Transferring Blogs From Oldest to Newest

I have been transferring all of my blog articles from my last blog to this one, hence the weird dates.  I started from oldest to newest, why, I have no idea. It just worked out that way.  So please forgive any old news that appears as it is being rehashed as ‘new’.  However, I am dating them as the same, original dates as they were written.

I started this particular blog (WordPress) this week which is also the reason there are no comments as of yet. I was unable to transfer the reader comments along with the articles.

Broke Down and Bought the Colossal Volum’ Express Mascara

I can’t tell you how disappointed I am with this mascara.  Talk about build something up in your mind so much that you become disillusioned. DRAT!!! It is ‘okay’ but it is clearly not colossal in my humble opinion. I am not saying it is bad per se, just not what I expected personally. I am such a mascara snob, no, I am worse, an insatiable mascara FIEND. And the brush isn’t yellow, I thought for sure it would be yellow rubber! Boring.  But then again I don’t care for rubber bristles. Like I said, insatiable. You can’t win for losing with me. But I am going to use it simply because I bought it, but I have to put on a ton of coats to make it look even remotely like the Maybelline XXL Curl Power I use.

The brush is huge, big enough to give me false hope. I like that it doesn’t clump, however. And when you get some on your cheek from looking down or otherwise not staying still, it actually wipes off with a dry cotton ball or tissue. That was extraordinary.

I just tested it out again and it takes me about 10 strokes to coat the lashes to an acceptable degree. Other than that, maybe I won’t keep using it. It is that pointless to me.

Cosmetic Surgeons Helping Children with Cleft Palates

When someone mentions Plastic Surgery, we may automatically envision Breast Implants, Face Lifts and Liposuction.  But there is another side to Plastic Surgery. Surgeries with such significant impacts to our self esteem and growth as human beings we may not even consider–unless we are unfortunate enough to suffer from such maladies. 

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 1 out of 800 infants have cleft palate or cleft lip, a genetic abnormal separation of the lip or roof of the mouth, or both.  The severity can range anywhere from a slight irregularity of the vermillion of the lip to complete separation extending all the way to the nose.  Unfortunately, the  genes responsible for cleft palate/lip have not yet been identified.  Furthermore, left palate/lip may be isolated or be a part of a larger genetic disorder.  Fortunately, isolated cleft palate/lip is more common and does not include other genetic misfortunes.  Besides aesthetics, other problems which may be present are difficult feeding, hearing disorders, dental issues, and speech conditions.  Clearly treating this condition early in developmental years can contribute to normal psychological and physical development.

However cleft palate or cleft lip (with consideration of the severity of its effects) isn’t as simple as suturing the two segments together.  According to the ASPS, an entire team specifically trained in treating cleft lip/palate is necessary in correcting the condition effectively.  These specialists may include a reconstructive plastic surgeon, a otolaryngologist (ENT), a speech therapist, a dentist, a pediatrician, and a psychologist.  he plastic surgeon is obviously the talent behind the aesthetic procedures.  The ENT, to consult on related disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. The speech therapist to help with treatment of abnormalities of speech as related to the deformity of the mouth and palate (if applicable).  A pediatrician can help correct a deficient diet which may be associated with having cleft palate/lip, nutrients necessary for normal growth and development.

Surgical Procedures to Correct Aesthetic Factors in Cleft Lip Patients
After a genetic counselor has determined if the patient has any other present genetic abnormalities, and the ENT can determine if other physical abnormalities exist, surgical corrections are considered.  The surgery is normally performed during infancy (at about 10 weeks old) under General Anesthesia.  After the area is thoroughly cleansed with an anti-microbial, the incision line is drawn using an surgical pen.  The incision is commonly made just outside both sides of the cleft. Muscular irregularities are normally corrected at this time.  After muscular issues have been addressed, the skin is then joined via sutures.  Every effort is made to give the appearance of “normal” physiology.  Although I hesitate to say “normal”, truth is truth.  The hard truth is that, no matter how much I dislike to admit it, cleft lip./palate disorder is an abnormal genetic occurrence. 

Cleft Lip Surgery Recovery
With Cleft Lip Correction Surgery, the risks associated with anesthesia will apply. As will risks such as infection, inflammation, abnormal swelling, seroma (a build up of fluid), hematoma (a pocket of blood from internal bleeding), abnormal scarring. and numbness.  It is recommended that elbow restraints be utilized during the healing phase to prevent additional irritation and rubbing by the infect.   Touching the treatment area without proper anti-bacterial treatment can further increase the risk of infection and abnormal scarring.

All in all, discomfort will more than likely be present, but no more than pain management medications can counter. Speak to your child’s doctor for further information on what to look out for and medications prescribed to treat the after effects of your child’s surgery.

A Personal Interview With A Cleft Lip Patient
I have a very close friend, we’ll call her Michelle, who was born with a cleft lip and has had extensive surgery to correct its effects.  

1. Q. On a scale of 1 to 10, how do you feel your surgical team would rate the severity of your cleft lip?
   A. Probably a 4.
2. Q. On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate the severity, and its psychological impact on your childhood?
   A. Probably a 7 as for how it effected my childhood. I was teased a lot.
3. Q. When did you first start treatment?
   A. My original surgery was as an infant. I don’t remember it. I had follow-up surgery when I was 20 for lip and rhinoplasty, and revision again at 30.
4. Q. What was the most difficult memory related to your cleft lip?
   A. Kids called me “Ellen” for a while, until one of them told me it was “L – N” for Lips and Nose since they were “messed up.”
5. Q. How many specialists were on your team? Did you have a plastic surgeon, speech therapist, dentist, otolaryngologist (ENT), etc.?
   A. Don’t know as a child, but I would guess just one surgeon. No speech therapy or anything else. I had orthodontist like normal kids.
6. Q. How many procedures or treatments have you had to treat your cleft lip?
   A. Well, 3, if you count the rhinoplasty/cleft revision (although that was mostly rhinoplasty and they never finished the cleft revision. I’m actually supposed to go back for cleft lip revision).
7. Q. Do you remember any pain associated with any of your procedures. If yes, do you feel it was worth it?
   A. For the cleft lip, no. For rhinoplasty, it was MISERABLE.
8. Q. Are you satisfied with the results, or do you feel more progress could be made with further surgeries?
   A. I would like further procedures. The last surgery was left incomplete because of swelling, the lip revision could not be done as intended with the rhinoplasty. I still feel my lip is noticeably assymetric, longer on one side. I also have some extra tissue at the base of my nose/top of my lip that makes my nostrils look small and uneven.
9. Q. If you could redo anything, are there any changes in treatment you would make?
   A. If I could go back in time, I would have had the 2nd surgery at a younger age, say 15 (instead of 20) and would have gone to a better surgeon. I was not happy with the results from the 2nd surgery.
10. Q. If you had anything to say to any parents reading this article, what advice or comments would you like to offer? Any words of encouragement?
    A. Some kids might try to act tough about their birth defect and say it doesn’t effect them. This is a facade. It dramatically effects childhood, especially the early teenage years. Adolescence is hard enough when you’re normal. A noticeable birth defect on the face brings on perpetual derision and compounds it’s traumatic effect from early childhood through young adulthood, the most critical time in the development of self-esteem. If you are a parent of a child with a cleft lip, you should do everything in your power to minimize the difficulty of growing up with this deformity. Encourage your child to be open and honest about how it effects them. And if you can do anything about it, it should be a priority.

In closing, there have been recent studies suggesting that folic acid may significantly decrease the incidence of cleft palate., cleft lip disorders. If you are considering becoming pregnant, or have recently become pregnant and are not taking folic acid regularly, discuss with your obstetrician the benefits of taking folic acid during gestation.

Also, on a personal note, please discuss with your children about teasing or making fun of other children who do not fit the mild of “normal”.   The effects of off-color and derogatory comments can significantly impact another child’s developmental growth and social nature.  Teaching a child tolerance and acceptance is a lifelong lesson in empathy and kindness. If the tables were turned, your child would not appreciate the teasing often dished out by fellow playmates.  The Golden Rule is an amazing concept that can surely be embraced easily by every individual.  Life lessons are first taught in the home.

Permanent Eye Color Change Without Chemicals

This subject has always interested me.  I remember several years ago when depigmentation eyedrops to lighten the eyes came into the media.  It both shocked, concerned and intrigued me to the point of additional research.  Sure, I had thought about it. But it seemed so scary, so definite and possibly dangerous? Surely it was dangerous. I had to know more.  Then ocular implants came into the cosmetic lime light, even scarier to me.  What are we willing to do to lighten our eyes to fit the cookie cutter version of what is attractive?

Aesthetically, our eyes are what defines our facial individuality. No two are alike (well hopefully your own are to a certain degree). Wait, I take that back. My very good friend has one gray-hazel eye and the other is blue (complete heterochromia). She calls it her ‘wonky eye’ but I love it!  I think it is very attractive. There is even a horse down the street from me that has one light blue eye and one brown eye. I like it!  Partial heterochromia is also something I find attractive; you can see this in those who have one iris that has partial color differentiations. Heterochromia can be genetic, from disease or trauma as well. But to get back to the subject, our eyes are so unique and the thought of changing the color permanently actually makes me uncomfortable to a degree. I was looking at my eyes last night and sometimes they seem more green. n truth, I wish they were like that all of the time…

Why not simply use colored contact lenses? Because they rarely, if ever, look real. Sure, there are custom opaque or solid contacts that can fully cover the iris itself, thereby eliminating the weird chameleon eye look.  But whatever you use, the area around the pupil usually has a tell-tale demarcation between the natural color and the contact itself. Up close it is very obvious. Even a custom contact with a pupil rim, a darker section on the area around where the pupil would start, would make us look like our pupils are quite dilated.  No bueno.  

So what are our options if we really want to change?  Well, if you want to change your eye color and have more control over the outcome, not to mention still maintain reversibility, there are ocular implants that can be surgically implanted that change your eye color. Invented by Dr. Alberto Kahn of K.M.D. Corporation. The ocular were designed with whose in mind who have no pigment (such as ocular albinism), or partial coloboma (congenital irregular pigmentation), or the effects fro deposits from medication, or trauma from injury or disease. But now individuals wishing to change the color of their eyes who have no pre-existing pigmentation issues may have these ocular implant surgically placed under the cornea. 

The procedure is performed under topical anesthesia. Fluid is removed from under the corne.  Liquid silicone (often used in ocular surgery) is injected to “keep a deep anterior chamber” and a 3.2 mm 1 incision (or sometimes 2) is made.  A modified non-prescription diaphragm that resembles a soft contact is rolled to form a long tube and it is inserted into the incision and placed over the natural iris. Once the implant is inserted it is spread out across your natural iris using either blunt spatula or more liquid silicone.  The incision may need to be widened if this proves difficult.  The liquid silicone is aspirated and “the anterior chamber [is then] rinsed”. The incision heals on its own with no scarring.  

The recovery is reported to be easy to moderate, with blurry vision for about 2 to 4 days.  You are requested to stay for one week in Panama to attend your post-op appointment.   Anti-inflammatory eye drops and antibiotics are prescribed.  The pain is reported to be very minimal, more of an irritation than true pain. The surgery is not without its risks, however.  Infections, ocular hypertension and corneal edema (swelling of the cornea), iritis (inflammation of the iris which ironically can cause release of the pigment) are possible. 

So what if you don’t want to have surgery?  Ocular suspensions administered for eye pressure  problems caused from open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, can darken your iris (iridial anisochromia) which is usually not reversible. Prostaglandin analogue treatment can also darken your eyelashes and periocular skin (the skin around the eye, inside of the eyelids) which is reversible. Not all patients experience significant iris color change.  Some topical prostaglandin therapy medications are outlined below:

• Betagan® (levobunolol can cause darkening of the iris Although I have seen one report of patient who claimed depigmentation, it is known to darken..
• Travatan® (travoprost) is a synthetic prostaglandin analogue and has been reported to produce a darker iris.
• Betaxolol hydrochloride ophthalmic solution may also cause darkening of the iris, eyelashes and the rims of the eyelids.  Although several studies I have read did not produce significant changes in the iris.  There is generally a low incidence of color change with the use of Betaxolol hydrochloride.
• Unoprostone also causes the iris to pigment and became darker.
• Latanoprost (Xalatan®) is reported to produce significant iris color change (darker).

So what about lightening the iris with medications? Well, there is not much to report.  In the past, I had read about drops that you could buy to counter the effects of the above medications, although the information seems to be scarce these days. Even the website I once had is no longer valid.  However, there are several websites selling the same herbal solution that supposedly lighten the eyes but I have not heard any first hand reports of its success.  Although I cannot get a complete list of the ingredients, one seller claims that the product contains “natural extracts of chamomile, licorice root, white willow, and vegetable glycerine.” I am sure there is something far less common in the concoction.   General lightening reportedly takes about 28 days to notice. The seller also advised that blue took the longest to achieve (up to 14 months) and that “pure blue” was not a common result, rather more of a “mixed blue” color; a blue eye with a darker center.

Personally, I would be afraid to use said herbal depigmentation drops.  I am curious enough to purchase it and get it analyzed however. If the mood strikes me, I very well may. However, it may be a lost cause considering I have yet to find even ONE review which I thought was genuine and that contained photos I know I would be posting my photos if I had success with such a product. It’s scary business if you ask me..

Ocular Implants: http://www.newcoloriris.com/

Belgian Woman Sells Twin Infants for Liposuction

When I first saw this article I was in shock.  I mean, really? Who does this? Who can decides to have children for financial gain, only to spend it on something so trivial as liposuction?  While I am not meaning to say plastic surgery is trivial, but to sell your kids for it??  Well, to sell your kids at all is disgusting, but it seems further degrading to sell them for surgery.

Sonia Ringoir, 31, was hard up for money and desperate to change her body. This desperation drove her to do something [hopefully] most of us couldn’t even fathom.  Surrogacy can be pretty lucrative; Ringoir knew this in advance and used the opportunity to make reportedly £9,000 with the intention of paying for her plastic surgery procedure. She held “sperm parties” with two childless couples (unbeknownst to one another) so that she could become a surrogate mother, taking fees for the numerous attempts until she got pregnant via impromptu artificial insemination.   She eventually became pregnant (father unknown), had the twin boys and then reportedly “gave” them to a friend who could not have children for free. Thereby leaving the four hopeful Dutch would-be parents high and dry.

Thanks to her estranged husband, Marc Poppe, Rignoir was caught.  Poppe alleges that Ringoir did in fact take money, enough for liposuction and more.  Ringoir’s new boyfriend said in defense of Ringoir that she was driven to such extreme measures by Poppe to reconstruct her body and lose weight.  Personally, there is no justification in selling your children–no even to buy food for your other children. Well, she has 5 other children so, in theory, her TummyTuck and Breast Implants are paid for if she had her way. 

The kicker? Apparently, Belgium has no law against selling children so she could not be arrested for the attempted sale. However, Ringoir was charged with the degrading Treatment of Children and fraud by one of the Dutch couples.  A pittance of legal repercussion for such unthinkable acts.  Shocking, but true.

It’s That Time Again! Crash Beauty Tips for the Holidays!

Christmas Eve is less than a week away, what can we possibly do to look our best in only a week? And in this economy??  More than you think. I know I am a little late in the countdown for mini procedures such as Botox and Restylane [since I had it done a little over a month ago], but there are things you can do.

Today I took a before and whew! was I haggard.  My face is freshly scrubbed in this pic, I’m blotchy, and my hair is still in the growing phase after recovering from the horror of extensions, but it’s all I have to work with. Plus, I am nursing a pretty good injury and have left the house since last weekend–and once only to brave the shopping malls.  So, go easy please.  I was looking back on photos from a little over a year ago and I realized I had been letting myself “go” for lack of a better word. I don’t know if it is a matter of getting comfortable in my own skin, the extreme sports taking their toll, or simply lack of time. But it is time to stop moping, get out of my PJs and hit the salon!  I am on a mission to at least resemble what I did not too long ago.

• First Goal: Slim Down and FAST! I am on a strict diet of salmon and non-starchy vegetables until Christmas.  That’s it, these winter pounds have got to go!  I am up to 129 lb. and I prefer to be at 120. Eeek. Plus it will be good for my skin, I’ll detox and I won’t feel so badly when I have some sweet potatoes at dinner on the 25th.  I have got to stop yo-yo dieting. I excel at it.
• Exercise: While I realize muscle tone is just not going to happen for me by Christmas, I know that exercise will help my complexion and health in general. But quite frankly I can barely walk so I don’t see this happening, However, if you are able to increase your cardio, it will help you lose some holiday fat and energize you for the tasks ahead. My New Year’s Resolution, start exercising more.  Just staying as active as I am really doesn’t do anything for my body, the extreme sports only break nails and gives me bruises, nothing more.  Hiking helps, but in all honestly, the only time I hike is to jump off of something. I should start mountain biking, but I find that as much fun as paying taxes. This is my year, however.  I need to suck it up and just do it!
• Skincare: My skincare regimen has been working.  My Finacea is starting to take effect and my breakouts are far less. I could use less blotchiness and frankly, a another Cosmelan mask would do me a world of good. But I know I need to be careful on changing anything this close to an event, i.e. using Retin A, etc. so I am not taking any chances.  A little mild exfoliation and some moisturizer will keep me in the right direction without rocking the boat.  I really don’t recommend getting a facial unless you are accustomed to doing it regularly.  Extractions and skincare changes can cause eruptions and the last thing you want to do is look like Rudolph as you sit down for ham.
• Water Is Your Friend.  With all of this indoor heating and freezing outdoor temperatures, it will do you well.  I am truly awful about drinking water. I am going to increase my water intake and further flush out the toxins and keep my skin hydrated.  My second New Year’s Resolution is to get my timer back out (the only way I remember and force myself) and drink 6 ounces every hour.  Although I should start today!
• Supplements: I wonder if supplements taken this early would do anything at all. Probably not, but increasing my Vitamin C would at least help my immune system during cold season. In can’t hurt, right? I am so bad about remembering to take my supplements. I don’t like taking pills period, much less huge horse pills that taste awful.  But I know it would benefit me both internally and aesthetically.  I will place them nesxt to the coffee machine. hehe.  Also, I am thinking about taking a prenatal every other day.  Any thoughts on this?
• Hair: I am going to make a hair appointment for Monday.  My roots are just coming out so it is in that inbetween-maybe-I-should-but-I-really-don’t-have-to-stage. Although a good moisturizing treatment and blowout will make me feel better and certainly add to the mini-makeover. My hair has done nothing but stay up in a scrunchie for a while now.  Oh how I wish I could have long hair FAST! Since removing my extensions, I miss the long, perfect hair that I could never grow on my own. But I know I will regret it if I put them back in.  Besides, it’s an expense I really don’t need.
• Nails! OH MY GOODNESS. I need a manicure and pedicure. I haven’t had one in about 2 months.  I suggest getting one this weekend or early next week.  I miss my acrylics but my lifestyle doesn’t really support having them.  But I miss them   Lately I have been debating putting them back on.
• Make-Up: While I’m at the mall for last minute shopping, I am going to stop in at Bare Escentuals and have them do my eye make up.  Maybe purchase a few new smoky colors. I am not to daring in the eye makeup department, my diva downfall for sure. I only ever wear a little when I am attending an event, in formal attire, rarely (if ever) any other time. I should probably put more effort into looking a little more made up.
• Sunless Tan: I know it stinks but it makes me look a little less like a corpse.  I am so pale in the winter!  I want to look a little more vibrant, at least like I don’t have one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel. So, to add some warmth to my pallor, I am going to break out the sunless tanner about 2 days before Christmas Eve. That way I can get two layers applied, and hopefully can get rid of the stink a little more before the party.
• A New Outfit: A nice new festively red sweater may do me well, with perhaps a pair of slimming black slacks and high-heeled boots.  It’s simple, it’s subtle, it works. It will make me look taller, and hopefully thinner.  Those alone are enough to make me like it. 

For me the winter takes its toll every year. I don’t like the cold and when I do go out in it, it is normally to ski or whatever. Try as I might, I can’t really stay looking my best with a red face and runny nose.  Although after looking at photos from not so long ago, and then comparing them to today? I look so much older in my opinion. I can see the effects of facial aging and past procedure mistakes, and my metabolism seems slower.  This aging business is not on the top of my list of favorite activities. But, alas, Father Time is someone I’d like to punch in the nose. I guess the only thing to do is roll up my sleeves, take a defensive stance, and meet the challenge head-on. Like I said, this year is the year!  I believe I can make a good turn around…

Are Cosmetic Surgery Contests Unethical

You’ve seen the contests on the Internet, heard them on the radio, seen them in certain clubs: Win Breast Implants!  Apply Within. Free surgery, how great can that be?  All you have to do is agree to be part of the contest, perhaps take a few photos, maybe make a few appearances and interviews. Sounds like an inexpensive way to get a better bustline, yeah? Not in my opinion.  

So why am I so against this obvious opportunity for those who don’t have other means to financially make surgery happen? 

A. how does the awarder know if the awardee is physically and mentally a candidate for plastic surgery? B. In some contests, the patient has no choice over who their surgeon is going to be, not good. C. Some patients are victims of winner’s syndrome, similar to winners on eBay who are willing to pay more, simply to win.  In this case, patients are willing to risk more, simply to win a chance at having surgery.  D. In the event that you have complications, more than likely, you will have to foot the bill. Always include this when considering any procedure.  And lastly, *ugh* sometimes the contest throwers make the contestants do the worst, almost degrading, activities. 

One contest that some may consider mild, yet still similar to clean mud wrestling, was a Halloween contest thrown in Las Vegas.  The contestants had 90 minutes to scurry around a night club looking for Halloween candy.  The five girls holding the most candy at the end of the 90 minute period, went up on stage where others “voted” who should get free boobs. I imagine women fighting over candy they don’t intend to eat, but what is used as currency for raffle tickets for free breasts.  It almost bothers me to think about it.

Howard Stern has also had similar contests.  Heck, he has outright purchased breast implant procedures for women.  Then he parades them in front of his staff and asks outright, on the air, in front of hundreds of thousands of viewers, to strip and let him test drive the new additions.  I think this is what bothers me the most.  Those who know me well, know that I am no fan of this man.  But mention him alongside a breast implant contest and I am all over it like a rabid pitbull.

I personally find breast implant contests disgraceful; my comments are not meant directly at the women but at the men who would stoop so low as to dangle such a carrot in front of their faces.  But, then again I have always saved for my surgeries or gotten them discounted because they would be portrayed on television. So perhaps I am not one to utter a word.  I just would hate for a woman to be made a spectacle of simply so they can get a free surgery.  Surgery is so personal, and to let outsiders in for any reason can make you feel awful, much less be made to jump through hoops to gain a chance at receiving them. But I know, as women, we have all probably done far worse out of either pressure or guilt.

So my question is, is it ethical for men (and the contributing surgeons) to be running these various contests to award breast implants to women? Or do you feel that using your gender and body to get what you want without regret is a good thing?  I am curious as to your thoughts. Perhaps I am just overly sensitive and jaded from past experiences in life.  Perhaps I feel as though I am looking out for other women, when in reality using what God gave you to get what you can out of it is ‘okay’ (even if it means improving what God gave you!).  I am really curious as to how you all feel. Maybe I just have not seen the light, or am I right on the money where being taken advantage of is concerned?  Please let me know…

Labiaplasty: Down About Our Down Under

Having written about this subject back in October of 2007. I am actually not surprised at the rise in this rejuvenation surgery since my last research.  Vaginal rejuvenation is picking up momentum like most procedures do in time. However, I feel it may have an undeserved stigma due to its genital proximity.  Yet this does not silence the sheer numbers of those discontent with their private parts. To some it may seem to be growing at an alarming rate, due to what I am almost certain is 1 part media influence, and 1 part “because I can.” While you won’t find your average beauty rag responsible for coercing thousands of women into trimming their labia, the effects of erotic media on what is considered “normal” and “desirable” (which are rarely one and the same) is undeniable. Let’s revisit the psychology and physiology of what may trigger us to go to such lengths…

Let’s look at Physiology first.  Genetically, some women simply have more prominent (ergo longer) labia minora, yes, the inner lips at the vestibule of the vagina.  Others may tend to notice elongation with aging, child birth, the effects of sexual intercourse, and general skin elasticity issues.  It is what it is.  The elongation of the labia minora can interfere with sexual relations causing pain and discomfort.  Sexual intercourse may not occur as frequently as both partners make like due to the discomfort associated with it.

Psychologically, we can be affected more than we know–even unconsciously. Interestingly I would have never been self conscious had I not heard the immature comments in general about ‘meat curtains’. That in itself is disgusting to even utter, not that I have ever heard it personally directed towards me. I am referring to the comments in general you hear in day to day life, on cable, the Internet, and rude males who I don’t even know why I graced them with my presence. Skydiving males! hmmph! Anyway, if there are comments like this out there, then that means that there is a group who is being judgmental, which means there is a preferred appearance of the labia. Unfortunately that trickles down into wondering about your own private parts. Which in turn brings upon the exponential growth of labiaplasty (or labioplasty) and vaginal rejuvenation procedures.  It is a vicious cycle from which we seemingly cannot escape.

There have not been too many surgical advances since last year (if at all).  Obviously such a short time cannot possibly allow a procedure to evolve. Hence there are complications which we must consider before undergoing such procedures. Although for the most part, labia shortening is generally a cut and dry procedure–no pun intended.  

So, if you’re thinking about it, what is the criteria? Ideal candidates are those who are in good health, have no existing health issues which may interrupt healing, those who are psychologically and emotionally balanced and have realistic expectations.  Just know the risks and realize they don’t just happen to everyone else. Are you willing to take that risk?

At your consultation, you will receive an examination, hopefully see before and after photos of true patients of your doctor, not just stock photos or digitally enhanced photos.  He, or she, should discuss the risks with you, the surgical procedure in detail, and the recovery period. Generally, what to expect.  Of course you should also talk about fees, which typically run anywhere from $3,500. to about $6,000.  Be sure to determine what your total is as some surgeons have their anesthesiologists and surgical centers bill you separately. Be sure before you commit.

The recovery can be somewhat of a long haul. Remember that the area needs to stay clean however, bathing in standing water is often instructed against for about a week.  Discomfort can persist for weeks, and obviously there will be discomfort upon sitting, so this can be very inconvenient if you have a desk job. Sitting for long periods can decrease circulation so take this into account, Circulation is very important during the healing period.  Sexual intercourse is, of course, something that is going to have to be put off for a while. Please do not risk your final outcome and health by trying out your new parts too early. Adhere to your surgeon’s instructions.

Just be sure to have this surgery for yourself, no one else. We all don’t have to be paper dolls with cookie cutter lines. We are individuals and while I understand the desire to feel better about oneself and choose to tweak what we do have–I’d be a hypocrite if I did not. Consider the reasoning behind your decision. Are you comparing yourself to magazines and before and after photos of the post-op patients, or do you have a physical discomfort complaint,. Whatever the reason, if it is yours, it is yours. You have every right to make that choice.  Just be sure it is a healthy choice and a choice where there is more reward and risk.

Restylane and Botox Update

As some of you may have read, on Thursday I went to Beverly Hills to see Dr. Hoenig for my quarterly Botox and Restylane injections.  Dr. Hoenig  used only Restylane for my lips and undereyes this time–no Juvederm.  He felt I didn’t need much at all, in fact he thought there was barely any movement in my brow and said “most doctors would throw you out of their office” But, I disagree because if I can make dynamic lines when I raise my eyebrows, I’m not happy! I like it completely smooth  

I unfortunately seemed to have needed a lot of Restylane under my left eye.  Dr. Hoeing feels my skin is very thick in the mid cheek (apple area) and that the oil glands under my skin may be enlarged, causing a demarcation where it meets the thin undereye skin. Apparently they do not complement one another.  I personally feel it is the scar tissue from the fat because my cheek skin thickness has not changed in size since I was younger.  Who knows though?

I had Restylane injected in the cupid’s bow and philtrum (raised lines that run from the cupid’s bow to the nose) of my lips and a touch in the bottom lip.  I also had Restylane injected in my cheeks, very little.  I wanted more but he felt I didn’t need it. I had Botox to the glabella (frown line), forehead and crow’s feet.  Last time it didn’t seem to work very completely, or for as long, so this time I am crossing my fingers.

Dr. Hoenig also put me on topical Azelaic acid which I will be starting in a week.  I have only used it once before, and only from a sample, and I loved it.  I hope it doesn’t cause any irritation or make things worse; I have never had the problem before with azelaic acid.  Here is to a rejuvenated face using less invasive means!

N.Y.C. Lippin’ Large Lip Plumper

I am an impulse buyer, no doubt about it.  I was at the pharmacy shopping for travel bottles for my toiletries and other necessities for my Thanksgiving trip and lo and behold I saw a great shade (#476 Plum Tart) of NYC Lippin’ Large lip gloss in a tube, that also happened to be a lip plumper. Sold.

I got home and although it is 10 o clock at night, I, of course, had to try it out.  I was surprised at the great texture, not too goopy, not to dry–actually perfect.  The color is very nice; it reminds me of NARS Babydoll that I am faithful to, but a little more shimmery.  What surprised me the most is that although the company’s website mentions ingredients such as cinnamon and ginger, it was almost spearaminty, and not cinnamony at all.  The website also states there is a warming feeling, but honestly it felt like a cooling sensation. Often lip plumpers sting, but this was refreshing 

As far as performance, there wasn’t much immediate plumping, but it did poof them out slightly.  I didn’t feel like my lips were being dried out and it most certainly was not uncomfortable at all. I could actually feel it working, but it wasn’t the severe inside-out plump you receive from hardcore cinnamon oil plumpers. The best part? It was only $3.99 and lasted on my lips for a very long time. Not bad for a few bucks!