Cosmetic surgery is a growing and dynamic field of medicine and more people are discovering how they could use it to enhance their appearance. Women, in particular, feel pressure from media outlets to look as sexy and glamorous as the professional models who invade our lives daily via magazines, TV and movies. Sometimes this pressure creates unrealistic expectations. But many of us could improve our appearance in some ways, and as the years pass, new ways keep appearing.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers are a quick way to improve facial features. Do you feel that your lips are too thin? Your frown lines starting to become too noticeable? Traditionally, collagen and fat were used to plump up facial areas, but recently more effective fillers have come on the market. Here are some popular injectables, some of which have been used in Europe for many years but only recently in the U.S:
- Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Hylaform – based on hyaluronic acid, a natural body substance for skin volume and hydration. These are good for frown lines, crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and thin lips.
- Sculptra – a form of synthetic lactic acid which is good for hollow cheeks or eyes, skin folds and an indented chin.
- Radiesse – using tiny particles of calcium hydroxylapatite and good for wrinkles or folds around the nose and mouth (but not in the lips), and for some scars.
Injectable fillers give excellent but temporary results. They must be repeated after several months or several years, depending on the filler used.
Designer Vaginas
This is a term for several surgeries to enhance sexual gratification and the appearance of the labia. Increasing numbers of women are claiming high satisfaction after these procedures.
- Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation (LVR) – tightens the vaginal muscles after childbirth has stretched them, and this increases sexual pleasure.
- Designer Laser Vaginoplasty (DLV) – this surgery improves the proportions and appearance of the labia minora and labia majora
- G-spot Augmentation (GSA) – the Grafenburg spot is a small area of the vaginal wall that is said to be a focus of sexual arousal and gratification. This procedure is an injection of collagen, done with a local anesthetic, to enlarge the G-spot.
Minimally-Invasive Cosmetic Procedures
These have been growing steadily in popularity. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons puts Botox® injections at the top by a big margin for 2006 – 3.8 million females had Botox and 284,000 males.
The other procedures in the top five were:
- Chemical peels
- Hyaluronic acid injections (for women)
- Laser hair removal
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser skin resurfacing (for men)
Statistics for 2007 are not available yet, but no doubt they will show even higher numbers. For people with busy schedules there are many advantages to choosing a minimally-invasive procedure. Downtime is short or non-existent, procedures themselves are quick and easy, and there is little or no pain or discomfort.
To learn more about the new procedures we offer in our Arlington Heights and Chicago plastic surgery offices, please call or email us today.
