Goodbye scalpel! Hello gorgeous!
Two decades ago, the only way to seek aesthetic rejuvenation was through plastic surgery. Facelifts were done in droves and to this day, people who have undergone this procedure have the scars to prove it. Sure, the incisions were tucked away as carefully as possible (nearest the ear, along the hairline etc.) but the scars were there. Moreover, there were instances where lifts were pulled too tightly leaving the patient with an altogether artificial look that resembled a “caught in a wind tunnel” appearance.
Nowadays, there are many options for men and women to maintain a youthful appearance without having to go through invasive procedures. Botox, for instance, is now as commonly practiced as hair coloring. And forget the stereotypical horror stories of how it freezes your face into a state of non-expression (told by the same women who are so against any form of aesthetic intervention that they keep their armpits unshaved and mustache un-waxed!). In the hands of a capable professional, botox eases the hollowness around the eyes, lifts the brows (and in so doing, also lifts potentially droopy lids), gives cheeks a pert and round appearance and significantly softens the lines on the foreheads, sides of the eyes and mouth. That is 10 years off your face right there!
Another tried and tested favorite is Thermage treatment that uses laser technology to tighten and re-contour the body. Thermage works under the skin, contracting collagen fibers and connective tissue and in so doing improves its firmness, texture and gives the skin back its youthful qualities. A bonus to this procedure is the reduction of wrinkles, dimples and ripples on areas such as the buttocks, thighs and arms.
Thermage is used to improve facial features as well. It is often used to tighten the skin, firm up the jawline, arch the eyebrows and soften lines on the forehead and areas around the eyes, nose and mouth. Thermage is also effective in reducing active acne and softens acne scars.
For those who want six-pack abs comes Bio-Sculpt. This procedure encourages the contraction of the muscles, which simulates focused, intense abdominal workouts. Fat shrinkage and muscle mass is achieved after the course of an allotted number of sessions. Not limited to the torso, Bio-Sculpt can be used to simulate intense workouts for other parts of the body as well.
Recently, a young woman approached me and remarked on how slim and fit I appeared to be. She shared that she had become so disappointed about her out-of-shape body and that this dissatisfaction had led her to binge and be inactive (which can only result in her getting fatter and more depressed! Classic Catch-22!). I totally understood where she was coming from. In the past, despite being aware that I had to take care of myself health and looks-wise, my dissatisfaction with my physical state had left me with no inspiration or energy to move. I needed a jumpstart and was fortunate enough to get it! I can share with my dear readers that I have used Tenor with fabulous results! Thanks to doctors Vicki Belo and Reggie Lloren of Belo Medical Group (Rustan’s), I finally have the body that I always wanted. I do take time out to avoid overeating and as per my cardiologist’s orders, I walk as many times as I can during the week. For people thinking of undergoing this treatment, I have this advice: Be patient. I began to see results after six sessions. Tenor has helped with weight loss, spot fat reduction and skin firmness resulting in a more svelte figure. The change has given me the incentive to eat healthily and exercise. Catch-22 gone!
For those who are concerned about costs (who isn’t?), many establishments are offering discounts and payment plans. I know that Belo Medical Group is offering three to six months zero percent interest. I strongly urge my readers to do due-diligence and research further on their chosen fat loss procedure. I also would recommend that they only consider established and reputable institutions. (Yes that would mean NOT considering Madam Biday’s Aesthetic Center even if she is offering a 60 percent off “Temptation Offer!”).
To all my beloved Uptown/Downtown readers, may 2010 find you healthy, at peace and beautiful inside and out!
