My Before and After: My First Kybella Treatment

I'm so excited to share my photo from my first round of Kybella. This revolutionary treatment destroys fat under the chin via small injections of the Kybella product. It actually destroys the fat over the course of several weeks, leaving you with a streamlined jaw and neckline for a pretty profile. Best part is, it's permanent!

HOW KYBELLA® WORKS

The active ingredient in KYBELLA® is synthetic deoxycholic acid. Deoxycholic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the body that aids in the breakdown and absorption of dietary fat. When injected into the fat beneath the chin, KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin. Once destroyed, these cells can no longer store or accumulate fat, so further treatment is not expected once you reach your desired aesthetic goal.

Really, I wanted to do it for prevention of the dreaded turkey neck down the road, but I absolutely love what it did for my jawline now!

Most of our patients end up doing 2-4 treatments, but it depends on your goals and how much fat you have. You'll need to space them out 4 or more weeks apart.

Dr. Daniel Danahey, board certified Facial Plastic Surgeon here in the Chicago area, did mine. You can check out the Kybella website here to find a doctor near you who offers it.

Prepare yourself for a good amount of swelling for a few days afterward which can happen, along with the possibility of a few little bruises (I had no bruising), but otherwise, it tends to be a really easy treatment!

Until next time: stay fabulous, my friends!

Understatement of the day: Kybella is fabulous.

I wanted to share a quick video I put together of/for Dr. Erickson (amazing and fabulous board certified Chicago dermatologist) explaining and demonstrating the Kybella treatment during an event to introduce the procedure last week. Watch as Dr Erickson explains the Kybella Procedure hereKybella was recently FDA-approved for the treatment of the *dreaded* double chin, AKA 'sub-mental fat'. Once injected, the product will actually destroy the fat cells under the chin, which can make for a much slimmer and younger appearance. Everyone is different, so the amount of treatment sessions you may need can vary, but are typically spaced one month apart.

Check out the Kybella procedure (and other neck treatments) on Erickson Dermatology’s website here,

…and until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

Before and After: my Halo Laser Treatment Results!

While it's a little embarrassing to reveal what my complexion looked like before, the results are TOO GOOD to not to share. Here are the before-and-after Visia Imager photos from my Halo Resurfacing. (no foundation/concealer, moisturizer, or anything on the skin in either pic). I've been meaning to share these for a while, I am SO happy with my results! What is Halo? Halo laser is the first of it's kind: a hybrid (ablative and non-ablative) fractionated laser. Translation: 2 different wavelengths of laser fire off at the exact same time. Down-time is a fraction of any other fractionated laser out there-  (you can wear makeup out the door) - and the results are exponentially better from my perspective. It's almost like having double the treatment with amazingly little social downtime, if any.

If you are on the fence about this procedure, I would urge you to go for it.

My before and after: 6 months after 2 Halo Laser  Resurfacing Treatments at Erickson Dermatology in ChicagoMy Results: a reduction of pore size, almost no breakouts anymore, reduction in discoloration and hyperpigmentation, a tightening of the skin, improvement in texture and a noticeable glow or luminosity... probably why they called it Halo.

My before and after: 6 months after 2 Halo Laser  Resurfacing Treatments at Erickson Dermatology in ChicagoMy Plan: Moving forward, I plan to get a Halo once a year to maintain- now that my skin is so improved, I'm spoiled!

Check out Halo at Erickson Dermatology here

and click here to see more Halo Before and After's

Until Next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

 

Why I did miraDry

Have you heard of miraDry? It's a device that microwaves your underarm sweat glands. Yes- literally microwaves them.Cool, right?

Using heat to selectively seek and destroy is not a new concept. That's how laser resurfacing works, among many other things. In this case, it's seeking and destroying the sweat glands.

Here's an interesting fact: there are two different types of glands in your underarms. One kind produces sweat (the wetness) and the other one produces the odor and whatever makes the underarm area of an old white t shirt yellow.

Miradry zaps both, and as a special bonus, the underarm hair too. I'm sold.

There are people out there who have hyperhidrosis, that's when the sweat glands are stuck in overdrive mode. I don't have that, but when I stood up in my best friend's wedding a couple of years ago, the photos revealed that I must of been a little nervous presenting my maid of honor speech- my satin gown gave me away with some classy sweat marks. Nice.

Ok, it's true that I'm not giving speeches in satin dresses all the time. So why did I do it, then?

I hate anti-perspirant. I'm actually allergic to almost every kind on the market. The only one I wasn't allergic to became Discontinued, so I've been ordering it for the last couple of years on Amazon.

Another reason? The aluminum compounds in anti-perspirant have been rumored to add to breast cancer risk and/or contribute to the Alzheimer's. (The evidence is inconclusive that it actually does that, so don't freak out... here's a link): http://www.m.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/features/antiperspirant-facts-safety

Whether or not that ends up being true, I think reducing how much chemical is on my skin on a daily basis is probably a good idea.

Miradry treatment can take 1 or 2 treatments to work. I ended up doing two, just to really nail it. I've been really really happy since then, and so have my underarms (no allergic reactions here)!

Satin dresses are no match for me now!

Here's a link to my office's page on miradry, check it out!

http://www.ericksondermatology.com/miradry/

MiradryEricksonDermatology

How To: Vinegar Soaks for Post-Procedure Skin

I thought it might be helpful to post a 'How-To' guide for a Vinegar Soak, a gentle way to care for delicate Post-Laser skin. White Vinegar's not-too-acidic acidity can gently cleanse the skin without causing irritation, and the cool, gentle solution is great for calming and cooling the skin when you just feel, well, Post-Procedure. Here I am after laser resurfacing. My skin is awesome now, but when I took this photo, I was in dire need of a vinegar soak and a weekend in the house! =)Step 1: 

Measure out 1/3 cup of WHITE vinegar.

Step 1: Measure your white vinegar. I love to use my pyrex for this process.Step 2: Meanwhile, boil 4 cups water (to assure it's clean)

How To: Vinegar Soak for Post Procedure Skin

Step 3: Combine and refrigerate until chilled.

How To: Vinegar Soak for Post Procedure Skin Tip: I love to use my pyrex measuring cups, especially for the last step. Once the solution is cooled, I will store it covered, pouring out small amounts for use when I need it. That way I never contaminate the batch.

Step 4: With clean hands, dip lint-free cotton pads or soft gauze into the solution and gently dab the skin. This feels great as a cool compress, too.

Once I cleanse the skin gently by dabbing, I'll use new/fresh pads soaked in the solution to drape over the skin while I kick back for a while. It feels great to cool off and relax while you imagine how beautiful your skin is going to look. Ahhhhhh. 

Step 5: Apply your post-treatment skin care products as directed

Always follow the instructions given to you by your doctor's office! And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

Have you heard? HALO is the word!

Ok, I meant to post this a few weeks ago... time flies!! But I'm too excited about this technology to let this one sit in my 'drafts' folder any longer. Read on about our fabulous new laser technology! Have you heard of HALO?

Erickson Cosmetic Dermatology is the first in the nation to receive this awesome new laser resurfacing technology!

Here is Dr. Erickson and Sciton laser platform, fully loaded with the new Halo Halo at Erickson DermatologyIn a nutshell, it provides the results of an intense/major laser resurfacing, but without the downtime. I had one myself, and it was amazing! I will be posting more about it soon!

Check it out here:

http://www.ericksondermatology.com/new-halo-technology

And until next time, stay fabulous, my friends!

E Experiments: The Light Sheer Laser

I had the honor of experimenting with the Lumenis Duet LightSheer Diode Laser this week at my office, Erickson Dermatology. This nifty laser has a handpiece that gently suctions the skin as the laser is engaged. This makes things less painful (I would say pain free, almost!) for the patient during laser hair removal/reduction treatments- total win. The spot size is humongous too, so treating a large area is a snap. Less stress on the practitioner, less stress on the patient: what's not to love?

Interested in becoming a hairless cat? This handpiece is LARGE and in charge!Just thought I'd share what I'm up to! Until next time: Stay Fabulous, My friends!

Playing With MicroLaserPeel

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to experiment with Sciton's Profractional Laser Technology, Sciton's BBL, and Sciton's MicroLaserPeel treatment. I was pretty excited about the versatility of the MicroLaserPeel. This  resurfacing laser treatment is fully customizable, and can fall anywhere in social downtime (ie, pinkness/sensitivity afterwards) between a REALLY effective microdermabrasion and a huge, intense laser treatment. Here's what can be treated with MicroLaserPeel:

• Wrinkles and Skin Texture

• Scars

• Keratosis

• Sun damage (including freckles)

• Pigment irregularities

Almost any skin areas can be treated, but the most popular treatment areas are the face, neck, chest and hands.

MicroLaserPeel (also sometimes called a NanoPeel, or a Weekend Peel) is an erbium laser treatment that removes a thin layer of damaged skin to improve texture and provide a more youthful appearance. It's pretty great because it can be administered with great precision of depth, like if you only have one afternoon for social-downtime. The procedure is performed in your physician’s office and is pretty great because it can be custom tailored to your specific skin concerns, and most importantly: How much time you have to spare for social downtime. That, and it can be combined with other laser procedures at the same visit to maximize your results.

The depth is measured in microns, so a 10 Micron laser Peel is much lighter than a 20, which would require some social downtime. Here's how you could look at it: A series of microdermabrasions (like maybe 6 treatments) can equal one treatment of a 10 micron MicroLaserPeel.

Here's a great video of a demonstration.You'll see the MicroLaserPeel’s beam being scanned over a treatment area to remove the very thin layer of the skin. As the skin heals, fresh cells grow and resurface the treated area. The result is healthier-looking skin, often with reduced wrinkles and improved tone. Patients often say that it looks like their skin went from looking 'tired' to fab.

 Here's the same day before and after pictures of my hand after (from top to bottom) a 4 Micron Peel, an 8 Micron Peel, and a 10 Micron Peel. (translation: Super-Light to Light)

Screen Shot 2014-03-09 at 8.34.34 PMI felt totally fine (no discomfort AT ALL), and the texture on my left hand actually looked and felt smoother and healthier than the right hand, almost right away.  I was surprised how audible the laser sound was, and how comfortable it was. I really didn't feel much at all! Can't wait to offer this treatment to our patients, I think they'll love it!

Until Next time: Stay fabulous My Friends!

Mohs Surgery... Nose Surgery??? Moe's Surgery??

What is Mohs surgery?

Lately, I've been working like crazy to help launch a brand new cosmetic dermatology office on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The highly credentialed and super smart dermatologist (Dr. Quenby Erickson, who is my boss, the owner, and the medical director all-in-one) is board certified and fellowship trained in Mohs Surgery. Sometimes, when I'm bragging about how talented Dr. Erickson is, people will say: "NOSE surgery??" No, actually: MOHS Surgery. Here's what it is:

dr erickson mohsNamed for Frederic Mohs (1910-2002), this specialty surgical procedure allows the physician to remove the cancer while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.

With more than 2 Million Americans estimated to be affected by skin cancer this year, Mohs Micrographic surgical technique is more in-demand than ever. In addition to Mohs, Dr. Erickson also really enjoys the reconstruction aspect, which has saved patients from disfigurement. It's a pretty great process.

Step 1: A conservative amount of tissue is removed. Step 2: While the patient waits, the tissue will be examined under a microscope to see if the margins are clear Step 3: If the margins are clear, the patient is good to go. Slightly more tissue will be removed and the steps will be repeated only if the margins aren't clear.

dr erickson mohs 2Imagine if you had a cancerous lesion on your cheek (yikes). You'd want the cancer to be gone, but with the smallest amount tissue removed as possible. Beyond that, you'd want to be reconstructed beautifully. That's what a Mohs surgeon can do for you. (Sometimes, closures can be sent out to a plastic surgeon).  As Dr. Erickson says: "Removing tissue from a person's back is one thing; it becomes a bigger deal on the lip, eyelid or nose." Glad to have you, Mohs surgeons!!

Click here for what sets fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons apart from the rest, and click here for patient information on Mohs surgery.

Until next time: Stay Fabulous, (and wear your sunscreen!!) My Friends!

Dermaplaning: Don't be Scared

Ever thought Dermaplaning looked scary-as-heck? You're not alone! What is it?? Also known as epidermal leveling, Dermaplaning is an expert technique which gently removes superficial, rough skin with the use of a modified surgical utensil (that's the nice way to say SCALPEL). This specialized treatment leaves the skin glowing and refreshed. Here's the secret: No, it doesn't hurt! AND, it's actually more gentle (and effective at removing superficial, dead/damaged tissue) than lots of other aesthetic treatments.

Here's me performing a dermaplane:

dermaplaning with Elizabeth Weiler

Who is it good for?  Dermaplaning is safe for almost all skin types. It's not so great for really active acne or for people with really thick hair growth on the face. It's actually a great alternative to microdermabrasion: much more gentle and much more effective at removing stratum corneum!!! Ok, people also love it because it removes peach-fuzz. For those of you who love that part, I mentioned it! Are you happy?? =)

DP treatments result in a more refined, smooth, “glowing” appearance.  Because Dermaplaning does not require the use of chemicals to exfoliate, it is often appropriate for those with certain skin allergies or sensitivities, even rosacea... no kidding!

choose your own

What to Expect:  Dermaplaning is actually a no-downtime, gentle refinement. You might expect your at-home products to absorb more quickly than usual, and your makeup to go on more smoothly than usual.  (so use caution if you are using strong exfoliants or harsher products!) If it is determined to be appropriate for your skin, a mild chemical peel, cryogen therapy, or a masque treatment may be applied during your treatment. It's sort of like a choose-your-own adventure book. Remember those? If you do, you might look into dermaplaning for it's anti-aging benefits. (That was supposed to be funny!!)

Locally, I enjoy teaching other professionals to dermaplane. This comfortable treatment is a patient-favorite and a specialty of our office, and may be a specialty of an office near you soon!! =)

Do NOT try this at homeUntil next time, stay fabulous my friends!

E

Dr. Mauricio De Maio: The creme de la creme in Chicago

Juvederm Voluma XC Dinner in Chicago  My boss, Chicago Dermatologist Dr. Quenby Erickson and I attended Allergan's Master Class led by world-renown Brazilian Plastic Surgeon Dr Mauricio De Maio last night in Chicago. He is an intriguing speaker, the BEST, actually!

He demonstrated his incredible injection techniques, and showed how he uses Juvederm VOLUMA XC to restore lost volume in different severities of volume loss and laxity. He shared his amazing perspective on genetic aging, lots of advanced facial anatomy, and even told a couple good jokes for some of the most well-known physicians in the midwest. Can't wait to get back to the office and share everything I learned, especially about VOLUMA XC!

 

Until Next time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

 

December Lumenis Symposium: Because Chicago could use a little light(-based technology) in the winter... amiright?

I was honored to be learning about Lumenis' latest cosmetic light-based technology from (and with) some of the brightest minds in our field at tonight's Chicago Lumenis Symposium. Lumenis has been well known for it's IPL devices over the years, but just a few months ago they received FDA approval for their ResurFX: The New Fractional Non-Ablative technology for skin resurfacing. What the heck does that mean, you ask?

A quick generalized answer here: Non-Ablative means that the surface of the skin stays intact, and fractionated means collagen remodeling by only treating a FRACTION of the skin at a time (aka, little-to-no-downtime). WOO-HOO!

Here I am with The Lumenis M22, (the R2-D2 looking unit which houses their famous ResurFX and IPL), alongside the well-known Aesthetic Consultant extraordinaire, Cindy Graf (aka, The Laser Queen!)

Before and After: My Obagi Transformation

I think the Spring season gets a lot of credit for renewal and transformation, but Fall is really when I (and clients/patients alike) really get in the mood for change. The summer can be a time when we drop off of our strict regimens and become a bit lax... with schedules, eating, bedtime, skin care, and who-knows-what else. In my opinion, there seems to be something about the changing colors, the crispy air, and the earlier nightfall that seems to make us all think: 'OK, these summer freckles are bothering me. Time for a change', or 'Hey!! I'm suddenly interested in regimented self-care again'. I myself jumped back onto full time Obagi use a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I would share my slightly embarrassing before and after pictures from my first time using the Obagi Nu Derm system. (about 7 or 8 years ago)

Screen Shot 2013-09-04 at 11.48.57 AM

I had some issues, as you can see. It's especially tough to have skin trouble when you are a professional aesthetician. After all, how are you supposed to recommend treatments and products for your practice's patients when your own skin is terrible??

Notice the acne, the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (red spots left-over from acne), melasma (patchy-brown above my lip and on my forehead), freckles, and uneven tone.

I used the Nu Derm system with tretinoin .1% (hardcore!!) religiously for 18 weeks, followed by a maintenance regimen. What a life-changing transformation this was for me! I am so thankful for this line, and have many, many happy clients who would agree.

So if you are in the mood for change yourself, join me in fall transformation! Start using that night-time product instead of falling asleep on the couch at night, jump into that Zumba class, or finally organize your closet by color; whatever blows your hair back! :)

Check out Obagi Medical's website here to learn more about nu derm, and until next time: Stay Fabulous My Friends!

Chicago's Most Recent Solta Medical Laser Symposium... where technology meets fabulocity.

Image Last week, Chicago Physicians and Clinicians attended Solta Medical's most recent Laser Symposium, where we learned about the most recent advancements in Liposonix fat-reduction (reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue) via HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound), Fraxel re:pair (treatment of wrinkles, furrows, pigmented lesions, vascular dyschromia) Thermage (classic non-invasive treatment of wrinkles) Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 (sun spots age spots, AK's, melasma, peri-orbital wrinkles and scars) Clear + Brilliant (general skin resurfacing) and Isolaz (acne). WHEW!

Needless to say, there was plenty to absorb... and I had a cramp in my hand from taking notes even before the main course was served. I think with all the constant advancements in technology (especially in our industry), no matter WHAT your role is in your office: we are ALL always learning and growing!

It was an honor to be there, learning alongside some of Chicago's greatest!

Until next time, Stay Fabulous My Friends!

Va, Va VOLUMA

So excited! ...Where do I start?? Ok, I'll start here: Yesterday, Allergan (makers of BOTOX Cosmetic) announced that they have FDA approval for the first filler specifically formulated for the cheeks. Our new friend's name is  JUVÉDERM® VOLUMA™. This new glorious Hyaluronic Acid (HA) filler is made with Allergan's proprietary VYCROSS(TM) technology. VYCROSS (TM) is a manufacturing method **cross-linking** that makes this HA super-duper smooth and long-lasting.

Another cool fact: Voluma is like the can't-stop, won't-stop, marathon-runner of HA fillers: it can last for 2 years with optimal treatment... which is much longer than others.

By the way, did you know that HA is a sugar that naturally occurs in the skin? SWEET!

ImageHere's a link to Allergan's Voluma Page, and here's one to the Press Release.

You can also click here to see one of my posts about volume restoration in the aging face. 

Va, Va, Voluma! Ow, owwww!Oh, and this filler product comes with pre-mixed with Lidocaine (numbing agent). ..........OR without, if you are crazy like that. (kidding... totally kidding!)

Remember to always talk to your doctor about your candidacy for treatments and give your doc the most updated health history info every time you see them.

Until next time, stay fabulous my friends!

BOTOX for Babies- Part 5: Request the red carpet treatment

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of ways to avoid little bruises or lessen the slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here is one of my tips based on my experiences in the office:

Ask for the VIP (filler) treatment:

Ever thought you could get Juvederm, Restylane, or other soft-tissue filler without the scary needle? Well you can, if your doctor uses blunt-tipped cannulas. Blunt-tipped cannulas are like the more innocent, duller cousin of the dreaded sharp needle. They aren't sharp, so they won't poke around and upset the tissue.  Check out my other post on Dermasculpt Cannulas here, a brand of a blunt-tipped cannula. 

If your doc uses them, ask if you're a good candidate- you'll be glad you did! They allow for less trauma to the area, so that means a more comfortable, smoother treatment with less chance of bruising. This is great for areas like the lips, the naso-labial folds, and the cheeks!

Here is a great video illustrating the difference between the cannula and a needle, they show a close up so it’s really easy to see (Don’t worry if you’re a wimp, they don’t inject anybody in the video- it’s just a neat comparison!)

http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/766021 (warning: you have to create a free account to view it)

it JUST doesn't have to be this way!Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctor's instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!

 

BOTOX for Babies- Part 4: The Super Natural

Have you been nervous to try an injectable because of bruising or discomfort? Read on… There is a TOTAL laundry list of things to avoid little bruises and lessen the very slight (and temporary) discomfort from an injectable cosmetic treatment, but here’s a tip based on my experiences in the office:

Homeopathic Remedies: Arnica Montana Supplements and Vitamin K Oxide:

If you have bruise-anxiety, using an Arnica Montana supplement could be a good option for you. Arnica Montana is an herbal supplement, which is anecdotally known to reduce swelling and bruising. Here's a link to a post I wrote on the 'why's' of bruising.

The Arnica Montana Flower is also known as 'Mountain Daisy', and is quite pretty before it makes it into supplement form.

Here's the Arnica Flower before it grows up to become a cosmetic procedure hero!

Although taking Arnica Montana can be worth it, it can also be a little high-maintenance (in my opinion). Depending on the brand and dosage, users can be instructed to take up to 9 (or even more) of them a day! (I usually forget at least a couple times). But thankfully, Arnica is pretty easy to take. Typically they're just dissolving tabs that you put under your tongue.  Vitamedica is one brand I really like. You can browse/purchase theirs by clicking here.

Here’s a link to another popular one: http://www.naturesway.com/Products/Homeopathic-Products/21203573-Arnica-Montana-30C.aspx

It’s generally a good idea to start Arnica about 3-4 days before your injectable treatment. If you still get a little bruise, continue it after the procedure to help it go away faster. Arnica is also available in topical forms. As another option, you could try Vitamin K Oxide, in Auriderm® post-op gel. Vitamin K Oxide, (different from plain ole' Vitamin K) helps the body heal faster. I actually like the Auriderm the best of any that I've tried.

 postop gel

To cover all your bases, you can use both topicals and the sublingual tabs! Arnica Montana is contraindicated for people with certain conditions, so check with your doctor to be sure you’re a good candidate.

Your doc will likely have specific instructions for you, including post-care. Please note: this is post is simply meant to be fun and informative, *not the authority on your health* so please always follow your doctors instructions... and NOT what you read on the internet. (yes, this blog included!)

Keep in mind that there are always risks to every procedure, so chat it up with your physician to make sure these procedures are appropriate for you… Until Next time: Stay safe, and fabulous!