General Public

Wrinkle Round Up Though all wrinkles may look the same to the average person, skin is actually a lot more complicated than that. Being able to identify the different types of wrinkles isn’t just a way to show-up your friends with fun trivia, it can also be essential in learning how to prevent the development of each of these wrinkles. For many years it was believed that there were only 2 categories of wrinkles. Although we now know that’s not true, most wrinkles can still be separated into these 2 categories: Dynamic wrinkles: This category of wrinkles is caused by repeated movement due to the expressions that we make. When we’re young and our skin is firm and full of elastin, these wrinkles appear temporarily as we move our face into certain expressions, such as frowns, smiles, or looks of concentration. As the skin loses elasticity these once temporary expressions become permanent, and can lead to wrinkles like crow’s feet, the horizontal creases in the forehead, the vert ...

Who should consider a thread lift treatment? A thread lift treatment, also sometimes referred to as a lunchtime facelift, is a procedure that can be considered for individuals who have sagging skin in the eyebrow, cheeks, jawline, or neck area. It is best for young to middle aged patients between the ages of 35 and 45 who have mild to moderate skin sagging and weak facial contours. It is best for individuals who still have decent collagen deposits, as part of the lift’s effectiveness is in its ability to stimulate collagen production. Thread lifts are able to soften wrinkles and mild nasolabial folds, the 2 lines that run from the side of the nose to the corner of the mouth. While this anti-aging procedure can certainly produce results, it is important to manage expectations. On average, the maximum lift that can be achieved is about 1 to 1.5cm and will not be effective for individuals with excessive sagging. The best way to know whether or not you are a good candidate for a thre ...

Are dermal filler injection treatments safe? Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other doctors have been using dermal fillers for decades now with much success. This form of aesthetic anti-aging treatment, though not permanent, is much less invasive and is much safer than many surgical options that help patients achieve smoother, younger looking skin.   How do you know if it is safe? Dermal injectables are considered medical devices, and are therefore regulated by overseeing bodies such as the FDA in the United States and the CE in the European Union. That means that the facial fillers undergo clinical testing and have publicly available certification that consumers can look to for more information on safety. Additionally, many fillers contain ingredients that are very biocompatible, meaning there is a very low risk of adverse reactions occurring.   What makes filler long lasting and safe? Facial fillers a ...

What is Botox? Botox is the brand name for the popular botulinum toxin type A drug that is often used as a dermal filler to improve the appearance of dynamic wrinkles in the face. Though this is what Botox is most commonly known for, this injectable medical device is actually used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions. In fact, its effectiveness in treating fine lines and wrinkles was only noticed as an incidental effect of patients receiving treatment for blepharospasm, which is an abnormal twitch in the eyelid. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that blocks the release of acetylcholine, which is responsible for transmitting signals to the brain that tell muscles to contract. When injected into muscles, it causes temporary muscle paralysis, which can be very helpful in treating conditions that are associated with excessive muscle contractions, like cervical dystonia, refractory overactive bladder, or other forms of muscle spasticity throughout the body. It can also ...

Many people seeking to correct skin imperfections turn to dermal fillers as a long-lasting, minimally-invasive alternative to plastic surgery. There are many benefits to opting for dermal filler injections as opposed to going under the knife, but there are a few things you should know before making your decision. Injectables Restore Lost Volume and Lift Skin As we age, our skin slows production the nutrients that help keep us looking young and our skin looking firm and radiant. Among these substances that deplete over time is hyaluronic acid, which provides moisture and plumpness within the skin. As the body loses hyaluronic acid, skin becomes dry and sagging, even producing gauntness in the face as volume is lost. Many dermal fillers use either animal-derived or synthetic hyaluronic acid to restore lost hydration, thereby increasing volume and lifting the skin and erasing fine lines and wrinkles in the process. Fillers Refine Skin Texture Dermal fillers are specially formulate ...