There Are No Ugly Women

There are no ugly women-only women who don’t care or who don’t believe that they are attractive.
~ Estée Lauder (July 1, 1906 – April 24, 2004)

There are indeed no ugly women in romance.

I have heard and read many posts on Nairaland and other discussion forums where people callled some girls and women ugly and I found them amusing, but I disagree with the common references to those many call ugly.

As an artist and writer who has even being close to both black and white women and have discovered very attractive models, I am well informed to agree with Estée Lauder that no woman is really ugly, except she does not know how to make herself beautiful or attractive. And in romance, a man in love will always see her woman as beautiful.

For Beauty and Love

For Beauty and Love

You can see her golden face shining from miles
The sunlight kissing her rosy cheeks as she smiles
She smiles with dimples of joy
She tickles the fancy of every boy
As she walks like a Princess on petals of roses
She is Anita Queen Uwagbale.

I celebrate the beauty of life and I celebrate love, because love is the heart and soul of life.

What is beauty without love?
And what is love without beauty?
What is an egg without the yolk?
And what is a soul without a heart?
Beauty without love is like a flower without nectar.
And in love is beauty made perfect.

Love, faithful and true makes you more beautiful. You can sniff the fragrance and see the radiance of a woman who is happy in love. She glows in the dark night and shines in the daylight as she smiles with dimples of joy.
A man who is happy in love walks as if he is ten feet tall and he performs better, because he wants to do his best for the love of the queen of his heart.

How can you be a beautiful woman without a heart filled with love?
How can you be a fine man when you behave like a brute?
How can you be happy in love when you are cheating and lying?
You put on a happy face, but you grimace in your heart.
Who is fooling whom?
C’mon! You cannot be a fool for love forever!
The taste of coffee is not the same with toffee even if the names rhyme.
Beauty without love is like a rhyme without a reason.
Separate the wheat from the chaff and embrace what will add value to your love life.

Love is not a game of egos and wits.
Love is not the bullshit of going after Totty in the dalliance of romance, cherry-picking more out of lust than love. And in most cases, when you say I am in love, it should have been I am in lust.
Your first sight of every beautiful woman is your definition of love at first sight. But it is actually lust at first sight.
Are you in love or are you in lust?

It is how much you love that makes you beautiful. So love more and more in faith and in truth and you will see how more beautiful you will become.


By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
Friday April 3, 2009.
1. 55 pm.

Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except Caucasians In 2008

25 Mar 2009 16:35 Africa/Lagos

Video: Cosmetic Procedures Up In All Ethnic Groups Except Caucasians In 2008

Largest Increase In Hispanics, Up 18%, New ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Show



ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Tough economic times may have caused a decline in some areas of cosmetic surgery, but procedures among ethnic patients are up. According to statistics released today by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), ethnic cosmetic procedures increased 11 percent in 2008, with more than 3 million performed, while procedures among Caucasians dropped 2 percent. Cosmetic procedures among Hispanics, the largest and fastest growing ethnic group in the U.S., experienced the greatest growth: up 18 percent.


To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/plasticsurgery/37338/


"We're seeing a rise in Hispanics opting for cosmetic procedures that coincides with the growth we're seeing in the nation's population," said ASPS President John Canady, MD. "Less social stigma, as well as, advances in procedures allow patients to maintain their ethnic look. While the majority of patients continue to be Caucasian, the profile of the typical patient is changing."


Mexican-American Raquel Laurent, 41, recently had an injectable filler and light laser skin resurfacing to refresh her appearance during these tough economic times. "I've always been interested in cosmetic procedures. And, like many people, I'm more willing to invest in something that lasts many months compared to say a vacation. How you look and feel is important, no matter what your ethnicity."


It's no coincidence Laurent opted for the benefits of cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures. In fact, overall, minimally-invasive procedures were up 5 percent in 2008, ASPS statistics show. Minimally-invasive procedures with the largest increases included injectable fillers and facial rejuvenation procedures.


"Laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels can provide tremendous results when done by a board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with ethnic skin," cautions ASPS Member Surgeon Tripti Burt, MD, who performed Laurent's procedures. However, in the wrong hands, these procedures can lead to pigment irregularities and scarring."


Hispanics comprised 10 percent of the 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in 2008, with nearly 1.3 million procedures; African Americans made up 8 percent with 910,000 procedures, up 10 percent; and Asians accounted for 7 percent with 866,000 procedures, up 5 percent.


The most commonly requested cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures for all ethnic groups were Botox(R), injectable fillers, and chemical peel.


The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.


Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/plasticsurgery/37338
Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)

CONTACT: ASPS Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900,
media@plasticsurgery.org


Web Site: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Fashion and Beauty

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Kelly Clarkson Gets All She Ever Wanted

Facing the Facts - What You Need to Know about Facial Plastic Surgery

Facing the Facts - What You Need to Know about Facial Plastic Surgery

NEW YORK, February 26 / PRNewswire — Our faces are our calling cards. They identify who we are, show our emotions and are connected with three out of the five senses that deliver outside information to our brains. But what happens when what you see in the mirror does not reflect your true identity?

If you have considered undergoing a facial plastic surgery procedure for cosmetic or medical reasons, you are not alone. In fact, 85 percent of American adults would undergo a cosmetic procedure if given the chance, says the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Furthermore, 80 percent of those surveyed said they would rather trust their faces to the surgical expertise of a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic surgery of the head, face and neck than a general plastic surgeon.

Last year Americans underwent 2.3 million facial plastic surgery procedures and approximately 38,000 revision surgeries. Some procedures were purely cosmetic to enhance appearance or fight the signs of aging, while others were more medical, including surgeries to correct breathing problems.

Highly publicized tales of surgeries-gone-wrong - both invasive and non-invasive - have reinforced the importance of research to properly identify a highly experienced board-certified surgeon. With the vast number of surgeons in practice today, it is more important than ever to make informed decisions when considering an elective procedure such as cosmetic surgery.

Trust your face to a facial plastic surgeon
By doing your homework ahead of time, you can find a facial plastic surgeon whom you trust to maximize the benefits of your chosen treatments. A facial plastic surgeon will discuss your treatment options and make recommendations to correct any issues.

AAFPRS facial plastic surgeons are required to have training in their specialties. Many complete their four-year specialized residencies in the specialty of otolaryngology - head and neck surgery which includes facial plastic surgery. Many also acquire further clinical training or year-long fellowships in facial plastic surgery.

The AAFPRS is a leading source for researching surgeons and their expertise in your area, as well an educational resource for navigating through the many types of procedures that are performed. It is the world's largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, with more than 2,700 members who concentrate on the face, head and neck.

Referrals from family and friends who have undergone cosmetic procedures can be a great place to start your research. Another option is to obtain a recommendation from a trusted physician or health-care professional. Once you find a surgeon, ask how many procedures the surgeon has performed, and if the surgeon operates in an accredited facility. The surgeon needs to be one to whom you would trust your face.

The AAFPRS Web site, www.facemd.org, offers information and brochures about different surgeries, and includes a listing of board certified facial plastic surgeons nationwide.


Press Contact:
Marjorie Wolfe
Behrman Communications
mwolfe@behrmanpr.com

212.986.7000

MIT Scientists Tackle One of the Most Pervasive Beauty Problems And Create No Frizz by Living Proof

MIT Scientists Tackle One of the Most Pervasive Beauty Problems And Create No Frizz by Living Proof

New York, February 17, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Frizz is one of the most pervasive beauty problems, one that beauty companies have continuously tried – and failed – to solve over the years. So what does it take to solve this type of problem? A different approach. A team of MIT scientists, assembled by Living Proof, a new technology-based beauty company, looked at frizz from a physics standpoint and created the biggest breakthrough in hair care in the past 30 years: No Frizz

Unlike the thousands of other frizz-fighting products that rely on heavy, oily silicones, Living Proof's team addressed the true cause of frizz, humidity, instead of just its symptoms. Humidity affects hair in two primary ways: changing the surface texture of the hair fiber – making it rough and full of friction – and increasing absorption of water by the interior of the hair shaft. All "frizzy hair days" relate to this delicate give-and-take of water between our hair and the environment around us.

With this new approach, they set out to create efficient formulas based on entirely new molecules using advanced technology, so the toughest hair challenges were solved from a fresh, new perspective. From this mindset, the PolyfluoroEster molecule, the most advanced frizz fighter, was born.

PolyfluoroEster is a smaller molecule than the traditional materials used for frizz control and was uniquely optimized by Living Proof's in-house formulators to deliver the material to the surface of the hair in the most efficient way possible: as a smooth, perfect layer, devoid of extraneous additives. Due to its chemical nature, the formulation adheres tightly to the hair, which allows for long-lasting moisture resistance and rebalancing of the hair fiber's interaction with the atmosphere, even after extreme humidity. In fact, repeat use after shampoo seems to improve the hair's own ability to resist humidity change, and No Frizz seems to keep working better.
No Frizz represents the next evolution in beauty: A product line that uses breakthrough science to deliver real results. The outcome of Living Proof's first effort is a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge, humidity-resistant formulas that work for all hair types.

For more information, log on to www.livingproof.com or www.sephora.com

Press Contact:
Andrea Leonarz
BOLD PR
646-214-5727 x 101
andrea@boldpublicrelations.com

She is Black and Beautiful

I never heard of her until I came to Lagos last August and saw her photographs in the new Supple magazine and I was impressed. But when she came to say hello to the Publisher and Managing Editor, I did not pay attention to her, because I was very busy. Then when she came around again, I had time to talk to her.

Christabel is tall, dark and lovely and a beauty queen in Lagos. She understands English, French and Yoruba and some Igbo and Hausa.
She has been the only female I welcome to sit and chat with me in the office and seeing her on the cover of Allure magazine of The Vanguard newspaper in Nigeria was cool as she came yesterday looking like she just stepped out of the cover of Vogue, in long wavy black har and tight fitting black skirt. She interrupted my work, but I did not mind.
I gave her my popular love book before she left and I am looking forward to seeing her again.
Christabel is an epitome of beauty with dignity.

Women Budget for Beauty During the Credit Crunch

9 Oct 2008 08:00 Africa/Lagos

Women Budget for Beauty During the Credit Crunch

LONDON, October 9/PRNewswire/ -- Purse strings are tightening up and down the country as the credit crunch hits home and a recent survey of 3,500 women aged 16 to 60 reveals it is affecting their beauty choices. In response to the downturn, female consumers are turning to affordable classic brands like Pond's that they trust, can perform a number of functions and contain simple but essential ingredients.
Changing Trends

- The survey by PONDS on current UK beauty buying habits showed
that on average women use 3 products as part of their daily skincare
regime. In a month, across the country, they spend GBP14 on skincare
products, with women in Northern Ireland spending the most at an
average of GBP25 and women in the South West just GBP10.

- 35% of those surveyed across the country are now spending
less than GBP5 a month on their skincare regime, which equates to 16p a
day. A third spend between GBP5 to GBP10 a month or 30p a day, with a
further 20% paying out up to GBP20 a month or 60p per day. The
remaining 15% spend over GBP20 a month.

- Furthermore beauty product buyers are moving away from
science-based or trend led ingredient fads and back towards trusted
brands containing simple ingredients. From the women surveyed, 53%
would purchase a product with a few simple ingredients while only 9%
were attracted by the latest technology or scientific ingredients.

Versatile Products
Therefore any products which can perform more than one task and reduce spend is popular with the cash conscious consumer. Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser is perfect as it provides just this in a versatile cream that gently soothes and comforts whilst providing deep cleansing and moisturising. It costs just GBP3.99 and can be used in a multitude of ways such as a moisturising face mask to hydrate parched skin, a cleanser for soft, supple skin and even removes the most stubborn of eye make-up including waterproof mascara. If using in all three ways a pot will last up to a month saving pounds on buying three different products.

"Sales of the Pond's Regener-Activ range has increased by 39% compared to the same period in 2007. Customers are able to purchase an entire anti-ageing routine of four products for under GBP30." Says Peter Reynolds, Marketing Manager for Pond's. "Pond's is one of the oldest and most trusted brands and therefore provides both reliability and affordability."

Pond's is seen as an affordable, trusted brand and in the survey a third said that it was the most nostalgic and trusted product to them.

All products in the Pond's Regener-Activ range contain micro-capsules of marine collagen and pro-retinol designed to act from the inside out to help stimulate natural skin cell renewal and skin radiance. The microcapsules help transport pure anti ageing actives to the deeper layers of the epidermis. This range includes the Day Treatment SPF15, GBP6.49, the Deep Night Treatment, GBP6.49, Anti-Age Skin Perfectioning Serum, GBP9.99 and the Eye Contour Cream, GBP6.99.

With a unique heritage of understanding women's beauty needs, Pond's remains a beauty ritual for millions of women throughout the world.
For more information visit http://www.pondsinstitute.co.uk

Pond's is available in branches of Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Wilkinson and independent pharmacies nationwide.

Notes to Editors
Pond's sales figures provided by one of the largest health and beauty retailers in the UK.
Survey conducted by 72 Point, figures available on request.

Source: Pond's
For further information on Pond's, images or samples please contact: Katie O'Brien or Michelle Ganner at Neville McCarthy Associates Tel: +44(0)20-7940-2900, E-mail: katie@nevillemccarthy.com .

Inih, I Love You

Inih, O Inih
I love you.

Inin, O Inih
I love you.

Inih

I have been waiting for so long
To sing you this love song


You are my princess and my queen
With more beauty within than can be seen.

You are beautiful to behold
You are more precious than gold.

I have been searching for true love
And I thank God I have found you
You are my dream come true.

Inih
O Inih
I love you.
Inih
O Inih
I love you
Inih
O Inih
I love you.


N.B:
Celebrate the love of life and the gift of Love that the Almighty God has given you to share.

These are the original lyrics of my original love song for my sweetest.
I sang the first verse to her when I called her Sunday night.

Why I Love Hillary Clinton

Senator Hillary Clinton still looks stunning at 60!
I find her more attractive than both Sharon Stone who is 50 and Madonna who was born on August 16, 1958. Have you seen Madonna's hands? They look like the hands of a boxer!

I have a picture of the topless bust of Hillary Clinton from the Museum of Sex in New York, but her physical beauty is not the reason why I love her, but her magnanimity.

It was the great Aristotle, who called magnanimity "the crowning virtue" and that is what I saw in the honorable personality of Senator Hillary Clinton as she acknowledged the best qualities of Senator Barack Obama and became his strongest ally when she honorably endorsed him as being worthy to be elected as the next President of the United States of America in November, 2008.
By her remarkable and laudable exemplary leadership, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton has defined the dignity, integrity, nobility, tenacity, and magnanimity of the heroic American woman in the political history of America.

By Ekenyerengozi Michael Chima
One of Hillary Clinton’s HillRaisers.

It Takes Two. To Make Chemistry. To Make Magic. To Make Love.

One+one=everything. It takes two. To make chemistry. To make magic. To make love. That's why it takes two lubricants to let your lovemaking add up to a totally new experience. You do the math: An invigorating sensation for him. A thrilling sensation for her. Put the two together and suddenly, everything's just right. Better than just right. Completely new and unexpected. More exciting. More satisfying. More everything.
yours+mine Couples Lubricants
his excites, hers delights. together they ignite.

Get the details
Whether you have a flame that needs rekindling or you’re looking to take your relationship to the next level, we’ve got the perfect adventure for you both.



It's simple. You apply the product to each other. The blue goes on him for an invigorating sensation. The purple goes on her for a thrilling sensation. And when they combine, there’s an amazing reaction.

So grab each other's hands and discover this special product we've created for the two of you.

FAQs
What is K-Y® Brand YOURS+MINE™?
Created by the top brand that truly understands intimacy and couples’ needs, K-Y® Brand YOURS+MINE™ is a new first for men and women seeking to enhance and heighten their intimate journey. The idea is so simple yet the results are explosive chemistry. Knowing it takes two to create a magical encounter, K-Y® Brand Yours+Mine™ offers two lubricants with different sensations. One is invigorating for him, the other thrilling for her and when they combine there is an amazing reaction.

What does the product feel like exactly?
Actually, it’s a very unique and personal experience. When we developed YOURS+MINE™ we had some pre-conceived notions of what couples would feel. However, after testing the product with real couples, the results were eye opening.

Different couples felt different sensations. We discovered that it was dependent on the individual, how sensitive they were, how much product was used, etc. More importantly, they shared that the product encouraged more communication making the time they spent together even more enjoyable.

Who should use this product?
K-Y® Brand YOURS+MINE™ is ideal for couples who are open to adding pleasure and excitement to their sex life and exploring new ways of deepening their relationship overall. For couples today, life is so filled with juggling family, relationships, work health, etc. that they have little time for anything else.

These couples believe that every encounter is an opportunity to deepen their physical and emotional connection through mutual pleasure. That is why they try to make each moment more exciting than the last: more playful, more adventurous, and more experimental.

Was K-Y® Brand YOURS+MINE™ tested with real couples? What was their feedback?
Yes, we did test the product with real couples. The most surprising feedback to come out of our testing was that couples said that the product encouraged more communication. Many said they took their time and talked about what they were feeling. Basically,they said the experience was more fun and exciting than what they had been doing before. Couples told us:


The liked a combo product to "help break the routine."
Sex and foreplay were more playful than usual.
They felt more aroused and more playful than usual as well.
Is it safe to use with condoms?
Both lubricants are compatible with latex condoms and we recommend men use it on the outside and inside to enjoy the product benefits.

Do the vials glow-in-the-dark?
The test-tubes themselves don’t glow in the dark; rather the words on the vials do making his "Yours" and her "Mine" easier to find. The ingredients in the special inks that are used undergo a thorough safety assessment.


Product Description
yours+mine Couples Lubricants his excites, hers delights. together they ignite. one+one=everything. It takes two. To make chemistry. To make magic. To make love. That's why it takes two lubricants to let your lovemaking add up to a totally new experience. You do the math: An invigorating sensation for him. A thrilling sensation for her. Put the two together and suddenly, everything's just right. Better than just right. Completely new and unexpected. More exciting. More satisfying. More everything.

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 4 inches ; 6.2 ounces
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE

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Hair Loss Is on the Rise, and Women Are Among the Hardest Hit

Erkkie Harris-Wells, a trichologist and founder of the Costa-Mesa, Calif.-based Miyohara International Trichology Clinic


29 May 2008 13:15 Africa/Lagos


Hair Loss Is on the Rise, and Women Are Among the Hardest Hit

Stress, hormone imbalances to blame for a condition many women suffer through in silence

COSTA MESA, Calif., May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Every day, women worldwide look in the mirror, and where they used to see healthy hair, they now see an increasing proportion of scalp. Agonizing over their hair loss, they try to hide it with make-up, creative hairstyles, or sometimes even hair extensions, which can actually further damage already stressed-out hair.


Ironically, stress itself is the main reason why many women are facing hair loss and what appears to be early balding, according to Erkkie Harris-Wells, a trichologist and founder of the Costa-Mesa, Calif.-based Miyohara International Trichology Clinic (http://www.miyoharainternational.com/). As someone who diagnoses and treats hair and scalp disorders, Harris-Wells has a bird's-eye view of this medical trend -- and is no longer surprised to see the physical indicators of stress when viewing hair samples through a microscope.


"The number of women suffering from hair loss is definitely on the rise," Harris-Wells says. "Even more disturbing is that nearly 80 percent of the time, women's hair samples show symptoms of thyroid diseases or hormone imbalances, which are serious manifestations of stress-related disorders."


Unlike a blood test, which only provides results based on what the body is experiencing at the moment of the blood draw, trichology's cutting-edge, microscopic diagnosis reveals up to six months' worth of a person's physical history. The testing also shows that stress doesn't discriminate -- it's present in the hair of women young and old, but particularly those leading demanding careers or lifestyles, Harris-Wells says.


"Here in California, I'm diagnosing teenage girls, working mothers and menopausal women," Harris-Wells says. "There are even celebrities and models battling hair loss, too. Women everywhere are stressed. Their bodies are under attack, and so their hair is falling out or bald spots are appearing. Sadly, they're struggling secretly with this hair loss, trying to solve the problem on their own."


Miyohara International Trichology Clinic offers hope for most hair loss sufferers. This solution starts in educating women on the cause behind their hair loss. Miyohara also provides the best preventative products, and offers referrals to the appropriate doctors who can treat the underlying causes, be they physical, emotional or both.


For more information, visit http://www.miyoharainternational.com/.

About Miyohara International Trichology Clinic

Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., Miyohara International Trichology Clinic sets itself apart from other hair-replacement clinics by identifying each client's form or type of hair loss, expelling the guesswork and ensuring the success rate of any scalp or hair-loss disorder. Through trichology, hair samples are microscopically examined, and a program is custom-designed around the diagnosis to prevent further hair loss and restore it to health. Most Miyohara patients experience over 90 percent success rate without using products such as Rogaine, which can have serious side effects and is effective in only 35 percent of hair loss cases. Instead, the clinic uses the most advanced products available to treat hair loss appropriately.


Contact:
Erkkie Harris-Wells
Founder, Miyohara International Trichology Clinic
714.210.2488
miyoharaintl@aol.com




This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com/.


Source: Miyohara International Trichology Clinic

CONTACT: Erkkie Harris-Wells, Founder of Miyohara International
Trichology Clinic, +1-714-210-2488, miyoharaintl@aol.com


Web site: Miyohara International Trichology Clinic

Hello Beautiful Stranger

Photo Credit: Women With Wine


Hello beautiful stranger
You look so wonderful
You are such a delight to sight
You make my day brighter
I wonder where you are coming from
And where you are going.
I love the way you smile
Please, tarry for a while
How I wish you would stay longer
So that we could get closer to know each other better
There are moments you wish would last forever
Moments as precious and beautiful as you are.


N.B:
The sight of beautiful women who are strangers inspired me to compose the lyrics of my latest song.

The Pressure to Look Good Grows

Senator Hillary Clinton is a Natural Beauty


5 Mar 2008 12:36 Africa/Lagos


The Pressure to Look Good Grows

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery's Annual Survey Shows Self Improvement Stronger than Ever in Men and Women

NEW YORK, March 5 /PRNewswire/ --

Men and women across the States continue to turn back the hands of time with invasive and non-invasive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The annual member survey, conducted by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), unveiled a 27 percent increase in surgical and non-surgical activity among men and women since 2000. Men account for 30 percent of the increase while women take credit for 26 percent.


"Our statistics illustrate that facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is not characterized by race, gender, or age," said AAFPRS President Vito Quatela, MD. "Nineteen percent of cosmetic procedures were performed on non-Caucasian patients."


Popularity of Procedures by Ethnicity


Over the past 8 years, African American (40 percent), Hispanic (19 percent), and Caucasian (7 percent) cosmetic surgical patients increased. The proportion of Asian American cosmetic surgical patients is down slightly since 2000 (negative 8 percent). In the past year, there has been little change among Caucasian and African American cosmetic surgical patients.


Considering four popular cosmetic surgery procedures, AAFPRS members reported that African Americans are most likely to under go rhinoplasty or nose job surgery (63 percent) as are Hispanics (45 percent). Asian Americans are most likely receiving blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery (39 percent) while Caucasians are more evenly split between rhinoplasty (27 percent), blepharoplasty (24 percent) and face lifts (26 percent).


Once the secret of the elite, cosmetic surgery has now filtered down to the masses. For many minorities, cosmetic surgery is no longer viewed as a sign of self-hatred or a rejection of racial identity. It is about enhancing natural beauty.


Facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery is now easier to afford, with many surgeons offering financing plans on procedures ranging from $4,800 for a nose job to nearly $7,000 for a face lift. And thanks to reality shows on which unhappy patients of all ethnicities are physically -- and emotionally -- transformed, it has more publicity than ever before.


"As techniques advance, as downtime dissipates and as pricing becomes more affordable, people are more willing to talk about it and are more accepting of others' experience with plastic surgery," said Dr. Quatela.


It's Not a Girl Thing Anymore


With people staying in the workforce longer, this year's survey revealed that both men and women requested cosmetic surgery to remain competitive in the workplace (66 percent and 65 percent, respectively). Also confirmed by 58 percent of participating surgeons was the fact that more patients opted to undergo procedures during the colder months. Surgeons also detailed that approximately 55 percent of procedures performed in 2007 took place at private offices, and 25 percent at free-standing surgical centers. Nearly 18 percent were performed at hospitals and much fewer at medical spas (3 percent).


AAFPRS surgeons tell that more than half of patients (53 percent) have had multiple procedures in the same year. Most of the patients having multiple procedures in the same year are women (82 percent) versus men (18 percent). "Patients who are fearful of surgery often begin with a small procedure and return pleased with their preliminary results," commented Dr. Quatela.


Multiple visits may also be attributed to patients having injections, Botox and laser rejuvenation, all of which require regular treatments and follow-up care. The AAFPRS 2007 Member Survey illustrated this trend with a projected 749,200 Botox procedures, 333800 hyaluronic acid injections, 249,600 chemical peels and 56,800 ablative skin resurfacing performed per surgeon. Each of which requires regular visits to maintain the effect.


Men Keeping Their Cool


The quest to look as good as they feel continued strong in men during 2007. This year's report showed guys turning to both invasive and non-invasive approaches for self-improvement. The most commonly reported 2007 included:


Non-Surgical:
-- Botox Hyaluronic Acid Injections (including but not limited to
Juvederm(TM), Restylane(R), Perlane(R)) Chemical Peels
-- Microdermabrasion

Surgical:
-- Rhinoplasty
-- Facelifts
-- Hair Transplants

Women Aging Gracefully

Women continue to be the most likely candidates for facial plastic surgery: 81 percent of all surgical procedures and 82 percent of all non-surgical procedures were performed on women. This year's report details that the most common procedures among women:


Surgical:
-- Facelifts
-- Blepharoplasty
-- Lip Augmentations
-- Rhinoplasty
-- Ablative Skin Resurfacing

Non-surgical:
-- Botox
-- Microdermabrasion
-- Hyaluronic Acid Injections (including but not limited to Juvederm(TM),
Restylane(R), Perlane(R))
-- Chemical Peels


This year's report highlighted the inclination among women to request cosmetic surgery in order to remain attractive to a partner or spouse (50 percent). It also showed growth in the practice of moms and daughters venturing in for cosmetic procedures together (34 percent).


Women Under 35


For those under 35, rhinoplasty was the most popular surgical procedure performed. Botox, hyaluronic acid, chemical peels and microdermabrasion were also popular among this cohort.


Chemical peels, once the hot thing, are now sharing the limelight with laser treatments that eliminate little broken blood vessels, sun spots and other bothersome blemishes. These treatments are safe if done correctly by facial plastic surgeons who have undergone training.


Knowledge is Power


"Research and do your homework before you seek cosmetic rejuvenation," emphasized Dr. Quatela and members of the AAFPRS. In 2007, there was an average of 19 revision surgeries performed per surgeon. This year's survey illustrated that 45 percent of all those who traveled abroad to undergo cosmetic surgery returned to AAFPRS surgeons with requests to correct complications.


Educating patients is one of the most important roles of facial plastic surgeons, and it's having a positive effect on both doctors and patients. Today, patients feel more confident and comfortable with their choices to get facial plastic surgery because they play a larger role in the process. In fact, 88 percent of surveyed surgeons reported an increase in patient knowledge regarding plastic surgery in the past year.


Tomorrow's Prognosis?


AAFPRS surgeons are acutely aware that the future of facial plastic surgery is bright. They predict that additional fillers will be introduced into the market and feel that patient safety will continue to be a focal point in cosmetic surgery. Most surgeons forecast that cosmetic surgery will increase for ethnic populations (89 percent) and that more surgeons will offer patients wellness and lifestyle techniques; only 49 percent feel that medical spas will become more popular.


"We hope the results of the annual survey give some understanding of the dedication that AAFPRS members have to providing the highest quality of facial plastic surgery available. We are optimistic that patients will trust their faces to facial plastic surgeons," concluded Dr. Quatela.


About the AAFPRS


The AAFPRS is the world's largest association of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons with more than 2,800 members -- whose cosmetic reconstructive surgery focuses on the face, head and neck. Academy fellows are Board certified and subscribe to a code of ethics. In addition, the AAFPRS provides consumers with free information and brochures and a list of qualified facial plastic surgeons in their area by visiting the AAFPRS Web site, www.facemd.org.


Source: American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS)

CONTACT: Melissa Kelz, Behrman Communications, +1-212-986-7000,
mkelz@behrmanpr.com


Web Site: http://www.facemd.org/

Supermodel Heidi Klum Debuts Her First Signature Make-Up Collection

Supermodel Heidi Klum Debuts Her First Signature Make-Up Collection

VICTORIA'S SECRET VERY SEXY BY HEIDI LAUNCHES OCT. 16

MULTI MEDIA NEWS RELEASE

For Downloadable Video, Text & Pictures, please visit: Victoria's Secret

Site Is Live 10/16/07

Heidi Klum's first signature makeup collection for Victoria's Secret launches nationwide on October 16, 2007. Heidi created the limited-edition collection of must-have makeup so women can achieve her coveted runway and red carpet looks -- specifically in time for the holidays. Featuring eye-catching shimmer and a fresh neutral color palette, the Heidi Klum Collection for Very Sexy Makeup is perfectly timed and on-trend for sexy holiday party makeup looks. Heidi worked with VS makeup artist Linda Hay to select shades and Heidi personally selected the types of products and shade names. Product packaging features Heidi's signature with special Very Sexy gold touches.


15 Oct 2007 16:00 Africa/Lagos

DETAILS:

-- Glitter Eye Liner in Bang ($12)

-- A bronzy glitter liquid liner that can be worn alone or layered over black liner for a sexy "bang!"

-- Lip Gloss in Hot Coco ($12)
-- A pale nude-pink shade ... Flavored with yummy chocolate ... Heidi's personal touch!
-- Mosaic Eye Shadow in Beautiful ($18) -- Four beautiful neutral shades that can take you from day to night
-- Perfect Lipstick in Heidi ($13) -- Inspired by Heidi's own natural lip color, the pink shade has a sparkly overcoat

SATELLITE COORDINATES: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2007 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM, ET 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM, ET Galaxy 26, Transponder 14, C-Band Galaxy 26, Transponder 14, C-Band DL Freq: 3980 (H); Audio: 6.2/6.8 DL Freq: 3980 (H); Audio: 6.2/6.8 Trouble # (310) 287-3800 Trouble # (310) 287-3800B-ROLL: Heidi Klum soundbites, behind-the-scenes of the ad campaign, close-ups of the makeup collection and photo stills by international photographer Rankin.

For hardcopy tape or more information, please contact:

Elana Gichon / Dogmatic / 310.450.3884 / elana@dogmatic.com PRNewswire -- Oct. 15First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact: Source: Dogmatic, Inc. Web site: http://www.dogmatic.com/



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