Archive for March, 2012
Latisse and Botox – A Beautiful Couple
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012
Latisse and Botox
They make a beautiful couple – Latisse and Botox, the FDA-approved treatments for growing longer, thicker eyelashes, and for removing lines and wrinkles, work well in tandem. As a result, more women are choosing to undergo these cosmeceutical treatments simultaneously. We’re getting more inquiries about the Latisse-Botox combo here at Peer Group in northern New Jersey, and here’s what we tell patients: Botox injections are often used to remove wrinkles and lines around the eyes, and longer, fuller lashes can also give eyes a more youthful appearance. (In fact, Latisse has been called “Botox for the eyelashes.”) So it often makes sense to combine Latisse and Botox treatment. Here are the essentials of both treatments to keep in mind:
Latisse is topical solution, available by prescription and applied at home. Latisse has been proven effective in clinical trials in increasing the length, thickness, and darkness of eyelashes in women who’s lashes had lost their fullness through natural aging, a condition called “hypotrichosis” of the eyelashes. This skin care product is made by Allergen, the same company that developed and makes Botox, so it’s not surprising the two make such a great team. (Allergen also makes the cosmetic filler Juvederm.) It takes about six weeks of daily applications for Latisse to achieve its full effects. Meanwhile Botox cosmetic treatments, which have been proven effective at erasing facial lines, furrows and wrinkles, usually take less than a week following administration of Botox cosmetic by qualified medical specialist to achieve maximum impact. The effects of Botox can be dramatic in reducing and eliminating facial lines and wrinkles for three to four months.
One popular scheduling method to take advantage of both these therapies: Make an appointment for a Botox treatment and get a prescription for Latisse at the same time. By the time the Botox has reduced or eliminated wrinkles, your eyelashes will be showing signs of thickening and lengthening. And in six weeks, your lashes will be longer and facial lines and wrinkles reduced, simply, safely and effectively. As always, make sure to choose a plastic surgeon experienced with Botox and Botox treatments to perform the procedure.
How to Treat Adult Acne
Monday, March 19th, 2012
We think of acne as the bane of youth, but it commonly occurs in adulthood as well. About 25 percent of men and 50 percent of women develop acne at some point in their adult lives. One third of adults affected by facial acne have acne on other parts of their bodies, as well. Here at Peer Group in Florham Park, New Jersey, we see many cases of adult acne. Interestingly, an article that appeared in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science not long ago found “recent epidemiological studies show that there appears to be an increase in post-adolescent acne, and that the disease is lasting longer and requiring treatment well into the mid-forties.”
Adult acne
The root causes of adult acne are unknown, but hormones, cosmetics and stress are thought to play roles. An increase in bacteria strains resistant to antibiotics may also be a factor. Women often experience pre-menstrual flare-ups, often around the mouth and chin. In adults as in adolescents, acne can cause depression and social anxiety. But adult acne should not be treated the same way as adolescent acne. Treating adult acne can be a challenge, because many acne skin care products are geared for teens and the oily skin that often contributes to the formation of adolescent acne. But these skin care treatments are a poor choice for adults’ drier skin. Here are the basics of skin care for acne in adults:
Cleansers, Creams and lotions – Over-the-counter retinol products can clean pores and reduce fine lines. Products with salicylic acid and glycolic acid – natural acids – can prevent discoloration and reduce acne scars. Avoid cleansers with granules and abrasives. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective treatment for breakouts, as it can kill bacteria that cause acne.
Prescription acne medications – Antibiotic topical ointments including clindamycin, tetracycline taken orally – oral contraceptives and spironolactone, a blood pressure medication, can help stabilize hormones and often provide relief from adult acne. A gel containing the antibiotic dapsone can help fight infection and inflammation
Laser and intense pulsed light treatments – These treatments can help heal acne scars, and blue light lasers can kill bacteria that cause acne.
With the range of treatment options available, adult acne sufferers can get effective help for this condition. Just check the qualifications of the facility and physicians carefully to be sure they are qualified to offer the full spectrum of adult acne therapies.
Botox for Men
Saturday, March 10th, 2012
Botox for Men
Botox, which revolutionized non-invasive cosmetic treatments for women, is now doing the same for men. Depending on the location of the practice, data shows that between 15 and 30 percent of patients undergoing Botox treatments are men. It’s now the most common non-surgical treatment performed on men. We see this Botox trend in more of our male patients here at Peer Group in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Men want Botox injections for many of the same reason women do – they want to appear younger and feel better and more confident about themselves. The majority of men also see Botox as a career investment. Working people are looking for every advantage they can get, and having a youthful appearance can help land and keep a job. The area most commonly treated with Botox cosmetic in men is the frown line between the eyes. These lines, if deep, can make a person appear angry even when their expression is neutral.
The amount of Botox administered to male patients must be adjusted for their physiology. Men sometimes require a much higher dose of Botox than women to achieve the same results because of their stronger and more bulky musculature. This is particularly true with Botox treatments in the frontal area of the face. However, too much Botox in the area of the eyebrows can give the brows an arched, immobile appearance, imparting a startled or slightly feminine expression. Too much Botox administered when treating crow’s feet can impart a wide-eyed look. That’s why it’s important to have the Botox injections performed by a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic procedures.
Medical uses of Botox are also becoming more popular with men. More men are also seeking Botox for hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating of the armpits, and palms of the hands and soles of the feet), migraine headaches and muscles spasms. So guys, if you think Botox treatments could benefit you, schedule a consultation with one of the plastic surgeons of the Peer Group today. These days, it’s a manly thing to do.
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