Why Our Brains are Wired to Follow Celebrity Medical Advice—and Why You Should Get a Reality Check from Your Doctor
October 12, 2017 - Rhys Branman, MD
It may seem obvious that you shouldn’t rely on a famous face with no medical training to tell you how to take care of yourself, but celebrities have a way of easily convincing us of their expertise. Unfortunately, while sharing favorite skincare products or tips for nailing your workout may be harmless, many celebrities are slinging medical advice that is downright questionable. Why do we trust celebrities? Actors, musicians, and even beloved Instagram celebrities have a very public platform with which to spread their ideas and opinions. And while it stands to reason that fans who admire them would give... 
It's safe to say that most everyone has at least heard of BOTOX®—and, whether they choose BOTOX or Dysport®, a huge number of folks swear by botulinum toxin’s ability to help smooth out brow wrinkles and help them them feel more confident in their day to day lives. In fact, over 7 million botulinum toxin treatments were performed on American men and women last year alone! Despite its popularity, this wrinkle-fighting injectable is still a mystery to many. To help you out, we've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about BOTOX we receive. 1. Will BOTOX make my... 
IMPORTANT UPDATE: As of November 2020, Brilliant Distinctions is now Allē! Click here to join the new and improved loyalty program, which allows you to convert your Brilliant Distinctions® account to Allē and hold on to your rewards points. Do you like rewards, savings, and feeling special? If you answered yes, keep reading about why you should join our Brilliant Distinctions® program. What is Brilliant Distinctions? Allergan®—the global company best known for popular products like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Juvéderm®, and Latisse®—designed the Brilliant Distinctions customer loyalty program to help members save on various brand products each time they purchase a treatment. Here... 
In today’s social media-driven world, many people don’t think twice about posting a detailed account of their divorce on Facebook or Instagramming photos of their half-eaten lunch for the world to see. So why is it still such a big deal to be open about cosmetic surgery? Writer Joyce Wadler recently pondered this question in a New York Times column. After undergoing a facelift, she was advised how she might explain away the bandages and bruising that’s typical the first few days after surgery: telling people she had been in a car wreck. Wadler took issue with this, asking why,... 
One quick Google search for anti-aging tips will have you questioning your entire skincare routine—and wondering if you’ve doomed yourself with years of bad habits. Refinery29 asked the experts to sort the bonafide from the bogus when it comes to anti-aging advice. The verdict? Much of what’s circulating online is hooey—and there’s a good chance that the habit you’re being told is making you look old is really #NBD. A few of our favorite fact-checks from the article, to help you quit fretting... How you apply your moisturizer doesn’t matter The Myth: Make sure you put your facial products on... 
Summer is coming, and now is a great time so say, “out with the old, in with the new”—skin, that is! As the seasons shift, many of us are still battling the lackluster complexion winter graced us with, but reviving your glow is easier than you think. We’ve compiled some of the best, affordable, low-commitment skin treatments for all skin types—and you’ll love that they’re quick, have little-to-no downtime, and will give you a fresh face just in time for summer. 1. SkinPen microneedling: Unlock your body’s healing power The idea of poking tiny needles into your skin might sound... 
Wondering whether non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments are a good investment, or if it’s better to hold out for a facelift? The outcome of this recent study may help you decide. The study, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, surveyed patients who had a surgical facelift before age 50, asking them what non-surgical treatments they had prior to surgery, and whether or not they regretted the cost of these treatments given that they ended up going through with facelift surgery anyway. The majority of patients did not regret spending money on non-surgical alternatives before having facelift surgery. In fact, they felt that... 
There’s a long-held myth that caring about your skin is something reserved for women. Wrong! A growing number of men are recognizing just how important it is to properly care for your skin—particularly if you want to avoid looking prematurely aged, droopy, and lined. So, gentlemen, it’s time to up your game. Here are some of the best things you can do to keep looking sharp. A growing number of men are recognizing just how important it is to properly take care of your skin...or risk looking prematurely aged, droopy, and lined. Gentle improvement + early intervention Men have thicker... 
The holidays are a time of gift-giving, festive music, and cookies galore—along with office parties, family reunions, and plenty of photo-ops! It’s no wonder that we see an uptick this time of year in the number of patients wishing to rejuvenate and refresh their faces in anticipation of a busy social season. If you count yourself among this crowd, we’ve got good news for you. There is still time to smooth wrinkles, tighten the skin, or even take several years off your appearance and look fabulous for the height of the holiday season. Here are a few quick-recovery facial rejuvenation... 