Posted by Arushi Khosla on Sat, Feb 04, 2012 @ 04:18 AM
Full lips have always been a sign of sensuality and attractiveness. Its no wonder that countless women clamor to attain that bee stung look. If you have naturally thin lips, sometimes you can fall prey to the "thin & mean" complex. Pursing your lips makes you seem closed off.
Lip enhancement is a non surgical way of achieving this.
There have been studies to prove that the first thing men notice on a woman's face are her lips. Lip enhancement is a procedure where Dr. Kwak uses synthetic injectable fillers (for example - Restylane, Juvaderm) to effectively shape and augment the lips into a pretty pout. The key is that he achieves a natural final effect.
Its important to be completely realistic and be in touch with the factors when choosing to undergo this surgery. If you have lips like Kate Hudson, a doctor cannot give you Angelina Jolie's mouth. Even if he does, it'll probably look out of place and ruin the symmetry of your face. So ask your doctor for a clean, natural, slightly amped up look. Remember: you're going for a pout, not a fish's mouth.
Here are some celebrity lip jobs gone bad. Beware of going overboard!
Lindsay Lohan
Lisa Rinna
And here are some well done jobs:
Megan Fox
Liv Tyler
Ashlee Simpson
Brittany Murphy
Just some examples! Additionally, here are the celebrities with the lips most aspired by (we're assuming most of these are natural):
Candice Swanepoel
Of course, the inimitable Angelina Jolie
Kim Basinger
Brigitte Bardot
Doutzen Kroes
Kat Dennings
Rosie Huntington Whitely
Who is your favorite?
For more on lip augmentations, book your first consultation with Dr. Kwak now!
Posted by Arushi Khosla on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 @ 03:35 PM
While we definitely advocate opting for cosmetic surgery if you want to improve your appearance in a specific way, its always good to look well maintained and groomed whether or not you want to undergo a particular procedure. Below is our short and sweet list of a handful of makeup essentials you should try and incorporate into your routine. Remember: a full face of caked-on makeup is never attractive. The idea is to accentuate your best features and cover up your flaws. Try googling pictures of your favorite celebrities caught sans makeup and marvel at the drastic difference tasteful application of makeup can make.
- A smooth eye pencil: I think a lot of times people put too much importance on mascara and overlook eyeliner - in my opinion its much more indispensable. Liquid or gel eyeliners do help achieve a more dramatic, high octane look but for everyday usage, a pencil liner works best. Its elegant and make you look put together and chic while maintaining an aura of effortlessness. For people with darker skin tones, a black pencil works beautifully. For paler skin tones, a dark brown pencil is probably best for the day. Check for the smoothness of the pencil, coarser ones even if more affordable can be extremely frustrating and produce an uneven effect. Wing it to make your eyes look bigger. Note to people who wear contact lenses: try and limit the amount of eyeliner you use on your waterline, it can cause irritation and/or infections over a prolonged period of usage.
Extra tip: Pick up a silver or white eye pencil and smudge some on the inner corner rim of your eye. It really opens up your eyes!
- A great voluminizing mascara: I don't think I need to stress how much women love their mascaras. Especially in Western countries like out here, mascara is something every girl starts using at 15 or so and never puts down. The overlying benefit of this supposed "miracle" product is that it thickens the lashes, hence making your eyes look more dramatic and defined. While personally, I swear by a good eyeliner, for a lot of women (blondes especially), mascara is a requisite handbag addition. Pick a high quality piece that can be lengthening but preferably should be voluminizing. Try 2 quick coats for the day and make sure to use a lash comb prior to avoid clumping. For those going for a more subtle look (especially those with paler skin and lighter hair), a dark brown mascara can also work.
- A mineral based eyeshadow for daily use: Depending largely on your personal preference, chosen look, occupation and quite importantly eye color, pick a flattering shade that you can wear on a daily basis. Darker skinned women can even opt for grays and blacks applied minimally for a smokey look but paler women should stick with peaches, blues, grays and mauves. Similarly, darker skinned women can veer away from the nudes and off-whites. Cream based shadows also work but for more humid states, can prove to be detrimental. Apply within the hollow portion below your brow bone for the day to achieve a clean, minamilist appearance. Use a blending brush to blend it well, especially when working with multiple hues.
- The perfect concealer: While tons of women opt for a full-on foundation face, I prefer using only a concealer on a day to day basis. Its more natural, looks more effortless and appealing. Some women attribute their use of foundation to have bad skin but covering your skin with that much makeup may actually block your pores and cause further damage. Head over to the Bloomingdales or Sephora and pick a high end product up but make sure to consult the behind the counter professional and take their assistance in picking the exact right and perfect shade for your skin tone. This is of prime importance because there's nothing worse than raccoon eyes. Apply wherever coverage is needed and especially under your eyes to make up for a less than great night of sleep.
- A natural shade of lipstick: I love a red lip for the evening or if you work in a more creative environment but a lot of the times for the day, its more prudent to shoot for a natural look like a light pink. Try a status lipstick like Chanel and keep it in your bag with your compact at all times for touch ups.
This is our cohesive list of day essentials. Evening is a whole other story. But these are necessary for a groomed, well maintained everyday look. Any comments, questions, concerns, as always we're happy to answer and guide! Comment, tweet, facebook wall away!
And of course, if you've got something specific you'd like to accentuate about your appearance, cosmetic surgery is always an option. Dr Kwak at ESK Facial Plastic Surgery is one of New York's premier plastic surgeons. Take your first step by booking a consultation at the earliest if you believe this is for you.
Posted by Arushi Khosla on Sun, Jan 29, 2012 @ 02:41 PM
The nose is the central part of our face. It defines our face structure and the way we look. You may have seen beautiful people with average features but a great, petite nose. It makes all the difference - most evidently in women rather than men. So it comes as no jolting surprise that its one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. This "nose shaping" surgery, most commonly known as the "nose job" improves the proportional appearance of the nose, adding to facial harmony. grjvhtr
Sometimes, one may opt for a nose job not solely due to vanity reasons. It also corrects impaired breathing which are sometimes genetically passed down as structural abnormalities of the nose.
We constantly hear about celebrities who have undergone such procedures and now look like visually enhanced versions of themselves. Common examples are Megan Fox, Ashley Tisdale, Blake Lively, Winona Ryder, Gisele Bundchen and countless others. They usually attribute this to "a deviated septum" but more often than not, its a vanity adjustment. (Although in the event that you do have a deviated septum, a nose job may be suggested to you by your doctor).
Some of the most beautiful women in the world didn't look half as stunning prior to their rhinoplasty procedures. So how do you know whether the procedure is for you?
- If you're 14 or older and your facial structure is fully completed.
- You're unhappy with your impaired breathing ability or your appearance/facial symmetry due to your nose. Sometimes, one may feel that our nose is too big, too crooked or even inhured after breaking it.
- You're not a regular smoker.
- You have a cohesive, specific idea for how you want your nose to look but you're also practical about the whole concept.
- Your doctor hasn't suggested a chin implant to to show the true shape of your face which can sometimes change the whole way you look.
- You're physically & mentally healthy and fit enough for the surgery.
Dr. Kwak is the premier New York facial plastic surgeon who actually specializes in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Since a nose job is an extremely individualized surgery, at ESK Plastic Surgery, he suggests a set of customized changes per the specific person's structure, needs and wants. They're performed under general anesthesia, administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Open and closed approaches are two different ways to go about it and Dr.
Kwak will select what's right for you depending on anticipated changes.
When you go in for your first consultation, make sure to be completely open with your doctor about what you want and the way you hope this surgery will shape your facial or nasal structure. Your doctor will use this time to clarify your doubts, address whatever concernes you may have and to do a thorough examination. Dr. Kwak also uses a computerized image of your face during this consultation so you get a concise idea of what you will look like post surgery. To see some of Dr. Kwak's rhinoplasty results, click here. Dr. Kwak has also answered some common queries related to rhinoplasty on RealSelf.com that you can check out here. Remember : it is of optimum importance to remain open-minded and realistic prior to going in for the procedure.
Download your free rhinoplasty & revision rhinoplasty guide here.
Posted by Arushi Khosla on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 @ 09:18 AM
Humans have an innate desire to consistently look their best. And in today's world of constant media saturation, this desire is only heightened. When faced with images of celebrities with their teams of hair & makeup people, cosmetic surgery access and such, we are more and more motivated to look a certain way. And this is nothing to be ashamed of! Many women (and increasingly now, men) consider cosmetic surgery but not many have a firm grasp of what it's all about. Here's our FAQ on the issue to help aid you make that all-important decision. Because a simple nose job can change your life. We're going to be doing a series of posts focusing on singular procedures, especially those offered here at ESK Facial Plastic Surgery. Today, we look at a broad overview.
Cosmetic surgery is essentially an elective surgical procedure to reshape and sculpt facial or bodily structures to improve appearance and boost a person's self esteem. It is important to have completely realistic expectations when opting for plastic surgery. Listen intently to your doctor - he will let you know what to expect. Cosmetic surgery includes everything from BOTOX to rhinoplasty (more commonly known as a "nose job"), from specifically Cosmetic eyelid surgeries (blepharoplasty) to lip enhancements. There's endless options for achieving your desired look. Procedures can be invasive (such as a facelift) or non-invasive (such as wrinkle treatment).
Cosmetic surgery can make you look and feel your absolute best - it can improve social relationships, job performances and help achieve long term life goals. If you're convinced that this is for you, you should research the procedure fully (like reading this blog coherently) and then make an appointment with a specialist in your area. If you are based in New York, head over to ESK Facial Plastic Surgery and have your first consultation (we also have online consultations for outstation patients).
Back in 2007, nearly 12 million cosmetic surgery procedures were done in the US alone. This shows the innate desire within people to be the best that they can. Technological advances can be in part attributed to the sky-rocketing number of people investing in cosmetic surgery. New plastic surgery breakthroughs continue to happen. Plastic surgery encompasses cosmetic & reconstructive surgeries. Like any other surgery, there are associated risks (mostly to do with invasive procedures) so its important to do thorough research and be in sync with your doctor.
If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to leave a comment, tweet us or post on our facebook wall. Make your first consultation today! We're always happy to assist you in this fruitful journey.
Posted by Edward Kwak on Sat, Dec 31, 2011 @ 01:19 PM
Each New Year is a time for new beginnings. The first day of the New Year is an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. As we step into a New Year, it’s not uncommon to feel a strong desire to create a “new you” – a more attractive, younger looking, happier you.
Be honest with yourself. What is it about your appearance that you feel is holding you back and preventing you from feeling attractive and good about yourself? Do the wrinkles that are starting to line your face make you feel old and tired? Have you always hated your nose? Have you stopped wearing plunging necklines because you’re embarrassed by your turkey neck? Every time you look in the mirror, do you pull back the skin around your eyes or mouth to make the wrinkles disappear? Are you embarrassed when you see holiday pictures of yourself posted on friends’ Facebook pages? Do you find yourself feeling envious or inadequate when you look at younger friends or coworkers?
It’s time to stop stewing and take action! With the help of an expert New York City facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Edward Kwak, facial plastic surgery can solve your appearance problems, rejuvenate your appearance, and give your self-esteem a much-needed boost.
If you’re having a hard time imagining what a positive difference New York facial plastic surgery can have on your life, visit the Photo Gallery on the ESK Facial Plastic Surgery website where you can review before and after photos of actual ESK patients. Make your own judgment about the benefits of Manhattan facial plastic surgery, then call ESK and schedule your consultation with Dr. Kwak. With Dr. Kwak’s recognized expertise in New York facial plastic surgery, you can greet the New Year with a New You!
Posted by Edward Kwak on Sat, Dec 31, 2011 @ 08:43 AM
Cosmetic surgery has reached new heights in popularity this year. Cosmetic surgery is one of this year’s hottest holiday gifts. The desire to look good is universal. An ever-growing number of both women and men are turning to Manhattan facial plastic surgery to maintain an attractive appearance. An ever-growing number of people are making Manhattan facial plastic surgery a regular part of their normal beauty routine.
People used to wait until wrinkles and sagging skin became intolerable before visiting a Manhattan facial plastic surgeon. Today, New York men and women are taking a proactive approach to maintaining their appearance. Instead of waiting for fine lines to deepen into wrinkles and skin to start drooping, they are scheduling Ultherapy, Botox and New York City plastic surgery procedures as soon as they see the first indication that skin is breaking down.
Yet, despite the wide acceptance of facial plastic surgery as a beauty tool, there are still some people who are uncomfortable about using surgery to improve their appearance. These women and men seek a kinder, gentler approach to cosmetic surgery. Many say they have found what they’re looking for in Ultherapy.
Ultherapy is an amazing “non-surgical facelift” now available at ESK Facial Plastic Surgery in New York City. The kinder, gentler approach to facial plastic surgery that many people have been looking for, Ultherapy achieves its amazing results by targeting loose and drooping facial skin and with gentle ultrasound energy. The application of targeted energy triggers the body’s natural regenerative response, stimulating the growth of new collagen and restoring memory to skin and underlying support tissues. The result is beautiful, firmer, more youthful skin without surgery.
Posted by Edward Kwak on Fri, Dec 30, 2011 @ 08:20 AM
The eye area is usually the first casualty of aging. Particularly thin and delicate, the skin around our eyes is easily damaged by UV rays and free radicals.
It doesn’t take long for skin structure in the eye area to start breaking down and begin showing signs of aging. Dark circles, crow’s feet and bags under the eyes are not uncommon among women and men in their 20s and 30s. Dark circles and baggy eyes can make you look old and tired even when you’re still young and energetic. And it gets worse with age! Fortunately, whether you’re in your 20s or several decades past that, there are non-surgical cosmetic treatments that can quickly repair eye damage with virtually no down time. A session or two with an expert Manhattan facial plastic surgeon can banish signs of aging around your eyes and restore your appearance to one of youthful vigor.
Dark circles under the eyes are typically caused by the development of hollows under the eye from fat loss or the thinning of the skin that occurs as we age, shadows from baggy lower eyelids due to weight gain or the loss of skin elasticity caused by aging, or skin discoloration due to sun exposure or natural aging. Because of the delicacy and complexity of this area of the face and proximity to the eye itself, cosmetic treatments should only be performed by an experienced New York plastic surgeon with an expertise in facial plastic surgery.
- Hollows under the eye can be successfully treated with injectable skin fillers such as Restylane that gently plump up the skin in the tear trough directly under the eyelid.
- Baggy lower lids can be reduced by liposuction often in combination with eyelid surgery to remove excess fat and skin.
- Skin discoloration can be addressed with chemical peels and other non-invasive treatments.
Posted by Edward Kwak on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 @ 08:10 AM
Whether you’re considering rhinoplasty (nose surgery), eyelid surgery, wrinkle treatment or a facelift, your satisfaction with the results of your cosmetic surgery procedure will depend primarily on the skill and experience of the Manhattan plastic surgeon you choose to perform your procedure. With dozens of plastic surgeons in New York City, how do you choose?
Referrals from friends can provide a starting point, but you still have to do your homework. Check the surgeon’s credentials, ask questions about his training and experience, and ask to view before and after photos of actual patients.
Before choosing a New York facial plastic surgeon, ask these questions:
- 1. Are you board certified and in what medical specialty? Choose a NY plastic surgeon that is board certified specifically in facial plastic surgery, indicating that he has met additional education and practice requirements in the specific medical specialty of facial plastic surgery that go beyond the requirements for general plastic surgery.
- 2. What percentage of your practice is devoted to facial plastic surgery? Choose a Manhattan plastic surgeon who limits his practice to the face and neck region.
- 3. How many rhinoplasty procedures or facelifts (or whatever specific procedure you are considering) do you do each month? Choose a facial plastic surgeon that regularly performs the procedure you want to have.
- 4. What hospital are you affiliated with? Choose a facial plastic surgeon who is affiliated with an accredited and respected hospital.
- 5. Do you teach and what do you teach? Give preference to a facial plastic surgeon that has the expertise to have been selected to teach the next generation of plastic surgeons.
Posted by Edward Kwak on Mon, Dec 26, 2011 @ 05:37 PM
Age and gravity are your face’s worst enemy, delivering a one-two punch that’s impossible to evade. As we age, our skin and muscles gradually lose elasticity. Muscles that were once taut start to stretch. Facial skin loses its youthful firmness and becomes loose.
But if age takes the first swing at our facial appearance, expert New York City facial plastic surgeons say it is gravity that delivers the knockout blow. Gravity exerts an exorable downward pull on loose skin and muscles, eventually causing them to sag and wrinkle. As we grow older, our once-youthful face loses its rosy vitality and taut smoothness. Slowly our face morphs into the lined and wrinkled visage of a tired, old woman. Every year the face that stares back from the mirror looks less and less like the vision ourselves we hold in our heart.
You don’t have to go down for the count. We can’t stop aging or eliminate gravity, but New York City facial plastic surgery can tighten and remove loose skin, banish wrinkles and restore your face to the smooth-skinned, youthful image you expect to see when you look in the mirror. Such dramatic changes often result from a brow or forehead lift.
Exposure to the sun and weather can hasten the pace of facial sagging and the occurrence of wrinkles. People as young as 30 can develop deep furrows across their foreheads and exhibit sagging eyebrows that make them look old and tired. An expert Manhattan facial plastic surgeon can banish wrinkles, remove deep forehead furrows and rejuvenate your appearance with a forehead or eyebrow lift or possibly with non-invasive wrinkle treatments like Botox and fillers. Don’t let age and gravity beat you down. Fight back and regain your youthful appearance with Manhattan facial plastic surgery.
Posted by Edward Kwak on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 @ 08:08 AM
In a segment on this season’s hottest holiday gifts, ABC’s Good Morning America reported that facial cosmetic surgery procedures have edged out clothes and perfume to claim this year’s top spot on holiday wish lists.
The versatility and affordability of Botox treatments have made the popular wrinkle-fighting treatment the most requested cosmetic procedure on adult holiday wish lists, but gift certificates for everything from full facelifts to gentle, non-surgical Ultherapy face and neck treatments are being wrapped up and tucked under New York City Christmas trees this year.
Botox treatments seem to be a particularly popular choice for gift exchanges between women: sister to sister, friend to friend, mother to daughter. The impact wrinkles have on a woman’s self-confidence and her perception of her own beauty may baffle men, but other women understand the significance that women place on the first signs of crow’s feet or the gradual deepening of laugh lines. Women may feel a little embarrassed to ask the man in their life for Botox treatments; but they know their fellow sisters will understand and share their discomfort.
Men are more likely to take a big picture view of NYC facial plastic surgery and present the special woman in their life with a full facelift or neck lift or eyelid surgery. They’re more likely to be aware of their wife’s or girlfriend’s unhappiness or embarrassment about a specific body area and more willing to finance a major Manhattan facial plastic surgery procedure to ensure her happiness. A gift certificate at one of New York City’s top facial plastic surgery practices gives women (or men) the freedom to design a highly-individualized treatment program that will allow them to achieve their specific personal appearance goals.
If you’re looking for a gift that will be exactly what your sweetheart wants, give the gift of Manhattan facial plastic surgery.
