santa-rosa-beach Archives | The Aesthetic Clinique

What’s More Accurate – Cannulas vs Needles For Dermal Fillers?

There is an ongoing debate among injectors as to what method of injecting fillers is more accurate. The needle pundits state that the needle can inject in any tissue, at any depths. While this is true, is the filler actually placed where they think it is? Cannulas aficionados argument is that cannulas will stay in the plane which they are placed, and are therefore more accurate.

In a paper titled “Precision in Dermal Filling: A Comparison Between Needle and Cannula when Using Soft Tissue Fillers.” by Pavicic, Frank, Cotofan, et all, the debate was studied. There were 10 cadavers studied for supraperiosteal injections. The filler injected was radiopaque. Needles were placed in position using a perpendicular transcutaneous approach. The cannulas were placed in a similar position in the supraperiosteal plane. Using fluoroscopy, the injected material was analyzed in the horizontal and vertical planes.

The results show that in over 60% of the needle injections, the material changed planes (became more superficial) and this was not found in the cannulas group.

The conclusion was that cannula filler placement is more precise because the filler remains in the plane of the intended implantation much more so than needle placement.

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Dr. Weiner’s New Treatment for the Aging Neck – “TriNECKta”

The aging phenomenon affects all the areas of the face and body. Sun exposed areas will be most affected due to the collagen destroying effects of UVA and UVB light. Dr. Weiner has developed a technique which addresses many different aspects of the aging neck, and, better yet, it’s all minimally invasive.

Pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation is a sign of UV damage and aging. It can be addressed with nonablative lasers, such as the Thullium 1927nm laser (Fraxel Dual/LaseMD). In some patients, there is also an associated redness, such as in poikiloderma. Redness needs a vascular laser such as the Excel V + laser. Skincare products are essential in maintaining results and must include a retinol, growth factor, and SPF.

Volume Loss

Much has been written about fat loss in the face, but this process will also affect the neck. Recent articles have validated safety with collagen stimulating fillers in the neck if done with careful technique. Deeper lines and wrinkles might also require a hyaluronic acid filler (HA) for improvement

Laxity

Loss of collagen, elastin, and gravity contribute to skin laxity in the neck. Radiofrequency seems to be the leader of the pack for tightening skin and building collagen and elastin. There are a couple different methods to use RF in the neck such as The Genius, FaceTite/NeckTite/AccuTite.

Hyperactive/hypertrophic Platysma

There is more literature supporting the platysma muscle becomes stronger as one ages. This leads to neck bands, jawline sagging, and corners of the mouth drooping. Strategic placement of a neuromodulator in the platysma can improve the appearance of the jawline and neck.

Excessive fat

Fat can accumulate in the chin area (double chin) and along the jawline. Methods used to improve the appearance of the fat in these areas includes: Kybella, Genius, FaceTite/NeckTite/AccuTite. If these procedures are done, the other procedures listed above will have to done on a different treatment day. Jowling can also be improved with these methods.

By combining these treatments, usually done in a series, multiple areas of the aging process can be addressed. Upkeep with future treatments and skincare is essential to maintain long-term results. To see if Dr. Weiner’s “TriNECKta” treatment is right for you, please call the office: 850-622-1214.

What is Myomodulation?

The aging process leads to hyperactivity of the muscles of the face. This movement leads to increased wrinkles and loss of the smooth, youthful appearance of the skin. In the upper face, neuromodulators such as Dysport and Botox, do a great job at relaxing this hyperactivity. What’s trending with aesthetic providers is dampening the muscle movement but not complete relaxation, leading to a more natural expression without “freezing” the patient.

Unfortunately, the neuromodulators can’t be administered throughout the entire face. In the lower face, low doses of neuromodulators are safe for the lips, chin, gummy smile, and DAO (AKA RBF) muscles for the most part. Inhibiting the lower face too much leads to changes with expression and smiling. What can be done to control the muscles in this area? Filler!

(Side note: Hyperactivity of the lower face has been described by Dr. Weiner in gum chewers in a previous blog. It leads to accelerated aging in the lower face and should be discouraged by aesthetic providers.)

An interesting study by Dr. Nowell Solish supports this concept. Using a rather large and sophisticated machine, Dr. Solish was able to determine muscle strain in the lower face during facial expressions. He compared patients in their 50’s to ones in their 30’s. As expected, the older patients had more muscle strain than the younger patients. He then injected the older population with Restylane Refyne and Defyne, 3-4cc in the perioral area. These fillers have XPresHAn technology and have flexibility – stretch capabilities. After the injections, the older patients were restudied for muscle strain. The findings: The muscle strain of the 2 groups (older vs younger) were basically the same. The filler was able to reduce the muscle strain about 15 – 20 years!

What’s the explanation? Dr. de Maio has coined the term myomodulation. His theory is that filler placed around hyperactive muscle leads to stretching and relaxation of the muscle. While this is plausible, there is probably a better way to describe this phenomenon.

Dr. Weiner’s theory: Think of an Aston Martin that has a top speed of 230 mph or more. However, in the US, to conform to the laws and regulations, governors are placed on the car to keep its top speed at 180 (This is purely hypothetical and used for illustrative purposes only). Dr. Weiner feels the fillers Refyne/Defyne limit the full range of movement of the hyperactive muscle, akin to a governor on the muscle. Why these fillers work so well at doing this is because they can stretch and recoil (akin to a tether), leading to some, but not excessive muscle movement. Other fillers would work but with a different and less natural mechanism. Think of the non-flexible fillers as acting as a wall, and not as a governor or tether.

With the new XPresHAn fillers, Refyne and Defyne, we now have a new treatment modality for the lower face which is highly effective. Myomodulation is real, exactly what is the underlying mechanism is still debatable.

2019 UPDATE: State-of-the-Art Acne Scar Treatments

Acne scarring has significant debilitating effects on one’s overall self-worth and confidence. Millions in the US are affected. There have been improvements in techniques and energy devices in past few years which have led to better outcomes for acne scar treatments.

Subcision – This is process of breaking up deeply tethered scar bands associated mainly with atrophic/rolling scars. Subcision has be performed for acne scars for decades and just using this procedure alone has proven to lead to significant acne scar improvements. Recently there have been a couple publications suggesting that cannula subcision had better outcomes, less downtime, and less discomfort than the traditional method of using a Nokor needle. A cannula has a blunt tip so it is also safer – less chance for cutting a nerve or blood vessel than the knife-like edge of the Nokor needle. In the study, both patients and the performing doctor rated the results better when using the cannula. Subcision is particularly important, in Dr. Weiner’s opinion, to be performed prior to any energy device for tethered scars. This is based on the fact that RF and laser will preferentially travel through collagen – which is high is water content – than fat or most other tissue. Scars are predominantly collagen, so it makes sense to cut the connection of the scar to the deeper tissue. Through personal communication with Dr. Davin Lim, biopsies he performed have shown scar band that reach the deeper fat pads from tethered acne scars. Transmission of the energy through the scar can theoretical lead to collagen contraction and deepening of the tethered scar. Sometimes fillers are placed at the time of the subcision to improve the volume loss associated with the scarring. Some hypothesize that putting a “spacer of filler” might improve results as well. Dilute lidocaine during the initial passes allows for this procedure to be well tolerated.

TCA CROSS – TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) is a chemical peel used to improved acne scarring by placing minute quantities in the scar using a toothpick. CROSS stands for Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars. The most common use of this procedure is for ice pick and small boxcar scars. The process of causing a controlled chemical burn, allows for the body to heal from the deepest part of the scar towards the skin surface. This makes the scar smaller in diameter and shallower. Usually a series of 3-6 treatments are needed, with 3-4 weeks between treatments. There will be some mild scabbing for a few days which needs to be kept moistened for best results. Risk include widening of the scar or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Radiofrequency Microneedling – This technology (RFM) has been available in the US for about 6 years and has revolutionized acne scar treatment. Using needles which are insulated, energy is delivered into the scar tissue directly and bypassing the epidermis, for the most part. The insulation protects the skin surface from heating so darker skin type individuals are at much less risk of PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) vs a laser treatment. The needles allow for deeper penetration than lasers as well. Overall, downtime is less than ablative lasers in most individuals (when insulated needles, proper technique, and appropriate settings are used). With acne scarring affecting darker skin types disproportionately, this is an excellent alternative to lasers. The Genius has recently been FDA approved and is now the “best of bread” RF microneedling device. There is now impedance feedback from the needles which allows for improved and exact energy delivery. The resistance in the tissues being treated is measured and this is important because throughout one’s face, there are differences, as well as between different individuals. Also, as tissue are heated or subcised, the resistance changes. Prior to Genius, there was no idea of how much energy was being delivered. There is now an accurate total energy for each pulse and a cumulative total. Other improvements include needle design-sharper, stronger motor, and feedback regarding quality of each pulse fired.

There is a myth that needs to be busted. Deeper does not mean better for acne scars.

The needles must stay within the scar for best results. If the needles go beneath the dermis, there is a risk for heating the fat and fat loss. Let it be known that the actual depth of the needles in most RFM devices is less than the settings, and becomes less accurate, the deeper the settings are. There is inherent resistance of the skin to penetration and many needles aren’t sharp enough or motors aren’t strong enough to get to the desired levels in the time required. This has also been addressed with the Genius and it’s depths are very accurate after extensive testing.

In addition, higher energy levels on any device which doesn’t monitor impedance, can actually result in very little energy delivered. Once the tissue is heating beyond a critical level, the resistance becomes so high that energy output cuts off. However, when higher energy levels are desired when using the Genius, the energy is adjusted to the increasing impedance and it is successfully delivered.

Fillers – Fillers are a very integral part of improving acne scars. They are extremely useful for the atrophic scars and the lipoatrophy associated with these scars. The aging process leads to dermal thinning and fat atrophy, which makes the acne scars appear worse, even if active acne has long been controlled. Fillers need to be injected deeply for correcting large areas of volume loss and superficially in minute quantities for focal defects. A hyaluronic acid filler will give about 12 months of improvement vs Bellafill which can give near permanent improvements. Bellafill does require a skin test to see if one has a allergy to the bovine collagen (0.5% chance) which needs 3-4 weeks to determine. There is some who feel fillers in areas of subcision will prevent re-adhesion of the scars. Most failures from other treatments are related to not recognizing the need to fillers to improve the acne scars.

Lasers – Erbium/CO2 ablative lasers still are beneficial for acne scars but have more downtime and risks vs RFM. Deeper skin imperfections are not improved with lasers and require fillers. These devices are best reserved for more superficial scars, mainly boxcar scars. Non ablative lasers are less affective but safer and in the author’s opinion give very minor results.

Microneedling – Also know as “Collagen Induction Therapy” CIT, has become popular in recent years. There are rollers available for home use and then there are medical grade devices which go to depths of 2mm or deeper and create thousands of penetrations per second. Rollers should be not be used at home for 2 reasons – questionable sterility at home and they tear tissue more than the in-office devices. Often these treatments are combined with topicals and PRP. It is highly recommended to not use any products on the skin which would normal not be injected. There have been many cases of infection and granulomas from these practices. Even when done in the office with PRP or amniotic membrane products, the efficacy of this procedure is minimal, and should be reserved for only mild acne scarring.

PRP/Amniotic membrane products – There is some date to support that better results and faster recovery with less side effects if PRP or amniotic membrane products are used during acne scar treatments. There is a movement more towards amniotic/placental products and away from PRP because there are more growth factors/healing properties in these vs PRP.

LLLT – There is a plethora of studies to suggest that using low level laser light (LLLT) is beneficial to results and healing times. The most researched device is Healite, and this should be performed immediately following all acne scar procedures which use energy devices. It calms the skin and improves circulation.

Acne scarring procedures are continuing to improve as technology and techniques evolve. One must understand that results require months to fully appreciate and multiple treatments (3-5 or more) are often needed to optimize results. Expectations need to discussed with providers/patients so that all are on the same page as to what one can achieve with treatments.

Dr. Weiner is an Acne Scar Center of Excellence designated by Bellafill and is a specialist on acne scars. He is a lecturer and trainer for Bellafill. He has become one of the leading authorities on Radiofrequency Microneedling and travels the globe lecturing on this technology. He performed the FDA trails for the Genius. He recently authored a chapter on RF Microneedling which soon will be published in the Facial Plastic Clinics of North America. He also wrote a recent chapter on Radiofrequency Safety and Complications which will be part of a book titled “Complications in Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation: Avoidance and Management” by Paul Carniol, MD

Subcision of Acne Scars – Revisiting an Old Technique

Acne scarring is a significant psychologically debilitating disease affecting millions in the US, approximately 1% of the adult population in one study. Treatments for acne scars include:

Lasers
RF Microneedling
Fillers
TCA Cross
Subcision
Microneedling
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PDO Threads (?)

Most of these techniques are based on trying to make the disorganized collagen in the scar to be more organized and natural. Using carefully induced tissue trauma with heat or microneedles (mechanical), the body initiates a healing process to smooth the scars.

Acne scars will often affect tissues deeper than the dermis. Fibrosis/scarring can affect the subcutaneous tissues and fat and lead to tethering of scar to the deeper structures. Lipoatrophy (fat loss) can occur as the result of the inflammatory mediators released from the acneic process. When heating from lasers and RF is applied, it is preferentially conducted through the collagen because the water content of collagen is high. Heating collagen will lead to collagen remodeling but also collagen contraction. If the collagenous attachments to the deeper tissue are not cut (subcised), there is actually potential for worsening the appearance of the scars with these heating devices.

A recent paper suggested that using a cannula to subcise acne scars is better tolerated, with less adverse events, and judged to have better results by the patients. This is Dr. Weiner’s (and acne scar expert Dr. Davin Lim’s per personal communication) preferred method of subcision vs using a Nokor needle. By subcising, the energy flow to the deeper structures is severed and harm to fat is less as is the risk of pulling some scars deeper. Placement of filler (Restylane Defyne, Bellafill) is often done simultaneously with the subcision to help elevate the scars and prevent reattachment of the scars.

Subcision has been around for decades for acne scar treatment. It is now even more important when energy devices are used to maximize the benefits of these treatments. The use of cannulas for this procedure leads to more comfort, less risks, and better satisfaction.

The Aesthetic Clinique has been designated an Acne Scar Center of Excellence by Suneva (Bellafill) and is considered an acne scar expert.

**(Subcision is also useful for treating cellulite as there are fibrous attachments from the skin which cause the dimpling.)

Action II Erbium Laser for Resurfacing and Bella V Vaginal Rejuvenation

Lutronic has added a new laser to it’s armamentarium and it is called the Action II. There are several different applications for this laser which include: fractional laser resurfacing, the “Shining” laser peel, skin lesion ablations, and the “Bella V” procedure for vaginal rejuvenation.

Erbium lasers are ablative lasers, they cause ablation of the tissue treated. This means that there will be vaporization of the treated skin. The Action II is a fractional laser, so only a “fraction” of the area treated will be ablated. Studies show that fractional lasers are safer and provide improved recovery times when compared to total (100%) ablative lasers. Comparing an erbium laser to a CO2 laser (which is also ablative), the erbium will have less coagulation of the tissue – less heat is transmitted to the surrounding tissues. The clinical result is that there is less crusting, less wound care, and faster healing with the erbium vs the CO2 laser.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing: The Action II uses a stamping handpiece that has approximately 15% coverage (15% of the skin is ablated) per pass. Depths are controlled by varying the energy as well as the pulse stacking. Typically patients will receive between 1-2 passes. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete. Only topical anesthetic is needed and patients are very comfortable throughout the procedure. Wound care which includes soaks and specialized creams is required for about 4 days. There is minimal to no crusting with this laser. More than one treatment might be needed to get optimal results.
- Indications: Treating deep wrinkles, sun damaged skin, pigmentation, and laxity
Shining Peel: This is a very superficial laser resurfacing with minimal depth and can be done without topical numbing creams. It takes about 15 minutes and is meant to have almost no downtime. It causes a rejuvenation of the skin
- Indications: Treat superficial wrinkles, minor pigmentation, enlarged pores
Surgical Handpiece: This is a microfocused beam to treat very small skin lesions. No anesthetic is needed.
- Indications: Treat sebaceous hyperplasia, seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis, benign nevus, skin tags, warts
Bella V: This handpiece/procedure is used for vaginal rejuvenation and stress incontinence. The handpiece is insert to the vagina. It has a unique 360 degree treatment zone as the laser is pulsed. There are 2 pulses, a shorter ablative or subablative pulse, followed by a longer nonablative (heating) pulse. The handpiece is gradually withdrawn about 0.5cm and another pulse is fired. The is done throughout the entire vagina and introitus and then repeated. If there is a component of stress incontinence, the area of the tissue around the urethra is treated more aggressively. The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes and no topical anesthetics are required. (At this time, external vaginal treatments are performed using the ThermiVa at the Aesthetic Clinique.)
- Indications: vaginal laxity, vaginal atrophy, decreased moisture, stress incontinence

Proper Sterile Technique is Critical for Optimal Dermal Filler Results

In surgery, sterile technique is “the law”. Any break in sterility places the patient at risk for a potentially life threatening infection. It is the duty for the surgeon(s), scrub tech, and circulating nurse to self report or call out any suspected or potential contamination risk. Immediate actions are taken to remedy the situation and to limit the risk to patient.

Why should dermal fillers be treated as anything differently? They shouldn’t! Fillers are semipermanent or permanent implants, and they must be administered in aseptic technique. The majority of injectors are not trained as surgeons and therefore don’t fully comprehend what sterile technique entails. Granulomas, one of the more serious complications from fillers, have now been traced to biofilms. Biofilms are latent bacteria that somehow get activated and present as infection or granulomas, months to years after the initial injection. Most often biofilms are deposited in the tissues during the initial injection procedure. Clearing infections or granulomas takes weeks or months to clear and often entails antibiotics, steroids, 5 FU, and hyaluronidase (if a hyaluronic acid was used).

The following guidelines should serve as a reference for physicians and nurses to minimize infectious complications during dermal filler injections.

The patient should clean their face thoroughly with soap and water in the office. All make-up must be removed.
Never inject someone with a current/ongoing infection. Even if the infection is not in the area of the dermal filler, bacteria can seed the filler from distant areas through the bloodstream (bactermia).
If a patient is in the process of getting dental work or even dental cleanings, hold off on injections until after the work has been completed. Bactermia is well documented during dental cleanings. It is recommended to wait at least 2 weeks after fillers to get dental cleanings. The areas of filler placement will initially have increased blood flow (hyperemia) so it is best to wait until this settles down.
Skin should be prepped for injection with chlorhexidine, with Hibiclens being the preferred form by the author. Although isopropyl alcohol (70%) is effective in killing bacteria and fungus, it is only effective for seconds and becomes ineffective as soon as it evaporates. Hibiclens kills germs on contact and will give persistent bactericidal effects for at least 6 hours, and up to 24 hours. It will bond with the skin even after washing to give continued killing effects. Isopropyl alcohol doesn’t give this lasting bactericidal effect, so anytime after the initial cleaning that an unsterile glove touches the skin, that area is now contaminated. (Hibiclens must be kept out of the eyes because it can burn the cornea). Technicare is also a great antiseptic but the author doesn’t have experience with it. Too many patients are allergic to Betadine for it to be used routinely.
Do not use tap water when applying Hibiclens or to clean the face after completion of the injections. There are several bacteria, fungi, as well as mycobacterium in water which can seep through the injection ports and cause infection.
If the filler is prepared by mixing lidocaine or saline, this must be done in a sterile fashion. The female/female connector used to connect the 2 syringes together must not be reused. It can only be used for the current patient and cannot be sterilized for use on other patients. The tops of all the solutions used must be wiped with an alcohol wipe. Routine use of blending fillers opens up more avenues for filler contamination and must be done with the strictest of sterile technique. If any of the solution vials becomes unsterile, all future filler patients using that vial will become infected.
Blunt tip cannulas can be used for multiple injection sites ON THE SAME PATIENT and are not intended to be used for multiple patients. When changing the cannulas between syringes, they should be recapped first. It is not sterile technique to lay the cannula on an unsterile tray or even a sterile drape when uncapped. After a syringe of filler is removed from its sterile packaging, the areas touched with the exam gloves become “contaminated”. Therefore, the sterile drape is not a sterile field anymore, once the syringes is placed on it. Best practice is to cap the syringe every time it is laid down.
Blunt cannulas are much longer than needles and must be kept sterile throughout their entire length. The cannula is contaminated if anywhere along its length it touches non sterilized skin, gloves, or hair.
It is never appropriate to touch a needle or cannula with unsterile gloves. The needle/cannula are now contaminated and must be exchanged.
The introducing needle for the pilot hole with cannula use must be recapped as well to maintain sterility.
Unless the gauze used during the procedure is specifically labeled as sterile, it is not, and introduces another route of contamination. Gauze that comes in sealed pull away packs and labeled as sterile is best to use. The author will take unsterile gauze, place in autoclave packs, and place in the autoclave to obtain sterility.
Frequent “re-sterilization” of the areas being treated with Hibiclens soaked gauze is done by the author.
If ice or devices for vibration are used to control discomfort, these should be cleansed with Hibiclens prior to applying to the skin. In addition, the areas where these were applied should be “re-sterilized” prior to injections.
When the procedure is complete, sterile water or saline on sterile gauze should be used to clean the patient. Again, if tap water is used, this can seep through the injection ports and lead to infection. Also, when soaking the gauze, best practice is to pour the water/saline over the sink onto the sterile gauze so as to keep the remaining fluid in the container sterile. By tipping the water/saline onto gauze that is covering the top, there is risk of contamination going back into the container.
Make-up should not be applied to the skin until the morning. At this point, the injection ports have all healed and there is no risk of contamination.
Dental procedures, even cleanings, should be postponed for at least 2 weeks.

Although the details above are fairly lengthy, any break from any step will lead to a possible source of granuloma or infection in the future. Strict sterile technique will lead to better outcomes and happier patients,

Update – A Better Way (Than Sculptra) to Enhance Temples is Using Cannulas and Refyne

A couple years ago, I wrote a blog that stated deep injections along the periostium using Sculptra were the best way to enhance temples suffering from volume loss. I would like to update everyone to a newer technique I have perfected that gives better results.

Although the Sculptra temple injections are safe and long lasting, there were deficiencies:

Multiple treatments were required – 3 or more
Results take weeks or months to occur
Final results still showed volume loss in the temporal fusion line and supraorbital area
Significant volumes of Sculptra were required
Needle injections inherently lead to more bruising than cannulas

The temporal fossae is a very large space and when Sculptra is injected in this area, there is tremendous spread of the product due to its watery consistency. In addition, the deep temporal fascia is a thick and unyielding tissue plane that resists lateral movement from filler placed deeply.

My current preference for volumizing the temples uses large (23g) cannulas and a diluted HA (Refyne) dermal filler. I use large cannulas because they are safer than the smaller cannulas and needles for preventing vascular occlusion. I have found that the larger cannulas navigate the numerous veins in the temples well with minimal discomfort. My entry point is the zygomatic arch, about 1 cm posterior to the brow. The plane of injection is between the superficial temporal fascia and the deep temporal fascia. This is the exact area where the temporal fat pad is situated and where fat loss occurs. Surrounding areas such as the superior orbital rim, supraorbital area, forehead, and hairline can all be injected from the temporal approach. By diluting the Restylane Refyne with 1cc of saline and 1cc of lidocaine 1%, the thinner product is able to distribute very evenly throughout the plane of injection. Refyne’s high tissue integration and low swelling properties makes this the optimal filler for this area. I have found that a total of 1-2 syringes of the filler is needed to achieve correction in most patients. Massaging at the time of injection and periodically afterwards by the patient will give the smoothest results. A follow up in 3 weeks is typically made to make final touch ups if needed.

Techniques must constantly be re-evaluated and refined to achieve the optimal and safest results for our patients.

Introducing the Concept of “Age Freezing”

The nonsurgical aesthetic industry has finally hit an important milestone. Using a combination of techniques, cosmetic physicians are now able to halt, and even reverse, the age-related changes which occur to one’s face. In the past, technologies would allow for turning back time for a few years but eventually, the inevitable and undeniable signs of aging would occur. As lasers, radiofrequency (RF), filler and neuromodulator techniques have improved, the aging face is a thing of the past. The concept of “age freezing”, keeping ones looks for a decade or more, is not merely a dream, but reality. More importantly, this all can be done without surgery!

Not everyone is a candidate for “Age Freezing” unfortunately. The stipulations are:

Must be a nonsmoker – There are several significant skin and health issues associated with smoker which can’t be overcome. Many procedures require healing and collagen stimulation which are inhibited by smoking.
Free of chronic debilitating disease – There are tolls long term diseases take on the body which lead to premature aging, cellular changes.
Stable weight – As Katherine Deneuve once stated, at the age of 40, you must decide between your ass or your face. If you lose too much weight, fat is lost from your face. In most instances, this can be overcome but not always. However, in patients with significant weight gains, there can be some difficulties maintaining the same look one had in the years prior.
Alcohol consumption in moderation – Alcohol can take a toll on the body in the long run when taken in excess. 1-2 drinks per day is the recommended maximum intake that the author recommends.
Healthy lifestyle and diet – Although this topic overlaps some of the previously mentioned necessities, a good exercise regime is also required. The benefits of exercise on weight, hormones, circulation all benefit the facial appearance. Obviously, a well-rounded diet full of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients is beneficial too. There is research to support telomere lengthening with these measures as well.

The requisite procedures for “Age Freezing” are:

Neurotoxins on a regular basis. Relaxing the hyperdynamic muscles of the face with either Dysport or Botox needs to be performed at least 3 times per year. The regularity is needed to keep the muscles weak and prohibiting them from regaining strength.
Dermal Fillers for lost volume. Fillers are the epicenter of the whole “Age Freezing” concept. Beginning in the mid 30’s, at least a cc of volume is lost per year. This is the result of fat, bone, and muscle loss. Replacing and keeping up with this process is tantamount to looking young. Large volumes are best replaced with using Sculptra, a collagen stimulating filler. It is best to recreate the foundation with Sculptra. Superficial fine tuning is best performed with a hyaluronic acid filler, such as Restylane. New techniques using blunt cannulas permitted safer, less downtime procedures. A comprehensive understanding of the aging process has enlightened our specialty as to what needs to be corrected for accomplishing age reversal.
Skin Tightening to reverse gravity. The constant downward pull due to gravity leads to skin laxity, above and beyond what is attributable to volume loss. Devices that heat up the dermis will stimulate collagen and tissue contraction. Devices vary in their ability to tighten, often with a tradeoff of more downtime/discomfort/risk for more results. Ablative lasers, CO2 and Erbium, will give the most tightening for lasers. Radiofrequency can also be used, with the microneedling RF, such as Infini, giving the best results. A new procedure called JPlasma, looks like it may have promise in significant tightening, but does have about 14 days of downtime and a month of redness.
Skin Resurfacing to improve pigmentation, fine lines, and thicken the dermis. The aging process, primarily due to sun exposure, causes skin to thin with loss of collagen and elastin. Dyspigmentation, pigmentation problems, occurs as well. Renewing the surface of the skin can be accomplished using lasers, such as the Fraxel Dual, or chemical peels. Microneedling can thicken the skin by producing small injuries in the dermis with very little downtime or risks. There may be benefit to adding PRP, platelet rich plasma, to the skin, but the jury is still out.
Skin Care is essential to achieve the optimal results from any of the above mention procedures as well as to improve one’s skin health. Retin A or Retinol should be a staple in one’s nightly regime. These products stimulate skin turnover, reversal of pigmentation problems, better hydration with hyaluronic acid stimulation, and collagen production. Blemishes/Acne breakouts are improved with these products as well.
Oral Supplements are key to good, healthy skin. Oxidants are the source of disease, cancer, aging, and skin damage. To neutralize the oxidative stress, strong anti-oxidant supplement(s) are necessary. Examples include: superoxide dismutase, fish oils, resveratrol, Polypodium leucotomos, turmeric, and glutathione. In addition, the antiaging benefits of Metformin are hard to dismiss with the current research published. Lengthening one’s telomeres with TA65 is probably beneficial as well.

One must understand that the “Age Freezing” concept is a process. It is a lifestyle, a choice. It is not a “one and done” procedure. It consists of regular visits to an aesthetic physician. There are big steps and little steps along the way. The author has dozens of “Age Freezing” patients whom look younger and better, 10 or more years after initiating treatments. “Age Freezing” will eliminated the need for future cosmetic surgery.

Acne is NO Longer A Problem with The Aerolase Neopod Laser (Neoclear)

Acne affects millions of people in the US, and is the most common reason to seek medical attention from a Dermatologist. Billions of dollars are spent on medications to control the disease, both over the counter and prescription. Medications have potential side effects, and compliance is difficult. Even with aggressive medical therapy, acne can be difficult to control, which leads to frustration by patients, parents, and physicians. With prolonged cases of acne, scarring can set in, creating an even more difficult problem to treat.

It’s the early teen years, as one is experiencing puberty, when acne usually starts. This period coincides with high school, selfies, and an interest in dating. Acne can negatively impact social interactions and lead to depression, moodiness, negative self-worth, and isolation. Controlling acne is a top priority for large number of teenagers in the US.

A cascade of events leads to acne:

A trigger: hormonal, emotional, stress, metabolic
Increased sebum (oil) production from sebaceous glands
Plugging of the follicles by the sebum
Infection of the sebum by bacteria
Inflammation related to the infection/immune response

Treating acne with lasers is not a new concept, but the Aerolase has made the process more effective and safer. Even the wavelength, 1064nm YAG laser, is not novel to the Aerolase. However, having a pulse width of 650 microseconds is unique. The Aerolase sits in the middle of the prior lasers used to treat acne, the Q Switched (nanosecond) and the Excel V/VBeam (millisecond). It has been shown that this pulse width is better tolerated than faster and slower lasers, and therefore more pulses and even stacking can occur. Deeper and more broadly-based heating occurs with the Aerolase. With the increased heating of the acne, the laser becomes more effective in its eradication. The 1064 wavelength is safe for all skin types, but settings are reduced for the darker skin patients. The Aerolase laser treats acne by:

Heating up and shrinking the sebaceous glands leading to lower sebum output
Killing the acne bacteria
Reducing the redness associated with the acne
Improving early scarring
Reducing the inflammatory component of acne

Typically, a series of treatments are needed, 4-6, about a week or two apart. Touch ups are needed every 1-3 months. Flairs should be treated acutely, so they are controlled quickly. Continues use of topical therapy is usually recommended, such as Retin A and benzyl peroxide. The Aerolase gives patients a unique, no downtime, near painless 10-minute procedure to help control even the most difficult cystic acne.

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