Everyday we make thousands of choices, some of which are more important than others. Choosing to turn back time with a cosmetic procedure definitely tops the list of important decisions. There are a huge number of cosmetic options available to you, some of which are safer and pose less risk than others. 

The less invasive cosmetic options come in the form of non-surgical procedures. These procedures generally hold little risk, take little time to recover from, and are less expensive than surgical procedures. Popular non-cosmetic options include things such as Botox and other soft-tissue fillers, fractional lasers, and ultrasound based therapies. Each of these are designed to deliver great results, without surgery.

With that said, non-surgical procedures do not meet the needs of everyone. In such a case, they may want to consider surgical procedures such as facelifts or browlifts. These generally provide more dramatic results, but also come with more risks. With that said, today's surgeons are very reliable and use the best technology to help reduce risk, use minimally invasive techniques, and reduce scarring and downtime.

But which is the best option for you, non-surgical or surgical? Let's answer some commonly asked questions that may help you to decide.

According to Dr. Myra Danish, there are several procedures that can be completed in less than an hour. Surgical procedures that fall within this category include browlifts, eyelid-lifts, cheek augmentations, and chin augmentations. While there is little pain involved in these surgeries, recovery time can still take up to one week. Non-surgical procedures that can take less than an hour include photo facials, glycolic peels, and deeper peels. While these will not reduce your appearance by 10 years as the surgical procedures will, they will help to leave your skin looking brighter and more refreshed. Non-surgical injectables and fillers can also help to take 10 years off of your appearance in less than an hour.

According to Dr. Miller Vein, intervention radiologists are used to diagnose issues in regards to vein treatments. Intervention Radiologists are highly trained physicians that specialize in non-surgical procedures that require complex treatments with tiny incisions (as most vein treatments do). Non-surgical procedures for vericose veins are generally pain-free and require little to no downtime. Results are stunning!

Non-surgical alternatives to plastic surgery are becoming more and more popular. The main reason for this is that they can provide similar results without the same expenses, down times, and apprehension that comes along with surgical procedures. Unfortunately, non-surgical procedures are not enough. For those with extreme muscle laxity and sagging skin, non-surgical procedures might not be able to provide the same long-lasting results that could be obtained through surgery. The best way to determine which is the better option for you is to speak with a physician and discuss your individual concerns and needs.

There are many different alternatives that can take the place of plastic surgery. Included within these are Ultratherapy (to tighten, contour, and lift), the Pearl fractional laser (to treat lines, wrinkles, and sun damage), and Liposonix (an alternative to liposuction). 

Of course, these are just a few of the many questions that you need to ask before you decide whether plastic surgery or non-surgical procedures are the right option for you. Other questions that you may want to consider asking include:

What are the risks associated with the different procedures?

What are the estimated down times for each procedure?

How many procedures will I need before I see results?

What techniques can enhance my results?

What do I need to do to decrease risk?

These are all questions that you should discuss with your surgeon or physician prior to choosing a procedure. Let your physician be your guide - they are the experts and will be able to give you the best advice possible, but it's up to you to take it.

More at: http://www.hourdetroit.com/Hour-Detroit/November-2012/Sugical-or-Nonsurgical/

People travel to take a necessary little breather from their daily routines. Travel allows you to get away for a short time, let go of whatever stresses you may have and hopefully, return home feeling rejuvenated and ready to get back into the swing of things again. The farther, more exotic, your destination, the more planning you must do for your big trip. If you plan to travel on a budget, catering your travel plans to your financial needs takes even more time.

Once you've decided on your destination and created a budget, you have to start booking flights, other transportation, accommodations and thinking about the activities you plan to do while abroad. When the time to pack comes and you start paring it down to basics, your bag of toiletries sticks out like a sore thumb. While you may have a million skin care products at your disposal at home, lugging them all with you seems unnecessary. Obagi Clenziderm, available on dermahut.com, makes a streamlined skin care line that makes packing for your trip incredibly easy. So what do you bring?

A good cleanser is always important. Depending on your skin type (oily, dry or normal), Clenziderm has a perfect, gentle and effective cleanser. If your skin is on the oily side, the daily foaming cleanser from Obagi is designed to cleanse your skin leaving it refreshed and healthy. If your skin is dry, this line also offers a daily cream cleanser that not only washes away imperfections and bacteria but leaves your skin supple, soft and radiant. Visiting another country leaves you with unfamiliar options when it comes to skin cleansers. Don't be left without a trustworthy cleanser at your disposal and make sure you pack one of these in your suitcase.

If you are planning on visiting a destination for its beaches, a gentle moisturizer is essential. The same goes for drastically cold and windy climates, as those conditions can seriously dry out your skin. Clenziderm offers an excellent moisturizer. The Clenziderm M.D Therapeutic Moisturizer is non-comedogenic and full of glycerin, a rich component that moisturizes your skin without leaving it greasy or oily. This moisturizer is also infused with 1% Dimethicone to soothe and calm irritated, red skin to leave your face feeling soft and refreshed.  

No matter where you go, if your skin is prone to breakouts, bringing a medicated treatment that cleans away excess dirt and dead skin cells will save your skin from blemishes. Obagi offers a a pore therapy treatment that fits the bill. This treatment is formulated with 2% Salicylic acid which attacks blemishes deep in your pores so you can enjoy your trip pimple free.

Bringing your whole bathroom cabinet with you is unrealistic. Furthermore, you are not likely to keep up a complicated skin care routine while you travel. All of the above products from Obagi Clenziderm, matched to fit your particular skin type, are offered as sets on dermahut.com. That way, you can save some room in your luggage for souvenirs and still keep a clear, healthy complexion while you travel.