Dr. Stuart Linder, one of the world’s most renowned plastic surgeons, presents “The Beverly Hills Shape: The Truth About Plastic Surgery.” His new book is geared toward helping patients make educated decisions in their quest for cosmetic and reconstructive enhancements.

Still trying to understand all the details that come along with getting plastic surgery?

You’re not alone in the least bit. Considering a number of individuals underwent plastic surgery in 2006 (more than 11 million procedures – including both cosmetic and reconstructive), this must-read book might do your body good!

Dr. Stuart Linder, a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and no stranger to educating the public about cosmetic surgery through the media (providing insight and expertise to local networks and independent stations –Discovery Health Channel, MTV, E! Entertainment, Fox 11 News, KCAL 9, and BBC America are a few).

Specializing in body sculpting procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, breast reduction surgery, liposuction, and tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Stuart Linder discusses tons of good info in his new book, “The Beverly Hills Shape: The Truth About Plastic Surgery.” His A-Z format includes a checklist of questions to ask a doctor, a post-operative worksheet for the patient to hold for his or her own records, and a glossary of terms.

And with a practice based in the heart of Beverly Hills, California – yes, there is discussion about Hollywood’s rich and famous too (thumbs up).

Available today through Amazon.com and Borders.

~ Elana

Image credit: PlasticSurgery.com

Want to see how you would look after plastic surgery before even stepping foot in the doctor’s office? Well, you’re in luck! Plus, you’d be saving 75 bucks.

Dr. Robert Kotler — as seen on Dr. 90210 — is the Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon to give you this very chance. The first 50 people who take advantage of his offer will receive free computer imaging via the Internet (haven’t tried it myself just yet, but it sounds super cool). This means you can see your predicted results ahead of time.

 (Image: before, computer imaging, actual results) 

In order to take advantage of this offer:

1.  Visit iEnhance.com to get the promotion code, and then click on Dr. Robert Kotler’s banner ad (using the promotion code from iEnhance.com is the only way to get this Internet imaging service for FREE)
2.  Fill out a simple form and mark the procedure you’re interested in. The list includes:

• Face and Neck Lift
• Cosmetic Nasal Surgery
• Upper Eyelid Surgery
• Lower Eyelid Surgery
• Chemical Wrinkle Removal
• Correction of Protruding Ears
• Chin Augmentation
• Neck Sculpture

3.  Type in the promotion code
4.  E-mail two photos – 1 profile and 1 frontal view  –  to Dr. Robert Kotler

These details can be found after you click on the banner add from iEnhance.com. Remember, only the first 50 people will receive complimentary computer imaging. Based on the doctor’s nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Robert Kotler will provide personalized results and information to consider. 

Turn-around time for this service is typically about one week or less; however, for this promotion, the return time could vary a bit. For your convenience, you’ll also get a quote regarding the cost of your desired procedure. I have to admit – this is a pretty sweet deal.

Be sure to let us know how this works out!

~ Elana

 Photo credit: Courtesy of Dr. Robert Kotler

“Consulting a Skilled Plastic Surgeon”

Referred to Dr. Andres Taleisnik from an enthusiastic coworker, Jana firmly believed that “consultations are what makes or breaks the deal.” And in her case, Dr. Taleisnik delivered more than she expected during her initial consultation regarding breast augmentation.

Step by step (in language she could fully comprehend versus common medical jargon that can commonly cause confusion), Jana quickly became aware of:

• The potential risks and complications associated with breast augmentation
• The ins and outs of the recovery period
• The importance of maintaining realistic expectations (Dr. Taleisnik explained that her outcome will enhance her body but won’t perfect it! Jana also required a little reconstructive work as well, so she was pleased that the doctor did not make “fake promises.”)

After all of her questions were answered, Jana began thinking of her next step. Only about three weeks from then, she had to get fitted for a bridesmaid dress for a July wedding. Hmmmmm….of course she wanted to do this with her new breasts.

So the waiting time was over for her! As Dr. Taleisnik’s last consultation for the day, Jana was not rushed out. In fact, she only bragged about how patient he and his assistant (Linae) were when it came to dealing with paperwork and the necessary fee rundown.

Jana was in! Her free consultation with Dr. Taleisnik was well worth it. Although her breast augmentation procedure was scheduled sooner than she expected, Jana says the only things she felt when she left his office was “excitement and complete faith” in Dr. Taleisnik…

See what happens next in Part 3 of Jana’s Story – “Pre-Op Visit and the Day Of” – coming soon!

Catch up with her cosmetic surgery experience by checking out Part 1 – “I was tired of looking disproportioned!”

~ Elana

Photo credit: PlasticSurgery.com/ Jana a few days before surgery

In planning my vacation day – taking a slight break from my love of writing editing – I knew exactly where I needed to be. Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, California was my ultimate destination (and only about 20 minutes away from Rancho Cucamonga)!

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is an amazing getaway — “Nature’s Day Spa” — with lots to do. Facials, massages, pools galore, body and skincare treatments, healthy eateries, mineral baths, and lounging nooks. Glen Ivy is an outdoor spa to swear by if you love nature, love getting pampered, and need some R&R.

But for a day of comfort and peace, I was still kinda on a tight schedule:

- 10:30 a.m.: Check-in
- 11-ish a.m.: My sis, mom, and I marked our territory just steps above the Lap Pool and next to the outdoor jacuzzi (the Saline Pool)
- 11:30 – 12:30 p.m.: Enjoyed the coolness of the Lap Pool after reading in the Saline Pool with my book, “Lipstick Jungle” by Candace Bushnell.

- 12:30 – 12:50 p.m.: Soaked up the sun while catching up on Hollywood gossip from In Touch Weekly.
- 12:50 p.m.: Walked up hill to the Massage 4 hut, checking in early for my 1:30 swedish massage, and filling out the necessary paperwork regarding my health and experience with massages.
- 1:25 – 1:30 p.m.: Met my massage therapist, and got comfy on the massage table (serene music in background and dim lighting), awaiting magical hands!
- 1:30 – 1:50 p.m.: Received a knuckle-driven, swedish massage that encompassed oils, long strokes and hot, damp towels on my back and feet. A back of body massage for 20 minutes ($55), the massage completely took out all of my knots and cramps in my back, which was a tortuous and enjoyable experience all in one. The massage therapist had a glass of cold water for me afterwards, which sort of cooled and stabilized my body.

- 2:30-ish p.m.: Tried out Café Sole (yummy!) with sis and mom, planning out our next move…the Grotto!
- 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Back in the jacuzzi with my book one last time before spending 10 minutes in the mineral bath.
- 4:00 – 5 p.m.: We head to the Grotto right near the Bath House (locker room), paying 25 bucks each. Standing in our bathing suits, we received an application of green moisturizer (aloe vera and sea kelp), spent about 15 minutes in the hot, Hydrating Chamber before showering off the masque. We then cooled off in the mist chamber, sipping hot peppermint/ green tea and eyeing the delicious, green apples.
- 5-ish p.m.: Headed back to the Bath House to change, and back to reality…

Although I avoided red-clay mud experience, Club Mud, this time around, and the day seemed to quickly pass us by, my Monday Glen Ivy spa day was well worth the $35 entrance fee! (Prices may vary.)

~ Elana

Image/Map credit: Provided during check-in at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Photo credit: PlasticSurgery.com

Wendy Lewis’ 10th book, “Plastic Makes Perfect,” is destined to hit newsstands in January, and we’re  gettin’ all excited!

The cute pink cover featuring smoky eyes and luscious lips most definitely draws me in, but so does Wendy Lewis. Ever hear of “The Knife Coach ^®?” Same woman. 

She might be just the person to read up on, and possibly consult, if you’re considering any sort of beauty enhancement – whether you’re female or male (more and more men are sprucing up their image these days…apparently, they want to up their attractive-o-meter as well!). Of course, in addition to consulting Wendy Lewis, you can’t go wrong locating a specialist for your own peace of mind. 

Some of Wendy Lewis’ bestsellers include:

“Wrinkle Rescue” - Focuses on smoothing out the the most obvious signs of aging. Talk of facial injectables, such as Botox ^®,  sun protection, and maintaining a healthy skincare regimen nicely put. 

 “The Beauty Battle” - Suggests solutions for enhancing one’s beauty from nearly head to toe! Blemishes, breakouts, cellulite, hair restoration, and helpful cosmetic surgery procedures.

Plastic Makes Perfect is available through pre-order on Amazon.com. Have any experience with The Knife Coach ^®?

Share with us

 ~ Elana

Image Credit: Courtesy of Wendy Lewis & Co Ltd. and Orion Publishing Group

What are your thoughts?

The still shots above are before and after pictures from the YouTube video below, titled “From Fat to Skinny.” This definitely makes you wonder about what is actually real in the world of modeling. Honestly, photoshop is pretty amazing! 

 [video]http://youtube.com/watch?v=-5Qv6ykFhYc[/video]

~ Elana

“It’s all about fit!”

Le Mystere couldn’t be more right on, especially when it comes to finding the right bra for a woman who just underwent breast augmentation. Incorporated with innovative patented technology and designs developed by Dr. David B. Brothers in Atlanta, GA., a board certified plastic surgeon, the “No. 9 collection” introduces sexy, comfy, and unique bras to flatter a woman’s new figure after breast enhancement.

According to Le Mystere, why would ordinary bras be ill-fitting to a women with enlarged breasts?

• The cup shape is wrong
• The typical type of underwire doesn’t fit or provide support to augmented breasts
• The narrow center connector causes bowstringing of the bra and loss of support

Check out some of the No. 9′s oh-so-gorgeous styles:

- Scarlet All-Over Lace

- Scarlet Hybrid

- Lolita Satin/Mesh Triangle

- Lolita Strapless

- Lolita Front Closure

- Lolita T-shirt

But before you even begin shopping for your new bras, you may want to get measured, either by yourself, or a professional. A retailer such as Nordstrom (who by the way, carries the Le Mystere line), would be a fantastic place to start. That way, after you buy your bras, you can buy cute tops, new bathing suits, oh, and some new heels…get the picture?

~ Elana

Photo Credits and product provided by: Le Mystere

“I was tired of looking disproportioned!”

When Jana, my giggly coworker, announced that she was going to visit Dr. Andres Taleisnik for a plastic surgery initial consultation, I was equally surprised with her need to undergo breast augmentation as I was impressed with her guts to talk about it in the first place! See, Jana is tall, shapely in the right places, nice shoulders, and cute dimples to match her smile. But as I begin tracking Jana’s Story, I soon realized how unhappy she was with having “no boobies.” I immediately agreed with the idea of posting her cosmetic surgery story on iEnhance.com’s Beauty Chat because I’m sure millions of gals out there can relate to her frustrations! I, myself, am on the smaller size, and can attest to the feelings of sorrow that develop when shopping for bathing suits and lingerie. It can be a downright miserable experience for a woman with little to no breast shape or size (think S top with M or L bottoms) to try and find something comfortable, sexy, and most importantly, flattering…

But to get the story straight, Jana didn’t opt for breast augmentation on a whim – due to unsuccessful shopping trips – my friend decided that she wanted breast implants to feel more confident and gain better proportion in her overall shape. Now 24, Jana started considering cosmetic surgery at 21 when a friend of hers at the time looked into breast enlargement. Taking it upon herself to learn about this procedure, Jana jumped on the Dr. 90210 train (E! Entertainment Television) and got to see the “reality” of this popular procedure. Jana realized that when it came to wanting breast implants (and more cleavage!), she knew she was not alone.

With a supportive boyfriend of just over two years (“My boyfriend actually tried to talk me out of getting breast augmentation,” she says, explaining that he encouraged her to talk to past patients first.), and the knowledge she needed to ask the right questions, Jana couldn’t wait to get breast implants. And the minute she met Dr. Taleisnik, she knew she was in good hands…

…Check back for Part 2 in Jana’s Story – “Consulting a Skilled Plastic Surgeon”

~ Elana

Photo Credit: Jana’s own picture, at 21 years old

“Will you use a disposable cannula for my liposuction procedure?” Of all of the factors to consider when it comes to plastic surgery, did this thought ever cross your mind? I mean, it’s totally valid. In fact, it probably should be one of the first questions you ask during your initial consultation.

No one wants bad plastic surgery or awful plastic surgery, so I’m gonna bet that when it comes to liposuction, most people are thinking about the fabulous figure they’ll soon have versus the many details of safety associated with plastic surgery. According to Tulip BioMed ™: “As they stand now, reusable cannulas pose varied risks to patients. As needle surfaces dull from reuse, tissue trauma increases, potentially increasing with it patient recovery time.”

Yikes!

Maybe because I haven’t considered liposuction for myself, I haven’t really taken this issue into account. Then again, if tattoo artists are supposed to use disposable needles…and those basically stay on the surface of your skin…

~ Elana

Photo Credits: PlasticSurgery.com

Such a delight recently attending the Four Seasons Hotel in LA for a Kip Morrison-sponsored event!

On the topic of “Next-Generation Women: Sex, Success, and Sensibility,” bestselling author Candace Bushnell (Sex and the City) shared witty girlfriend thoughts revolved around her creation of one of the most revolutionizing comedic-dramas on television, and the road to turning into “Mr. Big” herself!

Candace Bushnell also talked up her Sirius radio talk show, her new novel, Lipstick Jungle (and ahem, some insider info: you can look for this series to hit television soon!), and how she was first introduced to Botox ® Cosmetic. Apparently, covering an article on this facial injectable more than 10 years ago for Vogue prompted her to experiment with an, at the time, new way to achieve a youthful facial appearance! (Dr. Jacqueline Calkin followed Candace Bushnell’s discussion with new info on Radiesse ® … I will bring you more on this new facial filler soon!)

     (Candace Bushnell speaking to myself and a few other inspired writers)

Looking forward to a new novel from one of the most delightfully-inspiring authors today? I am! However, I’m not sure if a new series could ever take my heart away from the fabulously nutty qualms involved with Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte…

P.S. Look for paperback early August I scored an autographed copy in my gift bag from the luncheon!

~ Elana

Image Credit: www.candacebushnell.com

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kip Morrison & Associates