Monthly Archives : June 2016

Gone (mostly) are the days of the post-injection frozen face, the seemingly emotionless Botox-bot shopping its way down Madison Avenue. As highly trained plastic surgeons in Manhattan’s upper east side beauty mecca, our needlework is getting much more subtle, “smarter”, and more customizable! Over the past year, I have seen a huge increase in younger patients, hoping to incorporate a little Botox into their regular beauty regimen to help prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles, and to set the stage for lovely, natural, beautiful wizening (I don’t like to say “aging”). My patients, both men and women, want to look natural, just a little more refreshed and less stressed. They want to be able to express themselves with their faces- to laugh, get mad and even cry.

Introducing Protox

Often, as part of their jobs, they must be able to express themselves with their faces to be effective and successful. Lucky for us all, with some experience and knowledge, Botox is highly customizable! Introducing what I’ve dubbed “Protox” – custom Botox designed with your professional goals in mind. A personal brand identity is key to one’s career and the face often says it all.

The Case of The Lawyer

Attorneys must have the ability to look disapproving. This patient always needs to maintain a little corrugator movement (this is the muscle group that give you the vertical “11 lines” between the eyebrows, and furrows the brow) in order to successfully argue a case or negotiate a mediation.

When The Psychiatrist is the Patient

A Psychiatrist needs to maintain a sympathetic demeanor without displaying a disapproving, “frozen” look. In contrast to the lawyer, this patient needs to seriously weaken movement in the corrugators so they can relax and listen to what their patients are saying without looking judgy, but keep a little movement in the frontalis muscle (the muscle that raises the eyebrows) so they can still look like they care about what they’re hearing.

Let The Teacher Teach

He needs to maintain the ability to look surprised and to be sympathetic. This patient needs to retain almost all movement of the frontalis muscle that raises the eyebrows, but can often benefit greatly from Botox used to soften the crow’s feet and raise up the arch of the eyebrow.

The Poker Player

This patient needs Botox to retain her poker face and help eliminate the look of surprise (frontalis muscle) and some of the most common facial “tells” such as clenching the jaw and flexing the masseter muscle at the angle of the jaw. (masseter muscle Botox) It’s important for poker players to be able to keep all emotion under wraps.

The Actor Needs to Emote

Performers need to be able to express all emotions, but must also look permanently airbrushed with subtle touches of Botox in a number of areas.

No matter your personal or professional goals, subtle, natural, customized Botox is possible in the hands of an experienced injector!

Originally published on New York Social Diary. By: Delia von Neuschatz

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When you look in the mirror, do you pull back the skin on your face..

imagining what you would look like with a bit of tightening here and there? You may even have tried non-invasive firming treatments like Thermage and Ultherapy, but the sagging persists. Still, you’re not willing to go the surgery route just yet, but would like to do something. In that case, the minimally invasive ThermiTight, a procedure which sits in between non-invasive and invasive surgical alternatives — may be the right option for you. 

“ThermiTight is something for patients who see themselves getting a facelift down the road, but are not yet ready,”

explains Dr. Ron Shelton, a dermatologic surgeon who performs the treatment at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. “The ideal candidate is someone who is starting to see some drooping. The corners of the mouth are turning down and the nasolabial folds are deepening. It’s also a good treatment for patients who’ve had a facelift a few years ago and need a little tweaking.”

ThermiTight uses radiofrequency technology to both tighten loose skin and remove excess fat. It works by targeting the subdermal or inner layer of skin directly. “There’s such excitement about it because we’re seeing that the results can be very good,” says Dr. Shelton.

“ThermiTight has been a game changer,”

concurs plastic surgeon, Dr. Adam Rubinstein, who reports that the bulk of his patients for this treatment are 40 – 60 years old. “Before ThermiTight, we didn’t have an option for the in-between patient.”

In addition to tightening facial skin, this versatile procedure is also used to firm the skin on the neck, upper arms, abdomen and knees. And Botox users may be interested to know that a related treatment, ThermiRaise, disables the nerves which cause unwanted face and neck lines such as the glabellar or “11” frown lines between the brows.

Known as the injectable readiofrequency treatment,

Thermitight, which is FDA cleared, delivers heat directly to the dermis or the collagen-producing layer of skin through a very thin probe which, after an injection of a local anesthetic, is inserted just below the surface of the skin. When tissue is heated to 60° Centigrade (140° Fahrenheit), it contracts and produces skin-tightening collagen. Non-invasive radiofrequency treatments like Thermage, on the other hand, deliver heat through the outer layer of skin thereby limiting safe treatment temperatures and thus effectiveness.

The temperature of the treated tissue is carefully monitored. Not only does the probe measure the temperature of the underlying tissue several times per second, but the equipment also has a sophisticated external infrared camera which monitors skin temperature. “You don’t want to exceed a certain temperature underneath and you don’t want to exceed a certain temperature on the skin,” explains Dr. Shelton. The temperature is adjusted according to the desired results. Skin tightening, fat loss, nerve ablation all require different heat settings.

Although micro-invasive ThermiTight is non-surgical, it is not a treatment that entails less downtime than surgery, cautions Dr. Shelton. Patients can expect swelling and bruising to last one to two weeks. Compression garments must be worn for several days after the treatment.

Side effects may also include burns, nerve weaknesss (which disappears within a couple of weeks and which Dr. Shelton points out is also a hazard with surgery and Ultherapy) and theoretically, according to Dr. Shelton, there’s also the risk of facial asymmetry. Nor is this a “lunchtime lift.” Treating the face requires 45-60 minutes plus there’s the anesthesia time. Treating the thighs will take about two hours (not including the anesthesia time). Count on putting aside four hours for a two-hour procedure. You will also need someone to take you home afterwards.

Timing is a consideration in other ways. It takes six months or more to see optimum results so if you’re thinking of undergoing this procedure a month before your daughter’s wedding, save your money.

As for costs, they range between a few thousand dollars to about $8,000. To treat the face and neck, for instance, Dr. Shelton charges $6,500. One treatment is enough and results will last a minimum of two years. Ultimately, “ThermiTight doesn’t have any competition,” enthuses Dr. Shelton. “There’s a curve, but just about everyone sees tangible improvement,” says Dr. Rubinstein. “And sometimes, the results look like the patient has had a facelift.”

Want something a little gentler on your skin and on your wallet? 

Our beauty experts rave about the Sapelo Skin Care line consisting of a serum, a moisturizer, a moisture-locking emollient and a new eye cream: “The Sapelo Face Cream and Serum are really the best anti-aging products,” says Travel Beauty founder Alyssa Barrie. “It may take 28 days to see results but the results are amazing and the formulation is sensitive enough that it can be used as an under eye cream and on the neck. 99% of people that try this line, order again and again.”

Step one of the Sapelo Skin Care regimen, the Renewing Serum hydrates the skin and contains cell-stimulating growth factors, boosting collagen and elastin production. A touch of magnolia oil brightens the complexion; Step 2, the Rejuvenating Cream boasts a high concentration of five peptides including acetyl tetrapeptide-17 colloidal platinum which, in studies, has demonstrated improvement in skin elasticity by 47%, hydration by 33% and wrinkle reduction by 61%; Step 3, the Softening Emollient is packed with lipids, enclosing the ingredients from Steps 1 and 2 and preventing them from evaporating.

Expert tip

Alyssa recommends “taking the time to massage the cream and serum into the skin. It stimulates circulation and works the muscles under the dermis — similar to what massage does for the body. And for the neck, remember to stroke down, with pressure from the bottom of the chin to the décolleté. That is the direction of lymphatic drainage — strokes towards the heart. Many people are told that you are supposed to sweep up. It’s just not true.

We usually focus on the ladies here at Travel Beauty, but men, we want you and your skin to know that you are always on our minds. With Father’s Day around the corner, you may be able to cajole your family into snagging some of these shaving and grooming products for you. WARNING: Once you try them, you will never go back to your drug store brand again.

Binchotan Charcoal Shaving Gel

Binchotan charcoal, from Japan, seems to make every product with which it is infused exponentially better and more effective. Why? Known as the highest quality activated charcoal for purifying water, Binchotan charcoal can be used to absorb chemicals in tap water, remove toxins from the skin, capture moisture and odors from the air, enhance blood circulation in a hot bath, stimulate healthy soil in the garden and deflect negative ions in your home. Given this impressive resume, we are happy to have as many Binchotan charcoal products as possible, and they’ve now created a Binchotan Shaving Gel.

Binchotan Shaving Gel is a complete shaving experience, containing not only purifying Binchotan charcoal but also hydrating glycerin, invigorating rosemary and cooling menthol. What it does not contain are parabens, oil, synthetic fragrance or dye. Shaving Gel is a bit of a misnomer, as this is actually a 3-in-1 pre-shave lotion, shaving cream and aftershave that moisturizes, protects and soothes the delicate skin of the face and neck for a close shave that is not too close for comfort. As an all-in-one product, it’s perfect for busy mornings and, of course, travel. (Though we’re addressing the men here, it’s lovely on the legs as well, ladies, too.)

Binchotan Facial Soap

Many men prefer bar soap to liquid facial cleansers. If you are one of those, give Binchotan Facial Soap a go. It is gentle and has all of the purifying characteristics of Binchotan charcoal. Can be used as a 2-in-1 for the body as well.

Vine Minus Ion Care Water

Have extra sensitive skin that makes shaving a misery? After your shave, apply Vine Minus Ion Care Water, with a cotton pad, on your face and neck. Schpritz it on if you prefer. This miracle water from Japan is negatively charged and bonds to skin killing bacteria and hydrating the skin. It will also boost the efficacy of your aftershave. NASA uses this baby to keep bacteria from forming on the lenses of satellites that it sends into outer space. This is some serious high tech water that will heal and soothe your skin post shave.

Ursa Major Traveler’s Skin Care & Stellar Shave Kits

The Traveler’s Skin Care Kit  and Stellar Shave Kit are filled with travel essentials from our friends in Vermont at Ursa Major. Ursa Major provides men with healthy and highly effective skin care and shaving solutions that are a pleasure to use. These advanced formulations are robust, natural alternatives to the bland, chemical-laden products that pervade today’s marketplace. Ursa Major’s products never contain petrochemicals, sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrance or color, glycols, silicones or PEGs.

The Traveler’s Skin Care Kit is a complete collection of simple and effective skin care for men in TSA-approved sizes all boxed up for easy use. It makes the perfect gift too! This kit covers all the skin care bases and includes Ursa Major’s Fantastic Face Wash, Essential Face Tonic, fortifying Face Balm and five individually wrapped tonic-infused Essential Face Wipes….that can even be used on the body in a pinch!

The Stellar Shave Kit contains a fine handcrafted black walnut razor, travel size Stellar Shave Cream and Fortifying Face balm.

Explore more shaving and grooming products for men.

By: Claire McCormack, Twitter & Instagram

You’ve been shampooing your hair your entire life. And conditioning almost as long. You can do it with your eyes closed. With one arm tied behind your back – right? Still, at Salon Ishi we get asked for shampoo and conditioning advice every day. It makes sense actually, since clean hair and scalp are directly related to healthy hair. So, since you asked, here are some shampoo and condition FAQs.

Q: Does the shampoo and conditioner I use really make a difference?

A: Yes. It’s in your own best interest to consider your own hair type and condition when choosing products. Is your hair fine? Colored? Dry? Oily? Pay attention to your hair’s needs and give it some assistance with products that target what you need. If your hair is on the finer side and you color treat your hair, go with Caretrico Type S Shampoo and Caretrico Privy Treatment Moist Sleek conditioner. If you hair is thick, dry and/or color treated, Caretrico Type H Shampoo and Caretrico Privy Treatment Slim Through is the way to go.

Q: Are expensive products really better?

A: Yes, in general. Generic, drugstore brands are serving the broadest possible audience at the lowest possible cost and in order to do so are more likely to use harsher cleansers and fillers. Salon products are developed with hair health in mind by companies whose very existence is devoted to hair care. Their focus, product offerings and ingredients reflect it.

Q: How often do I need to shampoo and condition?

A: In all likelihood a lot less than you’re currently doing it. Shampooing hair too often can cause conditions that seem to require more products (dryness, oiliness, brittleness, etc.). Cleanse less often and allow your hair’s natural oils to hold in moisture. As a general rule, we say shampoo once or twice a week. It may take your hair a few weeks to adjust to this new regimen but it’s worth it in the long run. And if you’re shampooing less often, you can afford to get the highest quality shampoo and conditioner.

Q: But what if I exercise every day?

A: Consider simply rinsing your hair with water and applying a little conditioner just to the mid-lengths and ends. Or, try using conditioner as the cleanser: work it in and rinse it out well.

Q: Do I always need to use conditioner after I shampoo? I feel like conditioner just makes my hair oily.

A: Yes, you should be conditioning after every shampoo. If your conditioner is making your hair oily then apply only to the mid-length and ends, switch to a different conditioner, rinse better (a likely culprit), or see the above two questions and wash less often.

Q: I’m trying a new brand and it’s making my hair _______________ (brittle, break off, oily, gummy, etc.). What do I do?

A: Stop using it! Strawberries are healthy but some people are allergic to them. Similarly, not every product works the same way for every person. Experiment with different products and you’ll become a discerning consumer.

Q: Do those “2-in-1” products work? (the shampoo and conditioner in one)

A: Not effectively for most people. The fact is, shampooing is primarily for cleaning the scalp and to a lesser degree the hair. Conditioners are primarily for the hair that’s been around longer – the midshaft and ends – that need attention. So there’s a very good reason you have 2 separate steps for cleansing the hair.

Shampooing and conditioning are important for healthy, great looking hair. This is one of those areas where we all think we know everything since we’ve been doing it so long. But there’s always room to learn and improve. And sometimes small changes make a big difference. At our salon, we have used the Caretrico shampoos and treatments (conditioners) for many years with great results and many of our regular customers will make a special trip to the salon if they run out. We highly recommend them.

Have other questions? Please ask them in the comments section and I’ll get back to you just as soon as I can.

Find Brent Lockhart on Twitter and Instagram @brentlockhart