A E Skin Soft and Smooth Rejuvenation

The A E Skin Soft and Smooth Rejuvenation is a two step laser procedure designed by Dr. Alex to improve redness, discoloration, and textural irregularities in one treatment. After the face is numbed with a topical cream, the first step is a photofacial treatment. Dr. Alex uses the Sciton Forever Young Broad Band Light for its outstanding results and ability to adjust multiple settings to treat all types of skin. This step produces a smooth color, improving dark discolorations (usually from sun damage) and well as redness, both generalized redness and broken capillaries. It will also help improve fine lines and wrinkles and close enlarged pores. The second step is a Micro Laser Peel, which removes a thin layer of dead skin cells from the surface, giving a soft texture and a bright, glowing complexion. The depth is adjusted for each person and the amount of skin removed is usually less than the thickness of a sheet of paper. The face is red for anywhere from six hours to five days depending on the settings. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes and patients are getting beautiful results. The procedure is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or breast feeding. Contact Dr. Alex for a free consultation.

American Academy of Dermatology Conference 2013

Dr. Alex at the Elta MD exhibit

The American Academy of Dermatology held its annual conference March 1-5, 2013 at the convention center in Miami Beach, FL. This is an outstanding event where approximately 20,000 dermatologists and their staff come together from around the world every year. Dr. Alex was able to take advantage of multiple talks by world renown experts such as Dr. Michael Gold of Gold Skin Care Center and Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr. to improve the quality of his care. Topics included acne treatments, new laser technologies, cosmeceuticals, improving office visits, use of ancillary staff, website design, and more.

Dr. Alex at the Revivogen exhibit

The technical exhibits included a variety of skin care lines, technologies, textbooks, practice management groups, and more. Dr. Alex learned about new and exciting products offered by lines such as Elta MD, Neocutis, and Obagi as well as new laser treatments using the Sciton laser. Some examples of new products include Xeomin, a neuromodulator like Botox, Avene thermal water, and Revivogen products to treat hair loss and thinning.

Dr. Alex at the Vercaci mansion

Ancillary events included parties and dinners at the Vercaci mansion on the beach sponsored by Neocutis, the Setai hotel sponsored by Cutera lasers, Bongo's Cuban Cafe at the American Airlines Arena sponsored by Modernizing Medicine electronic medical record, and the W hotel sponsored by the Aesthetic Show and Sciton lasers.

Dr. Alex at the Sciton laser exhibit

The American Academy of Dermatology conference is an outstanding opportunity to learn about emerging treatments and technology in dermatology, to discover new and improved skin care lines, to network with other doctors, and to catch up with colleagues from around the world. Dr. Alex looks forward to the upcoming Aesthetic Show in Las Vegas, NV in May 2013 and next year's American Academy of Dermatology conference in Denver, CO.

Crow's Feet

Crow's feet, or peri-ocular wrinkles, are wrinkles around the eyes. These wrinkles have two primary causes. The first is use of the muscle just beneath it over years. This muscle surrounds the entire eye and contracts when we smile or close our eyes tightly. The second cause is sun damage that also occurs over many years. The most common treatment for crow's feet is Botox (or alternatives such as Dysport and Xeomin), which relaxes the muscle and prevents the wrinkles from forming or being exagerated with facial expressions. Other treatments include a basic skin care regimen including sunscreens and retinoids along with resurfacing procedures such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

Wrinkles Around the Lips

Model (courtesy of Dr. Kent Remington, MD)

Wrinkles around the lips are very common and can be addressed in multiple ways. The cause of these wrinkles is multi-faceted. With age, loss of fat leads to volume loss and loss of collagen leads to the loss of the structural support. Additionally, repetitive use of the muscles around the mouth from activities such as smoking enhances these lines. Using a good skin care regimen with retinoids to stimulate collagen formation and antioxidants and sunscreen to prevent further damage is the foundation of treatment. Botox can be used to relax the muscles around the mouth, but very small amounts must be used to prevent complications such as difficulty with eating and speaking. Fillers such as Juvederm can be used to fill the wrinkles that are formed by volume loss. Finally, treatments such as chemical peels and laser resurfacing can tighten the skin. Contact Dr. Alex (818-835-1833 info@aeskin.com) to discuss the best options for you.

Laser Tattoo Removal

Cosmetic tattoos are rapidly increasing in popularity and more and more people are getting tattoos. At the same time, many people are getting tattoos removed for a variety of reasons. In addition to being used to treat discolorations, fine lines, wrinkles, scars, skin laxity, and unwanted hair, lasers are now being used to remove tattoos. The laser is adjusted so that the pulse is delivered over a very small time, one billionth of a second or even one trillionth of a second, destroying the tattoo particles. While it is possible to remove tattoos in this way, it is not easy nor is it comfortable. Multiple procedures are usually necessary and it can take over two years for full results. Also, the cost for these procedures adds up quickly and is usually many times more than getting the tattoo in the first place. For this reason I recommend people to think long and hard before getting a tattoo.

Skin Care Concerns in Asian Skin

Today is the Chinese new year, the year of the snake. On this occasion, the topic will be skin care concerns in Chinese and other East Asian skin. Asian skin is categorized as Fitzpatrick skin types III, IV, and V  because the skin contains a high amount of pigment. Because of this pigment, the skin has a natural tendency to produce discolorations such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. There are various measures taken to prevent such complications when doing cosmetic procedures. First it is recommended to start a good skin care regimen using sunscreen, brightening agents, exfoliants, antioxidants, and moisturizers several weeks prior to the procedure. The darker the skin, the more important this is and the longer the regimen should go prior to the procedure. The second measure is using more conservative parameters when doing the procedures. For example, in the case of chemical peels, lighter strength peeling agents are used. When undergoing laser procedures more conservative parameters are used relative to when doing procedures for fair-skinned individuals. When such conservative parameters are used, the risk for complications is minimized. At the same time, the effects are not as strong; so more treatments are required and it will take longer to achieve the desired effect. Patience is key for those with darker skin types. It is important to discuss your skin type with your doctor so that appropriate procedures are selected for you.

Comfort During Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic procedures, as their name implies, are performed to improve the appearance of the skin. While this is the primary objective, it does not mean that the procedure must be uncomfortable. There are many ways to improve comfort during procedures such as injectables (Botox, Juvederm, etc.), chemical peels, and laser procedures. The simplest way is to apply something cold onto the skin to numb the area. This could be a cold pack, a cold spray, or cold air. These methods work very well both before and immediately after the procedure. Vibration can also provide comfort; this is common when dentists vibrate the lip prior to injecting an anesthetic. Another method is by using topical numbing cream. Numbing creams can be very effective at providing comfort and can be applied for a few minutes or over an hour prior to a procedure. A professional should apply the numbing cream to avoid potential complications. Oral medications such as Tylenol, Valium, and Vicodin can also be used; some of these require a prescription. Be sure to consult with a doctor prior to taking any of these because after taking certain medications it is not recommend to perform certain activities such as driving. Nerve blocks are injections in the area of treatment which provide nearly immediate comfort and are preferred by many surgeons. Intramuscular injections are done in other areas such as the shoulder. Intravenous conscious sedation, also known as twilight anesthesia provides further comfort. The most aggressive measure is general anesthesia in which the patient is put to sleep during the entire procedure. It is important to know that cosmetic procedures do not have to be uncomfortable. Make sure you discuss your options before undergoing a cosmetic procedure.