Posted on May 24, 2010 in Face, Latisse, Skin Care
All our procedures, services and products at the
Robert Zubowski MD Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, carry a “safety first” philosophy. We counsel
Latisse patients that they should not use it if they have been diagnosed with or are taking medication for eye pressure problems, or have glaucoma risk factors. If they are taking prescription eye pressure lowering products or have a history of such problems, they can still use Latisse, in some instances, but only under close monitoring by a doctor. We instruct patients on how to properly use Latisse. Once you stop using Latisse your eyelashes will revert to their former appearance over a period of several weeks to months.
I can’t stress how important it is to obtain your Latisse by prescription from a recognized center for cosmetic enhancement such as ours. According to a recent New York Times article, web sites are now selling Latisse as well as some salons with few or no questions asked of purchasers. As with any of our procedures and products, we fully discuss possible risks, complications, and cautions with our patients prior to them moving forward. Should any problems or concerns arise, we are always here to help.
For further information about how you can benefit from Latisse, please contact our Practice Manager, Ann Carbone.
Posted on May 10, 2010 in Office News
The number of surgical and non-surgical procedures inched toward the 10 million mark in 2009, according to new research from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which also reports that almost half of Americans approve of cosmetic plastic surgery – regardless of income. It is clear from my practice that even in a tight economy more people at every income level will consider some type of cosmetic procedure. That’s partly because new innovations have made surgical and non-surgical options less invasive, and safer.
But there remain dangers with any cosmetic procedure – whether it’s an injectable, a filler, a laser treatment or surgery. Although most complications are infrequent or rare, and generally correctible, there are always risks I make patients aware of before undergoing any treatment.
Here are five tips for safer beauty outcomes.
- Check the surgeon’s certifications. Technically any doctor can purchase injectables, fillers and laser machines and perform any cosmetic treatment or surgery. Look for plastic surgeons who are members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and/or the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
- Assess the surgeon’s experience. You want someone who has a track record in the procedure you are considering. Question any surgeon who claims to have treated an excessive number of patients in a short time. Learn everything you can about the surgeon, and get references.
- Research the procedure and products that will be used. If it is an injectable, filler or laser, be sure it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the procedure you are requesting. Get the name of the product and learn as much as you can about it.
- Engage your surgeon about risks before the procedure. Don’t just sign a patient consent form. It is your right to have a discussion with your surgeon to talk about what “may” go wrong, and to be aware of any complications that may arise.
- Stay the course. Always follow your surgeon’s pre and post-procedure instructions. There may be medicines to avoid, activities to refrain from – get a complete list, read it carefully and don’t be shy about asking any questions.
Not every patient is a good candidate for cosmetic surgical or non-surgical procedures. If your physician tells you that you are not in optimal health for the procedure, take his or her advice.
Posted on May 5, 2010 in Botox, Face, Non Surgical Procedures, Rhinoplasty
Injectables have become quite the rage lately – and not just for getting rid of wrinkles. A growing number of my patients are asking about injectables to fix their imperfect noses. They have their plusses, but are only appropriate for certain flaws.
Non-surgical nose jobs use a number of different types of injectables, including Botox and Restylane, to help reduce minimal irregularities in the nose. Some of the injectables have only a temporary effect, while others will last longer. That’s good in case the patient doesn’t like the outcome. The downside is that injectables have to be repeated to maintain the desired effect. In some cases, they will last for only a few months, and that can be costly and inconvenient. (more)
Injectables are great to “test drive” a new look. They can help fix a low wide bridge, or an over-prominent tip of the nose; they can also help smooth out bumps in some patients. But Injectables will not straighten out a crooked nose, nor will they lift a droopy tip, and most important for some patients, they will not resolve any breathing or snoring problems.
Rhinoplasties – or nose jobs — will remain the gold standard of fixing many noses until researches come up with injectables that are more permanent. In our offices, we have made many advances in rhinoplasties, and can often correct some flaws by simply adding or removing just a little bit of cartilage. We don’t always recommend a full rhinoplasty anymore. We look at the problem, and do what we can to create a nose that makes the whole face look better.
