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Sometimes, amidst all the “latest and greatest” advances in modern cosmetic dermatology, it’s easy to forget the basics. The “basics” are all the everyday, simple to do, do-it-yourself, very affordable and convenient beauty treatments you can enjoy at home. And best of all – they are effective in creating and maintaining your beautiful skin. A clear, radiant, smoother and more youthful-looking complexion.

Of course, BOTOX and the fillers and peels and laser therapies are fabulous technologies to provide instant and dramatic results for specific anti-aging procedures. But a few minutes a day, devoted to your own beauty care, is still a necessity.

Perhaps the most important element to obtaining the greatest benefits from your personal skin care regimen, is to select the best products you can buy. The VIVITÉ® range of skin care products will be an excellent choice, for two very particular reasons.

First and foremost, VIVITÉ® products are infused with a glycolic compound that is up to six times the concentration of most drug and department store products. Second, VIVITÉ® is also formulated with antioxidants, which, combined with glycolic acid help rejuvenate the signs of premature aging.

By the way, in case you find all the medical and scientific terms and definitions confusing (and most of us, do), simply stated, “glycolic acid” has proven to be one of the most active and beneficial ingredients for cosmetic application. With the smallest molecule structure, glycolic acid has the ability for the deepest penetration into the skin for improving fine lines and wrinkles. And “antioxidants” help stop cellular damage, to the skin, caused by “free radicals.”

Your Laser Skin Care Centers are proud to be a provider of the VIVITÉ® products which include hydrating and exfoliating cleansers, moisturizers, firming and plumping lotions, brightening and revitalizing creams and serums and every product you need to protect, replenish and perfect the appearance of your skin.

This December, will be the five-year anniversary since the FDA approved the drug for cosmetic use in eyelash enhancement. Today, Latisse is still the only one to attain such approval. People often ask, “Just what does that approval mean and why does that make Latisse the most desirable of all the lash lengtheners?” It’s a good question. And the answer is even better.

Firstly, and most importantly, FDA approval not only means arduous, in-depth research but also extensive testing. When the FDA is considering to approve a drug for popular public consumption, they are putting the full face and force of the United States government behind that product. It has to be safe and it has to be effective. It has to be prescribed and it has to be packaged with full disclosures and directions.

Latisse fills the bill on all counts.

By the way, it’s quite remarkable to note that the benefits of Latisse were discovered the same way as BOTOX was found to have a cosmetic use in addition to its medical beginnings. BOTOX was originally used in the treatment of an eye condition commonly known as “crossed-eyes.” Simply stated, it was used to relax the muscles that created the condition. In time, the doctors noticed that while the drug was successful in relieving the muscle disorder, the patients were also showing a marked lessening of wrinkles and frown lines around their eyes.

Likewise, Latisse was used in the treatment of an eye condition known as glaucoma. Once again, through experience, the doctors noticed that while the eye drops were, successfully, treating the disease, their patients were growing longer, darker and fuller eyelashes, as well.

So why not start the Season of gift-giving with a nice little gift for yourself? Long, luxurious lashes can still be yours in time for the happy Holidays, if you start right now.

While opening the door for so many other non-invasive anti-aging treatments, BOTOX remains the country’s most popular cosmetic procedure with an estimated $1.3 Billion in sales, annually.

But that’s just the beginning for this revolutionary drug. As one of the most studied and researched drugs in modern medicine, there have been a slew of additional uses for BOTOX, since 2002. Among the most prevalent medical, rather than beauty, uses are for severe Migraine headaches (FDA-approved in 2010 for people suffering 15 days, or more, a month), excessive sweating, bladder control, swallowing and chewing difficulties, muscle spasms and some stroke-related symptoms, as well.

However, today, there have been more cosmetic applications of BOTOX that are rapidly gaining in popularity and offering even more possibilities for BOTOX LOS ANGELES, BOTOX BEVERLY HILLS and BOTOX around the world! Here is an update on a few of them.

For over ten years, BOTOX has been used for the frown lines, between the eyebrows. But, as of September, 2013, the FDA has approved the drug to remove the “crow’s feet” at the corner of your eyes. Caused by squinting, frowning or heredity, these tiny lines have been the source of adding years to an otherwise clear appearance. Often combining treatment of the brow frown lines along with the “crow’s feet,” the eye area can be dramatically smoother and more youthful-looking quickly, relatively pain-free and most affordably.

Surprisingly, “gummy” smile is not a result of gums that are too large or teeth that are too small. Often it’s because facial muscles are too tight and lift the top lip too high. Injections along the lip line will help correct this effect.

At last report, Allergan, the company that produces BOTOX, had more than 90 patent-pending uses awaiting approval by the FDA. And more are added on a regular basis.

The miracle defenses against premature aging are already legend. Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse; if they are not household names, they are, at least very well known around the world.

But what if your skin is, thankfully, wrinkle-free? Here’s an encore for the derma fillers. But this time, they serve a totally different purpose. The lip and chin augmentation; the jowl reduction. Through the non-invasive procedures of the facial fillers, it is not only possible to alter the structure of your face, it’s popular.

Adding filler to strategically placed areas of the nose can hide (but not remove) a “bump” or add contouring to increase or “even out” areas that need tweaking. Likewise, filling areas around the “jowls” can make them less obvious or can help add volume to a receding chin line. And so forth.

Additionally, treatments with fillers may be done in more than one visit if you want the results to be very subtle and gradual and they are temporary. Surgery is not. In rare cases, the fillers may even be removed, if, for some reason, you are not happy with the results. Of course, surgery is a lot more difficult to “correct.”

Since cost is always an important factor in deciding which cosmetic procedure is best for you, obviously, the “non-surgical surgeries,” that can be achieved with the derma fillers, is considerably less expensive than their counterparts. Fillers, on average, depending upon your location, can cost between $500 – $800 per syringe. A nose job can cost between $5,000 – $10,000 and a chin implant between $4,000 – $7,000. Prices do vary, greatly, so you can research the costs, in your area.

Other major factors, of comparison, is the nature of the procedure itself, pain, side effects and recovery time. Again, all of these factors are, obviously, greatly in favor of the non-invasive filler procedures.

In the hands of a skilled and experienced practitioner, these procedures are fast, relatively painless and may last up to a year, depending upon the product. There is no, at-home, recovery time and side effects of swelling, bruising, tenderness or redness usually disappear within one week.

So if you have always wanted a slightly different profile or preferred the image of a strong, assertive chin, today it might be possible to achieve the look without the strain on the pocketbook! Why not go for a consultation now and enjoy an early Holiday gift just for you?

One of the most frequently asked questions, regarding facial derma fillers is: What are the differences among Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane and Radiesse – and how do you choose the right one for you?

Those are excellent questions. However, since they all are formulated to treat or correct the same signs of aging, a good starting point would be noting the similarities before exploring the differences.

The derma fillers are designed to plump, or “fill,” albeit temporarily, the wrinkles, folds and loss of firmness created by the natural aging process. The key component of this aging process is the diminished production of our body’s own hyaluronic acid. And it’s that hyaluronic acid that three of the four fillers, Restylane, Juvederm and Perlane, have in common. Radiesse is comprised of calcium hydroxylapatite.

Being products that the body already produces, means that all of the above fillers will be easily accepted without allergy-testing or concern about rejection.

So which filler is best used for what?

Restylane and Perlane are practically identical, but Perlane is a denser product for filling deeper areas, like under the eyes, where the injections might be more noticeable. Aside from the eye area, these fillers are used for the nasolabial folds, between your eyebrows, around your mouth and and for redefining your lip borders. Both products last between 6 – 8 months, depending upon your age, skin type and use of your facial muscles.

Juvederm is similar to Restylane and Perlane but it seems to “inject smoother” than Restylane and is, therefore, better-suited to delicate under-eye and lip areas.

Radiesse is the newest of the fillers. It is definitely recommended for deeper folds and hollows and will last as long as 12 months.

Recent studies have indicated that Radiesse might also be among the products, like Sculptra that actually helps the body re-build its own collagen. In other words, when the product has completely left your body, your own collagen will continue to have some lifting, filling and firming effects.

The bottom line, with the fillers and all cosmetic dermatology procedures and products, is that your physician knows best! When it comes to your appearance, always put yourself in the hands, literally, of the most skilled expert!

“For every time, there is a Season…” Those are the words that have put the sun and surf of Summer behind us and welcome the fabulous beauty of Fall. The season of reflection, the time for Thanksgiving.

But, as we noted before, Fall is also the time for rejuvenation and repair, a preparation for the festivities to come. The Holidays. The New Year. So let’s prepare.

When it comes to beauty and new beginnings, everything starts with your skin. If it’s dry, hydrate it; if it’s parched, nourish it; if it’s wrinkling, smooth it; sagging, lift it; hollowing, fill it…and on and on. The bad news is that with each turning of the seasons, time leaves its sign. The good news is that modern cosmetic dermatology can reverse it! Let’s review some of the most common areas of concern and the best ways to relieve them.

For some of us, a long look in the mirror is all we need to know which product or treatment or procedure is the best place to start. For others, perhaps, a consultation with a top-notch cosmetic dermatology physician is best. Make the appointment today.

Of all the non-invasive cosmetic procedures available, BOTOX Cosmetic remains the best-known and most popular anti-aging treatment. And for good reason. It’s fast, it’s easy, it’s very affordable and its results are dramatic.

Erase, release, relax your facial lines and wrinkles. With virtually no pain and no side effects and lasting up to four months! What could be better? BOTOX L.A., BOTOX BEVERLY HILLS and BOTOX WEST HOLLYWOOD, right here at Your Laser Skin Care Center, are only a phone call away.

But sometimes it’s folds or grooves, “Marionette” lines, puckering above your lips, hollows under your eyes or beneath your cheekbones that are the cause of your concern. The derma fillers: Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse and Perlane are there to remove these, and other, signs of premature aging. Ask about them, learn about the differences, the side effects, the duration and the cost. Let your physician guide your choice and then enjoy the magic.

If it’s the texture, tone or tightening of your skin, mild scarring, discoloration, unwanted hair, broken veins or other blemishes that you want to eliminate, the newest laser technology, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or chemical peels might fill the bill.

If the turning of the season has turned your attention to achieving a natural, fresher, younger-looking and more radiant appearance, there’s never been a better time. And Your Laser Skin Care has never had a better selection of services at a more affordable price. Let’s celebrate the Season.

While preparing your menus, gifts and guest lists for the coming Holidays, this is the perfect time to prepare your own personal skin care regime, as well. Facials, peels, fillers, BOTOX, there is an array of relaxing, rejuvenating and repairing beauty treatments to help you put your best face forward for the Season.

If removing unwanted hair is one of your ongoing concerns and you were intrigued by our recent discussion of laser hair removal treatments, let’s take a look at the actual procedure, side effects and follow-up care.

At least, 2 – 4 weeks prior to treatment, avoid exposure to the sun, which can interfere with the laser’s effectiveness and increase possible side effects. For the same period of time, avoid plucking, electrolysis or waxing which removes the very hair roots that the laser is targeting. Shaving does not remove anything except the hair on the surface of the skin so may be used prior to the procedure.

During treatment, you and the practitioner will wear protective glasses and a cooling gel and, perhaps, a numbing agent may be applied to your skin. The hair to be treated may be trimmed or shaved within millimeters of the skin’s surface. While every patient reacts differently, laser hair removal is not, generally, known as a painful procedure. It has been described as the quick snap of an elastic band.

Upon completion of the procedure, you may receive ice packs for possible redness or swelling. Usually, side effects are very temporary. For a day or two, after treatment, your skin might feel as if it’s sunburned and cool compresses and moisturizers may eliminate any discomfort.

The best care, after laser treatments, is gentle care. Keep the area clean but refrain from scrubbing or using harsh products. And for at least 2 – 4 weeks, remember to apply a sun-
screen with an SPF of 30…which is a good habit to continue whenever you will be outdoors.

Do note that it might appear as if your hair is still growing. This will change over the next week or two as the treated hair will begin to fall out. And remember that new, untreated hair will be growing in and you should schedule your next appointment for between 4 – 6 weeks.