Archive for February, 2012

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Don’t Let Jowls Drag You Down

Around your 40s, you may start to notice the development of one of the most dreaded signs of aging: jowls. That sagging skin that begins to form along your jawline is caused by a loss of facial volume. If you have a fuller face, it may take longer for jowls to appear, but if you have a thin face, they may show earlier.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to slow the progression of jowls before they drag you too far down.

Skin tightening: Skin that is in the beginning stages of aging may respond well to skin-tightening devices, such as radio-frequency energy. A nonablative technique, like Thermage, utilizes electric and magnetic energy with radio waves in short, intense pulses to oscillate through the skin and deliver heat to the deep layers of the skin without damaging the outer layer of skin. However, if you have very saggy skin, this type of technology won’t do much for you, and you may need surgery instead.

Fillers: Your doctor may opt to use a filler to build your cheeks back up, which may affect the look of your jawline, too. The key, Dr. Reichel says, is for the filler to be injected deeply, rather than superficially. Boosting the cheeks with fillers like Radiesse, Restylane or Juvéderm may help create a more balanced, youthful face.

The Physicians at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center are here to help with all of your cosmetic needs and wants, call us today and schedule your appointment, 202.859.5777.

 

Even with Seattle’s “Not-so-Sunny” Disposition,You Still Need to Prevent Sun Damage

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Sun Damage: What to Teach Your Daughter Now

Posted Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by Shellie Terry Benson, Editor

How much would you love to turn back the clock and undo all that sun damage you exposed yourself to? It might be too late for you, but it’s not too late for your children. While wrinkles and sun spots develop after many years of exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, getting a sunburn at a young age is one of the top indicators for developing skin cancer later in life.

A team of researchers recently studied the sun-safety habits of children and found that more than half (53 percent) had suffered at least one sunburn before age 11. Further, they found that only one in four 14-year-olds regularly use sunscreen.

But what you do to protect your skin can have a profound effect on young teenagers who, despite their behavior, still look to you for guidance. Slather on the sunscreen and then cover them as well. Or better yet, encourage them to learn to properly coat themselves. Have them wear a hat on particularly sunny days and opt for lightweight cotton clothing to add another layer of protection. Explain the dangers of sun damage, both in terms of aging and health. Plus, if you follow those rules, your children likely will, too.  Also be open to discussions about examining moles and spots on their skin that may suddenly change, this will make them aware of what the suns more harmful rays can do long-term.

 

Liposuction Seattle

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Dear Dr. Reichel:

I am a student in college who is going into music performance. Because of this, I have to maintain a very fit body. In the past year, I have lost 15 pounds, putting me at 114 lbs at 5′4″. However, I cannot seem to lose the fat around my inner thighs and knees, where I genetically put on weight. Even when I was a competitive swimmer and in the best shape of my life, I still had this extra weight around my knees and thighs. I’m exploring other options to use a couple years down the road if I cannot successfully shape my legs with exercise. I’m curious: what is the typical cost of liposuction or liposculpture in those areas if it is pretty minor?

Thank you for your question.   As far as the liposuction/liposculpture – you sound like you are very fit, with some genetic, exercise resistant, fatty deposits in the inner thigh and knee area. These are actually some of the most common locations to have this. It also makes you the ideal candidate for liposuction. For the inner thighs – this is an area where the skin tends to have a bit less elastic quality than other areas, so I am always careful to not “over-do” this area with liposuction. Having said that, I have had many patients who have come in with inner thighs that actually rub together, and we have been able to sculpt them to where they are no longer touching. I love doing liposuction on the knee area – it looks fabulous. You have to be careful, however, because liposuction of the area just above the knee cap on the thigh is not a good place for liposuction. I would be happy to see you for consultation. Our consultations are all individually tailored, one-on-one with me (and my great cosmetic nurses). For liposuction, the consultation is done at no-charge. 

For cost, the cost for one area is $3750 – this is usually regardless of how large the area is. The second area can range from an additional $500 (if really small – like your knees), up to $2200. There is a facility fee of $650 which is for the procedure room, anesthesia, equipment, etc – that covers the costs of our surgery center. It is important to be sure that your surgeon does liposuction in an accredited surgical center for patient safety. 

 Again, thanks for your inquiry and I look forward to meeting you.

Dr. Jennifer Reichel of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle

 

CO2 Laser in Seattle

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

Hello Dr Reichel, I am a 52 year old female living in Vancouver b.c. I am interested in the active co2 laser for my entire face. Could you please advise me of the amount of visits this would require as well as the price for the procedure. Thank you..

Again thank you for your question.You are not the first person to come from a distance. So, if you do not find yourself in Seattle for other reasons, we could schedule a virtual consultation over Skype or Face Time. If you don’t skype, or have access to Face Time, then it would be best to see you in person before we schedule the procedure. Perhaps we could do a phone interview, which would allow me to know what you would like to have treated – and whether you are the right candidate for the Active FX, and how aggressive we want to be. . . We would, of course, need you here for the procedure, and then, depending on how deep we are going, the number of follow-ups after that vary. We have had a few patients that spent the night in Seattle, came in the next day for a wound check, and then we did the rest of the follow-up via phone/photos.

Hope all that makes sense. The cost is between 2500$ and 3900$ depending on how involved the treatment is.

I look forward to hearing from you. Please call my office at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation with me. 
Dr. Jennifer Reichel

Dear Dr. Reichel:

Thank you for your response to my questions. I have not replied until now as I have been battling menopausal acne and have recently started on minocycline 100mg per day I have been taking it for 4 weeks and there is a slight improvement with oil reduction and cysts.I was hoping to have all the acne cleared up before considering the active fx procedure. What are your recommendations when on antibiotics and having acne breakouts, does this need to be cleared before the procedure? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Response from Dr. Reichel:

Yes – you would need to wait until your acne is under control to consider the laser resurfacing procedure. In fact, the laser treatment can cause outbreaks, so we want everyone really well controlled, and then we watch like hawks after the procedure to make sure that there are no acute outbreaks (we can usually control this with stronger antibiotics).

 On the minocycline – I like to have people stay on it for at least 2 months before deciding whether it is the right medication for you. 

Thank you again for your follow-up question, I look forward to meeting you. 

Dr. R

 

50% Off a Laser Hair Removal Package of Your Choice!

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

What would be nicer than silky, smooth skin this summer? No Hair! Thanks to the high speed LightSheer DUET with customized comfort, this is the most effective solution on the market for unwanted hair!

• *First 50 people who schedule a laser hair removal package of six get 50% off that package.
• *Area must be completely, cleanly shaved prior to treatment or $50 fee.
• *Limit one treatment area.
• *One special per person not to be combined with another special.
• *Package must be prepaid on or before first treatment.
• *Must be used within 18 months of purchase.
• *Brazilians are excluded.

 

XEOMIN in Seattle

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

 It’s termed “The new pure Botox,” we are talking about Xeomin.  First there was Botox, then there was Dysport, and now there is Xeomin(incobotulinumtoxinA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved this new botulinum toxin type A product to treat severe frown lines or “11’s” between the eyebrows. Xeominwas already FDA approved for use in adults with cervical dystonia and blepharospasm.  Like other drugs in this category, Xeomin works by paralyzing wrinkles. It blocks the signals from the nerves to the muscles. As a result, the targeted muscle cannot contract.

Botox, Dysport and Xeomin have a lot in common, but they also have some important differences.  Xeominis “naked.” There are no additives — just botulinum toxin type A. This may lessen a patient’s likelihood of developing antibodies to Xeomin. When your body senses a foreign invader, it responds by creating antibodies and launching an attack. If this were to occur with a neurotoxin such as botulinum toxin type A, it may not have its desired effects.  Xeomin is said to be more like Botoxthan Dysport. It takes about one week for the full effects of Xeomin injections to be realized, and once this occurs the results last from three to six months.

Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle is one of the first offices in the Pacific Northwest to use Xeominon its patients.  We liked the product and results so much we wanted to provide our patients with a very special offer.  During the month of February, bring in a friend, family member, neighbor, anyone who is excited to try Xeomin, and you both will receive $100 off your treatment (25 unit minimum required).  This is the perfect opportunity to try new, FDA-approved Xeomin, a product to reduce those unwanted fine-lines and wrinkles.  Call us today to schedule your appointments, 206.859.5777, we are excited to tell you more about this amazing treatment!

 

How to get Red Carpet Ready Skin

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

The Oscars are one of Hollywood’s biggest nights. Celebrities spend countless hours preparing for the long walk down the red carpet of the Kodak Theater with the hope of achieving glowing skin, flawless make-up, and rave reviews for their look.   To the average person it may seem like a lot of work but getting that red carpet ready skin (think Gwyneth) is easier than you think. The key is to implement a few things into your normal skincare routine that will enhance your skin’s radiance and youthful appearance, and also look healthy, smooth and blemish free. Here are a few tips:  

To get a gorgeous glow: Start by hydrating – lots of water. If you can’t make it to the salon or spa for a facial, look for a facial mask with moisturizing properties. It will minimize the appearance of pores, and give you a glowing complexion. Masks with saffron, aloe vera, and kaolin clay are popular among top celebrities.  

Next exfoliate. A great product to gently exfoliate and keep your skin clean is Clarisonic (Faith Hill is a fan). You can also try a series of chemical peels, we recommend a series of 4-6 treatments to really give your skin that overall glow & refreshed look and feel.

To smooth fine lines: There are several good anti-aging products on the market today to smooth fine lines.  We are big fans of Retin-A, and also carry the Obagi, Skinceuticals & Skin Medica lines, all have won many awards and deliver excellent results. Look for a product that contains glycolic acid, which works not only on the surface of the skin, but also in the layers you can’t see.  Glycolic acid is a rapid exfoliate and will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft. Over time these products can also lighten sun spots and stimulate collagen production giving you a more youthful appearance. Ask your physician at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center what product is best for your skin type.  

To diminish wrinkles: A topical treatment may not be enough to remove those wrinkles. Botox and Xeomin or dermal fillers such as Radiesse, Juvederm or Restylane can help with little to no downtime. To calm redness: We have two amazing lasers that can help with your redness, the Vbeam Perfecta and our Photofacial or Intense Pulse Light (IPL).  To take away the puffiness: Take wheat and dairy out of your diet and you can remove some of the puffiness and breakouts that may occur the week leading up to an event. Lots of water and fresh juices can also make your skin look more vibrant.   Simple steps every day and regular visits to your skin care professional can help you, and your skin, shine like the star that you really are.

 

Obagi named “Best Skincare System” sold in Doctor’s Office

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

 

Liposuction in Seattle for thighs

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Dear Dr. Reichel

Hello, With liposuction, on the thighs, (I have issues from knees up, front and back) I’d like to know a realistic time frame to be to where you could wear a swim suit and swim (exposure to sun) without anything being noticeable. Is it 3-4 months? Also would I need to stay in Seattle for a day or two before driving back over?  I do not live in the Seattle area, so I am looking at several hours in the car. I realize you can’t give me much till we do an exam and consult but wanted to get a realistic framework. Lost 35 pounds this year (yay me) and it’s time for the next step:) Thanks in advance.

First off- thank you for the email, and also congratulations on losing 35lbs!   

On the liposuction: Yes, ideally you will need the 3 to 4 months to look good for swimwear. You don’t have to worry so much about sun exposure after liposuction. It is more the timeframe to have the bruising and swelling improve. At 3-4 months you should definitely be presentable .

I would like you to stay in Seattle for the night after the procedure – but you could head back to your home the following day.  As far as location – we would need to look at your legs. It isn’t appropriate to do liposuction on the front of the leg (above the knee) – it always looks bad and can cause the skin above the knee to sag over the knee. There are tightening devices (like the Thermage) that can be used in this area. Liposuction is great for the “Knee” – which is the lower middle part just above your knee. It is great for inner and outer thighs as well.  I offer free liposuction consultations and very much look forward to meeting you in person.  Please call my office at your earliest convenience to schedule your liposuction consultation, 206.859.5777, my front desk will get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

Kind regards,

Dr. Jennifer Reichel

 

Chin-Tox—Botox for Chin Dimpling

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

The aesthetic indications for which botulinum toxin is used are always expanding. A little-known indication for Botox is for the aesthetic treatment of the “golf ball” or “orange peel” chin. This is a typical condition seen in people with certain facial mimicking that causes a contracture of the muscles around the chin. This predictable and recurrent habit results in an aesthetically unwanted dimpling, or “cobblestoning,” of the tip of the chin over time.

Dimpling and puckering of the chin is very common.  Most people don’t even realize it happens to them because it usually happens during animation and talking. It is also common for people who have a recessed chin.  By placing Botox into the chin it will relax the mentalis muscle and create smoother skin on the chin. Another benefit of having this area done is if you have a deep horizontal crease in your chin, this will soften.  The physicians at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle can treat all of your Botox needs.  Call us today, 206.859.5777,  and schedule your consultation with treatment done the same day!