Plastic surgery isn’t always the go-to answer for everyone, and not just because of the discomfort, cost and recovery time. Plus, we’re often not in need of such an invasive procedure, just yet. Still, we find ourselves looking in the mirror on occasion, thinking, “Isn’t there something to tighten and shape this skin, soften the wrinkles and lines and maybe, just maybe, renew my confidence?” There is, and its name, is Thermage.

Thermage is a unique procedure that employs radiofrequency (RF) technology to tighten and contour the skin. Right now, Thermage is #1 in patient demand, in part, because it is a non-invasive treatment that can be done in approximately one hour with no recovery time. Your friends and co-workers (even your family) will wonder how you found the time to “go on vacation” and ask how it is that you look so rested and rejuvenated.

The first signs of aging are usually seen in the face, neck and hands due to a loss of collagen. Thermage works to stimulate your body’s own natural stores of collagen, the very thing responsible for keeping skin youthful looking. Your skin is made up of three distinct layers; the epidermis (or outer layer); dermis (beneath the surface); and the subcutaneous tissue (the “fat layer” with its web of collagen fibers) and Thermage works to heat these layers, tightening existing collagen and helping the body to form new collagen. Unlike other methods available, Thermage renews collagen in the dermis and the subcutaneous layer. No surgery, no injections and no downtime.

Thermage has been approved by the FDA and is considered by Dermatologists to be the safest and most effective non-invasive method of tightening and contouring the skin. Thermage can be used to treat the entire face or specific parts of the body and works on all skin colors and types. Currently, more than 500,000 Thermage treatments are performed in 80 countries. Because of its reputation, you can feel confident, knowing that compared to other treatments, Thermage has the longest history of safety and effectiveness.

While other laser procedures require four or more sessions and repeat visits, patients who opt for the Thermage treatment have just one office visit. Some patients get an immediate response, but everyone gets improvement as the body responds to its own natural collagen rebuilding process during the following two to six months. Doctors and patients have also reported that the results can last years.

That magic wand we’ve all been looking for to take care of crow’s feet, tired looking eyes, that excess flap of skin that shows up on the upper eyelid and that crepe-y tissue paper appearance of the skin in that area? Thermage has the first only FDA clearance for non-invasive eyelid treatments, smoothing the skin on the eyelids, reducing under eye.

sagging and giving you brighter looking eyes that appear lifted and less tired. Your hands can receive the same treatment, resulting in the thicker, smoother skin of your younger years. In addition to the long-lasting results of smoother skin on your face, hands and neck, Thermage can also treat other parts of the body, such as the tummy, arms, thighs and buttocks.

Thanks to Thermage, you can have it all: wisdom, grace, experience AND younger, smoother looking skin. And everybody… is happy about that.

For more information please contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care at 661.254.3686 or visit www.CreatingBeauty.com.

Acne is caused by infected oil glands. Normally the oil glands provide necessary moisture to the outer layer of the skin by covering the skin with a fine layer of oil called sebum, but when this oil becomes too thick and sticky, it cannot be efficiently discharged through the pores. When this occurs the sebum begins to accumulate under the skin at the base of the hair follicle where it hardens restricting the natural flow of oil. This hardened sebum is a great place for bacteria to accumulate causing an infection. The hardening of the sebum is often caused by normal hormone level variations as occurs in teenagers and with menstrual cycle changes.

Acne can appear in different forms and severity. Whiteheads are deeper and completely enclosed under the opening of the pore and the surrounding skin is not inflamed. There are also papules, which are small and inflamed but lack the “head” that characterizes whiteheads. Pustules are large red and inflamed bumps capped by a crown of whitish pus protruding from the opening of the pore. Blackheads usually result if the pores’ opening is somewhat larger and is almost entirely confined to the pore itself without surrounding redness. Deep subsurface blockages can create cysts which are usually larger, more tender, and more difficult to treat than any other kind of acne.

Treatments for acne are determined by the severity or grade of the acne. Grade 1 is the mildest type of acne consisting of non-inflamed whiteheads and blackheads.

Grade 2 acne is the most common type of acne experienced by most teenagers. These outbreaks usually consist of whiteheads and blackheads as well as minimally inflamed papules and pustules.

Grade 3 acne is regarded as severe exhibiting not only whiteheads and blackheads but also deep, inflamed papules and pustules as well.

Grade 4 acne is the most severe form of outbreak and is technically known as cystic acne. It is characterized by deeply embedded cysts and large pustules.

New and exciting treatments for acne are being developed all the time, including a new prescription topical medication that is so effective many patients will no longer need to take oral medications.

For more information contact Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Care at 661.254.3686 or visit www.CreatingBeauty.com

However, as acne never gives up, neither can its possessor and in order to fight those pesky pimples, a daily skin care regimen must be followed. The repetition of a product regimen is a vital component to beautiful skin and once the right combination is discovered, acne can be controlled and skin will become clear.

We’ll give you some suggestions for finding the correct products for your skin care regimen in the next blog titled Dr. Raskin’s Must Have Products, but first let’s focus on why a skin care regimen is so key to clearing the skin.

Just like you brush your teeth twice a day, you must acquire a clear-skin habit just the same. And while you first must find the right combination of medicines and skin-care products, you must then be diligent with your skin care regimen. Repetition is an important component, nearly as essential as finding that perfect combination. Why? Because your skin does not become clear because your acne is cured, it’s clear because your skin care products are working and your skin care regimen is disciplined. Remember, acne is chronic and the only way to control is, is to continually treat it.

Additionally, a daily skin care regimen is essential because of our skin being constantly exposed to sun, pollutants and free radicals, or clogged by make-up and dirt. These exposures also lead to visible signs of aging, like wrinkles and discoloration. But if you regularly treat those signs of aging with proper skin care products as part of your regimen, they will become less visible and your skin more youthful.

So, now that we all understand why it is so vital to adhere to a daily skin care regimen, next up is figure out what that perfect skin care regimen is. Dr. Raskin and his team of skin care professionals will do just that, so call 661-254-3686 today to schedule an appointment.