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Budgeting for Beauty – Part 3

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Roxanne, Skincare and Laser Specialist

If you’re still under the impression that Dog is man’s best friend, then you haven’t experienced Botox Cosmetic®. Botox Cosmetic® is the most performed cosmetic procedure in the United States for a reason. It works! Better yet, it takes 5 minutes and then you are off to drop the kids at soccer practice. No one wants to be the oldest looking mom or dad at play group, but taking time out for ourselves can sometimes be a challenge. Botox® is a great solution that requires no down-time, little investment and offers great improvement. Over the years, the media has wrongfully mislead the public about Botox Cosmetic®. I think it would be best to start by discussing the facts about Botox®.

Botox® has been FDA approved and utilized in the US and Canada for over 19 years. Botox® was first used to treat muscle spasms. Canadian ophthalmologist, Dr. Jean Carruthers noticed that it had a side effect of reducing wrinkles. She and her husband, a dermatologist, began using Botox® off label for wrinkle reduction with impressive results. In2002, the practice of utilizing Botox Cosmetic®  for wrinkle reduction became widespread in the US when the same formulation received FDA approval for the treatment of facial lines.Botox Cosmetic® is purified protein that is injected with a very small needle directly into over-active muscles. It relaxes the muscles, creating a smoothing out of lines created by repetitive expressions or motions.Botox can be used to improve the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Injected properly, it can even raise the eye brow, giving the patient a bright-eyed, well rested look. Because the needle so small, there is very little to no pain involved. These injections to do not require down-time and you can return to your daily activity without any visible signs of treatment. Treatment performed by a trained professional should never create an “expressionless or “frozen” appearance. That being said, please do not receive Botox injections at a Botox party at your girlfriend’s house. Authentic Botox is ONLY available through a physician’s office. The effects of Botox lasts 3-4 months. In my opinion, the biggest downside to using Botox is once you see the results, you will want to continue using it!In our office, Botox Cosmetic ranges from $300 – $400 per visit. This is a very low cost way to obtain a more youthful appearance. We offer additional discounts to established patients making it even more affordable.I would like to leave you with this thought today. When your budget is forcing you to make tough decisions how to best invest you money and you are trying to decide whether to purchase a new outfit with shoes and accessories to match or invest in a skin care treatment, remember this:(coming from a fashion enthusiast!! ) while you may get a couple season out of your wardrobe purchases, but your skin will stay with you through out every season of your life.Continue to check back with us, as we will continue to review technologies available, letting you know which ones are worth your investment.

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY CLINIC

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

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800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

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Posted in BOTOX® Cosmetic & Dermal Fillers, Non-Surgical Treatments, Skincare & Aging | 2 Comments »

Winter Weathered Skin

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011

As you face the approaching winter weather elements, you may notice some unappealing changes in your skin. You may feel as though you have aged in a matter of weeks.  You may notice that your once glowing skin looks dull, spotted with signs of summer sun and that lines on you face are suddenly more noticeable.

It may be time to make some adjustments to your current skincare regimen.  Remember that as the seasons change, our skincare regimen needs to change as well.  If you are facing some new winter skin challenges, call for a FREE skincare consultation.  Find out what secrets we have in our winter skin arsenal to fight against dry, flaking, dull, dehydrated skin.  We will have you looking your best in time for all your upcoming holiday events.

Call now to schedule your skincare consultation with Roxanne: Savoy office – 217-359-7508

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Skincare & Aging | No Comments »

Want Spectacular Beautiful Skin? It’s NEVER Too Late To Get It!

Monday, October 17th, 2011

Beautiful Skin

Awhile back, I was exiting the movie theater in Savoy, Illinois when I heard a woman’s voice.  “Excuse me, Miss.  Miss, excuse me.”  I turned around as a lady put her hand on my forearm and said “I’m sorry to bother you but I just had to tell you that you have beautiful skin.”  Clearly an extremely intelligent woman, she then turned to the gentleman whose arm I was on and said “and you sir, are very lucky!” I couldn’t have paid for a moment as fabulous as that one (lol)!  I still smile and giggle a little every time I think about it.

In that instant I knew that all the nights I had stayed up an extra five minutes taking care of my skin instead of just hopping into bed had paid off.   Just last week I was pushing my shopping cart through Meijer’s when a gentleman stopped, looked at me and said very sincerely, “you have the most beautiful skin.”  I blushed, thanked him for his compliment and went back to the mundane task of grocery shopping, only now with a lifted spirit and smile on my face.

So am I one of the “lucky” ones, just born with great skin?  I don’t think so.  I had thin, dry skin most of my life.  In fact, as far as luck goes, I don’t believe there is such a thing.  I have always believed that “luck” is the bi-product of being prepared.  It is about applying effort to those things that are important.  Having “beautiful” or healthy skin is no different.  I am telling you this story because I want you know that if you are bothered by the condition of your skin, it’s not too late to make an improvement that can really make you feel good about yourself.

There was a time when like many others, I wasn’t so nice to my skin.  As a child and teenager (when we are exposed to much of the sun damage that haunts us later in life) I spent most of my summers at the lake or outside riding horses or playing sports. I have two older sisters that I looked up to.  When I saw them putting baby oil on their skin to get the darkest tan, I followed right behind them.  I even followed them into the tanning salon.  I abused my skin, not knowing what kind of consequences it could cause later in life.  You know, dull, lifeless skin with pre-mature wrinkles, brown spots, broken blood vessels of the face, neck, chest and legs, sagging skin that makes us resemble our mother much earlier in life than we are ready for.   And let’s not forget…skin cancers.

Decades later, science has armed us with the knowledge of the kind of destruction sun exposure will cause.  We now know that most of the symptoms of aging skin (lines, wrinkles, broken blood vessels, brown spots, larger pores, rough texture, even freckles) are caused from sun damage not chronological aging.   We have had exciting advances in technology that allow us to now turn back time and correct some of sun damage we are marked with.  Thank you science!

How Do I Get It?

So how did I change my once dull, lifeless, flaking skin into skin that makes complete strangers feel compelled to stop me just to tell me I have beautiful skin?  I did it with diligence and patience.  I give my skin a few minutes every morning and every night and in return it has given me back years.  So much so that most of our patients would tell you they are shocked to find out I have a daughter who is a Freshmen is College.

First and most importantly, protect your skin from the sun by using a medical-grade, physical sunblock such as Tisilc 60 and limit your sun exposure.  I’m not saying you can never see the light of day. Enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, skiing, biking etc., just take advantage of opportunities to seek shade, wear a nice hat and re-apply your sunblock. Protect your skin every single day, not just in the summer, not just when it’s hot, but 365 days a year.  For those of you who are reading this and are thinking “but I have to get some color on my face”…try applying a bronzer instead.

Second, depending on the condition of your skin, you may need a skin rejuvenation treatment. A qualified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon such as G.D. Castillo M.D. can help you decide which choice is right for you.  For me, it was CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing of the face. This procedure took my skin to a whole other level, erasing lines, pigmentation, restoring collagen and smoothing out the surface of my skin to a point that it feels much like the skin of a new born baby.

Third, MAINTAINANCE! Say it with me,” MAIN-TAIN-ANCE!”  This is where consistency and dedication come in.   This will require daily applications of medical-grade skin care products and possibly an occasional microdermabrasion, chemical peel or other facial treatment when needed.  Apply your medical grade skincare products consistently, every morning and every night.  Be sure to follow the regimen your medical skincare specialist and cosmetic plastic surgeon design for you.  You must be patient!  Quality, scientifically proven skincare products need time to make real changes in your skin.

Now, of course as a Medical Skincare and Laser Specialist, I have an advantage. Without the knowledge I have gained about the right combination of medical- grade skincare products and treatments needed to accomplish results, I would be as frustrated as most of the men and women that walk into the Savoy location at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laser Institute. The key to successful maintenance is applying the right combination of medical grade skincare and sticking with it.  Avoid skipping around from product to product. This action is sure to set you for failure.  Your skin needs consistent applications of scientifically proven effective medical grade skincare.

Many of our patients at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic have expressed concern that it’s too late to improve their sun damaged, aging skin.   You can’t take back to hours and hours of sun exposure but your skin has an amazing ability to regenerate and repair itself with a little help from science, technology and professional experience. Most importantly, you don’t have to go on a mission of trial and error to discover how to obtain beautiful, radiant skin that make people stop you on the street.  The steps are laid out right here in this blog.

It’s NEVER too late.

Roxanne Hammond

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Ask Our Expert – Spider Veins

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
 

 

Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialst

Ask Our Expert: Spider Veins

 

Q: After the birth of my children, I developed spider veins on my legs.  People have made comments on them so often that I’m embarrassed to wear shorts or skirts now.  Do you treat spider veins?  How much does it cost?  Do I have to wear those thick stockings afterwards?

A: Today over 60% of men and women suffer from spider or varicose veins.  Dr.  Castillo offers two very successful options for treating spider veins.  We can decide which option would be best for you during your examination.  However, I will be happy to briefly explain both of them.

Option #1: Laser treatment of spider veins-

We utilize Laser energy to select and destroy unhealthy spider veins. The laser energy penetrates, heats and coagulated the vessels.  Over a period of several weeks (typically 6-8 weeks) the veins are reabsorbed by the body and you are once again able to show off your legs with confidence.  Sometimes it can take more than one treatment to reach your goal.  Our patient’s like this option because there is no cutting, no needle sticks, no scarring, no bandages, and no uncomfortable compression stockings. You can return to work immediately following your treatment.

Option #2: Sclerotherapy –

Sclerotherapy is also an effective treatment to remove unsightly spider veins. A very small needle is used to inject a small amount of a sclerosing agent that causes a reaction to occur inside the vein.  This reaction causes the walls of the veins to stick together.  When the walls of veins are stuck together, the blood cannot enter and fill up the vein.  Once the vein is closed, the blood flow re-routes itself to a parallel vein nearby. The vessels will become invisible when they are reabsorbed by the body.  This procedure requires you to wear compressions hosiery for 7 days.  You should expect to have more than one treatment depending on the severity of the veins that are being treated.

We have to two very successful options for treating spider veins.  We can decide which option would be best for you during your examination.  However, I will be happy to briefly explain both of them.

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana), IL

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Posted in Laser, Veins | 6 Comments »

COSMETIC MEDICINE AND TECHNOLOGY – WHO SERVES WHO?

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

“I know the next gift we should get Mom and Dad,” I overhear my son say to his sister, “a new microwave!”

“Hey, what’s the matter with my microwave?”  I ask.

“Look at it,” he answers, “it’s old and the new ones aren’t so big.”

“Yes, but it still works just fine,” I say.  And it does – it really does…

I take a long hard look at the glorified bottle-warmer that was a gift from my husband following the birth of our first child, and I have to laugh.  It’s outlasted two dishwashers, two refrigerators and at least one washing machine.  Yet, I still have no intention of getting rid of it.  Don’t get me wrong; I don’t emotionally bond with kitchen appliances!  But, it’s in good shape and inflates a popcorn bag as well as a new one.  I know that its days may be numbered, but it’s been reliable and hasn’t been improved upon for the purposes I need.   Why change something just for the sake of change itself?

The perception that newer is better is a fairly common one.  We receive a lot of calls from people wanting to know if Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, G. D. Castillo, MD offers the latest “this” or “that” generated by frenzied media hype akin to the Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.”  The focused advertising promises made often exceed the actual peer-reviewed realities – it’s the cart before the horse concept that has been tripping up consumers for years and cosmetic patients are definitely targeted elective medical consumers.

Our patients know that Dr. Castillo’s standards are far too high to succumb to a newer version of existing technology hyped into popularity by mere advertising instead of surviving peer review and producing improved, successful, reliable results.   Eek-gads!  Do you remember Endermologie?

Something enjoying the latest media buzz doesn’t necessarily make it better for our patients and certainly DOES NOT make it more affordable – in fact, when it comes to cost, that may be just the opposite! If it’s not better than what’s already working and it’s not more affordable, how can it be in the best interest of our patients?  Obviously, it’s not – the simple truth is that a cosmetic patient does not benefit from re-inventing the wheel.

Just because something is new doesn’t automatically make it improved.  Example:  tumescent liposuction is still the gold standard in removing excess adipose tissue (fatty deposits) period.  Ultrasound is sometimes used in addition to the tumescent technique, not instead of, to assist the surgeon in obtaining the smooth contour our patients deserve (liposculpture).  This tried and true gold standard gives wonderful results, is peer-proven and has the lowest complication rate with limited downtime.  So, why would a physician interested in giving the best result with the fewest possible complications change until something offers improvement? Wouldn’t you agree that improved results and patient satisfaction should be the driving force for any technological advance?

Don’t get me wrong, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Institute does offer the most scientifically advanced, peer-reviewed and proven technologies that are advantageous to our patients.  The key wording here is peer-reviewed and proven – a must for consistent best end results!

An excellent example is the Micro fractional CO2 laser that offers one treatment (as opposed to 4 or 5), with as little as 4-days downtime and incredible results!  Imagine!  A scaled back form of surgical laser resurfacing with the results you’ve been hoping for with only an extended weekend of downtime – fabulous!  Affordable, you ask?  Hmmm…a full facial treatment at approximately $2,000.00 instead of 4-5 treatments of Fraxel at an average of $1,500.00 each…I’ll let you do the math, but just let me say you could have had the big gun in skin resurfacing…surgical full facial laser C02 by the time you’ve paid for those 4-5 treatments.

Are you aware that G.  D. Castillo, MD investigates the emerging technologies exhaustively, and if proven to be advantageous and cost-effective for his patients, he does add to the existing lineup of beneficial treatments offered at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.  Micro Fractional CO2 is just one example of this and Dr. Castillo was one of the first twelve in the United States to offer it.  He also helped to set the parameters for this exciting minimally invasive technological improvement.

Lasers are expensive – very expensive, and not every medical practice owns the laser that they are operating.  I, personally, have no desire to be on the front end of the learning curve when it comes to laser anything.  Both familiarity with the medical equipment and procedural experience weigh in heavily when it comes to a good laser result.  There are sound reasons why we at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery neither rent nor transport the laser technologies offered within our facilities.

I’m so fortunate to work for G. D. Castillo, MD.  Obviously, I believe in him as a surgeon (how could I not?) and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Institute is a top-notch medical facility.

No, Dr. Castillo doesn’t jump on the media’s bandwagon – he believes that when it comes to his patients, technology should serve their needs, not the other way around.

Patient & Office Coordinator for

G. D. Castillo, MD, FACS

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Skin

Rejuvenation & Laser Institute

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800-252-7123 (within IL)

217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Spot Reduction by Liposuction

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

G.D. Castillo, M.D.  has been sculpting bodies into a more proportionate form in his Cosmetic Plastic Surgery practice since 1983, through liposuction or liposculpture.  While maintaining a good diet and a realistic exercise routine is vital to looking good and maintaining a healthy body, there is no such thing as “spot reduction” thru diet or exercise.  This fact often causes an otherwise reasonable active individual to struggle with their body image and their inability to self-correct those problem areas.  Often patient’s maintain abnormally low weight in attempt to reduce their body bulges.  When that doesn’t work, it is often interpreted as a failure and many find it difficult to remain dedicated to their exercise routine and healthy eating habits.

Liposculpture or Liposuction is used to reduce volume and re-contour specific areas of the body by suctioning out the fat that over-collects in certain areas, disrupting the inherent, sensuous flow of the human body.   Through the use of Liposculpture, Dr. Castillo is able create a feminine contour from the hips to the buttock that would boost any women’s confidence. He is able to create a smooth, naturally flowing contour of the body that restores self-pride for both our male and female our patients.

After liposuction, patient’s often become re-invested in making healthy food choices and staying consistent in their exercise program because liposuction has given them the encouragement they needed to continue on a path of healthy living.  After reducing the problem areas, patients can finally see that their hard work truly is paying off every time they look in the mirror.

While liposuction is often used for volume reduction, the best candidates for liposuction are those who are reasonable fit but have some problem areas though it can also be used for volume reduction.  Liposuction can be used to “spot reduce” nearly any area of the body.  It can also be used in conjunction with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to enhance the results.  For instance, it can be used during a facelift for a patient who carries extra weight in his or her face, or to reduce a double chin or jowls during a mini-facelift.  In some cases liposuction is used in combination with an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. It can be used to reduce arm fat during a Brachioplasty or arm lift.

Imagine being a woman who feels compelled to wear long skirts or pants in the heat of summer because she is too embarrassed to expose her thighs. Imagine the frustration that comes with realizing that no matter how thin and fit you are your thighs or hips will always be larger or disproportionate to the rest of your body.  Consider how frustrating it must be for a male who eats consciously and exercises but cannot decrease the bulk of his breasts or his love handles through those means. For patients like these, Liposuction or Liposculpture can make a tremendous improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. Castillo is compassionate toward the struggles that individuals go through, and he is passionate about helping them reach their goals. As the Past-President of The American Society of Liposuction Surgery and the Past-President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Castillo continues to be an influential leader in liposuction surgery.   If you would like more information on Liposuction or Liposculpture, call Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic in Savoy (Champaign – Urbana area) at 217-359-7508 or to schedule your consultation with G.D. Castillo, M.D., FACS.

DSC_0574Roxanne Hammond, RMA
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Become a Facebook Fan of CPS @  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cosmetic-Plastic-Surgery/65943304419
https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Liposuction | 67 Comments »

Ask Our Expert: What Is The Difference Between Liposuction & Liposculpture?

Thursday, August 25th, 2011

Q: What is the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?

A: Though both of these cosmetic surgeries are used for body contouring. Liposuction is a two dimensional cosmetic surgery, while liposculpture is a three dimensional cosmetic surgery. Liposuction and liposculpture can be used to contour any body shape, though we use it primarily for body contouring in individuals who are reasonably fit but have some problem areas.  Removal of fat in specific areas such as the love-handles, waist, thighs, back or arms allows the patient to feel more proportionate and confident in and out of their clothing.

Liposuction can also be used as a volume reduction tool.  We are able to remove up to two gallons of fat during this procedure.  The results of this procedure create an over-all slimmer, more proportionate body shape in an otherwise full-figured individual.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Clinic in Savoy, G.D. Castillo, M.D. FACS performs liposuction or liposculpture  on both men and women from late teens to seniors. In most instances, patients are back to work in four to five days.

Did you know that Dr. Castillo is the Past-President of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery?  He is very proud of honor as he was nominated by his peers (other surgeons) across the nation to represent, lead and teach within the prestigious American Society of Liposuction Surgery.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Rejuvenation and Laser Institute

Roxanne Grace

Skincare and Laser Specialist

G.D. Castillo, MD

 

COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Ask Our Expert, Liposuction | 43 Comments »

Protecting Your Children From The Sun

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

Researchers estimate over ONE MILLION NEW CASES of skin cancer will be reports this year alone!

Did you know research has shown two or more sunburns during childhood significantly increases the chance of developing skin cancer during your child’s life time? By taking time to learn more about sun-safety, you will be able to teach your family safe-sun habits that will last them a lifetime. You could even save a life!

Invasive melanoma is malignant, often fatal form of skin cancer.

According to the research of Brooke Rutledge Seckel, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, in 1935, Americans had a 1 in 1,500 chance of developing invasive melanoma, by the 1980, the rate increased to 1 in 250 and 1 in 74 by 2001. That number is estimated to be 1 in every 50 Americans by 2010!

Sun rays are ionizing radiation, no different than the radiation of an atomic blast or a cobalt 60 therapy found in cancer treatment centers. The sun is the number one cause of skin cancer (melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) in the United States. Even though most people who are diagnosed with skin cancer are adults, skin cancer affects children as well. The sun is also responsible for reducing immune responses and many long-lasting aging effects such as lines, wrinkles, loss of collagen & elasticity, brown spots, freckles & broken spider veins.

Using sun protection any time your child may be exposed to the sun is a must. It will prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancers and premature aging. Sunburns hurt. They can cause fever, swelling, blisters and pigmentation changes. Sunscreens are meant to be used as a source of protection, not as a reason to stay in the sun for a longer period of time.   Sunscreens are not just for those with pale skin who burn in the sun. Sun protection is a must no matter what color your skin is. Remember, tanned skin is damaged skin!

Later this week we will talk about sunblock and how Cosmetic Plastic Surgery can help you in the fight against sun damage.

 

 

 

Roxanne, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laser Institute

Roxanne  Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

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