Question: Though I religiously wear sunscreen now that I’m in my 30’s, I wasn’t always so careful in my teens. I’ve noticed some age spots. Is there anything that can be done about those?
Answer: Years of sun worship can severely damage skin. Wrinkles, sun spots, skin discoloration and looseness of the skin are the price we often pay for sun exposure without adequate protection.
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation is an exciting cosmetic treatment that can noticeably improve the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin, smooth wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of acne and other scars.
What is DOT Therapy Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Dermal Optical Thermolysis is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system - one of the most sophisticated laser systems on the market. Your doctor will apply a grid of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy to your skin during the DOT Therapy procedure.
How Does It Work?
The laser creates thousands of microscopic holes in your skin. This causes immediate tightening of the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen – essential to younger, fresher-looking skin. DOT Therapy improves the skin’s tone and texture and fights fine lines, deep wrinkles, and discoloration caused by the sun and acne scars. Excellent results can usually be achieved in a single 30-minute session.
The DOT CO2 laser is superior to older laser skin resurfacing techniques because the microscopic treated areas are surrounded by healthy skin, causing the treated skin to heal more quickly.
What Can I Expect during the DOT Therapy?
Your doctor may use a topical anesthetic during the procedure for increased comfort. After the DOT Therapy procedure your skin will be red. A cold compress will be applied to alleviate discomfort. Over the next three or four days you may experience some peeling, similar to sunburn. Your doctor will give you a hydrating lotion to apply to the treated area. This will keep your skin moist and promote healing. Typically the skin returns to its normal appearance in seven to ten days. The results of your DOT Therapy procedure can last for years. In cases of severe wrinkling or deep acne scars a series of treatments may be required.
What Results Can I Anticipate with DOT Therapy?
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation decreases pigmentation and fine lines, lifts and tightens skin, and reduces pores. You can get beautiful, natural results with DOT laser therapy in a single 30-minute treatment. DOT Therapy has minimal downtime compared to traditional CO2 laser which is the gold standard for skin resurfacing.
If your skin has been damaged by overexposure to the sun, acne scars, or environmental factors, DOT Therapy may be the non-surgical anti-aging solution for you. Contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to request a personal consultation to discuss how DOT Therapy laser skin resurfacing can improve the look and feel of your skin.
Question: Though I religiously wear sunscreen now that I’m in my 30’s, I wasn’t always so careful in my teens. I’ve noticed some age spots. Is there anything that can be done about those?
Answer: Years of sun worship can severely damage skin. Wrinkles, sun spots, skin discoloration and looseness of the skin are the price we often pay for sun exposure without adequate protection.
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation is an exciting cosmetic treatment that can noticeably improve the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin, smooth wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of acne and other scars.
What is DOT Therapy Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Dermal Optical Thermolysis is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system - one of the most sophisticated laser systems on the market. Your doctor will apply a grid of tiny scanned pulses of laser energy to your skin during the DOT Therapy procedure.
How Does It Work?
The laser creates thousands of microscopic holes in your skin. This causes immediate tightening of the skin and stimulates the growth of new collagen – essential to younger, fresher-looking skin. DOT Therapy improves the skin’s tone and texture and fights fine lines, deep wrinkles, and discoloration caused by the sun and acne scars. Excellent results can usually be achieved in a single 30-minute session.
The DOT CO2 laser is superior to older laser skin resurfacing techniques because the microscopic treated areas are surrounded by healthy skin, causing the treated skin to heal more quickly.
What Can I Expect during the DOT Therapy?
Your doctor may use a topical anesthetic during the procedure for increased comfort. After the DOT Therapy procedure your skin will be red. A cold compress will be applied to alleviate discomfort. Over the next three or four days you may experience some peeling, similar to sunburn. Your doctor will give you a hydrating lotion to apply to the treated area. This will keep your skin moist and promote healing. Typically the skin returns to its normal appearance in seven to ten days. The results of your DOT Therapy procedure can last for years. In cases of severe wrinkling or deep acne scars a series of treatments may be required.
What Results Can I Anticipate with DOT Therapy?
DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation decreases pigmentation and fine lines, lifts and tightens skin, and reduces pores. You can get beautiful, natural results with DOT laser therapy in a single 30-minute treatment. DOT Therapy has minimal downtime compared to traditional CO2 laser which is the gold standard for skin resurfacing.
If your skin has been damaged by overexposure to the sun, acne scars, or environmental factors, DOT Therapy may be the non-surgical anti-aging solution for you. Contact Dr. Karsan, a qualified plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to request a personal consultation to discuss how DOT Therapy laser skin resurfacing can improve the look and feel of your skin.
Question: In looking to what I want in the New Year, I know that I want a fresher appearance, but I don't believe I'm ready for a surgical facelift. What do you suggest?
Answer: With the New Year fast approaching, many of my patients come to me because they want to look more rejuvenated. They want to eliminate the signs of aging that make them look tired, sad, or gaunt. These patients aren't quite ready for a surgical facelift - nor do they need one. Fortunately the non-surgical liquid lift is a good option for such patients. If you want to look your best in the coming year, a liquid lift may be the solution for you, too.
The Benefits of the Liquid Lift
The liquid lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical anti-aging technique. Patients can achieve significant results with minimal downtime and minimal risk. That makes the liquid lift a convenient, cost-effective solution for many patients. You can get a liquid lift in your facial plastic surgeon's office in as little as 30 minutes for a fraction of the cost of traditional plastic surgery. With the proper maintenance, your results can last up to two years.
Noticeable results, less inhibitive cost, and minimal downtime make the liquid lift an excellent option for patients who want to look their very best without surgery. That’s why minimally invasive procedures like the liquid lift are growing in popularity with both doctors and patients.
What is a Liquid Lift?
A liquid lift is a non-surgical facelift achieved by using Botox® or Dysport® and facial fillers (a combination of Radiesse®, Juvéderm®, Restylane®). Traditional face lifts tighten the support layer of the face or SMAS and removes excess skin, a surgical procedure. A liquid lift restores volume by filling in deep lines and grooves below the skin using dermal fillers.
Botox® or Dysport® can produce a brow lift, reverse the down-turned mouth, diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, frown lines, forehead wrinkles, and neck bands. The filler is used to redefine the lips, restore volume, and diminish wrinkles on lips and around the mouth. Laugh lines and marionette lines are filled. Jowls are diminished. Volume is restored to the midface and cheeks. The result is a non-surgical facelift.
What You Should Know About the “Liquid Lift”
The liquid lift is an excellent tool for restoring natural facial contours and volume. However, like any cosmetic procedure, it isn’t right for everyone. For instance, a patient with sagging skin and a loss of elasticity may be a candidate for a traditional surgical facelift. The duration of the results achieved with a liquid facelift can last from a few months to two years depending on a variety of factors. In some cases, touch-up procedures may be required periodically to maintain optimal results. In contrast, a traditional facelift can offer more dramatic, longer lasting results.
Is the liquid lift the right option for you? Contact our office to learn more about the liquid lift and to discuss whether this minimally invasive, non-surgical anti-aging technique is the right one for you.
Platelet-rich Plasma therapy uses platelets isolated from a patient's own blood to promote the rejuvenation of bones or soft tissues. Last week, we explained what it is. This week, I want to share how it works along with the benefits.
How Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Works
Platelets serve a variety of functions. Growth factors contained in platelets can:
- Increase collagen production.
- Regenerate and rejuvenate tissue.
- Recruit other cells to sites in need of repair.
- Initiate vascular growth.
- Induce cell differentiation.
Injecting enriched plasma into damaged tissue stimulates the growth of new cells, enabling the body to heal faster.
To access platelets, blood is drawn from the arm of the patient. Platelets are then isolated by putting the patient's blood in a centrifuge. The isolated platelets are injected into fine lines, wrinkles and areas of depression in the face, neck, décolletage and on the back of the hands. The injection of platelet-rich plasma stimulates tissue repair and rejuvenation and promotes new, healthy skin. Patients experience gradual improvement in the appearance of skin texture and tone.
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Since the platelet-rich plasma is autologous (taken from the patient's own blood) it is non-allergenic. The use of enriched autologous plasma also eliminates the risk of transmission of infection from donors. The procedure is quick and simple. A facial plastic surgeon can administer PRP therapy during a one-hour office session. Downtime is minimal. Patients typically experience minimal bruising and swelling for up to 24 hours.
Results are not immediate. But within three weeks most patients begin to see visible results as the enriched plasma rejuvenates the skin and promotes the growth of healthy skin. Patients experience continued improvement in skin tone and texture. It is recommended that patients receive at least two PRP treatments several weeks apart. Results can last up to eighteen months.
PRP therapy isn't for everyone. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is not effective in smokers or patients with advance wrinkling, skin disorders or those using anticoagulant therapies. To learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy and other anti-aging treatments contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.
Your body has the remarkable ability to heal itself. Cuts and broken bones heal. Cells continually renew themselves. As we age the rejuvenation process that keeps our skin 
young and supple slows down. The diminished ability to renew itself causes deterioration of the texture and appearance of skin. This results in wrinkles, fine lines, jowls, sagging skin, loss of volume and other signs of visible aging. But what if we could stimulate the body's ability to heal itself again?
Orthobiologics studies the body's natural healing process and develops bone and soft tissue replacement for skeletal and tissue healing. This exciting medical niche discovers ways in which the body's own healing abilities can be used to cure diseases, repair injuries and rejuvenate the skin. One such discovery is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich Plasma therapy uses platelets isolated from a patient's own blood to promote the rejuvenation of bones or soft tissues. It was recently reported that a high-profile NBA player underwent PRP treatment in Germany to aid in healing a nagging knee injury. Platelet-rich plasma therapy can also be used to rejuvenate the skin.
According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, a three-month study of twenty-three patients was conducted. Patients were treated with monthly PRP injections. The results were carefully documented using special imaging equipment. One month after the final injection participants were re-examined. The participants' skin texture improved, skin tone was more even and wrinkles around the eyes were reduced. This study and many others conducted around the world demonstrate that platelet-rich plasma therapy is an effective option for face and neck rejuvenation. PRP has been used effectively in aesthetic medicine in Asia and Europe since 2006.
Next week, I'll share with you how Platelet-Rich Plasma works along with the benefits. PRP therapy isn't for everyone. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is not effective in smokers or patients with advance wrinkling, skin disorders or those using anticoagulant therapies. To learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy and other anti-aging treatments contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.
The drug, Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA) manufactured by Merz Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of severe frown lines in July 2011. Like Botox® and Dysport, Xeomin is a botulinum toxin type A product. Xeomin was already FDA approved in 2010 for the treatment of cervical dystonia (which causes abnormal neck pain and movements) and blepharospasm (involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids) in adults. Nearly 85,000 people in 20 countries around the world have used Xeomin. The drug is approved under the brand name Bocouture in 14 European countries including France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
According to the manufacturer, the recent FDA approval is based on two U.S. clinical trials where patients saw significant improvement in the appearance of frown lines within thirty days of injection.
Xeomin works in much the same way that Botox® and Dysport do. The drug is injected by a skilled dermatologist or board-certified facial plastic surgeon at the site of wrinkles. Xeomin relaxes muscles involved in repetitive facial movements by blocking the nerve signals that trigger muscle movement. The full effects of Xeomin take approximately one week to manifest but last for up to six months.
Xeomin bears a distinct difference from its predecessors, Botox® and Dysport. Xeomin is "naked" -- meaning there are no additives. It is simply botulinum toxin type A. This is significant because the body creates antibodies in an effort to attack what it considers "foreign invaders" in the blood stream. If the body creates antibodies to a drug - like Xeomin - it will reduce its effectiveness. Since there are no additives in Xeomin, it may decrease the likelihood of a patient developing antibodies to the drug.
Xeomin, Botox® and Dysport should not be used alternately. Consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to decide which injectable cosmetic treatment for severe frown lines would be best for you. Xeomin is expected to be available nationwide in the spring of 2012. To learn more about Xeomin, Botox® or other similar drugs, contact Dr. Karsan, a Dallas-based, board-certified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation.
You recently received notice of your upcoming school reunion and you’re thrilled at the prospect of seeing old friends. But the thought of reuniting with friends from your youth has also likely made you hyperaware of the changes in your face since those days.
A variety of changes take place in our skin as a natural part of the aging process. Volume is lost in the face causing affected areas to sag and form grooves and wrinkles. These signs of aging have long been remedied using a traditional facelift which smoothes the skin by stretching it tight.
You want to look and feel your very best when you step through the doors of your alma mater, but you don’t want to do anything drastic – like surgery. Thankfully there is a non-surgical solution that will rejuvenate your skin and restore a fresher, more youthful look – the “liquid lift.”
What is a “Liquid Lift”?
The “liquid” lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses Botox® and injectable dermal fillers Juvéderm® and Restylane® to achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Unlike a traditional facelift which stretches the skin, a “liquid lift” restores volume to the skin by filling in grooves and lines with dermal fillers. Botox® is used to relax facial muscles. This helps to prevent the formation of lines and wrinkles caused, in part, by repetitive facial movements.
The Benefits of the “Liquid Lift”
The traditional surgical facelift is highly-effective and the best option in many instances. Yet, the “liquid lift” - a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure – gives patients similar results without the risks of surgery or extended recovery time.
The “liquid lift” is a convenient, cost-effective solution for many patients. Your facial plastic surgeon can give you a “liquid lift” in her office in as little as an hour for a fraction of the cost of traditional plastic surgery. The convenience, less-inhibitive cost, and noticeable results make the “liquid lift” an excellent option for patients who want to look their very best without surgery. It is no wonder that minimally-invasive procedures like the “liquid lift” are growing in popularity with both doctors and patients.
What You Should Know About the “Liquid Lift”
The “liquid lift” is an excellent treatment for restoring fresher, more youthful skin. Still, it isn’t right for everyone. Patients with sagging skin and other advanced signs of aging may require a traditional facelift.
The results achieved with a “liquid facelift” can last up to two years depending on a variety of factors. In most cases, touch-up procedures will be required periodically to maintain optimal results. In contrast, a traditional facelift can offer more dramatic, longer-lasting results.
If you want to look and feel your best at your upcoming school reunion contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to see if the “liquid lift” is right for you.
Women typically come to mind whenever cosmetic treatments are discussed. However, cosmetic treatments for men increased 88 
percent from 1997 to 2010, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In fact, more than 750,000 cosmetic procedures were performed on men in 2010 alone.
A growing number of men have turned to cosmetic treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and other common signs of aging. Some men seek cosmetic treatments purely for cosmetic reasons. However, the clear majority of male cosmetic surgery patients choose anti-aging treatments as a way to gain an edge in a highly-competitive workplace. They want their faces to reflect the same youthful vigor and energy they possess internally. In today's post we'll discuss three treatments commonly sought by men to reduce the appearance of aging.
Fighting Wrinkles with Botox® and Other Injectables
Botox® and Dysport® are purified proteins that are injected directly into facial muscles. This minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure is performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or a healthcare professional. These injectables block nerve signals that would normally trigger the contraction of facial muscles. This relaxes muscles and reduces repetitive muscle activity which contributes to the formation of moderate-to-severe frown lines or "11s" between the brows. Botox® and Dysport decrease the depth of current winkles and minimize the progression of lines over time. When administered by a qualified facial plastic surgeon, patients achieve natural-looking results.
Restoring Facial Volume with Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers like Juvéderm® and Restylane® hydrate the skin, smooth out wrinkles and add a youthful fullness to the skin. Juvéderm® - an injectable gel filler made of hyaluronic acid -is injected under the skin to smooth away wrinkles around the mouth and nose. Results last for up to one year. Restylane® - made from hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin - improves the elasticity of skin. It adds fullness to the skin and underlying structure of the face and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Results are immediate and downtime is minimal. Results can last up to twelve months.
Taking Off Years of Sun and Other Damage with Laser Resurfacing
Years of sun-exposure without adequate protection and other environmental factors can damage the skin and accelerate the signs of aging. DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation (Dermal Optical Thermolysis) can noticeably improve the appearance of aged or sun-damaged skin. It can also be used to smooth wrinkles and reduce the appearance of acne and other scars.
DOT Therapy is performed using the SmartXide DOT™ laser system. A facial plastic surgeon uses the laser to create thousands of microscopic holes in the skin. The skin tightens immediately and the growth of new collagen is stimulated. DOT Therapy laser skin rejuvenation improves skin tone and texture and fights fine lines, deep wrinkles and discoloration caused by the sun and acne scars. Excellent results can usually be achieved in a single 30-minute session.
To learn more about these and other cosmetic anti-aging treatments that can help you to reduce the signs of aging and restore a natural-looking youthful vigor call Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon at 214-646-8777 to schedule a confidential consultation.
“I’m getting married later in life. Over the years my face has begun to look gaunt and tired. What can I do to look more vibrant and youthful in time for my wedding?”
One of the earliest signs of aging is loss of volume in the face. Loss of volume – which typically begins in our mid 30’s - is caused by thinning of the layer of fat which lies just beneath facial skin. Sounds like a good thing, but it isn’t. Loss of volume around the eyes, mouth and hollows leave the face looking gaunt and tired – even when we’ve had a full night’s rest.
How does loss of volume age the face? Picture an inflated balloon. The ‘skin’ is taut and bounces back when you press against it. Over time air seeps out of the balloon. This loss of volume makes the balloon’s ‘skin’ become saggy and wrinkled. The same thing happens to our skin as it ages and volume is lost. So the question is: How do we restore volume to make your skin look younger, fresher and more vibrant?
Restore Facial Volume with Injectable Fillers
There are several non-surgical, anti-aging treatments that restore facial volume. One option is injectable fillers. A variety of injectable fillers are available:
- · Juvéderm® is made of hyaluronic acid - a naturally occurring sugar found in all mammals. It hydrates skin, smoothes out wrinkles, and restores volume. You get smooth, natural-looking results that last up to a year.
- · Restylane® is made from hyaluronic acid of non-animal origin. It reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles by adding volume to the skin. Results can be seen instantly and last six to twelve months. Downtime is minimal.
- · Radiesse® is made of calcium hydroxylapatite. Its unique formulation stimulates the production of new collagen – an essential component to youthful, healthy skin. The result is natural-looking wrinkle correction that lasts six to twelve months.
Injectable fillers like Juvéderm®, Restylane® and Radiesse® offer amazing results. They can be used to replenish lost volume, fill moderate to severe facial wrinkles and improve the look of frown lines, worry lines, crow’s feet, tired eyes and smoker’s lines.
Which filler is right for you? A qualified facial plastic surgeon will help you choose the filler that will give you the best results. Contact Dr. Karsan at 214-646-8777 to learn how non-surgical, injectable fillers can make you look more youthful and vibrant in your wedding photos.
Seeing classmates from high school or college is exciting. We are eager to catch up on their lives and fill them in on ours. Yet class reunions can be as stressful as they are exciting. The anticipation of seeing people we haven’t seen in decades often makes us hyper-aware of changes in our physical appearance. Particularly visible signs of aging.
A variety of changes in our face and skin occur as part of the natural aging process. Sun exposure, smoking and pollutants can greatly increase the aging process. With a reunion impending, lines in the forehead and around the eyes and mouth seem more noticeable.
Is there anything that you can do to look your best at your class reunion - even if it is just a few weeks away? Yes! There are a wide variety of non-surgical anti-aging treatments options for recapturing a fresher, more youthful look. Let’s consider the first of three quick, affordable and effective options for looking your best at your upcoming class reunion.
Erase Lines with Botox
As the skin ages several changes occur beneath the surface. Production of collagen -- the protein that is the main component of our flesh and connective tissues -- slows down. This leaves the skin saggier and less able to snap back.
In this compromised state, the skin becomes more susceptible to the formation of dynamic wrinkles. These are deep creases and wrinkles which occur due to the limited ability of aging skin to rebound from repetitive movements like frowning or smiling. Deep frown lines form between the eyebrows. Creases are etched in the forehead. Crow’s feet form around the eyes. Marionette lines frame the mouth.
Fortunately, there is a quick, easy, relatively painless way to reduce the look of lines. Botox® is injected directly into facial muscles in a simple, non-surgical procedure in your doctor’s office. Botox® is a purified protein that relaxes muscles. This decreases muscle activity that causes moderate to severe lines. You get natural, noticeable results with no downtime. The effects last for several months.
Want to erase lines and creases before your upcoming class reunion? Call Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, at 214-646-8777 to schedule a consultation. Discover the many non-surgical options available to look your best at your next class reunion.
