Ultherapy: The Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Solution

Ultrasound is a versatile tool in medicine. It can help diagnose cardiovascular disease, track the progress of child development and aid in the injury healing process for physical therapy. Recently, it has been proven to stimulate collagen production, allowing it to serve as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles on the face and neck. It has been labeled Ultherapy^®, and this FDA-approved skin rejuvenation treatment is showing up in many dermatology offices, including ADSCA, as a treatment for fine lines and wrinkles.

What is it?

Ultherapy does not provide the same drastic results as a surgical procedure, but it also carries a much lower risk to the patient. It is a non-invasive procedure that requires no preparation prior to the treatment and little or no downtime to recover from it afterward.

This link provides a visual representation of the treatment’s effects underneath the skin.

How does it work?

Essentially, the ultrasonic waves delivered by the device stimulate your body to naturally produce collagen, the proteins that form the web of fibrous tissue that give the skin a firm appearance. The collagen production takes place over time, showing increasing improvement throughout the following year. You are likely to see the greatest results after three months.

Who is it for?

People who have seen a mild or moderate decrease in their skin laxity (firmness) are candidates for this procedure. The procedure is recommended for use on the brow, face and neck.

What are the risks?

The most common side effects of the treatment are facial redness and tenderness in the treated areas. There is a small potential for post-procedural side effects. I always recommend consulting your health care provider before participating in any health procedure, even one as simple as Ultherapy.  

For more information on Ultherapy at ADSCA, visit our laser skin rejuvenation page here. Ready to book? Call 901-759-2322 to schedule an appointment today.

The Scar Solution

Scars are like tattoos but with better stories. Have you ever heard that quote? It’s so true. Scars are the result of a change to the skin as it heals from a wound. Scars can result from just about any type of wound, from abrasions to incisions. (For more info on the types of wounds, read my blog post here.) This blog post will give you some basic info on scars, as well as how to prevent them or make them less noticeable.

What is a scar?

Scar tissue is comprised of collagen, which is the same tissue content as normal skin. What makes it look different than the skin around it is that collagen fibers in scar tissue will form a different pattern. Where normal collagen has a woven pattern, scar tissue exhibits a “cross-stitch” type of pattern.

Scar tissue is weaker than normal skin tissue. It is more susceptible to damage caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays, and sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back after the wound heals.

Are there different types of scars?

Yes. While all scars are composed of the same type of tissue as the once-healthy skin they occupy, not all scars are created equal.

• Hypertrophic scars are a result of the body producing too much collagen. They present as red bumps on the skin on the scarred area. They typically take shape a month or two after the wound heals.
• Keloids are a type of hypertrophic scar. They also present as red bumps on the skin, but can grow beyond the original wound site and do not go away over time. Keloids are most common in people with darker skin. While they are often the result of a wound, some people do form them spontaneously. It is important to note that keloids are not dangerous, although they are a cosmetic issue for some people.
• Atrophic scars make the skin appear sunken. They are generally the result of losing fat or muscle in one area, causing the skin to sink a little. Acne scarring or surgical scars are generally atrophic.
• Stretch marks are a result of the skin stretching rapidly and for prolonged periods of time. Often caused by quick weight gain or loss, growth spurts or pregnancy, stretch marks are also more of a cosmetic issue than a medical concern. For more information on preventing stretch marks, read my blog post here. 

Can I prevent scars?

Not really. Not all wounds will form scars. For example, a simple knee scrape or a scratch will generally not cause enough damage to form scar tissue. A deeper wound will form scar tissue. A general rule of thumb is that the longer it takes your skin to heal, the more likely you are to develop a scar. If you want to prevent a scar, prevent any injury or wound on your skin.

Can I treat a scar or make it less noticeable?

Absolutely. There are a variety of treatments available for scars, some more effective than others. It’s important to note that no treatment will result in complete restoration of your healthy skin, but there are several options for reducing the scar’s appearance. Some options include:

• Over-the-counter treatments – Creams like Mederma often advertise their ability to reduce the appearance of scars. To be honest, it isn’t going to speed up the process a whole lot, if at all. Most scars will become less noticeable over time anyway, particularly things like stretch marks. If you don’t want to break out the big guns and visit a dermatologist, you should consider waiting before trying anything from the drugstore.
• Collagen induction therapy – Often referred to as “skin needling,” this procedure is performed by a doctor and is meant to introduce normal collagen into the scarred area.
• Exfoliation, chemical peels or dermabrasion – Removing the scarred layer of skin can often result in a lighter appearance for a scar. Traditional at-home exfoliation is probably not enough, depending on the depth and size of the scar. I recommend visiting a trusted dermatologist to discuss whether a chemical peel or dermabrasion procedure can help you.
• Fillers – Like collagen induction, fillers will introduce normal collagen into an atrophic scar, helping raise them to the level of surrounding healthy skin. You can read my post on fillers here.  It’s important to note that fillers are not permanent, so if this is your chosen solution you may need to have the procedure done every few months to maintain your desired results.
• Laser treatments – Different types of laser treatments are available for all types of scars. You’ll need to meet with a dermatologist to understand your options and which treatment, if any, is right for your scars. Like chemical peels or dermabrasion, most lasers work by burning or removing the most scarred layer of skin to reduce the appearance of a scar.

Have any more questions about scarring? Leave them in the comments and I’ll try to help if I can. Additionally, if you’d like to make an appointment at Advanced Dermatology to discuss your treatment options, click here.

Skin Through the Ages: The 30s

*This post is the third in a series called “Skin Through the Ages.” The series will focus on how to take care of and manage skin at various points in life.

Do you feel like an adult yet? Ready or not, your face is starting to show it. Now is when you’ll begin to see the results of the work (or lack thereof) you put into your skin in your teens and your 20s. Your skin will start to dull in your 30s due to it not shedding dead skin cells at the same rate it did when you were younger. This is also when you may start to develop lines on your forehead, around your eyes or at the corners of your mouth. You may also see some sunspots, but don’t give up! Although you’re starting to see signs of aging, you can still slow down the process with proper care. Let’s go over what you should do during your 30s to help slow Mother Nature down.

Exfoliation
Now is the time to get serious about exfoliation. In your 30s, the rate at which your skin turns over new skin cells and sheds old ones slows, so you’ll need to help the process. Remember, according to the exfoliation blog post, pick an exfoliating product that is right for your skin, whether you choose a manual or chemical method. Choose a product that is gentle enough to use on a regular basis to keep skin from looking dull.

Anti-aging products
It’s sad to say, but it’s time to start incorporating anti-aging products into your skin care routine. Don’t go overboard and buy every product out there. Your skin is just starting to age and some anti-aging products might be too aggressive, which can irritate your skin. Add a good anti-aging facial cream and eye cream to your routine to help boost collagen levels and plump up those fine lines.

Sunscreen
You knew it was coming. Keep using your sunscreen every day, multiple times a day, regardless of the weather outside. Sun damage is the most preventative aging factor out there. Fair-skinned people will possibly begin to see some discoloration (sun spots) in their 30s if they haven’t been diligent about wearing sunscreen on a regular basis. Unless you want to look like this guy’s bad side, keep using your sunscreen!

In with the good
With all this talk of the body’s processes slowing down, the skin becoming damaged more easily and the body not recovering the way it used to, it’s more important than ever to consider what you’re putting into your body. Make sure you’re drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day to help flush out your body and help carry nutrients where they need to go. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, moderate amounts of whole grains, lean meats and good fats, and minimal amounts of sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Take a multi-vitamin daily to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. Remember, we are what we eat, so eat the best foods possible to give yourself the healthiest body possible.

Are there any other concerns you might have about caring for your skin during your 30s? Post your questions and concerns in the comments below, and I’ll try to help you out! You can also schedule an appointment to meet with Dr. Patel by clicking here. 

Filling In Signs of Aging

You’ve probably heard of Botox. You may have read about it in our blog post from a few months ago. And you may think it’s your only option when it comes to a relatively inexpensive way to hide signs of aging.

Well, if that’s what you thought, you would be wrong.

There are a variety of filler options out there, all of which work in various ways. This post will give you The Skinny on fillers.

What are fillers?

Fillers, or dermal fillers, consist of a variety of elements by which to rejuvenate the skin and add volume to the face, lips or other parts of the body. Some fillers are made of soft tissue components that occur naturally in the body. Fillers can also be made up of the patient’s own fat from another part of his or her body or from a chemical developed to imitate soft tissue.

Generally used on the face, fillers can plump lips, smooth out facial creases or wrinkles and enhance shallow contours.

How long do fillers last?

Fillers are temporary. They usually last about three months, but there is a “semi-permanent” option involving polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA fillers. These fillers are typically used to treat deep wrinkles or major scars.

What are fillers made of?

Chemical fillers are made to imitate the body’s own soft tissue. A few of the most common include:

• Collagen – Well-known for its lip-plumping ability, collagen is a natural substance. It occurs naturally in cartilage, teeth and bones.
• Hyaluronic acid – This substance occurs in the body’s soft connective tissue, the fluid in the eyes, cartilage, joint fluids and skin tissue. Although it works well as filler, it’s also often used to treat arthritis pain in joints.
• Calcium hydroxylapatite – Found in human bones, this is the heaviest facial filler available. Deep wrinkles often require a heavier filler like this.
• Polylactic acid – This synthetic chemical, while it does not occur naturally in the human body, does imitate soft tissue. Rather than showing immediate results, this filler helps the body produce more of its own collagen to support more long-term results.

Are fillers safe?

Unlike other, more permanent surgical procedures, fillers don’t require a lot of recovery time. Also, because many of them are made from substances that occur naturally in the body, they are safe for most people.

Some risks include:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Itching
• Migration of filler material (particularly if you apply pressure – such as applying makeup – too soon after the procedure)
• Redness
• Rash
• Sensitivity
• Swelling
• Temporary paralysis of facial muscles

What are the benefits of fillers versus traditional surgery?

Although fillers are temporary and surgery lasts longer, there are several benefits to choosing a filler. They include:

• Changing the type, amount or location of filler after the first round – Because fillers only last a few months, it’s possible to make adjustments as needed during a second or third treatment.
• Little or no recovery time – Unlike surgery, fillers can be injected quickly and the patient can be out and about as normal the same day.
• Fillers are less expensive than surgery – Although many offices offer a topical anesthetic if the patient is uneasy about needles, fillers do not have many of the costs associated with surgery. Surgical costs include anesthetic, recovery care and many other expensive aspects of the procedure.

What types of filler do you offer?

At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates, we offer several products:

• Radiesse^®
• Restylane^®
• Juvederm^®
• Perlane^®
• Sculptra^®
• Belatero^®
• Artefill^®

All fillers serve different purposes, and we always recommend a personal consultation with a dermatologist before making a decision.

Wondering if fillers are right for you? If you have any general questions about fillers just leave them in the comments and I’ll answer them there. If you have specific questions about your cosmetic care, find a qualified dermatologist in your area. If you’re in the Memphis area, call Advanced Dermatology at 901-759-2322.