Tag Archives: wrinkles

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Sciton® laser: Skin tightening with BBL SkinTyte™

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, available now.

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

Sciton® BBL SkinTyte™ laser treatment is an innovative approach to tightening aging skin that is starting to wrinkle and sag.  Of particular concern to many patients is the “turkey gobble” that often develops in the neck region, but common areas successfully treated include:

•    neck
•    lower face/jowls
•    chest
•    hands
•    tummy
•    arms
•    just above the knees

How does SkinTyte™ work?  

BBL (Broadband light) treatment utilizes pulsed light technology to deeply heat your skin while simultaneously cooling and protecting the entire treated surface, setting you on your path to more youthful skin.

Delivered in a sequence of rapid, gentle pulses that heat the dermal layer of your skin’s collagen, use of this technology promotes contraction and denaturation—modification of protein’s natural configuration.  Rebuilding themselves, the skin cells form a new foundation of collagen, leading to increased skin firmness.

How many treatments are needed?  

Although the number of treatments needed will vary based on the level of improvement desired and the starting point of your skin condition, many patients opt for 2-5 treatments to achieve maximum positive benefit.

With no anesthetic needed, this quick and effect “lunch-time” procedure will only last 30 minutes and cause you no disruption to your day.  Not only is there no downtime, there is also no skin care regimen necessary.  The collagen in your skin will, however, continue to rebuild and strengthen up to 4 months after the procedure.

Stay tuned for more details on vein treatments.

© 2012 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Hair removal with BBL™ Broadband Light

Continuing on with my series of articles about Dr. Macdonald’s Sciton® laser services, coming soon…

As discussed he will be treating patients soon for:

  • Hair removal
  • Skin resurfacing
  • Skin pigment
  • Skin tightening
  • Vein treatment

BBL™ Broadband Light hair removal process.  

Sciton® BBL™ is an innovative light-based technology that utilizes pulses of light energy to gently penetrate into the skin, destroying unwanted hair follicles. Say goodbye to shaving, depilatory creams, or even electrolosis–which can be time-consuming and painful.

How does BBL™ work?  Delivering photothermal energy to hair follicles, your treatment can be tailored to your skin type with various selectable wavelengths.  While your hair is in its growth stage (anagen), it is most vulnerable to light therapy. BBL™ selectively heats the full length of the imbedded hair follicle cutting off its supply of nutrients, thus disabling its growth.  (Note: BBL™ treatments are not appropriate for suntanned skin.)

How many treatments are needed?  Because all hair is not always in the growth stage at one time, multiple treatments must be given over time to treat it while it is in the growth stage.  Aimed at permanent hair reduction, and varying per person as well as body part, you will most likely be advised to get a series of treatments, spaced out by 4-8 weeks.

What is the procedure and healing time like?  Although minimally invasive to destroy many hair follicles at once with photothermal light, you will wear safety shields to protect your eyes, and some patients desire anesthetic cream for sensitive skin areas during the procedure–where you may feel a warm “rubber band snap” sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas. With only slight redness and sun-sensitivity after the treatment, there is virtually no down time.

Common body parts treated: face, neck, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms.

Next article:  more details on skin resurfacing.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Sciton® laser: Skin resurfacing, skin tightening, skin pigment reduction, hair removal, vein treatment

The Sciton® laser sounds amazing. Dr. Macdonald has one now for his office, and is starting the treatment procedures soon to enhance his skin rejuvenation service offerings. [These details will be documented fully on his new website under laser services..coming very soon.]

From treating wrinkles, scars and sun-damaged skin to hair removal, the Sciton® innovative technology supports procedures which range from light and quick, to deeper and more inclusive… all depending on your skin’s needs.

I’ll be writing a series of articles on this laser, but first to introduce the specific areas it treats:

Hair removal.

BBL™ Broadband Light offers high speed laser hair removal and phototherapy, safe for all skin types and colors, for various body parts. The procedure is virtually pain-free with a little numbing cream. The side-effects (temporary pigment changes, redness, slight swelling) only last for 48 hours.

Skin resurfacing.

MicroLaserPeel® (the “weekend peel”), Laser Peel – Coutour TRL™, ProFractional™ and BBL™ Broadband Light are all offered for resurfacing the skin and restoring your natural youthful look. Whether it be sun damage, age or acne scars, these procedures will enhance your overall appearance.

Skin pigment.

Hyperpigmentation from sun damage and aging can make you look years older than you actually are. Laser Peel Contour TRL™ and BBL™ Broadband Light can help you clean up any areas that are exposed to the harmful rays of the sun by reducing unwanted melanin. In the process, the collagen in your skin gets regenerated.

Skin tightening.

Make a difference toward sagging, aged skin with SkinTyte™ or BBL™ Broadband Light procedures. As the infrared energy heats dermal collagen, it also cools it to protect the surface. Comfortably and with no downtime, this procedure promotes the tightening of the skin.

Vein treatment.

Veins that pop out of your legs or your face can be diminished with BBL™ Broadband Light phototherapy. Tiny and larger blood vessels are activated by heat on the upper layers of your skin, allowing the heat to absorb the targeted areas as they stimulate the skin and regenerate new collagen. Smoother, more youthful looking skin is your result.

Next article: details behind laser hair removal.

By the way, appointments are booking already for mid-January. I know I’m going to try to get on the list…

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting and Michael R. Macdonald. All rights reserved.

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Did you know that there are 43 muscles in the face?: Some causes of wrinkles

Did you know that there are 43 muscles in the face? This results in approximately 7,000 different facial expressions. Each of these when done repetitively contributes to wrinkles.

Of course, it is not advised to never make a facial reaction in order to lower your chance of getting wrinkles though. We should all live our happy lives as they are meant to be lived, which includes moving these 43 muscles!

But, you might want to protect against extra wrinkles where possible.

Here are some of the solutions to help you, if you are interested in minimizing wrinkles in your face.  The results last many months.

Wrinkle minimizers:

BOTOX® and Dysport™

Used interchangeably by Dr. Macdonald, they are neurotoxins which relax the muscles that produce wrinkles.  They are primarily used on the upper face, but can also be used to recontour the lower face.

Tissue fillers:

Injections of small amounts of tissue filler, such as JUVEDERM®, Restylane® or RADIESSE®, can produce wonderful results in improving the skin’s texture, and in restoring facial contour in areas of tissue volume loss.  Depressions in the skin surface (e.g. post-acne scarring) can be raised to the level of the surrounding skin.  Lines and scars can be minimized.  Textures can be improved to soften the skin’s appearance and give a more even contour.

Most common areas of treatment include:

  • Lips (for fullness)
  • Nasolabial folds (creases between nose and corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (creases at corners of the mouth)
  • Glabella lines (wrinkles between the eyebrows)
  • Lower eyelids (for adding volume to sunken, tired eyes)
  • Midface/cheeck area (for lifting the drooping effect)
  • Prejowel area (creases along jawline)
  • Hands (for correcting hallowed, aged hands)
  • Acne scarring (for filling in scars)
  • Brow lift
  • Ear lobes

Restylane®.  Tissue filler for depressions, scars and wrinkles.

Perlane™.  Like Restylane® but is thicker and lasts longer.

RADIESSE®.  Good for volume augmentation in the cheeks.  Often called a “liquid facelift”.  Also great for backs of the hands.  Doesn’t work so well around the lips and mouth area.

JUVEDERM® Ultra is similar to Restylane®

JUVEDERM® Ultra Plus is similar to Perlane™

PREVELLE® Silk is newer and like Restylane® and JUVEDERM® Ultra but thinner.  Good for fine lines around the mouth.

Sculptra™ is newer but expensive.  Good for larger volumes.

It’s a good idea to go an expert such as Dr. Macdonald for wrinkle minimization and tissue filler injections so that you get the most expertise.

This is why it is so important to get BOTOX® injections from an expert such as Dr. Macdonald who believes in a natural approach to wrinkle reduction. He has an individualized approach to his facial procedural artistry, and is familiar with many products and their unique results.  He takes pride in his patients’ glowing appearance, and youthfulness that is natural to the expressions of who you are.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Natural BOTOX® results contribute to keeping your authentic relational skills

simeon schatz photography

I read an interesting article the other day about communication skills which touched on relational skills.  The way the facial muscles move as you relate to another tell the other person a lot about how you are feeling.  You use facial cues to continuously give and receive social feedback from those around you.  If you have a strong emotion inside, this reaction will naturally show on your face as you converse.

But what if you have had a bad BOTOX® injection in your face to smooth out wrinkle formation, and it is overdone?  BOTOX® relaxes the muscles that fire the wrinkles.  Your forehead, mouth, or eyes will now tell a different story on your face from what is natural.  This will make it harder for others to interpret how you are feeling.  More specifically, you could come across as lacking empathy or excitement for another.

This is why it is so important to get BOTOX® injections from an expert such as Dr. Macdonald who believes in a natural approach to wrinkle reduction. Dr. Macdonald has a very organic approach to his artistry with facial features for surgeries and procedures such as BOTOX®.  His patients are left with a glowing appearance, a happiness, and youthfulness that does not recognizably look to be impaired by BOTOX®.

He believes that “smile lines” are an important part of natural facial expression.  When injecting the crows feet wrinkles or wrinkles around the mouth, he has his patient smile so that he gets to see the difference between resting wrinkles and smile wrinkles so that the eyes will remain natural looking.

A common critique of BOTOX® and tell-tale sign of this procedure is the paralyzed, frozen forehead.  Dr. Macdonald does not overdo the procedure in this way.  Each patient’s wrinkle formation and face size is different, so there is no set amount of the product that he injects in each person’s forehead.  His goal is to diminish wrinkles while keeping integrity of the way the face should move and respond with common emotion.

Also, have you ever seen a person whose face is wrinkle free in one part of the face, but “crepey” and wrinkled in another with no natural connection between the two?  This is another example of an unnatural result which Dr. Macdonald takes pride in not replicating in his own practice.

The way we think and feel is grounded in our bodies.  The way we understand others’ emotions is to experience those emotions ourselves. We do this with facial mimicking. So if you are wincing in pain I immediately do a micro-wince, and that sends signals to my brain that you are experiencing pain, and by experiencing it myself I now understand what you are going through.

I wanted to share this important tidbit of information so that more people can combine the youthful appearance with more natural BOTOX® results.

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Should you wait to treat wrinkles with BOTOX®/Dysport™: Prevent them before they appear?

I read an interesting article about Kim Kardashian, age 30, and her decision to get BOTOX® treatment for wrinkles before they even occur.  The idea is that before the muscles that cause wrinkles even get a chance to kick in, you halt them so that you prolong your wrinkle-free skin.

At her age, the fine lines have not even appeared as you can see in the photo.  So, why would she have herself injected unnecessarily?  Does it work?

I asked Dr. Macdonald to tell me which camp he is in:  Do the BOTOX® treatment for proactive wrinkle prevention before they even show?

Dr Macdonald’s stance is as follows:

Image source http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2228519168/nm2578007

I am in the “definitely” camp, particularly when considering between the eyebrows (i.e., glabellar lines) and the forehead.  Starting the use of BOTOX® or Dysport™ early in the aging of the upper face makes good sense to prevent or minimize the repeated expressions that cause the formation of wrinkles as the skin loses elasticity with aging.

Also, once the wrinkles become ‘etched’ into the skin, they become much more difficult to eliminate with BOTOX® or Dysport™.  They will be improved still, at that later stage, but will be more difficult to completely eliminate once they are formed.

With crow’s feet wrinkles, I am more on the fence because I believe “smile” lines are an important part of natural facial expression.  However, the crow’s feet that are there at rest (when you are not smiling) should be treated before they become well-established.

Of course, good skin care begins with the basics, as well:  sunscreen and sunglasses when outdoors, and keep the skin well-hydrated with plenty of water intake and good skin moisturizers.

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Injections for Wrinkles: Dysport™, Perlane™, Restylane®

I learned today that Dr. Macdonald’s next quarterly Community Connection event is Thursday, March 31st, where his proceeds for injections will be donated to a local charity.

I will be saving the date for my calendar as it will then be over 4 1/2 months since my last BOTOX® injections.  I plan to try Dysport™ this time.  I have proven from my last experiences, that I can go longer than the recommended 3-4 months as the effect seemed to keep, mostly in the glabellar lines. Although Dysport™ is a close relative to BOTOX®–both made of Botulinum Toxin (a.k.a. “BoNT-A”), I’ve learned from others that there are minor differences.

The charity this quarter is a local charity which offers entrepreneurship and personal financial responsibility programs to kids in grades 3-8. More details to follow…

Discounts on injectables with Dr. Macdonald. For the past Community Connections his Aesthetician and Cosmetics staff also offered beauty and skincare promotions.

Stay tuned for details.  Save the date for your calendar too!

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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HQRA: 4 Months Later, Proactive Skin Protection for Optimal Skin Health

It’s been 4 months since my final PCA chemical peel in a series of 5.

I still continue to use the HQRA on my face every other night before bed.  I continue to see skin improvements.

At this time of year, in the winter months, it is easiest for me to see any spots on my skin since I have not been in the sun in months (so therefore, no tan or extra pigments).  An important point to make here is that this is the first winter since my PCA chemical peel so my skin clarity should be the best it’s been in years!

As sunny and warmer weather appears on the horizon, I find myself in a new predicament.  I actually care about what the sun will do to my skin after working so hard to get it this way!  So I am making the following changes:

  • Buying new sun hats with coverage all around.  Baseball caps still leave a lot of exposed skin on the sides so I will no longer wear these since I now know that in doing so my face is not fully protected from the sun.
  • Ti-Silc sunscreen every day.  This includes driving in the car, and mornings when I think the sun is not at its peak.  I no longer believe that sunscreen is only meant for the sunny beach days.
  • Moisturizer every day and evening.  I now spend time each day thinking about the moisturizer on my face, whether it be before going to sleep or after waking up, having washed my face.
  • The harmful drying effects of wind-burn in snowy regions.  I was recently downhill skiing in Lake Tahoe (2 weekends in a row) and seriously, for the first time, noticed how extra dry my skin was during these weekends, but also the 1-2 weeks to follow!  Extreme moisturizer plus sunscreen needs to be used in these climates.
  • Special sunscreen for sunny beach days or vacations to the tropics.  These sunscreens need to be waterproof.  I may even opt (for the first time in my life) for the zinc-oxide look so that I know I’m getting full protection!
  • Not always sitting in the sunny spot at a restaurant.  I am like a cat the way I gravitate toward a sunny seat wherever I go and promptly sit with my eyes closed in the sun, happily.  I think I will change this habit and chose seats where my back is toward the sun.

I am not only thinking about skin clarity now, but also about wrinkles. This reminds me of some research I did last year on wrinkles and healthy skin that I’d like to revisit now.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body.

Some good habits for the skin include:

  • Topical hydration with lotions
  • Drinking plenty of water each day to flush the pores
  • Exercise to keep the circulation moving

Wrinkles are formed as we age and the moisture inherent in youthful skin begins to dry up.  There are more contributors.

Did you know that there are 43 muscles in the face? This results in approximately 7,000 different facial expressions. Each of these when done repetitively contributes to wrinkles.

Of course, it is not advised to never make a facial reaction in order to lower your chance of getting wrinkles though. We should all live our happy lives as they are meant to be lived, which includes moving these 43 muscles!  But it’s a good idea to protect against extra wrinkles where possible.

We know about the harmful effects of extended sun exposure to the skin.   Smoking cigarettes too is a huge cause of wrinkles, discoloration and poor texture of the skin.  Of course it affects our general health too. You are even effected while being in a smoke-filled room.  Cigarette smoke is harmful because:

  • It contains carbon monoxide which reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry around the body.  This hampers your breathing capacity, inhibits your circulation and deprives the skin cells of oxygen.
  • It damages the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, making it less firm and resilient. This contributes to wrinkles — sometimes 20 years earlier for a smoker vs. a non-smoker!
  • Its constant and repetitive puckering of the mouth and eyes causes smokers to develop wrinkle lines around lips, eyes and forehead sooner.  [I've also read a study that sucking on a straw often can have this effect too.]
  • It increases free-radicals, which can damage the skin.
  • It depletes the tissues of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is vital for healthy skin.

I love my new skin!  As I prepare for bed I am making sure I take care of my healthy skin by drinking my water, washing my face with a facial wash that is not too drying, putting on my eye creams, putting on my HQRA all over my face, and meditating before bed (so I’m completely at ease before sleeping).  It might be a hot tub night tonight too, contributing to a peaceful sleep.  It all contributes to great healthy skin from the inside out!

© 2011 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Post-BOTOX® Crows Feet, Forehead, Glabellar Lines: Natural Look!

I’ve been through some trial and error with the BOTOX® injections.  This time I believe we got it right.

In my last post I show the 3 areas after the previous injection 4 months prior had worn off.

Glabellar Lines as expected

Now, as expected I cannot make a crinkle between my eyebrows.  No change from my last BOTOX® experience except for the fact that the effect had not completely worn off before I had this second injection.  For this area, my body seems to last more than 4 months.

Forehead Lines diminished all the way to my upper forehead this time

From my previous experience we learned that my forehead is susceptible to wrinkles all the way up to the very top of my forehead.  I have a large forehead!

In addition, we learned that my forehead sensory nerves are extra sensitive.  You can read about the extra precautions that Dr. Macdonald took this time that worked like a charm, which included ice right before!

Crows Feet  adjusted to not activate the undereye bagginess effect

From my previous experience with crows feet injections we learned that the side effect was not a good one for me: extra undereye bagginess, as the wrinkle seemed to move over from the side to the middle for an extra-tired look.   Although this look seemed to diminish significantly after the first 2 weeks, I believe it lasted the whole 4 months so it was not something I was interested in repeating.

I paid attention this time to Dr. Macdonald’s injections around the eyes.  He still did the one on the upper side, which has the added bonus of creating an eyebrow lift (as the opposing muscles are more active when others are deactivated).  Then, he did one injection on the outer edge directly next to my eyeball.  But, this time avoided the lower half.

So, I’m happy now with my results!  It’s been almost 3 weeks and I have the natural look that I was looking for…

*** 6 Week Update:  Same effect when I smile after 6 weeks.  No undereye puffiness this time :)

Don’t forget about the local fundraiser on December 9th, where a portion of your injections get donated to the Larkin Street Youth Services!

It’s time for the next  You…Only Better Boutique charity event put on by Dr. Macdonald.   The last one was a great success.

Please join Dr. Macdonald and friends of Larkin Street in supporting the needs of Larkin Street Youth Services.  Please read the previous article for all the details on this Community Connection event.

Call to reserve your spot  (415) 956-3223.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Community Connection: Treating Wrinkles, Healthy Skin, Effects of Smoking on the Skin

It’s time for the next  You…Only Better Boutique charity event put on my Dr. Macdonald.   The last one was a great success.

Let’s remember this holiday season…We get what we give in life!

Please join Dr. Macdonald and friends of Larkin Street in supporting the needs of Larkin Street Youth Services. Your contribution of $50 can give a child a warm bed, a nutritious meal, and counseling to provide them the emotional support and nurturing desperately needed.  Be a friend to a child and make a difference in their life and yours forever.

It’s also a chance for you to receive discounts on your  Dysport™, Restylane® or Perlane™ injections.

After having tried BOTOX® injections (Dysport™ a close substitute) myself to improve the wrinkled look and to look and feel younger, I was happy to hear about this Medi-Spa Services event on Thursday, December 9th from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

To learn more about this wonderful local charity, you can read here: Larkin Street Youth Services

Special Discounts on Treatments:

  • $75 off Dysport™
  • $100 off Restylane®
  • $125 off Perlane™

Additional Beauty and Skincare Promotions from his expert Aesthetician and Cosmetics staff:

  • Complimentary skincare evaluations with dermatology specialist, Amy
  • $15 (regular $20) Eyelash tinting with Amy
  • $30 (regular $45) Eyebrow shaping with Thao
  • Purchase Amy’s new MicroPeel 3-pack series on December 9th for $300 (33% savings, regular $450)
  • KINERASE® skincare goody bags for all

Some research for you on wrinkles and skin

Good health effects your entire body, of course.  But did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body?  Some good habits for the skin include:

  • Topical hydration with lotions
  • Drinking plenty of water each day to flush the pores
  • Exercise to keep the circulation moving

Wrinkles are formed as we age and the moisture inherent in youthful skin begins to dry up.  We know about the harmful effects of extended sun exposure to the skin.   Smoking cigarettes too is a big cause of wrinkles, discoloration and poor texture of the skin.

Did you know about the following harmful effects of cigarette smoking that affect your skin?

  • Contains carbon monoxide which reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry around the body.  This hampers your breathing capacity, inhibits your circulation and deprives the skin cells of oxygen.
  • Damages the collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, making it less firm and resilient. This contributes to wrinkles — sometimes 20 years earlier for a smoker vs. a non-smoker!
  • Constant and repetitive puckering of the mouth and eyes causes smokers to develop wrinkle lines around lips, eyes and forehead sooner.  [I've also read a study that sucking on a straw often can have this effect too.]
  • Increases free-radicals, which can damage the skin.
  • Depletes the tissues of Vitamin C, a nutrient that is vital for healthy skin.

BOTOX®, Dysport™, Restylane®, Perlane™ injections will help you with your wrinkles…

Call 415-956-3223 or email contactus@drMMacdonald.com to schedule in advance. Spaces book up fast.

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BoNT-A Treatments for Men vs. Women

I recently had my BOTOX® injections refreshed by Dr. Macdonald at the 4 month point.   Mastering the most optimal effect is a trial and error process per patient.  As discussed in previous articles here are the details we are working with in my case:

Glabellar lines:

after 4 months

It was noted that after 4 months the effect from last time had not completely worn off.  I was still not able to make the deep scowl mark as I was prior to my first BOTOX® injection 4 months ago.  But I had the injection anyway since it was partially showing and I was there.  Since prior treatment went well, Dr. Macdonald repeated what was done last time.  See results here from last time.

He started with this area.  I felt more sting this time from the needle (but maybe it was because I was nervous, having done it before).  2 days later, I still feel a little tender pain between my eyebrows.  But the BOTOX® has taken effect as of today.

Forehead:

after 4 months

We learned from the previous injections 4 months ago to go a little further up on the forehead this time.  I have a larger forehead area that is prone to wrinkling all the way to the hairline.

We were on guard, remembering the effect my sensory nerve had on the forehead injections last time.  Although Dr. Macdonald said that it probably will not happen again, in order to take the most precautions he wanted to not only numb up the area with his special gel, but he wanted to try to shrink the blood vessels (which can also shrink the nerves) so that they are less prone to being “poked”.  We did this in the form of ice right before the injections.  When it was so cold that I could not stand the ice pack anymore, he would immediately do the injection.

Also, earlier in the day I practiced serious relaxation in the form of yoga, going in the hot tub, and drinking relaxing tea before my appointment to calm my nerves.

2 days later, I do not feel that sensory “bug zapper” effect going to my crown of my skull. So far so good.

These injections did not hurt me as much this time as before.  The BOTOX® has taken effect in this area already.

See details regarding the extra forehead injection needed and sensory nerve results last time here.

Crows feet:

after 4 months

I did not want the undereye bagginess that was experienced before.

So, Dr. Macdonald did a different distribution this time, focusing on the upper area which creates the brow lift, and the sides to diminish those lines, but stayed away from the lower area.  See details on the undereye issue as well as the favorable eyebrow results last time here.

I will post my post-procedure pictures on Day 7 which is when the optimal effects take effect, according to Dr. Macdonald.

BoNT-A Treatments

Since we are on the subject, I thought I’d take this chance to tell you what I learned today.  I learned that “BoNT-A” is the abbreviated term for Botulinum Toxin.  We know that both BOTOX® and Dysport™ are made of this main ingredient.

I also learned that males and females are treated differently for wrinkle reduction.  Dr. Macdonald was cited in the following article:

This medical position paper written in March 2010, “Advances in Cosmetic Therapy: A Focus on BoNT-A“,  is a recent discussion By Drs. Kane & Monheit on the effects of BOTOX® vs Dysport™.

In this paper, they reference Dr. Macdonald’s original pioneering work in his study of BoNT-A in which he sets the standards for the most effective treatment with BoNT-A that have been followed by doctors for 15 years since his research.  The excerpt of the article contained herein references Dr. Macdonald’s study from 1995 (published in 1998) which speaks to the differences in injecting in men vs. women.

This highlights the importance of seeking such BoNT-A wrinkle reduction treatment (with either BOTOX® or Dysport™) from a physician/surgeon who’s intimately familiar with the anatomical make-up of the face in both males and females.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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The BOTOX® Dilemma Solved: Trial and Error Process, 43 Facial Muscles

As discussed in my previous post BOTOX® Every 4 Months: Is it Worth the Cost?,  the treated wrinkles do return gradually up to 4 months.  I’m approaching the 3 1/2 month mark now, noticing the wrinkles only in certain expressions, and I’m viewing my finances to weigh the cost.

I’ve reached a decision though.  I’ve decided to continue with the treatments.  I have my appointment on November 9, right before 4 months.

Did you know that there are 43 muscles in the face? This results in approximately 7,000 different facial expressions. Each of these when done repetitively contributes to wrinkles.

Of course, it is not advised to never make a facial reaction in order to lower your chance of getting wrinkles though. We should all live our happy lives as they are meant to be lived, which includes moving these 43 muscles!  But it is nice, I think, to have a backup plan (a.k.a. Botulinum Toxin injections to calm the wrinkles).

Forehead lines (lower only) showing already at 3 months. remember I had a 2nd injection to the upper forehead last time.

Since we (Dr. Macdonald and my skin :) have a few areas to master in terms of what works best for me, I thought it would be beneficial to continue for that reason too.  I’ve highlighted them here in the previous post.

It is so true that this procedure, as others as well, are a trial and error process as each person reacts differently.

This is a great reason why it’s so important to have a doctor who is well-versed in this procedure do the injections so that together you can learn most effectively. Dr. Macdonald is an expert in this procedure!  I am especially convinced of the necessity to go to an expert due to my sensitive sensory nerve experience last time.  For details on this, click on Tag: “sensory nerve”.

If you haven’t been reading my story from the beginning, I invite you to review this post which includes some basics on BOTOX® injections. Or click on the category “BOTOX®” for the full story.

 

Crows feet are starting to return to the outer edges (but you can still see the undereye wrinkles--side effect to BOTOX® injection from 3 months ago).

Should I do BOTOX® again or try Dysport™ this time?

BOTOX® and Dysport™ are the same price to me.  I have chosen to do BOTOX® again due to the special promotion they are running through the end of this year on LATISSE® ($20 for a box is included with one BOTOX® injection, which is usually $120).  [I am continuing with LATISSE® too for eyelashes, especially paying attention to the eyebrows as I'm seeing results there too.  I'll discuss this in another post but you can see my latest around 6 weeks ago.]

Stay tuned for my November 9 appointment.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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BOTOX® Every 4 Months: Is it Worth the Cost?

I’m at a decision-making point here in my life, having tried the BOTOX® to make the wrinkles vanish in 3 areas on my face.   3 months have passed and I’m already seeing the wrinkles gradually return, as is expected.  Is it worth it to continue?

Since it is an experience of trial and error, we have learned the following for me:

At first, I promptly made my appointment for my next injection at the 4 month mark with the idea of continuing this new look.  Now as I look at my finances and actually look at the cost, I am not quite sure I can afford it. So, I cancelled my appointment and decided to go back to au naturelle.

Now, having made that decision I wake up this morning to feel, as I look into the mirror, like an old hag.  Haha :)

So, I question now to myself:  is it worth it to make it a priority above other expenses?

It seems to me that part of this feeling I have is one of focus.  Since I’ve had the BOTOX® injections, I see others in a different way, and myself as well! I am quite certain I can tell who has it and who doesn’t.  The same thing happened to me when I was wearing Invisalign braces.  All of a sudden I noticed everyone’s teeth.  I could not help it…

So, is this how it works?  We notice what we are actively working on? Am I really feeling like an old hag this morning?  Certainly not.  But I believe that the whole point in getting the BOTOX® injections in the first place is to feel and look younger so that I don’t have to question my wrinkles in this area.

We all want to feel and look more youthful.  Eating well, exercising (especially yoga to calm the mind, body and spirit), as well as other facets of health are all important to feeling and looking younger (as I talked about in my past blog post – Beyond cosmetic procedures: Feeling and looking your best from the inside to the outside).  Dr. Macdonald agrees on this too and I documented this in an interview with him on this post: How Liposuction Surgery Results are Enhanced With Good Health and Nutrition.

In summary, cosmetic surgeries and procedures are not the true, end-all answer to looking and feeling your best.

But as I reflect back many months to the days before I got involved in this cosmetic world, despite my prior belief that it held a sort of negativity to it (and should be hidden as a secret at all costs), I remember what I felt then.  We should respect the aging process. But having said that,  I would like to contribute to my vibrant and energetic outlook and continue to have strangers do a double-take when they find out that I’m in my 40′s and not 10-15 years younger.

I do not know at this moment if I will continue with the BOTOX® (or Dysport™) injections at this time or not.  Even though there is a special running on BOTOX® through December 31st where you get a box of LATISSE® for eyelashes and eyebrows for $20 (vs. the usual $120), I still think to myself:  Is it worth it?

Current costs:   $350 one area, $650 two areas, $850 three areas (every 4 months to keep the effect almost continual).

What do you think?

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Is the BOTOX®/Dysport™ Still Holding after 2 1/2 Months

It’s been 2 1/2 months since the BOTOX® and Dysport™ injections for me and my partner-in-crime.   Since they both advertise to hold the results for up to 4 months, I was interested to check in to see how we are doing.

I have learned that it is the nature of Botulinum Toxin to relax gradually over time.

As you can see from the pictures, the glabellar lines are still holding for both of us as we each try our best to make a deep scowl mark between our eyes.  BOTOX® (left), Dysport™ (right).

Still no glabellar lines (BOTOX®)

Still no glabellar lines (dysport)

As you can also see from the next pictures, the forehead lines are starting to come back for both of us. BOTOX® (left), Dysport™ (right).

Forehead wrinkles coming back (BOTOX®)

Forehead wrinkles only slightly (dysport)

Sorry, but I do not have any crows feet pictures for today.

Overall, I have to say that it appears that the Dysport™ is holding a little better than the BOTOX®, in terms of wrinkling effect, in these examples. The lines in the Dysport™ photo (right) are not all from current wrinkles, but darkness in the skin from getting a lot of sun in the wrinkle lines (from repetitive motion through the years of having a very expressive face :) ) before BOTOX® or Dysport™ treatments.

The actual wrinkled skin shows up more in the BOTOX® photo (left), which is the whole point of the Botulinum Toxin treatment… to relax the muscles that create the wrinkle.

Both products include the same Botulinum Toxin and are competitors in this marketplace.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.

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Light Chemical Peel Series Completed: Results + Lessons

Now that I have completed the 5 series Light Chemical Peel (read here for all related posts)…

I am pleased that I went through these 5 peels all spaced out by 2-4 weeks.  In retrospect, I only needed to hide from the public for about 10 of those days.

Now my skin feels extra smooth to the touch, and I’m getting lots of comments from others on my complexion.

In general, the fine lines all over my face have been reduced — from the marionette lines at the corners of my mouth to the lines around my eyes.  No one has mentioned any of this in particular and it’s not the easiest to pinpoint in a before/after photo, but what I have noticed is an overall, more youthful look.   Others are commenting on my overall look.

Some comments from others:

“Look at you, you are glowing!”

“Your skin looks a lot more even toned now, compared to your skin before the peel.”

“Your pores seem cleared out, and you no longer have any areas on your face that were prone to acne break outs.”

“Mom, everyone thinks you look too young to be my mom.”

I truly feel a weight lifted from my face.  It is lighter.  I guess my pores have been rebuilt at the cellular level!   My skin does feel extra smooth, as I mentioned above — but say again for enhancement.

And, I was carded at the grocery store 2 times this past week… :)

Before the first peel:

Before the first peel, my face was noticeably more spotty from age and sun damage and I had more fine wrinkle lines.  I have learned in retrospect that my pores were significantly clogged too.

During my next office visit with Dr. Macdonald I will get him to take an “after” photo in the same lighting and setting as the “before” photos so that you can get the most visible effect of the changes.

Overall lesson about my skin:

It has given me better health habits in terms of the sun now that I know I have rebuilt many of my skin cells deep down.  I want to keep the healthy cells.  Now, I am more aware than ever before of the damage of the sun on the skin, especially my face.

I know how crucial sunscreen is on a daily basis, year round even if you are simply driving in the car (and extra sunscreen for direct sun, plus a hat!)

I feel healthier that the skin layers below the surface have been repaired and the dead cells have been eaten away, making way for the new and existing cells to produce more collagen and elastin.

I have learned that many of the spots on my skin are from my genetics and not necessarily sun spots that can be corrected with a peel.  I see a similar look on my dad’s skin.

Since there are certain limitations with the peel-series treatment, Dr. Macdonald’s office offers other alternative solutions to the PCA Light Chemical Peel that I had:

  • Deeper chemical peel (see the details here)
  • PhotoFacial – laser procedure that is more aggressive than a peel.  Reduces sun damage, evens out pigmentation irregularities, removes vascular and pigmented lesions, and decreases redness from rosacea.
  • Continue the peel with Hydroquinone / Retinol A (HQRA) at home

Ongoing treatment to maintain my skin:

I will follow up my chemical peel treatments now with HQRA Cream in-home treatment by Neutraderm.  I apply it every other night before bed.  It will continue the peel benefits (bleaching dark spots, reducing fine lines, and improving cells), while exfoliating only a minimal amount.

Chemical Peel Promotions in Dr. Macdonald’s office:

If you’re thinking about sprucing up your post-summer skin this fall before the holidays, I definitely recommend you take advantage of Dr. Macdonald’s medical aesthetics experts and the $500 Light Chemical Peel 5-series package (savings of 33%!), that I’ve mentioned here in previous posts.

It runs October through November and includes a complimentary post-healing care kit and 15% discount off the TiSilc sunscreen I love!

You can click here to send an inquiry about scheduling.

© 2010 R.E.L. Copywriting. All rights reserved.