Do you want to reveal fresh, bright, clear skin without the need for invasive treatments or lengthy post-procedure downtime? If your topical moisturizers or at-home skin care regimen aren’t effectively treating concerns like wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores, scarring, melasma, or discoloration, Fraxel laser skin resurfacing may be the perfect solution for you.

Dr. Matarasso recommends Fraxel as a treatment for improving the appearance of many common skin imperfections. Because it is one of the most advanced cosmetic lasers available today, it has received FDA approval for its proven track record of safety and minimal risk of side effects.

What Is Fraxel?

The Fraxel laser is a unique fractional laser that is designed to treat skin in small sections at a time, leaving behind healthy cells and promoting skin turnover. The laser energy is powerful enough to create micro-injuries that jumpstart your skin’s built-in healing response, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin to provide a toned, tightened appearance.

Fraxel is an effective all-around skin resurfacing treatment that can help your skin regrow into its naturally beautiful appearance. It works well to rejuvenate not only the face, but also your neck, chest, and hands.

Fraxel skin resurfacing is an outpatient procedure that gently exfoliates the top layer of the skin, removing the dull, tired cells and leaving fresh, healthy skin behind. For those who choose not to use injectable treatments to reverse signs of aging, Fraxel treatments are an ideal alternative.

What to Expect After Fraxel Skin Rejuvenation

Another benefit to Fraxel skin rejuvenation is that the treatment levels are customizable based on your lifestyle, cosmetic goals, and the amount of downtime you desire. The most common side effects are swelling and redness, which are usually mild and will improve over the next few days after getting your procedure.

In the days following your Fraxel procedure, your skin will naturally bronze, then flake off gradually, revealing the healthy new skin underneath. During this time, you can supplement your healing process by keeping your skin moisturized and wearing sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every time you go outside.

Though you will notice some of the anti-aging results of Fraxel emerging a few days after your first treatment, the good news is that they will continue to improve for up to half a year later. You can continue to maintain your rejuvenated appearance for years by staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and practicing a disciplined skin care regimen.

Is Fraxel Skin Rejuvenation Right for You?

Don’t let the cumulative effects of sun damage and aging take a toll on your self-confidence and quality of life. When performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, Fraxel laser skin rejuvenation can help take years off your appearance and can also delay more intensive procedures such as a facelift.

If you’re ready to learn more about Fraxel laser treatments in San Francisco, reach out to our office today. Dr. Matarasso has received extensive training that uniquely qualifies him to provide the highest level of service and patient outcomes to men and women requiring cosmetic or medical skin care procedures throughout the Bay Area.

Facial Vein Removal

There are two types of treatments you can use to help remove spider veins and broken capillaries on your face: IPL and the Candela V-Beam Laser. Both methods destroy broken and enlarged blood vessels by sealing off their blood supply. IPL reduces redness, while the laser destroys larger blood vessels. After your procedure, your skin will be very sensitive so it’s essential that you stay out of the sun for a few weeks.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is another spider vein treatment, only this time it’s for your legs. Sclerotherapy is done by injecting a solution into your spider veins that will cause them to collapse and be reabsorbed into the body. It’s not recommended to be out in the sun after sclerotherapy because you’ll be recovering in compression stockings after your procedure—and it’s not exactly beach friendly. There’s also a risk of your veins darkening from hyperpigmentation because of contact with direct sunlight.

Fraxel Laser

The Fraxel Laser treatment is a popular new skin rejuvenation treatment that reduces signs of aging, heals scarring, shrinks enlarged pores, evens out skin tone, reduces sun damage, and stimulates collagen production. After your laser treatment, the treated areas might feel like a sun burn, so it’s a good idea to stay away from the sun immediately after treatment.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses one tool to exfoliate dead skin cells and other debris, and then another tool to suction off more dirt and oils to leave a new layer of fresh skin. Your skin may become red and flaky after the procedure, but that’s all part of the recovery process. To avoid discomfort, try staying away from direct sunlight.

Logistically, it just makes sense to schedule these cosmetic surgery treatments for the fall season. After all, it’s much easier to schedule your procedure and recovery during a holiday break. If you want to treat yourself during the holidays to a cosmetic procedure, then pick one of the best plastic surgeons In the Bay Area and contact Dr. Seth L. Matarasso for a consultation.

What are your plans for summer? Are you going to lounge by the pool or frolic in the waves at the beach? Whatever your summer plans are, they likely include a bit of extra time in the sun. Let’s make sun protection a priority this summer! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so this is a good time to brush up on how to best protect your skin against UV rays.

Stock Up on Sunscreen (and Use it)

How’s your sunscreen supply? If you’re running low, now is the time to restock. For a summer filled with sun, you’ll need a lot. For a full body application, you’ll need enough sunscreen to fill a shot glass. You should reapply at least every two hours, and even more often than that if you’re getting wet or sweating.

If still have an unused (or partially used) bottle of sunscreen from last year, don’t throw it out. Most sunscreens remain effective for about three years, but look for an expiration date on your bottle to be sure.

Master the SPF Mystery

Are you an expert in SPF? SPF—or sun protection factor—measures a sunscreen’s effectiveness against UVB rays. When properly applied, an SPF 30 can block about 97% of incoming UVB rays. Make sure you wear enough, though. If you use half the recommended amount you are effectively cutting your protection in half. Most people only apply about half to a quarter of the recommended amount. You need a nickel-sized dollop for the face alone, and about an ounce for the whole body.

Cover Up – And Not Just with Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a wonderful way to protect your skin from the sun, but it shouldn’t be used alone. Combine it with other sun-smart practices such as seeking out shade and wearing a hat or light layers to further protect your skin. Sunscreen might keep you from burning, but it’s important to remember that too much sun can still be a problem. Cover up!

Repair Past Sun Damage

If your sun practices in the past haven’t been exemplary, you may have some sun damage. Come see Dr. Matarasso to repair it. IPL (intense pulsed light) or a Fraxel laser treatment may be able to fade the signs of sun damage on your skin.

Beautiful summer skin starts with sun protection!

What Causes a Scar?

Scars occur when the dermis (deep layer of skin) is damaged. The body produces extra collagen to heal the injury, and this leads to a scar. Scars often have a different texture and appearance than the surrounding skin. Pitted acne scars are similar, but result when a pit develops in the space where the deep acne was present. Surgical scars, acne scars, and injury scars are all treatable by an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Matarasso.

What Are My Treatment Options for Scarring?

If you have unwanted scarring, come see Dr. Matarasso. He can help you fade your scars. He often chooses to use the Fraxel laser to treat scars, reducing their appearance, smoothing the skin, and refreshing your look. This treatment can improve many types of scarring and works on most skin types. Dr. Matarasso can help you determine if Fraxel can improve the appearance of your skin or if another treatment may be more beneficial.

The Fraxel laser is a type of fractional skin resurfacing, which means that the treatment targets only a fraction of skin, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This can speed healing and promotes the body’s healing response for better results. Damaged skin is replaced by healthy, new skin. In addition to treating scarring, the Fraxel laser can be used to fade wrinkles, rejuvenate the skin, even skin tone, and much more.

Dr. Matarasso can customize your treatment to your skin’s specific needs. Healing time will vary considerably depending on the depth and strength of your treatment. He can discuss your options with you during an appointment. We will work with you to limit downtime so treatment will work with your schedule.

Smooth your scars with Fraxel. Call today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

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.