According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), men accounted for about 10 percent of all cosmetic plastic surgeries performed in the US.  But while women still make up for the vast majority of patients, experts believe that males may catch up sooner with the growing number of middle-aged workers.

Over the past couple of years, nose job has been the most popular cosmetic procedures for men.  The procedure typically involves manipulating and reshaping the cartilage, which is the flexible tissue inside the nose, to reduce or increase the projection, correct nostril flare, and address other aesthetic problems.

Aside from nose jobs, Smaili says he sees a growing number of male patients seeking liposuction, a procedure to remove the excess fats underneath the skin.  This is not surprising since the surgery was the third most popular cosmetic procedure for men in 2010, according to ASPS data.

“Contrary to popular belief, most men, especially those working in the corporate industry, are conscious with the way they look.  This doesn’t surprise me as several studies have shown that male bosses who are pleasing to the eyes—not necessarily those drop-dead-gorgeous superiors—appear to be more credible and trustworthy,” Smaili says.

And with the growing number of baby boomers and middle-aged men, some experts suggest that facial rejuvenation procedures such as facelift, Botox injection, and eyelid lift will continue their popularity.

In fact, a survey released by ASPS showed that eyelid lift was the third most popular cosmetic plastic surgery in 2010.

Employment is often the primary reason of men seeking cosmetic procedures, particularly that more workers these days postpone their retirement, in addition to the fact that older people are living longer and healthier.

But when treating older patients, Smaili says that most of them simply want to regain their youthful appearance, even those who are asking for nose jobs.

“Older men have a well-imprinted body image.  They do not want to drastically change their appearance, for instance, those who are asking for nose jobs just want to correct their drooping nasal tip to make it youthful.  On the other hand, younger patients are more focused on changing the fundamental shape of their nose,” he says.

While many studies have already proven the countless benefits of acupuncture, I am quite doubtful with its effectiveness in terms of removing the wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.  First and foremost, these signs of aging are caused by many factors including sun damage, tissue laxity, and pull of gravity.

But despite some critics, one doctor who offers facial acupuncture still insists that by creating a “little scar formation, it would be possible to lift the sagging skin and address other signs of facial aging.”

Some also claim that the acupuncture needles can encourage the body to produce natural collagen, which is a type of protein responsible for making the skin youthful and plump.

The cost of acupuncture for the removal of facial aging is almost the same, if not more expensive, than most traditional non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments such as laser, soft tissue fillers, and Botox injection.  Also, patients should consider that it requires monthly maintenance that costs around $150.

Meanwhile, the average cost for the first few sessions of facial acupuncture is $1,000.

Whether facial acupuncture really works—or it is just another media hype—patients should remember that facelift surgery is often the most ideal solution to the signs of aging because it provides a longer lasting effect.  By contrast, non-surgical treatments (e.g., laser skin resurfacing, Botox, and soft tissue fillers) must be repeated every six months to two years in order to maintain the youthful appearance.

But regardless if facelift surgery or non-surgical treatment is used, all facial rejuvenation treatments do not stop the aging process.

Traditional facelift surgery can remove 10 to 15 years off from face, with its result lasting a decade or so.  After this period, a patient may need some kind of revisions such as “isolated” facelift including brow lift, eyelid lift, etc.

The 56-year-old actor, who was known for his role in the critically acclaimed movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, admitted to have an eyelid surgery in a television interview.  He said that his first cosmetic surgery was conducted in 1989 while shooting an action-comedy film.

“As I grew older, my eyelids began to droop,” he was quoted saying.

Eyelid surgery has always been one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries for men in the US.  According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), about 31,000 male patients had the procedure in 2010 alone.

Meanwhile, Chow said that he had eyelid surgery performed more than once, which is somewhat unusual since the result of the initial surgery typically lasts a lifetime.  In fact, if the sagging recurs, most plastic surgeons would rather recommend a brow lift instead of another eyelid lift.

Dr. Tarick Smaili, one of the leading Los Angeles plastic surgeons, said that eyelid lift typically involves the removal of the sagging, loose skin and tightening the underlying tissue to rejuvenate the eyes.

“Once you remove the drooping skin, it is very unlikely for the problem to recur.  But then again, there is always some exception to the rule”, he said.

While “touch-ups” are possible after an eyelid surgery, Smaili said that repeating the procedure must be carefully done to prevent unnatural result commonly manifested by “fish eyes.”

Meanwhile, Smaili suggests the action star may be getting some Botox injection as an eyelid lift, while it can remove the drooping skin, “is not designed to smooth out the wrinkles, particularly the crow’s feet.”

“It is not uncommon for eyelid lift patients to ask for Botox injection and/or soft tissue fillers to remove the crow’s feet and hollowness especially in the lower eyelids”, Smaili added.

“But during surgical touch-ups, plastic surgeons should make sure that there is enough amount of skin left to allow their patients to close their eyes naturally.  You wouldn’t want to appear like Dinora Rodriguez who is a victim of botched surgery performed by an unlicensed practitioner.”

Rodriquez is the face of a new campaign by ASPS after her traumatic experience with an underground plastic surgery.  According to earlier reports, her surgeon performed eyelid lift even if she was only asking for breast augmentation.  She is now unable to completely close her eyes because too much skin was removed from her upper eyelids.

Perhaps secretary of state Hillary Clinton is the most perfect example of a politician who seems to have had several plastic surgery procedures.  The rumors are hard to ignore as she looks almost 15 years younger today than when she was still the first lady.

Cosmetic surgery expert Dr. Tarick Smaili, who did not treat Clinton, said that she might have undergone eyelid surgery, neck lift, and face lift possibly complemented with Botox injection.  And with her glowing skin, the surgeon added that she had probably resorted to laser skin resurfacing, chemical peel, or dermabrasion.

If you would look Clinton’s previous photos and television appearance, you might notice that she had wrinkles and prominent crow’s feet in the corners of the eyes, and deep creases across her forehead—problems which can be easily treated with soft tissue fillers and Botox injection.

But nowadays, the secretary of state looks more youthful and rejuvenated.  Gone are the sagging skin in her neck and the undefined jaw line, probably due to face and neck lift.

While facial rejuvenation surgeries are enough to erase up to 15 years off your face, skin resurfacing treatments such as laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion can further make the countenance more youthful by removing or at least minimizing the appearance of sunspots, fine wrinkles, and skin discoloration.  These treatments are also known to correct the leathery, dry skin caused by too much sun exposure and natural aging.

Although good makeup can also do wonders on one’s face, it would be difficult—if not impossible—to achieve the dramatic improvements in Clinton’s appearance.

While some people may think that cosmetic plastic surgery for politicians is superfluous because they are not expected to look just like a celebrity, some may need this “medical enhancement” particularly if their countenance looks haggard or even angry (even if they are not) because of the sagging skin around their eyes and jaw line.

As superficial as it may sound, several studies have proven that our brains judge a person’s traits based on his face—and an angry or tired look caused by sagging skin may not be good to a politician who must appear likeable, competent, and approachable to voters.

Nowadays, botox injection and facelift surgery are the most commonly performed facial rejuvenation procedures in the US.  But to fully enjoy the benefits of these treatments, certain factors must be considered, including the goals and expectations of patients.

For patients aged 60 years and older, traditional facelift surgery is often the best treatment to remove the deep facial lines, excessive sagging, hollowness especially in the cheek area, and widespread wrinkles.  But more often than not, this procedure involves extensive and deeper incisions which can lead to prolonged recovery and more risk of complications such as nerve damage, scarring, and excessive bleeding.

Because of the risks associated with facelift surgery, a patient should only consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in this field.

But with the advances in plastic surgery, facelift is no longer an exclusive procedure for patients aged 60 years and above as doctors have developed less invasive approach to treat individuals with minimal sagging and wrinkles.  For instance, mid-facelift involves a few shorter excisions often hidden behind the hairline (near the temple) and/or along the nasolabial fold which is the line between the mouth and nose.

However, some patients may still find the mid-facelift surgery too invasive for their minimal sagging.  With this consideration, botox injection is a great alternative in which they will not experience recovery and risk of scarring, nerve damage, and other surgery-related complications.

Botox works by preventing the underlying muscle from contracting, preventing the formation of facial lines.  But still, not all types of wrinkles respond to this treatment, particularly those which are caused by gravity and sun damage.

For the first day or two, it is not uncommon to experience bruising and mild headaches which will resolve on their own.  In general, the treatment is safe for a significant number of patients although allergic reactions and temporary nerve paralysis may still happen.

To minimize the risk of nerve paralysis, a patient should never lie down immediately after the procedure or rub the injected site to prevent botox from migrating beyond the treated areas.

Unlike facelift surgery, botox injection does not involve recovery which means that a patient can immediately resume her normal activities.  However, one downside is that the result only lasts four to six months and should be repeated if one wishes to maintain a youthful appearance.

Not Tonight!

Botox for Better Love?

Among the many uses – wrinkle removal notwithstanding –found for Botox is a new application for women suffering from sexual difficulties.

Botox works for so many conditions and ailments because it temporarily disrupts nerve action to the muscles, making a problem muscle relax, along with the skin to which the muscle is attached.

One of the newest uses for the active ingredient, Botulinum Toxin A, found in both Dysport and Botox is helping the love lives of women afflicted with a disorder known as vaginismus, which most lay people know as vaginal spasming. And, no, we’re not talking about the type of sexual healing in Marin Gaye’s famous song.

Cosmetic surgeons enrolled in the testing report that subjects also experience painful burning in addition to the mood stifling problem of vaginal muscle clenching.

Vaginismus causes women’s “love” muscles to constrict so tightly, they are unable to have intimate relations. In testing, the FDA has authorized some plastic surgeons to use Botox and Dysport to relax those clenched muscles, allowing the patient to have and enjoy a normal sex life.

One patient reported to her plastic surgeon that she suffered from the condition for 30 years. But two weeks after Botox injections, she noticed major improvements.

Does that mean she was really, well, a subject of sexual healing? Like Marvin Gaye meant? You judge.

“My husband and I are like honeymooners,” she said. “This should have been happening 30 years ago.”

Sounds to us like the air is filled with Cupid’s arrows.

Other, non-cosmetic medical uses for Botox and Dysport include:

• Treating Strabismus, or, crossed eyes
• Relieving Hyperhidrosis, severe sweating
• Stifling Piriformis syndrome, a sciatic nerve pain
• Treating Cervical dystonia, a neck movement disorder
• Helping children with Cerebral Palsy
• Treating Acne scars
• Overcoming depression

(Learn more about Botox in cosmetic surgery procedures.)

Of course, the more routine, everyday problems of love and the sexes are still searching for answers.

So, sadly, medical science has found no way around the following on-the-spur-of-the-moment reasons why Cupid’s arrow is often delayed, if not deflected:

• Not tonight, dear. I have a headache
• I had a bad day at the office
• The children might hear!
• Sorry, I have to wash my hair
• Honey, chill! The Lakers are playing TRIPLE overtime!

Botox for these Wrinkles?

It seems like people’s pets long ago quit being animals and have a position in most households just a slight notch below the human children.

Hey, at least we don’t have save up for their college educations, huh?

So in Beverly Hills, Manhattan, Miami Beach and a few other upscale places, more people are getting plastic surgery for their pets.

With something like 2.5 million doses of Botox given to humans in 2009, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, (ASAPS) some dog owners are also providing Botox injections for their pets.

The biggest consumption is among owners of Chinese Shar-pei dogs and puppies who are born with massively wrinkled skin all over their faces and bodies. It may take a lot, but Botox produces a smoother, easier-to-pet pooch, say owners.

Pet owners also point to the old saying that many pets actually resemble their owners. Thus, a 30-year-old who owns a Shar-pei does not want to be associated with heavy wrinkling.

Another uptick in the application of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures is just after a mother dog has given birth to a litter. Ever notice how the poor creature then walks around with oh, six to eight breasts almost dragging the ground? The answer is easy: a doggy breast reduction even though it must be done half a dozen times in one surgical session. But the results are always worth it.

Yet another common human cosmetic surgery, the rhinoplasty, is being given to dogs – Boxers, Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese and others – with breathing problems, due to a genetic pushed-in nose that results is snorting and wheezing. Not only is the breathing enhanced afterwards, the dog just looks better with a pert nose job.

Ever notice how some pets are so pampered they waddle when they walk? Yes, overweight and unsightly bulges also plague the canine world.  Liposuction is usually indicated .

Bloodhounds have been taken in for general body shaping to remove that sagging skin. Once the super-sniffer gets the excess skin trimmed, handlers say the dog is more effective in catching escaped convicts or finding lost children –he can move better plus, no more loose skin falls over his eyes!

Now, take a look at today’s date just below and forget everything you just read. You’ve been had! Happy April Fool’s Day!

Nonetheless, a lot of phony information circulates about Botox, including the follow myths:

1.) Botox before and after pictures are rigged; patients are always making a contorted face in the before pictures.

Patients have a series of pictures taken before treatment.  In one set, plastic surgeons ask for forehead contortion so they can see where the patient’s muscles ridges are located; that’s where the injections will go. Some facial muscles pull up while others pull down. If a patient wants, say, lower eyebrows, the surgeon will inject the lifting muscles so the eyebrows appear lower.

 (Look at the effects of Botox on Nicole Kidman’s high forehead and low eyebrows.)

2.)  Botox is a poison that will harm my body.

As with any medication, excessive doses can be harmful. A typical Botox treatment involves 20 to 70 units of Botox. However, the lethal dose is 2800 units, 100 times the treatment dose for lines and wrinkles. Thus,  the famous wrinkle remover is no more poisonous than aspirin or Tylenol. Large doses of both can also be fatal.

3.) Botox can move around and cause droopy eyelids and double vision.

If too much is used, Botox can indeed migrate under the skin to affect other areas of your body. That is why you want to choose a skilled, certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. You could also do move the location of the Botox under your skin by pressing too hard on the spot where it was injected.

4.) Botox can freeze your face.

Actually, Botox causes the muscles at the injection sites to relax, not to contract. Again, choosing a highly experienced plastic surgeon injector is key. If too much is injected, the patient could lose some expressive ability. Only by injecting an appropriately small dose into the right muscles, does the patient receive softening of only the unwanted lines and wrinkles.

5.) Botox reduces sensation in your face and kills the feel of kissing.

Actually, Botox only affects muscles, it does nothing to facial nerves that control sensation. However, you may notice more sensation in your lips after an injection with a filler like Restylane. It’s because your  lips will be more firm and full.

According to a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Botox immunity  happens when a patient unknowingly receives a diluted injection of Botox and comes back on a regular schedule for touch-ups.

When the weakened Botox fails, the patient can develop immunity to Botox.

Solution?

If no more Botox is administered for half a year, and the patient then receives regular strength Botox into the right muscles – thereby paralyzing them – patients can return to a schedule of receiving the real McCoy once every three or four months.

When Natalie Kita, the About.Com guide to plastic surgery, blogged that she was one of the “very rare” people who had become immune to Botox, 15 others chimed in with comments about how they, too, just can’t get no wrinkle satisfaction. (Read more about Botox immunity.)

At the Hot Trends symposium during the recent annual conference of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) in Las Vegas the buzz in the hallways from physicians talking about the FDA approval of the new wrinkle remover Dysport was: “I can’t wait until it’s available!”

One New York City board-certified plastic surgeon in practice for 30 years wise cracked: ‘Botox is now the most expensive substance on earth; ounce for ounce, more valuable than gold or diamonds!”

Many surgeons pay the increased fees for Botox but keep their prices as low as possible so they won’t drive patients away.

But some shady operators dilute their Botox supplies which could have created more cases of Botox immunity.

In Nevada, one situation that happened in Las Vegas did not stay in Las Vegas.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, a cosmetic clinic physician operator and his wife were found guilty of buying TRItox (for $36,925, half the cost of the real McCoy) and passing it off to customers as actual Botox. (Read more about the Botox knock-off.)

TRItox is usually labeled not for human use and made some Florida patients ill in 2004.

Word to the wise: be cautious where you get Botox. The ways of delivering it to patients are increasing. You already know about the walk-in Botox clinic in NYC.

Now, the O.C. is offering a doc-on-wheels that will come to your home or office for Botox and other cosmetic treatments.

What’s next? Anti-wrinkle preparations through the mail? Over the phone?

Experts say the biggest red warning flag of all is Botox prices that are too low.

The world is full of researchers discovering things by chance.

For instance, the hugely popular Botox first came into wide use over pillow talk.

A Canadian eye surgeon told her dermatology husband how people treated with Botox for eye tics kept returning because wrinkles and lines in the skin around their eyes disappeared.

In what promises to be another serendipitous discovery-this time for another wrinkle remover — James Dobson, Jr.,Ph.D.,  a cardiovascular physiologist, research scientist and University of Massachusetts professor, worked for years on developing a natural biological substance, adenosine.

The substance is now FDA cleared for use in cardiology although it turns out the stuff seems to also lessens facial wrinkles.

Dr. Dobson told the California Surgical Institute blog: “My lab stumbled onto the fact that adenosine also increases protein synthesis in dermal fibroblasts.” (Translation: adenosine builds collagen to plump facial wrinkles from below, resulting in smoother faces.)

Adenosine is now known commercially as Easeamine. The before and after pictures of wrinkle treatments are from the Easeamine website.

Easemine on the Marionette line (Easemine.com photos)

The pictures are probably real, given the connection with an accomplished, noted and highly respected researcher.

Easemine used to treat crow's feet (Easemine.com photos)

According to Dr. Dobson, “the substance has been successfully tested through both scientific and clinic safety & efficacy studies.”

Now the plot thickens.

Dr. Dobson has allowed a local group of monks of the Teresian Carmeliltes to set up a website and sell Easeamine for $65.00 a tube. It is apparently the only place you can buy it.

Profits, if any, are slated to support the monks’ charitable work and to keep the order going.

We asked both Dr. Dobson and the website owners if they would point us to any peer-reviewed clinical studies or other evidence showing that Easeamine actually works.

Carmel Laboratories, LLC in Worchester, Massachusetts told us, and we quote: “At this point in time we are overwhelmed with requests such as yours, and cannot process and answer these requests adequately. We will keep you in mind for future consideration.”

Sounds like we applied for a job, huh? Anyhow, we leave you to draw your own conclusions.

While Easeamine probably won’t be hyped as much as the new wrinkle remover Dysport, it could work, if you trust the before and after pictures.

But the success or failure of any cosmetic product is never known until millions have tried the stuff on their own care-worn faces.