ClearVisage Blog

Many people refer to balneology as balneotherapy. Balneotherapy is the medical use of spas and mineral baths. Rather than drinking the water, balneology is using water for healing medicinal purposes. Balneotherapy can involve moving through water, massage through water or therapy in hot or in cold water. Usually mineral baths are a large part of balneology and balneotherapy treatments. learn more about Balneology here

For people who are dissatisfied with the thickness and length of their eyelashes, a treatment called Latisse can give them the thicker and longer lashes they desire. Latisse is the only FDA-approved treatment currently available by prescription for thin and inadequate eyelashes. Latisse causes existing lashes to become thicker, longer and darker. The results from Latisse treatment are not an illusion — eyelashes actually grow and take on a fuller appearance.

Latisse is a treatment for a condition known as eyelash hypotrichosis, which is the medical term for inadequate eyelashes. The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatropost, prolongs the growing period of eyelashes. Latisse treatment consists of once-a-day application to the base of the upper lashes. Within 8 weeks, preliminary results may be observed. In 12 to 16 weeks, the full results of Latisse are visible.

Latisse treatment may be continued indefinitely. When treatment is stopped, lashes will return to their previous state within a few weeks. During Latisse treatment, mascara and other eye makeup may continue to be worn.

The best way to begin Latisse treatment is by finding a doctor who is experienced in prescribing Latisse. Your medical history will be evaluated to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. Any infection of the eyes or irritation of the eyelid skin should be discussed with the doctor before treatment begins.

Latisse is the first treatment of its kind which has been clinically tested and approved by the FDA. The most common side effects of Latisse are itching in the eye area and redness of the eyes, but these symptoms occur in only 4% of patients. Some of the less common side effects and risks from Latisse include possible darkening of the skin of the eyelid; this darkening may be reversible. There may also be an increase in brown pigmentation of the iris of the eye, and this change is most likely to be permanent. Patients who are using prescription drugs to lower eye pressure or who have a history of eye pressure problems need to use Latisse under close supervision of a doctor.

To avoid the possibility of infection, Latisse should only be applied with the sterile applicators which are supplied with the prescription. Latisse application is recommended for the upper lids only. The expectation is that it will transfer to the lower lids while the patient sleeps, and that increased eyelash growth will also occur in the lower lash area.

Botox is more affordable than facelift surgery and has a shorter recovery time. Most people experience no side effects from Botox treatment. In less than 3% of patients, side effects including flu-like symptoms, headache or droopy eyelids may occur. Rare cases of heart problems and allergic reactions have also been reported. The results of Botox are temporary and will disappear within a few months. Many people who are satisfied with the results of Botox treatment receive regular injections every 3 to 6 months.

Juvederm is a safe treatment with mild side effects which may include temporary redness, swelling and bumps at the injection site. Unlike Botox, Juvederm has no effect on the muscles of the face and therefore fewer side effects. The benefits of Juvederm are temporary and may last for up to 6 months. Treatment may be repeated every 6 to 9 months, depending on doctor recommendations.

Radiesse can be used for lines and the face and for larger areas in the cheek, chin and hands. Nasal problems and hollowed cheeks can be treated with Radiesse. HIV-associated facial lipoatrophy, which causes sunken areas in the face, responds well to treatment with Radiesse. Most patients are more satisfied with the results from Radiesse than from Restylane or Juvederm. Radiesse treatment is very safe, with very few reported side effects. The benefits from Radiesse are temporary, but most patients are able to go for a year or more between treatments. This is due to the unique collagenesis process which is a key element of Radiesse.

When the Thermage device pulses radio frequencies beneath the skin, deep heating takes place and the body is stimulated to produce collagen. Benefits to the skin are immediately apparent. Following treatment, the body continues to produce collagen and additional benefits may be seen over time. For most people, little or no recovery time is needed following a Thermage treatment. The side effects from Thermage are usually minimal, including soreness and discomfort that lasts only a few days. The benefits of Thermage continue for up to 6 months after treatment, and treatments can be repeated on an annual basis.

Anyone who is in good health can undergo laser tattoo removal treatment. A simple tattoo can be removed with 4-6 treatments. Complex tattoos may require up to 10 treatments, with a period of two months between treatments. The overall success of laser tattoo removal may depend on a variety of factors, including the color permanence of the ink, the size of the tattoo and its location, and the skin tone of the patient. The best way to determine if a tattoo can be successfully removed is to consult a doctor who specializes in laser tattoo removal.

Depending on the individual, the regrowth of hair following laser hair removal may be stopped for several weeks or several years. Serious complications from laser hair removal are rare when treatment is administered by an experienced medical professional. Laser hair removal treatment is most effective for people with dark hair and light skin, since the laser focuses on dark matter in the shaft of the follicle. Blonde, white, light red and light brown hair are the most difficult to treat with laser hair removal.

Photofacial works though a hand held device which emits high intensity pulses of broadband light. This light is different from a laser because it uses a broad spectrum of wavelengths compared to the single wavelength of a laser beam. Photofacial IPL delivers light to the inner layers of the skin, leave the surface of the skin unaffected. An additional benefit of IPL is the creation of collagen beneath the skin, giving the skin a healthier and more youthful appearance. Besides being used for facial treatment, Photofacial is also effective on other areas of the body such as the neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs.