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The latest issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal includes a scientific study about how gender affects facial wrinkling.  Research was conducted by plastic surgeons in the Netherlands.

But let’s just get to the point shall we?  Here are the documented reasons women wrinkle earlier and more severely than men:

1. If you’re a woman, the skin surrounding your mouth has fewer sweat and sebaceous glands, which are important for hydration and skin fullness.
2. You also may have fewer blood vessels in the same area.
3. The muscular fibers surrounding the orifice of a woman’s mouth are also more closely attached, which causes an “inward traction” and therefore, deeper wrinkles.

Read more on the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website.

Hair is sexy isn’t it? That’s especially true when it’s on top of your head. Anywhere else, it’s another matter entirely. These days, there are many ways to remove hair from your face, legs, back, arms and even underarms.

Shaving, plucking, electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, depilatories, and electrolysis are all options that temporarily remove body hair. The only permanent and effective treatment to remove unwanted hair is with laser hair removal.

Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin. The dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles absorbs the laser beam. Initial hair reduction is seen immediately after treatment. Permanent results require repeated treatments because of the hair growth cycles.

There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove unwanted hair. The first lasers approved for hair reduction by FDA were the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. But these could only be used on select individuals – not those with tans or ethnic skin.

The newest lasers – our YAG laser for example – have longer wavelengths and therefore, the ability to treat darker skin types, including African-American skin, Asian skin, and those with a tan. One of the biggest benefits is the convenience; immediately following your hair removal treatment you can return to work, school or any of your regular activities.

People have called it “the ultimate acid test,”but we like to refer to it as a facial peel.  Today’s advanced peels have made the aesthetic results outstanding. Now, peels can actually tighten the skin as they peel away layers and brighten sun-damaged skin. Yes, you do need to be prepared to undergo some tingling upon application (less discomfort than waxing), outlay some money and be out of action for three days, but the results will be worth it – your skin will never look better!

Everyone will comment that you glow. Your skin will look dewy and soft, because let’s face it ladies, at age 50 your skin doesn’t look dewy without doing something! So if you’re not ready for surgery this is the best place to start by trying a safe and effective treatment under medical supervision.

To prepare for the peel and get the best results, you should begin using a range of day and night medical grade skin care products. They can stimulate collagen production and cell turnover and put some elasticity back in your skin.
Plan ahead and be ready to hunker down for three days (post-peel) with some wine, old movies, TIVO or DVR some of your favorite shows, catch up on some good books or magazines and have some great food in the fridge – be prepared not to answer the door unless you know who it is. By day five, you should be wearing makeup again and be resuming your normal activities.

At Plastic Surgery Experts we use TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and the special Obagi ‘blue peel.’ These peels work to reduce the appearance of facial blemishes, wrinkles and uneven skin pigmentation.  Call us for more information.

The Visia Complexion Analysis System does! This amazing photographic system gives you and your doctor a closer look at what’s happening with your skin. It uses ultraviolet and polarized light to look deep into the skin, showing things happening underneath can’t be seen with the naked eye, or even with a magnifying glass.

The machine takes two photos of a patient’s skin. The first one is a highly magnified view of the visible skin — the “Epidermis” — showing visible fine lines, wrinkles, pores, brown spots and unevenness of skin damage.  The second photo is taken under ultraviolet light and goes even deeper under the skin to show the “Dermis” and what is developing underneath the outer layers.  It’s great for discovering indicators of sun damage that may lead to more wrinkles and spots in the coming years.

Jackie is a 32-year-old mother of two and an avid sun worshipper who admits to wearing as little sun block as possible —SPF 15 on her nose and under her eyes, “because I want to look healthy and tan,” she says. Using the Visia Complexion Analysis System, her doctor could show her exactly the damage those years in the sun have caused. Jackie’s refusal to wear sunscreen, constant sun bathing and squinting may cause premature wrinkles, fine lines, and spots. These issues may be deep within the dermis, and may eventually come to the surface.  Before she develops dangerous skin problems like actinic keratoses, Jackie should speak to a doctor about her sun exposure.

Betsy is 55 years old and hates the brown spots that have started appearing on the sides of her face and forehead. She has asked her friends if their skin looks splotchy too and wants to know what all those dark spots are. Worried, Betsy decided to ask her doctor, who explained that Betsy’s discoloration is from her skin cells secreting a pigment called melanin. When you tan, melanin comes to the surface to alter your complexion. Age spots are basically a buildup of pigment from years of sun exposure that continue to grow. They are normally found on the surface of our skin as flat or slightly raised brown spots, but in some cases the damage can go deeper.

Using the Visia Complexion Analysis System, the doctor can tell that Betsy has been wearing sunscreen. Betsy tells the doctor that she has been using SPF 15 for years, which is encouraging, but she still exhibits some long-term sun damage.  The doctor takes the second Visia photo to look even deeper into the dermis, which reveals many more sunspots that eventually will come to the surface. Betsey will need to increase her sun protection factor (SPF) and make sure it covers both UVA and UVB rays.

For more information on Visia Complexion Analysis in Illinois and Indiana, and how you can benefit from this technology, contact us.

Has your body weight or size fluctuated? Maybe you’ve noticed stretch marks around your thighs, hips, stomach, or breasts.  These could be permanent, but thanks to medical advances there are treatment options available to significantly reduce their appearance.

As the warmer weather is upon us and we wear less clothing, it’s time to reveal the skin that has been hidden under our clothes all winter and spring.  Is that a frightening thought? Don’t despair: we’re with you on this – you don’t need stretch marks to ruin your summer. 

Here are some simple solutions to get your skin in warm weather shape, so you too can be comfortable enough to enjoy all the warm weather activities.

Laser Resurfacing has become more precise in recent years and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks after a series of treatments.  The laser zaps the top layer of skin and stimulates collagen production deep within the skin’s layers. This helps remove uneven skin tone, scars and other skin problems on the skin’s surface and restores your skin to a much healthier state.

Fractional Non-ablative Laser Most doctors agree that once stretch marks are white, a fractional non-ablative laser is a very effective treatment. It feels like rubber band snaps on the skin, your doctor will either recommend prescription-strength ibuprofen, acetaminophen and/or topical anesthetic. Most patients will need 4 or 5 treatments, every six to eight weeks. You can expect to improve the texture of stretch marks by nearly 50% after completing a series of treatments. 

Microdermabrasion Treatments are another effective method for treating stretch marks. This procedure buffs away the top layer of skin and also stimulates collagen production. Most patients need between 3-6 treatments to see a noticeable difference, but it is still cost effective and the results are pretty stellar.

Prescription Retinoids are the only topical products that have been demonstrated to be effective for treating and improving stretch marks in the early stages. For red stretch marks, a retinoid cream applied daily for six months has been shown to improve the appearance by about 14%. For white stretch marks, color will not be restored but a prescription strength retinoic cream can help even out texture. As always, talk directly to your doctor about the benefits, the method of use and any risks. For example, you shouldn’t be using retinoids while either pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Other non-invasive skin treatments, such as chemical peels and/or prescription topicals used in combination with microdermabrasion treatments, can help improve the texture and tone of your skin. Consult with us further about skin care and stretch mark removal treatments, so you can get that body ready for this summer’s season.

Summer in the Midwest is lovely.  It’s when we head to the beach, take the kids to the pool, barbeque with our friends, and enjoy the warm weather. Meanwhile, protecting your skin from the sun and choosing the right treatments can prevent premature aging to keep you healthy and looking your best. If you’re heading out for some fun in the sun this summer, here are some skin management tips and rejuvenation methods that can keep you looking hot while you’re out in the hot sun.  

If your skin is in need of rejuvenation, a few microdermabrasion treatments each year can make a big difference.  Microdermabrasion removes the top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, healthy layer underneath. It also stimulates collagen production, which improves skin elasticity.  It’s an easy procedure, and it can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even some forms of skin damage.  If you use skin products (we recommend medical grade), it can increase penetration, so your daily skin care regimen is more effective.  For many patients, this combination of at-home skin care and microdermabrasion is all it takes to achieve smoother, more silky looking skin. 

If you exhibit age spots, zap them away with the Pearl laser or Chemical Peel. Rejuvenate your skin while reducing or removing age spots. 

Professional Facials are another great way to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, and they feel great! If you don’t need an intensive treatment but want to freshen up your look, a facial may be the right treatment choice.

Sunscreen is important any time of year, but especially during these hot summer months. Choosing the right sunscreen for your face – one that addresses your skin type and skin conditions – is not always easy.  Use a sunscreen every day. For days spent mostly indoors, use a foundation with an SPF15 or higher. For outdoors you want at least an SPF45 that is waterproof or water-resistant. The right sunscreen can prevent sun damage, skin problems, and even skin cancer.  Harmful UV rays can damage skin cells deep within the skin’s surface, making your cells vulnerable to toxins (free-radicals) in the environment. We can help you select the right sunscreen for your skin.

Self conscious about unwanted facial or body hair? Laser hair removal can erase excess hair to keep your skin looking smooth and buff, reducing the need for shaving and waxing. 

Let us help you maintain the health of your skin. Come visit us at Plastic Surgery Experts to find out which treatment will work best for your skin type; then look forward to looking hot all summer long!

Have spots appeared on your forehead, chest or the sides of your face? Have you heard that in many cases, facial imperfections of this type can be easily treated and minimized?

Skin blotches are fairly common, and you’ll be happy to know that we carry the Obagi® therapeutic skin care line as a possible remedy. Many people are aware of Obagi® products, but not everyone knows that Obagi is the top skin care line sold exclusively to physicians.

Obagi® has gained a reputation for effectiveness with its Nu Derm® System, also known as Corrective and Enhance®, which smoothes fine lines, fades brown spots and fixes other skin imperfections in just a few months.

Throughout a person’s life, dark spots and uneven skin tone can affect skin on the face.  A ‘mask’ might even appear over the nose and cheek area, especially after a pregnancy or birth control use. Obagi Clear™ has prescription strength Hydroquinone to correct discoloration and equalize skin tones. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient used for its “fading” properties, which proactively correct the early signs of damage by regulating the cell production that is responsible for skin pigment.

Obagi skin care products are prescription strength, and far more effective than any over-the-counter product.  They are specially formulated to achieve a desired end, and they’ve become a real way to get visibly dramatic results. Obagi® is a medical grade skin care program, so speaking with a physician like Dr. Dreyfuss is necessary before purchasing.

Why put it off any longer? If you want to lighten those dark spots on your face, chest and hands with Clear™ or if you’re interested in other Obagi® products, give us a call at (815) 806-9400 or request a free consultation here. You’ll look better and then you feel so much better about your one and only face.

If you know someone who has pigmentation problems, have them get in touch with us. We now know if this type of problem goes untreated and if sun exposure continues, these areas can darken to the point where even make up won’t cover them up. Anyone that has wrestled with these problems should know this firsthand.