Category: Juvederm
The Sun’s Double-Edged Sword: Why Too Much Sun Exposure is Bad for Your Skin
Ah, the warmth of the sun on our skin – it feels like a blissful embrace from nature itself. But as much as we love basking in its glow, there’s a darker side to the sun’s rays that we often overlook: the damage they can inflict on our skin. Here’s why too much sun exposure is a recipe for trouble:
Premature Aging: UV rays from the sun are like silent saboteurs, quietly but steadily breaking down the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin. These proteins are essential for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. When they’re damaged, wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin become more prominent, giving rise to premature aging. So, if you’ve ever wondered why those sun-worshipping beach bums tend to look older than their years, now you know.
Sunburn: This one’s a no-brainer. Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, leaving your skin red, tender, and painfully sensitive to the touch. Sunburn is not only uncomfortable but also a sign that your skin has suffered damage from UV radiation. Over time, repeated sunburns can increase your risk of skin cancer.
Uneven Skin Tone: Ever noticed how your skin tends to develop dark spots and patches after spending too much time in the sun? That’s because UV radiation stimulates the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for giving your skin its color. While a tan might seem like a sign of health and vitality, it’s actually your skin’s way of trying to protect itself from further damage. Unfortunately, this self-defense mechanism can result in uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Skin Cancer: Last but certainly not least, excessive sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. UV radiation damages the DNA in our skin cells, increasing the risk of mutations that can lead to cancerous growths. The most common types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma – are all strongly associated with sun exposure. Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of developing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
Despite the risks, there’s hope for sun-damaged skin. Advanced treatments like Fraxel laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Botox, and fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm can help rejuvenate and repair sun-damaged skin, restoring a youthful appearance and reversing some of the signs of aging. These procedures work by stimulating collagen production, reducing pigmentation, and smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines, helping you reclaim smooth, radiant skin.
So, what’s the takeaway from all this? Enjoying some sunshine is perfectly fine – in fact, it’s essential for our physical and mental well-being. But like most good things in life, moderation is key. Be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun, especially during peak hours when UV radiation is at its strongest. And always remember to protect your skin with sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade-seeking behavior. Your skin will thank you for it in the long run.
See you soon.
Conquering Acne: Understanding and Treating Your Skin Woes
Acne is a universal skin condition that affects millions worldwide, transcending age, gender, and background. Whether it’s the occasional blemish or a persistent battle, the journey to clear skin can often feel like an uphill climb. But fear not, for there’s hope and help available for everyone grappling with this common affliction.
Understanding the root cause of acne is paramount to effectively addressing it. It begins when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, exacerbated by the overproduction of sebum—the skin’s natural oil. This creates a fertile ground for bacteria to flourish, leading to inflammation and the dreaded appearance of acne.
The manifestations of acne vary, from the familiar blackheads and whiteheads of acne vulgaris to the redness and pustules associated with acne rosacea. Some individuals grapple with chronic, persistent acne, while others contend with the aftermath of scarring and pigmentation issues.
However, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We offer a range of treatments tailored to address diverse acne concerns. Here’s a glimpse of what’s available:
INFINI: A cutting-edge treatment targeting acne scars and texture irregularities by stimulating collagen production.
PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser): Ideal for reducing redness and inflammation associated with acne rosacea.
Fraxel Dual and Fraxel Repair: These lasers work wonders in resurfacing the skin, addressing both active acne and scarring.
Dermal Fillers (Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Radiesse): Effective in restoring volume loss and minimizing the appearance of depressed acne scars.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to acne treatment. I will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that caters to your unique needs and concerns. So, take heart—clear, radiant skin is within reach, and you don’t have to face this journey alone. With the right treatment and support, you can bid farewell to acne and embrace the confidence that comes with healthy, beautiful skin.
See you soon.
Flawless Skin Awaits: Treating Acne Scarring
If you’ve been struggling with the aftermath of acne scarring, you’re not alone. Acne scars can be a frustrating and persistent reminder of past breakouts. They often result from the body’s natural healing process, which can lead to the formation of raised or depressed scars, red or brown discoloration, and uneven skin texture. While scars vary in type and severity, they can affect one’s self-esteem and confidence. The good news is that there are advanced treatments available to help you achieve smoother, clearer, and more radiant skin.
Infini
Infini is a cutting-edge radiofrequency microneedling treatment designed to stimulate collagen production in the skin. By delivering controlled energy through fine needles, Infini helps to remodel the scar tissue, reducing the appearance of acne scars. It’s particularly effective for atrophic (indented) scars, helping to fill them in and make them less noticeable.
Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Dual
Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Dual are fractional laser treatments that work by targeting tiny sections of the skin, leaving surrounding areas untouched. This approach stimulates collagen production and promotes skin rejuvenation. Fraxel Repair is more aggressive and suitable for deeper scars, while Fraxel Dual is a milder option that can be used to treat superficial acne scars. Both treatments can improve skin texture, reduce pigmentation irregularities, and smooth out scars.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, are often used to add volume to the skin. They can be an effective solution for addressing indented acne scars by filling them in and creating a smoother surface. Dermal fillers can also help with rolling scars and atrophic scars, offering an immediate improvement in the appearance of the skin.
Don’t let acne scarring hold you back—call our office today and I’ll create a tailored treatment plan that suits your unique needs and goals.
See you soon.
Cheek to Cheek
You may not notice it right away, but cheeks tend to flatten as you get older. It’s typically a less obvious sign of aging, but if you see a change in contour, it could be time for an easy fix.
Sometimes, the natural curve of your cheek is lost, causing your skin to droop and your profile to lose definition. The shape of your cheeks has a huge impact on the look of your entire face. So, if you’re not happy with any changes to your cheek area, you may not feel so terrific in general. With a simple dermal filler, we can restore youthful fullness, in a natural and subtle way.
Previously, aging cheeks were corrected with invasive traditional surgery that tightened the overlying skin and lifted the deeper soft tissues. Now, such extensive procedures are not at all necessary. Juvederm Voluma XC, an injectable filler, can produce the same result, providing a lift that is free of incisions, anesthesia and recuperation time.
Juvederm Voluma XC is an FDA-approved filler that instantly adds natural-looking volume to the cheeks. It is made from a naturally occurring complex sugar, and studies have shown that results may last as long as two years after treatment.
So, if your facial silhouette seems different to you, come talk with me to see what we can do. Call our office today for a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
The Skin Cycle: What You Can Expect, Decade by Decade
Your skin has a natural plan. With each year that passes, it undergoes assorted stressors, some that it has experienced before and some that are brand new. And it reacts to these changing stimuli in different ways, subtle and not-so. Unfortunately, while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on its delicate composition. But do not despair–you have strategies at your disposal for warding off the first signs of attack. The trick: know what’s coming and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes may happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice hints of wrinkles (yes, they begin early) and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Catching them early is more effective than waiting until they are extreme. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may begin to lose its luster, appearing dull and rough. Also, age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it used to. You may notice, too, that your skin doesn’t glow as much, since skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During your 40s, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm, Belotero and Radiesse, and neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are effective in reducing the appearance of these lines and folds.
In Your 50s and 60s: Subtle lines may have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin may have begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile. As the underlying skin structure is less supported, the skin falls down and droops. We have many treatments, such as Infini, that can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. The treatments will also help to brighten and lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging.
At all times of your life, remember to do what you can to preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Wear plenty of sunscreen (and not only in the summer), avoid the sun as much as possible, steer clear of smoking and cleanse and moisturize often.
Call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you look your most natural youthful best.
See you soon.
Eyes: Windows To Your…Age
No one really wants to reveal his or her age. But there are places on our bodies that can give secrets away, namely, the eyes.
The skin surrounding your eyes is extremely delicate, making it susceptible to cosmetic problems that make you look older than you are. Also, because it moves so much during facial expression, lines and wrinkles form over time. Crow’s feet emerge on the outside of the eye and creases appear underneath the lash line, for instance. Add dark circles, hollowing, drooping lids and puffiness, and you will appear tired and worn. Perhaps you’ve tried creams that claim to tighten skin or cold tea bags and cucumbers that temporarily reduce fluid retention, but you are still not happy when you look into the mirror.
We offer a range of nonsurgical treatments that will help return a well-rested look to your eyes and ultimately, your face. Depending on your individual needs, we can craft a personal plan that will help you look refreshed and more youthful, with minimal downtime and recuperation.
Here are a few of our most popular eye treatments:
- Thermage CPT
- Botox
- Dysport
- Dermal fillers (Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Lyft)
- Fraxel Repair Laser
- Fraxel DUAL Laser
- Laser Wrinkle Reduction
- Clear & Brilliant
- Microdermabrasion
- GentleWaves Photomodulation
Come talk with us about how we can help. Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation. And meantime, keep applying that sunscreen.
See you soon.
Men Are Body-Conscious, Too
When people talk about body image, we often assume that they are referring to women. But men experience similar insecurities about their physical appearance, according to many studies published worldwide.
Many men worry about beer bellies, love handles, man “boobs” and hair loss, among other issues associated with aging.
More than four in five men (80.7 percent) talk in ways that promote anxiety about their body image by referring to perceived flaws and imperfections, compared with 75 percent of women, according to a study from the University of the West of England. The study also revealed that 23 percent of the surveyed men didn’t go to the gym because they were concerned about their appearance and 63 percent thought that their arms and chests were not muscular enough.
A study in 2016 by Chapman University researchers, published in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity, showed that:
- About 25 percent of the men were dissatisfied with their appearance, compared to about 28.5 percent of women.
- More than half of the men had gone on diets in the past year, and nearly 42 percent were unhappy with their weight.
- About 37 percent did not like the condition of their muscle tone.
- About 69 percent felt judged on their looks and felt pressure from magazines and television to have a slimmer and more muscular body.
So, if you are male and concerned about your body shape, you are not alone. It’s likely that you
have dieted and spent hours in the gym. Sometimes, these tactics are not enough for certain trouble spots or for men of certain ages.
In our offices, one of the most popular procedures for men is SmartLipo Triplex, particularly for the neck, abdomen and breast area. SmartLipo Triplex is a minimally invasive method for removing unwanted fat and sculpting areas of the body that you’d like to change.
We also find that Kybella is effective for reducing the double chin, a common male problem that often resists diet and exercise. This procedure slims and contours the area below and around your chin and neck, without surgery.
You may also be concerned about the effects of aging, sun damage and stress, all of which can negatively impact how you feel about yourself at home and at work. Many male patients come see us for Botox, particularly for their foreheads and crow’s feet, and for dermal fillers that minimize the folds around their noses and corners of their mouths. Some of these fillers include Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk and Radiesse. Also, to decrease wrinkles and sagging on the face and around the eyes, many men come to us for Thermage CPT, Infini and Fraxel Repair Laser Treatments.
If you’re not entirely happy with how you look, don’t hesitate to call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll try to help you look and feel your best.
See you soon.
The Liquid Facelift: Instant Happiness
Not many people are happy about lines, wrinkles, sagging skin or a tired appearance. Among the top nonsurgical anti-aging treatments, the Liquid Facelift can offer instant results for these concerns, plumping up your droopy spots and restoring a youthful contour to your face.
With injectable fillers, we can take years off of your appearance. Targeting your temples, brows, upper eyelids, under-eye areas, cheeks, mouth corners and jowls, we can help to erase the signs of aging, naturally and easily. With expert precision and careful attention to your facial anatomy, we’ll help you look as young and refreshed as possible. Your recovery time will be minimal, too.
Here is how we do it:
- Define, lift, shape the cheeks…with Juvederm Voluma, Restylane Lyft
- Erase forehead lines…with Botox or Dysport
- Balance the chin…augment with Radiesse
- Lift the mouth…reduce nasolabial folds and downturned lips to restore a youthful smile, with Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne
- Open up the eyes…to perk up your entire face, with Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Silk
- Elevate the brows…to create a rested appearance
- Reduce eye puffiness…to give structure to under eye area and compensate for bone loss, fat loss and thinning skin
Now is a terrific time for a Liquid Facelift. Call our office this week for a consultation, and we’ll devise a special plan just for you.
See you soon.
Getting Cheeky
Though it’s often a less obvious sign of aging, sagging and flattening cheeks can concern many of you. With time, you may lose the natural curve of your cheek, causing your skin to droop and your profile to lose definition. The shape of your cheeks has a huge impact on the look of your entire face. So, if you’re not happy with them, you may not feel so terrific in general. With a simple dermal filler, we can restore youthful fullness, in a natural and subtle way.
Previously, aging cheeks were corrected with invasive traditional surgery that tightened the overlying skin and lifted the deeper soft tissues. Now, Voluma XC, an injectable filler, can produce the same result, providing a lift that is free of incisions, anesthesia and recuperation time.
Juvederm Voluma XC is an FDA-approved filler that instantly adds natural-looking volume to the cheeks. It is made from a naturally occurring complex sugar, and studies have shown that results may last as long as two years after treatment. The next time you come in, be sure to ask me about how it might work for you.
See you soon.
Rescue Those Aging Eyes
So much of your appearance–how young or old, happy or sad, or refreshed or worn out–begins with your eyes. If you feel you’ve lost the sparkle that you used to have, you’ll be happy to know that we can help.
The delicate skin in this area is extremely thin and becomes thinner with time. Because it contains little subcutaneous fat, it is vulnerable to conditions such as dark circles, bags or swelling, hollowing, and drooping lids and brows. Also, it is especially sensitive to stress from facial movements such as laughing, squinting and frowning, repeated motions that contribute to the formation of lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet.
Also, the thick collagen network that gives skin structural support begins to break down with time. Your body’s internal processes and external factors such as sun exposure increase the levels of enzymes that break down collagen.
What can help: We have a repertoire of nonsurgical treatments that are safe and effective. Here is a quick run-down:
Dermal fillers, such as Belotero, Juvederm, and Restylane will plump up crow’s feet, lines and wrinkles under the eye and hollowing that may result as we age.
Injectables such as Botox and Dysport will help minimize crow’s feet and lines caused by normal facial expression.
Lasers, including Fraxel Repair, Fraxel DUAL, Laser Wrinkle Reduction and Clear & Brilliant, will help add smoothness, glow and luminosity to the area around your eyes.
Finally, Microdermabrasion and GentleWaves Photomodulation are two more useful techniques for brightening your eyes by restoring vigor to the delicate skin surrounding them.
We’re confident that all of our treatments will help you look happy and younger and feel that way, too.
Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation. I’ll develop a treatment plan just for you.
See you soon.
Cheek to Cheek
You may not notice it right away, but cheeks tend to flatten as you get older. It’s typically a less obvious sign of aging, but if you see a change in contour, it could be time for an easy fix.
Sometimes, the natural curve of your cheek is lost, causing your skin to droop and your profile to lose definition. The shape of your cheeks has a huge impact on the look of your entire face. So, if you’re not happy with any changes to your cheek area, you may not feel so terrific in general. With a simple dermal filler, we can restore youthful fullness, in a natural and subtle way.
Previously, aging cheeks were corrected with invasive traditional surgery that tightened the overlying skin and lifted the deeper soft tissues. Now, such extensive procedures are not at all necessary. Voluma XC, an injectable filler, can produce the same result, providing a lift that is free of incisions, anesthesia and recuperation time.
Juvederm Voluma XC is an FDA-approved filler that instantly adds natural-looking volume to the cheeks. It is made from a naturally occurring complex sugar, and studies have shown that results may last as long as two years after treatment.
So, if your facial silhouette seems different to you, come talk with me to see what we can do. Call our office today for a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
The Hit Parade of Eye Concerns: Your Four Favorites
The delicate skin above and under your eyes is prone to all sorts of issues. And, since your eyes are central to your overall expression, any small problems seem to have great impact. The aging process tends to reveal itself significantly in this thin skin, but there are tried-and-true treatments for minimizing its negative effects.
Droopy Lids and Brows:
You may think that this issue requires traditional surgery. But we have effective ways to lift drooping skin above the eye, without any incisions or downtime. The Thermage thermal lift is one of the best nonsurgical treatments for this area of your face, stimulating your body to create collagen that has been lost with age. You’ll have smoother and tighter skin for years.
Puffiness or Sunken Spots:
Though you may be getting the rest you need and drinking plenty of water, it’s still possible to develop puffs of skin or hollowing in the tear troughs under your eyes. Depending on your unique situation, we can improve the appearance of these conditions in several ways. First, Thermage will help lift and firm the delicate skin. Also, Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero are dermal fillers, made from natural injectable hylauronic acid, that will instantly plump and smooth under eye hollows.
Crow’s feet and wrinkles:
The natural movement of the eye area during expression will, over time, create lines and wrinkles. We can use Botox or Dysport injections to help minimize stubborn, deep-set wrinkles that crop up as we age. These treatments smooth out the lines by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles that cause the creases. In as soon as a week, your eyes will appear bright and refreshed, and wrinkles will be minimized.
Dark circles:
While there isn’t a cosmetic “concealer” treatment to replace your makeup, there are non-invasive procedures that can reduce the causes that make the dark circles apparent. These dark circles are usually accentuated by the shadows that form between puffiness under the eye and the hollows coming from the tear trough. Addressing both the bulge and the hollow tear troughs, we can help to minimize the shadow, or the appearance of dark circles. Thermage will lift the eye area. Hylauronic acid fillers Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero will restore fullness and smoothness to sunken or hollow tear troughs.
One of the most common areas of the face to be treated, the eyes endure a host of issues. Schedule a complimentary consultation today, and we’ll help you determine which treatments are the best for you.
See you soon.
