Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Mohs Micrographic Skin Cancer Surgery & Laser Surgery

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Category: Botox/Dysport

Combat Aging Eyes: A Closer Look at Your Options

Woman looking in the mirror considering how to make her eyes look more youthful

There are ways to address the signs of aging that restore youthful brightness to the eyes.

3 Minute Read:

Your eyes can say a lot about your health, your emotions, and, most importantly, your age. Aging around the eyes can take many forms.

If you have been struggling to find something that works in your fight against aging eyes, you may want to consider some advanced cosmetic techniques for rejuvenating the skin. 

What Is BOTOX® Cosmetic? 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that is used to correct signs of aging around the eyes, such as: 

  • Crows feet
  • Frown lines 
  • Forehead lines 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular non-surgical alternative to more invasive cosmetic surgery. BOTOX® Cosmetic works by restricting the movement of facial muscles that cause wrinkles. 

BOTOX® Cosmetic is highly effective for decreasing the signs of aging around the eyes; however, the results are not permanent. Many patients will need to have follow-up treatments to maintain results. 

Also, for the results to look natural, BOTOX® Cosmetic needs to be used strategically. If overused, the face can begin to look tight or take on a permanently “surprised” look. 

If you would like to improve the appearance of your eyes, BOTOX® Cosmetic can offer excellent results without surgery and with little to no downtime. 

While BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most well-known neuromodulator, similar injectables such as Dysport® and XEOMIN® are available. These injectables work in the same way as BOTOX® Cosmetic but do not offer the same variety of uses as they are only approved for the minimization of frown lines. 

What Is Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)?

Eyelid surgery is a more aggressive and permanent technique that can restore the youthful appearance of the eyelids. 

Eyelid surgery is focused on the eye area directly, so it is not effective for reducing aging signs on the forehead or other parts of the face. 

Eyelid surgery can be used to:

  • Correct overly hooded eyes 
  • Remove excess skin 
  • Reduce the appearance of bags
  • Improve impaired vision

While eyelid surgery provides long-lasting results that dwarf BOTOX® Cosmetic in comparison, it is an invasive surgery and does require a period of downtime.

Which Is the Best Option for You? 

The cosmetic procedure that will work best for you will depend on the reasons behind your wrinkles, the severity of your condition, and your willingness to undergo surgery. 

For those that do not feel ready for surgery but would like to see improvement, BOTOX® Cosmetic may be the best option. You may not be able to achieve dramatic correction of severe age signs, but you may still be able to achieve good results. 

On the other hand, some patients who would like to achieve the most dramatic improvement may want to consider blepharoplasty. 

What Type of Wrinkles Do You Have?

There are two different types of wrinkles: dynamic and static. 

Dynamic wrinkles are caused by repeated muscle contractions (such as blinking, squinting, and smiling). Initially, these wrinkles are only noticeable when the muscles are in use; however, they can worsen to become permanent fixtures on your face. Dynamic lines, such as crow’s feet and frown lines, are best treated with BOTOX® Cosmetic because it is the muscle movement that is the problem.

Contrary to dynamic wrinkles, static lines are the wrinkles and fine lines that form due age, sun damage, and the overall weakening of the tissues. These lines develop around the eyes regardless of muscle movement. Therefore, blocking the muscle contraction will do nothing to prevent these lines. For these patients, eyelid surgery is most commonly the appropriate course of treatment.

A consultation is the best way to know which option may be best suited for you. During your consultation, your surgeon can advise you on how you can best achieve your goals as well as suggest alternative treatments. 

Want to Learn More?

If you would like to brighten your eyes and want to learn more about your options, please contact Dr. Lee at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form to learn more.

You can also stay up-to-date with Dr. Sandra Lee by following Dr. Pimple Popper on Twitter or Instagram.

BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®

BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatment can greaBotox Before and Aftertly improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines in the upper face. It’s an FDA-approved protein neurotoxin formula derived from botulinum toxin type A. This prescription medicine is injected directly into the facial muscles where the wrinkles appear,effectively blocking the nerve impulses to temporarily impair the muscle activity. Since muscle contractions cause these facial lines, the reduced muscle activity results in smoother skin. Candidates include individuals between ages 18 and 65 who are interested in BOTOX® Cosmetic’s ability to reduce facial lines so that they appear more youthful and rejuvenated.

Benefits of BOTOX® Cosmetic

  • Millions of women and men alike use BOTOX® Cosmetic and experience noticeable results.
  • Over 90 percent of BOTOX® Cosmetic patients report complete satisfaction with the treatment.
  • BOTOX® Cosmetic can treat moderate to severe frown lines, crow’s feet, and horizontal forehead lines.
  • This non-surgical treatment takes only ten minutes to perform and requires no downtime or recovery.
  • Results may last up to four months.

A Similar Medicine for Similar Treatment: Dysport®

Like BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport® is derived from botulinum toxin type A and is a prescription medicine that is injected into the facial muscles. At Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we use Dysport® to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dysport® injections reduce the presence of acetylcholine in the muscles, blocking muscle movement and thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles caused by muscle movement. Results last for at least three months.

Benefits of Dysport®

  • Dysport® effectively treats moderate to severe frown lines between the brows.
  • The majority of patients are highly satisfied with their treatment and results.
  • Results can last three to four months and sometimes longer.

With both BOTOX® Cosmetic and Dysport®, results may last several months, after which patients may desire additional treatments. Many patients schedule regular treatment sessions for BOTOX® Cosmetic or Dysport®.

Your unique needs are very important to us here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, and we focus on providing each patient with caring attention and customized results. To learn more about the treatments we provide, call 909-981-8929 or fill out our contact us online to schedule your private consultation.

Top Five Cosmetic Treatments for Men

While cosmetic treatments and plastic surgery procedures are more popular among women, many men today are taking advantage of the procedures available. Well over 1.2 million men underwent cosmetic procedures in 2014 alone, and that number continues to increase each year. Here were the top five cosmetic treatments for men in 2014 and why men choose these particular procedures.

#5: Fillers

In 2014, about 93,000 men received treatment with soft tissue fillers such as RADIESSE®, Sculptra® Aesthetic, hyaluronic acid fillers, collagen, and fat. These fillers can improve the appearance of wrinkles, volume loss, and reduced skin elasticity. Fillers can even improve face shape by augmenting the lips, cheeks, and jawline. These non-surgical treatments have a minimal recovery period and provide long-lasting results. Many men take advantage of facial fillers to add masculine definition to their faces and to combat the signs of aging that affect everyone irrespective of gender.

#4: Chemical Peels

While some men feel that chemical peels are only for women, the nearly 100,000 men who had chemical peels in 2014 know firsthand how men can benefit from them as well. Chemical peels can improve the appearance of fine lines, skin discoloration, acne, and skin texture.

#3: Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion treatment exfoliates the skin and removes the surface layer of dead skin cells. Using a gentle abrasive treatment to remove this outer layer of skin, microdermabrasion can treat skin discoloration, light scarring, age spots, stretch marks, blackheads, and acne. Microdermabrasion can also thicken collagen to improve your complexion. Well over 150,000 men received microdermabrasion treatments last year to soften their rough skin and to improve the appearance of their faces.

#2: Laser Hair Removal

At nearly 191,000 treatments in 2014, laser hair removal was the second most popular procedure for men. Laser energy can damage hair follicles, removing as much as 80 to 85 percent of hair over the course of several treatments. The hair that remains is much finer and grows more slowly. Laser hair removal allows men to achieve a more permanently clean-shaven appearance with smooth skin and a reduction in unwanted hair.

#1: BOTOX® Cosmetic

BOTOX® Cosmetic Before & After PhotosAs the most popular cosmetic procedure for men, BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments were undergone by nearly 411,000 men last year, a number that is up 337 percent since the year 2000. BOTOX® Cosmetic blocks nerve impulses in the forehead and brow area to relax the muscles, thereby softening the face and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. This quick, non-surgical treatment has no downtime and can help both men and women look more youthful and relaxed.

Plastic surgery treatments are not just for women. Many of these procedures can help men to look more attractive, youthful, and masculine with long-lasting results. Many cosmetic procedures, including these minimally invasive procedures listed above, can significantly enhance a man’s appearance.

At Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we perform each of these treatments as well as many others to enhance your appearance. To schedule your appointment with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee, please call 909-981-8929 or contact us online.

BOTOX® for Underarm Sweating

Treatment for Excessive Armpit Sweating

Anxiety about underam sweatingExcessive sweating, also known as “hyperhidrosis,” affects a large number of people of all ages. Although this condition can occur in many areas, the most embarrassing region is typically the armpits. When this occurs, not only does it affect our physical appearance, but it also inhibits our ability to be confident in social settings.

In the past, wearing multiple shirts or using prescription deodorants seemed to be the only effective way to diminish the appearance of “sweat rings” or “pit stains” on clothing. However, these only mask the problem and don’t provide a long-term solution.

Of all the cosmetic treatments available, BOTOX® is perhaps the most versatile. Primarily used to smooth and improve fine lines and wrinkles on the face, this injectable has become increasingly desired by men and women to treat excessive sweating under their arms. In 2004, the FDA approved BOTOX® for the treatment of severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis (severe underarm sweating).

How does BOTOX® stop sweating?

BOTOX® is a derivative of botulinum toxin A, which can be used to block the nerve communications that stimulate the sweat glands. Each injection is administered using a very fine needle, and patients can expect their results to last between four and six months. Since the effects of BOTOX® are considered temporary, subsequent injections are needed in order to maintain results.

Am I a candidate for BOTOX®?

Good candidates for BOTOX® are in good overall health and have had a prior medical examination to determine that they are not allergic to its ingredients. Although BOTOX® is very effective in treating excessive sweating under the arms, it is important that patients have realistic expectations about the outcome of treatment.

For all of your BOTOX® needs, we encourage you to call Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form today. Dr. Sandra Lee looks forward to meeting you and helping you achieve results about which you can feel confident!

 

Rejuvenate in Time for the Holidays

A beautiful woman in a santa hat isolated on a snowflake and red dot backgroundWith holiday gatherings just around the corner, everyone wants to look their best. Unfortunately, aging takes a toll on our skin, leaving expression lines and folds on many of our faces sooner than we had expected. However, there are a variety of injectable treatments to eliminate these signs of aging that require no downtime and produce great results… fast! Treatment can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, and the injectable is safely administered through a fine needle into the skin. Results generally last between six months and two years depending on the injectable used and how many treatments are undergone.

The following injectable formulas are ideal for quickly improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to rejuvenate your appearance just in time for the holidays:

BOTOX®, Dysport®, and XEOMIN®

BOTOX®, Dysport®, and XEOMIN® relax particular muscles of the face and prevent them from contracting, which reduces the appearance of the wrinkles and fine lines they cause.

Ideal for treating:

  • Frown lines (vertical furrows between the brows)
  • Crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes
  • Horizontal forehead lines
  • Dimpling in the chin
  • Bands in the neck

JUVÉDERM® Ultra, JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus, Restylane®, and Perlane®

JUVÉDERM® Ultra and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus, as well as Restylane® and Perlane®, are formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural substance in the body that adds volume and hydration to the skin. These injectable fillers act as a cushion for skin that has lost elasticity to smooth out depressions in the skin and enhance facial contours.

Ideal for treating:

  • Indented acne scars
  • Smile lines (nasolabial folds from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (vertical lines down from the corners of the lips)
  • Smoker’s lines (vertical lines above the top lip)
  • Hollows under the eyes
  • Thin lips

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC is an injectable gel made with a unique manufacturing process that crosslinks hyaluronic acid (HA) in a high concentration to produce a thicker formula. This creates a smooth-consistency gel that adds fullness and a natural look and feel with results that last up to two years.

Ideal for treating:

  • Volume loss in the midface
  • Poorly defined cheekbones

RADIESSE®

RADIESSE® is composed of calcium hydroxylapatite, a biocompatible synthetic material. This special gel-matrix formula provides immediate volume and also stimulates the body’s natural production of collagen for results that last up to two years.

Ideal for treating:

  • Smile lines (nasolabial folds from the nose to the corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (vertical lines down from the corners of the lips)
  • Smoker’s lines (vertical lines above the top lip)
  • Chin wrinkles and folds
  • Weakened jawline
  • Hollowed cheeks
  • Indented scars

During your consultation, Dr. Sandra Lee, Erin Jensen, PA-C, or Ashlene Korcek, PA-C will help determine which injectable treatment is right for you.

If you are interested in rejuvenating your appearance before the holidays, please call Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve a more youthful appearance this season!

A Glass of Wine a Day to Keep the Doctor Away?

Grapes and a glass and bottle of red wine on a white backgroundThe aging process and environmental factors can cause the skin to lose its radiance, and wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots develop. Unfortunately, our skin doesn’t age like a fine wine, but studies show that drinking wine in moderation may help improve skin appearance and provide other health benefits.

 

Skin Health

Research has suggested that certain compounds, such as resveratrol and procyanidin, found in red wine may slow the aging of the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. One study evaluated the effects of a dietary supplement containing resveratrol and procyanidin and found that the participants’ skin moisturization and elasticity had improved, while the appearance of roughness, wrinkles, and age spots had diminished.

Heart Health

Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to have many Two glasses splashing red wine into a heart shape on a white backgroundbenefits for the heart and circulatory system, including:

  • Lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol

  • Raising “good” HDL cholesterol

  • Reducing the formation of blood clots

  • Preventing artery damage

*Although red wine is believed to have these health benefits, drinking more than one glass (women) or two (men) per day has been shown to have detrimental health effects. Consult with your general physician before consuming alcohol on a regular basis.  

How the Doctors at Skin Physicians & Surgeons Can Help

Here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we offer nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, such as fractional CO2 laser treatment and chemical peels, to effectively improve wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, and other signs of skin aging and damage. We also carry carefully chosen cosmeceuticals that treat a variety of skin problems for all skin types.

To schedule your consultation with Skin Physicians & Surgeons, please call (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you achieve beautiful, healthy skin.

What Is a Physician Assistant?

In honor of National PA week I thought I’d take a moment to explain exactly what a PA is and does.

A physician assistant is a licensed and highly skilled health care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care and guidance to patients. A PA must attend a specialized medical training program associated with a medical school, which includes classroom studies and clinical experience. I personally have a bachelors degree in biology and also received my masters degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Southern California. I have been formally trained in dermatology by Dr. Rebish and Dr. Lee. Each PA must be supervised by a physician, and the supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need arise.

A PA performs many diagnostic, preventative, and health maintenance services. As a physician assistant in dermatology, here are some services I provide:

  • Perform full body exams for skin cancer screening
  • Diagnose skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, rashes, etc.
  • Instruct and counsel patients on their medical conditions
  • Perform laser treatments, such as laser hair removal, VBeam laser for blood vessel removal, and sun spot removal with the MiXto laser
  • Perform minor surgical procedures
  • Write prescriptions
  • Act as first or second assistant during surgery
  • Perform cosmetic procedures, such as Botox, Dysport, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Restylane injections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Physician Assistants:

1. Are you a doctor? No, I am what is referred to as a mid-level practitioner, similar to a nurse practitioner. I am able to see patients, write prescriptions, and order tests.

2. Will you become a doctor? No, I have completed my formal training and passed national certification boards for physician assistants. I am not an intern or studying to be a doctor.

4. Are you a nurse or medical assistant? No, I have a bachelors degree in biology and have completed post-graduate training in a physician assistant program. I am board certified as a physician assistant.

5. What is the difference between a physician and a physician assistant?
The main difference between a physician and physician assistant is the amount of time spent in training. Physicians spend more time in school and also have to go through internships and residencies. Physicians can practice independently while PAs work with physicians and are ultimately under the physician’s supervision.

6. Do I have to see the PA? No. It is completely your choice on which provider you would like to see. 

7. What does PA-C mean? It means physician assistant-certified. It means the person has graduated from an accredited program and has passed testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

8. Can you prescribe medications? Yes. I am able to recommend medications and write prescriptions.

9. How long have PAs been around? Since the 1960s physician assistants have helped expand the delivery of quality medical care.

erin small head shot

I absolutely love my job and could not imagine doing anything else.

I love being to work as a team with the physicians and other PA in our office to provide the best possible care for all of our patients.

Erin Jensen PA-C

 

If you are interested in any procedure or would like more information, feel free to schedule a consultation with our physicians or physician assistant by calling (909) 981-8929 or filling out our online contact form.

Join Us at The Envy Party!

On Thursday, October 10th, 2013, Skin Physicians & Surgeons will be hosting our annual patient appreciation event: The Envy Party! It will be held from 4pm until 7pm at our office, located at 859 E. Foothill Boulevard in Upland. Come join us for an evening of food, entertainment, treats, and discounts as we show our gratitude to our patients and the community.

Gift basket with green polka dot ribbon filled with skincare products With all of the awesome gifts and offers, you won’t want to miss out on this spectacular event! In addition to a free skincare goody bag, our guests will be able to partake in the variety of FREE services provided by our outdoor vendors. From relaxing massages to sunkissed spray tans and beautiful eyelash extensions, our guests will leave looking and feeling amazing. Come enjoy frozen drinks from the Margarita Man and delicious In-N-Out food as you listen to our DJ’s amazing beats, and don’t forget to take a picture in our photo booth! We will also be having a raffle, which includes prizes like Botox® Cosmetic and injectable filler treatments, skincare and makeup products, a Latisse Eyelash Lengthening kit, a Vitalize Peel, discounts on liposuction and other procedures, gift baskets, and much more! And the festivities don’t end there…

If you’re tired of looking tired and want to reverse the signs of aging, October 10th is the time to learn about treatment options and take advantage of all our amazing offers. Our doctors, physician assistant, and esthetician will be performing cosmetic demonstrations and explaining more about the details of each product. The rooms inside our office building will be featuring information on different treatments so our guests can gain all of the knowledge necessary to decide the right option for their needs. We are having more specials than ever before at this year’s event, with discounts up to double what we offered in previous years. To LIKE us on Facebook and check out all of our beauty specials, click here.

Two happy middle-aged women in front of a white "Skin Physicians & Surgeons" backdrop

Don’t make your friends envy you, bring them along! It’s definitely true that more is merrier because our patients who bring a non-patient friend receive a $50 gift card just for RSVPing and signing in with them. Patients can bring up to 2 friends and earn up to $100 in gift cards! You and your friends are sure to have a fabulous time at The Envy Party as we celebrate YOU, our amazing patients.

To be eligible for these great deals and gifts, an RSVP is a MUST. Please visit envyparty2013.eventbrite.com/ or call our office at (909) 981-8929 to let us know you’re coming. Even if you can’t make it to the event on October 10th, feel free to stop by our office during the week of October 7th through 11th to take advantage of all these fantastic discounts. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Frownies: The At-Home Botox Alternative?

How Botox works is that it temporally prevents a muscle from moving. If you cannot move a particular muscle you cannot make the expression that causes a certain wrinkle. It usually takes four to seven days for Botox to start working and the effects tend to last from three to four months. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax. As we get older and lose elasticity in the skin, a permanent crease can form leaving a wrinkle that is noticeable even without muscle contraction. Botox does not get rid of these wrinkles, but may help soften them.

When I spotted Frownies on Pinterest I had to check them out. . They are essentially thick pieces of paper with an old school stamp-like adhesive. You wet them, and then stick them on your face in areas you have a wrinkle caused by movement. In the picture, you can see the woman has them in between her eyebrows and on her forehead – typical places you get wrinkles due to making normal facial expressions. Frownies are not moisturizers and they don’t help to fill in wrinkles, nor do they stimulate collagen. They simply prevent you from making the expressions that cause certain wrinkles – exactly like Botox. The advantage to Botox is that it lasts 24 hours a day where you may only wear frownies for about 8 hours a day.

Frownies may mildly improve these expression lines but results would only be temporary and lines would return as soon as you start moving that muscle again.

 

Meet Alexa…

Meet Alexa
Six year old Alexa was suddenly afflicted with a life-threatening condition called dermatomyositis, which causes distinctive skin rashes and acute muscle weakness. She got so weak that she was unable to walk. There is no cure for this disease, but presently it is under control with medications. This brave little girl is our guest of honor at our annual patient appreciation event, The Envy Party, September 27th 2012. We hope you have a chance to meet her that night.

Purchase a $20 ticket for an opportunity to spin our prize wheel and a chance to win $1000 towards a procedure here at Skin Physicians and Surgeons. 100% of proceeds will go to support Alexa’s medical costs. You can purchase an opportunity to spin the prize wheel at The Envy Party or just stop by our office any time to spin the wheel before the event.

Register for The Envy Party here: http://skinpsenvyparty.eventbrite.com/

Eligible procedures include: Treatment with Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Belotero. Sclerotherapy, MixTo CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Tickle Lipo, Laser Hair Removal, VBeam laser treatment, Medical dermatology: Mole removal, skin cancer treatment, acne treatment. Not eligible on esthetician services or cosmeceuticals (including but not limited to Latisse, Triluma, Retin-A, ect…)

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