As much as I love my back-of-body massages at Corona, California’s Glen Ivy Hot Springs, I couldn’t see myself ever really spending more than $50 for a facial – be that an unrealistic or downright foolish thought. Furthermore, I had always figured that my skin was pretty healthy and clear from noticeable blemishes, so the idea of a facial always sounded like an extra luxury, rather than a necessity.  

Thankfully, my new skincare advisor and esthetician at Facelogic Spa  totally proved me wrong. With several locations throughout the country, Facelogic’s new location at the Colonies Crossroads center in Upland, California sparked my interest the minute I heard that there was a 2-for-1 special: two facials for only $39!

Inviting my mom to join me for a great deal and a lovely Saturday morning, I ended up saving even more than I ever anticipated. Because my mother insisted that she pay for our facials, my fabulous 50-minute skincare treatment was free!                

There were so many benefits to getting a facial with Sarah at Facelogic. Just these very details prompted me to join a year membership for only $49 a month, allowing me one free facial a month and a point-savings system that is quite a bargain:

• The calming scent of aromatherapy that fills the entire spa
• The smiling, down-to-earth skincare professionals
• The private, changing rooms
• Being told that the skin across my cheekbones looked dehydrated and I had a lot of blackheads surrounding my nose – which she actually removed!
• Sarah’s customized, step-by-step skincare education during treatment
• Her massage techniques used for my face, neck, and arms
• The soft music and dim lights in a private area
• The enzyme peel and facial mask perfectly suited for my combination skin (normal/dry/oily)

Although the 2-for-1 special has come to a close, Facelogic’s introductory spa facial is still a comfortable, and affordable, $39…and one of the most undeniably, refreshing experiences.

Say Elana from Beauty Chat sent ya!   

 (Pssssst…special promotion coupons are available on their Web site.)

~ Elana

 Image credits: www.facelogicupland.com

We Want to Know What YOU Think!

Here at Beauty Chat, we take pride connecting with our readers and value each person’s input. Please use the comment section below to ask us questions or leave comments about any of our current or upcoming blogs. Whether you wish to know more about breast augmentation, before and after computer imaging, mineral makeup, or gotta know about Le Mystere’s flattering post-surgical lingerie, then speak on it!

Also, if you have a specific question for one of our Beauty Chat contributors, go ahead and address them by name in your question. We will be sure to have them address your comments directly!

For any medical-related questions, please consult a qualified doctor for assistance. Feel free to contact any of the plastic surgeons, cosmetic dentists, dermatologists, facial plastic surgery providers, or vision specialists featured on iEnhance.com. The answers from Beauty Chat contributors are deemed as helpful information versus medical advice.

The concept of “lunch break boob jobs” has been in the news recently, as California biotech company Cytori Therapeutics is developing a procedure involving fat transfer from the stomach or buttocks to the breasts.  It is estimated that it will be performed under general anesthetic in just over an hour. Cytori products are only available in Europe and Japan, but I’m wondering what is the likelihood that lunch hour cosmetic surgery will hit the states any time soon. I beg the question:

Could breast augmentation by way of a fat transfer change breast enhancement entirely? 

After all, given the choice of: 1. The traditional method of placing implants into my breasts while keeping all of my, ahem, backside volume in place, or, 2. Gaining breast enhancement while losing some of said backside volume – well, what would you choose?  Would this add a new scope to the field that surgeons would inevitably be forced to provide?

At least one facility (that I know of) already does: Manhattan’s Tribeca Plastic Surgery, where Dr. Sydney Coleman and Dr. Alesia Saboeiro have performed cosmetic fat grafting surgery for some time, and have recently begun offering it for breast augmentation purposes. 

However, with their LipoStructure™ technique, this type of fat transfer surgery is said to last longer than using breast implants.

 I’m also wondering (and maybe you are too): Just what would breast augmentation by way of a fat transfer mean for the patient?  Think about it.  A woman’s breasts have been surgically enhanced with her own body fat.  Later, she loses a significant amount of weight, and then…are they just GONE? 

Insights, anyone??     

 ~ Brook

Photo Credits: PlasticSurgery.com

Ziba Beauty: Not Just a Salon, but a Gateway to Eastern Beauty

Relative to the notion that the eyes are the window to the soul, the eyebrow serves as a frame that creates symmetry, as well as exudes mystery. As Ziba Beauty comments, it is “a silent decision maker,” which can alter the shape of the entire face. Suffice to say, your eyebrows should be modified in accordance to your unique facial structure. With the ancient method of eyebrow threading, the eyebrow is treated as a canvas where the rightly constructed shape can transform the appeal of your eyes – hence, the Art of Threading ®.

Stemming from India, threading is arguably a less painful and more exact way of facial hair removal. Mimicking a kind of “Tai Chi” style of movement, the threader swiftly, yet precisely manipulates the eyebrow with the artistic use of cotton thread. Coupled with the steady fashion that requires both the mouth and hands of the threader, the cotton thread gently pulls each hair from its follicle; ultimately creating a smooth, clean surface. Although the history of threading is seemingly focused on the eyebrow, Ziba Beauty not only introduced threading to the West, but also adapted the method as a hair removal technique for all areas of the face.

Ziba Beauty has broke new ground in helping to forever change the Western view of Eastern beauty. From its humble beginnings in 1986, Ziba is prominently expanding across Southern California, enhancing the natural beauty of many people – men and women alike.

As a regular visitor of Ziba Beauty in its Rancho Cucamonga location at Victoria Gardens (ask for Amy), I find threading to be a gift of beautification that fortunately made its way onto the West Coast. I am no longer a consumer of other forms of facial hair removal, like waxing or tweezing. In my book, threading allows you to step into a world of archaic beauty that can revitalize your face with the simplistic instrument of cotton thread.

The cost of eyebrow threading at Ziba Beauty ranges from $9 and up. Other parts of the face vary, starting as low as 5 bucks. Now, that’s an affordable luxury!

Other Southern California Ziba Beauty locations include Artesia, Cerritos, Downey, Lakewood, Santa Ana, and Long Beach.

This video showcases a typical visit to a Ziba Beauty Salon.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4Xzl7QRB04[/video]

~ Mellori V.

Image Credit: www.zibabeauty.com

“Pre-Op Visit and the Day Of”

…Nervous, excited, and hungry, Jana showed up to La Veta Surgery Center (located just down the street from Dr. Andres Taleisnik’s office) at 5 a.m. in the morning with her mother on the day of surgery.

So about her being “hungry,” Jana was instructed not to eat for a certain amount of time before her procedure – 12 hours. Stepping back a week prior to her surgery, Jana met with Dr. Taleisnik for her pre-op visit to discuss her aesthetic desires more in detail. She mentioned to the doctor that she didn’t want to go tooooo big. So he said that he would bring in various sizes of saline implants to the operating room, from 350 to 475 cc (between a C and D), to see which ones best flatter her figure. Other details that Jana and Dr. Taleisnik discussed included implant placement (she chose under the muscle) and texture (went with smooth), and received specific instructions, including what to wear on the day of…

So in getting back to the morning of surgery, I had to ask Jana: Where did your nervousness stem from if you’ve been wanting breast augmentation for awhile now? Well, she says, “Because breast augmentation is such a life-changing experience, I just wanted my results to look as good as I had hoped for!”

So after waiting only a few minutes before heading to the pre-op room to get ready for surgery, Jana changed into a smock and hair cap, handing off her original clothes – a button-up top and loose drawstring sweats – to her mom. She also got a pair of socks to put on! This last piece of Jana’s surgery ensemble was to help prevent her from waking up feeling too cold and uncomfortable.

She was then hooked up to an I.V. and received general anesthesia from a qualified anesthesiologist. Laying down and beginning to feel more relaxed, she received a comforting visit from Dr. Taleisnik. Asking her if she had any last-minute concerns (and to take a pic with her to add to her personal story!), Jana just remembers wanting her implants already!

Wheeling into the operating room, with a mask on and feeling drowsy, Jana’s last memory on the gurney was hearing Dr. Taleisnik calm her fears and saying to her, “Just breathe and think of all the new clothes you will soon be able to buy…”

…And then she woke up! On a scale of one to 10, Jana recalls telling the anesthesiologist that she’s at an eight. But then, she says, with a few ice chips and pain pills, she rolled out of there feeling just minimal discomfort…

Will Jana see her results from breast enhancement surgery right away? What size did Dr. Taleisnik end up using? See what happens next in Jana’s Story, Part 4: “Recovering in the Comfort of her Own Home.”

See how it all started with Part 1: “I was tired of looking disproportioned!” and Part 2: “Consulting a Skilled Plastic Surgeon.”

~ Elana

Photo Credit: Directly from her mother’s camera

When Elana asked me to try the new NYX Black Label Compact foundation and share my experience, I was a little hesitant. I have a lifelong history of problem skin – which almost guarantees lifelong problems with foundation. At 30 years old, I still fight acne with topical prescriptions. It can be tough to find a pressed powder that provides good coverage without revving up oil production.

However, I have found NYX Cosmetics to be a step in the right direction. It’s mineral-based, chemical-free, and long-wearing with sun protection, among other standard criteria (hypoallergenic, non-irritating, etc.) – all of which is about as good as it gets for my skin type! I’m quite happy with the coverage factor, and it feels lighter than other pressed powders I’ve tried. Those interested in the total package will be impressed with the 360 degree swivel mirror and cute black lace pouch (REALLY cute). The powder is slightly fragranced, which seems odd for a cruelty-free product, but was an unexpected treat nonetheless.

The NYX Black Label Compact retails for approximately $25 (for me, it’s worth it). You can find NYX Cosmetics at a limited assortment of drugstore and beauty supply retailers in the U.S., including Longs Drug Stores, Essentials Plus, Brooks, and Duane Reade (in addition to www.NYXCosmetics.com).

~ Brook

Image credit: Courtesy of Pierce Mattie Public Relations

So many facial injectables to choose from these days!

Although Botox ® topped the chart as the most frequently performed non-surgical cosmetic procedure in 2006 (big surprise, right?), I’m wondering how Radiesse ® will do up against this wrinkle fighter and the hyaluronic acid fillers of the world, such as Restylane ® and Juvederm ™, both of which are made of a natural substance in the body used to augment – or “fill” – lines and wrinkles.

                    (Courtesy: T. Tzikas, MD – Delray Beach, FL) 

As compared to Botox ®, which is a form of botulinum toxin that is injected to block nerve impulses and paralyze the muscles causing forehead lines, frown lines, forehead creases, “crow’s feet,” and thick bands in the neck, Radiesse ® offers an advanced calcium-based microsphere technology that restores volume and naturally promotes the growth of the body’s own collagen.

As for the wrinkles and folds that develop with aging, such as the deep lines that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth, Radiesse ® is said to “raise the bar for the aesthetic treatment” of these nasolabial folds. Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the correction of facial wrinkles and folds, Radiesse ® might just give people the immediacy, visible improvement, and longer-lasting results (as compared to other facial fillers available) they long for without having to get surgery.

                       (Courtesy: H. Gaboriau, MD – Bellevue, WA)

According to Dr. Jacqueline Calkin, a board certified dermatologist of Sacramento, California, Radiesse ® also offers patients “more bang for their buck,” lasting one year or longer on average (before heading back to the doc’s office for follow-up treatment).

See the results for yourself and make your own call!

~ Elana 

Photo credits: www.Radiesse.com

When trying on the wide leg “Vika” pant by Freedom of Choice, I immediately noticed the quality of the fabric – thick, yet sleek. Because I have a linear body type, my waistline and hips are somewhat narrow. In the meantime, I can’t help but think that while thousands of people undergo liposuction  each year to help slim their figure, I find myself seeking bottoms that actually accentuates the little “junk in the trunk” I do have.

The particular pair of Freedom of Choice jeans by Los Angeles-based designer Nathan Menashe (who grew up on a “steady diet of 70s and 80s music and apparel”) has a sailor-style look, with cute buttons that curve from my hips up to my waist. The button details immediately caught my eye!

I’ve noticed Freedom of Choice jeans in fashion magazines and online, so in trying on a pair of my own, I was happy with the quality and design.  I absolutely loved the bell bottom-y cut, as well as the dark denim color, which is a nice contrast to my light skin.  

As for the fit, however, the fabric was loose in my waist and thigh area — not doing too much for my figure (probably should have gone down a size though). But in the waist, they are very comfy. I may even drop in to see my tailor for a quick fix….

Bragging (!) about her Monterey “Parabola” high bootcut jeans, Elana told me that Freedom of Choice has tons of other styles as well to try out — non-denim pieces as well.

You can get your own Freedom of Choice fix at upscale boutiques throughout the United States and Japan. (Jeans are a high-end cost, ranging from $148 to $188.)

 Plastic surgery or not – a great jean should never go unnoticed. Just remember to know your size and ask your sales person if a particular fashion line runs small, pretty true to size, or a bit bigger.

Mellori V.

Photo credit: www.fOCjeans.com

Product credit: Dennery Marks PR

Apparently skipping a season, the Extreme Makeover team is back with new patients and new challenges – a freshness perfect for avid Reality TV fans who may be exhausted from the television reruns that summertime typically brings.

Also a Dr. 90210 viewer? ABC’s Extreme Makeover features the lives of  “normal” people with big-time insecurities and unfortunate stories as well (such as last night’s 30-year-old Tennessee woman whose overbite was so severe that she had difficulty eating, talking, and feeling comfortable around people…she felt more at ease being around her animals!). 

Major transformations really do seem to take the work of a Reality TV Extreme Makeover team, including cosmetic surgeons, plastic surgeons, hair transplant specialists, stylists, dermatologists, cosmetic dentists, vocal coaches, and more than most of us can probably imagine. Plus a pampered experience at Serenity ain’t bad.

Keep up with the transformations once again, and tell Beauty Chat what you’re thinking.

Season 4…Mondays at 9 p.m.!

~ Elana

* Is plastic surgery right for you? Do a little digging and learn more about the top procedures available today: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and eyelid surgery.

“Brush it on!”

My makeup guru friend, Andrea (who is my cubicle buddy with the most brilliant set of lashes, by the way), was the perfect person to sample the Sunforgettable SPF 30 Retractable Dispensing Brush from Colorescience.

After digging this skincare product (which is mineral-based) out of a much-adored gift bag, I had a feeling that this product would make Andrea smile. This SPF dispensing brush is truly genius – a convenient turquoise tube that releases a light powder through the end of the brush as it goes on the skin. After using the odor-free and water-resistant product in the “perfectly clear” shade for about a week, Andrea gave a rave review!

She says the Sunforgettable SPF 30 Retractable Dispensing Brush offers:

- Very lightweight powder and no icky heaviness, allowing her to wear it in lieu of her regular makeup
- A cool top and tube-like case to protect the brush
- NO STREAKS
- A sweat-proof experience at the gym (lasted throughout her 60 minute cardio workout)

So yes, our Andrea definitely recommends this makeup product. (Side note: Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, Tyra Banks, and Lucy Liu are said to also go bananas for Sunforgettable.)

This UVA/UVB sun protective solution from Colorescience also comes in a few other shades, retailing for $50. Worth the change? Check it out for yourself. Fine day spas, resorts, and the offices of dermatologists and plastic surgeons are just a few of the locations where you can buy something Sunforgettable.

* You can also “Roll it on” with the Rock & Roller Ball or “Shake it Up” with the Shaker Jar! Fun.

~ Elana

* Photo credit: Courtesy from Kip Morisson & Associates