Ask any fan of injectables which one is their favorite, and you will surely get an enthusiastic answer. Botox ®, Restylane ®, Radiesse ®, Juvederm ™ …each one boasts a legion of devoted followers.

Considering Beauty Chat was born from iEnhance.com, a leading plastic surgery resource, I thought I’d offer you some tips for safe injectable treatment!

1) Ask about the doctor: The dermatologist or cosmetic surgery professional you are visiting should be qualified to administer the injections. Therefore, asking if he or she will be the one to inject you with your preferred treatment is a good question to ask. If the answer is a “no,” your next step is asking, “Who will be injecting me, and what are their qualifications?”

2) Ask about the brand: According to the Physicians Coalition for Injectable Safety, if your provider offers you a “generic” or cheaper version of the injectable you have selected, “You should refuse.” “There are no less costly alternatives proven safe or effective.” Another excellent way to assert your right to safety is asking to see the packaging, so that you can verify the brand name yourself. After all, this is your face!

3) Ask about safety: Because all facial injectables are not created equal, asking about potential risks and side effects should be a top priority. If you decide that the risks with any one product outweigh its benefits, don’t despair – you can always continue researching your options until you find the injectable that is right for you!

~ Brook

Image Credit: www.injectablesafety.org

This week on Dr. 90210:

Facial rejuvenation seems to be the hot topic among the patients featured on episode 12 of Dr. 90210. Both are attractive, blonde women who want to enhance their appearances with the help of cosmetic procedures.

As for the plastic surgeons, each are taking time to indulge in their interests outside of work. We see Dr. Jason Diamond do some more investing, hoping that his gamble will pay off. And Dr. Will Kirby is enjoying time with his live-in girlfriend, but he’s not liking the marriage discussions prompted by family and friends.

The most entertaining segment may be Dr. Robert Rey and his family’s camping trip. “Roughin’ it” Rey style, the foursome travel to a remote location to experience the sights and sounds of nature. To learn how that went, along with an explanation of everything else featured on Dr. 90210 this week, take a look at my iEnhance recap!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

The ambiance at the W Hotel in Westwood (Los Angeles) was classy and cool amidst the green and blue, glowing outdoor lights, and a sparkling pool surrounded by fire pits.

The press party for the “Project: Sweat Free” health education campaign was spectacular — picturesque to say the least.  

Stepping into a scene that looked like something straight out of The Hills, my editor Elana (who is also a columnist for Agenda Magazine) and I showed up to learn why Kara Saun (Hello? Finalist from Season 1 of Project Runway!) is helping to raise awareness about excessive underarm sweating and its new age solution: Botox ® injections.

Taking a seat in a private cabana adorned with a stunning mirror, as well as a flat-screen TV, we were able to speak with Kara and Dr. Mavis Billips about the effectiveness Botox ® has on underarm sweating. The two seem like such an unlikely business couple – a fashion designer and a dermatologist? Well sure! Many of Kara’s models have dealt with excessive sweating during the hustle and bustle of a runway show. Her observance of the models’ embarrassment and frustration, as well as their fear for such fabrics as — eek, silk! — prompted Kara to get on board with “Project: Sweat Free.”

  “Sweat stains are not a fashion accessory,” Kara said empathetically.

As Dr. Billips explained, many people suffer from profuse sweating, or what is technically known as hyperhydrosis, and don’t know that they can obtain temporary relief. By receiving Botox injections in their effected areas, such as the underarms, their dreaded perspiration can be halted for approximately 6 months! While this procedure is catching on (it was recently featured on Dr. 90210), it is still not as publicized as most medical professionals would like. So the goal of Kara, Dr. Billips, and “Project: Sweat Free” is to educate everyone on the wonderful results that can be provided by Botox treatments.

After the doctor/designer interview, we sat sipping Cointreau martinis and taking in our surroundings. A great mix of physicians and trendy attendees mingled around the open bars and large, lounge couches for a worthy cause. Of course, with LA fashion week coming up, the attire was fabulous! And might I say? Knee-high boots are in once again this season and were definitely a staple of the night. Let’s thank the fashion gods for that!

~ Leeann
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Photo Credits: Elana’s camera and my extraordinary photography skills

This week on Dr. 90210:

Women take center stage during the 11th episode of Dr. 90210.

The featured patients who are undergoing plastic surgery are not enhancing their appearances simply for the rest of the world to see, but to correct their personal imperfections for the right reasons — themselves. Although undergoing different types of surgeries, both are recipients of procedures specific to women.

Additionally, we get to once again peek into the lives of our successful, satisfied, and sometimes stressed, plastic surgeons. Seeing the personal lives of Dr. Robert Rey, Dr. Linda Li, and Dr. Gary Alter help us to relate to them as “normal” people — opposed to celebrities that also happen to perform aesthetic improvements each week while television viewers watch!

While we can get carried away watching Reality TV shows, it is important to realize that those featured on this program are real, facing real problems and real surgeries.

A more detailed description of all of the events that occurred this week of Dr. 90210 can be found on my in-depth summary, featured on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

 This week on Dr. 90210:

It seems that the last few episodes of Dr. 90210 have been filled with touching, personal stories. We see that plastic surgery is not just for cosmetic purposes, but is often used to reconstruct a birth defect or injury. Landon is one such patient, looking to gain normalcy through surgery. A young man that allows viewers to follow him through his heart-wrenching experience, he may serve to inspire us all.

Similarly, another patient goes in for reconstructive surgery to replace her breast implants. By treating her, Dr. Motykie learns that the two of them share a common hobby.

Both of these patients have had numerous, previous surgeries and are simply seeking natural-looking results to help them restore their confidence!

Jai Rodriguez, from Bravo’s “Queer Eye,” and Dr. Will Kirby also make appearances on episode 10.

This Dr. 90210 provides touching, shocking, and comical moments — all within the allotted one hour time period. To read my latest weekly recap of Dr. 90210, check out my in-depth summary on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

My entire life I have seen my mom, Lori, suffer from debilitating headaches. Until recently, about one-and-a-half years ago, she has anguished from the pulsating pain caused by the dreaded migraine. Although her headaches have not completely gone away, they are definitely less severe and not as frequent since receiving Botox injections. According to my mom, “ I am able to do a lot more without the headaches. Before I would lie around with pain, but now I have more of an active life.”

Her form of relief? Botox injected from Upland, California-based neurologist Shashi Shah, M.D. To learn more about the procedure that has made a world of a difference in my mom’s life, I decided to talk with Dr. Shah directly to gain insight.

Q: How does Botox work to prevent migraines?

A: “Botox works by interfering with the pain pathway, and also by relaxing the muscles that are tight in the neck area. It has been clinically proven to be helpful in moderate to severe types of tension headaches associated with tight neck muscles, and also migraines.”

Q: How do you determine if a patient is an ideal recipient of Botox?

A: “Patients do have to come in to see me for an initial consultation to determine if he or she would be a candidate. Then I give them a neurological exam and review their medical history.”

Q: How long do the injections take? And, what does the procedure consist of?

  A: “The actual procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. On the day of the procedure, the Botox is mixed with preservative-free normal saline as soon as the patient walks in. The mixture can sit for no more than three to four hours. It has to be used fresh.”

Q: Is there an average of injections administered?

A: “Per sitting, anywhere from 40 to 45.”

Q: How severe is the pain associated with these injections?

A: “It’s less painful than getting a regular shot. Most patients are already in pain so this is not as bad as that pain.”

Q: How often are the injections administered?

A: “Usually we recommend it every three months. After a series of injections, some patients might be able to decrease the frequency to four months.”

Q: What type of results do patients typically receive from Botox?

 A: “The patient does not notice any results right away. After about three days they usually start noticing the benefits, for example; improvement in the tightness of the neck muscles, improved range of motion, and reduction of the frequency and intensity of headaches. The benefits reach a peak in three weeks and they last for about three months. There is about 30 to 40 percent improvement after the first series, and after the second it is usually about 50 to 60 percent. After three of four series, we see 75 to 80 percent in most patients. The quality of life is better.”

According to Dr. Shah, Botox can even be used to help alleviate the pain associated with writer’s cramp and tennis elbow!

In the meantime, I strongly recommend that if you are plagued by uncompromising, unrelenting, and unbearable headaches, consider Botox injections. Because the injections don’t get absorbed into the circulation, there are no systematic Botox side effects. So why not try it? It has made a world of a difference for my mother, and may just be perfect for you as well.

(Consult a Botox specialist with any additional questions — learn if your’re an ideal candidate!)

Dr. Shah can be reached at (909) 946-2828.

Her address:  600 N Mountain Ave. # D 100
Upland, Ca 91786

~ Leeann

Photo Credits: Courtesy of my own camera work!

This week on Dr. 90210:

Dr. Robert Rey returns to the 9th episode in high spirits! With his recent voyage to Brazil to mend his broken relationship with his father, every aspect of Dr. Rey’s life seems to have improved. His relationships are stronger and his practice is thriving.

Another familiar face is that of Joe, a man that we were introduced to last week. Unable to undergo a procedure to correct his genital problem, he hopes that this time around the surgery will be possible.

We also meet two models, one who undergoes breast augmentation and the other gets Botox ® injections!

As usual, this week of Dr. 90210 is full of surprises. To learn of all of the events that took place during episode 9, check on my iEnhance.com recap!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

While the single life was the topic of choice for Dr. David Matlock last week, during episode 8 we see one of our Beverly Hills plastic surgeons eager to further his commitment to his girlfriend.

Although Dr. Will Kirby is friends with some of the most eligible bachelors in Los Angeles, he is dedicated to strengthening his relationship with his girlfriend. By asking her to move in with him, he hopes that they can become even closer. Is marriage in the near future for Dr. Kirby?

As usual, patients’ personal plastic surgery experiences are showcased on this week’s show. Dr. Kirby helps his mother look her best, a woman – whose daughter is usually the patient – visits Dr. Dean Manus for her own plastic surgery procedure, and a man seeks normalcy from Dr. Gary Alter and his medical abilities.

Topics this week range from facelift surgery to tummy tucks. Read my summary on iEnhance.com, and catch up on what you may have missed out on!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 Season Archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

After an emotional last week that we shared with Dr. Robert Rey in Brazil, we return back to the booming Beverly Hills plastic surgery empire.

This episode is focused around Dr. David Matlock – the ladies man. Peeking into his world, we see that he loves his single life more than ever! Surrounded by beautiful women during his off hours, in addition to sculpting bodies into fabulous figures, Dr. Matlock seems to be at the top of his game both personally and professionally.

Episode 7 features two women who are looking for multiple procedures to enhance their appearances. If this is your first experience with Dr. 90210, you are in luck! This week’s show features a variety of procedures such as Dr. Matlock’s Wonder Woman Makeover ™, liposuction, vaginal rejuvenation, rhinoplasty, and even Brazilian butt augmentation.

Visit iEnhance.com for my detailed Dr. 90210 summary!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 season archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

For the first time this season, or that we can recall, the patients and procedures featured seem to take a backseat to some of the show’s Beverly Hills plastic surgeons. Although we do see the transformation of a young woman who gains extreme confidence with breast augmentation, the focal point of episode 6 is Dr. Robert Rey and the anticipation of his return to Brazil.

The event that we have been eagerly awaiting since last year finally unfolded on this week’s episode of Dr. 90210. After about 20 years of estrangement, Dr. Rey comes face-to-face with his ailing, so-called unaffectionate father.

With Hayley’s blessing and high hopes in the heart of Dr. Rey, a popular Los Angeles plastic surgeon, he returns to Sao Paulo to see his father for the first time in years. Curious to know what happened at their father-son reunion?

Check out my summary of episode 6 on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 season archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com