neaclear Liquid Oxygen Skin Care Products are touted
                                     as the "ultimate anti-aging regimen"

Skin Care Tip:

Office Microdermabrasion versus At-home Treatments

Microdermabrasion has become the newest Anti-aging spa treatment, but skin care companies are developing at home versions of Microdermabrasion treatments.  Clients ask, ‘Why do I need to come into the office to get a Microdermabrasion treatment, when I can do it at home for less money and achieve the same results’?

Office Microdermabrasion is performed by a licensed skin care specialist with extensive training.  The Microdermabrasion machine has two different functions, the first which includes suction to stimulate the skin and enhance collagen production.  The second function varies the intensity of the aluminum oxide crystals being penetrated onto the skin to exfoliate the skin and enhance cell turnover to minimize fine lines, wrinkles and help even out the skin tone.  These microdermabrasion treatments are to be performed every 3-4 weeks in the first 6-8 sessions, and then these treatments will be performed every 4-6 weeks apart. 

At-home Microdermabrasion creams are just a fancier exfoliation method.  Some microdermabrasion creams do contain Aluminum Oxide crystals that the Microdermabrasion machine uses.  When using microdermabrasion creams, you cleanse your skin, apply the cream and massage in, rinse off and apply your moisturizer.  Over time, you will notice improvement in the appearance of your skin looking clearer, having less fine lines, a more even appearance and younger-looking skin.  The problem is that people will over use this product and without help from a skin care specialist, you can more harm than good to your skin. 

Both microdermabrasion treatments are beneficial to the skin but the office Microdermabrasion goes deeper because of the suction and crystals buffing the skin’s surface.  Also, with the in-office Microdermabrasion treatments, you will receive a mini-facial.  This consists of cleansing the skin, applying an enzyme to open the pores, extractions to clean out the blackheads and ends with a calming mask.  Pampering yourself is very important to everyone and improving the tone of your skin and minimizing wrinkles at the same time is an added plus.

Anti-Aging Tip:

External Antioxidants

Antioxidants are our body’s defense against free radical damage and the oxidation process that causes skin damage, aging and health conditions.  Antioxidant means “against oxidation” and can be applied directly to the skin in the form of creams and serums.  Some external antioxidants include Green Tea, Vitamins C and E, Grape Seed Extract and minerals such as Selenium and Zinc.  These products, when applied topically help penetrate into the skin deeper and help reverse the free radical damage temporarily.  Some common topical ingredients include:

• Vitamin C: Also known as L-ascorbic acid is one of the best ingredients for cell rejuvenation.  Vitamin C helps to reverse signs of aging and can be applied directly to the skin in a Serum form.  Vitamin C works the best when Vitamin E is applied over it or in combination with it.
• Vitamin E:  Also know as L-tocopherol is the main free radical fighter in fatty tissues and the main defense against oxidation of lipids.  Vitamin E works best applied with Vitamin C. 
• Coenzyme Q10:  Also known as CoQ10 or Ubiquinone is found in the Mitochondria of the cells and fights against free radicals formed during metabolism. 
• Lipoic Acid:  An antioxidant that is rare because it is both water and fat soluble, which means it has similar properties to both Vitamin C and Vitamin E combined.  Lipoic Acid can also compensate for lower levels of Vitamin C in the body.
• Grape Seed Extract:  Derived from the small seeds of the red grapes that make wine.  Rich in flavonoids and phytochemicals to help fight against free radicals. 
• Green Tea:  Known for its calming properties, Green Tea also contains Epigallocatechin-Gallate (EGCG) which is a healing antioxidant.  Green tea can be drunk or used in Spas to cleanse skin post microdermabrasion treatments.

Plastic Surgery Tip:

Scar Revision Surgery

Scars are a result of wound repair in the skin and tissues of the body.  Scars are a natural healing process.  Scars can heal in many different ways, depending on your skin composition and the type of injury to cause the scar.  Unfortunately, scars cannot be completely removed, but with newer surgeries, they can be made smaller, shorter and oriented in less conspicuous directions.  Plastic surgeons are your best option to perform this type of surgery and produce the best possible results.  It is best to determine which type of scar you have to determine the course of surgery and recovery period:

• Keloid Scars:  Thick, puckered, itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the original scar and can be red or darker and are produced when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous tissue.
• Hypertrophic Scars:  These are often mistaken for Keloid scars but these scars do not spread beyond the original scar site.  These scars can be improved over a long period of time and may require injection or steroid shots. 
• Contractures:  This scar pulls the edges of skin together and may affect surrounding muscles, tendons and can even affect normal movement of the area. 
• Facial Scars:  This type of scar is considered Cosmetic because of the location of the scar.  If the scar runs along wrinkle lines, it can be repositioned to blend into wrinkles and appear less noticeable. 

After the Scar Revision surgery, your Plastic surgeon will discuss further options.  Newer lasers offer scar revision treatments in a series of 5-6 treatments.  The Laser is attracted to the redness in the skin and over time, helps to lighten the area and smooth the tone of the scar to match the skin.

To see before and after patient pictures, please click here.

During your consult with Dr. Speron, the patient will discuss their desired goals on an individual level.  Then they will further discuss the course of treatment and potential complications at the appointment time. Please check out the wealth of information on our site by clicking here. 

Make sure you chose a board certified plastic surgeon.  A call to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (ie. 1-888-475-2784) can tell you which doctors are legitimate plastic surgeons with outstanding qualifications.  You can also visit the ASPS web site at www.plasticsurgery.org. The ASPS is the only one of the 24 boards approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties that certifies physicians in plastic surgery of the face and all areas of the body. 

To help you in making your decision, please click here to check out the 7 critical questions to ask any plastic surgeon before letting them touch you!

By far, the most important factor in the success of your procedure is the surgeon you choose.  So please choose wisely...