DailyBeauty.com
At the end of July, the much-anticipated filler Elevess, from Anika Therapeutics, received FDA approval for commercial sale.  Like other hyaluronic-acid injectables, it is expected to be used by dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons for improving the appearance wrinkles and scars.  However, Elevess does have two distinct differences.  First, Elevess has the highest concentration of cross-linked hyaluronic acid of any commercially available dermal filler.  Because of this, experts expect longer-lasting results.  Second, Elevess has lidocaine, a local anesthetic, right in its formula—it’s the first and only available aesthetic filler to do so. Anika says this will vastly improve patient comfort. and satisfaction.  Do these differences make Elevess a more appealing option for you? Let us know your thoughts and plans by leaving a comment below.

MedicalNewsToday.com

If sagging skin is getting you down, recent advances in skin-tightening technologies can lift your spirits and your skin in a matter of a few office visits to your dermatologist.    The beauty of these non-invasive procedures is their ability to treat loose skin virtually anywhere on the body without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

Speaking today at the American Academy of Dermatology’s Summer Academy Meeting 2007, dermatologist David J. Goldberg, MD, JD, FAAD, clinical professor of dermatology and director of laser research at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, N.Y., discussed the rapidly expanding area of skin-tightening techniques and how they can safely and effectively treat sagging skin on the jowls, neck, arms, and stomach, as well as cellulite.

"The monopolar radiofrequency (RF) technology, which was introduced five years ago and which is credited as the first non-surgical skin-tightening device, has been the catalyst for what is now an explosion in non-invasive skin tightening with different technologies and areas of the body that we can treat," said Dr. Goldberg.  "Originally used to lift the eyebrows, monopolar RF was found to be effective in tightening the jowls and neck area with its unique approach of cooling the outer layer of skin while heating the deeper layers to cause tightening. This basic principle is what shaped many of the latest skin-tightening technologies."  Read More 

DaillyBeauty.com
A mid-facelift can be achieved through incisions of 1 to 2 cm in length using endoscopic technology.  Endoscopes allow surgeons to view and reach distant anatomies through very small incisions and require very specific training, as your surgeon will be relying on a camera and screen.  Among the pioneers in endoscopic plastic surgery is Salt Lake City plastic surgeon Renato Saltz, MD, who explains, “Endoscopy is minimally invasive surgery.  It may take a three- to four-hour procedure down to one hour, with less trauma and ultimately less recovery time."  For a mid-facelift, Dr. Saltz favors endoscopic methods. “The results can be much better, as the endoscope allows us to reach deeper or more contained pockets of fat we otherwise could not.”

About.com:Longevity
The human growth hormone (HGH) is a hormone that is made by your body in the pituitary gland.  It is often marketed as an anti-aging hormone.  In children, it is important for normal growth.  In adults, HGH helps regulate and maintain your tissues and organs.  Children sometime receive HGH injections because a lack of HGH in their body is impacting their growth rate.

HGH and Aging

Like many hormones, HGH levels decrease as a person gets older.  This is a normal part of aging.  HGH is becoming a popular anti-aging supplement.  Because HGH is only available in injection form (other forms of HGH have not been proven effective) HGH must be given by a doctor.  The cost for one year of HGH injections can be more than $15,000.  The saddest part is that there has been little research on HGH and aging –- one study shows that lower HGH levels correlate to increased longevity compared to people with high HGH levels.  Read More

abc7news.com

A new wrinkle filler is creating quite a buzz for those trying turn back the clock. For the first time, a product is claiming it can erase certain lines permanently.  Patti Cook, Facial Filler Patient: "What I don’t like are the wrinkles and creases in my face."  Patti Cook is typical of many women, looking for a more youthful appearance without surgery.  Patti Cook: "It would be nice to be 5 or 10 years younger."  She’s especially interested in erasing the creases going from her nose to her lips.  In the last several years, there’s been an explosion of facial fillers receiving FDA approval.  Products like Juvederm and Restylane could help Patti plump her creases.  But typically these fillers last only six to eight months and that means the user needs to get shots once or twice a year to maintain that effect.  But that may all be changing with a new filler called Artefill which claims to be permanent.  Read More / Watch Segment

Dior puts focus on the eyes with their new addition to the range of HydrAction moisturizing products.  The technology of HydrAction Visible Defense Eye Creme is designed to flood dehydrated skin cells with moisture, and improve the circulation of water in the skin.

This new eye cream is a highly absorbent, soufflé-light formula that will instantly plump the skin, diminish the appearance of fine lines, and prevent the appearance of future wrinkles.

Erica Davis, Dior specialist at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, says that feedback on the product has been very positive and that her clients have been “amazed at the results” and “love how it feels”.  What are the extra bonus points?  It’s fortified with an SPF 20 and has a great price point.

Beauty Massage: A massage will increase blood circulation and tighten the facial muscles and tissues.  Use a coconut oil directly on areas where wrinkles are prominent, and gently massage every night before bed.  Focus your massage around the temples, jawline and ocular bones.  Press finger tips into the skin in a sweeping motion from the center of the face outward.

Invest in a Home Humidifier: Skin exposed to air conditioning or recycled air may become dehydrated and uncomfortable.  A humidifier is a convenient way to keep the air moist thus, allowing your skin to retain hydration and plumpness while you sleep.

Continue Reading…

I know most of you know the term and are probably hyper-paranoid about losing it but regardless, I  want everyone to know exactly what collagen is.  First, collagen is the main protein of connective tissue — it gives the skin structure.  According to Wikkipedia:

Collagen has great tensile strength, and is the main component of fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, bone and teeth.  Along with soft keratin, it is responsible for skin strength and elasticity…it strengthens blood vessels and plays a role in tissue deveolpement.

Collagen, in any form, is a great water binding agent — which keeps skin plump.  Because it makes up such a significant portion of our skin, where it’s missing — wrinkles are found (collagen production depletes with age).  Although it’s used in many cosmetics, no studies have shown that collagen in cosmetics has a direct effect on promoting production or building of collagen in the skin.