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Archive for the ‘Skin Care and Products’ Category

A New Latisse Campaign to Benefit Make-A-Wish

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Allergan Inc just announced their latest Latisse promotion to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  In the Latisse Wishes Challenge, they’re asking people to donate $20 or more to the Make-A-Wish foundation in exchange for a Latisse free trial certificate.  However, only the first 10,000 people who donate will receive the Latisse free trial certificate.

You may remember last year’s campaign led by Brooke Shields.  This year, the campaign is led by lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland, professional ballroom dancer Chelsie Hightower and style guide Bobbie Thomas.

“With approximately 1.5 million bottles sold since launching the product a little more than a year ago, LATISSE is giving back by helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation grant the wishes of children. Through the campaign, we will double each individual’s donation, with a maximum donation of $250,000, through October 31,” said Robert Grant, President of Allergan Medical, a division of Allergan, Inc.

Read more about purchasing Latisse in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Friday, February 12th, 2010

“Top Cosmetic Treatments for Aging Skin”

Safe, Permanent Hair Removal for All Skin Types

Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009

istock_000008597024xsmallAt our Tulsa Surgery office, we think hair is actually pretty sexy…but only when it’s on top of your head.  Anywhere else is another matter! There’s no need to worry though – there are so many ways to remove unwanted body hair these days.

To remove hair from your face, legs, back, arms and even underarms, you might shave or pluck, or you might use electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, depilatories, or electrolysis.  But those methods are temporary, outdated, and even tedious.  The ideal way to do it is with laser hair removal.

Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin. The dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles absorbs the laser beam. Initial hair reduction is seen immediately after treatment. To get permanent results, you just go through a series of repeated treatments.

There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove unwanted hair.  The first lasers approved for hair reduction by FDA were the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. But these could only be used on select individuals – not those with tans or ethnic skin.

The newest lasers  – our Lumenis 1 platform for example – have longer wavelengths and the ability to treat darker skin types, including African-American skin, Asian skin, and those with a tan.  One of the biggest benefits is the convenience; immediately following your hair removal treatment you can return to work, school or any of your regular activities.  Contact our Oklahoma office for more information.

Tulsa Surgical Arts offers the newest technology in skin rejuvenation!

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

picture-51We are very excited to offer these laser treatments at Tulsa Surgical Arts. CO2 laser skin resurfacing is not new, however with this new technology, the procedure can be done with improved safety and results and with potentially less downtime. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing can improve age spots, sun damage and wrinkles on the face, neck and chest.

For patients that are looking for improvement in fine lines, wrinkles and age spots the Active FX mode can treat this with an average downtime of 3-5 days. For patients seeking treatment of deeper wrinkles and acne scars, the Deep FX mode or preferably a combination of Active and Deep FX will give the most improvement.

To learn more about this procedure contact our office at 918-392-7900 for a complimentary consultation.

Tulsa Surgical Arts Uses the Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Laser

Monday, July 6th, 2009

picture-4Tulsa Surgical Arts is pleased to announce the new Lumenis UltraPulse Encore Laser, a CO2 fractional ablative laser that zaps off the top layers of skin to trigger new collagen growth. A single session minimizes fine lines and wrinkles and restores plumpness and perkiness to skin tone.

Dr. Angelo Cuzalina and Dr. James Koehler are the first Tulsa physicians to have this technology available to their patients. The exciting part of this technology is that the healing is much more rapid and downtime is minimal, especially when compared to traditional CO2 laser treatments.

Dr. Cuzalina and Dr. Koehler are both experienced in laser treatments and they continue to strive to provide their patients with the latest in facial rejuvenation treatment options! They are excited to now have the latest in CO2 fractional lasers at Tulsa Surgical Arts!

As always consultations are complimentary! Please call (918) 392-7900 to find out more about UltraPulse fractional laser treatment.

You may also want to visit the Lumenis website at www.aesthetic.lumenis.com.

A Few ‘Stretch Mark Solutions’ for Summer

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

 When your body weight fluctuates, stretch marks usually appear around the thighs, hips, stomach, or breasts.  While they are usually permanent (unfortunately) there are some treatment options available to help reduce their appearance.

As the warmer weather is upon us and we wear less clothing, it’s time to reveal the skin that has been hidden under our clothes all winter and spring.  Is that a frightening thought? Don’t despair: we’re with you on this – you don’t need stretch marks to ruin your summer. 

Here are some simple solutions to get your skin in warm weather shape, so you too can be comfortable enough to enjoy all the warm weather activities.

Laser Resurfacing has become more precise in recent years and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks after a series of treatments.  The laser zaps the top layer of skin and stimulates collagen production deep within the skin’s layers. This helps remove uneven skin tone, scars and other skin problems on the skin’s surface and restores your skin to a much healthier state.

Fractional Non-ablative Laser Most doctors agree that once stretch marks are white, a fractional non-ablative laser is a very effective treatment. It feels like rubber band snaps on the skin, your doctor will either recommend prescription-strength ibuprofen, acetaminophen and/or topical anesthetic. Most patients will need 4 or 5 treatments, every six to eight weeks. You can expect to improve the texture of stretch marks by nearly 50% after completing a series of treatments. 

Microdermabrasion Treatments are another effective method for treating stretch marks. This procedure buffs away the top layer of skin and also stimulates collagen production. Most patients need between 3-6 treatments to see a noticeable difference, but it is still cost effective and the results are pretty stellar.

Prescription Retinoids are the only topical products that have been demonstrated to be effective for treating and improving stretch marks in the early stages. For red stretch marks, a retinoid cream applied daily for six months has been shown to improve the appearance by about 14%. For white stretch marks, color will not be restored but a prescription strength retinoic cream can help even out texture. As always, talk directly to your doctor about the benefits, the method of use and any risks. For example, you shouldn’t be using retinoids while either pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other non-invasive skin treatments, such as chemical peels and/or prescription topicals used in combination with microdermabrasion treatments, can help improve the texture and tone of your skin. Consult with us at Tulsa Surgical Arts about skin care treatments that may help with stretch marks, so you can get that body ready for this summer.

The Permanent Makeup Makeover

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

 Look Great, Spend Less! Permanent makeup is becoming one of the best options for improving your looks on a tight budget, providing quick and permanent results for both women and men who desire a youthful, enhanced appearance.

Permanent makeup artists create the illusion of bold features; they can create perfectly shaped eyebrows by embedding colored pigment right into the skin, enhance the eyelids with permanent eyeliner, or create the illusion of fuller, younger-looking lips by ‘filling in’ their lips with a shade of pink or red. 

The procedure creates a subtler look than a traditional tattoo and allows many people to restore or enhance the vibrance their facial featured once exhibited.

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 someone 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. This procedure is in-demand, so call Tulsa Surgical Arts today to find out more about receiving your permanent makeover.

Visit Tulsa Surgical Arts This Summer!

Wednesday, June 10th, 2009

Summer in Oklahoma is lovely.  While you’re at the pool, the golf course, or a barbeque with your friends, remember to protect your skin from the sun.  You might also want to choose the right cosmetic treatments to prevent premature aging, so you stay healthy and look your best. If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this summer, here are a few skin management tips and procedures 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 that can reduce the appearance of 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 The Active FX 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. 

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 Tulsa Surgical Arts to find out which treatment will work best for your skin type; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

The Origins of Latisse Eyelash Enhancement

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Certain drugs have a strange way of making their way to the market, 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 doctors 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 us for more information on Latisse in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

NIA24 – A Skin Care Superpower

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

 Three main conditions get cited when women express concerns about their aging skin: Wrinkles, Age Spots, and  Sagging.

All of these conditions may indicate premature aging, most likely due to sun damage. If sun-damaged skin isn’t addressed quickly it can lead to undesirable conditions later in life – skin problems like uneven tone or severe wrinkles.

Fortunately, we now have decades of research available on cell rejuvenation, skin health and the ways in which certain ingredients aid this process. It is a proven fact that products containing the three key antioxidant vitamins – A (Retin, Retinyl, Retinoic Acid or Retinol); C (Ascorbic Acid); and E (Tocopherol), as well as the nutrient Niacin, accelerate cell turnover.

Vitamin A is beneficial in multiple ways; the most important benefit is probably the stimulation of collagen growth. Vitamin C and E are super-charged rejuvenators, and the nutrient Niacin acts as a sort of damage control. Together these components naturally rejuvenate by ‘turning on’ the cells that make collagen and elastin. When combined in a product, they can effectively treat signs of premature aging.

The TODAY SHOW recently featured the NIA24™ product line, which contains several of these potent ingredients.

One of the most important factors in skin health is retaining moisture and replenishing the water in our skin. NIA24™ deeply hydrates skin while also protecting against the environment. It also reverses pre-existing skin damage by aiding body’s natural repair mechanisms. The ‘power ingredient’ in NIA24™ is NIACIN.

Niacin prevents melanin production from reaching the skin to reduce unwanted pigmentation. Once you start using NIA24™ new sun spots will stop appearing the next important step in the process will being - gentle exfoliation. You will shed off those brown spots and sun damaged areas revealing healthy, clear skin underneath.

Contact us for more information on NIA 24 in Tulsa.