Posts Tagged ‘bay area dermatologist’

A Little Wrinkle Reduction Goes a Long Way! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Some people feel overwhelmed when they look in the mirror by all the things they’d like to improve about their face. But you don’t necessarily need to make a major investment of time or money to look more youthful. In fact, a new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 9(2):79-88, demonstrates how even even modest wrinkle improvement can make someone look much better. The study reduced the skin “surface topography” or wrinkles in the photos of six women ages 45-65 on their foreheads and around the eyes. The photos were then shown to male subjects who found the women “significantly younger and more attractive” than in the unmodified photos. What is of note, is that the surface topography in the photos was only reduced by 20 percent! This amount of improvement is certainly within reach for people with simple treatments like Botox, filler or even just good skincare products. Not only is starting with small changes usually the best way for people to enter the world of cosmetic dermatology, but it will also get you looking better than you might expect.

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!

Ugh…is that a Wart? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

What’s the deal with warts? How did I get them and how do I get rid of them?

Questions that I often hear as a dermatologist about one of the most common skin nuisances.

To help keep from catching them or spreading them to others or to other places on your own skin, its important to know the basics.

Common warts seen on the hands and fingers are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These strains are different from the ones that cause potentially serious diseases like cancer of the cervix. In fact, different strains of HPV even cause different kinds of warts like plantar warts on the feet or smaller, flat warts seen on the face and legs. With common warts, the virus causes rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin resulting in flesh colored bumps with small black dots in them, which are actually clotted blood vessels. Warts can eventually go away on their own (sometimes over a 2 year period), but to keep them from spreading, most people try to remove them with over the counter measures or with their doctor. Warts are harmless, but people find them embarrassing and cosmetically annoying.

Like most viruses, warts spread through person to person contact or by person to object contact (like if you touch something a person with a wart has touched). A wart may not actually develop until 2 to 6 months after exposure. Depending on your immune system, you may be exposed to the virus, yet never develop a wart or you may have them as a kid and never develop them again as an adult. I often joke with my patients that having a wart as adult is a sign of youth, as they are seen most often in children and young adults. If you already have warts, keep in mind that they can spread through breaks in your skin, so don’t bite your nails or pick around your cuticles, especially after touching the wart!

At home treatments usually include salicylic acid medications or patches, which help peel away the affected layers of skin. These work best if you can file down the top layers, then apply the medication. I will often give patients a scalpel to help pare down the skin before using the patches to treat the wart in between visits. Another at home treatment some patients try is duct tape. They cover the wart for six days then remove the tape and file down the skin, then repeat the process until the wart dies. While there is no real scientific evidence that duct tape works, some people give it a whirl.

At a doctor or dermatologist’s office, they may try freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen, which can be uncomfortable. It causes a blister and the dead cells slough off after it has healed. Injections of an antigen to stimulate your body’s natural immune process or laser may also be used for more stubborn warts.

If you have a wart, do not pick at it, bite it or shave over it as it may generate new warts nearby. Do not use any accessory, like a nail file, on the wart and then on other areas. Make sure to always wash your hands in general and especially after touching any wart. Keep your hands as dry as possible - warts like a moist environment. Wear footwear in public places like showers and locker rooms.

And most importantly, don’t despair. Warts can be stubborn and some may seem like they are not responding to treatment or are taking a long time to go away. Be persistent and consistent with treatment to get results.

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!

Join us Friday, May 14th for Body Awareness Day! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Get your skin and body into summer shape with our latest special event!

On Friday, May 14th, we will offer 20% off all sunscreens, Tan Towel self-tanning products, body lotions and scrubs, vitamins and Heliocare (an antioxidant supplement that inhibits the formation of sunburn cells - great for vacations!). The Clarisonic Body System with brushes and Silk’N home hair laser device will also be 20% off.

If you’ve been thinking of trying our Zeltiq fat reduction treatment or Body by Thermage, now is the time! A very special package that combines Zeltiq sculpting treatments and a Thermage treatment to tighten the waist and abdomen area will be available for booking at a great price. Please contact the office for more details.

Refreshments and representatives from our favorite companies will be available to you for questions and information.

Look forward to seeing you May 14th!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010

Welcome, May! One of my favorite months because the campaign to encourage people to get skin checks and think about their summer sun protection plans is in full force. Keep these tips in mind for the months approaching and, of course, all year round too!

Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

And remember, if you notice any moles, freckles or red spots that are new, have recently changed or catch your eye as being unusual, do not delay in seeking medical evaluation.

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!!

Keep Your Makeup Fresh! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, April 11th, 2010

Most people do some sort of “spring cleaning” around this time of year with the clothes in their closet, but what we often forget to sort through is our makeup drawer. Facing all those old lipsticks, eyeshadows and blushes of disappointments past can easily make you want to keep that drawer shut. Now is the time however to get rid of the old and bring in some new, especially because makeup can harbor bacteria and become spoiled even before its expiration date, especially if not properly handled and stored.

Here are some guidelines to help you get started on lightening your load and keeping your skin and makeup more healthy.

Mascara: Mascara should be discarded after 3 or 4 months, even if the tube is not empty. It is a favorite home of bacteria. Also, just twist the brush in the tube to wet the applicator. Pumping the wand only dries out the mascara more quickly.

Eyeshadow: Powder eyeshadows can last up to three years if not exposed to moisture - like using water or spit to double its use as an eye liner. Better to purchase a thin, flat brush for this purpose and use it dry instead.

Eye Liner: Can also last up to three years, but should be sharpened after each use.

Lip Liner: Also can last up to three years if sharpened regularly.

Blush: Six months.

Concealer: Up to one year.

Powder: Pressed powders can last up to two years.

Foundation: Water based foundations are good for up to one year, whereas oil-based up to a year and a half. Also, use applicators like makeup sponges to apply instead of your fingers.

Lipstick: I generally hold onto lipstick for one to two years. After that the color can sometimes change and bacteria tends to grow. If the lipstick has a funny smell throw it out!

Brushes: Wash your brushes every couple of months or whenever they become saturated. Use a mild shampoo or makeup brush cleanser, rinse, squeeze out excess moisture, reshape and allow to dry overnight before use. Not only will your this extend the life of your brushes, but your makeup will go on better and colors will stay true as you won’t mix shades.

Liner Sharpeners: Wiping it down with rubbing alcohol or leaving it for a few minutes in a rubbing alcohol bath, will keep this tool clean.

Other common sense, but sometimes overlooked tips include washing your hands before applying your makeup and taking time to properly close all compacts and bottles. Use a sharpie to write the date you purchased your makeup on the label. Time goes by quickly and something like a less often used shadow will hit 3 years old before you know it. These steps will greatly extend the health of your makeup. If you have any makeup that has changed color, texture or has a funny smell, discard right away.

I always prefer the use of mineral based makeup like that made by Jane Iredale and Colorescience. Because of their high mineral content, they are even more hygienic and their colors are beautiful. You can find both brands at our office. Stop by and see what new colors would be right for you!

Derm Terms: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, March 28th, 2010

In dermatology, there are lots of terms for various spots and lesions that may appear on the skin. These terms can be confusing, especially if you aren’t sure which are the “bad” kinds and which are less of a worry.

One of the most common terms is actinic keratoses or AKs, which are most often seen on the face, ears, lips and backs of hands, but can appear on any sun damaged area of the skin. AKs are spots where the top layer of skin is dividing too rapidly. They usually show up as a dry, scaly and rough textured patches of skin. They may be brownish, red or flesh colored. Some may even be crusty..

AKs tend to arise more frequently after age forty, but if you are fair skinned with light colored eyes and have had average to heavy sun exposure they may appear earlier.

AKs are also called “precancers” because if left untreated, they have the potential to progress into squamous cell carcinoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Because of this potential, it is important to have any AKs treated as they come up. Cosmetically, they make the skin appear more aged and makeup doesn’t cover them very well.

Treatment may include cryosurgery (freezing the spot with liquid nitrogen), numbing the area and scraping the lesion off or use of a prescription cream that targets the damaged cells and destroys them. Luckily, most AK treatments are fairly inconspicuous and the recovery time is minimal. For more extreme cases or areas where there are too many precancers to treat individually, we may use PDT or photodynamic therapy treatment. This process involves a light microdermabrasion to the skin, followed by the application of a chemical that is activated by a laser to eradicate the errant skin cells. This treatment requires you to stay indoors 24 hours afterward. The result is skin that will look, feel and be much healthier.

To prevent AKs and skin cancer, sun safety is always your best bet. Always apply and re-apply sunscreen to exposed areas of skin and do your best to stay out of the sun!

I can never say enough about the benefits of topical retinoids like Retin-A, Refissa, Atralin or Retin-A Microgel, but yet another positive point is that they can actually help the skin ward off AKs. Their exfoliating properties keep these damaged cells from taking hold and help the skin stay smooth.

As always, if you notice any new spots or moles that have changed, have a dermatologist look at them for any potential issues. Be sure to check in with the blog as more derm terms will be discussed!

Martha & Me, Weddings Spring 2010: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Friday, February 26th, 2010

Do you know someone or do you have a wedding that you are preparing for in the near future? If so, don’t forget to make getting your skin in picture perfect shape part of your plans. Check out the Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2010 issue for an interview I did with the magazine on brides-to-be. It includes recommendations and tips on how to prepare for the big day. Brides have enough to worry about on their wedding day without stressing about their skin. I truly enjoy helping brides create a treatment plan that is effective, budget friendly and helps them look their best, especially when I get to see the beautiful pictures from the wedding afterward! Hope you enjoy the article.

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