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Given the relatively large number of available injectable fillers, it’s not surprising that the best choice of filler largely depends on what exactly you’re trying to accomplish. Fillers can be used to fill in lines and wrinkles, they can add volume to areas that appear sunken, enhance lips, and they can also assist in firming up loose or sagging skin. The major fillers are described below, together with their primary usages.

Restylane Product Family

Restylane is the trade name of a family of injectable fillers, all containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the body; it plays important roles in making body cartilage resilient, and lubricating the movement of muscle tissue, but it’s also a major skin component, contributing to the healthy appearance of skin and accelerating the repair of damaged tissue.

The various members of the Restylane family can be used individually or in combination. They combat age effects and wrinkles by restoring volume to the skin, but each contains different particle sizes and therefore addresses different problems. Restylane Silk’s fine particles are designed to control fine wrinkles, Restylane’s medium particles are used to combat moderate to severe wrinkles and skin folds, while Restylane Lyft’s larger particles can be used to fight severe wrinkles, and fill larger depressed areas.

Restylane products are typically used under the eyes, in the folds of the nose, around the mouth and lips, in the jowl area, as well as helping to create fuller lips. Restylane Lyft is also FDA-approved for restoring lost volume on the hands.

The Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne products are specially adapted for use on areas of the face that are dynamic, where their added elasticity results in more natural facial expressions.

Because hyaluronic acid is naturally present in the body, it dissolves naturally over time. The benefits of Restylane treatments typically last between six and nine months, while a series of injections can last for up to 18 months.

Restylane Lyft used to be known as “Perlane”; it was rebranded when it received FDA approval for use in adding volume to sunken cheeks.

Juvederm Product Family

Several hyaluronic acid-based injectable gel products are marketed under the Juvederm family name. They perform similar functions to the Restylane product family, with the main characteristics summarized below.

Juvederm Voluma (also known as just “Voluma”) allows the contours of the face to be enhanced and is also FDA-approved for adding volume to hollowed-out cheeks. The hyaluronic acid used in Juvederm Voluma is modified to create a more resilient filler; this allows the product to also provide a degree of lift to sagging areas, and results in benefits lasting over six months, sometimes up to two years.

Juvederm Ultra is used to treat moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, and creates a very smooth effect, resulting in a very natural look. This product has a softer consistency and is ideally suited to augmenting the lips. It’s also adapted for use on areas with especially thin skin, such as around the lips and eyes. Benefits last for at least four to six months, and sometimes up to a year.

Juvederm Ultra Plus is used to treat deeper lines and folds in the skin. Its benefits last a few months longer than the Juvederm Ultra product.

Sculptra Aesthetic

Sculptra contains a synthetic substance (poly-L-lactic acid, or PLLA) that stimulates collagen production. It’s used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds, but is particularly effective at filling the hollowness caused by loss of fat beneath the skin. It can take up to three months for the benefits of a treatment to become fully apparent, but this also makes these improvements appear more natural. A Sculptra treatment can last up to two years, although one treatment a year is normally recommended to maintain the benefits.

Hopefully, this summary has answered more questions than it poses. Your Laser Skin Care happy to schedule a consultation, during which we’ll fully explain all the issues that surround the use of these fillers. Bear in mind that while all fillers are injections, not every injection is a filler. Some fillers (particularly Restylane) can be combined with Botox injections to prolong their benefits. Several of the Restylane and Juvederm products are also available in versions that incorporate a local anesthetic, for use on sensitive areas of the face.

We always recommend doing research before deciding on any course of treatment – it’s always wise to educate yourself on the various options and treatments available. This advice certainly applies when you’re thinking of having a laser treatment, and you have to decide both on the type of treatment to have, and the practitioner you want to perform it.

The following list covers the important questions that we suggest you get answers to:

How much experience does the practitioner have performing this type of treatment?

You should certainly ask each practitioner what their qualifications are, but don’t forget perhaps the most important factor: how long have they been performing the procedure you’re considering.

What types of laser equipment are used, and how safe are they?

Non-invasive laser treatments target skin layers beneath the surface and are inherently safe. Nevertheless, you should expect the practitioner to discuss any risks associated with the treatment with you.

Does this treatment require follow-up visits?

Depending on the treatment being performed, you may well find that individual laser sessions can only cover part of the area you want to be treated. In the case of laser hair removal, for example, hair follicles follow individual life-cycles, and only a certain percentage can be effectively treated in a single session. It’s good to know in advance approximately how many sessions will be needed, and how long you will have to wait between each session.

How soon should you expect to see results?

Be cautious of practitioners who promise immediate results – although some benefits may be visible right after a single treatment session, multiple sessions will often be needed, and it may take some time for all benefits to become apparent. It is of course natural to want to see improvements right after each treatment, but it’s also a good idea to set your expectations to a reasonable level.

What can you do to minimize possible side effects?

Laser treatments can leave you temporarily more vulnerable than normal to sun damage, so most practitioners strongly recommend the use of hydrating skin care products and sunblock after laser treatments.

What things should be avoided before and after each treatment?

Your practitioner should be prepared to provide you with a list of medications and procedures to avoid in the weeks leading up to each treatment, as well as a similar list of things to avoid the following treatment.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.

Botox has been used to treat facial wrinkles and creases since the mid-1990’s and was officially approved by the FDA for use in these cases, back in 2002.

Botox has also been used to treat migraines, twitching eyes, and even depression.  These uses are not officially approved by the FDA, meaning that studies have not been performed to ensure that long-term usage of Botox in these cases is safe.

Botox for Jaw Pain

Botox has recently gained in popularity as a means of treating two new problems – inflammation of the joint that allows the jaw to open and close (“TMJ” or “TMD”), and cases where jaw muscles have become over-developed and too prominent.  Although these uses are also not officially approved, a single Botox treatment can be effective in treating these problems, thereby avoiding any risks associated with long-term repeated treatments.

TMJ/TMD can result in a multitude of symptoms, which can include severe discomfort when moving the jaw, difficulty chewing, tooth pain, as well as stress related migraine, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), headaches, dizziness, and even upper shoulder pain. TMJ/TMD can be temporary but may also last for several years.

Over-developed jaw muscles may be a direct result of TMJ/TMD, or can be caused simply by regularly grinding or clenching one’s teeth (even if this isn’t in itself painful).  They can also simply be part of your genetic family heritage. Over-developed jaw muscles can alter the shape of the lower part of the face, and create a squarer, more masculine looking jaw line.

In both cases Botox injections can offer long-term relief. They do this by relaxing and reducing the size of the large masseter muscles that you use when chewing – this can result in reduced pain and discomfort, as well as noticeable cosmetic changes after just a few weeks.

If you’re considering this treatment, we strongly recommend having a consultation with us, where we will be able to explain the full range of available treatment options, and let you choose the best course of treatment for your particular needs.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.

Various kinds of chemical peels are available, but they all perform the same primary function – to remove (“exfoliate”) dead skin cells from the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis). The different types of chemical peels allow a wide range of different skin problems to be addressed, including facial lines and wrinkles, irregular skin pigmentation, age spots and freckles, and uneven skin texture.

The skin is a complex organ that consists of two primary layers.  The outer layer, or epidermis, is a thin layer of cells that provides the main barrier between the body and the outside world. It protects the body from infection, as well as containing cells responsible for skin pigmentation.  The middle layer, or dermis, makes up most of the skin’s thickness, and contains nerve endings, hair follicles, and sweat glands. It also holds cells responsible for the skin’s strength and elasticity. Beneath the dermis is the hypodermis, which contains mostly fat cells, serving as insulation and padding.

Chemical peels consist primarily of caustic chemicals that accelerate the natural process by which dead skin cells in the epidermis are replaced by new ones.  As similar effects can be achieved using mechanical means such as microdermabrasion, it’s worthwhile examining the various ways that chemical peels can benefit your skin.

Benefits of Chemical Peels Include:

• Removing dead cells has several benefits, in addition to obvious improvements to skin texture. Production of new skin cells is stimulated, along with collagen, which together result in improved skin tone and a healthier appearance. A side benefit is that skin care products become more effective as dead cells (which can block their absorption) are removed.
• As the precise chemical recipe can be tuned to match an individual’s needs, peels can be used on any skin color or type, with variations especially suitable for use on sensitive skin.
• Acne-causing blocked pores can be unclogged, while acne scars and other skin marks can be lessened or removed by abrading the skin. Some of the anti-acne chemicals remain after treatment, which lessens the chance that acne returns.
• Unlike laser treatments that can result in a reoccurrence of hormonally-caused dark skin patches (melasma), chemical peels are an effective way to combat this condition, as well as stopping it from coming back.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.

Latisse is the FDA-approved treatment to darken, thicken, and lengthen eyelashes.
We put together the following tips to help you get the most out of your Latisse treatments.

1. As Latisse must be used every night, and must be applied to a clean surface, it’s best to apply it as part of your normal bedtime routine, after you’ve removed your makeup and contacts, washed your face, and applied any other skin care products.

2. It’s important not to forget to apply it, so keep it near your other skin care products or toothbrush as a reminder.

3. If you do forget to apply it one time, don’t try to compensate by using a double dose the next night – just apply the normal amount the next evening, and then try to stick to the daily schedule.

4. Be careful to avoid germs and infections – apply Latisse using the sterile applicators that are supplied with the product, and especially avoid touching the bottle tip or applicator with your fingers (or anything else). Don’t try to apply Latisse using cotton swabs.

5. Remember to apply Latisse only to the base of your upper eyelashes, and NOT to your lower eyelids.

6. Take close-up photos of your face before you start treatment, mark your calendar, and repeat every 4 weeks (for example). This will allow you to monitor your progress, and clearly see changes as they take place.

You should see changes by week 8, and the full effects of using Latisse should become apparent by week 16.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments use a high-power computer-controlled flashgun to create powerful flashes of light that can be used for various therapeutic and aesthetic purposes. An IPL Photofacial is simply the use of this technique to resolve problems occurring on and around the face. IPL treatments are not the same as using a laser – IPL uses a broad range of light frequencies, and can penetrate further into the skin than a laser can. It turns out that IPL can be used to treat an extremely wide range of problems.

The principal benefits of IPL Photofacials are listed below – this is not an exhaustive list:

Treating Acne

IPL therapy can be used to target the bacteria that cause acne.  These bacteria can be found on the skin surface, in the first skin layer (the epidermis), but mostly in the second skin layer (the dermis).

High-intensity IPL can reach through the skin and into the dermis, and efficiently kills bacteria while also reducing inflammation.

Reducing Skin Pigmentation Issues

IPL is perhaps best-known for reducing hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and sun spots caused by excess sun exposure. As with acne treatments, IPL reaches through to the dermis, where it is used to target areas of darker pigmentation. IPL acts to even out skin tone, which results in clearer, younger looking skin.

Skin Rejuvenation

A side-effect of IPL therapy is that production of collagen and connective tissue is stimulated. IPL also heats the skin, causing blood vessels to expand. This increases blood flow to the treated areas, which also tends to help the production of collagen. Boosting collagen has the effect of reducing wrinkles, and can mitigate the effects of aging. The result is firmer, smoother, and more youthful looking skin.

In addition to these benefits, IPL can also be used to treat spider veins, wrinkles as well as helping to reduce the size of skin pores.  And if that isn’t enough, it can also be used to help prevent the typical effects of aging before they occur.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.

It’s a good idea to be cautious before embarking on any course of treatment, but there several tips that apply especially to patients who are considering injectable-based therapies.

Before Treatment:

The most important decision you’ll make before deciding on any injectable-based treatment is not which product to use, but who is to perform the treatment. Injectable treatments are available from practitioners with a very wide range of qualifications. But there can be a huge difference between the lowest and highest qualified person, and choosing the most experienced and skillful doctor to perform your treatment is the best way to go. Always make sure to schedule a face-to-face meeting with them before your treatment.

During Treatment:

Being able to gauge the correct amount of injectable to use and the precise location of each injection is where the skill of your doctor will become evident. An experienced practitioner will tailor each treatment to match the particular characteristics of each patient – they’ll carefully check how your facial muscles move when you smile, frown, and raise your eyebrows. The primary aim of a treatment is to avoid creating any unnatural-looking facial expressions, while still treating the problems that you want to address. A prudent doctor will also avoid making large-scale changes in a single treatment, preferring instead to provide gradual improvements over time. This is not only a cautious way to proceed, but it also makes improvements to your looks seem to be a naturally-occurring process.

After Treatment:

Whatever questions or concerns you may have after a treatment, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. They may be able to reassure you that changes are proceeding as planned, but they may also recommend use of certain creams or ointments to alleviate any side-effects that you may experience.

Your experience after a treatment can also be used to modify any future treatments that you have scheduled – not all patients react the same way to every treatment, and your doctor will want to ensure that you get the very best results from every visit. And of course, once you’ve found a doctor who knows how best to treat your problem areas, any future visits will be correspondingly more effective.

Your Laser Skin Care in Los Angeles specializes in Botox and Fillers injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, chemical peels and IPL among many other services. Please call us at (323) 525-1516 or visit us online at www.yourlaserskincare.com to schedule a free consultation.