Palm Springs and Rancho Mirgae

Is a Jessner Peel Safe for Someone with Rosacea? I’ve been diagnosed with ocular rosacea, and I don’t want to aggravate potentially sensitive skin. I have tried numerous treatments for adult acne over many years. A Jessner peel was recommended to help with the red marks left from acne. I don’t have visible rosacea on my skin yet, but I did recently react to a serum that left my skin red for several days, so I’m a little nervous about anything I put on my skin at this point. Would a Jessner peel be something I should stay away from?

February 8th, 2012

Chemical peels can be used on patients with sensitive skin.  Many patients are afraid that this will impair the heeling of their skin, which isn’t true.  In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to the skin, which causes it to separate and eventually peel off.  The new regenerated skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin and will be more even in color.  The skin is extremely resilient – even for people with sensitized skin.  Chemical peels can lead to redness after treatment so if this is a concern of yours, I wouldn’t encourage using this method as a treatment option.  Then again, a peel will improve the texture and overall complexion leading to younger, healthier skin.

Is there a procedure to just reduce earlobe size and how much is the cost?

February 6th, 2012

Hi, I have two somewhat oversized earlobes and I’m wondering how much would a procedure to just cut the earlobes to make them small would cost and what it entails.

Options for earlobe reduction

Ear lobe reduction is a very effective and easy procedure in which we remove a wedge of tissue from the earlobe and then suture the edges together.  The sutures stay in for approximately one week and the scar is virtually invisible.  In my practice we charge $1,000 for bilateral earlobe reductions.  We can also reduce them by attaching the earlobe to the cheek if you prefer a non-pendulous lobe. 

I understand Silikon 1000 lumps can occur if I get it as a lip filler. How often are lumps and migration a problem?

February 3rd, 2012

If you use the micro dropule technique, the risk of migration is very slim.  We inject very small dropulets into the deep dermis or subcutaneous fat.  In my practice, I’ve never seen Silkon 1000 migrate and I’ve been using silicone for approximately nine years.

Is cutting out scar tissue and sewing it up with small stitches an effective scar revision method? I read that a common technique used by cosmetic surgeons is to cut out the scar tissue and sew up the wound with small stitches to allow it to heal properly. Can this be done on the legs to get rid of scars?

February 1st, 2012

Yes, this is a very effective technique if the scar isn’t wide.  Also, this technique is better used on people over the age of 35 because there’s less resistance in the skin, caused by a decrease in elasticity.  Younger skin has a larger amount of elasticity which allows the skin to stretch and pull against the suture line increasing the possibility of scar tissue and keloids.

Is a Restylane facelift suitable for any woman?  Does a Restylane facelift have any side effects for a specific type of skin or condition?

January 30th, 2012

Yes, we call this treatment the “liquid facelift” in our office.  Much of what happens in the aging process is deflation of the face.  Rejuvenating the face with Sculptra, Restylane, Perlane, Juvéderm and Radiesse will restore volume which can dramatically improve the effects of aging.  Restylane, Juvéderm and Perlane are excellent fillers because they contain hyaluronic acid which is naturally occurring in your skin. However, they only last up to six months.  For longer-lasting results, I like to use Radiesse (lasts up to a year).  Conversely, Radiesse cannot be used around the eyes and mouth because the skin is very thin in those areas and the filler can become bumpy and nodules can occur.  Then there is Sculptra which stimulates your own collagen production, however it is a gradual process so you won’t see results for about two to three months.  The only down sides to Restylane are the short duration, possible nodules and if injected too superficially it can cause a bluish discoloration.  The discoloration is a rare complication that hardly ever occurs. Also, rejuvenation with facial fillers is not only great for women, it is suitable for men as well!

I had a bike accident and got scratch marks over my face. What options do I have to treat this?

January 27th, 2012

If the scratch marks are superficial, just using an ointment such as polysporin or Aquaphor will be sufficient.  However, if they are deeper, dermabrasion and the fractionated CO2 laser would be your best treatment options.

Which is best ultherapy or hyaluronidase, at removing Restylane under the eyes?

January 25th, 2012

Hyaluronidase which melts away hyaluronic acid is a very safe effective technique that will eliminate any hyaluronic acid filler that is improperly placed or that has left an undesired result.  It is a quick and easy procedure with minimal risks.  In the first 24 hours you may experience slight bruising, redness and slight swelling.  In my practice, I have 100% satisfaction when using hyaluronidase.

What is the best laser for freckle removal?

January 23rd, 2012

For freckle removal, treating the skin with hydroquinone and Retin-A is important. Lasers are very effective at minimizing freckles, specifically a fractional CO2 laser such as the ActiveFx or Fraxel.  Chemical peels also can be helpful. To assure your satisfaction and achieved goal, it would be best to schedule a consultation to see what procedure and/or products would work best for you.

I have post acne scars on my chin. I’ve heard about Obagi and have used their Clenziderm for my acne, but am wondering if any of their other products will work for PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or what you would recommend that will help.

January 21st, 2012

Pigmentation after an acne lesion is common in darker skin types.  People confuse darker pigmentation as a scar, but hyperpigmentation does not have texture, it only has discoloration. To treat this, I would recommend three things:  sunscreen, hydroquinone and Retin A, allowing these products time to work.  I would also encourage you to see a dermatologist to ensure you don’t get any new lesions from acne.  Other preventative measures you could utilize include: topical and oral antibiotics, Accutane, laser treatments such as the Smoothbeam and the IPL with acne head.  All of these products and procedures mentioned will help treat the “scarring” and discoloration caused by the acne.

Do you recommend a person’s own fat as filler for lip augmentation? Is fat grafting better than the more common fillers like collagen or Restylane for lip augmentation?

January 18th, 2012

The best products for lip augmentation are hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane, Perlane and Juvéderm. These fillers provide smooth full lips without lumps or bumps and they are also great for filling in fine lines and recontouring the arch of the lip.  Fat, on the other hand, can be lumpy and unpredictable (i.e. you don’t know how much will survive as some does reabsorb). Fat also is particularly difficult to place in the lip due to the amount of movement that occurs in the mouth.  I have seen cases where the fat did take and it gave the patient a monkey like appearance.  Fat injections are one of my least favorite ways to fill the lips. Stick to the tried and true!