Category: Dermal Repair
Rescue Those Aging Eyes
So much of your appearance–how young or old, happy or sad, or refreshed or worn out–begins with your eyes. If you feel you’ve lost the sparkle that you used to have, you’ll be happy to know that we can help.
The delicate skin in this area is extremely thin and becomes thinner with time. Because it contains little subcutaneous fat, it is vulnerable to conditions such as dark circles, bags or swelling, hollowing, and drooping lids and brows. Also, it is especially sensitive to stress from facial movements such as laughing, squinting and frowning, repeated motions that contribute to the formation of lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet.
Also, the thick collagen network that gives skin structural support begins to break down with time. Your body’s internal processes and external factors such as sun exposure increase the levels of enzymes that break down collagen.
What can help: We have a repertoire of nonsurgical treatments that are safe and effective. Here is a quick run-down:
Dermal fillers, such as Belotero, Juvederm, and Restylane will plump up crow’s feet, lines and wrinkles under the eye and hollowing that may result as we age.
Injectables such as Botox and Dysport will help minimize crow’s feet and lines caused by normal facial expression.
Lasers, including Fraxel Repair, Fraxel DUAL, Laser Wrinkle Reduction and Clear & Brilliant, will help add smoothness, glow and luminosity to the area around your eyes.
Finally, Microdermabrasion and GentleWaves Photomodulation are two more useful techniques for brightening your eyes by restoring vigor to the delicate skin surrounding them.
We’re confident that all of our treatments will help you look happy and younger and feel that way, too.
Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation. I’ll develop a treatment plan just for you.
Meantime, remember to save the date for our upcoming Spring Beauty Seminar, where you’ll hear about the newest procedures, and see some of them in action. You’ll learn about Infini, the revolutionary nonsurgical treatment that dramatically reduces sagging skin and wrinkles on the neck. You’ll get to see a live Liquid Facelift treatment and a KYBELLA procedure that melts fat and reduces the “double chin.” You will even be able to “glimpse the new you” on our computer imaging system and take a peek at how restored and fresh you’ll look after treatment.
So, save WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27th AT 6:00 PM, and come see us at the Atlantis Banquet & Events Seastar Ballroom, located next to the Long Island Aquarium at 431 East Main Street in Riverhead. Free Valet Parking available. Register Online.
Portion of proceeds of the seminar to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® breast cancer organization.
See you soon.
Pre-Holiday Quick Fixes
Now that it’s December, many of you are thinking about the upcoming holidays and the events that typically come with them. There’s no better moment for looking your best. The good news….there is still time for many quick in-and-out treatments that will make all the difference in your appearance. Instantly, you’ll look fresh and rested, and you’ll feel invigorated, too…just the right recipe for the holiday season.
Here are a few suggestions for the upcoming weeks…
Thermage CPT: A nonsurgical mini-facelift that will tighten skin and boost collagen production. Whether it’s your eyelids, under-eye areas, abdomen, arms, legs and even your sagging buttocks, Thermage can make dramatic improvements.
Exilis Ultra 360: This laser treatment tightens, firms and tones loose and sagging skin and reshapes and melts stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body. Popular areas treated with Exilis include the face, jowls, neck, chest, back, “love handles,” “bra fat,” abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks and knees.
Dermal Fillers: Restore your facial volume with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Radiesse and our entire line of Restylane treatments, including Restylane Refyne and Restylane Defyne. These will minimize hollowness or lines that have formed with age. The procedures take just minutes, and the results are longlasting. For plumping your lips, you can try a variety of hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane.
And of course, there is Botox and Dysport, which are highly effective at smoothing out forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. Finally, for smile lines, marionette lines or nasolabial folds (lines that stretch from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips), Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse are quick fixes that provide noticeable results instantly.
All of these treatments are nonsurgical, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. You can be back in full swing immediately, looking younger and feeling that way, too.
See you soon.
The Skin Cycle: What You Can Expect, Decade by Decade
Your skin has a natural plan. With each year that passes, it undergoes assorted stressors, some that it has experienced before and some that are brand new. And it reacts to these changing stimuli in different ways, subtle and not-so. Unfortunately, while you may not feel any older, your skin has another story to tell. Aging plays tricks on its delicate composition. But do not despair–you have strategies at your disposal for warding off the first signs of attack. The trick: know what’s coming and take as many precautions as possible.
Here is what you can expect:
In Your 20s and 30s: Get ready. Hormonal changes may happen during this time, causing adult acne. We can treat it, though, with our Pulsed Dye Laser. Also, you may notice hints of wrinkles (yes, they begin early) and pigmentation. Botox and Dysport will help minimize lines, keeping them from setting and deepening. Catching them early is more effective than waiting until they are extreme. Fraxel DUAL and IPL will help reduce discoloration, brown spots and freckling.
In Your 40s: Your skin may begin to lose its luster, appearing dull and rough. Also, age spots may appear since the skin can’t repair itself as quickly or as completely as it used to. You may notice, too, that your skin doesn’t glow as much, since skin cell shedding begins to slow down. But, we can brighten and smooth out your skin with Clear+Brilliant, Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair laser treatments. Your skin tone will look even, and wrinkles and pores will diminish. During your 40s, wrinkles may be deeper than they were before. Dermal fillers such as Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk, Voluma, Juvederm, Belotero and Radiesse, and neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, are effective in reducing the appearance of these lines and folds.
In Your 50s and 60s: Subtle lines may have turned into deep wrinkles and previously taut skin may have begun to sag. Declining collagen and elastin levels cause your skin to become thinner and more fragile. As the underlying skin structure is less supported, the skin falls down and droops. We have many laser treatments that can work wonders to resurface skin and stimulate collagen production, which will help lift up and plump your skin, nonsurgically. The treatments will also help to brighten and lighten any discoloration caused by sun exposure or simple aging.
At all times of your life, remember to do what you can to preserve your skin’s natural beauty. Wear plenty of sunscreen (and not only in the summer), avoid the sun as much as possible, steer clear of smoking and cleanse and moisturize often.
Call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll help you look your most natural youthful best.
See you soon.
Here Comes The Sun: Time To Get Ready
Living close to the beach requires discipline. That may seem like a strange statement, given how relaxed and casual the environment is here. But when it comes to your skin–and wrinkles, dark spots and melanoma–you need a serious regimen.
Since just last month, the UV (harmful ultraviolet radiation) index for Long Island has increased one level. In two weeks, it will jump two more, followed by another in May and again in June. (Click here for a map of UV averages around the country)
Now is the time to put your sun protection plan in place, if you haven’t done so already. It is easy to do if you simply make it part of your daily routine. Here is what I recommend:
Think 30: Every day, whether you are going to the beach or not, and even when it is cloudy, apply a moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or above. Use it on your face before you put on makeup and on the exposed parts of your body. You may choose a moisturizer formulated specifically for the face and another just for your body, or you may use the same for both. If you are at the beach, where the rays are intensified, remember to reapply after two hours or after swimming or perspiring.
Search for Shade: Sun damage is cumulative, so every minute spent out of dangerous rays will help your skin stay young-looking and healthy. So, avoid the sun when you can, at all costs–cross to the shady side of the street, sit under the umbrella on the restaurant patio, carry an umbrella in your purse.
Beware the Bewitching Hours: The sun is strongest between 10 am and 2 pm, so do what you can to avoid it during this time.
Hats On: Go for a wide brim, and make sure that it covers the back of your neck, too. Make wearing other protective clothing a habit, too, such as sunglasses and long sleeves. Keep a basket of summer sun gear in your car, as you would a fleece throw in the winter.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, we’ll be happy to help you look and feel your best.
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.
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
2014 Age Defying Injectable Treatments
Well, we’re already half way through January, 2014 and my patients are still seeking ways to recover from the Holiday’s. In addition to my last two blogs discussing Glow N’Go Post Holiday Skin Rejuvenation and Clear+Brilliant Fraxel Laser treatments, this blog is a brief look at Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Belotero. All three of these are injectables used to slow down the visible results of aging and restore many years of “youthfulness” to the face.
BOTOX and Brotox
We all develop worry lines, frown lines, laugh/smile lines and Crow’s feet referred to as “dynamic lines and wrinkles” caused by muscles in motion. These lines and wrinkles become more deeply etched into grooves as we age.
Botox® Cosmetic has been used for about two decades worldwide in medical treatments and was developed for cosmetic use in more recent years. Botox is injected into pre targeted areas to block the nerve impulses to the muscles. simultaneously it smooths out facial wrinkles.
Botox is safe, effective, non invasive (non surgical) and can be done over a lunch hour.
Brotox is so named for male Botox treatments using the same formula. Today’s men are having “in and out” cosmetic treatments for career reasons and to look good and be as healthy as possible.
DYSPORT® is a first cousin or twin to Botox Dysport is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A, the same as Botox. Dysport was first developed in the United Kingdom to treat neurological, ophthalmic and neuromuscular disorders. It was further developed for cosmetic purposes like wrinkle treatments. It too is one of today’s safe, effective anti aging options. Here are some of Dyrport’s benefits:
· No downtime “in and out” lunch hour treatment
· Results are visible within 2 or 3 days, results are clinically proven to be longer lasting
· Dysport may be right for you
BELOTERO BALANCE® …for youthfulness that is uniquely you!
Facial youthfulness is lost as we age due to reduced production of HA (hyaluronic Acid) which affects the underlying facial support structure. Belotero is a highly effective injectable that restores these structures naturally.
Belotero is made from non animal based hyaluronic acid and is similar to other fillers such as Restylane® and Perlane®. Belotero is uniquely formulated to integrate smoothly with your skin for more natural results. It’s unique properties make it more versatile in correcting deep wrinkles and superficial lines. It can plump up your lips and smooth out laugh lines, upper lip lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines…discreetly. With Belotero, people will see a naturally younger looking you that will keep them wondering!
The goal for my blogs is to educate you, update you and encourage you in your quest for a healthy, more youthful aging process. At East End Laser Care I offer only safe yet advanced alternatives to plastic surgery. My patients have learned that they can “Forget the Knife” by using my preferred treatments. You can too!
EXPERT INJECTORS
It is most important to choose a trained, certified expert injector for all of your injectable/Botox/Filler treatments. Please know that more than 100,000 doctors are allowed to perform injectables in the U.S. but only 3% are qualified to do so. Expert Injectors are endorsed by the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Buyer Beware!
Best to You and Yours,
Dr. Covey
GLOW N’ GO EVERYDAY…Post Holiday Skin Rejuvenation
WELCOME to the 2014 blog from Alexander J. Covey and East End Laser Care!
My goal is to inform, educate and encourage you throughout this new year. I will write about our tried and proven procedures and some “late great ones.” I’ll educate about each one and the benefits seen at any age and stage in life. It’s never too late to get started with an age defying – anti aging program. But, we’ve learned from Celebrities (who never seem to age) the great benefits of starting early (20’s) with small procedures and regular, periodic maintenance in order to remove early signs of aging and to always looks years younger!
At East End Laser we offer advanced options that achieve “Natural Good Looks…Without Surgery!”
TIPS for HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN
Cold temperatures. harsh winds, indoor drying heat and more can wreak havoc with your skin making it feel tight, scaly and uncomfortable. Cold air is drying due to lack of moisture found in warm, humid air. Winds cause skin moisture evaporation, thus drier skin during the cold months. Indoor heat pulls moisture out of the skin causing it to dry. Below are some helpful tips to get through the “drying season.” Rich, sugary Holiday foods undermine the immune system and contribute to problem, dull skin. The New Year is here and we are here to guide you into being your very best self ever!
1. Use a gentler cleanser in winter months to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils and helping to preserve the fragile outer skin barrier.
2.Winter Glow from Daily serum compliments your daily moisturizer. Serums penetrate and hydrate cells in the deeper dermis allowing them to rise to the outer skin level – plump and healthy.
3. Exfoliation removes dead, damaged skin cells and impurities. Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. We can tailor an At Home Skin Care Regime, using products best suited to your needs in order to accomplish Glowing Skin after the all year long.
4. Drink plenty of pure water every day! There is no substitute for water to keep the body well hydrated, the skin plump and clear and to flush out impurities.
5. Love your lips! Your sensitive lip skin needs regular attention to stay youthful sexy and gorgeous. Lips should be gently exfoliated weekly to remove dry, dead skin. Ask us for our recommendations for “gorgeous, sexy lips!”
6. Avoid hot baths. The intense heat of hot baths or showers can actually break down the lipid barriers in the skin leading to moisture loss.
7. Sunscreen is for Wintertime too. Winter sun and snow glare are equally damaging to the skin. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outdoors.
8. Treat Your Body like Your Face. Skin is the largest body organ and demands constant attention. Keep your Decolletage looking radiant. Ask us how.
9. Eliminate Dull Eyes! Avoid dull looking eyes during dull winters by using an eye cream or serum to keep the skin around the eyes taught…thus making you appear more radiant.
10. Our clients love Microdermabrasion to resurface dull, tired skin. Our gentle Clear and Brilliant Laser treatments enhance aging skin and restore a “natural” glow and much more…. see www.drcovey.com for info on many other innovative, age defying treatment options.
11. Get back on a healthy nutritional program and avoid sugar. Tips on beautiful skin foods in my next blog.
Best Wishes for a great 2014!
Alexander Covey, M.D.
East End Laser Care.. we create natural good looks without surgery!
Get Your Glow Back with NEW Clear + Brilliant™
This month I’m excited to tell you about our NEW Clear + Brilliant™ treatment. This treatment promises to give patients their GLOW back . . .and it delivers!
Clear + Brilliant (aka Clear and Brilliant) was developed by the same folks that designed the Fraxel line of lasers. Using the same revolutionary fractionating laser technology, Clear and Brilliant laser treatments expands skin care to not only address the signs of aging, but gives you the power to help prevent them. This unique laser system can help erase the early signs of photo-damage, sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and large pores.
before and after
before and after
Clear + Brilliant is usually performed as a series of treatments however the number of treatments you need is tailored to your concerns and skin care desires. Results are both immediate and progressive. Some patients may see results immediately with more visible improvements after a series of treatments. The treatment takes about 20 minutes to perform however we ask that you allow one hour for you appointment. After the treatments some patients may experience mild redness and mild swelling which quickly subsides. Mineral makeup can be applied after your treatment.
For more information about this treatment visit our website at www.drcovey.com or call us at (631) 878-9200 for a complimentary consultation.
The Best in Fall Skin Care
Fall is just around the corner. Children are back in school, Halloween treats are in the stores (I’ve even seen some winter holiday decorations for sale too!) and some of us have closed our pools for the season. And this is the time of the year that I begin to hear questions about skin care for the fall. Our skin is sensitive to the weather changes. With humidity dropping, temperatures cooling, and less opportunity for outdoor activities our skin starts to dry out. It’s important to continue to use your moisturizer – or start using it again if you stopped for the summer months.
- Dermal Repair
September Product of the Month:
This month I highly recommend Skin Medica’s Dermal Repair Cream to all my patients (whether they’re having extensive work done or just looking for a good anti-aging skin care tip.) Dermal Repair is an ultra-rich cream with the perfect blend of anti-oxidants, vitamins and moisturizing ingredients to hydrate and replenish your skin. Using this cream along with a sun screen will not only protect your skin from harsh environmental effects but also promote healthy smooth skin. Stop by our offices for a sample.
Next Blog Topic Coming Soon: “Focus on Fraxel” Why this treatment is one of our most popular fall treatments. . .
