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

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Category: Cosmetic Procedures

Say Goodbye to Your Double Chin

KYBELLA®The dreaded “double chin” consists of stubborn fat accumulation beneath the chin. Men and women, even those who are fit and in good health, can be affected by a double chin. Since problem areas like the under-chin are difficult to treat through diet and exercise, people believe that they have to live with a poorly defined and chubby facial appearance. In the past, surgical liposuction was the only treatment to ensure fat removal from beneath the chin. However, this is no longer the case! A revolutionary injectable treatment called KYBELLA® has been approved by the FDA to treat this stubborn submental fat.

What Is KYBELLA®?

KYBELLA® is comprised of deoxycholic acid, which is a naturally occurring molecule that aids in the breakdown and absorption of fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, the deoxycholic acid aids in the destruction and absorption of fat cells. Once the fat cells have been destroyed, the body removes the dead cells through its natural metabolic processes. Over time, you will notice a reduction in submental fat and a slimmer facial appearance.

Am I a Candidate for KYBELLA® Treatments?

Patients considering KYBELLA® have stubborn under-chin fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. You should be in good health before undergoing a KYBELLA® treatment and should not have an infection in the treatment area. Men and women considering KYBELLA® often do not desire a procedure of invasive nature like liposuction.

Benefits of KYBELLA®

  • Non-surgical treatments
  • No incisions; no scarring
  • Safe and effective
  • Minimal side effects
  • Quick treatments
  • Shorter recovery period
  • Fast-acting results
  • Long-term correction

KYBELLA® Results

KYBELLA® provides the permanent, long-lasting removal of submental fat. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve their desired results. You should begin to see a noticeable reduction of fat beneath the chin two weeks after your procedure.

If you are looking to slim your facial appearance and improve the appearance of your double chin, schedule your KYBELLA® consultation with Dr. Sandra Lee today. Contact our office at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.

 
**Before and after images provided by mykybella.com

Causes and Treatment of Spider Veins

Spider veins are small, thin veins shaped like spiky tree branches or spider webs. Most often, they are red or blue in color. These veins can occur on the legs or the face and may cover a small or large area of your skin. People who have spider veins may feel self-conscious about their appearance and desire to have them removed. Sclerotherapy is a highly effective treatment for spider veins and collapses the veins so that they don’t show through the skin.

Causes of Spider Veins

Spider veins are often caused by the backup of blood. Healthy, strong veins carry the blood in your body through one-way paths. These paths are separated by valves that serve to prevent the blood from going in the wrong direction. However, sometimes these valves can weaken, causing the blood to back up. This leads to the appearance of spider veins. Other causes of spider veins include injuries, hormonal changes, and too much sun exposure.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for developing spider veins include aging, medical problems, a medical history of weak vein valves, family history of vein problems, obesity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and standing or sitting for long periods of time. While they are not typically dangerous, spider veins can cause itching or burning and are often perceived as unattractive.

Treatment With Sclerotherapy

Causes and Treatment of Spider VeinsHere at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, sclerotherapy is the preferred method for treating spider veins, especially those on the legs. This simple procedure entails injecting a liquid chemical irritant or detergent into the spider vein, causing it to collapse. The injections are nearly painless and will ensure that the vein no longer fills with blood. Patients wear compression pantyhose for the week after treatment to help keep the vein compressed. The vein fades away within a few weeks, eliminating its unsightly appearance. In more serious cases, multiple treatment sessions may be needed to eradicate spider veins. Sclerotherapy has a high success rate; however, as there is no cure for weak vein valves, spider veins can reform. Wearing compression support stockings during the day and following your doctor’s recommendations can help to prevent them from forming.

For more information about leg vein removal and treatment of spider veins or to schedule your sclerotherapy procedure, call us at 909-981-8929 or fill out our online contact form.

What Is Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy may sound like a term coined for a superhero power, but it is a simple cosmetic treatment that permanently eliminates abnormal and diseased tissue. By utilizing non-toxic liquid nitrogen that is about -200º C, this non-invasive treatment instantly freezes the cells inside of the affected tissue.

How Is Cryotherapy Treatment Performed?

Once the targeted area is cleaned, cryotherapy is performed with a handheld device that delivers short pulses of liquid nitrogen directly to the skin. After the skin is properly treated, ointment is applied, and a bandage covers the treated area. Over the next few days, the area may blister and scab as it heals.

What Skin Conditions Are Treatable With Cryotherapy?

Cryotherapy effectively treats a wide range of common skin imperfections, including:

Wartswarts on hand

Warts are small, rough growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Although most warts are not painful, their appearance on the face, hands, or feet can cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small flaps of overdeveloped tissue that are typically found on the neck, chest, or armpits. Skin tags often cause irritation when they come in contact with clothing.

Solar Lentigines and Actinic Keratosis

These skin lesions are gray or brown spots that usually appear on the face, hands, and arms. These spots can either develop as a result of the aging process or as a result of prolonged sun exposure (hyperpigmentation). In some instances, they may also be precursors to skin cancer.

Skin Cancer

Cryotherapy can also treat some skin cancers, but only if the lesions affect the epidermis (top layer) of the skin. A consultation with Dr. Sandra Lee will determine if cryotherapy can be an effective treatment for your skin cancer lesion.

To find out if you are a good candidate for cryotherapy, feel free to contact our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee today. Dr. Lee has years of experience with the most technologically advanced laser and light-based procedures to help you achieve an appearance about which you can feel confident. Call (909) 981-8929 today, or fill out our online contact form for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Bridal Beauties

 Cosmetic Treatment for Weddings

With wedding season coming up, many brides-to-be and their bridal parties are doing everything they can to look their best. From mandatory gym time and strict diets to dedicated skin care routines and spray tans, women put themselves through a lot to prevent taking unappealing wedding pictures that would live on in infamy. With the advent of Beautiful bride and bridesmaidshigh-resolution cameras and most brides being over 25 years old, signs of aging are also an increasing concern. Many prenuptial regimens now include cosmetic treatments so that brides and their bridesmaids project a youthful and radiant appearance on the big day.

The following are some of the most popular treatments bridal beauties undergo to get wedding-day ready.

MiXto SX® CO₂ Laser Treatment

One of the most popular treatments for fiancées and bridal parties is MiXto SX® CO₂ laser skin resurfacing. This fractional laser treatment takes just 30 to 60 minutes and provides amazing skin tightening and resurfacing results with very little patient discomfort or downtime.

MiXto SX® treatment can improve the following:

  • Fine lines
  • Wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Sun spots
  • Enlarged pores

JUVÉDERM®

JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus and JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus XC are made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance found in the skin that hydrates and delivers nutrients to the cells. These formulas are injected beneath the skin to fill wrinkles and hollows to create a smoother, more natural look and feel.

JUVÉDERM® injections can improve the following:

  • Lines from the nostrils to the corners of the mouth (nasolabial folds)
  • Thin lips
  • Vertical lip lines
  • Hollows under the eyes

Tickle Lipo™

Tickle Lipo™ can slim down those stubborn problem areas of fat with just local anesthesia, less patient discomfort, and a faster recovery than traditional liposuction.

MedSpa Services

We offer medspa services, including chemical peels, facials, and skin blading, for those want more subtle facial rejuvenation.

Cosmeceuticals

Our cosmeceuticals treat a variety of signs of aging, including photoaging, sun spots, acne, and fine lines. Our physicians can determine the right products and treatment regimen for your unique needs and goals.

It’s best to start a healthy skin care regimen and any series of treatments at least six months prior to the wedding, and all treatments should be done at least one month before the big day. Liposuction should be performed at least four to six months before a big event to allow for all swelling and bruising to resolve.

If you’re interested in attaining a rejuvenated, radiant appearance for your big day, contact Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland. Call (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule your consultation and get wedding-day ready!

 

What Is Skin Blading?

Skin Rejuvenation in Upland, CA

When we’re young, our skin rapidly produces new, healthy cells to replace the old ones. However, as we age, this process of cellular turnover begins to slow down. This can leave us with a dull complexion as dead cells build up on the surface of the skin because they haven’t yet been replaced by new ones. Dry patches of skin may accumulate, and damage to the skin, such as sun spots or acne scarring, can become more visible over time.

Skin blading safely and painlessly removes dead, dry skin from the face to reveal the new, supple cells underneath. This procedure allows you to finally eliminate recalcitrant skin problems and achieve a smooth, youthful complexion. This also stimulates the cellular turnover process, allowing for you to maintain more radiant skin over time.

Skin Blading Can Improve the Following:Radiant Skin Upland, CA

  • Dry skin
  • Rough patches
  • Acne scars
  • Fine lines
  • Enlarged pores
  • Unwanted facial hair

Treatment

Skin blading is carried out through manual exfoliation using a sterile surgical blade. The skin is pulled tight, and our esthetician will carefully glide the blade against the skin in a motion similar to shaving. Patients can generally return to their regular activities immediately after treatment.

Here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we offer skin blading with a facial to hydrate and soothe dry, rough skin. We can also combine skin blading with a chemical peel to further improve wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.

If you would like more youthful, radiant skin, call us at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to helping you look and feel more beautiful in your own skin!

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!

Tickle Lipo: Lose Fat With a Laugh

Tickle Lipo, also known as “Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture (NIL),” is an innovative, FDA-approved procedure that removes fat and sculpts your body into more slender contours. Liposuction uses a cannula (thin hollow tube) to remove unwanted fat from the body, and Tickle Lipo employs infrasonic technology to vibrate and rotate the cannula with three-dimensional movement. This movement inhibits the receptors in your brain from receiving pain signals, which makes the procedure completely pain free. In fact, many patients report that it feels like they’re being tickled during the procedure.

Compared to traditional liposuction, Tickle Lipo has the following benefits: 

  • Can treat any area of the bodyLaughing brunette girl in a tank top with a sky background and palm tree behind her
  • Uses local anesthesia (safer than general anesthesia)
  • Increased patient comfort
  • More effective for fibrous areas
  • Uniform skin tightening
  • Less bruising and swelling
  • Shorter recovery
  • Faster results

Increased Safety and Efficiency

Tickle Lipo safely removes fat without damaging the surrounding tissues because the cannula automatically stops when non-fatty tissue is touched. This preserves the fibrous and other non-fatty tissues, which allows for a safer procedure with improved results. All types of fat can be removed, and the body can be sculpted with precision.

If you are interested in laughing your fat away with Tickle Lipo, please call (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. Here at Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we are dedicated to providing our patients with safe and effective procedures that will achieve their desired results.

 

Gorgeous Skin at Any Age

Part 2: 40s and Beyond

A beautiful woman's face with white lines creating a grid on her cheek, on a white backgroundThere’s no doubt that your skincare regimen has a profound effect on how your skin ages. In your 20s and 30s, combating the many harmful elements that contribute to aging will help keep your skin youthful and vibrant, and there are specific products and treatments that are ideal for repairing and maintaining skin health later in life.

You may have seen our previous blog on the essential skincare tips to follow in your 20s and 30s, and here are ways to achieve and maintain gorgeous skin in your 40s and beyond.

In Your 40s: Brighten and Repair

Brighten With Antioxidants

As you get older, your skin’s cell turnover process and oil production slow down, which can lead to skin that is rough and dull. Antioxidants, such as vitamins and green tea polyphenols, help lighten dark spots and soothe the skin to make it brighter with a more even skin tone.

In addition to using our C Emollient Gel to stimulate collagen and even out your skin tone, washing your face with our C Emollient Cleanser first will help brighten and smooth the skin without stripping its natural oils and drying it out.

Repair With TNS Recovery Complex

If you didn’t notice them in your 30s, you will almost definitely see fine lines and wrinkles on your face in your 40s. Skin Medica’s TNS Recovery Complex provides your skin with growth factors, antioxidants, proteins, and collagen to rejuvenate all aspects of your skin, including discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, and skin firmness.

In Your 50s and Beyond: Reverse Damage and Lift

Reverse Damage With Laser Treatment

People in their 50s and even those in their 30s and 40s may benefit from reversing skin damage with the Mixto Fractional CO2 Laser. This procedure tightens the skin to improve wrinkles, acne scars, and pores while lightening dark spots.

Lift With Cosmetic Surgery

After a certain age, the skin may be stretched out, and the damage done to it cannot be adequately repaired with lasers or products. For those who want significant improvement to the appearance of their eyes, eyelid lift surgery (blepharoplasty) is available. This procedure eliminates drooping upper eyelids and bags beneath the eyes to restore an alert, rejuvenated appearance.

If you would like more information on how to have youthful, radiant skin at any age, please call us at (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form. Our online skin care product store offers many rejuvenating formulas, and one of our board-certified dermatologists can help determine the best treatment or products for your individual needs. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you look and feel more beautiful in your own skin!

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.

How to Get a Great Sunless Tan

A woman's tan legs on a white backgroundPopular culture has labeled tan skin as desirable, and many women go to great lengths to achieve a sun-kissed glow. However, those who achieve bronze skin from indoor tanning beds and the sun’s natural rays are putting themselves at a high risk for developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The ultraviolet radiation from sunshine and tanning beds causes DNA damage to skin cells, which can lead to genetic defects that develop into cancerous tumors. Not only is tanning detrimental to your health, it also leads to significant signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sun spots.

Fortunately, a natural-looking tan can be achieved safely with sunless tanning products. Follow these simple tips to get a great sunless tan.

Choose the Right Product

When it comes to self-tanning products, all sunless tanners are not created equally.

Daily moisturizers, such as Jergens Natural Glow, are great for beginning self-tanners. Even if a moisturizer is not applied perfectly, any blotchiness or streaking will be subtle and even out more quickly than with more intense sunless tanning products. These moisturizers have less of the active tanning ingredient so that they gradually create a natural-looking tan, and they are great for taking the place of your daily moisturizer to hydrate your skin.A woman applying sunless tanning lotion with her hair up in a towel

Lotions and creams are fitting for people just starting a self-tanning regimen as well as for more experienced self-tanners. These formulas show a hint of shading when they are first applied so that you can see any uneven areas, and they easily blend into the skin without drying too quickly.

Mousses and gels are ideal for people who are more experienced with self-tanning products because these lightweight formulas dry faster than moisturizers and creams. Sunless tanning mousses and gels can be layered to create more intense tans and custom contouring.

Cleanse and Exfoliate

Before applying your sunless tanning product, be sure to prepare your skin by showering and thoroughly exfoliating your skin each time. This will remove dead skin cells so that healthy skin will absorb the tanning formula more evenly and last longer. Be sure you are completely dry before you begin applying your sunless tanning product.

Apply Evenly With Gloves

Use disposable, powder-free gloves when applying tanning products to avoid staining your hands, and the smooth surface of the gloves will help you apply the product more evenly. Be sure to spread the product over your skin evenly in a circular motion, using it sparingly around your ankles, knees, and elbows.

Buff Uneven Areas

If you notice areas that are blotchy or have too much color the next day, take a damp washcloth and buff the area to even out the color. For spots or streaks that are difficult to remove, create a paste from water and baking soda and use a washcloth to gently buff these areas with the paste.

Moisturize

Once you have achieved the faux glow you desire, be sure to apply lotion to moisturize your skin after every shower to help the tan last.

At Skin Physicians & Surgeons, we offer a variety of cosmeceuticals to protect and heal the skin from sun damage. These include face and body sunscreens like MelaShade™ Antioxidant Facial Sunscreen SPF 30, as well as the TNS Recovery Complex, the Skin Medica Lytera, and topical tretinoins to improve dyspigmentation, wrinkles, and skin firmness. Our medspa also provides chemical peels and microdermabrasion to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, and acne, and we have a variety of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to improve signs of aging.

If you have signs of aging, whether from sun damage or the natural aging process, Skin Physicians & Surgeons in Upland, CA can help you achieve a more youthful appearance. Please call (909) 981-8929 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation and discover the best treatment options for your individual needs.

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