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Posts Tagged ‘hyaluronic acid’

Clever Marketing Campaign or New Wrinkle Treatment - What is the “Vampire Facelift”? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

More and more patients have been asking my thoughts on the “Vampire Facelift”.  This new anti-aging treatment uses a patient’s own plasma, which is centrifuged out of blood taken from their arm, mixed with a fibrin rich gel and injected back into the skin.  The matrix does not add volume to the skin, rather, the idea is that your own collagen builds in the areas the matrix is injected over a few weeks to soften lines and wrinkles.  The whole process takes about 30 minutes and costs anywhere from $800 - $1200.  The procedure is marketed to those who dislike synthetic fillers and want to use something more “natural” for a subtle change in their appearance over time.

I couldn’t agree more that being conservative with anti-aging procedures is the best approach, however the results of “Vampire Facelift” seem too unpredictable for the cost.  While fillers like Restylane, Perlane or Juvederm are synthetic, they are gels composed of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin.  No allergy pre-testing is required.  These fillers are also very predictable with a long safety record and costs starting at $600.  There is also evidence that your own collagen is stimulated with these injections as well.  An experienced injector should be able to deliver results that are subtle and look natural with a sense of instant refreshment for the patient.  Waiting a 2 -3 weeks for results that may or may not appear with the “Vampire Facelift” doesn’t seem to be worth the time and trouble.

 

Neocutis Bio-Serum in SF Examiner! Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, August 1st, 2010

With all of the anti-aging skin products on the market, how do we choose what to carry in our office and recommend to our patients?  Well for us to bring on a product, there must be scientific data behind it that it actually works to penetrate and improve the skin.  Also, the product must be tried and liked by myself and my staff of varying skin types.

The products from Neocutis definitely meet both criteria.  And while we can talk someone’s ear off about the benefits of their formulations, it is always reassuring for patients when a third party review backs up our findings too!  Check out this article in the San Francisco Examiner on Neocutis Bio-Serum.

Neocutis Bio-Serum uses PSP® (Processed Skin Cell Proteins), a balanced mixture of skin nutrients including cytokines, growth factors and antioxidants, combined with pro-collagen amino acids and a bio-mimetic peptide to safeguard the skin’s collagen and elastin against damage.  Skin plumping hyaluronic acid and line softening technology also work synergistically to help visibly transform the appearance of skin.  Contact our office to start and see the benefits of Bio-Serum for yourself!

 

Dermaroller - Torture Device or Latest Skin Care Advance? Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

We are very excited to introduce the Microneedle Therapy System at our office!  The UK’s Daily Mail reports that the Dermaroller, a device that “looks like a medieval instrument of torture” with its “barrel covered in ultra-fine ‘microneedles,”’ works by producing thousands of microscopic needle holes in the dermis, which prompts the skin to produce new collagen and elastin.”

While it’s true that the MTS roller does not look like something you’d naturally be inclined to used on your skin, it has been shown to deliver results.  Our staff will instruct you on the proper use of the roller, so you can use it in the convenience of your own home!

This instrument is a hand-held roller dotted with micro-needles that can be used on the face, neck and body. Its job is to induce collagen growth in the dermal layer and to help products penetrate more deeply into the skin where they can be much more effective. This translates to skin that appears softer, smoother and less wrinkled over time.  It may also help with scarring and hyperpigmentation. The treatment is virtually pain-free and no damage is caused to the skin. The roller can be used safely on the skin 3-4 days per week and comes in two sizes.  The 0.2mm needle roller is to be used on dry to sensitive and mature skin types.    The 0.3mm needle roller is better for thick and oily prone skin.  We will be happy to help you choose which is most appropriate for your skin.  The roller retails for $125 each, which includes sterilizing equipment.

You can use the roller with nearly any product, however, we find that the best products include Neocutis Bio-Serum, hyaluronic acid serums, bio-restorative creams, hydroquinone and retinoic acids.  Let us help you take advantage of this handy little tool and add it to your anti-aging warchest!

 

Neocutis Bio-restorative Serum with PSP: Notes from a San Francisco Bay Area Dermatologist

Thursday, August 6th, 2009

The Neocutis skincare product line is one of my favorites.  Not only are their products well tolerated by every skin type, but they are scientifically proven to improve the look of your skin without irritation.  They are also wonderful products to use with any skin care regimen or with Retin-A.

One of their best products is Bio-Serum: Bio-restorative Serum with PSP.  Packed with a high concentration of PSP at 0.1%, elemental amino acids, a bio-mimetic peptide to help safeguard collagen and elastin, skin plumping hyaluronic acid and line softening technology, it visibly rejuvenates the appearance of skin.   This high performance serum offers immediate and long term visible results to improve the look of your skin.  PSP is a proprietary ingredient and is a balanced mixture of cytokines and growth factors associated with optimal nutritive properties for the skin.

The Bio-Seurm benefits skin with increased hydration, luminosity and a renewed feeling of tautness.  It can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines, improve skin tone and plump the appearance of skin for a supple finish.

The serum may be used as an intensive treatment for the face, neck and decollete for 7 to 14 days.  There is also an Intensive Spot Treatment for stubborn lines and wrinkles.

It is a great way to give your skin a boost before a special event or if you are feeling like your skin needs an overall pick me up.

This product is non-comedogenic, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, free of color additives, fragrance free and paraben free.  You can visit our web store or stop by our office for more details and to purchase these excellent products.

 

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