Blog: Skin Care Advice and Treatment Options

New "10 Years Younger" Episodes Airing in March and April

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 20:35:12 -0500

We recently completed filming our third season of work for the television show "10 Years Younger." Episodes that we participated in will air on The Learning Channel (TLC) on Friday March 21st, Monday March 31st, and Friday April 4th at 1:00 PM.

If you have not yet watched the show, the patients on the show undergo a series of non-surgical treatments and enhancements designed to optimize their appearance and help them to look "10 Years Younger." Doing the show has been a lot of fun. After watching a few episodes, viewers are able to see all of the non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques that are currently available. If you have the time, try to tune in and enjoy the show.

Thanks to modern technology, we have also posted clips of our appearances from earlier seasons of the show on our website where they are available for viewing. The clips are a good source of information about the various lasers, fillers, and other treatments that are utilized in modern non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

Cosmeceuticals

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 20:34:02 -0500

What is a cosmeceutical? Cosmeceuticals are skin care products that contain ingredients that influence the physiological functioning of the skin. When a cosmeceutical is applied to the skin, the biologically active ingredients within the cosmeceutical are absorbed into the skin, resulting in improved skin appearance. The most commonly used active ingredients in cosmeceuticals are vitamins, herbs, plant extracts (which are referred to as botanicals), and oils. Regardless of what other facial rejuvenation techniques are used, everyone should have a good cosmeceutical regimen to treat, nourish, protect, and moisturize his or her skin.

The cosmeceutical market has grown rapidly over the past few years as the baby boom generation has gotten older. This growth has led to the introduction of literally thousands of different skin care products. Many of our patients have become confused regarding how the different active ingredients in cosmeceuticals help the skin. In order to better educate our patients about cosmeceuticals, the paragraphs that follow will review the most common ingredients that are used in today's cosmeceuticals and how they help the skin look better and more refreshed.

Retinoids – Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A and are the most common type of cosmeceutical used today. In the skin, retinoids act as antioxidants and they neutralize the free radicals that result from exposure to ultraviolet light. In addition, retinoids increase cellular turnover, stimulate a beneficial thickening of the epidermis, and promote the removal of excessive skin pigment. The use of retinoids leads to the deposition of new collagen in the skin. As a result of these actions, retinoids are known to reduce wrinkles, decrease skin laxity, improve skin color, and produce a smoother skin surface.

Tretinoin (retinoic acid, Retin A, Renova) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) are two of the most commonly used retinoids. Skin care products that contain either of these two ingredients are available by prescription. Retinol is another frequently used retinoid. It is chemically identical to Vitamin A. Because it is a naturally occurring vitamin, skin care products that contain Retinol do not require a prescription and are available over-the-counter.

Hydroxy acids – Hydroxy acids are another very commonly used active ingredient in cosmeceuticals. They are classified as either alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) depending on their molecular structure. Commonly used alpha hydroxy acids are glycolic acid, citric acid, and lactic acid; the most commonly used BHA is salicylic acid.

The AHAs used in cosmeceuticals have been shown to produce younger looking skin. Cellular turnover is increased, and the skin appears smoother and more uniform in color.

Salicylic acid is used as a skin conditioner and is especially useful in patients with oily skin and acne. It is considered to be one of the most effective acne treatments. Salicylic acid would be of particular benefit to individuals who have both aging skin and acne.

Antioxidants – Although it may seem obvious, an antioxidant is a chemical that prevents living tissues from becoming "oxidized" and undergoing a chemical change. In the body, highly reactive substances called free radicals are constantly being produced. Free radicals can quickly damage the body's own cells. In living tissues, antioxidants remove free radicals before they can damage normal tissues.

From the dermatology perspective, exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun and other sources will result in the production of free radicals. Several studies have suggested that antioxidants help protect the skin from the damaging effects of the free radicals that result from exposure to ultraviolet light. The most common antioxidants that are used in cosmeceuticals are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Lipoic Acid, Ubiquinone, and Niacinamide.

Depigmenting Agents – Depigmenting agents are skin-lightening ingredients. They remove excessive melanin pigment from the skin. A depigmenting agent works best on "epidermal melanin," which is melanin in the top layers of the skin. When the excessive melanin is located deeper in the skin in the dermal layer, a depigmenting agent may not be as effective.

Hydroquinone is the most commonly used depigmenting agent; it works by decreasing the production of melanin pigment. Some physicians also add tretinoin (retinoic acid) and a steroid to the hydroquinone. The tretinoin acts by increasing cellular turnover, resulting in a quicker response to treatment, and the steroid acts by reducing inflammation in the skin. Tri-Luma cream conveniently combines hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a steroid in one medication, and is available by prescription.

Other compounds that are used for skin lightening include azelaic acid, kojic acid, and peels containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid.

Botanicals – With the modern trend toward the use of more natural ingredients, botanicals have become a component of nearly every cosmeceutical product available and form the largest category of active ingredients used today. An appropriate botanical can be chosen to reduce inflammation, sooth the skin, or act as an antioxidant. Some of the most commonly used botanicals are prickly pear and aloe vera (for skin soothing), ginkgo biloba, willow herb, and green tea (anti-inflammatory), and goji berry and soy (antioxidants).

Peptides – A peptide can be thought of as a small part of a much larger protein molecule. Peptides were developed for use in skin care to either increase the production of collagen or to reduce the breakdown of collagen. This is important because loss of collagen in the skin is one of the causes of wrinkles.

One of the best known peptides used in cosmeceuticals today is referred to as a "pentapeptide." This peptide is actually a small fragment of the protein that makes up human collagen. This "pentapeptide" has been shown to increase collagen production.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors (MMPIs) – Matrix metalloproteinases are proteins found in the skin that break down collagen. They are activated by exposure to ultraviolet light as well as by exposure to air pollution, smoking, and the natural aging process.

There are two ways to block the activity of matrix metalloproteinases, and in so doing, help to preserve the skin's collagen. The first is with a good sunscreen that protects against ultraviolet light. The second is with substances that actually block the activity of the matrix metalloproteinases; these substances are referred to as matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs). Substances that act as MMPIs include derivatives of green tea, tretinoin (retinoic acid), beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, and flavonoids. The use of MMPIs in cosmeceuticals is one of the newest and most exciting innovations in skin care, and MMPIs are expected to receive much more attention in the near future.

Cosmeceuticals are formulated and available for purchase from a large number of manufacturers, and their use has become a standard component of modern skin care. Because there are literally thousands of skin care products in the marketplace from which to choose, it can be quite confusing as to which products are best for a particular person. For this reason, it is ideal for each patient to have his or her skin care program designed by a skin care expert. These professionals are able to select from the large number of available products those products that are best for an individual person.

Jonee's Spring Special - 40 percent off Services

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 7 Apr 2008 20:33:01 -0500

To celebrate the arrival of spring, Jonee, our aesthetician, is offering a wonderful special. For the remainder of March and all of April, any of our patients who undergo a cosmetic procedure will be able to obtain a facial from Jonee for 40% off Jonee's regular prices. This means that anyone who has a Botox, Juvederm, Restylane, or Collagen treatment or a laser procedure can treat themselves to one of Jonee's facials at these special reduced prices.

Jonee's facials include everything from her traditional facial, which normally costs $75, to the signature six step Ameriantronic Rejuvenator, which normally costs $400. The Ameriantronic Rejuvenator has been featured on Oprah and has been seen multiple times on the television show "10 Years Younger."

With Jonee's special, for as little as $45 any of our patients can follow-up their cosmetic procedure with a very enjoyable and relaxing facial. This is also an exceptional opportunity to experience the amazing Ameriantronic Rejuvenator at a significantly discounted price. We hope all of our patients will take advantage of this special opportunity and visit our darling Jonee. When she finishes your facial, your skin will glow!

Off-Face Fraxel Laser Resurfacing

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Wed, 6 Feb 2008 17:16:08 -0600

By now, most of our patients have become very familiar with Fraxel laser resurfacing of the face. Introduced in 2004 and now in its second generation, the Fraxel laser has become the gold standard for no or minimal downtime laser skin resurfacing. After a series of Fraxel laser treatments to the face, patients can reliably expect their skin to show improvement in fine lines, brown spots, acne scars, facial scars, and overall skin texture.

However, you may not be aware that the Fraxel laser is increasingly being used for skin rejuvenation in locations other than the face. In recent months, many of our patients have come to the office requesting rejuvenation of the skin of their neck and chest; other patients have requested rejuvenation of their hands and arms. As a result, we are now using the Fraxel laser to rejuvenate the skin in these off-face locations.

Continue reading "Off-Face Fraxel Laser Resurfacing"

The Winter Skin Rejuvenation Special

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:14:00 -0600

This Winter, our office is offering an exceptional rejuvenation package. The package begins with Fraxel Laser Resurfacing of the neck, chest, arms, or hands. The package includes four treatments with the Fraxel laser. In addition to the Fraxel laser resurfacing, our patients can choose between having either a Botox treatment to two areas of their face or a treatment with one full syringe of Restylane or Juvederm.

In our office, Fraxel laser resurfacing is performed by Dr. Anterasian. Dr. Anterasian has performed over five hundred consecutive Fraxel laser procedures with excellent results. Our patients have truly enjoyed the smoother and more youthful appearing skin the procedure provides.

SPECIAL OFFER UNTIL MARCH 31, 2008

GET FOUR FRAXEL LASER TREATMENTS

+ treatment with Botox or treatment with Restylane or Juvederm

Now only $3450

a $750 discount off the regular price.

For treatment of the neck, chest, or arms.
$2950 for treatment of the hands.

Call our office at 310-829-9396 and make an appointment with either Dr. Amerian or Dr. Anterasian.

New 10 Years Younger Episodes Airing in February

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 17:13:00 -0600

We recently completed filming our third season of work for the television show 10 Years Younger. We treated five patients for the show this season, and three of the episodes will air soon. Episodes that we participated in will air at 1:00 PM on The Learning Channel (TLC) on Thursday February 21st, Friday February 22nd, and Friday March 21st. If you have not yet watched the show, the patients on the show undergo a series of non-surgical treatments and enhancements designed to optimize their appearance and help them to look 10 Years Younger. Doing the show has been a lot of fun, and it has allowed the viewers to see all of the non-surgical facial rejuvenation techniques that are currently available. If you have the time, try to tune in and enjoy the show.

The "Next Generation" Fraxel Laser

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:25:31 -0500

We are excited to announce that the next generation Fraxel laser has arrived, and that we are now using the next generation Fraxel laser in our office. The new Fraxel, called the Fraxel 1500, has many advantages over the original Fraxel laser.

The Fraxel 1500 uses a new type of treatment tip that eliminates the need for blue dye. With this one change, the nuisance problem of having to first apply and then remove the blue dye no longer exists. This eliminates the persisting blue spots that could not be removed after treatment (that were so bothersome to patients), and shortens treatment times by at least thirty minutes.
The new Fraxel 1500 automatically optimizes the diameter of the laser beam based on the energy setting that is being used. Optimizing the beam size based on the energy setting improves patient comfort significantly.
The new Fraxel laser is FDA cleared to treat deeper into the skin than the original Fraxel. As a result, treatments with the new Fraxel will produce greater improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin texture. This will be of particular benefit in treating upper lip lines and the lines around the eyes (crow's feet lines).
Like the original Fraxel, the next generation Fraxel has been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of acne scars, pigmented skin lesions, melasma, surgical scars, and periorbital wrinkles.

Melasma

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 18:11:00 -0500

What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition most commonly characterized by the presence of brown irregular patches on the face of a woman. Quite often, both sides of the face are involved symmetrically, with the most common sites of involvement being the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead, and upper lip.

Melasma is extremely common, and it affects five to six million American women annually. Over 90% of melasma cases occur in women, and it is especially common in darker skinned individuals, particularly Hispanics, Asians, and women of Middle Eastern ancestry.

What causes melasma?
Although the causes of melasma are not completely understood, several factors are known to play a role. Clearly genetics is a factor, as women with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition. Also, hormonal factors play a role, as pregnancy and birth control pills may also cause melasma. In addition, sun exposure is an important contributing factor.

It is believed that melasma results from exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone combined with exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. This results in an over-stimulation of the pigment producing cells in the skin, increased production of melanin pigment, and the characteristic brown patches of melasma.

How is melasma treated?
Several modalities are available to treat melasma. Melasma resulting from pregnancy frequently, but not always, disappears spontaneously over a period of several months after giving birth. If melasma develops after starting birth control pills, it may improve after discontinuing their use. However, melasma that results from the use of birth control pills usually persists even after the pills are stopped.

Melasma treatment always starts conservatively. If at all possible, it is preferable for women undergoing treatment of melasma to discontinue their use of birth control pills. Although melasma can be treated while continuing the use of birth control pills, this is not optimal.

Sunscreens, sun avoidance, and depigmenting creams are three of the mainstays of melasma treatment. The sunscreen must provide both UV-A and UV-B protection. Regardless of how melasma is treated, the treatment will fail if sunlight is not strictly avoided. Prudent measures to avoid sun exposure include hats and other forms of shade combined with the application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Sunscreens containing physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are preferred over chemical blockers because of their broader protection.

Topical depigmenting creams should also be used. Hydroquinone is the most commonly used depigmenting agent; it works by decreasing the production of melanin pigment. Some physicians also add tretinoin (retinoic acid) and a steroid to the hydroquinone. The tretinoin acts by increasing cellular turnover, resulting in a quicker response to therapy. Tri-Luma cream conveniently combines hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a steroid in one medication, and is available by prescription. Other medications for melasma include azelaic acid, kojic acid, and peels containing alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid.

Patients who have not responded to conservative treatment can consider laser treatment. The FDA has approved the use of the Fraxel laser for the treatment of melasma. At the Santa Monica Laser and Skincare Center, we have had good success in treating melasma by combining Fraxel laser treatment with hydroquinone, sun avoidance, and the regular use of sunscreen. Generally, an optimal result can be obtained after four or five Fraxel laser treatments given at four to six week intervals.

Melasma treatment is complex and should be managed by a dermatologist. Generally, several months of therapy are required to significantly improve melasma. Any of our patients who believe they may have melasma or who have abnormal pigmentation in their face are invited to make an appointment with Dr. Amerian.

The "Bright Eyes" Summer Rejuvenation Makeover

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 18:11:00 -0500

With summer and the traditional summertime outdoor entertainment season starting soon, our office is offering an exceptional eyelid rejuvenation package so that more of our patients can look their best. The package begins with the eyelid Thermage procedure to lift and tighten the skin of the eyelids and the tissues around the eyelids. To ensure the best possible result from the eyelid Thermage, all of our patients receive a minimum of four or five complete passes of the Thermage treatment tip over the treated areas. After the eyelid Thermage, our patients can choose between having either a Botox treatment to the tissues around the eyes and eyebrows or a treatment with one full syringe of Restylane or Juvederm. We are offering this package for $1850 during June and July, which is more than a $750 discount from the regular price. We have been very pleased with the results we have achieved with eyelid Thermage, and our patients have truly enjoyed the cosmetic improvement the procedure provides.

In our office, the eyelid Thermage procedure is performed only by Dr. Anterasian, a board certified physician and surgeon. He was one of the first physicians in Los Angeles to perform eyelid Thermage, and he has extensive experience with the procedure.

Eyelid Thermage is one of Dr. Amerian's favorite procedures, and Dr. Anterasian has performed the procedure twice on Dr. Amerian's eyelids during the past nine months. Dr. Amerian will be happy to show any of our interested patients her "before and after" photographs.

Any of our patients who wish to take advantage of this special opportunity to rejuvenate their eyelids are invited to call our office at 310-829-9396 and make an appointment with either Dr. Amerian or Dr. Anterasian.

Prevage MD Anti-aging Treatment

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:27:00 -0600

Prevage MD is an anti-aging treatment that contains the antioxidant idebenone. Idebenone has been scientifically shown to be one of the most powerful antioxidants available in a skin care product today. Antioxidants are commonly used in skin care products because they eliminate free radicals. Free radicals are produced by many different environmental stressors and cause extensive damage to skin cells, resulting in premature aging of the skin. Because antioxidants eliminate free radicals, they are able to counteract this effect and protect the skin from free radical damage.

Skin ages not only with the passage of time, but also from exposure to the environment. Sun exposure, ozone, air pollution, and cigarette smoke all contribute to premature aging of the skin. Regardless of the cause of aging skin, Prevage MD helps correct the skin damage that has already occurred and also protects the skin from future damage.

In research studies, patients using Prevage MD improved the appearance of their fine lines and wrinkles, improved their skin texture, and obtained a more even skin tone. These three effects together helped to restore a more youthful appearing skin. After six weeks of Prevage MD, 21 subjects reported a 29% reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, 26% reduction in skin roughness and dryness, 37% increase in skin hydration, and a 33% improvement in the skin's overall appearance. Studies of the effectiveness of Prevage MD have consistently shown improvement in the skin's smoothness, tightness, texture, and overall appearance.

Several patients have asked us what the differences are between Prevage MD Anti-aging Treatment and Prevage. Prevage MD Anti-aging Treatment contains 1% idebenone whereas Prevage contains only ½% idebenone. Because of its stronger formulation, Prevage MD is only available in physician offices.

At the Santa Monica Laser and Skin Care Center, we take pride in creating skin care regimens customized to the needs of every unique patient. Any of our patients who think they would benefit from Prevage MD or who simply wish to optimize their skin care program are invited to call the office and make an appointment with Dr. Amerian. In addition, while supplies last, we will give away a free package of Prevage MD to our Botox and Juvederm patients during April.

Cellulite Special Offer

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Tue, 6 Mar 2007 18:27:00 -0600

It is estimated that over 80% of women have cellulite. Over the years, many different treatments have been used to treat this condition, but none of the treatments were ever particularly effective. Cellulite has historically been a very difficult problem to treat.

Recently, the VelaSmooth device became available, giving patients a new option for the treatment of cellulite. The VelaSmooth is FDA approved for the treatment of cellulite. It is a laser-like device that combines radio frequency and infrared light energies with tissue mobilization. These three treatment modalities work together to safely and effectively improve cellulite and recontour the skin surface.

VelaSmooth treatments result in a noticeable improvement in cellulite. Generally, a series of 12 treatments twice a week for 6 weeks is needed to obtain the optimum result. Each treatment session takes 30-40 minutes. Exercise and a healthy diet, when done in combination with the VelaSmooth treatments, will further contribute to a good result. The VelaSmooth can be used to treat cellulite located in the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, or upper arms.

The improvement following the VelaSmooth treatment lasts for up to six months, and maintenance treatments can be done at monthly intervals after the initial series in order to sustain the results achieved beyond six months. The treatment is non-invasive, non-surgical, and very safe for all skin types.

VelaSmooth treatments have been described as a warm massaging sensation that is well tolerated. The treated area may appear flushed or pink from the heat for a short period following the treatment. Normal activities may be resumed immediately after leaving the office.

With warmer weather right around the corner, our office has decided to offer VelaSmooth procedures at a discount so that more of our patients can take advantage of this treatment. Although the regular price of a VelaSmooth treatment is $250 a treatment, during April and May we are offering the treatments at the discounted price of $75 a treatment for one area and $125 a treatment for two areas. In addition, we are offering a series of 12 VelaSmooth treatments, two areas per treatment, for $1300. This represents a $1200 discount from the regular price of $2500.

Any of our patients who would like to take advantage of this special VelaSmooth offer are invited to call our office and make an appointment with either Jonee or Barb.

The New Year Resolution Makeover

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Sat, 6 Jan 2007 18:27:00 -0600

To mark the start of the new year, our office is offering an exceptional facial rejuvenation package. The start of a new year offers a fresh beginning for every one of us. We invite any of our patients who would like to begin 2007 looking younger and more refreshed to take advantage of this special opportunity. The package begins with the Thermage procedure to lift and tighten the skin of the face and upper neck. After the Thermage, our patients can choose between having either a Botox treatment to two areas of their face or a treatment with one full syringe of Restylane or Juvederm.

In our office, the Thermage procedure is performed entirely by a physician, not a nurse. To ensure the best possible result, all of our patients receive a minimum of five complete passes over the face and upper neck. The Thermage procedure is also very safe, and we have extensive experience with this treatment. In our office, Dr. Anterasian has performed over three hundred Thermage procedures, without any adverse events. We are very pleased with the results we have achieved with Thermage, and our patients have truly enjoyed the cosmetic improvement the procedure provides. Following the Thermage, we will further enhance the facial rejuvenation with either a Botox treatment to two areas of the face or a treatment with a full syringe of Restylane or Juvederm.

We are offering this package for $2500 during January and February only, which is more than a $750 discount from the regular price. Any of our patients who wish to start the new year by taking advantage of this special opportunity are invited to call our office at 310-829-9396 and make an appointment with either Dr. Amerian or Dr. Anterasian.

Unusual Cosmetic Uses of Botox That You May Not Be Aware Of

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Sat, 6 Jan 2007 18:27:00 -0600

By now, virtually everyone is familiar with the use of Botox to reduce horizontal forehead lines, frown lines between the eyebrows, and crow's feet lines around the eyes. The treatment of these three areas with Botox accounts for the great majority of all of the Botox that is used for cosmetic purposes. The results from these treatments are uniformly good, which is why Botox treatments are the single most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in our country and worldwide.

However, you may not be aware that Botox can be used in many other areas on the face and neck to soften lines and relax muscles. The goal of these treatments is to produce a relaxed look to the face while preserving full movement. In this article we will review some of these more unusual cosmetic uses of Botox.

Eyebrow Injection – With age, the eyebrows start to droop. By injecting Botox into the eyebrow, the eyebrow can be elevated. The resulting "Botox brow lift" not only restores the eyebrow to a more youthful position, but it also opens up the upper eyelids.

Upper and Lower Lip Vertical Lines (Smoker's Lines) – Very small quantities of Botox can be injected into the upper and lower lip to soften lines in these areas. Often, Botox is used in combination with collagen or Restylane to soften these lines.

Depressor Anguli Oris – The depressor anguli oris is the muscle responsible for turning down the corners of the mouth. This very unattractive facial feature can be significantly improved by injecting this muscle with Botox. Injecting the depressor anguli oris allows the corners of the mouth to turn in a more upward direction, producing a far more attractive appearance. This is one of Dr. Amerian's favorite injections, and she regularly has this injection done on herself.

Gummy Smile – When some people smile, their upper lip elevates above their upper teeth, exposing their gums and producing an unattractive "gummy smile." An injection of Botox into the upper lip can easily correct this.

Bunny Lines – "Bunny lines" are the lines that occur on the side of the nose when some people smile. They are quite unattractive, and can be easily treated with a small amount of Botox.

Chin – Many patients, especially when speaking, develop folds, creases, and wrinkling in their chin. Two injections of Botox into the chin can significantly improve the chin's appearance.

Neck – An overactive neck muscle will result in vertical bands below the chin, known as "platysmal bands," and horizontal wrinkles across the neck. Injection of Botox into the bands and wrinkles will soften the bands and significantly improve the wrinkles.

The next time you're in the office getting Botox for your frown lines or crow's feet, take advantage of the opportunity and speak with us about whether treatment of any of these other more unusual locations with Botox could further enhance your cosmetic result.

Hair Removal

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 6 Nov 2006 18:27:00 -0600

There are literally a myriad of reasons why many men and women choose to remove unwanted body hair. It might be a cosmetic, social, or cultural reason, or possibly a medical reason. Unwanted pigmented hair is an extremely common problem for both men and women. Many methods are available for temporary or permanent hair removal, and each method has advantages and disadvantages. In this month’s newsletter, we will review the various methods of treating and removing body hair.

Although excessive hair growth commonly occurs in the normal healthy population of individuals, at times it can be a manifestation of an underlying hormonal disturbance. For this reason, every patient who desires hair removal should first have a complete medical history and physical examination. If the doctor suspects that a hormonal problem may be contributing to or causing the excessive hair growth, a referral to an endocrinologist or a gynecologist is warranted.

Shaving:
Removal of body hair with a razor blade on wet skin using shaving cream or another lubricant is one of the most common methods of removing unwanted hair. The main advantage of hair removal by shaving is that it is fast, easy, and inexpensive. However, as every man knows, the results are temporary, lasting at most three days and often only one day. Because shaving removes hair at the skin surface, it is the most temporary method of hair removal.

Plucking, Waxing, Sugaring, and Epilation:
Epilation means the removal of the entire hair shaft. It is the most effective method for temporarily removing a hair. Epilation includes waxing and plucking, as well as some other methods that can be used for removal of the hair shaft. It is not known whether repetitive epilation results in permanent changes in the hair being removed. Epilation lasts longer than shaving because the hair is removed from below the surface of the skin.

Manual plucking is an easy way to remove single hairs and is useful for removing small amounts of unwanted hair. When the area of skin to be treated is too large for plucking, waxing techniques are more useful. Waxing involves the application of warmed wax to areas of hair bearing skin followed by removal of the wax and the associated embedded hairs.

Sugaring is similar to waxing and is an alternative to waxing for people who are sensitive to wax. A syrupy sugar mixture is prepared by heating lemon juice, water, and sugar. The syrup is then applied to the skin, after which it is quickly stripped away, removing the unwanted hair in the process.

Depilation:
Chemical depilatories remove part of the hair shaft, and are easy and painless. Depilatories work by breaking down the protein in the hair shaft, causing the hair to break in half, and allowing the hair to separate from the skin. They work best on the legs, bikini line, face and underarms. For a good result, the hair should be neither too long nor too short. Since some people are allergic to the chemicals found in a depilatory, a small spot should be tested prior to use to determine whether the product is safe to use in that person.

Eflornithine (Vaniqa):
This drug is used in a topical cream available only by prescription. It was recently approved by the FDA for the reduction of unwanted facial hair in women. The drug works by reducing the rate of hair growth. It can be used in conjuction with other methods of hair removal to prolong their efficacy. Eflornithine is generally used twice a day for six months. Unfortunately, once the drug is stopped, facial hair growth returns to pretreatment levels within 2 months.

Electrolysis:
Electrolysis involves the insertion of a thin needle into the hair follicle, after which a pulse of electric current is passed through the needle to damage and eventually destroy the hair follicle. Generally, multiple treatment sessions are required. During electrolysis it is important to insert the needle accurately into the follicle, and to choose an appropriate intensity and duration of the electric current.

Only hairs that are actively growing should be treated with electrolysis. This can be determined by shaving the area to be treated, then treating a few days later only those hairs that are visible on the skin surface. With electrolysis, each hair must be treated individually and the process is slow.

Laser Hair Removal:
Laser hair removal first became available in 1996, and since that time many advances have occurred in the technology. Lasers can treat large areas of skin at one time, making laser hair removal a cost-effective and efficient method of hair removal. Commonly treated areas include the legs, armpits, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. The effects of laser hair removal can last for several months to several years. Laser hair removal works by using laser energy to destroy the hair follicle, thereby inhibiting future hair growth from the follicle.

For the hair removal laser to be effective, the hair pigment should be darker than the surrounding skin pigment, so that the hair absorbs more of the laser light. If the skin is darker than the hair, the skin will absorb more of the laser light, potentially leading to adverse tissue reactions following the procedure. For this reason, it is important that patients undergoing laser hair removal not come to the office with a tan.

Over the last several years, laser hair removal has become very popular because the results are superior to hair removal using more conventional treatments such as waxing, shaving, and electrolysis. Approximately 80% of all patients respond well to laser hair removal. Patients may expect approximately a 30% decrease in hair with each treatment. For this reason, multiple treatments are generally necessary to achieve the desired reduction in hair in a given body area. In general three or more treatments are required at each site to achieve permanent hair growth reduction. Typically, treatments are spaced 1-3 months apart.

In our office, Karen Ballantyne performs the laser hair removal treatments. Karen is a registered nurse for fifteen years, and she has extensive experience in laser hair removal. Any of our patients who would like to undergo laser hair removal are invited to call the office and make an appointment with Karen.

Juvederm

nospam@example.com (Marylee Amerian) — Mon, 6 Nov 2006 18:22:00 -0600

Recently, the FDA gave its approval to Juvederm for use in the correction of facial wrinkles and folds. Juvederm is a technologically advanced formulation of hyaluronic acid that is safe and effective in patients of all skin types and all skin colors.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in the body. Its injection into folds and wrinkles creates volume and fullness, and enhances the moisture content of the skin. This combination of effects fills and softens the injected lines, folds, and wrinkles, resulting in the aesthetic correction. Hyaluronic acid has turned out to be an ideal filler for correcting folds and wrinkles. For this reason, the treatment of facial folds and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid is currently the fastest growing non-surgical aesthetic procedure in the United States.

The Juvederm gel is very smooth and flows easily into the skin, creating a smooth and natural look and feel. This allows us to provide a correction for facial wrinkles and folds that is easily tolerated and looks natural. Juvederm contains the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid currently available in a dermal filler. Therefore, it has a long duration of effect, with results lasting for up to six months or longer. Juvederm is an ideal filling agent for moderate wrinkles in the cheeks and moderately severe nasolabial folds. In addition, it can be used in lips to better define the lips and to make the lips appear fuller.

In our office we have used hyaluronic acid fillers for several years on hundreds of patients. Our patients have truly enjoyed the cosmetic enhancement these fillers have provided. We are pleased that Juvederm is now available to provide an additional facial rejuvenation option.

Because of our extensive experience with fillers and other injectable products, the manufacturer provided our office with Juvederm prior to its release into the general medical community. (The general release is scheduled for next year.) Any of our patients who believe they might benefit from Juvederm are welcome to call our office for an appointment.