If you have always dreamed of possessing long, sexy eyelashes your wait is now over. There is finally a legitimate product available that really works and it is the only one that has been approved by the FDA. Latisse™, developed by Allergan, Inc., has been shown to quite effective in stimulating longer, thicker and darker eyelashes.

Latisse™ can be as easy to apply as mascara. It is applied once a day at night to the upper eyelid lashes only. Most women can expect to experience significant growth and thickening of their lashes within six to eight weeks. Full results can take up to sixteen weeks. Study results revealed that eyelashes averaged 25% greater length, 106% more fullness and 18% more darkness. This does not guarantee that your results will be identical. Mascara can further complement the results obtained by the usage of Latisse™.

The most common side effects of Latisse™ are an itching sensation and/or redness of the eyes which occur in 4% of patients. This is usually temporary and does not reflect an allergic reaction. Less commonly, there can be darkening of adjacent eyelid skin which resolves after discontinuation of usage. If you totally stop using Latisse™, your eyelashes will revert back to their previous appearance over a period of several weeks to a few months.

For further information regarding Latisse™ including its purchase or to obtain any other plastic surgery related information, you can contact our office at 480-451-3000.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

Unfortunately, our youthful looks last only so long and at some point they yield to father time. Among the earlier tell tale signs that we are no longer as young as we feel are excess skin particularly of the upper eyelids, downward migration of the outer brows and fat bags of the lower lid. With time, these become progressively worse resulting in an even older and more tired appearance. These changes can be very distressing and even more so in a youth oriented world and competitive work place.

What is the solution? Eyelid surgery, also known as a blepharoplasty, is a very popular and effective procedure that can rejuvenate this area. This involves the precise excision of excess skin of the eyelids and a conservative removal of fat with or without some repositioning of some remaining.  As most people have some asymmetry of their eyes including in the manifestations of aging, often there is a need to remove different amounts of skin and fat from each side. There is often a need to tighten the lower eyelid support system which becomes more lax with aging.

Incisions for the upper eyelid are placed in the natural crease that is most often present. The lower lid incision is situated right below the lid margin. Both incisions heal extremely well and are usually quite inconspicuous within a few weeks.

Often, some form of brow lift or forehead lift is also performed in order to more thoroughly rejuvenate the area. This can consist of a local lifting of the eyebrows themselves, an endoscopic forehead lift or the more extensive open approach.

Many times eyelid surgery is combined with other facial rejuvenative procedures such as a facelift and necklift. It can also be performed with most other cosmetic procedures such as a breast enlargement, tummy tuck, liposuction and breast reduction.

Before eyelid surgery and endoscopic forehead lift

After eyelid surgery and endoscopic forehead lift

For more information of eyelid surgery or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

Since opening my plastic surgery practice in Scottsdale and Glendale over 20 years ago, there has been a markedly positive evolution in the postoperative course that my patients have experienced following a breast augmentation. This has resulted in shorter recuperation times, less discomfort, reduced postoperative nausea and shorter times off from work or school.

All my patients have their breast augmentation surgery performed using general anesthesia as it is far more comfortable and humane. Patients who have had their previous breast enlargement done using a twilight anesthetic (not fully asleep) will relate the uncomfortable nature of this approach – physically and emotionally. The anesthetic agents utilized for general anesthesia today are far more refined, effective, predictable and with fewer side-effects. Patients wake up far more rapidly, are lucid and functional in a much shorter period of time without an anesthetic “hangover”. The incidence of nausea has been markedly reduced and the extent is usually fairly mild and well controlled with one of several effective medications.

With an evolution in technique, I have found that the level of surgical discomfort postoperatively has been reduced tremendously. Though pain tolerance varies from person to person, most of my patients take medication to control the pain just for a few days and often not on a regular basis. They may take an occasional analgesic subsequently as they become more active. Some may only require pain medication for the first twenty four hours.

I do recommend light activities for the first few days with certain restrictions. The surgical dressing is typically removed two days after surgery at which point in time you are placed in a supportive but comfortable bra. At that time, you will notice that your breasts will be moderately swollen and firm. This will rapidly subside in the ensuing several weeks so that even at a month, they will appear closer to their long term shape. However, expect that it can take up to six months or longer for a more “stable” long term appearance.

Most patients can resume driving by three to five days. I strongly discourage driving if you are still taking narcotics as they can impair your senses and therefore your ability to drive safely. You are encouraged to resume most of your normal activities when you feel comfortable. I do restrict vigorous activities such as sports, aerobics, and heavy lifting for three weeks following surgery. Pectoralis muscle exercises should be avoided for eight weeks.

Virtually all of my patients return to school or work within five to seven days. If your job requires strenuous activity or long hours, you may need additional time off from work or some sort of temporary assistance or job modification.

If you would like additional information about recovery from a breast augmentation, information about the breast augmentation procedure in general or to schedule a consultation, please call my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

In April, the FDA approved the usage of another cosmetic wrinkle remover, which like Botox Cosmetic®, is derived from botulinum toxin. To be marketed as Dysport™ by Medicis Pharmaceutical Corp., it will be a direct competitor to Botox Cosmetic® which is sold by Allergan Inc. It has been used with great success since 1991 in Europe where Botox Cosmetic® is also very popular.

Though derived from botulinum toxin, these two products are not identical and do have several differences which will be sorted out in the future with greater experience. Dysport™ has a more rapid onset of action, typically one to two days versus the three to five days seen with Botox Cosmetic®. It also has a greater spread for a more diffuse effect, requires fewer injection points and may last slightly longer than Botox Cosmetic®. However, it does have significantly more adverse side-effects. Botox Cosmetic®, though requiring more injection points, is far more precise, predictable and has a lower risk of adverse problems.

Dysport™ should be available for clinical use here within the next month or two. Pricing is not yet established but will likely undercut the cost of Botox Cosmetic® in order to acquire patients and market share. Its presence will be a win-win situation for patients, allowing for more than one treatment option as well as providing competition which may lead to more favorable pricing and incentives.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona