Category: anti-aging
What Makes Someone Beautiful, Anyway?
The notion of attractiveness seems simple. When we see a person, we know immediately whether we think he or she is beautiful. We don’t really have to decide; our reaction is involuntary, and it is personal. You might think that a particular person is stunning, while your best friend might not.
Interestingly, studies over the years have shown that most people tend to agree, for the most part, on what constitutes a beautiful face, and that the reason they do relies more on brain science than on preference. Consider the ability of babies to recognize faces and prefer the ones that society deems pretty.
So, how we assess appearance might be more complex than simply liking large eyes better than small ones or full lips rather than thin ones. The brain has the capacity to recognize not only attractiveness, but also emotions, personality traits and fertility. The part of the brain that allows us to do this, the fusiform, is also responsible for our ability to recognize familiar faces. When it is damaged, we can’t recall whom we’ve just met, and we can’t distinguish between plain faces and beautiful ones. When we decide that someone is beautiful, we are really thinking that the person is healthy and vital, studies have shown. Smooth skin and symmetrical facial features, for instance, indicate to our brain that a person has good genetics and is not ill, both of which lead us to think that the person is attractive.
However our perception is formed, appearance–of others and ourselves–has a powerful effect on so many of our emotions.
EXILIS ELITE Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a revolutionary treatment to restore your youthfulness, melt fat and cellulite at the same time, then EXILIS ELITE could be your answer. EXILIS ELITE is FDA approved to be used for reducing wrinkles and firming up loose skin, and an added benefit of the technology is that it melts fat and stimulates collagen production, too. Read more to answer some of the most frequently asked questions I hear about EXILIS ELITE.
How does EXILIS ELITE work?
EXILIS ELITE uses thermal energy that is generated by the most advanced monopolar radio frequency. The dual control handpiece has both DTC (Dermal Temperature Control) and EFC (Energy Flow Control) to protect the skin from heat that could harm it, while simultaneously generating consistent energy for dependable results.
The handpiece generates heat within the treatment area to cause the targeted fat cells to break down. This process of reducing fatty deposits also causes the sub dermal collagen to remodel and tighten, resulting in firmer skin.
Will EXILIS ELITE treat all fat?
EXILIS ELITE radio frequency depth penetration addresses the subcutaneous fat. This is superficially located just below the skin and above the muscle.
What parts of the body can be treated with EXILIS ELITE?
The built in cooling system makes EXILIS ELITE safe for reducing loose skin and excess fat anywhere on the body. This includes the face, neck, jowels, décolletage, arms, back or bra fat, abdomen, love handles, thighs, knees, etc.
When will I see results?
You may see immediate results, but maximum results are experienced incrementally over 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. EXILIS ELITE treatments are usually done 1 to 2 weeks apart with visible fat reduction ranging from 1 to 6 inches of volume loss after 4 treatment sessions.
How long are treatments?
Each treatment, depending on the area of the body, takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but we ask you to allow an hour. This non invasive procedure can be accomplished on your lunch break from work. There is no downtime and normal activity can resume immediately. For treatments to areas of the face, there may be some mild redness and mild swelling, but this can easily be covered with mineral makeup.
What does the procedure feel like?
EXILIS ELITE is a safe and comfortable procedure, requiring no numbing cream or anesthesia. The treatments are comfortable and pain free by targeting the proper amount of energy while simultaneously heating and cooling the skin.
I hope that I’ve been able to answer your top questions so that you can see how revolutionary the EXILIS ELITE treatment is for firming skin, reducing cellulite and melting fat. Let’s talk about what EXILIS ELITE can do for you. www.DrCovey.com
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Covey
Melt Fat and Tighten Skin Without Surgery
Roll out the red carpet of non-invasive anti aging procedures because EXILIS ELITE is coming through! We are excited to offer you a very effective, pain free solution to sagging skin and stubborn fat. EXILIS ELITE therapy is the latest technology when it comes to aesthetic procedures for body contouring and skin tightening.
Lasers are very versatile and typically a great way to melt fat and tighten skin without surgery, but even they have a minor discomfort. I am pleased to offer another option, EXILIS ELITE. EXILIS ELITE is a clinically proven treatment to eliminate fat deposits and firm up the skin with absolutely no discomfort or downtime.
How Does EXILIS ELITE Work?
EXILIS ELITE uses the most advanced and sophisticated thermal energy available to give patients real results without surgery or downtime. Its clinically proven and FDA approved technology uses the most advanced monopolar radio frequency energy. This energy is directed through a dual function handpiece to target specific treatment areas. EXILIS ELITE provides maximum power with total control. By volumetrically heating the area, it causes the subdermal collagen support tissues under the skin to remodel and tighten and the fat to melt. Firmer and flatter skin without any pain or discomfort is the result.
What Can EXILIS ELITE Do?
With just the right amount of thermal energy, EXILIS ELITE gently, yet effectively contours the face and body. It can tighten, firm up, and tone sagging or loose skin on pretty much any area of the face or body. Stubborn fatty deposits melt away while the skin is tightened so there isn’t any saggy skin left once the fat is gone. All of this with no numbing or anesthesia, no incision, and no downtime.
EXILIS ELITE can tighten and tone these areas:
- face
- jowls
- neck
- chest
- back
- “love handles”
- “bra fat”
- abdomen
- thighs
- hips and buttocks
- knees
EXILIS ELITE is ideal for people who would like their weight loss and toning to look like a natural progression. It usually takes a couple of treatments to achieve the desired end results. This gradual melting of fat and tightening of the skin along the way looks more natural because it is not a dramatic overnight change.
EXILIS ELITE Benefits in a Nutshell
- FDA approved treatment that has been scientifically proven and clinically tested world wide
- fast, safe and effective
- treats all areas of the face and body
- results are gradual, lasting and measureable
- precise and targeted to correct deep skin problems as well as problems located at the surface of the skin
- offers circumferential reduction
- effectively treats cellulite
- non-invasive
- no downtime
- comfortable treatment without pain
- no anesthesia necessary
I hope this introduction to EXILIS piqued your interest because in the following weeks we’ll discuss this procedure more completely. In the meantime, visit www.DrCovey.com to learn more or schedule a consultation to see how EXILIS ELITE can help you achieve a younger, healthier body in 2015.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Filler for Laugh Line Rejuvenation
Last week I covered some areas of the face that show the signs of aging and are the least common to be addressed with cosmetic procedures. Fillers can be used on these areas, such as the earlobes, temples and chin, to give subtle yet significant rejuvenation for the entire face.
Fillers can also be used on some other areas that are moderately known, yet not widely realized that rejuvenating them can really help restore a youthful look to the entire face. The area that I’ll be covering this week is in the mid face: the melolabial folds (laugh lines). This is a very noticeable area of the face that can really benefit from fillers in many cases.
Melolabial Folds
Over time, lines begin to develop at the edges of the nostrils and stretch down toward the mouth and below. These medium-to-deep facial creases are known as nasolabial folds, melolabial folds, mesolabial folds, laugh lines, smile lines or marionette lines. All of these terms have come to be interchangeable and this has sometimes caused confusion among my patients, but rest assured they are referring to the same area of the face. If not corrected, these lines can give a drastically aged appearance to the mid and lower face.
Causes of Melolabial Folds
The mesolabial folds are connected to deeper mid face tissues. They are some of the first visible signs of aging in the mid face as a result of the cheeks descending over time. Gravity along with the following causes help to create these creases:
- facial volume loss
- less elastic skin
- sun exposure
- smoking
- genetics
Lessen Those Laugh Lines with Fillers
Fortunately there is a solution for these laugh lines that may not require a face lift or other surgical procedure. Often, facial fillers can decrease the appearance of these folds with results lasting close to a year. Hyaluronic acid fillers like JUVEDERM and RESTYLANE plump up the area by attracting water. These are great for the milder creases.
Liquid Face Lift for Melolabial Lines
Depending on your unique situation, it may be better to treat these marionette lines by restoring volume loss in the cheeks to provide a mini face lift. Here’s why a liquid face lift with JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC can lessen those marionette lines:
- It contains the thickest, smooth flowing hyaluronic acid gel available today, which makes it ideal for midface rejuvenation.
- It is the first and only FDA approved filler for cheek augmentation, with results lasting up to 2 years.
- Restoring volume to the cheeks provides a gentle lift to the midface, which can also tighten the skin around the mouth and nose to minimize the appearance of laugh lines.
Now you know that with the help of fillers, you can laugh and be expressive without those melolabial lines to age your face. You can even give the gift of a smile without lasting lines. A gift certificate would make a great surprise for Christmas or Hanukkah.
For more information on how fillers can restore volume and youthfulness to your mid face, as well as how to give this as a gift to others, visit www.DrCovey.com
Sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Covey
Innovative DermaFrac for Radiant, Youthful Skin
Radiant Skin with DermaFrac
Have you heard of the innovative new treatment that can lighten pigmentation, treat acne, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin hydration? It’s not a laser or chemical peel. It’s DermaFrac, one of the newest anti aging treatments we’re offering at East End Laser Care.
Three in One
I love DermaFrac because it includes 3 treatments in one 30 minute procedure to help your skin recover its youthful radiance. It covers a lot of bases via the different modalities and can really get some great results with all the serums that can be tailored to individual needs. The methods are:
- MicroDermabrasion
- MicroChanneling with Serum Infusion
- LED Therapy
Customized Technology
This pain free, no downtime procedure infuses serums directly where it counts using an innovative method. The serums are injected via MicroChanneling, also called MicroNeedling. But compared to other MicroChanneling systems DermaFracis the best. It uses the latest technology to precisely calibrate the needle penetration, and has unprecedented infusion capability with Vacuum Assisted Simultaneous Serum Infusion. Here are the serum options:
- Anti aging serum contains a super cocktail of 5 peptides to stimulate collagen production.
- Lightening solution uses natural kojic acid to suppress the pigmentation process.
- Hydrating serum has a HylaSponge System with a multi faceted approach to rehydrate skin naturally, including vitamin A and teas.
- Acne serum has hyaluronic acid to loosen dead skin cells and unclog pores.
Even the LED therapy can be tailored to the specific needs of your skin. For example a yellow light is used to boost collagen, red if you have erythema or redness of skin, and blue light is used to treat acne.
How Does It Work?
A handpiece, that contains the serum cartridge and MicroNeedle roller tip cap, is gently moved across the skin. The skin is lightly pulled into contact with the tiny needles by a vacuum, while the injections microexfoliate and deposit the selected serum. This is a painless process with no bleeding because the depth of the needles have been carefully calibrated to make their way into the skin just above the capillaries and nerve endings. These tiny penetrations stimulate the body’s healing process to create collagen and they are also micro pathways for the serums to enter below the epidermis into dermal layer of the skin.
What Can DermaFrac Do for You?
DermaFrac is a great treatment option for busy people that don’t want any recovery time, but want quick, painless results. It is a MicroChanneling system that requires no down time, and is very affordable.
DermaFrac is a wonderful solution for a variety of skin concerns:
- Lightens sun spots, skin discoloration, and uneven skin tone
- Improves active and cystic acne in adults and teenagers
- Reduces fine lines and mild wrinkles
- Increases skin hydration and smoothness
- May be an option to treat scars depending on several factors
For a quick and painless skin rejuvenating treatment to give you that holiday glow, come visit East End Laser Care to get your DermaFrac treatment today. Look for more information on DermaFrac coming to my website soon www.DrCovey.com.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
HOLIDAY WISH LIST…
This week is Thanksgiving, but we all see the Holiday decorations popping up everywhere and most of the retail stores are already playing seasonal music. Especially with Black Friday in the forefront of people’s minds, will be the gifts they want to give and receive. In this blog I hope to guide you on some amazing youth restoring gift options that you can ask for, as well as share with someone you love.
Where to Go
Fortunately, you need to go no further than East End Laser Care since we offer the most comprehensive spectrum of non invasive procedures. This is our specialty. While most doctors perform cosmetic injectables in addition to their area of expertise, we perform them as our primary goal to help you achieve the cosmetic enhancements of your dreams. You’ll have access to all the hottest, safest treatments with proven performance.
What You Want
This time of year the calendar is loaded with social gatherings. Many of us will be seeing friends and family whom we may not have seen in a while. Don’t you want to look your best? As cameras click away, everyone will be in lots of holiday photos to capture all the fun memories. Don’t you want to look back on those photos and like what you see? Whether you’re looking to receive a gift or give someone the gift of a rejuvenated face or body, we have a non surgical procedure that can help.
Many of these treatments are “in and out”, with little to no recovery, so they don’t require stepping out of the social holiday fun. You can see all the procedure options at www.DrCovey.com, but here are some of our most popular treatments:
- Radiant Skin glows after a FRAXEL LASER treatment. It is so versatile that you can firm up loose skin, brighten dull or pigmented skin, and even smooth out wrinkles.
- Non surgical mini face lift really exists with the skin tightening, collagen boosting THERMAGE CPT and ELILIS. AND… with JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC injections, facial volume is restored, resulting in a lifted, revitalized new look.
- Luscious lips become fuller with hyaluronic acid fillers JUVEDERM and RESTYLANE.
- Smooth out wrinkles on forehead and crows feet with BOTOX or DYSPORT.
- Fill in smile lines or those nasolabial folds that come down from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips with JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE, OR RADIESSE.
- Sculpt the body without surgery by using THERMAGE CPT or EXILIS to tighten and lift loose skin on the arms, legs, and buttocks…and even drooping eyelids.
- Smooth out cellulite with CELLULAZE, the most advanced cellulite treatment available. It increases skin’s elasticity, flattens lumps and bumps and is clinically proven to smooth out the skin’s surface.
- Laser hair removal can save lots of time from shaving and waxing.
- Melt that extra fat from the waistline, abdomen inner or outer thighs, hips, arms, buttocks, etc. with SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX. It is the most advanced laser lipo available to remove fat and contour the body. Its skin tightening effects also help with loose skin after the fat is removed.
Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Covey
The Gift of Youth: The Best Holiday Gift
Instead of spending hours shopping for the perfect gift for the holidays, you can give one of the hottest, most desirable gifts that almost every adult would love and benefit from: a non invasive cosmetic procedure. More and more people are asking (and secretly wanting but not asking) for cosmetic treatments for the holidays.
Who’s a Great Recipient
- Someone who already “has everything”
- Women or Men 35+
- If they’ve mentioned they’ve wanted to try a non invasive procedure
- They’ve expressed concern about wrinkles, especially crow’s feet or on the forehead
A Gift that’s Not Just for the Ladies
Most women are very pleased to receive this as a gift, but believe it or not, so are men. While some men might not be willing to take the jump to get a treatment for themselves, receiving it as a gift can give him that nudge towards doing what he wanted to anyway.
Many men like getting work done for the professional advantage. A younger, healthier, more alert demeanor can give him that edge in the marketplace. There are many amazing non invasive treatments that make the perfect gift for men.
Top Procedures for Men
- “Bro-tox” is Botox for men that can rejuvenate a tired looking eye area by banishing crow’s feet. It also can smooth out the wrinkles on the forehead and in between the eyes, which can turn what looks like a furrowed scowl into a more positive visage.
- Laser hair removal can save lots of time shaving and waxing.
- Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane, and Radiesse to fill in those folds around the nose, the pitting from acne scars, and restore a smooth, more youthfully contoured appearance.
Top Procedures for Women
- Thermage CPT is the hottest non surgical face lift available with dramatic results for lifting hooded eyelids. It can also be used to tighten and lift loose skin on the arms, legs, and buttocks.
- Injections provide so many options depending on what each person needs. Botox and Dysport smooth out wrinkles by relaxing muscles, while Juvederm, Restylane, and Perlane are hyaluronic acid fillers that fill in lines by natural plumping effects. Radiesse is another option that uses tiny, smooth calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) particles to fill in lines. Depending on the location and depth of the wrinkles, Dr. Covey provides expert guidance on the best choice for what needs to be done, including facial contouring and plumping lips.
- SmartLipo Triplex is the most advanced laser lipo available to remove fat and contour the body.
With one simple gift, you can provide so many face and body rejuvenating choices for your loved one. Simply purchase a gift certificate, package that with a brochure with a bow on top, and you’ve got a smile worthy surprise in store for them. We want to put a smile on your face too, so with every $100 gift card purchase you will receive a $20 gift card for yourself.
We experience a significant increase in treatments this time of year, so be sure to come in and get your gift certificate or schedule your procedure today. We offer the hottest, most advanced, safest, and most comprehensive non invasive treatments available for face and body rejuvenation. You can see all the procedure options at www.DrCovey.com.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Men’s Skin Is Different
As the title of the famous book, Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus, points out – men and women are so different. These differences between men and women even apply to the characteristics of the skin, especially on the face. As an example, just look at a man’s ability to grow facial hair.
These differences mean that men and women have some unique skin needs through the years. Generally there are similarities in that we all lose collagen and need to protect ourselves from sun damage, but the facial skin differences are interesting and contribute to the tailored treatment for restoring a man’s facial health and vitality. In this week’s blog, I’ll cover some interesting characteristics of men’s skin and how to keep it looking younger longer.
- Thickness… A man’s skin is about 25 percent thicker than that of a woman’s. Their androgens, such as testosterone, are the cause of the increased thickness, although skin does gradually thin with age.
- Hydration… Male skin appears to be better hydrated than women’s. Sebum, the oily substance that lubricates skin, is produced in greater amounts in post pubescent males than in females. In addition to more sebum, the level of tissue hydration is possibly caused by excess sweating and production of lactic acid in the sweat. Men’s body temperature is higher and they sweat more than twice as much as women.
- Collagen Density… Men have a higher collagen density than women at all ages. The higher collagen density correlates to the thickness of their skin, and why women appear to age faster than men of the same age. Even though, both men and women lose about 1% of their collagen each year after their 30th birthday, men start off with higher levels so their signs of aging can be delayed.
Taking it for Granted
While men have many advantages with their skin, the majority don’t take care of the assets that they have been given genetically. Despite the higher levels of collagen, thickness, and moisture, men tend to not use sunscreen or skincare to preserve those benefits for longer lasting youthful skin. This is where I can help repair the visible effects of any damage.
Today’s Men Choose Cosmetic Enhancements to Rejuvenate Their Skin
Even though men’s skin seems more resilient, it still weathers with time and can benefit from anti aging treatments to revitalize it. When the marketplace requires mature men to maintain a competitive edge, they can’t afford to look tired and worn down. With strategic cosmetic treatments, men can maintain a rugged look while restoring a healthy, energized, yet relaxed look. Here’s how:
- Dysport or Botox aka “Brotox” – can help smooth out CROW’S FEET and FOREHEAD WRINKLES that could mistakenly communicate a gruff, angry, tired or sour disposition.
- Thermage CPT – can bring up DROOPY BROWS & EYELIDS and may be used to correct UNDER EYE BULGES to restore a lively vitality to the eyes.
- Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm or Radiesse – are perfect for filling in SMILE LINES and ACNE SCARS for a smooth, youthful, and rested appearance.
- Today’s Men…Baby Boomer’s, Gen Xer’s and Millennials…of all ages and stages in life are having “cosmetic enhancements” so they can restore a youthful, healthy appearance and look as great as they feel!
With little or no downtime, these in and out procedures can help men capitalize on the natural differences in their skin to restore a healthy confidence to their look. Visit www.DrCovey.com to learn more.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
No More Hollow Cheeks
This week is Halloween and many people will be dressing in costumes of all kinds. Some of the most popular are witches and skeletons. You know what I’ve noticed in the face makeup? That they put dark circles around the eyes and under the cheek bones to hollow them out. Unfortunately, this is already naturally occurring for many people, though much more subtly, and without the need for costume makeup; it’s called volume loss. Over time, the face loses its fullness, and instead appears sunken, hollow, and sagging. Let’s learn how to say goodbye to hollow cheeks on Halloween, and say hello to a full, youthful glow.
Why does “hollow” happen?
- One of the main causes of volume loss is the damage that ultraviolet rays do to the cells that create the collagen, which is a protein that is crucial to keeping skin full, firm, and youthful.
- Also, as we age, we lose fat in the face. Fat usually isn’t thought of as our friend, but actually it is necessary for keeping the “cushion” in your face. Fat is important for youthful contouring around eyes, cheeks, and chin/jawline.
- Up and down weight loss stretches the ligaments that hold up the facial tissue and can result in loss of elasticity and volume.
- Hormonal changes in women also affect the facial volume. As estrogen levels decline, so does the amount and quality of the fat in the face.
Fixing Volume Loss With Fillers
A great way to restore the fullness to your face is with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body that binds with water in the injected site to plump up the area. It is great for filling in sunken facial areas experiencing volume loss, as well as wrinkles. Realize though, that all fillers aren’t the same in their viscosity and smoothness, and therefore some work better when injected in different areas of the face.
Here are the 4 main “problem areas” of facial volume loss and what fillers could be the solution.
- Eye area problem: Drooping eyebrows, sagging under eyes and hollow temples all cause a worn down, aged eye area. Solution: RESTYLANE, PERLANE, JUVEDERM, and BELOTERO can all help fill in sunken tear troughs, crow’s feet, and hollowed temples.
- Midface problem: This is one of the first areas where volume loss is noticed. This shows up as flattened, hollow cheeks, or smile lines. Solution: JUVEDERM VOLUMA XC is the thickest hyaluronic acid filler available today, which makes it the most effective for the deeper injections required to effectively contour the midface. By restoring fullness to the midface the surrounding skin is tightened, giving a slight mini facelift.
- Mouth area & lip problem: Marionette lines, lip creases, and overall thinning of lips resulting from volume loss. Solution: JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE, PERLANE, and BELOTERO can smooth out lines and give you the perfect pout.
- Chin & jawline problem: When volume drops from the middle of the face and moves downward, the jowls become more prominent. This could create a more square shaped face rather than inverted triangle. Solution: RADIESSE, though not a Hyaluronic Acid filler, can help reshape and restore volume to the chin and jawline.
So say goodbye to sunken hollow faces with the witches and skeletons of Halloween, and say hello to your new contoured face with Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers. Visit www.DrCovey.com to find out how I can help you.
Sincerely,
Dr Covey
Refresh Your Face for Fall Holidays with Fraxel
One of the best options to rejuvenate your skin for Fall is with a FRAXEL laser treatment. You’ll love your smooth, clear complexion that radiates a youthful glow. Available in three different strengths, FRAXEL lasers offer a versatile, effective treatment option that provides the best non surgical results:
- CLEAR + BRILLIANT is a great option if you are new to laser treatments. It is the most gentle of the 3 lasers and is still effective at the early signs of aging.
- FRAXEL DUAL effectively addresses more moderate aging concerns. You can experience a remarkably more youthful appearance without any downtime.
- FRAXEL REPAIR penetrates deeper into the dermis to stimulate the rebuilding of collagen. It is the most intense of the 3 lasers, but requires fewer treatments to see rejuvenating results more quickly. Results are amazing and recovery is more of a “social downtime;” it is minimal, especially compared to the stronger chemical peels and surgical alternatives.
What is on your Fall beauty wish list? I’m sure some of these issues that can be treated with FRAXEL lasers are on there:
- Age & Sun Spots pop up with exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. These brown patches plague the face and body with an aged look. FRAXEL lasers can lighten this pigmentation to restore clear, bright, and even toned skin.
- Skin Resurfacing restores the smooth texture, tightness, color, and brightness that diminishes over the years. While most treatments only address the externally affected skin, FRAXEL lasers resurface your skin from the inside out. They can reverse skin damage created by exposure to the sun, air pollution, stress, and fatigue. Harmful lifestyle factors can also cause the skin to lose its radiance, such as smoking, poor diet, and dehydration.
- Wrinkles and lines that age the face can creep in as early as mid 2os, but usually are more noticeable starting in the 30s. They only get deeper with years of expression and muscle movement, reduced cellular turnover and increased moisture loss. Amazingly, FRAXEL lasers actually stimulate collagen rebuild and therefore the skin acts younger and tighter, reducing wrinkles.
- Acne and Surgical Scars can mature the face years beyond natural age by causing an uneven, rough texture to the surface. In addition to being bumpy or pitted, the skin can be discolored.
- Actinic Keratosis is a medical condition caused by pre-cancerous skin cells. More professionals are turning to FRAXEL lasers to help treat these scaly or crusty growths, and to provide relief for thousands of people.
- Melasma presents as dark blotches caused by the hormonal changes in women’s bodies throughout the stages of life. Melasma is commonly associated with pregnancy and breastfeeding, oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy. These dark brown spots are different than sun damage. FRAXEL can lighten melasma anywhere, but it most commonly appears on the forehead, lower cheeks, nose, and upper lip.
Refresh your face with FRAXEL and be ready for the social holiday season coming soon! Visit www.DrCovey.com to learn more and schedule a consultation to see which FRAXEL laser is best for you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Aging Lips and the Perfect Pout
Get that Perfect Pout for the Fall Holiday Season
Plush lips are sensual, aesthetic, and age defying. Some surveys state that not just the absence of wrinkles, but the full lips of a woman are influential in how young others perceive her to be. This is not an unusual perception because it is true that the reduction of collagen as you age can thin out your lips. Other factors, such as sun damage, less moisture, and fine lines above the lips add years to your lips, and therefore, your face.
Lips Aging Through the Decades
Lips should have a natural fullness through the 20s and 30s, with a fairly well-defined curve to the lower lip, known as a “cupid’s bow.” By the time you’ve reached your 40s, the cupid’s bow can lose its curves and the lips will probably begin to thin. In the 50s and beyond, creases from pout wrinkles can diminish the appearance of the lips even more beyond volume loss, and make it nearly impossible to use lipstick and liner tricks to hide.
HA Fillers for a Perfect Pout
If a full sultry smile is on your wish list for this holiday season, injecting the lips with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, such as JUVEDERM and RESTYLANE, can help. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring liquid present in the human body that attracts water to the source and plumps lips using the body’s natural methods. The smooth texture and FDA approved safety of Restylane and Juvederm make them a top pick for lip contouring
How Lips Should Look
You’ve all heard the jokes about “duck lips” (too much filler in the philtrum) and over filled lumpy lips; regardless of your age, no one wants their lips to look over done. This is why it’s so important to find an experienced injector who understands how to create the look you want within the harmony of your face. If you’re new to getting lip injections, you may want to start off slowly and have multiple sessions to build up to your desired fullness. Even small amounts of filler “pop” the contours of your natural shape.
Remember that the goal is to create, sexy, full, and natural looking lips. To do this, the center part should be slightly fuller with a well curved Cupid’s bow. In a nicely proportioned lip, the lower lip should be about twice the size of the upper lip, rather than both being the same size. You want soft, supple lips that look and move naturally.
This is the perfect time to get your lips filled for that perfect pout to flaunt in the holiday season. You’ll love how they look and how they take years off your appearance. Check out my website www.DrCovey.com for some great before and after photos to imagine the possibilities of what youth enhancing lips can do for you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Fillers & Laser Resurfacing VS. Surgery
One of the most common questions I get is whether the non surgical options, such as fillers and lasers, really can offer visible, lasting results, or if cosmetic surgery is inevitable. To answer, it is important to at least have a general understanding of the main modalities of facial rejuvenation. Many factors play into whether someone can get very good results with lasers and fillers, and not need to resort to surgery. It is a topic I’ll discuss further in this week’s blog.
No Discomfort and Down Time
I couldn’t start without addressing the reasons to even consider fillers and lasers before surgery, of which there are many. Many people don’t want to go through the pain and time that it takes to recover from cosmetic surgery. Fillers and most lasers are in and out treatments with minor to no discomfort. Any side effects such as mild redness, tenderness or swelling diminish quickly and can be covered with mineral makeup so that there really isn’t any down time.
Instant Gratification
Result times from surgery can vary based on the kinds of surgery and its necessary recovery time, but most certainly it’s in the weeks to months time frame rather than days. Fillers, such as Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma XC, provide instant results that can last a year or 2. The rejuvenating changes from laser treatments are immediately visible, but increase over a few weeks, as the body is stimulated to produce more collagen. Lasers, such as Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel RePair actually empower skin to act younger again.
What Lasers and Fillers Can Do
Lasers and fillers are a great option when skin still has some elasticity, but needs help with firmness and wrinkles. You’d be amazed that you can look 10 years younger without drastic measures. Lasers stimulate collagen production, which produces a tightening effect on the skin. They also improve skin tone, smoothness, and correct pigmentation problems. As long as there’s still some skin elasticity, a successful alternative to an eye lift is the Fraxel RePair laser to lift and tighten sagging eyelids.
Fillers can be used in a variety of ways to improve wrinkles and restore volume to the face. A cheek augmentation with Juvederm Voluma XC creates a mini face lift. By adding volume to the cheeks, it can tighten the skin around the mouth and nose to decrease marionette and smile lines.
When Surgery is Necessary
As skin gets to the point where it doesn’t have elasticity and is literally hanging, it is time to consult a surgeon. Fortunately, with a great maintenance plan of skin care, Botox, fillers and lasers, your skin can stay younger looking for much longer.
Visit www.DrCovey.com to find out about all the alternatives to surgery with the youth restoring laser and filler treatments available.
Sincerely,
Dr Covey