Solta Medical has a brand new Laser called: Clear and Brilliant.

I believe that this laser will be greatly appreciated by patients with sensitive skin and patients with a darker skin complexion. I have written extensively about Olive and Ethnic skin and appropriateness of laser for this group of people.  

The Clear and Brilliant laser is ideally suited with patients with darker skin color. It addresses superficial skin imperfections, large pores, fine lines and helps lift the skin. I have treated patients with Asian and Hispanic background with no post inflammatory hyper or hypo-pigmentation. In other words, I have not noticed any light or dark spot arising from the laser treatments.

The procedure takes about 20 minutes and is performed after the application of a topical numbing cream. 

Redness lasts for a few hours and patients can return to work immediately. Post operative care is minimal and includes sunscreen and moisturizers.

A series of 3 to 5 treatments are needed to achieve long lasting results. all procedures are performed by the Doctor.

Please make an appointment for a complimentary consultation to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

With Clear + Brilliant we are committed to the safety of our treatments. However, as with any cosmetic treatment, there are risks, and we encourage those interested in a procedure to discuss the risks with their physician before moving forward with any elective treatment.

·         Indications for Use

Contraindications

·         Complications

·         Complaints and Adverse Events

·         Expected Responses to Treatment

·         Protecting your New Skin

·         Sun Protection

·         Routine Skin Care

Indications for Use

The Clear + Brilliant Laser System is indicated for use in aesthetic procedures requiring the coagulation of soft tissue, as well as for general skin resurfacing procedures.

In the skin, water is the primary absorber (chromophore) of the laser wavelength used in Clear + Brilliant. It can be safely used on all skin types.

Clear + Brilliant includes an Intelligent Optical Tracking System (IOTS™) that senses skin contact with the treatment tip rollers, and the motion of the tip relative to the skin surface. This feature ensures safety and uniform delivery of the treatment.

Your treatment provider will perform a pre-treatment consultation and decide, together with you, if Clear + Brilliant is adequate for you and the course of treatments will need.

Contraindications

Not all individuals will necessarily react the same way to the laser treatment.

The following (but not limited to) contraindications are routine for many laser treatments and may also be associated with Clear + Brilliant treatments. Your provider will perform a pre-screening and request you to sign a consent including these (but not limited to) contraindications:

• diagnosis / possibility of actinic keratosis, Melasma, rosacea, or other significant skin conditions (e.g. skin cancer, active infections, cold sores, open wounds, rashes, burns, inflammation, eczema, psoriasis),
• predisposition to keloid formation or excessive scarring,
• diagnosis of a condition that may compromise the immune system, such as HIV, lupus, scleroderma, and/or systemic infections,
• known sensitivity to light or if photosensitizing agents/medications are being taken,
• systemic steroids (e.g. prednisone, dexamethasone), which should be rigorously avoided prior to and throughout the course of treatment,
• use of retinoids should be avoided for at least 2 weeks prior to and during treatment,
• individuals undergoing Accutane™ (Isotretinoin) treatment or with drugs in a similar class,
• if skin is still recovering from a cosmetic procedure, such as a chemical or mechanical peel, or laser resurfacing,
• if Botox injections, or dermal fillers (such as collagen) have occurred within the past 2 weeks.

Solta Medical Inc. has no clinical information or experience concerning the use of Clear + Brilliant on pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Complications

There is a very low incidence of side effects and complications associated with laser treatment. The following complications are very rare but may be associated with non-ablative laser treatments in general. This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list, nor a substitute for informed consent, which should be provided by every individual.

Complaints and Adverse Events

Solta Customer Service should be contacted if Clear + Brillaint is involved in a complaint or adverse event.

Expected Responses to Treatment

Protecting Your New Skin

For treatments associated with Clear + Brilliant, new skin (epithelium) will start to form within 24 hours but will remain covered by the old superficial layer of the skin (stratum corneum). This new skin formation usually lasts for 4 days, but can be longer for some skin types. During that time, normal exfoliation will reveal the repaired skin tissue. You can protect it by avoiding aggressive exfoliation and by applying moisturizers and sun screen frequently.

Sun Protection

Sun exposure before and during treatment can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation. After treatment the skin is more sensitive to the sun, which can increase the risk of unwanted pigmentation and sunburn. Post-treatment individuals should plan to use a high SPF sunscreen on a regular basis. Ideally, a dual UVA/UVB sunscreen should be applied containing both a physical sun block (either or both zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) with a sun protection factor of 15 of above. Applying sunscreen helps maintain good results. In general, it is recommended that direct sunlight is avoided and to wear sun-protective clothing (i.e. a wide-brimmed hat) when possible.

Routine Skin Care

INTRODUCING CLEAR + BRILLIANT

Solta Medical, the makers of Thermage and Fraxel, has recently introduced a new laser geared toward younger patients looking to prevent the signs of aging. The launch of Clear + Brilliant, a fractionated laser with minimal downtime, introduces a new category of laser treatments geared toward patient who are looking for more than run-of-the-mill spa treatments, but, as of yet, do not require the full transformative effects of more aggressive laser treatments, such as Fraxel.

Early reviews have been quite favorable. We are proud to offer Clear + Brilliant at Forever Young, Inc. Call today to schedule an appointment!

www.foreveryoung.net

323 653-7700

What is Clear Brilliant laser?

Clear and Brilliant is an FDA approved fractional laser device developed by Solta Medical targeted to work for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing on most common body parts (face, neck, hands, chests, etc.) that exhibit the early signs and symptoms of aging like the freckles, lines, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is the only laser system noted to be classified in between the less aggressive or common topical peels/solutions and the more aggressive or ablative cosmetic and laser aided treatments.

Clear + Brilliant can work as a preventive treatment and improve the current state of the skin or used as an early cure when skin problems starts to reveal. The treatment is non-invasive, no sensations of pain can be felt, and only minimal or negligible downtime is associated with it. A lot of cosmetic surgeon who are using this new treatment also find it best to couple a fractional laser treatment with Clear + Brilliant on other parts of the body right after the first procedure to ensure uniformity of treatment for the body.

How does Clear + Brilliant works?

The device works in the same principle with the rest of skin resurfacing and rejuvenating treatments and devices, but, with one major difference; laser diodes incorporated in the Clear + Brilliant unit emit a milder laser light and heat suitable for the milder skin conditions.

Clear and Brilliant laser skin resurfacing is simply, skin peeling aided by laser. The resurfacing process starts by delivering laser light and heat to the surface of the targeted skin area. This eventually destroys and removes the outermost layer of the damaged skin. As the process of healing starts, new deposits of collagen are produced, which is essentially suppler, elastic, healthy, and youthful looking. Since lines and wrinkles is directly related with the depletion of the collagen deposit on that area, the production of new collagen in those areas will mean, elimination of these signs of aging.

The process of laser skin rejuvenation on the other hand also involves delivering laser heat energy on the dermal layer of the skin. But instead of eliminating the entire outer layer of the targeted skin area, minor scattered damages are induced. Production of new collagen is still the end goal but the milder process will translate to a faster recovery period. The average Clear + Brilliant treatment would only last from 7 to 15 minutes.

Is Clear Brilliant laser treatment effective?

Though still on its introductory phase, Clear and Brilliant has already gained popularity and acceptance from most patients and practicing surgeons. It had successfully tapped into the need of young adults for a milder laser skin treatment but more effective than the common anti-aging and skin problem creams available on the market. The treatment is effective in eliminating lines, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, etc. and eventually reveals clear and brilliant skin characterized by improved skin tone and texture, smoother, fresher, and a healthier looking one.

Among the doctors who use Clear + Brilliant in making their patients satisfied and happy is Dr. Scott M. Gerrish. He wrote in a review that: “Patients loved what we were doing with the original Fraxel, but now we’re doing it better with Clear + Brilliant. Everyone wants to slow the appearance of aging. Nobody wants downtime or painful treatment – this is the perfect solution.”

Clear + Brilliant is also a great partner for all other laser based skin rejuvenation/resurfacing treatments like Fraxel, Thermage, etc  to target other body parts which require milder treatment and maintain a uniform skin tone and texture.

Who may undergo Clear Brilliant laser treatment?

Clear and Brilliant is ideal for patients searching for a milder alternative than the existing ablative and non-ablative laser-aided skin treatments. It is also a cost effective anti-aging treatment option still in comparison with other laser devices. Individuals who are generally frustrated on the efficacy of chemical peels and photo facial agents are suggested to take advantage of this new technology. Aside from aesthetic purposes, the device can also treat mild to medium-severe skin problems like Melasma, instances of scarring, freckles, lines, wrinkles, etc. But patients with pre-existing skin problems should initially consult a qualified doctor first.

Clear and Brilliant health risks and health hazards

Clear and Brilliant is non-invasive therefore it’s generally safe. The developers of the device noted that minor side-effects like skin redness may exhibit on certain patients but such occurrences will not hinder the patient from exercising his or her regular routine and schedule. Also, post treatment results will vary from one patient to another. Long term effects and complications are still yet to be studied.

How much does Clear Brilliant laser costs?

Currently, there are no price reviews yet for the treatment. A prospective patient usually will need to complete 3 to 6 sessions when it is intended to cure or correct a skin condition, for maintenance and regular skin rejuvenation, a monthly or quarterly session is enough. Costs would also be determined by the availability of the device in a certain state or locality and of the surgeon or technician capable of administering the treatment.

At Forever Young treatments cost between $300 and $400; depending on the packages booked.

All treatments are performed by Dr. A. David Rahimi and include topical/local anesthesia.

www.foreveryoung.net

Read more about Solta Medical:

http://www.solta.com/about.cfm

Here are a series of articles on Acne and Acne scarring that I found particularly interesting.

We, at Foreveryoung, Inc., specialize on the treatment of Acne and Acne scarring:

Ablative skin resurfacing.

Chwalek J, Goldberg DJ.

Source

Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists of New York & New Jersey, USA.

Abstract

Ablative skin resurfacing has remained the gold standard for treating photodamage and acne scars since the development of the first CO(2) lasers. CO(2) and Er:YAG lasers emit infrared light, which targets water resulting in tissue contraction and collagen formation. The first ablative laser systems created significant thermal damage resulting in unacceptably high rates of scarring and prolonged healing. Newer devices, such as high-energy pulsed lasers and fractional ablative lasers, are capable of achieving significant improvements with fewer side effects and shorter recovery times. While ablative resurfacing has become safer, careful patient selection is still important to avoid post-treatment scarring, dyspigmentation, and infections. Clinicians utilizing ablative devices need to be aware of possible side effects in order to maximize results and patient satisfaction. This chapter reviews the background of ablative lasers including the types of ablative lasers, mechanism of action, indications for ablative resurfacing, and possible side effects.

Dermatol Surg. 2011 Aug 11. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02110.x. [Epub ahead of print]

Evaluation of the Effect of Fractional Laser with Radiofrequency and Fractionated Radiofrequency on the Improvement of Acne Scars.

Peterson JD, Palm MD, Kiripolsky MG, Guiha IC, Goldman MP.

Source

Dermatology Cosmetic Laser Associates of La Jolla, San Diego, California.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Options for acne scar reduction include peels, subcision, fillers, lasers, dermabrasion, and surgical excision, although not all are applicable in darker skin types. A novel device with a handpiece combining optical and radiofrequency (RF) energies along with a fractionated RF handpiece is available for nonablative resurfacing. OBJECTIVES Our primary objective was to evaluate the improvement in acne scars and skin texture. Secondary objectives were determination of patient satisfaction and comfort and evaluation of scar pigmentation improvement. Patients received five treatments at 30-day intervals. Post-treatment follow-up visits were performed 30 and 90 days after the last treatment. RESULTS A 72.3% decrease (p<.001) was observed on the acne scar scale from day 1 to 210. From day 30 to 210, investigator-rated changes in scarring, texture, and pigmentation improved 68.2% (p<.001), 66.7% (p<.001), and 13.3% (p=.05), respectively. Patient satisfaction scores showed no significant change over time, although patient-evaluated overall improved scores increased 60% over baseline (p=.02). CONCLUSION This technology may be a useful, nonablative resurfacing treatment for acne scarring. Scarring, texture, and pigmentation improved significantly according to investigator-rated assessment parameters. Although patient satisfaction scores did not improve, overall improvement scores did. The study was supported by Syneron.

© 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2011 Aug;10(8):907-12.

Evaluation of clinical improvement in acne scars and active acne in patients treated with the 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser.

Isarría MJ, Cornejo P, Muñoz E, Royo de la Torre J, Moraga JM.

Source

Instituto Médico Láser, Servicio de Dermatología, Madrid (Spain). mjisarria@hotmail.com

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Acne is a characteristic condition of puberty; however, adults who continue to have acne outbreaks frequently attend dermatology clinics. Two conditions-active acne and residual scarring-often co-occur in these patients. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the improvement in scarring and active acne after treatment with a 1540-nm erbium: glass fractional laser.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

The authors treated 20 patients with acne and scarring. Each patient received panfacial treatment in four sessions with a 1-month interval between sessions. Patients, the treating physician and a blinded observer evaluated the results in four areas: improvement in scars, improvement in pores, improvement in acne, and improvement in sebum secretion. Improvements were graded using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. The evaluation was made 12 weeks after treatment finished.

RESULTS:

Patients presented an improvement in both acne and scars. In 80 percent of cases, patients felt that the appearance of the scars had improved, and the improvement was classified as very much improved in 40 percent. In 85 percent of cases, patients felt that active acne had improved, and the improvement was classified as very much improved in 45 percent. Pore size was evaluated as improved by 75 percent of patients. Sebum secretion improved in 80 percent of cases.

CONCLUSION:

A 1540-nm non-ablative fractional laser provides effective treatment of acne scars. Patient satisfaction is high and active acne lesions improve significantly. Treatment of this mixed condition (scarring and active acne) with a single device is reliable, with a favorable safety profile and a high degree of patient acceptance.

Acne vulgaris in children and adolescents.

Schnopp C, Mempel M.

Source

Department of Dermatology Biederstein, Technical University, München, Germany - nina.schnopp@lrz.tu-muenchen.de.

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a very common inflammatory skin disease originating from the pilosebaceous unit. Peak incidence is at puberty, but acne can affect all age groups. Prepubertal acne is rare, but important to recognize as diagnostic and therapeutic procedures differ from pubertal acne. Acne neonatorum is a mild, self-limiting disease, whereas acne infantum commonly presents with moderate to severe lesions and high risk of scarring thus requiring early intervention. Mid-childhood or prepubertal acne raises the suspicion of hyperandrogenemia, further investigations are indicated to rule out underlying disease. The same applies to any patient with very severe acne, acne not responding to therapy or unusual clinical presentation. Etiopathogenesis of acne is not yet fully understood. Familiy history is the most important risk factor to develop severe acne and scarring. The relevance of life style factors such as smoking or diet is controversial. Lately high carbohydrate diet and dairy products have been implicated as aggravating factors. Mild acne normally responds to topical monotherapy, in moderate disease combination of two synergistically acting substances (e.g. benzoyl peroxid plus antibiotic, benzoyl peroxid plus retinoid, retinoid plus antibiotic, benzoyl peroxid plus azelaic acid) will improve clinical response. Retinoids and/or benzoylperoxid have been shown to be effective in maintenance therapy. In patients with severe disease or high risk of scarring systemic therapy with antibiotics, oral contraceptives with antiandrogenic properties and in particularly isotretinoin as most effective acne treatment should be considered early to avoid physical and emotional scars.

Curr Probl Dermatol. 2011;42:40-7. Epub 2011 Aug 16.

Dermatol Surg. 2011 Jul;37(7):945-61. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-4725.2011.02036.x. Epub 2011 Jun 17.

Treatment of acne scarring using a dual-spot-size ablative fractionated carbon dioxide laser: review of the literature.

Tierney EP.

Source

Department of Dermatology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA. etierney29@gmail.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Fractional photothermolysis has been reported in the literature to improve pigmentary and textural changes associated with acne scarring.

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature for the treatment of acne scarring using nonablative fractional laser (NAFL) and ablative fractional laser (AFL) resurfacing.

METHODS:

Review of the Medline literature evaluating NAFL and AFL for acne scarring.

RESULTS:

NAFL and AFL are safe and effective treatments for acne scarring. It is likely that the controlled, limited dermal heating of fractional resurfacing initiates a cascade of events in which normalization of the collagenesis-collagenolysis cycle occurs. We present the results of a patient treated using a novel dual-spot-size AFL device. Three months after the final treatment, the patient reported 75% improvement in acne scarring and 63% overall improvement in photoaging.

CONCLUSIONS:

Fractionated resurfacing for the treatment of acne scarring is associated with lesser risks of side effects of prolonged erythema and risks of delayed-onset dyspigmentation and scarring which complicate traditional ablative laser resurfacing approaches. We present herein preliminary data suggesting that a dual-spot-size AFL device presents novel advantages of improving texture and pigmentation in acne scarring and photoaging.

© 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc

Warning-graphic video

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Follow the link on the right lower corner of the landing page.

Like us and become friends on FB for special promotions.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chSbcbqjiNc

I was recently asked by a patient if she could have a pure laser lift? She did not want to have any scars and basically no “cutting” surgery. The answer is a definitive YES. The procedure needs to be individualized to the patient’s age and skin color/texture.

I use a combination of 4 modalities to achieve a pure laser lift. Here is how:

I use laser micro-liposuction to remove excess fat in the jowl and under the chin/neck.

This is followed by an aggressive Thermage CPT to tighten the eyelids/forehead/and cheeks.

Autologous fat is harvested from the abdomen or thighs and concentrated using the Coleman Centrifuge.  This viable micro fat grafts are then placed into the laugh lines and cheeks as needed.

Finally a fractionated CO2 laser (Mixto Laser) is used to remove sun damaged skin, brown spots and those vertical lines around the mouth and sides of the eyes! The skin basically shrinks back once the production of Collagen and Elastic fibers are stimulated.

The entire procedure is performed under local oral sedation and takes less than 2 hours.

Cost: $5000 to $9000 (includes OR fee, blood work, Garment, and laser /Surgeon’ fees)

Saline (sterile salt water) injections can be a safe, inexpensive option for reducing depressed and rolling acne scars. The rolling and atrophic types of acne scars are caused by many different factors including thick fibrous bands that pull the center of the scars down and cause its adherence to the deeper reticular dermis and fascia.

I have described in the past how needling and subsicion in addition to fat transfer and Mixto CO2 resurfacing can reduce these types of scars.

A less invasive method of improving these scars is to inject the deepest portion of the scars with a bolus of sterile salt water. No one is allergic to salt water (our body is 90 percent salt water) and risks such as infection and bleeding/scarring are very small. Water molecules are very small and can hydro-dissect the acne scars and cause a small amount of bleeding into the deepest portion of the scars. This, in turn, causes Collagen and Elastic fiber synthesis and improves the deeper scars.

Five to seven treatments are usually needed to see a significant improvement. Saline injection is usually used in conjunction with Cooltouch lasers, peels, fat or fillers.

The treatments take 15 to 30 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia. Downtime is usually 1-3 days .Most patients may return to work or school with minimal bruising and swelling that can last up to a week.

Cost :$250-$500 per treatment (depending on the size of the area involved).

All treatments are performed by Dr. A. David Rahimi. You will be treated by a double board certified Dermatologist and Cosmetic surgeon with over 14 years of clinical experience.

 Dr. David Rahimi has performed over 100000 successful laser and cosmetic treatments.

By: A.David Rahimi,MD,FAAD,FAACS (www.foreveryoung.net)

I recently came across an article on howtogetridofstuff.com that addressed treating acne and acne scarring. The article started out sounding relatively reasonable, urging patients to see a dermatologist if they have “too many” acne scars, but then suggested the following remedies.

I will cover each suggestion and try to give you a more medical perspective. My comments with be highlighted at the end of each paragraph. The article is written by Marvin? – It is not clear what his medical qualifications are.

• Drink lots of water: Water has amazing cleansing and rejuvenating properties. Some experts believe that the best way to treat acne scars naturally is to drink lots of water. Dead skin cells are shed off easier when your body is hydrated with enough water. New skin also grows faster and smoother when you have lots of water in your body.

I spend over 15 minute on pubmed.gov looking for even a single article that definitively shows drinking water affects acne or acne scarring. Pubmed.gov is the definitive research source and has every scientific article written in over 40 languages since the 1960s. It is free and can be accessed from any computer or library.  Drinking lots of water” is going to do little you for your acne and certainly nothing for the scarring. Too much water can cause can cause a variety of problems from electrolyte imbalance to very rare cases of CNS injury. I agree that drinking water should be part of a healthy diet but it won’t do much for your acne scarring.

• Eat fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals that can help your skin restore its former beauty. They also contain juices which keep your body hydrated every day. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to make your skin grow healthier and heal acne scars.

Eating lots of fruits and vegetables is healthy but will not heal your acne scars; period.

• Load up on lemon juice: Lemon juice is a kind of citric acid that's very effective in reducing or getting rid of acne scars. Drink several glasses of lemon juice each day to help your dead skin cells shed faster. New skin cells will also grow healthier and add elasticity to your skin if you load up on lemon juice.

Are they serious? Drinking several glasses of lemon juice will cause a big hole in your stomach and may seriously interfere with absorption of naturally occurring nutrients and vitamins. Once again-no scientific basis for this at all.

Before and After photos of scar improvement with needling on our Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=189030387793715&set=a.189030057793748.51674.148514725178615

Skin Needling or Micro-Needling is a process that induces the formation of deep dermal collagen and enhances the appearance of deep rolling acne scars.

Acne and depressed scars are treated using very fine sterile needles (such as the Keith needle). The most depressed part of the scar is treated with repeated shallow (1-2mm) penetrations of the sterile needle. This procedure effectively separates the top scarred skin tissue from the deeper bound down scar tissue. These, in turn, produce autologous growth factors and Interleukins. The body is essentially fooled into thinking that trauma has occurred at the depths of the rolling acne scars and repairs itself.

Several treatments two weeks apart are necessary to get a significant improvement. Eventually deep rolling scars level off with the surrounding skin. The needling process can be followed by the application of TCA acids or long wavelength lasers to further stimulate the production of collagen and elastic fibers.

The procedure is performed by Dr. A. David Rahimi and takes about 30 minutes to perform. A thick layer of topical anesthesia (EMLA cream) or local injection of Lidocaine with epinephrine significantly reduces any discomfort.

Like other procedures there are risks of excessive bleeding, infection, and even scarring. I have had good results with Needling; especially with difficult and depressed acne scars and self-inflicted sores on the face and chest area.

The cost depends on the area treated and can range from $250 to $500 per treatment.

Become friends with us on Facebook or on foreveryoung.net and receive special offers.

A. David RAhimi,MD,FAAD,FAACS.

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.

Do you look at your skin with a 5x or even 10x magnifiers. Are there a few specific areas that really bother you? If the answer is YES to the above; you should read this blog.

During my fellowship training I learned to perform chin implants in patients with receding chins and to tighten up loose necks. I used a variety of silicone implants: natural, anatomic, wrap-around, etc, and even some custom made ones.  I would offer it to my facelift patient on a regular basis and the results were generally good. The only drawback was that the implants could rarely move, spit or get infected.

Recently I noticed that I am using chin implants less and less often.  Fat transfers and the longer lasting fillers (such as Juvederm Ultra Plus) have all but replaced chin implants in my practice.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using fillers to augment the chin and jaw line:

Advantages:

·         Control over size of the chin: Most Chin implants come is 3 or 4 sizes. It is exceedingly difficult to find the perfect size for a patient. Most chins are also a little asymmetrical (just like the left and the right foot are not always equal). A symmetrical chin implant can accentuate an asymmetric chin and worsen the picture. Fillers (Juverderm, Radiesse, and Fat) are placed in tiny droplets and can be used to not only build up the chin and jaw line, but also to correct minute irregularities.

·         Gravity: A chin implant is permanent but the face changes over many years and decades. Chin implants that look good when you are 35 may not look as appealing at age 65. Fillers and even transplanted fat resorb and go away in 12 to 24 months. This gives you a chance to re-shape the face every few years and maintain a youthful look.

·         Very little risk of nerve damage, infection, or unsightly scarring. I have seen chin implants (and to a much greater degree cheek implants) move. It is exceedingly difficult to remove them. This may injure the nerves and cause a lot of skin laxity.

Disadvantages:

·         I would say that cost is the biggest disadvantage of using fillers rather than an implant to augment the chin. Fillers have become less and less expensive and are lasting longer.

Overall I have come to prefer fillers as a superior choice to augment the chin and jaw lines.

A. David Rahimi, MD,FAAD.

There is a solution; often times cutting surgery can be avoided by using advanced fractional laser technology to improve these scars.

Please take a few minutes and review our Mixto-Fraxel procedure and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. David Rahimi.

It can cost as little as $500 to drastically improve eyelid scars.

Zonya V.

office manager

Foreveryoung, Inc.

I truly believe that symmetrical faces have a distinct advantage when it comes to getting the best that life has to offer.  Consciously or un-consciously we all discriminate. We begin judging people the minute they enter a room. A first impression is made and it is often very difficult to change this impression.

An article recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences confirms that “People’s assessment of physical beauty is mostly about symmetry”.

Many of my patients ask me questions about touch ups on their facelift. Here are some of the commonly asked questions and their answers:

Will I have more scarring from a touch-up facelift?

The answer is NO. I usually take the old scars out, tighten the muscle from inside, remove excess fat and skin and place the incision inside the ear to achieve a near-invisible scars (see my before and after results). Facelift scars can also be treated with a chemical peel of Fraxel (CO2 Resurfacing) to reduce their appearance.

When should I consider getting a touch-up on my facelift?

Generally speaking facelifts need to be touched up every 10 years or so. In some people they last much longer. Excessive sun exposure or dramatic weight changes can loosen the skin and result in hanging neck and jowl area. In those instances, an earlier touch up may be needed.

Am I too old for a touch up Facelift?

You can have a touch up Facelift if you are in good health and have 2 weeks down time to heal. Age is usually not a limiting factor. A physical exam by your primary care doctor and a medical release is always performed to make sure that you can tolerate the procedure. I often talk with the internist if my patient has diabetes or is suffering from any chronic conditions. We also perform routine blood work before the procedures to check your kidney, liver and blood clothing status.

Hope to see you soon for a private and confidential consultation.

A. David Rahimi, MD, FAAD.