The secret to looking younger than your age: Understanding Botox

Aging gracefully is an art and a science. In this generation, 40 is the new 30 and 50 is the new 40. Advancements in the field of cosmetics and anti- aging have made people look younger than they actually are. It's no secret that Botox is one of the most effective and safest ways to remove even the earliest signs of aging.

There have been a lot of misconceptions about this treatment and it is important for people to understand that Botulinum toxin A, when injected by qualified doctors, is safe and produces wonderful results. 

Here are some of the FAQs we encounter in our practice:

1) What are the indications for Botox?

Wrinkles on the face made by repeated movements, such as frowning, are the most common indications for the cosmetic use of Botox. The goal is to reduce excessive wrinkles without altering natural facial expressions.

2) How is the procedure done? Is it painful?

Botox is injected in the target areas. A very small needle (even smaller than those used for babies) is used. If you had pricking of acne done before or injection of pimples, it is more or less the same level of pain. Ice is used to numb the area to reduce discomfort during treatment. It is very tolerable for most patients. Treatment is quick and lasts 10- 15 mins depending on the areas to be treated.

3) What results should I expect after treatment?

Discussion with your board certified Dermatologist is key in achieving the results you want. Every person has unique facial anatomy. This is where the art and science lies, a good Dermatologist would enhance your appearance by decreasing lines but would make sure you retain your natural look.

4) When do I see results and how long does it last?

You will start to see results in 4-5 days after treatment. Results last for about 4-6 months.

5) I am scared of the overdone look and having the "frozen face" appearance. Can that happen to me?

The "frozen face" and overdone look only happens when too much is injected. That's why choosing a Dermatologist you trust and you can communicate with is very important. Results look natural and flattering if done correctly.

6) What will happen if I stop having injections done in the future? Will my face become worse?

No it will not, it will just return to its original appearance.

7) Is there downtime after treatment? Can I do my usual daily activities after treatment?

There is no downtime, some people may have redness in the injection site that goes away in a few minutes. You can resume your activities after treatment as long as you don't massage the areas injected and you don't put excessive pressure on it.

If you have more questions or concerns, please feel free to send us a message through our Facebook site:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Skin-MD-Medical-and-Cosmetic-Dermatology/193580737337365


**Image from http://www.cosmedica.com.au/facialRejuvenation.htm

Keeping your skin disease-free during the floods

Rainy days are here and keeping your feet clean and dry especially during the floods are a must! Protect yourself from skin disease and more serious conditions like Leptospirosis with tips from the Philippine Dermatological Society:

Keep dry everyone!

1. Wear waterproof footwear when you have to wade in the floods. High cut boots are a good choice but make sure dirty water does not seep into them. Be sure to soap, rinse and dry dirty footwear thoroughly before wearing them again. Do the same to your feet.

2. Bring an extra pair of dry footwear and socks in a waterproof bag. After washing soaked skin with an antibacterial soap and thoroughly drying your feet, specially between the toes, change into dry footwear.

3. Do not brave the floodwaters if you have open wounds, existing skin infections or eczema, or have conditions which impair sensation in the limbs ( such as diabetes, leprosy, or stroke).

4. Cuts, puncture wounds or lacerations require immediate medical attention. Anti-tetanus prophylaxis and antibiotic therapy are also usually required.

5. Avoid obviously dirty areas that probably contain hidden hazards which may cause injury. Aside from skin injury, the rainy days may bring serious, life-threatening infections such as the rat-borne leptospirosis and mosquito-borne dengue fever.

6. Dispose of your garbage and (human) wastes properly. As the slogan goes … “ ang basurang tinapon mo … babalik din sa iyo…”

7. Examine your feet well. If after having been exposed, you develop wounds or lesions which become red, swollen and painful, more importantly those accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes (kulani), please seek immediate medical attention. A duly-accredited dermatologist will be able to help you with such a problem. Always remember that a serious disabling infection can result from exposure to polluted floodwaters if not treated promptly.

From: http://www.pds.org.ph/rainy-days-skin-blues/

IPL vs Laser Hair Reduction: What's the diff?

The standards of our society dictate that women are more attractive if their skin is smooth and hair- free particularly in the upper lip, armpits, legs and bikini line. An evidence of this is the sudden surge in the number of waxing salons and the popularity of promo deals on the internet.

Women (and some men) are starting to ask: What is IPL? What is Laser? Why are

some deals so cheap and some kind of expensive?

The answer is, the machines being used vary in quality and cost.

To help you gain more knowledge about the topic. Here are some frequently asked questions:

Q: What is the difference between IPL and LASERs for hair removal?

In hair removal, the target to destroy the hair is Melanin, the dark pigment found in hair. Both IPL and Lasers emit wavelengths of light that can target this pigment and destroy unwanted hair.

IPL or intense pulsed light is a flashlamp. IPL emits a wavelength of 500-1200nm. Lasers particularly the Diode laser emit 800 or 810nm.

Q: Should I expect 100% removal of hair after the procedure whether Laser

or IPL?

These procedures are more aptly called Permanent Hair Reduction procedures. After a number of sessions some fine hairs may still be present but are very manageable.

Q: How many sessions does it usually take to reduce the hair? and how far

apart should the sessions be?

It varies from person to person. It can go as low as 5 sessions to 10 sessions. It

depends on the thickness of the hair in the area, how dark the hair is and how long

it takes for your hair to grow. It is best to schedule a consultation with a

Dermatologist in order for him/her to determine the right schedule and number of

sessions for you.

Q: What are the common side effects?

There is some pain during treatment, like small rubberbands snapping on the skin but this should be tolerable and never hot enough to burn the skin. Right after the treatment there is slight redness that goes away in an hour or two. Side effects such as darkening of the treated areas are more common in dark skin and are usually transient.

Here are some tips from our Board Certified Dermatologists in considering the right hair reduction treatment for you:

Tip #1: Ask what kind of machine they will be using on you.

Before you spend your hard earned money, you must know that hair removal machines can vary from

and results can also vary from

We don't want to scare you but it does happen. So do your homework. Be wary of overly discounted deals. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Above anything else, remember, safety first.

Tip #2: Go to a respectable laser center/ dermatology clinic. Make sure a trained Dermatologist performs the procedure on you.

Schedule a consult with your Dermatologist, choose someone you are comfortable with so you can ask questions and so he/she can thoroughly discuss the procedure with you. Also having the procedure done by a board certified Dermatologist ensures your safety and any of the side effects can be treated promptly.