Category: Juvederm
Stop the Vanity: How to Improve Your Looks, Within Reason
All good things, taken too far, can become, well, not so good. Too much steak, too many luxuries, too much confidence. And in the case of cosmetic treatments, too much fiddling with your natural good looks.
The archetypical theme of “virtue turned to vice” can easily be applied to what we do. Moderation, as it is in so many other areas of our lives, is the key to success, and it is our personal mantra. Often, we find ourselves advising you to restrain from doing too much and instead, take the less-is-more approach.
So, how do you know when you have done just enough to enhance your appearance? Cosmetic treatments are a terrific way to refresh your look and can help you to feel younger, more vibrant and energized. They can be transforming, physically and emotionally. As you consider your options, it’s important to know why you are thinking about having a procedure done. If you are coming to see us because you have a specific concern about a specific area of your body, that is the optimal reason to have treatment. But, if you see this experience as a way to solve other issues in your life–ones that are not directly connected to physical appearance–then you might get those thoughts in order first.
We offer a unique, individualized and thorough consultation that will help us help you determine your reasons for coming to us. (Granted, we are happy to report, most of you seek us out for the very best reasons.) And, we will define for you the likely results so that your expectations are realistic.
So, whether you are a first-time client who is curious about Botox or dermal fillers, such as Restylane or Juvederm, or you are a returning client who wants to maintain a fresh and youthful glow, perhaps with a nonsurgical Facelift, or you are someone who is frustrated by extra pounds that diet and exercise can’t minimize and has decided to try SmartLipo Triplex, we can help you sort out your best options for improvement. Most important, we will trust our years of expertise and philosophy of natural good looks as we guide you along the way.
To find out more, call one of our offices for a complimentary consultation. Summer is a great time to devote to yourself.
Finding the Filler That Fits Your Face
Though we’ve been using dermal fillers for some time now, how we used them is always changing. For me, nothing is routine, because you are not routine. Each of you comes in to see me with not only a unique face, but also your own personal needs, desires and goals.
With all of these factors as a guide, I select the proper fillers to use in the proper places. In the end, your results will be optimal for you, not for the patient who walked in before you. This is why your treatments will help you to look naturally refreshed, youthful and more like you. A better version of yourself, we like to say.
To address your specific concerns, we use injectable fillers at different levels of the skin. Some fillers target fine lines. Some provide volume, and others add structure. Here is a basic guide to the best fillers currently available and some of the ways that we use them.
Belotero Balance addresses both deep wrinkles and superficial lines. Made from all-natural hyaluronic acid (HA), Belotero Balance can plump up your lips and discreetly smooth out laugh lines, upper lip lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines.
Juvederm is a gel filler that helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles in the nasolabial folds, the deep grooves or lines that extend from the corners of the nose down along the mouth. It is available in two forms – Ultra and Ultra Plus. Juvederm is the most advanced HA formula available today.
Juvederm Voluma XC is the first and only FDA-approved filler that instantly adds natural-looking volume to the cheeks. Derived from a naturally occurring complex sugar, It also works well to minimize crow’s feet, frown lines, worry lines, deep furrows and folds that appear around the eyes, nose, upper lip and mouth. Studies have shown that results may last as long as two years after treatment. Voluma XC has been available in Europe since 2005 and is used in 72 countries nationwide.
Radiesse is a safe, effective long-lasting treatment for unwanted defects in the face and hands. On the face, Radiesse helps to minimize smile lines, augment cheeks and restore lost volume. In the hands, it can diminish the appearance of veins and tendons and also plump up sagging skin.
Restylane is successful in minimizing severe wrinkles and folds, including nasolabial and lip wrinkles. It is available in two additional formulations: Restylane Lyft is a nonsurgical age eraser for deep lines, wrinkles and folds, and restores volume to deflated areas of the face. Restylane Silk consists of extra small and smooth particles that help restore contour, fullness and smoothness to your lip and mouth area, giving your face a younger and fresher appearance.
So, whatever your goal is, we can tailor a treatment plan just for you. Please call our office and schedule a complimentary consultation today.
See you soon.
Men Worry About How They Look, Too
When people talk about body image, we assume that they are referring to women. But lately, men seem to be more concerned about being muscular and thin than they have been in the past.
A study earlier this year by Chapman University researchers revealed that men agonize about their bodies nearly as much as women do. The report, which was published in March in the journal Psychology of Men and Masculinity, surveyed about 116,000 men between age 18 and 65 and about as many women. The findings showed that:
- About 25 percent of the men were dissatisfied with their appearance, compared to about 28.5 percent of women.
- More than half of the men had gone on diets in the past year, and nearly 42 percent were unhappy with their weight.
- About 37 percent did not like the condition of their muscle tone.
- About 69 percent felt judged on their looks and felt pressure from magazines and television to have a slimmer and more muscular body.
If you are male and concerned about your body shape, you have most likely dieted and spent many hours in the gym. Sometimes, these tactics are not enough for certain trouble spots or for men of certain ages. In our offices, one of the most popular procedures for men is SmartLipo Triplex, particularly for the neck, abdomen and breast area. SmartLipo Triplex is a minimally invasive method for removing unwanted fat and sculpting areas of the body that you’d like to change. An FDA-approved laser treatment that virtually melts fat cells and suctions them away, SmartLipo provided dramatic high-definition results after only one treatment.
We also find that Kybella is effective for reducing the double chin, a common male problem that often resists diet and exercise. This new procedure slims and contours the area below and around your chin and neck, without surgery.
We know that your self-image is not derived solely from your weight and muscle mass. You may also be concerned about the effects on your face of aging, sun damage and stress, all of which can negatively impact how you feel about yourself at home and at work. Many male patients come see us for Botox, particularly for their foreheads and crow’s feet, and for dermal fillers that minimize the folds around their noses and corners of their mouths. Some of these fillers include Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane Lyft, Restylane Silk and Radiesse. Also, to decrease wrinkles and sagging on the face and around the eyes, many men come to us for Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel Repair Laser Treatments.
So, if you are not entirely happy with how you look, you are not alone; there are plenty of men just like you. Don’t hesitate to call our office for a complimentary consultation. We’ll try to help you look and feel your best.
See you soon.
I Never Thought I Would Do This
Thank you all for attending our Spring Beauty Seminar this past weekend. I was happy to see so many of you there and am hoping that you learned all that you could about the latest cosmetic treatments that we offer. I look forward to seeing you in our offices in the coming weeks, particularly as the temperatures climb. I like to call spring “The Beauty Season,” since so many of you want to look your best as you spend more time outdoors.
For those of you who are considering our nonsurgical cosmetic procedures for the first time, I understand that the idea of it may get in your way. Mainly, you may not want anyone to know that you’ve been in for treatment.
So, here are a few first-time procedures that no one will know that you’ve had (and that you will forget that you’ve had by the time you’ve left our office). With no incisions, anesthesia or downtime, your treatment will be our little secret, if you want it to be. All that will be obvious is your rested and youthful look.
Botox: Worry lines, frown lines, laugh or smile lines, crow’s feet …these are all “dynamic” wrinkles caused from years of living and using facial muscles to show expression. The more emotion we show, the deeper the wrinkles and lines can be. Botox injections can safely and effectively soften lines and reduce wrinkles. Botox is also known as “cosmetic denervation” – a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure that many patients have come to depend on to show results in a few days. The procedure takes under ten minutes, too.
Dermal fillers: Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane (Silk and Lyft) and Voluma are a few of the FDA-approved treatments that restore fullness and contour that has diminished with age. These treatments are quick and easy, and show immediate results in all areas of the face, including cheeks, mouth, chin, nose and lips, as well as the hands.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is simple, convenient and popular among patients showing early signs of aging, sun exposure and other facial imperfections. It not only exfoliates the skin’s surface, but also promotes new cell growth in the basal, or deepest layer of the skin. It also cleans the pores and stimulates collagen networking to further improve the skin’s texture. After the treatment, your skin will have a new fresh-looking glow.
Intense Pulsed Light : If your facial skin has lost its youthful glow, Intense Pulsed Light Rejuvenation can help to restore a vibrant appearance. The procedure delivers broadband light through the skin, helping to decrease redness, pigmentation, lines and pore size, and improve the overall texture and tone of your skin. IPL can be used on the face, neck, chest, hands and legs. Also known as a “photofacial,” the noninvasive treatment treats imperfections including birthmarks, spider veins, rosacea, fine wrinkles, sun and age spots, vascular lesions and acne and acne scarring.
For new and return patients, please call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation.
See you soon.
Give Yourself a Pre-Holiday Lift
We know that you want to look your best this time of year, with holiday festivities just getting under way. The good news….there is still time for a few 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…
Try a nonsurgical mini facelift that will tighten skin and boost collagen production. With Thermage CPT, we can treat the skin on the eyelids, under-eye areas, abdomen, arms, legs and even your sagging buttocks. It’s the most effective lift treatment for a multitude of concerns, and the results are dramatic. Or, you can try an Exilis laser treatment, which 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.
Restore facial volume with dermal fillers such as Voluma, Radiesse and Restylane Lyft. These will minimize hollowness or lines that have formed with age.
Plump your lips with hyaluronic acid fillers, including Juvederm and Restylane.
Smooth out forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet with Botox or Dysport.
Fill in smile lines, marionette lines or nasolabial folds (lines that stretch from the outer edge of the nostrils to the outer tip of the lips) with Juvederm, Restylane or Radiesse.
All of these quick treatments are nonsurgical, requiring no anesthesia or downtime. You can be back in full swing immediately, looking younger and feeling that way, too.
Call our offices this week to schedule a pre-holiday appointment.
See you soon.
Being Thankful for More than Just Juvederm
As another year winds down and the holiday season gets under way, I’d like to thank all of you for entrusting me with your health and well-being. I value your choosing me as your doctor and your loyalty, and feel lucky to have such wonderful patients, an exemplary staff and a supportive community.
Please accept my wishes for a happy Thanksgiving filled with all good things. Enjoy your family, your friends, your time to slow down and appreciate.
We’ll see you next week.
Love Your Body with Speedy Summer Fixes
It may not yet be hot enough for the beach, and if you don’t love how you look in a bathing suit, that is good news. But why not love how you look? Why not embrace the season, the suit and your shape?
It’s time to stop hiding. Body sculpting is minimally invasive, safe and quick. With SmartLipo TriPlex laser treatments, we can remove fat from targeted areas of your body. You’ll see a reduction in inches, smoother and tighter skin and a highly defined new shape.
The treatment is done with local anesthesia in our state-of-the-art office, and is particularly effective for abdomens and waistlines–and for both men and women. You’ll see changes in your body that diet and exercise have failed to produce.
We can also reduce the cellulite that ruins any good bathing suit. With the Cellulaze laser, we smooth skin on the thighs buttocks, stomach, upper arms–anywhere where bumps and ripples appear. Despite your rigorous exercise, weight training and high-intensity workouts, cellulite sometimes sticks around. The Cellulaze laser attacks it where it begins, under the skin.
Finally, here’s a run-down of some of our other fast treatments for minimizing lines, wrinkles and folds:
- For crow’s feet and droopy brows: Botox and Dysport
- For tear troughs and hollows below the lower eyelid: Restylane, Juvederm and Belotero
- For sagging and shallow cheeks, temples and jawlines: Voluma XC, Radiesse, Perlane, Restylane and Juvederm
- For nasolabial folds: Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Radiesse and Belotero
- For thin and flat lips: Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Silk and Perlane
Please call our office to schedule a consultation, and see you at the beach.
Last Dash to Summer: The Perfect Time for a Liquid Facelift
Many of you have beaten the calendar and been in to see me these past few weeks. But there is still time for a quick Liquid Facelift before summer officially begins this coming weekend. Among the top nonsurgical anti-aging treatments, the Liquid Facelift can offer instant results, plumping up your sagging spots and restoring a youthful contour to your face.
We use injectable fillers to take years off your temples, brows, upper eyelids, under eye areas, cheeks, mouth corners and jowls. No one is happy to see lines, wrinkles, sagging skin or just a tired appearance in the mirror. With expert precision and careful attention to your facial anatomy, we can erase your flaws, naturally and easily. Your recovery time will be minimal, too.
Here is how we do it:
- Define, lift, shape the cheeks…with Juvederm Voluma
- Erase forehead lines…with Botox or Dysport
- Balance the chin…augment with Radiesse
- Lift the mouth…reduce nasolabial folds and downturned lips to restore a youthful smile
- Open up the eyes…to perk up your entire face
- Elevate the brows…to create a rested appearance
- Reduce eye puffiness…to give structure to under eye area and compensate for bone loss, fat loss and thinning skin
Call our office this week for a consultation, before summer is in high gear. We’ll devise a special plan just for you.
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
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
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
