• Women have fewer sweat glands and sebaceous glands than men, which influences the natural filling of potential wrinkles.
• The skin around a woman’s mouth contains fewer blood vessels than men, which may speed wrinkle development.
• Women have tighter muscle to skin attachment around the mouth then men. This may cause more of an inward pull to create deeper wrinkles.

• Lift your Spirits – Physical activity can lift your spirits during limited sunlight and it can insure you’re in good shape for spring or for a getaway south.
• Dress properly – Make sure the layer closest to your body is made of a breathable, moisture wicking material. Insulate extremities, and be sure to wear a hat.
• Take time to warm up and cool down – Cold weather constricts muscles so you have to allow enough time to get the muscles warm and functioning.
• Turn adversity into opportunity – Don’t let the winter blues extend to your feelings about exercise. Be creative. Cross country skiing, or snowshoeing are great aerobic activities. Take a class like yoga, or pilates that you’ve been meaning to try.
• Maintain good eating habits – It’s easy to fall into the routine of unconscious eating during football games and evening television. Keep up good eating habits. Now that peaches, watermelon, strawberries and other summer fruits are out of season, turn to apples, pears, pomegranates, cranberries, kiwi, grapefruit, and oranges to satisfy that sweet tooth.
• Find tasty veggies – A great winter produce choice is squash. There are a variety of winter squash available – acorn, spaghetti, butternut, pumpkin are just a few.

• Wednesday, Feb. 10th in Boston
• Saturday, Feb 13th in Peabody

• Summer Sun Protection
• The Adams Center Periorbital Rejuvenation
• Safe and painless light therapy removes crow’s feet
• Don’t Believe the Hype About “Botox Breast Lifts”

Wrinkles around the eyes, also known as “laugh lines,” “crow’s feet,” or “periorbitol wrinkles” are one of the most common, and early signs of aging.

You don’t need to just accept laugh lines as a foregone conclusion. The Adams Center has non-surgical treatments for crow’s feet that include Botox, Total FX laser , Lux 1540, and the newest additions – Skin Anti-Aging Complex nutritional supplement, and OMNILUX new-U. By selectively combining these treatments we enable you to achieve the best result.

Botox and Dysport
Botox and Dysport work by reducing the activity of the muscles that cause laugh lines. Botox is a purified form of the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It’s a safe, effective, time proven way to diminish the wrinkles around eyes, forehead, lips and neck.

TotalFX
TotalFX is the “gold standard” for overall non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Part of the UltraPulse system, the TotalFX laser includes both . . .

OMNILUX new-U is the only FDA approved hand-held device that allows you to minimize crow’s feet, and fine lines and wrinkles with both red light, and IR light therapy.

OMNILUX new-U works by stimulating your skin at a cellular level. The light frequency used in new-U stimulates collagen production, increases blood flow to the cells, helps increase tissue oxygenation, and detoxification. Additionally, new-U has the benefit of increasing your skin’s cells ability to absorb topical serums, and skin care products.

OMNILUX new-U is safe and painless. Clinical studies show that new-U produces the best results within 4 – 8 weeks of use. Results can be maintained with 2 – 4 treatments per month.

Recently there have been several stories in the media discussing a “Botox Breast Lift.” This non-surgical procedure is highly speculative, and has offered incredibly mixed results for the patients who have undergone this treatment.

Botox works in preventing wrinkles by weakening the muscle that has created the wrinkle in the first place. The principle here is similar. Essentially, Botox is used to weaken the pectoralis minor muscle (one of your chest muscles), which pulls the breast down. This causes the rhomboid muscle (a muscle at the top of your back) to pull up your back slightly, potentially giving the appearance of lifting your breasts, and also putting more pressure on your back.

The procedure requires three injections on each breast, and proponents say that it lasts approximately 10 – 12 weeks. However, injecting Botox into the chest muscles is not only dangerous, but . . .

• Happy Thanksgiving!
• Liquid Facelifts Using Sculptra
• Breast Augmentation to Correct Symmetry
• What’s All the Buzz About Stem Cell Facelifts?
• Winter is Coming and So Is Dry Skin

“Liquid Facelift” is a term that I’ve been hearing in the press lately.

The report I saw was based on Sculptra Aesthetic, a poly-L lactic acid filler that can be used with great results over large areas of the face. However, the term “liquid facelift” can refer to any of the filler products such as Radiesse, Restylane, Juvederm, etc. Most have specific areas of the face for which they work well.

While Sculptra is primarily designed to correct marionette lines, smile lines, and chin wrinkles, it can also be effective in the brow and other areas. Sculptra works especially well for people with thinner faces, or . . .

Most people think of a breast augmentation or breast enhancement surgery only as a way to increase breast size.

However, my breast augmentation patients also come to me for help to correct breast asymmetry – differences either in size, or shape. These differences may have been present all along, or changes can occur over time and lead to asymmetry.

While many think of their options as being limited to silicone gel or saline implants, the fact is that your choices are vast. There are over . . .

I read an interesting article in the The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) newsletter about “Stem Cell Facelifts” that was based in part on a Sept. 13, 2010 L.A. Times article by Chris Woolston.

While the procedure may be all the rage in Hollywood, stem cell facelifts, and other similar procedures have little more than anecdotal evidence to backup their credibility.

In the procedure, stem cells are retrieved through liposuction. Then the stem cells, along with fat cells, are injected into the face. Those performing this procedure claim that the injected stem cells rejuvenate the skin with new collagen and . . .

The weather is changing and you might have noticed that your skin is too.

Our new AdamsMDSpadermaceutical skin care products will help your skin retain moisture, and protect it from the cold, dry environment that we experience here in the Northeast.

If you’re already using our products, or would like to start, feel free to contact one of our aestheticians to review your current regime and tailor it for the months to come.

• New Adams Center Website
• E-Botox Alternative – Relaxed Expressions
• Can I Have Multiple Procedures at the Same Time?
• Wrinkle Fillers and TotalFX

Relaxed Expressions is one of the newest, minimally invasive, non-toxic tools in our ongoing quest to find the most effective methods for treating facial wrinkles, and reversing the signs of aging.

I recently became one of only 30 physicians in the U.S. involved as part of a physician advisory council to help with the development of best practices in the use of Bioform Medical’s Relaxed Expressions (also known as REX, GFX, or No-Tox) system. Perhaps the best way to think of REX is as a high-tech alternative to Botox.

Instead of using a low dose of Botulinum Toxin like Botox, Relaxed Expressions targets the muscles that cause frown lines and wrinkles in our foreheads with Radio Frequency (RF) energy. These RF energy waves minimize the muscle’s ability to make you frown, thus removing the wrinkles in the target area.

While Botox is still a great treatment, Relaxed Expressions overcomes two of Botox’s shortcomings; it may last for as long as . . .

I’ve received several questions from patients lately on whether or not they can have multiple procedures done during the same visit.

The short answer is yes, you can. However, the real limiter is the type of anesthesia selected.

Take liposuction for example. We often do smaller areas of liposuction under a local anesthesia with oral sedation. This method allows us a smaller window of time, so larger procedures aren’t possible. However, we can do larger areas under a general anesthesia. This also allows us to do combinations of surgeries.

A recent patient wanted to have liposuction and breast augmentation done at the same time as part of a “Mommy Makeover.” While we only did those two surgeries for that patient, I’ve had patients choose to have liposuction, breast augmentation with a breast lift, and a lower lid blepharoplasty. So there are fewer limitations under general anesthesia.

Having multiple procedures done at the same time is actually a smart choice for most of us. There is usually a shorter overall recovery time, a lower overall cost, and in many cases, we’re finding that combination treatments actually provide better results.

I’m constantly impressed with the advancement and constant learning that we have in the field of anti- aging.

One of the things that we’re discovering is that a combination of treatments is best for treating the changes that occur with aging. For instance, we can combine a surgical procedure like a mini-facelift to re- define the jawline and soften the effects of aging on the face and neck with a non-surgical procedure like a TotalFX treatment (using the Lumenis laser).

The mini-facelift corrects more advanced cases of sagging skin than the TotalFX treatment does, but it does nothing for problems such as brown spots, and . . .

• Summer, Finally!
• DUET Laser Hair Removal
• Popular Summer Procedures
• StyleFixx Was a Huge Success

The new LightSheer DUET by Lumenis is the Gold Standard in laser hair removal.

The DUET system offers several innovative improvements over previous laser hair removal systems. Vacuum assisted technology combined with a dramatic increase in the laser spot size enables a greater depth of penetration, and improved absorption of energy at the hair follicle. These improvements mean the treatment times are reduced by 75% in many cases, for instance we can treat backs and legs comfortably in about 15 minutes, without anesthetics and gels. Other areas may take even less time.

The number of treatments required depends on several factors including . . .

There’s always a rush right before summer starts of people trying to shape up to look their best.

Some people worry that particular surgeries or laser procedures can not be done during the summer months, but most actually can be performed, particularly the surgeries. However, we often suggest patients minimize their sun exposure and wear sunscreen to protect more sensitive skin.

Breast Augmentations and body sculpting liposuctions are two of the most often requested pre-summer surgical procedures. Both can be done either before, or during summer, and require a fairly short downtime.

With a breast augmentation, there are well over . . .

Thanks to all of our friends and patients who joined us at The Boston Center for the Arts for StyleFixx’s Girl’s Night Out event!

It was great to see so many of you for this great night of shopping, pampering, beauty, and fun.

The Girls’ Night Out event featured over 55 designers and brands offering incredible values on one-of-a-kind designs, cutting-edge products, and essential services this time around, and I’m sure it will be similar the next time around.

If you missed StyleFixx this time around, we plan to be back there for the September event, so stay tuned!

• Into Fall
• Cellulite Removal with SmoothShapes
• Lasers Reduce Swelling
• Combination of Facial Treatments Produce Results

SmoothShapes represents a significant breakthrough in how quickly and easily cellulite can be treated!

Cellulite, which is often described as looking like “cottage cheese,” is a common issue that affects millions of women and men. It is often found on the backs of the thighs, or buttocks. The underlying causes of cellulite include edema, impaired blood circulation and decreased metabolism.

My typical patient has a pretty high fitness level. We’re not talking about people who have let themselves go for years, and all of a sudden want the latest ‘quick fix.’ Patients often come to me after trying various exercise programs, biking, running, weights, etc. Cellulite is one of the most difficult body issues to fix, and exercise alone is rarely an effective control measure.

Elemé Medical developed SmoothShapes based on . . .

The use of lasers in cosmetic surgery has revolutionized the way both surgical and non-surgical treatments are delivered, increased the quality of the outcomes, and helped decrease recovery times.

I recently read an interesting study in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery that draws the conclusion that lasers, at least certain types, also help reduce bruising.

The study focused on the Vbeam Laser by Candela, and the results were actually stunning. In fact, the study showed as much as a 63% improvement within 24 – 72 hours in the type of bruising that occurs following a cosmetic procedure. These are dramatic results!

Many of the surgical and non-surgical procedures we perform at The Adams Center have bruising as a side effect. That bruising will usually go away within two weeks for a surgical procedure, often in less time for a non-surgical treatment.

To be able to reduce the swelling and recovery this much is a tremendous advantage, and will allow patients to be back to their daily activities more quickly.

Our face is the most visible thing others see on a daily basis. As we age, our face is often the area that looks oldest first. But, what contributes to premature facial aging and what makes us look old? More importantly, can we reverse the process?

Several things can contribute to facial aging. The obvious answer is “age”. While that’s very true, environmental factors, diet, chemicals we use on or around our face, whether or not we moisturize, weather, smoking, and a host of other factors also contribute. So what makes us look old? Wrinkles around our eyes, mouth, forehead, etc. are often cited, but some of the other signs of an aging face include sagging skin, age spots, redness, and more.

The good news is that these things can be treated, and in many cases largely reversed. Patients come to me with the idea that they want a facelift (either a mini-facelift, or a full facelift). But, a facelift only corrects part of the issue. It’s like providing half an answer on a test. We’re discovering that a . . .

• Happy Holidays!
• Sculptra
• Rhinoplasty to Balance the Face
• Minimize Holiday Stress
• New Mammography Standards May Be Harmful

Sculptura Aesthetic is a long-lasting poly-L-lactic acid wrinkle filler designed to fill facial wrinkles (including deep wrinkles), and correct facial contour deficiencies.

While Sculptura Aesthetic produces immediately noticeable results, it’s also designed to continue to work gradually and reduce the effects of aging over a longer period of time. The gradual transformation produces more natural results, and also creates a longer lasting effect that may last for an amazing two years.

Sculptura works by replacing the collagen that is naturally lost as we age. Typically, a series of three treatments is required over a period of several months. The number of treatments vary on a patient to patient basis.

Clarisonic Pro
The Clarisonic Pro system is a gentle sonic cleansing system that cleans, and softens the skin while reducing lines and wrinkles. Works great on all skin types including those with acne and rosacea, so it’s perfect for the whole family! If you purchase the Clarisonic Pro during December, we’ll include an additional Body Brush – FREE (a $25.00 value).

15% off Adams Center Gift Cards
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Our Adams Center gift cards are great presents. Cards are available in any amount, and are valid for any of our products or services. Purchase a gift card during December, and we’ll take an additional 15% off. Cards valid for use after December 26, 2009.

Just in Time for the New Year! 1 Day Only: 25% – 50% Off FX, IPL & More

December 30th!

• 50% off TotalFX to help with everything from age spots to wrinkle removal.
• 25% off DeepFX to help erase deep wrinkles and scarring.
• 50% off IPL treatments, including those with Levulan.
• 50% off LightSheer or LightSheer DUET Laser Hair Removal.

$50 off Botox during “Botox Days”
Our special Botox Days continue. If you’ve always wanted to try Botox, this is the perfect time!

• Boston on Wednesday – December 16th
• Peabody on Friday – December 18th

15% off Adams Center Products
Looking for great skin care at a terrific price? Reward yourself this holiday season, and try our physician developed, uniquely formulated Adams Center’s skin care line. Purchase any Adams Center skin care product in December and take 15% off your purchase.

Free Shipping on Online Store Orders
Order online now through December 31st, 2009 and take advantage of free shipping and handling for all web orders over $100.

Zerona Body Contouring & SmoothShapes Cellulite Reduction
Special package pricing is available on a series of 6 or more treatments of either Zerona non-surgical body contouring, or SmoothShapes Cellulite reduction. Call for details.

Anyone who has looked in the mirror lately can see that your overall appearance is heavily impacted by the size and shape of the nose.

Clearly, the nose is one of the most prominent features on your face. In my opinion, the shape and size of the nose is the most important factors that impact’s facial balance, which subtly, but definitively impact your looks.

In 2008, there were over 195,000 Rhinoplasty procedures performed. Many of our patients say that their nose is an area of their face which with they have never been happy. A Rhinoplasty is a great tool to reshape a patient’s nose to create a more aesthetically pleasing shape and/or improve breathing for the patient.

Whether we make a small correction, or a more extensive change, a Rhinoplasty can be a dramatic procedure to help bring entire face into balance.

The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year for many Americans. Whether it’s family dynamic pressures, or self imposed pressures of cooking a meal, or feeling like everything needs to be just so, the holidays can be tough.

Don’t fear, we have a few simple tips and techniques to help not just get you through, but to make sure you “live, thrive, and survive.” So, don’t dread the holidays, embrace them!

1. Smile – Research shows that when we turn that frown upside down we actually release endorphins that help change our mood and make us happier. Smiling is universal, and studies have shown that it’s used to communicate emotions worldwide.
2. Make time for yourself – Get a facial, a massage, a manicure, or whatever your personal “me time” may be, take the time for yourself, and do it!
3. Keep exercising – At the very least take a brisk walk every day to clear your thoughts, and get you blood pumping. This will not only release endorphins that give you that “runner’s high,” but will also help you feel less guilty about any extra calories you may be eating during the season.
4. Set realistic goals – Baking cookies for the entire neighborhood is not necessary.
5. Keep a list and prioritize – We can’t do everything all at once. It’s true at work, and it’s true for home and holiday planning as well. Make a list of all of the things that need to get done. Be realistic, and prioritize them using

Last week a group of advisors called the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued new guidelines for women to get mammograms. In it’s advisory capacity, the task force contradicted previous findings, and said that women in their 40s should not get routine mammograms for early detection of breast cancer.

Essentially the group raised the suggestions for the starting age of routine mammography by 10 years to age 50. The group recommended routine mammography screenings every two years for women ages 50 – 74. Risks and benefits for women age 75 and above are unknown, it said.

It’s important to note that the task force is composed of 16 health care experts, hand picked by the White House, none of whom are oncologists. The group reviews medical data and bases recommendations on effectiveness and risks involved.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women in the U.S. Approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer every year, according to the American Cancer Society. About 15 percent of women in their 40s detect breast cancer through mammography, many other women experience false positives, anxiety, and unnecessary biopsies as a result of the test, according to data.

These findings are at odds with the American Cancer Society, which looked at the same data but came to a different conclusion. “Breast cancer is a serious health problem facing adult women, and mammography is part of our solution beginning at age 40 for average-risk women,” it says. It recommends annual exams beginning at that age.

In my opinion, these guidelines are the first step in moving toward healthcare rationing, and reduced care to offset costs. One of the dangers in accepting these recommendations is that insurance coverage of mammograms could be dropped based on the new findings.

The most important thing for all women is to consult with their primary care physician, and have a frank discussion about breast cancer risks. Your risks may be higher due to family history of breast cancer, a concerning self exam, or other factors. So discuss the issues surrounding a mammogram, and make an educated decision on screening with your doctor.

• Happy 2008!
• Winter is Perfect for LHR, Sclerotherapy, and IPL
• Welcome Jacqueline Tannian
• Reversing the Aging Process Using Hi-Tech, Low-Tech, the Tried & True

• It’s Spring!
• 11.7 Million Cosmetic Procedures in 2007
• An Improved Facelift for Our 40′s
• Q & A
• An Effective Way to Treat Deep Scarring & Wrinkles