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Scars and acne marks, left behind after healing from skin injuries or severe acne, can leave your skin with visibly uneven texture and color. They can severely impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. The type, depth, and size of these skin imperfections can vary widely, which influences the choice of treatment.

Dermal fillers are a popular and widely available option for addressing these types of skin imperfections. This blog post discusses how fillers can help in minimizing the appearance of scars and acne marks.

How Fillers Can Minimize Scars and Acne Marks

When used to treat scars and acne marks, fillers primarily raise any indented areas to the level of the surrounding skin. By injecting filler beneath the scar or acne mark, practitioners can effectively ‘fill out’ these depressions, making them less noticeable. This leads to a more even skin surface and improved skin texture.

Types of Dermal Fillers and Their Application

Hyaluronic-Acid Fillers

There are a very large number of hyaluronic acid-based filler products on the market, with many different formulations. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are the most popular choices, and are regarded as both safe and effective. Hyaluronic acid also occurs naturally in the body, so these fillers are generally well tolerated when injected.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are primarily used for shallow scars and fine lines due to their softer consistency. These fillers are temporary, as the body naturally breaks down hyaluronic acid over time. They also provide immediate benefits and can be reversed if necessary. Variants are also available with thicker consistencies, allowing them to also be used to help conceal deeper and more visible scars.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Fillers

These fillers are synthetic and have the ability to stimulate the body’s production of collagen. They’re typically used to fill in larger and deeper areas. The benefits of PLLA fillers can last longer than hyaluronic acid-based fillers but will also eventually degrade and require touching-up. Benefits occur gradually after treatment, and so changes appear more natural as they develop over time.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) Fillers

PMMA-based fillers are sometimes recommended, especially for deep or visible scars. They use collagen with PMMA microstructures that can provide extra support to the surrounding skin. They provide especially long-lasting results but run a higher risk of complications as PMMA is a synthetic substance that can trigger the body’s immune system.

Choosing the Right Practitioner

It pays to select a practitioner who has experience performing procedures using a large number of different dermal filler products – they will be able to help you select the best product (or products) to address your specific needs. As is the case with all noninvasive cosmetic procedures, choosing a medically trained and qualified practitioner will also increase your chance of a positive outcome while avoiding the various complications that can occur when inexperienced or unqualified people perform these procedures.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing dermal filler procedures using a large number of different products. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Given the wide range of non-invasive cosmetic procedures available today, it’s no surprise that, in many cases, the best results can be obtained by combining different procedures to obtain results that are greater than the sum of the individual procedures. Today, we’ll mention the various ways that Botox can be combined with other procedures to obtain the best outcomes.

Botox and Dermal Fillers

This is certainly the combination that’s most often recommended. Combining Botox with hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers like Juvederm or Restylane can address the most commonly occurring problems. Botox is used to selectively relax the muscles associated with unwanted lines and wrinkles, while dermal fillers are used to augment areas that lack volume, typically including the lips and cheeks. The combination of both procedures can be used to create a significantly more youthful and rejuvenated appearance.

Dermal fillers are available in a large number of different formulations, allowing them to be used singly or in combination to address an extremely wide range of issues, including reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Botox and CoolSculpting

While Botox addresses facial wrinkles, CoolSculpting is used to reduce unwanted fat deposits, both around the neck and chin and other parts of the body. There are some situations where Botox can be used in combination with CoolSculpting to re-sculpt the chin areas more effectively. Together, the two procedures can allow you to achieve a more comprehensive transformation of your appearance, adjusting both your facial appearance and your body contours.

Botox and Chemical Peels

Botox can be particularly synergetic when used alongside chemical peels. Botox smooths out dynamic wrinkles (linked to muscle movement), while chemical peels address static wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, and surface texture imperfections. Combining both treatments can comprehensively improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

Botox and Laser Therapy

Laser treatments, such as fractional laser or intense pulsed light (IPL), can address skin concerns like sun damage, pigmentation issues, and uneven texture. When combined with Botox, these procedures can create a more even-toned and radiant complexion.

Considerations When Choosing Your Practitioner

While it’s always extremely important to carefully research a practitioner’s experience and skills before selecting someone, it’s far more important when you’re considering combining multiple procedures. This is because using multiple procedures effectively is not always as simple as it might seem. While you, of course, want to choose someone who is competent, you should ask some hard questions regarding exactly how they anticipate that your multiple procedures will work together. Your practitioner should take the time to explain the expected duration of benefits, the improvements to be expected, as well as any potential side effects.

Different procedures often last for differing time periods before they need maintenance. The effects of your Botox treatment may start to wear off before the effects of your dermal fillers (different fillers also come with different lifetimes). So, you should expect to pay careful attention to scheduling follow-up visits to ensure that you continue to experience the best possible results.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox procedures in combination with the other procedures discussed. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

Understanding Botox

The Safety Record

Common Concerns

Side Effects

Misuse

Overuse

Enhancing Your Botox Experience with Your Laser Skin Care

Botox is perhaps the best-known non-invasive cosmetic procedure, widely used to reduce or eliminate facial lines and wrinkles, and is a highly effective way to rejuvenate your appearance. But despite its widespread use and great popularity, many people are quite unaware of what Botox treatments actually consist of. This post will discuss the science and history behind Botox.

Clostridium Botulinum

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that is found in soil and marine sediments. The bacteria produce spores that are often found on the skin of fruits and vegetables and in seafood. The spores are mostly harmless, but if allowed to grow under certain conditions, they can produce several highly toxic neurotoxins, including the Botulinum toxin. Botulinum is the cause of Botulism, a rare but serious illness that can cause muscle paralysis.

How Does Botox Work?

The Botulinum toxin blocks the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. This chemical is used in the body to carry messages from the brain to specific nerve cells. By carefully applying the Botulinum toxin to the nerve cells that, in turn, cause specific muscles to contract, it’s possible to block signals being sent to the muscles, and thereby cause the muscles that are responsible for causing unwanted lines and wrinkles to relax.

The Botox Product

Botox is the brand name for Botulinum toxin type A, a protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are actually several different commercial brands, each using different variations of Botulinum toxin type A, such as Dysport and Xeomin, but Botox is by far the best known.

Botox is derived from Botulinum under rigorously controlled conditions; it is highly refined and purified and then combined with other ingredients to form a precise low-dose solution that can safely be used for cosmetic purposes.

The final Botox product will only cause temporary paralysis of targeted muscles.

From Toxin to Treatment

The beneficial use of the Botulinum toxin was first investigated in the 1970’s. Initially, it was used to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) by controlling how muscles attached to the eye function. It was eventually approved by the FDA for this usage.

The cosmetic benefits of Botox were discovered purely by chance when patients being treated for eye disorders using Botox noticed the side effect that their facial wrinkles also became less evident. This became a subject for further research, and the FDA approved Botox for cosmetic uses in 2002.

Safety and Purity

It’s important to understand that the Botox product used for cosmetic purposes is highly refined and purified and is quite safe when used by qualified practitioners. It is also impossible to contract Botulism from Botox, regardless of the dose.

Despite this, to obtain the best results, especially while remaining natural-looking, it’s important to select your practitioner with great care. The best way to guarantee safe, effective results with minimal side effects is to select a medically trained practitioner who can demonstrate extensive experience performing Botox procedures.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox procedures. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

What is Filler Migration?

What are the Main Causes?

Incorrect Technique and Overfilling

Product Choice and Individual Anatomy

Immune Response

How to Prevent Filler Migration

Post-Treatment Care and Regular Follow-Up

Your Laser Skin Care

Botox is best known as a highly effective treatment for crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines. But did you know that Botox can also be an effective solution for wrinkles and lines on the neck? This blog post will highlight the use of Botox and its potential benefits for rejuvenating the neck area.

What are Neck Lines and Wrinkles?

Neck wrinkles, commonly known as “turkey neck” or “neck bands,” are the result of a combination of factors, including:

• Aging: our skin loses elasticity and collagen as it ages, which in turn causes sagging and wrinkles.
• Sun Exposure: The sun’s UV rays can damage and break down the collagen and elastin fibers in our skin, leading to premature aging.
• Repeated Movements: Just as smile lines form from smiling, neck wrinkles can form from repetitive actions, such as looking down at your phone.

How Does Botox Work?

Botox is a neurotoxin derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected in minute amounts, it prevents nerve signals from being sent to the muscles. This causes the muscles to relax, which in turn smooths wrinkles and prevents the deepening of lines formed when the muscles are activated.

The effects of Botox are not permanent, they typically last for up to 3 months before gradually wearing off.

Where is it used?

It’s easy to see the two vertical bands of muscle fibers that pass through the front of our necks. These muscles, known as platysmal bands, are not involved with moving the head, but they are involved with many other activities, including some facial expressions, chewing food, and even speech. Over time, these muscles can become more prominent and lead to the development of visible bands and horizontal lines.

The judicious application of Botox in this area can relax these muscles and soften their appearance without affecting your ability to speak, eat, or change your facial expressions. When Botox has been used with care, improvements should look natural and not draw attention to the treated area.

Benefits of Using Botox for Neck Wrinkles

As a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment, Botox offers significant advantages when compared to surgical treatments. It’s faster, requires minimal to no downtime, is cheaper, and also makes no permanent or irreversible changes.

Other Considerations

In common with all cosmetic procedures, invasive or non-invasive, the experience and skill of your practitioner is very important and will directly affect the quality of results that you experience. You should select your practitioner with great care and only proceed with treatment when you are confident that you’re in good hands.

Botox injections can cause potential side effects, including pain at the injection site, bruising, headache, or flu-like symptoms. Other complications are possible; you can minimize any chance of these occurring by limiting your potential practitioners to fully qualified and practicing doctors.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing Botox injections. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.

CoolSculpting is a powerful tool to reshape specific areas of the body by targeting and removing undesired fat. Although the procedure is effective, care must be taken to prevent fat from accumulating again after treatment. This post summarizes our recommendations on how best to achieve and maintain the best results.

Pre and Post-Treatment Care

• Carefully follow all preparation instructions provided by your practitioner.
• Promote faster removal of fat cells by gently massaging treated areas daily.
• Utilize compression garments, when advised, to minimize swelling and enhance contouring.
• Don’t forget to schedule any recommended follow-up appointments.

Nutritional Guidelines

• Adopt a healthy balanced diet – this is crucial to prevent remaining fat cells from enlarging.
• Keep hydrated. This promotes good health and also helps the body flush toxins.
• Choose anti-inflammatory foods like berries and green tea, and avoid products containing sugars and trans fats.
• Moderate your consumption of alcohol and caffeine, both of which adversely affect hydration.

Physical Wellness

• Regular exercise will promote circulation, improve muscle tone, and assist the natural elimination of fat.
• Avoid extreme heat, from hot showers or saunas, immediately after treatment.

It’s also important to be patient – fat removal after CoolSculpting treatment is a gradual process. You may not see any results immediately after treatment, they will develop in the weeks and even months afterward.

Your Laser Skin Care

Your Laser Skin Care practitioners are medically qualified and highly experienced in performing CoolSculpting procedures. We also have extensive experience with a wide variety of other non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We can help you choose the safest, most effective, and most cost-effective way to achieve your cosmetic goals. Call us at (323) 525-1516 to schedule a free consultation, or visit us online for more information.