Ages 50, 60, 70, 80, 90\’s. Ageing is one of the most significant changes facing Worldwide.

At age 60 years, most people have retired from paid work yet women can expect another 25 years of life and men, another 20 years with the older population over coming decades. Ageing experiences vary considerably between social groups and individuals and it is essential that every country embraces the opportunities as well as meets the challenges of ageing.

There is great scope to reduce the negative effects of biological decline through individual action supported by economic, social and physical environments. Confrontation of negative attitudes towards ageing is fundamental to positive, informed actions by Australian society and individuals. It will generate the innovative, multidisciplinary approaches necessary to understand ageing people, relations between age groups, the economic, social, and policy contexts that shape ageing experiences. A survey was held for both the attitudes towards the aged in the community generally, and the specific opinions and response of the aged population themselves towards their lifestyle and problems.

There are three data sets for this survey: an attitudinal survey of a sample of the general population; a survey of people aged 55 years and over in private dwellings; and a smaller survey of older people living in nursing homes and hostels for the aged.

The impetus for this study came from questions about the ways in which drug-related problems among elderly patients were identified and treated. An investigation of patterns of use of alcohol, tobacco and psychotropic medication by hospital patients aged over 65, problems related to their substance use and the patterns of recognition and referral for these problems

The research has a number of specific objectives. These include:

? Determination of levels of health and functional status of an older population and to track the changes in these characteristics over time. ? Identification of factors which promote and maintain health and wellbeing in an ageing population.

? Identification of risk factors for major morbid conditions and social, behavioural and other problems among an ageing population.

? Analysis of the effects on transitions in health and functional status of age, gender, different patterns of comorbidity, availability and nature of informal and formal support arrangements, social and economic circumstances, health care provision and utilisation and other variables of interest.

? Assessment of the effects of disease processes on functional status and the demand for health care services and both informal and formal long-term care.

? Examination of the patterns of the need for and the utilisation of informal and formal sources of long-term care as they relate to social support networks, economic and housing conditions, care-giving arrangements and the availability of appropriate services.

? Examination of mortality outcomes in the light of changes in health and functional status, medical interventions, self-assessed health, social networks and individual characteristics.

The inclusion of both survey and clinical components makes it possible to link objective clinical measures with details of the lifestyle, attitudes and personal histories of respondents.

This survey focused on people patterns and places of drinking, and their knowledge and attitudes towards strategies aimed at minimising harm within the licensed drinking environment.

The study had four main aims:

? To examine how types of drinking setting are related to different patterns of alcohol use and alcohol related problems;

? To discover the level of knowledge of laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol;

? To determine people attitudes to the concept of server responsibility and server liability;

? To establish the level of community support for prevention initiatives targeted toward licensed drinking settings. \’Serious fall injuries from slipping, tripping or stumbling made up 34% of fall injury incidents, and serious falls frequently involved a fracture\’

Ms Bradley said. Overall, females had higher life and health expectancies than males, in both the years with disability and the years free from disability, although these gaps were much smaller at older ages. Disability and ageing seem to go together-and both are set to climb significantly in the next six years and beyond, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Ageing is one of the most significant changes facing Australia. It is essential that Australia embraces the opportunities as well as meets the challenges of ageing. The ARC/NHMRC Research Network in Ageing Well sits squarely in the National Research Priority area \’Ageing Well, Ageing Productively\’.

It will generate innovative, multidisciplinary approaches necessary to understand ageing people, relations between age groups, and the economic, social, and policy contexts that shape ageing experiences. It will bring together established and early career researchers and end-point users, forming a unique network that generates and implements research agendas and translate and apply findings to national goals.

Author Mary C Newton 20 February 2008

My Name is Mary C Newton

I was born on the small island of Malta on June 16th 1945. Malta is Found in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Its location is Southern Europe, islands, south of Sicily. Coastline is 140km

Malta lay on a sea of clear blue water turning into vivid green were it rimmed the island. No mountains in Malta The highest point is about 800feet No woods and no forests with Winds of different gusts and breezes

I am female, 63 years of age. I am quick minded, versatile, intelligent, and imaginative. Love the ocean and beautiful paintings, sceneries and flowers. I devote a lot of my time writing educational Articles and books.

My passion is … Computers & writing
My ambition is … To be recognised as a writer and share my talent with others

Who would not like to release the drudgery of positive aging? Positive aging begins when your subconscious level sparks into your awareness and says, this can happen and you instantly believe it. Then you start taking spontaneous right action to guarantee your success.
Your skepticism at this moment is because you probably do not believe in the miracles or you do not recognize the miraculous when it is poking at your consciousness.

Most efforts to have positive aging begin fall short because one entity in the human experience is overlooked. This is the ability to transform instantly with the flow of an idea. Here is a simple little experience that helped me.

I learned this at eight years old. When I was growing up in Trinidad my mother raised chickens. I was told not to touch the newly hatched chicks. Watching the activity of hens and baby chicks was a favorite past time of mine. I would get quite transported to a place of the miraculous.

One morning I watched a baby chick being hatched and my first impulse was to pick it up. Just as I was about to do it, I heard my mother calling-. Celia… I immediately went to see what she wanted. Strangely, she said, I did not call you. If you hear the voice calling you again, say, “speak Lord for thy servant listens”. I thought my mother is so weird! I went back to my quiet observation of the chicks and my intention to pick one up. Then I heard the voice and I silently repeated what my mother told me.
I immediately got a thought. Don’t pick up the chicks, it could harm them… I instantly quenched my desire.

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Instantly, I learned I can be responsive to insight to right action.
Later in life, as a biology student, I learned that some animals reject their newborns if handled too early by strangers. Your acceptance to switch a desire is powerful. You can make a complete about turn in your thinking and behavior just because you turned on a switch at your spiritual level. Entering into the realm of the spiritual is not a religious experience. It is not Neverland. It is your trust and willingness to accept that there is a universal part of your psychic self that is there to guide you positively.

Every one who succeeded in a personal triumph with his body at some point had the instant recognition that this is a new achievable purpose. No turning back! The question is how do you get to that position and can it be learned?

It starts with child like acceptance that you have the energy within you. Then there is willingness to learn to listen to yourself with the assurance that you are guided towards the “good”. With the chicks I instantly quenched my desire to satisfy my need to touch and unconsciously opened my compassion for the hen. Fortunately no one told me I had a personality disorder… hearing voices!

Spiritual energy drives intention. Spiritual energy is unlike the chemical energy you body uses to digest food. It operates at the instantaneous quantum level. Quantum theory is not well understood and is only slightly touched upon in graduate schools. It is definitely not deliberately taught to school children, even though it is more readily accepted by uncluttered minds.

This does not mean that you cannot seek ways to experience your flow of spiritual energy. Your quiet willingness to accept performance at this level leads you to certainty, and a purposeful path.

Quieting the chatter of the cognitive conscious mind by stillness is vital. It enables you to respond positively to the still small voice that’s been nudging you to take more conscious self-care. You see possible delight instead of a humbug. This leads to right action where positive aging begins.

Your resistance to change is diminished. You become more confident. So that you can easily find yourself looking forward to exercise that was once a humbug.

Eventually, your comfort zone succumbs to your desire to explore what it takes to support your positive aging. You might instantly drop the desire to steal your grandchild’s Halloween candy.

Celia Westberry M.S is the author of Eat Yourself Younger Effortlessly. Her wellness coaching helps people to easily take the right action every day to be healthier, happier and more fulfilled.
To get her free eBook: Secrets of Healthy Eating Revealed click: Positive Aging
To get her book with easy recipes to slow aging, feel great and look good click: Here
Copyright, Celia Westberry 2007. All rights reserved.

As we age, our bodies change. Perhaps the most noticeable area of these changes is your face. My cousin Betty has been telling the world that she’s 29 years old for years, but if you looked close enough, the wrinkles and dark circles around her eyes used to tell the real truth. Now that she’s found an effective anti aging eye cream (which she purchases by the case), it is certainly more difficult to tell.

Betty is in great shape. She exercises regularly and maintains a well balanced diet. But until recently, the skin around her eyes would betray her age secret. The main reason for that is that the skin around the eyes is very thin. There are no oil glands near the eyes and so exposure to the sun and experience itself makes its’ mark. Every day activities like squinting and smiling thin out the super thin skin, causing wrinkles and exposing the blood vessels under the surface, which causes the skin itself to appear darker.

Wrinkles, laugh lines or crows’ feet, as they are often referred to, occur when elastic and collagen production decreases, which happens naturally as we age. Skin dries out, stops stretching and becomes wrinkled. Elastin and collagen production can decrease after giving birth or after about 20 years of living, so many women have started to use anti aging creams regularly. In fact, many young women use anti aging creams as a wrinkle prevention method.

Not just any body or facial moisturizer will do, as the delicate skin under your eyes can react to heavy lotions. Milia is a common problem for people who use heavy body creams under their eyes, and appears as white bumps under the skin. Believe me when I tell you that milia does not make you look younger! If you are thinking about preventing or getting rid of dark circles or wrinkles near your eyes, then you’ll want to investigate anti aging eye creams that have been designed for the skin cells near your eyes. The best products won’t irritate or harm the eyes themselves, but will replenish the moisture to the area, helping to keep you looking younger.

In order to actually prevent aging, the best eye wrinkle creams are designed to remove the dark circles under the eyes, remove the traces of wrinkles and to reduce any puffiness. This is accomplished by strengthening the blood vessels under the skin and by providing nutrients to the skin that help the skin retain moisture and elasticity, as well as stimulating new cell growth in the eye area itself. Working with antioxidants, a mild abrasive compound called Alpha Hydroxy Acid, or AHA, removes dead skin under the eyes and stimulates new cell growth. The antioxidant compounds help to repair damaged cells. In this way, collagen can repopulate the cells.

Constant exposure to the elements and especially the Sun, depletes Vitamins A and D. The best eye wrinkle creams remove the dark circles under the eyes and keep the skin firm with their special moisturizing properties. Long term use has proven to yield the best results. Under eye dark circle creams are usually produced as gels or creams. For very dry skin, the cream blends are best, while puffy eyes are more effectively taken care of with the gel form. Proper application of either form of product is a tapping motion, as opposed to any pulling or stretching motion.

The bottom line is that if you want to remain looking young and keep your skin healthy, then you’ll want to begin using anti aging eye creams early on. A little prevention will go a long way, and you’ll be happy that you did. Go to: http://hk-antiaging-eye-cream.blogspot.com/

A lot of women believe that when they reach the age of sixty, their skin will be more wrinkly and sagging, their body will double in size, and the natural rosy glow that used to color their cheeks will now be replaced with brown spots and freckles. This may be true for many, but for some, 60 is just a number that represents their true age and nothing more. Take Goldie Hawn and Suzanne Somers for example, they maybe over 60, but they definitely look as if they just turned 31.

Cosmetic surgery is not always the answer to looking young. There are other ways to look sensationally sexy and sizzling even without botox and liposuction. If you want to stop the hands of time, read on and discover how you too can achieve that young looking skin and svelte body:

To Believe Is To See

No matter how much make up you put and how many anti-aging creams you use, they will not work effectively in making you look younger if you don’t feel young. How you feel inside is usually what is seen outside. If you want to look younger, you need to feel and believe you look younger.

It would also be helpful if you laugh more often and have fun with your life. Go to a spa to relax, have a picnic with your friends, travel and visit places, spend time with your grandchildren, dance tango with a loved one, and indulge in a great book. These things are not frivolities; they are what will make you less tensed, happier and feel great.

Seek The Fountain Of Youth

You don’t need to go far in order to find the fountain of youth because you have it in your kitchen. Water is the fountain of youth! Drink lots of water and keep your body hydrated. As people grow older, the ability to preserve water is reduced. Thus, you need to drink more. Remember, water does not only flush away toxins and waste, it also helps moisturize your skin from within.

Hide From The Sun

One of the major causes of age spots, wrinkles and other skin blemishes is the harsh rays from the sun. If you want to look older than your age, go ahead and bask under the sun. However, if you want to prevent freckles, liver or age spots, and wrinkles from popping out of your face and skin, better use an effective sunscreen or sun block with a high SPF.

It will also be wise to stay indoors from 10AM to 3PM because even if you do not see the sun, you can still be exposed to its deadly rays during the said period. If you need to go out, use a sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and bring an umbrella or a hat.

Exercise Is Key

Don’t ever think that you can achieve a voluptuous body without breaking a sweat. Even if you have liposuction, you still need to exercise to make your flabby arms and stomach firmer. Besides, exercise is also good for your over-all fitness.

If you do not like to go to a gym, brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day can already do miracles for your body. If walking and the gym bore you, you can probably enroll in a belly dancing class, Pilates program or probably train for mountain climbing. However, before you do strenuous exercises, you must consult with your doctor first.

Eat Healthy

If you have been eating burgers, fries, doughnuts and candy bars all your life, you probably look 10 years older than you are now. It is important to watch the food that you put in your mouth because your metabolism is already slowing down and eating junk food will not only make you fat, but it can also make you sick in the long run. So instead of fried chicken and chocolate decadent pie, choose steamed salmon with asparagus and an apple.

Help Is On The Way

You cannot reverse the aging process on your own. You need to use anti-aging creams and moisturizers to help bring back the suppleness and softness of your skin. Moreover, you also need supplements, such as Vitamin C, A and E, to help you fight the signs of aging. Just make sure you choose products that are all natural and safe.

One anti-aging product that can help you is Rejuvinol. Visit www.rejuvinol.com, for more information.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com

Beauty is not all about having a slender body or proper posture. For a large part, looking your best involves having healthy glowing skin. The beauty of your skin is not skin deep. Rather, it is an important component of your beauty regimen.

But age can never be avoided. And as it take its toll on your skin, you wonder if there will ever be a way to keep your skin healthy and beautiful. Well, in reality, there is nothing much you can do to reverse the skin damage caused by aging; one way or another, your skin will reflect your age. When you are seventy, you can not expect to have the skin when you were sixteen. So unless you decide to have a cosmetic surgery or chemical-based skin treatment, the best you can do is to delay skin aging and then age gracefully. The following says how, so pay attention.

Don’t Take Moisturizers For Granted

Moisturizers play an important role in nourishing your skin. In fact, moisturizers have been regarded by many as an all around skin care maintenance application. A bottle of ordinary moisturizer contains not only moisturizing elements, but also substances that prevent the moisture of your skin from easily evaporating or rubbing off. Some moisturizers even help your skin tissues to produce more moisture that can sustain the health of your skin more naturally.

Skin experts say that if you can not afford to buy a full line of skin care products, then at least invest on one moisturizer and your skin will still be healthy, young-looking and rejuvenated. Keep in mind that oil essences just won’t do to give your skin the moisture it needs; simply put, moisture is not the same with being oily. Also remember that choosing the right moisturizer for you depends on your unique skin type; so know under which type you belong before buying a moisturizer.

Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

Plastic surgeons and expensive creams that can help you retain a youthful look must be reserved for later. Consider them as the last resort in your fight against aging. Before you even set your eyes on the Yellow Pages or the beauty catalogs, why not try putting on some sunscreen?

Most of the skin problems that are normally tied to the aging process can be traced to the ultraviolet rays from the sun. Therefore, by using sunscreen every day you go outdoors, you can mitigate the effects of sun damage on your skin. The absence of sunscreen on your skin can cause considerable damage and can even alter the way how your skin feels. So, if you do not want to experience having a turkey neck and crow’s feet spreading from the sides of your eyes, try to apply sunscreen.

Don’t Cleanse Your Skin With Just Anything

Your skin, especially the part on your face, is not as thick as your shirt or mattress. You simply can not use ordinary soap and water for your skin. The skin on your face is not even as tough as the skin on your palms. So, if you are one of those people who think ordinary soap will do to strip away deep dirt from your skin, you might find your skin dry and prone to breakouts.

Ordinary soap and water can sap out all the natural moisturizers and other nutrients needed by your skin. If you want that radiating skin for years to come, be choosy with what you use when cleaning your face and body.

To be able to provide good nourishment for your skin and fight the effects of aging, always look for products that are rich in natural moisturizers. You can also try Rejuvinol in rehydrating your skin. Go to www.Rejuvinol.com for more information about stopping the effects of aging on your skin.

Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.healthnfitnesszone.com

Proleva is a new anti-aging supplement that protects our life generating cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals attack our cells and cause them to break down and divide. To prevent this from happening Proleva places a protective coating around our cells, so the free radicals can do less damage.

Where do free radicals come from? They are found in contaminations in our food and water supply. Our food crops are more increasingly sprayed with chemical to preserve them and repel insects. These toxins become imbedded in our foods, so much so that washing alone cannot alleviate. The ingestion of atmospheric pollutions, gases and UV rays from the sun build up in our body and raise our toxicity levels.

What harm do free radicals cause? They attack our life giving cells and cause our cells to multiple faster and force them to regenerate weaker copies of the originals. A photocopy can never be as good as an original- the same with our cells. Free radicals cause our cells to multiply at a faster rate, and this actually speeds up our ageing process. Ironically enough, this actually causes our bodies to slow down, and can have detrimental effects on our immune and cardiovascular systems, and brain function.

Is Proleva harmful? There are no known side effects from taking Proleva. It is actually a natural product made from high grade concentrated fruit extracts. Two small capsules equate to eating ¾ kg of various fruits, known for their anti-ageing, antioxidant, and immune boosting capacity .Is Proleva another hyped supplement? A 2005 independent study actually amazed the scientists. It showed that Proleva had a 700% reduction on free radical damage to white blood cells. Its manufactures are so confident of the health benefits of Proleva that they have a set a precedent in offering one of the world’s first 90 day risk free money back guarantees for a health supplement.

Click here for more information about the anti-aging supplement Proleva.

Denise Richards is a health professional very interested in natural health products, especially anti-ageing products. You can find more information about Proleva on her website here : http://proleva-facts.com

1. Be a safe driver. Car accidents take so many lives each year. Use a seatbelt. Consider taking a defensive driving course which may also reduce your car insurance costs. Choose a car with safety considerations and maintain the brakes and other features. Avoid driving in bad weather conditions.

2. Exercise daily and maintain a healthy weight and in particular, watch putting on weight around your middle. Both aerobic and resistance training are vitally important for maintaining your weight, preventing diabetes, and for keeping your heart and bones strong.

3. Keep healthy eating habits. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and reduce your consumption of white foods, sweet, processed meats, coffee, and red meat. A cup of tea daily will give you more antioxidants. Reduce how often you eat barbecue or fast foods.

4. Take vitamins and supplements but avoid iron. Calcium is of particular importance for maintaining strong bones and other functions.

5. Keep good dental hygiene and floss. Gum disease and bacteria can cause plaque build up in your heart.

6. Reduce your stress and enjoy life. People live longer when they have some work, but working six or seven days a week or eleven hour days will shorten your life expectancy significantly. Find ways of coping with stress and choose enjoyable hobbies and physical activities to maintain your health and happiness.

7. Don’t smoke and avoid other bad habits. Smoking and breathing second hand smoke place you at high risk for lung disease. Excessive drinking, drug use, unsafe sexual habits, and chewing tobacco are among other habits that can cause disease and unhappiness.

8. Have good relationships. Being in a good relationship can add five years to your life. Learn to talk openly with your family and friends. Good communication greatly influences your ability to reduce stress and keep a healthy heart. It also makes life more enjoyable.

9. Get eight hours of sleep at night. Chronic sleep deprivation increases stress and significantly lowers your immunity to diseases.

10. Have an annual preventative check up and have regular recommended screening for cancers, heart disease, and diabetes.

Social network users, click for myspace comments such as compliments, cool comments, love, flirty, birthday, holidays, religion, funny, cute, etc. You can also use myspace graphics If you love Thanksgiving, click Thanksgiving Myspace Layouts to add to your profile.

As more and more “boomers” face the consequences of aging, many ask the question do wrinkle creams work? And if they do, people want to know which wrinkle cream to choose from the hundreds available. A cream that is effective would be a great addition to anti aging skin care and the daily beauty regimen.

In the search for a good product, some will seek the opinions of friends and family for anecdotal reports about the products they have used and which ones they like or do not like. While reviews like this are completely subjective, they have no agenda of trying to sell a product, and when they come from people otherwise trusted, can usually be accepted as honest. Instead of asking Aunt Maude do wrinkle creams work, ask her if the stuff she uses works or not!

Another source for information about product effectiveness is to use your favorite search engine to access product reviews that compare and contrast different anti aging skin care products and methods. Some will be industry-sponsored and may not be unbiased, but others are user-contributed or third party reviews that are more objective that the brand name websites. Some will even have clinical studies to back up claims, or refute them.

One product that has been proven effective is not a beauty product as well. Popular hemorrhoid creams will temporarily reduce wrinkles and smooth the appearance of the skin, especially in the “crowsfeet” area of the eyes. Don’t forget home remedies and unusual uses of products originally intended for other purposes when fighting wrinkles.

Wrinkles occur because as skin ages, it loses elasticity and support and may also suffer damage from improper diet and hydration and damage from the sun and elements. One wrinkle preventative is the use of sun screens to minimize or delay the appearance of wrinkles later in life. Another prevention strategy is attention to diet and getting enough rest to allow the body to heal itself, including drinking plenty of water. Smoking creates free radicals that greatly increase wrinkling, while diets and some creams with antioxidants can diminish it.

Wrinkle products that work often do so with ingredients that help retain moisture in the skin, so look for those on the label. Some ingredients smooth by increasing shedding of the uppermost layer of skin. Certain other components like collagen and collagen builders also seem to be effective. Some ingredients that have shown actual results include hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and acetyl hexapeptide, to name a few. Some are extremely expensive, so use a search engine to help verify whether a pricey ingredient is really worth it.

Some inexpensive products like simple petroleum jelly may also be effective, and of course, so are sun screens with at least SPF15 protection. Remember when using moisturizers that they cannot add much moister to the skin on their own, and need to be applied just after washing the face, as well as with adequate fluid intake. Don’t assume that what costs more is necessarily better.

Do wrinkle creams work? The answer is a qualified “Yes!” Some work quite well and others may be mostly worthless or at least not worth their price tags. The trick is discovering from your personal research what is most effective at the best price. You also must remember that many creams only reduce wrinkles temporarily and the effect will fade unless it is regularly reapplied. Other products may work, but it may take a month or even longer for the effect to be noticeable, and several months before the maximum benefit is seen.

Do your homework and ask your friends and family while embracing a healthy lifestyle to decrease the appearance of age. Good health habits slow all aging including wrinkles, while the “homework” may find the perfect wrinkle cream to make wrinkles less obvious and your appearance more youthful.

Geoff Hopkins has worked in the anti wrinkle serum industry for years. He maintains websites about anti wrinkle serum and anti wrinkle skin care products. If you want to contact him, you can use the contact for at one of his sites.

The evolution of the humble dermal filler…

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported in its cosmetic plastic surgery predictions for 2006 that; “the growth and popularity of cosmetic fillers will dramatically increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market.”

We last reviewed the expanding UK dermal filler marketplace back in June 2004, and since then the number of products available has indeed increased yet further; more interesting however is to note that the way in which they are used has evolved from simple “filling” to new state-of-the-art “volumetric” techniques.

So who are the new kids on the block? And, what’s hot in the use of dermal fillers?

Types of Dermal Fillers:

It is agreed amongst experts that ideally a dermal filler product should be biocompatible (compatible with body tissues), non-toxic, non-immunogenic, (not provoke an immune system response), and non-migratory, (i.e. not move to other parts of the body). Hence, various kinds of natural and man-made or synthetic materials have been developed over the years for injection into the skin.

In general, as well as classifying dermal fillers according to their temporary (resorbable) and permanent (non-resorbable) qualities, we can also split the current UK available products into six main groups based on their primary composition.

These are:

• The Collagens, either from human or animal origins - Zyderm®, Zyplast®, Cymetra®, Artecoll® and Evolence™.
• The Hyaluronic Acids - Restylane®, Juvederm®, Hydrafill®, Hylaform®, Dermalive®, Dermdeep®,Matridur®, Matridex® Esthélis®, Reviderm® Intra, Puragen™ and Teosyal.
• The Polyacrylamides - Aquamid™, Bio-Alcamid™, Outline® and Evolution®.
• The Poly-L-Lactic Acids - Sculptra®.
• The Polyvinyl Alcohols - Bioinblue™.
• And, the Calcium Hydroxylapatites - Radiesse™.

Many practitioners are understandably wary about using a permanent filler product, for many reasons, including worries about complications due to a patient reaction, and the concern that the patient may not like the resulting “permanent” enhancement. However, patient criteria for a dermal filler product, as well as cost, has always been heavily influenced by the length of time that a filler product will last and retain the desired correction.

So, to create this middle ground, a so called “semi-permanent” (resorbable) filler niche has arisen, comprising those products that contain a biodegradable carrier substance, such as hyaluronic acid, plus microspheres (small balls if you like) of another substance which give the structure to the correction, which the natural tissues will bond around, giving a more permanent and long lasting effect. Examples of these semi-permanent products include: Radiesse™ (Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) microspheres), Matridex® and Reviderm® Intra (Dextran microspheres), Dermalive® and Dermdeep® (Acrylic Hydrogel microspheres).

As well as filling or volumising products, a new breed of “stimulators”, which includes the semi-permanent ones listed above, has also become available which through their injection stimulate the body’s production of new collagen meaning natural added volume and correction over time. Unlike the products such as those with a hyaluronic acid base which gives immediate results, and with the microspheres for longer lasting results, there are products which have no immediate volumising effect, yet are designed to cause a foreign body reaction (collagen production) over time to achieve the long lasting effects; examples includeSculptra® and Isolagen®, (although strictly speaking categorised as an autologous cell therapy and not a cosmetic filler).

With the coming of age of so called “baby-boomers”, increased disposable income, increased media exposure and consumer awareness via TV programmes such as 10 Years Younger, the demand for quick, minimally invasive treatments will continue with the emphasis on non-animal, long-lasting, natural and safe cosmetic filler products.

Recent New Launches:

Sculptra® (Formerly New-Fill®)

Sculptra® - previously branded as New-Fill® - was originally launched in the UK in 2000. It was re-branded under the new name Sculptra® in 2004 and is growing in popularity in the UK and Europe.

It is composed of tiny beads of a synthetic (non-animal and non-human) material called Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA is broken down by the body to lactic acid - a natural substance found in the human body.

The manufacturer, Sanofi-Aventis, claims that the product can help cause new collagen production rather than just mechanically filling depressions. The product itself is not permanent but the effects can be long lasting. Sculptra® is therefore used more as a sculpting agent and tissue stimulator, rather than just as a wrinkle filler. It also has an FDA approval for treating HIV-induced facial lipodystrophy, (sunken features caused by fat loss).

Radiesse™ (Formerly Radiance™)

We reviewed Radiance™ (Calcium Hydroxylapatite) in our feature article on dermal fillers back in June 2004 entitled - Filling the Gap. The product was then being marketed as Radiance™, however towards the end of 2004 Bioform Medical, the US manufacturers re-branded it as Radiesse™.

Radiesse™ is not a permanent filler. It is a long lasting, resorbable filler - with the effect claimed to last approximately 2 years depending on the patient and the area treated. Once injected into your skin, the smooth and spherical CaHA particles form a ’scaffold’ which a person’s own tissue grows between. The gel carrier dissolves within a few months and over time, the CaHA particles gradually break down and are completely metabolised by the body, leaving only the new collagen structure.

Esthelis®

Esthélis® is a monophasic double crosslinked hyaluronic acid created in Switzerland by Anteis, and promoted in the UK by Aston Biomed Ltd. (In Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Russia, and Italy it is promoted under the name Belotero.)

Esthélis® has been designed from biofermentation hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in our body; which the makers claim makes it safe and completely biocompatible, as well as wholly biodegradable. It is created using Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) technology, a unique process which gives Esthélis® hyaluronic acid unusual elasticity; (this technology adds to its “mono-phasic” nature). Esthélis® therefore guarantees a considerably better result from the first hours after the injection and over the initial months, in terms of increased volume and wrinkle filling compared to “biphasic” products.

Esthélis® Basic is aimed at volume enhancement treatments and can be used for deep furrows, lip augmentation, facial outlines, naso-labial furrows, glabellar lines and the correction of facial depressions. Whilst Esthélis® Soft is designed for treating superficial wrinkles and can be used for perioral wrinkles, lip commissures, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.

Evolence™

Launched in the UK at the beginning of 2005, EVOLENCE™ is a long lasting, porcine (derived from pigs) collagen-based dermal filler; which the makers claim will last at least 12 months. Manufactured by ColBar LifeScience and distributed in the UK by Clover Leaf Medical Ltd, EVOLENCE™ is composed of highly purified, cross-linked porcine collagen dispersed in phosphate buffered saline solution.

The manufacturer’s state that EVOLENCE™, unlike bovine (cow) derived fillers, is able to mimic the properties of the natural collagen found in the skin and therefore, while an allergic reaction is theoretically possible, it is extremely rare so pre-testing is not required before treatment with EVOLENCE™.

Puragen™

Puragen™, launched by Mentor Corporation in the UK in October 2005, is a Non-animal Hyaluronic Acid (NaHA) dermal filler derived from bacterial fermentation.

It is created using their breakthrough technology called DXL™. The patented DXL™ process double cross-links hyaluron molecules, providing greater resistance to degradation than single cross-linked products available. DXL™ therefore increases the resistance of Puragen™ to breaking down as the doubled network of molecules is not absorbed by the body as quickly, giving Puragen™ a longer lasting ability according to the manufacturers. They also state that Puragen™ is the only dermal filler product which depends on double cross-link chemistry, not particle size, to make it last longer.

Puragen™ is approved as a CE-marked Class III medical device in Europe for the correction of facial wrinkles, folds, and lip enhancement; with FDA approval in the US currently pending.

Teosyal

The Teosyal range, promoted in the UK by Lifestyle Aesthetics, consists of three monophasic hyaluronic acid based products of non-animal origin, which are highly biocompatible, offering patients immediate and long-lasting results with no preliminary testing. Two dermal filler products have been launched alongside Teosyal Meso - a new hyaluronic acid based mesotherapy treatment (see below).

Teosyal 27G is a dense and voluminous implant that is used to fill nasolabial folds, lip augmentation, and facial contouring and Teosyal 30G fills cutaneous fissures such as marionette or perioral lines and facial lines.

Restylane® Lipp

Launched in January 2006, Restylane® Lipp has been specially designed for injecting into the lips for enhancement and contouring. It is a cohesive and dynamic gel, and claims to be structured to withstand the range of mouth movements and strains that characterise the lip area and therefore last longer. As with the rest of the RESTYLANE® range it is comprise of Non-Animal Stabilised Hyaluronic Acid (NASHA).

Differing Techniques:

Volumetric

With the continued rise in consumer desire for quick, minimally invasive, so called “lunchtime” procedures, which feature no down-time but expect almost surgical standard results, it is no surprise that manufacturers have looked at ways of producing products that no longer just fill wrinkles the old fashioned way, but add volume and structure to the crucial facial areas which start to sag or sink as we age.

Dr David Eccleston, Cosmetic Physician and medical advisor to The Consulting Room™ comments; “The three main components of ageing skin are photodamage (sun), leading to fine wrinkles, the deeper lines and wrinkles caused by expression, and loss of facial volume due to facial fat and tissue atrophy, leading to sunken cheeks and the facial skin moving downwards in folds.”.

As discussed in our January feature article - The “Non-Surgical Face Lift” Comes of Age? - it is for this reason that a new breed of volumising or volumetric techniques have emerged alongside the original wrinkle filling procedures. Examples of dermal fillers that are being used to provide more of a volumetric approach to facial correction, rather than a simple line or wrinkle filling, include Sculptra® and Restylane® SubQ, which are both injected deeper than most standard products. These can be used to add volume to areas which traditionally lose volume as we age such as the cheeks, hollows under the eyes or tear trough and chins.

Also, as noted at the recent Paris IMCAS meeting in January, cosmetic fillers are now being used where once surgery was the only recommended option - for example, in the new art of non-surgical rhinoplasty or nose jobs. A small number of practitioners are experimenting with the use of filler products to raise the tip of a drooping nose or recontour the nasal profile to camouflage the appearance of a bump or ridge on the nose. Whilst surgery is the only option to permanently alter the structure of the nose, dermal fillers are indeed now seen as a valuable tool for making the nose better fit the face through such volumetric techniques.

Mesotherapy

Hyaluronic acid exists naturally in all living organisms and is a universal component of the spaces between the cells of body tissues, the extracellular space. It can retain 500 times its own volume in water, swelling to plump out the skin and intensively hydrate it from within. This hydrating property not only helps the skin to look and feel firmer, but also aids in the transport of essential nutrients from the bloodstream to the skin cells.

As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin diminishes, as the skin cells lose their ability to produce it. A variety of hyaluronic acid based injectable products has therefore emerged, based on cosmetic filler technology, and often as an adjunctive product within an overall filler brand range, to fill the niche market dedicated to rehydration of the skin via the micro-injection technique known as mesotherapy.

Restylane® Vital

RESTYLANE® Vital is a new product offering from the Swedish company Q-Med, aimed at this new approach to skin rejuvenation. Like all the other RESTYLANE® products, RESTYLANE® Vital is made from Q-Med’s patented NASHA (Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid) gel. It is targeted at a broad range of treatment areas including the face, neck, décolletage (the area between the neck and breasts) and hands; designed to replenish the hyaluronic acid lost through ageing, hence hydrating the skin and improving its elasticity and tone.

RESTYLANE® Vital obtained European CE certification in 2004 for the indication of hydration of the skin by injections.

Viscontour®

Sanofi Aventis, the makers of Sculptra™ (Poly-L-Lactic acid) recently introduced an injectable and topical hyaluronic brand - Viscontour®.

The injection of Viscontour® is targeted at a broad range of treatment areas for skin rejuvenation, helping to hydrate the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the face, neck, décolletage and hands; used in combination with the topical application of Viscontour® (Hyaluronic Acid) Serum.

Teosyal Meso

Launched in the UK in 2005, Teosyal Meso is a non cross linked hyaluronic acid gel which hydrates and revives the dermis of the skin, neck hands and décolletage.

Elastence®

Elastence®, from Inamed, is a hyaluronic acid product aimed at restoring skin hydration, tone, and elasticity to the skin on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands. Treatment using Elastence® is marketed as the Biorevitalisation Treatment Programme.

Juvelift®

Juvelift®, part of the Juvederm® range, is a hyaluronic based product with vitamins designed for micro-injection application on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands to replace lost hyaluronic acid and improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Surgilift® Plus

Surgilift® Plus is a hyaluronic acid based product from Corneal Group, (see more below about their recent product launches) designed for micro-injection application on the face, neck, décolletage and backs of the hands to replace lost hyaluronic acid and improve skin hydration and elasticity.

Although now available in Europe this product has yet to reach UK shores, yet given that is comes from the same company that produces Juvederm®, we can possibly expect to see it’s introduction here in the future.

Future Introductions:

Captique™

In December 2004, Inamed was granted FDA approval to market Genzyme Corporation’s new non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid dermal filler called Captique™ within the United States. Designed for the correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth and claimed to last up to one year.

Although currently only available in the USA, rumour has it that this product is likely to be available in the UK in 2007.

Cosmoderm® and Cosmoplast®

FDA approved CosmoDerm® and CosmoPlast®, from Inamed, are composed of highly purified human-based collagen (type I and type III) that is contained in phosphate-buffered saline with 0.3% lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. And, unlike bovine collagen based products they do not require a skin test - allowing for same day treatment.

CosmoDerm® is used to treat fine lines, wrinkles and shallow scars and overcorrection of 1.5 - 2.0 times the depth of the wrinkle is often practiced. CosmoPlast® is used to treat deep lines, furrows and scars without overcorrection. Layering of CosmoDerm® over CosmoPlast® can also be performed to eliminate a wrinkle or scar with the need for overcorrection techniques.

Despite the advantage of the natural collagen replacement and lack of skin test requirement, some people may have an aversion to the use of cadaver derived products and will choose an alternative.

Although available in the USA this product has yet to reach UK shores.

Surgiderm®

Recently launched and heavily promoted at IMCAS this year, the Surgiderm® range by Corneal Group, is based on their patented cross-linking process called “3D Hyaluronic Acid Matrix Technology”, which is claimed to allow for a tighter, more uniform, and greater number of cross-link structures - allowing greater resistance to degradation.

The range consists of Surgiderm 18 for fine lines, Surgiderm 24 XP for medium depth wrinkles and enhancing lip contours, Surgiderm 30 for treating deep skin depressions and volume enhancement through injection into the deep dermis, and Surgiderm 30 XP which can be used to treat medium and deep skin depressions and enhance facial volume and lip contours.

Also within the range is the newly launched Surgilips®, which prior to the introduction of RESTYLANE® Lipp was the only injectable product available specifically designed for treating the lips. Corneal claim that the results, as well as looking more natural, last longer at 9 - 12 months on average, compared to less than 6 months for other hyaluronic acid fillers used in the lips.

Although now available in Europe this product has yet to reach UK shores.

Voluma®

Also recently launched alongside Surgiderm® by Corneal Group is Voluma®, which they are marketing as the “D.R.E.A.M. sculpture®”. This product, based on their hyaluronic acid technology is designed for face volume restoration. Little more is known about it at this time.

REDEFYNE™

Anika Therapeutics Inc, recently received CE Mark approval to market its cosmetic tissue augmentation product, REDEFYNE™, in the European Union; American FDA market approval is still pending. The product is based on hyaluronic acid and incorporates lidocaine, a local anaesthetic. We have no news yet on any plans to start promoting this in the UK.

Hylanew®

The HylaNew® range from the Canadian company Prollenium features the highest concentration of cross-linked non-animal based hyaluronic acid gel available. It also incorporates Hypromellose (an eye lubricant) which makes the gel easy to inject and is said to cause less bruising and swelling for the patient.

The range is formulated into three products. HylaNew® is best used to fill superficial imperfections such as fine lines, forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, and perioral lines, and is claimed to last 6 months. HylaNew Ultra is a high viscosity, longer lasting product used for smoothing out deeper wrinkles and for lip augmentation, and is claimed to last 9 months. HylaDex has the same hyaluronic acid base but with the addition of Dextronomer beads, making it the longest lasting of the three fillers. The Dextronomer beads stimulate the production of the body’s own new tissue. HylaDex is used for medium to deep sized wrinkles and folds and is ideal for chin/cheek augmentation, and is claimed to last 12-15 months.

Although only available in Canada and with US FDA market approval pending, this product can be found in some UK clinics.

Summary:

The UK dermal filler market place, estimated to be worth between £15-20 million, is still dominated by Q-Med with the tried and trusted temporary dermal filler range, Restylane®. Since its UK introduction in 1996, this hyaluronic acid has taken significant market share from Inamed, who promote bovine collagen (Zyderm® and Zyplast®) due to the lack of sensitivity testing required for this non-animal derived product.

There are now 9 different actively promoted purely hyaluronic based product lines available in the UK, (and counting), highlighting the success of hyaluronic acid as an effective and safe dermal filler compound, and collectively they account for the vast majority of dermal fillers used in the UK. Increasing choice is fragmenting the market to some extent, although the Restylane® brand still appears to own the lions share.

Differentiation relating to product performance may now only be noticed in practice by high volume, experienced users - hence additional features relating to training support; costs and marketing or brand support are now being used by suppliers to promote their brand to clinics and practitioners.

In addition, recent national reports commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, on the provision of cosmetic surgery procedures have recommended that “remodelling techniques using cells or tissue i.e. cosmetic fillers” be brought into the regulatory framework of the Healthcare Commission. This is planned to come into force in October 2006. This will mean that like those clinics currently offering laser/IPL or cosmetic surgery procedures, those offering dermal fillers will be required by law to be registered and annually inspected.

We believe this to be good news for both practitioners and the public, giving peace of mind for the public and continuity of the standard of filler administration for clinics.

Lorna Jackson is Editor of The Consulting Room™ http://www.consultingroom.com/ -the UK’s largest aesthetic website providing clear and unbiased information to the public on a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments, combined with a directory of UK & Ireland based clinics and surgeons. The Consulting Room™ Shop http://www.consultingroomshop.com/ is the first aesthetic online store backed by FACT not FICTION and offers a simple and secure online shopping experience for all the latest in at-home, clinically proven skincare, suncare, post cosmetic surgery after care, laser hair removal and hair growth devices, slimming garments and a wide range of other aesthetic products.

We all know that ageing brings about changes to the way we look and perhaps most of all we all wish it wasn’t so obvious from the look on our face.

With ageing one of the most annoying changes for many of us is to do with the skin around the eyes, the skin loosens and sags, bags under the eyes and those lines we know as crow’s feet begin to appear.

Eye bags form over time where the skin and the soft tissues under the eyes lose firmness allowing the fatty deposits to bulge and become more pronounced.

Crow’s feet form over time due to years of muscle movement when blinking or squinting, think therefore how much of a problem this can be for smokers, always squinting to avoid the cigarette smoke from entering the eyes.

OK, so what can we do to alleviate the problem? Well you may want to consider invasive treatments such as fillers or surgery and that can indeed have the desired affect but what if that is not an alternative for whatever reasons, financial, fear of needles etc..

With those lines around the eyes, we call the crow’s feet it may be worth considering a daily massage routine and the use of a good moisturiser each day to keep the skin as supple as possible.

Massage in a little apricot oil and with the ring finger massage in a circular motion
from the corner of the eye outwards towards the temple area. Do this on a daily basis to exercise and improve the efficiency of the muscles encircling the eye
Botox is widely used in invasive treatments but good alternatives can be found in the form of certain moisturisers, use these on a daily basis to keep your skin from drying out, there are some that provide excellent overall anti ageing treatments in general too.

Bags under the eyes are often due to fluid retention and again there are ways to reduce the problem other than turning to surgery.

The appearance of those bags can often look worse on waking in the mornings and that’s because the fluid builds up overnight. You might like to try a little exercise in jumping up and down or just running up and down the stairs as gravity can help pull down the excess fluid and lessen their appearance.

There are other well know remedies such as lying down with cucumber or potato slices over the eyes and of course the application of ice or cold teaspoons.

You might also like to try tapping lightly with your finger in the under eye area for a minute or so to try and disperse the fluid.

If you believe that those bags under the eyes are as a result of your lifestyle or diet you could run a check on whether or not they are worse after eating certain foods or when you have been consuming too much alcohol or have been in a really smoky atmosphere. Try avoiding some of these things and see if it does make a difference.

Perhaps switching your brands of eye make up, eye make up remover, contact lens solution or mascara might help, you might me sensitive to one of them.
If you use an eye cream use only a very small amount and pat or dot it on very lightly along the bony ridge under the eye not right under the eye lashes then massage it in very gently. Make sure that the eye cream you use is the right one for you and make sure that it does not enter your eyes.

You can improve the appearance of skin around your eyes but you must be careful to choose the simplest and most gentle skincare regime and most important of all the right moisturisers and anti ageing products.

Brian Potter can help you with anti ageing skin care problems including bags under eyes, puffy eyes and how to remove dark circles under eyes.

Visit http://www.takingcareofskin.com to Download a Free eBook when you sign up for a free newsletter packed full of all the latest information you’ll need for a more Youthful, Healthier Looking Skin.

More help with the right products to purchase for these problems can be found at http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/soft-option-skin-care