Treatment — Dermatologist

Sculptra Aesthetic

August 16, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Sculptra Aesthetic, also known as injectable poly-L-lactic acid, is a cosmetic treatment used to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes.

The Sculptra treatment is performed in the plastic surgeon’s office, typically for patients ages 35 to 60. It is very quick and almost painless. The overall process takes about 15 to 30 minutes; patients get to return home within minutes after it is done.

The main ingredients in Sculptra has been commonly used in dissolvable stitches and soft tissue implants. A natural form of Poly-L-lactic acid is produced when we exercise and it works to gradually produce thickness of the skin.

Results gradually appear over the course of 2-3 weeks and lasts up to 2 years. Treatments will have to be repeated in 2-year intervals to maintain the appearance.

Patients are encouraged to protect their treated areas from the sun after the treatment. Common side effects include tenderness, redness, and discomfort at the injection points. Your doctor will be able to explain the complications and remedies during a consultation for Sculptra.

The cost of Sculptra ranges from $450 to $550 per injection; with dosages varying from person to person.

Filed Under: Procedures, Treatment

Liposuction: Fat Removal

August 16, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Are you embarrassed of that so-called “muffin top”? Wondering what to do with that “food baby”? In our generation, many of us have battled long and hard with our unwanted bulges—also known as fat. When diet and exercise are no longer an option, there is the possibility of liposuction.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes small bulges of fat. The most common areas for liposuction are the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face. A good candidate for liposuction should possess these qualities:

Average height
Firm, elastic skin
Good health
Concentrated storages of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

How Does It Work?

Liposuction requires an anesthetic, and the type of anesthesia depends on how much fat is being removed. One the anesthesia kicks in; the liposuction procedure is done through a suction device attached to a small instrument called a cannula. Through a small incision, the cannula is inserted into fatty areas and removes the excess fat using either a suction pump or a large syringe.

There are a couple of different techniques for liposuction:

Tumescent liposuction: this is where the surgeon will inject a solution into your fatty areas before the removal of it. The solution helps the surgeon remove fat more easily and it helps reduce blood loss and provides pain relief during and after surgery.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: this is where ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy the fat, which makes it easier for removal afterwards.

Surgery recovery is generally quick. Most people will be able to return to work within a few days and resume normal activity within 2 weeks. Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and soreness for a few weeks.

Liposuction is permanent in that it will remove the fat cells from the treated area. However, if you regain weight, there is a possibility new fat cells will appear in the same or different area.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, which means it will not be covered by insurance. Please talk to your doctor or dermatologist for a more detailed consultation.

Filed Under: Procedures, Treatment Tagged With: fat removal procedure, liposuction

The Cool Laser: Acne Scarring Treatment

August 12, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

The Cool Laser is a treatment that removes and decreases the appearance of acne scarring or wrinkles. It also improves the overall color and skin texture of the face, neck, and hands. The Cool Laser, based on its name, is much less painful than traditional laser techniques. It’s usually performed under local anesthesia and has a faster recovery time.

How It Works

Your skin cells will absorb the laser light. The absorption will destroy the cells and remove the tissues. Damaged skin is removed, and new skin grows quickly in its place. The pain level for this procedure is minimal, and it varies from person to person. However, the local anesthesia and cool air significantly reduces discomfort.

The healing process is quick—usually takes 2-3 days. The dermatologist will prescribe a detailed skin care instructions plan for you depending on your skin type. Of course, you must protect your skin from the sun and bacteria. There are very little complications with this treatment, but there is always a small risk of infection or temporary pigmentation changes.

Please visit your local dermatologist for a detailed consultation of the Cool Laser treatment.

Filed Under: Procedures, Treatment, acne Tagged With: the cool laser acne treatment

Take a Sip: Why Green Tea is Good For The Skin

August 8, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Drinking Green Tea Benefits Skin

Have you ever heard of the advantages of green tea? Plenty of antioxidants, correct? Well, you might not know that green tea has powerful positive effects when it comes to skin. In fact, many skin care products today use active ingredients found in green tea itself. Keep reading to find out various benefits of green tea for your skin.

Benefit #1:

Green tea has antioxidants that fight damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can be found in UV radiation from sunlight, which causes skin aging.

Benefit #2:

Green tea may help prevent cancer—skin cancer. A 2003 study by the American Chemical Society argues that drinking green tea will help prevent cancer cells such as the harmful enzyme junk-2.

Benefit #3

Green tea rejuvenates skin cells. No it won’t stop aging, but it will increase elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Benefit #4

Green tea fights inflammation. If you have sensitive skin and often get red, then drinking green tea may help soothe and calm your skin.

Benefit #5

Green tea helps acne! Yes, you heard it right. Green tea has ingredients that fight bacteria and decrease hormone activity. These are the two leading causes of acne buildup.

Filed Under: Consumer Education, Products, Skin Health, Treatment Tagged With: green tea benefits

Say Bye to Blisters

August 8, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

We’ve all had our share of these painful and strange looking bumps. Yes, I’m talking about blisters. Whether it’s from swinging from monkey bars to running a marathon, blisters can occur on your body. Blisters are caused by friction or minor burns. New skin will form underneath the fluid and eventually the fluid becomes absorbed. Most people will be tempted to pop their blisters to avoid discomfort. However, you should not puncture unless it is large, painful, or already like to pop. If you have to pop a blister, please do the following:

Use a sterilized needle. Sterilize with a flame or rubbing alcohol
Wash the area thoroughly
Make a small hole and squeeze the fluid out gently.
Do not remove the blister skin. The new skin underneath needs this protective layer.
Prevent infection by keeping the area clean and covered with a bandage.

You can prevent blisters on your hands and feet with certain products. For hands, wear gloves when you do intensive work such as shoveling or raking. For feet, break in your shoes with petroleum jelly or gels in the areas that frequently cause blisters.

Blisters are usually very mild and do not require a dermatologist’s care.

Filed Under: Consumer Education, Procedures, Treatment Tagged With: blisters, how to treat

Clobetasol: A Topical Medication

August 6, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Clobetasol-Propionate-Gentamicin-Miconazole-Ni

Clobetasol is a topical cream medication that treats itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation and discomfort of various skin disorders. This medication is most commonly used to treat eczema, dermatitis, allergies, and rashes. It is a very strong and potent form of corticosteroid.

It comes in the form of cream for use on skin and lotion for use on scalp. Clobetasol is used once or twice a day. It is used exactly as directed by the prescription label. Do not use more or less of it.

Like most topical medications, make sure to clean the infected area thoroughly before gently rubbing the medication in until most of it disappears. Wash your hands immediately after applying the medication. Clobetasol can cause harmful effects if it is absorbed into your body.

Other side effects include itching, burning, or irritation on the area treated. Brand names of Clobetasol include Cormax, Clobevate, Embeline, Olux, and Temovate.

Filed Under: Products, Treatment Tagged With: clobetasol, dermatitis, Eczema, topical medication

Elidel: Topical Medication

August 5, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Elidel, whose generic name is pimecrolimnus, is an immunosuppressant that works by decreasing the body’s immune system. This topical medication is used to slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Elidel is only used to treat patients who cannot use other medications for eczema.

How Should You Use Elidel?

This medication is for skin use only, and has to follow dermatologist-prescribed instructions. It is not meant for large doses or long-term use. You should stop using the medicine once your symptoms have cleared up. Remember for wash your hands before and after using Elidel. Apply the cream to clean, dry skin and rub in gently. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Elidel.

Side effects are mild and include: burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness. There can also be signs of swollen hair follicles, acne, upset stomach, muscle pain, headache or runny nose. More serious side effects might also occur such as fever, chills, body aches, and swollen glands. In this case, you must get emergency medical help immediately.

When using Elidel, it is best to avoid other skin products that haven’t been approved by your dermatologist. Also avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds and phototheraphy treatments. If you plan to be outdoors, please wear appropriate clothing to protect your treated area.

Filed Under: Products, Treatment Tagged With: Eczema, Elidel, pimecrolimnus

Bactroban: The Alternative to Neosporin

August 3, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Bactroban is a brand name medication for mupirocin, an antibiotic that treats skin infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against fungal and viral infections.

Bactroban comes in ointment form and is applied to the infected area. It is usually applied 3 times a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Make sure to wash the affected skin area first before applying bactroban. Gently appy a small amount to the infection and cover the area with a bandage or gauze. Do not apply bactroban to your eyes, mouth, nose or burns.

Side effects to Bactroban only include burning, stinging, pain, itching or rash. Before using Bactroban, please find out from your doctor if you are allergic to mupirocin or any other drugs. Also notify your doctor if you are taking other medications or are pregnant.

If you miss a dose for whatever reasons, apply the missed does as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dose schedule. Do not apply a double dose at once.

You can purchase Bactroban at any convenience store, drug store, or supermarket.

Filed Under: Consumer Education, Products, Treatment Tagged With: antibiotic, bactroban, mupirocin

Leg Veins Be Gone! A Look At Sclerotherapy

July 29, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Leg veins are quite unattractive and we all seem to have some, regardless of age or gender. Fortunately, there is a way to get rid of them called sclerotherapy. A solution called the sclerosing solution in injected with a very fine needle directly into the blood vessel (the vein in question). Then, the solution irritates the lining of the vessel, causing it to swell and stick together.

Over a period of weeks, a vessel turns into scar tissue and eventually fades, and becomes barely noticeable. Depending on the size of the vein, you might need to have multiple injections several weeks apart.

How successful is sclerotherapy? After several treatments, patients can expect and 50-90 percent improvement. Even though the fading process is slow and gradual, total disappearance can be achieved.

Side effects of this treatment are mild, including itching, swelling, redness. There might also be bruising around the injection area that could last up to several days. After treatment, you can resume regular activity and walking is highly encouraged. You will be given a support stocking to wear in order to compress the treated vessels. Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications for 48 hours. Tylenol is acceptable.

For treatment of larger varicose veins, there are also surgery treatments. Tying off the veins (litigation) and pulling them out (stripping) can be used on bigger varicose veins.

Filed Under: Procedures, Treatment Tagged With: leg vein removal, schlerotherapy

What is JUVEDERM?

July 29, 2010 By N.Trinh Leave a Comment

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid injectable gel that smoothes facial wrinkles and folds. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in all mammals; it is used to hydrate and add volume to the skin. This substance has also been used to treat arthritis, eye wound and surgery repair.

Juvederm injectable gel is nonsurgical and very easy to administer. How it works is the physician will inject the gel into the skin with a very fine needle. The needle to reach the dense inner layer of skin beneath the epidermis so that the skin enhances in volume and diminishes wrinkles and folds.

There is very minimal recovery time, perfect for today’s busy person. The procedure itself will only take about 15 minutes. In the first 24 hours following the injection, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activity, excessive sun exposure, and alcohol consumption. This is to minimize the chance of redness, swelling, or itching.

You should see the improvements in your skin immediately. Juvederm could smooth out lines and wrinkles for up to 1 year; however, most patients return for a “touch up” within 6 months of their initial injection.

The side effects to Juvederm are quite mild, ranging from redness, pain, firmness, swelling to lumps, bumps, bruising, itching and discoloration. There is also a risk of skin infection although that is rare.

So—how is Juvederm different from Botox? Juvederm, first of all, is a dermal filler that treats skin resulting from a loss of volume beneath the skin, mainly around the mouth and nose area. Botox, on the other hand, is a muscle relaxant use to treat moderate to severe lines, mainly around the eyebrow area.

For more information, please visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.

Filed Under: Procedures, Treatment Tagged With: dermal filler, hyaluronic acid, juvederm

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