Posts

Growing Longer, Fuller Lashes with LATISSE®

Posted on by admin

Portrait of beautiful 40-year-old blond woman, template

And Other Benefits of a LATISSE® Prescription

For some women, and even men, the effects of aging can leave you with sparse, shorter eyelashes. On the other hand, some people are born with blonde eyelashes that are hard to see from the get-go. If either of these situations sound similar to your own, ask your doctor about LATISSE®, the first-ever FDA-approved product for lash growth for patients with inadequate eyelashes, or hypotrichosis.

What is LATISSE®?

LATISSE® is a once-daily solution applied to the base of the lashes. In 2001, Allergan developed a medicated eye drop used to treat elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Many patients using this medication also began to grow longer, fuller and darker lashes as a side effect. This led Allergan to study the medication’s active ingredient, bimatoprost, specifically for growing lashes. After a clinical trial to study the safety and effectiveness for lash growth, LATISSE® was approved by the FDA in December of 2008.

Benefits of Using LATISSE®

LATISSE® is the first ever FDA-approved treatment for lash growth, and unlike over-the-counter topical solutions on the market, LATISSE® has been clinically tested for safety and effectiveness. In the clinical trials, patients treated with LATISSE® experienced:

  • 25% increase in lash length
  • 106% increase in lash thickness/fullness
  • 18% increase in lash darkness

When to Expect Results From LATISSE® Treatment

It is important to note that daily application is critical in the treatment process. When LATISSE® is not used, the lashes can be expected to gradually return to their normal appearance.

How to apply LATISSE® at Home

During your consultation appointment at Bluewater Plastic Surgery, you’ll get a thorough explanation of the steps to apply LATISSE® safely at home. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you may have and inform them of any eye medications, contact lenses or topical ointments you are using.

Some Important Do’s and Don’ts to Remember:

  • Do not apply to the lower lid or in the eye.
  • Blot excess solution with a tissue.
  • Only use the sterile applicators to apply the product.
  • Don’t allow the tip of the bottle or applicator to touch fingers or any other unintended surface, as contamination by common bacteria is known to cause infections.
  • Remove contact lenses prior to applying LATISSE®. Contact lenses may be reinserted 15 minutes afterward.

How to Get LATISSE®

Because LATISSE® is a prescription medication that requires a physician’s recommendation, our Bluewater Plastic Surgery office offers quick and convenient evaluations so that you can start growing longer lashes, sooner!

Our office is your one-stop-shop for thicker, darker and longer eyelashes! Simply talk to your doctor to receive an evaluation, review the warnings and side effects, watch an application demonstration and leave with your first kit in hand and ready to start treatment.

Could LATISSE® be the solution you’ve been looking for?

 

Contact us today to schedule your LATISSE® consultation!

 

What is Blepharoplasty, and Who is a Good Candidate?

Posted on by admin

Portrait of beautiful 40-year-old blond woman, template

The most visible signs of facial aging are typically first noticed around the eyes, the most focal point when we relate to one another.

“Drooping eyelids and bags under the eyes” can cause a person to look tired, sad, angry, or older than they are. These attributes can affect a person’s self-image and attitude but also how other people perceive them.

Eyelid Surgery, or Blepharoplasty, is one of the most common procedures performed by Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons. Eyelid surgery addresses the two primary components that add to an aged appearance.

  1. Excess, loose skin of upper and lower eyelids.
  2. The fat, which creates “bulges” and contributes to the puffiness of eyelids.

Fat is often seen as bulging bags prominent below the eye when considering the lower eyelids. The plastic surgeon should reduce both skin and fat in these situations.

In deciding what procedures are best for each situation, the upper and lower eyelids are evaluated together but considered separate units. Additionally, it is critical to consider the position of the brow. For women, the eyebrows are generally above the bony ridge above the eye. Men tolerate a slightly lower location, with the eyebrow located at the bony ridge.

If there is significant descent of the forehead/brow, simply removing eyelid skin will not be sufficient to obtain the ideal result. Dr. Clark will evaluate the entire upper face, forehead/brow, and upper and lower lids. If needed, a brow lift in conjunction with eyelid surgery may provide the optimal result. If the brow position is good, performing eyelid surgery alone will suffice.

Who is the Right Candidate for Eyelid Surgery?

If you can check all the items on the list below, you would probably make a great candidate for this procedure!

  • Loose skin of the upper eyelid is drooping over the lids.
  • Excess skin and wrinkles in upper or lower lids.
  • Persistent “bags” under the eyes, even when well-rested.
  • Healthy individual.
  • Non-Smoker.
  • Realistic goals and expectations.

 

Ready for a blepharoplasty consultation? Click below to get started!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Posted on by admin

“Feel for lumps. Save your bumps.”

Starting in the month of October, we often see the color pink making its highly anticipated annual appearance – But what does it truly mean to “think pink?” The truth is, at some point in each of our lives, we will encounter a friend, relative, teacher, or coworker that is battling breast cancer. Knowing the facts is the first step in raising awareness for those strong women and men – And that’s “thinking pink!”

Know the Facts

Did you know that in the United States alone, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? In fact, statistics show that every 2 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US. Worldwide, it is estimated that every minute a woman dies from breast cancer. That’s more than 1,400 women every day. Don’t let the statistics fool you, though – Breast cancer isn’t something only women deal with. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 833, and approximately 2,650 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in men in 2021.

Understanding Your Personal Risk

Your personal risk as it relates to breast cancer can be traced back to many different factors. When it comes to family history, a woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed. Genetic factors could also be responsible for disease occurrence, such as mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For women with a BRCA2 mutation, the risk is 69%. Other times, a woman’s risk is higher simply due to being a female combined with the effects of aging. You can take measures to lessen the risk of developing breast cancer, such as not smoking, eating healthy, and getting an adequate amount of exercise.

Screening and Testing

The most effective resource for combating breast cancer is routine screening and a strong relationship with your doctors. Women who get screened for breast cancer regularly have a 47% lower risk of dying from the disease compared to those who don’t. Screening and testing can help catch cancer with an early diagnosis, giving treatment an upper hand.

Practice Routine Self Examination

Step 1: Examine your breasts in the shower to feel for any changes or lumps.

Step 2: Next, examine your breasts in the mirror with your arms down, up, and on your hips to spot any changes in appearance. 

Step 3: Stand and press your fingers on your breast, working around the breast in a circular direction.

Step 4: Lie down and repeat step 3.

Step 5: Squeeze your nipples to check for discharge. Check under the nipple last.

Reconstructive Surgery

Women who have faced cancer, and as a result, have undergone surgery as a means of treatment now have the option to rebuild and shape their breast(s). Some women opt-out, but for others, breast reconstructive surgery is an added confidence boost and can be life-changing! Our team at Bluewater Plastic Surgery, alongside Dr. Clark, put our patient’s health first and ensure all are well cared for. Dr. Clark is among a select group of Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing education, and clinical experience. If you are considering reconstruction surgery, we recommend scheduling a consultation and talking with your surgeon, even if you have yet to have surgery to remove the tumor or breast. Call us today or go online to schedule your consultation: https://bluewaterplasticsurgery.com/contact-us/