SKIN CARE

Why should I worry about skin care?
The skin is one of the most visible and aesthetic units of the body. It begins to age in the twenties depending sun exposure, smoking and genes. Even the most beautiful skin will
undergo changes over time.

At what age should one start to take care of one's skin?
It is never too early to start to protect this valuable asset. The thirties are about healthy diet and lifestyle, careful sunblock and cleansing, and these habits can continue over one's lifetime.

What does a complete line of skin care consist of?
A cleanser, an astrigent to remove residue, an alpha-hydroxy acid, moisturizer (optional) and sunscreen.

What skin care products are right for me?
This depends on the the type of skin (dry, medium or oily), the amount of sun damage and the degree of reversal over what period of time one requires.

Are medical skin care products better than over-the-counter?
Products dispensed with physician supervision generally contain higher concentrations of the active ingredients than can be found at the make-up counter and can thus provide more aggressive treatment and prevention in a safer setting.

What is alpha-hydroxy acid?
These many acids are derived from natural plant products, ie fruits and vegetables, and have been proven to be beneficial in treating the aging changes seen in skin.

Is sunscreen only for beach-goers?
Sunscreen is the most valuable weapon in the fight against aging. It is the only chemical shown to prevent and reverse skin damage. Even casual exposure to sun should not be treated lightly.

What is it and how does it work?
The CO2 laser works on the principle of vaporizing the top layer of skin, epidermis, and causing contraction of the second layer, papillary dermis. The combined effect creates a smoother, tighter surface on top of which a rejuvenated epidermal service grows. Your skin is genetically
programmed to respond in this way to look and feel younger, healthier, and more radiant after this procedure.

Does it hurt?
With appropriate local anesthetic and mild sedation, the procedure is painless.

Am I a candidate?
Good candidates are those with fair complexion, no recent history of accutane use and no history of keloid formation. Darker skin types and a history of smoking may be relative contraindications.

How long is the recovery?
How long before I return to work? Repair of epidermis occurs in 5-7 days, and most patients return to make-up in one week and going to work in 9-12 days.

Are there any complications? Complications such as discoloration, redness and scarring must be discussed with the doctor in detail and can be prevented in most cases by careful planning and screening for good candidates.

What is the cost?
Cost varies depending on the area treated and whether it is performed in conjunction with other surgery. A detailed evaluation and consultation with the doctor is free of charge.

What age is it best to have eyelid surgery?
Any time sun exposure and genes start to show their effects, which can be in the thirties and forties, eyelid rejuvenation can bring about a younger, more refreshed look.

How long from work?
Time off from work can be as little as 3 days, but the blemishes usually fade within 5-7 days.

Is it painful?
The surgery is done with sedation and local anesthetic, so the experience is comfortable and pain-free.

Is there much discoloration?
During the first 3 days, there is usually some bruising and swelling. Depending on the skin type, the blemishes may fade in 4-7 days and sutures can be safely removed at 5 days.

How long does the surgery last?
Generally, eyelid surgery maintains a younger appearance for at least 7-10 years.

How young will I look?
The surgery can reverse the appearance of sagging, wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes and may take 10 years off.

What is Botulinum toxin A?
It is a toxin produced by bacterium, Chostridium botulinum, which weakens muscles by blocking nerve impulses transmitted from the nerve endings of muscles.

Is Botulinum toxin A safe?
Botulinum toxin is approved for use in blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm. Long term studies have shown it to be a very safe and effective treatment with as many as 90% of patients obtaining almost complete relief of their blepharospasm. Side effects include drooping of the eyelid, double vision, blurry vision, tearing, brow droop and incomplete closure of the eyelids, but these side effects only occur transiently and usually only with application very close to the eyelid margin. The most common problems, redness and swelling last for only one hour, and the patient can return to work immediately after the injections have been given.

How is Botox used?
It is used to treat blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm,, migraines, and for treatment of dynamic wrinkles, ie the forehead lines, the vertical lines between the eyebrows, and the Crows'feet, with tiny injections given at several sites in these areas.

How long does it take to work and how long does it last?
It begins to work around 3 days after treatment and lasts an average of 3-4 months. With repeated injections the effects may last up to 6 months.

Is Botox for me? Botox can be immediately gratifying with no down-time and is readily reversible. Patients are generally delighted with the quick improvements they see.

Is it painful?
The injections are given with a tiny needle and cause a small "pinch." Topical cream can be given to numb the area in advance of treatment.

Is it expensive?
It may be more affordable than you think. Cost varies with the areas treated. An assessment
and consultation are free of charge.

Is the surgery natural looking?
Endoscopic surgery does not involve the aggressive excision of large amounts of forhead skin as does conventional forehead lift surgery. It simply places the deep muscles and overlying skin back to their natural positions. This leaves the patient with a natural, younger, refreshed look.

How does it work?
Endoscopic surgery is technology applied from orthopedics to plastic surgery. Small, well camouflaged incisions are placed around the forehead to allow insertion of instruments and a camera. The surgery is largely done with televised viewing. The purpose is to avoid large incisions and speed up recovery with natural results and fewer complications.

How long is recovery?
Blemishes tend to fade by 12 days.

Is the procedure painful?
No. The procedure is done under deep sedation or general anesthesia. Patients generally complain of a headache immediately postoperatively, which usually requires only one dose of anelgesic.

Who is a candidate?
Anyone with deep forehead lines, sagging eyebrows and/or baggy upper lids may be a candidate. Smoking may be a contraindication to this surgery.