Eyebrow Transplants - What Women are Turning to for Fuller Brows

Over the years people have noticed that the persistent plucking and weekly waxing have led to thinner eyebrows.  Filling them in with a pencil has become monotonous and tattoos are just not an option, they look fake.  Those who are experiencing this have turned to transplants.

When it comes to eyebrows, thin is no longer in.  Full, thick, dark eyebrows have become the standard for celebrities.  Kim Kardashian, eyebrow icon, has set the bar for dramatic and bold brows.

Unfortunately we all are not blessed with her thick eyebrows and her makeup artist, we have the option of an eyebrow transplant.  Very similar to the transplant of head hairs, eyebrow transplants can be created using hair from your arms, legs, or nape of your neck.  These hairs are resemble both the look and texture of your eyebrows.  The procedure is tedious though with each hair being transplanted individually,  procedures last approximately 2-3 hours. The quick turnaround time is what makes this a great option with results in as little as three weeks.  The cost of transplants can be pricey, ranging anywhere between $6,000 - $8,000.  Before you schedule your consult, however, topicals are always an option worth trying. Come in to our office for an eyebrow evaluation if you feel your eyebrows need a lift!

Dr. Lily Warns: Counterfeit Botox

Federal regulators have warned more than 350 medical practices that Botox they may have received from a Canadian supplier is unapproved and could be counterfeit or unsafe.

The Food and Drug Administration said in a letter sent last month, a letter released publicly last week, that batches of the wrinkle treatment shipped by suppliers owned by pharmacy Canada Drugs have not been approved by the FDA and that the agency cannot assure their effectiveness or their safety.

The FDA said Canada Drugs was previously tied to shipping unapproved and counterfeit cancer drugs.

The agency warned doctors about buying drugs from sources other than licensed U.S. pharmacies. It is the fifth warning the agency has made this year about foreign suppliers providing unapproved drugs.

In February, the agency warned 19 medical practices that they had received a counterfeit version of the cancer drug Avastin. On three more occasions the FDA issued similar warnings about counterfeit Avastin and Altuzan, another brand name for the same drug. The alerts were also primarily targeted at drugs distributed by Canada Drugs.

A request for comment from the drug distributor was not immediately returned.

Drug shortages increased the financial incentives for some pharmacies to provide counterfeit or illegally imported drugs. The drugs subject to warnings have all been injectable treatments typically distributed through medical practices and not directly to patients.

In October, the FDA ordered operators of about 4,100 websites to immediately stop selling unapproved medications to U.S. consumers. The vast majority of those sites were operated by Canada Drugs. The site was still operating Friday.

Genuine Botox is made by Allergan Inc., based in Irvine, Calif. Avastin is made by Roche Holding AG's Genentech unit.

Check out the ABC article here.

Culture-Conscious Lip Enhancement

Lip enhancement is a commonly performed aesthetic procedure in the United States. However, in the literature, anthropometric measurements defining the ideal lip proportions are computed and reported based on the white face. These proportions do not reflect the ethnic variations in Hispanic, Asian, and black lip dimensions.

In a study in the Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery, Wong et al. evaluated three-dimensional models of male and female white, Chinese, and Korean subjects using surface-imaging technology (2010;63:2032-9). In both the Chinese and Korean patient groups, there were significant differences in lip parameters and lip-projection volumes, compared with whites, thus revealing measurable differences in the Asian lip morphology. Similarly, Hispanics and blacks do not exhibit the common 2/3 to 1/3 lip height proportions that are commonly used to define the "ideal" lip proportions in whites.

Skin of color patients often have full upper and lower lips, often with a 1/2 to 1/2 height ratio. In addition, photodamage and fine rhytids are not as common in these patients. Mandibular retraction in the lower face leads to perioral volume loss and ptosis of the lateral oral commissures, the development of the prejowl sulcus, and loss of lip volume.

Rejuvenation of the lip and perioral area in skin of color patients should involve the symmetry, shape, and projection of the lips in the context of their ethnicity and the structural differences in their faces. The extent and pattern of volume loss in the perioral region and the lower face should also be evaluated and treated. Revolumizing the lower face in conjunction with revolumizing the lips can produce perioral lifting and global lifting of the mouth and lower face.

Lip enhancement in skin of color patients should involve an understanding of both the inherent differences in the perception of beauty in skin of color patients and the differences in the mechanism of aging. Volumizing and recontouring of the perioral region is best approached in the context of what is thought to be aesthetically pleasing based on patient’s culture, ethnicity, and facial structure.

End of the Year Product Clean Out!

Out with the old, in with the new! We all have those products that we love and cling onto for years because it’s that perfect shade of red, or have that drawer full of half used mascara, blush, or eye shadows because we think we will need it in the future. But it is time to come to terms with the fact that these products eventually become breeding grounds for bacteria. The New Year is a good time to clean out your make up and facial products you’ve had for years. 

Here are some guidelines for your End of the Year Product Clean Out:

• Facial Moisturizers: These have a shelf life of two to three years unopened, however once opened they are good for 6 to 12 months. Keep in mind, facial moisturizers that include added ingredients such as antioxidants or vitamins (A, C, or E) can expire quicker due to their sensitivity to light. In contrast, ones that contain acids (such as glycolic or salicylic acid) may have a longer shelf life. 

• Liquid Foundation: Unopened, foundation can last up to two years, but once opened it has a shelf life of 12 months. Most formulas are water based, which means bacteria loves them, so storing them in a cool, dry area will prolong the life of your foundation.   

• Mascaras: To prevent bacteria from forming it should be replaced every three months because every time the applicator is taken out it can pick up bacteria. Do not share your mascara! 

• Eyeliner/Eye Shadow: Due to contact with the eye’s mucous membrane, the possibility of transferring bacteria to the product and back to the eye is higher, which increases the risk for infection. Powder eye shadows and eyeliner should be replaced every three months.

• Lipstick: For most formulas lipstick can last for about two years, but since it is exposed to the mouth often it’s recommended to replace them if used while sick. Storing them in a cool, dry area helps their shelf life. 

• Nail Polish: It can last up to two years. Nail polish will not go bad from bacteria, but it can dry up and get clumpy. Keeping the top on tightly helps. 

• Powders and Blush: Have a shelf life of about two years, although cream blush should be replaced after one year. To prolong the life of your powders and blush clean your brush regularly.  

• Tools: Makeup brushes should be cleaned once a month with a gentle shampoo or cleanser. Quick Tip: Wash them at night, lay them flat to dry overnight and they will be ready to use in the morning!
• Can’t invest in makeup brushes? Use paintbrushes! They are a fraction of the cost of top of the line makeup brushes, are made of the same hairs, and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For acne prone skin, try washing your makeup brushes with one of our Glytone face washes.

Arms and Legs Looking Drab this Season?

The tanning bed is NOT the answer to getting that summer glow in the harsh winter months.   Dr. Lily swears by Mac’s Skinsheen Leg Spray, but be sure to test out the shades first before purchasing.  This great product is a smooth-on, gel-based bronzer that’s easy to apply yet provides sheer to low coverage with subtle sheen and radiance.  No need to worry about streaks; the mousse-like foam leaves a well-blended and even sun kissed look.  Pick up yours today at any Sephora or Mac boutique before taking those Christmas party photos.