I recently sat down with Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, MD of New York Eye and Face Oculoplastic Surgery. Dr, Carniciu has become my go-to for all things Botox. Upon our first session, she began “mapping” out an image of my face so I could exactly see where she was making injections. I was blown away. I had never seen this level of detail before and trust me, I have gone to many high-end offices for services. She then began explaining so many very informative things to me about the injection process> I decided to ask her a few questions and share them with you below. I highly recommend a consultation with Dr. Carniciu. You can learn more about her practice or book online here!!!

About Dr. Carniciu:

Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, M.D. is a board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon who serves as an Associate Adjunct Surgeon and member of the teaching faculty at the world-renowned New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. Dr. Carniciu’s area of expertise focuses exclusively on plastic surgery of the face, with special attention to the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes. Using a natural approach, Dr. Carniciu is passionate about improving her patients’ confidence and quality of life through reconstructive and cosmetic oculoplastic surgery.

Why is it important to see a doctor to do your facial injections?

Safety first! Although cosmetic injectables are a fun and relatively quick refresh, all injections are invasive medical procedures. Physicians who are board-certified in one of the 4 core aesthetic medical specialties (plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, dermatology, or ENT plastic surgery) have the highest level of anatomical training and technical skill to perform customized facial injections based on individual patient needs. Additionally, our years of dedicated medical residency and fellowship training in aesthetics allow us to best avoid complications from treatment

How long have you been doing facial injections? 9 years

What injectable products do you offer, and can you explain the difference between them?

Neuromodulators: Botox and Jeuveau are used to treat wrinkles that occur from active facial movement and muscle use. By relaxing the facial muscles with neuromodulators, the wrinkles soften. This treatment works particularly well for the 11’s area (between the eyebrows), the forehead, and crow’s feet.

Fillers: Restylane and RHA Collection are hyaluronic acid products that are used to treat stationary wrinkles and deeper skin folds by replacing lost facial volume. Fillers are great for rejuvenating the lower facial smile lines, and can also be used to enhance the cheeks, lips, chin, and jawline.

Sculptra: Sculptra is a “collagen builder” that helps your body naturally produce its own collagen, previously lost over time. This injectable bio stimulator is made of very small particles of “poly-L-lactic acid” that stimulate your body to reverse the aging process. It is injected under the surface of the skin to decrease the appearance of volume loss and facial lines, wrinkles, or folds.

What types of medical conditions would disqualify me as a candidate for facial injections?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid facial injections. Additionally, Botox and other neuromodulators should be avoided in patients with certain neurological conditions. Be sure your injector asks about your health history before performing your treatment.

What would I need to do to maintain these results over time? How often would I need to receive injections?

It depends on the type of treatment. Neuromodulators like Botox or Jeuveau typically will last approximately three months. Neuromodulators will require ongoing treatment, though benefits are seen during that time. Other treatments like fillers can last one year or longer before needing a boost. The collagen-building effect of Sculptra lasts 2 years or longer with annual maintenance treatments.

What will be expected of me to achieve the best results immediately following my treatment? For neuromodulators, like Botox or Jeuveau, the best results come with following some straightforward after-care instructions, such as not pressing on the injection sites and possibly avoiding alcohol and heavy exercise the day of the treatment. If you take blood thinners, your doctor may recommend holding that medication to reduce the chance of bruising.

How can I expect to look over time?

With neuromodulators, you can expect a reduction in facial wrinkles in the areas of treatment. Particularly, in the wrinkles that become more prominent with facial movement. The effect of neuromodulators is first seen in 3-5 days, with full effect occurring 2 weeks after the injection. With filler, you can expect an improvement in facial volume and shape in the area of injection, typically with most changes occurring immediately after injection. With Sculptra, a similar improvement in facial volume and shape is expected; this is a gradual process over several months, but longer lasting.

What results are reasonable for me to expect? 
Filler: a proportional increase in facial volume in line with the amount of filler used is expected. Subtle improvement requires smaller and directed injections. A 1-milliliter syringe of filler is only one-fifth of a teaspoon! In targeted areas, a significant improvement can be seen with 1mL of filler. However, the more areas that are being treated, the more likely one syringe alone won’t fully treat your concerns.
 
Sculptra: expect improvement, but this will be a gradual process over months. Don’t worry if you don’t see huge results in the first week. Sculptra is a biostimulator, not a filler. So it takes longer but can give more satisfying results.  

Neuromodulators: a reduction in active facial wrinkles is expected. So, wrinkles that become more prominent with movement will be reduced. However, the “static” wrinkles, those that are present even when the face is at rest, typically will not be noticeably different. They may soften with repeated treatments over years, but not in the first few injections.

Join me for a Clean Beauty Master Class with Dr. Macrene Alexiades, Director and Founder, Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center of New YorkCEO and Founder, MACRENE Actives Clean Beauty Authority® at Neiman Marcus at The Westchester on Friday, February 24th at 12.

Clean Beauty is a multi-part series defining and addressing toxic exposure from skincare, environmental effects of manufacturing practices and packaging, and ethical concerns surrounding animal or human-derived ingredients.

I am looking forward to meeting Dr. Alexiades. I have included her bio below. Please email me to save your spot for this workshop.

Macrene Alexiades, MD Ph.D. FAAD holds three degrees from Harvard University: a BA from Harvard University, MD from Harvard Medical School, and a Ph.D. in Genetics from Harvard University, and she was a Fulbright Scholar with a research award year in Europe. Dr. Macrene is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery and has achieved the rare status of Double Board-Certification in Dermatology in the European Union as well as the US.

Dr. Macrene is a Diplomat of both the American and European Boards of Dermatology and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale University School of Medicine.  She founded and directed her dermatology, laser surgery, and research center in Manhattan and a lab-based skin care research company NY Derm LLC.  She is an attending at Lenox Hill Hospital, Yale/New Haven Hospital, and Yale/West Haven VA Hospital.  

Dr. Macrene has numerous publications and discoveries in the fields of basic science, dermatology, and laser surgery.  Her practice and academic work are focused on topical dermatologic anti-cancer and anti-aging therapies, laser technology, and skin rejuvenation.

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Our overall well-being and health must become top priorities as we approach our fifties. After all, we’re not getting any younger!

The body’s metabolism starts to slow down. It makes it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it. 

Women enter menopause, which can lead to changes in hormone levels and an increased risk of osteoporosis. As for men, their testosterone levels decrease. It reduces their muscle mass and bone density.

Plus, adults aged 50 and older are likelier to suffer from chronic conditions than any other age group.

And so, it is paramount to take preventive measures to stay as healthy and energetic as possible. It’ll also help you ward heft medical bills. 

Here are a few tips that you should consider:

Assess Your Lung Health

COPD is the 6th leading cause of death in the US. It affects over 15 million Americans, and 90% are over 40.

It is caused mostly by smoking but could be triggered by long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, and asbestos. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer type that affects the lining of the lungs.

Veterans, in particular, are more likely to suffer from mesothelioma due to their exposure to asbestos during the Gulf War. If you observe any symptoms like a persistent cough, chest pain, or fatigue, you must visit your doctor and get tested. You can also seek legal help if you believe the exposure was due to someone else’s negligence. Simmons Firm is a veteran-focused law firm that serves clients on a no fee unless you win basis.

Cholesterol Screening

The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that the occurrence of CVD in US adults is around 40% between ages 40-59 years, a whopping 75% among those aged 60-79 years, and reaches an eye-opening 86% for people 80 and over.

High cholesterol levels are at the core of these numbers.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance the liver produces. It is also present in many foods. It is essential for many bodily functions like digestion and hormone production, but too much can lead to heart disease.

A cholesterol screening involves a blood test that measures the levels of various types of cholesterol in the blood. These include the following:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
3. Triglycerides

Blood Pressure Check

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases your risk of stroke and heart attack. It is estimated that 1 in every 3 Americans suffers from this condition.

It is essential to keep your blood pressure under control, especially after age 50, when it starts to increase naturally. The ideal values are 120/80 mmHg or below.

Regular monitoring and the right lifestyle can help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. You should consult with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Headache
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing

You can also try natural remedies like reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, eating healthy foods, and managing stress.

Mammograms and Prostrate Exams

Women over 50 should get regular mammograms.

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that is used to detect breast cancer. It’s recommended for women aged 50 or older to get one every year or as per their doctor’s advice.

Some signs that you should contact a doctor include:

• Lump in the breast or underarm area
• Skin dimpling
• Nipple discharge

Breast cancer can be treated successfully if it’s detected early.

For men, it is recommended to get a prostate exam every year after the age of 50. It involves a simple physical examination to check for any irregularities in the shape and size of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men aged 60 and up, so it’s important to get tested and stay ahead of the game.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the large blood vessel (aorta) that runs through the abdomen. It can be because of high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked are advised to get an AAA screening.

During the screening, a doctor will use ultrasounds to measure the size of the abdominal aorta. It takes about 15 minutes and is usually pain-free. The screening will help detect the aneurysm before it becomes life-threatening.

Engage Your Mind

Mental health is equally important as physical health. Mental stimulation can help keep your mind sharp and prevent memory issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s.

You can engage your mind by keeping up with hobbies, playing chess or other games, solving puzzles, reading books, and engaging in cognitive activities. Social interaction with family and friends is also important for keeping your mind engaged. So, plan a day of chess and tea with your friends or a round of Scrabble with the family!

You can also take up a new hobby like painting, dancing, or playing an instrument. There are many online classes available to help you get started.

And if you’re looking for a lifelong company, you can always get a pet! They’ll keep you active and offer a loving companionship.

Learn to Deal with Stress

Stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It is especially true after the age of 50 when it’s harder to cope with the changes that come with aging.

Finding healthy ways to manage stress and take care of your well-being is vital. You can try practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, and meditation to help you cope. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and stay connected with friends and family.

Regular exercise will also keep your body in shape. Try to include at least thirty minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Also, make sure to warm up and cool down properly before and after each session.

Final Thoughts

Your body might undergo severe changes, but it still is strong enough to communicate its needs. So, be aware of any changes and take action immediately if you feel something is wrong.

It’s also important to get regular checkups with your doctor and take all medications as prescribed. Remember to prioritize your mental health — engage your mind, connect with people, and try to manage stress in healthy ways. Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make a big difference in our lives.

In today’s age of technology, many of us take advantage of being able to shop from the comfort of our homes. However, items of clothing seem to be the exception, especially if you are unsure of your sizes. Don’t get me wrong; many people shop for clothing items online. Yet, buying these sorts of things in person is still common. If you haven’t decided to buy your high heels online, here are some good reasons to do so.

Convenience

The most obvious reason to buy women’s high heels online is the convenience of it. If you know what type of shoe you want and your size, you should have no problem getting the pair delivered right to your door. However, there are a couple of things to remember when shopping online for high heels.

1. Some shoemakers may run sizes a bit differently. It has been recorded that some online shoppers occasionally have to get a size up or down of something. Luckily, most places will probably let you return them or switch them out if you have the wrong size.
2. Please, stay away from fishy online places like Wish. Wish is a site that sells items at an extremely cheap rate. Sounds too good to be true, right? That’s because it is. So many buyers have reported getting things that look nothing like the items they purchased. Or, they ended up with the item they wanted, but it was an extremely tiny version of it.

Online Shopping Could Appeal to People Who Don’t Like Feet

Some people don’t like feet at all, let alone their own. By buying heels online, you don’t have to go through the awkward process of trying on shoes in public. Once they are delivered, you get to try them on in the comfort of your home without prying eyes.

You Can Use Apps to Find Awesome Deals Online

Some apps like Honey find you deals from specific stores and brands. Using some apps, you could get some killer deals on a sweet pair of high heels. Some online stores even use coupons on their site that are exclusively for online purchases. Online shopping could save you money.

There are plenty of places to find good deals on women’s high heels. You just need to know where to look. Try out different stores and apps to get some discounts. You will be amazed at the deals you can find online.