Cosmetic Surgery Chronicle » Skin Treatments

To Treat Acne, Think BLU-U®

DrStuart — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 14:45:17 +0000

Men and women suffering from acne know that finding the right skin care in San Diego can be

challenging. Topical ointments, creams and other products may help temporarily, but they don’t solve the problem. The key is combining these treatments with a medical spa service that targets acne-prone skin, such as BLU-U® Blue Light Photodynamic Therapy.

What is BLU-U?

The BLU-U system is a facial rejuvenation procedure that is used to treat acne, rosacea and certain pre-cancerous growths. During treatment, a light-activated chemical is applied to the skin, and then light energy is delivered in short pulses to the targeted area.

How does BLU-U help with acne?

The BLU-U treatment helps reduce acne in 3 ways:

The light-activated chemical that is applied to the skin during the BLU-U procedure destroys acne-causing bacteria.
The intense pulsed light exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
The light shrinks oil glands in the skin.

How long does the procedure take?

One BLU-U session normally takes about 15 minutes, and no recovery time is usually needed. Most likely, your skin will appear clearer in about 2 weeks and will continue to improve with subsequent sessions.

Barriers to Effective Skin Care

Dr. Andrew Wolfe — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:55:37 +0000

By: Andrew Wolfe, M.D.

At Rejuvenate!, our center for facial rejuvenation and skin care in Denver, I often see patients who have been trying for years to improve the condition of their skin without the help of a qualified, experienced medical professional. Even with their best efforts, they still aren’t seeing results, and here are some of the reasons why:

They are using the wrong products. This is an all-too-common problem. Patients may think of their skin as dry, oily, or sensitive when, in fact, the opposite is true. For example, many of my patients who had oily skin as teenagers are still using products that dry their skin. They still consider their skin to be “oily” when it no longer is. A qualified, experienced medical professional can evaluate their skin and recommend an appropriate treatment.
They do not take advantage of the various cosmetic procedures available at medical spas such as Rejuvenate! and other facial rejuvenation centers. Skin care products are important for healthy skin, but they do not produce the dramatic results that can be achieved by cosmetic procedures. Laser skin resurfacing, injectable products, and facial treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion and IPL create long-lasting changes in the skin. These procedures can smooth away fine lines, reduce uneven pigmentation, and restore the skin’s youthful qualities.

Ineffective skin care products. Unlike over-the-counter beauty creams, which work only superficially, medical-grade skin care products affect the deeper layers of the skin for more substantial improvements. These products can help promote cellular turnover, increase collagen production, and create healthier, more beautiful skin.

It is important to have your skin evaluated and treated at a reputable medical skin care facility with on-site physician medical directors. It is also important to have your skin reevaluated seasonally, as the treatments and products you need in the summer months are not necessarily the same in winter months.

The Truth about Skin Resurfacing

Dr. Paul Getz — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:45:02 +0000

By: Paul Getz, M.D.

Sun damage, aging and gravity can all take a toll on the quality and appearance of your skin. To minimize the signs of aging and the environment, many women and men turn to laser skin resurfacing in the Chicago area.

Laser skin resurfacing is becoming increasingly popular because of its versatility, results, and ability to treat a wide range of skin types. Among the concerns that can be treated with laser technology are blemishes, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

The length of downtime depends on the laser treatment used and the condition targeted. For example, with the advanced fractional lasers that I utilize, downtime is reduced to about 5 to 7 days, unlike prior laser treatments that could have a downtime of 2 weeks or longer. I suggest talking with your dermatologist to determine if laser skin resurfacing is right for your cosmetic needs.

The Essentials of Skin Care

Dr. Paul Getz — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 23:45:47 +0000

By: Paul Getz, M.D.

Believe it or not, your skin can reveal a lot more about you than you realize, including your age, diet, and even general lifestyle. Women and men who understand the importance of having healthy skin frequently ask for my advice regarding skin care at my Chicago area practice.

Protecting your skin may be easier than you think. Here are some simple tips for enhancing your skin so that it reflects a healthy lifestyle:

One of the best ways to protect your skin is through the daily use of sunscreen. Choose an SPF (sun protection factor) that adequately protects your skin. For lighter skin, opt for a higher SPF. Studies have proven that daily sunscreen use reduces your risk of skin cancer.
Wear protective clothing while working in the sun. Long sleeves and hats can help to block harmful ultraviolet rays.

Advances in skin care have resulted in a range of great products that not only protect your skin, but can improve it. Choose products that treat conditions specific to your skin, and opt for natural ingredients that can help to alleviate redness and irritation.
Self-examination is one of the best ways of protecting yourself. Check your skin regularly for new or changing skin growths, especially those that are irregular, multicolored, or out of step with other moles. Monitor any such growths or spots for changes in size, thickness, texture and outline. If you find a spot on your skin that appears irregular, seek the advice of a dermatologist.

Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to protect yourself throughout the year.

3 Secrets for a Healthy Complexion

Dr. Jason McWhirter — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:31:38 +0000

By: Jason McWhirter, M.D.

A lot of patients want to know the “secret” to beautiful, radiant skin. The truth is, there is no magic elixir that creates the perfect complexion, but daily maintenance and regular skin facials and treatments can drastically enhance the appearance and feel of your skin. Here are my top 3 tips for good skin care in Calgary:

1. Good Skin Care Products

You skin is a delicate organ that requires more than just daily soap and water. Your skin cells need daily moisture and regular exfoliation to keep your skin soft, healthy, and clear of acne and blackheads. Beyond moisturizing your skin, many skin care products feed your skin with vital nutrients and encourage your skin’s natural regeneration processes. Having the right products can mean the difference between dull, irregular, and damaged skin and glowing, soft skin.

2. Regular Facials and/or Medical Spa Treatments

Sometimes your skin needs professional help. Regular facials help hydrate skin and clear away dirt, dead skin and oil. Other medical spa treatments such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion can kick start your skin’s restorative processes to achieve the complexion you want. When performed by skilled aestheticians, these procedures can enhance the results you achieve through daily maintenance.

3. A Healthy Lifestyle

Like good skin care habits, living a healthy lifestyle can do wonders for your complexion. Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet make you feel healthy but also provide your body with the nutrients it needs to produce vigorous and well-nourished cells. If your body isn’t getting the nutrients and proteins it needs, then it shows in your skin. Beyond diet, regularly exercising improves your circulation, which can activate the restorative processes in your skin that help clear away toxins and produce healthy skin cells.

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Is It Too Late?

DrMSFreeman — Fri, 13 May 2011 15:01:52 +0000

By: M. Sean Freeman, MD

Many of my skin care clients in North Carolina ask me whether it’s too late (or sometimes too early) for them to begin a skincare routine with products that include anti-aging properties. The truth is – it’s never too late, or too soon, to take care of your skin.

As an experienced cosmetic professional specializing in facial plastic surgery, I know that skin care is important at every stage of life. Although priorities differ depending on age and skin type, maintaining or restoring a youthful look is always important.

In the Office

My in-office anti-aging skin treatments include:

BOTOX® Cosmetic
Injectable fillers
Laser procedures
Chemical peels
Facials

At Home

I can suggest a unique at-home skin care regimen for each patient. Some of our most popular rejuvenating skin care products include TNS Recovery Complex®, TNS Essential Serum™, TNS Ultimate Daily Moisturizer, and Dermacia MD Lycogel®.

The Best Acne Scar Treatments

Dr. Martin Braun — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:55:11 +0000

By: Martin Braun, MD

Acne can be a frustrating and uncomfortable skin condition, and it can affect people at any age. Even when you’ve got your acne under control, you are often left with unsightly scars that can be difficult to treat. When searching for facial rejuvenation for Vancouver patients with acne scars, here are my top three procedure picks:

IPL – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy delivers pulses of light energy to deeper layers of the skin which stimulates collagen production and targets discoloration and broken blood vessels. We use the Harmony® platform which utilizes Advanced Fluorescent Technology, the next generation of IPL. IPL treatments result in smoother, more evenly pigmented skin that looks brighter and healthier.

Microdermabrasion – This gentle, controlled exfoliation of the skin helps speed cellular turnover, and stimulate the production of new skin cells and collagen. The combination of abrasion and suction helps remove dirt and debris from the pores, and over time and treatments, improve pigmentation and texture.

Pixel® Fractional Resurfacing – Laser skin resurfacing with the Pixel fractional laser is an excellent way to rejuvenate the surface of the skin without the discomfort and downtime associated with traditional laser resurfacing. Fractional resurfacing penetrates the epidermis and upper dermis, creating tiny holes in the skin surrounded by healthy, untreated skin. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing response and the growth of new, healthy tissue without ablating the entire surface of the skin.

Skin Care Exfoliation Methods

DrStuart — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:31:00 +0000

By: Susan Stuart, M.D.

Exfoliating the skin is one of the best methods to remove dead skin cells of the outermost layer of the skin to expose fresher, living cells. Not only does this typically provide brighter skin, it also allows for skin care products to better penetrate. Most people can benefit from routine exfoliation, generally about a few times a week. Since it takes about a few days for dead skin cells to accumulate, exfoliation typically is not necessary every day (unless the skin is extremely oily).

There are different types of skin exfoliation methods, including manual, enzyme, and chemical. Manual exfoliants are very common and are sold at a variety of places. They contain beads or crystals that help remove the dead skin cells. Enzyme exfoliants are particularly helpful for exfoliating sensitive skin because they do not involve scrubbing. Chemical exfoliants differ from manual and enzyme exfoliants because they use chemical agents to remove dead skin cells. As a dermatologist in San Diego, I typically recommend chemical exfoliants because they are less abrasive and do not cut your skin.

What is your experience with exfoliation? Do you prefer chemical, manual or enzyme?

Ultherapy™

Dr. William Vasileff — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:00:02 +0000

By: Dr. William J. Vasileff

It seems that every day brings news about a treatment that is supposedly going to “revolutionize” cosmetic surgery. Sometimes it’s true. Sometimes it’s not. I’ve just added a treatment to my practice that is truly a game-changer: Ultherapy™.

Here are the most important things you should know:

Ultherapy is a treatment for sagging skin on the face and neck.
It is completely non-surgical.
The procedure is performed right in the office, and takes about 60 minutes.
No anesthesia is required.
No downtime is required.
Ultherapy is FDA approved.

I explain Ultherapy to my patients in Detroit as a non-surgical face lift. While it can’t achieve the same results as surgery, I’ve actually seen improvement that is very close. The best results are usually for the jaw, neck, cheeks, and upper eyelids.

Unlike some laser treatments that are used to tighten skin, Ultherapy uses an ultrasound device. First, ultrasound is used to image the treatment area. Next, the ultrasound energy targets the area of concern and triggers the body’s own regenerative response. This natural response results in a gradual firming and tightening of tissue.

3 Chemical Peel Tips

Dr. Bradley Calobrace — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:21:44 +0000

By: Bradley Calobrace, MD, FACS

Many of our skin care patients in Louisville ask about chemical peels and their benefits. Chemical peels can be very helpful for improving the health and appearance of facial skin. Different levels of peels provide different benefits, and some provide more extensive correcting. So, knowing this information, you may be wondering, “Which peel is right for me?”

To help determine which level of peel you should consider for your skin care treatment, here are 3 tips:

Know your skin type. Knowing whether you have acne prone, sensitive, or dry/damaged skin will help determine the level of peel necessary.
Know the 3 types of peels. Chemical peels are divided into 3 categories which include: Alphahydroxy Acids (AHAs), Trichloroacetic Acids (TCAs), and Phenol (ranging from mildest to strongest).
Know your lifestyle. It is important to be realistic when choosing a chemical peel. For instance, a deeper peel will have a longer recovery time than a milder one. If you cannot devote time to a longer recovery period, a lighter peel may be optimal for you. You will discuss this with your skincare specialist during your consultation.

What do you think? Do you have any other tips?