Skin Medicas - For the Love of Lasers

Richard Fitzpatrick, M.D.; Dermatologist, GBK Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, San Diego, California; Founder, SkinMedicaI met my first laser in 1962 as a freshman at Princeton University, and as soon as I started playing with the then-brand-new argon laser in physics class, I was instantly fascinated by the fact that you could concentrate a beam of energy so perfectly. Although no one had any idea how to use this innovation at the time, I immediately saw the potential for such a device, and vowed to work with it some day.In the late 1970s, chemical peels and dermabrasion were popular anti-aging treatments, but they were fraught with problems—the main issue being that they were so uncontrollable. I began to look at the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and eventually developed the protocol for skin treatment, and from there much attention began to focus on laser skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. Among the innovations that stemmed from the principles associated with my work with the CO2 laser were the use of the erbium laser for skin resurfacing and the whole field of non-ablative, no-downtime laser treatments for improving texture and tightening skin. But the innovation that really started today’s laser revolution as we know it was the fractional laser. By taking original laser treatment principles and delivering the energy in pixels as opposed to all in one spot, we are now able to do things with light-based energy that we weren’t able to do before in a much safer manner.With today’s menu of laser offerings, we can smooth surface texture, eliminate premalignant cells, address redness caused by broken capillaries, tighten skin and improve wrinkles. Since all of these skin concerns are associated with aging, combining different laser modalities can have a profound anti-aging effect.Although lasers haven’t replaced the need for surgical procedures that eliminate excess skin (yet), the two work hand in hand to obtain optimal anti-aging outcomes. The main thing that lasers can do that surgery cannot is improve the quality of the skin, and no matter how good a surgeon is, he or she cannot reverse the damage on the surface of the skin that speaks volumes in terms of visible aging. Even more, we’ve found that laser resurfacing can actually improve the longevity of surgical results. The beauty of laser treatment is that just about everyone is a candidate, although some skin types do require greater expertise. Someone with fair skin is an “easier” candidate since there’s minimal pigment to complicate treatment, but dark skin can respond very well in the hands of an experienced doctor. Anti-aging results from laser treatments are long lasting, provided the patient takes the proper steps to protect their skin from further damage. With diligent use of sunscreen and skincare products, improvement can last up to 10 years. The key is using clinically tested (and proven) ingredients such as growth factors, retinol and antioxidants. Growth factors maintain results by stimulating the skin to repair the damage caused by incidental sun exposure (more than 5 minutes of sun each day incurs too much damage for the skin to repair itself naturally). Retinoids help eliminate irregular cells, keep pigment in check, and stimulate new collagen, and antioxidants shield skin from free radicals that cause aging changes. Vitamin C is an especially important antioxidant since it’s also necessary for collagen production, which is a primary way that laser treatment helps improve the appearance of the skin. In fact, laser treatments prompt the skin to produce new collagen for up to a year after the treatment is performed. While the anti-aging benefits of laser treatment for the face are indisputable, many patients don’t realize the potential improvement they can get on other areas of the body. The neck, chest, arms and backs of the hands can see profound improvement as well, which goes a long way to “match” the rejuvenated skin on the face—and deliver an overall more youthful appearance.

News From A Hair Never There

We are so excited to announce that we have integrated into a new
computer system and we are going green for the New Year! We are doing away with
our paper charts and you will now be filling out paperwork and checking in
electronically; because we are coming up on the New Year we are going to be updating
everyone’s information. What will this mean for you, you ask? If you would show up a few minutes early to
update your information on our new Electronic Sign in we would appreciate it!
Thank you for your patience and understanding.

2011 The Yeat of the 1's

Or as we like to refer to them as the moderate to severe frown lines between the
brows; for a limited time we would like to offer you $50 off your next Botox
Treatment. Bring in the New Year with a rejuvenated,
younger looking you. Call today and schedule your appointment while supplies last!
Good through December 31, 2011. Start 2012 with a new you.

TNS Eye Repair

The skin around the eyes is some of the most delicate skin
on the body. TNS Eye Repair is great
for both AM and PM use. It is a rich
cream that is made with Human Fibroblasts, peptides, and vitamins A, C and E to
repair damaged tissue in and around the orbital bone. Come in today and ask
about our VIP Glisten and Glow Event to receive this product and so much more!
Only while supplies lasts!

Collagen the Youth Protein- SkinMedica's Beauty Talk

Think of collagen like a thick rope similar to those found on ships. The strands are tightly intertwined and strong, which helps it keep its form. Over time, the individual fibers begin to break, the rope frays and it begins to lose its strength. In our skin, collagen literally plays a supporting role, lending structure to the skin, and maintaining its smooth, line-free, youthful appearance.A protein that occurs naturally in most animals, collagen is the primary connective tissue found in the skin, muscles and tendons—and makes up the framework for all soft tissues. But collagen gets a lot of attention in terms of the aging process, and its decline is the main culprit for fine lines, wrinkles and furrows.Collagen is abundant in young skin, and its rate of production is able to keep up with the rate of its degradation until about the age of 25. At this point, collagen begins to be destroyed faster than it can be replaced, which leads to telltale signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The symptoms of collagen loss become more apparent around the age of 45, when the skin becomes significantly thinner, more fragile and further susceptible to damage due to changes in hormone levels.Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main culprit for the breakdown of collagen, as it damages the actual structure of the protein as well as the DNA of the fibroblasts—the component of the skin responsible for producing collagen. Other factors that contribute to collagen damage include excessive heat and cold, the stress hormone cortisol (which is also produced when a person gets too little sleep), smoking, poor nutrition, and, of course, free radicals.Free radicals are created by UV light, pollution and other environmental factors. They damage cells by stealing electrons and creating an unstable environment. As one electron is stolen, another free radical is created, and this vicious cycle contributes to the breakdown of all cells in the body (including collagen). Antioxidants have extra electrons to “donate,” which stop the cycle and create stability. This is why a skincare regimen that includes antioxidants—as well as a nutritious diet—is essential for preventing the breakdown of collagen.The good news is, you can preserve the naturally occurring collagen in your skin by shielding it from environmental aggressors like the sun and cigarette smoke along with a proper skincare regimen. Sun protection, antioxidants and extra hydration go a long way for making your skin’s environment healthier and less damaging.Repairing damaged collagen is easier said than done, which is why the best way to preserve collagen levels is to stimulate collagen production. Fibroblasts are skin cells that play a vital role in this process. A proper skincare regimen can keep collagen production going, and there are a variety of ingredients that have been proven to jumpstart the fibroblasts, and speed up their collagen output. Retinoids are able to help increase skin-cell turnover, increase collagen production, penetrate the skin and get down to where the fibroblasts reside, which is why an over-the-counter retinol or prescription retinoid is essential for keeping skin in great shape. Another key collagen producing ingredient is vitamin c, in addition to being an antioxidant that helps prevent free radical damage, vitamin C has been shown to increase the skin’s collagen production as well.There are also in-office treatments that can help boost collagen production. Hyaluronic acid injectable fillers like Juvéderm have been found to not only plump up wrinkles instantly, but can also prompt the skin to produce collagen. When placed in areas of the face where skin needs thickening, the body senses the filler and responds by producing new collagen in those areas.Another collagen-stimulating treatment is laser resurfacing, especially with fractional lasers. The laser energy penetrates the skin and causes thermal injury in the lower layers of the dermis, which in turn triggers the skin to produce collagen as part of the wound healing process.More than a mere protein, collagen is responsible for the skin’s youthful appearance and it’s never too early to start protecting it. Maintaining the skin’s collagen levels can help prevent visible signs of aging, keep skin healthy, beautiful and at its best for years to come.

VIP Glisten and Glow

EXCLUSIVE VIP EVENT

Hydrating Complex

Does your skin ever feel like it needs that extra drink of
water? Introducing Hydration Complex;
the new way to lock in moisture without changing your moisturizer! This product is pure hyaluronic acid that
bonds the natural hydration in your skin.
It can be used before you moisturize to increase hydration leaving your
skin supple and fresh!