Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.

Archive for the ‘procedures’ Category

Ultrasound Tightening with Ultherapy! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, June 25th, 2010

We all hate it when someone says that we look tired, because what they are really is saying is that we look old.  When you feel like you hear this comment more often than you would like or when you actually had 10 hours of sleep the night before, it may be time for a bit of rejuvenation.

Sagging skin around the brow, cheeks, jawline and neck all contribute to a “tired” appearance, which can easily be addressed with the latest in non-invasive skin tightening procedure called Ultherapy.  My staff and I truly love the Ulthera.  Ultherapy uses ultrasound heat to stimulate the skin’s natural collagen building process, resulting in more sculpted skin.  Our nurses are expert at using the Ulthera applicator to focus the ultrasound energy at just the right depth below the skin to give you the safest, yet most effective treatment possible.  Your skin’s response to the energy is to generate new collagen, resulting in a natural lift of the skin over time (approximately 2-4 months).

The procedure lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the areas being treated and is appropriate for all skin types.  Comfort levels do vary with Ultherapy, so we will generally counsel patients prior to treatment on their medication options.  While some patients have reported mild swelling and tenderness in the treated areas, the Ultherapy procedure allows you to return to your normal activities right away - no special measures need to be taken.

I always like to stay on the “non-cutting” edge of the latest in skin tightening and after much research, I have great confidence in the results of Ultherapy.  Since having had the Ultherapy done myself,  I can see that my cheeks are now higher and my jawline is tighter, which definitely makes me look and feel more “rested.”  No more comments about looking tired for me!

Contact our office for more details on Ultherapy!

 

The Latest on Thermage! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour your skin in a single treatment – with no surgery, no injections, and little downtime.  It is one of the few treatments that can be used to improve areas of the body like your arms, tummy and thighs.  It is also a great treatment for the eyes and face.  Here’s a great clip from NBC New York demonstrating Thermage on the arms.

For even more video clips on Thermage, check out this montage on YouTube.

Contact our office to learn more about Thermage and how it may work to keep your skin looking fitter and tighter in the years to come!

 

Zeltiq in Marie Claire June 2010 Issue! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, May 23rd, 2010

Check out the June 2010 issue of Marie Claire magazine, where a writer undergoes the Zeltiq procedure and takes us through her personal experience from beginning to end.  We are delighted that her treatment delivered the same exciting results we have seen in our practice.  The Zeltiq uses cold temperature technology (cryolipolysis) to freeze and reduce fat cells in small, targeted areas around the waist and abdomen.  Maximum results are generally seen approximately 2 to 4 months after the treatment.  There is minimal (if any) downtime, minimal discomfort and the treatment only takes about an hour per section.  When the Zeltiq device first came to our office nearly 6 months ago, the staff jostled as to who would be first in line to try it out!  Since that time, we have all seen noticeable results with our own treatments and with that of our patients.  Call our office for more details and to try out one of the most exciting procedures of 2010.

 

The Latest on Cellulite: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

No matter how advanced technology becomes with lasers, ultrasound, radio frequency or infrared heat techniques, a truly effective, long lasting treatment for cellulite remains elusive.  Why is cellulite such a difficult problem to treat?  Well, let’s start with exactly what that cottage cheese-like appearance is all about.

Cellulite is an architectural issue between connective tissue of the skin and fatty tissue.  The skin is connected to underlying muscle by fibrous connective cords.  Fat lies between these structures.  The fat pushes out against the skin, while the cords pull down, creating a dimpling effect on the surface.  The number, orientation and way these connective cords are organized in the tissue affects the amount and severity of cellulite a person may have.  Even though it is a common problem, It is a complex one, which is why there is no easy solution.

Cellulite is typically seen in the thighs, hips and buttocks of most women and may be genetically linked.  Excessive weight can make cellulite more noticeable, but it can be seen in lean body types as well.  It can also worsen with age as the skin loses elasticity.

You’ve probably seen countless ads with promises to eliminate cellulite.  The truth is that no single treatment is completely effective.  Topical creams, massage therapy and body wraps only provide a temporary effect on the appearance of cellulite at best, if they even do anything at all.  Of all the topical treatments, studies did show that topically applied retinol over a period of 6 months improved the appearance of cellulite because it helped stimulate collagen production and strength in the skin.  Mesotherapy, a technique that uses the injection of various substances into the fatty tissue to dissolve it, remains largely unstudied and can have unpredictable outcomes or only temporary improvement.  More invasive procedures, such as liposuction, can remove fat in the deeper layers, but its effect on superficial fat mostly seen in cellulite can be disappointing.  Laser assisted liposuction may be helpful for very small localized surface areas, but also requires more study.  Devices that combine radio frequency, infrared heat and suction with massage have gained popularity, but results on their effectiveness are often mixed and they typically require on-going treatments.

A new concept that may have future application for cellulite reduction is cryolysis.  There is evidence that fatty tissue is sensitive to cold temperature injury.  Currently, this concept is used in the Zeltiq procedure (cryolipolysis), which reduces small pockets of fat in the waist and love-handle areas of the body.  We have seen amazing results with the Zeltiq for this indication and I look forward to more research on cryolysis for the improvement of cellulite as well.  Trust me, as soon as there is a safe, non-invasive device that truly improves cellulite, we will offer it!!

 

I Hate My Neck! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, March 15th, 2010

I hate my neck.  Or as Nora Ephron would say…“I feel bad about my neck.” Long before Nora Ephron penned her book with this name, men and women have looked in the mirror and seen loose neck skin that didn’t seem to match their facial skin.  Why?  Neck skin is thin and has few adnexal structures (oil glands, hair follicles) that can give skin more support.  Neck skin is often overlooked when applying sunscreen, yet is almost always exposed.  Women also begin anti-aging  regimes to the face much  sooner than they do the  neck.  Ms. Ephron complained that surgery could  do little to improve her neck’s appearance and until recently there was very little we could offer for neck rejuvenation.  Now we have quite a few answers!

First and always is skin care.  In most instances your neck care routine can be very similar to your face  routine.  Neck skin can be more sensitive, like eyelid skin, so care must be taken to use “active” products sparingly.  A suggested routine for people with normal skin would be to apply an anti-oxidant such as SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, RevaleSkin Coffee Berry, Replenix Green Tea Serum or Prevage in the AM then a sunscreen on top.  Reapplication of sunscreen is also important during the day, which may be easier with a powder sunscreen, such as Color Science Mineral SPF 30.  Banish V neck shirts from your closet for daywear and consider sleeveless tees when you know you might be stuck out in the sun.  I always carry a  thin scarf to tie around my neck if I am at a prolonged outdoor event.  In the evening you may be able apply a small of amount of Retin-A  3-5 times a week.  Non irritating brands like Atralin, Refissa and Micro Gel may work best for you.  After Retin-A apply a thick, moisturizing cream. I love Neova’s Creme de la Copper which enhances Retin-A’s work in collagen building.  Neocutis cream is also great as is SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter.  Sensitive skin types may not tolerate Retin-A on the neck but may be able to try retinols like Replenix Retinol Serum or glycolic acid products found in the Vivite skin care line.  There are some home devices that can encourage collagen growth and can be used on the neck.  We recommend the Omnilux home LED device and the MTS Roller to help your current products penetrate more deeply into the skin.

Discoloration the neck is usually due to excess sun over the years and can appear as patchy, red brown areas on the sides of the neck.  This is called pokiloderma and responds to laser treatments as do brown spots and broken blood vessels.  Unsightly growths such as skin tags and flesh moles can also be easily removed in the office.  The neck is difficult  to treat with chemical peels as it is not as resilient as facial skin.  We do have several peels suitable for the neck, but improvements can be subtle.

What’s next!  Consider what really bothers you.  For crepey skin nothing beats Fraxel laser treatments. These treatments are non-ablative and heal like a sunburn over a week.  They are easy to tolerate and very cost effective.  In our office a neck Fraxel treatment costs about the same as a syringe of Restylane or Juvederm.  You will need 2-5 treatments to see improvement.  Treatments can be done every 4-6 weeks.  A before and after photo is listed below.  Click on the photo to link to the Fraxel website for more results!

If the skin quality seems good but looseness is more of a factor, especially underneath the chin and jowl, Titan or Thermage would be best.  These treatments use heat to promote collagen building and focus on tightening of the skin over time, rather than texture.  Both treatments have no down-time, which make them simple to fit into any busy schedule.  One or two treatments may be required for best results.  We can help determine which treatment will be most effective for you.

If “stringy” muscles and “cords” are an issue and are not too advanced an exciting treatment is to use Botox for the neck.  This treatment takes about 5 minutes and can improve  the neck appearance dramatically, while also preventing  future wrinkling.

So, don’t give up on your neck - there is hope out there.  Too bad we couldn’t offer Ms. Ephron these treatments before she wrote her book!

 

Zeltiq on ABC News! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

We’ve been excited about the Zeltiq targeted fat reduction treatment since we began using the device in December and have often discussed it in our blog.  It has once again come up in the mainstream media as a new way to help whittle our middles and as an alternative to liposuction.  Check out the video from ABC News on February 16th to see the Zeltiq in action!  Please contact our office for more details about the procedure.

 

Support for Zeltiq Grows! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Our office has been using the Zeltiq fat reduction device for over a month now, and we are seeing very positive results!  As you may recall from my prior blog, the Zeltiq is a non-invasive medical device that is used for targeted fat reduction around the waist, tummy and love handle area of the body.  Studies show a loss of fat of approximately 20 percent in the treated areas over a two to four month period.  The procedure is comfortable, safe and has little, if any, down-time.

Check out this article from the Orange County Register, that discusses how the Zeltiq procedure rivals liposuction surgery.

If you have any questions regarding Zeltiq, please call our office for more information.

 

Connect the Dots? Not on Your Skin! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Do you look down at your body and see bright red dots here, there or maybe everywhere on your skin?  These are known as cherry angiomas and are spots where blood vessels have proliferated in the skin.  Their size can range from a pin head to much larger and they can be found anywhere on the body, but most often occur around the trunk area.  Their exact cause is unknown, although they tend to show up around middle age and in women during or after a pregnancy.  They are generally harmless, but cosmetically can make you feel like a dot to dot puzzle.   Luckily, there are simple treatments to rid your skin of these distracting and occasionally irritating spots.  While an electric needle is sometimes used to cauterize the angioma, PDL or pulse dye laser is a quicker and easier way to treat a number of the lesions at one time.  With laser, the angioma will temporarily turn dark purple or black in color, then is reabsorbed by your body over a few days up to a week for most patients.  Its one of my favorite treatments because its so effective, low risk and makes your skin appear more youthful.  Let’s face it, the less spots on our skin, the better it looks!  If you have questions or would like to come in for a treatment, please contact our office.

 

Support Grows for Non-Surgical Treatments to Look Younger: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

I find it truly exciting that non-surgical approaches to treat aging skin continue to gain popularity.  As highlighted by Dermatology Daily, Hillary Howard, in the New York Times (11/19, E3) “Skin Deep” column, wrote, “When it comes to treating aging skin around the eyes, laser resurfacing can often trump surgery,” according to plastic surgeon Michael McGuire, MD, FACS. He explained, “If the skin is mildly wrinkled and/or pigmented, the laser can be a good option” that may even “defer face-lifts” in some “patients in their 40s.” But, “the debate surrounding laser treatments is whether to go fractional or cover the entire surface of the treated area.” With fractional lasers, “recuperation time is minimal, but multiple treatments are necessary,” whereas “regular laser resurfacing…requires at least a week of recovery,” but has the advantage of being “a single treatment” producing “arguably more dramatic results.”

Laser resurfacing technology has improved greatly over the last ten years.  These days there is an appropriate resurfacing procedure for nearly every person looking to reduce wrinkles and freshen up their skin.  Particularly around the eyes these treatments have a high satisfaction rate among patients because renewing skin texture is often all a patient needs to look less tired and aged.  While surgery remains an option for lifting and tightening skin, it does little to help with etched lines and often carries more risk than resurfacing.  My office staff and I are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures and help counsel patients on which resurfacing treatment is right for them.

 

Introducing Zeltiq - Targeteted Fat Reduction that Works is Finally Here! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

If you have been a patient of mine for any length of time interested in reducing areas of fat on the body, you know that I have not been excited or impressed with any of the non-surgical options currently available.  I have long held out for a treatment that would be safe and truly provide results, which is why I am so excited to announce that the Zeltiq procedure is finally here!!

The Zeltiq procedure is the new “cool” way to gently reduce fat in targeted areas of the body.  Known also as cryolipolysis, this non-invasive procedure results in noticeable, natural looking fat reduction in specific areas without the need for needles, incisions, anesthesia or pain medication.  Best of all, you can resume your normal activities immediately following treatment.

The Zeltiq procedure is unique because it uses an advanced tissue cooling technology to eliminate fat cells without damaging the skin.  The specially designed applicator cup uses a gentle vacuum pressure to draw targeted skin tissue between two cooling panels. When the fat cells are exposed to the controlled cooling, they begin a process of natural elimination and are gradually removed through the body’s normal metabolic process over time.

Ideal candidates for Zeltiq are relatively fit, but have some modest-size fat bulges that are resistant to diet and exercise. They are seeking spot reduction for specific areas of fat, but are not considering a surgical procedure.

Clinical studies validate that cryolipolysis for fat layer reduction is well-tolerated and produces a visible contour change in the majority of patients.  Based on ultrasound assessment, an average fat layer reduction of 22.4% was demonstrated after only one Zeltiq procedure.  Results are seen in most people between two to four months following treatment.

The cost to treat one area will be $1000, however, we are so excited by the Zeltiq that we are offering an introductory discount of 50% for procedures booked within the next three months!

For a consultation on what to expect with your specific treatment, to learn more and to take advantage of this special, please contact our office at 415-292-6350.

 

Please upgrade to the latest version of Flash Player.