SKIN CARE FOR HEALTH AND AESTHETICS
The philosophy at the Institute of Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, LLC is comprehensive, holistic aesthetic health care. Regardless of what your surgical or non-surgical procedural interests are, educating you on skin care is an essential part of our personalized plan. Our objective is to provide information you need to make intelligent decisions that benefit you today and tomorrow.
Since the skin is the largest organ of our body, it is essential to take care of it. Daily attention to its preservation and a sound care and rejuvenation program is fundamental to the health of you and your skin. We understand that everyone’s goals for their appearance, and how much time they wish to devote to skin care, are different. Whatever your goals are, we will help you develop an individualized skin care plan that works for you -- your lifestyle, needs and goals.
Preventative Measures
The sun is the most significant factor in acceleratingthe aging process, prematurely wrinkling and damaging the skin, and increasing the chances of diseases like cancer. Colorado is in the top five states in the country for the most days of annual sunshine, and, unfortunately, has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the country as well.
Contrary to what was believed in the past, a “healthy glow” or tan is nothing more than blatant evidence of injury to your skin. Depending upon your skin type, you may burn or tan without sufficient protection, however that is simply one of your body’s protective mechanisms. Sun damage is cumulative, a reflection of the total hours you have spent in your lifetime exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Approximately 80% of the sun damage we do to ourselves is before the age of 18, so protecting and educating your children is of utmost importance. Remember, each time you burn and/or tan, you increase your chance of disease, not to mention catalyzing signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Consistent, daily use of high quality broad/full-spectrum sunscreens is imperative.
There are three known ultraviolet wavelengths from the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC. Each wavelength requires specific sunblock ingredients in order to obtain maximum protection. We recommend products with zinc-oxide and titanium-dioxide (UVA protection) and a minimum of SPF 30 (UVB protection). Today, zinc-oxide and titanium-dioxide are refined and transparent, unlike the white, pasty sunblocks of the past.
Here are our selections for medical-grade sunblock products that are cosmetically elegant and have the most complete UV coverage. Some are specifically designed for ultra-sensitive skin and postoperative care. Some aremineral makeup formulas, or are water/sweat proof. Our office staff can help you choose the sunblock that is right for you.
- Obagi Healthy Protection SPF 50
- SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion SPF 50 & Sheer Physical SPF 50
- Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup
- Epionce Ultra Shield SPF 50
Over time, the efficacy of sunblocks diminishes. Therefore, all sunblocks (even waterproof/sweatproof) should be reapplied frequently.
Limit your daily sun exposure all hours of the day, especially during the hours of 10:00-4:00.
Wear physical protection such as broad-rimmed hats and UVA protective clothing.
Remember that sunscreens reduce the incidence of skin cancer by protecting the skin;however, do not justify increased sun exposure during their utilization.
Practices
Maintaining healthy skin and preventing the signs of premature aging are dependent upon how you care for your skin every day. In addition to the sun, another aging component unique to our environment is lack of humidity. This semi-arid climate leads to dehydration,progressive aging, inflammation, increased dermatitis and other conditions of the skin. Proper daily skin care helps avoid these problems and enhances the texture and quality of the skin.
- Home humidification: Furnace humidifiers are insufficient in our environment. It is my recommendation that you utilize a bedside humidifier, especially in the winter months.
- Limit your consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, since these are dehydrating.
- Drink 6-8 glasses of fluid (water) daily.
- Maintain a well balanced diet and avoid significant weight fluctuations. Weight gain stretches the skin and upon reduction leads to laxity of the skin.
- Limit or avoid consumption of fried and other high fat foods.
- A balanced diet with sufficient protein, fruits and vegetables
- Certain fat is excellent for the complexion. For example, omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (i.e., salmon) are clinically proven to benefit the skin.
- A diet rich in antioxidants is beneficial in ridding the free-radicals (ultraviolet detrimental byproduct) from the skin. Please inquire about antioxidants and how to incorporate them into your diet.
Long Term Skin Care Program
Each patient who presents to the Institute of Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is welcomed to a private consultation with Dr. Schmid, our Aesthetic Skin Care Consultant or our RN to assess their individual features and skin characteristics. Our goal is to develop a sensible regimen that is tailored to your desire for results, and offer long-term health benefitsby helping you achieve a healthy lifestyle. Your patience, understanding and commitment will, in turn, increase the benefits you receive from any aesthetic technique you choose. The healthier you are preoperatively, the better off you will be postoperatively.
Proactive Skin Techniques
There are proactive measures an individual can take to stimulate, rejuvenate and refresh the appearance. These options should be used simultaneously with the basic skin care program previously discussed. For example, there are techniques to stimulate collagen production, encourage cell regeneration, eliminate discolorations and reverse sun damage. Choosing the right technique for you is based upon your overall health, your goals and lifestyle.
Superficial Skin Treatments:
These regimens address sun damaged skin, surface irregularities, superficial pigmentation problems and early fine lines and wrinkles.
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid)
Beta hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)
Tretinoin(Retin-A)
Alpha hydroxyl acid/glycolic acid peels (10-40%)
Antioxidants including Idebenone, Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, and Phloretin
Our Skin Care Product Recommendations Include:
LATISSE:
• For Longer, Fuller, Darker eyelashes.
OBAGI:
NuDerm Restoration System: Actually corrects and transformsphoto damaged skin. Exfoliates, improves pigmentation problems and fine lines, softens and smoothes the overall complexion.
Obagi Professional-C Serum:This antioxidantis stable with proven absorption.
CRX Skin Restoration System: Best for dry skin not prone to breakouts
Tretinoin: Proven collagen stimulation for wrinkles and softening.
SKINCEUTICALS:
Regimes for prevention, protection, and correction. Known for moisturizing, cosmetically elegant sunblocks, and antioxidant serums.
JANE IREDALE:
Pure, mineral-based cosmetics that can be used for everyday wear. Specific application techniques also serve to camouflage complexion flaws or the signs of recovery after an aesthetic procedure.
EPIONCE:
To repair, hydrate and fortify the skin’s natural protective barrier. Deeply penetrating, this product line works at the core of the skins own protective and reparative systems by helping to block inflammatory factors.
VIVITE:
Exfoliates-removes nonproductive cells from outer layer to reveal healthy, new skin. Hydrates-to keep skin smooth. Protects-with antioxidants important in keeping skin from aging prematurely.
PERSONALIZED SKIN CARE PACKAGES:
Customized and specifically priced. Ask our Aesthetic Care Consultant for what is right for you.
Additional Treatments Available:
Trichloroacetic acid peels (10-15%), customized Glycolic & Salicylic Peels
Medical Microdermabrasions with skin cleansing and stimulants
Facials for acne, skin rejuvenation and aging skin.
Intense Pulsed Light PhotoRejuvenation and FotoFacials
Laser Hair Removal of face and body
Injectibles:
Botox Cosmetic
Juvederm XC (non animal hyaluronic acid)
Restylane
Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite)
Fat transplantation
Medium Depth Treatments: These treatments require a limited downtime of up to one week and are directed to treat age spots and freckles, very fine wrinkles and surface irregularities.
Alpha hydroxy/glycolic acid peels (up to 70%; progressive serial treatments)
TCA peels (10-20%)
Superficial laser resurfacing
Fractional CO2 Therapy
Deep Treatments: These are aggressive treatments for the skin, but are extremely therapeutic and offer excellent results. Most require a downtime of 10-14 days. These treatments address sun damaged skin, precancerous skin conditions, moderate to severe age spots, moderate to deep wrinkles, and skin laxity.
Combination TCA 35% peels/IPL(Photorejuvenation) Treatments
Phenol peels
Dermabrasion
Laser resurfacing (CO2)
Surgical Techniques
As the skin progressively ages and loses its elasticity, the skin often becomes furrowed, wrinkled, loose and sagging. It is at this stage of skin aging that surgical management of your concerns is required.
Rhytidectomy (Facelift): Surgery to tighten and re-suspend the loose skin, deep soft tissues of the face and neck in order to correct the face,jowls, jaw and neckline.
Blepharoplasty (Eyelift): Surgery to address the aging and puffiness of the upper and lower eyelids.
Forehead lift (Endoscopic or Open): Surgery to correct looseness of the forehead. Elevates the brows and softens forehead wrinkles.
Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery): Surgery to correct prominence or droopiness of the nose that occurs with aging.
Lobularplasty: Surgery to correct aging, sagging earlobes.
Liposculpture/Laser Lipolysis: Surgery to correct excessive adipose (fatty) deposits that occur with aging.
Skin Care for Health and Aesthetics
Page 1 of 4 Last Update:Sept 2011