Forget Daylight Savings – Turn Back Time with these Anti-Aging Procedures!

You may be still recovering from “springing forward” with Daylight Savings Time, but with the right kind of procedures, you can really turn back time on aging. Dr. Seth Matarasso has gathered some of the most advanced and effective nonsurgical procedure for completely reinvigorating your look. From injectables to laser treatments, Dr. Matarasso offers powerful rejuvenation with none of the wait or the discomfort.

Botox

From the most famous celebrities to regular women, Botox has helped millions of women all over the world achieve simple, powerful rejuvenation. With just a few injections, Botox will reduce prominent “expression lines” like crow’s feet, frown lines, and laugh lines. That’s not all—your Botox results will be good for as long as 3-4 months. Not bad for a procedure that takes only minutes to administer!

IPL

Also known as intense pulsed light, this popular new treatment uses light energy for powerful skin rejuvenation. By using multiple wavelengths of light, IPL can target an unbelievably wide range of signs of aging: wrinkles, age spots, dull skin, and even sun damage. Despite its versatility, the IPL treatment requires very little downtime and is a relatively comfortable treatment. So you can sit back, and let the light do its work.

Fraxel

Precision is the name of the game with Fraxel, a laser treatment that precisely targets just the right areas in the skin for overall skin rejuvenation. With Fraxel, you can reduce wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and reveal newer, fresher skin. Fraxel’s laser energy efficiently targets the most specific parts of the skin while leaving surrounding areas untouched. Because of Fraxel’s precision, it offers an even more comfortable treatment and faster recovery than other laser and light treatments.

Restylane

When our skin loses volume, it starts to fold and crease, leading to the wrinkles and lines that we associate with aging. Restylane is an amazing dermal filler that, once injected into the face, adds the necessary volume to smooth the skin and soften the appearance of deep wrinkles and creases. Not only is Restylane incredibly safe, but it can last for as long as 6-9 months. If you’re missing that spring and bounce in your skin, then Restylane might just be for you.

Daylight Savings Time might come and go, but it’s never too late for rejuvenation. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matarasso now, for a chance to try out his many anti-aging procedures.

Your mom is gorgeous both inside and out, but even the most beautiful moms appreciate a pampering cosmetic treatment every now and again. This Mother’s Day, skip the chocolates and flowers and give your mom the gift of beauty instead. A cosmetic treatment is a gift she’ll enjoy every time she looks in the mirror.

Botox – Smooth Mom’s Wrinkles Away

If your mom has wrinkles (and what mom doesn’t have a few?), give her the gift of Botox to help her fade them away. Botox works by relaxing muscles that cause certain types of wrinkles (wrinkles caused by muscle activity—crow’s feet, smile lines, etc.). The treatment takes just a few minutes, and results show up in 2-3 days. With a single Botox treatment, Mom can enjoy fewer wrinkles for 4-8 months. This FDA approved treatment is a safe choice for most patients. Dr. Matarasso is a highly skilled injector—well known for his stunning, natural looking results.

CoolSculpting – Give Mom the Body She’s Always Wanted

The mother of your children has sacrificed a lot to bring her babies into the world. After pregnancy, women often find that stubborn fat pockets remain, even years or decades later. CoolSculpting could help your favorite mom to shed this unwanted fat and rediscover her best body. This treatment uses cold to freeze and destroy unwanted fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissues or skin. A completely non-surgical treatment, CoolSculpting requires no downtime after treatment.

IPL – Clear, Smooth, Beautiful Skin for Mom

If your mom has sun damage, spider veins, aging skin, or uneven pigmentation, IPL can help. This treatment uses powerful light energy to fight skin problems. Unlike a laser, which uses a single frequency of light, IPL utilizes multiple frequencies for exceptional results. Treatment typically takes less than an hour (approximately 15-30 minutes) with no downtime. Doesn’t your mom deserve beautiful skin?

Injectable Fillers – Rejuvenation for Mom in Minutes

Even busy moms have time for injectable dermal fillers. These fillers can restore lost volume to the skin, fill in line and wrinkles, and even plump up the lips. Filler treatments are often completed in less than 30 minutes with no downtime. We offer a wide variety of fillers to ensure success for your specific areas of concern.

If you’re still searching for the perfect Mother’s Day gift for the many wonderful moms in your life, call and ask us about giving Mom the gift of beauty. Call today!

When women get pregnant, they expect a few stretch marks or weight gain, but many are surprised when they develop visible facial veins that remain long after baby has been delivered. If you have post-baby facial veins, come see Dr. Matarasso. Get rid of the redness and reclaim beautiful, clear skin again.

Facial Veins and Pregnancy – What’s the Link?

Women have an increased blood volume during pregnancy. This can place more pressure on your blood vessels, leading to broken capillaries and spider veins. These often occur on the legs, but can also occur on the face. The problem may clear up on its own shortly after delivery but, if it doesn’t, come see Dr. Matarasso. Treatment options are available.

What Are My Treatment Options for Unsightly Facial Veins?

Dr. Matarasso uses a few different techniques for treating facial veins. Let’s explore each option below.

• IPL- Short for intense pulsed light, IPL is a powerful light treatment that can clear up spider veins and broken capillaries. It works similarly to a laser treatment but, unlike a laser, IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light.
• Laser Treatments- We use the Candela V-beam laser, which targets damaged blood vessels without harming the surrounding, healthy skin.

Both of these treatments work by sealing off the veins and cutting off blood flow. This allows the veins to be reabsorbed by the body and the blood to redirect through healthier pathways. If you have spider veins elsewhere (such as on the legs), Dr. Matarasso may recommend sclerotherapy.

Is Facial Vein Treatment Painful?

Most patients describe the sensation experienced during facial vein treatment as a gentle snapping, similar to a rubber band being snapped across the skin. You can immediately resume your daily activities after treatment, with no downtime or recovery period. Any redness can be covered with makeup. You may feel like you have a slight sunburn for a few days after treatment.

Get rid of embarrassing facial veins. Come see Dr. Matarasso today!

What do you really want for Valentine’s Day this year? Do you really need a giant box chocolates? Ask for the gift of gorgeous skin instead. An IPL treatment can help you clear up hyperpigmentation and redness, leaving you with the glowing skin you desire. IPL is a gift you’ll enjoy long after that last chocolate has been eaten.

How Can IPL Help Me?

IPL (short for intense pulsed light) is a cosmetic skin treatment that uses intense light to target and treat damaged skin. It is an excellent treatment option for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun Damage
• Age Spots
• Freckles
• Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Scars
• Excess Hair
• Spider Veins
• Enlarged Pores

IPL can be used on the face or the body with great results. If you have any of the above skin problems, ask Dr. Matarasso about this highly effective treatment option. IPL is safe for all skin types and can be customized to your skin’s condition.

I’m Very Busy—How Long Does IPL Take?

IPL is an excellent treatment option for busy men and women who want to improve their skin. We start by applying an anesthetic cream and cooling gel and then use the IPL handpiece to treat the skin. The treatment itself takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the area treated. You can apply makeup immediately afterwards, and many patients go right back to work with no downtime. This treatment is the perfect choice for lunchtime rejuvenation. If you do experience mild discomfort, you can take an ibuprofen or use an ice pack. IPL can be repeated every 30-60 days as needed.

Ask for IPL this Valentine’s Day, and fall in love with your skin again.

2016 is the year you’ve decided to tackle your wrinkles, but now you need to know which wrinkle treatment to choose. Fortunately, we’ve got several. Come in for your personalized recommendation for your skin and trouble areas. Dr. Matarasso can help you rediscover smooth, wrinkle-free skin. We offer wrinkle treatments for every age and every stage of life.

What Wrinkle Treatments Should I Try?

Crow’s feet and nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth) are both wrinkles, but they aren’t the same. Crow’s feet are caused by muscle movement while nasolabial folds develop due to loss of facial volume. When it comes to wrinkles, there are many different types and each one is best targeted by a different treatment. To help keep your skin at its best, Dr. Matarasso offers a variety of wrinkle treatments. Ask him for advice about which treatment (or treatments) is best for you.

• Botox- For expression wrinkles (like crow’s feet, lines between the brows, frown lines, etc.), nothing beats Botox. This treatment temporarily relaxes the muscles that cause these types of wrinkles. As the muscles relax, the skin smoothes and the wrinkles fade away. No downtime is needed. Dysport is a similar treatment option.
• Dermal Fillers- If your wrinkles are caused by a loss of facial volume (like nasolabial folds), opt for a dermal filler. These injectable fillers restore volume and fill in wrinkles. Dr. Matarasso is a highly skilled injector known for his smooth, natural-looking results. We carry a wide range of fillers (including Juvederm and Restylane) and will choose the right product for your problem areas. Dermal fillers can even be used to add volume to the lips. Dermal fillers and Botox are often used in combination, and the result is nothing short of amazing.
• IPL- Rejuvenate your skin and improve the appearance of your wrinkles with IPL (also known as intense pulsed light or photofacial). This treatment uses intense light to treat and improve damaged skin. This treatment is great for wrinkles, but that isn’t all it can do. It also treats sun damage, brown spots, enlarged pores, and spider veins. IPL requires no downtime and most patients see good results in just a few treatments.
• Microdermabrasion- By exfoliating the outermost layers of skin we can treat wrinkles and brighten dull skin. Microdermabrasion smoothes and rejuvenates skin and boosts collagen production. Downtime is not required, although you may have redness for a few days.
• Fraxel- A laser skin rejuvenation treatment, the Fraxel laser is a great choice for smoothing wrinkles and rejuvenating skin. This treatment may require a minimal recovery period. Fraxel can treat wrinkles, uneven skin tone, roughness, and a variety of other skin problems.

Which option is right for you? Dr. Matarasso can help you find the right treatment for your wrinkles. Call today and schedule your appointment.

Sunscreen: Why You Need It and How to Use It

Sunscreen should be a must-do part of your skin care routine year round. For daily use, a good SPF 15 is usually sufficient, but make sure you’re using it correctly. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your sunscreen use.

• Use Plenty: Are you using enough sunscreen? You need a nickel-sized dollop for your face alone. If you’re applying to the whole body, you’ll need a lot more (about a shot glass worth).
• Reapply Often: Sunscreen isn’t a “apply once and forget about it” kind of product. You need to reapply every couple of hours for maximum effectiveness. Reapply more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Don’t Forget the Ears: Sunscreen can only work where it is applied. Don’t forget these commonly forgotten areas.

I Already Have Sun Damage… What Can I Do?

If your sun habits haven’t been the best in the past, don’t despair. You can make positive changes today and come see Dr. Matarasso to correct some of the damage. The following treatments are a good choice for patients with sun damage.

• Fraxel: The Fraxel laser is a skin rejuvenation treatment that targets and treats damaged skin while leaving the surrounding tissues intact. This promotes faster healing. You’ll start to see results immediately after treatment with continued improvement as the body heals and boosts collagen production. This is a great option for sun damage.
• IPL: IPL (short for intense pulsed light) is a non-surgical, non-invasive option for treating problem skin. It is a great option for treating sun spots, hyperpigmentation and freckles, all signs of sun damage.
• Skin Cancer Detection: Skin cancer is something most of us want to think about, but early detection can be a lifesaver. A skin cancer detection appointment with Dr. Matarasso is an excellent addition to your own personal cancer checks. We recommend this screening regularly for all patients, even those with optimal sun practices.

Be sun smart! Call us today and book your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Choose a Skilled Practitioner

Don’t trust your skin to just anyone. Many of the most effective cosmetic treatments can have serious complications if not performed properly. For your skincare needs, choose a doctor that specializes in the skin (a dermatologist). Ask friends and family for recommendations. If you’re in the San Francisco area, call us at 415-362-2238 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Address Underlying Skin Problems

Filling in wrinkles with a dermal filler might make your skin smoother, but the results aren’t going to be their best if you have other skin problems like eczema or acne. Talk with your doctor about the best way to treat your specific skin problems. Healthy skin is beautiful skin.

Follow a Treatment Schedule

Many cosmetic treatments are temporary and need to be performed on a semi-regular basis to maintain results. Getting your treatments on schedule can improve the results you see after treatment. Here are some expected treatment windows for many of the procedures we offer. Dr. Matarasso will help you create a custom treatment schedule for your skin.

• Botox- Results last 4-8 months
• Juvederm- Results last 6-9 months
• Perlane- Results last about 6 months
• Restylane- Results last 4-8 months
• Juvederm Voluma- Results last up to 2 years
• Fraxel Laser- Results last 6 months or more
• Microdermabrasion- Results last about a month

Stay Out of the Sun

The sun is very damaging to your skin. Stay out of the sun and help your cosmetic treatments to last longer. If you do need to be in the sun, wear sunscreen and cover up. You should wear an SPF 15 or higher moisturizer every day.

Follow Recovery Instructions

After each treatment Dr. Matarasso will provide you with recovery and healing instructions. Many treatments we offer are “no-downtime” treatments. You’ll come in, get treatment and head right back to your daily activities. Any specific recovery instructions (like staying out of the sun, avoiding strenuous activites, etc.) will be discussed. Follow these instructions. The best possible results from your treatment come when you follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.

We love helping our patients to look their best. Come see Dr. Matarasso for gorgeous, healthy skin.

Is IPL Right for Me?

If you’re interested in seeing what IPL can do for you, give us a call and schedule an appointment today. This treatment is an effective solution for:

• Uneven skin tone
• Sun spots
• Age Spots
• Freckles
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Broken capilaries
• Enlarged pores
• Scars
• Excess body and facial hair

IPL is typically performed on the face, but can be used on many different areas of the body. Talk with Dr. Matarasso and see if IPL is right for you.

IPL vs. Laser Treatments- What’s the Difference?

As mentioned previously IPL uses multiple light wavelengths while laser focuses on a single one. Both treatments are highly effective, but due to the differences in how results are achieved, both IPL and laser have different advantages. Recovery after an IPL treatment tends to be less extensive than recovery after a laser treatment making IPL an ideal choice for those looking for no-downtime procedures. Dr. Matarasso can help you decide if IPL or a laser treatment (like the Fraxel laser) will be the best option for the results you want to achieve.

What Can I Expect from an IPL Treatment?

IPL is performed in our offices with the entire procedure typically taking less than 30 minutes, start to finish. We start by applying an anesthetic gel followed by a cooling gel. Then a small handheld tool is used to treat the desired areas. The intensity of the treatment can be adjusted based on your skin type and needs making this treatment an ideal choice for almost all skin types. It is completely non-invasive.

After IPL

After IPL you can return to your regular activities immediately, including work and wearing makeup. You may experience some skin redness and inflammation while you heal although this will be limited to the treatment area. We recommend that patients use sunscreen after treatment as their skin will be more sensitive to the sun for a few days. Once healing is complete (usually within a few hours or days) your skin will be noticeably smoother and clearer. More than one treatment may be needed to achieve optimal results.

Come in today and see what IPL can do for you. It might not be a laser, but the results are pretty powerful.