Posted by Gina Virgilio on Tue, Aug 24, 2010
I think it’s safe to say, most American women are constantly searching for the next quick fix or the ultimate beauty product that is going to promise no more wrinkles or delayed aging process. But is this the habit of women internationally? French women practice different habits and beliefs when it comes to beauty.
Juliette Binoche, 46, and Isabelle Huppert, 57 are a few mature French figures that have a natural beauty – what is their secret? Do these women really have the answers when it comes to delaying the aging process?
According to Ann Morrison from Life & Style, Sydney Morning Herald, she states that genes have much to do with the aging process however; lifestyle habits can wreak havoc on fine lines and wrinkles. “The women I know, regard pampering the skin, hair and body as an enjoyable, gratifying ritual.” Women who smoke habitually or spend time in the sun without proper SPF can expect a more rapid decrease in collagen and a dull appearance to the skin. Some may disguise this process with Botox or lip-plumpers and many other procedures that convey a youthful look – or maybe just throw in the towel all together.
For the French, maintaining your image is comparable to wearing the perfect pair of heels to match your outfit – the basics. Beauty is a lesson that is learned and passed down through generations, “Never neglect yourself, not even in the tiniest details."
The French star Leslie Caron, 79, told Ann her favorite saying, “Women’s skin is too fair to go bare.”
A survey by the market-research company Mintel found that 33% of French girls between the ages 15 - 19 are already using anti-ageing or anti-wrinkle creams. This may seem extreme for Americans but beauty is a well-known lesson and often kept private in France. Women do not discuss their personal beauty rituals to men, not even their husbands.
The study’s number one response to the survey of French women about the secret of magical ageing is not gaining weight – ever. If a French woman happens to see an additional pound or two on her bathroom scale, she will do whatever is necessary to force the needle back where it belongs. French women do not starve themselves or take drastic measures when it comes to losing weight, they simply practice moderation. Exercise? Nope. French women believe gyms and health clubs are a form of torture. Women simply walk off the pounds when necessary. If walking doesn’t do it, a pill or treatment will!
French pharmacies have counters full of dietary supplements and figure-improving remedies. One cream promises "accelerated reduction in the areas resistant to diet" (hips, thighs and buttocks). Capsules assure a flatter stomach in four weeks.
French women also recommend facials, massages and spa treatments in their ploy against wrinkles, cellulite and saggy bottoms, bellies and breasts. Make-up is also kept to a minimum, no heavy foundation which emphasizes wrinkles and enlarged pores. The idea is to look as natural as possible: a little color on the eyelids, mascara, maybe a bit of eyeliner and lip gloss.
Of course, it's easy to look natural if your skin is great. And that may be where the French secrets really are. According to a 2008 Mintel report, French women spend about $2.5 billion a year on facial skincare - as much as Spanish, German and British women put together.
If you happen to use the bathroom in a French home - something that is not considered polite, by the way - you might see a line of skincare products. There will be day creams (with sunscreen), night creams, serums, moisturizers, cleansers, toners, anything from orange-peel skin to varicose veins.
Some women in France turn to dermatologists for their skincare, and their visits are likely to be covered by health insurance. Yet even the generous French system doesn't pay for Botox, collagen or hyaluronic acid injections (Restylane), nor for "lifting" or most other cosmetic surgery. But that doesn't stop French women from having something done.
The objective of plastic surgery in France, according to Dr Michel Soussaline, a Paris surgeon with more than 30 years' experience, is "to keep the natural beauty and charm of each individual woman, not to fit some current ideal of beauty". In the United States, he says, women who spend a lot of money on facelifts want to show off their investment.
By contrast, French women prefer results that look as natural as possible. In France, I have only one friend who has confessed to having had surgery, a discreet operation to firm up a sagging chin and flabby neck. She was thrilled with the result: no one noticed.
For French women, aging seems to be a matter of mind over make-up. If women feel good about themselves, right down to their $150 La Perla underwear, they look good, too.
Françoise Sagan once wrote, "There is a certain age when a woman must be beautiful to be loved, and then there comes a time when she must be loved to be beautiful." And many French women seem to be well loved as they get older - by their tight-knit families, their friends and, perhaps most importantly, themselves.
For more information on how to learn more about cosmetic procedures, contact us or view our esteemed medical team of plastic surgeons and doctors.
*Quotes an statistics from: Ann Morrison from Life & Style, Sydney Morning Herald
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Tue, Aug 17, 2010
Cosmetic surgery has been shed in a different light over the past decade. The baby boomer generation contributes greatly to this late advancement as they have been exposed through the years of people from all different walks of life going under the knife or, quick medical spa treatments. Medical advancement such as medspas and one-stop shops contributes to the ever flourishing beauty-obsessed society.
The bottom line is we are living longer; therefore we seek out treatments that can prolong our beauty to match our inner youthful personalities. Despite income or age, looking good and feeling good has no price tag and beauty matters in every aspect of life.
To boot, facilities called medical spas; doctor operated businesses that offer quick, minimal downtime or recovery offer medical-grade facials, weight reduction options such as Smartlipo, BOTOX, restylane, skin tightening and more are attractive options for the “need it now” generation. Not only more convenient, outpatient facilities or medical spas can also lower the cost of cosmetic surgery.
Of the many forms of minimally invasive and non-invasive cosmetic treatments are injectables and fillers. Each treatment works differently and is meant for specific areas of the body. For example, Botox fills out wrinkles on the forehead by relaxing the muscles to create a smooth youthful look, while hyaluronic acid is best for filling the nasolabial folds and lip augmentation.
Lasers are multi-faceted tools that help rejuvenate the skin, tighten the skin or safely remove unwanted hair permanently. Specifically, lasers remove hyperpigmentation, diminish scars, sun spots or skin damage due to age. Also, radiofrequency builds collagen to tighten skin on any part of the body and also aids in melting fat and cellulite. Lastly, FDA-approved laser hair removal is now popular for every skin type and hair color, regardless of ethnicity.
The cosmetic surgery field is attracting all ethnicities and races; caucasian, african-american, hispanic, asian and more. Men have also been ranking in the numbers for many cosmetic treatments. In the past, cosmetic surgery reached a white female elite demographic predominantly
Now, doctors and medical professionals can combine a multitude of treatments and have you in and out in just a few hours. For example, a patient may elect to have botox injections, laser hair removal on his/her legs and a chemical peel for ultimate rejuvenation. Americans don’t have time for lengthy procedures – quick and painless is the way to go. Also more invasive options can be performed back to back such as the “mommy makeover” which offers a breast augmentation or lift, combined with a tummy tuck to remove unwanted fat and skin and tighten the abdominal muscles.
Adjustments have been made to lure patients in and have medical treatments more affordable, these options are payment plans and interest-free financing through the company you consult with. Most companies will customize packages and plans for your specific needs and settle on a price that both parties can agree on.
Are you ready to look on the outside how you feel on the inside? I thought so, contact us for a free consult and we can have you on your way to a younger more confident you.
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Fri, Aug 06, 2010
You love your body! Well, maybe except your waist...or thighs - smartlipo may be for you!
Traditional liposuction can raise some scary concerns; anesthesia, blood loss and pain. Since the unveiling of the most popular skin tightening treatment, Smartlipo, patients are raving about their new slim curves and minimal downtime.
Smartlipo and VASER lipo are the recent watercooler conversation because of their similiar abilities to emulsify fat cells to make them easier to remove. Smartlipo uses laser light which converts the heat to melt the fat and VASER uses ultrasonic sound waves which converts to heat to melt the fat. Both procedures are useful in areas where fat is more difficult to remove because it tends to be more fibrous
A preliminary study from Sound Surgical, creators of VASER lipo found measurements of postoperative skin retraction in VASER Lipo patients showed 40% to 60% tightening. Patients in the study underwent body contouring treatments in one or more body areas with the VASER Lipo System. Skin markings were placed on areas to be treated and measurements have been taken over a 6 month period. Since 2002, VASER lipo physicians have reported amazing skin tightening benefits in addition to easy and quick fat loss.
With laser-assisted liposuction procedures, most doctors agree that the key to good skin retraction is related to treating the layer of fat directly under the skin. By having the ability to increase collagen under the skin, the end result is a very controlled smooth and tight midsection or thighs. The most popular body parts to treat with Smartlipo are arms, thighs, abs and chin.
Laser-assisted liposuction or smartlipo is intended to treat smaller pockets of fat to larger by preserving nerves, coagulating blood vessels and creating collagen; patients also experience minimal to no pain and bruising postoperatively allowing for a fast return to normal activities. For a Smartlipo physician near you or to learn if you're a candidate, please visit us.
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Thu, Jul 29, 2010
Nowadays, it seems only celebrities or people with unlimited amounts of money can maintain beauty....not so! Follow these great skin tips that are affordable for beauty-seekers on a budget:
1. Moisturize! Demi Moore has admitted to plastic surgery but credits her beautiful skin to daily moisturizing. Never go to bed without cleansing and applying moisturizer.
2. Drink plenty of water. Naomi Watts admits to shying away from coffee and soda beverages and consuming mostly water or low-calorie beverages. What you put IN your body, reflects on the outside.
3. Get regular facials every 6 - 8 weeks. That's it! You don't need to obsess about expensive brand name products. Keep your natural glow by exfoliating dead skin cells which your body doesn't effectively do as we age.
4. SPF! Ditch the day at the beach and enjoy being active outdoors with a SPF of at least 20. Sun damage is one of the major skin stressers with smoking ranking a close second.
5. Get a massage! Researchers have found that receiving monthly massages can decrease stress and help manage anxiety. Take an hour out of your month to refresh - you'll be happy you did.
6. Visit a Naturopathic specialist. Holisitc medicine states that they cure disease from the inside without possible addiciting prescription medications that may mask the disease-not cure. The focus is nature's elements to achieve health.
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Fri, Jul 23, 2010
Many adults have experienced facial redness caused by a number of factors; increased blood flow to the face from embarrassment, warm weather, etc. But, do warmer temperatures increase facial redness, also known as rosacea? Researchers from National Rosacea Society (NRS) are thinking quite possibly.
The survey conducted by NRS found that an estimated 16 million Americans suffer from this skin condition. Although the exact cause of rosacea is still unknown, patients have shed some light on their own personal experiences with flare-ups. A whopping 80% admitted that direct sun exposure aggravated their symptoms. Indoor heat was also named as a trigger for 56% of adults and 55% stated that a vigorous workout set off a rosacea flare-up. Even menopausal/hormonal hot flashes came in at 26% of patients.
Rosacea can be controlled with medications but researchers suggest patients control environment and lifestyle factors to avoid outside triggers. When patients avoided direct sunlight, extreme workouts and indoor heat, 84% noticed a decrease of redness.
While it’s imperative all people wear a sunscreen of at least 15 or higher, rosacea sufferers should listen a bit more carefully. Also noted is the use of laser skin rejuvenation to diminish redness and uneven skin tone. Through a series of photofacials and other laser treatments, sun damage, uneven texture, blemishes and more can be kept to a minimum, says NuU Medspa lead aesthetician, Sarah Schoppe.
There is no one type of person that experiences rosacea, however, studies have stated that commonly, patients will develop symptoms after 30 years old. In addition to redness, small bumps may appear or an irritated appearance from swollen tissue surrounding the area.
For additional statistics and more information on skin disorders and disease, visit www.rosacea.org/ or view before and afters of clients who have received a series of photofacials at NuU Medspa.
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Thu, Jul 15, 2010
Laser hair removal, botox, smartlipo, restylane....are you interested yet?
NuU Medspa/Unlimited is seeking positive, upbeat talented individuals who want to make a difference and improve the quality of life in everyday people. Join NuU Medspa's team of professionals and gain a new outlook on life. What are you waiting for? See you Sunday, July 18th in Schaumburg!
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Tue, Jul 13, 2010
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported 12,110 botox or dysport performed on patients 18 and under (in 2008, the number was 8,194) while the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found 11,889 cosmetic Botox/Dysport procedures were performed on patients 13 to 19 (an increase of 2% from 2008). These statistics represent much of what is happening as a whole in the medical spa/plastic surgery industry – younger clientele.
While most hear the word “botox” and immediately think of softening fine lines and wrinkles, there are multiple other uses for this line eraser; treatment of excessive sweating, migraines, neurological disorders and more.
In today’s society, teens and slightly older want to feel involved in beauty trends-even if it may not be for them. It’s up to parental figures and educated medical professionals to convey that beauty is multifaceted and one treatment doesn’t make everyone beautiful. Botox is a FDA-approved, safe solution when used properly at a medically supervised facility. Botox has allegedly been used by the most adored celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Nicole Kidman and Cindy Crawford.
Botox, fillers, chemical peels, smartlipo are safe procedures and treatments but the decision to undergo any of these non-invasive procedures is a personal one. Speak to a medical consultant and evaluate your reasons for wanting the service at the consultation. Beauty is only skin deep, however; inner-confidence can be a very powerful attribute!
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Thu, Jul 08, 2010
If you are in your twenty's and have begun to start seeing fine lines and wrinkles appear, it may be a lack of moisture in your skin and body.
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For years, wrinkles are one of the biggest beauty hazards that women AND men have been trying to combat. Botox, revitalizing facials and supplements are a few attempts to delay the inevitable aging process. What if a dermatologist or skin researcher told you to drink up and apply an effective moisturizer for instant results?
New research funded by Olay and printed in the June issue of the British Journal of Dermatology has shown that moisturisers are the key – women with well-hydrated faces tend to develop persistent wrinkles more slowly than those with dry skin.
The results showed that an average 28 year old woman with dry skin would have had an increased amount of visible wrinkles by 52% by the time she reached 36. However if she had well-hydrated skin, the visible wrinkles would have increased by just 22% over the same time frame. The research took 122 females between the ages of 10 and 72.
It appears that keeping your skin well hydrated is the key to keeping wrinkles at bay. It is also important to keep the skin protected from UV light which can cause loss of elasticity and therefore promote early wrinkles. Experts also recommend exfoliating once or twice a week to speed cell turnover by microdermabrasion or chemical peels to keep the skin looking fresh and radiant.
For deeper skin rejuvenation to diminish age & sun spots, freckles, uneven pigment and more, photofacials have been extremely successful for most skin types. For more information on how to compliment your skin care routine, visit us!
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
The number of hispanics electing to undergo cosmetic surgery is on the rise for 2010; cosmetic procedures such as liposuction and chemical peels, to enhance their appearance. While most businesses and industries are suffering, increases in cosmetic procedures performed on patients in almost all minority groups, especially hispanics are on the rise.
Of the 12.1 million total cosmetic procedures documented in 2008, including surgeries and minimally invasive skin treatments, almost 1.3 million were performed on Hispanics, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2009, nearly 1.5 million out of 12.5 million total cosmetic procedures were performed on Hispanics. 
Many local and nationwide plastic surgeons admit to a loss in revenue, as much as 50% for a few. However, people of all races will find the funds for plastic surgery if they want it; no matter what income level.
The top cosmetic procedures requested by Hispanic patients were liposuction, breast augmentation and nose reshaping, the plastic surgeons society report states. Overall, caucasians are still most likely to undergo cosmetic surgery or a minimally invasive treatment.
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Posted by Gina Virgilio on Fri, Jun 11, 2010
Botox has been known mostly, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, creating a soft more youthful appearance in men and women. In a recent study conducted by Johns Hopkins researchers, they found that patients with a painful and debilitating nerve compression disorder called thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) had their pain level decrease when injected with botox.
With a very small dose of botox, patients experienced a significant reduction in short-term pain. This study, among many others that reported on the benefits of botox; medical and cosmetic, 
suggest that this can be a safe alternative to a younger face as well as the treatment of disease.
The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery agrees that Botox is considered the most favorable medically applied cosmetic technique. Botox is generally done to rid or to lessen wrinkles surrounding the eyes as well as the forehead and include; crows feet, frown lines and forehead creases.
A medical professional or nurse gives the shot and results will last nearly four months when first trying out the procedure, and up to six months when it is applied consistently. Botox is also applied above the lip to aid in giving a fuller appearance.
You can book your free consultation today and be on your way to a pain and wrinkle-free you!