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Good skin care is the foundation of keeping your face looking youthful and aging
gracefully. Skin care and many non-invasive procedures can delay or even eliminate
the need for surgery to rejuvenate your appearance. BOTOX® can soften the appearance
of wrinkles that are caused by muscle contraction such as in the forehead and at
the corners of the eyes. Botox injections require no down time and the results typically
last for four months. Soft tissue fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm can help
to smooth out wrinkles in the face. This helps to reverse the signs of aging and
restore a youthful appearance. These products typically last for four to six months.
Dr. Mussat will be happy to discuss all of these products during your consultation.
Topical Retinoids
The group of medicines known as retinoids are derived from Vitamin
A. Creams containing the retinoids retinol and retinaldehyde can
be obtained over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets. Other topical retinoids
containing tretinoin or isotretinoin require a doctor's prescription.
Adapalene is a related prescription medicine.
Topical retinoids can be applied to any area but are most often used on the face,
the neck and the back of hands.
There are many brand name face creams that contain retinol or retinaldehyde, which
are quite well tolerated and may help improve the appearance of aging skin.
The trade names of the more potent topical retinoids available on prescription in
the United States are:
- Retin-A Cream (tretinoin)
- Isotrex Gel (isotretinoin)
- Differin Gel, Cream (adapalene)
Topical retinoids are effective treatments for mild to moderately severe acne. In the last few years tretinoin
has also been shown to reverse some of the changes due to photo-aging, i.e. sun damage. If used
long term, it may reduce some fine wrinkles, freckles, comedones (whiteheads and blackheads),
and
solar keratoses (dry scaly sun-spots). They may also be used in bleaching creams to reduce pigmentation
in
melasma.
Retinoids can irritate the skin and increase the chance of sunburn. Excessive use
results in redness and peeling.
Follow these instructions carefully:
- Use your topical retinoid on alternate nights at first. If you have very sensitive
skin, wash it off after an hour or so. If it irritates, apply it less often. If
it doesn't, try every night, and if possible twice daily. The skin gradually gets
used to it.
- To reduce stinging, apply it to dry skin ie 30 minutes after washing.
- Apply a tiny amount to all the areas affected, and spread as far as it will go.
- Don't get it in your eyes or mouth.
- Always apply a sunscreen to exposed skin in the morning.
- Wear your usual make-up if you wish, and use cleansers and moisturisers as often as required.
- If you have acne, make sure cosmetics are oil-free.
- If your skin goes scarlet and peels dramatically even with cautious use, the retinoid
may be unsuitable for your sensitive skin.
For more information regarding Retin-A Please Click here
For more information regarding Differin please Click here
BOTOX
BOTOX is the most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedure with 3.8 million
treatments in the U.S. in 2005. Botox works by improving the appearance of wrinkles
in the face that are caused by muscle contraction. There is no down time required
for a Botox injection. It is relatively painless and results are apparent within
a few days. The effects of Botox typically last approximately four months. Dr. Mussat
will be happy to help you determine if Botox is right for you.
Please read
more
Fillers
Soft tissue fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm help to correct wrinkles and
folds in the face to give you a smoother, more youthful appearance. The new generation
of fillers uses hyaluronic acid to restore volume and fullness to the skin. Hyaluronic
acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body. Soft tissue fillers
are performed as an office procedure and there is minimal down time. The soft tissue
fillers typically last for six months and can be used in conjunction with Botox.
Dr. Mussat uses topical anesthetic cream and nerve blocks to make your experience
as comfortable as possible.
Please read more:
Juvederm,
Restylane,
Radiesse
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