Drop the Spots

When you look in the mirror do you see smooth, healthy, blemish-free skin? Or does your reflection reveal a rough, blotchy, and blemished complexion? What impression does your face give to people meeting you? Well rested, healthy, happy, youthful? Environmental elements, nutritional status, heredity, and inappropriate skin care products can contribute to a less than desirable complexion. I consult patients routinely on skincare and the top three conditions that I hear the most complaints about are acne, rosacea, and dark spots (hyperpigmentation). I am pleased to be able to offer them a variety of treatment options that fit their condition.


ACNE
Acne occurs when pores in the skin become clogged with oil. Bacteria and debris can then become trapped. This triggers an inflammatory response as the body is trying to rid itself of the foreign matter. Redness, swelling, warmth, and discomfort are all characteristics of skin inflammation. Acne blemishes appear in many forms such as whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, and pus-filled lesions. While acne is most commonly seen in adolescents, it can be present in people of all ages.

There are many products, both over the counter and prescription, which are recommended to treat acne. These products, while in varying strengths, work to reduce breakouts, inflammation, and excessive oil production while protecting skin from future damage. Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two common ingredients found in blemish-reducing skincare. Tretinoin and antibiotics may also be prescribed by your physician.

Blemish Control Gel by Skinceuticals is a lightweight acne medication containing 1% salicylic acid that effectively treats existing acne while preventing future breakouts. This purifying gel exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, removes dirt and oil, and targets blemishes without causing irritation experienced with numerous other acne medications.

The CLENZIderm system by Obagi Medical is a prescription-strength acne treatment with a patented form of 5% benzoyl peroxide that penetrates deep into the root where acne begins to quickly clear the skin. These products are available for both normal to oily skin and normal to dry skin.

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that often appears as redness and swelling found primarily on the nose, cheeks, and forehead. Broken capillaries (red facial vessels) are sometimes present. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Rosacea may first appear as blushing, however, severe rosacea can even be accompanied with red pustular lesions. The cause for rosacea is still unknown although broken capillaries are linked to sun damage, alcohol consumption, or even blowing your nose too hard.

Specific products, such as Skinceutical’s Phyto Corrective Gel, is a great treatment option. This gel contains anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties such as cucumber and thyme to help soothe and calm irritated skin. This product is suitable for everyone including sensitive and problematic skin types.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treats vascular lesions, broken capillaries (facial veins), and redness due to rosacea by targeting hemoglobin in visible vessels on the skin’s surface with pulses of light. These vessels usually fade after treatment or can initially appear darker then fade within a few weeks. Skin tone usually improves within a week after treating redness. Other treatments include oral and topical antibiotics. Avoidance of alcohol and spicy foods is often recommended if they prove to be a trigger. There is no cure for rosacea; however, treatment options may provide relief.
HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation (brown spots) is defined as an excessive amount of pigment in one area of the skin resulting in dark spots due to sun damage, aging, or trauma. Sun spots usually appear on areas of the body exposed to sun while melasma appears as a larger area of darkened skin often linked to hormonal changes. Surgerical scars and acne can also result in hyperpigmentation.

Pigment Regulator from Skinceuticals, is a brightening treatment containing 2% Emblica and 2% kojic acid. It works to improves discoloration, uneven skin tone, and prevent future damage by inhibiting excessive melanin production.

Hydroquinone is a skin lightening agent often found in skincare products that treat hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is only available by prescription or from a physician’s office. The Nu Derm System created by Obagi Medical is a physician-directed regimen that treats hyperpigmentation, fine lines, rough skin texture, and sallow complexion. Nu-Derm exfoliates dead skin cells, treats all layers of skin, and reveals younger and healthier looking skin.
The IPL photofacial treatment also corrects hyperpigmentation by using pulses of visible light to target melanin and therefore improving aged and sun damaged skin on the face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, and other areas. This treatment also stimulates collagen production, improves skin texture, and decreases large pore size for overall skin rejuvenation. When correcting hyperpigmentation, a series of treatments is often recommended in order to achieve optimum results with regular follow up procedures. IPL therapies deliver results alone or may be combined with a chemical peel or microdermabrasion for enhanced results.

The décolletage (chest area) often goes untreated, even if you are actively maintaining the appearance of your face. This can leave you with a distinct contrast between your treated facial skin and the damaged skin on your chest. The skin on your décolletage tends to be thinner, less moisturized, and particularly vulnerable to sun damage. The ELASTIderm Decolletage System from Obagi Medical is a physician-directed skincare line formulated to treat this delicate area. Clinical studies show the products in this system reduce sun spots, freckles, fine lines, and wrinkles in as little as 4 weeks. This system helps correct, restore, and maintain a more radiant, youthful appearance with continued use. Therefore, keep the sensitive skin on your décolletage in mind the next time you are applying sunscreen or purchasing skincare products.

If you have any of these conditions or concerns listed in this article, please consult with an educated skincare professional for the proper therapy to meet your needs. Drop the spots and reveal the glowing, healthy appearance you’ve been longing for!

Surgical Options for Facial Rejuvenation

Class reunion, wedding, anniversary, family reunion, birthday, new career, weight loss, the list could go on. The reasons for refreshing your look are limitless and personal. Even with the advances in technology for less invasive techniques, the number of facial surgeries performed in the United States continues to rise. According to a March 2010 publication by the America Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), AACS members reported an increase in rhinoplasties performed in 2009 from 2008 by 74% and an increase in face lifts from 2008 to 2009 of 44%. In fact, in 2009 alone, the AACS’s members reported over 17 million cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. Other facial procedures on the rise include Blepharoplasty, chemical peels, laser resurfacing, Botox, and dermal fillers.


FACE LIFT / NECK LIFT

A Rhytidectomy, most commonly referred to as a “face lift” is one of the most common surgical procedures performed for reducing the signs of aging primarily in the middle and lower 1/3 of the face, and the superior aspect of the neck. Though there is no ideal age for a facelift, younger patients can have a more subtle result, and often only require a short incision lift. This is dependant on the amount of redundant tissue and skin quality of the mid and lower face as well as the upper neck. Earlier correction can be and is often less invasive as compared to a full face and neck lift. The average age of a patient undergoing a facelift is 54. This is not to discourage patients in their 70s from having a facelift; they can have an excellent result as well!

A face lift repositions the skin of the mid and lower 1/3 of the face, and upper part of the neck. Typically, an incision is hidden in a crease in front of the ear and carried behind the ear and into the hairline. A short incision lift stops at the base of the ear lobe. The deep underlying muscle and fat are repositioned, and sagging redundant skin is then removed. The incision site is closed and the patient is able to return home the same day. If more of the neck muscles and skin need to be corrected, a neck lift can be performed in conjunction with a face lift to give a better defined jaw line, chin, and neck. Liposuction of the neck can also be added to remove excess fatty deposits.

BROWLIFT / FOREHEAD LIFT

A brow lift is a procedure that lifts the eyebrows and smoothes the entire forehead area of deep wrinkles. A variety of techniques can be utilized based on the nature of the problem, gender, degree of correction, age, and even how you wear your hair. Surgical options consist of a coronal lift, direct brow lift, or endoscopic brow lift. Your cosmetic surgeon will you help make the decision on the best approach after a personal consultation.

BLEPHAROPLASTY

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin, muscle, and fatty tissue from the upper and lower eyelids. A small incision is made in the upper and/or lower eyelids to remove the excess tissue. The incision is closed with fine sutures and because the skin of the eyelids heal extremely well the scars are typically not noticeable.

RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is the surgical enhancement of the nose. A rhinoplasty can be both cosmetic in nature as well as corrects breathing problems due to enlarged or deviated anatomic structures within the nasal vault. By sculpting the nose, a cosmetic surgeon is able to improve the size and shape of the nose, resulting in a more balanced look with the rest of the face.

OTOPLASTY

Otoplasty consists of reshaping the ears so that they are in proportion with the rest of the facial features and have a more natural appearance. Both children and adults with disfigured, protruding, or malpositioned ears can benefit from this procedure. The surgery consist of placing sutures in the cartilage of the ear and tacking the ear back to the strong fibrous lining that overlays the boney area behind the ear to pull the ears closer to the head, or can require removal of excess cartilage to correct the protruding ears. Sometimes, it is necessary to perform both procedures to achieve the desired result. The reason for the protruding ears dictates the type of technique required

CHIN AND CHEEK IMPLANTS

As with the nose and ears, the bones of the cheeks and chin give balance and proportion to your face. Correction to these features if they are too small can easily be made with the placement of facial implants.

A small chin weakens the facial appearance due to facial profile convexity it creates. Some people were born with a small chin and others develop a balance appearance through the aging process. To place the chin implant, an incision is made either in the mouth or under the chin. The implant is carefully placed over the bone of the chin. Once the surgeon is pleased with the amount of projection, the implant is secured to the bone and the incision site closed. Liposuction of the chin and neck can improve the result of the implant placement. Over time, the implant conforms to the bone and is not noticeable.

If the skeletal framework of the cheeks is not proportional, the person may appear to have a flattened mid-face. Placing cheek implants, also known as malar augmentation, can give the person a more youthful, and healthy appearance. Cheek implants are placed using incisions made in the mouth. After correct accentuation of the cheeks is achieved, the surgeon secures the implants to the bone and closes the incision using absorbable sutures. There are no visible scars from the procedure.

Determining your surgical treatment is a personal decision between you and your cosmetic surgeon. There are many options available to restore or refresh your look and put your best face forward.

Before Facelift / After Facelift

Before Face / Neck Lift / After Face / Neck Lift

Before Blepharoplasty and Brow lift / After Blepharoplasty and Brow lift

Before Rhinoplasty / After Rhinoplasty

Before Otoplasty / After Otoplasty

May's Article

Check out May's Clarksville Family and read our newest article!

http://www.clarksvillefamily.com/05_May_2010.pdf

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Lose the Razor!

Clarksville Family article

Please check out our newest article "Let's Face It" on pages 38-39 in the April issue of Clarksville Family.

 http://www.clarksvillefamily.com/04_April_2010.pdf