The Wizard is in: Beautiful Skin CAN Be Yours

MPXE Elite Laser-
An incredible multi-tasker that builds collagen,
 zaps spider veins, broken capillaries and age spots

The New York Times recently ran in article in their Thursday Skin Deep column about the trend towards going back to home grown skincare, reminiscent of the kinds of stuff our grandmother's used to use, (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/21/fashion/New-beauty-lines-including-family-secrets-gain-popularity.html?_r=0)

No thanks...I like my skincare regimens to be cutting edge with a bit of zhush to increase its efficacy like retinol, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid etc...

I recently invited a group of my friends for an evening of information about the latest in non-invasive beauty at The New York Group for Plastic Surgery, (http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2013/12/girls-night-out-new-york-group-for.html). Non-invasive beauty is not the arena for bargain hunting, IMO.

We had the opportunity to tour the newly opened Spa Nouvelle at their Tarrytown N.Y. office.  Spa Nouvelle offers the latest in laser, microdermabrasion and chemical peels with Ashlea Hoess, a passionate expert, certified in Advanced Aesthetics on staff, to guide you towards attaining youthful beautiful skin.

I think it's the perfect adjunct to the fabulous work they are already doing with other minimally invasive treatments like Botox, Restalyne, Sculptra and non-invasive treatments like Ultherapy.

In addition to anti-aging techniques, Ashlea is also an expert at improving and treating tone, firmness, visible capillaries, melasma, rosacea and stage l-lV acne patients.

On a separate visit, when Ashlea told me that she could zap the pesky broken capillaries around my nose and they would be gone instantly I was ecstatic. She did and they were.  Spectacular!!!

Renee Zellweger: Then and Now

There has been an awful lot of buzz about Renee Zellweger lately. Tongues have been wagging and pundits are weighing in, including plastic surgeons (with heady disclaimers), about what exactly did Renee do?

Frankly, if someone had shown me the picture at right above on its own, I could not identify who it was...could you???

Ms. Zellweger always had a atypical Hollywood look, which I found charming... mostly. There were definitely some Red Carpet appearances, however, where she appeared chipmunk cheeked, from over zealous injections of fillers, (see yesterday's blog for my take on tweaking the right way: http://divadebbi.blogspot.com/2013/12/girls-night-out-new-york-group-for.html)

Her squinty eyes, were well, Renee's.  Highly identifiable, but certainly not an impediment to her successful film career, with hits like Jerry McGuire and The Bridget Jones Diaries, that delighted fans.

What would make her want to change her look so drastically?  There are even rumors that she is "obsessed" with Jennifer Lawrence and one can't exactly deny the resemblance:

Renee (44) and Jennifer (23)

Here's what I think Renee has had done:

The Truth About...

Botox.

As the Holiday season officially kicks off , the month ahead is a busy time socially for many.  It's gotten to the point where people make appointments for injectibles, with the same calculating eye they use to assess their roots and eyebrows before important events---just another element in their maintenance routine.

Lately, my clients in their early forties have confided that they are feeling ready to take the plunge...they are noticing deeper crows feet and furrows between the brows, their lids are looking a wee droopier and their foreheads more lined. They are also noticing that while no one is 'fessing up, some of their friends are looking decidedly "fresh".

One of them confided her kids asked her, "why are you always so mad Mommy"?. She's not a "mad Mommy", but the deep line between her brows does admittedly look like a permanent scowl....what to do???

Me and ET

I heard from my friend Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson the other day.   "We are having a special on Radiesse on August 12th.  Do you think your readers might be interested" ???... "Sure!!!  Tell me more and may I pick your brains  a bit too"???..."Of course", she replied.  Thus, another in my series of interviews with the beautiful beautifier Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson.

Beauty Rebate...Beautiful!

I frequently check in with my friend  Dr. Elizabeth- Chabner Thompson,  about the newest anti-aging products she is using on her patients and to find out what's in the pipeline, often having debuted in Europe first.  What can I share with my readers Dr. T???   Ooooooooh,  moulah!!!

Fill-Her Up!!!

Let's face some face facts: There is only so far a topical tub of cream can take you. I decided to ask my beautiful and brilliant friend, Dr. Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, (at left), if I could do an interview series with her about the latest advances in injectibles like Botox and Juvaderm and surgical techniques like SmartLipo.

Happily, she agreed! Here's part one.

DD: Many people wonder if Botox or Dysport (the FDA approved competitor), Botulinum Toxin-A (BTX) could be right for them. They fear the dreaded newscaster face, yet desperately want to look younger. Most importantly, people worry about safety.

ECT: Botulinum Toxin-A(BTX) has been used safely for cosmetic use since the 1990's. It received FDA approval for use in the Glabellar area-- those "11" lines or the coin-slot, between the eyebrows, even when your face is not animated. When injected by a trained, aesthetically-minded physician, BTX leads to a lifting of the forehead and opening of the eyes with a natural result. There have been no reported cases of BTX causing brain damage or long term side effects.

DD: Walk us through the process.

ECT: The entire consultation and treatment takes about 15 minutes. My preference, is to talk to patients first, explaining exactly how BTX works, before starting the injection, so I can observe the muscles of their face and their animation. BTX is injected using thin, virtually painless needles in to the muscles of the face, resulting in a smoother, more well rested, youthful appearance. I take extreme care, to avoid bruising or injecting the wrong muscle group. So many people do fear looking "over done" but a fresh, relaxed, result can easily be achieved, (though some patients do prefer a smooth, motionless look). Treatment, is customized-- so the number of units needed will vary as will the cost.

DD: What other parts of the face can BTX be used on effectively?

ECT: Technically, this is an "off label" use. However, BTX can be used successfully to improve "crows feet" around the eyes, erase the "writing table" from the forehead, smooth the "bunny lines" around the nose, improve "smokers lines" around the mouth and some wrinkling of the bands in the neck area.

DD: I would imagine once women start and love the results, they will want to maintain it. How long can results be expected to last and what are the side effects?

ECT: BTX typically lasts about 3-4 months. It gradually wears off and people notice that they have more movement of a certain muscle group and the wrinkles come back. Women with fast metabolism may require more frequent injections. Some patients find that the effect on certain areas of the face last longer than others. I charge patients by the number of units of BTX injected to achieve the desired result. Some physicians charge "by the area." This always works to the physician's benefit and patients pay more. The evolution of the use of BTX has been rapid. Antiquated dilution techniques, swelling, bruising and droopy eyelids all point toward a physician trained in the "early days" before the more up-to-date injection techniques.

DD: Tell us about Dysport. The buzz is good!!!

ECT: Dysport now competes with Botox for a market share. Dysport has a more rapid time to effect, usually 1-2 days versus 3-5 days for Botox. Both BTX products last approximately the same amount of time. Dysport is about 15% less expensive. Treatment of the area between the eyes (the glabellar region) costs an average patient between $250-400 depending on muscle mass-- both the bulk and the width of the muscle.

DD: As a Personal Shopper, I know how terrific people feel when they look their best in beautifully fitted garment. Is it gratifying to help people look more youthful?

ECT: The positive feedback and relationships I have developed with my patients is so rewarding! Often the first time we meet is before an important milestone, like a reunion or a wedding. They love their results and are kind of enough to share me with their friends are relatives. I do like to remind people that an occasional bruise is possible, so it is a good idea to come in about 2 weeks before an event.

DD: Is it true you are generously offering readers of my Blog DivaDebbi a 10% discount off all treatments performed on their first visit?

ECT: Yes, I am! It's my pleasure. I always enjoy meeting your clients. Now I would love to meet your readers!

DD: Thanks Elizabeth!!! Next time, let's talk about hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane and Juvaderm. I think there is equal interest in how they work.

So, whether you wish to revisit your youth for the first time or consult with Dr. Chabner Thompson and save yourself a fortune by not continuing with expensive Manhattan doctors, put your face in the hands of the best!!!

Elizabeth Chabner Thompson, MD, MPH
The New York Group for Plastic Surgery
155 White Plains Road, Suite 109
Tarrytown, NY 10591
914-366-6139

xox,
DD