Category Archives: Skin Care

How can I treat facial volume loss without surgery?

How can I treat facial volume loss without surgery?

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Are you looking for a way to combat facial volume loss without surgery? The face loses volume over time, and this is one of the key reasons why wrinkles and folds start to form. Loss of volume causes the cheeks to sag, and makes the face look older. Adding volume will restore that youthful look, and there are non-surgical options that can help.

How can I treat facial volume loss without surgery?

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are commonly used to treat facial volume loss. While there are a variety of dermal fillers in use, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are the most popular choice for restoring facial volume.

Restylane Lyft is a HA filler that is specially designed to add volume to the cheeks. Replenishing volume to the cheek area gives the face an instant lift, and restores a more youthful profile.

How Restylane Lyft works

Restylane Lyft is injected into the cheek area using a tiny needle. The HA molecules attract water and this plumps the skin and adds volume and lift to the cheeks.

Fat transfer

Fat transfer is a minimally invasive alternative to fillers that can also address facial volume loss. Fat transfer involves removing excess fat from one area of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and transferring it to the regions of the face experiencing fat loss. Some of the most common areas for fat transfer include the cheeks and jawline.

How fat transfer works

Liposuction is used to remove tiny amounts of fat from the donor area, after which the fat is processed and then injected into targeted areas of the face.

Are you ready to replenish facial volume without surgery? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Nashville, TN area, Image Surgical Arts is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.imagesurgicalarts.com, or by calling (615) 205-6457.

What exactly does microneedling do for your skin?

What exactly does microneedling do for your skin?

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Chances are you’ve heard of microneedling, the skin revitalizing treatment that can give you dewy, glowing skin. But perhaps you are not sure how microneedling works, and what exactly it can do for your skin. Let’s find out.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling or collagen induction therapy is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure in which ultra-thin needles are used to create invisible micro-injuries in the skin. During the procedure a local numbing cream is applied to the treatment area, and after a few minutes the microneedling device is rolled across the skin in a specific pattern.

How microneedling works

The microneedling pen creates tiny puncture wounds that stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanism. As the skin heals, new skin cells are generated along with collagen and elastin, which help to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.

What exactly does microneedling do for your skin?

Microneedling restores younger looking skin, because the new skin cells reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, the fresh, new collagen produced during the healing process makes the skin plumper and firmer.

Microneedling also reduces the appearance of scars. Scars are usually caused by the abnormal formation of collagen, as the skin heals after a wound or injury. Microneedling breaks down the scar tissue and plumps the skin, making scars less visible (learn more).

Microneedling can also be used to treat sun damage, reduce enlarged pores, and help skin care products penetrate better. Although microneedling is typically performed on the face, it can be done on any area of the body.

Would you like to learn more about the benefits of microneedling?

If you are in the San Antonio, TX, area, contact Dr. Kimberly Finder of The Face and Body Place for a consultation.

You can reach Dr. Finder at www.kimberlyfindermd.com, or by calling (210) 879-4809.

What is the 5 Year Liquid Facelift?

What is the 5 Year Liquid Facelift?

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Would you like to restore the natural firmness and structure to your skin without surgery? A liquid facelift is an excellent way to reverse the effects of gravity and aging on the skin. A liquid facelift is a combination of cosmetic fillers that are used to restore youthful contours to an aging face, but the 5 year liquid facelift is a popular alternative. But what exactly is the 5 year facelift.

What is the 5 Year Liquid Facelift?

The 5 year liquid facelift refers to a facial rejuvenation treatment that uses Bellafill cosmetic injectable to lift and restore facial contours. It smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and restores youthful volume to the face, creating natural-looking facial rejuvenation results (learn more).

Bellafill is a unique injectable treatment that is comprised of purified collagen (20%), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres (80%).

How Bellafill works

An ultra-fine needle is used to inject Bellafill into the skin. Bellafill is a dual-acting filler, as the collagen adds volume and provides lift to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while the PMMA microspheres provide a supportive base for the skin. Bellafill also helps to stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen. As new collagen develops, patients will notice a significant improvement in the firmness and elasticity of their skin.

The results gained with Bellafill are long-lasting because it provides a supportive base for the skin, and stimulates collagen.

Would you like to know if a 5 year liquid facelift would be right for you? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Philadelphia metro area, Anthony Farole, DMD of the Facial Cosmetic Surgical Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA is our featured facial cosmetic surgeon.

You can reach Dr. Farole at www.drfarole.com, or by calling (610) 679-8374.

What is Mohs surgery

What is Mohs surgery?

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Skin cancer is extremely common, especially among people that spend a lot of time in the sun, and neglect skin care. But despite the seriousness of the condition, skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is diagnosed at an early stage. Mohs surgery is a precise and effective procedure that has been very successful in treating certain types of skin cancer. But what exactly is Mohs surgery, and how is it performed.

What is Mohs surgery?

Mohs surgery, also known as Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly specialized surgical technique that is used to treat skin cancer, especially basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The procedure is named after Dr. Frederic Mohs who developed the technique in the 1930’s, while at the University of Wisconsin.

Mohs micrographic surgery has the highest cure rate of all skin cancer surgeries. The precise surgical technique used to carry out Mohs surgery focuses on removing only the skin that has cancer cells, so it helps to preserve as much of the healthy tissue as possible. This makes it the preferred treatment option for cancer that occurs in sensitive areas where there is not a lot of skin to spare, such as the face, neck, and hands.

What’s involved in Mohs Surgery?

Mohs surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, so patients are awake throughout. Surgery is performed at a surgical facility with a laboratory, so that the cancer tissue excised can be examined on site, while the patient waits.

There are several steps involved in Mohs surgery. At the start of the procedure, local anesthesia is injected into the affected area, in order to minimize discomfort during the operation.

The surgeon will then excise the visible portion of the tumor above the skin, along with a thin layer of skin around and below the tumor. The specimen is divided into sections, each of which is color coded with dyes. Marks are also made on the skin, so that the area from which the specimen was taken can be easily identified. The specimen is then examined under the microscope, to see if there is any sign of cancer cells.

If cancer is detected, the surgeon will go back and take a bit more tissue from the exact area where the cancer cells remain. The layer of tissue is again analyzed under the microscope, and the process is repeated until all traces of cancer are gone.

Depending on the size of the wound, the incision may be sutured, or left to heal on its own. There are also cases in which the wound may be quite extensive, and require reconstructive surgery.

The duration of Mohs surgery varies, because it depends on the extent of cancer that has to be removed, so surgery may take a couple hours or the entire day.

Advantages of Mohs surgery

  • Mohs surgery is a very thorough technique because it removes the cancer one tissue layer at a time, until no cancer cells remain. This surgical method is able to effectively target the extensions of the tumor that are below the surface of the skin, and therefore not visible. This significantly reduces the chances of cancer recurring.
  • Provides the best cosmetic outcome, as it preserves as much healthy skin tissue as possible.
  • Performed under local anesthesia, so patients don’t have to be concerned about the risks associated with general anesthesia.
  • Minimal scarring makes Mohs surgery ideal for treating cancer on delicate areas like the face and hands.

What is recovery like after Mohs Surgery?

There may be some localized swelling and bruising after Mohs surgery, but this should resolve within 5-7 days. Discomfort is minimal, but pain medication is prescribed as required. Physical activity should be limited for at least 7 days after Mohs surgery, to give the wound enough time to heal.

Would you like to learn more about Mohs surgery?

Contact Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona, with offices in Tucson and Sierra Vista, AZ.

Call 520-207-3100 today to schedule a consultation at the Tucson location or 520-458-1787 for the Sierra Vista location.

Can Dermal Fillers Help With Facial Aging?

Can Dermal Fillers Help With Facial Aging?

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Are your facial features starting to droop and sag? If so, there are a variety of dermal fillers on the market that can refresh your face, and restore a youthful look. But since facial aging is caused by such diverse factors, you may be wondering if dermal fillers can help with facial aging.

Signs of facial aging

Volume loss and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are classic signs of facial aging, and occur due to changes in the structural components of the skin. Over time, the skin produces less collagen and elastin, which are vital proteins that provide necessary support for the skin and keep it plump and elastic.

How dermal fillers help with facial aging

Dermal fillers help with facial aging by restoring youthful volume to areas such as the cheeks and temples, and softening lines and wrinkles.

Dermal fillers, particularly those derived from hyaluronic acid (HA) such as Restylane and Juvederm, are routinely used to restore facial volume and plump wrinkles. HA is a naturally occurring substance that works by attracting and retaining water. Therefore when it is injected into the hollow areas of the face it adds volume, and smooths wrinkles.

Fillers can also be used to augment lips that have lost volume due to age, and fill in deep creases and wrinkles such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Facial rejuvenation with dermal fillers can provide beautiful results for patients wanting a non-surgical anti-aging solution.

Would you like more information on how dermal fillers can help with facial aging? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the New Haven or Guilford, CT areas, The Langdon Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.langdoncenter.com, or by calling (203) 516-4203.

How Long Until My Hyperpigmentation Disappears with IPL Treatment?

How Long Until My Hyperpigmentation Disappears with IPL Treatment?

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Do you have sun spots or age spots on your face that you would like to erase? It’s often difficult to treat hyperpigmentation topically, but IPL photorejuvenation is an excellent non-invasive approach. IPL is an effective treatment that leaves the skin clearer and lighter. However, one of the questions patients frequently ask about the procedure is – How long until my hyperpigmentation disappears with IPL treatment.

What is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation refers to the discoloration or darkening of the skin, and it can be brought on by factors such as excess sun exposure and acne.

Hyperpigmentation often occurs when melanocytes are stimulated. Melanocytes are the cells in the skin that produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin its color. When more than normal amounts of melanin are produced, dark spots form on the skin. The surplus production of melanin may be triggered by sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes.

Sun spots, brown spots, freckles, and melasma are among the most common pigmentation problems.

What is IPL?

IPL (intense pulsed light) also known as photorejuvenation is a skin rejuvenation procedure that is used to reduce sun damage and hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, and chest. IPL may also be used to treat other skin issues such as fine lines, wrinkles, and broken capillaries. The procedure also evens skin tone and gives the skin a more youthful appearance.

IPL Photorejuvenation for hyperpigmentation

The patient’s skin is cleansed before treatment, and then a clear gel is placed over the treatment area. A protective eye shield is used to protect the eyes during IPL treatment.

The IPL device delivers a broad spectrum of intense light that penetrates the outer layer of the skin and is absorbed by the pigments. The heat breaks down the pigments into small particles that rise to the surface, or are cleansed via the immune system. The heat also stimulates collagen, so new, brighter skin cells eventually emerge.

Patients may experience a slight stinging sensation with IPL treatment, but it is not generally painful.

After treatment patients are advised to wear sunscreen and minimize exposure to sunlight for a week or two.

IPL treatment can be customized to suit varying skin tones and skin issues in order to achieve the best results.

How Long Until My Hyperpigmentation Disappears with Laser Treatment?

After IPL photorejuvenation the treated area gets noticeably darker and this can last anywhere from 7-14 days. How long it takes hyperpigmentation to disappear will also vary depending on the area of the body being treated. Hyperpigmentation on the face typically disappears a lot faster than on the chest or arms.

Doctors advise patients to keep the skin well moisturized and hydrated to help the recovery process along.

The type of spots being treated and the depth of the pigmentation also influence how long it will take hyperpigmentation to disappear. The pigmented cells that are targeted during IPL treatment are usually in the epidermis, which is the upper layer of the skin. Once treated, the cells slowly rise to the surface, and this process can take several weeks.

Spots that are close to the surface of the skin will flake off a lot quicker than those that are deep seated. For example, melasma is more difficult to remove when compared to other forms of hyperpigmentation such as sunspots and brown spots, as the pigments are situated deep in the skin.

It typically takes a series of treatments to get the best results with IPL photorejuvenation. This may range from 3-5 treatments, depending on the amount of hyperpigmentation that needs to be corrected.

Are you a good candidate for IPL?

If you have spots on your skin due to excess pigmentation, you may be a good candidate for IPL therapy. It’s the ideal treatment for people that don’t need to undergo a more intensive skin rejuvenation procedure, which will require a lengthy downtime.

Are you ready to book your IPL treatment for hyperpigmentation?

If you are in the greater Denver, CO area, Colorado Skin & Vein, Englewood is our featured practice. At Colorado Skin & Vein they use the innovative CUTERA xeo IPL device for treating pigmentation.

Call (720) 594-5063 today to set up a consultation.

Where is the Incision Made for Facial Implants?

Where is the Incision Made for Facial Implants?

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If you would like to improve the proportions or structural appearance of your face, facial implants may be the solution for you. Facial implants help to reshape the face and add volume, providing lasting changes to the overall contours of the face. But what’s involved in the operation, and where is the incision made for facial implants.

Facial implants

Facial implants enhance the contours of the face by improving specific features. The cheeks, chin, and jaw are the areas usually targeted. Implants can be used to add youthful volume to flat, sunken cheeks, define a weak, recessed chin, and strengthen the jawline.

The implants used for facial surgery are typically made of solid silicone, or porous polyethylene materials.

Where is the Incision Made for Facial Implants?

The location of the incision made for facial implants will depend on the type of implants, and the specific procedure being done.

  • Cheek implants. The incision for cheek augmentation is usually made inside of the mouth, or along the lower eyelid. A pocket will be created to hold the implant.
  • Chin implants. The incision for chin augmentation is made inside the mouth along the lower lip, or right below the chin area.
  • Jaw implants. The surgeon makes incisions for jaw implants on either side of the lower lip.

Facial implant surgery can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on where the implants are being placed.

Are you interested in facial implants? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Tucson or Sierra Vista, AZ areas, Dermatology & Plastic Surgery of Arizona is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.dermplasticsaz.com, or by calling 520-207-3100 for the Tucson location, or 520-458-1787 for the office in Sierra Vista.

Can My Own Platelets Rejuvenate My Skin?

Can My Own Platelets Rejuvenate My Skin?

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The PRP facial has gained a lot of prominence in recent years, because of its amazing benefits. However, many people still consider the procedure a fad and wonder if it really works. As a result, they are curious to find out – Can my own platelets rejuvenate my skin.

Can your Own Platelets Rejuvenate your Skin?
Yes, it is possible to use your own platelets to rejuvenate your skin, and it’s done with a simple technique known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. PRP therapy is now a popular facial cosmetic procedure for renewing and revitalizing the skin.

How PRP rejuvenates the skin
The blood is first drawn from the patient, and then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma that contains platelets and healing growth factors. The concentrated serum of platelets is then injected back into the skin and the growth factors soon restore and heal the skin from within.

PRP therapy triggers the skin’s natural repair process, resulting in an increase in collagen production. Collagen is a skin protein that makes the skin tighter, improves skin texture, and reduces fine lines.

PRP leaves the skin smooth and radiant. It is regularly used as an anti-aging treatment because it addresses skin concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss. Patients find PRP very appealing, because it is an all-natural skin rejuvenation solution.

Doctors have been using PRP for many years to help athletes heal injured or failing joints, but it has only recently been applied to the cosmetic industry.

PRP can be performed on its own, or done in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments such as laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, and microneedling.

Would you like to learn more about PRP therapy for skin rejuvenation? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Orange County area, Total Dermatology, Irvine, CA is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.totaldermatology.com, or by calling 949-727-3800.

How many laser hair removal treatments are needed for optimal results?

How many laser hair removal treatments are needed for optimal results?

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Have you decided to undergo laser hair removal? Obviously you’re excited to get started, but you are probably interested in finding out how many treatments are needed for optimal results. It’s a good idea to know this ahead of time, so that you can schedule treatment accordingly.

What is laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a procedure in which a concentrated beam of light is used to eliminate unwanted hair. The laser light is focused on the hair follicle, and targets the melanin (pigment) at the base. The light is converted into heat and is absorbed by the hair, and this disables the hair follicle.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments are needed for optimal results?
There is no magic number of treatments for achieving optimal results with laser hair removal, but multiple sessions are needed. However, most patients need an average of 5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The number of treatments required may vary from the average depending the patient’s skin type, and the thickness of their hair.

The hair’s natural growth cycle is also a factor as hair grows in three phases, and the laser energy can only treat hair when it is in the growth cycle. After this hair is treated and shed, the hair in the other phases catagen (transition), and telogen (resting) will then move into the growth cycle and be targeted during later sessions.

The laser technology used also influences the number of treatments needed, as some lasers are more efficient than others (click here to learn more).

Ready to try laser hair removal? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Chicago IL area, Skin Care Center is our featured practice. They also have locations in Glenview and Lake Forest IL.

You can reach them at www.skincarectr.com, or by calling 773.296.3636 for Chicago, 847.901.0252 for Glenview, or 847.234.6121 for the Lake Forest location.

How can I reduce dark spots on my face?

How can I reduce dark spots on my face?

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If you have dark spots on your face you’re probably anxious to have them cleared up. Dark spots on the skin are usually the result of excess sun exposure, but may also be due to skin problems such as acne. So how can you reduce dark spots on your face?

Dark spots on the face are most often caused by sun damage. However acne pimples, infections, and rashes, can also leave behind dark marks, and unfortunately, they don’t usually fade on their own, but laser skin resurfacing can help.

How can you reduce dark spots on your face?
Laser skin resurfacing can help to reduce dark spots on the face. There are a variety of technologies now on the market for this purpose, but the Halo laser is certainly one of the most effective.

Halo is an innovative hybrid fractional laser by Sciton that combines 2 wavelengths, to give you clear, healthy skin with minimal downtime. The non-ablative and ablative wavelengths work together to address skin imperfections and tighten the skin.

How Halo reduces dark spots on the face
The laser energy is delivered in microscopic beams that treat specific zones of the skin. The ablative wavelength works on the outer layers to improve skin tone and texture, and this reduces the appearance of dark spots.

There may be some minor swelling and redness after Halo skin resurfacing treatment, but this resolves fairly quickly. The treated skin cells will peel away within a few days, and the dark spots will gradually fade, resulting in healthier, clearer skin.

Are you interested in Halo treatment for dark spots? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.

If you are in the Okemos & East Lansing, MI areas, Ageless Beauty Center is our featured practice.

You can reach them at www.agelessbeautycenterokemos.com, or by calling (517) 245-0798.