Some wear it like a badge of honor, yet others want to keep it under wraps. Getting neurotoxin injections, like Botox, Dysport and *Xeomin, is a very individual decision that should be made between a doctor and patient, but it seems like everyone is speculating on who's had what done. And with that speculation comes some misinformation. That's why we asked Seattle Dermatologic Surgeon, Dr. Jennifer Reichel, MD, to clear up some of the common myths surrounding this increasingly popular treatment.
“Neurotoxins are the gold-standard treatment for dynamic wrinkles on many areas of the face,” Dr. Reichel says. “They work remarkably well and quite predictably. They are great for the forehead wrinkles, wrinkles between the eyes and crow's-feet. They also have great utility for jaw line definition, raising the corners of the mouth, neck bands, bunny lines and much more.”
Of course, one of the main concerns is that the face will become frozen and unable to create expressions, due to the fact that the neurotoxins actually demobilize the muscles that make the expressions that lead to wrinkle formation.
“If the neurotoxins are administered properly one should be able to maintain outstanding ability to animate and look great at the same time,” Dr. Reichel says.
After injections, many patients fear they will swell up, but Dr. Reichel explains that swelling is not typically a side effect of neurotoxins. “Generally within 10 to 15 minutes of administration, the majority of people look like they didn't do anything,” she says.
Patients will begin to see results in as early as three days, but will have to wait two weeks to see full results. And those results should be undetectable to others. “I have many patients, men and woman, whose spouses and significant others are convinced that their loved one is naturally beautiful and has never had a neurotoxin-and they have,” Dr. Reichel says. “It is our little secret.”
The days of skimpy, barely there lashes are over, thanks to the recent boom in eyelash lengthening and thickening products. And while many of these products really do work, the one that seems to get the most attention is Latisse. With celebrity spokesmodels that have included Christina Hendricks, Claire Danes and Brooke Shields, it’s no wonder that this serum stands out. But do luscious lashes come at a cost?
There were so many questions about Latisse in response to our video about eyelash extensions, we decided to make it the topic for this week’s “Ask an Expert.” Beverly Hills, CA, plastic surgeon Leslie H. Stevens, MD, is here with the answers.
First, Latisse works by prolonging the growth cycles of your eyelashes, making them longer, thicker and darker over time. Noticeable results typically occur after six weeks, with full results after 14 weeks.
Kristen asks, What are the side effects of Latisse and what is the percentage of women who usually see these side effects? I'm very interested, but worried about potentially changing the look of, or causing damage to my eyes.
According to Dr. Stevens, there are very few side effects. “Transient irritation of the skin or pigmentation of the skin that is reversible are the most common. There is a very, very small chance (less than 2 percent) of permanent darkening of the iris in people with green or hazel eyes.”
Another question comes from Melissa who asks, Is Latisse something you have to continue to use forever if you want to keep long, full eyelashes? Or do you use until you get your lashes where you want them to be, and then stop?
Unfortunately, if you stop using the product, your lashes will slowly return to their previous state. “Just like eyelash extensions, one needs to continue using the product to maintain the results.”
Tuesday, January 24th, 2012
Injections or Surgery: When's the Right Time?
Perhaps you have been considering a procedure to address your aging skin. Do you opt for an injectable like Botox or Xeomin to stop muscle movement or a filler like Juvéderm or Radiesse to add volume? Or is it time for surgery in the form of an eyelift or blepharoplasty?
"I generally suggest that you give fillers a try if you have relatively good skin elasticity, but have lost some of the fullness in your face," says Dr. Jennifer Reichel, Founder & Director of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center. Fillers can plump up areas that are beginning to look a bit gaunt, but they cannot address excessively sagging skin. If wrinkles are bothering you, injectables like Botox or Xeomin may fit the bill to stop the facial movements (like squinting) that cause the lines.
If you have tried injectables or fillers and feel that you look "puffy" or "doughy," it may be time to move on to surgery. If you have sagging skin, surgery is the procedure that will fix it.
However, since some areas of your face may need more aggressive attention than others, don't be surprised if your doctor suggests injectables or fillers in conjunction with surgery to help you achieve the most natural, balanced look. Bottom line: Seek out a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to help determine the current condition of your skin and the best ways to improve it. At Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we offer cosmetic consultations for all of your cosmetic questions and needs, call 206.859.5777, to schedule an appointment today.
I have a couple of scars around my mouth that are getting deeper as I age. I'm wondering about fat injections vs. a dermal filler, both in terms of lasting effect and cost. Can you tell me how the two compare? K.
Dear K.
Thank you for your inquiry. The most important idea is for you to come in and we can do a consultation face to face to look at your scars. However, I can give you some information vial email. When working around the mouth (with wrinkles, or with scars), I am more likely to recommend a dermal filler (such as Restylane or Juvederm) over fat injections. Fat is a wonderful “volumizer” for the face. Non of the other fillers even come close to giving the results of a fat transfer when someone has lost volume in the upper face, or has dark circles or grooves under the eyes.
However, around the mouth, fat often is too bulky, and it does not have the ability to fill in fine lines or fine scars. The hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, can be placed very superficially under the skin to really fill in finer lines, or to fill in scar lines. There are other options for scar treatments – so we don’t want to rule those out until I see you in person.
Please call my office at your earliest convenience, 206.859.5777, either Melissa or Sara can schedule an appointment for you.
Thank you for the email. I look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle
I just returned from my visit with Dr. Reichel for Juvederm and Botox treatments for my under eye bags. I wanted to leave you a comment regarding what a wonderful experience I had. I was a little nervous going into this, courtesy of horror stories I had read online from patients who had seen other doctors. Dr. Reichel made my procedure much easier than expected and quite pleasant. I can't remember a time when my eyes looked this refreshed! Being only 24 and having people tell me I look like I'm in my 30's because of the terrible bags and dark circles under my eyes is very disheartening. I feel like I've gained back that bit of self confidence I once lost many years ago, all thanks to you Dr. Reichel. Thank you so much, I will be back!
Correct me if I am wrong, but recently, I've noticed everyone's trying to fake it. What is "it" exactly? Good question, whether it's Los Angeles, Scottsdale, New York or Miami, there isn't a whole lot people aren't trying to fake. But I digress.
The "it" I'm referring to is, especially as we age, full, voluminous lashes. Lashes so thick and black they'd make Kim Kardashian blush. Doll-like lashes.
Extensions are always an option. Eyelash growth enhancers will give you a one up. Here are two fabulous options that both promise and deliver fabulous results in as little as 8 weeks. The one and only FDA approved--Latisse--which can be found at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, often at a great discount, and the other is Obagi's Elastilash--also offered at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.
But if you're looking for a quick blast of drama, a flirty flash of lash—a fantastic mascara can work wonders. So without further adieu, here are two new mascaras to keep an eye out for:
MAC False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara ($19)
Part of the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 MAC lineup, this intensely black mousse-like formula creates the illusion of costly extensions.
Noir G de Guerlain Mascara ($49)
Launching January 2012, this formula will curl and lengthen lashes, and stimulate the production of keratin, according to WWD.
“As I aged and lost fat under my skin, the area under my eyes became darker. The Circles under my eyes have become more prominent. I have dark skin, so I'm wondering if this is a problem? And secondly do I need bleaching creme, or something else to make these circles less prominent. “ Thank you. N.D.
Dear N.D.
Thanks for your question. I would love to see you for a consultation to help you with your dark circles. They can be so bothersome and take work to improve. In answer to your first question, I can treat any skin color/type for under-eye dark circles. A fading cream, such as hydroquinone, can give some benefit. In addition, you should always be using an eye cream in the am and the pm. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on the block – depending on your “pocket book”. I love the Skin Ceuticals A.G.E. eye cream, but there are also great ones that are less expensive out there too (Oil of Olay makes a great product).
Other ideas could include fillers under the eyes, such as Juvederm, or Restylane, or even possibly lasers. The best idea is to come in for a consultation we me and we can look together and make a plan. Please call my office at 206. 859.5777 at your earliest convenience, I look forward to meeting you.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle
