical Skin Care continues to grow in importance. Products available only through Medical Beauty Clinics or a Doctors office contain levels of Retinol, Growth Peptides and other ingredients that can make a visible difference in the quality and texture of the skin. Retinol and exceptionally good sun protection are two key tools in protecting and rejuvenating the skin. Increasingly, more naturally based medical products are becoming available.
Speaking personally, I used to live on or near the beach, always had boats, and during my summers off from school I was a lifeguard. Though I wore sunscreen, it did not contain UVA protection, and I have had to work hard to reduce the damage constant exposure caused. Nearly everyone I meet in California is well aware of the damage the sun can cause to the skin, and take steps to protect themselves. Products with SPF 25 plus, containing UVA and UVB block are worn year round.
With so many choices available, my advice remains as always, to seek out several consultations with clinics before proceeding with treatments, to have an idea of budget and personal goals in mind before your consultation, and ensure that all your questions and concerns are dealt with in a professional and informative manner.
Julie Drennan Arnold is a Medical Cosmetic Consultant at Bio2 Clinic in Leamington Spa 01926 424666