9454 Wilshire Boulevard (Ground floor at S. Beverly Drive)
Beverly Hills, California 90212
(310) 888-8087

May
2013
21

What is the purpose of lash enhancers?

What is the purpose of lash enhancers?
Eyelashes decrease in length by almost 50% from our 20’s to our 40’s. Millions are being spent every year in false lashes, mascara, and eyeliner to cosmetically improve eyelashes. Lash enhancers are now available to provide similar or even better results ‘naturally’. Latisse has been FDA approved to lengthen (25%), thicken (106%) and darken (18%) eyelashes- counteract the natural decrease in length, thickness and darkness that occurs in our eyelashes as we age. Off label, Latisse will thicken eyebrows as well.

Beverly Hills Lash Enhancers

What is the difference between lash growth enhancers available over-the-counter and those that require a prescription?
Latisse is THE ONLY FDA approved product to lengthen eyelashes.  ALL others have not been approved so we don’t know what is in them and/or they are simply eyelash conditioners, which may help improve eyelashes, but cannot make a claim to enhance their growth.

Who is the ideal candidate for lash growth enhancers, and who should not use them?
An ideal candidate is anyone who is concerned about their eyelashes. Whether the candidate has thin, weak, or short eyelashes, Latisse will improve the condition. Even someone who uses false eyelashes will find Latisse to strengthen their lashes for a better, longer-lasting hold. It is important to always consult a licensed practitioner since Latisse is only obtained through a doctor’s prescription.

How are lash enhancers applied?
Topically to the base of the lashes. Although it is recommended to use every night prior to sleeping, it can be used each morning if preferred.

Why is it important to use a lash growth enhancer?
To achieve longer, thicker and darker eyelashes, which enhance and frame the eyes. Longer, thicker, and darker lashes are associated with youth and beauty.

What should consumers look for when choosing an enhancer?
FDA approved= safety and efficacy, licensed clinical recommendation and proven results.

April
2013
11

Trending Medical Procedures: Dr. Gabriel Chiu, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc.

What would you say is the most popular medical or cosmetic procedure being requested at your office right now?

Liposuction. Some of the most popular areas right now are stomach and love handles, arms, and thighs as everyone is getting ready for spring break and summer beach bodies. High definition facial liposuction to the jawline is also popular to provide a more “sharp” and youthful look.

What does this procedure entail, and what issues does it address?

Liposuction can address any problem areas. It involves using a long, hollow rod with holes on one end and a vacuum on the other to shear and suction fat cells after the tissues have been treated with a medicated solution. I am known for high-definition liposuction, during which stylized and customized cannulas are used to targeted areas for a high-intensity, sculpted look.

Why do you think this has become a trend?

Liposuction is especially popular right now as people are getting ready for spring weddings and the summer. While the stomach and love handles have been and always will be popular, arms and jawlines have been extremely popular with brides and bridesmaids so that they can look their best in strapless gowns and for their photos- which every bride uses to reminisce throughout their lifetime. Thighs are often requested in preparation for summer because of all the short shorts, daisy dukes, miniskirts, and bikinis.

To whom would you recommend this procedure? Who would be the ideal candidate?

The ideal candidate will be healthy, in relatively good shape, but with problem areas that never seem to go away no matter how hard they work out, how diligently they diet, or what treatments they succumb their bodies to. Ideal candidates will not have significant stretch marks, sagging tissues, or poor skin tone.

What benefits do patients report after having this done?  (Include before after pictures and/or testimonials if available.)

Not only do patients report correction of their trouble areas, they experience tightening of the skin and tissues in the area of liposuction, improvement of their contours and silhouette, and a more youthful appearance. Often times, liposuction can inspire and motivate patients to lead even healthier and more active lifestyles, since patient want to preserve their newly-sculpted and toned bodies.

September
2012
14

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon: Things to Remember

Some of the factors often overlooked when choosing a plastic surgeon are, in fact, essential elements to take into consideration. The following tips are intended to help you make an educated decision:

1) Do Your Research

Review doctors online, before and after photos, patient testimonials, and credentials, to narrow down the top 3 doctors (or less). In reviewing photos, it is best when sets of photos have descriptions of what procedure was performed, when the post-op photo was taken, and any other details on the patient or the procedure. Also make sure that not only are there plenty of photos, but each set of photos are shot at the same angle, with the same lighting, and same patient positioning. In reviewing credentials, make sure to see that the surgeon is indeed a plastic surgeon (not cosmetic surgeon). Plastic surgeons have completed a fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, taking a minimum of two years to do so.

2) Procedure Consistency

When comparing your options, make sure you are evaluating for the same procedures; surgeons may recommend different surgeries for the same problem. Will the scars be the same for the breast lift? Is the liposuction covering the exact same areas? If there are differences, what will be the difference in results?

3) Consider Additional Costs

Same goes for pricing- make sure you are comparing like for like. If it sounds too good to be true when compared to other prices, it probably is, since the lowest price may not be the best deal. Does surgery include operating room and anesthesia costs? Will you have to pay for garments, labs, and medications? If so, what will you be getting? How much will they cost?

4) Consult With Previous Patients

Ask to speak with other patients. Make sure they have gone through the same procedures. Do they have any tips for you? Would they have done anything differently? Were they forgotten after surgery was done?

5) Plan Aftercare and Recovery

As plastic surgery is considered major surgery, it is important to make sure that you follow your surgeon’s strict guidelines for proper post-surgical recovery. For instance, for older patients or those with particular health history, a plastic surgeon may recommend a fully-equipped aftercare facility with 24 hour nursing care. Other common instructions include not boarding an airplane for long flights, or avoiding physical activities.

6) Consider The Surgical Experience

Compare the experience- will you be charged for post-op visits? How about a month or two after surgery? Is the doctor the one who sees you, or someone else (who you may not have even met before your surgery)? How accessible is your surgeon, especially after surgery? Will you be calling your doctor, a staff member, or an answering service after hours?

7) Feel Comfortable

Make sure you are comfortable with the doctor, the staff, and anyone else you may come in contact with throughout your experience. They will all contribute to your experience- and you want to have a good one.

8) Trust Your Gut

After you have evaluated all these things, go with your gut instincts. It has to feel right for you to move forward!

July
2011
20

Farms in Beverly Hills? Mooooooooo

Remember Green Acres? Eva Gabor in overalls? The Beverly Hillbillies? Well, the SPA @ Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery, Inc. has joined the trend with Farmhouse Fresh, the most delectable hand and body crèmes to come along. Not only do these products smell like heaven, they are also packed full of the most natural and nourishing ingredients available.

Each delicious jar is between 88-99.6% natural, is free of parabens , sulfates and mineral oils.

We are currently offering:
**Whoopie Cream, it has a vanilla, cake batter scented whipped crème, with Shea butter, natural oil blend and Vitamin E, the moisture lasts for hours. You will want to say ‘Whoopie’ when you use it.

**Sweet Cream Body Milk Lotion, it pours like milk, light and smooth, has 6 natural oils and is in an adorable handled cruet in a cow covered gift box.

**Backcountry Caramel Body Milk Lotion, it has a soft caramel scent with a hint of peppercorn. It has a more natural vegetable base formula and a light silky application.

** Honey Heel Glaze, which is like an instant pedicure. You brush on and leave on a delicious smelling moisture serum that is made with honey, live unprocessed papaya and pineapple fruit cells and aloe. Comes in a gift box with a darling brush applicator

These products are natural, vegan and gluten free. It is used in spa treatments at 5 star destination resorts and luxury spas. No wonder the SPA @ Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is carrying it!!! It is also very affordable and comes in vintage chic packaging- all glass.

What a wonderful gift for yourself or your dearest friends! You’ll want to grab a bunch and get to your nearest square dance or tractor pull! Or not! Whatever you are up to, you will smell terrific!!!

February
2009
27

Flutter.

OK Ladies, admit it.  We have all looked at sleeping small children and thought to ourselves, how did they ever get those long lashes?  Especially little boys for some funny reason . . .

And yet we stand in front of our makeup mirrors, again with the mascara wand in hand, brushing our lashes into clumpy yet longer lengths and think ‘there must be a better way’?  Well girls, I’m going to let you in on the next big thing… eyelash extentions!

Mascara.  We all have woken up to dusky circles under our eyes from sleeping in it, paniced if we are on a trip and forgot to bring it, put it on our ‘if left on a desert island’ list and read countless advertisements for the newest, best wonder wand for most even application.  Can you imagine all this being a thing of the past?   The skin under my eyes just breathed a sigh of relief.

In about an hour with our skilled lash expert Holly, you can be transformed from a skimpy lashed lass into a full blown lash diva.  The process is a completely painless, somewhat pleasant experience as lashes are individually glued onto your existing lash.  The result is instant (don’t  we all just LOVE instant gratification?)

I just can’t stop fluttering.  Bus drivers stop where there is no bus stop.  The grocery clerk keeps flirting with me.  Policemen refuse to give me tickets.  Hmmm, am I on to something?

Imagine cutting the time it takes to get ready in the morning.  You just can’t get these kind of results with mascara.  Instead of glopping on product with a messy and potentially bacteria laden wand, you can just apply your favorite eye shadow and dash out the door.  All that’s needed for makeup removal is a quick swipe with oil free makeup remover.  Wash your face gently in the shower, no need to worry about the spray.  Just no rubbing your eyes!!!  Believe me, your eyes will thank you.

If you are looking for a double whammy, there is a new product called Latisse.  This is from the same company we have come to know and love as the producers of botox.  The lash growing ingredient in Latisse was discovered when scientists were working on a drug to control eye pressure.  The side effect was lash growth.  Now that’s my idea of a side effect!  It was patented, so Latisse is the only eyelash growth serum that actually contains the formula.  It’s applied nightly with a wand for sanitation and is applied similar to eyeliner.  Only the top lashes please!   Dramatic results in two months, and can be used in conjunction with eyelash extensions.  After a few months with Latisse, your extensions might also be a thing of the past!

Now since they are not infallible, you will lose your lashes naturally as your own lashes shed.  This means you will need to have them filled in occasionally.  It’s a much faster process that the initial application, and will keep you full and fluttering always.  I figure I’m in the nail salon much more often and always maintain beautiful hands.  Even more important is maintaining a beautiful face! 

Come in for your set soon.  I’ll wink at you when I see you ;-)