Skin Care FAQs
Answers to all your skin care questions.
Below are a collection of real life queries from around the globe archived by topic from acne to Z-plasty.
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Acne/Rosacea
"My cheeks sometimes look pink and flushed, and lately, I'm beginning to think I might have rosacea. What can I do to stop it?
If you think you have the symptoms of rosacea, (flare ups, redness, irritation, blushing, occasional pimples) you need to see a dermatologist. Don't self treat which could make it worse. Avoid steam, facial massages that can activate oil glands, very hot or cold water temperatures, and sun exposure. Be careful about what you put on your skin, and look for mild, fragrance and detergent-free products specifically developed for sensitive or easily reactive skin types.
"I used to have bad acne in my 20's, but now I have scars on my cheeks that look like little holes where I once had pimples. I read that I should have a layer of skin removed. Will that get rid of the scars?
Having a layer of skin 'removed' would be done by laser resurfacing or dermabrasion to smooth out the outermost layer of the skin. Dermabrasion is not as common since the world has embraced laser technology. Laser resurfacing with Erbium:YAG or Carbon Dioxide or a combination of both may be a viable option, but there are less invasive treatments too. If you've never done anything for your scars yet, you might consider starting with something less aggressive first. Micro-dermabrasion or mechanical abrasion of the skin with a fine spray of aluminum oxide crystals has been known to improve acne scars. If the scars are depressed, they can be injected with fillers like bovine Collagen or fat to fill out the contour. The best treatment may be a combination of injectables and some method of resurfacing.
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Arms
"My flabby upper arms make me want to hide in long sleeves even in August. Can anything be done?
Brachioplasty (a face lift for the arms) surgery will correct your flabby arms but at a big price - a scar that runs from the elbow to the armpit. Most women wouldn't go sleeveless with a long scar, so it defeats the purpose. External ultrasonic-assisted imposition, ultrasonic energy applied to the skin, is sometimes used to maximize contraction of excess arm skin. Traditional liposuction also works well if your skin is elastic enough to shrink successfully. On older women with very loose skin, liposuction is nota good risk and surgery is really the only option. In some cases, a modified incision with a scar confined to the armpit fold might be possible.
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Board Certification
"I saw a cosmetic surgeon who says he is board certified, but I couldn't find his name listed and no one I know has used him. How can I check on what his training is?"
The specialties which comprise the newly extended definition of 'cosmetic surgery' are governed by the following boards in the US: the American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Dermatology, American Board of Otolaryngology, American Board of Opthalmology. Oral surgeons, dentists, gynecologists, general surgeons, as well as general practitioners do cosmetic surgery today and it is not illegal. To find out if an M.D. is board certified in a particular specialty, call the ABMS 800-776-CERT or click on wlbeautylinks for web sites that will give you doctors' true credentials all over the world. If you think it's tricky in America, it's twice as hard in other countries to tell the players without a scorecard. There are many groups that call themselves 'boards' but are not recognized as official organizations of any kind. Most importantly, board certification by any board does not guarantee that your doctor is particularly good at any specific procedure, especially when it comes to aesthetic surgery. It should be a starting point, a minimum standard from which the search for a qualified surgeon can begin. A doctor who advertises himself as a 'board certified physician' or 'board certified surgeon,'will often turn out to be neither a Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist or Dermatologic Surgeon, Facial Plastic Surgeon. And do you really want a urologist doing your liposuction or a dentist doing your brow lift?
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Botox
"I have deep lines from my nose to my mouth and some on my forehead. I am allergic to Collagen, but would BOTOX® make them less noticeable?"
Botulinium Toxin Type A (Botox® ) is not a filler like Bovine Collagen that plumps up wrinkles. It softens wrinkles that are caused by muscle contractions. It is not commonly used for naso-labial folds (the lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth) unless the folds are the result of overactive muscles, but it is great for glabellar creases (between the brows) and lines running across the forehead. For the N/L folds, you can try Dermalogen® (human tissue matrix),autologous fat (taken from your abdomen or buttocks), hylauronic acid, SoftFormTMFacial Implants (goretex tubes - be careful with these if you have thin skin or your folds are not very deep),AlloDerm® (human tissue grafts placed under the skin), and a few others that are not yet FDA approved in the US. The best combination is often for facial wrinkles is a filler to fill the lines up and Botox® to prevent them from getting deeper.
"I heard about one doctor who is doing Botox around the mouth for the little lines above the lips and the corners. Is this safe?"
BOTOX used to be only used for the lines and creases caused by facial muscles from the forehead to the upper cheeks, but some innovative doctors are using it to improve fine lines around the mouth, popply chins and to turn up the commissures (corners of the mouth). The risk is that unless the BOTOX is used very sparingly and injected directly into just the right spot, you can end up with a drooling problem or a crooked or asymmetric smile. At this stage,leave BOTOX for your lower facial areas to the pros who have experience with it in these areas.
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Breast Implants
"What is the scoop on soybean oil breast implants and will they be available again?"
In the US, the implants never made it to FDA approval. If you've got soya oil breast implants and live in the UK, your breasts are being recalled. The British Medical Devices Agency (MDA) has advised against pregnancy and breast feeding as a precautionary measure and to consider having these implants removed. There is a risk that the oil can seep out over time and a danger of toxicity when the oil gets rancid.
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Brow Lift
"I had a consultation with a plastic surgeon who suggested an endoscopic brow lift to open my eyes. He showed me what it would look like with computer imaging, and promised that my hairline would not be raised. It is now 6 months and my forehead is still tight and my hairline is higher. What can I do now?"
It's easy for me to tell you to be patient, when it's not my face in the mirror every day. At 6 months, most surgeons would consider it much too soon to do more surgery, and you might have to wait it out. Your brows may still drop over the first 9-12 months and settle into a position where you like the way they look. Time passing also has a way of shifting your focus to something else. Go back to the original surgeon unless you have totally lost confidence in him, and let him follow you.
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Cellulite
"Do creams that claim to reduce cellulite really work?"
There are no topical products that can eliminate cellulite. Firming and toning body lotions may temporarily make the skin appear tighter and smoother, but they cannot affect the fatty deposits that contribute to cellulite on the hips and thighs. Cellulite is a dipose tissue and waste that is trapped in vertical strands in the subcutaneous layer of your skin. It is caused by behavior and eating habits and genetics. Diet and exercise can help, along with drinking lots of water to flush out toxins. Avoid food additives,fats, starches, artificial colors and flavors, sodium, and alcohol.
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Dry Eye
"I want to have my upper eyelids done years ago, but my eyes are so sensitive and irritated. Is it safe to have eyelid surgery?"
Maybe yes and maybe no. If your eyes are sensitive before surgery, having your lids done may make them more sensitive. If you have an underlying 'dry eye' condition, removing skin from your upper lids can make it worse. Your question is a valid one and should ideally be answered by a visit to an Ophthalmologist for a full exam to determine whether you are a reasonable candidate for cosmetic eyelid surgery.
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Ears
"My earlobes are all stretched out from years of wearing heavy gold hoop earrings and it makes me look older. What can be done to make them smaller?"
First,take your chunky earring collection to the nearest jeweler and trade them in for a tasteful pair of diamond studs. Then see a plastic surgeon who can stitch up your holes and reduce the size of the lobe itself. This is a simple, inexpensive office procedure called a 'bifid earlobe'. Six weeks or so later, you can have your ears re-pierced and start fresh.
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Eye Lids
" Do I really need to buy a separate eye cream? I am having a hard time finding an eye cream that does not make the eyes blurry or cause an allergic reaction."
Your problem may not be the eye cream itself, but how you are using it. The area around the eye can be very sensitive and some people react to light, penetrating formulas and need a less active type of eye treatment. The choices run from beeswax to a vitamin E stick, with more active formulas somewhere in the middle. Don't let eye products extend past the orbital bone that surrounds the eye. The heat of the body will cause the eye cream to move inward, toward the eye. If the product is placed too close to the eye, or if too much is used, it will enter the eye, causing blurred vision. Eye cream should be placed on moistened eye tissue. The humectants will help to help the added moisture, and at the same time, prevent the overuse of the product. Body cream would be too heavy on the face,and face products are generally too thick for use around the eye area which can leave the eyes looking puffy. Some face creams are suitable for use around the eyes as well, but it's better to play it safe and buy a proper eye cream.
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" I've always had really dark circles under my eyes and they make me look tired and older. I went to see one doctor who recommended laser resurfacing, but I'm afraid of lasers"
Everyone is afraid of lasers even doctors. They are powerful tools that work in mysterious ways. You can try bleaching agents, but it will take a long time to see improvement. Trichloracetic(TCA) acid peels can lighten up lower lids. If fat deposits are creating a shadow that makes your circles look worse; you might be a candidate for conservative fat removal or repositioning, with or without laser resurfacing. The skin of the lower eyelid area generally lends itself well to lasers, depending on your skin type,and generally the lighter the better.
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Facial Exercises
"I saw a facial toning system at Bloomingdale's endorsed by Linda Evans and was tempted to buy it. She looks great. Does it really work?"
Linda may look great, but it's not from wearing any mask contraption that looks like a loan from 'Hannibal Lechter' if you ask me. Whatever you do, don't let any man see you in that thing or he'll run for the hills. To date there are no clinical studies that prove conclusively that facial toners have any long term effects on sagging facial skin or tightening muscles, but they also probably won't do you any harm. To see any result you'll need consistent treatments, and I can think of better ways to spend your time.
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Face Lift Scars
" I don't want to have a scar in front of my ear, but the surgeon I really want to use doesn't want to put the scar inside my ear. Does it matter that much?"
That is a very personal decision. The truth about face lift scars are that they usually heal very nicely, even in front of the ear which worries women most. The actual length of the incision in front of the ear is so miniscule and falls in the natural creases of the skin. The other factor is that having the incision placed inside the ear (intratragal or retrotragal) can sometimes be more noticeable
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Graft
" I had my nose done 4 times and still don't like the way the bridge looks. One surgeon I went to see suggested a graft from behind my ear, but that sounds too radical. Is there another option?"
One doctor's ideal graft material is another doctor's nemesis. Ear cartilage is a common grafting choice for secondary nasal reconstruction, and considered essential by some surgeons as the next best thing to septal cartilage. Since your nose has been re-operated on many times, you probably don't have enough of your own septal cartilage to use as a graft at this stage. Other options are bone grafts which typically involve a longer healing period, or synthetic implants or fascia, human tissue sheeting, fat, etc. The advantage to ear cartilage is that it is yours so your nose won't reject it, the disadvantage is that you will have a donor site that needs to heal and a small hidden scar. Discuss all your options with your surgeon, or get a second opinion if you are unsure about it.
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Hair Loss
" I had an upper face lift 8 months ago and I am losing my hair. It started only recently and I am terrified. What should I do?"
First of all, the fact that you only started losing hair this long after surgery may be an indication that it is unrelated to your surgery entirely. Hair loss can be devastating to women and is more common that you may think. Usually, post surgery hair loss occurs soon after up until about 4 months when regrowth begins and most hair loss is temporary luckily. Go back to your Surgeon for an opinion on what is going on. Then ask for a referral to a Dermatologist in your area who specializes in hair disorders and restoration. Your doctor will ask you about your diet habits, lifestyle, genetics, stress level, hormonal changes, etc. all of which may contribute to losing hair.
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Hyaluronic Acid
"I read about a sugar gel that can be injected to fill in lines and lips, but I can't find a doctor who is using it. What is it called and where can I get it?"
The 'sugar gel' you are referring to is a polysaccharide called hyaluronic acid. The filler version comes from two sources; the combs of roosters or bacteria grown in a lab. The two most common forms on the market at Hylaformfrom BioMatrix and Restylane from QMed Esthetics. Neither is FDA approved in the US yet, but both products are in clinical trials and have been on the market in Europe, Canada and elsewhere for several years. QMed recently launched a fuller body version for deeper creases called Perlane® and a finer formula for superficial lines called Restylane Fine Lines. For all you wrinkle filler junkies, I'll put it in terms you're bound to understand:Perlane® would be like the Zyplast® and Restylane® would be the Zyderm® .
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Infection
" My friend had an infection behind her ear after a face lift and it took a long time to finally clear up. Does that happen often?"
Unfortunately, infection is a possible complication of any surgery, but fortunately, it does not happen often during cosmetic surgery or face lifts. The statistics are somewhere around 5% of the time generally. Antibiotics are often given to face lift patients before, during and/or after surgery to reduce the chances of infection. If you do suspect you have an infection, get to your doctor's office immediately to be treated for it. The sooner it is handled and treated, the sooner you can get on with your recovery. Some ways to avoid increasing your chances of developing an infection include keeping your hands away from suture lines, keeping hair and skin clean, and avoiding the telephone receiver.
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Intense Pulsed Light
"I live at the beach and I read about a FotoFacial laser peel that's supposed to be fast and without the redness of other lasers. Will it take away my brown spots?"
Intense Pulsed Light technology delivers a broad spectrum of light. It is usually done for the full face and not just for small areas like around the eyelids or mouth, in a series of about 5 mild treatments spaced at 34 week intervals. The treatments are good for rosacea, telangiectasias (broken capillaries), fine lines and overall skin texture. This is a good choice if you don't have severe photo damage, but if your brown spots are deep, you may need more juice to fade them completely.
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Kojic Acid
" I have these awful brown spots on my arms and was given a Hydroquinone cream to use, but it makes me red and itchy. I heard about Kojic acid for lightening dark patches, but does it work as well?"
Kojic acid, derived from a Japanese mushroom, is known as one of the hydroquinone alternatives and can be useful in lightening pigment. It is typically used in 2 - 4% strengths in combination with other ingredients like AHA's. Hydroquinone is considered the 'gold standard' of bleaching agents by most Dermatologists at strengths of 4% and above. Alternatives may take longer to work or may not work at all in some cases. Find out if you have a true sensitivity to HQ before you rule it out completely if you are determined to get rid of your spots. Over the counter bleaching creams are notoriously less effective, although sometimes there is benefit in the other ingredients in the formula.
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Laser Resurfacing
"Can I have laser resurfacing done at the same time as a face lift?"
A face lift won't take away wrinkles. It is common to have some laser resurfacing or chemical peeling done at the same time, but not as aggressively as a stand alone procedure. Carbon dioxide resurfacing at the same time over the entire face may cause too much stress on the skin flap. Many surgeons choose to layer the Erbium:YAG over CO2 on deeper wrinkles or resurface only selected areas like around the eyelids or the mouth or forehead. Resurfacing can add the finishing touch to a great face lift.
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Liposuction
"I had two babies, and my stomach still looks like I'm 5 months pregnant. I went to one doctor who said I needed a tummy tuck, and another who said he would do liposuction. What should I do?"
Go see a third doctor for some kind of confirmation. Liposuction strictly takes out excess fat, but if your skin has some elasticity left it will shrink to some degree. If your goal is a flat abdomen, go for the tummy tuck. If you would be satisfied with less fat and a slimmer look, and plan to get on an exercise program to tighten your abdominal's, then you could try liposuction first. If liposuction doesn't give you enough of an improvement, you can always go back and have the tummy tuck but that is another surgery with more fees and healing time. If you already have an incision from a C section,you're probably going to be happier with an abdominoplasty.A tummy tuck is a bigger procedure and there is a significant scar,but it will give you a more permanent and tighter result than liposuction alone.
"I'm afraid to be asleep but I also don't want to know what's going on or feel anything during my liposuction. What should I do?"
Choose a safe surgeon and let the surgeon decide on the type of anesthesia and the anesthesiologist best for you. For the right patient who is not nervous and has had surgery before, local anesthesia can be fine for a short procedure like liposuction of the neck or small outer thighs. Most of the women I talk to prefer to have some sedation .Every surgeon has a particular preference, but if you are having a large volume liposuction where several areas are being suctioned, you might prefer to have twilight or general anesthesia. The drugs available today are shorter acting, the rate of nausea is lower and patients are alert, talking and walking very soon after surgery. Talk to your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist before surgery so you understand the differences in the terminology of anesthesia (Generalvs. Intravenous Sedation vs. Local or Tumescent)."What is Power Assisted Lipoplasty and is it more expensive than the usual methods?"
Power assisted lipoplasty (known as PAL) utilizes nitrogen or compressed air that causes the instruments to vibrate as the fat is extracted. PAL can sometimes be more expensive because the equipment is more costly, it has more marketing appeal, multiple areas are often treated in one stage, and the surgical time may (or may not be) longer. Ultimately, the end result is usually about the same as traditional liposuction techniques. Some surgeons prefer to use power assisted instruments because it can make the job of removing fat deposits less physically demanding for them. The benefit to the patient the more comfortable and less tired your surgeon is, the more energy he has left to devote to your thighs.
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Lips
" I have so many little lines around my mouth that look awful. What can be done?"
'Smoker's lines' as they are commonly called are sometimes caused by pursing your lips. They can also be caused by sun damage.
the lines from getting deeper, wear a waterproof full spectrum sunblock on your lips and around your mouth, and use a lip balmto exfoliate dead skin and keep lips supple. To get rid of the linesor soften them, the options start with wrinkle creams like retinols,Vitamin C and antioxidants, and include microdermabrasion to soften the lines. For deeper lines, you can have a Trichloracetic acid peel or have Collagen or fat injections to plump them up temporarily .The best option for deep lines is more invasive and involves dermabrasion or laser resurfacing. Don't expect anything to rid of every line in that area, but you can get to work on reducing them if you're really committed.
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Microdermabrasion
" What is the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion? "
'Microdermabrasion'or 'dermapeeling'or 'microabrasion'is a technology that entails blasting the face with sterile microparticles to abrade or rub off the very skin layer, then vacuuming out the particles and the dead skin. The results are like light glycolic peels and they remove the outermost layer of the skin to reveal a more supple and fresher looking texture. This is truly a 'lunchtime' procedure,and is one of the most popular techniques on the market today. Dermabrasion is the mechanical sanding of the skin using a hand held rotary instrument with a fine wheel attached. The surgeon goes over the skin to be treated with the wheel (called a fraise) to smooth out uneven skin surface and improve scars. This technique has been used effectively for many years to resurface the skin, but is less popular now due to the advent of laser technology and because of the long recovery period and prolonged redness.
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Moles
" What is the difference between dermabrasion and microdermabrasion? "
MOLES I have hairs growing from a mole. Is it safe to shave over a mole? It can be safe to shave over a mole if you are careful, but it might be wiser to clip the hairs close to the skin's surface or consider having them removed permanently with electrolysis so you don't have to worry about nicks.
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Neck
"I'm 42 and I've noticed lately that my neck isn't looking as sharp as it used to, and I think I need a chin implant. Is there anything else I can do?"
When you say your neck isn't looking 'sharp', it sounds like you mean that you don't have a clean line from where your chin meets your neck. The culprit may be just fat or loose skin and fat, or a muscle that needs tightening or a gland that needs to be tucked up. If it is just the fat pocket beneath the skin that is making your neck look fuller, the fat could be liposuctioned through a tiny incision under the chin. If your chin recedes so it doesn't extend enough to form an attractive angle with the neck, an implant may be placed through an incision under the chin (or inside the mouth, although this is thought to be more susceptible to infection). A small chin implant combined with liposuction at the same time can go far to give you a cleaner neckline. At 42, your skin may have good enough tone to shrink up nicely. Just remember that placing a chin implant will make you look different, so stay on the subtle side. A too big chin implant can make a girl look a little like Jay Leno. If what you really need is a face lift, a chin implant won't tighten loose skin or muscles.
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Nose
"I had my nose done years ago and I like the way it looks, except that the nostrils flare out too much and it make the nose look wide. Can I have just the nostrils made smaller?"
The short answer is yes. Wide nostrils can be made narrower through a procedure called an 'alar base resection.' A wedge shaped strip of skin can be removed from the base of the nostrils through small incisions. The nostrils are repositioned and sutured in place. Sutures are removed in about 5 days, and there will be a scar from the incisions which generally fades well over time. Since you are pretty happy with your nose overall, you have to decide if it is worth having another operation. Go back to your original surgeon (unless he is retired by now), or see one or more plastic or facial plastic surgeons who specialize in nasal surgery to decide. Unless you and the surgeon you choose are confident that he can make it better, leave it alone.
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Open Rrhinoplasty
" What is the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty?"
A 'closed' rhinoplasty technique involves the surgeon doing all of his work on refining the bony structure and shape of the nose through the nostrils alone, without the benefit of any external incisions. An 'open' rhinoplasty technique, which has gained in popularity in recent years, affords the surgeon the advantage of being able to see the structures of the nose during surgery because an incision is made in the columella (the strip of skin at the base of the nose) to 'open' the nose. Both techniques are used, some surgeons favor one over the other routinely, and sometimes an 'open' technique is reserved for difficult noses, secondary procedures, and thicker skin types.
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Permanent Makeup
"I'm thinking about permanent eye makeup but I haven't seen any that I think looks natural enough. What are the risks?"
Micropigmentationis used to replace natural pigment that fades with age, correct uneven lips and enhance eyes and brows, but this realm of beauty is very subjective. What is subtle to one woman, can look like Mimi,the big blonde on The Drew Carey Show to another. The best areas to do are eyebrows and eyeliner, although lip liner, lip color,cheeks, and eye shadow can be done too. Finding someone to trust with anything called 'permanent' can be a risky proposition. To avoid disappointment, have your makeup done first to see if you like the technique and the colors the technician uses. Greens, blues and violets should be relegated to your garden and not your eyelids .Stick to soft, neutral grays and taupe's. STAY AWAY FROM BLACK or you could end up looking like Charlie Chan. The technician can do a touch up later if you want more drama. The color will look very dark at first and fades slightly over the first few days to where it will stay for a few years. This is not an area to cut corners check references and ask around for referrals.
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Recovery
" I'm getting married in 3 months and would really love to have my nose done to look good in the pictures. Do I have enough time left?"
Just barely. It's always better to leave more rather than less time between surgery and a big event in your life, especially your own wedding. If you have a relatively simple nose to do with a bump and a droopy tip and reasonably normal or thin skin, you could be safe. If your nose is difficult, thick skinned, wide or crooked, the healing period may be longer. Whatever you decide, move quickly and go to see 3 surgeons to find out. It may take you a few weeks to get a consultation appointment and a few more weeks to have surgery, which may be cutting it too close. At the very least, leave yourself one month (4 weeks) between the date of surgery and the first photo op (i.e. bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, etc) you will need to look good for.
"Will I have bruising after a face or neck lift and for how long?"
Black and blues are part of the program, but the life of a bruise is very individual. If your skin is thin and fair, you can expect more bruising than someone who is darker and has thicker skin. Certain areas of the face bruise more than others like delicate skin around the eyelids. The side of the face or neck that requires the most work or bleeds more in surgery will also bruise more. Gravity pulls bruising down, so you will be bruised more on your lower face and neck than the mid face or forehead. In general, bruises start out as dark solid purple fading to mottled purple to bits of purple in green to green and yellow to yellow, and then they fade away in about 3 weeks in most people.
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Scars
"I have a scar on my chest where I had a cyst removed. Is there anything I can do to make it disappear?"
Depending on how long you have had the scar, you may be able to use a silicone gel sheeting applied to the scar to soften and fade it. This method works best on scars that are under one year old. If the scar is raised or red, it may also be injected with a steroid to break up the scar tissue or resurfaced using laser technology. The skin of the chest is generally thick and does not always heal the best .If you are interested in finding out about your options, consult with your Dermatologic surgeon.
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Skincare
"Is there a danger in over exfoliating?"
The key term here is 'exfoliating' as opposed to 'peeling.'Exfoliation is the process of removing or sloughing off the very superficial dead skin cells on the skin surface. By removing these dulling, dry surface cells, we can expose the fresher surface skin,which has a more intact barrier protection. Skin 'peeling'is a process of liquefying or aggressively removing the skin surface,which may involve the more sensitive and vulnerable underlying tissue. Mild exfoliation with over the counter gentle scrubs, frequent use alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes can be used several times per week Any product that is burning, causes redness or severe irritation might be too irritating to use on your own. Do I really have to wear a moisturizer all the time? Moisturizers maintain water balance within the tissue. Depending on the composition of the products, overuse of moisturizers could slow down the production of the body's own natural moisturizing factors (sebum and perspiration);prevent cell proliferation (a buildup of cells can actually make lines and wrinkles appear deeper); cause pores to become clogged. The body has its own mechanism for controlling the water balance within the system. Use your own judgment; avoid heavy moisturizers on oilier areas, and use heavier weight creams on dry areas or when skin feels dry; oily skin types should avoid any products containing oil or petrolatum; and in warm or humid weather, you may decide to skip the moisturizer entirely. You don't have to be a slave to any one moisturizer either; switch seasonally and upgrade some of the products you are using at least every year to keep up with the aging process. How often should you have a professional facial treatment? For normal skin, facial treatments with extractions and gommage when needed should be done every 46 weeks on normal skin. For problem skin and acne, a professional facial should be done more frequently,once every month. For skin prone to blackheads, a deep cleansing and extraction may be recommended every 23 weeks to keep clogged pores under control. My elbows and knees get rough and scaly during the winter. What can I do to make them softer? Winter winds and cold temperatures can be brutal on your skin. Some of the symptoms of dry skin are severe roughness, cracking, scaling and flakiness commonly found on elbows, knees, calves, feet, hands. The cause of the flakes is the build up of the uppermost layers of skin (stratum corneum) which have difficulty shedding. In the winter, due to cold air and heating systems taking humidity out of the air, your skin is much more prone to dehydration, irritation,and rashes. Dry skin is thinner, more fragile, and has less of a protective barrier. As a result, moisture is lost through the skin .A way to combat dry winter skin is to use a mild cleanser without soap or detergents, and use a moisturizer that contains an alphahydroxy acid at least once a day. Apply your moisturizer after the shower when your skin is still damp for maximum effectiveness. Keep a tube of hand cream with you to apply during the day. I'm 48 and I see my skin changing for the worst. Does my menopausal skin have special care requirements? Regular facials with massage can help increase the skin's circulation .Firming masks and hydrating treatments with mild exfoliation will also help to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. Sun avoidance is critical. Use moisturizers and products that contain antiaging ingredients like retinoids, plant enzymes, AHA's, antioxidants,and humectants that help to reduce the visible signs of aging skin and the ravages of hormone loss. Don't forget to moisturize the skin of the neck as you do facial skin.
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Skin Conditions
"I've got zillions of little bumps on my arms and thighs that make my skin feel rough and pebbly. I've tried different body lotions,but nothing gets rid of them." "
Sounds like you might have 'Keratosis Pilaris', a chronic condition that can plague the backs of arms, upper legs, and buttocks. According to Dermatologist Anita R. Cela, MD, the 'bumps' could be skin plugs and she recommends continuous use of prescription strength LacHydrin 12% or RetinA® or a home management regimen with glycolic acid. Try lactic acid products and exfoliation with a loofahor natural bristle body brush in the shower, and microdermabrasion treatments can also help.
"I have large pores around my nose area. How can I make them look smaller?
Everyone has larger pores around the nose because skin has more oil-producing sebaceous glands in the center panel of the face than on the sides or around the eyes. On the face, upper chest and upper back, the oil glands are larger and open directly onto the skin surface, unlike elsewhere on the body, where the oil glands open into a hair follicle, and are smaller. The size of the 'pores' on the skin is directly proportional to how much oil is being produced by the underlying sebaceous gland. Consequently, because the center panel of the face has the largest size and number of these glands, the openings of them appear larger. To diminish the size of the pores on the nose, keep them clear of any clogging debris that is keeping them 'open.' Small blackheads can be manually
"What are milia and how do you get rid of them?"
Milia are little sebaceous cysts that sometimes occur as a response to skin trauma. They can occur around a woman's eyes,sometimes from makeup application. Milia sometimes occur after laser resurfacing, and can also be an expression of sun damage. Many older people - especially men - get them on their cheekbones and around their eyes. They can be best treated by extraction.
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Smoking
"I've been a smoker (one pack/day) for ten years, and have quit on and off. I went to see two plastic surgeons who told me I had to stop smoking before I could have any surgery."
If your skin is being destroyed from the inside, there isn't much you can do to make up for the damage from the outside. Smoking robs your skin of vital oxygen by restricting the vessels that allow blood to flow through capillaries to the top layers of the skin. Depriving your skin of oxygen results in wrinkles, roughness, dryness, and interferes with the skin's natural ability to heal itself. Smokers make lousy candidates for cosmetic surgery because they are more prone to complications, bleeding, bruising, bad scars and delayed healing. Not every smoker will have a problem from surgery, but the odds are against you and the risks go up considerably. The doctors gave you good advice. P.S. 'No smoking' means no nicotine patches, gum or other tobacco substitutes either.
"smoking before I could have any surgery."
If your skin is being destroyed from the inside, there isn't much you can do to make up for the damage from the outside. Smoking robs your skin of vital oxygen by restricting the vessels that allow blood to flow through capillaries to the layers of the skin .Depriving your skin of oxygen results in wrinkles, roughness, dryness,and interferes with the skin's natural ability to heal itself. Smokers make lousy candidates for cosmetic surgery because they are more prone to complications, bleeding, bruising, bad scars and delayed healing. Not every smoker will have a problem from surgery, but the odds are against you and the risks go up considerably. The doctors gave you good advice. P.S. 'No smoking' means no nicotine patches,gum or other tobacco substitutes either.
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Strechmarks
" I lost 80 pounds and have stretch marks. How can I get rid of them?"
Congratulations on losing all that weight! Most stretch marks in adults won't disappear entirely, but they get markedly less obvious over time. In a year, they fade as much as they probably will. To diminish them more, ask a dermatologist about lasers, micro-dermabrasion treatments, and topical applications of retinoids. Areas with the most muscle tone (such as arms and thighs) respond best to laser treatment. Stretchmarks are a little like cellulite; they both plague most women and there are no perfect remedies, at least not yet.
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Sunscreen
" Should I wear sunscreen under or over my moisturizer?"
Ideally,a sunscreen should adhere directly to the skin surface to perform as a 'barrier' coating the skin to prevent burning. If you are using one of the 'chemical free' sunscreen's, you can apply it directly to your skin. The term 'chemical free' applies to sunscreen's that use natural minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If your moisturizer contains a sun block,then you have an all in one product. Whatever you use, apply enoughproduct to coat the skin, and reapply it often during sun exposure.
I use foundation with an SPF, but do I still have to wear a separate sunscreen underneath my foundation?
It depends on your lifestyle, where you are, and your specific plans for the day. Foundation with an SPF 15 or higher should give you enough protection for normal workday activities ONLY if those two magic little words, 'broad spectrum'can be found somewhere on the label. Any significant sun exposure should necessitate added sun protection, waterproof, and increase the number of times you reapply. This is one of those instances when 'more is more' when in doubt, it's better to use more.
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Thighs
" I hate the way my inner thighs look in a bathing suit because the skin is loose and it bunches up at my knees. I had liposuction already,but now I want to make my legs look firmer."
Take comfort in the fact that few women over 18 actually like their thighs in a bathing suit. If loose skin is your concern, forget liposuction. You have now entered the THIGHLIFTZONE. To tighten inner thighs, incisions are placed in the groin to remove excess skin. Recovery can be long and the incisions loosen up overtime and may drop somewhat. If you are really committed to having this surgery done, choose your plastic surgeon with great care. This is a major procedure.
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Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty
" Does ultrasonic assisted liposuction cost more than traditional tumescent liposuction?"
It can be somewhat more expensive for various reasons including: the equipment is more costly than that used in traditional liposuction, it has more of a marketing appeal, more areas can often be treated in one stage,and the surgical time can be longer. Ultimately, the end result is usually about the same as traditional liposuction techniques, but some surgeons prefer ultrasonic energy to aid in fat removal, especially in men or more fibrous fatty areas.
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Veins
"I have lots of red capillaries on my cheeks and the sides of my nose,but I'm planning to have a face lift soon. Should I have my veins treated before or after?"
If you have visible broken capillaries or 'telangiectasia', a face lift or any trauma to the skin may aggravate them and make them worse. Ask your surgeon if he could use a hyfercator to zap some of the mat the time of the face lift. After you are healed, you could have the remaining veins treated with either a hyfercator or several types of lasers. If you have thin, fair skin, and are prone to them,chances are you will get more down the line, but they are pretty simple to get rid of. Ask your Dermatologist for advice about how to care for your skin to prevent more from popping up.
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