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Acne Problems? Our Seattle Dermatologists Can Treat Your Acne

Have you ever wondered why some of us only get blackheads while others get full-blown breakouts? Seattle dermatologist Jennifer Reichel, MD explains, “Genetics and the immune system definitely come into play. Everyone starts with a pimple, but the body’s inflammatory reaction varies from individual to individual. How the immune system responds determines if acne will progress to more severe cysts and nodules.”

A wide variety of oral and topical antibiotics are prescribed to treat acne, including tetracycline, erythromycin, minocycline, doxycycline and clindamycin. Many factors come into play when choosing the antibiotic, including a patient’s age, allergies and if they are pregnant or nursing. Dr. Reichel explains that minocycline is often her first choice, because “it’s an easy once-a-day dose and it’s well tolerated by most patients.”

Often considered the last resort for treating acne, Accutane is an oral medication that may be the only effective treatment for persistent nodules and cysts. According to Dr. Reichel, “Accutane is the magic bullet for acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments.”

Retinoids go by many names, including tretinoin, Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin and more, but they are all derivatives of vitamin A that affect the way the skin turns over and prevents dead cells from sticking together and clogging the pores. As if there weren’t enough retinoids to choose from, there’s also a prescription called Ziana that combines tretinoin with the antibiotic clindamycin to target bacteria as well. Dr. Reichel often starts acne treatment with Retin-A because “in addition to breaking down comedones, it’s great for older acne patients who are also concerned about aging.”

Stubborn acne needs a multifaceted treatment that covers all of the acne-causing culprits: bacteria, inflammation, oil and clogged pores. A relatively new office-based treatment called Isolaz does just that, using suction to clean out the pores while pulsed light targets oil and bacteria. “Studies show it’s safe and effective for mild to moderate acne,” says Dr. Reichel

Acne on the body isn’t much different than acne on the face, and “we generally recommend the same course of treatment.,” says Dr. Reichel.

There’s also a recently approved topical called Aczone, which features the drug dapsone. According to Dr. Reichel, “This is a fairly potent antibiotic that is often used  effectively for more severe skin disorders. When taken orally it has a lot of side effects, but the topical version doesn’t seem to have these problems. Aczone has strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation capacity to knock out acne.”  Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center accepts most major health insurance plans.  Our physicians and skin care specialists are here to assist you for all of your skin-related needs.

Call Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center today, 206.859.5777, to schedule your appointment with one of our highly trained physicians and get on the right path to clearer skin.


We have these two amazing products....Latisse for longer lashes & Lightsheer DUET for laser hair removal


PDCC's newest addition for Laser Hair Removal...the Lightsheer DUET


Dear PDCC;

I have a couple of scars around my mouth that are getting deeper as I age. I'm wondering about fat injections vs. a dermal filler, both in terms of lasting effect and cost. Can you tell me how the two compare? K.

Dear K.
Thank you for your inquiry. The most important idea is for you to come in and we can do a consultation face to face to look at your scars. However, I can give you some information vial email. When working around the mouth (with wrinkles, or with scars), I am more likely to recommend a dermal filler (such as Restylane or Juvederm) over fat injections. Fat is a wonderful “volumizer” for the face. Non of the other fillers even come close to giving the results of a fat transfer when someone has lost volume in the upper face, or has dark circles or grooves under the eyes.
However, around the mouth, fat often is too bulky, and it does not have the ability to fill in fine lines or fine scars. The hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, can be placed very superficially under the skin to really fill in finer lines, or to fill in scar lines. There are other options for scar treatments – so we don’t want to rule those out until I see you in person. 
Please call my office at your earliest convenience, 206.859.5777, either Melissa or Sara can schedule an appointment for you.
Thank you for the email. I look forward to seeing you.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle

Look Years Younger in Minutes with Liquid face lifts

Look Years Younger in Minutes

In the hands of a skilled, board-certified practitioner, injectables and fillers offer a fast route to a youthful makeover with zero downtime. The "liquid lift" utilizes fillers and injectables that can take off 10 years in mere minutes.

For instance, a hyaluronic filler like Perlane is used to define the cheeks and to address shadows under the eyes. Radiesse is a semi-permanent filler and can do wonders to improve a weak chin.  An injectable like Botox can help to smooth forehead lines by stopping the muscle contractions that create wrinkles. New fillers and injectables have recently been FDA-approved, so ask your doctor about the latest options.

Using injectables to rejuvenate the face is a customized procedure and the doctor may use different combinations of injectables to address individual concerns. It’s imperative that your physician knows the nuances of each product, where to inject them and how to manage potential complications.  The skilled physicians at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center have years of experience with the "Liquid Face Lift", call us today to schedule your consultation, 206-859-5777, we look forward to working with you.


Thank you Dr. Reichel for making me feel young again!

I just returned from my visit with Dr. Reichel for Juvederm and Botox treatments for my under eye bags.  I wanted to leave you a comment regarding what a wonderful experience I had.  I was a little nervous going into this, courtesy of horror stories I had read online from patients who had seen other doctors.  Dr. Reichel made my procedure much easier than expected and quite pleasant.  I can't remember a time when my eyes looked this refreshed!  Being only 24 and having people tell me I look like I'm in my 30's because of the terrible bags and dark circles under my eyes is very disheartening.  I feel like I've gained back that bit of self confidence I once lost many years ago, all thanks to you Dr. Reichel.  Thank you so much, I will be back!


The "Eyes" have it....and we have the "Latisse" to prove it!

These Lashes Are Real, I Swear

These Lashes Are Real, I Swear

Correct me if I am wrong, but recently, I've noticed everyone's trying to fake it. What is "it" exactly? Good question, whether it's Los Angeles, Scottsdale, New York or Miami, there isn't a whole lot people aren't trying to fake. But I digress.

The "it" I'm referring to is, especially as we age, full, voluminous lashes. Lashes so thick and black they'd make Kim Kardashian blush. Doll-like lashes.

Extensions are always an option. Eyelash growth enhancers will give you a one up.  Here are two fabulous options that both promise and deliver fabulous results in as little as 8 weeks.  The one and only FDA approved--Latisse--which can be found at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center, often at a great discount, and the other is Obagi's Elastilash--also offered at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center.

But if you're looking for a quick blast of drama, a flirty flash of lash—a fantastic mascara can work wonders. So without further adieu, here are two new mascaras to keep an eye out for:

MAC False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara ($19)
Part of the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 MAC lineup, this intensely black mousse-like formula creates the illusion of costly extensions.

Noir G de Guerlain Mascara ($49)
Launching January 2012, this formula will curl and lengthen lashes, and stimulate the production of keratin, according to WWD.


Fraxel re:pair vs CO2 laser

Dear Dr. Reichel:

I'm in my early 40's and am not happy with how my skin looks.  I pride myself on wearing good sunscreen and taking care of my skin, however I feel as though the fine lines and brown spots are getting the better of me.  I have looked into lasers and read about both the fractional Co2 and traditional Co2.  A friend of mine had a great experience with you and suggested I come see you.  Can you tell me what the difference is between the two lasers?

Thank you. K.C

Dear K.C.

I very much love the Fraxel, as I have the new Fraxel dual re:store; but what I can tell you about the Fraxel re:pair is that compared to the traditional CO2 it has less versatility.  It can only do fractional, meaning only to one depth, vs my Lumenis CO2 that has two depths, deep and active, which I can use to treat the really deep wrinkles.  I would really like to see you in consultation to determine what would be best for you.  I can tell you that my patients who have been treated with the CO2 love their results and I have some great before/afters to show you.

Please call my office to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic consultation, 206.859.5777, I look forward to meeting you.

Thank you,

Dr. Jennifer Reichel


Dear Doctor,

I have Xanthelasma and have read that TCA peels are great for treating it, would you agree?  Or can you recommend other treatment options for me.

Thank you. D 

Dear D:

I have not had great luck with TCA for xanthelasma, but it can be an option, I do have high % TCA available . I also have a Total FX Lumenis CO2 laser I have used with good success on Xanthelasma. Or as another option I have also had really good luck with surgical removal.  I would like to see you in consultation first and then decide, together, on the best treatment options.

Please call 206.859.5777 to schedule a consultation with me, either Melissa or Sara can set that up for you.  I look forward to meeting with you to discuss your treatment options.
Thanks
Dr. Jennifer Reichel of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center


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