FineTouch Dermatology

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Which Is Better, Lasers Or Chemical Peels

Evidence of chemical peels has been around since antiquity. Perhaps the most well known example is the use of goats milk by Cleopatra which contains lactic acid. Modern formulations started to advanced around the 1950s, when Cora Galenti popularized what we know as chemical peels with her secret formula for facial rejuvenation.

How Do Chemical Peels Work?

The idea of chemical peels is to use acids (that are mild enough for the face) to remove outer layers of dead skin. This is done to reveal younger looking layers beneath.

What Types of Chemical Peels Are Available?

Chemical peels for skin rejuvenation fall under one of three categories, based on how deep the solution is able to penetrate the skin. This includes:

(1) superficial peels

(2) medium peels

(3) deep peels

It is important for individuals to realize that it is quite difficult for doctors to actually exert control over how deep the chemicals are able to reach. This becomes more of a risk when it comes to deeper peels.

Modern Philosophy of Skin Rejuvenation And Lasers

The signs of aging that reveal themselves on the skin are often due to factors within the dermis layer. The skin becomes more lax over time due to the atrophy of collagen and elastin protein fibers which regenerate at a much slower rate as the years pass.

Whereas chemical peels are only able to affect the skin from the top down. Lasers, on the other hand can actually revitalize the skin from within the deeper layers to rejuvenate the appearance of the surface.

Certain types of laser wavelengths can be applied to stimulate fibroblast cells from within the dermis layer to produce new collagen fibers. The energy wavelengths apply specific quantities of heat which serve to inflict deliberate wounds that cause the dermis to create collagen tissue as a form of self healing.

Spectra Laser

An example of a laser which offers a comparative treatment to chemical peels is the Spectra ND: YAG system which uses the 1064nm wavelength. A photosensitive lotion is applied which enhances the ability of the skin to absorb this energy. This causes a mild peeling to occur.

The Spectra laser is also able to stimulate collagen production since wavelength energy can safely reach well below the skin’s surface.

Fraxel Lasers

The results of Fraxel lasers also work by stimulating collagen. This is achieved with Fraxel Dual which uses the 1550nm to promote collagen generation. It also has another modality, the 1927nm which helps to refine the texture and complexion of the skin’s surface. Los Angeles dermatologist, Dr. Umar uses Fraxel Dual in conjunction with the Spectra laser to optimize the overall effect for certain patients.  Both systems are safe for ethnic and Caucasian skin.

A more aggressive laser within the Fraxel family  is Fraxel Repair. The laser beams create vertical columns through the skin which vaporizes cells. This tightens the surface area. The heat also works to stimulate new collagen formation for firmer skin and improved texture.

Final Note:

While it is not possible to control the depth of a chemical peels, this can be achieved with laser settings. The doctor would need to know how to achieve the best effects for individual patients.

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What Are the Different Types of Juvederm Fillers?

Juvederm  is a well recognized brand of hyaluronic acid fillers. It is most commonly used for the lips and filling the nasolabial folds around the nose and mouth. However, the term, Juvederm is actually a brand name. And within the brand are multiple products. These include:

1) Juvederm Ultra

2) Juvederm Ultra Plus

3) Juvederm Ultra XC

4) Juvederm Ultra Plus XC

5) Juvederm Voluma

6) Juvederm Volbella

If you’ve seen or know of anyone who was treated with Juvederm and want to consider the filler for your own objectives, it would be wise to educate yourself on:

- what hyaluronic acid is

- what defines the different types of Juvederm fillers

What Is A Hyaluronic Acid Filler?

The word acid may seem scary. But actually hyaluronic acid is a carbohydrate that is already present in your skin, joints and other parts of your body.  However, HA fillers are derived from bacteria, not people or animals. The end product is more sterile and less likely to produce allergic reactions.

Hyaluronic acid is a long molecular chain. One of its most notable characteristics is that it can hold a large number of water molecules. This is why Juvederm can add plumpness and moisture to existing tissue. And it creates a natural looking seamlessness between filled and non-filled areas.

While it is being processed, the hyaluronic acid molecules are cross linked together. This creates a viscous consistency, instead of a thin fluid. There are different types of cross linking patterns which are possible, due to the method or technology that is used. And these patterns are what creates different types of hyaluronic acid fillers.

The Original Juvederm Products

(1) Juvederm Ultra

Juvederm Ultra can be thought of as regular Juvederm

(2) Juvederm Ultra Plus

Juvederm Ultra Plus contains a greater number of cross linked molecules. Therefore, this formulation is thicker and more robust.

(3) What Does XC Refer To?

Both Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Ultra Plus are available with or without lidocaine. The letters XC simply denote the presence of this pain reducing agent.

The New Generation Juvederm Fillers

There is now a new cross linking technology known as VYCross. This involves the use of low weight hyaluronic acid molecules as well as the standard heavier versions.

VYCross produces a lighter substance where the hyaluronic acid chains combine to produce structural support.

Standard versions of Juvederm would disperse into the tissue of the injection site. While this would help to augment the area, the formulation was limited in being able to hold more specific structures.

The cross linking of VYCross creates a soft mass that can be used to enhance contours. Juvederm Voluma for example is intended for non-surgical cheek lifts.  It is capable of replenishing lost volume and softly enhancing the shape of the cheek bone areas of the face.

Juvederm Volbella can be used to create subtle and slightly dramatic looking lip augmentation results.  Many women want slightly pouty lips. In efforts to achieve this effect, doctors would often make the mistake of adding too much product. And the end results would often be referred to as “trout pout” or duck lips.

With Volbella, the volume and lift can look quite natural without the use of too much filler.

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How to Avoid Duck Lips When Getting A Lip Enhancement

Many women envy and covet full soft lips. It can be argued that Angelina Jolie is the celebrity who really inspired this beauty standard. Although there are cosmetic lip plumping agents on the market, reviews often suggest that the results are quite negligible, if at all. And they are also temporary. The next option would be to consider a lip augmentation procedure.

Lip injectins can be a double edged sword. The final outcome can either be a curse or a blessing. Therefore, it is important to be fully aware that lip enhancements are medical procedures geared towards aesthetic outcomes.  In other words, they should not be thought of as being similar to a trip to the beauty or hair salon.

By making informed decisions, a lip augmentation can help create the right level of volume that is most flattering to the face.

The Issue of Duck Lips

There are many examples of women who overdid it with lip fillers. The results are often characterized by an extremely full upper and lower lip which both protrude outwards in a very obvious way.  The upper lip may look very tall from the profile view. And in some cases, there is a curl or curvature.  Many people are reminded of a duck’s bill.

More is not more when it comes to injecting the lips. While this image is somewhat common in the world of celebrities and those who want to look like them, such a result can seem even more blatant and unnatural in real life, face to face situations.

Subtlety and naturalness can go a long way when it comes to lip augmentation. This is why conservative amounts of filler can produce the best results.  Click here to watch this patient’s video. 

What Qualifications And Skills The Right Doctor Should Have For Enhancing the Lips

The best physician for injecting the lips is someone who is board certified in dermatology or plastic surgery. A specialist in these areas would be more knowledgeable on the properties of the different types of fillers and how they would interact with your skin tissue. This would include:

Juvederm

Restlylane

Radiesse

Also, a true specialist would be familiar with applying aesthetic proportions.  These are mathematical guidelines that help ensure that the results truly enhance the beauty of your face.  On the other hand, awkward looking lips are often caused by disproportions.

The upper lip should be roughly twenty five percent or two thirds the size of the lower lip. Also the results need to be symmetrical. The left side needs to look exactly like the right side. One side should certainly not be bigger than the other.

Doctors who specialize in lip enhancements will apply a visual schematic. These are imaginary divisions of the lips which helps them apply equal amounts of filler to each section and ensure proper symmetry.

Finally, communication is also another important factor for successful results. Although a patient will certainly have a vision of what they want, a good doctor should be confident enough to set limits instead of blindly following through. Clarifying what defines the best results can make a big difference in the quality of the final outcome.

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Avoid "Pillow Face" by Using Fillers Modestly

Pillow Face is a term that caught on a couple of years ago to describe the overfilled, overplumped...overcompensating celebrities terrified of aging naturally. Too much Juvederm or Restylane (or even Botox, which is not a filler, but rather a muscle paralyzer) gives a frozen, plastic look. The thinner and thinner celebrity physique clashes more and more with the plumped up, rounded faces. 

Fillers can be done in moderation, to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while still looking natural and gorgeous. So you don't end up like this...

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Should I Get Liposuction??

Getting the body of your dreams takes hard work. The right diet and plenty of exercise are essential. But sometimes, even the daily dose of fruits and veggies along with a daily three mile jog isn't enough. Some people genetically hold weight in unwanted areas. If you're healthy and fit, but still retain stubborn fat in your arms, thighs, tummy, or other problem area, liposuction may be right for you. Learn more about liposuction.

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What's a Botox Party?

Botox has become a commonplace procedure that many people take lightly. It's so widespread, so quick, so non-invasive that people think of it more like an intense facial than a medical injection. But it must not be thought of this way. Going to a day spa or buying the serum online to self-administer is not safe! Botox must be injected by a board certified dermatologist in order to produce the best results with minimal risk. 

In the right setting, a Botox party can be the best of both worlds. But they must always have an experienced dermatologist injecting the product, and pre-procedural evaluations must be thoroughly performed on each guest. 

Read more about Botox parties, the pros and cons, the risks, and legal issues. 

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Laser Tattoo Removal: Painful or Not Painful?

We all make mistakes. Sometimes, a tattoo is one of them. With modern advancements in laser technology, we don't have to be stuck with this particular mistake forever. Q-switch lasers send heat energy into the skin to break up the ink into small enough particles that the body can then absorb. 

A big concern of people looking to undo their inked errors through laser treatment is the physical pain. Is this procedure painful? How painful? Is it similar to a sunburn or does it burn far worse? 

Megan Fox's opinion of the pain associated with laser tattoo removal seems extreme. However, it all depends on a number of factors, including ink color, size of the tattoo, and depth of the ink. But don't worry...topical numbing cream and even lidocaine may be used in some cases to dull the burn.

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This woman did everything she could to combat her eyebrow hair loss, which was a result of aging, hormones, and years of tweezing. Pencil application was tedious and time consuming each day, tattoos faded quickly and didn't look natural. Eyebrow transplant was her final, permanent solution. Learn how it was done...

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Eyebrow hair transplant restored confidence to this gentleman, who'd suffered with genetically thin eyebrows for years. Watch the video and read more here about his story.

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Makeup that Doesn't Cake Up

Every good makeup regimen begins before the makeup goes on. Non-cakey, even looking skins starts with a good face wash, involves a weekly exfoliating treatment, and requires a healthy moisturizer. Pre-makeup always calls for a smoothing primer to combat the grooves that form with aging. After that, find a base (and other makeup essentials) that is healthy and moisturizing to the skin. Read this article to learn more about skin care, makeup, and looking for the best ingredients in your skin care products.

Want more?? ...visit our blog for all kinds of news and information on everything skin, hair, and beauty. 

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Tone Up for Summer

And by tone up, I don't mean your abs, or your arms. I mean your face! As of today, the summer solstice of 2013 is exactly one month away!! People flock to the gym, slave away with crunches, squats, lunges, and dieting, undergo liposuction, etc to become fit for summer.

Why do all that work to look fit and youthful if your facial wrinkles are going to give you away? It's a good beauty practice to tone and tighten up your facial skin along with your bod in order to look and feel your best. There are fillers, laser treatments, and Botox for those who already have fine lines and age spots. For the young and fresh-faced, don't forget to wear sunscreen while at the beach and laying poolside; and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. 

Yes, tanning is tempting, but your future wrinkle-free self will be grateful!

Learn more here about hyaluronic acid fillers.

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Women's Hair Loss: Traction Alopecia

While traction alopecia can affect men, it most commonly affects women. The most common sufferers of all are African American women. Traction alopecia is a peripheral hair loss condition resulting from wearing hair in tightly pulled back styles. This includes ponytails, cornrows, weaves, and more. Putting a constant abrasive strain on the hair tugs at the scalp and causes trauma. Over time, the scalp forms tiny scars along the front and rear hairlines, which cause permanent hair loss. 

Traction alopecia is a form of scarring alopecia. The first step to curing the condition is to let your hair down! Stop wearing those damaging hairstyles. The second step is treatment. If your hairline has started to recede, it's not too late to get it back. Learn how.

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I don’t consider myself bald; I’m just taller than my hair.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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Do I Have Acne Keloidalis Nuchae?

If you're asking yourself this question, there are a few other things to consider first. 

What is your ethnicity?

Are you male?

Do you have something that looks like razor bumps above the nape of your neck?

Do you keep your head shaved or wear collared shirts regularly?

While the answers to these questions will not give you a definitive diagnosis, they will help you to deduce whether you're likely to have acne keloidalis nuchae. AKN, a condition that infects the hair follicle, is most prominent in African Americans, followed by Latinos, and then Asians. It rarely affects Caucasians and other ethnicities. Additionally, the ratio for infection in men vs. women is 20 to 1. Lastly, while the etiology is unknown for AKN, it is suspected that keeping a closely shaved haircut, wearing collared shirts, and other things that cause abrasion against that area may be part of the cause.

So what exactly does it look like? And how can a person get rid of acne keloidalis nuchae? Read on...

Click here to see a video showing surgical removal results of AKN.

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If you're concerned about hair loss, then you're not alone. Millions of people--40 million American males and 21 million American females, to be exact--are fighting hair loss. Whether it is caused by pattern baldness (genetics), hormonal changes, traction alopecia, or one of many other sources, half of all women will experience hair thinning by age 40. And 85% of men will experience the same thing by age 50. This excerpt from a KCAL 9 News segment gives some simple hair loss prevention tips.

If prevention is not enough, there are other means of hair restoration. Click here to read more. 

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Put your best face forward by rewinding the clock on your skin. Fraxel Dual is a treatment to remove age spots, reduce fine lines, and refine skin's texture. It undoes the damage created by sun exposure from years past.

The patient in this video is very pleased with her results. She is wearing no foundation or concealer on her skin and says she feels ten years younger. "It feels so nice and soft," she says. "It feels even. I feel like I have a whole new set of skin...like I got this huge gift." 

Don't forget that summer is on its way and protection from UV light is a vital part of skin care. Always use sunscreen and wear a protective hat whenever possible, if you're out in the sun.

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Holy MOLEy! Summer's Almost Here!

Summer is around the corner. That means more laying by the pool, on the sand, at the park, or other tanning ground of choice. Which also means you need to step up your mole check. This especially applies to those with fair skin who have a lot of moles. The more you have, the more important it is to keep tabs on them. Those with 50 or more common moles have a greater chance of developing melanoma. And those with more than 5 uncommon moles become 10 times as likely to develop the deadly skin cancer. 

Learn more about mole check, mole removal, skin cancer, types of moles, and what they look like.