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It used to be that you would go to a salon to get your hair and nails done but these days salons offer all kinds of beauty treatments including cosmetic injectables and even more invasive procedures. The prices can be very cheap, but the results can be catastrophic.

On this episode of KVUE’s HealthVue, Dr. Jennifer Walden is interviewed on why it is crucial for consumers to take a second look and ask more questions. Notably, there was a dramatic case out of Miami last year when reports surfaced about illegal cosmetic injections being performed on several women. “Doctors” were accused of injecting these women with substances like mineral oil, super glue, concrete, and Fix-a-Flat. The women reportedly were getting buttock injections in hopes of attaining a healthy “backside”, but they could have lifetime disfigurement as a result.

Last month, in Tyler, Texas, a salon owner was arrested for injecting clients in the breast and buttocks with an unknown substance (likely automotive grade silicone) and closing it with a superglue-type sealant. Why would someone get this done to their body? Perhaps it is the very low cost and the lack of information about what these victims are being injected with.

As Dr. Walden explains, it is important that patients are educated about the three P’s: Product, Practitioner, and Place.

1. Product - Make sure the product you are getting injected with is an FDA approved product for the particular area you are wanting injected. The FDA has approved certain products for injection into different regions of the face for cosmetic purposes, like Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, Radiesse, and Sculptra. There is no synthetic material that has been approved by the FDA for injection in the breast so that is a red flag itself. Ask what neurotoxin or filler is being used, and even research the product labeling online. If a provider refuses or is unable to tell you what material you are being injected with, do not let that person treat you.

2.Practitioner – Know what type of practitioner to go to like a physician trained to do cosmetic procedures or his/her designee such as a physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse with cosmetic injection training. Go to a doctor in one of the core specialties like plastic surgery, dermatology, or otolaryngology who is also board-certified in that specialty.

3. Place - Don’t get injected in a place that you feel uncomfortable undergoing a procedure in such as a salon, mall, or private home. These are medical procedures and they ideally should be performed in a medical office or medical facility due to its sanitary environment with resources at hand. Often the price may seem too good to pass up, but if you hear of a Groupon ad that’s too good to be true or a salon owner that is offering rock bottom prices on something that is going to be injected in your face or body, let the buyer beware as it be dangerous or even fatal. Even at a Botox “party” or event, a physician must be supervising anyone who is doing these procedures and they must the appropriate credentials, meaning they have to be a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant with special training to administer cosmetic injectables.

In other words, do your research, ask questions, and become informed!

DR. JENNIFER WALDEN WAS HONORED TO BE FEATURED AS A TOP COSMETIC SURGEON IN NYC PRIOR TO HER MOVE TO AUSTIN, TEXAS. PIERCE MATTIE, AN ESTEEMED BEAUTY AND FASHION PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM, WROTE THE ARTICLE BELOW, ENTITLED, “ROUNDUP OF THE BEST COSMETIC SURGEONS IN NYC” ON NOVEMBER 14, 2011. THANKS, PIERCE MATTIE!

If you’re looking to undergo cosmetic surgery, here are three cosmetic surgeons located in New York City, known for their skill and expertise.

Dr. Phillip Miller: Dr. Philip Miller is a cosmetic surgeon that has remained on the list of Best Doctors in America since 2007. He specializes in facial surgeries, including plastic, cosmetic, and rejuvenation procedures. Due to his extensive training, studying and applied experience of over twenty years, he attracts many patients, including an extensive-secret celebrity list.

Dr. Phillip Miller has also been featured in many magazines like W Magazine, Marie Claire and The Wall Street Journal, in addition to newspaper articles, each displaying his knowledge and success. He was recently featured in Elle Magazine - who reports that Dr. Phillip Miller is NYC’s best facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Phillip Miller has been the recipient of many doctorial awards including Top Doctor of New York.

If you want to engage in more information and stay connected regarding Dr. Phillip Miller, be sure to follow him on Twitter, and YouTube to catch his latest interviews and answers. He also has an app! If you have an iPhone or Android you can download his App to stay up to date on his practices and procedures.

Dr. Kolker: Dr. Adam R. Kolker focuses his practice on facial cosmetic surgery as well as breast and body augmentations. Not only does Dr. Kolker serve in his practice, but also finds the time to exert the position of a surgical volunteer for Operation Smile. Operation Smile is a non-profit organization that Dr. Kolker is a proud representative of. The organization helps children all around the world by performing free surgery to those in need.

In addition to Dr. Kolker’s success, he has produced his own line of skin care products entitled, AKMD. For every AKMD product sold, a portion is generously donated to Operation Smile.

To request an appointment with Dr. Kolker, you can do so online or visit their contact page.
Dr. Jennifer Walden: Dr. Jennifer Walden is frequently seen on Fox News where she shares her expertise on cosmetic surgery. She’s also routinely sourced in magazines such as Vogue, Shape, The New York Sun and more, on surgical related topics. She is very well known for her extensive list on procedure selection from injections, breast implants, tummy tucks, makeovers and more.

Dr. Walden has a growing list of jaw dropping “before and afters” that really display her talent. She succeeds in every aspect of emotionally and physically transforming patient’s lives, so they can achieve and live their dream. Dr. Walden is also the co-author of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery which covers unique topics and provides guidance and expertise on cosmetic surgery and the outcomes. The hardcover inspirational book also comes with a DVD, both are available for purchase through Amazon for $315.

If you are eager to learn more about Dr. Walden you ‘Like’ her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. She also posts videos on YouTube to share, her recent post reflecting Breast Cancer Awareness, which is a great video to educate yourself with.

Have you had the experience of working with any of these extremely talented doctors? Tweet us @PierceMattiePR

September is one of the busiest months of the year for everyone and there’s no exception here in the office! We have been so busy that our patient of the month for September got a late announcement. Well, here she is…the beautiful Lorraine. You can tell from the picture that she can light up a room and we are honored to have such a beauty as a patient. What a great way to start the fall!

I have loved Blake Lively ever since I saw her in the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie. She is not only drop-dead gorgeous, but also charming and adorable.

And it seems her career is only getting hotter. Blake topped the week’s ‘most searched celebrities’, beating out Kim Kardashian, and I suspect her amazing looks, and perhaps her rumored new beau Leo, have something to do with this.

Since Blake seems to be everywhere these days, I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and talk about how her career and looks have changed since her arrival in hollywood.

While Blake was already gorgeous before, I think that the results of the rhinoplasty surgery that she had done at some time between finishing work on the first Sisterhood movie and beginning work on Gossip Girl helped in taking her looks and career to the next level.

Prior to surgery, Blake’s nose was slightly bulbous, giving her face more of a cute appearance. Post surgery Blake’s nose is much more refined and allows her to achieve the sophisticated look that, along with her fashion sense, she has become so famous for.

Here is Blake looking adorable in a photo from her Sisterhood days:

Compare that with a more recent photo:

Blake’s rhinoplasty is a great example of the ways a slight change in facial structure can make for a total transformation. Without changing too much about herself, she has gone from girl next door to the face of Chanel. Simply stunning!!! I look forward to what is to come from this screen siren.

-Samantha H

Congratulations to our very own Olivia Ward who was crowned the season 11 winner of The Biggest Loser on last night’s finale. We are so proud of our girl who is a longtime employee of Dr. Walden’s who embarked on her AMAZING weight loss journey beginning last October. She is such a part of our family, and the whole office is on such a high after Olivia’s dramatic transformation culminated in victory last night.

Olivia has always had the drive of a champion, moving to New York originally to pursue her career as an opera singer, and there is no doubt that she will continue to do great things on the health and wellness front. We are also excited to have Olivia return to our office to help others to achieve their goals so that their outer beauty is able to match their inner beauty! We are all planning to go on a training program once we see her walk through that door!

It is no surprise to those who know her that she attacked The Biggest Loser competition like a wild animal, beating out some very large boys to come out the underdog victor. She lost half her body weight and gained a new perspective on life. In addition to her fierce determination she has a heart of gold and is a dear friend who deserves all the success her hard work has led her to. We love you and are so proud of your well earned victory! Click here to see Olivia live on Regis and Kelly!

People Magazine’s most recent issue is out and besides naming Jennifer Lopez the most world’s most beautiful woman (she is very beautiful but that is an extreme declaration!) they have a segment about women who look half their age. Along with their pictures, these women talk about how and why they look that good. Well, they really only talk about half of the reasons. Of course they begin with the gorgeous, age-defying Christie Brinkley:

She says her secret is that she multi-tasks and is careful about how much make up she wears and what color she dyes her hair. And yes we should believe that is why she looks like this at 57. The Easter bunny is coming over to my house on Sunday too! I wasn’t looking for a detailed invoice of what all these women had done but at least give a hint or two about having a little help (from a friendly dermatologist or surgeon) so that women in their 40’s and 50’s aren’t going crazy at home thinking that this is possible without that. I think they all look young, healthy and natural, but it is because they have had help. Anyone could see that they have had Botox and fillers and I applaud them for not overdoing it. They don’t look fake or frozen at all. Here are the other examples and their “explanations”:

Stacey Dash, now 44 and says she washes her face every night and drinks water. Sorry Stacey, but we are not as clueless as you were back then.

Dana Delaney, an amazing 55 years old, just got a role that was made for a 35 year old. She says she only eats fish and vegetables and does yoga. While those definitely keep you in shape and healthy, they don’t take away the wrinkles 55 years on this earth will give you!

The same thing goes for Lucy Liu, 42. Yes, the running, pilates, and yoga she does helps her keep her Charlie’s Angels body, but botox and fillers have helped her keep her youthful face.

Even with a little help, I think these women have done a great job taking care of themselves and they should be proud. They’re beautiful!

Our patient of the month for March is Teneia! After coming to the decision to have a breast augmentation, Teneia did her research and came to Dr. Walden for it. She wanted a natural look and she looks and feels great! She is so happy with her results, she spoke with LXNY about why she wanted to have the procedure done (video below). Teneia talks about the right reason to have plastic surgery done: she did it for herself. She is a confident and beautiful young woman and we are so happy to have been part of her experience. See what she had to say about it…enjoy!