Category: Restylane
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.
Liquid Facelift: Rejuvenate Your Appearance with Non-Surgical Precision
In the quest for a youthful, rejuvenated appearance, many individuals are turning to innovative non-surgical solutions. Among these, the liquid facelift has emerged as a popular choice, offering remarkable benefits without the need for invasive procedures or extensive downtime.
So, what exactly is a Liquid Facelift? Unlike traditional surgical facelifts, which involve incisions and tissue manipulation, a liquid facelift utilizes injectable dermal fillers and neuromodulators to sculpt and enhance facial contours. These injectables, such as Restylane and Botox, are strategically placed to address specific areas of concern, including fine lines, wrinkles, volume loss, and sagging skin.
One of the most significant advantages of a liquid facelift is its versatility. Unlike surgical procedures that offer limited customization, a liquid facelift allows for precise sculpting and tailoring to each individual’s unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether targeting nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or hollowed cheeks, injectable fillers such as Voluma and Restylane Defyne, can restore lost volume and create natural-looking results.
Moreover, the procedure is performed in-office with minimal discomfort and downtime. Unlike traditional facelift surgery, which requires weeks of recovery, the non-surgical approach allows patients to resume their daily activities almost immediately, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. While some minor swelling or bruising may occur at the injection sites, these side effects typically subside within a few days, leaving behind a refreshed and revitalized appearance.
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.
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.
The Most Desirable Lips
It’s not hard to notice a beautiful pair of lips. You just recognize them when you see them. But what, exactly, makes them so attractive?
In 2017, a study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery analyzed how lip surface area and top-to-bottom ratio impacted people’s opinion of overall beauty. Researchers showed focus groups a photograph that they then adjusted and found that lips with a 53.5 percent increase in surface area and a 1 to 2 ratio of upper to lower lip were considered the most attractive. Also, lips that made up about 10 percent of the lower third of the face were also deemed to be the most beautiful.
We, of course, when boosting your lip volume, don’t follow any sort of formula. We look at your face and lips and determine the best balance and most natural-looking solution. Using state-of-the-art fillers such as Restylane Kysse and Volbella, we add fullness that you may have lost over time, restoring your appearance to its former youthful look.
If you are interested in plumping your lips or minimizing folds and wrinkles in the lip area, call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll explain your options and devise a treatment plan just 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.
Your Pre-Holiday Beauty Boost
When the calendar flips to November, the holidays aren’t far behind. It’s the season for looking your best, and dramatic results are possible, even in just a few weeks.
There is still time for many quick in-and-out treatments that will make all the difference in your appearance. Instantly, you’ll look fresh and rested, and you’ll feel invigorated, too…just the right recipe for the holiday season.
Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming weeks…
Try a nonsurgical mini facelift that will tighten skin and boost collagen production. With Thermage CPT, we can treat the skin on the eyelids, under-eye areas, abdomen, arms, legs and sagging buttocks. It’s the most effective lift treatment for a multitude of concerns, and the results are dramatic. Or, you can try an Exilis Ultra 360 treatment, which tightens, firms and tones loose and sagging skin and reshapes and melts stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body. Popular areas treated with Exilis include the face, jowls, neck, “love handles,” “bra fat,” abdomen, thighs, hips and buttocks.
Minimize lines and boost volume in your lips with Restylane Kysse, the latest filler for adding shape and definition to your mouth area.
Reduce wrinkles and tighten skin with Infini, a high intensity focused radiofrequency treatment that’s also terrific for minimizing acne scarring.
Restore facial volume with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Radiesse and Restylane Lyft. These will reduce hollowness and diminish lines that have formed with age.
Smooth out forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet with Botox or Dysport.
Fill in smile lines, marionette lines or nasolabial folds (lines that stretch from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips) with Restylane Defyne, Restylane Refyne, Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse.
All of these quick treatments are nonsurgical, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. You can be back in full swing immediately, looking younger and feeling that way, too.
Call our offices this week to schedule a pre-holiday appointment.
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.
Tracking Changes In Your Skin
It seems that summer just began and now, Labor Day is around the corner. The time goes quickly, and while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on the delicate composition of your skin. The best way to ward off the signs of stress is to know what is ahead and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes can happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice the first signs of wrinkles and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may look dull and rough, and age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it use to. You may notice that your skin is beginning to lose its youthful glow as skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During this time, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Defyne, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Refyne, 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: You may notice that subtle lines have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin has begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile and the underlying skin structure to be less supported. Lasers such as Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Dual can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. They will also help to lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging. Loose and sagging skin can be tightened with radiofrequency treatments like Infini and Exilis Ultra 360.
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.
If you’d like to hear how we can help you look your most youthful best, call our office for a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
Midsummer’s Day Dream
Close your eyes and think of one thing about your appearance that you’d like to change. I bet that there is something, since most everybody has a wish list of some kind. The exciting news is that your day dream can probably be a reality.
Whether it is the hollowing of your cheeks that has occurred in the last year or so, or the double chin that persists despite your highly toned body, or those pockets of fat that just won’t go away despite your dieting and exercise, we have solutions that will fulfill your wishes for how you want to look.
Not too long ago, you couldn’t fill lost volume with Restylane, Juvederm or Voluma. Or minimize submental fat under your chin with Kybella or eradicate actual fat cells with SmartLipo Triplex. In recent years, cosmetic treatments have given you the opportunity to restore your youthful appearance, appear rested and refreshed and feel simply great about yourself.
So, as summer hits its stride, why not dream a little? It’s a great season to wish for what you want.
Call our office today to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll talk about your specific wants and desires and help plan a course to satisfy them as best we can.
Meantime, remember the sunscreen.
See you soon.
