Summer Healthy Hair Tips From East Coast Pro Nicholas Penna, Jr.

I don't know about YOU, but my hair seems to be having it's own little frizz fest....it gets WORSE in the summer time, of course, with the scorching sun.  Lemme tell ya, at a recent visit to a salon in Santa Monica, the stylist asked me, "why is your hair dry at the ends?"  THAT's a loaded question!!  Well, I certainly don't blow-dry my hair a lot, so it's not heat damaged, it's just that my hair needs some extra care -- I DO NOT use shampoo that has SLS in it, so THAT's not it.....I've just got to train myself to Condition Condition Condition!

All of us need some extra hair care during the summer, so thank goodness salon owner and lead stylist Nicholas Penna, Jr. of SalonCapri on the East Coast, offers this sound advice on how to keep your hair healthy and shining in the scorching summer heat.  Nick is routinely called on for expert hair tips and tricks and his advice has been featured in countless beauty magazines. He regularly styles hair for photo shoots and high-profile events such as New York City Fashion Week.  SO LISTEN UP!!

1. Shower Before a Swim

Chlorine, salt, and natural lake sediment wreak havoc on your hair, so before you take the plunge, Nick suggests a pre-wash and condition. It may sound weird to shower before getting in the water, but allowing your hair to soak up fresh, filtered water prevents it from absorbing the harmful properties of chlorine or salt.  After stepping out of the shower (or from under the hose!) spray in or comb through a leave-in conditioner to further hydrate your locks. Nick recommends L’Oreal Professionnel’s Serie Expert Solar Sublime.

 (It runs around $20.00)

2. Lighten up

Summer is the time to let your hair go a couple shades lighter—but Nick warns that remedies like lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide can increase dryness and breakage. To avoid this, Nick suggests applying a mixture of lemon juice and conditioner on your dampened hair. This allows the sun to lighten up those roots while keeping your hair moisturized!

3. Rehab Your Hair

When you officially retire from beach bummin’ for the day, make sure to hop in the shower and start rehabbing your hair! Nick suggests using a restorative shampoo, such as Shu Uemura’s Silk Bloom Restorative Shampoo, which removes chemicals and helps rebuild your hair’s fibers.

TIP: If you’re showering before bed, don’t rinse out the conditioner. Instead, leave it in and wrap your wet, conditioned hair in a hand towel and fasten with an elastic. Let your hair rehab overnight and absorb all the moisturizing agents of the conditioner.  Then give yourself a fabulous blow dry with a round brush in the morning—Nick guarantees that your ‘do will be full of body, shine, and irresistible softness!

      4.       Keep Hair Strong

  

To prevent your hair from split ends, it’s always a good idea to get a trim and treatment done at your local salon once a month.  For a wallet friendly alternative, Nick recommends L’Oreal Professionnel’s Source de Richesse Sulfate-Free Masque as a once a week deep condition.

TIP: Nick advises eating proteins like fish and nuts to keep your hair healthy! This will enhance your hair’s strength and prevent breakage.

      5.       Fight Frizz

The summer humidity can make your straight hair go frizzy in a matter of minutes! Nick prevents this by using a good moisturizing cream-based product. Put a little dollop of the product in your hands and run your fingers through your hair, spreading the product evenly throughout your locks. This is a great way to tame the frizzes while adding moisture back in your hair!

TIP: For emergency fixes, Nick says to keep dryer sheets to smooth hair down. Not only will it take the frizz out, but it will add shine and leave your hair smelling fresh all day!

       6.       Condition, Condition, Condition

Summer heat can cause weak and dry hair fast. A conditioning treatment instantly adds life and moisture to your hair. Nick says it’s the best $25 you’ll ever spend! He recommends something as simple as L’Oreal’s Power Dose, which gives your hair a boost of condition and shine.

TIP: If you can’t splurge on a salon conditioning treatment, the tried and true at-home remedy of olive oil works too. Nick’s recipe is to take 1 tablespoon of household olive oil, rub it in the palms of your hands, and smooth it through damp hair. If you want a deep condition, leave the olive oil for an hour or two, if you want a light condition, rinse it out immediately. This is a great way to cure dry, damaged, split hair from the sun and chlorine.

Thanks, Nick!!  It's always great to hear from the pro's.  I've been fighting my frizz with extra conditioning and leaving it in.  Dryer sheets?  Great idea, but with all the chemicals they put on them, I'd recommend a chemical free dryer sheet, if they make them.  LOVE olive oil, and also COCONUT OIL as well!

If you're in the MA area, check out SalonCapri and...you can sign up for their exclusive "scoops and steals" here:  http://www.saloncapri.com/.

Now we're Stylin',

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

 

Prevent Cancer & Rejuvenate with DNAEGF Renewal

Spring is the season for rejuvenation.  Wouldn't it be nice to give your skin a fresh start?  Beverly Hills dermatologist Dr. Ronald Moy would say so.  His motto is "repair the past and protect the future."

And that's a GREAT motto to have with summer just around the corner.  And with summer around the bend, you say you want to prevent skin cancer or pre-cancer?  Dr. Moy's line called DNAEGF Renewal -- a skincare line using Growth Factors and DNA technology -- has research evidence that proves it can do just that.

Dr. Ronald Moy is a nationally renowned Cosmetic Surgeon, Dermatologist, professor at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine, and the former president of the American Academy of Dermatology.  SHEEZH, can you say accomplished?

The name "DNAEGF" may sound like you are back in school learning your ABC's, but it's pretty futuristic stuff.  The DNA EGF Renewal skin care line was created by leading researchers in molecular and biotechnology. The DNA part of the name is for the DNA repair enzymes and the EGF stands for Epidermal Growth Factors.

What is a growth factor?

Wikipedia tells us it's a naturally occurring substance - usually a protein - capable of stimulating cellular growth and regulating a variety of cellular processes by typically acting as signaling molecules between cells.

The DNAEGF line uses plant based Barley Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF).  This active ingredient is a peptide bio-engineered from barley grown in natural pumice with pure waters for DNAEGF Renewal.

Plant-based EGF is more stable than other EGF forms, meaning it will not lose potency with exposure to UV light or normal room temperatures.  DNAEGF is the only skin care line using plant based EGF.  Clinically proven to stimulate the skin’s natural repair process, it works by accelerating the growth of healthy skin cells.

Other growth factors in other products are derived from E. coli bacteria and degrade over a period of weeks, thereby losing potency and efficacy.

This collection includes DNA Intensive Renewal ($128), DNA Eye Renewal ($75), DNA Night Renewal ($130), Growth Factor Serum ($145), and DNA Defense SPF ($45).  The entire line targets the sign of aging by diminishing wrinkles, brown spots and skin discoloration.

I received a full sized sample of The Growth Factor Serum.  This is the product that is key for thickening thin skin, which is a side effect of aging.  I used it aggressively -- twice a day, and anytime I saw it laying on my bedside table.

It's very lightweight and almost odorless.  I highly recommend if you are going to try this line, you go for the travel size, or you completely go full tilt and get the entire line.  The bottles are shaped like little test tubes, and the full line comes with the holder, which will save you some sanity when the bottle rolls off your bedside table a few times!

With as aggressively that I used this product  (I can do this since I know my face and it's not sensitive at all), I thought I would experience more relief from brown discolorations but this didn't happen.  I did see smaller pore size tho and it gave my skin a great glow.  I even saw improvement in the lines around my eyes.  It's important to note tho, that I didn't use the entire line, and lots of times lines are designed to work together, so even tho my brown spots still were there after a month, I still am giving this product a positive review,  cuz who knows how many brown spots it PREVENTED me from gathering?

Here's what the website says about this product and the line:

* Dramatic & rapid improvement of skin exhibiting advanced signs of photodamage to help diminish the appearance of age spots, pronounced wrinkling, and uneven coloration.

* Skin glows, texture is refined, pores look visibly smaller, and younger, fresher skin emerges.

* More even skin tone

* Resilient & refined skin texture

* Reduction in pore visibility, fine lines & wrinkles

* Reduction in skin discoloration & age spots

* Younger, healthier-looking skin

I asked Dr. Moy's office:

"Do the DNAEGF Renewal products have the same result as a Photo Facial laser treatment for sun damage?"

Here's his answer:

“The DNAEGF Renewal products can have the same effect as a Photo Facial laser treatment in that brown spots and thin skin (causing blood vessels) are prevented and treated.  What the Photo Facial treats is sun damage, as does DNAEGF Renewal.  These products treat the DNA damage and thin skin caused by sun damage and aging.  The products treat sun damaged pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis) better than a Photo Facial.” – Ron Moy, M.D.

I have to add that after using the Growth Factor Serum product for about a month, I went in and had my first photo facial treatment.  The two are apples and oranges, as the results from the photo facial laser treatment were MUCHO dramatic.  At least they are incomparable with one month of using the product.  With consistent use, spot fading will more than likely improve and I DID see a video of Dr. Moy online, where he even says the products take time to see results.

I wish I had known about this product a few years ago when I was diagnosed with pre-cancerous skin cells - especially since he says it's more effective than a laser treatment.

The DNAEGF products are available at Dr. Moy’s Anti-Aging Clinic in Beverly Hills  and California Health and Longevity Institute at the Four Seasons in Westlake Village, where they even offer a facial using the line.

Right now, there's a Buy One Get One Offer you can take advantage of on www.dnaegfrenewal.com.

Buy the full collection and save $38!  Plus, receive a Free Travel Kit!  I'm digging the silver case it comes in - very springy.

Dr. Ron Moy's practice is located at 421 N. Rodeo Drive,  Beverly Hills, CA 90210 and can be reached at (310) 274-5372.

Factoring in the Growth of Healthy Cells & Preventing the Big C at the Same Time,

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

The Mind/Body Connection at this weekend's Longevity Now Conference in the OC

If you've ever wondered if thoughts, feelings and emotions affect anti-aging and overall health, the answer is YES.

Back in January,  I reported Dr. Henry Lodge's theory of aging includes "emotion and attachment" as a major component - and he says that "emotion" is just as important as "motion," or exercising, to stay young.  And in a recent interview with Suzanne Somers, she was asked how she keeps her skin looking so good. And one of her answers was: "I have love in my life."

We are hearing alot about this Mind/Body Connection and it's the topic of the two day anti-aging conference called Longevity Now. The conference runs Friday, May 18th- Sunday, May 20, 2012 in Costa Mesa at the The Orange County Hilton Hotel. They explore an approach that treats the whole person - not just the physical but also the mental, emotional, and even spiritual parts of ourselves.

This year host David "Avocado" Wolfe (yes that's what he says his middle name is) welcomes local Michael Bernard Beckwith from the Agape Spiritual Center in Culver City as a keynote speaker. You might remember Mr. Beckwith (is he not a Reverend anymore?) from his appearance in the movie "The Secret."

While I personally wouldn't think of Michael Beckwith as a "health expert," he too talks about this Mind/Body Connection and says that thoughts are units of mental energy which affect every cell in your body. This means whatever you are thinking and telling yourself is affecting all the body's systems including your blood pressure and immune system. Beckwith recommends getting accountable for the thoughts you think and change them. Have a goal to move into the direction of more positive, grateful thoughts to raise your vibration, to match the vibrations of the Universe. It is then that you can receive opportunities to be healthier.

When I say the word "Longevity," what comes to mind? Most people think it's about staying alive, or in the body longer. David Wolfe has a different perspective. He talks about prayer, positivity, good feelings and high level emotions and when you add that up day after day after day, THAT equals longevity.

So, it's not just the minute-to-minute quality of life, it's that extended positivity and quality of love of life. THAT, my friends, is going to keep you youthful, healthy and you'll look great and live longer along the way.

Check out the full audio interview here:


http://www.longevitywarehouse.com/Articles.asp?ID=450

In addition to Michael Beckwith, there will be 5 New York Times best-selling authors and 8 anti-aging experts putting on information-packed seminars at the Longevity Now Conference about achieving peak mental and physical health, TOP supplements for optimal brain function and neuro-transmitter health, superfoods, and the mental attitudes that serve your body with healing energy to overcome ill health and low energy.

If you want to learn about these things, the Longevity Now Conference in Costa Mesa, CA is right up your alley. Perhaps you just need a kick in the keester to motivate you to eat healthier and take care of yourself better. David Wolfe has this motivating effect on people! The last time I heard David Wolfe speak, I went out and got some kale on the way home. I've never even eaten it before, either, but it was ONE step in the right direction to be healthier. Now I eat it all the time.

Buy tickets to this weekend's Longevity Conference here:

Longevity Now Conference LIVE tickets May 2012

So, breathe in. Breathe out. Be grateful!  And keep the good vibrations going!

Connect That Body to That Beautiful Mind,

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

DermFX: A Full Service CA Med Spa That Won't Blow Your Budget

Last week, I was lucky enough to discover a little local anti-aging powerhouse called DermFX. 

DermFX is a cozy little establishment that I like to call  "Laser Nirvana."  And they are rather unique, because they offer some stuff I haven't seen ANYWHERE else.

They have 2 locations - one in Redondo Beach, and another in Orange County's Sunset Beach, where they even do surgeries like lower face lifts and rhinoplasty.  Between the two locations, they have TWENTY SIX LASERS in total.  Talk about a kid in a candy store, this place has the gizmo, gadget and whatchamacallit device that is sure to cure whatever ails you!

I chatted for over an hour with passionate owner Erin Alonso (a nurse practioner and registered nurse) and Marketing Manager Michele McPeak Baltz at the Redondo Beach location and we went on like old BFF's about anti-aging and health and wellness. 

Actually, the girlfriend atmosphere there is part of the charm and allure of DermFX. They have a fair amount of patients who go there to chat and have a cup of coffee, patients that make special trips to RB or the OC from other states, and patients who get a little something done frequently, so they can come back and visit the friendly staff.  I guess once you go there, you're automatically hooked.  Kinda like a crack house for wrinkles.

I guess that will happen when you are voted the number 1 clinic in the U.S.A. for patient satisfaction (from an indi survey sponsored by Allergan in 2008).  Pretty impressive!

Okay... any laser treatment under the sun to choose from (they OWN them, they don't rent them, so there are no day restrictions).....a girlfriend-like friendly atmosphere.....what else can an anti-aging enthusiast ask for?

How about DEALS!!

DermFX offers several Monthly VIP Specials (don' worry, everyone's a VIP).

http://www.dermfx.com/specials

Forget about those coupon deal sites that bombard your inbox:  DermFX has a Deal of The Day!  Just go to their homepage:  www.dermfx.com.

But what if a deal is STILL a little out of your price range?  Drumroll please: 

DermFX will work within your budget! This is practically UNHEARD of in LA. 

Now, it's not like a "sliding scale" where you pay what you can afford for full treatments, but they will recommend and layout a skin care program for you that is within your budget.  For example, if you can't afford a total full face and neck laser treatment, they can "SPOT TREAT" you, depending on what you can afford.  It's a great way to try out the latest and greatest in preventative and corrective treatments...plus you don't feel left out if you can't drop a grand on your skin.

DermFX owner Erin said that your skin is like a triple decker sandwich with many layers, and all these different lasers penetrate at different levels, so you get the best results and can reach all the "sandwich ingredients" by mixing and matching treatments.

They even have many clients who pay a little every week to save up for their treatments - move over K-Mart, this is a Laser Layaway plan!

Just a little taste of what DermFX offers:

Velashape (infrared and radio frequency technology) - For cellulite

Thermage (radio frequency technology) - For tightening, contouring and rejuvenating skin

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment - For improved texture, tone and color

Photofacials - For sundamage (allow one week of down time)

Genesis laser - For collagen stimulation

The Black Dog - For melasma (brown spots), enlarged pores, skin tightening and rejuvenation (hopefully they play Led Zeppelin while performing it)

Ulthera - one of only 400 machines in the world!  Works under skin and tightens the top layer of muscle via ultrasound.

Lightsheer - For laser hair removal (Dermfx was voted best laser hair removal in the OC by OC Weekly Magazine.)

Duet - For leg laser hair removal that now takes 30 minutes when it used to be 4 hours

Fraxel lasers - For damage, brown spots, improved tone and texture with minimal down-time.

And of course, they offer chemical peels ($50 - $500 depending on the strength of the peel), laser tattoo removal and fillers, fillers, fillers! 

DermFX  is one of the top purchasers of Botox in the NATION, purchasing almost 1000 vials of Botox each year.  That's "Black Diamond" status 5 times over.  They are #1 in Radiesse injections in California and #2 in the U.S. and they've been awarded top level awards for Restylane, Perlane, Dysport and Sculptra.

Uhhh, that pretty much means nobody injects more of these than DermFX, so you know you are getting some experienced hands there when it comes to injectables.

What's new at DermFX?  They recently unveiled their Wellness department which offers vitamins, supplements, and a weight loss program.

Overworked and feeling a little sluggish?  Let the nurses at DermFX give you a B-12 shot for energy.  Stressed?  Get a shot of B5. If your new year's resolution is to shed a few pounds, you can get a shot of B12 and Lipoden, a combo of amino acids that enhance liver function, raise your metabolism and stimulate the body to burn fat, lose weight and detox your liver. It's $25.00 per 2 cc injection, and $5.00 for any additional cc's.

A unique offering is their IV drips. Yes, you can get an IV at DermFX.  They've partnered with a pharmacist to offer different specialized IV drips for sports performance, immune system, sleeping well and PMS.  IV drips take around 15 minutes, so you can be in and out and energized in under 30 minutes.

Health and wellness is serious stuff, but don't forget the fun!  You can find DermFX getting involved in the local community by sponsoring community events like the annual Redondo Beach Superbowl Health Exhibit & Race SUPERBOWL WEEKEND!!!!  And they also do girly get-togethers that involve special anti-aging treatments and cross promote with other businesses so even fashion boutiques will give you a discount if you mention DermFX.  Very cool.  Make sure you sign up for their newsletter to keep in the know.

Oh, and I spy a few more MAJOR coolio money-saving deals on their Facebook page. Wait, a pink gorilla as a mascot?  I think they've earned a free pass on that one.

They don't call DermFX the Ultimate Skin Experience for nothin', so get your dermal and hair removal fixes at DermaFX.  The Redondo Beach office has 4 large treatment rooms that are chock full of lasers in each room.  You can conveniently get in to see them 7 days a week.

Dermfx - Redondo Beach
432 S. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Phone: 310-316-2100
Toll Free: 800-850-1223

Business Hours:
M, W, TH, FRI    9AM - 6PM
SAT                     9AM - 6PM
TUES                  9AM - 7PM
SUN                    10AM-5PM

Dermfx - Sunset Beach
16501 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Sunset Beach, CA 90742
Phone: 562-592-5100
Toll Free: 800-850-1223

Business Hours:
MON-SAT.: 9AM-6PM
(open after 8PM by appointment only)
SUN.: 10AM-5PM
(extended hours by appointment only)

Penny-wise and Wrinkle-free,

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

Women's Wellness Conference This Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Costa Mesa

If you are into health, wellness and anti-aging, you simply can not MISS the upcoming Women's Wellness Conference Friday, February 10th - Sunday, February 12th at the Orange County Hilton in Costa Mesa, CA.

This jam-packed 3 day event is hosted by best-selling author David Wolfe, who hosts the wildly popular  Longevity Now Conference.  This is the FIRST event designed specifically for women, to  explore women's wellness from both a physical and mental perspective.

They will have a stellar line-up of anti-aging and alternative health care experts including best-selling author of "Emotional Freedom" Dr. Judith Orloff, the keynote speaker. She will be revealing how women can liberate themselves from negative emotions and completely transform their life.

Dr. Sangeeta Pati will be discussing hormone balance and thyroid health, two critical issues that millions of women suffer from every day. Dr. Christy Westen will be covering bone and joint health, inflammatory conditions and how to get a good night's sleep. Speakers include Dr. Hyla Cass, Nadine Artemis, Tera Warner, Donna Gates and many more!

Other topics that will be covered extensively include:

Brain Health and Mood Disorders
Menopause
Pre and Post Pregnancy
Metabolic Function
Libido
Adrenal Health
Healthy Body Image
Fertility
Autoimmune Disorders

...and much, much more! They will also be giving away thousands of dollars in free prizes during the event.  Here's an example of the type of educational seminars you'll find at the Women's Wellness Conference.  Check out this exclusive video clip from last year's Longevity Now® Conference with skin expert Nadine Artemis:

The Women's Wellness Conference begins Friday, February 10th, 2012 at 7pm and ends Sunday, February 12th, 2012 at 9pm.

Hilton Orange County/Costa Mesa
3050 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: 1-714-540-7000

I absolutely love the energy of David Wolfe when he speaks, and he always shares his latest anti-aging finds.  With the experts that he's rounded up, this 3 day conference is sure to be AMAZING and well worth the ticket price of $169.00.

I hear tickets are going fast - you can get yours here:

Register for The Women's Wellness Conference

Be well,

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

Brilliant Distinctions - Allergan's Botox Rewards Program

www.antiaginganalyst.com

It's that time of year where many women - especially ones who did not receive a spa day gift from their sweetie - take stock of their looks and resolve to make some changes for the coming year.

Well, if you are thinking of getting Botox, there's some Botox Benefits you need to know about...

I recently shared in an article that I'm no longer a "Botox Virgin."

Yep, I got it ... and I like it.  And, I'm thinking about getting it AGAIN in a few months.

If you get Botox injections, you are fully aware you have to KEEP getting Botox injections every 3 months to maintain your look.  Other fillers will dissolve in 6 months - some 2 years, but for fillers in general, it's like taking the ol' camaro in for regular oil changes.

And we all know that those skin-care "mechanics" can charge a pretty penny to keep those wrinkle miles at bay.

If only there was a "Frequent Fillers" program!

Well, there is....

It's call the Brilliant Distinctions® Program, developed by Allergan, the makers of BOTOX.  You earn points with every BOTOX purchase and you can also get discounts for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments.

All you have to do is register at this site:

http://www.brilliantdistinctionsprogram.com

When you register, you'll automatically be entered in the points program, and you can start getting rewarded with points each time you receive a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment from a participating physician.

You can redeem your points to save money on other ALLERGAN® products and services too, including:

    * BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA)
    * JUVÉDERM® XC
    * LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03%
    * VIVITÉ® Skin Care products

Redeem points for dollars off on select ALLERGAN® products and services, or if you are feeling charitable, you can use the points you have earned to make a monetary donation to Dress For Success  and The Make A Wish Foundation.

When you sign up, you will also get reminders and other helpful information about your account, including upcoming treatments and exclusive invitations to events in your area.  Plus, as a Brilliant Distinctions® member, you'll also receive a personalized monthly eNewsletter full of the information you want, including special offers, tips and articles.

There's plenty of participating physicians nation-wide.  Just type in your zip code, and if a doctor is listed with the Brilliant Distinctions logo next to his/her name, you'll get your points for seeing them.

Here's how it works:

BOTOX® Cosmetic Treatment – 200 points

Earn and deposit points each time you get a BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) treatment from a participating physician (as long as it has been 3 months since you last received points for a BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment).

Each treatment is worth the following:

Deposits 1, 2             200 Points    (No Bonus)
Deposits 3, 4, 5         200 Points + 50 Bonus Points
Deposits 6, 7, 8         200 Points + 100 Bonus Points
Deposits 9, 10, 11     200 Points + 150 Bonus Points
Deposits 12+             200 Points + 200 Bonus Points

JUVÉDERM® XC Treatment

Earn points each time you get a JUVÉDERM® XC treatment from a participating physician. Each treatment is worth the following:

1 syringe    -  200 points
2 syringes  -  400 points

LATISSE®

Earn points each time you purchase LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% kits from a participating physician.

Each kit is worth the following:

1 Kit    -     100 points

Also earn points with the purchase of VIVITÉ® skin care products.

Here's how much money you can save:

Points       Create a Coupon For

200                       $25
300                       $35
400                       $50
500                       $65
575                       $75

If you sign up today and get Botox  every 3 months, that's 4 treatments in one year, racking up 900 points!  As you can see, you can save $75.00 per year.  And that's just for Botox.  Just print out your coupon for your next visit and you are good to go.

You can also refer a friend - and when they activate their registration, they get bonus points for signing....so why not have your friends sign up first and then refer YOU?  I mean, afterall, it WAS YOUR idea....

So, not only will you get the reward of wrinkle-softening and lift with Botox, your wallet will get the reward of feeling a little lighter too.  Whooo hooooo!  Just in time for the new year and the new you.

In my book, you get points for just being YOU.

~The Anti-Aging Analyst

Adventures in Botox

www.antiaginganalyst.com

Okay, I admit it, I was a Botox snob.

Whenever someone said they were interested in getting Botox, I would reply, "Oooooh, I would NEVER get THAT....it's derived from a TOXIN!  I would get an injectable that was made of more natural ingredients versus a toxin any day."

Well, the fact of the matter was, I never TRIED Botox...and being in the anti-aging field, it kind of made sense to at least try it....

I did NOT begin my day thinking, oh I think I'll get some Botox today.  Rather, I scheduled an consultation appointment with Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald to write up an article about what it's like to get an injectable.

You might remember Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald from my article on Sculptra.  She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of both the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society of Dermatological Surgery (ASDS). She is on the clinical faculty at the University of California — Los Angeles (UCLA).  And as a filler doctor, her clients swear she's an artist.

And so begins my journey:

More than a few days before the appointment, I got a call reminding me of the day and time of my appointment, and to look at Dr. Fitzgerald's "GUIDELINES" section on her website.  I did, and it was full of information on what and what not to do before your dermal injection.

http://www.rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com/patientguides.html

Medications to Discontinue 7 Days Before a dermal filler are: 

- Aspirin (unless it's prescribed)
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Aleve)
- St. John’s Wort
- Omega 3 fatty acids (Fish Oil)
- Vitamin E
- Ginger
- Ginko
- Bilboa
- Ginseng

Staying away from these will result in less bruising after you get your injection.

Once I arrived to her lovely office in the Larchmont LA area, it was PHOTO TIME.  Dr. Fitzgerald's assistant takes various photos of your face to have on file as reference, and to examine the before and after results.

During the consultation, Dr. Fitzgerald thoroughly examined my face.  This doc did not just glance at it, as some doctors might, but she took time to really examine it from different angles and talk to me about skin care and what would improve my looks naturally.  She even educated me on sun damage using diagrams in her office.  All in all, I felt completely at ease and in good hands, PLUS she was funny and super nice.

When she asked, "Have you tried Botox?" I kinda got into my "snob" mode again.  I told her about my concerns about it being a toxin and concerns about the side effects.

She replied, it's all about the "risk/benefit ratio" and assured me that it was safe.

I've read if Botox side effects DO occur, they will be temporary, and side effects will depend on where the Botox was injected.  For frown lines, side effects include dry mouth, discomfort or pain at the injection site, nausea, headache and drooping eyelids.

To read all of Botox's side effects, visit the Allergan site at:

http://www.allergan.com/products/medical_dermatology/botox.htm

Dr. Fitzgerald recommended 25 units of Botox for me in 3 areas:  right on my "11," the middle vertical line I had, and above the beginning of each eyebrow.  Since I knew that Dysport is similar to Botox, I asked what the difference is.

The answer?  "One is Coke, the other is Pepsi".  Okay, Botox it is...

Of course, I'm immediately thinking of my old GF and her botched Botox.  Her mistake was in NOT consulting with me on WHERE to go...her injections resulted in little bumps between her brows giving her that "Klingon/Star Trek look."  And i KNEW this was not going to happen to me....

Sometimes, it's ALL about the doctor.

Dr. Rebecca Fitzgerald is one of Allergan's specially designated National Educational Faculty members and a nationally recognized expert in Botox use.

What I absolutely love about this doctor is that she looks at aging from a "full face perspective" to ensure natural looking results.  She believes that the face ages like a 3D interlocking puzzle...a change in one place will cause a change somewhere else...and given my results, I know she truly believes this and KNOWS how to produce those changes.

So I'm taking the plunge and trying Botox for the first time...in my 40's.

Per standard procedure, I then I filled out a release form that said I was fully aware of the risks and authorize the injection.

Was I nervous?  Not at all.  Did it hurt?  Just 3 little pricks.  They applied a little cold balloon for "distraction" and 1-2-3 PRICK, 1-2-3 PRICK, 1-2-3 PRICK.  And it was over.

At that very time, the doctor scheduled a follow up appointment so she could see how the injection was doing.

This is AMAZING, because even the dermatologist on the Housewives of Beverly Hills just shouted out to his filler patient, "Let me know if you have any problems..."  But Dr. Fitzgerald will always schedule a follow-up for all new patients.  Her rep says this is important for many reasons but since everyone reacts differently, it is important for her to see new patients a week or two after their first injection so she can determine a baseline for how they react to the injectables.  For certain established patients who have had several visits with injectables, she may not schedule a follow-up since both she and the patient know what to expect.

So, I went home and back to my routine.  The next day I got a follow-up call from the office, reminding me that any results should kick in between 5-7 days and not to get discouraged if I don't see any results right away.  Again, this is FANTASTIC customer service.

I couldn't get in for about 4 weeks (this doc. is very popular), but when I did, Dr. Fitzgerald's assistant took more pics.  When she saw me, she looked at me with her critical eye and said, oh you got some great lift... and she sat me down to go over the before and afters.

Now since Botox basically paralyzes the nerve endings in your cells so they can no longer contract, I thought Botox was simply used to soften the appearance of lines.

But according to Dr. Fitzgerald, sometimes Botox is more about the "lift" than the line.

Do you know what a WATERSHED moment that is to KNOW that?  Just THINK of all the crazy celebs that have rushed to get Botox to fill all of their forehead lines.... It's no WONDER they have frozen face !!!  Cuz Botox LIFTS as well as softens lines.

The muscles in your forehead pull up and the muscles over your brows pull down.  Botox works by knocking out the depressor muscles in the forehead above the brows.  Since the depressor muscles extend across the brow lines, it works on the whole muscle. Dr. Fitzgerald strategically placed the Botox where I would experience a lift...and THAT lift, made me look as tho I had an eyebrow lift.

All with 3 little pricks.  Check out the photos.  Yes, I can still raise my eyebrows.

I admit the eyes are not the same size in the photo, but the main benefit Botox gave me was a lift in the skin right above the eye and below the brow.

How'd did it do with the little "one" wrinkle I had above my nose?  Softened it significantly, altho I can still see it.  The doc told me that sometimes it takes a couple rounds to see it disappear completely, but the results of the lift and softening will last around 3 months.

Have I been converted to the Botox side?  You know, I'm DEFINITELY not a snob anymore, and YES, with an expert doctor, I think I would do it again.  Absolutely zero side effects and great results.  Can't ask for more.

Right now, Dr. Fitzgerald's office is having a limited time offer.  Botox Cosmetic:  Buy a 100 unit bottle for only $1000 - that's a savings of $400.00.  Use your Botox as needed.  You can even buy your Botox on a preloaded card online!

Another way to save -- schedule your Botox injection 3 months in advance and save 10%.

Want a bit of Botox for lunch?  Now, Dr. Fitzgerald's office has "Botox Only Hours," hours set aside for a quick in-and-out for  Botox patients:

Mondays 5-6 P.M
Wednesdays 1-2 P.M
Fridays 9-10 A.M

Of course you can schedule Botox or Dysport at other times, but these times slots will only be for these injections and they won't be able to schedule combination treatments during those hours.

Rebecca Fitzgerald M.D.
321 N Larchmont Blvd. Ste 906
Los Angeles, CA 90004

Phone: (323) 464-8046

http://www.rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com

 

After your Botox shot, it's best to avoid excessive sun and heat, no squeezing or massaging the area, and as usual, don't forget the sunscreen.

It's important to talk to your doctor about how much Botox and where.  Remember that "full-face perspective?  A little strategically placed Botox, (versus a few vials) is going to give you a natural-looking, more youthful appearance.

If you are still not convinced and are a Botox no-no die hard, you can always go with "Bang-Tox" -- that's where you just grow your bangs over your forehead and call it a day.  It's all natural :)  And relatively inexpensive.

If you're interested in Botox and other fillers, but there's not enough cash in the kittie, I found a great program that rewards you for your filler purchases.  You build up points which you can redeem for what else?  More Botox and fillers. Look for the write-up soon.

Converted Botox Snob,

~The Anti-Aging Analyst