Cosmetic procedures have made it possible for people everywhere to enhance their looks, achieving smoother skin, slimmer figures and fuller cheeks and lips. But for decades, many of these procedures have been considered the domain of women. Today, men increasingly are opting for these same procedures and enjoying the tailored benefits of a more aesthetic look and a confidence boost.

Among the fastest growing choices for men is lip augmentation. Since 2000, the total year-over-year number of lip enhancements performed has jumped 50 percent across the board, according to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. But among men only, the figure has increased a whopping 404 percent in the same time period. In fact, last year alone, upward of 1,200 men in the US underwent lip enhancement surgery.

For those not sold on surgery, dermal fillers also are a top lip enhancement choice among men and women. Restylane, Radiesse and Juvederm all are popular and highly effective, minimally-invasive options.

While cosmetic procedures have been proven to help men and women achieve the kind of confidence and public perception that benefit them in their careers, relationships and social situations, industry experts also point to the rise of the selfie as a top driving force behind the increasing number of men opting for facial cosmetic procedures that enhance the skin, lips and eyes. As it turns out, men want to put their best faces forward just as much as women do. Male beauty bloggers and vloggers also are increasing in number and influence.

If you’re a male considering lip enhancement or another cosmetic procedure, call 904-396-1186 and schedule a consultation with Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery today.

If a smoother, firmer, younger look is on your list of resolutions and goals for 2016, Radiesse can help you achieve it. This minimally invasive treatment not only offers immediate results by plumping hollows and smoothing wrinkles, but it also provides long term results by boosting the body’s production of collagen, the structural protein that forms the connective tissue supporting the skin.

Radiesse is an injectable treatment made of tiny calcium-based microspheres suspended in a water-based gel. These calcium microspheres are very similar to minerals that your body produces naturally. The solution lends immediate plumping and smoothing of the skin and stimulates the production of new collagen. Over time, the microspheres and gel are absorbed into the body, giving way to the increased volume of natural collagen.

No other dermal filler currently on the market can boast these calcium-based microspheres or the ability to jumpstart collagen production. Most competing fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm, use hyaluronic acid. While all three are safe and effective, offering immediate results, clinical trials show that Radiesse patients generally were more satisfied with their results. Plus, the ongoing collagen production means that Radiesse results last longer – up to a year, compared to the six months of results enjoyed with hyaluronic acid-based fillers.

Radiesse is highly affective for filling and smoothing of:

• Smile lines: Also known as naolabial folds, these are the lines that run between the corners of the nose and mouth.
• Marionette lines: the lines that run downward from the corners of the mouth.
• Oral commissure: The corners of the mouth that, if naturally turned downward, can appear as as constant frowning.
• Pre-jowl fold: The area on either side of the chin, where loss of facial volume can cause skin to sag over time.
• Chin wrinkles: Horizontal lines that can form on your chin and distract from your smile.

Radiesse is safe for most patients, except those with certain allergies, illnesses, disabilities of the hand or bleeding disorders. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to hold off before opting for Radiesse treatments.

Find out if Radiesse is right for you by scheduling a consultation with Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery. Call 904-396-1186 today.

August means the start of a new school year. Whether you’re a college student ready to begin a new semester of studies, a teacher wanting to put your best face forward for your new students or a mom excited for a bit of “me time” once the kids are back in the classroom, a little back-to-school beauty indulgence is in order.

Jacksonville’s Parkway Plastic Surgery recommends these non-invasive and minimally-invasive, yet highly effective cosmetic procedures to help refresh your look just in time for the new school year.

1. Chemical Peel: One of the most popular cosmetic procedures, the chemical peel involves a customized chemical solution applied to the skin. Once the solution sufficiently penetrates the skin, it’s neutralized and gently removed. Dull, dry skin cells are cleared away, allowing for new skin to grow in its place and lending a smoother, tighter, more vibrant look. Results range from mild to dramatic, depending upon your goals and the type of chemical peel you choose – light, medium or deep.
2. Microdermabrasion: In performing microdermabrasion, your aesthetician essentially sprays tiny crystals onto the surface of your skin to exfoliate the thicker, uneven outer layer, revealing younger, healthier skin that had been hiding beneath. It’s effective for treatment of light scarring, discoloration, sun damage, age spots, acne and more.
3. Botox or filler: Of all the minimally invasive cosmetic procedures available, Botox and injectable fillers are the undisputable top choices. Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that last year, 6.7 million Botox injections and 2.3 million were performed in 2014, topping all others. Botox works to smooth existing wrinkles and prevent the development of new ones by temporarily relaxing expression muscles, particularly on the forehead and around the eyes. Fillers like Juvederm and Restylane add volume and fullness to various areas of the face to smooth wrinkles and fill hollows.

Which option is best for you? Call Parkway Plastic Surgery at 904-396-1186 to schedule a consultation. We’ll tailor a skin-rejuvenating plan just for you just in time for the coming school year and holiday season.