nataliebirch

Fall is Laser Season: 5 Reasons to Try Laser Skin Resurfacing

December 1, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Most minimally invasive cosmetic treatments can be scheduled at virtually any time of the year, but autumn is sometimes referred to as “laser season” because it’s much easier to have light-based sessions at this time when you don’t have to deal with heat and sunlight as much as during the spring and summer. The skin is highly sensitive to the sun’s rays after a laser skin resurfacing treatment, when it’s more prone to developing lasting hyperpigmentation. We tend to spend the shorter days indoors with our skin covered up as the temperatures drop, so sun exposure is less likely. Also, our summer tans will have usually faded by this time. Curious about what laser treatments can accomplish for your skin? Below are five of the main advantages of having laser skin resurfacing from our Los Angeles area Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team.

1. They Can Soften Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Many of the wrinkles on your face are caused by extensive sun damage, chronological aging, or other types of damage from the environment. Laser skin resurfacing creates a controlled injury to stimulate collagen regeneration in the skin with heat, causing it to become smoother.

2. Lasers Tighten Sagging Skin

Loose skin on the face becomes a problem for many patients when their skin begins to lose its elasticity. This can cause some people to develop folds of skin around the lower jaw area and lose their normally tight facial contours. By encouraging collagen production, lasers can make your skin firmer and lifted.

3. They Make Your Skin Tone and Texture More Even

Lasers can correct various forms of mild to severe skin damage, including everything from age spots, acne scars, and other types of scars, to sunspots, rough patches of skin, and other blemishes.

4. Laser Treatments Are Generally Well Tolerated

Unlike surgical procedures, lasers do not require incisions. While the heat can be intense, there are many options for minimizing discomfort before, during, and after a session.

5. Precise, Thorough, and Fast Results Are Possible

One of the advantages laser skin resurfacing has over other options is that you can target specific, individual irregularities on the surface while accessing the deeper skin layers. This makes lasers an especially versatile option.

Learn more from our Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills dermatologists about laser skin resurfacing in the Los Angeles area, as well as other cosmetic procedures available this fall. Schedule a consultation by calling us at 310.246.0495, or write to us directly to request further details.

Quarantine 15: How Kybella® Can Help You Fight Lockdown-Related Body Changes

November 20, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Due to the disruptions to our normal routines and spending more time at home under lockdown or simply to minimize risk of exposure to viruses, it’s been easy to pack on some extra pounds. This phenomenon has been nicknamed the “Quarantine 15.” Many of us have a more sedentary lifestyle these days, and chronic stress, anxiety, and boredom have caused many people to snack more than they normally would. Additionally, as we’re video conferencing a lot more, even the smallest of facial flaws can seem to be emphasized onscreen, such as below-the-chin fat and jowls. If you’re interested in getting back into shape and enhancing your facial contours, Kybella^® from our Los Angeles-based team at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills is an ideal place to start.

Kybella® is often an appealing option for patients who would like to improve their under-chin area but aren’t interested in having more invasive surgical procedures. Combining regular exercise with cosmetic treatments can help you achieve your goal profile faster.

Having an extra layer of fat below the chin can be linked to age, genetics, bad posture, or a recessed or underdeveloped bone structure on the lower jaw. Weight gain from a poor diet or lack of exercise can also contribute to fat in this area. Having a healthier diet with less processed foods and incorporating more exercise will help you to slim down your face—but in many cases, if you’ve always been prone to storing some fat in this area, it can be difficult to slim down by your own efforts.

Kybella^® in an injectable treatment containing a synthetic version of the deoxycholic acid your body uses to break down and absorb dietary fats. This is a simple, low-risk procedure with minimal downtime or side effects. While it’s not designed as a weight loss treatment, it will reduce moderate to severe submental fullness.

Once injected into the submental fat below the chin, the active ingredient dissolves exercise-resistant fat cells in the area without affecting the skin and surrounding tissues. The cells are gradually metabolized, leaving you with a more youthful appearance and a refined, sculpted jawline.

Interested in finding out more about how Kybella^® from Los Angeles’ Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills can reduce double chin fat? Request a consultation with us by submitting a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495.

Which Foods and Supplements Are Best for Dry Skin?

November 13, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Is dry, windy weather taking a toll on your skin? In many cases, having dry skin isn’t a serious health condition—but it can be uncomfortable. Your skin is 64 percent water, and when it isn’t well hydrated, it can become dull, tight, rough, and irritated. Wrinkles are also more noticeable on dry, crepey skin. In some cases, the lack of moisture may be due to not having enough essential fats in the outer layers of the skin. Sometimes, the skin’s outer barrier may be damaged. Many common skin care products and fillers, such as JUVÉDERM^® ULTRA, that Los Angeles patients use to address static wrinkles on the face contain similar water-retaining substances to the ones your skin normally produces on its own.

However, dry, windy weather and indoor heating often strip the moisture from our skin—at this time of year in particular—so it may be necessary to make some overall lifestyle changes to alleviate this problem. What you eat has a major impact on skin health and aging. Here’s what you can include in your diet so that your skin naturally becomes softer and smoother:

Water

When you’re dehydrated internally, it shows on the surface of the skin. One of the simple ways to remedy this is by drinking plenty of plain water each day to improve cell function and help the skin to cleanse toxins.

Fatty Fish

Include omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish in your diet, such as salmon, herring, cod, tuna, and trout. These are great sources of protein to maintain skin strength, are high in antioxidants, can produce an anti-inflammatory effect that benefits dry skin, and help to stop water from evaporating.

Dark Leafy Greens

Vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, and collard greens are strong antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They contain a variety of vitamins and minerals like copper, zinc, and vitamin C to maintain glowing skin.

Nuts and Seeds

Add walnuts, sunflower seeds, pistachios, hazelnuts, and peanuts to your diet to give your skin a supple, dewy appearance. Many nuts contain skin-boosting fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin E.

Get more advice about skin health and beauty from Los Angeles’ Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Request a consultation by submitting a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495.

The Zoom Boom: Why BOTOX® and Fillers Are So Popular During the Pandemic

November 6, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

The poor lighting and close-up angles used for face-to-face online meetings can magnify the smallest facial imperfections. Patients who are spending more time in on-camera virtual meetings and looking back at themselves on the screen are noticing wrinkles and other aspects of their face that they consider unflattering. This, along with the “Quarantine 15” effect, seems to be prompting more people to consider cosmetic treatments, as part of what’s referred to as the Zoom Boom. Instead of spending money on vacations, movies, restaurants, and other experiences, more patients are choosing to invest in cosmetic treatments. In an otherwise challenging time, having some small tweaks with BOTOX^® Cosmetic in Los Angeles from our Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills injectors can be the perfect pick-me-up to make you feel a little more confident.

Wrinkle-smoothing injections like BOTOX^® and fillers can make our faces more refreshed and youthful by making signs of aging less noticeable. BOTOX^® contains small amounts of a chemical called botulinum toxin, which works by stopping facial muscles from pulling the skin and causing wrinkles. Fillers such as JUVÉDERM^® add volume below the surface of the skin for a more even and smooth appearance, acting as a replacement for the collagen that your skin loses with age.

Both procedures are done quickly in-office and you won’t need much, if any, recovery time, but it’s common to have some bruising and swelling afterward, so spending a few weeks in relative social isolation at home is ideal if you want to be discrete.

Most of us are already working remotely or social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic, so this is a perfect opportunity to recover from a cosmetic procedure at home without feeling like you’re missing out on summer fun.

Now that we’re wearing masks whenever we get out and lots of major events have been postponed, it’s more convenient to have injectables without anyone knowing about it. Additionally, given the emotional and physical stress many of us have been under during the lockdowns, these treatments can help to make us look more energetic, happy, and open.

Get more details on BOTOX^® in Los Angeles and other aesthetic services available at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Fill in a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495 to request an appointment.

Hand Hygiene: Caring for Skin when Washing Hands More Frequently

October 20, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Maintaining clean skin is an essential part of staying healthy and keeping loved ones safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each time someone doesn’t wash their hands before touching their face, handling food, or making contact with surfaces or other people, germs can more easily spread. This is why health officials are encouraging everyone to wash their hands often during the day, using clean water and soap for at least 20 seconds. However, all of that aggressive scouring of the hands for extended periods can cause skin dehydration, cracking, and inflammation. For anyone dealing with these problems in the Hollywood area, our dermatology specialists at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills recommend taking these steps to protect your skin health:

Use Oil-Based Hand Creams, Moisturizers, and Ointments

The common, unwanted skin reaction to excessive handwashing is called irritant contact dermatitis, and it occurs when the skin’s protective layer is disrupted. When you wash your hands, especially with soaps, some of the skin’s natural essential oils and moisture are stripped away.

People who have pre-existing skin conditions like eczema and rosacea are very prone to this problem. It’s important to keep washing, but to also continue moisturizing to replenish the skin. After you’ve washed and dried your hands, immediately apply moisturizer all over them while they are still slightly damp.

Wash with Lukewarm Water

You don’t need to scald your skin in order to clean properly. Gentle, but thorough scrubbing with soap is effective. Remember, you’re not sterilizing your hands—you’re cleaning them.

Buy Soaps for Sensitive Skin

To avoid irritation and allergies, it’s better to choose soaps that are unscented, are dye-free, and don’t have synthetic detergents and preservatives. Products containing soothing, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera are preferable.

Don’t Rub Your Skin

Pat your hands gently dry rather than toweling them vigorously, and use a soft cloth to prevent them from becoming sore and raw. There’s no need to scour your freshly washed fingers with rough fabric.

Try Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers are less effective at killing germs than soap and water, but they can also be less harsh on the skin when used occasionally. Apply them when appropriate to lessen the number of times you’re washing your hands. But be careful not to overdo this option, either, as sanitizers can cause stinging and burning sensations—especially if you’re raw from overly vigorous washing.

Talk to the Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team for more pandemic skincare advice. To book a consultation in the Hollywood area, fill out a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495.

What Are Lunchtime Beauty Treatments?

October 16, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Weeks off for recovery after a lengthy cosmetic appointment? Who has time for that? Given that so many of us deal with significant time constraints these days, patients who are busy and pressed for time welcome quick procedures that don’t require much down time for healing. This is at least partially why non-invasive options are such a big hit right now. Getting BOTOX^® in the Los Angeles area (or other aesthetic services elsewhere) doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, choosing the right treatment can actually lessen the amount of time you spend on your daily beauty routine. Many nonsurgical options do require long-term maintenance for prolonged results, but they are an ideal choice for a temporary refresher. Here are some of the most popular cosmetic dermatology treatments patients can get done in less than an hour—in other words, during their lunch break from work—without worry.

Neuromodulators

BOTOX^® and Jeuveau^™ are injectable neuromodulators that temporarily relax overactive facial muscles responsible for wrinkles around the eyes and on the forehead. The injections take only a few minutes to be completed, and you can usually go right back to your daily schedule afterward. Because the results are so subtle and the smoothing effect requires a few days to begin visibly developing, it’s likely that people won’t even notice any difference, other than your face looking more refreshed.

Facial Fillers

Fillers correct aspects of skin aging that neuromodulators don’t impact, such as wrinkles from sun exposure, sagging, and facial volume loss. They’re also an ideal choice for volumizing the lips and sculpting cheeks. Hyaluronic acid-based JUVÉDERM^® and calcium-based RADIESSE^® sessions are completed in anywhere between five and 30 minutes, depending on the treatment site and how many areas are injected.

CoolSculpting^®

CoolSculpting^® is a fat reduction tool for small pockets of exercise-resistant, pinchable fat on most areas of the body, including below the chin. It won’t give you better skin, but reduces volume in targeted areas to produce more refined, sculpted body contours. Treatment sessions are typically less than an hour. It requires no recovery time, and is a virtually painless treatment.

Kybella^®

Another fat-reduction option, Kybella^®, consists of a series of injections made below the chin to reduce fat deposits there. After a 15 to 20-minute session, the active ingredient—deoxycholic acid—begins to break down the fat cells it encounters. No down time is necessary, and the process happens naturally.

For more details on Los Angeles-area BOTOX^® treatments and our other services at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, write to us or give us a call at 310-246-0495 to request an appointment.

5 Post-Summer Skin Issues and How to Heal Them

October 1, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

There’s no doubt that seasonal changes are destructive on the skin, especially if your skin is sensitive. We wish we could maintain a beautiful, unblemished complexion throughout the year, but abrupt weather changes, increased air pollution, and extremes in temperature and humidity often make it challenging to keep skin clear, healthy, and smooth. If you want to get your skin back in shape after summer in Los Angeles, our dermatology-focused practice can help you diagnose and treat a range of common skin issues and other cosmetic and medical concerns:

1. Sunburns

Sunburns are one of the ways our skin reacts to exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or other types of artificial sources. When you get sunburned after spending a lot of time outdoors, you skin typically turns red or pink, may feel hot or painful, and—in more severe cases—swells or blisters. People can also experience headaches and other symptoms.

Mild sunburns go away after a few days, but you can soothe them by taking a cool bath or shower, applying moisturizers containing aloe vera or calamine lotion, taking painkillers, and drinking water to stay hydrated.

2. Heat Rash/Prickly Heat

Heat rash occurs when the sweat glands become blocked, leading to irritation and tiny red bumps. Keep your skin cool and well-aerated, wear lightweight clothing, and use antibacterial soaps to heal it.

3. Acne Flare-Ups

We tend to sweat more in summer because of the humidity and higher temperatures. Our sweatier skin also produces more oil, and it’s easy for dead skin, bacteria, and sebum to clog pores. Keep your face clean, use a toner regularly, wash sweaty clothes, and use oil-free, non-comedogenic makeup to prevent acne.

4. Chlorine Rash

If you spend a lot of time swimming in chlorinated pools or hot tubs, the chemical can irritate the skin, causing an itchy rash and dryness. Over-the-counter treatments like hydrocortisone creams should clear it up.

5. Hyperpigmentation

It’s common to notice mottled skin, more freckles, redness, broken capillaries, and dark patches after a summer in the sun. Use antioxidants often, limit sun exposure, and apply an SPF 30 sunscreen each day to prevent this.

Learn more about our Los Angeles dermatology services at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. To schedule a consultation with us, submit a contact form or call 310-246-0495.

How Does RADIESSE® Restore Collagen in the Skin?

September 2, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

JUVÉDERM^® is always a popular choice for boosting volume and redefining facial contours at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, where we have years of experience with the injectable—including Dr. Derek Jones’ work as lead investigator on the FDA study leading to the approval of JUVÉDERM Voluma^®. JUVÉDERM^®, like many fillers, uses hyaluronic acid (HA) as its active ingredient—but that’s not the only option available. Calcium hydroxylapatite is another substance used in volume-adding injectables. For patients interested in this option at our office in Los Angeles, RADIESSE^® has its own unique advantages.

RADIESSE^® contains calcium-based microspheres, which are made up of the same mineral-like substance responsible for giving human bones and teeth their rigidity. These microspheres are suspended in a watery gel carrier.

As opposed to injectables that primarily serve to add volume when first injected (rather like adding air to a deflating balloon), RADIESSE^® builds a supportive framework in the skin and stimulates natural processes that cause specialized cells known as fibroblasts to appear. While the filler creates a smoother look right after injection, a more lasting benefit comes from the fibroblasts, which begin making new collagen molecules. Long after the filler itself has been metabolized, the collagen will remain, providing support and making the treatment area appear smoother and fuller.

Why is collagen so important? Skin is about 80 percent collagen, so the molecule is critical when it comes to structure and support. When we age and take damage from the sun, however, collagen levels drop. Instead of being supple and healthy, the skin becomes wrinkled, saggy, and thin.

Gradually building new collagen counters losses due to time and damage. This makes RADIESSE^®ideal for creating foundational support, with effects that can last for up to a year or more.

Due to its viscosity, RADIESSE^® often creates the most satisfying results in deep creases on the lower face, such as nasolabial folds. It can also be used to add volume to the backs of the hands, where aging and thinning skin can cause veins and tendons to stand out. Replenishing collagen softens those lines and makes the skin appear smoother and more youthful.

For more information about RADIESSE^® and other cosmetic services available at Los Angeles’ Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills, send us a message or call us at 310-246-0495 to schedule an appointment.

3 Ways to Maximize the Benefits of CoolSculpting®

August 27, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Healthy eating and working out aren’t always enough to help you attain the body you want. It can be frustrating to accept that we can’t spot reduce particularly stubborn areas. The way our fat is distributed remains mostly the same throughout our lifetime, so it can be incredibly difficult to change our natural body contours—or at least it has been. With CoolSculpting^® in Los Angeles, we have the unique ability to reduce the volume of fat in localized spots without surgery, significant recovery time, or scarring.

Since it was first approved by the FDA in 2010, this innovative, non-surgical fat-reduction treatment has achieved a high level of acclaim for being a convenient alternative to conventional plastic surgery procedures, such as liposuction. Fat cells processed by the body are gone for good once they’re flushed out, which means results are long-lasting. That said, there are some things you can do to get the most out of your treatment.

Our board-certified team at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills reveals some of the most effective things you can do to amplify your results from a CoolSculpting^® session:

Avoid Certain Medications

Bruising under the skin is one of the minor side effects of CoolSculpting^®, so it can be good to stop taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like aspirin or ibuprofen that thin the blood. Always consult with a primary care physician before making any changes to prescribed medications or plans.

Hit the Gym

CoolSculpting^® can be a good motivator to get healthy and start an exercise program. It’s a good idea to be more careful about what you eat and to work out often during the months when fat cells are gradually being removed by the body from the treated area. This also speeds up results. Gaining additional weight could cause the remaining fat cells in the treated area—or even other body areas—to expand.

Many patients are able to return to their typical exercise routine right after having a fat reduction treatment, though it might be better to give yourself a few days to rest if you’re feeling tired or experiencing swelling.

Patients often achieve their most attractive results by exercising consistently after fat reduction. Muscle definition may also be more easily visible with less fat.

Have a Thorough Consultation

CoolSculpting^® is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. It’s important to discuss the various areas you want to change with your dermatologist, and to be as specific as possible about your goals. Together, we can develop a plan, establish what CoolSculpting^® can and can’t do, and provide more advice on getting the most out of your treatment.

Curious about how CoolSculpting^® works? Get in touch with our Los Angeles-based Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills team to find out more. Contact our office by filling out a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495 to request an appointment.

How Long Will It Take to See the Final Results from Kybella®?

July 30, 2020 by nataliebirch Leave a Comment

Anyone can have the look of a slight double chin, whether because they’re genetically predisposed to develop bulk there, they gain weight due to lifestyle or medical conditions, loose skin around the neck due to the aging process, poor posture, underdeveloped bone structure, or some combination of the above. When someone with a thin frame has even a small amount of fat or loose skin in the chin and jawline area, the extra volume can disrupt their appearance as a whole. Unfortunately, this fat often has the effect of making a face look heavier than the rest of the body. Of particular concern during these days of virtual meetings, the annoying layer of unwanted fat can look more prominent on video calls. Patients who are self-conscious about this condition that affects the lower jawline and upper neck area may be ideal candidates for Kybella^® double chin reduction from our Los Angeles-based team of board-certified physicians.

One of the most common questions we receive from patients is: “How long will it take for Kybella^® to start working?” Although the timeline isn’t set in stone and the treatment plan will vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and unique goals, here’s what you can expect after having injections.

For starters, if you’re having this procedure, you should know that even though some patients are satisfied after just one treatment, others enjoy their optimal results by having multiple treatment sessions spaced roughly four to six weeks apart.

Either way, a double chin won’t reduce right after the treatment. Instead, Kybella^® works gradually, as your body needs enough time for the immune system to get rid of the cellular debris that’s left over when the fat cells are broken down.

Don’t be alarmed if you have pronounced swelling for the first few days, due to inflammation that makes your chin look fuller than it did before the injections. Slight numbness is also common.

It may take up to six to eight weeks to see noticeable results, but we recommend waiting until several months have passed after your first treatment to gauge the results.

Want a sleeker, more defined jawline without plastic surgery? For more advice on double chin reduction, talk to our team of physicians at Skin Care and Laser Physicians of Beverly Hills. Fill out a contact form or give us a call at 310-246-0495 to request a consultation.