Spa Sweepstakes - Lifetime's Salute to Beauty

Lifetime's Salute Beauty Sweepstakes
Enter by July 5th
Grand Prize: One (1) trip for two (2) to Oahu, Hawaii for six (6) nights, ground- transportation to/from Grand Prize Winner’s home to airport; ground-transportation to/from airport/hotel in Oahu, six (6) nights’ hotel accommodations in a Naupaka Jr. Suite at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa, arrival dinner for two (2) at the Naupaka Terrace, three (3) meals per day for Grand Prize Winner and guest that provides up to $475.00 in meals at the resort per day for two during the entire six (6) night stay and not to exceed $475.00/day, final night dinner for two (2) at the award winning restaurant Azul, a 50 minute Hawaiian treatment Lomi Lomi massage (one (1) each for Grand Prize Winner and guest, a 50 minute Pineapple Body scrub for Grand Prize Winner and guest, a 25 minute sea water Thalasso treatment for Grand Prize Winner and guest, a Pearl Harbor Day tour for two (2) to see the USS Missouri and USS Arizona, . . . plus lots of other goodies. See site for details. Approximate Retail Value $19,299.49

Say No to Botox and Dermal Filler Home Parties

Q. I received an invitation to a botox party at my girlfriend's house. Is it safe?
A. Botox and dermal filler injectable parties are a very popular trend. And, in our professional opinion, a very dangerous one. Consider this . . . an appointment in a physician's office will provide critical information about the doctor's background and credentials. It will offer an excellent opportunity to have a good look around to make sure the medical office is well equipped and one that follows a stringent sterilization process. A consultation will determine if you are a good candidate for a particular procedure and answer any questions you may have to make an informed and responsible decision.

Going to a "pumping up the volume party" is like playing 'russian roulette' or flying blind. The risk factor dramatically increases. The question is . . . are you willing to gamble your health and appearance just for the fun of it? We hope not.

Gummy Bear Breast Implants?

Gummy bear breast implants are the new silicone filled breast implants poised to make a comeback in the USA, should the FDA offer up a green light. It is no surprise that the path of the gummy bear is uncertain since there has been a moratorium on silicone filled breast implants since 1992.

In the wake of the silicone implant's rebirth, many breast implant manufacturers are looking for other alternatives. One solution is a cohesive gel made out of plain old sugar and water - the antithesis of saline and a whole lot sweeter. These little beauties mimic silicone but are made from a solution of natural based sugars and water. They reportedly offer a more natural feel and a perkier lift. Did we happen to mention there are no health risks should they rupture or leak? S-w-e-e-t.

Liquid Face Lift

Can the signs of aging be erased with a needle instead of a surgical knife? Yes. The procedure is called the Liquid Face Lift. Juvederm has three different formulations, Juvederm, Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus. A creative mix of these three gels are injected at varying depths to instantly fill space, plump, and smooth the facial features to create a more youthful shape. Juvederm can fill in the lines around the eyes and under eye area while softening the contours downward toward the cheek. Injections will add definition to the cheekbones, plump up the nasolabial folds and replace volume. The lines above the lips can be gently filled in and add volume to the area. Juvederm will add definition to the jawline and deal with sagging skin by adding much needed volume. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Bruising is to be expected to last for approximately seven days. The great part? No incisions. The cost? Approximately $2,200 to $6,000 and will last for a year or so.

Spa Sweepstakes - Coastal Living Magazine

Win an Escape - The Lodge at Torrey's Pines
Enter by June 30th, 2009
Grand Prize: One (1) trip to Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA. Prize includes round trip, coach airfare for two (up to $500 each) from a major airport nearest the winner’s home to San Diego, CA, shuttle to/from hotel, 2-night double occupancy Palisade accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, complimentary use of an Audi vehicle during winner’s stay, four (4) 50-minute rejuvenating spa treatments, one dinner for 2 in The Lodge's signature restaurant at A.R. Valentien, one lunch for 2 at The Grill, daily breakfast for two, served in winner’s room, and complimentary parking. The Approximate Retail Value of this prize package is $5,000.

Dermal Fillers - Perlane

Perlane is made from hyaluronic acid and is similar in nature to Restylane and Juvederm. It is a thicker product with larger molecules and works better for deeper wrinkles and lines. Many physicians prefer to use Perlane to give the face a visual lift by adding volume, outlining the cheek bones, and filling in the nasolabial folds. The costs are noted at $275 - $650 per syringe and has the potential to offer results that will last for six to twelve months. Since Perlane is a thicker product and is injected deeper than other fillers, bruising and swelling can be expected afterward. While the swelling should subside quickly, bruising is different with everyone and generally takes a few days to a few weeks to heal. Icing the area, sleeping with an elevated head, and a visit to a naturopathic/wellness store to pick up some Arnica or Bromelain Pineapple Extract will most definitely help speed things up.

Note: If there are any unpleasant results from a treatment of Perlane, it can be counteracted with Hyaluronidase.

Dermal Fillers - Radiesse

Radiesse is not a hyaluronic acid dermal filler like Restylane or Juvederm, but is a synthetic product composed of very tiny microspheres of calcium hydroxyl apatite (CaHA), the primary mineral element of bones and teeth. It is said that, "these particles form a scaffold through which your body's own collagen grows, thereby producing long-term results." How long? The effects are reported to last from one to two years, thereby providing recipients with longer lasting facial corrections. This scaffolding effect is used primarily for face shaping and contouring, but has also shown very promising results for nose reshaping. Radiesse is a popular dermal filler with a lengthy safety track record. It's versatility and effectiveness has resulted in a high patient satisfaction profile.

Note: Radiesse is not recommended for use in the lips.

Can dermal filler injections be reversed?

Great question. Hyaluronidase is a product that is used to correct, or reverse, the effects of a hyaluronic acid dermal filler, such as Restylane and Juvederm should it be necessary. Hyaluronidase is FDA approved and made up of enzymes that will rapidly break down and decompose hyaluronic acid. It is important to note that it does not correct or have any effect on semi-permanent or permanent fillers, which are generally not recommended.

How much does Juvederm cost?

Juvederm, as all dermal fillers, is sold by the syringe and ranges from $450 to $900. Why such a difference in price for the same product? Geography. The top end prices are charged in high profile cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Miami. The lower prices are paid in middle America and throughout smaller cities and towns across the country. It is reasonable to expect to buy more than one syringe, but it really depends on how much work needs to be done and what results are desired. Most treatment centers will discuss a discount the second syringe. A deal on dermal fillers? Sure, why not?

The most important decision is choosing the right physician who will inject the product properly to achieve the best possible results. As with any medical procedure, it is critical to check the physician's credentials, view a selection of before and after pictures of previous clients, and make sure a good rapport is established. Take the time during the consultation to have a clear and healthy discussion about your expectations to make sure you are both on the same page.

Note: It is a very good idea to bring a photo of yourself taken prior to the aging process to help record your natural facial alignment.

Dermal Fillers - Restylane vs Juvederm

According to the experts, Restylane and Juvederm rank well with one another. Is one better than the other? No. The choice of which product to use is better left to the professionals and greatly depends on the task at hand. Both dermal fillers are hyaluronc acid products that effectively fill in facial lines and wrinkles.

Restylane (Medicis) is a gel-like product that is thicker than Juvederm (Allergan) and may treat deeper lines more efficiently. Restylane is used for creating a fuller face because of its ability to plump the skin. Once 'molded' it tends to stay in place and not travel into other areas.

Juvederm, on the other hand, is a more syrup-like substance and produces smoother lines without too much manipulation, and as a result, may be better around the lips and mouth area. Juvederm produces less bruising. Both last for just under a year and can correct most of the issues around an aging face.

Spa Sweepstakes - Canadians only, eh!

Fairmont Royal York (Toronto) and the Elmwood Spa
Luxury Weekend and Spa Indulgence Contest
Grand Prize: Complimentary hotel accommodations for two nights, for two (2) in a Fairmont Signature Suite at The Fairmont Royal York, including a dinner for two (2) in their premier dining room EPIC (valid until December 30, 2009). Prize also includes two (2) spa packages at the Elmwood Spa located at 18 Elm Street, Toronto (also valid until December 30, 2008). Spa packages to be redeemed by the winner and a friend consist of Aromatherapy Massages, Essential Pedicures and Water Therapies. The total approximate retail value of this prize package is $1400.00 Cdn.

Spa Sweepstakes - Woman's Day Magazine

Red Mountain Resort & Spa, St. George, Utah
Enter by June 17, 2009
Grand Prize: One lucky winner will receive a four-day, three-night adventure spa vacation for two. The prize includes one Sagestone Spa & Salon treatment per person during the entire stay; three meals daily; morning guided hikes and unlimited fitness classes; healthy life classes and events at the Wellness Center; personal discovery activities such as meditation hikes, fire ceremonies, tai chi on the rocks and more; Eat Well, Feel Well demonstrations; and access to the indoor and seasonal outdoor pools, bicycles, walking trails, and strength and cardio studios.

The Red Mountain Resort & Spa will also provide courtesy roundtrip shuttle transportation from the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport or the St. George Airport to Red Mountain Resort & Spa. Red Mountain is located a scenic 90-minute drive northeast of Las Vegas. Approx. retail value $2700.

Spa Week - "The Ultimate Honeymoon Giveaway"

Spa Week wants you to know about their latest promotion. "Even in the best of economic climates planning a wedding and the subsequent honeymoon can be costly and stressful for any couple. SpaWeek.com, WeddingChannel.com and The Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii have teamed up to eliminate this pressure and make one lucky couple’s dream honeymoon a reality. During the months of May and June, visitors to SpaWeek.com (that are planning a wedding) can enter for a chance to win a 7-day honeymoon at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. This AAA Four-Diamond Resort is located on the alluring and exotic Kohala Coast of Hawaii's Big Island and has been revered as one the Greatest Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure. The Giveaway, valued at over $8,000, has it all: Gold Floor accommodations, a romantic beachside dinner, spa treatments and more." If you are planning a wedding . . . Aloha!