Blog

Lasers and chemical peels, in skilled hands, help improve the appearance of acne scarring. Some patients with deeper ice-pick and rolling scars need a more tailored approach. Lasers and peels alone are simply not enough.

Subcision with a No-Kor needle can make all the difference. The needle has a small sharp scalpel like tip that goes under the rolling scars and cuts the fibrous bands. This, in turn, causes bleeding into these newly created spaces. The trauma and the blood causes collagen synthesis and significant improvement of the scars.

Deeper scars need to simply be cut with a round scalpel called a “punch”. These punches come in various sizes: 1mm, 1.5mm, 2.0mm, etc. After the application of the laser I look at the skin with a strong light at an acute angle. This allows me to see the areas that need more attention. Subcision is performed and deeper scars are excised with the punch and sutured.

Even deep acne scarring can be improved by 40-50 percent this way. A touch up treatments a few months later can increase the improvement to 70-80 percent.

Click on this link and then click on the clinical photographs:

Set 7, 8, and 9 show before and afters of a young patient with deep acne scarring.

http://www.foreveryoung.net/mixto-fractional-co2-laser.html

We hope to see you soon for a free consultation.

A. David Rahimi, MD, FAAD, FAACS.

How does the laser work?

The Cool Breeze Laser by the Cool Touch Laser Company kills the fungal organisms and spores that live in and under the toenail. The laser is FDA cleared and approved for this particular use.  The laser light passes through the toenail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin.  The Cool Touch Laser uses instantaneous temperature monitoring to ensure safe treatment of the nail with minimal discomfort.

It will take time for the previously infected nail to grow out and for the new nail to form.  This can take 6 to 12 months depending on the rate of growth of the toenail.

How is the procedure performed? Is there any preparation?  Any Discomfort?

During the first treatment session the nails are filed down with a Diamond Dermabrader to debride the dead skin and prepare the nail. A thin layer of topical anesthesia is applied to numb the skin around the nail plate. The procedure takes 20-30 minutes to perform and involves mild discomfort from heat.

The Cool Breeze Laser is applied by the doctor to cover the entire nail.  When the appropriate temperature is reached a burst of Cryogen is released to cool the nail and stop the heating of the toenail.  Patients are able to resume their regular activities right after the procedure. 

Will the fungus (Onychomycosis) come back?

The cure rate is 70 to 80 percent.  These rates are comparable to aggressive treatment with the oral medications such as Sporonox and Lamisil. Some individuals have a tendency to re-infection with the fungal organisms. A triple strength topical anti-fungal lotion is applied once or twice a week to prevent re infections.

Laser toenail treatment is not covered by insurance.

Click on this link, or cut and paste in your browser, to look at before and after photos.

http://www.cooltouch.com/laser_treatment_for_toenail_fungus_before_and_after_photos.aspx

Please call me if you have any questions:

Zonya V.

Office manager

323 653-7700

Aesthetic cosmetic surgery is performed to restore “the youthful look”. We all can agree that some celebrities just go too far. Bruce Jenner, Heidi Montag, Donatella Versace, Jocelin Wildenstein, and Amanda Leopre are great examples.

I looked at their before and after photos on several popular sites and asked myself: How could this happen? These are intelligent, articulate people with the means to see very skilled cosmetic doctors! Are they aware that they looked better before their obsession with Cosmetic Surgery forever changed their faces?

I believe the problem is complex. Childhood insecurities, doctors that cannot say NO, and loved ones who don’t intervene are some of the factors.  We (the public) probably make things worse by giving them even more attention.

Body dysmorphic syndrome is a pervasive problem. These celebrities represent extreme cases. I deal routinely in my practice with patients who have either unrealistic expectations or want a certain a look that I cannot provide. I politely say NO; discourage them from having “cutting” surgery and urge them to find ways to reduce stress in their lives. I do provide them with a sound, effective, and safe facial treatment regimen that promote Collagen synthesis and improves their skin tone.

“Less is more” echoes out of the examining room into the hallways. Most move on to find another practitioner that will provide them with what they need. Some realize my genuine interest in helping them look better without drastic surgery.

A. David Rahimi,MD,FAAD,FAACS.

You have a choice. Almost everything aesthetic about the face can be performed surgically versus nonsurgical!

·         Eyelid Surgery: Blepharoplasty versus Thermacool/Cooltouch laser/Botox/Dysport

·         Facelift:               Rhytidectomy versus Thermacool/Cooltouch/Fillers such as Radiesse/Juvederm, fat transfer, Mixto CO2 laser.

·         Cheek Implants: Silicone Implant versus fat transfer, Radiesse, Juvederm.

·         Forehead lift:    Endoscopic Lift versus Volume replacement with fat, Thermacool

·         Liposuction:       Coollipo (laser liposuction) versus Coolsculpting (freeze the fat)

·         Wrinkles:            Surgical facelift versus CO2 Mixto Fraxel, chemical peels, filler, fat transfer

We will tailor a treatment that fits your desires, lifestyle and budget. Most of our treatments have minimal to no-down time.

We hope to see you soon for a complimentary consultation.

Thank you.

Zonya Vialltoro

Office manager

Forever Young, Inc.

Tel 323 653-7700

I recently read an article in the October issue of the Cosmetic Dermatology Journal that might interest you. I believe the title is self explanatory:

Green Tea and its Photoprotective and Anticarcinogenic Effects on the Skin. This article was written by Matthew Zarraga D.O. and David Judy, D.O.

Vol 23 No.10 October 2010 pages 446-449

www.cosderm.com

The article starts by mentioning that Tea is the most commonly consumed beverage in the world. It continues to details it’s in vivo and in-vitro photo protective and anti-carcinogenic effects.  It concludes by saying that: both oral consumption and topical application of green tea can provide both chemoprotection and photoprotection”.

Look for products with green tea extract in them and try Trader Joe' Green Tea!

Asian countries that consume more green tea are known to have lower risks for many types of cancers. On a personal note: I stopped consuming carbonated drinks a while back. Plenty of water, 2 cups of coffee, and one or two cups of green tea at night have made a big difference in the way I feel.

A. David Rahimi, MD, FAAD,FAACS.