Question:
I have two young children ages 1 and 3 and for the past 3 years I have constant dark circles under my eyes. Is this something that would improve if I ever manage to get more sleep or can eyelid surgery fix this?
Answer:
There are numerous causes for dark circles under the eyes. While lack of sleep is certainly one of them, other common causes include: pigmentation irregularities, sun exposure, visible blood vessels, stress, allergies, atopic dermatitis, pseudoherniation (outpouching) of fat from the eyelid, and heredity, to name a few. Fat can cause the appearance of dark circles, which can be corrected by fat repositioning blepharoplasty. As individuals age, skin tends to thin and the normal fat pads in the eyelids herniate from their normal positions and become more prominent. This prominence can appear as bags under the eyes, and the shadow they cast appear as dark circles, while the thinner skin causes blood vessels to be more noticeable, contributing further to the dark hue. Some pigment can be treated with laser and/or bleaching creams. However, if it is too deep the treatment will not be effective. Surgery can not correct dark circles due to every cause, but it will correct dark circles that are due to the aging process. Thank you for the question.
Question:
There seem to be so many different techniques out there for liposuction. I’m interested in something that’s less invasive. Can you explain what my different options are?
Answer:
Yes, actually, Dr. Paul Nassif is now performing the Zerona body contouring laser. This fat reducing laser works great for patients looking to jump start a weight loss program or those getting ready for a big event that would like to fit into a dress size or two smaller. The laser is used to break down adipose tissue (fatty tissue), which is then naturally discharged from the body via the normal detoxification process. Because Zerona Laser treatments are non-invasive, the procedure only takes forty minutes to an hour and is done three times a week for two weeks. The procedure leaves no scars, which often come with the territory of liposuction and tummy tucks. There is no pain during the procedure, despite the fact that no anesthesia is used. Because the low level laser is so gentle and does not produce heat, there have been no reported side effects, and most patients feel no discomfort.
If you are considering liposuction at all, I would suggest that you see an expert in this field for a full body consultation, such as Dr. David Amron. He would be able to tell you if you have areas that are out of proportion and are a good candidate for liposuction or if you just need to lose weight. Unfortunately, if you are out of proportion in any given area and need actual fat cells removed, liposuction is the only way to permanently do so. However if you just have weight to lose and are looking for a non-surgical alternative, then laser body contouring might be a better option for you.
Question:
Even though I am 32, I have had acne as an adult for some years now. What sort of facial treatment or laser treatment would you recommend?
Answer:
It is not uncommon for you as an adult to be experiencing acne. Treatment options can vary depending on the severity of the acne, how long you have been breaking out, your family history, and your personal lifestyle situation.
Some patients notice a remarkable change in their skin with a series of facial treatments or peels when other patients opt to go with laser or oral medications for more persistent acne. The best thing for you to do is consult with a Dermatologist or Clinical Esthetician for an evaluation.
Question:
I heard that laser skin resurfacing has made dermabrasion somewhat obsolete. Is this true? Is dermabrasion still good for treating some things?
Answer:
It is true that most physicians are choosing laser resurfacing over traditional dermabrasion when treating the full face. With laser technology many physicians feel they have more control over the outcome of the procedure. With this technology there can be less bleeding during the procedure and reduced healing times, however some doctors are choosing dermabrasion to treat isolated areas when it comes to acne scars or deep wrinkles.
Question:
I know that I will have to have several session of laser hair removal for permanent hair removal. But how long will I be at the office for each session? I am getting the hair on both forearms removed.
Answer:
Yes generally you will need 3-5 treatments about 4-6 weeks apart and for the forearms each session will take about 30 minutes. We ask that you come into the office 30 minutes prior to treatment for the numbing cream application so your total in office time for the forearms would be around 60 minutes.
Question:
I am allergic to a variety of skin products, from Nair to shaving cream products to moisturizers. I want to have laser hair removal for facial hair that has come in since I entered menopause. Do you use any creams or products before, during or after the procedure? Are they hypoallergenic?
Answer:
Yes we usually do use a topical numbing cream containing lidocaine 30min prior to procedure. Patients with allergies to lidocaine should not use this cream. Most people tolerate it just fine without irritation. Since the laser works by targeting the pigment in the hair, the hair must be present in the follicle at the time of treatment. So we ask that you not use any depilitories (hair removing products), or have any waxing or tweezing done for about 1 month prior to treatment, however shaving or trimming is acceptable. We even ask that you do shave the day prior to treatment to clear the area to be treated above the skin of excess hair and do not use any skin creams before coming into the office. Along with sun avoidance sunscreen of an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended daily for at least 1-2 weeks after treatment to avoid any chance of hyperpigmentation. A zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based sunblock is recommmended for patients with allergies to sunscreen chemicals.
