Anyone looking for a non-invasive and effective way to maintain a more youthful appearance should consider looking into a filler like Belotero. At ICT Eye & Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS, we can safely apply this filler to help you regain your confidence. Here’s what you need to know.

How Soon Does Belotero Start Working?

Almost immediately after your appointment, you should notice a change in your appearance as the product takes up space under your skin.

Over the next 14 to 21 days, you should continue to see improvements to your skin until the final results are visible.

What Exactly Is Belotero?

This is a filler made with hyaluronic acid as the main ingredient. It’s applied to the desired areas of your face using a fine needle.

Specifically, this filler is designed to target the lower face and decrease signs of aging like wrinkling and sagging.

What Does Hyaluronic Acid Do?

This sugar can be found naturally in various parts of your body, including your skin. Its main job is to provide hydration to these areas by attaching itself to moisture molecules. As you age, however, your body loses amounts of its natural hyaluronic acid. This can cause issues like a loss of volume which can, in turn, exacerbate wrinkling and sagging.

This filler puts the hyaluronic acid back into your skin to help it appear full again. Additionally, hyaluronic acid can help to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps skin maintain elasticity, so its presence is crucial for maintaining a youthful appearance.

Where Can You Use This Filler?

Smile Lines

One of the most prominent wrinkles on a person’s face are smile lines. These are the lines appearing between your nose and your mouth. They are also often called laugh lines or nasolabial folds.

Getting injections of this filler will put more volume and elasticity into the area, significantly reducing the appearance of these folds.

Cheeks

Cheeks are one of the areas where a loss of volume can be particularly noticeable. As your cheeks get thinner, this can also age your appearance.

Injections of this filler will put more volume into your cheeks, plumping them. It’s also a good way to add a little more definition to them.

Lips

Another common area to get injections of this filler is the lip area. You may have lips that have gotten thinner as you’ve aged, or they may have always been thin as a result of your genes. Regardless, this filler will inject volume into your lips to help them appear fuller and plumper.

Many people also use this filler to decrease the appearance of lipstick lines or smoker’s lines. These are small, vertical lines that appear on a person’s lips with age and volume loss.

What Is Getting Treatment Like?

How to Prepare

The first thing we’ll do is hold a consultation with you. During this time, we’ll discuss several things, including your medical history, to ensure this is the best option for you. We’ll also talk about your goals and address any questions or concerns that you might have.

This is also an opportunity for us to inform you of things you’ll need to avoid during the 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. This includes alcohol, tobacco, and certain supplements and medications.

Your Treatment

We’ll begin the treatment by thoroughly cleaning the areas where you will be getting the injections. At this point, we may also apply a topical numbing cream to the areas. You will feel no pain during treatment. There will only be a small pinch as the needle is applied.

You’ll receive multiple injections of the product in specific locations. Doing this allows us to provide you with the accurate results you’re looking for. Most appointments only take around 30 minutes, and you can leave as soon as your treatment is complete.

Post-Treatment Care

There is very little you need to worry about after receiving treatment since it’s non-invasive. You’ll just need to be mindful of the fact that your skin will be slightly more sensitive than usual. This means that you’ll need to stay away from direct sunlight as well as strenuous physical activity.

Other than this, you’ll be able to return to your regular life. The skin around the injection sites should heal within a week or so.

How Long Do Results Last?

The amount of time you get to enjoy your results will depend on several factors, including where you get your injections and how your skin reacts. Typically, most people find their results last somewhere between 6 to 12 months.

How Can You Get Results to Last Longer?

Take Good Care of Your Skin

A healthy skincare routine is one of the best things you can do for your skin overall, but especially after you’ve gotten cosmetic treatment. Wash your skin twice a day with a quality cleanser to remove any buildup, and apply moisturizer afterward.

Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to help support your skin’s health.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

Staying generally active and eating right are good for your overall health as well as your skin. Look for foods that contain lean proteins, like white meat and fish, and get plenty of healthy fats as well as fruits and vegetables.

Drink Lots of Water

Keeping yourself hydrated immediately after your appointment will help to support the hyaluronic acid in this filler and allow you to see results sooner. Staying hydrated will also ensure that your results last for as long as possible.

Wear Sun Protection

The sun’s UV rays can negatively affect your skin. Unprotected exposure to the sun can result in your treatment being less effective. You may notice more wrinkling and sagging along with other concerns like dark spots. There is also the risk of skin cancer.

Applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and wearing gear like hats and sunglasses will provide you with the protection you need to help your results last.

Will Results Look Natural?

Some people want to see a major change in their appearance when they get a treatment like this one. On the other hand, others want something more minimal. We’ll discuss what your goals are and customize your treatment to get you exactly what you’re looking for.

Regardless of how major or minor you want your changes to be, you can count on this treatment looking completely natural.

Belotero vs. Surgery

If you’re looking for permanent results, then your physician may recommend surgery. However, surgery can be highly invasive and carry many risks with it.

If you’re uncomfortable with the risks of surgery, but you still want to get long-lasting results, this injectable treatment is a great alternative.

Can You Combine It with Other Treatments?

This treatment option can be safely combined with many other cosmetic treatments. For example, you may be able to combine it with another injectable designed for the upper portions of your face, like your eyes and forehead.

It’s also possible to combine it with products like BOTOX. These products work by blocking signals that come from your brain and tell your muscles to over-contract. This keeps the muscles relaxed which, allows the skin on top to stay smooth and wrinkle-free. When combined with a filler like this one for more volume, this can provide patients with even more dramatic results.

Who Is a Candidate?

This filler is carefully formulated and is approved by the FDA for patients over the age of 21. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid this treatment. You should also stay away for the time being if you currently have any skin conditions around the areas you are looking to treat.

Since most people begin to see wrinkling around their late 20s and early 30s, this is a good time to consider getting this treatment. However, it can also be helpful for people looking to prevent signs of aging before they appear or as a way to enhance certain features.

Get in Touch Today

If Belotero sounds like what you need to feel confident in your appearance again, then all you need to do now is choose the right clinic. Our team will be excited to welcome you. Learn more when you call us at ICT Eye & Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS.

Collagen induction therapy (CIT) is an effective treatment for wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, uneven pigmentation, and other forms of scarring. The treatment works by using microneedles to cause controlled micro-injuries to the skin, stimulating your body’s natural healing process. At ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, we offer this therapy to help our patients achieve firmer, healthier, and younger-looking skin.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Collagen Induction Therapy?

Patients who want to fight signs of aging and improve their overall skin complexion without resorting to surgery or dermal fillers are usually good candidates for this treatment. If you’re considering CIT, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation with us here at the clinic.

During this consultation, we can assess your individual case and determine if CIT is right for you. Our team has years of experience in providing effective treatment solutions perfectly tailored to each patient’s unique needs. We’ll guide you every step of the way if you decide that CIT might be the right choice to meet your aesthetic goals.

What Skin Conditions Does Collagen Induction Therapy Help?

Reduced Collagen Production

Collagen is a crucial structural protein found throughout the human body, but is especially abundant in the skin. It serves as a major component of our connective tissue and makes up the extracellular matrix, which provides structure and strength to our skin.

Collagen has three main roles in skin health: it acts as a support structure by providing strength and resilience; it helps keep skin hydrated by supporting capillary walls, which retain water content; and it aids in wound healing by providing essential building blocks for new tissue growth.

Effects of Reduced Collagen Production

Various factors can lead to decreased collagen production. Aging is one of the most common causes since our body’s natural ability to produce collagen decreases significantly with age. Furthermore, free radicals generated from environmental pollution can damage collagen fibers, leading to a further decrease in production. When collagen production decreases, it leads to sagging skin that appears dry and wrinkled.

Additionally, lack of adequate collagen can lead to poor wound healing, which can cause scarring or other forms of hyperpigmentation. Collagen induction therapy is one potential solution for stimulating collagen production to reduce these signs of aging. During micro-needling, tiny needles are used to create microscopic channels in the dermis layer of the skin. This triggers an inflammatory response which encourages fibroblast cells to produce more collagen as part of the healing process.

Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than normal due to increased melanin production, resulting in uneven skin tone, dark spots, or discoloration. There are several types of hyperpigmentation that can be triggered by excessive sun exposure, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), photodamage, actinic lentigo, and solar lentigo.

Melasma is characterized by symmetrical patches of light to dark brown pigment on the face. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when an injury or inflammation to the skin affects the melanocytes in that area, resulting in darkening of the spots. Photodamage happens due to excessive sun exposure.

Other Forms of Hyperpigmentation

Actinic and solar lentigo occurs when you have been exposed to UV radiation for many years without proper protection from sunscreen or clothing, leading to age spots on different parts of your body, such as face, arms, hands, and neck areas. Apart from these cosmetic effects, prolonged exposure to UV rays can also cause irreversible damage to our skin structure through collagen breakdown.

Micro-needling is an effective treatment for reversing signs of aging due to sun exposure. By stimulating collagen production within the dermal layers using tiny needles that penetrate just deep enough into your skin without causing any major discomfort or pain, we are able to correct various hyperpigmentation issues.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of the aging process, but they can occur much earlier in life than many people realize. It’s not uncommon for the first visible signs of aging to start appearing as early as one’s mid-20s. There are several possible causes that can contribute to premature wrinkle formation. Environmental exposure is one of them, with frequent exposure to UV rays from the sun or other sources like tanning beds increasing one’s risk for wrinkles.

Smoking also accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to more pronounced wrinkles at an earlier age. Additionally, genetics plays an important role in how quickly a person’s skin may start showing signs of wear and tear. Some individuals may be predisposed to developing wrinkles much earlier than others due to genetics alone.

Intervention

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen induction therapy works by creating micro-injuries in deeper layers of the skin where new collagen production is stimulated. CIT also helps increase blood flow throughout facial tissues, which promotes quicker healing times after each treatment session.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are stripes or lines that occur when the skin is stretched beyond its normal capacity. This excessive stretching causes an inflammation response in the body, leading to scarring of the dermis. This scarring leaves behind visible lines or patterns on the skin’s surface. The most common causes of stretch marks include pregnancy, extreme weight loss or gain, certain medications, genetics, and hormonal changes due to puberty or menopause.

Stretch marks will usually fade away on their own over time, but this process can take anywhere from several months to years. In some cases, however, they may never completely disappear, necessitating the need for cosmetic treatments like micro-needling. Increasing collagen production helps even out the surface of the skin, which helps reduce the visibility of existing scars while also preventing new ones from forming.

Large Pores

Large skin pores are noticeable openings in the skin that can appear on different parts of our body, although they are usually concentrated on the nose and cheeks. These enlarged openings are caused by a few different things, such as excess sebum production and dead skin cells getting stuck in the pores. Hormonal changes due to puberty or menopause can also cause larger pores. Additionally, genetics can be a factor in determining how large your pores become.

Having enlarged skin pores can come with several problems. While you may not feel any physical discomfort from having large pores, it can make your skin look unhealthy. Additionally, whiteheads or blackheads can become more noticeable, especially when these enlarged pores become clogged with dirt and sebum.

Intervention

Unfortunately, large skin pores cannot revert to their normal size on their own. However, there are many cosmetic treatments available that can help reduce large pore size. These treatments include chemical peels, which exfoliate dead skin cells and clear away debris from inside the pore. Furthermore, increasing collagen production through micro-needling can help minimize pore size.

Acne Scars

Acne is a common skin condition that affects nearly all people at some point in their lives. The exact cause of acne is a complex combination of several factors. Increased hormone levels can cause the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than normal, leading to blocked pores, inflammation, and breakouts. Certain medications, such as those containing lithium, can also trigger or worsen acne symptoms.

In addition, certain foods with high sugar content may increase hormone levels and oil production, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. Acne scars occur when collagen fibers beneath the skin’s surface are damaged due to excessive inflammation caused by actions such as popping pimples or picking at blemishes. These damaged collagen fibers leave behind pits and depressions on the skin’s surface known as atrophic scars or ice-pick scars.

Intervention

Treatments such as micro-needling can help stimulate collagen growth while helping reduce discoloration caused by acne scars. Chemical peels can also exfoliate dead skin cells while encouraging new cell growth, resulting in smoother skin texture without discoloration or pitted marks left behind from previous breakouts.

Improve the Look and Feel of Your Skin Today!

Your skin can be smooth and glowing with the help of collagen induction therapy. This treatment harnesses your body’s natural healing powers to stimulate the production of fresh collagen. This helps smooth out fine lines and wrinkles while revealing renewed, youthful-looking skin. The results are usually seen within a few days but full effects can take up to four weeks after the first session. Contact ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, to find out if this treatment is right for you.

Is excess eyelid skin giving you a tired, aged appearance? Would you like to turn back the clock by tightening up the skin on your eyelids? Blepharoplasty, a type of eyelid surgery offered by ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, can smooth and firm eyelid skin, freshening up your appearance with results that will last for years.

Is Blepharoplasty a Permanent Fix?

Eyelid surgery offers long-lasting results that are usually permanent, particularly when performed on the lower lids. We can perform surgery to tighten the lower lids, the upper lids, or even both eyelids. Improvements made to the upper eyelids usually last seven years or more, while improvements made to the lower lids last a lifetime.

Although your skin will continue to naturally age and evolve after this treatment, patients usually see long-lasting results without the need for touch-up surgeries.

What Type of Issues Can This Treatment Address?

This treatment removes excess skin and tissue, restoring the definition of the eye area. It can be performed to get rid of under-eye bags and tighten and lift lids that have begun to sag. This treatment can also tone and recontour the eyelids to achieve a more youthful, rested appearance. And for some patients, eyelid surgery can even restore vision that has been impeded by sagging skin.

When Will I See My Results?

You’ll notice an improvement in the appearance of your eyelids immediately after this treatment, with your full results developing in about six weeks.

What Happens During Eyelid Surgery?

Blepharoplasty is an outpatient treatment that is performed with anesthesia. If you’re having the upper lids addressed, we’ll make a tiny incision in the fold behind your eye and use it to remove the extra skin and tissue contributing to sagging. If you’re having your lower lids addressed, we’ll make the incision along the lower lash line.

This treatment can usually be performed in an hour or two, and most patients head home afterward and spend roughly a week resting. As you’re recovering, we’ll ask you to refrain from vigorous exercise and wearing contact lenses. It’s also a good idea to sleep with your head elevated and limit your screen time as you recover.

What Advantages Are Associated With This Treatment?

It Gives You a Healthier, More Alert Appearance

The excess skin that sometimes develops on the eyelids as we age can give the eyes a tired, droopy look. Tightening up those puffy lids and lifting them back to their natural position can help you appear healthier, more rested, and more alert. This treatment can also enhance the look of your eyes by making it easier for light to reach them.

It Won’t Leave Visible Scars

The incisions we make while performing this treatment will be tiny and tucked into the natural contours of the eye. That means you won’t have to worry about visible scarring.

If Delivers Natural Results

This treatment can refresh your appearance by tightening up sagging, lined skin and restoring contours, but it won’t alter the natural symmetry of your eye or give you someone else’s eyes. Your results will appear completely natural. You’ll simply look like a younger version of yourself!

It Can Restore Your Line of Sight

You probably aren’t even aware that you’re squinting and struggling to see out from beneath heavy, puffy eyelids. But patients who undergo this treatment are sometimes surprised by just how well they can see afterward.

It Might Also Give You a Smoother Brow

If you’re squinting to see around flagging eyelids, you may also be struggling with creases across your forehead. Once blepharoplasty opens up their line of vision, many patients notice that their forehead begins to smooth.

It Will Make Cosmetics More Effective and Easier To Apply

By better defining your eyelids, this treatment can also make it easier to effectively apply cosmetics. And the cosmetics you use will be more effective.

It Can Clear Up Non-Verbal Miscommunication

Do you sometimes appear frustrated, sad, or upset, even if you aren’t? The eyes play an important role in non-verbal communication, and heavy lids can send the wrong message about how we’re feeling. Eyelid surgery can clear up those mixed signals and improve your non-verbal communication.

It Will Renew Your Confidence

This treatment can help you feel great about yourself again. Heavy eyelids can be frustrating because they often make us look older than we really are. Wouldn’t it be great to renew your appearance and feel proud of the way you look? Eyelid surgery can help you feel confident in your own skin.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

The best candidates are ready to take action to improve the look of their eyes. They’re also in good overall health and have no significant eye conditions. It helps if you’re a nonsmoker, or are able to stop smoking for a couple of weeks before this surgery because ceasing smoking and other forms of nicotine use can improve your recovery and your outcome.

Patients should also understand what this treatment involves and have reasonable expectations about the type of improvement it offers.

What Causes Excess Eyelid Skin?

The skin on your eyelids and around the eyes is very thin, which makes it susceptible to fatigue from all the facial expressions we make each day. Think about all the times you blink, yawn, laugh, and frown each day. All of that activity takes a toll on the delicate area around the eyes, causing the skin to stretch and sag over time. As we age, collagen levels also begin to naturally decline, leaving the skin less elastic.  

In addition to aging skin, some patients seek out this treatment because they are genetically predisposed to puffy eyelids. If you’ve had naturally heavy eyelids all of your life and want to get rid of them, this treatment can help.

Do Any Over-the-Counter Remedies Work?

Although there is no shortage of wrinkle creams on the market, it’s difficult for patients to completely prevent signs of aging skin on their own. That’s why blepharoplasty, which noticeably revitalizes the look of the eye and offers long-lasting results, is such a popular option.

What Can I Do To Protect My Eyelids?

Keeping the skin around your eyes and eyelids healthy is a lot like keeping the rest of your skin in good shape. Protecting your skin from the sun with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is an important step. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is another good strategy. And a good at-home skincare regimen that involves high-quality exfoliators, serums, and moisturizers is essential.

Treatment Q&A

At What Age Should I Seek This Out?

Many patients develop excess eyelid skin as part of the aging process, so patients are often in their mid-forties or older. But we can also successfully perform this treatment on younger patients, particularly those who have inherited droopy eyelids and have struggled with them their entire life. If you’re interested in improving the look of your eyelids, schedule a consultation at our practice so that we can determine if this treatment is for you.

Will My Health Insurance Plan Cover This?

If you’re undergoing this treatment for medical reasons, such as to restore obstructed vision, health insurance may cover this. If this treatment is being performed for cosmetic reasons, your health plan may not cover it. Most patients check with their insurers and have an understanding of whether or not this treatment is covered before scheduling it.

Is This Treatment for Men As Well as Women?

Yes. This treatment is routinely and successfully performed on patients of both genders. We take into account the natural differences in male and female facial features and customize each blepharoplasty for the individual being treated.

How Can I Tell If I Need My Upper or Lower Eyelids Treated?

Fortunately, you don’t have to decide this on your own. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your eyelids, but you’re unsure which set of lids needs to be addressed, we can evaluate your face and make a treatment recommendation.

Restoring the Look of Your Eyes Has Never Been Easier

If you’re ready to say goodbye to excess eyelid skin and achieve a more youthful appearance and clearer vision, blepharoplasty may be the solution. This form of eyelid surgery offers noticeable, long-lasting results. Are you wondering if you’re a candidate for this amazing treatment? Don’t wait any longer. Call ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, and book your consultation today!

Juvederm is the most popular dermal filler on the market, and that’s not surprising considering its many uses. At Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS, we offer many of the Juvederm products, along with other injectables, to help you reach your appearance goals.

What Is Juvederm Used for?

This product is a highly versatile one that comes in various forms, each of which targets a specific part of the face. Therefore, it can be used to address a wide range of facial issues, including small wrinkles, large folds, and loss of volume in the cheeks. We can help you determine the best solution for your specific needs and preferences.

Around the Eyes

One common problem area is crow’s feet, which are wrinkles at the corners of the eyes that often appear with age. Juvederm can be used to soften these wrinkles and improve their appearance. Frown lines, which are wrinkles that form between the eyebrows, are another common sign of aging that this product can address. These lines can be especially noticeable if the rest of the skin is youthful and healthy.

The Cheeks

As we get older, our cheeks can lose volume and firmness. Juvederm offers a special filler called Voluma that can help restore the youthful contour of the cheeks. Nasolabial folds, which are wrinkles that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, can also be treated with this line of products.

Lip Area

This dermal filler can be used to add volume to the lips, making them appear fuller and more youthful. It can also be used to smooth out lines and wrinkles around the mouth, creating a more defined lip border and improving the overall appearance of the lips.

How It Works

Juvederm uses a chemical called hyaluronic acid (HA) to add volume and smooth out wrinkles in your skin. This chemical is naturally present in your body and helps to keep your skin nourished and hydrated. When injected into the skin, this product helps to temporarily restore lost volume and smooth out any lines or wrinkles, creating a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

About Hyaluronic Acid

One of the main properties of HA is that it binds to water, which is essential for maintaining the hydration and suppleness of your skin. As we age, our skin can lose some of its hydration and become drier and less elastic. By injecting small amounts of HA into the skin, this treatment helps to restore some of the lost hydration and improve the overall appearance of your skin.

The treatment process is relatively quick and easy. A small amount of this product is injected under the surface of the skin, and the effects are usually noticeable within the same day. Over the course of the next two weeks, the treatment will continue to work, and the ideal results will begin to take shape. If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to improve the appearance of your skin, this product may be a good option for you.

Types of Juvederm

There are several different products in this line, each of which is designed to address specific concerns and areas of the face. Some of the products in the line include:

Ultra XC and Ultra Plus XC

If you’re interested in lip augmentation, Ultra XC injectable gel may be a good option for you. This product is designed specifically for use in the lips and perioral area and is suitable for adults ages 21 and older.

Voluma XC

If you’re interested in cheek augmentation, Voluma XC injectable gel may be the right option. This product is specifically designed to add volume to the mid-face and correct age-related volume loss in the cheeks. It is injected deep into the subcutaneous and/or subperiosteal layers of the skin to achieve the desired results.

Volbella

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your lips or smooth out lines around your mouth, Volbella XC injectable gel can help. This product is specifically designed for use in the lips and is injected into the desired area to add volume and smooth out any wrinkles or lines.

Am I a Candidate for Treatment?

As a hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler, this product is generally safe and well-tolerated by most people. However, as a precaution, we typically do not recommend this treatment for women who are currently pregnant or lactating.

Other dermal fillers and chemical peels may carry a higher risk of allergic reactions, but Juvederm is unlikely to cause any issues because it is made from a naturally occurring substance. That being said, it’s always a good idea to discuss any potential concerns or allergies with us before starting any treatment. We can help you determine if this product is a good option for you based on your specific needs and medical history.

Ideal Candidates

If you’re interested in achieving a more youthful appearance and addressing specific areas of your skin that show signs of aging, are in generally good health, are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and don’t have a history of extreme allergic reactions, you are definitely an ideal candidate.

There is no one “right age” for this treatment, as everyone grows and ages differently. Some people may be more concerned about laugh lines or crow’s feet, while others are more focused on adding volume to their lips or restoring lost volume to their cheeks. We can help you determine which areas of your skin may benefit from treatment and how to achieve your specific goals. They can also recommend the best product from the line for your needs.

Have a Realistic Outlook

Although this product can produce dramatic improvements in the appearance of wrinkles and folds, individual results may vary. It’s important to have realistic expectations about the look you are trying to achieve with this filler.

In addition, it’s worth noting that the hyaluronic acid used in the treatment is a natural, biodegradable chemical. Over time, it will gradually be absorbed by the body, and its effects will begin to lessen. To maintain long-lasting results, many people find it helpful to return for follow-up sessions. This can help to maintain the desired effects of the treatment and keep your skin looking youthful and refreshed.

Vegan-Friendly

If you’re vegan or vegetarian, or if you simply prefer to avoid using animal-based products for any reason, it’s good to know that Juvederm is created without using animal products. This means that you can use the filler without worrying about potentially coming into contact with animal-derived ingredients. We can provide you with more information about the specific ingredients used in this product and how it is produced to ensure that it is consistent with your personal values and preferences.

Preparing for Treatment

Consultation

The first step in your treatment process is a consultation with us. During this in-person meeting, we’ll help you determine if Juvederm is the right choice for you and your long-term goals. The consultation is important for a few reasons. First, it helps us understand which areas you would like to treat. This information is crucial in choosing the right product for your needs.

The consultation is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have about the treatment process. You can ask us about what the treatment will feel like, how you should prepare, and what you should do after the treatment. We may also ask you about any medications you’re taking or any health issues you have in your personal history. This information will help us make personalized recommendations based on your unique needs and circumstances.

Before Treatment

Before your treatment session, there are a few things we recommend you do to prepare. For about five days before your treatment, we suggest avoiding aspirin or other products that could thin your blood.

You will need to pause any blood-thinning medications prescribed by your doctor. We’ll discuss this with you in your consultation to make sure it’s safe for you. If not, we have other options we can recommend. If you have any questions or concerns about what to do before your treatment session, don’t hesitate to ask us. We’re here to help you prepare and make the most of your treatment.

Get Started Today

Visit us at Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS to explore this line of injectables and see which might be right for you.

Perhaps you’ve always had a little extra fullness beneath the chin, or maybe you’ve developed a double chin as you’ve aged. Wouldn’t it be great if you could erase that unwanted fat? An injectable treatment called Kybella offered by ICT Eye in Wichita, KS can do just that. Kybella treatments are brief, minimally invasive, and, best of all, offer long-lasting results.

Are Kybella Treatments Permanent?

Kybella is the only cosmetic injectable that has FDA approval for the treatment of submental fullness, which is the medical term for a double chin. This treatment is direct and effective, and it offers results that are usually permanent. These injections contain deoxycholic acid, which destroys fat cells beneath the skin. Your body will then break those fat cells down and absorb them, gradually revealing a slimmer and more defined chin.

This treatment destroys under-chin fat cells once and for all, so you’ll never have to worry about them coming back. You won’t have to schedule follow-up maintenance treatments, but remaining at a healthy weight with the help of diet and exercise will help preserve the new contours of your chin.

How Quickly Will I See Improvement?

You’ll start to notice slimming and additional contour in your chin area about a month after your first treatment. Depending on your facial anatomy and the amount of submental fullness you have, we may recommend as many as six treatments, each of which may involve a series of injections. Appointments should be scheduled one month apart. The maximum number of Kybella treatments any patient can schedule is six.

What Is the Treatment Like?

Kybella treatments are straightforward. We’ll ask that you arrive at our practice with clean skin that is free of makeup at the injection site. We’ll numb your skin and make some light marks where the injections will be performed. The injections will only take a few minutes to perform, and you’ll have the option of getting right back to your normal activities afterward.

The deoxycholic acid in these injections is a synthetic version of an acid found naturally in the body. This means your body will recognize the substance and you are unlikely to experience any side effects or allergic reactions.

What Should I Do After My Treatment?

During the first couple of days after your treatment, you’ll be asked not to massage the treatment area or engage in heavy exercise. We may also ask you to restrict the consumption of alcohol or sodium. After those first few days, drinking plenty of water and staying active are both steps you can take to speed the body’s process of breaking down those destroyed fat cells and disposing of them.

Am I a Candidate for Kybella Treatments?

You’re Frustrated With the Look of Your Chin

Do you have a stubborn fullness beneath your chin that won’t budge, no matter how much you diet and work out? Is it taking a toll on your appearance, perhaps by making you look older? Many of our Kybella patients have struggled with submental fullness for years and are ready to get rid of it once and for all. If this sounds like you, you might be a good candidate!

You’ve Finished Growing

We don’t usually perform this treatment on teens or children because their bodies are still growing and changing, and it’s possible any submental fullness they are struggling with will resolve itself. In addition, our bodies continue to produce new fat cells up until we hit our twenties, so it’s possible a teenager could receive the treatment and still develop additional under-chin fullness later. That’s why the best candidates are usually adults.

You Have a Healthy BMI

The ideal candidate is at or near their target weight and is not currently trying to shed pounds. Excess weight can contribute to submental fullness, so if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s best to wait and see if your weight loss resolves the problem. But if you have a healthy BMI and are still struggling with under-chin fullness, you may be a candidate.

Your Overall Health Is Good

This treatment is minimally invasive and doesn’t involve anesthesia, so the health requirements are low. Most adults without severe medical conditions should be eligible, but this treatment isn’t suitable for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

You Don’t Have Loose Skin

Sometimes what we think is submental fullness is loose, excess skin that’s giving the illusion of a double chin. This treatment is only effective on unwanted fat, so we’ll evaluate your chin and offer a diagnosis before proceeding with treatment.

You Can Wait for Your Results

This treatment offers amazing results, but it takes time for them to develop. If you have a big event coming up, like a wedding or a reunion, be sure to reach out to us well in advance. You’ll want to allow a few weeks after your treatment for your results to develop, and you should also consider the possibility that you may need more than one treatment. This treatment requires patience, but the results are worth the wait!

What Causes Submental Fullness?

Lifestyle

Lifestyle choices, including the diet we consume and the degree of activity we pursue, can lead to weight gain and submental fullness. Eating conscientiously and exercising regularly won’t completely prevent submental fullness, but they can help. Maintaining good posture is also a good idea. Poor posture can sometimes weaken the neck and chin muscles, creating laxity.

Genes

In many cases, patients are genetically predisposed to submental fullness. The good news is that this treatment is especially effective on patients who are genetically predisposed to this condition.

Age

Submental fullness frequently develops as our bodies age and our skin begins to loosen. Patients sometimes put on a little extra weight as part of the aging process, which can also contribute to submental fullness.

Answering Your Questions

Is There Anything I Can Do on My Own To Resolve Submental Fullness?

There is no shortage of firming creams aimed at tightening up the under-chin area, but submental fullness can be particularly difficult to get rid of on your own. Losing a little weight and adhering to a healthy lifestyle can help, but many patients find that they need help in resolving this condition. That’s why Kybella is such a popular treatment.

What Areas Can Be Treated?

The under-chin area is the only part of the body this cosmetic injectable has received FDA clearance for. It is not known if this treatment is safe and effective when used elsewhere on the body.

What Is the Success Rate of This Treatment?

Studies have shown that more than 68 percent of patients who were treated with Kybella saw a decline in the amount of fat beneath the chin.

What Do These Injections Feel Like?

The numbing cream we use before your treatment ensures that this is a comfortable experience. You may feel a series of quick pricks as we perform the injections, but there will be no discomfort. These treatments are nothing to worry about.

What Is the Best Age for This Treatment?

Patients who are in their twenties and thirties often see excellent results with this treatment because their youthful skin easily adapts to the new shape of the chin. But older patients also make great candidates. There is no perfect age at which this treatment should be performed. If you’re interested in exploring whether or not Kybella is for you, schedule a consultation at our practice and we’ll talk with you about whether or not you’re a good candidate.

Is This Treatment Suitable for Men?

Yes. Kybella can reduce submental fullness in male patients and give them a stronger and better-defined jawline. This treatment is equally effective in male and female patients.  

Can I Combine Kybella Treatments With Botox?

Our practice offers both Kybella and Botox, the injectable wrinkle-buster, and many patients find that the two treatments complement each other. Kybella can also be administered to patients who have received dermal fillers, which our practice also offers. We can provide a recommendation to you regarding the timing of these various injections.

A Slimmer, More Sculpted Chin Is Just a Phone Call Away

Can you imagine what it would be like if you never had to worry about submental fullness again? Kybella can permanently get rid of extra fullness beneath the chin, giving you a more youthful, slimmer profile. What are you waiting for? Call ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, and schedule your initial consultation today!

Taking good care of your skin can help you minimize the effects of aging, but even the best skin care cannot stop signs of aging forever. In addition, some of us simply show signs of aging earlier than other people because of genetics, and the best skincare in the world can’t undo the power of our genes. If you are bothered by wrinkles and lines that are making you look older than you feel, or even than you are, we can help with Botox. At Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS, we offer this treatment because we know how effective it is.

What Is the Best Age for Getting Botox?

It is important that we talk with each of our patients to go over needs and goals before we recommend any treatment. However, this treatment is approved by the FDA for anyone over 18 years old, and it is good for anyone who is reasonably healthy. Whether you are in your late 20s or you’ve already passed your 60th birthday, there are reasons to consider getting this treatment. There is no perfect age: everything depends on your needs and aesthetic goals.

Younger People

Some people get this treatment as early as their mid to late 20s. This is because a neurotoxin of this type is not just a way to treat existing wrinkles: it is also effective in delaying the onset of new wrinkles. There are also many people who come for treatment in their 30s as soon as they see lines and folds taking longer to disappear after they make expressions. While this injectable cannot stop aging, it can delay the onset of wrinkles and lines, and allow you to keep a youthful look for much longer.

Middle Age

This treatment is also an excellent choice for people who have reached their 40s and 50s and are seeing signs of aging. In fact, it is at this age that most people start getting Botox. At this age, treatment can smooth out the skin by relaxing the muscles underneath, removing those lines and wrinkles, and returning patients to the look they remember when younger.

Older People

You are never too old to get a Botox treatment, either. While the results may not be as dramatically youthful for people with very advanced sides of aging as they are for younger people, it will make a real difference and can turn back the clock on your face by decades.

Why Botox Works

The Problem

Many of the lines and wrinkles we develop as we age come from making expressions. We make expressions with our faces throughout our lives, even when there is no one around to see us. We start making expressions as infants, and each of us tends to have unique expressions specific to us. Every time we concentrate, smile, laugh, become angry, or even react to something in surprise, we make the same motions. These motions lead to something called dynamic wrinkles.

These are wrinkles caused by movement. As our muscles move the same spots of skin, those spots of skin become less good at bouncing back, particularly as we start to lose collagen and elastin as we get older. One day, you wake up and realize that those lines and wrinkles are taking longer and longer to smooth out. Eventually, they don’t smooth out at all any longer, and they will only deepen over time.

“Relaxing” the Face

This treatment works because it interrupts the signals that come from the nerves telling the muscles to contract. When the muscles no longer contract, the treated area relaxes, and the skin above it smooths over. Over the course of a few days and weeks, that smooth skin completely relaxes, and lines, wrinkles, and folds disappear.

This treatment works so well in part because it “trains” the muscles to stop moving. This means that if you seek treatment when you are young, you can see a dramatic result in postponing the signs of aging. And no matter what age you are, as you seek repeated treatments, they tend to become effective for longer as the muscles become used to relaxing.

How Often Can I Get Treatment?

Most people enjoy their treatment results for about three to four months, though the results vary by person. Some people can actually keep the results for five or six months, particularly if they have been having treatment for a while. Other people may keep their results for a slightly shorter time, and this is usually because they have a high metabolism and so metabolize the neurotoxin more quickly than most people.

Rest assured that we will work with you to figure out the schedule that works for your needs. It’s important to be flexible and to set up personalized treatments that allow each individual to meet their goals while fitting treatments into a busy lifestyle.

FAQ About Treatment

1. What Is Treatment Like?

Your treatment starts when you come to see us for a consultation. We will evaluate your skin condition and listen to your goals, and then we will help you to develop the right plan of treatments to meet them. We will also review your medical history and any medications and supplements you are taking, though there are only a very few things that can interfere with your candidacy for this treatment.

The treatment itself is very quick and takes only about 15 minutes. There’s no need to schedule downtime afterward, either. In fact, some people schedule treatments over lunch breaks because they are so convenient.

2. Is This Safe?

This treatment has been approved by the FDA and extensively studied. Every year, many thousands of people are treated with Botox all around the world, and it is an appropriate treatment for people of nearly any age, and for both sexes. The treatment itself is made up of a highly purified, botulism toxin. This is essentially a type of protein, and when it is injected, it blocks the chemical messengers sent out by the nerves to communicate with the muscles.

Skilled injectors are able to address exactly those muscles that are causing wrinkles and lines to form while leaving other muscles untouched so that patients continue to have perfectly natural facial expressions. This treatment is considered a safe and gentle alternative to expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes risky surgeries.

3. Can I Combine This With Other Treatments?

Yes! This treatment is flexible and appropriate to use with many other treatments. If you are experiencing volume loss in the face, skin texture issues, or signs of aging that are caused by something other than facial movement, we have treatments that can help and that can be combined with this one.

4. What Can I Have Treated With Botox?

Fine Lines

Fine lines can be treated with this neurotoxin. It’s a misconception that you have to wait for lines to develop into deep wrinkles before you can get effective treatment to erase them! In fact, it is often more effective to get treatment before lines become deep.

Brow Lines

If you have a vertical line or two that run between your eyebrows, which may look like the number 11 when you concentrate, these are called brow lines or frown lines. As they deepen, they can make a person look older than they are, but they can also make a person look concerned or angry even when they’re not feeling any emotion of the sort. This treatment is an effective way to address these frown lines.

Forehead Lines

The lines that run across the forehead are often the very first deep wrinkles that a person will see in life. This makes sense because our foreheads are so important to our most exaggerated expressions. We use our eyebrows to express surprise, anger, laughter, and worry; and we even furrow them whenever we are trying to concentrate. Dynamic lines tend to develop here very quickly, and this treatment can soften them and make you look more approachable as well as younger.

Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines

The nasolabial folds are the ones that start on the sides of the nose and stretch down to the corners of the mouth. Marionette lines are the ones that start at the corner of the mouth and go down to the chin. Both can be addressed by this treatment.

Come Talk to Us

If you are interested in finding out all this treatment can do, don’t delay. Contact us at Beautiful Eyes in Wichita, KS to get started.

If you’re facing cataract surgery, you’re probably looking into what your options are when it comes to artificial lenses. Many patients resign themselves to receiving a monofocal lens. This type of lens allows patients to see at far distances, but will require glasses or contacts for intermediate and near vision. What if there was a better way? At ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, we offer a PanOptix lens that allows you to see clearly at all distances.

How Far Can You See With PanOptix?

No Sacrifice

The idea of a lens offering 20/20 near, intermediate, and distance vision may sound too good to be true, but PanOptix offers just that. This lens allows the pupil to have better light utilization, which means more light reaches the light-sensitive retina. Its 4.5mm diffractive zone also reduces the lens’ dependence on pupil size.

Its adaptability makes this lens a true trifocal lens that also allows you to see well in different lighting conditions. Whether you’re hiking in the summer sun or driving home at night, these lenses are designed to help you get the most out of your vision every step of the way.

Focal Points

Part of what makes this lens so powerful is its use of an additional focal point. This groundbreaking development is what allows for clear intermediate vision. In many cases, glasses and monofocal lenses are designed with near and distance vision in mind. However, intermediate vision is very important.

The intermediate vision distance is at about four feet. It’s often what allows you to clearly see the face of someone talking to you. By adding this intermediate focal point and redirecting its light energy, PanOptix was able to develop near, intermediate, and distant focal points.

Near Vision

When you read a book or look down at your phone, you’re using your near vision. Since monofocal lenses usually allow patients to only have clear vision at a long distance, patients who receive a monofocal lens will likely need reading glasses for when they want to use their near vision.

Some patients don’t find this adjustment difficult, but others are frustrated that they have to always remember where they put their reading glasses. Patients who don’t want to wear their readers around their necks will need to know where they are if they want to read a text message, or if someone is trying to show them a picture. A trifocal lens takes this frustration out of life and allows you to enjoy near vision without a second thought.

Intermediate Vision

You use intermediate vision to see anything that’s about an arm’s reach away. It’s especially important for patients who work with their computers, as the screen may fall into that intermediate vision range. Activities like cooking often use both near and intermediate vision as well.

Patients who rely on a monofocal lens to see things at a distance, and glasses to see things up close, may still have to deal with blurry intermediate vision. You won’t have to make that compromise with a trifocal lens.

Distance Vision

When you go to the movies, ride your bike, or take in the view while enjoying nature, you’re using distance vision. Clear distance vision helps us take in the world and all its details to the fullest. Whether you enjoy going to sports events, concerts, or playing frisbee with a loved one, clear distance vision can help you enjoy your hobbies.

What Other Benefits Can a Trifocal Lens Offer?

Greater Independence

Some patients have been wearing glasses throughout their entire lives. Others, however, find them to be cumbersome and don’t want to rely on glasses after their cataract surgery. These patients may feel as though they’re facing the loss of some of their spontaneity. Cataract surgery doesn’t have to be so disruptive. A trifocal lens can help you maintain your independence and vision that feels natural and seamless.

Improve Astigmatism

If you’re one of the many people who have astigmatism, this lens could be good news for you. This extremely common condition involves a natural lens that doesn’t function quite right due to its shape or position. It can be caused by damage or some surgeries, but in many cases it’s simply hereditary.

Blurred vision is the most common symptom, and can be especially noticeable when driving at night. Some patients experience eye pain or headaches from their astigmatism. If your astigmatism is under one diopter, a trifocal lens can be used as a safe and effective treatment for astigmatism while replacing the function of your natural lens at the same time.

Manage Presbyopia

Presbyopia is often age-related and involves not being able to clearly see things that are close to you. Reading glasses or bifocals are common solutions so patients can look at items close-up. If you find yourself having to hold a book at an arm’s length to make out the words, you could be dealing with presbyopia.

A trifocal lens can replace the need for bifocals and reading glasses, as it allows your eyes to experience healthy near vision.

Protect Your Eyes

As we continue to discover more about how the eyes work, it’s becoming more clear how important it is to protect our eyes from potentially harmful sun exposure. Spending a lot of time in the bright sun may harm your eyes if you don’t wear glasses with UV protection. As the use of technology continues to grow, there is also a growing concern about how much blue light our eyes are exposed to.

PanOptix lenses are made to address both concerns. They are able to filter out both UV rays and blue light, which helps protect your eyes while creating a sharper image at the same time.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Intraocular Lens?

As you research, you may come across the term “intraocular.” This simply means “inside the eye.” Since cataracts cloud the natural lens of the eye, cataract surgery removes this natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular, artificial lens.

The replacement lens can be monofocal, or trifocal. Since PanOptix allows the patient to see at all three vision levels, it’s considered a trifocal intraocular lens.

How Long Will My Results Last?

This powerful trifocal lens technology is designed to last for your entire life, which means you should be able to enjoy all of the benefits these lenses offer without having to worry about eventually replacing them.

The surgery to place the lens is very simple, and the fact that such a simple surgery can offer lifetime benefits is truly exciting.

Am I a Good Candidate?

There is no right or wrong age for this treatment, it really depends on your individual needs. A good candidate is someone who needs cataract surgery, but doesn’t want to limit their near or intermediate vision with a monofocal lens.

A consultation will give us the information we need to recommend the right treatment, and we can also talk about your alternative options. We want you to be thrilled with your results, which means we want you to have a good understanding of what to expect.

What Can I Expect During Treatment?

Before

A consultation is an important first step in your treatment. You will have the chance to ask us questions or share any concerns you have. We will, in turn, go over your needs and talk through your expectations to make sure this lens is a good fit for you.

Once we feel confident that this lens is a good option for your needs, and you feel confident about your treatment options, we can move forward.

During

Once your pupils are dilated, this surgery can be carried out with a series of very small incisions. This is such a common surgery that it’s often considered one of the most simple and safe surgeries out there.

It usually only takes between 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Many patients find themselves surprised by how easy the entire process is, and of course, we will be here to answer your questions throughout every step of your treatment.

After

When you visit us for a consultation, we’ll be able to give you more personalized information. This is important since each patient is an individual. That said, you should be able to enjoy fast vision improvement after your surgery. These results are expected to actually improve with time as your eyes adjust to their new lens. One eye is usually treated at a time.

Reclaim Your Sight

Whether you find yourself ready to learn more about the benefits of a trifocal lens, or you have additional questions, we’d be happy to help you. Contact us at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, today, to set up your consultation. We will be able to give you individualized advice and walk you through your treatment options.

Cataract surgery Wichita is a commonly performed procedure designed to treat cataracts. Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on your eye lens, affecting vision significantly when left untreated. At ICT Eye in Wichita, KS, we understand how important clear vision is to your independence and quality of life. That’s why we proudly offer this safe, effective procedure for the treatment of cataracts. Read on to learn more about it, including how long it takes.

How Long Does Cataract Surgery Wichita Take?

Generally, Cataract Surgery Wichita can be completed in just half an hour to 45 minutes. During this time, the pupil will be dilated with eye drops and a local anesthetic will numb the eye to ensure you don’t feel any pain during your surgery. If you’re feeling anxious, you can have a sedative administered to calm your nerves, but it may not put you to sleep.

Once you’re ready for surgery, the clouded lens will be removed. Generally, a replacement lens is implanted once the cataract has been removed. However, this is not always the case. Whether you need a replacement lens will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?

The more your quality of life is impaired by your poor vision, the more likely it is that you will be considered a good candidate for this procedure. For example, if you have trouble watching TV or reading, now may be the right time for you to have your cataracts removed. Similarly, it is probably time for you to get your cataracts removed if you can’t see well enough to drive or do your job safely.

Another sign that you may be a good candidate for cataract removal is struggling to see when in bright light. Additionally, it may be appropriate for you to have your cataracts removed if your ability to take medications, cook, shop, go up and down stairs, or care for your yard is impaired. There is a very strong chance that you will qualify for cataract removal if your cataracts make the monitoring or treatment of other problems, like diabetic retinopathy or AMD hard.

How Should I Prepare for My Procedure?

There are a number of preparation steps you must take prior to Cataract Surgery Wichita. One of the most important preparation steps is to attend an initial consultation to verify that this procedure will be both safe and effective for you. We will also advise you on all of the things you will need to do and avoid for a period of time before and after surgery.

One thing you will need to do before your surgery is to have an ultrasound test conducted on your eye. This lets us know the precise size and shape of your eye so we can determine what intraocular lens (IOL) is appropriate for you.

What Are the Benefits of Different Types of Lenses?

Fixed-focus monofocal lenses are advantageous for people who struggle to see things far away. Thanks to the highly effective single focus strength of this lens type, you may not need to wear glasses when you drive once your eye has healed from the surgery. However, glasses may still be necessary when reading. A toric lens is advantageous for individuals who suffer from significant astigmatism.

Other lens types include multifocal and accommodating-focus monofocal. The former is similar to glasses with progressive or bifocal lenses. It can help you see things that are short, medium, and far distances away. The latter, like a fixed-focus monofocal, only has one focusing strength. However, you do have control over whether you are focusing on distant or near objects by moving your eye muscles.

What Can I Expect After My Surgery?

You can expect to notice an improvement in your vision just a few days after your cataract removal. Often, cataracts are brown- or yellow-tinted, so colors are muted. Therefore, it should come as no surprise to you if you feel like colors are a lot brighter once your cataracts are removed.

Will I Be Able To Drive After My Procedure?

No, you will not be able to drive yourself home after your Cataract Surgery Wichita. For your safety, and for the safety of others on the road, arrange from transportation home before you come in for your cataract removal. How soon after your procedure you can drive depends on several factors, including how long it takes your vision to improve and whether you are taking prescription medications that impair your cognitive function and reaction time.

How Long Will My Recovery Take?

You can expect a full recovery to take approximately eight weeks to complete. During this time, especially during the first week of your recovery, it is highly advisable to have someone with you in your home to help you care for yourself. There will be restrictions on your activities, like bending over and lifting things. It is also important that vigorous exercise and other strenuous physical activity is avoided for several weeks during your recovery.

Will I Need To Wear Glasses After My Surgery?

It is possible that you will need to wear glasses even after your cataracts are removed. However, you may not need to wear them all the time. Approximately one to three months after your surgery, your eyes should be healed enough that you can get an accurate final prescription for your glasses.

There is an exception to this general rule, though. If you have cataracts in both eyes, cataract removal is usually only performed on one eye at a time. Cataract removal for the second eye occurs after the first eye has healed. Therefore, it may be up to six months before you can get a final prescription for eyeglasses.

Do I Have Cataracts?

It is incredibly rare to be able to feel cataracts or see them in the mirror. However, there are symptoms that indicate it may be time to schedule an eye exam and find out whether you have cataracts. One of the most common signs is seeing halos around lights. Other light-related symptoms include increasingly poor night vision, extreme glare and light sensitivity, and needing brighter light for such activities as reading or putting together a puzzle.

You also may have cataracts if you have double vision in one eye or if you need to change your contact lens or eyeglass prescription frequently. If you feel like colors are fading or yellow-tinted, you should strongly consider scheduling an eye exam. Similarly, you may have cataracts if your vision is dim, blurry, or cloudy.

What Causes This Condition?

Most of the time, cataracts are caused by getting older or sustaining a significant injury that changes the tissue comprising the lens. However, your genes are a significant risk factor, and it is possible to develop cataracts because of other medical conditions. For example, diabetes increases the risk of cataract development. As another example, long-term steroid-use can lead to the development of cataracts.

What Are the Most Serious Risk Factors of Cataracts?

Some of the most serious risk factors for cataracts are age, diabetes, previous eye surgery, and long-term corticosteroid drug use. Other serious risk factors include hypertension, tobacco consumption, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and previous eye inflammation or injury. Furthermore, your risk of developing cataracts increases significantly if you subject yourself to excessive sunlight exposure.

How Can I Mitigate My Risk of Developing Cataracts in the Future?

Two of the most effective steps you can take to mitigate your risk of developing cataracts in the future are to stop smoking and lose weight if you are obese. You can also significantly reduce your risk of cataract development by moderating your alcohol intake and staying hydrated when you drink alcohol.

Obesity, tobacco consumption, and excessive alcohol consumption often go hand in hand with hypertension, another significant risk factor for developing cloudy lenses. You can also reduce your risk of developing cataracts by eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily and wearing sunglasses that block UVB rays when you are outdoors.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

You can generally expect your lens correction procedure to be completed in just 30 minutes. However, in some cases, it can take up to 45 minutes. After your procedure, you are free to go and focus on your recovery in the comfort of your own home. Contact us today at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS to schedule your initial consultation and find out if this procedure is right for you.

Are you frustrated by the appearance of your neck, chest, or face? Do you wish that there was an effective solution to lift and tighten loose, sagging skin that didn’t involve invasive surgery? If so, you may be able to get Ultherapy at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS. We understand the signs of aging can seriously affect one’s self-esteem, and we also understand that surgery is right for everyone. That’s why we offer several non-surgical treatments to improve the health and appearance of the skin.

Who Can Get Ultherapy?

Adults Who Can Follow Preparation Instructions

If you’re at least 21 years of age, there is a good chance that you can get Ultherapy safely. However, you need to be committed to following all preparation instructions to qualify. For example, it is vital that your skin is not irritated when you come in for your non-invasive, ultrasound-based skin tightening treatment. Therefore, you will need to avoid waxing the targeted area or getting any other aesthetic treatments that have the potential to irritate the skin.

It is also important that you wear sunscreen diligently in the weeks leading up to your treatment session. If you have a sunburn in the treatment area at the time of your scheduled appointment, it will have to be rescheduled. During your initial consultation, we will give you a complete list of things to avoid to qualify for your session. You also need to be able to maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of hydrating fluids for you to get the most out of your session.

Adults Who Can Follow Aftercare Guidelines

You also must be able to follow all aftercare guidelines to qualify for this treatment. Even though this treatment isn’t invasive, there are steps you will need to take to care of your skin for a little while after treatment. For example, it is extremely important that you don’t sweat excessively. Therefore, you won’t be able to wind down in a steam room or dry sauna. Similarly, you should avoid taking a steaming hot shower after your Ultherapy treatment.

Another important thing to avoid after your treatment session is dehydration. The results of this treatment are derived from your skin ramping up its production of collagen in response to the heat emitted by the sound waves. To see your ideal results as quickly as possible, your skin needs several building blocks to produce extra collagen. Among the most important building blocks for the construction of this protein are water, vitamin C, and amino acids.

Adults Who Have Realistic Expectations About the Results

Additionally, you need to have realistic expectations about the results to qualify for this treatment. You should understand that this treatment can make you look years younger and much slimmer by tightening up loose skin. It will not make you look like a different person or someone who’s had work done. You will simply look like a younger, natural version of yourself.

You should also understand that it will take you several weeks to see your ideal results even if you only need one treatment session. Since this treatment’s results are derived from a boost in localized collagen production, you won’t be able to see your desired results until your skin has had enough time to produce an adequate amount of collagen in your areas of concern. Finally, you should understand that your results may last for years, but they will not last forever.

Other Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What Can I Do To Extend the Longevity of My Results?

To ensure your results last for as long as possible, you need to do your best to keep your collagen healthy and strong. One of the most effective ways you can accomplish this is to wear sunscreen diligently and minimize your exposure to sunlight between the hours of 10 o’clock in the morning and 4 o’clock in the afternoon. Remember that you need to wear a sun protectant that provides a sun protection factor of at least 35 and blocks UVC rays.

You should also remember that your sunscreen should be stored in a cool, dry place, and it should be reapplied every four hours. Moisturizing your skin every day is another effective step you can take to keep your skin looking tight and smooth. For maximum efficacy, you should moisturize your skin twice per day if you have dry skin. You should also stay hydrated, eat nutritiously, support the efficiency of your circulatory system, and minimize alcohol consumption.

Will This Ultherapy Treatment Hurt?

No, you will not feel any pain or discomfort during your ultrasound-based skin tightening treatment. When the special ultrasound gel is applied to your treatment area, it will feel cool. It will not feel painfully cold.

Then, the energy from the sound waves will warm the deepest layers of your skin, but the heat emitted by the sound energy will not be uncomfortably hot. You should not be surprised if you feel a slight tingling, but that’s the only sensation besides warmth you’ll feel.

How Long Will My Treatment Take?

The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your concerns and the scope of your goals. If you are only concerned about one region of your body, like your chest or lower face, your treatment session may be completed in just half of an hour. On the other hand, if you have several areas of concern, you may need 90 minutes for an effective treatment session.

What Can I Expect After My Treatment?

Once your non-surgical skin tightening session is complete, you are free to go back to work as long as certain conditions are met. While there is no downtime to speak of, there are a number of recovery guidelines you will need to adhere to for the best experience. Remember, you need to avoid excessive heat, sweating, and vigorous physical activity. Therefore, you will need to take off from work if your job is physically demanding.

What Other Cosmetic Treatments Can Improve My Appearance?

During your initial consultation, we will go over all of your cosmetic concerns and goals. Depending on where your aesthetic is now and what you would like to achieve, you may benefit significantly from a chemical peel. The beauty of a chemical peel is that it is incredibly customizable. The strength of the peel can be tailored to the severity of your concerns, the type of concerns you have, and the sensitivity of your skin.

How To Care for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel

Like Ultherapy, a chemical peel requires no downtime. However, there are steps you will need to take to care for your skin once your treatment is over. For example, you will need to keep your hair out of your face for a week or two while your skin is peeling. It is important to ensure your hair remains out of your face so you are less likely to accidentally touch your face.

It is also vital that you do not pick at your peeling skin. This will only extend the amount of time it takes for your skin to finish peeling and potentially lead to acne outbreaks or other problems. To help you determine whether a chemical peel is appropriate for you, we will give you a complete list of aftercare instructions during your initial consultation. If you feel unsure about whether you can follow all of them, this treatment may not be right for you.

How To Prepare for a Chemical Peel

The most important chemical peel preparation step you must take is to attend an initial evaluation. Chemical peels are safe for all skin types and tones. However, an evaluation is required to verify that this type of treatment will be safe and effective for you and your goals. In addition to giving you a complete list of aftercare steps, we will also give you a complete list of preparation guidelines, like avoiding sunburn and certain skincare products.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Do you think your self-confidence would improve if your skin was lifted and tightened? Do you wish you could smooth unwanted wrinkles away effectively without surgery? If so, you may be able to get Ultherapy. To find out for sure whether this non-invasive treatment is right for you, contact us today at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS to schedule your initial consultation. If you can follow all preparation and aftercare guidelines, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify!

Are your eyes so dry that your vision is blurry? Do your eyes itch and water or look red? If so, iLux dry eye treatment at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS may be appropriate for you. However, iLux treatment is not the only solution for eye dryness. Keep reading to learn more about the safest and most effective ways to treat eye dryness if you are sick and tired of struggling with the symptoms.

How Can You Treat Dry Eye?

iLux Treatment

iLux is an FDA-approved device developed by Tear Film Innovations as an alternative eye dryness solution to surgery. With this device, compression and heat are applied to the eyelids to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) quickly, safely, and effectively. During this treatment, any blockages that may be present in your meibomian glands will be softened. This gives your body the opportunity to produce enough oil to keep your tears from evaporating rapidly.

Antibiotics

If your eye dryness is caused by eyelid inflammation, your oil glands may not be able to deposit oil into your tears. This can be treated with an oral antibiotic, an antibiotic ointment applied to the edges of your eyelids, or with eye drops. Eye drops may also be appropriate if cornea inflammation is causing eye dryness. During an initial evaluation, you may be advised that you need cyclosporine-based eye drops or a corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are not a long-term solution, though.

Do I Suffer From This Condition?

Dry eye symptoms vary, but one of the most common symptoms of this condition is difficulty driving at night. Often, people who suffer from eye dryness have blurry vision, eye fatigue that worsens as the day wears on, and sensitivity to light. If you have trouble driving at night due to the contrast of the lights and darkness, wearing glasses with amber lenses may help you significantly. Eye redness and watery eyes can also indicate your eyes are dry.

Another common sign that you suffer from eye dryness is feeling like something is in your eyes. You may feel your eyes itch, burn, or sting, and you may notice stringy mucus on your washcloth when you wash your face. It is also not uncommon for mucus to be in your eyes, not just around them.

What Causes This Condition?

Insufficient Tear Production

For the safest, most effective eye dryness solution, it is important to figure out why you are suffering from this condition. There are a number of potential causes, including insufficient tear production. If your eyes can’t produce enough aqueous fluid to keep themselves moist, you have a condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Some of the most common triggers of this condition are:

• The natural aging process
• Sjorgen’s syndrome
• RA
• Scleroderma
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Regular antihistamine use
• Regular decongestant use
• Birth control use
• Corneal nerve desensitivity

 

Excessive Tear Evaporation

iLux will probably be the ideal dry eye treatment method for you if your eye dryness is caused by excessive tear evaporation. The rate at which your tears evaporate can increase significantly if your meibomian glands are clogged. However, clogged meibomian glands are not the only explanation for excessive tear evaporation. Excessive tear evaporation can also be caused by such factors as:

• Eye allergies
• Parkinson’s disease
• Driving regularly
• Focusing on a monitor regularly
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Preservatives in topical eye drops
• Dry air

 

What Are the Risk Factors of Developing This Condition?

Age and sex are the two most significant risk factors for developing eye dryness. Women are more likely than men to develop this condition, especially if they experience massive hormonal changes. For instance, you are more likely to suffer from eye dryness if you use hormonal birth control, become pregnant, or start menopause. Your risk of suffering from eye dryness increases significantly after the age of 50 due to a natural reduction in tear production.

A diet of mostly processed foods is another significant risk factor for the development of eye dryness. While some processed foods, like a lot of breakfast cereals, are fortified with vitamins and minerals, there is a good chance that you are not getting all of the nourishment you need every day if you don’t get a lot of whole foods in your diet. Since vitamin A deficiency can impede your ability to produce aqueous fluid and retain it, a healthy diet is vital.

How Can I Mitigate My Risk of Eye Dryness?

Protect Your Eyes

Protect your eyes from blowing air to mitigate your risk of eye dryness. Close your eyes when using your hair dryer and never point your desk fan, car heater, or air conditioner towards your eyes. In the winter, protect your eyes from dry air by keeping a humidifier running in your room. Protect your eyes from wind and light damage by wearing such eye protection as a pair of wraparound sunglasses.

Prevent Fatigue

You can also mitigate your risk of eye dryness by taking steps to prevent fatigue. If you find yourself in situations where you may be blinking less than normal, such as when you are engrossed in your favorite book, you’re driving across the state for a family reunion, or you’re working in front of a computer monitor, make sure you take plenty of breaks.

If you’re on a long road trip, you may want to stop at every rest area you pass. While you’re taking your break, further rest your eyes by looking at something in the distance. Then, look at something a little closer to you. This technique also works if you’re looking at a computer monitor. You can also mitigate your risk of eye fatigue by lowering your monitors. The higher you are above your monitors, the less your eyes have to work for a wide field of view.

How Should I Prepare for My Appointment?

One of the most important steps to take to prepare for your appointment is to keep a list of all of the symptoms you’re experiencing. You should also make a note of problems you’re having that you don’t think are related to your eye dryness. The more information you give us, the more likely it is that we can make an accurate diagnosis quickly and get you on the right path to relief. You should also write down any life changes you have experienced recently.

For instance, we need to know if you have recently adopted a pet or moved to a new home. You should also let us know what dietary supplements and medications you are currently taking, especially if you have recently started to take these pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, you may want to spend a few days writing down any questions you may have that come to mind. It is not uncommon for people to want information but then forget what they were curious about when it comes to appointment time.

What Questions To Ask During Your Appointment

One of the most common questions we get when people come in with eye dryness is what is the most likely cause of my condition. We are also frequently asked about the tests that will be run to diagnose the condition, and we often get questions about treatment options, including waiting for the condition to resolve itself.

What Questions To Expect During Your Appointment

During your evaluation, we will ask you to describe your symptoms and advise us on when, to the best of your recollection, your symptoms began. We also need to know whether your symptoms are occasional or continuous. We will also ask you about your family medical history. If you’re not familiar with your family medical history, ask your parents and siblings if they have been diagnosed with dry eye.

In addition to advising us on your symptoms, you should also advise us on what you do to treat your symptoms temporarily. You may want to make a note of the solutions you’ve tried, like over-the-counter eye drops, and  what relief, if any, they provided you. Also, take note of when your symptoms are most severe. Knowing whether you are most uncomfortable in the morning or evening can help us diagnose your condition accurately.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

There are a number of ways to treat dry eye including iLux and using eye drops. To find out how you can best treat your eye dryness, you need to schedule an appointment with an eye expert. Reach out to us today at ICT Eye in Wichita, KS to schedule an appointment and find out the best way to address your eye concerns.