Archive for December, 2011

Facial Plastic Surgery: Beauty, Subjectivity, and Choices

You have probably heard of the expression “different strokes for different folks.” Beauty does quickly become a matter of opinion that depends on a subject’s personal perception. It also happens that the beauty we perceive does not match the beauty we have. The gap between perception and reality has fostered a considerable demand for plastic and cosmetic surgery.

Since we interact with people on a daily basis, it is natural for us to care for our appearance so as to better influence the way others will perceive us. The first thing people see when they meet someone, and the first thing that is scrutinized, is the face. That is why facial plastic surgery is such a big industry, regularly nurtured by a variety of people. In fact, the male clientele’s numbers are consistently on the rise and currently represent a noteworthy slice of the market.

In the western society, undergoing plastic surgery is not uncommon. In fact, the field is still increasing in popularity. Preferences for beauty and physical appearance are very subjective and never stop shifting. The way most people change their ice cream flavor preferences is similar to how they perceive beauty over the time. Due to this fundamental variety in preferences, plastic surgeons must not only specialize, but also learn to customize each procedure to match client expectations, all the while keeping in mind their existing anatomical state. The uniqueness of tastes also accounts for the fact that the majority of patients pay for the surgeries out of pocket, as they would any other consumer service.

The most sought after facial plastic surgery procedures include blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty or nose job, facelifts, otoplasty or cosmetic ear surgery, and mentoplasty or chin implants. There are also many non-surgical procedures, such as botox injections, ulthera, and other types of injections that target regions of the surface of the face, such as wrinkles, dark circles, and thinning lips.

All of these procedures may be cause for worry for some since they involve skeletal shape manipulation. That is why it is very important to take the time to find a surgeon with a great reputation, with a lot of experience, and with verifiable, valid credentials. Residents of Montreal, Canada, can easily find a trustworthy facial plastic surgeon with a great reputation, who adheres to client requests. To find a great surgeon, research is necessary; one must know what to ask and what to avoid.

Beauty Advice for Mature Skin

With age, skin changes. Even if you used to have naturally healthy and balanced skin, chances are that problems such as dryness and redness now appear due to the hormonal changes and natural ageing of the skin. Excessive exposure to the sun can prematurely age skin, so you may have skin acting like mature skin even if you are on your late 20s. To minimize the damage follow this beauty advice for mature skin.

In many cases mature skin is both dry and prone to breakouts at the same time. Using a rich moisturizer for combination skin may help, as does a good cleansing routine. If you find that your moisturizer causes spots, switch to using a lighter one during the day and a richer cream during the night. Make sure that your moisturizer or makeup has sunscreen components. Sun exposure is one of the worst enemies of young skin, and it will age your skin more quickly. Do not leave the house without it, even if it’s cloudy, and wear a hat and sunglasses during summer to protect the delicate skin around the eyes.

One of the most troublesome skin zones for mature skin is often the area around the eyes and lips. That’s where the first lines start to appear, and you’ll need to take special care to moisturize that area and use rich, anti-aging creams. Massaging your skin gently, without rubbing or pulling it, when applying moisturizer and removing makeup can help your skin feel suppler and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Pay special attention to your neck and hands as well, as the delicate skin on the neck can show wrinkles and age as much as your face and make sure to use moisturizer and firming cream there too.

One of the signs of mature skin is the visible appearance of open pores and duller skin, which makes your face look duller. To help with this use products designed to remove dead skin and help with skin cell renewal, such as those having alpha or beta hydrozy acids, and use a peel-off face mask or a gentle exfoliating scrub to remove dead skin cells. Remember to apply and remove it gently, without pulling your skin too much, as mature skin is often much less flexible and pulling and tugging will worsen the appearance of wrinkles.

Some lifestyle changes can also help your skin look younger. Smoking ages your skin incredibly, so if you are considering giving up add “a glowing skin” to the list of health benefits to motivate you. Eating 5 to 7 portions of fruits and vegetables per day is also helpful, as the vitamins and anti-oxidants will help your skin protect itself from free radicals and other aging factors. Did you know that dark chocolate can help aging skill?