Beware of Groupon Deals on BOTOX®

While it's normal that Atlanta cosmetic surgery patients will look for a "deal" on BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers like Juvéderm® and Sculptra®. While I also enjoy a bargain, I want you to be aware of an FDA warning that was just on TV.

According to the FDA, non-approved Botox-like products and fillers have been discovered at several med spas in the US. While less expensive than the real thing, they're also less effective and may be dangerous. According to the FOX news segment, the med spas "will dilute the injected product, making it less than optimal for what you are paying for." Translation: a deal isn't a deal if you aren't saving money, right? Old or overly diluted product won't last as long or give the best result.

The truth is, BOTOX® and fillers work best when they're injected by the same physician each time, the doctor who knows your anatomy from previous injections and who is an expert injector. Your face isn't the place to try out a discount!

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a truly blessed 2013!

To your health & beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali

The Next "Botox" is Almost Here....

Xeomin (pronounced "Zee-o-men") has just been FDA-approved for use here in the States.  Xeomin is a new botulinum toxin from Merz, the company that makes Radiesse (a collagen-stimulator, wrinkle filler) and Asclara (for spider veins).

We don't know exactly how Xeomin will stack up against Botox and Dysport, but we do know that Xeomin is supposed to be a "purer" form of the botulinum toxin protein, and we know it doesn't have to be refrigerated, so it has a longer shelf-life.  We don't yet know if it will last longer than Botox or Dysport, or how it will work for areas other than the "11s" between the brows, which is presently the only area it's FDA-approved to treat.  And we don't yet know about it's cost.



As with many products, Europe has been using Xeomin for awhile now, even though it just became available here in the States.  In Europe, it's called Bocouture....which brings me to the issue of names for these wrinkle-reducers.


Why are all the names so unappealing??  "Botox" sounds like a poison. "Dysport" sounds dys-functional.  Xeomin, well, I had to figure out how to pronounce it!  Europe got the good name for Dysport (it's Reloxin over there", and they got the good name for Xeomin (Bocouture).  Not sure why we're getting all the bad names over here.

What do you think--will you try Xeomin as soon as it's available, or will you wait until it's more "tried and true" here?

Botox results for less $$?? Who wouldn't want that?!

A new study has confirmed what we've long-suspected in my practice:  people who use Botox regularly can eventually use it LESS often and still get the same great results!  So if you've been wanting to try Botox, but have been worried about needing to do it every 3 months to keep up your results, this is great news!

The study found that women aged 30-50 who have Botox every 3 months for about 2 years can then start using it only twice a year (every 6 months) and see no change in their lines and wrinkles.

Have a great weekend!

To Your Health and Beauty,
Dr. Carmen Kavali

Spring Cleaning for Your Face?

Spring has sprung and while some of you are spring-cleaning your homes, many of you are coming into our Atlanta plastic surgery and skin renewal practice to spring-clean your skin, too! The dry winter weather, stress or sun damage could be to blame but as seen on The Doctors, 3 non-invasive facial rejuvenation procedures can clear the cobwebs, and buff and shine your face for a fresh, spring look.

Laser The Cobwebs (Spider Veins) Away

Facial spider veins aren’t painful but they certainly are embarrassing. Damage from the sun can cause the tiny facial blood vessels to dilate, as can aging. Spider veins can appear on any skin type but they tend to be more visible on fair-complected people. Covering them with makeup works for a few hours, but longer-term results can be gained over your lunch break with little or no downtime. Both the IPL (photo-facial) and the Alexandrite/YAG laser can be used to be treat most skin types, as they target the red blood cells, causing the vessels to collapse, shrink and in most cases, disappear. If more appear later on (a common occurrence), another treatment can zap them away!

Buff Away Dead Skin

We have lots of great chemical peels to refresh the skin: Skin Medica's Vitalize Peel, for instance. This peel addresses several skin conditions, such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage. After only one treatment you’ll see visible improvement. After a series, you’ll see more significant results. Little or no downtime is the norm with the Vitalize Peel, so come in during lunch for your peel!

       

Need some skin tightening? Known as “the lift without a knife,” Refirme lasering results in immediate lifting and firming of facial skin through a combination of radiofrequency waves with infrared light. The Refirme laser has become a favorite of our Atlanta patients who want tighter and firmer skin on the spot, without visible post-treatment marks.

The Matrix IR is a diode laser for facial lines. By heating up the deeper layers of your skin (while protecting your surface skin), it signals collagen to rebuild. It’s great for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, crow’s feet, forehead lines and those little wrinkles around the eyes. Since its energy is fractionated, more intense light energy can be placed, which means it’s highly effective.

Time To Add Some Shine

The last and final step of the spring-cleaning facial rejuvenation is laser skin rejuvenation with our eMatrix (fractionated RF) Laser. This laser treats superficial skin lesions, acne scarring and wrinkles while improving both the texture and tone of your skin. The 3 settings allow for superficial, mid-level and deep skin correction, so it’s easy to tailor for your specific needs. A series of treatments can reveal the beauty and shine that you love!

You can have any of these procedures done during lunch and return to work, looking refreshed and ready for spring! 

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Carmen Kavali