Neck Shaping with Kybella and CoolSculpting

Do you look in the mirror and find yourself tugging at the fullness below your chin? Many people are self-conscious of their “double-chins”, but there are new and effective treatments to address this concern.  Kybella and CoolSculpting can significantly reduce the appearance of extra fat on the neck and leave you feeling much better about what you see in the mirror.

Neck fat-submental fullness-is a common problem among body image concerns. Though extra fat in that location does not necessarily have anything to do with weight gain or health, and it is merely part of genetics, or maturing, it bothers many. These areas don’t respond well to standard methods of body transformation, like eating well and exercising. Fortunately, doctors have developed new methods for tackling this problem that give you better results than ever.

Kybella and Coolsculpting

Kybella can be used alone to treat submental fullness. It is used to address moderate to severe chin fat. It has deoxycholic acid as its active ingredient and helps your body breakdown the extra fat so that it can’t be restored.

CoolSculpting targets your fat without intrusive measures. It is a FDA-approved method for cooling fat cells; it freezes them and eliminates them. Your fat cells are the only things that get frozen. Neither this procedure, nor Kybella hurts your body. In fact, you might be able to use them together.

Injecting Kybella may be enough even for someone with a moderate double chin. However, if you’re concerned that you have an even larger neck, you can ask your dermatologist about adding CoolSculpting to the treatment. It may be just what you need to make your neck look the way you want. When these two treatments are combined, they can offer excellent results. CoolSculpting can debulk large areas of fat and Kybella can target a specific fat pad under the chin.

It is a significant bonus that both of these procedures are FDA-approved to target your fat, which is then absorbed back into your body. Both of these treatments also require minimal downtime after the treatments, which take very little time out of your schedule. If you have more questions about these procedures, just come to Inverness Dermatology and Laser.

Treat Acne Scarring with Dermal Fillers

Acne can be a big problem all on its own. Unfortunately, the problem is sometimes compounded with scarring. Scarring is a very common result of acne, particularly when people tamper with their spots-popping, scrubbing, etc. There are multiple types of scars, including:

Boxcar Scars: These are much like chicken pox scars with defined edges that give them a box-like appearance.

Ice Pick Scars: These are the most common; they form indentations in the skin.

Keloid Acne Scars: These are raised and extend beyond the original acne’s site.

Among the ways to address acne scars are dermal fillers. These have the potential to treat and fill those areas to significantly reduce the appearance of some acne scarring types. They work to fill the depressions and volume loss caused by scarring.

Dermal fillers often produce immediate results and continue to uphold those results over the months. These results and the techniques that produce them depend upon the patient’s skin, type of scarring, etc. It is essential to discuss the treatment with a dermatologist who can help you decide if it is the best method for treating your acne scars, and what sort of filler is best for you.

How it Works

Your dermatologist will discuss all details with you. Sometimes, it may not be necessary to fill all scars. If you go forward with the procedure, the area will be cleaned and numbed; your doctor may use a topical cream or cooling, or both. Then, there is the injection. Any scars needing the filler will be injected.

At Inverness Dermatology and Laser, we offer Bellafill to help the appearance of scars because it’s the only FDA-approved injectable filler that is approved for the treatment of acne scars. Bellafill contains small polymethylmethacrylate microspheres in a collagen gel. It supports your skin’s natural collagen. When injected, Belafill produces immediate results, which means you can resume your daily life. It is a safe and effective method for treatment that satisfies most patients’ needs. It carries a very low risk for complications and the results can last for a year.

After dermal injections, you may experience a little swelling or bruising. Any potential side effects are often mild and do not last long. It is very important to treat your skin with care. Avoid excess pressure on your face, like a massage. Your dermatologist will give you a list of ways to care for your skin will it adjusts to the injections.

The results of your injections are temporary. They can last for months, even a year, depending upon the filler and your skin. This means that you will need to return for more injections. Or, your dermatologist may recommend a combination of treatments for more lasting effects. Laser treatment and chemical peels, for example, can visibly and permanently reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Don’t let acne scars trouble you. Consider dermal fillers and come see us at Inverness. If fillers aren’t for you, we will do what it takes to help you find the right solution.

The Basics of Dermal Fillers

If you have considered cosmetic changes, particularly to your face, and you’ve researched the topic, you have probably come across the term “dermal fillers.” Dermal fillers are injections into areas of the skin that plump and smooth it. Facial contouring and lip enhancement are common uses for these treatments.

What are they, exactly?

Dermal filler injections contain substances that are medically safe to be injected under the skin. These substances are made to work with your body’s natural collagen production to support them and help revive your skin’s healthy, youthful appearance. Over time, our bodies stop producing elastin and collagen-the proteins that keep our skin looking young. This is when signs of aging really begin-wrinkles, sagging, etc. Dermal fillers make up for the loss.

Most fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. It sounds strange, but it is a safe, effective chain molecule that binds with the moisture in your skin and works with the elastin and collagen in your body to keep up that smooth-looking skin. Ultimately, the solutions are very safe, which is a reason why they’re popular. Infections and allergic reactions are extremely rare, while desired results-plump, smooth cheeks, firmness under the eyes, plump lips, etc.-are common.

Some of the most widely-used dermal fillers are:

Juvederm Ultra
Perlane
Radiesse
Restylane

Are the results permanent?

Dermal fillers are not permanent; they generally last between 9 months and over one year, depending upon the type of injection and the person. So, in order to keep up the look, you’ll have to return to your dermatologist for another injection. Your doctor will tell you what’s best for you.

Side effects are not permanent, either. They are generally very mild. You may experience a little redness, some swelling, or a little bruising and tenderness. Your trained practitioner knows how to properly dose and inject, and avoid complications. Those mild side effects go away in a few days and leave you with younger-looking, smoother skin. Should you experience any side effects, your doctor will tell you how to manage them and prescribe any necessary treatment.

Many people find that dermal fillers are well-worth the recurring trips to the dermatologist. They’re a relatively quick solution to the problem of wrinkles, thin lips, sagging skin under the eyes, sunken cheeks, and more. They’re not invasive or surgical, and they’re not truly painful. You also don’t have to worry about healing time; go about your normal life after your injection. Their side effects are minimal and they carry no real risks. Plus, if you’re looking for more than they offer, you can combine them with other treatments, including Botox. Just ask your dermatologist about your options.

If you like the idea of dermal fillers and want more information, see your physician. Come to Inverness Dermatology and Laser. We’ll tell you all you want to know about dermal fillers, including our procedures and costs.

The Most Common and Popular Skin Treatments

Many people want a way to look younger. There is no such thing as the perfect antiaging method, but there are modern procedures that help many people. These advances allow people to achieve a younger look without major surgery. If you are looking for the right treatment for you, here are some of the best, most popular options.

Injections

Injections, or Dermal Fillers, are among the most common methods for treating aging. Juvéderm, Perlane, Radiesse, and Restylane are four injections that fill wrinkles. They can also improve upon other imperfections in the skin. They serve as fillers that can help you sculpt and lift for a more smooth appearance. Surgeries and face-lifts pull at the skin; these treatments fill and plump the skin to make it seem more young and full. Some of the injections also help improve the growth of collagen in the skin, so you get natural results along with the filler. The results can last for months or a year, and most do not have serious side effects. Their costs depend upon the type of injection and the provider, but they can range from over $500, to near $1000. So, you will have to discuss it with your physician.

Lasers

CO2 Laser Treatments have become a popular method for skin resurfacing. This treatment targets wrinkles and lines, skin tone, sun and age spots, and more. Pigmented lesions, such as sun spots or moles, can be more than skin characteristics or nuisances—they can become cancerous. Your doctor will have to inspect the area prior to treatment to make certain there are not potential complications. The process is also called “laser resurfacing”; the laser penetrates the skin to resurface, remove dead cells, and promote new cell and collagen production. Despite the laser’s heat and penetration, the top layer of the skin is not injured. The provider will apply a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure. Then, the laser is used on the target areas of skin, and it is all accomplished very quickly. Thus, the procedure is not only bearable, the healing time is minimal. Your doctor will supply you with further care instructions. There are a few potential side effects, such as redness, but they are not usually intolerable. The procedure can be costly—a few thousand dollars, depending upon the provider—so it is important to talk to your doctor and find out if it is right for you.

There are plenty of ways to care for your face and maintain your skin’s youthfulness over time at home. The same physicians who provide injection and laser options can help you choose the best at-home creams and treatments, too, be they in addition to your clinic treatment, or not. Whatever you choose, make certain you discuss your history and options with your doctor, first. At Inverness Dermatology and Laser, we can discuss your needs and any treatments with you. We’ll help you decide the best option for you and figure out a method to affording your chosen procedure. Just call us today to find out how we can help you have healthy, beautiful skin.

To Help You Manage Eczema

Eczema can be a difficult thing with which to live. It can be more than itchy. It can be painful and require lifestyle changes to maintain comfort and prevent irritation. If you have eczema, there are plenty of options for treatment. You should consult with a professional because your triggers are unique to you.

Keep track of what irritates your condition.

Every person with eczema has different triggers. For some, there are a few items, of which it is easy to keep track. For others, many things could possibly cause a painful reaction. It is important to maintain a list of these things to help avoid flare-ups as much as possible.

Moisturize as often as possible.

Dry skin is the primary problem for people with eczema. Even without the condition, dry skin is itchy. So, find a moisturizer clear of any potential irritants, and use it regularly. Bathe with a moisturizing wash if possible, and moisturize afterward; skin is more prone to drying after being cleansed. Thick creams and ointments often last longer in terms of moisture on the skin.

Wear comfortable clothes that do not chafe or irritate.

Clothing fibers can be an irritant, even if you’re not allergic to them and they’re not a specific trigger for you. Simple, natural cloths, such as cotton, are usually best. Any fabric that scratches your skin at all should be avoided. Always wash the clothes in fragrance free detergent to prevent further irritation.

Adjust your skin care routine.
Most of us bathe in hot water with soaps, dry off, apply many things such as fragrance and makeup to our bodies, and go about our day. This is a lot for your skin. Lukewarm water and gentle cleansers are best. Avoid scrubbing, both in the water and while drying. Always apply a moisturizer afterward, and reduce the number of additional chemicals you put on your skin.

Manage your stress.
Everyone’s skin reacts to stress, and for people with eczema this is a potentially painful problem. The irritation itself can also cause stress, creating a frustrating cycle. It is important to find healthy ways to manage the stress which will result in less inflamed skin.

Do not scratch. Ever.
It may be hard, but avoid it at all costs. It will only make the symptoms worse. Keep your moisturizers and prescription products on hand to deal with sudden itchiness and patches.

Get the right medication and use it as prescribed.

Sometimes these lifestyle management efforts alone are not enough for severe eczema. Medication may be required, and so it is important to see a doctor and get the right kind for you, and take it as prescribed. This is all in addition to daily maintenance.

We can help you manage your eczema. Call us at Inverness Dermatology and Laser and let’s work toward making your life with eczema much easier.

Sunscreen, Sunblock, and SPF

You may have read or heard of some claims that sunscreen with a high SPF could be unhealthy. Does information like this, particularly when it conflicts with so much other available information, make you wonder what is in your sunscreen, your sunblock, and what SPF really means?

What are Sunscreen, Sunblock, and SPF?

Sunscreen was created to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, called “Ultra Violet rays” (UVA or UVB). Sunscreens are topical skin protectors; they form a protective barrier on your skin. Generally, the higher the SPF, the longer you can be out in the sun without burning. If it takes you 30 minutes to burn, then, theoretically, a sunscreen with SPF 30 should protect you thirty times longer. This is not always the case, as it depends on how much direct sunlight you get, whether you sweat or are in water, and the contents (no sunscreen can protect you entirely from all of the sun’s rays).

What’s in the stuff?
There are risks no matter what you put on your skin; there is always the potential that someone could be allergic to something in sunscreen. That’s why there are different types.

• Sunblock: Sunblocks are physical sunscreens. They contain elements such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to serve as physical protection—a block—from the sun. They can also reflect the sun’s rays. Zinc based sunscreen is best for sensitive skin. Micronized forms apply quickly and easily without leaving the thick, white residue of older zinc-based formulations.
• Sunscreen: Some sunscreens are made of synthetic chemicals, such as oxybenzone, which the skin absorbs for a deeper protection. These are the types of sunscreens that are more likely to cause skin reactions because of that absorption. Additionally, oxybenzone has a chemical reaction when hit by the sun that can cause some adverse skin reactions.

There are a wide range of chemicals and ingredients that may be in your sunscreen or sunblock. However, if you’re going to be outside, having something to protect your skin is essential. So, what to do?

We recommend using an SPF of at least 30 containing zinc oxide.  It’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist to make sure you get what’s best for your skin. Want more information on protecting and preserving the health of your skin? Call us at Inverness Dermatology and Laser.

What is Vascular Laser Treatment?

Do you have visible lesions or veins on your skin that are bothering you? You may want to consider vascular laser treatment. This procedure utilizes laser light to penetrate the skin to the blood vessels. The light destroys the blood, which is then processed out of the body naturally. Thus, the bruising and coloring of the skin lesion fade without damaging the overlying skin.

The length or number of treatments will vary for each individual depending on the size of the lesion or lesions and the severity of the reason for laser therapy. There may be mild discomfort or pain during the process, but is generally well-tolerated. The sensation has often been referred to as a “rubber band snapping”.

After the process, sunscreen and sun avoidance are recommended. The treated areas may appear a little bruised for a few days, but these bruises will fade normally. The skin should be treated as gently as possible when washing, or applying and removing makeup. Healing time and recovery will depend upon the condition and the level of treatment.

At Inverness Dermatology & Laser, we offer vascular laser treatment for a variety of issues. We also offer some financing options if you are concerned about cost. Come talk to us and let us walk you through the process, and get you on your way to better looking skin you’re more comfortable in.