Acne in the Summer May Be Problematic - Quick Tips For The Weekend

Posted on July 3, 2009
Filed Under skin care | Leave a Comment

As we approach the 4th of July weekend, many of us are planning a trip to the cabin or an outdoor party to soak up the nice Minnesota weather and sun. Being recently reminded of the problems that can arise for acne sufferers in the summer, I just wanted to share two words of advice concerning acne and sun exposure.

So don’t forget the sunscreen when you head out this weekend. The American Academy of Dermatology advises acne sufferers to use at least SPF 15.   When you return, don’t hesitate to come see us at Skin Speaks to learn about acne treatments like photodynamic therapy or an acne facial.

Have a happy independence day!

Latest Recession-Proof Enhancement: The Permanent Makeup Makeover

Posted on June 16, 2009
Filed Under medical spa | Leave a Comment

Permanent makeup is quickly becoming the procedure of choice for enhancing your looks on a budget.  

Permanent makeup artists create the illusion of bold features; for example, by embedding colored pigment into the skin to create perfectly shaped eyebrows, enhancing the eyelids with permanent eyeliner, or creating the illusion of fuller, younger-looking lips by ‘filling them in’ with a shade of pink or red. 

The procedure creates a subtler look than a traditional tattoo and allows many people to enhance the vibrancy of facial features that have diminished over time.

For pure convenience, permanent makeup shortens the daily ritual of applying makeup before work or other social functions.  Patients say they especially love it in the summer months because it’s waterproof, so their eyes still look attractive and vibrant after activities like swimming or exercising.

To minimize risks, you should always choose a physician with several years of experience in permanent makeup application. Ask to see photos of other patients who received the same treatment, or talk to former patients if possible.Permanent makeup only requires a topical anesthetic. Healing can take up to two weeks depending on the type of tattoo.  Permanent Makeup is in-demand so call one of our Minnesota offices today to find out more about the permanent makeover.  Also, see our permanent makeup web page for before & after photos!

Skin Speaks Spa for The Summertime!

Posted on June 10, 2009
Filed Under Laser Treatments, Products, fraxel, medical spa, skin care | Leave a Comment

 Summer in Minnesota is lovely.  It’s when we hit the beach, take the kids to the pool, barbeque with our friends, and enjoy the warm weather. Meanwhile, protecting your skin from the sun and choosing the right treatments can prevent premature aging and keep you healthy and looking your best. If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this summer, here are some skin management tips and rejuvenation methods that can keep you looking hot while you’re out in the hot sun.  

If your skin is in need of rejuvenation, a few microdermabrasion treatments each year can make a big difference.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, healthy layer underneath. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity.  It’s an easy procedure, and it can reduce the appearance fine lines, wrinkles and even some forms of skin damage.  If you use skin products (we recommend medical grade), it can increase penetration, so your daily skin care regimen is more effective.  For many patients, this combination of at-home skin care and microdermabrasion is all it takes to achieve smoother more silky looking skin. 

If you exhibit age spots, zap them away with a Fraxel laser or Chemical Peel. Rejuvenate your skin while reducing or removing age spots. 

Professional Facials are another great way to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and they feel great! If you don’t need an intensive treatment but want to freshen up your look, a facial may be the right treatment choice.

Sunscreen is important any time of year, but especially during these hot summer months. Choosing the right sunscreen for your face - one that addresses your skin type and skin conditions - is not always easy.  Use a sunscreen every day. For days spent mostly indoors, use a foundation with an SPF15 or higher. For outdoors you want at least an SPF45 that is waterproof or water-resistant. The right sunscreen can prevent sun damage, skin problems, and even skin cancer.  Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells deep within the skin’s surface, making your cells vulnerable to toxins (free-radicals) in the environment. We can help you select the right sunscreen for your skin.

Self conscious about unwanted facial or body hair? Laser hair removal can erase excess hair to keep your skin looking smooth and buff, reducing the need for shaving and waxing. 

Let us help you maintain the health of your skin. Come visit us at Skin Speaks Spa to find out which treatment will work best for your skin type; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

How Did The New Eyelash-Enhancer Latisse Come to Be?

Posted on June 9, 2009
Filed Under Products | Leave a Comment

Drugs in the United States often make their way to the market inadvertently, becoming hugely popular for uses that were never intended;  such is the case with Allergan’s new offering, Latisse.  The hot new eyelash enhancer was born out of a group of popular medications called topical prostaglandins, drugs frequently used to decrease intra-ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.

What was first labeled a ‘complication’ or side effect of using these topical agents was “hypertrichosis,” a condition characterized by darkening, thickening, and lengthening of the eyelashes.   

 Allergan offered the topical prostaglandin Lumigan in 2001, a drug that contained the active ingredient bimatoprost. Two important precursors to Latisse occurred after the FDA gave clearance for Lumigan.

Jan Marini Skin Research Inc had over $2 million worth of product seized by the Food and Drug Administration.  The product, Age Intervention Eyelash, evidently contained bimatoprost, which was unapproved for cosmetic use at the time. Allergan later filed a patent infringement suit against Jan Marini and several other companies that had tried to market bimatoprost in their eyelash enhancing drugs.

Some doctors started prescribing Lumigan off-label to enhance eyelashes.  Knowing the desirable side effects it could produce. But Lumigan wasn’t formulated for cosmetic use and many believed more research was needed to confirm the safety of topical prostaglandins for cosmetic use.  

Clinical trials and further research is exactly what Alllergan Inc did.  In one early study, 278 healthy adults with minimal to moderate eyelash prominence applied bimatoprost or a placebo to their lash line.  The results were favorable; researchers observed that the average patient’s eyelashes were 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller, and 18 percent darker, while only 3.6 percent experienced itchy eyes and redness, and only 2.9 percent experienced skin hyperpigmentation.  

Latisse received FDA approval late last year for the treatment of ‘inadequate’ eyelashes.  Allergan now owns the patent on use of bimatoprost for eyelash enhancement.

Contact Skin Speaks for more information on Latisse in Minnesota.

Why Do Patients Like Botox and Wrinkle Fillers?

Posted on June 1, 2009
Filed Under Injectable Fillers, botox | Leave a Comment

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has given us a bit of insight about patients who choose wrinkle treatments. Last March, researchers sent questionnaires to 687 patients who had received Botox and/or dermal filler treatment. 

The following statistics illustrate the opinions of the ‘typical’ patient. Who is the ‘typical’ patient?  According to the survey results, she is “a married, working mother between 41-55 years of age with a household income of under $100,000.”

Approximately 70 percent of the respondents claimed that Botox and dermal fillers played an important role in their cosmetic routine.

When asked what their motivation was for pursuing Botox treatment, 34 percent said their appearance looked “stressed” or “angry”. Others said that a friend, family member, or their physician had recommended it, or they were preparing for a social event. 66 percent said they received Botox treatment 2-3 times per year. 72 percent of the respondents chose Botox to treat glabellar lines – the vertical lines that appear between your eyebrows.  

When asked about their motivation to use hyaluronic acid fillers, the majority (63 percent) of patients reported a desire to remove facial wrinkles and folds - mostly the nasolabial folds that travel from the nose to each side of the mouth.

A full summary of the results is available (in MS Word) here.  For more information on wrinkle treatments in Minneapolis, see our homepage.

Awake for a Facelift?

Posted on May 6, 2009
Filed Under Media coverage, Surgery Under Local | Leave a Comment

Entertainment Tonight on May 5, 2009 talked about Hollywood’s hottest trend in cosmetic surgery procedures -  being awake for a face lift under local anesthesia!
entertainmenttonight
Dr. Patrick S. Carney, Board Certified Dermatologist and Fellowship Trained Cosmetic Surgeon in Mpls./St. Paul has been successfully providing his facelift/”local lift” in his office using only local anesthesia for 16 of his 21 years in practice.

Benefit to the patient: less cost and less risk.

Hundreds of patients initially pursued Dr. Carney due to a fear of general anesthesia and many more currently are attracted to eliminating the additional expenses of an anesthesiologist and surgery suite fee.

Dr. Carney is finding that what appeared to be a “niche” years ago in his practice, is becoming a much more attractive option for today’s patient and that a surgeon working on a patient who is awake during any procedure has the responsibility to perform even more flawlessly.

General anesthesia, overnight stays, drainage tubes, etc. often result in increased recovery time, another concern of patients choosing surgery today. The very busy lives and work schedules of patients’ today do not lend well to lengthy recovery times.

For more information on Dr. Patrick Carney’s “local lift” and other surgery procedures provided under local anesthesia, call 952.435.6565. Consultations are complimentary. Financing options are available.

Latisse Featured in People Magazine

Posted on May 4, 2009
Filed Under Products, medical spa | Leave a Comment

latisse_magThe recently published April ‘09 issue of People featured “312 easy style updates”  and one just happened to be Allergan’s new eyelash enhancement drug, Latisse.

Latisse is FDA approved for the treatment of hypotrichosis, i.e. inadequate eyelashes.  It is available by prescription only.  If you are interested or would like more information, contact our Minneapolis dermatology office.

people_mag
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Cosmetic Enhancement: Men & Women Reprioritize During Recession

Posted on April 30, 2009
Filed Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Although women are still actively seeking cosmetic enhancement and surgery, cosmetic procedures on men have sharply declined during the recession.

Cosmetic procedures on men dropped 2 percent last year, while the number of procedures done on women increased by 29 percent, according to statistics from the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

“For the time being, males and females are beginning to separate themselves in regards to cosmetic surgery,” said AACS president Dr. Patrick McMenamin. According to Dr. McMenamin, women may be more accepting of non-invasive cosmetic procedures (like Botox and laser resurfacing), which may explain the percentage gap.

More widespread economic trends could be a more primary cause. In February, The Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that men lost 2.7 million jobs since the start of the recession - a figure that represents 82 percent of the total number of jobs lost. The New York Times opined that given this situation, “women are poised to take a greater share of the nation’s jobs.”

Dr. Jessica Wu on Latisse Eyelash Enhancement

Posted on April 23, 2009
Filed Under Products | Leave a Comment

On this episode of ‘The Doctors daytime TV show, dermatologist Jessica Wu showcases the new eyelash enhancement drug, Latisse.

Dr. Wu claims that Latisse can give you “crazy long spidery lashes” in about 4 months. You apply Latisse to the base of upper eyelashes once each night, “just like liquid eyeliner.” According to Dr. Wu, the results should yield lashes that are 25 percent longer and 100 percent thicker!

See the video for a before & after photo; it is quite impressive. If you are interested in learning more about Latisse in Minneapolis, contact our office.

Allergan Launches “Latisse Wishes” Campaign in Hollywood

Posted on April 4, 2009
Filed Under Products | Leave a Comment

At a star-studded Hollywood charity event last March, Botox manufacturer Allergan Inc. announced the ‘Latisse Wishes” campaign, and pledged 1 million dollars to charity. Big name celebrities like Mandy Moore, Brooke Shields and Marisa Tomei  showed to pledge their support for Make-A-Wish, the non-profit organization known for granting the wishes of suffering children.

Latisse is Allergan’s latest offering and the first drug to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of hypotrichosis, a condition characterized by inadequate eyelashes. The Latisse Wishes campaign was launched by Allergan with a $500,000 initial contribution to Make-A-Wish.

Hollywood beauty expert and participant Anastasia Soare enthusiastically expressed her support, saying “I constantly work to help make women’s beauty wishes come true, and now we can help children’s wishes come true through the LATISSE™ Wishes campaign.”

It’s no coincidence that the Make-A-Wish foundation was chosen as a beneficiary for Allergan’s campaign; the superstitious “blowing on an eyelash to make a wish come true” provides a clever marketing strategy, backed by philanthropy.

The campaign is encouraging consumers to help double the donation amount by visiting www.Latisse.com and registering their support. From now until the end of the year, Allergan will donate 5 dollars for each new registration, up to one million dollars.

Latisse is now available at our office in Minneapolis; give us a call for more information.

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