Category: Face
Causes of lines, wrinkles and furrows…and How You Can Get Rid of Them…
Lines, wrinkles, furrows, folds and sagging skin all form for various reasons. I’m often asked what causes these unwelcome signs of aging, so I decided to write about it in this blog.
Deep lines or furrows are formed, over the years, by facial muscles in motion. These are called dynamic lines due to the muscle activity, and they occur mainly in the forehead, around the eyes (squint lines or Crow’s Feet) and above the upper lip from repeated lip pursing. Botox and Dysport are the top choices for temporarily correcting dynamic lines. These injectables work by inhibiting muscle activity to slow down line formation, smooth out existing lines and wrinkles and prevent future ones from being formed.
Static lines are those lines that are unchanged by muscle motion. They just stay the way they were formed. Eventually, dynamic lines become static also thus making them permanent. Injectable fillers, such as Radiesse, Restylane, Juvederm or Belotero are great choices for eliminating static lines. Fillers plump up the treated areas and restore youthful contours for up to 2 years with our newer, advanced formulas and injection techniques.
Sags and Bags are different than lines and wrinkles even though they all occur with aging. Ptosis (sagging) is primarily linked to the aging process. As we age, there is a gradual reduction of subcutaneous fat cells. This is another form of volume loss that causes the skin to stretch and sag (ptosis) due to skin laxity. This process is clearly seen in the lower part of the aging face such as the jowls or nasolabial folds or saggy upper eyelids and under eye bags from too much fat. If minor preventive treatments are started early enough (20’s-30’s) much of this can be delayed, slowed down or prevented without surgery. Today’s injectable fillers are often called “miracle workers” for good reason.
It’s never too late to get started! Exilis Elite can tighten lax skin, melt stubborn fat, resculpt your face (and body) and restore youthful contours. Popular areas we treat include: face, jowls, neck, chest, back, love handles, bra fat, abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, knees and more.
Beach Time can be eye opening…many of my patients are coming in for cellulite treatments with our Cellulaze Laser. It is the first and only one that attacks cellulite where it starts…under the skin. This office treatment offers immediate, satisfying results.
My patients love Cellulazetm Laser treatments because they get results! Visit my website www.DrCovey.com for more info on Cellulaze and other age defying treatments I offer.
At East End Laser Care, each patient helps design his or her own personalized treatment plan. This assures you get the results you desire and deserve. Let’s talk soon.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Youthful Eyes Again with Injectables
My last blog reviewed Liquid FaceLifts using injectables such as Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Juvederm Voluma (for amazing cheek lifts) and, of course, Botox/Dysport for smoothing out lines and wrinkles…especially around the eyes and in the forehead. This blog will focus on the eyes because they are such a complex part of the face, and age related changes around the eyes can be dramatic.
THE PATH of AGING EYES starts with lines and wrinkles and progresses over the years. Loose skin, volume loss and even changes in shape occur over time. The eyes are housed in an orbit. This is a little house with two sidewalls, a floor and a ceiling. As we age, the eyes sink back and down and the house gets bigger, thus a changing shape becomes visible. This is due to bone and soft tissue transformations (architectural).
HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS:
- Droopy brows and eyelids
- Hooded Eyelids
- Crow’s Feet
- Under Eye bags (puffy)
- Under Eye Hollows and Shadowing
- Aged, sad facial appearance
- Eye shape may change (from almond to round)
Injectables are very effective for improving the appearance of both wrinkles and depressions around the eyes. It’s even possible to diminish dark circles and under eye hollows with a series of injections that smooth the contour from the lower lid down to the cheek. The best options include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or Restylane to replace lost volume, and Botox to smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevent future ones. Thermage/Thermal Lift may be used to correct “puffiness” under the eyes and to tighten loose upper eyelids.
Perlane can effectively remove under eye shadows with injections in the tear troughs. This volume replacement eliminates that worn-out look accentuated by puffy tear troughs.
Good skin elasticity is important, so starting at a younger age, with minor treatments and always maintaining them, allows people to delay or even avoid surgery altogether while looking years younger
Hollow eyes are caused by loss of soft tissue volume, in the orbit, and bone density. This combination makes the eye appear “sunken.” This can develop as early as the teenage years. Hollow eyes make you look “aged” as the eyes appear bony, recessed, sunken and gaunt.
Crow’s Feet…get rid of them! Caused by muscles in motion, these worry lines, frown lines, smile lines are all called dynamic wrinkles, caused from years of living and using facial muscles to show expression. Botox and Dysport can safely and effectively erase them and prevent future recurrences. Skin Resurfacing, like the Fraxel Laser, is also a top treatment, done in combo with Botox/Dysport, to get rid of unhealthy skin, lines and wrinkles, and leave you with fresh, glowing skin.
You’ve probably heard the saying: “The eyes have it.” Well, if your eyes don’t have a young, healthy appearance we can change that. Let’s talk soon about your own tailored treatment plan…for your eyes.
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
Injectable FaceLift…Top Age Reversing Option Today
Much is written about Instant Facial Makeovers or Liquid Facelifts using injectable fillers because they are among the top nonsurgical, anti aging treatments in demand today.
Injectable fillers really do work and can provide immediate results with little to no downtime. Radiesse, for example, works immediately by replacing volume and stimulating your own collagen renewal. Other fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are hyaluronic acid products that attract water to the body cells causing the area to be “plumped up” and youthful contours to be restored. Botox is used to inhibit muscle action allowing forehead furrows to relax and smooth out, while preventing future forehead lines and wrinkles.
Temples, brows, upper eyelids, under eye areas, cheeks, mouth corners and jowls can be treated and “magically” lifted to take years off an aging face.
OLD INJECTABLES vs NEW INJECTABLES…When first introduced, injectables were used primarily to remove wrinkles by volume replacement. Today’s advanced products are used more widely to achieve more natural looking results.
INSTANT AGE DEFYING FACIAL MAKEOVERS
Here’s how we do them:
- Define, lift, shape the cheeks with Juvederm Voluma
- Erase Forehead lines with Botox or Dysport (Brotox) for men)
- Balance the Chin by augmenting with Radiesse
- Lift the Mouth…restore a youthful smile
- Open up the Eyes…revolumize to restore a fresh look
- Elevate the Brows…restore volume to minimize sagging
- Redefine the Eyes…restore structure to under eye area to compensate for bone loss, fat loss and thinning skin
At some point, we all become troubled by lines, wrinkles, folds, sagging skin and the tired worn out look it creates. Liquid FaceLifts, using injectable dermal fillers, literally plump up lines, erase wrinkles and rejuvenate an aging face…before your very eyes.
THE GOAL of INSTANT INJECTABLE FACELIFTS
As we age, the different facial compartments shift and fat pads migrate downward. The cheeks are the best example of this facial aging. Constant volume loss from lifestyle, aging, illness etc, causes facial contours to change and become visible as lines, wrinkles, grooves, sagging mouth, downturned lips, nasolabial folds and more. The goal of using fillers is to reconstruct the facial framework by restoring the natural, youthful facial contours.
EXPERT INJECTORS…I cannot overstate the importance of using a Qualified Expert Injector. We are highly trained in the facial anatomy and today’s sophisticated injectable fillers. It is critical that your injector tailor your treatment plan to your individual needs and concerns. Don’t trust your face to just anyone!
SURGERY vs INJECTABLE FACELIFT
People who start doing anti aging cosmetic treatments while still young enough often delay or even avoid surgery. However, if you have major facial aging, with sagging muscles and excess skin etc., you may be a candidate for facelift surgery. If done soon enough, a mini-facelift combined with injectables may be all you need.
AGING MEN and JOB HUNTING MEN…These men clearly understand the need to feel and look their absolute best. The younger, more alert, and more energetic one appears often determines the likelihood of getting a promotion or that coveted job. In the past decade, over a million men have opted for Botox and Injectable BrowLifts and FaceLifts.
I guess you can tell I love injectable fillers because they work!
Are you ready for the Beach or should we talk about some Body Sculpting right away?
Sincerely,
Dr. Covey
LOOK YOUNGER INSTANTLY…with INJECTABLES
When injectable fillers first made their debut they were used exclusively to fill in facial folds. Today fillers are used for much more. They replace volume and reposition the skin to add volume, actually lift folds, smooth out lines and wrinkles and take years off an aging face…instantly and with longer lasting results from advanced formulas.
TODAY’S INJECTABLES DO PREVENT LINES and WRINKLES and they LIFT SAGGING SKIN! 
They are truly amazing and they do achieve either instant or gradual and subtle results.
PRIMER on INJECTABLES: It’s important to understand how aging affects certain areas of your face and what options are best suited to correct the aging such as:
- CROW’S FEET are fine lines that start at the outer corner of the eyes and extend out. These are caused by muscle activity. We correct them using BOTOX or DYSPORT (neurotoxins).
- DROOPY BROWS are caused by excessive brow movement and can cause loss of the natural eyebrow arch resulting in a heavy appearance. BOTOX or DYSPORT can lift the eyebrows to their natural, youthful position.
- TEAR TROUGHS and HOLLOWS start below the bridge of the nose and lower eyelid, extending downward toward the cheek. RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM or BELOTERO safely treats these areas.
- CHEEKS, TEMPLES and JAWLINES … As fat diminishes with aging, these areas commonly sag and appear shallow. I use NEW VOLUMA XC, RADIESSE, PERLANE, RESTYLANE or JUVEDERM ULTRA PLUS to restore natural youthfulness.
- NASOLABIAL FOLDS are lines extending downward from the bottom of the nose to the outer corners of the lips and are caused by fat that has shifted due to normal aging. RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM, PERLANE, RADIESSE or BELOTERO corrects these unwelcome folds!
- LIPS...Over time your lips can become thin, flat and lose their youthful shape and fullness. Great lip plumpers include: JUVEDERM, RESTYLANE, PERLANE or BELOTERO.
FILLERS and INJECTABLES are one of our most requested anti aging, age defying treatments today…for men and women, because they offer quick results with minimal downtime. However, there is some misleading information out there about what they can and cannot do. This false information causes much confusion, and I plan to address this in my next few blogs. Look for that next time.
My Best to You and Yours,
Dr. Covey
Hot Cosmetic Trends for Men in 2014
Today’s Men are clearly in on having anti aging cosmetic procedures! My male clientelle is growing by leaps and bounds the same as others across the nation. There are a few differences between men’s demands and those of our female patients. Basically, Men want to look younger, more energetic and healthy simply because they want to…and because the competitive career market today demands that men and women look good. Our society equates looking good with youthfulness, thus the tremendous upsurge in age defying cosmetic treatments this past decade. Men also want their treatments to be “subtle”…they simple don’t want anyone else to know they’re having Botox® (Brotox) treatments for a smoother, younger looking face. Men want “in and out” no downtime options. That means treatments like Botox with reduced redness, swelling and bruising. (Be sure you use only a Certified Expert Injector).
We offer many Men’s anti aging cosmetic treatments that are safe and effective without surgery…that’s right no knife, no cutting and no downtime.
TOP COSMETIC TRENDS for MEN
- American Board of Plastic Surgery reports Male cosmetic treatments are up by 258% over 10 years
- Men are opting for more laser treatments to promote health and youthfulness
- Rhinoplasty, Hair Removal and Blepharoplasty (for the eyes) is still at the top
- Botox (Brotox), Hyaluronic Acid Fillers e.g. Juvederm, Restylane etc for lines and wrinkles and stressed look removal
- Microdermabrasion for skin resurfacing reveals younger, healthier skin, removes scars, sun damage and discoloration
- Men are starting cosmetic treatments at younger ages and then maintaining on a regular basis
- The Millenials treat cosmetic anti aging procedures as part of their regular health regimen
- Cosmetic treatments for men and women of the younger generations are the “New Beauty Economics”
- The stigma for men and cosmetic treatments is gone…men are in the deal to stay
- I offer non surgical alternatives to surgical procedures
Ok, we have the treatments and they work. But preventive measures are important too. Here are a few that can really make a difference in your quest for anti aging:
- Start now and do these the rest of your life to make a difference
- SKIN CARE is critical at every age. To maintain healthy skin keep well hydrated, including your facial skin. Yes, men need good skin hydration and protection against harmful environmental agents.
- Use Sunscreen – UVA and UVB rays are responsible for 90% of the early signs of facial aging
- Stress…manage it or it will manage you! Daily stressors contribute to acne, facial lines and grooves especially around the eyes.
- Exercise for Stress Reduction. Go to the gym and workout, ski, swim, bike etc to get the blood flowing and strengthen those heart muscles.
- Maintain a “healthy” diet. Get rid of the junk food. Instead, eat raw vegetables, fruits, good oils, drink at lest 64 ounces of water daily, eat more fish etc.
- Sleep is critical to good overall health. Lack of adequate sleep shows up in facial aging.
- Live a Healthy Lifestyle. Don’t smoke, limit alcohol consumptions, get over the party life and into a daily healthy routine.
- Visit my website for info on procedures/products: www.drcovey.com.
This post is an overview of future articles I’ll write educating on the procedures I offer to both men and women. Look for great info as we go through 2014… helping you to be your very best!
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!
Ring in the New Year with a New You
Transform your appearance with revolutionary face and body treatments!
Who doesn’t dream of a slimmer, younger looking face and body? Imagine magically transforming sagging skin into a smooth, wrinkle free look and removing fat and cellulite. Well you can stop imagining because we have three breakthrough treatments that can help you look your best in the New Year.
No matter how strict your diet and exercise regimen is, there are usually pockets of fat that just won’t budge. Now, with Smartlipo TriPlex, a minimally invasive lipolysis treatment for high-definition body sculpting, we can easily and effectively eliminate stubborn areas of fat (including your love handles, muffin tops and banana rolls) and tighten your skin to help you achieve a beautiful, natural shape.
To remove cellulite for smooth healthy looking skin we recommend the newest breakthrough treatment Cellulaze. With Cellulaze, we can finally reduce cellulite, in just ONE treatment, and the dramatic results are clinically proven to last! Cellulaze is the only laser with the ability to attack the very structure of cellulite under the skin with little to no downtime. Cellulaze is a simple procedure that can be performed right in our office. Healing is quick so you can usually go back to work and other regular activities within a day or two following your treatment. Some results are immediate and get even better over the next few months.
For non-surgical skin tightening and body shaping we recommend new Exilis, the most exciting non-invasive technology available to redefine your face and body, with no anesthesia and no downtime. Clinically tested and FDA approved, Exilis uses the most advanced radio frequency energy to melt fat, tighten loose skin and resculpt facial and body contours during fast and comfortable treatments.
To find out how these treatments can help you, today to schedule a New Year’s consultation. To see more pictures visit us online at www.drcovey.com.
For more information about these and other cosmetic treatments options, contact Alexander Covey, M.D. and East End Laser Care at (631) 878-9200 or visit their website at www.drcovey.com. Dr. Covey would enjoy discussing your cosmetic concerns at a complimentary and confidential consultation.
Introducing New Belotero Balance
Did she or didn’t she? Keep them guessing with the NEW dermal filler that offers quick lasting volume naturally!
Alexander C
ovey, M.D. and East End Laser Care are excited to introduce Belotero Balance®, the new secret weapon in the fight against aging. Belotero is the newest dermal filler recently approved by the FDA. It is an excellent filler for fine lines and wrinkles such as upper lip lines and crow’s feet. Used extensively in Europe, Belotero has a proven track record of providing instant volume and smooth facial contours for a younger and more radiant appearance.
Belotero Balance dermal filler is made with Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in your body that is an important element in helping to support your skin’s structure. As we age, the production of natural dermal volumizers and moisturizers (including HA) diminish leaving behind fine lines and wrinkles. With Belotero, we can instantly replace the volume you’ve lost giving you back the smoother, wrinkle-free skin you’ve been missing.
One of the advantages of Belotero is its unique formulation which allows it to integrate seamlessly with your skin to provide subtle and even results without disrupting the natural contours of your face. Belotero can plump up your lips and smooth out laugh lines, upper lip lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines discreetly, without anyone knowing. All they’ll see is a naturally younger looking and beautiful you.
To learn more about Belotero or other cosmetic treatments, call Alexander J. Covey, MD and East End Laser Care at (631) 878-9200 or visit www.drcovey.com.
New Exilis Transforms Appearances!
We are thrilled to introduce Exilis™, the most exciting new non-surgical technology available to redefine your face and body, with no anesthesia and no downtime. Clinically tested and FDA approved, Exilis uses the most advanced radio frequency energy to tighten loose skin, melt fat and resculpt facial and body contours during fast, comfortable and painless treatments.
Exilis gives us maximum power with total control. Now we can safely and effectively deliver the right amount of thermal energy in order to tighten, firm up, and tone sagging skin and reshape and melt stubborn fatty deposits anywhere on your face and body – with no incisions, no anesthesia, and no downtime! Popular areas treated include the face, jowls, neck, chest, back, “love handles”, “bra fat”, abdomen, thighs, hips buttocks and knees.
Here’s how Exilis works: a computer controlled hand piece is guided over the treatment area precisely delivering the most effective amount of the revolutionary monopolar radio frequency (RF) thermal energy in order to give you the best result.
For skin tightening, the RF energy is directed straight to the dermal layer of your skin. The energy stimulates the collagen layer causing it to remodel into a stronger, more youthful configuration resulting in firmer skin.
For fat reduction, the RF energy targets the fat deposits located deeper under the skin. The liquefied fat is then excreted by your body’s own natural processes resulting in a slimmer looking silhouette.
Exilis is painless so it does not require any special numbing cream or anesthesia and, best of all, you can resume normal activities immediately after treatment!
For best results, we recommend a series of quick treatments designed to fit your needs. Results are immediate and progressive. Many patients may see results immediately with optimal results visible within three months of the treatments.
Call us today to see how Exilis can help you look your best.
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.
Quick Treatments for a Healthy Holiday Glow
It’s December again . . .our radios are playing holiday music, our offices are decorated with sparkling tinsel and jingle bells, our Toys For Tots box is filling up (thank you once again for helping us with this very worthy cause) and our patients are rushing in for their pre-holiday touch-ups.
Today was no exception. At least 7 people asked me this morning which treatment can give them the best result in the shortest amount of time. Since so many are asking I thought I’d share my thoughts here.
While almost all of our treatments fit this description, the most popular treatments this time of year are usually Botox/Dysport, Dermal Fillers, Microdermabrasions, chemical peels and facials. Each of these treatments immediately combats the signs of aging leaving you with naturally younger and healthy looking skin.
Botox and Dysport are simple and safe non-surgical injectable treatments that smooth the dynamic wrinkles and erase that “angry” look some have due to forehead wrinkles and creases. Using very tiny micro-needles, Botox or Dysport is injected right into the muscle causing the wrinkle action. Within 3-10 days your skin smooths out and the wrinkles are diminished – just in time for all those holiday get-togethers.
Dermal fillers, including Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and Radiesse, work a little differently. They actually replace volume lost under the skin and are perfect for plumping up your lips, filling in smile lines and giving you back the youthful contours of your face.
Microdermabrasions, chemical peels and other facials are quick refreshing non-surgical treatments that rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. Designed specifically for your skin type, these treatments exfoliate your skin, promote new cell growth, clean your pores, stimulate collagen networking and improve your skin’s texture giving you a healthy glow. And they’re relaxing too – something many of our patients look forward to this time of year!
