Lengthen Those Lashes with Latisse!

Latisse is a prescription liquid solution made by Allergan (makers of Botox, Juvederm, and Vivite Skin Care) to enhance your eyelashes. Over the course of 16 weeks your lashes will transform from short and stubbly to longer, thicker, darker lashes.

The solution, Bimatoprost Ophthalmic, is applied to your lashes every evening before you go to bed. You will apply the solution only to the upper eyelashes at the root, similar to how you would apply eyeliner. While you are sleeping, Latisse will absorb into the upper lashes as well as the lower lashes.

Latisse comes in a dropper bottle with 90 drops, along with 60 applicator brushes. Typically this should last you about two to three months.

If you have leftover product on your brushes, you can sweep it into your eyebrows to tint them, or to fill in areas where they are thinning out.

Stop by our office to talk to one of our licensed paramedical aestheticians to see if Latisse is right for you. Take the opportunity to enjoy the perks of our July special of 2 boxes for $200. Along with that purchase you will receive a voucher for a complimentary Vivite Vibrance Décolleté Therapy to reduce uneven pigmentation.

** This promotion expires on July 31, 2011.**

VI Peel

Chemical peels are a great way to exfoliate your skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The VI Peel by Vitality Institute is a chemical peel unlike any other. It is comprised of highly active ingredients, including phenol,(an anesthetic and acid), to turn back time on your skin.

This aggressive peel will help clear up acne, and other impurities in the skin, correct and lighten hyperpigmentation and/or melasma, and help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Your skin will feel extremely tight following the peel, and will subside in a few days.

Vi PEEL at North Valley Plastic Surgery

Typically, two days after the treatment your skin will start to proliferate (shed). You will not want to pick or pull at the skin, because that can cause unwanted hyperpigmentation. The changes in your skin will be noticeable within 7 days of your peel. Collagen production is promoted, and you will notice tighter, firmer, and plumper skin.

The benefit to this treatment is it can be done on anyone, any age, and of any skin color.

Although phenol has been known to "de-pigment" darker skin, the percentage in this treatment is modified, so there is no chance of "bleaching" your skin to a lighter shade. You will, however, notice a nice change in the hyperpigmentation (i.e. freckles, liver spots, age spots, and/or sun damage).

Give our office a call to schedule your VI Peel during your next lunch break 480.991.6877.

Why is Skin Cancer an Arizona Epidemic?

In days past, tanned skin was a faux-paux; while those with porcelain white skin were admired. Nowadays, this couldn't be farther from the truth. People with sun-kissed skin are admired and complimented; while, porcelain white skin is seen as taboo.

People are drawn to Arizona for the 300 days of clear, blue skies and brightly, shining sun. What people do not realize is that skin cancer in Arizona is, and has been, a growing concern. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Arizona is ranked #2 in the world, just behind the gold coast of Australia, for skin cancer.

Unfortunately, this year alone, one million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States, alone!

Living in Arizona it is important to be aware of the two types of sun rays that penetrate through the earth's atmosphere: UVA and UVB.

The UVA rays are mainly aging rays that cause damage to DNA and collagen cells; while, harming the dermis. The UVB rays are mainly burning rays that stay in the epidermis, or superficial layers. UVB rays cause your melanocytes to produce melanin (tanning capabilities) and can cause a burn, which can lead to the beginning stages of skin cancer.

In our sunny desert climate, the most important hours of the day to use sunscreen is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Even on a rare, cloudy day the sun's ultraviolet rays penetrate through the clouds, causing your skin to burn.

Those who burn easily are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer. Certain characteristics can make you more susceptible such as: blue eyes, red or blond hair, or if you are prone to freckles and/or have light skin.

There is one easy way to protect yourself and prevent damage to your skin: using an FDA approved sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays like the Anthelios line from La Roche-Posay.

The Anthelios sunscreen holds the patent technology of three sun filters: Octocrylene, Parsol 1789, and Mexoryl SX. The Anthelios sunscreen gives you complete broad-spectrum protection.

Don't become a statistic because you forgot to use your sunscreen. Your insurance likely covers a skin exam. Call to schedule a skin exam with our dermatologist today.