Got last minute notice today that a segment that I taped for The Today Show was about to air. This is a piece that features a friend (and patient) named Leslie Adler.

Take a look at this interesting piece that explores honesty in relationships and how much information we exchange with our partners versus keeping some information personal. Here, Leslie takes a day to go shopping and get a little Botox. She takes the position (as many of us do) that there is nothing wrong with avoiding the days’ events when it comes to her spouse.

Here’s the clip. What do you think? In my line of work I see many couples who do not share their visits to my office with one another, and incidentally, those are “secrets” that stay in the confines of the Doctor/Patient relationship. As I state in the segment, there have been instances when I see one spouse in the morning and the other in the afternoon and both ask me to keep their visits in confidence….a favor I will of course honor without even being asked.

Certain subjects like cosmetic injections, plastic surgery and a day of shopping are ones that people view differently. Sneaking new clothing items into the house may be more difficult than smuggling in your newly injected  Juvederm.

As far as your visits to your favorite boutique, I will leave that to you, but you can rest assured….your visits to Schlessinger Eye & Face are a secret that is safe with me!

Oh, and for the record, I am an Ophthalmologist specializing in Oculoplastic & Aesthetic Eyelid Surgery, NOT a Dermatologist as stated in the segment.

If you are interested in learning more about the exciting cosmetic injectable procedures BOTOX Cosmetic® & Juvéderm™ or if you want to learn more about how to enhance your overall cosmetic appearance, then my November 11th Seminar is for you….

BOTOX Cosmetic®, Juvéderm™ performed in the office - LIVE.

You can schedule an appointment for same-day Botox/Juvederm (if available) at substantial savings of 25%!!

Please call 516-496-2122. Seminar hours are 10:00am - Noon and breakfast is on me!

Hope to see you there!

Dr. Schlessinger comments on Latisse

I’ve talked before about the benefits of Latisse. It’s a great product and has given many of my patients here in Woodbury some fantastic results. As a cosmetic eyelid surgeon here on the north shore of Long Island, I see many patients who have this concern and who would love to forego the application of false lashes when they get their makeup done for a special event.

Today I’d like to talk briefly about the small population of patients that this product may not be suitable for. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this product, it is put out by Allergan (also the makers of Botox) and is has been used recently to treat thinning eyelashes. In a period of 2-4 months, patients who use this prescription properly and under the care of an Ophthalmologist, can see fuller, darker and longer lashes. Truly a wonderful product for some of my patients who have been looking for a remedy for their thinning lashes!

However, all patients need to undergo an Ophthalmic Exam prior to going on the Latisse regimen. In certain cases, Latisse is not the answer. Have an ophthalmologist check to see if you have a problem that causes eyelash loss. Blepharitis, thyroid disease, eyelid skin cancers and trichelomania are some of the conditions I look for that would preclude a patient from beginning the Latisse Regimen.

For now, click here to take a look at the FAQ’s for this product. The link will take you directly to their website.

Check back to future posts where I will describe these conditions and treatments.

Dr. S

Most people agree that the first thing they notice in a person is their eyes. From extravagant mascaras, lush fake lashes and extensions, women often go to great lengths to get lavish, full and long lashes. We can now add a new approach to the list: the doctor.

The FDA has recently approved the first ever prescription treatment, Latisse™, for inadequate and deficient lashes. Originally developed to help avoid vision problems caused by insufficient lashes, Latisse™ is proven to help lashes grow longer, fuller and darker. So women tired of the hassle that comes with uncomfortable extensions, a sea of ineffective mascaras and plain inconvenient fake lashes can now head to their doctor’s office for a consultation on this new miracle drug.

Developed by Allergan®, the makers of Botox® Cosmetic, Latisse™ contains years of research and a clinical trial during which patients noticed visible results in as little as four weeks, with gradual improvements after 16 weeks of regular use. The treatment, which should be available by March, is being marketed as an everyday medication; an easy application on the upper eyelid at the base of the eyelashes is expected to do the trick.

While it’s still not entirely clear why Latisse™ promotes growth, the answer may be in the active ingredient bimatoprost. This compound is drawn from fatty acids that bind to receptors in the eyelashes and could in turn contribute to the re-growth of hair follicles.

As all other medications that promise miracle results, Latisse™ does have minor side effects of which consumers should be aware. They include redness and itching around the eye area, dryness, and in rare instances, skin darkening where the medication is applied. All that aside, the results are still very promising and would make sought-after, thick, luscious lashes a reality for many. Next up, Allergan® will be researching additional cosmetic uses for Latisse™, including how it stimulates scalp hair and eyebrow growth.

Keep your eyes peeled as I discuss this topic more in coming weeks and months. If you’re interested in trying Latisse™ yourself, consult your doctor first.

Photo source: beaut.ie

Due to the economic turndown of the recent months, most cosmetic surgery procedures have been on the decline. Despite the excellent results of the latest surgical techniques, many people simply cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars for major surgical procedures.

Despite this economic decline, injectable cosmetic treatments such as Juvederm® and Botox® have actually seen a slight increase. This is because the new injectable fillers can reliably enhance our appearance for longer periods of time and at fraction of the cost of surgery. With most of these treatments lasting over six months, the cost is less than that of our daily tall latte.

2009 didn’t only bring change in terms of a new President, it also brings a host of new injectibles to the market.

Reloxin® is the first true competitor to Botox®. It is made by Medicis, the makers of Restylane®. The early news is that the onset is slightly faster than that of Botox®, but it may not last as long. The truth is, we will not know its true nature for at least several months. The good news that it should drive the price of Botox® down. In anticipation of the arrival of Reloxin®, Allergan (makers of Botox) has not raised its price this January for the first time in over a decade.

Evolence® is Johnson and Johnson’s new injectable filler. It is made from porcine collagen (meaning it is derived from pigs for those of you that are kosher or vegetarian). The collagen is cross linked in a special way that J & J claim enable it to last 12-15 months. Unlike other collagen products, no skin testing prior to its use is necessary.

Elevess™ is made by Anika. It is a non-animal based Hyaluronic acid, which is similar to Restylane® and Juvederm®. What makes Elevess™ unique is that it is filled with the numbing agent Lidocaine. In theory, this should make the injections less painful.

Mentor, a leading manufacturer of breast implants, has introduced two new Hyaluronic acid injectables. Prevelle™ is for fine lines such as crow’s feet and those thin lines around lips. Puragen™ is a thicker injectible made for deeper lines (nasolabial folds) and for augmenting cheek bones.

One of the more exciting products on the horizon is Isolagen®. In this product, the treating surgeon takes a biopsy of the patient’s own tissue. The tissue is then sent to the company’s lab where the patient’s own fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) are cloned and sent back to the surgeon for injection. Since the patient’s own live cells are being re-injected, the results should be extremely natural-looking, safe and long lasting (maybe even permanent). While most of the other products are “me toos” this is a truly innovative concept. Stay tuned for further developments.

Atlean (caution: this website is in French!) is a gel that is filled with calcium phosphate. This natural compound stays in the skin for a long time and may even stimulate collagen growth. It is very similar to Radiesse® and should also last 12-18 months. Aquamid® is a gel filled with small plastic beads (polyacarmide). This should give a permanent enhancement to deeper lines. The downside is that there is the potential for permanent bumpiness.

We are all looking to 2009 to be a year of change. For our country we are all hoping for a quick resolution to the economic turmoil and our conflicts abroad. In our own small world of cosmetic surgery, 2009 should bring exciting changes that will hopefully lead to better and longer lasting results. The one caveat is that not all change is for the better. Time will tell which products will work and which will not.