Recent posts

Help! I'm Struggling With Acne!

Q:  I'm interested in finding out more about treatment for body/facial acne.  I'm a 25-year old female, and have struggled with acne for about 10 years.  I would like to know about the different options I have.

A:  Acne at any age is very frustrating, however we now have many different treatment options available.  These include prescription topicals, oral antibiotics, oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone, and in more severe cases isotretinoin.  A review of your past medical history and daily skin care regimen is important as well.  The various treatment options depend on your gender, severity of acne, and other factors that can be reviewed at the time of your evaluation.  Acne can be treated and we encourage early intervention to improve your quality of life and to prevent scarring. 

Answered by Andrea English our physicians assistant at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle.


Liposuction For Stubborn Areas

Dr. Reichel,

I was given your name by my dermatologist here in Seattle.  I just wanted to check what the ball park (can be big ball park) is for liposuction of tummy area, and how fat on my arms (chicken wings) gets dealt with.  Thanks, CL.

Dear CL,

Thank you for the question.  With liposuction procedures, I treat "by the area".  So, the abdomen (tummy) would be one area.  The cost for one area is usually between $3500 and $4500 depending on size and level of difficulty.  For additional areas, there is an "add-on" cost which is usually between $1000 and $2000.  The first step is to come in for a free liposuction consultation.  I am always there for the consultation (very important to meet the physician that is doing your procedure).  We do an examination and discuss liposuction and determine if you are a good candidate.

Tummies are the number one area treated by liposuction and patients do very well and get great results.  Although you will have results immediately, it takes anywhere from 2-6 months for all of the swelling and healing to be complete.

The most common treatment for fat on the upper arms is also liposuction, although for some patients, a skin tightening laser such as Thermage may be a consideration.  I love the results of liposuction for the upper arm.  Not only does it remove the unwanted fatty deposit, most patients also get a tightening effect from the liposuction.  For some patients, we may recommend a combined liposuction and Thermage to really treat the "chicken-wings".

Thank you for the great Question,

Dr. Jennifer Reichel,  Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center


What's New In Eye Rejuvenation

Aging eyes are among our patients' top cosmetic complaints.  Fortunately, no-knife techniques energize tired eyes with minimal downtime to the patient.  Eye rejuvenation depends on a fourfold approach: resurface, tighten, volumize and enhance.  Lasers are a great great choice for men and women who want to tighten moderate bags and add youthful contours to their lids and brows.  Using monopolar radiofrequency, Eyes by Thermage produces results in a single treatment, and can treat the lids themselves.  Monopolar RF addresses deep skin damage, so it's beneficial to combine Thermage with Fraxel to target surface photoaging.  As one of the few clinics in Seattle to have the newest Fraxel, the Dual, this laser can specifically treat concerns such as wrinkles and acne scarring that are deeper in the skin layers.  Fraxel Dual also effectively targets sun spots, age spots, as well as tone and texture, which are more superficial.

While Thermage and Fraxel can diminish mottled pigmentation and crepiness, injectables enhance laser procedures by adding volume to sunken eyes and prevent further wrinkling.  Periorbital wrinkles are caused by a combination of photo-aging and contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscles.  Neurotoxins, such as Botox and Dysport, can help maintain laser resurfacing results; the goal here is to weaken, not paralyze, the muscles.  As we age, our periorbital skin thins, revealing dark under-eye circles; hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, offer promising results to this very noticeable area with minimal downtime.  We can also enhance results topically using light chemical peels and retinol products.  These topical treatments help maintain cosmetic procedure results and offer subtle skin tightening for people not ready to undergo laser or injectable treatments.  The icing on the cake for eye rejuvenation is eyelash enhancement.  Latisse is an FDA approved,  prescription strength treatment for eyelash growth, making them grow longer, thicker, and darker.

While we cannot stop the aging process, we can certainly help it along with lasers, injectables, and topical treatments offered at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center servicing the greater Seattle area.


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Thank you for choosing Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we look forward to providing you with the very best skin care.