Is that MY neck?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Jennifer Park

“I’ve suddenly noticed my neck looks like it belongs to someone else…a much older someone else. What can I do about my aging neck?”

You and Nora Ephron are in good company in feeling badly about your necks! The prolific author and screenwriter summed up the situation nicely when she wrote, “Our faces are lies but are necks are the truth.”

Need more good company?  Remember in Something’s Gotta Give when Jack Nicholson says to Diane Keaton, “It’s the middle of summer, what’s with the turtlenecks?” She shrugs and responds, “I’m just a turtleneck kind of gal.” We all knew exactly why she was suffering through east coast humidity in a turtleneck!

Just like the skin covering our knees and elbows, the skin over our adam’s apples is covering a joint. And what do joints do? The move just about constantly working and stretching collagen and elastin fibers. Eventually, with age, skin stops bouncing back and we end up with that crepey look.

Here’s a better alternative to a turtleneck. A relatively new laser-like treatment, eMatrix, gives the amazing results of the most effective lasers - smoother, tighter skin, reduced lines and wrinkles and increased collagen production. Healing is optimized when used along with the collagen-firming cream Nectifirm between.  If we address this area every three weeks with approximately five eMatrix sessions total, we can literally erase that crepey texture in 3 to 4 months.

Winter is the ideal time for eMatrix sessions but it’s something you can choose any time of the year. The downtime from the treatment is minimal, usually about four days during which you may experience some redness and swelling. For the next few months you can easily cover recovering skin and protect it from sun exposure with a scarf, or dare I say, turtleneck?


And one last thought, if memory serves, Diane Keaton’s character loosens up, dresses for summer and has her pick of Jack Nicholson or Keanu Reeves.

We frequently offer nice package options for multi-session procedures, so be sure to check out our website specials page or call the office for potential upcoming offers.

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The Face in the Mirror

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Jennifer Park

Self  Assessment Can be Daunting

A quick look at our face in the mirror and we start wondering, “Where’d that frown line come from? And when did my lips disappear?”

Face in the Mirror

Appearance and the effect on life enjoyment

When we don’t like the face looking back in that mirror, it has a tremendous cascading effect on the quality and enjoyment of life. You don’t have to be a psychologist to really “get” how much appearance affects nearly every decision we make.

Self-esteem and self-confidence affect how comfortable we are relating to others, how confident we might feel about asking for a promotion or raise or a date,  demanding the expected level of service or even how likely we are to stand up for ourselves in awkward situations.

(Ever let a rude person step in front of you at the grocery store checkout because you’d prefer to stay invisible with that zit on your chin?)

No, it’s not fair

And fair or not, our appearance also affects the way we’re perceived and treated by others – as well as how we often unintentionally treat others.

Looking the best we can is not a guarantee that life will be everything we hope for, but it does take us one more step in that direction.

We’re not implying that you have to go into debt for appearance sake. There are a plethora of small steps you can take that will make big differences in how you look at yourself and also how others look at you.

Whether it’s a fresher hair style, a new lipstick, good skin care…or a resolution to smile more, there are usuallly some simple and affordable ways to tilt the balance in your favor.

 

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SilkPeel Dermal Infusion – New Twist in Microdermabrasion

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Jennifer Park

 Medical Exfoliation with the Kind Touch of SilkPeel

Microdermasion has been around a long time. And it’s stayed out front and center because exfoliating your skin has proven to provide a host of benefits.

Dead skin cells accumulate, making it hard for your pores to do their job. Dead skin cells are dull since they don’t hold moisture. Dead skin cells slow down and sometimes prevent complete product absorption. (Spending plenty on face creams and serums that sit on top of dead skin cells doesn’t equate to much value for your money!)

So, naturally, getting rid of those dead skin cells is a serious positive step in healthier and prettier skin.

What’s wrong with the old school microdermabrasion?

Old-style microdermabrasion meant “sandblasting” your skin with aluminum oxide crystals. It did exfoliate congested skin cells, but anyone with sensitive skin usually concluded it wasn’t the best idea and most people felt seriously dried out after treatment (they were!)

 Diamonds for my skin? Well, why not?

Enter the diamond tipped wands. The big advantage? Other than being kinder to your skin, there was no more sandblasting and no more aluminum particles in your hair, up your nose or in your mouth. It was a huge leap. People loved the way their skin felt and the improvements this newer accelerated exfoliation made in how their skin looked and behaved.

SilkPeel Dermal InfusionCombining Diamonds with Hydration

Now a “super system” called Silk Peel Dermal Infusion has been developed that uses the idea of the diamond tips and adds in problem-specific infusion solutions that actually improve chronic conditions – especially the California common problem of dehydrated skin.  

SilkPeel uses a gentle two-tier technology that exfoliates surface skin cells and immediately bathes the fresh surface with pressurzed infusion of skin repair products.

It’s aptly named SilkPeel because anyone who has a treatment comments on just how silky their skin feels. Adding a post-peel hyperbaric oxygen enriched serum facial (O2 Intraceuticals) elevates skin repair to a new level. 

Are SilkPeel and the O2 Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial winners? In our experience, absolutely!

 

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Mix and Match Dermatology Procedures for Appearance Uplift

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Jennifer Park

It’s seldom a single procedure that fulfills the dreams and wishes we have for looking better. Dermatology today is almost on the level of a Julia Child cookbook for creating recipes for facial rejuvenation.

Los Angeles Dermatology Before and After Photos

Mixed Procedures - Patient of Rebecca Fitzgerald MD

We have Botox and Dysport and Xeomin to relax frowns, lift droopy mouth corners, lift the brow and wipe out crows’ feet. We have fillers for plumping, filling and augmenting and lasers and laser-like technology that restore radiant skin.

Nonsurgical options abound and come to the forefront regularly…each one intended to solve or reduce the age old problems of facial aging and skin changes brought on by environmental exposure.

What makes it exciting is that the mix and match element has few boundaries, so a trained eye can “see” the ingredients that are needed and put them in play – either all at once (sometimes) – or in incremental steps (usually).

Subtle changes make big differences and the goal is to make someone look better without looking like they’ve had something “done”.

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Beauty Hype in a Bottle

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Jennifer Park

Miracle Skin Creams? – Beauty Hype

You’ve all seen the “Better than Botox?” ads. Incredible marketing! They took a trademarked name, added a question and built a financial masterpiece. Are these products better than an injectable product that took many millions of dollars to test and approve? Hint – the answer starts with No.

But, these products can help with moisturizing your skin. So if paying $139 for a small bottle of promise gets you to take better care of your skin, then maybe it’s step in the right direction.

On the serious side, the general public needs to be aware that any product that is truly bio-active can’t be sold in a store. That’s a legal ruling and controlled by the FDA. Bio active products like Botox and Dysport have been tested, studied and approved for safety and effectiveness.

The FDA is very picky. Anything that can cause actual changes in the skin structure, such as botulinum toxin to relax wrinkle-causing muscles or injectables which are used to fill wrinkles or stimulate new collagen, has to get government approval.

There are some studies going on now with topically applied botulinum toxin for crow’s feet. But this topical product, if approved, will not be an over the counter product and will be delivered in a medical setting.

So next time you see some appealing beauty hype printed on a package, remember the limitations and be aware of what you’re really buying. Any skin care regimen is better than none, but the “right” skin care regimen for your skin and lifestyle is best.

We take skin care products very seriously and go to great lengths to be certain the ones we recommend, both prescription level and medical grade level, all will do what they say.  We don’t prescribe beauty hype.

Note: With any product, prescription or otherwise, you do need to use them as directed to get the full benefit. It does little good to invest in products that reduce hyperpigmentation and then go out to the beach all day without proper sun protection. Sometimes a lifestyle change is integral to achieving what you want with your appearance. So, it could be a choice of beach or brown spots.

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Importance of Getting Your Vitamin D

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Jennifer Park

Getting Your Vitamin D

Sunshine for Vitamin DDid you know most of the Vitamin D you need is synthesized through your skin’s response to sunlight?

Many people living in the sunny areas of the country like California can get enough vitamin D from about 10-15 minutes of sun exposure on their arms and face a few times a week.

We need Vitamin D to be able to absorb calcium, grow bones and keep them properly mineralized. You’ve all heard about bone density, which is a concern for women who’ve entered menopause. Others who are more susceptible to deficiencies are the elderly, the homebound those with photo-sensitivities and dark skinned individuals.

Medical studies indicate that low serum vitamin D levels may also be related to

• increased risk of certain types of cancers

• neurological disease

• autoimmune disease

• cardiovascular disease

Studies are underway to determine optimal levels of supplemental Vitamin D that may be needed in addition to the small amounts we get from nutritional intake (few nutritional sources available).

In the meantime, we’d all be wise to consider the addition of Vitamin D to our diets. For most that is a minimum of 200 IU per day before age 50, 400 IU to age 70 and 600 IU after that. Your primary physician can recommend a proper individual dosage.

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Better Skin Proclamation from the Rebecca Fitzgerald Office Staff

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Jennifer Park

Better Skin for the New Year – What We’re Doing

Even dermatologists slip now and then when it comes to adhering to our skincare routines. So this year I’ve decided that if I’m going to make a beauty resolution (that I actually stick to), I’ll need the support of my amazing staff and the accountability of having it in print. So, we are making our proclamations together, right here. Better skin is not an accident; it’s a routine.

Clarisonic Cleansing Brush

My all time favorite!

“As all my patients know, I am a huge proponent of the Clarisonic Cleansing brush. But I’ll admit, sometimes I get out of the habit of using it twice daily. But when I do, my skincare products absorb better, my dry patches are gone and my fine lines and wrinkles are less visible. So, I’m keeping it charged and in my shower, ready to go!” Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD.

Now here’s what my staff has to say:

“I resolve to use my Obagi products more consistently – as in daily. When I do, the payoff is huge – my pores basically look non-existent.”  Marcia Currie, Business Manager

 “Not only does yoga increase flexibility and straighten body alignment, but also works to detoxify the skin. This year I plan to do it more regularly so that I feel great and my skin looks dewy and refreshed.”   Rachael Chambers, Patient Service Coordinator

“I plan to start using Latisse again every day. I miss my long thick lashes. It just made my face look so pretty. I am determined!”   Maria Figueroa, Office Manager

 “Since moist skin reflects lights and shows fewer wrinkles, my beauty resolution for 2012 is to drink more water throughout the day so my skin will stay hydrated. I’ll combine that with my daily regimen of Skinceuticals sunscreen and Revale skin care products.  Cheers to smooth and wrinkle-free skin as I venture into my 30′s!”   Leah Dela Cruz, Patient Service Coordinator

“Out of convenience, I clean my face with shampoo when I’m washing my hair. This year I will try to take the extra minute or two to use actual face wash which will be much less drying to my skin.” Mario Cornejo, Staff Photographer

“ I’m going to be ambitious and focus on my overall health and well-being.  I need to give myself the time to recharge so I stay healthy, happy, and fit. When I consistently get seven to eight hours of sleep a night, stay hydrated with water (and avoid soda), and exercise regularly, I have more energy, I’m in a happier mood, and my skin feels hydrated and looks more youthful.”   Kelsey Nagie, Patient Service Coordinator

We’re revamping our product pages to help you easily find what will work for your skin to make it better. And we’d love to hear from you what products you’ve found that make a difference for you.

What will YOU do this coming year to see better skin and enjoy it more? Hopefully we’ve inspired you to make some of your own resolutions. Here’s to a happy, healthy and beautiful new year.

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The Concealer Conundrum – Finding a 24/7 Way to Banish Under Eye Circles

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Jennifer Park

My concealer routine is taking up too much time in the morning. Do you have any longer-term solutions for under eye circles?

‘Tis the season. We’ve got the double whammy of holiday exhaustion yet wanting to look great for all of the parties and socializing. We wake up these mornings, look in the mirror and wonder if we’ve got enough concealer in the drawer to wipe out the blue. And will it stay on all day or wear off? Or will it creep into the little lines around our eyes? And how the heck can we ever get enough sleep to make a difference?

Correct Dark Under Eye Circles with RestylaneInterestingly, under eye circles are much more likely to be the result of tissue loss than pigmentation.

As we age we lose fat in many areas of our faces, even under our eyes.  The thinner tissue allows our vascular structure to be more visible – thus the appearance of dark circles.  Additionally the increasingly concave area creates the appearance of shadow.

That tissue loss happens to be a fixable element and could just banish those blue under eye circles for a long long time.

So here’s what we can do: for my patients of all ages I recommend eye cream to plump up the skin and reduce the appearance of crepiness. Dry tissue crinkles a lot more than moist. If concealers do the job, start with an eye cream first…then dab the concealer under the eye into the shadow and press it in (none of this windshield wiper action – press, press!)

If concealer is simply not going to get the job done and there is simply too much hollowing, then the next option is replacing the volume.

For a more powerful effect, dermal fillers, such as Restylane, are a simple long term option for correcting under eye circles. Fillers applied in and around the hallows will add volume to conceal the vascular structure, erase those shadows and even smooth lines.

Additional application under the brows will raise and project this area and make your Botox last twice as long. We now use a cannula in the delicate eye area rather than a needle to reduce the likelihood of bruising and make your downtime as brief as a single day.

Thankfully, you can end your search for that elusive perfect concealer.  And during this season, who has the time?

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Putting Off Cosmetic Surgery – The Filler Option

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Jennifer Park

“I’m considering cosmetic surgery but I’m not there yet. Do you have any suggestions for me while I decide?”

Considering Cosmetic Surgery ?Cosmetic surgery. Has it crossed your mind?

Most of us at one time or another think about cosmetic surgery and assume it’s something we need now or will need in the future.

I’m going to let you in on something interesting…
Your eye interprets youth without even knowing how it’s happening. It’s not lines and wrinkles or the lack of those age-reminders you’re tuning into when you perceive someone’s age. The real way the eye perceives age is by the interpretation of light and shadow

While convex areas on a youthful face reflect light, concave areas create shadow. So if we address what I call ” the three arcs of light” with dermal fillers, the results are incredibly subtle yet powerful. No one can quite figure out why you look so great. And isn’t that what we’re all after?

These arcs that I’m referring to are

  • a convex brow
  • cheeks “apple”
  • an unbroken jawline

As we age we lose volume in these areas and the brow and cheeks become flatter while the jawline starts to become less defined.

Other areas that become less convex with age are just in front of the ears, the chin, above the upper lip as well as the nose (which becomes less confluent). Bringing back fullness and definition with fillers (where you likely didn’t even know you’d lost it) is what creates the look of youth. Fillers can even allow you to “try on” an altered nose or chin shape if you’re considering surgery.

Whichever areas you’d like to address, and depending on the filler or fillers that we decide on, the results can last up to two years. And you may just like the outcome so much you decide to put off cosmetic surgery indefinitely.

Posted in Fillers & Relaxers, Volume Restoration | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Derm or the Drugstore?

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Jennifer Park

 

When should I see my derm and when can I just go to the drugstore?

I have patients in my office for all kinds of reasons. We all wear a lot of skin and there are thousands of problems with malfunctions and how skin looks. Spots, dots, wrinkles, rashes, zits… How do you decide what’s “dermatologist-visit-worthy” and what you can handle on your own?

On Your Own

  • For itching skin caused by dryness, you may just need a good body moisturizer – try Aveeno Relief, Eucerin, Cetaphil
  • Rashes – those are always debatable but if they’re short term, limited to small areas and not accompanied by fever or blisters, you can probably quell them with an over the counter cortisone cream from the drugstore.
  • Acne’s the one condition that be-devils most teens. Benzoyl peroxide to kill the acne “bug”, salicylic acid or glycolics to keep the pores unplugged. We love the new sonic cleansing brush called the Clarisonic – makes a clean sweep of makeup, the day’s dust and skin oils.
  • Spots, dots and wrinkles – Sunscreen is your best defense. Hydration makes a difference so look for lotions and creams that are fragrance free.

Laser for pigmentation

To the Derm You Go

  • Acne that persists despite your best efforts. There’s no reason to suffer for years trying to wait it out.
  • Rashes accompanied with blisters, fever or so intense nothing works. ANY rash accompanied by fever is potentially a bigger problem so see your primary doctor asap.
  • White silvery patches are a sign of psoriasis. See a derm.
  • Changing or new moles, sores that won’t heal, crusty spots that bleed. See a derm.
  • Discoloration, wrinkles, dark spots that bother you – there are prescription level products and wonderful laser and light technologies that do a fantastic fast job of blending and smoothing.
  • If in doubt – Yep, you got it…See a derm!

 

 

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