Hello, fabulous Beauty Chat readers! Along with being an editor/contributor to this wonderful site, I am also an editor and writer for iEnhance.com (another website in our network). Many of those who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery often look to personal accounts when researching their procedures, which is why we would love to hear from you. We are constantly looking for inspiring stories from real people just like you who have had an enhancement procedure – cosmetic plastic surgery, skin care treatment, or cosmetic dentistry procedure. Here are a couple of examples of some recent stories: Jana’s Story and Elease’s Story.

If you would like to share your experience with a procedure you underwent, please feel free to contact me!

In addition to being my 25th birthday, today marks the anniversary of Marilyn Monroe’s death. On August 5, 1962, Monroe was found dead in her Brentwood, California, home. There are many speculations as to the cause of her departure, and I am a firm believer in the conspiracy theories (especially the one involving Bobby Kennedy), but I won’t get into that!

The world may never actually know how the screen legend spent her final hours on this earth, but one thing has remained true since that fateful day 46 years ago; Monroe embodies a gorgeousness that many women still appreciate. She was much more than just a bombshell. Despite the fact that the beauty was Hugh Heffner’s original pin-up girl in the first issue of Playboy Magazine, she was also a vulnerable woman looking for love. The love, presumably, that she lacked as a child.

Born Norma Jean Baker, the legend who would later become known as Marilyn Monroe, had a difficult life. She never knew her father, and because of her mother’s mental condition, she grew up in orphanages for a good part of her childhood. Subsequent to marrying young and taking a job at a factory during World War II, she was discovered by a photographer and began modeling. Soon thereafter, she was acting under the name “Marilyn Monroe” (using her grandmother’s last name).

It is debated whether Monroe underwent cosmetic procedures to propel her to the level of loveliness for which she is known. The procedures that she is said to have undergone include cosmetic dentistry to fix her front teeth, chin surgery, and nasal surgery. Although not cosmetic, her bleach blonde hair was a big part of her makeover as well.

Once Monroe was a full-blown Hollywood star, she still suffered. While she was adored by many, she was still often seen as a sex object and desperately wanted to be taken seriously as an actress. Along with this, she had three unsuccessful marriages. In her last months, there is no argument that the star was depressed. However, many close to her say that in the days leading up to her passing, things had turned around and her spirits had greatly improved.

As the years continue to pass since the death of Marilyn Monroe, her fame continues to grow. Had the actress lived on past the age of 36, would she have achieved the respect that she deserved? It’s sad to say, but even with the relevance that she still holds today, it’s mainly because of her appealing appearance. Those who claim to love Monroe usually can’t even name more than one or two of her films.

One thing is for certain though; she achieved the love she was seeking, just not in the form that she desired.  

“I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because  I had never belonged to anything or anyone else.” —Marilyn Monroe

Photo Credits: MarilynMonroe.com and HubPages

Thanks to all of those that entered the DentaBurst ® Package Giveaway. We got some really great answers to our question but were only able to choose one winner…Hazel! Here’s what our winner answered when asked what she does for fresh breath when she’s on the go:

“I eat mints, it doesn’t really work that well, it just gives me minty bad breath =p”

Congratulations Hazel! I’m sure you’ll love this great new alternative to those mints. Enjoy your package from DentaBurst!

I was recently given the chance to try out a new and refreshing product: DentaBurst ® Freshening Teeth Cleaners. Being a fanatic of anything that has to do with teeth, I was really excited to try this product out and share my thoughts with all of you.

DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners are a new and quick way to clean the surface of the teeth. They provide a freshly washed feeling and come in two different flavors, mint and cinnamon. When you’re on the go and don’t have time to brush before a meeting, interview, or date, slip one of these on your index finger and start brushing.

This product is sure to take the place of your sugary mints and gum. Not only do they provide you with a clean and refreshed feeling, but they also remove plaque and help to clean your teeth. In addition, they don’t even take up much room in your purse or pocket. Each cleaner is individually wrapped so that you can always “Be Ready” when you only have a few minutes to prepare. (Note: This product is not meant to take the place of your normal dental cleaning routine, but as a supplement in between normal brushing.)

Fellow Beauty Chatters, and teeth enthusiasts, Sarah G. and Sara F. also tried this product and shared their thoughts:

Sarah G.: “A bit skeptical of an on-the-go teeth freshener/cleaner that could fit in my purse, I was stunned by the invigorated, hygienic feeling that DentaBurst left my mouth and teeth with. Providing me with amazingly fresh breath, and a sparkling smile, I now carry DentaBurst’s convenient packets with me everywhere I go.”

Sara F.: “I thought they were great for an instant ‘brush-up,’ especially for someone like me who is always on the go! I used them when I was leaving straight from work to my soccer game, and they made my mouth feel clean and ‘minty’ fresh, and my teeth felt smooth.”

Be sure to check out their Web site and join the Be Ready Lounge for great tips on beauty, fashion, dating, jobs, and how to always “Be Ready” with the help of DentaBurst. You’ll be given the chance to participate in their message boards, and in weekly contests for some really great prizes.

Get your DentaBurst Freshening Teeth Cleaners at Target, CVS or Rite Aid, and let us know what you think!

Also, be sure to check out their Web site, and the Be Ready Lounge. 

Want to try this refreshing new product? Just leave a comment telling us what you do for fresh breath when you’re on the go! One winner will be selected to win a great package from DentaBurst on Monday, August 4. Good luck!

Photo credits: DentaBurst and the Be Ready Lounge

(Angelina Jolie ~ before and after)

I think it’s pretty much safe to say yes, celebrities still heavily influence the growth and popularity of plastic surgery trends. In addition, Reality TV such as Dr. 90210 has played a major role in the public seeing firsthand the “reality” behind plastic surgery; and for many people, this has inspired them to go forward and undergo some sort of improvement.

(Paris Hilton ~ before and after)

(Paula Adbul ~ before and after)

Also editor of PlasticSurgery.com and iEnhance.com, I have spoken to several plastic surgeons throughout the country about their patients and the initial consultation sitting. Yes, interviewing doctors regarding various topics, from saline vs. silicone gel breast implants to butt enhancement surgery, has been part of busy job here. And during my phone interviews, I’ve learned just how common it is for a man or woman (more often it seems to be the female patients) to bring in pictures of the celebrity they wish to emulate – somehow. Whether it is Angelina Jolie’s lips, Jennifer Lopez’ butt, or Hale Berry’s breasts – these cosmetic and plastic surgeons have heard it all. Naturally, that gets me thinking about the trends and statistics in plastic surgery – both non-surgical and surgical procedures. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), here are some 2007 stats:

The most popular surgical procedures among men in 2007 were:

• Liposuction
• Eyelid surgery
• Nose surgery
• Breast reduction (to treat enlarged male breasts)
• Hair transplantation

The most popular surgical procedures among women in 2007 were:

• Breast augmentation
• Liposuction
• Eyelid surgery
• Abdominoplasty
• Breast reduction

(Fergie ~ before and after)

(Rihanna ~ before and after)

Oh, and did I mention that Americans spent just under $13.2 BILLION on cosmetic plastic surgery alone last year? While critics may deem Americans superficial, those of us who work very closely to this field tend to share the similar point of view, which is rooted in the philosophy behind Beauty Chat: “Look Good, Feel Good, and Speak On It!”

(Matt Dillon ~ before and after)

(Bruce Jenner ~ before and after)

It’s all a matter of taste, preference, and influence. That’s why I thought it would be fun to post some before and after plastic surgery photos of celebrities.

Now, I’ve got a question for you, which of your favorite stars has the most natural-looking plastic surgery results? I have my fave (Gwen Stefani), but I want to know yours too!

Photo Credit: We found them all on Google images

Wendy Lewis, who is also frequently referred to as “The Knife Coach,” is a leading independent cosmetic beauty consultant who has helped many people throughout the world contemplate the (new) age-old debate: To get plastic surgery, or to not get plastic surgery.

In her latest book, Plastic Makes Perfect: The Complete Cosmetic Beauty Guide, Lewis approaches everything from porcelain veneers to thigh lift surgery. And while her titles may be playful (including “Tick Tock Goes Your Body Clock” and “Making the Cut: Lifts and Lipo”), the content found inside this hardcover addresses all that is important when it comes to cosmetic enhancements.

(Sarah, Jennifer, Denise, Leeann, Khevna, and Elana)

Within the book, Lewis breaks down procedures into the following informational facts:

               • The procedure
               • Risks
               • Operating time
               • Post-op/recovery period
               • Longevity of results
               • Minimum costs
               • Optimum age
               • Ouch factor
               • Alternative

While the title “Plastic Makes Perfect” may be an obvious, and clever, play on words, Lewis provides extensive information in this book. Her objective shines through these pages; helping to prepare prospective patients for all that is associated with their ideal plastic surgery procedure(s).

Want to win the Plastic Makes Perfect T-shirt that the PlasticSurgery.com and Beauty Chat ladies are sportin’ in the above photo? Simply answer this question: For some people plastic does make perfect (and according to our Executive Editor, Elana, that includes credit cards!), but what makes you feel beautiful? Winners will be chosen on July 11.

And if an adorable shirt weren’t enough, you can also win a copy of the book that has been autographed by Wendy Lewis herself.

Good luck, and feel free to enter both contests!

Good skincare and good makeup are essential to having overall facial appeal. A major exception to this rule, however, is bad breath. Few people are able to look past the unpleasantness leaving your mouth, in order to admire your perfect combination of eye shadow and flawless application of a red lip.

If you agree that bad breath is forbidden territory, then you definitely want to stick to a healthy oral care routine. Dr. Harold Katz, whose Beverly Hills practice in Southern California has been helping patients since the 1970s, is the founder of TheraBreath Ò. This is a premium oral care system that aims to eliminate the problems of oral stench.

Originally, Dr. Katz solely produced toothpaste and oral rinse, but has since expanded to address other areas of oral hygiene, including: teeth whitening, the clearing of tonsil stones, and specialty chewing gums.

TheraBreath products contain all natural ingredients, which exclude Alcohol, Saccharin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Benzalkonium Chloride, making it safe for pregnant women and diabetics. In addition, they are both vegan and kosher certified. This system may just be the answer to your dental concerns (I’m already a fan of the ZOX mints!). Not to mention, our Oral Fixation Giveaway winner, Charlie P., was stoked to surprisingly find some TheraBreath products hidden away in his gift package.

Simply put – brushing (approximately for 2 minutes) and flossing (every time you brush) properly, as well as regular visits to your local dentist, usually keep bad breath under control. You may also consider picking up a tongue scraper and a bottle of Listerine Ò on our next trip to the drugstore.

These are small investments to make in completing your everyday beauty regimen. Now, that’s a picture worth a thousand, good-smelling, words!

Remember: Bad breath is generally caused by bacteria that grows in the mouth. If you do not brush and floss regularly, bacteria can collect on the food left behind and between your teeth. Other factors that can contribute to bad breath are certain foods, especially onions and garlic, and smoking.

Photo Credits: www.dentist.net and www.therabreath.com

Do you really need a cosmetic dentist? After all, you see a general dentist regularly. You brush, stay away from teeth stainers like tobacco…you even floss! However, there may be a gap, a crack, or a misshapen tooth you can’t stand. Maybe, in spite of your now healthy oral habits, your teeth are stained from prior tobacco use (FYI – coffee and tea don’t help, either). 

Kevin Sands, D.D.S. is a leader in the booming field of cosmetic dentistry. A “Dentist to the Stars,” Dr. Sands practices in Beverly Hills of Southern California, where patients such as Britney Spears (see youthful, pre-rehab picture on Dr. Sands’ Web site), Tori Spelling, Charlie Sheen, and Hilary Duff stop in to get keep their choppers on the up-and-up.

If the very real possibility of running into a celebrity is not enough (Dr. Sands was the first cosmetic dentist on Reality TV favorite Dr. 90210), consider this: cosmetic dentistry professionals can provide porcelain veneers, dental bonding, the fabulously discreet Invisalign ® system, and various teeth whitening solutions, which – for some – are invaluable services.

The eyes may be the “window to the soul,” but what about a person’s teeth? Sometimes, great shoes, the trendiest denim jeans, or even the fastest car isn’t enough to feel more confident. It might be something as personal and important as your teeth. (Say cheese!)

And with the spa-like atmosphere of Dr. Sands’ office, a visit to the dentist is anything than ordinary. I’m talking multiple flat-screen televisions (your choice of cable or a DVD!), personalized CD players with an endless selection of music choices, electric massage pads and heated neck pillows on every chair, and lemon-scented hot towels to freshen up with before heading home.

Whether you’re a seeking a Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Sands, or a New York City cosmetic dentistry provider, give your teeth some love. Translation: take care of them.

If you’ve already had a positive, rewarding experience with a great cosmetic dentist, share your story with Beauty Chat! 

~ Brook

 Photo Credits: http://www.90210dentist.net