Posted on Sun, Jul 18, 2010
If you wish to turn back the hands of time, there is now a new weapon in your arsenal in the form of one of the hottest “liquid face lifts” on the market.
Available in Europe for a decade and recently approved by the FDA for use in the U.S., Sculptra cosmetic filler is a "poly-L-lactic acid" injectable dermal filler that builds collagen, correcting shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds. (Poly-L-lactic acid is made in a laboratory and contains no animal products and no human DNA.)
There are some really fantastic facial fillers on the market, the two most popular are Restylane and Juvederm. (See earlier SkinHealth blog post: Facial-Fillers-Changing-the-Game.)
What makes Sculptra unique is that:
- It builds facial volume gradually, generally over three months to create a soft, natural, more youthful re-contouring of the face.
- It lasts longer. Sculptra lasts approximately 2 years once the series of treatments is completed. Generally one maintenance treatment a year is needed so you don't completely return to your original volume.
Not surprisingly, Sculpta costs more. So your personal goals and the longevity benefits should be weighed in consultation with a trained physician in dermining best non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment.
Sculptra is best for adding volume to:
- Hollow cheeks
- Softening boney cheekbones
- Nasolabial and melolabial folds (nose to mouth/mouth to chin)
- Hollow chin area
- Defining the jawline
- Hollow temples
- Some body sites
Safety:
Sculptra is a safe injectable when used correctly. That is, it has to be done by a trained aesthetic doctor, dermatologist, plastic surgeon or RN (with physician supervision). Patients must also be sure to follow all the office recommendations regarding massage and any post care.
See for yourself:
Visit SkinHealth Centers for:
Posted on Wed, Jun 30, 2010
Sunshine, heat and humidity can easily damage delicate skin cells and pores. Follow these tips to keep your skin healthy and glowing during the summer months.
Exfoliate regularly: Exfoliate a couple times a week, to keep skin clean and smooth but but do not scrub over sunburn or sore skin.
Perspiration and oil increase in the warm weather causing a fast accumulation of dead cells. Exfoliation will remove dull layer of dead sells, allow lotion to better penetrate.
*Keep up Cleansing Routines: Oily to normal skins will find that a gentle cleansing wash will keep the skin feeling fresh.
*Try Lighter Moisturizer: Thick creams which can protect the skin from wind and cold become too heavy in the summer time.
*Use Natural Cosmetics: Lighter, mineral-based make-up with SPF will give you a healthy glow.
*Use Sunscreen: Block both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Apply before you go out and then every couple hours. Remember clouds don't block the rays!
*Go for the faux: Minimize your chances of wrinkles, age spots, and skin cancer by skipping the suntan altogether and opting for a natural spray-tan.
Cover Up: Not head to toe necessarily, but consider donning a wide-brimmed hat and sun glasses and perhaps a long sleeve shirt. Note: Morning and evening are best for face tanning.
Bring on the Balm: Be sure to wear a broad spectrum sun-protective lip balm to keep lips sun-safe and supple.
Stay Hydrated: Even though you may not be thirsty, drink lots of water, 5-8 glasses a day. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables too.
_____________________________
Cleansers & moisturizers with vital anti-oxidant nutrients -- the most potent weapon against "photoaging"
Award-winning Sunscreens.
_________
Products available at all Skinhealth Centers locations.
Also available: Mineral Make-up and natural ingredient Spray Tans.
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Tune into NECN (New England Cable News)7:30pm on Wednesday, June 23rd
Channel 6 or 810 for HD
SkinHealth Centers is featured in the "Fashion Forward" segment.
Go behind the scenes with Cheryl Clarkson, the Founder of SkinHealth, to watch as three patients receive a make-over with the help of Daniel Townsend, MD and Kathryn Russo, RNP.
You will witness years dropping from their appearance thanks to the magic of Botox, Dysport, and dermal fillers Juvederm Ultra Plus and Perlane.
See their before and afters!!!!
Re-airs:
Friday June 25th at 3pm
Sunday June 27th at 2am
Posted on Fri, Jun 11, 2010
For those of you who have heard about Botox, but don't know what it involves, maybe afraid to ask, this post provides the "Cliffs Notes" on the what, how and results.
You can also link to a Botox Patient Video on the SkinHealth Centers website for more detailed information in 3D animation.
BOTOX® Cosmetic, the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure performed, is used to treat facial lines and wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, and lines around the neck. With little downtime and almost immediate results, BOTOX® Cosmetic can help you restore a smoother, more youthful appearance to the face.
Procedure Preparation
Prior to your procedure, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed. As the procedure is typically not very painful, an anesthetic is not usually administered.
Muscle Contraction
In addition to factors such as age, sun exposure, and heredity, one of the primary causes of facial lines and wrinkles is repetitive muscle contraction.
Before performing the injections, the physician will ask you to contract your facial muscles in the desired treatment area in order to determine the precise injection sites. The entire procedure typically takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes, but may vary depending on the number of desired treatment areas.
Injections
Using an ultra fine needle, the physician will inject small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into the facial muscles along the treatment areas. If an anesthetic has not been administered, you may feel a slight stinging or burning sensation during the procedure.
How it Works
Once BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the treatment area, the toxin enters the nerve and cleaves a special protein along the nerve membrane that is necessary for acetylcholine to bind properly. As a result, acetylcholine cannot bind to the nervemembrane and is not released. Without the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, facial muscles are unable tocontract and are temporarily paralyzed, giving the face a smooth, less wrinkled appearance.
Recovery
You will typically be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. You may notice some redness, minorswelling or bruising, or numbness around the injection sites.
Results
You will most likely begin to notice the results within a few days following the procedure. As the muscles in the treatment area are unable to contract, the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles will decrease. The results from a single procedure last approximately three to four months after which you can receive subsequent injections to maintain the desired results.
See Botox Patient Video for more detailed information in 3D animation.
SkinHealth Centers has one of New England's premiere Botox physicians. He is a certified instructor for Botox and has trained many other physicians in the proper injection techniques.
Posted on Tue, Jun 08, 2010
No not me...what you thought adults don't get acne or you didn't have acne as an adolescent but bummed because you do now.
You are not alone - adult acne affects 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women at some time in their adult lives...in their 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond.
Adult Acne Causes
Acne is a medical condition and there are many myths about what the culprit is - consuming chocolate, caffeine, greasy foods or not washing enough. Truth be told, no one knows exactly what causes it, but most experts agree there are several related factors that may aggravate the condition including:
- Hormones
- Certain Drugs (e.g., lithium, steroids)
- Genetics
- Stress
- Environment
- Certain Comedogenic Products (pore clogging)
Acne Scars and Treatments
The good news: In most cases, adult acne can be successfully addressed with the right treatments and medications.
Acne can often lead to permanent skin damage and scarring commonly known as acne scars. However these can be removed. The treatment depends on the severity of the scars. Here's a snapshot.
Whatever you do, the first and most important thing is to consult with your dermatologist in determining what the best regime is for your skin.
Posted on Fri, Jun 04, 2010
Twenty years ago you'd have to "go under the knife" for a facelift to get rid of wrinkly, sagging skin. Dermal facial fillers have changed the game.
Fillers restore volume and fullness to the skin to correct facial wrinkles and folds - effecting a more natural, younger-looking appearance
Restylane & Juvederm, the two popular
most facial fillers, appropriate for most uses,
can take years off your facial appearance.
Lunch Filler:
Filler procedures can generally all be done during
lunch, with no invasive 
surgery, little recovery time and at reasonable cost.
What's the catch? Dermal fillers are temporary (6-12 months). However, this can also be viewed as a benefit. There is no going back after cosmetic or plastic surgery!
How They Work:
Just as its name implies: an injectable dermal filler is a substance which can be injected under your skin via a syringe.
The filler effectively raises the outlying skin so that wrinkles and creases on your face get "filled in" and disappear.
Another use for injectable fillers is to alter the shape of specific face features, e.g.,
- cheeks
- chin
- brow
- eyelids
- lips (see previous post on "Lip Augumentation")
These subtle yet effective improvements can give you a more balanced and better proportioned face.
Filler Types and Brands
There are several types and brands of facial fillers. What's right for you depends on the area being treated and your particular anatomy.
HYALURONIC ACID- BASED FILLERS
Smooth-consistency gels made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in your skin.
- Restylane, safely by used dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons since 1996 worldwide, contains a unique technology that helps to maintain the effect until the injected material is almost gone.
- JUVÉDERM® Ultra uses a unique manufacturing process for long-lasting results. It also creates a smooth consistency for a natural look and feel.
See HYALURONIC FACIAL FILLERS PATIENT VIDEO
CALCIUM-BASED FILLERS
The most widely used brand Radiesse is best suited for deep dermal injections and may require administration of some local anesthetic prior to treatment.
COLLAGEN REPLACEMENT
Sculptra Aesthetic, recently approved by the FDA and relatively expensive, is a long acting facial filler that builds collagen and works to gradually and subtly correct shallow to deep facial wrinkles and folds.
One can even have a Liquid Facelit, a technique that uses various dermal fillers and injectables (like Botox and Dysport - without the need for surgery.
(Look for upcoming posts on liquid faceLift and more on the specific types and brands of fillers.)
Posted on Tue, May 25, 2010
Did you know that up to 90 percent of
the visible changes commonly 
attributed to aging are caused by the sun?
So, if you find yourself heading outside frequently, and who doesn't, you need to take basic steps to prevent sun damaged skin and more than that, against skin cancer.
Some key facts you should know about the effects of the sun on your skin and sun protection.
Tanning:
The skin's reaction or defense to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Sun Damaged Skin:
UV rays from the sun and tanning beds can cause DNA mutations that can result in skin cancer.
Damaging Forms of Sunlight:
The forms of sunlight that can cause sun damage and contribute to skin cancer are the invisible waves of ultraviolet light classified as UVA and UVB.
- UVA does more damage because it penetrates much deeper. UVA is the same strength year round, penetrating through windows, light clothing. Ultraviolet radiation (UVA) is a proven human carcinogen, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- UVB rays penetrate the top layer of the skin and can cause sunburn.
SUNSCREEN FACTS:
SPF and UVB Protection:
An SPF factor in sunscreens refers to UVB protection. SPF 30 means you can stay in the sun 30 times longer that you could without sunscreen.
UVA Protection:
Sunscreen ingredients that protect against UVA rays include: Micronized Zinc Oxide, Micronized titanium Oxide and Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)
MAXIMUM PROTECTION:
Broad Spectrum Sunscreens contain protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
THREE SIMPLE GUIDELINES:
Whenever you are going to be outside to protect against sun damaged skin:
- Apply your broad spectrum sunscreen early (e.g., 15 to 30 minutes before you go out)
- Reapply after going in the water or excessive sweating and otherwise every two hours.
- Don't be fooled by cloudy days.
For more information, view this educational video on sunscreen.
___________________________________
Skinhealth Centers Sunscreen Special
Purchase Two SkinHealth Broad Spectrum Sunscreens
and Choose a Free Sun Hat!
Buy any two of these SkinHealth sunscreens
- Face and Body
- Face and Body MAX
- SPF45 Anti-aging
And take your choice of a Riviera or Kauii sun hat
... in one of three colors.
No Substitutions; One per customer; May not be combined with other offers
Offer expires 5-29-2010
Posted on Thu, May 20, 2010
Have you heard of
LATISSE® , the prescription drug applied to the base of eyelashes to generate longer, thicker and darker lashes. LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% is the first and only prescription treatment approved by the FDA for inadequate or not enough eyelashes, growing them longer, fuller and darker.
The Brooke Shields' "Secret to Longer Lashes
Her great eyelashes didn't just happen overnight. Brooke Shields, as an active spokesmodel, took a treatment journey to demonstrate the Latisse effect. It worked gradually and remarkably - with initial results at 4 to 8 weeks and with full results after 16 weeks.
Visit SkinHealthCenters.com for more Latisse before and after images.
The first key step to longer lashes with LATISSE® is a Consultation: At the minimum, your first prescription should be obtained from a board-certified ophthalmologist, dermatologist or plastic surgeon who can have a quality consultation reviewing the pros and possible side effects of the medication, e.g. eye irritation, unlikely scenario for blue eyes to get darker. One prescription box of Latisse lasts about two months.
If you live in the Boston area, contact SkinHealth Centers to arrange a consultation with a board-certified, Harvard-Trained dermatologist or plastic surgeon.
How it works:
It's a once-a-day treatment you apply topically to the base of your upper eyelashes. Patients in a clinical trial saw results in as few as 8 weeks with full results after 12 to 16 weeks.
Permanence:
The effects of Latisse remain only as long as the product is used. It must be applied every day in the initial 16 weeks of treatment in order to see the complete and optimal lash growth effects. Many patients begin a maintenance phase after those initial 4 months, applying the product every 2 to 3 days to maintain the effect, however the current recommended dosing instructions advise daily use of Latisse, even after the initial 16-week period.
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To celebrate OVER 1 MILLION LATISSE® BOTTLES SOLD...
there is a LATISSE ANNIVERSARY REBATE!
When you fill a Latisse prescription,
you can receive $50 off Botox and/or
$50 off Juvederm XC
Note this offer is only inclusive of Juvederm XC-the new Juvederm with lidocaine for X-tra C-omfort
Schedule your treatment or consultation at a SkinHealth Center.
Boston 617-267-7546
Wellesley 781-431-788
Chestnut Hill 617-232-7095
Offer expires May 29th, 2010
Posted on Tue, May 18, 2010
Spray tanning (also called airbrush tanning) has
become a hit these days as an
alternative to sun tanning or sunbathing. It is the new way to get gorgeous brown skin color. This is a sunless UV free tan. It is sprayed directly onto your skin all over your body with a low pressure spray gun.
The fear of skin cancer has caused people to choose this way of tanning. Besides this terminal disease other risks include premature aging, which means you can get wrinkles quicker, and also skin damage.
For best results- an even, natural, lasting tan -- spray tanning should be done by a professional medical aesthetician in a controlled environment. Essentially, the aesthetician will spray or hand apply your spray that will leave you with a tan that will continue to darken for a few hours and last 5 to 10 days depending on your skin type.
Before Application
- Ideally, the night before your appointment, cleanse and exfoliate your body to remove dead skin cells that would otherwise result in the premature fading of the spray tan
- Do not wear too much makeup to your appointment
- Avoid moisturizers and deodorants as they can reduce the effectiveness of the tanning solution
- Wear loose fitting, dark colored clothing.
After Application
- Avoid the following for at least 5 hours.
- Water
- Saunas/Spas
- Physical Exercise/Sweating
- Swimming
- Tight Fitting Clothing - Use Sunscreen
- Tanning solutions do not provide any useful protection against harmful
UV rays.
- Apply a full spectrum sunscreen (that protects against UVA
and UVB rays) 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, with additional
applications every 30 minutes or so, depending on your level of
activity.
Make a Pledge:
NOT TO USE TANNING BEDS
AND
Receive a SkinHealth Spray Tan for Free
(normal price $65.00)
With a contribution for Melanoma Research to the MGH Cancer Center
Minimum Contribution of $25 suggested
Posted on Wed, May 12, 2010
Okay, Listen Up Gentlemen! Laser hair removal is not just for ladies anymore. It's a popular solution for excessive hair on the back, upper arms, chest, and neck.
It's not all about vanity either. You may want a cleaner, well groomed appearance minus the hassle that comes with it. In other words, you want it thinned out, not removed. Other than electrolysis, laser hair removal is the only hair removal treatment that allows for thinning, rather than complete removal.
To wit, laser hair removal on the neckline can actually cut down the number of haircuts a man requires over the course of a year. Most often, the reason for a haircut in the first place is to get rid of the "scruff" around the neck.
Comedian Brody Stevens in a hilarious video "True Confessions: Laser Hair Removal" confesses his facial hair disaster and how laser hair removal changed his life.
Laser hair removal targets the melanin (the dark pigment that gives hair its color), as the melanin absorbs the laser's light, the resulting heat basically kills the surrounding hair follicles.
While the average man needs five to seven sessions, as men age, more hair grows, especially on their backs. As such, touch-up laser hair removal treatments are usually needed on average once a year.
Before and after pictures illustrate treatment results.
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SkinHealth Centers - Premium Laser Hair Removal Special for May
For the most advanced, professional laser hair removal in the Greater Boston area for men as well as women, look no further than SkinHealth Centers in Boston on Newbury Street, Wellesley and Chestnut Hill. Take advantage of an amazing, one-time May special to remove that unwanted hair once and for all!!
Series of 6 treatments
* Bikini and Underarms $1,999 ($3,450 value), or
* Whole legs and underarms $3,675 ($6,750 value), or
* Whole legs, bikini, underarms $4,900 ($8,700 value)