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Recently, I was interviewed by an LA Times reporter about Acne.org. I was asked if I believed that large quantities of Benzoyl peroxide, applied topically can controll/cure acne in almost every one.

My response was that "I am very skeptical" and "It is silly to believe that Acne can be cured with Benzoyl peroxide alone." Acne is a complex condition with many different causes. It can be a normal component of puberty or part of a debilitating condition such as Poly Cystic Ovarian disease or Acne Fulminans.

Basically a 30-minute interview that included explanations about the hormonal aspects of acne, the environmental component, infectious and bacterial component, the more than 200 available medications and classes etc. was reduced to and quoted as " It's silly..."

The Lifestyle Lift has become very popular over the past few years and I have had several patients ask me about it. I love that more and more surgeons are performing facelifts under local anesthesia. Remember, local anesthesia is all that is needed. I have been doing my Tuliplifts under local anesthesia since 2000.

One of the things that sets the Tuliplift apart is that the area under the neck is also addressed. Excess skin and fat is removed and the neck muscle (Platysma) tightened...

Axillary and Palmar Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) can be very distressing and interfere with daily living and ones career.

Axillary and palmar hyperhidrosis can be socially and professionally embarrassing. Here is how I approach patients with excessive sweating.

2008 marks the third year of out Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Program. The first two years have been a great success and it gives me great joy to share my knowledge of Cosmetic Surgery with a fellow surgeon who is eager to learn.

I am reminded of my time as a Chief Resident at Mount Sinai Medical Center when I explain Cosmetic procedures to my fellow. Reviewing articles and explaining why I do a procedure in a certain way also allow me to stay on the cutting edge.

Teaching has become one of the greatest joys in my professional life. I am thankful for that.

Dr. A. David Rahimi

Who performs the procedures does make a difference...

Sometimes during the consulation my patients tell me that they had Thermage several years ago with little visible improvement. Upon further questioning it becomes clear that the procedure was not performed by a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. These non-surgical lifts can be performed by nurses and nurse practitioners. Generally speaking these non-MDs are more conservative and results are less consistent.

At Forever Young the Thermacool/Thermage procedure is performed by Dr. A. David Rahimi and with the aid of mild sedation.

In fact, we sit our patients up half-way during the procedure and show them the immediate tightening of the skin. The third generation hand pieces and the new upgraded machine are better than ever.

As happy as holidays are they're also stressful - and skin shows stress more quickly than your other body parts. The treatments that are made to help correct problems are also great stress relievers in two ways...

If it sounds too good to be true, It is.
Stay away from claims that sound impossible; ask to see the scientific papers supporting the claims. Ther is no such thing as a no-down time procedure, or scarless surgery, etc...

Plastic surgery can change your appearance, it probably won't change your life.
Make sure you do the procedure for yourself and not someone else.

Never make a hasty decision.
Do not allow the doctor or his staff push you into surgery. If you're grieving or facing another life crisis such as divorce, postpone decision on surgery.

Make sure you have realistic expectations.
Be wary if a doctor does not review possible complications and alternatives to the surgery with you.

Your doctor should always have time to discuss your concers and answer your questions. Period.

Ask to talk to patients who have had the same procedure recently.

Finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the doctor and the staff.
Complications such as infection and bleeding do happen, even in the best of hands. What sets an ordinary surgeon apart from a great one, is how these complications are treated and handled.

Everything here was done under local anaesthesia and mild sedations: CO2 laser; Peel; Eyelift and Tuliplift. View the Before and After photos.

Whatever treatments you choose to improve and rejuvenate your skin - you'll want to keep your results by establishing care routines and using products to help maintain not just the aesthetics but the health of your skin. Our products are specifically formulated to address the damaging effects of sun and pollution, but also to help speed healing after a procedure...

Proper nutrition - everyone knows it's essential to health - here are some of the best foods for healthy skin. Keep in mind that when your diet is missing certain foods for healthy skin, other, even more serious skin problems can result. So as you are planning menus or when you’re browsing a holiday buffet table - choose some of these foods:

Your hands and forearms will also be on display this holiday season - unfortunately for many of my patients visible signs of aging hands can occur even in their early 30's. These areas are also the most neglected, as years of daily chores take their toll. While most patients have an established facial care routine - hands and forearms are often treated with a quick dab of hand lotion and nothing more...

Of all the things you will be decorating this holiday season, none is more important than the neck and upper chest – this is where your best jewels will sparkle and they deserve an attractive and smooth background.  Fortunately, there are some relatively quick solutions to help make this area glow with health...

Over the past 10 years the list of facial "Fillers" has grown from one, namely Collagen, to over a dozen FDA approved products.

An intergral part of the consultation process is deciding which filler is perfect for you. Radiesse lasts 1-2 years but is too thick to use in the fines lines around the eyes or lips. Juvederm lasts about a year, but is more expensive. Fat is readily available but tends to resorb in certain areas (lips for instance) very qickly.

Here is how i approach a new patient...

As we age the fatty deposits in the healthy cheeks and upper face area succumb to the forces of gravity and "fall" into the jowl and neck area. Additionally, the bones of the face and chin area slowly shrink. The cummulative effect of the above is a sagging face.

The trademarked Tuliplift procedure includes micro liposuction of the jowl and neck area. The harvested fat is concentrated and injected right after the Tuliplift procedure into the laugh lines and cheek bone area.

The hollowness is fixed and the youthful appearence of the face is restored. Leftover fat is stored in our state licensed Tissue Bank for future use.

I recently spoke at a small internet based radio program called: letstalkrecovery.com. It was a fun experience and even after the show was over I was receiving calls on a variety of cosmetic procedures. I was also asked about scarless surgery.

My practice is in Los Angeles and I see a lot of advertisements for "Scarless Surgery". I have over 10 years of experience in Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery and can tell you with great cetainty that any surgical procedure which involves cutting the skin will (not can but will) lead to a scar. I usually convey that to my patients during the first consultation.

As a skilled surgeon one can do a lot to prevent unsightly or noticable scars, or reduce their appearence once they have already occured. Here is how ...