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!

Thank you to everyone who entered our contest to win Dr. Perricone’s “No Foundation Foundation” and congratulations to Wooster!

Here’s what she had to say:

“I would like to try this because I have acne ridden skin with large pores-most foundations simply peel off my skin after a few hours, sometimes little bits of foundation flake off on to my clothes or the flakes simply sit on my face until I brush them off. I haven’t been able to find a makeup that works and does not have the flaking issue.”

We hope you enjoy your prize!

Photo Credit: Saida Online Magazine

Spring has already arrived, and summer is coming up soon. In Southern California, the sun is usually ablaze 85 percent of the year, and I’ve become much more concerned about how the sun has taken its toll on my face lately. At my young age, there are many wrinkles on my face that are already beginning to set, and I’m not quite sure what to do. These days, there are preventative anti-wrinkle creams at the grocery store and infomercials that boast to completely diminish fine lines and wrinkles. However, I’ve come to find that these creams can cost from just a few bucks to over a couple hundred dollars. With the current state of the economy and a thin wallet, what’s a girl to do?

This weekend, I started to look into what is available to begin my battle with the signs of aging. In the skin care aisle at a local grocery store, there were many name brand creams like Olay® and RoC® that claimed to reduce the signs of aging. Though their prices were attractive, they didn’t seem very effective and I was sure the results would not last very long. Then I thought to go down to Sephora. There, I found a much more refined taste of specialty facial creams, but they were also quite expensive. There were so many to choose from too, and many of the creams came in 1 oz. or 2 oz. jars, small amounts that I’m sure I’d go through quickly.

Given that I like to see results right away, I started looking beyond facial creams and into non-surgical facial treatment. Fortunately, there are many facial treatments that do completely eliminate laugh lines, crow’s feet, and even deep wrinkles for older women. Botox® is by far the most popular choice to treat wrinkles; there are also artificial fillers that are used for wrinkles. From what I’ve read, many professional plastic surgeons assure that no matter what you hear about creams that promise to completely erase fine lines and wrinkles, there are no substitutes quite like Botox and injectables. They cost a few hundred dollars but results last several months. Despite the price, I like that I wouldn’t have to apply a cream every night and the results would be immediate and last five to six months.

To get rid of my dull complexion, I’m considering microdermabrasion or a chemical peel. In a microdermabrasion, the top layer of the skin is removed by a special exfoliate, revealing newer and fresher skin underneath. Microdermabrasion is usually over a hundred dollars and results typically last a few months. Chemical peels are another great way to rejuvenate the skin. For a more youthful look, a special combination solution of skin safe acid is used to remove the outermost, most damaged layer of skin, revealing a more even skin tone. These usually rub between $200 and $300; results for a microdermabrasion, while depending on the type of acid used, chemical peel results can last from a few months to over 20 years.

If I make a few adjustments in my budget now, hopefully sometime before summer I can have at least one facial treatment done. Meanwhile, I’ll continue to follow my favorite budget beauty tips and of course, daily basic skin care. Come summertime, I’ll be sure to wear sunglasses everyday. Not only do sunglasses protect the sensitive area around the eyes, which is often the first place on the face to show signs of aging, but they’re also a great fashion statement.

I am just beginning my battle with the signs of aging. Before I choose a facial treatment, what do you recommend? Have you ever considered any non-surgical facial treatments, or do you know anyone who has?

Photo Credit: Elle Magazine and Modern Mom

If you enjoy sharing the knowledge, or learning about “seriously safe and satisfying nail polish,” self-help tips, and how the right shade of lipstick can truly turn your day around; plastic surgery forums are another place where you can blab about beauty.

Sure, the PlasticSurgery.com community may revolve more around plastic surgeries, such as breast implant surgery and nose jobs, as well as youth-defying procedures like Botox injections and the mini facelift, but doesn’t mean that these topics are stand-alone. One of the reasons why Beauty Chat was created, as you pretty much already know, is to bridge the gap between all that makes us “Look Good, Feel Good, and Speak on It!”

A plastic surgery forum is just another one of our stops, where you can relax and kick up your feet. And you’ll notice that some of us Beauty Chatters like to chit-chat from topic to topic in the forums as well…See ya there!

Photo credit: Plastic Sergeant

Beauty Chat loves fashion — as it is a powerful beauty statement. So I wanted to give a recap of the 60th Emmy Awards, focusing on red carpet attire. Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Christina Applegate looked stunning post-mastectomy. The whole world is cheering this amazing woman on right now.

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick receive my nomination for “best looking couple.”

Felicity Huffman dazzled in this sparkling gown. She looked absolutely vibrant.

The classic black and white look, but with a twist. Vanessa Williams was glamorous as always!

P.S. One of our friends, prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and YourNewBodyBlog.com weekly contributor, Dr. Stuart Linder, contributed to the swag bags! His book, titled “The Beverly Hills Shape,” was one of the fabulous gifts given to celebrities. And guess what? Beauty Chat blogged about the book last year when it became available. Check it out!

Photo credits: MSN

It is commonly assumed that men want to date or marry the “perfect woman” one day. But what exactly does “perfect” mean? When talking about appearance, many think tall, thin, blond, blue eyes, pouty lips, perky breasts, and a toned tush. But then you step into the real world and learn that it’s actually really hard to find this “perfect woman” without her undergoing some kind of plastic surgery.

Not to burst anyone’s bubble, but perfection is pretty tricky and nearly impossible. Everyone has his/her own definition of the word, and it’s rare to find two people with the same one. If you think that a certain man is just perfect and then tell your friend, chances are that she won’t agree. The same thing happens to guys, too.

Nowadays, it’s not unusual to come across someone who has undergone some type of cosmetic procedure, whether it is a major surgery like breast augmentation or a less invasive treatment such as facial fillers. It’s no longer considered something to hide, and those that do proceed with an enhancement are talking about it more openly. But does that mean that everyone is comfortable listening to those that talk about it? Not really. In fact, many men prefer the natural look over the “perfect” one.

I recently read an article about the way men embrace a woman’s so-called “imperfections” because they make her unique. Some even go so far as to end a relationship when the truth comes out about their procedures. Therefore, that bump on your nose or the way your ears stick out a little could be the very thing that your guy loves most about you. As one of my co-workers said, “Wrinkles add spice. A super smooth face feels like I’m dating a 10 year old.”

Remember that everyone has a different definition of perfection (mine would be Matthew McConaughey  ), so don’t let someone else’s definition influence your own. Before you head over to your local plastic surgeon, make sure you’re going in for you and not to please anyone else. In the end, you’re the one that has to live with that change forever…or at least until the collagen wears off.

Photo credits: Los Angeles Times Blogs and PlasticSurgery.com

Trying to lose weight and want something different than the ordinary diet? Then we have an idea for you! The creator himself, Dr. Hirsch, introduced us to the SENSA Weight-Loss System at the Total Beauty Blog Summit.

SENSA is different than your normal diet program. Why, you ask? Well, it’s simple. You just add the SENSA sprinkles to your everyday food. There are salty sprinkles for your salty food and sweet sprinkles for your sweet food. It’s that easy.

According to their Web site, this is how SENSA Tastants Technology works to make you feel full faster:

1. Scents from Sensa Tastants travel through your nose to nerve receptors.
2. The receptors send signals to the brain that stimulate the olfactory bulb.
3. The olfactory bulb, in turn, signals the satiety center in the hypothalamus.
4. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary gland that triggers the release of hormones that suppress hunger and appetite.

According to Dr. Hirsch, SENSA “Uses natural physiology of the body to lose weight.” With this system, your sense of smell is tricked into thinking that you are full — resulting in less consumption of food.

For more in-depth information, check out the SENSA site. And be sure to watch a feature of Dr. Hirsch and his weigh-loss system on “Extra.”

Do you want to try this product? We are giving away one starter kit (month 1) to a lucky Beauty Chat reader, courtesy of SENSA.  Just leave us a comment telling us how you would benefit from this new diet program. We will choose a winner on Friday, September 5th. 

(Please note: As with most diets and weight-loss systems, SENSA is only recommended for those who are significantly overweight.)

Photo credit: SENSA

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

Arnica is an herb, known since the 1500s, to relieve pain and inflammation caused by strains and arthritis, to relieve herpes symptoms and even kill the herpes virus, to assist the normal healing process, and to reduce scars and bruises. The herb contains helenalin and related compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Inflammation can be caused by surgery, from the excessive amount of blood that stretches the walls of capillaries. Fluid and white blood cells escape from the capillaries into spaces between cells in the surrounding area, which is accompanied by pain, stiffness, and bruising. Arnica increases the flow of blood through the affected capillaries causing escaped fluids to be absorbed. This makes black and blue marks go away faster and reduces swelling, relieving pressure on nerve endings, thus relieving pain, stiffness, and inflammation, and promoting the faster improvement of wound healing.

Adorage is happy to introduce 30% Powerful Arnica Gel made in France, which is the best in the world’s cosmetic market remedy reducing all the negative effects of plastic surgeries, esthetic injections, laser treatments, etc. The bruising disappears very fast.

Dr. Joel Kassimir, a leading dermatologist in New York, considers that addition of Arnica 30% to his protocol has magically, effectively — and in an incredibly fast manner— reduced patients’ bruising and swelling after esthetic injections, laser, and mesotherapy procedures.

Please fully answer this question to receive your own 30% Powerful Arnica Gel, which can be used as part of your post-operative regimen: Will you be undergoing any plastic surgery procedure that you will be able to benefit from the 30% Powerful Arnica Gel by AdorageMD?

From The Surreal Life, to Strange Love and Celebrity Rehab, Brigitte Nielsen is certainly a VH1 Reality TV poster child. With almost every aspect of her “life” (who knows what is real?!) documented on the small screen, is it any surprise that she is now allowing cameras to film her while undergoing cosmetic surgery? And what’s more — on live television?

Nielson’s first installment of this German television program aired last night, and there are reportedly three more episodes. According to the self-proclaimed “Queen of all Media,” Perez Hilton, 2.5 million viewers watched as she underwent surgical alterations to enhance her appearance.

According to German site, Deutsche Welle, the first show featured Nielsen having liposuction performed on her hips, thighs, and love handles while she was fully awake. (While this may sound bizarre, you don’t have to be under general anesthesia for surgical procedures.) It is said that the actress, and former wife of Sylvester Stallone, will auction off her removed fat!

Face lift surgery and a breast reduction to shrink the size of her augmented breasts are scheduled to be the next cosmetic surgeries to air.

We all know that there are many celebrity cosmetic surgery patients. However, do you think that this form of Reality TV is too much? After all, Dr. 90210 is a hit.

Photo credit:  Deutsche Welle