on 12:49 PM

People have become more aware of the significance of aesthetically pleasing smiles these days. And obviously, when you smile, your teeth are on display. Bad teeth or gums ? essentially bed dental health ? can mar your smile and make you very conscious. One must remember that good dental health doesn?t always require sacrificing beauty for function. Ultimately, emanates form good health.

Many habits can ruin a smile. Smoking stains the teeth as does consumption of coffee and tea. Holding objects, like pipe or glasses, in your mouth can cause spaces. Chewing ice or cracking nuts with your teeth can chip or fracture them. Biting, chewing or sucking on the lips or cheeks can damage tissue, and can cause tooth arrangement abnormalities, like spaces. So can constant tongue thrusting or placing your fingernails between your front teeth.

Many people erroneously believe that all of their facial defects reside in their smile when, in fact, their problems lie elsewhere. In these cases, plastic or oral surgery, rather than dental treatment, may be necessary, like an incompetent or a short upper lip, wherein your teeth appear to be big and you feel they are jutting out. Virtually everyone can be helped with cosmetic contouring/shaping of teeth to improve the shape of their natural set. By just going to a dentist for treating teeth and gum deformities, you are not assured of a perfect smile.

For instance, you may think that if only your front two teeth were capped, you would have a great smile. In reality, however, this treatment may just backfire by making your front two teeth stand out.

Facial shapes can sometimes be altered by changing the way you smile. Stand in front of a mirror and observe the shape of your face when you smile. First, smile normally. Next, smile wider. Observe the effect of the wider smile on your facial outline.

?A wider smile will help a square face to appear longer or oval.

?If you have a round face, practice smiling such that your teeth show. Open your mouth wide, them smile with your teeth showing. Chances are that your facial profile and smile will improve.

?While smiling, ensure that the bottom biting edges of the upper teeth are visible. Again, opening the mouth more may keep the lower lip from covering the edges, thus preventing the teeth from looking like a row of chicklets.

For more on how to get your teeth white =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/tooth-whitening.htm

How to determine your face shape? =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/hair-style/face-shape.htm

Join the beauty Blog for more on latest tips and tricks which work well for your beauty here =>http://www.beauty-cosmetic-guide.com/blog

on 12:49 PM

It is not only women that strive for beauty. Men too want to look good, maybe to turn the head of a lady or to impress the boss at work. No matter whom you are, many people strive for this characteristic. Each person, though, strives for it in a different way and for very different reasons then the next. Beauty is always a subjective manner. In saying that, there are many ways in which the beauty of a person is truly revealed.

One of the largest markets in the world is the fashion and beauty industry. Millions of dollars are spent each year on different products and different clothing to create the most beautiful person. This can be anything from make up to shoes. How many of the commercials do you see on television that has something to do with beauty products? In fact, this industry has even gone so far as to put commercials for their products within the television shows we watch every day. Have you ever noticed a brand name product displayed on a bathroom sink? How about an actress talking about her favorite designer by name? Yes, you got it. These are mini commercials to advertise beauty products.

Is there anything wrong with wanting beauty? No of course not. In fact, more and more women are coming back to a natural beauty, one that is not full of tons of make up and glamour, but shows off their natural features. This type of beauty, natural, is one of the most beautiful types of all. By all means, if you have the money and have the desire for beautiful products, why shouldn?t you invest in it? These aspects are very important to men and women alike and should show the true meaning of the market.

Take what you will and run with it! Beauty is all in the personality of the individual. It can be expressed in many ways including through make up, clothes, and accessories. It can also be expressed in the lack of these features as well. Beauty is a wonderful quality that should be treasured. Of course, we all know and should believe that true beauty lies within, but who?s really counting anyway? Let?s get beauty!

Emily Jackson
Beauty

on 12:39 PM

If you are looking for a dry skin remedy, look no farther than your kitchen pantry. You can make a dry skin natural remedy just by combining common foods and applying them to the skin. Some foods act as an internal remedy for dry skin as well. Some of the ingredients that can be used in a home remedy for extremely dry skin are honey, yogurt, olive oil, and oatmeal. Some herb teas are useful, too, as are a variety of other fruits and seeds.

Honey, a dry skin natural remedy, is a substance that is healing to the skin. When applied to the skin it is healing and moisturizing. It helps dead skin cells move from the surface and stimulates renewal and regrowth of skin tissues. It is also antibacterial. In severe cases, you can put honey on skin that needs a bandage. It will keep the bandage from sticking to the wounded skin. Yogurt can be used as a skin cleanser, acting as a natural moisturizer. Oatmeal heals and soothes dry skin, and helps the skin to slough off dead skin cells.

Cold-pressed olive oil works as an emollient, which means it soothes and softens. It helps the itching of eczema, which is a itchy skin condition characterized by oozing lesions. Eczema is sometimes associated with dry skin but not always. Olive oil can also be used on the scalp as a remedy for extremely dry skin and hair. Not only can olive oil be used externally, it is also an internal remedy for dry skin, along with other healthy oils. If you suffer from dry skin, try adding some heathful oils to your diet. It doesn't take a lot, as oils are very high in calories. Nuts are full of beneficial oil, as are fatty fish, such as salmon and mackeral.

Certain herb teas work as an internal remedy for dry skin. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb to one cup of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 5 minutes. Covering the cup with a saucer while it is steeping will keep the medicinal properties of the herb from evaporating away. Some herbs that are beneficial as an internal remedy for dry skin problems are marshmallow, dandelion, peppermint, calendula, borage, and chamomile.

Soap and body wash are drying to the skin. You can make an alternative to a bar of soap by tying oatmeal flour or in a cloth tea bag can be used instead of soap. For extra moisturizing, add a little almond meal and aloe vera gel.

The following home remedy for dry skin is a soothing facial mask that can be made from ingredients in your kitchen. Combine an egg yolk with a tablespoon of mayonnaise or yogurt and and another tablespoon of honey. If you use yogurt, add a 1/2 tsp. of almond oil. Apply to skin lightly and let it dry. Wash off gently with warm water. Another healing facial mask that is a remedy for extremely dry skin is to beat an egg and add oat flour to it. You can make oat flour by whizzing oatmeal around in the blender. Spread the mixture on your face and relax for 10 minutes before gently washing it away. Always treat your delicate dry skin with the utmost of care.

Here is an alphabetical list of botanicals (plant products) that have been found beneficial in creating a dry skin natural remedy (to be used on the surface of the skin): aloe vera, apple, apricot pulp, banana pulp, chamomile, comfrey root, coriander seed, elderflower, fennel seed, grape pulp, green tea leaf, honey, kefir, lavender flower, licorice root, mango pulp, marshmallow root, whole milk, oatmeal, rose petals, and yogurt. Add to these whole milk, either cow's or goat's, and the cultured milk products yogurt and kefir. Honey and egg yolk round out the kitchen pharmacy for dry skin solutions. If you wish to try creating your own dry skin solutions using these ingredients, please choose plant products that have not been sprayed with pesticides. Furthermore, don't gather wild herbs that grow near a busy highway. The plants will absorb the exhaust fumes from the traffic and might do more harm than good. If you use seeds, make a strong tea of them by boiling them gently for 10 minutes and then letting them steep for an hour.

Jerrick Foo has been researching and developing all dry skin care the purpose of offering men and women safe, dry skin care tips. He have created Dry Skin Care Guide to share his 10 years of combined expertise with you. Visit http://www.dry-skin-care-guide.com for essential skin care tips.

on 12:34 AM

Whether you tan year round, during the summer or only before a vacation or holiday you should always use a tanning bed lotion. There are several benefits to a good lotion for both enhancing your color and protecting your skin. Although the only safe tan can be obtained through sunless tanning, a good lotion will make the process safer than lying in beds with no protection at all.

The health risks of tan beds have been well publicized. The most common risks include melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. Using a good tan product won?t completely protect you from these risks, but can keep you from wrinkling like a prune.

5 Benefits of Tanning Bed Lotion

A good lotion moisturizes the skin. Ultraviolet light id drying to the skin on your body and face. A good lotion with high quality ingredients nourishes the skin and replenishes lost moisture. In addition, it firms and soothes the skin. An after tan lotion and moisturizer between sessions helps improve the condition of your skin.

A good lotion can help prevent some of the damage caused by exposure to UV rays. Antioxidant ingredients, such as vitamin E and grapefruit extract, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This helps reduce some of the signs of premature aging that are caused by the regular use of tanning beds. Special lotions are available to protect the skin around the eyes. You should also wear goggles to protect this sensitive skin.

They help shorten your exposure to Ultraviolet light. Since you tan faster with a lotion, you will need to spend less time in the bed than you would without a cream. More time in the bed results in a higher risk of skin damage or cancer.

Some products have a cooling effect on the skin. These are great for people with sensitivity to heat. A cooling lotion lessens this heat sensitivity and makes the tan bed experience much more comfortable.

Using lotion accelerates the tanning process. Ingredients in some products are added to accelerate the tan and give you a more intense color. These cause a tingling feeling on the skin.

Quality Ingredients in Tanning Bed Lotion

Choose a product with high quality ingredients for the best protection. Look for natural botanicals, plant extracts and essential oils. Some good ingredients include:

oMethyl Nicotinate is used to accelerate the tanning process
oAntioxidant ingredients are added to help reduce the signs of premature aging
oNatural plant extracts are added to soothe and moisturize the skin. These ingredients include aloe, coconut and other plant ingredients.
oEssential oils moisturize and nourish the skin

Choosing a Tanning Bed Lotion

When selecting an indoor tan product, consider your skin tone and level of tanning experience. Many products are labelled for skin type or level of tanning. Some products are intended for advanced tanning and should never be used by a beginner or someone with fair skin. Doing this can cause damage to the skin.

The owner of the salon can assist you in selecting the best lotion for your skin type and the bed you will be using. Some salons carry small, sample sized packages. These allow you to try a few products before investing in a large bottle. Once you have chosen the right product, look for it at discount or wholesale prices on the internet.

Ken Morris distributes lots of information to the internet site http://www.tanning-lotions-tips.com. The writer is featuring tanning bed lotion and various articles in the field.

on 12:54 AM

As with any other surgical procedure, post-operative care is imperative in the case of cosmetic surgery as well. Following the post-operative advice of your cosmetic surgeon could well be the difference between a stellar result and a mediocre one. Regular follow up visits are crucial in monitoring the progress of recovery. The recovery time and the amount of post-operative care largely depend on the type of cosmetic surgery performed. For instance, major cosmetic surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and sizeable liposuction necessitate proper nursing for a significant period after surgery.

Another point worth noting is that follow-up surgeries (or touchups) might be required to eliminate undesired effects of surgery, or to attain better results. For instance, a woman?s breast implants might internally rupture and therefore necessitate a follow-up surgery. Moreover, cosmetic surgery has associated complications and risks, such as scarring, blood clots, bleeding, or an adverse reaction of anesthesia. Thus post-operative care is pivotal for attaining satisfactory results and in order to expedite the recovery process.

Post-operative care entails being careful about the body part, which has been operated upon. Undue stress and exertion to that portion, just a few days after surgery, may lead to unforeseen complications. You must strictly follow the advice of the surgeon on this issue. In addition to this, you must have realistic expectations from the surgical procedure. Since a major cosmetic surgery involves a significant recovery period, you must not expect instant results after surgery.

The most crucial aspect of cosmetic surgery is to choose a surgeon who has loads of expertise in the pertinent field, since he/she can effectively advise you about proper post-operative care. Cosmetic surgery is something that one opts for in order to improve ones appearance and, in turn, ones life. So if you don?t want to settle for anything less, simply adhere to your surgeon?s advice on post-operative care.

Nicola publishes an informational site about liposuction, with articles and news, tips and views to help you make the correct choice about Liposuction and Lipoplasty at http://lipo.plastic-surgery-info.net

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Plastic-Surgery-Info.net

on 12:46 AM

How can you keep your skin soft and supple?

Fall. Morning. It is dark, chilly and looks like it hasn?t stopped raining yet. However, it is time to get up, to go out and?to look your BEST! Why? Because a real woman ALWAYS looks $1mln!

Even when it is misty, cold and rainy :)

So, here is our simple fall skin care advice that will help you to be as beautiful as ever no matter what:

1. Switch from lotion based products to those that are cream based.

This will help restore moisture as well as create a protective barrier against the harsh winter weather. Exceptions to this rule include those with severely oily skin and some acne patients.

2. Keep your house warm, not hot. Set your thermostat a little lower and crack a window to let fresh, cool air into the house.

3. Set a pan of water in commonly used rooms. The water will evaporate from the pan before it evaporates from your skin.

4. Use a vaporizer in the bedroom while you sleep.

5. Shower only once a day using a mild soap. Pat dry and apply a gentle moisturizer immediately afterward. Your doctor can recommend skin-friendly soaps and moisturizers.

6. Apply extra moisturizer to your body, face and hands before bedtime to heal damage overnight.

7. Moisturize your hands after you wash them.

8.Try a richer moisturizer if your regular brand doesn?t work as well in the wintertime.

9.Use barrier gloves to protect your hands when you do chores, especially dishwashing. For an especially soothing treatment, apply moisturizer, put on white cotton gloves, and cover with yellow rubber gloves. Wear these layers around the house for a few hours or while you sleep.

10. Use lip balm to prevent chapping. Reapply after you eat and before you go outdoors.

11. See your physician if your skin is extremely irritated or infected.

See more body care tips here: allwomenstalk.com

on 10:26 PM

Orange face, white neck. Brown neck, pink face. We all know someone with no perception of how her make-up really looks on her own face. She?s sweet, really sweet. But she?s a joke in your circle of friends. Oh, no. It isn?t you, is it?

Well, even if you don?t wear ?clown makeup,? chances are you're making some mistakes with your makeup. Take stock to be sure that you don't fall into any of the makeup traps below.

Mismatched Foundation

Your foundation should not be a different color from the rest of your body. Really, it shouldn?t. This is an easy problem to fix. March yourself down to the make-up counter at your favorite department store and let the salesperson do her job. It?s her job, after all. Don?t be intimidated, you don?t need to buy the whole product line.

Blue Eye shadow

Blue eye shadow works for some people. Little girls in dance recitals. Guests at 1970s-themed parties. Ethereal looking supermodels. If you aren't one of the aforementioned people then don?t wear it. Enough said.

Dark Circles Under Eyes/Obvious Under Eye Concealer

This is a chicken or egg problem. You?re right, the circles aren?t great. But neither are orange crescents under your eyes. Play around with a few shades of concealer to see what really works best for you.

Different products work differently on different people. Just because one brand works for your friend, doesn?t mean it?ll be flattering on you. Make sure you?re getting enough sleep and talk to your doctor. Sometimes those circles are a sign of allergies or a vitamin deficiency.

Obvious Lip liner

This is a look. It?s just not a flattering one. Lip liner is intended to add dimension to thin or small lips, to lengthen the wear of your lip color and to prevent your lipstick from ?bleeding? onto your face. It is not intended to create a visible outline.

Inferior products in your dressing area

Most of us are not starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists at our disposal. But that doesn?t mean we don?t deserve to look like starlets with dressing rooms and make-up artists. Invest in good lighting around your vanity. Stock it with quality make-up brushes and limit your make-up collection to products you'll actually use. That way, your budget can be used to buy better cosmetics.

You?re worth it

Add a couple of extra minutes, a wee bit more effort and a little money into your daily makeup routine. It?s not vain to spend a few dollars on or a few minutes at your vanity. Put on your prettiest smile, bat your beautiful lashes and show the world that you like who you are.

Put your best face forward... you don't have to hide behind crow's feet and lip lines...

----------------------------------------------------------

Allison Saunders is a MAC qualified Make-up Artist and the author of an amazing new course, Hollywood Makeup Secrets a step-by-step simple video system for maximizing your inner and outer beauty potential. You can learn more about Allison, and subscribe to her free newsletter by visiting:

http://www.hollywoodmakeupsecrets.com/dt/s.php?id=9

(c)2005 HollywoodMakeupSecrets.com. All rights reserved. ----------------------------------------------------------

on 10:53 AM

Not everybody looks like Helen of Troy. If Mother Nature happened to be harsh on you concerning looks, you can score over her with some easy to practice makeup tips. It is guaranteed that these makeup tips will turn even a plain Jane into a woman of rare and exquisite beauty.

There are makeup tips for every beauty problem. With makeup, you can draw attention to your most beautiful feature or downplay a not particularly appealing one or even hide a scar or blemish.

Every makeup tip is unanimous on one point and that is a good skin foundation. It is essential for that ?oh-so-glamorous? porcelain smooth look. A foundation also gives protection to the delicate facial skin from harmful weather forces and pollution. In conjunction with a moisturizer, it prevents the skin from ageing.

The key to sparkling eyes, as every eye makeup tip will swear by, is light colored eye shadows like brown, mauve, vanilla or beige. You can play in the subtle undertones of the skin and opt for colors like gold, olive, pale purple and gray.

The adventurous at heart can try out bronze, tan or any other shinning translucent eye shadow powder or go in for a layered look by combining two colors. Experimentation is all right, but every make up tip profess one thing, ?don?t go overboard?.

Mascara is another aspect of eye makeup. In fact, there is nothing like a dash of mascara to dramatize the eyes. For a no makeup look, a brown shade or clear mascara is the best. For a wide-eyed innocent gaze, try curling your eyelashes. But curl before applying the mascara and do not curl your lower lashes for they are apt to fall off.

A makeup tip is not meant only for highlighting a facial feature. Makeup can be used as a cover for problematic zones too.

You can make your concealer or foundation stay all day by dusting it with some translucent powder and its good riddance to bad rubbish like pimples, scars and dark circles. For the real obstinate acne, just a dab of concealer, that is one shade lighter than the foundation, bordering on the green or yellow tone is ideal.

For a large nose, light colored shoulder-length voluminous hair is the ideal mask.

There also happens to be a makeup application tip that will help those unhappy with the spacing between their eyes. A medium neutral eye shadow on the inner eyelids with a thick eyeliner stroke bordering the entire length of the eyes will make the eyes appear closer.

For eyes that are too close for comfort, a good beauty makeup tip is to apply a darker tone in matte finish in upward and outward strokes on both the lids and end in a thick flourishing curve.

The essence of all makeup tips is to make you, and not the makeup, stand out in a crowd.

David Maillie is a chemist with over 12 years experience in biochemical research and clynical analysis. He is an alumni of Cornell University and specializes in biochemical synthesis for public, private, and governmental skin care interests. He can be reached at http://www.bestskinpeel.com.

on 10:42 AM

Are you beginning to notice wrinkles and crowsfeet? And there?s more appearing every day? When skin loses its elasticity, fine lines begin to appear. It is a battle but it can be won with the use of antiaging beauty supplies. Treat yourself well to look and feel wonderful.

Aging is a Given A very important building block in the body is collagen, a fibrous protein that makes up 75% of our skin. Its part of what helps in our body?s healing process. But when collagen hardens with age it collapses and binds with other fibres so that a mesh is formed below the surface. This gives us the wrinkles.

Solar Contact Causes Aging ?long UV rays cause sun-damage contributing to early aging and possible cancer ?can happen on cloudy or sunny days and in the shade ?short UVB rays can cause burns that often need attention

External Factors Faced Daily ?pollutants ?harsh soaps ?cleaning products made from chemicals ?smoking

Learn About Antiaging Beauty Products Treatments and beauty supplies are being marketed to remedy the signs of aging - from Alpha-Hydroxy serums to wrinkle relaxers.

What Skin Type are You? Normal skin? - how fortunate!. Generally the only thing required is cleaning twice a day with mild baby soap and water, mixed with rose water. Always apply a mild, oil-based moisturizer under makeup to help retain moisture. Once every two weeks, stimulate the circulation by using a nondrying mask.

Dry:

?has a low level of oil
?prone to sensitivity
?a parched look because of inability to retain moisture
?usually feels tight? after washing unless a lotion or cream is used a gentle cleansing and generous quantities of a moisturizing product should be applied
?do not use just soap and water as this will wash away natural oils that protect

Oily:

?has coarse pores and pimples
?shiny and thick
?prone to blackheads

Keep clean using alcohol-free cleansers or lotions. There is a product on the market containing natural black mud and many salts and minerals from the shoreline - all blended with earth. It has cleansing and softening properties that will help relieve psoriasis, eczema, acne and wrinkles.

Combination:

?has oily t-zone area which includes forehead, nose, and chin
?the cheeks are dry

It is important to find supplies that will help prevent breakouts and control oiliness in the problem areas while keeping the rest of the face well moisturized. Find products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) that will normalize using the concentrated pure glycolic acid which is found in fruit, milk and sugar cane. The application removes dead cells allowing the healthier ones to surface.

Sensitive:

?thin finely textured
?reacting immediately to both heat and cold
?sun and windburns
?commonly dry
?delicate
?prone to allergic reactions
?irritation from temperature changes, some detergents and cosmetics, leaving it red and blotchy

Use a Cleanser that is fortified with antioxidants. The combination of vitamins A, C, and E and green and white tea is a perfect addition to any antiaging beauty routine. Wash your face with a mild soap, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft towel.

Never use beauty supplies or perfume without first trying a little on the inside of your wrist to check the reaction.

Why pH is important

The human pH value is somewhere between 4.5 and 6. But as we age the skin becomes more neutral, weakens and has difficulty fighting off bacteria. The significance of choosing a good pH in beauty supplies becomes important especially if the pH goes beyond 6 when significant problems can occur.

Bottom Line - use Sunscreen

When going out into the sun, you need protection from both UVA and UVB rays. The regular sunblocker with an SPF of 15 or higher will deal with the UVB's but you need the added ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide or avobenzone for the UVA rays.

Tips and Treatments

Choose the right foundation product to set a path for serious antiaging skincare. Buy supplies with a fragrance to delight the senses and at the same time take charge of problem areas. Cover brown spots, scars and rashes with a beauty product. There are brand names that offer products to conceal blemishes and keep breakouts under cover.

When applying a foundation concealer, keep your hand light. Better to apply two light coats than one heavy layer. Do the sides of the nose and inside of the eyes that connects the jaw, the eyes and the hairline.

More Antiaging Beauty Tips

Don't keep lipstick more than a year. It should smell warm, not sweet or like alcohol. Throw away any lipsticks that don?t last more than an hour on the mouth. Replace liquid eye liners with soft pencil or pen liners.

Invest in quality natural-bristle soft makeup brushes shaped for their purpose and be sure to clean them with a quality cleaner.

Buy foundations, concealers and tinted moisturizers with 15 SPF or higher for sun protection. Purchase eye shadow with quality pigments because they will start to decay after six months. When the top layer begins to lose its colour scrape it off and use what's underneath.

Invest in supplies that do double duty, a cheek and eye blush/lipstick combo. This can be a finishing powder in the evening and a substitute for foundation during the day. A pale eye shadow can double as a brow highlighter.

Antiaging will happen but keeping a beautiful healthy appearance is up to you.

Visit us at http://www.skin-care-n-cosmetics.com and http://www.perfume-n-cologne-shop.com where there is more information on products for you to check out.

on 10:31 AM

You can successfully remove unwanted hair from your body from home. If you have thought about products that are overly expensive, laser treatments as well as unsightly treatments, then you may not need to. There are many at home remedies that actually can help you.

Tips For Shaving

For Men: One of the best places to shave is the shower. The goal is to soften the skin which will help the hair to stand up enough for you to get a close shave. You can also take full advantage of the many products available including gels and creams. To help, make sure that you use a good quality razor and that you keep it clean and dry between uses. This will help you to keep cuts to a minimum. Afterwards, rinse with cold water and if you like use an after shave.

For The Ladies: Just like the men, there are many things that you can do to improve the quality of your shave. For example, if you hold the razor at the right angle you will get a closer shave. Softening the skin with warm water, lotions or shaving gels can also help. If you would like to cut the costs, use conditioner instead of these creams. It can do the same job for much less of the cost. You can shave any area of the body, with most women shaving their legs and underarms about twice per week or more depending on the need.

Tweezing: Another Option

Using clean tweezers, you can easily pluck away stray hairs or shape the eyebrow. You should not use them on nose hairs, though as it can cause an infection. To do so, pull the hair in the same direction as it grows. You have no need for creams as these can block pores. In most cases, you can go about two weeks between tweezing sessions.

Depilatories: Another Option

Here, you?ll want to make sure that you take the time to follow the directions provided on the containers of depilatories. You need to insure you are not allergic and you need to insure that you pay close attention to the time frame. If you leave these products on too long or use them when you should not, you are likely to suffer from a rash or burn. You can use these about every other month to your desired results. You?ll want to try to use them after you have taken a shower or bath so that the hair is soft and easily removed.

These options for at home hair removal are options that you can easily do and benefit from. Take the time to learn a little bit more about them, purchase the products needed and get rid of unwanted hair.

As a beauty consultant Nicola is always evaluating new products. Visit her site at http://www.epilator.info for resources, views and information about home hair removal.

Copyright Epilator.info. All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.

on 1:16 AM

Women (and men. too) spend billions of dollars trying to make their complexions look great. Sometimes their efforts are self-defeating. Some of the following problems you have heard of before but I bet you haven't heard of all of this.

Sun damage

Harmful UV rays can cause scarring of the elastic tissues in your skin. These elastic tissues make skin soft and easy to move. A condition called solar keratosis develops from long term exposure to UV rays. This will cause the skin to lose its flexibility and will make a 30 year old woman look 59. Plus skin cancer can ruin your entire day. Use sunscreen.

Also, many women, after years of sun exposure develop a condition called, Fungal Solar Keratosis. The sun damage cracks the skin, allowing fungal parasites under the skin. These parasites will interfere with normal healing even if therapeutic skin creams are used. Special fungal skin creams are the only solution.

http://www.themoldlab.com
GrandPa@GrandPaGraham.com

Bad make up

Many manufacturers put chemicals in their products to make them last longer. It costs money to remove spoiled lipstick et al from the shelves of grocery stores and pharmacies. So they put things like phenol and formaldehyde in all their skin care products. Germs can't live with these poisons around. But these products are very caustic. They burn skin and can cause cancer.

Use only skin products without these poisons. Check the labels.

Dryness

If you live in a dry or salty environment, the dry air will suck moisture out of your skin. This causes the skin cells to shrivel up and makes puckering lines develop. Women in moist environments like Great Britain are noted for their youthful complexions.

Good chemical free moisturizers will help. Also moving to a lake will help.

Bad diet

Skin needs proper nutrition in order to replace dead skin cells with new softer, healthier cells. Of course, you entire body needs proper nutrition. But the skin shows the signs of improper diet long before the liver does. When did you ever see an unhealthy, ugly liver anyway? You've seen a lot of ugly skin.

Look up the food pyramid put out by the US government. Stick with this and you will generally be ok.

Air toxins

Household cleansers contain some of the deadliest materials known to humankind. Yet we cover our bodies with them when we clean our homes and offices. Many contain bleach which will destroy our skin and make us look like mummies. It's also bad for the lungs and kills sperm development in small boys.

Also chemicals in the air from household mold will cause the skin cells to toughen up and get scaly. The molds live in the walls and under sinks and send these chemicals into the air of your home.

http://www,tennesseemold.com

Illness

Of course, being sick makes you look terrible.

You don't need a dermatologist for most of these probems. Just common sense and a little time checking ingredient lists.

For 30 years, Dr Graham has been helping people treat and prevent disease by showing them how to live in a clean environment.

http://tennesseemold.com/ebooks.shtml
DrGraham@themoldlab.com
http://www.GrandPaGraham.com for free newsletter

on 6:34 PM

Hair extensions - a few hours in the salon and you have long hair that looks like a dream. But is there a downside? Professionally made hair extensions can completely transform your appearance without affecting the health of your hair, but if they are done wrongly extensions can seriously damage your hair. You should know what to expect before going to the salon.

Would hair extensions cost a fortune?

Yes, extensions done by a professional hair extension artist and made from high quality hair would cost you several hundred dollars. The price really depends on the quality of the hair used - Asian hair is cheaper, while European hair costs 2-3 times more. If you want good looking hair - especially blond hair - you will have to pay for European material.

Online you might find hair extension ?starter kits? with complete instructions, which aren?t difficult to apply. So if you feel adventurous, you can buy a do-it-yourself kit and save significantly. If done correctly, this type of hair extension looks as good as any salon made one. If you decide to follow this route, though, make sure that you order high quality hair.

What types of hair extension are available?

The two major types of hair extension are individual strands and wefts.

Individual strands, as the name implies, are attached one piece at a time to your own hair, usually using glue, or with waxes and polymers. The problem here is that most of the attachment methods require coating your natural hair with rather unfriendly chemicals. Attaching these extensions isn?t a problem, but removing this type of extension can seriously damage your hair.

Wefts, on the other hand, are braided into your hair, so no chemicals are needed. A weft looks like a curtain of hair held together at the top and hanging freely toward the bottom. It is braided into your hair around the midline of your head - about ear level. It is safer for your hair but, on the downside, as you own hair grows wefts have to be rebraided - about once every two months.

What materials are used for hair extensions?

First, hair for extensions can be either synthetic or real human hair. Synthetic extensions are cheaper, of course, but you get what you pay for - they look like artificial strands attached to your hair. They?re not very pleasant to the touch, either.

Human hair used for extensions gives better results. Human extension hair differs by origin. The most common are hair from India and Asian countries. They are great, if you are an Asian woman yourself. Unfortunately this type of hair has a noticeably different texture from a Caucasian?s natural hair, so on Caucasian women they just don?t look right.

European hair is of better quality, usually originating from Spain and Italy, is of better quality but costs more. The only problem is that its natural color is usually coal black. To make a blond extensions out of them, Italian or Spanish hair needs to be heavily bleached.

There are also so-called ?raw? or ?virgin? hair. This is European hair coming from Central and Eastern European countries, like Russia and Poland. The advantage of this hair that it is naturally light and of a very high quality. However, this type of hair is difficult to find and costs an arm and a leg.

Tanya Turner is wig and hair extensions expert and a founder of http://www.WigsGuide.info, where you can find unbiased information about all types of wigs and hair extensions with pictures of most popular wig styles

on 6:13 PM

I miss summer! I think I suffer from season depression disorder (and it?s only November). You know what would make me feel better? A healthy glow! No, I don?t want to be one of those tanning booth tanorexics. Those days went out for me in college when, after a steady month of tanning booth visits, a really cute football player told me I was starting to look like an oompa loompa.

I decided to try the new wave, the professional spray tan! I just didn?t want a Ross from Friends situation (he forgets to turn around and ends up looking like an oompa loompa too.) I did end up having such a positive experience I want to share with you some tips to ensure you end up with a beautiful healthy glow.

First step, find a reputable shop. Word of mouth is always a good idea, if you know of no one who has done the spray tan check out www.mystictan.com for a location near you. Mystic Tan is very reputable, I would consider them the leader in spray tan technology.

After you have found your salon book an appointment. If you are tanning for a specific event then I suggest a trial run maybe two weeks before the event. If you are pleased with the results then book another appointment about 3 or 4 days before the actual event. This will allow the color to settle in.

On the day of your appointment shower and exfoliate. Use a loofah and shower gel OR try a body scrub. This will ensure an even application.

At the salon you will probably be given an instructional video to watch but just in case, check out the online video at Mystictan.com. The video explains the whole procedure and what you need to do. Some important steps the video will review: hold your breath when the spray is going off (for about 14 seconds and it?s very challenging), when spray stops turn around and more importantly where to apply the lotion to block the spray (feet and hands). The reason you block the spray from these areas is that due to the excess wrinkles and creases the spray will settle around those areas and cause tell-tale white veiny looking areas in the creases. You will be screaming Spray Tan. In fact, next time I go I will be more thorough with the cream, I had some of those white creases.

When you leave the spray booth you will be given towels to wipe down and remove any excess spray. Make sure you wipe not blot. This is also important so that you do not ruin your clothes, though I would not wear anything too nice anyway. You won?t see any color at first, it takes a couple of hours to emerge. The color lasts 4-7 days and to stretch it as far as it can go moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.

I can?t tell you the boost it gives me to have a bit of a tan in the cold days of fall and winter without the worry of cancer. Don?t get me wrong? this is not a weekly pick me up. This is a special treat I will do when I?m really down in the dumps or if I have a special event. The treatment is pricey $30 - $40 a visit. Many places offer package deals but still they are not cheap. I purchased a package of 3 for $75 and plan to stretch it out over a long New England winter.

About The Author

Valerie is mother of 2 and co-founder of http://www.million-dollar-mama.com a website devoted to helping mothers rediscover their favorite hobbies like travel, fitness and girls night out.

val@million-dollar-mama.com

on 4:52 PM

Earlier people felt that plastic surgery was such an operation, which was for the higher sections of the society. But nowadays the total expenditure of the surgery is very reasonable and all sections of society opt for it. Today plastic surgery is not a big deal; all that is required is a qualified surgeon.

Sometimes plastic surgery is a necessity for reasons such as unusual birthmarks, accidents or burn marks etc. Today because reconstructive surgery can be performed for these cases, a lot of people can look good.

Cosmetic surgery has become immensely popular today, as most of the people are turning beauty conscious. Most of them want to enhance their looks and so they properly mould their nose, lips etc. But, before planning for such surgeries one must carefully listen to the tips of the surgeon. The plastic surgeries do not always end up successfully as there have been cases of swellings, non-symmetry and even death.

You need to carefully choose a surgeon for the operation. If you want to lodge a complaint about any surgeon you can meet the board of Medical Examiners. You can review the ratings of each surgeon if you surf for the information on the Internet. As experience is an important factor, you must find out whether the surgeon is capable from the previous patients.

Cosmetic surgery is really an appealing concept but a careful consideration should be made before planning for it.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1599.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

on 12:54 AM

Make your hair shine and your skin glow with these all-natural Skin and Hair Nourishing masks & recipes, that you can whip up with just a few simple, easy-to-find ingredients.

Egg yolks are widely acknowledged as one of nature's best moisturizers. Here are a couple ultra-rich masks to deep condition hair and skin.

1.Egg Yolk & Honey Facial Mask

(Best for dry skin types)

Mix Together in equal proportion

?Honey

?Egg yolk

?Almond oil

?Yogurt.

Honey stimulates and smoothes, egg and almond oil penetrate and moisturize, and yogurt refines and tightens pores.

2.Egg Yolk, Avocado & Mud Facial Mask

(Best for oily skin types)

Clay or fuller's earth mud is available in powder form at any Health food store or Nutrition outlets.

Mix Together in equal proportion

?Dry clay

?Egg yolk

?Mashed Avocado, with

?Witch hazel

Mud dries excess sebum while the egg yolk and avocado

replenish lost moisture. Witch hazel acts as a toner.

3.Fruitamins Hair Mask

In a blender mix

?1/2 Banana,

?1/4 Avocado,

?1/4 Cantaloupe,

?1 tablespoon Wheat germ oil

?1 tablespoon Yogurt.

For extra conditioning, squeeze in the contents of a vitamin E capsule. Leave in hair for 15 - 20 minutes.

4.Fruitamins Face Mask

In a blender mix

?Strawberries

?Pineapple

?Banana

Apply to the face and leave it for 15 - 20 minutes, Wash off to find a glowing face.

Well, this is one of the best solutions for females going on a date ? Believe it!!

N.SRIVATHSHAN MBA(PHARMA MARKETING),BA SALES,PRODUCT, ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT,PHARMACY,NUTRITION&DIETETICS. PRODUCT MANAGER NANDAN BIOMATRIX srivathshan@yahoo.com http://www.geocities.com/srivathshan

on 12:18 AM

Beautiful makeup tips are useful to know what you should do to make the makeup work to its fullest capacity, for, makeup done unprofessionally and without any thought would not be able to give you the desired results. Before applying the makeup that you hope would create a magical aura around you, consider these following tips for beautiful makeup:

Beautiful Makeup Tip 1

It is better to use toner on your face first. Use of a good moisturizer is also a good option, as this helps in proper and better blending of foundation. This is where most of people do not put proper care and end up in a mess of things, as the foundation does not give desired results!

Beautiful Makeup Tip 2

Use your fingers for working the foundation on one area of your face. It is better if you are moving your fingers in circular motion, and after you have finished this finger-walk, you can use sponge for the final working of the foundation.

Beautiful Makeup Tip 3

It is advisable to use a translucent loose powder to set the makeup with the help of a soft brush. When you are using the brush, dust the makeup in downward motion.

Beautiful Makeup Tip 4

If you are using blusher for your makeup, care needs to be taken in its application, for, it is better to apply in circular motion with fingers along the bottom of cheekbones. Mind you, application of blusher over the line that would pass from the center of your eyes is always prohibited!

Beautiful Makeup Tip 5

If you want to provide more natural look, you can fend the brush after you have loaded it with the blusher to remove the extra blusher.

Beautiful Makeup Tip 6

It is better to opt for a colorless eye shadow as a base. Darker colors need to be applied on outer side of eye shapes, and if you have already used more than required, you can use translucent or colorless coating over the already made.

Beautiful Makeup Tip 7

Sometimes, people get carried away with the colors of their clothes and try to match the color of makeup with it. Mind you, this may not look beautiful, so, it is better to opt for colors that actually suit your complexion. Using mild colors can lend a rare beauty to your face.

Beautiful Makeup Tip 8

If you are using eyeliner to make your eyes attractive and talking, it should be applied close to base of eyelashes, so that it can make them look thicker.

If you follow these tips for your makeup, the possibility of finest outcome for your face is more and you will enjoy the place for which you have intended the makeup!

Tony Smith

For more Makeup Tips vist http://www.makeup-guide-plus.info

on 12:11 AM

Tea tree, MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA, native to Australia, is a tree or shrub with needle like leaves similar in appearance to cypress with heads of sessile pale flowers. The popular tea tree oil is derived from this tree. The aborigines of Australia have been known to have used the tea tree oil to treat a range of ailments from colds, sores to acne and even whooping cough.

Extensively used in aromatherapy, the leaves when crushed release essential oils of varying amounts and constituents. The oil is so potent that it can be diluted up to many times its volume and it still manages to retain its effectiveness all the same. Although the benefits of tea tree oil are numerous, for beauty treatments, it?s been found effective in skin and hair care. The following sections describe the uses of Tea Tree Oil for skin care and hair care.

Tea tree oil for skin care

Tea tree oil has been used effectively to treat acne, abscess, athlete's foot, blisters, burns, cold sores, insect bites, oily skin, rashes, spots, warts and wounds. You can use tea tree oil to cure sunburns, diaper rash, toenail infections and problems of smelly feet.

Tea tree oil for hair care

Add a few drops of Tea tree oil to your regular shampoo to treat hair problems like persistent dandruff, itchy-scalp and even prevent head-lice. Massage it in, leave it on for 5-7 minutes and rinse off. Adding a few drops in pet shampoo/bath helps keep tics and rashes at bay.

Other benefits of tea tree oil Fed-up with allopathic medicines? Packets of antibiotics that have gone down your throat seem to be of no use? The only things you find they have lightened are your pockets? Well, don't panic, help is at hand, Tea Tree oil can be used to treat a variety of medical problems. A great remedy to soothe your sinuses; dab a drop of tea tree oil around your nose can help clear up blocked sinuses.

Add a few drops in a steam bath or vaporizer and inhale, a great relief for persistent colds and cough. Regular use of tea tree oil has been found to be effective in treating Asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, cough, sinusitis and even tuberculosis.

Tea tree oil is a great general disinfectant and can be effectively used to treat genito-urinary tract infections such as thrush, vaginitis, cystitis and pruitis. Tea tree oil has properties that act as a immune booster. It helps equip the body to fight off a host of infections. Using tea tree oil is particularly effective if the body is already in a weakened condition due to illness, stress or prolonged treatment-involving antibiotics that lead to a reduction of the body's natural resistance.

Using tea tree oil prior to a surgical operation or for those suffering from long-drawn debilitating illness has been found to be beneficial. The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties have seen tea tree oil being used extensively in soaps, toothpastes, deodorants, disinfectants, gargles, germicides, aftershaves and colognes. Tea tree oil is safe to use, as it is non-toxic and non-irritant.

Although tea tree oil has no known side effects, some individuals may be sensitive to it. This calls for consideration of the strength of tea tree oil and should never be used undiluted on the body and particularly on sensitive areas.

Kevin Pederson has been managing a number of natural home remedies websites which have information on home based natural cures and references to some of the very useful oils like tea tree oils which are very good for your skin and hair .

on 12:26 AM

Credentials: Selected surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Any doctor (even one from a nonsurgical specialty) can legally perform surgery.

On the other hand, certification by the ABPS ensures at least five years of surgical training, including two years of training specifically in plastic surgery.

Patients undergoing a cosmetic procedure should select a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) to help ensure that their surgeon has extensive cosmetic surgical experience and has met ASAPS requirements for continuing cosmetic surgery education.

Hospital privileges: Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed outside the hospital in an office-based surgical facility. Wherever the surgery is to be performed, selected surgeons should have hospital privileges to perform the specific procedure in an acute care hospital.

Facilities: Published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings.

Ambulatory or office-based facilities should be accredited by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency, or be state licensed or Medicare certified.

Health: Candidates for cosmetic surgery should be in generally good physical health and must be candid with their physician about any drugs they are taking.

The medical history should include hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement) and even aspirin, vitamins, and herbal medications since these substances can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications used during surgery and could increase surgical risk. Patient education: Before surgery, patients should be educated about all aspects of the planned surgery, including whether to discontinue certain medications and stop smoking. Postoperative care should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon, as surgery is not truly over until the patient is ambulatory and has returned to a relatively normal routine. Risks: Most cosmetic surgery is extremely safe in the hands of surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. However, even with the highest level of care, every surgery carries risks as well as benefits, and these should be discussed thoroughly before surgery is undertaken.

For example, multiple procedures performed at the same time may increase the risks of surgery. There are risks associated with anesthesia, analgesics and antibiotics. Smokers are at greater risk of complications including delayed wound healing, skin loss, scarring, and poor surgical outcome.

Other risks include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) [formulation of blood clots in the veins and pulmonary embolism (PE) [a blood clot that goes to the lungs preventing the lungs from exchanging air.

Factors such as general anesthesia and prolonged operating time appear to increase the risk of DVT. Both DVT and PE are unpredictable and can occur outside the surgical setting, as the result of certain medical conditions or from immobilization; for example, individuals have developed DVT following long airplane trips.

Postoperative monitoring and home care: In the immediate postoperative period, any patient undergoing cosmetic surgery should be monitored by qualified medical personnel and discharged from the surgical facility only after evaluation by the surgeon.

Usually, cosmetic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure; occasionally, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. Patients should arrange to have someone available for assistance for the first day or two following surgery.

For more more information about selecting your botox doctor please visit http://www.botox-cosmetic-doctor.com

on 5:03 PM

Hiring a trainer is no longer just for the rich and famous. I believe that hiring a good trainer is one of the smartest investments that a person could ever make. In fact, I believe people should have ?their trainer?, just as they do their attorney, accountant, etc. It's not about having a workout buddy. It's about having a professional help you reach your fitness goals much faster than you likely would on your own. It's like hiring a good CPA, or a good attorney. That's not an exaggeration. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

-What were my goals when I started exercising?

-Have I reached those goals?

-Can I reach these goals on my own?

-If I can reach these on my own, why haven?t I already done so?

-Could a qualified trainer help me reach these goals?

-Could a qualified trainer help me reach these goals faster?

-Could a qualified trainer help me reach these goals in a safer manner? -How much are reaching these goals worth to me?

-How much is the time saved by working with a trainer worth to me?

-How much is it worth to my health in the long run to start an effective exercise program as soon as possible?

I think many people, if they answer these questions in a truthful manner, would be hard-pressed not to admit that hiring a qualified trainer is a wise investment. If money is a concern, simply find a trainer who is willing to work with you less frequently. Although traditional personal trainers work two to three times per week with their clients, approximately 50% of my clients when I operated in Bowling Green, Ohio worked with me once per month to redesign their program and keep them progressing. With that being said, let's move on.

How to pick a personal fitness trainer

I'll be the first to say that I'm not satisfied with the state of my profession. In an email to a fellow fitness professional today, I stated, The fitness industry would be better off if we get rid of at least 50% of the trainers working today. I'd go further to say that only 10-20% of trainers are truly professional.

Of course, the debate is 'who is qualified to be a trainer?' Does academic education make a great trainer? If it is, then I'm golden. I have a Masters Degree and I'd guess that only 3-5% of trainers have a masters degree or higher. However, there are many excellent trainers who have no college education within exercise science. These trainers have learned in the trenches.

Academic education isn't the only factor. In fact, some of the most advanced exercise researchers I know of would starve very quickly if they tried to make a career as a trainer. They're great at their important role as researchers but they wouldn't be good as trainers. Likewise, many great trainers couldn't cut it as researchers.

Does the person have to be an exceptional physical specimen? This, again, is controversial. Unfortunately, the academically-based trainers and the hard bodies traditionally make up two different camps that are almost adversarial towards each other.

Would I pass the hard body test? Well, I guess it depends who you ask. It's unlikely that you'll ever see me on the cover of some fitness magazine, but you may see me writing an article for it. I look fit, but I don't look like I spend all day in the gym.

We need to realistically assume that the exceptional physical specimens have probably been very dedicated to an intense exercise program and very strict diet, have better than average genetics, and may have used anabolic steroids and other anabolic agents/ supplements to give them the ultra-muscular and ultra-lean look.

The reality is that while your trainer should look fit, there is no valid reason to pick a trainer based solely on their physique?unless of course they have specialized knowledge in elite level bodybuilding/ fitness competition and that is your goal.

What certification should a trainer have? This is a hot topic in the fitness industry. There are hundreds of certifications. ..The majority of which are woefully inadequate. A know one trainer actually earned one certification in about fifteen minutes online?and had the certification filled out with his cat's name on it to prove a point of the inadequacy of many certifications! I'm not kidding.

Currently, the big three certifications which are considered reputable are the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Each of these has their pros and cons.

I'm also leaving out a handful of other certifications that I would consider decent. And a trainer having one of the big three (ACE, ACSM, NSCA-CSCS or NSCA-CPT), isn?t necessarily great trainer...it simply means that they passed a minimal competency level.

Here are my suggested criteria for hiring a trainer: -Do you have a good sense of rapport with them? You need to pick a trainer that you respect as a professional, but liking them as a person is what keeps a strong client/trainer relationship going for the long term.

-Do they have a reputable personal training certification?

-Do they have a track record (client testimonials, before and after pictures, current clients who are seeing results, media exposure)?

-Do they have a solid-base of clients? The best trainers, while they may be accepting new clients, are busy. They're not sitting around and waiting for new clients.

-Do they have professional rates? You usually get what you pay for. I can guarantee that anyone charging less than $40/ hr. is lacking in some way. An average trainer typically runs about $50 (depending on the local economy). My current rate is $75/hr.

If you want a true professional, you're going to pay professional rates. I'd encourage everyone who can afford it to work with the best trainer in their area. It's worth it in the end. Like I said before, if money is a limiting factor, see if the trainer will allow for less frequent meetings.

-Do they have professional policies? I'm not a workout buddy, I'm a professional. Most good trainers will see themselves the same way. With good trainers, if you miss a session, you can expect to pay. If the trainer doesn't haves solid policies in place, I'd encourage you to find one who runs their business as a professional and delivers professional results.

Following these guidelines, you are likely to find a trainer who is both well-versed in safe and effective fitness programs and one that you develop a great rapport with and respect for.

Doug Jackson, M.Ed., CSCS is the owner of Personal Fitness Advantage, a high-end personal fitness training business in Weston, Florida. Doug also publishes and is Editor-in-Chief of Fitness Empowerment, an industry leading electronic newsletter that accepts free subscriptions at http://www.personalfitnessadvantage.com. His forthcoming work, Family Fit Plan (http://www.familyfitplan.com) is geared towards helping families spend quality time together and get in great shape at the same time. For media stories, personalized consulting, or to attend one of Doug's educational programs, visit his website at http://www.personalfitnessadvantage.com.

on 1:13 PM

Credentials: Selected surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Any doctor (even one from a nonsurgical specialty) can legally perform surgery.

On the other hand, certification by the ABPS ensures at least five years of surgical training, including two years of training specifically in plastic surgery.

Patients undergoing a cosmetic procedure should select a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) to help ensure that their surgeon has extensive cosmetic surgical experience and has met ASAPS requirements for continuing cosmetic surgery education.

Hospital privileges: Cosmetic plastic surgery is often performed outside the hospital in an office-based surgical facility. Wherever the surgery is to be performed, selected surgeons should have hospital privileges to perform the specific procedure in an acute care hospital.

Facilities: Published data show that accredited office-based facilities have a safety record comparable to that of hospital ambulatory surgery settings.

Ambulatory or office-based facilities should be accredited by a nationally or state-recognized accrediting agency, or be state licensed or Medicare certified.

Health: Candidates for cosmetic surgery should be in generally good physical health and must be candid with their physician about any drugs they are taking.

The medical history should include hormones (oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement) and even aspirin, vitamins, and herbal medications since these substances can interfere with blood clotting or interact with medications used during surgery and could increase surgical risk. Patient education: Before surgery, patients should be educated about all aspects of the planned surgery, including whether to discontinue certain medications and stop smoking. Postoperative care should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon, as surgery is not truly over until the patient is ambulatory and has returned to a relatively normal routine. Risks: Most cosmetic surgery is extremely safe in the hands of surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. However, even with the highest level of care, every surgery carries risks as well as benefits, and these should be discussed thoroughly before surgery is undertaken.

For example, multiple procedures performed at the same time may increase the risks of surgery. There are risks associated with anesthesia, analgesics and antibiotics. Smokers are at greater risk of complications including delayed wound healing, skin loss, scarring, and poor surgical outcome.

Other risks include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) [formulation of blood clots in the veins and pulmonary embolism (PE) [a blood clot that goes to the lungs preventing the lungs from exchanging air.

Factors such as general anesthesia and prolonged operating time appear to increase the risk of DVT. Both DVT and PE are unpredictable and can occur outside the surgical setting, as the result of certain medical conditions or from immobilization; for example, individuals have developed DVT following long airplane trips.

Postoperative monitoring and home care: In the immediate postoperative period, any patient undergoing cosmetic surgery should be monitored by qualified medical personnel and discharged from the surgical facility only after evaluation by the surgeon.

Usually, cosmetic surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure; occasionally, the surgeon may recommend an overnight stay. Patients should arrange to have someone available for assistance for the first day or two following surgery.

For more more information about selecting your botox doctor please visit http://www.botox-cosmetic-doctor.com

on 12:03 AM

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is a very popular subject these days. Make a search on the internet for cosmetic or plastic surgery and you will get millions of results - web sites of plastic surgeons of different nationalities, various procedures available, advice for cheap plastic surgery, before and after photos, celebrity patients, clinics and surgery travel packages for various countries, news from around the world, and more.

There is an increasing number of individuals from all walks of life who undergo cosmetic surgery each year. How should someone considering plastic surgery select a plastic surgeon and make an informed decision? Patients considering cosmetic surgery should know that choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision they will make. Today, many doctors perform cosmetic plastic surgery but not all of them have trained as plastic surgeons. Once doctors get their medical degrees, they may practice any specialty, even if they have not completed advanced training in that field. And so, a doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery is not necessarily trained as a plastic surgeon. He may have merely observed the procedure or taken a short course or workshop. To ensure the best results for the surgery you are considering, choose an authentic plastic surgeon with the specialized training and experience that is necessary for the success of your surgery.

As you visit the websites of plastic surgeons, they should provide you with basic information about plastic surgery and the various procedures available. You should be able to find information about the surgeon's formal training and experience. From the website, you should also be able to get an idea about the surgeon's basic approach and philosophy on cosmetic surgery and patient care.

Training

Select a surgeon who has completed at least five to six years of formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery in accredited training hospitals. This includes three to five years of general surgery residency and two to three years of plastic surgery residency. In the Philippines, these doctors are either board-eligible or board-certified by the Philippine Board of Plastic Surgery. Doctors who have completed residency training in plastic and reconstructive surgery are the only doctors who can rightfully claim to be plastic surgeons. Many doctors who perform cosmetic surgery procedures are board-certified in specialties other than plastic surgery or may even lack such credentials.

Experience

Good credentials provide a reasonable indication of a doctor's qualification to perform cosmetic surgery, and should serve as the basic starting point. Patients should then ask the surgeon about his experience. How long has he been in practice and how many times has he done the procedure you are considering? The broader your surgeon's experience, the greater your chances for a successful surgery.

Hospital Privileges

Another factor to consider is whether the surgeon has hospital privileges. Before a hospital grants privileges to physicians, they usually require certain standards of training and competence to be met. Although many cosmetic surgery procedures may be safely done in outpatient clinics, others should only be done in a hospital setting. It is best to choose a surgeon who has hospital privileges.

Consultation

Find a plastic surgeon whom you feel comfortable with. You should be able to communicate easily with him, ask him all your questions and discuss your needs and expectations. Make sure you have all the facts you need in order to make an informed judgement.

A good plastic surgeon should be able to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. He should be able to educate you about your options and give you advice about the best technique for your needs. If there are less invasive or non-surgical procedures that could fulfill your needs, the surgeon should be able to tell you about them.

Realize that pre- and post-operative photos of the surgeon?s patients can be useful in helping you understand the surgery but are no guarantee that your results will be similar. Every individual is different.

Beware of any doctor who tells you there are no possible risks involved in surgery. There are always risks, and these should be discussed frankly.

Never allow a doctor to talk you into any procedure you don?t want. A reputable plastic surgeon will let the patient suggest what he or she wants done and then advise them on what is or is not possible.

Be skeptical of any doctor who seems to avoid talking about his or her training and professional qualifications.

Price

Although price is definitely a factor when considering elective surgery, don?t bargain shop for plastic surgery. Any surgery is still surgery and has some uncertainty and risk involved. When price is the primary factor for choosing a plastic surgeon, risks increase. The success of your surgery is largely dependent on your choice of surgeon and professional qualifications and experience should be your main consideration in selecting your plastic surgeon. Even when you go to popular clinics where a number of surgeons practice as a group, take a look at the qualifications of the particular surgeon who will be handling your case.

Good plastic surgeons may charge relatively affordable fees, especially if they practice in Asian countries like the Philippines, where cost of living expenses are low and if they can keep overhead costs low by having modest outpatient surgery clinics. But think twice if the surgeon you're considering charges much lower than other plastic surgeons in the same country. Especially if the procedure to be done is in the face, like a rhinoplasty (nose surgery), blepharoplasty (eye surgery) or rhytidectomy (face lift), you could end up having to stare at your cheap doctor's mistakes in the mirror every day. No wonder there are also so many searches made for awful plastic surgery.

Dr. Carlos Lasa Jr. is a Filipino plastic & reconstructive surgeon who trained at the University of the Philippines, Institute of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Georgia, USA, & Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Ohio,USA. He is currently based in Metro Manila, Philippines. He specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, rhinoplasty (noselift), breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), rhytidectomy (facelift), and more. For more information about having affordable cosmetic plastic surgery in the Philippines, visit his site at http://www.cosmeticsurgeryphil.com or email clasamd@cosmeticsurgeryphil.com

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