Check out this video An illustrated Whiteboard by Dr. Mike Evans about how to prevent and detect melanoma.
Tag: 2013
It is not unusual for women, and sometimes men, to come in for a consultation looking for a quick fix. As we age, we lose collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and fibroblasts leading to fine lines, wrinkles and loss of volume. Where cheeks used to be full, they now appear flatter, leaving us with lines in the nasal-labial (“laugh lines”) area and the beginnings of sagging skin at the base of the jaw, known as jowls. Where the under eye area used to be full and smooth and uniform in colour to the rest of our skin, there now appears to be a recession, leaving us with a more hallowed out appearance, sometimes accompanied by dark circles or puffy bags. We look tired, dull and older than we feel on the inside.
My first suggestion is to begin with fillers. Made of hyaluronic acid, they are a safe, painless quick fix. When the patient walks out of the clinic after having fillers administered by one of our exceptional dermatologists, the volume has been restored and the patient can feel youthful once again. But then what? How can we maintain those results? By all means, fillers can be administered every 6-12 months, but is there a way to actually build up the skin’s collagen? Is there a way to prolong the results of the filler? Actually there are a few ways.
Stimulating new collagen starts in the dermis of the skin, where collagen is created. In clinic, we can create new collagen by using a laser called Profractional. It is a system that aerates the skin, destroying old cells and stimulating new cells to be formed. Done on a monthly basis, the Profractional laser will help to create long lasting volume to the entire face, including the area right under the eyes. With most lasers, there is a little downtime associated with the procedure. About 2 full days are required for strict home care, but by the third day, most redness is gone and a little make up will cover any remaining pink skin until the skin is healed. For most people 3-6 treatments are required.
Another way to stimulate collagen with even less downtime is by treating in clinic with the Dermaroller. Working in a similar fashion to the Profractional, but without the use of a laser, this procedure uses a micro-needling technique to create new collagen. Treatments are performed every two months until desired results are accomplished. About 3-6 treatments should do the trick! Also, with the Dermaroller there are no side effects, minimal pain and practically no downtime with most patients.
So, come in for the fillers, but stay for the volume! Whether it be a service to stimulate your own collagen to be generated or products to be used at home, we can help to make your volume last indefinitely.
With wedding season just around the corner, there is still time to get your skin in optimal condition to achieve that blushing bride glow. As a medical esthetician, I like to suggest good health for your wedding day right from the moment of engagement, but if time is closing in, there are numerous options still available to get you bride-beautiful.
If you still have a few months to go, photorejuvenation (IPL/BBL) is a light-based device that can reduce sun damage, excess redness and smooth the skin. A series of 3-6 treatments done at 2-4 week intervals can unify skin tone, stimulate collagen and tighten the skin.
One or two Dermaroller treatments can help with acne or surgical scars, tighten the skin and create a more luminous glow. There is almost no downtime and results last for years. Dermaroller can even help with stretch marks, so if your honeymoon involves a bikini, Dermaroller on the body may be just what you are looking for.
Chemical peels, silk peels (advanced medical microdermabrasion with active ingredient infusion) and facials can be performed at any time leading up to the big day. There may be some peeling from the chemical peels, so I suggest not doing one for at least two weeks prior, just to be on the safe side. Unlike chemical peels, Bela MD+ microdermbrasion have no downtime, and results are fantastic. Skin is immediately smoother and using the vitamin C infusion leaves the skin looking immediately healthier. If you are prone to breakouts, a series of silk peels using the clarifying serum reduces breakouts and blackheads.
Of course using good medical-grade home care all the time is really your first line of defense, as well as a good sunblock. And using 100% mineral wear makeup such as Jane Iredale should be a staple, whether you are the bride, bridesmaid or one of the lucky guests.
Getting married can be the most exciting time of your life, but it can also be the most daunting. While we can’t assure you the day will be perfect, we have the tools to make sure your skin is.
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TNS Essential Serum is photographed and featured in the Winter issue of New Beauty. TNS Essential Serum is featured in a story that highlights Bo Derek’s look over the years and features it as one of her favorite products.
