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Trends in Beauty

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Trends, Options and a New You

At last! You believe you’re ready. Enhancing one’s beauty can take many forms, and involve aesthetics, efficiency and, yes, affordability. From coloring your hair to a total body makeover (utilizing plastic surgery and nonsurgical treatments, like Botox), the options today are plentiful and increasing, thanks to advances in technology and research.

It’s about attitude too. Growing numbers of aging baby boomers are more interested in renewal, than retirement.  Many are starting “encore careers” to do satisfying work with social value.

Experts in the beauty business say that many of their clients find their lives have been quietly enriched by procedures that make them look a little more perfect, if only in their private lives.    

Here are some of the emerging trends in cosmetic procedures:

Cosmetic dentistry full-mouth reconstruction is possible today because of new technologies and better and stronger materials. A “face lift” is possible by reshaping the supports for the lower part of the face.

Check credentials for medical spas, which have increased sixfold by 2008, making it a nearly $1 billion business nationwide. Dermatologists, surgeons, and also doctors from other specialties are opening spas for skin care and facials, as well as fillers, laser hair removal and cosmetic surgery.

73 percent of 84 million working women (three out of four) polled in February 2009, believe a youthful appearance plays a part in getting hired, promoted or securing new clients, especially in today’s down economy.

A board-certified plastic surgeon familiar with ethnic skin can provide the best results to avoid pigment irregularities and scarring. In 2008, ethnic plastic surgery trends were: Hispanics 10 percent, African Americans 8 percent and Asians 7 percent.  Sources: American Dental Association, International Medical Spa Association and American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Thinking of improving your smile?  Dr. Jon Yoshimura, whose nearly 20-year practice covers comprehensive, restorative and aesthetic dentistry, offered these recommendations on what to look for in a cosmetic dentist:

Ask around.

Like the new smile your friend, relative or coworker got with cosmetic procedures? High referrals from other patients and longtime retention of patients are good signs. 

Schedule a consultation and shop around.

Most dentists will discuss treatment options and their costs for potential patients. In general, cosmetic dentistry is not covered by most dental insurance plans.

Discuss cosmetic options.

High end aesthetic dentistry can be complex, costly and time-consuming. Your dentist should help you decide what is best for you among the many choices available today. You are the one who decides what is best for you.

Ask about cosmetic philosophy. 

“Cosmetic dentistry involves artistry and personal interpretation,” says Dr. Yoshimura. As such, he uses computer-added enhancements cautiously. Natural aesthetics, done by an experienced professional, produces more appropriate, pleasing and realistic results for individual patients.

 

Questions

Cosmetic dentistry

Can I afford a makeover?

Extreme makeovers that are affordable can take as few as two office sessions to give you straight teeth and a beautiful smile. I use a local dental lab with a single designated technician from start to finish. Turn-around time is from seven to 10 days, with custom tint and shading available.—Dr. Alvin Chung, DDS, called “the dentist to the stars” by the Hollywood Reporter, provides dental care for Miss America, Miss Hawaii, Miss Hawaii USA and models, actors and entertainers.
 
 

TIP: Teeth with veneers or laminates are easier to keep clean than natural teeth.  They stain less and you do not have to avoid any foods or drinks. Home care includes brushing and flossing as you would with natural teeth.—Dr. Alvin Chung, DDS, called the “dentist to the beautiful people of Hawaii,” who provided teeth whitening to winners of the Honolulu Star-Bulletin’s “You Look FAB-ulous Makeover Contest winners” in October 2003.

What the experts say

> Cosmetic dentistry is like couture clothing design. It identifies and provides a one-of-a-kind solution to accentuate your strengths and minimize your weaknesses in the creation of a better look or image.  Cosmetic dentistry requires a strong understanding of materials and methods, a keen sense of aesthetics, and a personalized approach to designing custom fittings. In addition to being a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Academy of Sports Dentistry, I have a passion for cosmetic dentistry and have taken courses and attended seminars on such topics as “Hot Topics in Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry,” “Recipes for Predictable Anterior Esthetics,” a CAD technology launch of innovative technology on manufacturing porcelain fillings, and an advanced Invisalign course. Dr. Alvin Chung, DDS

> We are known for our Hawaiian cultural services and practices and offer our clients lomi ola provided by a traditional lomi practitioner. The experience is not the same with a lomi practitioner who has trained in a weekend workshop. With our lomi ola, we have trained with and follow the teachings of our kupuna and approach the person as a whole – looking at all aspects of his life – emotionally, spiritually and physically. We ask our guests to take part in a cleansing ritual, using alae pa‘akai – red salt in a wooden bowl – and leave their problems in this bowl outside the room as a “burden basket.” The salt is then collected and returned to the ocean.  Lena Mossman, director, Moani Lani Spa, a beachfront spa located at the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki.

> Knowledge, experience and ongoing training to keep up with new techniques and products are important to look for when considering spa and salon services. We specialize in hair, massage and facials and recognize the damage that Hawaii’s sun can do to skin and hair health. New for this spring and summer are glossing treatments for hair to enrich color and shine. It’s not too early to start summer-proofing your hair with new, improved suncare products, which are highly recommended to reduce sun, salt and chlorine damage. Chi Kanu, owner, Elements Spa & Salon

TIP: Water is key for making the best of your spa treatments. Before and after a spa service, it is important to hydrate your body, which assists your body in releasing toxins and makes your skin look more youthful! —Lena Mossman, director of the Moana Surfrider’s beachfront Moana Lani Spa, which offers an “Awaken” body wrap to intensely detoxify the body.