According to a January 2012 poll of women on RealSelf.com, sex after breast implants or breast lifts is better than before surgery.

The poll of 55 women who had breast surgery reported a 34% increase in overall satisfaction with their sex life after surgery on average.

The poll also found:

• • 61% of women said they had sex more often after their breast procedure.

• • The average post-surgery sex life satisfaction score (8.13, on a 10-point scale) jumped two points compared to the average pre-surgery score  (6.07).

• • 70% of respondents said their overall sex life satisfaction improved after the procedure.

While the poll was not scientific, a previous study did have similar findings.

A 2007 study from the University of Florida found that women reported improved self-esteem and enhanced sexuality after breast augmentation surgery. In this study, there was an increase for ratings of sexual desire (78.6%), satisfaction (57%), and arousal (81%), compared to initial scores before surgery.

The 84 women in the study did not have low self-esteem or poor sexual function before surgery. “They were already OK with self-esteem and sexuality — they just wanted larger breasts,” said researcher Cynthia Figueroa-Haas, PhD. “They got increased levels of self-esteem and sexuality.”

While it appears that breast surgery may enhance a woman’s sex life, researchers and surgeons warn that it cannot help those women who have serious underlying psychological issues, such as body dysmorphic disorder.

Learn more about breast augmentation or breast lift surgery in Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville, CA.

Cosmetic surgery is becoming more popular among African-American women, reports ABC News.

The program spoke with black women who have undergone breast augmentation and nose surgery and featured a Botox party in Beverly Hills attended by African-American women.

One guest, Phyllis Jackson, said that culturally she feels there is pressure from the community that “African-American women don’t need to have beauty enhancements.”

Linda Caradine-Poinsett, 50, said that despite the cultural stigmas, she chose to get cosmetic procedures that gave her bigger breasts and a smaller waistline.

“I think African-American women are still in the closet about having plastic surgery…(but) I think we’re doing it a lot more,” Caradine-Poinsett said.

The butt lift, where fat is removed from areas like the stomach and then injected into the buttocks to enhance and reshape it, is also becoming more popular with African-American patients.

One black woman told 20/20, “I’ve wanted my backside larger all my life. One day I just woke up and everybody was talking about butt, butt, butt. They’d had this surgery and that surgery.”

In addition to cultural attitudes, there may also be some scientific reasons why fewer black women turn to cosmetic surgery. For instance, one surgeon explained that darker skin has natural protective factors against the sun, so blacks often don’t have the same amount of wrinkling as those with lighter skin.

While the majority of cosmetic surgery patients are white, more minorities are embracing cosmetic surgery. A 2010 patient diversity survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery confirms evidence of the trend.

The survey reached out to African-Americans, Hispanics or Latinos, and Asians and found that half of respondents felt the popularity of cosmetic surgery had grown among members of their ethnic group in the last five years. In addition, blacks and Hispanics were more likely to indicate growth in popularity in the last five years when compared to other racial/ethnic groups.

A German trial found that the natural supplement Pycnogenol has anti-aging benefits for the skin, including improved elasticity and increased hyaluronic acid production.

Researchers at the Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine in Dusseldorf, Germany, had 20 female participants, between the ages of 55 to 68, take 75 milligrams of Pycnogenol each day for 12 weeks.

Their skins’ hydration, elasticity and fatigue were assessed at the start of the trial, at six weeks and at 12 weeks. According to results published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, Pycnogenol enhanced the skin in several ways:

• Skin elasticity improved by 25%
• Skin hydration improved by 8%
• Skin smoothness increased by 6%
• Wrinkles were reduced by 3%
• Hyaluronic acid production increased by 44%

The supplement also improved skin fatigue. Those with dry skin before the study began saw the most noticeable results.

“To date, Pycnogenol is the only natural supplement that stimulates hyaluronic acid production in human skin,” said lead researcher Dr. Jean Krutmann. “And, we are encouraged by the molecular evidence confirmed in this study that shows nutritional supplementation with Pycnogenol benefits human skin.”

Pycnogenol, which comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, has also been used to treat allergies and asthma and for the prevention of stroke, heart disease and varicose veins. Previous studies have shown that the supplement may protect collagen, increase blood flow to the skin and protect the skin against UV damage.

The authors concluded that Pycnogenol supplementation may be useful to counteract the clinical signs of skin aging.

For those who are looking for more than a natural supplement to fight aging, hyaluronic acid fillers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion are some of the non-surgical procedures available to improve the skin’s appearance. To learn more about non-invasive cosmetic treatments, contact Inland Cosmetic Surgery.

Curves are in. And cosmetic surgery can give you more curves, whether in the breasts, buttocks or even thighs.

For instance, RealSelf, a social media website for sharing information about cosmetic procedures, reported that in 2011 searches for butt augmentations on the site rose 39 percent, making it the “fastest moving topic on the site in terms of overall consumer interest.”

With the rise of procedures like the Brazilian butt lift, in which a patient’s own fat is transferred to enhance the shape and size of the buttocks, women are looking to enhance other areas as well.

Next Trend for Curves: Thigh Augmentation?

A study published recently in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery examined thigh augmentation, which uses a custom implant. The authors report that: “Breasts are getting bigger, buttocks are getting fuller, and there is increasing demand for a fuller, more curvaceous look to the thighs.”

According to the study, 18 women received the implants to achieve a fuller appearance in the thighs. During the procedure, a custom-made lateral thigh prosthesis is surgically inserted to give more curve to the lateral thigh area.

The authors reported that all patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were no major complications during the study, and they concluded that the implants helped women achieve a fuller look in the thigh without significant risk.

Realistically, there are probably more women looking for less volume on their thighs. For them, a thigh lift might be the right procedure. A thigh lift reshapes the contour of the inner and outer thighs by removing excess skin.

Traditional Cosmetic Surgery for Adding Curves

Some of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures have always been about giving women more curves. For instance, many women who are dissatisfied with the size, shape and fullness of their breasts often turn to breast augmentation.

A tummy tuck is a popular way for a woman to get a flatter stomach. It creates a smaller waistline, which accentuates curves above and below the waist.

Did you know that we offer rewards to our patients who refer their friends for surgery?

For every friend that you refer to us and they complete a surgery, you will get a $100 Gift Certificate from us!  So if you refer 5 Friends who complete surgery, you will get $500 in Gift Certificates from us!

Also for those who switch to the Mentor Memory Gel Breast Implants, there is an additional $50 American Express Gift Certificate from Mentor Refer a Friend program!  

A new president was elected by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) at its annual meeting in January, during which scientific sessions focused on cosmetic surgery advances.

Dr. Gerald Edds, MD, FACS, was officially inducted as the 2012 president at the meeting in Las Vegas.

“To be elected president of the leading organization for cosmetic surgeons worldwide is an incredible honor,” said Dr. Edds. “The AACS remains the trusted source for the highest quality training and continuing medical educations for doctors practicing cosmetic surgery. We will continue to set the standard in these areas and expand our presence internationally.”

The AACS’s 28^th annual scientific meeting attracted record attendance, with more than 700 medical professionals.

Dr. Haiavy was director of the Advanced Topics in Breast Surgery session, along with Dr. Edds. Dr. Haiavy also presented on “Revision Breast Surgery” and “Trans Umbilical Breast Augmentation: Procedure Pearls and Pitfall.”

Dr. Edds said that this year’s meeting focused on the education mission of the AACS to advance cosmetic surgery and quality patient care by featuring sessions customized for each specialty within the field, focused on best practices, practice gaps, patient safety and quality improvement.

Cosmetic surgeons could attend sessions on a wide range of cosmetic surgery topics, including: Advanced Topics in Body Contouring and Post-Bariatric Surgery; Rhinoplasty and Otoplasty; Blepharoplasty and Browlift; Advanced Topics in Breast Surgery; and Advanced Topics in Face and Neck Surgery.

Keynote speakers came from around the world, including Dr. Jean Carruthers, of Vancouver, Canada, who is a pioneer of the cosmetic use of botulinum A exotoxin and Dr. Luitgard Wiest, of Munich, Germany, a renowned dermatologist.

To learn more about the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, visit www.cosmeticsurgery.org.

Take Advantage of Our Injectable and Latisse Specials:

• Radiesse: Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
• Restylane & Perlane: 

$50 OFF 1st Syringe

$100 OFF 2nd Syringe 

$200 OFF 3rd Syringe

• Botox & Dysport: $50 OFF 1st Area
• Latisse: Buy 2 Get 1 FREE
• See Details

The ColoreScience Pressed Mineral Pigment Compact, is available in three shades, designed for great coverage, and provides lasting sun protection.

Does it contain sunscreen? Not in the sense that their other products do; rather than an actual SPF, the pressed pigment compact is made up of minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

In addition, it has Vitamins A and E…which are antioxidants and give a renewed look to our skin. Plus, it’s naturally-scented with rose geranium, lavender, and sandalwood.

Now, a word to the wise: I’ve found that this product blends more smoothly, and appears far more attractive, if it’s applied to moisturized skin.

I hope you enjoy this new product we are carrying at Inland Cosmetic Surgery.  Come in and try the tester and let me know how you like it!  We are selling them for $60 each.

While a facelift used to be the only cosmetic surgery option to combat facial aging, now there are many procedures, devices and techniques for facial rejuvenation, reports the Miami Herald.

Here is an overview of some of the facial rejuvenation procedures available today.

Facelifts

Targeting the signs of aging in the lower part of the face, a facelift can erase imperfections through lifting and removing excess skin.

Even the facelift itself has evolved. For instance, the Contour Thread Lift is less invasive than a traditional facelift, and therefore has a shorter recovery.

Injectables

It is hard to imagine a time when dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, and botulinum toxins, such as Botox and Dysport, weren’t an option for filling lines and smoothing wrinkles on the face.

The options for injectables continue to grow. Fat grafting and stem cells are the latest innovations. With fat grafting, fat is removed from one area of the patient’s body and is then used as an injectable to add volume to areas such as the lips, nasolabial folds or hollows under the eyes.

Lasers & Ultrasound

For tightening up facial skin, lasers are now a popular option. The laser heats the collagen underneath the skin, making the skin tighten and stimulating the growth of new collagen.

Devices using ultrasound waves are another new technology for tightening. The ultrasound waves shrink collagen, making the skin tighter.

The Future of Facial Rejuvenation

Dr. Leslie Baumann, chief executive of a cosmetic institute in Miami, says there are more new facial rejuvenation procedures on the horizon in the next few years, including new injectables, lights and lasers.

Your cosmetic surgeon can help determine which facial rejuvenation procedures will give you the results you desire. For more information on facial rejuvenation, contact Inland Cosmetic Surgery with offices in Victorville, CA.

“Bro-tox” is the name for the latest cosmetic surgery trend, which has seen an increase in men getting Botox injections, according to ABC News.

Actor Johnny Markoudakis told ABC that he got Botox injections in his forehead and around his eyes, and a week later people told him he looked more refreshed.

But Bro-tox patients include more than just actors, models and metrosexuals, according to ABC.

For instance, Marc from Detroit is 38 and works at a chemical company. “I do a lot of industrial type work, getting dirty. … And I restore old cars,” Marc told ABC.

When he started noticing that he had some wrinkles and that he was looking older, his wife decided to get him Botox for Christmas.

“The card was very nice,” Marc said. “But then there was a little note that said … ‘Botox’ on it, and I was a little shocked. … It’s just not anything I thought I would do for myself.”

Marc used the gift and now has less noticeable crow’s feet thanks to Botox.

Cosmetic Procedures Becoming More Popular for Men

ABC News reports that over 300,000 men got Botox last year, a 10% increase from the previous year. Men are getting more cosmetic procedures in general — one in eight cosmetic surgery procedures is now performed on men.

According to the report, from 2010 to 2011, eyelid surgeries increased by 15% for men, facelifts by 14% and liposuction by 7%.

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) says the five most popular procedures among men are Botox, hair transplantation/restoration, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and liposuction.

A consumer survey by the AACS found that 12% of men plan to have cosmetic surgery at some point in the future and that 83% of men believe that personal appearance plays a role in their professional success and advancement.