Cosmetic Dermatology
Our philosophy regarding rejuvenation is based on achieving natural results by softening facial lines with minimal downtime. Consistent with our emphasis in preventive medicine, Our practitioners believe that strict daily sun protection in addition to the right mix of physician-strength cosmeceuticals form the foundation of aesthetic dermatology. We recommend a combination of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to help you look your best.
There are 4 fundamental issues that should be addressed to achieve complete rejuvenation:
#1 Over-activity of facial muscles is due to the constant need for human beings to express themselves, stress of life, as well as familial traits. Involuntary contraction of facial muscles lead to dynamic wrinkles, particularly along the upper half of the face as manifested by frown lines on the forehead creases (called glabellar 11's), horizontal forehead, and crows feet around the eyes. These dynamic wrinkles can be minimized by relaxing the affected facial muscles with injections by precisely injecting the right amount of Botox Cosmetic or Dysport Cosmetic to the targeted areas. The effect lasts typically 4-6 months. Make sure you ask your practitioner whether or not the Botox or Dysport is freshly reconstituted.
#2 Loss of volume is due to prior sun damage, smoking, acne scarring and genetic predispositions. The resultant static wrinkles are seen as valleys and divots, prominently displayed along lower half of the face such as our smile lines along nasolabial folds, tear trough areas beneath the lower eyelids (causing dark circles due to optical shadowing), and marionette lines around the corners of the mouth. These static wrinkles can be softened by replenishing the lost volume with fillers.
- Non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid (NASHA) such as Restylane or JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is a versatile filler for nasolabial folds, marionette lines around corners of the mouth, lip augmentation, vertical ridges along lips and tear troughs under the eyelids. These NASHAs typically last 4-9 months. Dermal fillers have been shown to stimulate collagen production over time.
- Perlane and JUVÉDERM® injectable gel Ultra Plus are also NASHAs of slightly thicker caliber and are useful for facial contouring and also to reverse the aging apearence of hands with gentle contouring. Cheek augmentation and lifting may be achieved if injected along malar eminence extending to the temple areas if performed in the hands of an experienced dermatologist. These NASHAs may last 6-12 months.
- Radiesse is a good option for individuals in need of cheek augmentation and/or more volume along nasolabial folds. Radiesse is made of calcium-based microspheres that are suspended in a natural gel and serves as a scaffold for further collagen production. Radiesse provides more volume than NASHAs and may last 9-18 months but has slightly greater potential for transient swelling and/or bruising.
- Filler injection is absolutely operator and technique-dependent and one should not shop by price alone. Filler injections should be performed by experienced and certified health care practitioners with artistic ability.
#3 Sagging of the face and neck is something that all of us will have at some point of our lives. However, early intervention involving consistent sun protection and tightening achieved by Micro Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may help to postpone the need for invasive plastic surgery face/neck lift procedures for years. There is an increasingly popular concept of 'liquid facelift' that can be achieved via cheek augmentation with Perlane or Radiesse or facial volume replacement with dermal fillers. Radiofrequency-based devices are quite painful, lack consistent measurable, meaningful results and any clinical benefits may be short-lived.
