Minimal Approach vs. Full Correction, Fall 2014 Newsletter

Minimal Approach to Wrinkles

CORE 4 Skincare Regimen (developed by Dr. Taub)— Using a sunscreen, antioxidant, exfoliant, and growth factor are the most fundamental and simplest approach to not only protecting yourself from skin cancer but also to help reduce signs of aging.

Neuromodulators — BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or Xeomin® can be used to target specific muscle groups and thereby treating only particular areas of concern, such as forehead wrinkles or lines around the eyes.

Injectable fillers — Fillers, such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane®, can be used in a minimal approach by injecting only the nasolabial folds, the cheeks, or whatever area where wrinkles are present.

 

Full Correction of Wrinkles

Injectable Fillers/Neuromodulators— By injecting filler not only in the area where the wrinkles are present, but in the surrounding tissue we are able to restore volume to the face and give a more natural and complete correction. For example, people often complain of the lines around the mouth or heaviness of the jowls as they age. This heaviness of the lower face is the result of a loss of the support structure of the cheeks which then causes the lower face to sag. By restoring volume first in the cheeks with injectable fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC, we are able to lift the sagging skin around the chin and mouth dramatically. Then, depending on the needs of the patient, a smaller amount of filler is needed to correct those bothersome “parentheses” lines around the mouth. Similarly, by treating the “elevens” or the lines between the eyebrows, the forehead, and the crow’s feet with neuromodulator, we are able to achieve a natural and complete correction of wrinkles of the upper face.

Fraxel® Laser Resurfacing — Fraxel® is a laser procedure used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, and textural irregularities. This is a great option for someone with widespread sun damage or wrinkles. There is significant reduction of superficial wrinkles, acne scars, brown spots, and improvement of skin tone often after only two treatments.

CO2RE Fractional CO2 Resurfacing — This laser procedure is a great option for full correction of fine wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone, and skin laxity. It is a single in–office treatment, with about a 2 week recovery time.

 

Minimal Approach to Pigmentation

Topical treatments (skinfo® skincare)— For pigmentation on the face, consider topical treatments such as elure™ Advanced Brightening Lotion ($125) or Clinicians Complex™ Skin Brightening Serum ($68). To remove pigmentation of the chest, I recommend using SkinCeuticals Neck, Chest & Hand Repair ($74). Of course, first and foremost for correction of dark spots is daily sunscreen use! Even minimal sun exposure will exacerbate existing dark spots and promote the development of new spots.

 

Full Correction of Pigmentation

Photorejuvenation — To diffuse hyperpigmentation, consider Photorejuvenation with the el¯os system. This is a treatment known as intense pulsed light that allows us to gradually lighten pigmentation over the whole face. We recommend between 3-5 treatments depending on the area of concern.

Q-switched Laser — This is a great option for scattered discrete brown spots. We use a laser to target individual brown spots. Afterwards, the spots crust and then fade away.

Fraxel® Thulium — This laser procedure targets brown spots and is a great option for diffuse pigmentation as we are able to quickly treat the whole face. There is some downtime associated with this procedure of a few days.