Here is the blog I am writing for work (Erickson Dermatology in Chicago on Michigan Avenue), thought I'd share the first post! We are soft launching Dr. Erickson's new cosmetic dermatology practice now, and are ready to see patients! We're already doing fabulous things with BOTOX Cosmetic, Juvederm VOLUMA, all the awesome dermal fillers, an amazing new Sciton laser, and a brand new Hydrafacial. YEAH! It's a very exciting time. We also just launched the new website, created by yours truly =)
Dr. Mauricio De Maio: The creme de la creme 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!
Juvederm Voluma... In all the right places
So far in my life, I have consistently been trying to rid myself of "volume". Always trying to stay fit began early on in life, even as a pre-teen when my friends alerted me to the whole pressure-to-be-thin thing, something that many women experience. I'm sure this is a historical and formative part of life for many out there early on. Like me, I think many become surprised when they begin aging, and realize that Volume in SOME places is just about the best thing since sliced bread. There is a funny quote that resonated with me when I first heard it long ago... This quote refers to a lack of fat, and the impact that loss of volume has on the face. It has been attributed to the French actress Catherine Deneuve, who allegedly said, "After a certain age, you have to choose between your fanny and your face."
Well, if Catherine was around now, she would certainly see the value in VOLUMA, which replaces some of that volume loss with HA, a water-loving material that restores youthful contours... all while you stay low-fat, you fitness buff!
What's VOLUMA? Click here for one of my Blog posts on it, or here to go to their official site.
Anyway, I was excited to attend the Allergan Juvederm VOLUMA roundtable dinner in Chicago last week, where we learned more about where to place this (first and only) FDA-approved filler for correcting age-related volume loss in the mid face.
Dr James Platis of Chicago presented, and demonstrated just where to place the VOLUMA for the best results. Here he is, mapping it out for us on his gracious and patient demo model.
Until next time, stay Fabulous my friends!
The Chicken, the Egg, and The Changing Aesthetic Landscape
As I write, I am here in San Francisco at the The Aesthetic Academy meetings. Yesterday I took the Certified Aesthetic Consultant Exam and should have my results in 2-3 weeks. (Keep your finger crossed for me!) And now that the hard work is over, I can take a deep breath, sit back, and learn.
A handful of the nation’s top aesthetic physicians are here presenting their favorite technologies for non-surgical rejuvenation, fat reduction and anti-aging. I'm noting a continuous theme with every. single. presentation.
The theme: the industry landscape is changing. For example: in 1997 (and maybe even 2007) a person might go to a doctor, have a surgery, and ride off into the sunset. These days, informed consumers are seeking more progressive solutions with little or no downtime. They have high expectations, plenty of options, and do lots of research. They aren’t jumping into invasive surgeries. In fact, according to ASAPS, the surgical segment of our industry is only experiencing growth of 3% each year, whereas non-surgical procedures are growing over 10% each year. As I listen, I agree… as a Service Provider, a Practice Manager, and as a patient myself. People want procedures that are better, faster, and easier to recover from.
From my perspective, I see these savvy, well-informed patients demanding these advancements. And I also see (especially at the industry conferences) that the technology is getting better. But I wonder: is the technology getting better because the market demands it? Or are people starting to access these treatments because the new, effective, non-invasive options are finally available? Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
Whichever scenario is happening, the technology is getting better. Science is looking to affect the skin/tissues on a molecular level. We are hearing more and more about changing 'the behavior' of the tissue. I even heard the phrase “reprogramming genes like software”. Indeed, genes are kind of like little strings of data, not unlike software. Heating, cooling, and using all types of energies to manipulate, denature, and contract are becoming the methods of choice for patients AND practitioners. Very interesting. So while plenty of facelifts are still happening, it sounds like the future of medicine is going 'molecular'.
Here are the buzz-worthy, popular topics for non-surgical and non-invasive technologies here at the show:
- Microneedling
- Diodes
- RF Devices (radiofrequency, now with less treatments)
- Enzymes, Stem Cells in Skin Care
- IPL, Photo Facial (oldie but a goodie)
- Circumferential Reduction, (Body Contouring and Fat Reduction)
- (Still trying for a great) Skin Tightening modality
- Cellulite Treatments (still nothing permanent, but looking good in the temporary-realm!)
- Micro-cannulas (for injecting soft tissue fillers like Juvederm)
- Voluma (the new filler from Allergan)
More to come from San Francisco!
In the meantime, 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!
Here'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.
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!