Fillers and injectables have shaken up the world of cosmetic medicine because of their incredible anti-aging benefits. One brief in-office session can give you plumper lips, erase your smile and frown lines, augment your cheekbones, and leave you looking rested and rejuvenated. 

Treatment with these products requires less than an hour, and results in no incisions, stitches, or downtime. When you get your procedure performed by a trained medical professional, the risks and side effects are minor. What are the best ones for your skin concerns? We’ve put together this guide to help you become a more informed patient.

How to Choose Wisely

The world of injectables continues to evolve every year, and now there is a wide array of choices on the market. Selecting the right one – or a combination of products – will depend on several factors, including your degree of aging, the elasticity of your skin, and the goals you have for your appearance. 

Getting cosmetic injectables is a fully customizable experience. Dr. Seth Matarasso can determine which fillers and what precise placement is best for you after evaluating your skin type and talking to you about your concerns. With that in mind, here is an overview of the most in-demand injectables available today.

Botox® and Dysport®

Even if you’ve never researched injectable products, you’ve likely heard of Botox through a TV commercial or a friend who has gotten it. Botox and its cousin, Dysport, are neuromodulators made from a highly purified version of the botulinum protein. These two products work to create a temporary paralysis in the muscles around your eyes and eyebrow region. They cause wrinkles like forehead furrows, crow’s feet, and the “eleven” lines that form between the eyebrows to smooth out, and they also prevent new wrinkles from appearing.

The effects of this pair of neuromodulators last three to four months, which means you will need to return for touch-up treatments a few times per year if you want to maintain your results. You can choose to use Botox or Dysport as stand-alone treatments, or in conjunction with dermal fillers for a full-face anti-aging effect.

Juvéderm®

Juvéderm is a line of hyaluronic acid-based products designed for use in different areas of the face. For instance, Juvéderm VolumaTM XC can help add volume back to the mid-face area. It can also minimize moderate to deep “marionette” and “parentheses” lines around your mouth.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring sugar that is abundant in youthful skin. It’s a humectant, which means it attracts moisture. And, when you get it injected, it creates a plumping and volumizing effect. Because hyaluronic acid is biocompatible, there’s no need to worry about an allergic reaction, even if you have sensitive skin. Though your body will gradually re-absorb the hyaluronic acid, the results of the Juvéderm family of fillers typically last between six and 18 months.

Restylane®

As with Juvéderm, there’s a collection of Restylane products developed to treat varying trouble spots. The original Restylane erases wrinkles and fine lines, and can give thin lips a perfect pout. A thicker formulation called Restylane Lyft (formerly marketed as Perlane-L) can correct volume loss in the cheeks, as well as deep-set wrinkles around the mouth. It’s also received FDA approval to add fullness to the backs of the hands, which often become bony with age. 

The Restylane line is another option if you are interested in the biocompatibility of hyaluronic acid to provide a smoothing and plumping effect. Injections with Restylane may also jump-start your body’s natural collagen production, which means you could need fewer maintenance treatments over time. 

Ask Us About Fillers and Injectables

Fillers and injectables are ideal treatments for anyone who wants to refresh their appearance and look several years younger, but who is not ready or willing to commit to a more invasive surgical procedure such as a facelift or brow lift. These minimally invasive options are virtually painless, and you can get them done on your lunch break and return to work immediately if you prefer. 

As a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and professor of dermatology, Dr. Matarasso is a leading provider of injectable neuromodulators and dermal fillers in the greater San Francisco area. Under his expert care, you will receive results you’ll love, with no need to worry about disrupting your schedule to plan around a lengthy recovery time. If you’re ready to learn more, contact our office to book your private consultation. Our team is waiting to hear from you!

Congratulations – you’ve found the perfect venue, an incredibly romantic dress, and a florist who will help you create the décor of your dreams. Everything’s coming together for your wedding, and the countdown is on for one of the most memorable and exciting days of your life.

You’ve been planning for months, but one detail that may still be missing from your to-do list is beauty treatments for yourself. How far in advance should you book your procedures to ensure you look picture-perfect on your big day? Read on to learn more.

Injectable Treatments

If you’re planning to get any injectables before your wedding, the timing of your appointment is especially important – especially if it is your first time with these products. You’ll want any side effects such as bruising, redness, or swelling to have faded, but the results to still be going strong. Here’s how we recommend timing your injections for flawless skin.

• Botox and Dysport: These two neuromodulators are excellent for smoothing and temporarily relaxing the muscles that cause troubling wrinkles like crow’s feet, forehead furrows, and lines between the brows. If you are getting either of these injected, plan your appointment at least two weeks before your wedding date to allow any redness to fade, and for the results to fully reveal themselves. You’ll typically be able to enjoy fewer wrinkles for four to six months, depending on the injection site.
• Juvéderm: This hyaluronic acid-based filler is a natural-looking way to fill in wrinkles and restore volume to lips and cheeks. Though you can expect natural-looking results to appear instantly, redness, swelling, and tenderness are common side effects that can last several days after treatment. It’s a good idea to schedule your appointment at least two weeks before your wedding. Results often last at least a year.
• Restylane: A cousin to Juvéderm, Restylane also uses hyaluronic acid to create anti-aging results. However, it is formulated with a larger particle size that makes it better for filling in deeper wrinkles or larger areas. Restylane can cause swelling, redness, and heightened skin sensitivity in the first week or so after treatment, so you should plan to come in at least two to three weeks before your event. Results last up to a year in many cases.
• Kybella: A double chin can ruin the look of even the most carefully planned wedding photos. Kybella is a cutting-edge treatment for addressing the pocket of submental fat that forms beneath the chin, which is often inherited. Kybella is made with a molecule called deoxycholic acid that breaks down dietary fat. Though it does not require any downtime, the tightening effect takes place gradually over about six weeks. Most people see best results over a series of two to three treatments, so you may wish to start your treatment regimen with Kybella approximately half a year before your wedding. The results are permanent.

Microdermabrasion

If you are looking for a minimally invasive way to improve your skin’s appearance without downtime for recovery, microdermabrasion is an ideal rejuvenation treatment for you. You may find that your skin becomes slightly flaky or red for a few days after your microdermabrasion appointment, so it’s best to schedule your session about two weeks out from your wedding date. You can expect your results to last for approximately a month.

Fraxel

Laser skin rejuvenation with Fraxel is a highly effective way to get smoother, more even skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and scars, and stimulate collagen production. However, if you are planning to get a pre-wedding Fraxel treatment, keep in mind that it can take three to six months for the results to emerge and that you may need more than one treatment to achieve the best outcome, depending on the concerns you are trying to alleviate.

Ultherapy

Ultherapy is an FDA-approved lifting treatment that uses ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production, improving the look of skin on the face, neck, and chest. Though the procedure has minimal side effects and requires no downtime, the results appear gradually over two to three months after treatment.

Boost Your Pre-Wedding Skin Routine

At our San Francisco dermatology practice, we specialize in minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that help promote healthier, more radiant skin. To learn more about the popular options we offer, or to plan one or more treatment appointments before your wedding day, contact us to experience a high level of care in our comfortable, well-appointed office.

By now, you’ve probably read at least one rave review about hyaluronic acid in your favorite blog or magazine. Hyaluronic acid has been making waves in recent years for its incredible anti-aging properties. If you’re not familiar with what it does, don’t let the term “acid” fool you – it’s not an exfoliant or skin peel, as you might initially assume. Instead, hyaluronic acid is a superpowered moisturizer that can bind up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

The Basics of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid works like a sponge to soak in and retain hydration from the environment. Best of all, it’s a substance your skin will willingly accept since your body already produces it naturally to keep your skin hydrated and elastic. That’s why hyaluronic acid benefits all ages, skin tones, and types.

As you age, you produce less and less hyaluronic acid, leading to troublesome signs of aging such as fine lines and lost facial volume. If you want to get more hyaluronic acid, you may be excited to learn that many popular anti-aging products include it as a key ingredient. You can apply these creams and serums topically to maintain a youthful complexion—though the results of these treatments are short-term. If you’re looking to achieve more long-lasting results with hyaluronic acid, cosmetic fillers are your best bet.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Injectable skin fillers made with hyaluronic acid have become a go-to treatment among patients and doctors alike. They are available in different formulations that allow a skilled dermatologist to erase fine lines and plump up cheeks and lips. Injecting hyaluronic acid not only improves skin’s moisture barrier, but it also stimulates more collagen and elastin production.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers have experienced a meteoric rise in fame, with everyone from celebs to schoolteachers embracing the treatments. Fillers are especially popular, because they are quick, relatively painless, minimally invasive, and provide instantly visible results with little to no downtime and no risk of allergic reaction.

Here are our favorite hyaluronic acid skin fillers:

• Juvéderm – A non-animal-based, biocompatible option, the Juvéderm family of products is available in three different formulas, which are optimized for the depth of the area being treated. Juvéderm is effective at filling in fine lines around the mouth and eyes as well as adding contour to lips and cheeks. Juvéderm Voluma XC is specifically designed for filling in volume in the cheek area.
• Restylane – Restylane products are designed to address more severe facial wrinkles and volume loss, and are suitable for deeper injection into facial tissue. The Restylane line is specially formulated not just for filling in wrinkles, but also for plumping up lips, cheeks, and the backs of hands that may have developed a bony appearance due to the aging process.

Though the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are not permanent, they are long-lasting, and easy to maintain with periodic touch-up treatments.

Side Effects of Skin Fillers

One thing many patients appreciate about dermal fillers is how easily they fit into a busy lifestyle. The injections take place during a brief, easy in-office procedure. Immediately after your treatment, you may apply makeup, return to work, and resume your normal daily schedule.

The most common side effects of hyaluronic acid fillers are temporary and include swelling, bruising, redness, discomfort, and itching. These effects should resolve themselves a week or two after treatment.

Learn More About Cosmetic Injectables

If you’re ready to take the next step in discovering whether hyaluronic acid-based fillers are a good choice to meet your aesthetic goals, contact our San Francisco practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matarasso. As an experienced cosmetic dermatologist, Dr. Matarasso can evaluate your needs and develop a customized plan for erasing your wrinkles and improving the quality of your skin with hyaluronic acid.

Are you currently unhappy with your appearance? Let’s face the cold, hard truth: the aging process is not always kind. From wrinkles to frown lines, to even sagging skin, is it possible that your face could use a little rejuvenation? If so, then Dysport could be the treatment for you!

While you may not want to have wrinkles and frown lines plaguing your face, it is also highly likely that you still want you face to have a natural appearance, despite the injections you may or may not have pursued.

Dysport can successfully help you avoid wrinkles, yet still allow you to look like yourself. Dysport is a injection that has been proven to help smooth the appearance of frown lines between the eyebrows. Depending on each individual patient’s wants and needs, this treatment has been known to assist with both moderate and severe lines. The best part, however, is the fact that the look and movement of your face will not be affected. Simply put, you will still be able to express all of the feelings you want, as only the lines on your face will be altered – nothing else.

Do you know how wrinkles are formed? If you think wrinkles form due to stress, you are not completely wrong. Specifically, wrinkles happen when an individual has repeated movements and muscle contractions. Yet, with one injection of Dysport into each of the five points between and above the eyebrows, muscle contractions that lead to frown lines are temporarily prevented. As a result, the rest of your face looks completely natural, as if you never had an injection in the first place.

Though individuals who have previously tried Dysport have noted a variety of benefits after having received the injections, one of the most popular affects seems to be how long the treatment can last: up to four months. Better yet, one treatment generally only takes 10 to 20 minutes to perform. Then, results appear within just two to three days, and last for several months. Finally, there is hardly any downtime following the injection. Therefore, almost immediately, you can go on with your day. In fact, many patients opt to get treatments on their lunch break, before returning to work.

It is important to know that between Dysport treatments, you should wait at least 90 days.

While Dysport may be a good treatment option for most individuals unhappy with frown lines and wrinkles on their face, there are certain people who should not be treated with the injection. For example, anyone who is allergic to Dysport or any of its ingredients (cow’s milk protein, for example) should not pursue the injection. Dysport is also not for children, or any woman is currently breastfeeding. Further, if you have surgical changes to your face, weak muscles, deep facial scars, or oily skin, then it will be necessary to speak to a doctor before going through with treatment.

If you are still unsure if Dysport is for you or not, speak to your doctor. Remember, it is imperative to be completely upfront about your medical history, as well as your goals, and why you want to pursue Dysport injections. After you have spoken to a professional, and perhaps even been examined by one, you will know if Dysport is the right treatment for you and your needs.

You no longer have to live with unwanted frown lines and wrinkles. Just because the aging process cannot be stopped, does not mean you have to look your actual age. With Dysport injections, you can look and feel your absolute best!

To learn more about Dysport, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Seth L. Matarasso, contact the processional staff at our San Francisco office today by calling 415-362-2238.

The holidays are all about celebrating and spending time with friends and family, which means your social calendar is probably going to be packed during the next few months. And let’s be honest – when it comes to holiday parties, you want to look great. For some, substituting cosmetic procedures for sleep and a healthy diet is an option. But not everyone has the luxury of being able to take time off to recover from a nip and tuck.

Well, now you don’t have to.

Injectables make it possible to look your best during this festive season without having to take time off for recovery or extended downtime. From smoothing out lines and wrinkles to getting the plump lips you’ve always wanted, this versatile cosmetic treatment can be totally customized to achieve your aesthetic goals.

To get your best “I woke up like this” face this season, read on to learn how injectables will make sure you’re ready to take on the holidays while looking naturally refreshed and rejuvenated.

Injectables: What Are They?

When people say “injectables,” they’re referring to injectable cosmetic treatments that are primarily used to correct wrinkles and fine lines, or to rejuvenate areas that have lost volume. There are two main types of injectables: those that contain botulinum toxin type A (Botox and Dysport) and dermal fillers (Juvéderm, Restylane, and Perlane). Below, we’ll take a look at how these injectables work and how they can help you look your best during the holidays.

Injectables With Botulinum Toxin

Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin that is essentially a highly refined and produced version of Clostridium botulinum, a naturally occurring bacterium. Although it might sound scary, injectables containing this neurotoxin are completely safe and they have been approved by the FDA for cosmetic use.

When injected, Botox uses this neurotoxin to cause the underlying muscles beneath wrinkles to relax, making it especially effective against “dynamic wrinkles,” or wrinkles caused by repeated movement. In other words, once the muscle relaxes, the wrinkle softens.

Botox can provide the following benefits:

• Reduces the appearance of forehead lines, horizontal lines between the brows (“11 lines”), crow’s feet, “bunny lines” on the nose, and more
• Treatment is non-invasive and requires practically no downtime
• Injections can be completed in minutes

Dysport is very similar to Botox, and it also uses botulinum toxin type A to relax the muscles under wrinkles. However, the protein used in Dysport is slightly smaller than that of Botox, so it may produce results more rapidly than Botox. The results from Dysport typically show up a day or two faster than Botox, but for people with busy schedules, this can make all the difference.

Dermal Fillers

Juvéderm, Restylane, and Perlane are all made from hyaluronic acid, which is a naturally occurring substance found in all living organisms. Instead of relaxing the underlying muscles, fillers work by filling in stubborn surface depressions like nasolabial folds, marionette lines, furrows, and vertical lip lines.

But they’re not just limited to treating lines and wrinkles. Fillers are also excellent options for restoring areas that have lost volume (like the hollows under the eyes), sculpting the cheek area for a more defined look, plumping up the lips, and filling in deep-pitted acne scars.

Patients can expect the following benefits from dermal fillers:

• Little to no downtime
• Quick treatment
• Smooths away stubborn lines and wrinkles
• Can improve pitted acne scars
• Can help you achieve plump lips
• Restores volume and can sculpt areas of the face

Injectables for the Holidays: What You Need to Know

Your Treatment Session

When it comes to cosmetic treatments during the holidays, the first question people ask is: How long is it going to take? Fortunately, your treatment for injectables will only take between 10-60 minutes, depending on the part of the face being treated.

During the treatment, a mild anesthetic will be used to numb the injection sites. Once your injections are made, you can resume your regular schedule. The beauty of injectables is that they require virtually no downtime. You may experience minor swelling, redness, or bruising, but this should subside quickly, and makeup can be applied immediately after your treatment.

When Will I See Results?

The full results of Botox and Dysport will take a week or two to become totally apparent. In the case of dermal fillers, your results can be seen pretty much immediately. But in general, it’s best to schedule your treatments a week or two before any social engagement, just in case you have bruising or swelling for an unusually long time.

How Long Will My Results Last?

You can expect to enjoy the results of Botox and Dysport for about three-to-eight months. Depending on the treatment area, results from Restylane will last for around three-to-nine months. Juvéderm lasts between four-to-six months, but patients can expect even longer results from Juvéderm Voluma XC. Perlane lasts for about six months to a year.

So, when you stay up all night wrapping presents or binge-watching your favorite holiday movies, your face won’t give you away this year. With injectables, you can still maintain a refreshed look without disrupting your busy schedule, allowing you to focus on what matters: spending quality time with friends and family. And of course, looking good for those holiday party selfies.

Ready to get a head start this season? To schedule an appointment for injectables in San Francisco, contact Dr. Seth L Matarasso today at (415) 362-2238.

Botox or fillers? Many of our patients struggle to choose between these two powerful injectable cosmetic treatments. The good news is, you don’t have to choose. For many patients, Botox AND fillers can provide optimal results. Here’s why.

Botox Can Make Fillers Last Longer

Hyaluronic acid fillers are one of the most popular types of dermal fillers. Juvederm, Restylane, and Juvederm Voluma are all examples of hyaluronic acid fillers. These fillers have a hyaluronic acid (a natural substance found in the skin) base. Hyaluronic acid is highly biocompatible and is well tolerated by most patients; no allergy testing is needed. These fillers provide instant results without downtime.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are long lasting, but results are temporary. One recent study found that Botox can make these fillers last longer. Botox slows the degradation of the hyaluronic acid, allowing patients to enjoy their results much longer. If you love fillers, ask us if Botox could help your results to last longer.

Botox and Fillers – Different Uses, Gorgeous Results

Another perk of using both Botox and dermal fillers is the ability to target and eliminate more wrinkles. Botox is ideal for smoothing wrinkles caused by muscle activity. It is an excellent choice for crow’s feet, lines between the brows, forehead wrinkles, etc. Fillers are better suited to treat other types of wrinkles, restore lost facial volume, and plump up the lips. When they are used together, Dr. Matarasso can treat the signs of aging from brow to chin—all without surgery or downtime. Botox and fillers have different uses. They are great on their own, but they pack an amazing one-two rejuvenation punch when used together.

Are Botox and Fillers Right for Me?

If you’re thinking about Botox and fillers to enhance your appearance, call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso. After an examination of your skin, he can help you determine if you’re a good candidate for injectable treatments like Botox and dermal fillers. He may recommend one treatment or a combination of both. He may also offer recommendations for other cosmetic treatments so you can achieve your best skin. Call today!

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.

Start the New Year looking your best. We realize you’ll be singing “Auld Lang Syne” in just a few weeks, but you’ve still got time to rejuvenate your look. These last minute tips will have you party-ready with plenty of time to celebrate.

Botox: 15 Minute Treatment + 4 Days = A Younger Looking You

If you’ve got 15 minutes and a few days to spare, Botox can help you shine at your next soiree. This injectable treatment is a great option for fading away wrinkles caused by muscle movement, such as crow’s feet, the lines between the brows, and forehead wrinkles. Results take a few days to appear, so plan for Botox several days to a week before New Year’s Eve and start the year looking more youthful. After-treatment results should last several months.

Botox is a wonderful treatment option during the busy holiday season, as it takes just a few minutes and requires no downtime. You can resume your regular activities immediately. If you experience redness or swelling, it can often be covered with makeup.

Dysport is a similar treatment option that Dr. Matarasso may recommend for some patients. Botox and Dysport are both botulinum toxin treatments with many similarities. If you’re in a rush to see results, Dysport may be a better option; many patients see changes in just a day or two.

Get Ready for Your New Year’s Eve Smooch with Juvederm

Gorgeous lips won’t guarantee you the perfect New Year’s Eve smooch, but they can’t hurt your chances. If you want to plump up your pout, Juvederm is an excellent option. This injectable dermal filler can enhance your lips with no downtime and instant results. Many patients experience a bit of swelling, so opt for the treatment as soon as possible to ensure your lips are ripe for romance.

Juvederm is an excellent for lip enhancement because it requires no pre-treatment or downtime. The actual treatment takes just a few minutes, and Dr. Matarasso is known for his stunning, natural-looking results.

Injectable Dermal Fillers- An Instant “Facelift

If you want to instantly rejuvenate your look, come in and ask about dermal fillers. We offer several different types of fillers, including Restylane, Restylane Lyft, Juvederm, and Juvederm Voluma. These fillers are injected into the skin to lift, revolumize, fill in wrinkles, reshape, etc. Treatment is quick and generally requires no downtime.

When used by a skilled injector like Dr. Matarasso, fillers and Botox can be used to create an instant “facelift”. While the results won’t be as dramatic as a surgical treatment, they can be very natural looking and eye-catching. You can look younger before 2016. Cross that resolution off your list early this year!

Call today and schedule your pre-party treatment, as the ball will drop soon enough. You still have time, but not much!

Botox

We know the holiday season can be busy, but everyone has time for Botox. Start to finish treatment takes less than 30 minutes and you can return to your regular activities immediately. Botox does take some time to start working, so schedule your appointment at least a week before the holiday parties begin. One treatment lasts 3-4 months and should take you through Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and beyond. Botox is the perfect holiday beauty secret for fewer wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers

Fine lines and wrinkles are no match for dermal fillers. Botox is ideal for lines caused by muscle activity (including crow’s feet and lines between the brows) while dermal fillers can be used on those other wrinkles. Dr. Matarasso can plump up the lips, restore lost volume, and erase wrinkles with a few quick and easy injections. We offer a wide range of fillers (including Juvederm and Restylane) to ensure that you look party perfect this holiday season.

IPL

This holiday season don’t let the only lights be the ones of the tree. IPL stands for intense pulsed light and is a revolutionary way to smooth, brighten, and rejuvenate skin. We typically use it on the face, but it can be used in other areas too. Treatment takes about 15-30 minutes.

The results from IPL can be stunning, but it will take a few days from treatment to party perfect. At first you may have some redness and irritation. This is easily covered with makeup, but give yourself a few days after treatment before an important holiday event so you can look your best.

Microdermabrasion

Enjoy smoother skin this holiday season with microdermabrasion. This treatment manually exfoliates the top layers of skin. It is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S. After treatment your skin will look and feel younger for about a month. Treatment takes about 30 minutes.

Patients often find that their skin is red and flaky for the first few days after treatment. We’ll give you tips to speed the healing process and to ease any discomfort during healing. Try to schedule microdermabrasion at least 5 days before a big holiday party.

Gorgeous holiday skin awaits. Call us today and book your pre-holiday skin treatments with Dr. Matarasso.

What Does This Mean for You?

The stigma around cosmetic enhancement is fading and that gives men and women more options than ever to look their best. Take a good, long look at yourself in the mirror. What do you love? What do you want to enhance? Many cosmetic treatments can be performed without surgery for a subtle improvement in your looks without weeks of recovery. Let’s take a look at some great minimally invasive enhancements:

• Botox/Dysport: Crow’s feet and forehead lines are no match for Botox and Dysport, botulinum toxin treatments that halt muscle movements that cause wrinkles. When applied by a skilled hand the results can be very natural looking, not frozen or overdone. Last year, treatments like these were the most popular cosmetic treatments in the U.S. with a record-setting 6.7 million procedures performed.
• Injectable Fillers: Wrinkles that aren’t caused by muscle movement respond better to dermal fillers. These injectable fillers restore lost volume, smoothing out wrinkles for a flawless look. Treatment takes just a few minutes with results that can last for years (depending on the filler used). We offer a wide range of fillers including Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Juvederm Voluma. Dr. Matarasso will choose the most appropriate filler (or combination of fillers) for your face.
• Laser Skin Rejuvenation: Even out skin tone, improve the appearance of wrinkles, fade brown spots, etc. with a laser skin rejuvenation treatment. The Fraxel laser is a fractional laser that treats small area of skin for accelerated healing. In addition to the Fraxel laser, we offer other, non-laser skin rejuvenating treatments like IPL and microdermabrasion.

The vast array of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments available may in part contribute to the increasing popularity of plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement. These treatments are often more affordable than surgical options, require less recovery time, and provide the subtle, natural looking results that patients love. The Time article reminds readers that U.S. doctors perform five times as many minimally invasive treatments as they do surgeries.

Plastic Surgery is for Everyone

The public perception of plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancement has transformed over the last decade or two. What once was only enjoyed by the rich and famous, is now available to almost everyone. The Time article says, “In 2005, more than two-thirds of cosmetic-surgery patients in the U.S. made $60,000 or less. Most people getting nonsurgical procedures probably made less.” You don’t have to be rich to enjoy looking your best.

Are you considering a little pick-me-up for your appearance? Call us today and schedule your appointment.