| VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 | SEPTEMBER 2009 |
The Facts on Fillers Dysport Giving BOTOX a Run for Its Money Summer-Safe Skin Treatments Welcome Dr. Van Dyke! We'd Love To Hear From You! Did You Know... Contact Us |
| Spa Treatment of the Month: Silkpeel Myth Busters: Skin Care Hot Items Ask Dr. Ava. Q&A |
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We use Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Evolence, a collagen-based fillers in our offices. Can I be allergic to fillers? Only dermal fillers derived from animal sources pose an allergy risk. Are cosmetic dermal fillers safe? When prescribed by a properly qualified and trained physician and injected in an appropriate medical setting, FDA-approved dermal fillers are safe. Will I be able to feel the filler once it’s injected into my skin? The first few days after injection the treated area may feel a bit firm; however this should improve rapidly.
DYSPORT GIVING BOTOX A RUN FOR ITS MONEY We all like having choices and now we even have a choice when it comes to smoothing away our wrinkles. Recently, the FDA approved Dysport for muscle relaxation, so Botox finally has some serious competition. The first question I always hear from my patients is: “Is Dysport better then Botox?” Well, I happened to be an investigator in the Dysport clinical trials that led to its FDA approval and I found that it was very effective in reducing frown lines on the forehead. Also, in many cases, patients reported Dysport worked faster than Botox, as soon as 24-36 hours. (It can take a week or more for Botox to take effect.) For many people in the trial, Dysport also seemed to last longer, four months or more compared to about three months for Botox. And who wouldn’t love that? People shouldn’t get carried away, however, and assume this is the cure-all. It still has side effects and can cause light bruising. So what exactly is Dysport? Like Botox, it’s a modified version of botulinum toxin A that’s administered by injection and inhibits the facial muscle contractions that lead to forehead furrows, frown lines and crows feet. One of the main differences between Botox and Dysport is the structure of the molecule, which can have its pros and cons. While both Dysport and Botox will smooth away what’s known as expression lines, neither will lift deep wrinkles like the ones that run from the nose to the corners of the mouth. For that, dermatologists use so-called fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm. Dysport has proven to be safe. In fact, it’s been used in Europe, Asia and South America for more than a decade. Always keep in mind that it’s a prescription treatment and should be administered only by medical professionals who have the training and clinical understanding of the muscles and expressions of the face and the skill to retain natural expressions while reducing the signs of aging. So far the good news is, Dysport is safe and reliable and for all the procrastinators seems to work in time for that last minute date.  We all want great-looking skin all year round, even during the summer months. Well we want you to know it’s ok- give your skin a little summer boost with treatments that will keep your skin looking great. As long as you are consistently using your sunblock and limiting your sun exposure there are plenty of treatments that are available at this time of year, too. During the summer the skin absorbs UVA and UVB rays, which cause premature aging of the skin. Depending on your skin type you may notice your skin is excessively oily with increased acne break-outs, and increased redness due to rosacea. Normal skin may become dehydrated and extremely dry and flaky. Environmental factors such as pollution, diminished ozone layer along with increased perspiration and excess oil present on the skin can lead to clogged pores, redness and flaky, irritated skin. Some great treatments that are safe to do during the summer are: On the Spa Side: • Deep Cleansing Facials • Anti-oxidant facials • Hydrating facials • Organic Exfoliating Treatment • SilkPeel • Microdermabrasion Laser treatments: • VBeam (SM-office only) • Smooth Beam • Aesthera (SM-office only) • Cynosure Laser Facial (SM-office only) Cellulite treatments and skin tightening: • SmoothShape (SM-office only) • Accent (BH-office only) • Thermage (SM-office only) It is also safe to continue your laser hair removal treatments as long as your skin is not tanned (either by sun or by artificial tan). Keep in mind it’s also important to adjust your skincare regimen according to the season. Please always, always, always wear a sunblock, that’s fashionable year-round! WELCOME DR. VAN DYKE!
SPA TREATMENT OF THE MONTH: SILKPEEL SilkPeel Dermalinfusion is the only treatment of it’s kind to deliver topical skin care nutrients while exfoliating the skin. In addition, SilkPeel is safe for all skin types. It treats conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, photodamage, dehydration and fine lines & wrinkles. The SilkPeel treatment goes beyond microdermabrasion by providing gentle exfoliation and at the same time infusing the skin with a hydrating, custom-blended solution of nutrients, which penetrate deep into the skin. Because SilkPeel does not use crystals or other abrasive particles to exfoliate, the SilkPeel treatment is soothing to the skin, with no harsh chemicals, no downtime, without having irritation or inflammation of the skin. Immediately following a SilkPeel treatment you will notice your skin is softer, brighter and smoother. The SilkPeel is one of the most dynamic non-invasive skin treatments available and is offered exclusively through medical spas, not your typical day spa or salon. With SilkPeel radiant, silky-smooth skin is less than an hour away… It is a great addition to your laser treatments.
 Papain, the enzyme in papaya fights free-radical damage and is known to help reduce age spots, uneven pigmentation and fine lines while leaving the skin more supple. Papain improves the appearance of the skin by accelerating cell turnover and exfoliation of skin cells which helps to delay the appearance of wrinkles. Topical products containing papain actually digest dead proteins, like degraded collagen, without harming the skin’s younger, living cells. Green Papaya Mask 1/2 cup unripe papaya, diced 1 teaspoon plain yogurt 1 teaspoon honey Unripe papaya contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids and high levels of papain. Yogurt adds lactic acid, another natural form of alpha-hydroxy acid and gives the mask a creamy texture. The honey helps the skin to retain moisture. Once applied to the skin you will feel a slight tingling sensation (if you prefer a more gentle exfoliation or have sensitive skin, use ripe papaya instead, it contains less papain). Directions: Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Apply to clean skin, gently massaging onto the skin with your fingertips. Leave the mask on the skin for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse off using cool water and pat the skin dry. Finish with a gentle moisturizer. MYTH BUSTERS: Skin Care MYTH 1: Can anti-aging products erase wrinkles? Most wrinkle creams only improve the appearance of wrinkles temporarily, by simply plumping the skin. However there is a product available now that erases fine lines. Studies have shown that tretinoin, or retinol, a form of vitamin A, penetrates the skin and increases cell turnover and collagen production causing a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. Creams containing retinol or tretinoin are only available by prescription. MYTH #2 – I’ve used Chapstick for years, and now I think I’m addicted to it, is that possible? Lips are among the most sensitive of all body parts. But marketing tricks aside, lip balm does not signal your body to halt moisture production. If you are having a chronic case of chapped lips you are most likely addicted to outdoor sports like biking or skiing. Your lips produce natural emollients and you may be upsetting this process by licking your lips excessively or exposing yourself to lots of dry air. MYTH #3 – Is it true that the skin repairs itself while we sleep? The truth is that skin repair and renewal is an ongoing process but is accelerated during sleep. Also it is true that chronic lack of sleep may have some negative effects on your appearance. Excess stress hormones caused by lack of sleep might slow the collagen production in the skin. Lack of sleep can also alter the regulation of blood vessel tone and thus contribute to puffiness or bags under the eyes. MYTH #4 – You should always stick with products that have worked for you in the past. Our bodies change as we age, and the same principle applies to the skin. If you stick with the same old products as your skin changes you are not addressing the present needs of your skin. It’s also very important that you adjust your skin care products seasonally to maintain healthy, beautiful skin. Don’t be afraid to try a new regimen after discussing your needs with your skin care specialist. MYTH #5 – Drinking more water can improve my skin complexion. Drinking lots of water will not necessarily make the skin healthier. While drinking water is essential for good health in general, the excess water intake does not improve the skin’s complexion. If you have dry skin you need to use a topical hydrating moisturizer containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, ammonium lactate and urea. The best way to get moisture into the skin is to apply a lotion or cream while the skin is still damp from cleansing. The moisture is then “locked in” by the humectants and “sealed” by a second type of moisturizer containing emollients (sometimes listed as oils or waxes). When properly formulated, these do a great job and do not cause breakouts. HOT ITEMS
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• Thinning Skin: As we age the skin under the eyes becomes thinner, causing blood vessels to become more noticeable. Sun damage tends to worsen this because it weakens the skin much more quickly. • Allergies & Hayfever: Dark circles under the eyes can be the result of rubbing itchy eyes from allergies to airborne substances like pollen, dust and pet dander. People with hayfever may notice dark circles under the eyes during the height of hayfever season. Food allergies or sensitivities can also be a contributing factors. • Genetics: Dark circles under they eyes tend to run in the family and are usually more noticeable in people with deep-set eyes. • Fluid Retention: Blood vessels under the eyes can become dilated and engorged, which can contribute to dark circles. Excess dietary salt and smoking are common causes. Medical conditions that cause fluid retention like heart, liver disease, thyroid or kidney, or medications that can cause blood vessel dilation and may be one of the causing factors. • Lack of Sleep: A lack of sleep can make the skin appear more pale, which allows blood vessels to become more visible through the skin, giving the appearance of bluish or dark circles under the eyes. • Iron deficiency: anemia or iron deficiency may cause a bluish tinge below the eyes. WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
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