The New Age of Skin Care – Exclusively at Winter Park Dermatology
It is important to keep your skin healthy especially since it is your first line of defense against bacteria, pollution, and other damaging irritants. When you are young, your skin is soft and supple but as you age, the texture changes becoming rough, dry, and cracked. Dry skin is caused by a variety of environmental and biological reasons including the climate you live in, the way you shower, the chemicals you are exposed to, medical conditions, genetics, the amount of time you spend in the sun, and the skin products you use.
When you look in the mirror and notice your dry skin and wrinkles, it is important to understand that the real trouble consists below the surface. Your skin ages and dries out beginning in the epidermis or the outermost layer of your skin. Less than a millimeter thick, the epidermis consists of many layers starting with the stratum corneum (top layer) made of dead skin cells. These cells lock moisture in by using amino acids, natural moisturizing factors (NMFs), and other molecules that absorb water from the air. The layer that sits below the stratum corneum is made up of ceramides, cholesterol, and other fatty acids arranged into layers of jelly and liquid. When water attempts to evaporate from lower layers of your skin, it gets trapped in the spaces between the fat molecules and cannot rise higher. The stratum granulosum is the next layer and the cells in the top half of this layer are almost watertight because they are sewn together by a type of protein thread while the bottom is waterlogged. The last layer is the stratum spinosum and the cells in this layer contain hyaluronic acid, which is a sugar that binds to water.
Even though your skin is designed to retain moisture, as you age almost every layer of your epidermis produces less natural moisturizing factors, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Although we cannot stop our genes from making less moisture, fortunately with help from your dermatologist you can fight back. From her office, Winter Park Dermatology located in Central Florida, Board Certified Dr. Maxine Tabas M.D. is proud to offer a scientifically backed skin care line known as Pro+Therapy MD™. The Pro+Therapy MD™ skin care products are unique because they utilize the power of two primary ingredients known as Kinetin and Zeatin. Kinetin is a plant-based extract that in nature prevents plant leaves from withering. This natural DNA-derived component helps your skin retain moisture, improving the appearance of prematurely aged or sun-damaged skin. Zeatin is a chemical that works with Kinetin to repair even the most severely damaged skin. Other ingredients include Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 supporting collagen synthesis, skin-identical ceramide complex, and almond peptides that balances moisture levels in your skin while creating a lifting effect.
With their exclusive Proliposome™ Delivery System that transports unprecedented higher concentration levels, in clinical trials it has been proven that Kinetin increases your skin’s ability to retain moisture by 26% over 24 weeks and Zeatin improves skin roughness by 86%. While most cosmetic treatments break down your skin to correct it, Pro+Therapy MD™ products add essential nutrients to moisturize and protect your skin and because it is made of natural products, Pro+Therapy MD™ is safe for most skin types, including people with very sensitive skin.
Pro+Therapy MD™ offers a full line of skin care products that are formulated to work individually or as a complete regimen including:
- Skin Balancing Cleanser
- Skin Polishing Exfoliator
- Advanced Ultra Light Day Repair SPF 30
- Advanced Ultra Rich Day Repair
- Advanced Ultra Rich Night Repair
- Ultimate Lift + Correcting Eye Cream
The American Cancer Society recommends daily sunscreen application with a minimum of SPF 15 sun protection and applying Pro+Therapy MD Advanced Ultra Light Day Repair SPF 30 provides an exclusive blend of ceramides and humectants along with ingredients in a light formula to help hydrate, soothe, and reduce skin irritation. It also contains broad-spectrum sunscreens that provide SPF 30 protection from UVA/UVB rays and its exclusive sheer zinc oxide is invisible on even the darkest skin.
Highly effective although it is extremely gentle and mild, the Pro+Therapy MD™ line of skin products work synergistically to improve the appearance of aging and sun damage. If you want to learn more about the Pro+Therapy MD™ line or any other skin care products offered at Winter Park Dermatology, please call today and let us help turn your dull, tired, and aging skin into a more radiant and youthful “you”.
Summer is almost here and although skin cancer is a risk all year long, the warmer weather of summer often means more time spent outdoors. Exposure to sunlight (Ultraviolet B) is the most common cause of skin cancer. UV radiation from sunlight and tanning beds destroys the DNA and when your DNA is damaged, it will cause your skin cells to grow uncontrollably. Cancer is tissue, which grows at an unpredictable rate, and skin cancer begins in the uppermost layer of your skin and grows inward, forming roots while spreading horizontally along the surface of your skin. These extensions cannot be seen by the naked eye therefore, what becomes apparent on the surface of your skin may actually be the beginning of a much more serious problem.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
There are three main types of skin cancer, which are named after the cells in which each begins including:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer. The basal cells lie at the bottom of the outer layer of your skin known as your epidermis. Because this type of cancer is associated with sun exposure, it is commonly found on the areas that receive the most sun exposure such as your face, neck, scalp, ears, and shoulders.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common type of skin cancer and squamous cells are flat cells that make up most of your epidermis. Although SCC can start any place on your body, it is most common in areas that are exposed to the sun. This type of skin cancer can invade underlying structures and if not treated, SCC can cause serious health problems and possible death.
- Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer however it can be successfully treated in almost all cases if diagnosed early. Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and is often difficult to treat successfully if it has progressed into the later stages. Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous) tumor arising from the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin (the pigment in your skin).
The American Cancer Society reports that more than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are found in this country each year. Melanoma will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012 and anyone can develop skin cancer but some people are more susceptible than others.
If you have one or more of the following risk factors, you should be especially vigilant about reducing your time in the sun:
- People with fair skin
- People with light hair and eyes
- Skin that tans poorly
- Skin that burns easily
- People with moles and freckles
- People who live in the southern part of the United States
- People who have skin cancer in their family because it tends to be hereditary
Although skin cancer is a devastating and frightening diagnosis, fortunately today there are treatments available that are proven to remove your cancer with minimal scarring. One such procedure is Mohs Micrographic Surgery, which Dr. Maxine Tabas is proud to offer at her state-of-the-art facility, Winter Park Dermatology located in Winter Park, Florida. Serving Central Florida and beyond, Dr. Tabas is one of the most sought after Board Certified Dermatologists serving in the country. Performing Mosh Surgery for over 20 years, she completed a prestigious Fellowship in Mohs Surgery and Dermatologic Surgery at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO and was Head of Dermatology Surgery and Mohs Micrographic Surgery at Stanford University Medical Center.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialized, highly effective method for the complete removal of skin cancer. Named in honor of Dr. Frederic Mohs who created the technique in the 1930s, while Mohs Surgery is successful in treating most forms of cancer, it has proven to be the most effective at treating basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. During a Mohs surgery, Dr. Tabas will serve as both a pathologist and surgeon as she removes the tissue and evaluates it at the same time for cancer. Unlike other treatments for skin cancer, during your Mohs surgery Dr. Tabas will remove cancerous tissue along with a layer of nearby skin. Before the tissue is examined, it is marked with colored dyes to distinguish top from bottom and left from right. By doing this, Dr. Tabas is able to pinpoint the exact location of any remaining tumor during the microscopic examination and if more cancer is found, the procedure is repeated until only healthy, cancer-free skin cells are observed. By using complete microscopic control and mapping, the exact location of the skin cancer can be detected and removed and this includes the removal of any extensions or roots of the cancer below your skin.
The Mohs Microsurgery procedure is meant to eliminate the cancer while conserving as much healthy skin as possible. In this way, Dr. Tabas ensures that only cancerous tissue is removed while healthy tissue is preserved to reduce scarring which is important for cosmetic reasons. If necessary after your surgery, Dr. Tabas will discuss reconstructive options with you, which can include stitches, a skin graft, or allowing the wound to heal naturally.
Total removal of a skin cancer, which may involve several surgical sessions of a few hours duration, is usually completed in one day. During your Mohs surgical procedure, you will be placed under local anesthesia and this is a major advantage since you will not have to undergo a recovery process from anesthesia or experience any related side effects. Mohs micrographic surgery is generally performed as an outpatient procedure and you can return home immediately following your surgery. During your preoperative consultation, Dr. Tabas will examine your skin cancer, take a pertinent history, and determine whether the technique of Mohs surgery is the most suitable way of treating your skin cancer. Every skin cancer is different, and because of the high demand for Mohs surgery, a suitable date for surgery that is mutually acceptable will be arranged.
The safest and the quickest way to treat skin cancer is Mohs Surgery. Other forms of therapy frequently have only a 50–70% chance of curing skin cancer but the rate of the Mohs surgery in treating skin cancer greatly surpasses any other treatment with a success rate of up to 99 percent. This treatment also makes certain that the entire cancerous tumor has been removed and eliminates any possibility of the cancer returning in the future. Skin cancer is a horrible and potentially life threatening disease and often times it can be avoided by using preventive measures such as wearing sun screen and staying out of the sun. Even by taking precautions however, it is crucial that you have your skin checked for cancer on an annual basis especially before you start spending more time in the sun during the summer. At your appointment, your questions about sun protection will be answered so that you can safely spend many enjoyable hours outdoors. Dr. Tabas is specifically trained to examine your moles, identify their source, predict their growth pattern, and understand the skin around them. Since she knows best how to care for your skin, if it is determined that you have skin cancer you can feel confident and rest easier knowing she is up-to-date on all of the newest and latest procedures and will know best how to treat and cure your skin cancer. Extensively trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, Dr. Tabas will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have and Winter Park Dermatology is noted for their level of high-quality patient care so please call today.
Summer is right around the corner and everyone loves the warm sunshine. The sun’s rays not only make us feel good, we think they make us look good because a glowing complexion is associated with health. The skin color we get from the sun however is not healthy because it actually accelerates the effects of aging and increases your risk for developing skin cancer. Exposure to the sun causes most of the skin changes that we think of as normal aging. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light damages the elastin fibers in your skin over time and when they breakdown, your skin begins to wrinkle, droop, sag, and lose its ability to go back into place after it is stretched out. While sun damage might not be apparent when you are young, it will definitely show up later in life.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 1 million cases are diagnosed each year, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetimes. Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells and this rapid growth results in tumors, which are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are less serious types, making up 95% of all skin cancers, and when treated early they are highly curable. Melanoma, made up of abnormal skin pigment cells called melanocytes, is the most serious form of skin cancer. Causing 75% of all skin cancer deaths, left untreated it can spread to other organs and is difficult to control.
It was recently reported that even though some cancer rates are falling, there is a dramatic rise of skin cancer in young adults. Published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, between 1970 and 2009 the rate of melanoma among women increased eightfold and quadrupled among men. The study went on to suggest that indoor tanning beds and childhood sunburns may be to blame. Researchers found that people who use indoor tanning beds are 74 percent more likely to get melanoma than non-tanners.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun causes 90 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers and up to 65 percent of all melanomas. Harmful rays can be divided into two groups: UVB rays, which cause sunburn and skin cancer, and UVA rays, which are present all year round and cause premature ageing by damaging the skin’s collagen and elastin support structures
The sun is an inevitable and enjoyable part of life so the daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, applied liberally must be a key part of your sun protection program. The Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends seeking the shade from 10 AM to 4 PM, avoid sunburn, and cover up with protective clothing including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. There is no such thing as a healthy tan so if you insist on being bronzed, use one of the self-tanning creams, lotions, and sprays offered by many cosmetics companies. The active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) interacts with proteins in your skin to cause darkening without requiring UV exposure.
If you have any questions about skin cancer or if you want to have your skin checked professionally, call Dr. Maxine Tabas today at Winter Park Dermatology serving Central Florida and beyond. She wants you to know how important it is for you to protect your skin from ultraviolet exposure and inspecting your skin for new or changing moles is crucial because that can be a sign of melanoma. The key to surviving melanoma is early detection so please take care of your skin so it will take care of you for the rest of your life.
Winter Park Dermatology’s Spring Cleaning List for your Skin
Winter is almost over and it will soon be time to start spring-cleaning. This not only applies to your home: it also applies to your skin because it is time to spring clean your dead winter skin. As the season approaches, most of us will start making changes from our winter routines. We love the freshness of spring and we look forward to renewing ourselves inside and out. As we shed our winter clothing, our skin needs a new beginning as well and preparing it for spring is essential. Your parched, pale, scaly, rough, thickened, and dry skin needs to come out of hibernation too. The new changes you make in your skin care will make a huge difference in the way you look and feel about yourself as well.
As spring arrives, your skin is faced with different challenges. Significant temperature variations take a toll and the new season gives you the chance to start over in a completely different way. No matter what your skin type, it is important to alter your skin care regime during seasonal changes. Fortunately, taking care of your skin is easier during the warmer months because your skin is subjected to fewer problems. However, in spring you have to be prepared to protect your skin from dryness and the strong rays of the sun. Sensitive skin is also susceptible to breakouts and allergies due to changing weather and high pollen counts.
Skin Care Regimen
There is no great secret to having good skin but you will find that difficult to achieve unless you take care of it on a daily basis. Spring is a great time to try something new because nothing is worse for skin than a long winter with the low humidity, cold air, indoor heat, and less fresh air. Winter leaves your skin looking older and proper skin care is the vital component if you want to regain your youthful skin. Once you get into the habit of caring for your skin everyday, the results are quickly visible. A daily skin care regimen is essential because your skin is constantly exposed to free radicals and pollutants allowing the pores of your skin to become clogged with dirt.
There are many choices when committing to a skin care plan but an easy formula to follow are the basic steps of:
- Cleansing
- Exfoliating
- Toning
- Moisturizing
- Protecting
Cleanse
Over the course of the day, you build up makeup, oil, and environmental toxins that settle on the surface of your skin. In order to help clarify and rejuvenate, you must thoroughly cleanse your face morning and night with a non-drying cleanser. A good cleaning twice a day to remove all the dirt that ends up on your face is the first step to beautiful skin. A deep cleansing facial foam is highly recommended to make sure that every speck of dirt will be removed, even from the deepest pores. You should wash your skin in a circular motion until your entire facial area is clean and after rinsing with warm water, use a towel to gently blot the excess water. Excessive rubbing may cause irritation and redness. It is important to be sure that you go to bed with cleansed skin. This will not only keep your pores clean and free of debris, but will also help moisturizers and other products penetrate better.
Be aware of what you are putting on your skin because sixty percent of what comes in contact with your skin is absorbed. Use products that are mild and gentle. The fewer ingredients the better and be sure that the ingredients in the product are emollient and nutritive, not harsh or drying. Finding the right cleanser is the key and to do this you need to know your skin type. Oily, dry, sensitive, acne-prone, or menopausal are a few of the more common skin types and matching the cleanser to the category you fit into is something Dr. Maxine Tabas M.D. will be able to help you with.
Tone
Toners are meant to remove all remaining traces of oil, makeup, and dirt. A good toner is essential to refine pores and tone the skin and your toner will help remove any stray makeup or dirt, which may have been missed by your cleanser.
Exfoliate
Exfoliating refers to the act of removing dead skin cells from your skin’s outermost surface to reveal the newer skin cells underneath. Exfoliating is the step most people skip in their skincare routine but if you start properly exfoliating your skin, you will notice an immediate difference. Exfoliating allows your freshest, most radiant skin to shine through and chances are if you do not exfoliate, your skin is covered in dead cells that are clogging up the surface of your skin. Soaps and cleansers remove dirt and oil but soap cannot remove all of the skin’s dead cells on its own. Without proper exfoliation, foundation will not smooth on cleanly and moisturizers will not properly soak in. Exfoliating allows products to penetrate better because it removes the surface layer of dead cells that can limit how much of your lotion gets through. Dead surface skin cells give your skin a dull look and exfoliation will keep dead cells to a minimum. In addition, exfoliation will promote circulation and bring about an all-natural glow to the skin.
The best time to exfoliate is in the morning. Your skin repairs itself at night therefore the morning is the perfect time for scrubbing away dead skin cells. For most women, exfoliating twice a week is enough to ensure silky skin. To some degree however, the frequency depends on your age, as older skin may be too delicate for too frequent exfoliation. The climate you live in makes a difference too because warm weather increases perspiration and oil production leading to speedier accumulation of dead cells. Women with oily skin should exfoliate more as oily skin makes it hard for dead cells to make their exit. No matter what product you choose, you should rub your exfoliant in a circular motion for 30 seconds before rinsing with lukewarm; never hot water.
With so many great products on the market, it is often difficult to choose which exfoliant is best for you. Great results come when you find a method, schedule, and product that suits your skin. Exfoliating removes dead cells from the uppermost layer of skin to reveal the fresher, younger skin underneath. Sloughing off these dead cells can even skin tone, help prevent acne, and remove pore-clogging dirt and oil.
There are several ways to exfoliate skin but the two basic types include:
- Physical scrubs
- Chemical scrubs
Both physical and chemical exfoliants work to remove dulling surface cells for a brighter, smoother surface. Physical exfoliants use friction together with grains or particles to mechanically remove dead skin cells. This can be achieved through a brush or gentle abrasive ingredients but it is important to use a gentle scrub with tiny grains to avoid any irritation. Using strong exfoliants on your face can actually damage your skin and cause minute tears and abrasions on delicate tissues. Depending on the amount of friction or massage over your skin and the nature of the abrasive, results vary with each person. Chemical exfoliants smooth skin by dissolving the intercellular “glue” that attach skin cells to your skin’s surface. Chemical exfoliants can also digest the cells as well. Hydroxy acids such as Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Retinol, and enzymes are a few examples of chemical exfoliants.
Moisturize
Moisturizing is one of the most significant aspects in your skin care routine. Although moisturizing regularly is as important in the spring as it is in the winter, it is crucial to adjust your moisturizer by switching to a lighter one. A rich moisturizer does a good job of protecting your skin during the winter months but once the temperatures rise, it may feel too greasy. Even if you have dry or combination skin, you need a lighter moisturizer. You should use a stronger moisturizer in winter’s dry air but warm weather brings increased humidity and this can make you sweat as well as increase your skin’s production of natural oils. Changing to a lighter moisturizer that is not oil-based and includes a higher SPF protection is important for the extra time you will be spending outdoors.
Moisturizers help keep your skin cells hydrated and they make your skin appear softer and more youthful. You should moisturize after cleansing, both in the morning and before bed at night. Even if you have oily skin you should moisturize because the fact is that one of the reasons your skin is oily is because your skin is actually lacking moisture and trying to compensate for it. Use a water-based, oil-free moisturizer if you have oily skin and this will help control the oil.
Over the years you may have found a moisturizer that works just fine for you during the winter but as the weather conditions change, so should your skin care routine. Moisturizing is one of the best ways to guarantee a fresh look and fight the dryness that increase the risks of allergies. In the spring, another idea is to look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances (including glycerin, sorbitol, and alpha-Hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin. Keep in mind that using the wrong moisturizer is not good for your skin so if you do not know what type of skin you have, consult Dr. Tabas so you can be sure your skin gets the treatment it needs.
Protect
Your skin needs daily protection from the sun everyday of the year. A good foundation with an SPF factor of at least 30 will provide a barrier between your face and the world, protecting it from damage. To guard your skin from direct ultra violet rays, Dr. Tabas suggests applying a daily moisturizer that contains or is supplemented by sunblock with SPF to avoid the loss of collagen and slow down skin damage. For extra protection, purchase foundation and powder that have SPF included to keep your skin from premature aging and sunburns.
You should wear sunscreen anytime you are going to be in the sun, even for a short amount of time. Sunscreen should be applied thirty minutes prior to going outdoors and reapplied frequently if you stay outside a long time. Nothing says spring like a healthy glow, but traditional tanning achieved by sunbathing or going to a tanning salon can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer. Instead of getting a glow the risky way, opt for today’s sprays and creams, which help you achieve an even, natural-looking tan without exposing your skin to harmful ultra-violet rays.
See Your Dermatologist
Your skin can tell you what is going on inside your body. Every skin condition, whether it is aging or acne, is the manifestation of your body’s internal needs. If you treat your skin from the inside out, you will start to notice improvements right away. Just as you visit your general practitioner or gynecologist to take care of your internal health every year, it is just as important to schedule an annual skin exam with a dermatologist.
It is imperative that you check your skin regularly. Whether it is a stubborn rash or a strangely shaped mole, some skin conditions require immediate attention. If you have not had a complete skin survey recently, you need to schedule one as spring begins and repeat it at the same time every year. During your survey, Dr. Tabas will evaluate all of your moles, freckles, darker spots, and variations in complexion. She will then compare them from year to year to ensure there are no changes. The majority of skin cancer malignancy is treatable if detected early.
When you go to your local store, you will find it difficult to talk to someone who can give you the skincare advice you need. A trip to the cosmetics counter says it all: Skin care is an ever-changing and confusing business. That is why going to a dermatologist is an excellent investment for your health in general. Dr. Tabas will analyze your skin type, troubleshoot your current skin care regimen, and give you advice on the skin care products you should be using to head off any potential problems. You should understand that because you are seeing a professional, it does not mean you will be forced to buy high-end skin care products if you do not want to. The most important factor is how your skin responds to a product: not how much money you pay for it. A wrong choice of skin care or makeup products can be disastrous resulting in rashes, skin irritations, and sometimes serious allergic reactions. Since the market is oversaturated with every kind of skin care product you can imagine, you need to be careful to choose quality. There are definitely good products that will help give you a good start to your daily skin care regimen and by following Dr. Tabas’ recommendations, you will find out how easy it is to achieve the healthy, glowing skin you have always wanted.
Spring is in the air and because this is the season that represents new beginnings, now would be the perfect time for you to freshen your look with a mini-makeover. After winter, your skin is dull and Dr. Maxine Tabas would love to discuss some of the latest skin rejuvenation treatments available at Winter Park Dermatology. She will create a customized treatment plan that will help you regain your smooth, youthful looking skin just in time for spring and summer.
The winter weather did far more damage to your skin than you realize. Low humidity, cooler temperatures, indoor heat, and blustery winds took a toll that is sometimes hard to see with the naked eye. As nature’s protective armor, your skin is the largest organ of your body. It is constantly working to shield your fragile tissues and organs from the effects of the environment. Your skin blocks out harmful germs and bacteria as well as preventing your body from dehydrating. Your skin transmits nutrients to your hair and nails and disposes wastes and toxins through perspiration. Your skin also serves as a bridge to the sensations of heat, cold, pain, and pleasure and is a gauge of physical and emotional wellness.
Although your skin is strong, your skin is also a very sensitive organ. Even at the densest point, your skin is only an eighth of an inch thick and this is what makes it extremely vulnerable. Everyday stresses, hot water, heating, air, exposure to harsh cleansers and chemicals, and frequent washing combined with the damaging effects of wind, cold, and sun strip your skin’s surface of protective oils. Also, improper diet and nutrition, poor health, inadequate rest, smoking, drugs, and alcohol can leave your skin in an unhealthy state. Your skin protects your inner tissues and organs from the outside environment so it is important to take good care of your skin so it will continue to protect you on the inside and stay healthy as you age. You can significantly improve the appearance of your skin this spring with little or no recovery time by choosing to undergo one or more easy cosmetic interventions at Winter Park Dermatology.
You can select from the most advanced dermatological treatments available today including:
- BOTOX® Cosmetic
- Cosmetic Fillers
- Juvederm
- Sculptra Aesthetics
- Laser Treatments
- Harmony XL Laser
- Thermage
- FotoFacial RF
- Chemical Peel
BOTOX® Cosmetics
BOTOX® Cosmetic is a prescription medicine that is injected into the muscles on your face used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines. The clinical use of BOTOX® (onabotulinumtoxinA) is the result of more than 100 years of study into botulinum toxin type A. BOTOX® is one of the world’s most versatile and widely-researched medicines approved in approximately 80 countries for 21 different indications. Millions of patients worldwide between the ages of 18-65 years of age, have been treated therapeutically with BOTOX® over the course of nearly 20 years. BOTOX® is a purified protein that works by blocking overactive nerve impulses that trigger excessive muscle contractions or glandular activity. The effect is temporary and lasts from approximately one to six months, depending on the individual patient and indication involved.
Cosmetic Fillers
Cosmetic fillers are materials injected underneath your skin to make it fuller. After an injection, the plumper skin shows fewer wrinkles and looks younger. Injectable cosmetic fillers have been around for decades however in recent years, medical advances have brought new versions of this wrinkle treatment. Newer cosmetic fillers are longer lasting and some are even permanent. Your skin is held tight and smooth by three critical components: collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin. These chemicals combine to create a firm foundation under your skin surface and this elastic structure keeps your skin surface smooth and firm. As you age, you lose the integrity of the foundation. With weakness in the underlying support structure, your skin’s surface loses its fullness. Injecting cosmetic fillers helps fill your thinned-out skin. They plump up the tissue underneath your skin and shrink wrinkles allowing your skin to become firmer, smoother, and younger-looking.
Cosmetic fillers can be divided into three categories: Temporary, which last a few weeks or months, semi-permanent which last six to twelve months, or permanent. Fillers are derived from animal sources, donated human sources, or they can be completely synthetic.
JUVÉDERM®JUVÉDERM® may be the solution you need to rejuvenate multiple problem areas on your face. From smile lines to nasolabial folds, unwanted wrinkles can be smoothed away and your natural contours restored with this revolutionary product. From the creators of Botox, the FDA approved Juvederm in June 2006 as a new line of cosmetic fillers. Juvederm is injected under your skin to instantly smooth facial wrinkles giving you beautiful and natural results. Juvederm is composed of hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring complex sugar found in the human body that helps our skin stay full, elastic, and hydrated. Because hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance, it will gradually absorb into your body. With just one treatment, you will get smooth and natural-looking results that last up to a year.
Sculptra Aesthetics
A new volume enhancer for facial augmentation, Sculptra Aesthetic, has received FDA approval and has long-lasting results. Sculptra Aesthetic is a synthetic biodegradable simple lactic acid-based sugar that is injected into your face or the back of your hands to increase the fullness and thickness of the skin by stimulating new collagen production. This compound has been widely used in dissolvable sutures for more than forty years and does not require skin testing.
Laser Treatments
Laser and energy treatments have become immensely popular for treating the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, spots, and skin discoloration. Modern laser facial treatments offer improvement for a variety of conditions ranging from no downtime to more aggressive treatment with modest downtime. Lasers offer dramatic results and nearly all types of laser facial rejuvenation treatments employ the use of a concentrated beam of light that is able to stimulate the body’s production of collagen, remove unwanted discoloration such as facial veins and brown spotting, and stimulate rejuvenation in the face. In many cases, this can be done while leaving the surface layers of your skin intact (called “non-ablative” rejuvenation). There are non-ablative lasers, fractionated lasers (lasers which partially remove microscopic portions of the skin’s surface) and ablative lasers (which remove the skin’s upper layers). This wide variety of treatment options offers choices for any patient and situation so if you want to improve the appearance of your skin, skin rejuvenation or resurfacing may be right for you.
Harmony XL Laser
As you age, one of the first noticeable changes is in the firmness of your skin. Sagging and loose skin is something that everyone hates. There is hope however in the form of laser skin tightening treatments that have been simplified with the introduction of Alma Laser’s Harmony XL module. The Harmony device is the most comprehensive and versatile solution for the aesthetic market today. With its combination of seven high-tech lasers, pulsed light and UVB-technologies for 13 exchangeable hand pieces, the Harmony XL ensures the easy and effective singular and combined therapeutic treatment of more than 60 clinical FDA cleared indications.
Harmony XL’s functionality and flexibility are unsurpassed and it meets all the requirements for versatility and reliability. The Harmony XL works by utilizing near-infrared rays through your skin for deep dermal heating. The procedure does not involve any surgical incisions or ablations and it is very safe and virtually painless. The Harmony XL gives your skin tightening and remodeling results within minutes. As the procedure works within the dermis, the epidermal temperature is normal so you do not feel the heat. Ideal light range and precise fluences give you the best results on targeted, localized skin areas.
The Harmony XL provides:
- Acne Removal Treatment – The AFT 420 Acne Hand piece is used for treatments that entail acne scar removal. The results of this treatment will exceed your expectations.
- Dermal Heating for Blood Flow Increase – The LED 589 Hand piece can be used for dermal heating of the skin to increase the blood flow in the area and give your skin tightening, skin rejuvenating, and an amazing skin vitalizing effect.
- Fractional Skin Resurfacing – The High Power Pixel 2940 Hand piece (PIXEL ERBIUM) used for fractional resurfacing can help you get rid of your wrinkles and stretch marks. It also works wonders on surgical or acne scars, scars left behind by other skin conditions and blotches on your skin.
- Psoriasis, Vitiligo, Stretch Marks, Hypo Pigmentation – The AFT IPL treatment can help those who are plagued with psoriasis scars, unappealing stretch marks, vitiligo, and hypo pigmentation marks on the skin. The treatment gives visible results.
- Skin / Photo Rejuvenation – The AFT IPL Hand piece is used for skin rejuvenation procedures the leave you feeling like you are suddenly years younger. The procedure involves tightening and removing pigments and scars while leaving you with new skin.
- Skin Tightening – The NIR Hand piece is used to tighten sagging areas of your skin that look extremely unsightly. It can also be used to improve skin quality, reduce sagging, reduce wrinkles, and basically turn back the clock on your age.
- Vascular and Pigmented Lesions – The Long-pulse 1064 ND: YAG module is used in treatments that remove skin lesions. Regardless of what causes the lesions, this treatment will effectively get rid of them without the need of surgery or chemicals.
- Wrinkles and Acne Scars – The 1320 ND: YAG Hand piece is used to remove wrinkles and acne scars that plague almost everyone at some point in their lives. The best part of this treatment is that it is virtually painless, requires no surgeries (or downtime because of surgeries), and gives visible results within short treatment spans.
Thermage
Thermage is the only non-invasive procedure that helps tighten and contour your skin in a single treatment with no surgery, no injections, and little to no downtime. Thermage stimulates your body’s natural renewal of collagen, which creates subtle, natural looking results. Thermage will give you tighter, smoother skin, soften your wrinkles and lines, and give you an overall younger looking appearance. To get started on your rested, rejuvenated look, please explore our website at http://dermatologywinterpark.com/cosmetic-procedures/thermage/.
FotoFacial RF
FotoFacial RF brings a unique combination of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and powerful Radio Frequency energy that act synergistically to enhance your skin. This procedure has increased in popularity and recognition to the point where it is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. This remarkable and innovative treatment modality uses an ELOS (electro-optical synergy) technology that is FDA-approved for facial rejuvenation. Sun damage accelerates in the form of dilated capillaries, brown spots, areas of diffuse pigmentation, coarse skin texture, wrinkles around your eyes, and diffuse redness over your face, neck, chest, and hands. Another skin disorder, rosacea, is an exceedingly common skin affliction manifest by facial redness, acne breakouts, and spontaneous uncontrolled flushing and blushing. If you have any of the above conditions, you are a candidate for FotoFacial RF. Flushing, blushing, and redness can be reduced as much as 80% in most cases and acne breakouts improved substantially as well.
Chemical Peel
A chemical peel, also known as chemexfoliation or derma peeling, is a technique used to improve the appearance of your skin. In this treatment, a chemical solution is applied to your skin, which causes it to “blister” and eventually peel off. A chemical peel is performed on your face, neck, or hands and the new, regenerated skin is smoother and less wrinkled than your old skin.
Chemical Peels can be used to:
- Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
- Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage, aging, and family history
- Improve the appearance of mild scarring
- Treat certain types of acne
- Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches due to pregnancy or from taking birth control pills (melasma)
- Improve the look and feel of skin that is dull in texture and color
- Chemical peels can “purge” the skin of toxins and buildup that have accumulated over the winter months, and can refresh your skin just in time for the spring season.
At the practice of Dr. Maxine Tabas, she takes pride in offering a full-service dermatology and dermatologic surgery practice. She provides less invasive cosmetic interventions for skin rejuvenation and a variety of cosmetic skin enhancements that can reduce photo damage, improve wrinkles, treat spider and facial veins, soften skin, permanently reduce unwanted hair, and help correct skin ailments from rosacea to birthmarks. With each patient, she gives the highest-quality, individualized cosmetic surgical, and medical skin care possible. Her use of the latest dermatological equipment combined with her commitment to excellence helps ensure that you will receive outstanding results and have a pleasant experience each time you visit her office. Find out how easy it is to achieve the healthy, glowing skin you lost during the winter months by visiting Winter Park Dermatology near Orlando today. For all of your dermatology needs, you can trust Dr. Tabas to have the ideal solution to keep your skin looking its best.
