There have always been a number of questions regarding the safety of Botox and possible side-effects. Now with the recent report released by the Journal of Neuroscience on April 2nd, which studied side effects of botulinum toxin (an active ingredient in botox) those questions are escalating. People are asking “Is Botox Safe?” “Will botox go into my brain?” or simply “What are side effects of Botox?” all of these are common questions and deserved to be addressed.
Lets start with a quick briefing on what Botox is. Botox is a neuro toxin that has been in use since the first in […]
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 […]
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:
Is this a qualified physician/surgeon in an appropriately licensed facility, and does he or she administer these injectables regularly?
Is the injectable approved and recommended by the FDA? Make sure it is name brand only. There is no […]
Question: With all the options for Facial Soft tissue fillers available, why should I choose Restylane® or Perlane®?
Answer: Restylane® continues to be the #1 dermal filler in the world. Restylane® is a safe skin filler made with hyaluronic acid (HA) that is used to fill the aging lines of the face. Perlane® is a similar filler but because of it ‘s larger particle size, it is used for deep lines of the face. Both Restylane and Perlane are FDA approved for the treatment of moderate to deep facial wrinkles such as the nasolabial folds that are commonly found around the […]
Question: Why does Dr. Casas recommend injecting Sculptra ® Aesthetic in conjunction with topical Retin-A daily to restore a more youthful appearing face?
Does using topical Retin-A enhance the result of Sculptra® Aesthetic?
Reply: The combination of a Sculptra® Aesthetic treatment with consistent use of topical Retin-A continues to fascinate me. I completed a 106 patient study on the synergy of these two very effective treatments and found that their use in combination can be powerfully effective. Sculptra® Aesthetic is injected just below the skin and then proceeds to stimulate the growth of one’s own collagen through an inflammatory process. The Retin-A […]
Question: Is it true that Silicone breast implants are safe?
Answer: The short answer is yes. Silicone breast implants that are FDA approved since the lifting of the moratorium in 2006 are safe. The real issue is whether you are a good candidate for breast enlargement with either saline or silicone gel breast implants. Typically women who are in good health and who have either not had breast development (congenital Micromastia) or had normal breasts but saw them disappear after pregnancy or lactation or weight loss are excellent candidates for considering breast augmentation. The key is to come in to see […]
Question: If I am interested in understanding how injectable Sculptra (poly-l-lactic acid) might work for me, who do I talk to?
Answer: Probably the most important thing to do is find a physician who has a lot of experience treating the aging face. ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgeons) Certified Plastic surgeons like myself are trained in the gamete of surgical and non surgical procedures that treat the aging face.
Background and Approach
Throughout my career, and especially since 2003, I have treated patients, over time, to help them approach facial aging in a medically safe way. This is called a longitudinal approach […]
The FDA convened a panel to study the long term results of Silicone breast implants in Gaithesburg, Virginia on August 30 and 31st. The FDA published a white paper in June 2011 stating that silicone breast implants are safe.
Laurie Casas, MD, a past-president of ASERF, testified before the FDA: “We strongly believe that a woman’s right to choose breast implants is paralleled by her right to be fully informed of both the risks and the benefits of breast implant surgery.”
To further discuss whether breast augmentation with silicone or saline breast implants is right for you, call (847-657-6884) for a complimentary […]
Question: Does freezing fat work? Is CoolSculpting® a reliable way to get rid of my bulges?
Answer: CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive fat reduction office-based procedure that is clinically proven and FDA approved. During the procedure your unwanted fat bulge is drawn into the Coolsculpting® applicator and your fat is cooled without damaging the skin. When the applicator is released, your fat cells start to crystallize. At that point, some cells will enter a process called “apoptosis” and others will die through an inflammatory process in the body. Over 8-12 weeks, your cooled fat bulge will shrink 20-25%.
Based on science developed by […]
Question: I just saw a report about the PIP silicone breast implants from France. Are those implants here in the US, and are they the same ones that Dr. Casas may have used on me?
Answer: French Investigators found that the (now defunct) company called Poly Implant Protheses (PIP) were using inferior quality silicone, not medical–grade quality, and that more than 1,000 women in France have had one or two implants break.
Dr. Casas has never used PIP products. PIP saline and silicone were actually taken off the US market years ago and have not been available. Dr. Casas is well aware […]