Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Skin Resurfacing: Peels, Lasers, and Dermabrasion

Skin resurfacing smoothes any skin imperfections. Resurfacing removes or reduces wrinkles and fine lines of the entire face, softens deep laugh and frown lines, repairs sun-damaged skin, removes age spots, and improves scars, including those from acne. It diminishes the outward signs of aging and revitalizes the tone and condition of the skin. Resurfacing may be done in conjunction with facelift and eyelid surgery, as well as with many other facial cosmetic procedures, including Botox or injectible fillers.

Resurfacing removes damaged skin tissue, layer by layer, revealing the new skin underneath. Based on the areas treated and the method utilized, the procedure takes between fifteen to thirty minutes. The areas that have been treated will appear red, irritated and moist for the first few days, which is completely normal. It is important to follow your physicians post-resurfacing instructions.

The are 3 primary methods for skin resurfacing: chemical peels, laser, and dermabrasion. The differences among these methods are not as significant. Depth of resurfacing is a more important factor in determining aesthetic outcome. The deeper into the skin, the more profound and lasting cosmetic outcome. However, the risks also increase as well.

Straining, bending and lifting should be avoided during the early period following your skin resurfacing procedure. Exercise or other strenuous activities may need to be delayed a few weeks longer.

Most patients are able to return to work in seven to ten days with makeup. The post-treatment redness gradually fades over a matter of weeks, leaving the skin with a fresher, smoother, more polished and youthful appearance. After the skin has healed, the routine use of sunscreen is recommended to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays.

Speak to your physician to see if skin resurfacing is right for you.

Wednesday, October 04, 2006

Botox Cosmetic: Myth #2

Time to debunk another myth about Botox Cosmetic. Many patients confuse the Botox and injectible fillers, such collagen, Restylane, and fat.

Myth #1: Botox is a filler

Fact: Botox is not a filler. Botox temporarily relaxes the muscles which cause wrinkles. The relaxation is not immediate, and is seen a few days after treatment. It's great for forehead, glabellar, and crow's feet wrinkles.

Injectable fillers add volume directly to the skin and plump up wrinkles. Its effects are immediate.

Both Botox and injectable fillers are temporary non-surgical methods for facial rejuvenation. Repeated treatment would be necessary to maintain the cosmetic benefit. In addition, both may be used at the same time for synergistic cosmetic enhancement!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Incisionless Rhinoplasty

What is incisionless rhinoplasty? It's a rhinoplasty approach that uses no external incisions. There is also less swelling and nasal numbness too! This approach, also known as endonasal rhinoplasty, has seen a resurgence thanks to celebrities like Ashlee Simpson.


Any approach for rhinoplasty should be specific to the particular patient and surgeon. Speak to your facial plastic surgeon to see if incisionless rhinoplasty is right for you.