Why is it significant that the FDA approved Sculptra for cosmetic use?
What is it & why is it different from a filler?

The good news is that the FDA has now given Sculptra it’s official stamp of approval for cosmetic use based on solid, consistent evidence that it works cosmetically and effectively! Sculptra has been used for the correction of wrinkles and facial aging for years with an FDA approval pending.

This is a long lasting treatment that offers reliable facial volume for flat, deflated cheeks that can lead to a “jowl-y appearance” of the lower face. By using Sculptra in the upper cheekbone area, it creates a ‘mini lift’ to give a more youthful appearance, with tighter skin. Results are over time (2 to 5 years). A natural look is restored with minimal downtime after the procedure.

Dr. Casas has a broad range of experience with facial injectables, including Sculptra. She has successfully treated thousands of patients with fillers and highly recommends Sculptra for signs of facial aging that are due to facial volume that leave you saggy looking.

Click here for Sculptra™ photos.

Call now for your complimentary Sculptra consultation! You may reach us at (847) 657-6884 or (847) 657-6973. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il.

Question:
Are facial fillers safe and reliable, and how do I know which one is best for me?

Answer:
Excellent question.

Yes, they are safe if performed by a qualified surgeon who has evaluated you in a safe environment such as a doctor’s office or medispa that is physician owned and operated.

Dr. Casas strongly urges her patients to ask the following questions when considering any injectable:

1. Is this a qualified physician/surgeon in an appropriately licensed facility, and does he or she administer these injectables regularly?
2. Is the injectable approved and recommended by the FDA? Make sure it is name brand only. There is no such thing as generic fillers or botox.
3. Has the Doctor evaluated you, recommended treatment, explained the risks/benefits, offered alternatives and given you informed consent material for your own benefit?

We have seen a national surge in popularity in fillers in the last 2 years! More than 4 million injections were performed last year, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Unfortunately, we do not know exactly how many were improperly administered or were incorrectly mixed with false substances. When this happens, it can lead to unreliable results. There have been reports of individuals using non-FDA approved substances or inauthentic products which can not only cause a bad result, or no result, it could tragically lead to disfigurement and rarely, death.

Read about the latest case in here. There is no ‘generic’ form of FDA approved fillers and if the consumer is not aware, it is confusing.

As President of ASERF (Aesthetic Education and Research Foundation) and chair of the Non surgical procedures committee of ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) I am passionately committed to safety and making sure that my patients get the right filler for them. There is a spectrum of injectables that can address a myriad of solutions; the trick is finding the right one for each person! The fact that we have so many available is exciting but it is crucial that the right choices are made by an experienced and qualified professional

To learn more from a source that provides unbiased, important information about injectables and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, see www.injectablesafety.org

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a Surgical or Non-Surgical procedure we would be happy to set up a personal consultation. You may reach us at (847) 657-6884. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!

Check out “Plastic Surgery Nightmare” by Gretchen Voss found in Marie Claire for futher reading on the importance of safety in plastic surgery.

Question:
Can Latisse help me attain fuller, darker and stronger eye lashes?
Also, what should I know about Latisse prior to usage?

Answer:
For readers who are looking to enhance their eyelashes, Latisse may be just be the product you’ve been searching for! Thankfully the FDA recently approved this prescription treatment for those who suffer from hypotrichosis, or have insufficient eyelashes! Latisse has been proven to deliver thicker, longer lashes within 4-16 weeks from initial use. Feel free to imagine yourself with a nice thick set of eyelashes! Before long, you’ll be dodging the nonstop compliments from strangers regarding your beautiful long lashes! You will sit back and enjoy watching commercials illustrating mascara which will enhance your lashes, knowing you’re lashes are already there!

One common fear about using Latisse is eye irritation! But many things cause eye irritation, we can not assume it’s due to Latisse. The safest course of action would be a quick visit to your local eye care specialist.

Another concern is the possibility of increased pigmentation of the iris after discontinuing use of Latisse. But there were ZERO reports of pigmentation alteration reported in the FDA trial study. For those concerned with the possibility of side effects occurring with prolonged use of Latisse rest assure that the FDA trials did not report any changes with prolonged usage.

What if Latisse gets into your eye?
Latisse in the eye is NOT expected to cause any harm. Studies have shown that only 5% of the actual drop volume ever gets to the surface of the eye. So, with that said, it’s not necessary to rinse the eye should Latisse get into your cornea.

Hyper pigmentation is listed as a possible side effect on the Latisse brochure, how concerned should I be?
Reportedly less than 4% of known patients out of the 278 included in the study were affected by hyper pigmentation. Some of the 4% some did see a reversal of the hyper pigmentation.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about a Surgical or Non-Surgical procedure we would be happy to set up a personal consultation. You may reach us at (847) 657-6884. We are located in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Glenview, Il

If you’d like to submit your own plastic surgery question please do so here!