By: Sam Assassa, M.D.

Why go under the knife when you can preserve youthfulness, beauty, and reverse the signs of aging by a needle?

In a youth-oriented culture, millions of Americans are on the never-ending quest to look beautiful, younger, and fit. It seems as if overnight America has become a nation obsessed with beauty. In today’s frenzied society, time is always of the essence. This led to an astronomical upsurge in the popularity of non-invasive cosmetic procedures, increasing 471 percent from 1997 to 2003. During that same period, surgical procedures rose some 87 percent.

At the Beverly Hills Aesthetics, we are one of the first cosmetic specialists in Beverly Hills to offer my clientele “The One Hour Scarless Facelift” called the CosmoFaceLift™ also medically called “Sutures Suspension SMAS Lift” or SSSL. It is the latest arsenal in the non-surgical minimally invasive facial cosmetic procedures.

CosmoFaceLift™ is the ultimate alternative to the traditional “Surgical Facelift” which conventionally is carried out with an open incision, visible scar, and under general anesthesia. CosmoFaceLift™ is done under local anesthesia, takes one hour, and delivers immediate long-lasting lifting and tightening of drooping brows, cheeks, jowls, and neck. Also the same technique can be used for augmenting small or receding chin.

About CosmoFaceLift™
Drooping of the face and neck is caused by the sagging of the sub-dermal facial mask “the SMAS” or Superficial Musculo Aponeurotic System. SMAS functions as a suspension to overlying skin and soft tissue. As we age it becomes loose causing the skin and fat pad to hang down giving the face a heavy, hanging, sad, and tired expression. Lifting and fixing the SMAS in a better position causes repositioning of soft tissue and facial structures, thus restoring a youthful facial contour. Traditionally this has always been accomplished by an open surgical technique. CosmoFaceLift™ is a new procedure which uses non-absorbable sutures typically introduced through a needle to the deeper tissue to tighten and elevate the SMAS without a visible scar.

Benefits of CosmoFaceLift™
CosmoFaceLift™ is the perfect alternative for people between the ages of 35 to 65 who want to instantly reverse jowling, droopy cheeks, eyebrows, and neck laxity but are not quite ready for the traditional surgical facelift because of fear of scarring, general anesthesia, longer downtime, and slower recovery.

The hour-long facelift is performed at my outpatient medical center under local anesthesia. Oral pre-medication with sedatives is not necessary but can be provided at the patient’s request. There is a low risk for complications with the CosmoFaceLift™ such as bruising and swelling, and bandages are not required. The remarkable results are immediate. CosmoFaceLift™ is more economical than the traditional complete facelift and involves little down time.

MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How successful is this medical procedure? The results are superb and immediate. As with any cosmetic procedure, recovery time and results vary with each doctor and patient. What are the benefits? The procedure brings about an immediate lifting and tightening of drooping brows, cheeks, jowls, and neck and softening of laugh lines. Will there be any visible scars? Since the incision is ¼ inch long and is made along the hairline, the scars are virtually undetectable. What type of sedation is required? Patients only have to undergo local anesthesia, which makes the procedure painless and minimizes the chance of complications. Most patients choose to drive themselves home afterward, if they have not had any pre-medication. How permanent are the results? This less invasive procedure can deliver fairly long-lasting results. Additional factors for longevity include the amount of the subcutaneous fat and skin condition. Who is the ideal candidate for this procedure? Any healthy male or female between the ages of 35 and 65 years old who want to restore a youthful facial contour and reverse the sad and tired expression of aging face.

Don’t let Mother Nature creep up on you… defy the signs of aging and gravity with the CosmoFaceLift™.

About Beverly Hills Aesthetics and Sam Assassa, M.D.
Beverly Hills Aesthetics of Beverly Hills, CA., emphasizes non-surgical cosmetic and aesthetic medical services. Its team of professional and extremely competent staff members includes Dr. Sam Assassa, a Board Certified Internist with more than 10 years of experience in aesthetic medicine, and highly qualified laser certified registered nurses. Dr. Assassa received his Medical Doctor Degree in 1980 with honors, then had a series of internships and residencies in Chicago at Loyola University affiliated hospitals, and in Cleveland at Case Western University affiliated Hospitals. In 1986, Dr Assassa opened his private practice in Huntington Beach, CA. Since 1995, he has been exclusively practicing aesthetic medicine in Beverly Hills, CA. Dr. Assassa is an associate member of the American College of Physicians, a member of the American Aesthetic Medicine Association, the American Society of Intradermotherapy and Aesthetic Medicine “ASAMI” and the American Academy of Anti-Aging

By: Normajean Fusco, CEO Equibal Inc. & Creator of The Body Perfect skin care line
www.thebodyperfect.com
845.726.4494

Your skin is an organ – an intricate part of your entire body’s chemistry. Keeping all of your skin healthy is a daily and necessary routine.

We would all like to believe that there were products available which could magically erase years from our skin and restore our youth overnight. Unfortunately, short of having plastic surgery, you cannot create results which are that instantaneous… regardless of what you see on TV or what a celebrity endorser says! Your skin did not age overnight… it cannot be restored overnight.

The good news is… there are products which will help your skin to look healthy, smooth, and more vibrant again, products which when used together will help reduce wrinkles and replenish the moisture and firmness your skin has lost. Those products are all part of The Body Perfect skin care system. In particular, the Morning Glory line was originally developed for professional estheticians to treat the special needs of dry or delicate skin. They contain complex proteins, vitamins A, E, and B-6, and amino acids derived from the extracts of milk and corn. Unlike prescription anti-wrinkle products, which usually contain fast-acting, but harmful retinoic acid, Morning Glory products work more gradually, like Nature itself.

The root and inspiration for all The Body Perfect products is the groundbreaking early work in skin care using natural ingredients done by my grandfather, Dr. Zenon Anthony Einik, a noted Homeopathic Physician and Herbalist. Dr. Einik is credited with being one of the inventors of cold cream and the face cleansing nightly ritual that went with it.

At Equibal Labs, we still believe Nature is the best chemist. Everything we need for health and beauty can be found in the world around us. That is why we look for our ingredients in plants like chamomile, goldenseal, corn, and Mexican wild yam. Then we bring in the best science has to offer, extracting essences and including the highest possible concentrations in our skin care products, which are created and produced in our labs under personal supervision.

All of Equibal’s products were originally developed by myself at the request of spa and salon owners in response to clients with specific skin care problems for which there were no natural remedies. The products created became the line we call The Body Perfect. Each one is quality control tested in our laboratories and spa and salon tested by professionals to insure that you will get safe, natural, professional quality results at home.
Like other organs in your body, your skin requires moisture as well as vitamins and minerals to keep it healthy and functioning properly all over your entire body.

Moisture is critical for healthy skin. Much of the moisture you need comes from within your body chemistry. Good moisturizers, containing light oils and moisture-binding humectants, create a protective barrier for your skin keeping moisture in the outermost layer without clogging pores. This nourish category differs from day to night and for each different skin type. You must boost this with weekly or monthly steps (muds, peels, firming oils) for long-lasting results.
When addressing care of the skin you must address “ALL” of the skin. Dehydration of the body’s skin can occur for many reasons. Once this skin becomes brittle it can lead to all sorts of irritations. The skin is also your sensory Warning system. Toning, soothing, and protecting various parts of the body’s skin system are dealt with in the manner and with the same care in formulation that we take with facial products. Why? Because you get one skin when you are born – a living, breathing organ that needs care – ALL OVER. We can help. That’s why our formulas follow function.

About Normajean Fusco
The face behind The Body Perfect is Normajean Fusco, a Renaissance woman with a modern day twist. Normajean’s lifelong interest in chemistry began at the knee of her grandfather, Dr. Zenon Anthon Einik, a Homeopathic Physician and Herbalist who formulated remedies and beauty creams in his lab with plants harvested from his own garden. This early interest was the inspiration for Equibal Labs, which Normajean founded in 1984 to deliver high caliber non-wax, soy based depilatories and facial and anti-cellulite products which became the standard for spas and salons around the world.
Thirty years as an aesthetician gave Normajean experience in all aspects of the beauty business, first as a buyer for department stores in fragrances and cosmetics, then as a consultant to major cosmetic companies such as Revlon, Coty and Germaine Monteil.

After spending several years in Europe studying and teaching, she was among the pioneers who brought the European skin care and total beauty treatment approach to discerning women in America, incorporated into the concept of the day spa. Now Normajean is applying her training as industrial designer, esthetician and businesswoman to her latest venture, placing The Body Perfect, her line of professionally tested natural skin care products, into the hands of her customers for use at home. When Normajean isn’t busy creating in her lab or teaching the latest skin care techniques across the country, she can usually be found outdoors, riding her horses or painting some of the breathtaking landscapes that surround her home and factory in the Hudson Valley of New York.

George P. Liakeas, M.D.
Medical Director, Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa
NY, NY
www.smoothsynergy.com

Smooth Synergy Cosmedical Spa Launches Breakthrough Body Shaping Treatment

The Contours™ System by Diamond International is the latest, most innovative body contouring therapy that gets to the core of cellulite reduction more effectively than any other non-invasive procedure. Smooth Synergy, a full cosmedical spa in Manhattan, is the only facility on the east coast to offer this luxurious treatment.

Contour ™ System Advantages:
• Reduces cellulite
• Promotes contouring in face and body
• Provides rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits
• Reduces localized congestion and orange peel effect
• Resculpts and reshapes all areas of the face and body
• Lifts and tightens face and body

How Does It Work?
The Contours system creates a reduction of visible cellulite and congestion anywhere on the body through a series of positive and negative compressions. Cellulite develops from the build up of congestion around the cells, which prohibit toxins to be filtered out, thus trapping these substances and creating an unsightly appearance on the skin. The Contours system is designed to target this area around the cell, otherwise known as the “Extracellular Matrix.” The suction effect from the Contours system causes the movement of the Matrix fluid, which helps to relieve the blockages and congestion. It is used with a deeply active CHOCOLATE SLIMMING CREAM (Chocolate, Ivy, Juniper and Dandelion). This slimming cream works as a stimulant and helps to mobilize and break down fat.

Benefits of Treatment
This very rich and pampering experience delivers anti-inflammatory results, while cleansing out the body’s toxins. The tissue becomes more toned while inches are lost and cellulite is reduced. Maximum results can be achieved in 10 sessions, and there is virtually no downtime or discomfort with the treatment.

Weight, bumpy lumpy contours, distended stomach, and cellulite are some of the more evident body problems. The Contours system is the ultimate in facial rejuvenation by improving microcirculation of the face and neck. However, internal clogging is the more serious problem that can be so detrimental to our overall health and well-being.

This is the first time such an effective and efficient method has been developed for a non-surgical face and body contouring system which can be used to mobilize fat and tone muscles anywhere on the body.

Improve your “Bottom Line” today with the Diamond Contours system at Smooth Synergy!

About George P. Liakeas:
Dr.George Liakeas is a Board Certified Family Physician who completed his training at New York’s Albert Einstein School of Medicine and finished his residency at Beth Israel Hospital. Dr. Liakeas has his own practice in Manhattan and is an Associate Professor at New York Medical College. He serves as a medical consultant for Smooth Synergy, a full service medical spa; he performs injectable treatments such as Botox Cosmetic, Collagen, Restylane, Mesotherapy, Sclerotherapy.

What have we learned? What the public needs to know? Who should be performing Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is celebrating its tenth anniversary and though we have seen dramatic improvements in technology and popularity since its inception, there is much about the process of which the public is unaware. Initially, laser hair removal was performed by physicians who focused their time in the field of laser medicine. As the demand for laser hair removal grew, hair removal lasers and IPL devices made their way into the hands of physicians with little knowledge and experience with lasers, and in some states, even to non-physicians. Even in states where a physician is required to operate the laser, it sometimes is only an ancillary service provided in a medical, surgical or gynecology office, not the focus of the physician or practice. A physician may not even own the laser, but may rent it for a given day.

In many states, cosmetic laser procedures are barely regulated. Only five states- New Hampshire, Nebraska, Hawaii, South Dakota and New Jersey — restrict the use of these lasers to physicians. Texas is working to join these five in the near future. Consumer advocacy groups hope this is the trend. Industry officials are finding that in many states cosmetologists, spa employees and technicians who may have only limited education and experience are performing laser treatments. The reports of adverse effects are continuing to rise!

Mitchell Chasin, M.D. who is Board Certified by the American Board of Laser Surgery, a Fellow of the American Society of Lasers for Medicine and Surgery and Medical Director of Reflections, center for skin and body in Livingston and Bridgewater, New Jersey, warns, “Patients need to be better informed about the process of laser hair removal, including how to choose a provider and how to evaluate the equipment they will be utilizing”.

Dr. Chasin notes that laser hair removal complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced physician, and when the proper laser technology and operating parameters are utilized. Unless it is the focus of a physician’s practice, it is unlikely that they have breadth of technology and experience level necessary to treat all patients safely and effectively. “The specific laser and operating parameters need to be tailored to a patient’s skin type, hair color, hair diameter and density”. With lasers, one size doesn’t fit all!

Complications due to improper use of lasers include skin pigment disorders (dark or light spots), burns, scars as well as unsatisfactory results. Patients need to look for a provider who owns multiple state of the art hair removal lasers and maintains them properly.
“Patients should ask how the laser will protect the epidermis (top layer of skin) during the procedure, as this is essential for safety”. Older technologies did not do this as well. And rental lasers are often improperly calibrated, poorly maintained and may be unsafe. These are just a few of the many things the public needs to know.

Chicago (February 1, 2006) – The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is pleased to announce the results of its 2005 Procedural Data. This information is collected by polling the Academy’s U.S.-based members and for the sixth year in a row, liposuction proved to be the nation’s top cosmetic surgical procedure with Botox® injections being the top non-surgical cosmetic procedure.

These numbers were released at the 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in Orlando last week.

The report includes data on the prevalence of various cosmetic surgery procedures, with a breakdown of men and women. The survey also showed that of all cosmetic procedures performed, 30% were surgical, with the remaining 70% percent being non-surgical procedures, demonstrating the continued increase in popularity of non-invasive procedures. The increase in non-invasive procedures can be attributed to how quickly they can be done, taking between 10-20 minutes on average to complete a non-invasive cosmetic procedure.

The report also highlights the price ranges of the procedures performed.

The top four most performed cosmetic surgical procedures in 2005 include: liposuction, blepharoplasty, facelift and forehead lift; while the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures were Botox® injections, Restylane/Hylaform injections, chemical peels and fat injections.

The 2005 Procedural Data is based on a survey of U.S.-based AACS members completed in December 2005. The entire report can be found online at www.cosmeticsurgery.org.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery is a professional medical society whose members are dedicated to patient safety and physician education in cosmetic surgery. Most members of the AACS are dermatologic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons, head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic surgeons, or ocular plastic surgeons – all of whom specialize in cosmetic surgery. AACS is an organization that represents all cosmetic surgeons in the American Medical Association through its seat in the AMA House of Delegates.

Charlie Baase
312.981.6769
www.cosmeticsurgery.org

As if night sweats weren’t exciting enough, the latest menopausal studies have found that skin-wrinkling is dramatically accelerated in menopausal women. Faster than you can say hot flash, French scientists set to work on Eye Contour Serum from Secrets de Sothys, the most trusted name in advanced European skincare.

Secrets de Sothys Eye Contour Serum was created to reverse puffiness, bags, dark circles and wrinkles accentuated by inevitable hormonal and environmental aging—at any stage in the aging process. The intense, therapeutic formula smoothes out both crow’s feet and deeper eye wrinkles; reduces the look of under-eye bags; and lightens the appearance of dark shadows.

Secrets de Sothys Eye Contour Serum contains the most effective combination of iris and prickly pea extracts—advanced ingredients which actually preserve and repair the viability of cells damaged by aging and free radicals. The Iris Extract comes from polyphenols, in particular isoflavones, which combat the enzymes which accelerate the aging process. Prickly Pear Extract reduces the effects of fatigue and stress on the skin by stimulating the skin’s natural levels of Heat Shock Proteins (HSP), a vital component in the skin’s strategy for battling toxins and stress. By maintaining continuous, healthy levels of HSP, the skin’s ability to repair itself is actually and visibly improved.

Sothys USA
800.325.0503
www.sothys-usa.com

Dr. David Goldberg, leading cosmetic dermatologist, Director of Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey and Clinical Professor, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, has just finished clinical evaluation of NEOCUTIS Bio-restorative Skin Cream, the next generation in anti-aging skincare. NEOCUTIS Bio-restorative Skin Cream is the first and only product to contain PSP (Processed Cell Proteins), a proprietary, biotechnology derived, natural skin care ingredient obtained directly from cultured skin cells, rather than the culture media. PSP is a complete and balanced combination of human growth factors and cytokines.

“Multiple growth factors are closely associated with cell renewal and rejuvenation, the hallmarks of younger skin. The optimal blend of key restorative growth factors and cytokines will invigorate tired and stressed skin cells. NEOCUTIS cream, because it contains such a blend, is able to deliver an unsurpassed result with dramatic improvement in the overall health and appearance of the skin. This product contains the most complete combination of growth factors and cytokines currently available.” says Goldberg.

Testing by Dr. Goldberg has revealed that the potent combination of ingredients like human growth factors and interleukins found in NEOCUTIS enhances the outcome of non-invasive cosmetic procedures such as:

• Microdermabrasion
• Fraxel Laser Treatments
• Titan and Thermage Skin Tightening
• Gentlewaves
• Botox and Fillers

“The development of this cream was based upon a scientific discovery in wound healing technology made at University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland.” This study found that processed skin cells dramatically improve cell regeneration, thereby creating new, fresh healthier skin cells. This science signified a tremendous breakthrough in skincare, as patients can improve and prolong the effects of cosmetic procedures, realizing better and longer results.”

Jaime Alyn PR
jaime@jaimealynpr.com | 212.213.2003

Today’s life has become so fast-paced, so hectic that even necessary daily rituals such as cleansing and protecting the skin can seem like tedious chores. Topix Pharmaceuticals, a leader in pharmaceutical-grade skin care products for the professional skin care industry, is pleased to introduce a solution: CITRIX® Antioxidant Cleansing Pads.
Part of the CITRIX® skincare line of antioxidant-infused skin care formulas, these new
convenient, easy-to-use towelettes gently cleanse the skin of excess oil, makeup, and other debris, leaving behind a blanket of protective and nourishing antioxidants and citrus extracts to improve skin tone and texture.

Each of these citrus-soaked pads is laden with Vitamin C, an antioxidant proven to neutralize the damages of free-radicals. They also contain liposomal vitamins A and E, green tea extract, and Co-Q10, stimulating collagen growth for healthy skin elasticity, texture, and radiance.
CITRIX® Antioxidant Cleansing Pads…30 Pads, $25.00 SRP; 60 Pads, $32.00 SRP.

Topix Pharmaceuticals
877.682.3553
www.skincarerx.com

As the chilling cold of winter sets in, dry, cracked skin becomes a problem for many Americans. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) figures, 81 million Americans all across the country will suffer from this painful skin condition this winter. Research into this problem has produced a completely new type of lotion, called a shielding lotion, which is getting remarkable results.

The outer layer of skin, made up of dead skin cells, natural oils and lipids (fats), is designed by nature to protect your deeper layers of skin from irritants and toxins. According to Dr. Peter Helton, a Board Certified Dermatologist from Southern California, dry, itchy skin is nature’s way of letting you know that this protective barrier has been stripped away. If it is not treated effectively, it can soon deteriorate into painful cracked and bleeding skin. “Winter weather is one the main causes of dry, cracked skin,” says Dr. Helton.

In the colder parts of the country the numbers suffering from dry skin conditions rise dramatically. “Most people in our area suffer from severe dry skin in the wintertime,” comments Dr. Brian Zogg, a Board Certified Dermatologist who has a clinic in southern Minnesota. “Our harsh winter conditions can cause the skin to dehydrate, crack, and bleed.”

Artificial moisturizers cannot penetrate into the deeper layers of skin and only serve to mask the dry skin condition. “A shielding lotion is far superior for treating dry, itchy skin. It bonds with the outer layer of the skin, replacing the protective barrier needed to keep irritants out and your own natural oils and moisture in,“ said Dr Helton.

“Shielding lotions don’t wash or rub off, and because a shielding lotion protects the skin for up to several hours, it is a very effective treatment for the dry skin conditions we see here in the winter months,” agreed Dr. Zogg.

“Severe dry skin conditions need to be treated with prescription medication for the inflammation, along with a lotion to moisturize the skin. With a shielding lotion we find that the skin heals much faster, so the patient needs less medication,” says Dr. Helton.

National Skin Care Institute
760.599.4550
www.skincarenet.org

In the endless search for the fountain of youth, everyone is looking for the next skin care miracle. Visiting a trained technician to administer costly laser treatments has been the only option for improving skin’s condition…until now. Now you can get gorgeous, glowing skin without leaving the house or blowing the bank - introducing the NEW Soft Touch Laser by Nulase and Laser-Enhanced Skin Care.

Nulase is an exciting new alternative to cosmetic surgery, chemical peels, or Botox injections. Simple and easy to use, it stimulates the rejuvenation process in a natural, non-invasive way without redness or irritation. Nulase is a dermatological inspired at-home laser system. When skin ages, collagen molecules break down due to a lack of nutrients and cellular energy, which leads to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin imperfections. Nulase increases the regenerative power of your skin; new skin cells replace old ones, collagen begins to reproduce, and your skin begins to tighten, tone and rejuvenate.

The Soft Touch Laser by Nulase, is a patent-pending technology which gently stimulates the rejuvenation and repair process for an enriching and dynamic effect. The Soft Touch Laser improves the condition of your skin for a beautiful, clear, more youthful looking complexion. The Soft Touch Laser by Nulase emits a safe and gentle laser light which oscillates in a uniform parallel wavelength targeting your skin cells.

See amazing results as the Soft Touch Laser by Nulase:
• Reduces the appearance of fine lines
• Improves the appearance of skin discoloration and hyper-pigmentation
• Diminishes the tendency towards blemishes
• Tightens and firms your skin
• Improves skin’s surface texture
• Reduces the appearance of stretch marks and scars
• Stimulates a natural & youthful skin tone

Nulase
877.761.7045
www.nulase.com