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• QHow can I make my eyelashes look thicker without a lot of mascara?

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  A Dr. Tamara Fountain , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

  There is a new prescription drug, Latisse (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 percent by Allergan, which was recently approved by the FDA as safe and effective to help lengthen, thicken, and darken eyelashes. It has the same active ingredient, a prostaglandin analog, as a glaucoma drug, Lumigan (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03 percent, also made by Allergan. It was discovered that one of the side effects of Lumigan is increased eyelash length, darkening, and thickening. Other side effects include eye redness, irritation, and darkening of the skin of the eyelids, all of which are reversible upon cessation of drug. Darkening of the iris has also been reported, and this side effect is not reversible.

  The FDA studies show that the most common adverse events (about 3 percent to 4 percent incidence) are itchiness of eyes, redness of eyes, and increased pigmentation. If you have an eye condition, such as glaucoma, macular edema, or eye inflammation, consult with your ophthalmologist or eye doctor before using Latisse.

  Closely follow the instructions for use of the drug. If you have any concerns, the easiest thing to do is to see your ophthalmologist who can evaluate you to make sure you are a good candidate for Latisse as well as prescribe it.

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• QWhat can make my eyelashes grow longer, besides medication?

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  A Dr. Tamara Fountain , Ophthalmology, answered on behalf of American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart

   

  There are many causes of eyelash loss including infection, autoimmune disorders, thyroid trouble, trauma, and even cancer. Thinning of lashes can also happen with age. I would suggest you see your ophthalmologist or eye doctor. This person could ask you some questions and examine you thoroughly to understand the reason for your eyelash problem. Once your doctor knows the problem, you can begin treatment accordingly. Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment proven to grow longer, darker, and thicker lashes. It takes two to four months to see any effects, and side effects can include darkening of surrounding skin and even the iris or colored part of your eye. You can talk more with your eye doctor whether this treatment is right for you.

• QWhat materials can be injected to improve appearance of my lips?

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  A Dr. Daniel Kapp , Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, answered on behalf of MDLIVE

  Today the most common injected fillers into the lips are hyaluronic acids.  The most common products containing hyaluronic acid are Restylene and Juvederm. Other fillers, such as ArteFill, may be injected around the lips to reduce the wrinkling of the smoker’s lines around the lips.
• QHow effective is laser resurfacing?

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  A RealAge answered

  Laser resurfacing can be very effective. It can be used to make your skin look younger and smoother, and results may last for many years. However, laser resurfacing is not a "cure" for aging skin. Eventually the natural skin aging process can cause wrinkles and lines to occur again. You can repeat laser resurfacing procedures to address new wrinkles and lines. In addition, laser resurfacing is not always recommended for dark-skinned individuals or those who have active acne as side effects may outweigh any benefits in these people.Laser resurfacing may be effective for depressed acne scars but not raised acne scars. It can be effective for warts, liver spots and some birthmarks.
• QWhat is laser surgery for skin resurfacing?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  In laser surgery for skin resurfacing, or a laser peel, the doctor uses a laser beam of light to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin. New cells form as the skin heals, creating a smoother, tighter, younger-looking appearance.
  
  Laser resurfacing is used to minimize the appearance of fine lines, uneven pigmentation and facial scars. Laser resurfacing is best if you have fair skin that isn't too oily or deeply scarred, although any level of wrinkles can benefit. It may need to be tested in dark-skinned people to make sure it doesn't change pigmentation.
  
  There are two main types of laser skin resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative fractionated. The treatment takes between 30 minutes to two hours and is typically performed under local or general anesthesia. Each treatment costs an average of $1,100 to $2,200, and the results last a year or more. Laser skin resurfacing is best performed by a qualified laser specialist, usually a plastic surgeon or dermatologist.
  
  Possible complications include burns, scarring, obvious lightening or darkening of the skin. It may also activate herpes virus or other infections. Swelling, redness, oozing and peeling are also common after ablative techniques. You need to keep your head raised at night and use ice packs and a facial bandage to reduce swelling. You may also need a skin ointment to boost skin regeneration. The redness can last for months, but green-tinted makeup can help hide it. A more serious but less common side effect is hyperpigmentation, in which the treated skin appears darker than the surrounding skin.
• QHow does my age help determine which cosmetic procedures are right for me?

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  A Dr. Robert T. Grant, MD , Plastic Surgery, answered on behalf of Columbia University Department of Surgery

  

  Age -- and aging -- are certainly factors when it comes to the cosmetic procedures women choose. In this video, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Robert Grant discusses options for women in their menopausal years that won't leave them looking "too done."
• QWhat is laser hair removal?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Laser hair removal is a noninvasive technique that uses a low-energy laser beam to disrupt the growing cycle of hair follicles. It is used to remove unwanted hair on your face or body. Treatments can keep you smooth longer than razors, tweezers or waxing.
  
  Laser treatments use a laser to destroy the follicle. The result is eventually permanent after years of repeated treatments. Laser hair removal only works on dark brown or black hair. White or blond hair will not respond to the laser. Red hair may have limited response to the laser treatment.
  
  Laser hair removal takes from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the areas to be treated. Because hair grows in cycles, you'll need multiple sessions, usually four to six. Then you will most likely need a maintenance treatment two to three times a year. The cost varies depending on the area being treated. Laser hair removal is best performed by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Possible complications include pain, scarring and pigmentation changes.
  
  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow manufacturers to claim permanent hair removal. Results can be long term once the majority of hair follicles have been destroyed.
• QHow can I deal with pain from a cosmetic treatment?

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  A RealAge answered

  The reality is that some treatments do hurt: Lip-plumping injections, for instance, often elicit white knuckles. Fear can make it all worse, which may account for a lot of the variations in how much true pain different people feel.
  
  If you really want to try something and you’re really painphobic, try learning some self-hypnosis techniques.
  
  However, there are a slew of simpler ways.
  

  • First off, pain thresholds vary from day to day, especially in women. We’re usually most sensitive right around menstruation. So don’t schedule treatments just before and during your period.
  • When you make the appointment, ask if you can take a painkiller ahead of time. Explain that you’re sensitive and scared. The doctor may advise you to take acetaminophen half an hour prior to your visit (but not aspirin or another NSAID, as they may increase bruising).
  • When you arrive, ask about numbing agents. These can range from simple ice packs to spray anesthesia, numbing creams, lidocaine, among others. Lots of choices.
  • Embrace distractions! They can help more than you’d think. Depending on the person, I give patients a stress ball or two to squeeze, have my assistant hold their hand, use talkesthesia—telling stories, jokes, asking about jobs, kids, vacations, or anything that shifts their attention away from the treatment.

  Of course, if you’re having something fairly intense done, from laser resurfacing your whole face to filling in multiple deep creases, you’re going to need more aggressive pain prevention. This might include a combo of a surface numbing cream, a local anesthetic, and a tranquilizer (often Valium or Ativan) to take the edge off. I also use low lights and soft music to make the treatment room really calming.
  
  From The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Less Stress, Gorgeous Skin, and a Whole New You by Amy Wechsler.

• QDoes insurance cover cosmetic treatments?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Insurance rarely, if ever, covers the cost of cosmetic treatments. Unlike a health problem or medical condition, nonsurgical aesthetic treatments are entirely optional. You don't have to fill in those wrinkles, erase those broken blood vessels or minimize that redness. You do it because you want to.
• QHow can laser treatments help my skin?

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  A Dr. Doris Day, MD , Dermatology, answered

  This remarkable technology dramatically reverses the effects of aging and sun damage.
  The most common indications for laser treatments include:
   

  1. improvement of skin texture
  2. removal of age spots ('liver' spots, sun spots, brown marks)
  3. treatment of broken blood vessels (telangiectasia)
  4. improvement of rosacea
  5. tattoo removal
  6. permanent removal of unwanted facial hair and body hair

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