Is it safe to apply Retin-A one week after CO2 Fractional laser?

I would not recommend using Retin-A at all because it will cause irritation and burn to the face.

Does a CO2 laser treatment eventually weaken the skin?

CO2 laser when properly performed without complications should result in thickening of the skin because of the new collagen tissue that gets deposited in the skin.

Why is there still bruising after Juvederm in tear troughs?

Since it targets the muscles under the facial skin, Juvederm injection affects the structure of the face. However, bruising will typically subside within 3 days to a week is proper care is administered after the injections.

How long after Juvederm should I wait before having other facial treatments?

Juvederm can be safely combined with other injectable fillers like Radiesse or Restylane. In addition, once the filler has had time to integrate into the skin, which is usually about a week after the treatment, it is OK to do other laser treatments, such as Fraxel laser treatment. They should not degrade or dissolve the filler.

Bruising and swelling after Juvederm under eyes

Typically, swelling caused by Juvederm should resolve in seven days. In rare instances especially when bruising has occurred the swelling could take 4-6 weeks to completely resolve. A small amount of puffiness or mild swelling for a day or two is normal. If the patient experience swelling at the injection site, an ice pack may be applied for a brief period. The patient should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas. However, the filler can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, which I would recommend for you to do.

Why am I so very swollen after Juvederm?

Typically, swelling caused by Juvederm should resolve in seven days. In rare instances especially when bruising has occurred the swelling could take 4-6 weeks to completely resolve. A small amount of puffiness or mild swelling for a day or two is normal. If the patient experience swelling at the injection site, an ice pack may be applied for a brief period. The patient should see an immediate improvement in the treatment areas.

Puffy eyes and dark circles after Juvederm

There is no definite answer as to why this happens, but it is probably due to the physics of light travelling through the colloidal medium of hyaluronic acid (HA) suspension. The light gets scattered by the HA particles in the liquid giving it a bluish look. This is called tyndall’s effect. Obviously if you have bruising that would explain it as well. However, the filler can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, which I would recommend for you to do.

Bluish puffy eyes after Juvederm

There is no definite answer as to why this happens, but it is probably due to the physics of light travelling through the colloidal medium of hyaluronic acid (HA) suspension. The light gets scattered by the HA particles in the liquid giving it a bluish look. This is called tyndall’s effect. Obviously if you have bruising that would explain it as well. However, the filler can be dissolved with the hyaluronidase enzyme, which I would recommend for you to do.

Is it possible to remove Botox from unwanted areas?

Botox cannot be removed, but the effects will wear off anyways in 2 to 4 months after the injections.

Botox – how long before numbness and drooping wears off?

Botox has very few side effects; however, one of the most troubling to patients is when an eyelid droops. This side effect is rare and happens less than 1% of the time. The drooping eyelid syndrome is not permanent. It will most likely wear off before the Botox does. If eyelid drooping starts three to four days after the injection, it will most likely last three to six weeks. If the drooping begins four to six days after the injection, it should go away faster. In the time it takes to wear off, the doctor might prescribe a medication by way of an eye drop that may reduce the drooping.

Botox without a consent form?

Did the doctor say to you in his/her consent form or verbally that the Botox may not work? If the doctor did not tell you or the form did not tell you that there was a possibility that Botox would not work, then I believe the professional way of treating this is for the doctor to refund your money.

How long does eyelid droop after Botox last?

Botox has very few side effects; however, one of the most troubling to patients is when an eyelid droops. This side effect is rare and happens less than 1% of the time. The drooping eyelid syndrome is not permanent. It will most likely wear off before the Botox does. If eyelid drooping starts three to four days after the injection, it will most likely last three to six weeks. If the drooping begins four to six days after the injection, it should go away faster. In the time it takes to wear off, the doctor might prescribe a medication by way of an eye drop that may reduce the drooping.

Does Fraxel laser treatment tighten skin?

Having used both the Fraxel re:pair (ablative) and the Fraxel re:store (non ablative) in my practice, the re:pair has better skin tightening properties than the restore. Re:pair has a more involved downtime profile when compared to re:store and should only be used on lighter toned Caucasian skin types. Its results (re:pair) are however much more significant and it is a 1 time treatment only. Re:store gives modest results, requires a series of 3-4 treatment at 2-4 weeks interval. It is however used in most skin types with minimal downtime.

Advantage of Portrait over Fraxel Repair or Active FX?

I have used both the Fraxel re:Pair and Portrait in my practice. Portrait was presented as a non ablative resurfacing treatment although the recovery course may suggest otherwise. Fraxel re:pair is an ablative laser, although being fractionated CO2 its recovery course is shorter than the traditional non fractionated CO2. Overall, I have seen a better wrinkle reduction with the Fraxel re:pair than with plasma rejuvenation using Portrait. Age spot reduction is the same for both the portrait and Fraxel re:pair in my opinion.

Is Fraxel Repair Less Effective on Male Skin?

Fraxel Repair is effective on both males and females. Male skin is thicker, allowing it to be treated more aggressively. Additionally, there is often less recovery time.

Fraxel Repair After ArteFill?

It is possible to have Fraxel Repair after an Artefill. While the Artefill is injected deep, the level of penetration by the laser can be adjusted by the physician.

How Can I Treat Hyperpigmentation After Having a Fraxel Repair Treatment?

Fading creams with hydroquinone can improve the dark spots following any fraxel treatment. Fading creams incorporating hydroquinone and tretinoin would be even more effective.

Fraxel Repair While Peeling from Retin-A?

A Fraxel Repair treatment should not be done if still peeling from Retin-A. Retin-A should be discontinued about a week before having any Fraxel treatment.

Fraxel Repair on Surgical Scars?

Fraxel Repair and Restore can both be used to improve appearance of scars
Fraxel treatments on be used on scars to improve the appearance. A series of treatments will likely be needed. Fraxel Repair and Fraxel Restore can be used. Fraxel Repair is a more intensive treatment requiring more down time and recovery time. With Fraxel repair, the result can be seen after only 1 treatment. Fraxel restore requires several treatments to improve scars. Consult with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for your particular situation.

Is it safe to have Fraxel Re:pair done by a board-certified plastic surgeon who has only done it 9 times?

Fraxel Repair requires a doctor with experience and skilled in laser treatments
Fraxel Repair requires a skilled and experienced doctor, such as dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Choosing a good doctor with experience performing laser treatments will help to ensure quality results. Asking for before and after photos can help to gauge the skill of the doctor.

I am now four weeks post fraxel re:pair and I have tiny brown pigment spots forming on my cheeks. Is this normal?

Consult your doctor to make sure this normal… avoid sunlight, self tanners, and tanning booths in the mean time
Do you mean dark spots following fraxel repair treatment? If so, Consult your doctor to make sure this normal. Avoid sunlight, self tanners, and tanning booths, which can make the spots darker. A fading cream can hasten the dissipation of the dark spots. Fraxel repair on the other hand is very effective in treating age and sun spots. The result is immediate.

I had a cheek lift a year ago and i would like to get fraxel repair, but i am afraid of the two bars under the skin having a bad reaction to fraxel. Can I get Fraxel Repair after a cheek lift?

Yes, you can have Fraxel Repair after a cheek lift. It is important to follow pre and post treatment skin care guidelines.

Is there pain Involved and Possible over Scarring with Fraxel Repair/Restore?

Pain is minimal for most patients
The pain with Fraxel Restore dual is minimal to most patients. Fraxel restore is a bit more uncomfortable, but a numbing cream is used with the treatment makes it less so. When performed properly, Fraxel restore and fraxel restore dual treatments should not result in any scarring. Fraxel Repair requires more recovery time. During that time, more discomfort may be experienced. There is a small risk of scarring, but making sure to use a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon will help to ensure desired results.

Is Fraxel Safe?

Fraxel is safe when done by an experience dermatologist or plastic surgeon
Fraxel is safe when the treatment is done by an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon. The type of Fraxel used determines the amount of down time. Fraxel Restore dual (thulium based) and Fraxel restore (erbium-based) have less down time and recovery time than Fraxel Repair. It is important to consulting with a good physician to determine the best Fraxel treatment for you, based on your needs.

If Juvederm and Restylane are both made of hyaluronic acid, what is the difference between the two?

The main difference between Juvederm and Restylane is in their consistencies. Juvederm is thinner with the ability to easily diffuse the targeted tissue area. Restylane is thicker and more viscous.  It tends to stay at the injection site and the physician has to mold it into the right form

Can Fraxel laser be used for under eye wrinkles?

Fraxel is safe for use under the eyes. It can be effective for mild to moderate forms of wrinkles. The laser works by targeting the dermal layer of tissue to promote the synthesis of new collagen fibers. Signs of aging in this are typically the result of the degradation of collagen and elastin due to excessive UV exposure. Creating new forms of collagen helps improve the skin’s firmness.

How does sunlight cause the skin to age prematurely and develop wrinkles?

UV rays from the sun instigate oxidative reactions with oxygen molecules within the skin. In other words, they cause the oxygen molecules to lose electrons, making them very unstable. These unstable molecules then try to regain their missing electron by stealing them from other areas of tissue. And as they do so, they create other unstable molecules, perpetuating a chain reaction. This process damages collagen and elastin protein fibers which give the skin its firmness and elasticity.

How can I get rid of horizontal neck creases?

Horizontal neck creases are difficult to get rid of. Botox is used to treat vertical platysmal bands, but is ineffective with horizontal lines.  Fat transfers and fillers can help fill in these creases with a moderate degree of success. Results of course will differ across individuals. Laser resurfacing can help the skin build new forms of collagen which can diminish the appearance of horizontal neck wrinkles.

What fillers can be used to treat wrinkles under the eye?

While hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane can be used to fill in wrinkles, the injection gel is clear in color. This makes the undereye area subject to the Tyndall effect. When light passes through the clear gel beneath the thin tissue, the area can appear to be blue.
Radiesse, however is white and will not give this effect. It also provides a greater level of firmness which can help address depressions under the eye as well as wrinkles.

Will collagen or hyaluronic acid supplements be effective as a wrinkle treatment?

Although collagen contributes to the healthy, youthful appearance of the skin, it is best to help the body create its own collagen.  Lasers can accomplish this by applying heat energy to the dermis beneath the surface of the skin.  This layer will react as though it was injured and attempt to heal itself by creating new collagen.  Hyaluronic acid is a rather complex molecule and by taking it orally, it will be difficult for the compound to integrate into existing skin structures.

I had Botox injected to treat the vertical frown lines between my brows? Why do I still see a deep crease?

Botox only addresses the muscles responsible for the frown lines. It works by keeping them in a relaxed state. This prevents them from contracting and creasing the overlying skin. However if the wrinkles are deeply etched into the skin, they are considered to be static wrinkles. The issue with static wrinkles is the loss of firmness and elasticity due to sun damage which degrades the collagen and elastin in the skin.  Dermal fillers can help supplement your treatment for frown lines by filling in the static wrinkles

Is it a good idea to use implants to treat nasolabial folds?

Implants, of course, are intended to be permanent. While this may seem to be a practical solution, keep in mind that your face will change over time as you age. Volume will be lost in the muscles and surrounding tissues. The implants may not look natural at a certain point. Fillers, on the other hand, can adapt to changes in your face since they are no permanent.

Can hyaluronic acid be applied topically to the skin as a wrinkle treatment?

Hyaluronic acid is a relatively large molecule. As a topical treatment, it would be difficult for the molecule to permeate the skin to reach deeper layers and fill in missing volume. However, if it is injected it would be far more effective in making necessary corrections.

What happens to the wrinkles in your skin after Botox wears off?

Botox only addresses the muscles that contribute to the development of wrinkles. It works by keeping the muscles relaxed as opposed to contracting. So when it wears off, the statically etched wrinkles on the surface of your skin will resume their original appearance.

I had Botox injected under my eyes as a wrinkle treatment? Why did I not see any results?

The main cause of wrinkles under the eyes is damage to the collagen and elastin fibers which maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity.  However, Botox is able to address overactive muscles, which is not the issue with wrinkles beneath the eyes. It is a better treatment choice for crows feet.

I have fine lines on my forehead and I am still in my twenties. Is it too early to start Fraxel?

Fraxel can be used during your twenties.  The lines you are noticing have likely resulted from the loss of firmness due to the degradation of collagen fibers. This usually occurs from UV damage over time. Fraxel is able to initiate your skin’s natural ability to create new forms of collagen. Collagen is produced to help the skin recover from trauma. The laser energy inflicts deliberate heat wounds to the dermis which causes this process to take place.

What can be done about my laugh lines?

Radiesse is an effective form of treatment for laugh lines in the face. It not only fills in the creases, it also provides structural support. The dermal injection is made of a calcium compound called calcium hydroxyapatite. Beneath the skin, it forms a lattice network to lift tissue. And it also stimulates the formation of new collagen by supplying compounds that are needed for this process to take place. Many patients love the natural looking results that Radiesse gives.

How does Fraxel Repair tighten the skin?

Fraxel Repair works by creating numerous vertical columns of laser light over specific areas of skin that require correction. Within these columns, the tissue is vaporized. This causes the overall surface area to shrink. Also the heat from this process causes the skin to create new collagen fibers which adds to the overall firmness.