With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to start nailing down gift ideas and placing orders for those found online. If mom, sis, or another special person in your life could use some luxury pampering (men, are you listening?), not to mention an anti-aging boost for the new year, think about skipping the spa certificate this time around – instead, present her with a “new generation anti-aging skin care treatment” — Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes ™ Rejuvenate and Correct. I think she’ll love you for it!

Alphasomes is a next-generation intensive cream that smoothes, firms, and tones (sounds familiar, I know – but keep reading, it gets better). What really sets it apart from anything else I’ve ever seen is that it begins taking action virtually immediately. Within days, most users notice marked improvement in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Personally, I just started using it in hopes of diminishing the crow’s feet I was blessed with at a very young age (too young!). It’s not a stretch to say that every day since using Alphasomes, they become increasingly less visible. Hey, I’ll take that! 

So how does Alphasomes work? The Doctor D. Schwab brand put together a formula of pure organic oils and other natural ingredients, then spiked it with peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and several unique components (among them, the powerful Euk 134 complex). The combination of these ingredients actually has a relaxing effect on the neuron cellular junction – recognize that language? Yes, Alphasomes has been regarded as a topical Botox ® alternative! One company testimonial states, “It has given me the results of at least two Botox sessions.” As you probably know, that’s no meager claim!

You can order a gift of Doctor D. Schwab Alphasomes online, or at one of the dozens of high-end spas and physician offices that carry it nationwide. In Rancho Cucamonga, CA (hometown of Beauty Chat), Professional Skin Care’s Marlena Colella has used the product for herself, as well as her clients. She tells me, “I saw the results on myself within two weeks. In the first two or three days, I especially saw it on the fine lines around my eyes. My sister was really happy with it as well.” My guess is, yours will be too! Check out the luxury packaging; almost as pretty as jewelry under the tree, right?

P.S. Be sure to check back for a new gift giveaway (stocking stuffer idea?) that you will totally love!

~ Brook

Photo Credit: A Beauty Chat/ PlasticSurgery.com exclusive shot! Product courtesy of Jaime Alyn Public Relations.

This week on Dr. 90210:

Episode 13 of Dr. 90210 reveals that someone wants a baby, and someone is having a baby!

The doctors spend time nurturing their patients, and now one is going to be able to dote on a brand new baby in about nine months. Over the course of season 5, we have been able to experience many life-changing events that the Beverly Hills plastic surgeons go through.

During this Dr. 90210 installment, one woman is looking to regain a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance, while on the other side of the spectrum, two other women are featured; yet these ladies want to look older and more mature (proving that every patient has unique cosmetic desires and surgical goals).

To embark on the surgical journey alongside three patients, as well as find out who is going to be welcoming a baby into their lives, read my Dr. 90210 summary in its entirety on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

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

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:

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

Sometimes it’s the pits being a celebrity on the red carpet. No…I don’t mean it’s unfortunate to be a star making a pre-award show appearance (Are you kidding me?!), I am referring to their pits — as in armpits.

With the flashing of a million cameras, the weight of promoting their Kevan Hall gowns or Prada suits, and the anxiety of the acceptance speech that they may possibly have to recite later; even famous people can suffer from sweating.

Feel better?

 Before celebs hit the press line at shows, such as last night’s Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, they often pay a visit to their plastic surgeon, or dermatologist, for Botox ® injections to stop their excessive perspiration. This is a growing trend; however not just among celebrities.

We recently saw one of Dr. Will Kirby’s patients on Dr. 90210 undergo Botox to stop his underarm sweating. These injections are also great at tackling wet palms as well. In a procedure taking only a few minutes, perspiration can be temporarily halted for up to seven months! (Botox-only boutiques are popping up all over.

At SmoothMed in Manhattan, you can undergo injections in less than 30 minutes. This is great for time-pressed celebrities and ordinary Joes – or Jills – alike!)

While recently watching E! News, I also learned that a red carpet trend catching on is Restylane ®. This facial filler is being used to plump up the face and lips, as well as an effective combatant against, yes ladies…uncomfortable shoes!

When injected into the heels and balls of the feet, Restylane can make a pair of stilettos feel as comfortable as some furry slippers. With the extra cushion, beauty doesn’t have to be exchanged for blisters and cramping.

So who doesn’t want to have the luxuries of the rich and famous?

Well here’s your chance to indulge like one, minus the excessive spending. Contact a physician for further information on Botox and Restylane injections — and start living like a star! 

~ Leaann

Photo Credits: www.feetforlife.org and http://tv.msn.com

This week on Dr. 90210:

From “muffin tops” to sweaty pits, a new set of enhancements are featured on this installment of Dr. 90210. The patients may poke fun at their imperfections, but these are serious conditions that require the help of specialized doctors.

Dr. Robert Rey helps a patient enlarge her breasts to a more desirable size with one of his most requested procedures, breast augmentation, Dr. Linda Li (who we see for the first time this season) removes excess fat and tightens the abdominal muscles of her client with tummy tuck surgery, and Dr. Will Kirby stops his friend’s excessive sweating with Botox ® injections.

Although this week may feature more common procedures than last, they are anything but mundane!

What about Dr. Rey and his father? Did Hayley stick to her promise?

Read my full recap of Dr. 90210’s fifth episode on iEnhance.com!

~ Leeann

Dr. 90210 season archive

Image Credit: iEnhance.com

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