Recent posts

Handling the Signs of Photoaging

Aging is a general term that we hear relatively often. We’re at a point in history at which we understand more about what causes us to age and what effects aging will have on the body. When it comes to cosmetic aging, there is the issue of cellular aging and then there is the issue of photoaging. This is what we will discuss here.

Photoaging is the process of collagen breakdown as a result of UV exposure. Sunlight carries several different kinds of ultraviolet light. Therefore, the biggest risk for photoaging is spending time in the sun without adequate protection. Another risk for photoaging that was hidden for some time is the use of tanning beds. It was once believed that tanning in a controlled atmosphere could limit the effects of ultraviolet light. Research has proven otherwise. People who are exposed to indoor tanning have a significant risk for photoaging as well as serious forms of skin cancer.

What does photoaging look like? You can spot photoaging on various parts of the body that are exposed to sunlight. Too much UV light on the skin on the arms, legs, hands, shoulders, upper back, chest, neck, and face can lead to:

  • Uneven skin tone and spots, including freckles
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Spider veins
  • Precancerous spots called actinic keratosis

What to Do About Photoaging

The best thing we can do about photoaging is to try and prevent it. Several strategies can be used, including wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen and staying in the shade on hot, sunny days. Additionally, we must know what to do if we’ve already started to see the signs of sun damage. Fortunately, there are several ways to approach this problem.

  • Develop a consistent skincare routine using medical-grade products. Ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, and hyaluronic acid promote optimal cellular turnover to reduce spotting and uneven tone.
  • Nourish the skin with antioxidants. This may be accomplished with skincare containing vitamins A, C, or E. Antioxidants also help promote healthy collagen from the inside out and can be consumed in citrus fruits and leafy greens.
  • Chemical peels. Cellular turnover is paramount to healthy, vibrant skin. Chemical peels are professional treatments we tailor to each patient to help reduce the signs of photoaging and other problems.
  • This professional treatment is all about the collagen. The technique works by creating tiny channels in the upper layers of the skin. Though the channels close right away, the body is stimulated to send more collagen and elastin to the area. Collagen is the healing protein that fades scars, hyperpigmentation, and other flaws.

Within our comprehensive menu of services are several options for reducing the signs of photoaging. To explore what is available in our Seattle and Renton offices, call 206-859-5777.


Easy Ways to Boost Your Skin’s Resilience and Beauty

Beautiful skin is resilient skin. It is skin that can repair itself well and make the best use of nourishing substances like collagen, elastin, and growth factors. As you may have guessed, very few people can claim to have resilient, beautiful skin for their entire lifetime. This is because, to achieve this, there must be various forms of assistance. If you want to sustain your skin for your many years ahead, consider a few of the current ways you can assist tissue regeneration.

  1. Microneedling

Microneedling is an outstanding method of collagen-induction. It is suitable for adults of all ages and for all skin types and tones. This treatment affects the layers of the epidermis and uppermost layers of the dermis by creating micro-injuries with tiny needles. The needles penetrate the skin in a uniform manner that does not tear or scrape. Therefore, the recovery from treatment is very short and side effects are minimal. Each microneedling treatment stimulates collagen production to heal scars, acne, and to smooth lines and wrinkles.

  1. The Power of Antioxidants

We are what we eat. We’ve all heard that we need to eat for health, but how does this apply to the skin? Antioxidants are molecules that are found in foods like blueberries, spinach, and kale. They can also be taken in supplement form. When consumed, antioxidants balance an overabundance of free radicals, erratic molecules that steal energy from various biological processes, including tissue regeneration. The regular consumption of antioxidants reduces the oxidative stress that leads to premature aging.

  1. Botox

The initial injectable product to gain FDA approval, Botox has been widely used to correct signs of aging that result from facial movements. Many people know that Botox can erase frown lines and smooth crow’s feet at the edges of the eyes. What hasn’t completely caught on yet is the use of Botox for prevention. As younger patients are discovering the power of small doses of Botox, more are receiving treatment to decrease muscle contractions that could lead to permanent lines.

  1. Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Laser devices have become a mainstay in aesthetic medicine. Our offices are equipped with several different laser devices to meet the varying needs of our patients. Not all lasers are resurfacing therapies. Some use gentle wavelengths to stimulate changes in cellular behavior in the dermis. In the area of resurfacing, lasers are now gentler, affecting only a fraction of the skin’s surface to promote meaningful healing without much downtime.

All skin needs help as it ages. To get assistance managing your skin, call 206-859-5777 and schedule a visit to our Renton or Seattle office.


NewSurg-KTP Laser Treatment Addresses Multiple Problems

KTP laser treatment Seattle WAAt Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, we are interested in the latest technologies that have demonstrated outstanding safety and efficacy in the treatment of medical and cosmetic dermatologic concerns. We are pleased to offer NewSurg-KTP laser treatments to patients of our Seattle office, and want to discuss here what this modality is used for and what you might expect from treatment.

What is KTP laser treatment?

NewSurg-KTP laser employs a single wavelength of green-light for specific dermatologic improvement. A potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) crystal actually generates the specific wavelength of light by translating Nd: YAG energy into light on the green visible spectrum.  The green light in this laser treatment targets blood vessels, making NewSurg-KTP well-suited to problems such as broken capillaries. Additional concerns that are commonly treated with this modality include rosacea, spider veins, and melasma.

How it Works

When the green light energy of KTP is focused on pigmented lesions, selective absorption occurs. The heating of superficial blood vessels cause closure and redirection of blood flow, which ultimately causes their disappearance. The treatment process itself takes less than an hour. Immediate improvement is likely to be noticed, but the process of elimination may occur over several weeks. In some instances, multiple treatments may be indicated for optimal skin clearing.

Treatment involves skin cleansing and the application of clear, cool gel onto the area of skin being treated. This gel is a coupling aging for laser energy. As the laser application tip is moved across the skin, the heating of shallow blood vessels may be felt as slight tingling or energy pulses. Some areas of treatment feel greater sensations than others, but most patients do not describe their treatment as uncomfortable but tolerable. After this gentle heating, it is natural for the skin to feel slightly sunburned for a few hours up to a few days. Redness may also be noticed.

With the advent of so many light and laser treatments in recent years, it is normal to feel confused about the best way to manage various cosmetic and dermatologic concerns. We are here to help you. Learn more about the services available in our professional, friendly offices. Call 206-859-5777.


October 2016 Events and Specials

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October 2016 Specials and Events are here. Save the Date for our Evening of Beauty on Thursday, November 3rd in Northgate and Thursday, Dec 1st in Renton. Get Botox at $10/unit, plus 15% OFF all retail products. From head to toe, get holiday ready! Read about our top 10 treatments. Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our August Events at 206-859-5777.


April 2016 Specials and Events

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As Featured in NEW BEAUTY© MAGAZINE
Upload: April 1, 2016
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April 2016 Specials and Events are here. Renew You! NEW Treatments. NEW Events. NEW ways to renew your skin and body for SPRING! Specials include Clear+Brillant, Halo, Laser hair removal, vi peels, and Ultherapy. Plus, sign up for events on Ultherapy, Obagi, and more. Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our April and May Events at 206-859-5777


Plan Ahead To Look Your Best For Weddings, Reunions & The Beach

By Cheryl Wells

If you are planning a little spruce up for a Spring or Summer event like a wedding or high school reunion, NOW is the time to start planning! While many of the most modern procedures don’t have any “down time” where you’re hiding behind big sunglasses, they do take some time to take effect. For example, Botox will give you a noticeable improvement in about a week, while you’ll need 3-6 months to see the maximum effects of Ultherapy as it spurs new collagen growth to smooth wrinkles and lifts your face. To time your treatments right, follow the chart below:

Upload: March 16, 2016
When to Schedule
(Minimum-Ideal)
Name of Procedure What it does
3-6 months Ultherapy – Face/neck & chest

Liposonix – Tummy, waist, thighs

Lift, tighten, tone and smooths wrinkles

Permanent fat cell destruction

4-8 weeks Fillers – Lips, cheeks, under eyes
smile lines and around the mouth
Adds volume
Softens wrinkles
3-6 weeks Botox – Crow’s feet, 11’s, forehead and other facial wrinkles Buys you “wrinkle-free” time. Softens wrinkles and decreases muscle movement
3-4 weeks IPL/BBL – Face, neck, chest, hands Diminishes brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more
2-8 weeks Clear & Brilliant — Coming soon! Face, neck, chest, arms, hands Improves skin tone and texture, and gives your skin a more radiant, youthful glow

Ultherapy is a new and effective non-invasive alternative to a face-lift, with virtually no down-time. It is the only FDA-approved device that allows the provider to see an image of the layers of the skin in order to direct the ultrasound waves at the exact precise depth needed to cause neocollagenesis. This collagen growth will lift and tighten your face, neck, or chest. It really works! The price for Ultherapy usually runs anywhere from $750 to $3500 depending on the area treated. View more

Liposonix can help get rid of those exercise resistant fatty deposits by fully destroying the fat cells! Never to return again—once the fat cells are gone—they are gone forever. Liposonix uses HIFU Ultrasound waves at a specific depth and frequency with a unique large tip to accomplish this cell destruction. The price ranges from $500 to $3500 depending on the size of the area. View more

Botox & fillers are a great way to soften wrinkles and/or add volume to help you look younger. Botox is a purified protein that decreases muscle movement, which essentially gives you wrinkle free time. Fillers are used to add volume in areas such as the cheeks or lips and to help soften creases. They are also a terrific complement to your Ultherapy treatment. Use these spot treatments any time after Ultherapy and at least one month or two (see chart) before your special occasion. The average price ranges from as little as $250 and up to $1000, or more depending on what is needed. View more

IPL/BBL uses multiple light beams and wave lengths to target the problem areas. Both devices diminish brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more. They are also terrific anti-aging treatments! They work at a cellular level and physically make the skin cells healthier. If your skin is healthier at a cellular level, then it acts looks and feels younger. Look up Forever Young BBL for more info. View more

As a nurse who has worked with lasers, fillers and injections for 11 years, I have helped many people plan and get ready for their special day and I would like to help you too! There is so much more to tell you when it comes to our fabulous no-downtime treatments, but space is limited. If you are looking forward to an important event, please book a FREE consultation (with me, Cheryl the Laser Queen) and I can help create your beauty plan for your special day!


From Cheryl the Laser Queen

Laser Queen | Laser TreatmentYou’ve probably heard that today’s laser treatments can help get rid of sun damage and rosacea. But did you know the most modern lasers, like the ones we have in our office, can also boost collagen growth to reduce fine lines and wrinkles? Or blast fat cells to permanently kill them, and help get rid of an annoying trouble spot that won’t respond to dieting?  Many of our patients are surprised to discover the array of treatments that are possible now.
My new blog series will introduce you to our full suite of the most cutting edge lasers here at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.  You'll learn how we can treat those pesky veins on your face or around your nose that have been bothering you forever or how we can minimize or erase freckles, sun damage or age spots that prevent your skin from looking even and youthful. We'll explain how we can diminish acne scars, reduce the appearance of stretch marks and provide the best non-surgical alternatives to a face-lift.
My name is Cheryl, and I’m a nurse with a bachelor of science degree and PD&CC's resident laser expert. I have been working with Dr. Reichel and with lasers for 11 years, and I’m also a Clinical Educator for Ulthera. I love my job and making a difference in my patients’ lives! I’ve seen so many advancements in this innovative technology and look forward to sharing them with you.
Look out for the next in my series – The Best Ways to Plan Ahead To Look Your Best For Weddings, Reunions and The Beach. And until then, don’t forget your sunscreen!

Welcome the New Halo Laser!

Welcome the Halo Laser to our Renton Clinic!
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center is happy to announce the newest arrival to our state-of-art laser suite. 

Limited Time...Pick one of the packages below for an exclusive offer that ends June 15 and be the first to get your Halo Glow!


Package 1: Purchase one treatment area of your choice and receive the second treatment 50% OFF

 

(Savings of up to $750) 

Package 2: Purchase any treatment area and receive chest, neck or hands for FREE 

(Savings of up to $750) 

RESTORE YOUR GLOW WITH HALO 

Over time, your skin can lose its youthful glow. Halo eliminates years of damage by precisely targeting the right depth. Halo restores the luminous glow you had when you were younger with minimal downtime.

Halo precisely targets years of damage to your skin, including: Discoloration, Sun damage, Visible signs of aging, Uneven skin tone, Enlarged pores, Poor texture, Fine lines, Scar revision 

BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL
Everyone's skin is different. Everyone's needs are different. Halo allows Dr. Erica Linnell to customize your treatment to the downtime you have available and the results you want. Need to be back at work tomorrow? A light treatment creates silky smooth, vibrant skin that's ready for makeup the next day. Want to wow them? A more aggressive treatment will give your skin a deep youthful glow with just a few days of downtime. Ask Dr. Linnell today about the Halo Glow.
BEFORE & AFTER

Treatment for Broken Capillaries & Sun Damage

I am interested in treatment for broken capillaries and for sun damage. What are the treatment options? - A

Hi A,

There are a few different possible lasers to treat broken capillaries - if we are trying to treat pigment too (along with the capillaries), then we might want to consider the Intense Pulse Light Device. This (IPL) is great for treating red and brown discoloration. It may improve texture a bit, but not super significantly. There is also the Fraxel Dual laser - this will treat lines, texture, and pigment, but not redness.

Then there is the question of maintenance - which we can discuss when you come in - it will include possible topical medications/creams to apply at home, and maybe ongoing chemical peels every 3 to 4 months.

I would love to see you for a consultation. Please call 206-859-5777. Make sure to mention RealSelf as the $80 consult fee is then waived.

Thank you again.
Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
pacificderm.wpengine.com 

11011 Meridian Avenue N Suite 102
Seattle WA 98133
phone: 206-859-5777
fax: 206-859-5776


Acne Scarring

Hi there Victoria.

Thank you for sending in a consultation request about treating acne scarring on your cheeks.

Acne Scarring affects so many people. I would love to be able to tell you that there a magic bullet that will cure scars - especially acne scars - since they affect so many people. Even I have dealt with them (on my temples). Maybe some day we will be able to completely erase them - with each decade (THAT'S A LOT OF TIME) we have improved options to help smooth acne scars.

I would love to see you in consultation to look at your skin and make a plan tailored just for you. There are many different safe and effective treatment options. We have treated so many patients in the past 12 years (1000's). I always sit down and talk with every patient in consultation to discuss what is right for you as an individual and to address your specific concerns and options.

Please call 206-859-5777 to make a cosmetic consultation appointment. I can also have my receptionist, Melissa, call you to book an appointment.

Thank you for your inquiry - please remember to say you found us on Realself, as the $80 consultation fee is then waived.

Thanks again.

Dr. Reichel
Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center


Request an appointment

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