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.

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!

What Are My Options for Treating Thinning Lips?

Dermal fillers are one of the easiest options for treating thinning lips. With just a few carefully placed injections, we can plump up the lips instantly. The procedure just takes a few minutes and the results last for months.

We can use several different dermal fillers for non-surgical lip augmentation. Dr. Matarasso will help you decide which option is best for your lips. Let’s take a look!

Juvederm

Juvederm is a great option for use in the lip area. It is a hyaluronic acid filler (hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the skin) and requires no pre-testing. The results can be very natural-looking and last for 6-9 months. Best of all, Juvederm is a no-downtime treatment so you can get right back to life after treatment. No need to sit around recovering.

Restylane

Restylane is another great product we can use in the lip area. It is made from hyaluronic acid and can create fuller lips for up to six months. Although many different fillers are used in the lip area, Restylane fillers are the first and only FDA-approved for lip enhancement in patients over 21. Restylane is very versatile and can help Dr. Matarasso to achieve your ideal pout.

What Other Uses Are There for Dermal Fillers?

Dr. Matarasso often uses dermal fillers for lip augmentation, but that isn’t the only use for them. They are also a great option for smoothing out wrinkles, for restoring lost facial volume and rejuvenating your look. When you come in for your lip treatment, we can easily use the dermal fillers in other areas too for a more dramatic transformation. Last year, dermal fillers were one of the most popular cosmetic treatments with 2.3 million treatments performed in the U.S.

Call us today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must year round and that includes summer. Wear a high quality sunscreen every day. Dr. Matarasso recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for daily use (higher if you’ll be in the sun or if you burn easily). Don’t forget the ears! Sunscreen is one of the best ways to avoid premature skin aging and to reduce your skin cancer risk.

Improve the Appearance of Wrinkles in Minutes

Have you tried injectables? If you want to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery, try a dermal filler like Juvederm or a botulinum toxin treatment like Botox. Dermal fillers restore lost facial volume (a common sign of aging) and fill in wrinkles. Botox helps relax the muscles that cause some types of wrinkles (like crow’s feet or forehead lines) allowing them to fade away. Treatment takes just a few minutes with results that last for months. Come in for treatment today and look great all summer long.

Target Problem Skin

Do you struggle with acne or eczema? Do you have visible facial veins? Treating skin problems is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your skin. Dr. Matarasso is a highly skilled dermatologist with extensive experience treating problem skin. If you have skin problems, get help and find a solution. Call us today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Stick to a Routine

The hectic days of the summer make it easy to slip out of your skin care routine. Take time each day to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. It just takes a few minutes a day and makes a big difference in your overall appearance. What’s your skin care routine? How can you improve it this summer?

Give Your Face a Little TLC

This summer do something extra for your face; give it a little TLC. A facial, an exfoliating treatment, or laser skin resurfacing can make a big difference in your skin. We all need a little extra help now and then and it is prime time you gave your skin a little something extra.

Let’s make this summer the summer of beautiful skin. Call us today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso.