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Category: Cosmetic Procedures

The Power of Customization in Aesthetic Treatments

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At The Derm Institute, we know that when it comes to aesthetic treatments, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Every face is unique, and the key to achieving beautiful, natural results lies in a personalized treatment plan that enhances your features, rather than changing them—resulting in the best, most confident version of you.

With today’s advancements in non-surgical treatments such as biostimulators, fillers, Botox, chemical peels, lasers and more, customization is more important than ever. The best results come from subtle, expertly placed treatments over time—not drastic, one-time changes. That’s where Dr. Chiu’s expensive specialized cosmetic expertise comes in.

Why Customization Matters

Aesthetic medicine is both a science and an art. While trends may come and go, the most stunning results are achieved through a bespoke approach, where each treatment is tailored to your unique facial structure, skin type, and personal goals. 

Dr. Chiu will assess your skin and aesthetic needs holistically, recognizing that healthy glowing skin is a key foundation to other aesthetic goals.   She will develop a plan to improve your general skin health, as well as any treatments to balance or optimize your facial features.  Subtle, undetectable, but impactful results to achieve the most attractive version of each individual is The Derm Institute and Dr. Chiu’s primary philosophy.   Instead of following trends or taking a “template” approach, a customized plan ensures that every treatment—whether it’s Botox to soften fine lines or laser therapy to improve skin texture—is natural appearing, timeless, and designed specifically for you. 

Why There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution

The face is multi-dimensional and dynamic, with muscles, fat distribution, bone structure, and skin quality all affecting our appearance and how we feel as we age. That’s why those who are seeking true expertise and optimal, subtle, and state of the art holistic anti-aging techniques seek highly trained, cosmetic-specialized board-certified dermatologists like Dr. Chiu.  This is not “drive-through” botox, or “fill the lips” and go.  The Derm Institute team looks carefully at each individuals’ facial features and evaluates each patient in a 360° approach to bring balance and harmony in your proactive anti-aging journey in  recommending a treatment plan.

Examples where artistic customization can be key:

  • Basic treatment of fillers puff up areas and fill lines, but advanced techniques never create an overfilled look. Expert high-level injectable treatments can not only restore volume, but it can also contour the face shape, balance features, and subtly refine proportion by customizing the type, placement, and amount for each individual.
  • Botox is more than a smooth forehead; it can be used as a full face and neck approach for lifting various areas by minimizing downward pulling muscles, slimming square or round faces, and refining and preventing etched expression lines over time.
  • Chemical peels should not be confined to a formulation predetermined in a box. Dr. Chiu will blend different products of different strengths and formulations, tailored to treat your skin condition, and specific skin type and color.  
  • Energy based devices like lasers, or Sofwave, are stacked and customized to your skin type and concerns, whether for collagen stimulation, resurfacing, or pigment correction while ensuring safety.

A personalized 360° aesthetic evaluation and approach ensures that your treatments work together harmoniously, enhancing your features in the most natural way possible.

The Power of Micro-Adjustments Over Time

One of the biggest misconceptions in aesthetics is that dramatic changes yield the best results. In reality, the most beautiful transformations happen gradually through micro-adjustments over time.  We have coined the term #quietluxuryderm to symbolize the idea of transformations that are undetectable but build over time to a significant glow up!

This allows for more natural results that just make you look brighter, softer, and more rested. 

Goals of a gradual approach:

  • More natural, refined results
  • Better integration with your natural features
  • The ability to adapt treatments as your face and skin evolve over time

This approach ensures you never look overdone—just refreshed, balanced, and effortlessly youthful.

Trust the Expert

With the rise of aesthetic trends on social media, it’s tempting to request specific treatments based on what’s popular or trending. However, the best outcomes happen when you trust an expert to guide your journey. At TDI, Dr. Chiu doesn’t just perform treatments—we create customized, long-term strategies to help you achieve your best, most confident self.

At TDI we will:

✔️ Assess your facial structure, skin type, cultural background, and skin needs

✔️ Recommend treatments that complement your natural beauty

✔️ Plan a long-term approach for graceful, timeless results

✔️ Ensure that every adjustment is subtle, elegant, and uniquely you

The Future of Aesthetics: Precision & Personalization

The future of aesthetics is all about customization. With advanced injectables, AI-driven skin analysis, and cutting-edge laser technology, we can now tailor treatments to your exact needs like never before.

If you’re considering aesthetic treatments, remember: the best results come from a personalized, expertly guided approach. It is a marathon for a beautiful life, not a sprint.  Trust the process, embrace micro-adjustments, and enjoy the confidence that comes with looking—and feeling—your absolute best.

Ready to Begin Your Rejuvenation Journey?

At The Derm Institute, we specialize in bespoke aesthetic treatments designed for natural, long-lasting results. Book a consultation today and start your bespoke antiaging journey!

Shared by The Derm Institute Team

What Can Sofwave Treat?

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Technological advancements continuously reshape how The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, CA, approaches skin care and rejuvenation. One such breakthrough is Sofwave™, a non-invasive, non injectable energy-based treatment that harnesses the power of ultrasound to address various skin concerns. B-certified dermatologist Dr. Annie Chiu utilizes Sofwave to provide her patients with practical solutions for aging skin and other issues. In this blog, we will explore what Sofwave can treat, the science behind it, and why it may be the right choice for you.

Sofwave employs a proprietary Synchronous Ultrasound Parallel Beam Technology (SUPERB™). This innovative approach delivers ultrasound energy to the mid-dermis, promoting collagen and elastin production without damaging the skin’s surface. By targeting specific layers of the skin, Sofwave effectively tightens, lifts and smooths the face and neck, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime.

Here are areas in which Sofwave can help you achieve optimal facial rejuvenation:

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the primary uses of Sofwave is to help soften fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture. As we age, elastin and collagen production decreases, leading to thinning skin that results in crepey or rough texture changes to the skin. Sofwave stimulates collagen synthesis, helping smooth these lines and plump the skin to restore a youthful appearance.

A study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported significant improvements in skin elasticity and reduced fine lines and wrinkles following Sofwave treatments. Many patients experience visible results after only one session, with improvements emerging over several months as collagen continues to rebuild. Optimal results are seen with a second session within 3 months of the first, as the newly stimulated collagen from the first session is even more responsive, resulting in an amplified effect.

Neck Tightening

Sagging skin on the neck, laxity, and crepey changes can be a common concern for many individuals. Sofwave provides a non-surgical option to tighten the skin in this area. By stimulating collagen production, Sofwave helps to improve skin laxity, leading to a more defined jawline and a smoother neck contour.

According to Dr. Chiu, patients who undergo Sofwave treatments often notice a marked improvement in the appearance of their necks, enhancing their overall profile. This treatment particularly appeals to those who prefer to avoid invasive procedures like neck lifts

Jowls and Jawline Definition

Jowls can be a frustrating aesthetic issue as they develop with age and skin laxity. Sofwave can help lift and tighten the skin around the jawline, creating a more contoured appearance. By creating almost a shrink wrapping effect of improved elastin to the skin, this treatment can enhance jawline definition and reduce loose, sagging skin that contributes to jowls.

Dr. Chiu’s patients have reported increased confidence after Sofwave treatments, as the procedure effectively restores youthful contours. The natural results can last for months, making it a desirable option for individuals seeking non-invasive solutions.  It can also reduce the need for fillers down the line through what is referred to as “collagen banking”—the preventative treatment to keep collagen well stimulated to slow down the process of aging.

Skin Texture Improvement

In addition to skin tightening, Sofwave can also improve overall skin texture. Ultrasound energy stimulates collagen and elastin production—these proteins are crucial for maintaining a smooth and supple complexion. After treatment, patients may see improvements in rough patches, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone.  Sofwave also has fda-approval for acne scarring (LINK to acne scarring page). 

These improvements in skin texture can help enhance the effectiveness of other skincare treatments, such as topical products and chemical peels, leading to a more radiant and youthful appearance. Dr. Chiu often combines Sofwave with different modalities including biostimulators (link) to optimize patient results. Biorejuvenation refers to the process of using biostimulator injections to essentially “fertilize” the skin before further activation with an external energy source like Sofwave.  Patients have enhanced outcomes with these paired procedures.

Schedule Your Sofwave Consultation Today!

Sofwave is revolutionizing the way we approach skin rejuvenation. With its ability to effectively treat fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and uneven texture, this non-invasive treatment offers benefits for those seeking to enhance their appearance without surgery. Dr. Annie Chiu’s expertise in utilizing Sofwave ensures that her patients receive personalized care tailored to their unique needs.

If you’re considering Sofwave or want to learn more about its benefits, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chiu at The Derm Institute in Redondo Beach, CA. Discover how Sofwave can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and restore confidence.

The Complete Guide to Thread Lifts for the Face and Neck

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Living in a world obsessed with youth and attractiveness – especially in the current era of Instagram, FaceTime, and Zoom – you may find yourself wishing your face was a little more lifted and younger-looking each time you glance in the mirror. While there’s nothing wrong with experiencing the natural aging process or your inherited facial characteristics, you might also realize you want to do something about it. That’s why facial cosmetic treatments like our no-downtime, non-surgical absorbable thread lift using injectable threads are becoming increasingly popular.

What Is a Thread Lift?

Dr. Annie Chiu at The Derm Institute at North Redondo Beach, California, proudly offers a cosmetic procedure designed to lift and sculpt the shape of your face, neck or other areas of your body. Using temporary, medical-grade barbed suture material, thread lifts are a completely nonsurgical way to give the skin a lift without adding extra volume, lifting loose skin via sutures injected under the skin.  Common areas to use threadlifts address lower facial laxity, jowling, heaviness of the lower face and jawline area, and neck laxity.  But that’s not all — inserting threads triggers your body’s healing response and induces new collagen production. Results of the lift can be seen immediately, although continued collagen production makes for even more peak results around 1 month post treatment. New collagen stimulated by threads can help continue to tighten your sagging skin and restore youthful elasticity and lift.  

What Are Injectable Threads?

The injectable threads technology employed by Dr. Chiu are absorbable PDO flexible sutures that have molded tiny “barbs” or hooks (almost invisible to the human eye) that grabs onto the under surface of the skin to produce an instant lift in areas with laxity or to address loose skin or heavy skin on the lower face. Dr. Chiu delivers the treatment during a quick, zero-downtime 30 minute procedure.

Benefits of a Thread Lift

While you might be wondering about choosing a thread lift, it’s helpful to remember that injectable thread lifts provide an immediate improvement and a regenerative effect for progressive and natural results. Some of the typical outcomes include:

  • Instant lifted results
  • A boost to the body’s natural collagen production
  • Typically no downtime

Patients who can’t or are not ready to have a surgical facelift due to medical conditions may consider a thread lift as a safer alternative. Thread lifts are low risk, mainly due to how non-invasive they are. There is virtually no risk of bruising, bleeding, scarring, or other complications after having a thread lift.

While no procedure can halt the natural aging process, facelift surgery will usually produce longer-lasting results than a thread lift, typically up to a decade. In contrast, a thread lift will generally last about a year. However, because thread lift procedures are low-risk, patients can opt to have a fresh set of threads placed once the body absorbs the previous set.

What Are the Most Common Areas Treated With a Thread Face Lift?

Patients typically choose thread lifts for facial areas that sag or droop, looking lax over time. These areas include:

  • Jowls and jawline
  • Brow line and forehead
  • Droopy or heavy cheeks
  • Lax or crepey neck

Thread lifts can also present excellent results in other areas of the body, including the knees, buttocks, abdomen, and legs.

Who Is the Best Candidate for a Thread Face Lift?

Ideal candidates for a thread face lift are patients who are just starting to notice some collagen loss in the mid- or lower third of their faces, would like to boost their skin’s structure, and are:

  • In their late 30s to early 50s
  • Have moderately loose skin

Already have volume and do not want to lift with fillers

What Are the Risks and Side Effects From a Thread Face Lift?

A thread lift procedure is generally low-risk, but patients may experience side effects such as:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Bleeding
  • Slight discomfort at the injection site

There’s also a 15 to 20% chance of complications such as dimpling, but these are generally minor and easily correctable.

Ready to Schedule a Consultation?

To find out more about your thread face lift, call us at (310) 939-9800 or contact us online to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Annie Chiu.

5 Interesting Facts About Cosmetic Injectables

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Cosmetic injectables are becoming more and more popular as the years go on. Fillers are a great non-invasive treatment for patients seeking to restore volume and a rejuvenated appearance. Check out the below infographic which includes five interesting facts about cosmetic injectables.

Restore your natural rested, rejuvenated appearance today! Dr. Annie Chiu is a national trainer for dermal fillers and offers a range of injectables at her Manhattan Beach practice.

Contact The Derm Institute team to schedule your cosmetic injectable consultation.

3 Unexpected Uses for Botox

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Botox is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures currently on the market. Its non-invasive, long-lasting solution that requires no downtime makes the procedure appeal to men and women alike. Most commonly known for treating dynamic facial wrinkles, Botox can also be used for a variety of concerns. Dr. Annie Chiu created the below infographic on three unexpected uses for Botox:

  1. Nose – Lift a drooping nose tip.
  2. Smile – Treat a smile that shows too much gum.
  3. Sweat – Help reduce excessive sweating.

If you’re interested in seeing how Botox can help you, schedule a consultation with The Derm Institute today!

5 Fun Facts About CoolSculpting

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CoolSculpting is one of the most effective tools for reducing fat non-surgically and sculpting the body. CoolSculpting is the perfect treatment for those who want a sculpted, toned body but are not ready for surgery or do not have the time for a prolonged recovery period. We put together some need-to-know facts about this revolutionary body contouring procedure below!

  • FDA-approved for permanent fat reduction!
  • Completely non-invasive, no needles, no surgery, no downtime.
  • So comfortable, you just “chill” watching movies or reading during your 35 minute cycle!
  • Can treat almost any “pinchable” fat on the body: tummy, love handles, bra fat, back fat, thighs, knees, double chin and even the upper arms!
  • Results seen as early as 1-2 months after treatment!

If you would like to know more about this procedure or are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact The Derm Institute.

Introducing Vollure . . . your newest Filler BFF, lasting 18 months or more.

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Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute are excited to announce the (early) availability of the newest filler approved in the United States—Juvederm Vollure.

Juvederm Vollure, from the makers of Botox, provides long lasting correction of wrinkles, folds, and shadows to help you achieve a more confident, rejuvenated you!

Among the longest lasting fillers currently on market, clinical studies show Vollure is a filler that lasts for 18 months, with most patients seeing improvement for even longer.

To help you get to know your newest Filler BFF, here are some quick facts:

  1. Juvederm Vollure is FDA approved for the correction of —
  • Smile lines (parenthesis lines)
  • Laugh lines
  • Vertical lip lines (aka “smoker’s lines”)
  • Folds around the chin area (aka “marionette lines”)
  1. Vollure can also be used to —
  • Correct undereye circles or hollows
  • Provide volume or enhancement for the lip
  • Contour the forehead
  • Lift the brows
  • Provide soft lift to the cheeks
  • Correct various shadows, hollows, and wrinkles on the face


  1. Vollure is part of the hyaluronic acid Juvederm Vycross family of products, which also includes Voluma and Volbella. Vycross is a crosslinking characteristic of this hyaluronic acid based filler which gives these fillers a longer last.
  1. Studies showed > 50% of patients had improvement of their smile lines even 18 months after initial treatment with Vollure.  Juvederm Vollure is formulated with lidocaine, making the treatment comfortable.
  1. Vollure is a smooth, soft, spreadable gel that helps chase away wrinkles, folds and shadows to give you a softly natural refreshed appearance. The gel causes less swelling than traditional hyaluronic acid fillers, making downtime minimal to none.
  1. Vollure’s main differentiating characteristic is that it is a softer fill compared to other fillers on the market, making it versatile and natural looking, while providing a long lasting result that delivers more value for patients.

Dr. Chiu is proud to be a renown filler expert and national trainer for Vollure, educating other injectors nationwide on ways to achieve the best outcomes with this and other fillers on the market.  The Derm Institute is excited to help you put your most confident face forward.  Juvederm Vollure allows a softer, more natural correction, that makes you look just slightly airbrushed all over—just in time for your selfies . . .

If you want to experience newly available Juvederm Vollure and start your journey towards fresh faced beauty, call us for a consultation today.

… Shared by Your TDI Team

Needle-less Micro-Cannula Injections

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Did you know you can have filler procedures done in a way to minimize discomfort, risk of bruising, decrease swelling, and avoid multiple needle sticks? Sounds too good to be true? Actually, Dr. Annie Chiu specializes in this advanced technique called Micro-Cannula injection for fillers so most patients have ZERO downtime and discomfort!

If the fear of needles has been holding you back from cosmetic procedures, be assured Dr. Chiu is an expert in this “needless” technique.

What is a Micro-Cannula?
Microcannulas are an alternative to needles when administering fillers. Needles are sharp, which leads to discomfort, and a higher risk of bruising such as the sharp end can injure blood vessels (which leads to bruises). Conversely Microcannulas are thin flexible tubes with smooth rounded tips that push vessels and nerves out of the way when under the skin—leading to much less trauma, swelling, and risk of bruising.

Benefits of Micro-Cannula technique include:

  •  Minimal to no discomfort
  • Less risk to no bruising
  • Decreased tissue trauma
  • Less pain
  • Less swelling

Common areas for Micro-Cannula use include:

  • Fillers for undereye circles, or undereye hollowing
  • Lip fillers
  •  Jawline
  • Hands
  • Smile lines or nasolabial folds
  • Advanced brow and forehead contouring

As always, the Microcannula is a tool all injectors can opt to use, but know that it takes a lot of experience and technique to master delivery of filler in this method in the correct planes of the face. In Dr. Chiu’s hands, you can trust you are being treated by an incredibly talented expert in Microcannula technique.

If you are interested in learning more, contact our office today!

Common Questions:

Really? Absolutely no bruising or pain?
Microcannulas allow much less entry points through the skin where you feel needle “pricks”. Most of what is felt is a bit of pressure, so yes, it is a lot less painful. The risk of bruising is greatly diminished, and most of our patients get no bruising. However, it is still possible to have some minimal bruising, especially if you are on certain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil.

Can all injectables be done with a Microcannula?
Most hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm , Volbella, Restylane, as well as Radiesse can be administered with a Microcannula. Dr. Chiu guides our patients in where it is most appropriate and gives the best results.

All About Microneedling with Rejuvapen

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Microneedling with Rejuvapen is a great treatment to boost skin’s radiance and appearance. It can improve acne scarring, fine lines, stretch marks, and large pores. The Derm Institute created the below infographic on everything you need to know about Microneedling with Rejuvapen. Microneedling is an effective treatment and is rated 90% worth it by RealSelf.com users! For more information on Microneedling with Rejuvapen, or to schedule a consultation, please contact The Derm Institute!

 

Pamper Your Mom: 7 Skin Beauty Gifts for Mother’s Day

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It’s hard to find just the right gift for Mom, but here is a guide that will have Mom looking radiant and glowing!

1. Gift of Tighter Skin: BTL Exilis Protégé This non-invasive, painless skin procedure has been clinically proven to tighten and contour the skin. It uses radio frequency technology to tighten sagging skin around the eyes, jaw, and neck line. The result is tighter, firmer, and younger looking skin. Radiofrequency energy has been proven to better define facial and jawline features just with a warming sensation. Give Mom the gift of smoother sculpted skin this year with BTL Exilis Protégé!

2. Gift of Even, Radiant Skin: Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a popular procedure and a true patient favorite! This treatment can target those pesky brown spots and red areas on the skin. It treats pigmentation, sun damaged, skin, brown spots, age spots, broken blood vessels, facial redness, and rosacea. This procedure is also a consistent favorite because it brightens and evens the overall skin tone with minimal downtime.

3. Gift of a Liquid Lift: Fillers and Botox relax fine lines and wrinkles. Mom will look rested and fabulous with an injectable treatment by Dr. Annie Chiu. Dr. Chiu is a board-certified dermatologist and master injector renowned for her eye towards soft natural rejuvenation. Patients are thrilled with the instant results and how natural they look!

4. Gift of Glow: A Red Carpet Peel will make Mom’s skin brighter and smoother! This light exfoliating peel gives skin a flawless and radiant glow. This is a popular procedure that has no downtime and delivers an instant boost in skin health.

5. Gift of Happy Healthy Skin:  Personalized Skin Care Consult at The Derm Institute. Mom will get a complete skincare regimen overview and mini personalized skin treatment at the office. Dr. Chiu will provide her with product recommendations of medically proven skincare products designed to have Mom look her best all year long.

6. Gift of luscious lashes: Latisse. It enhances natural lash growth, to make them fuller and longer and can be used for areas like the eyebrows as well.

7. Consider a Gift Certificate to The Derm Institute to show Mom how much you care. We will bundle the gift certificate you purchase with introductory skin goodies. She can then choose from any of the treatments we offer or even purchase products with her gift certificate. Let her enjoy an experience at our office!

…Shared by Your TDI Team

The Magic of Lasers + Energy Devices

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Lasers and energy devices can do magical things to our skin! From treating brown spots and redness to stimulating collagen production, lasers can improve a range of skin conditions. Dr. Chiu created the below infographic that contains information on skin lasers and energy devices, such as how they work and what they treat. For more information on these procedures, or to schedule a consultation, please contact The Derm Institute.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense pulsed light utilizes highly selective light energy to target brown spots and red areas. It can be used to treat pigmentation, sun-damaged skin, brown spots, age spots, broken blood vessels, facial redness, and rosacea. IPL also brightens and evens the overall skin tone. IPL has a 75% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

Fraxel

Fraxel delivers fractional laser energy deep into the skin for a simple and effective anti-aging treatment. Fraxel is used to reduce hyperpigmentation, sun damage, facial scarring, and fine lines and wrinkles. Fraxel can also treat actinic keratosis, a common pre-cancerous skin condition. Fraxel has a 71% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

Infini

Infini is a skin tightening treatment for the neck, jawline, and face that uses insulated microneedles to deliver microfocused radiofrequency, which heats collagen fibers and stimulates collagen production. Infini can also improve the appearance of large pores, acne scars, lax skin, and stretch marks. Infini has an 80% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

Clear + Brilliant

Clear + Brilliant Laser is a revolutionary, gentle laser skin care treatment that has been clinically proven to fight the effects of aging skin. The gentlest treatment in the Fraxel family, the non-ablative fractional resurfacing laser is a beneficial addition to any healthy skincare regimen, great for pore size, melasma, and fine lines. Clear + Brilliant has an 81% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.

 

Swimsuit Bodies Start Now!

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No matter the season, being swimsuit ready is an absolute must in California. Now get that summer body without hitting the gym. The Derm Institute offers a comprehensive selection of services for non-invasive fat elimination with little to no down time and dramatic results. The cutting-edge technologies we offer are Coolsculpting+, Vanquish ME, Kybella and Cellutone. The Derm Institute is your total fat elimination and body contour destination.

Here’s the skinny on the treatments we offer:

CoolSculpting+ Freeze the Fat!

Freezing has never been this cool! Here at The Derm Institute, Dr. Chiu and her expert team will provide you with a personalized treatment plan to optimize your results. We aim for real results that will have you ready for any occasion. CoolSculpting uses controlled cold temperatures to target and crystallize fat cells to permanently reduce stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. The “frozen” fat cells die off and are processed naturally by the body. CoolSculpting can contour and sculpt targeted areas of your body where there is pinchable unwanted fat. It is a non-invasive technique that eliminates bulges of fat. It’s perfect for targeting “love handles”, “muffin tops”, and the double chin. CoolSculpting is completely customizable to your needs!

Vanquish ME Burn the Bulge!

Turn up the heat with Vanquish ME. Vanquish ME, offered here at The Derm Institute is proven to be consistent fat reduction treatment. The technology behind Vanquish ME is radio frequency (RF) heat. It is safe and effective. The RF heat eliminates fat cells without damaging the skin or even requiring body contact! A study showed that Vanquish ME has a 53% increase in fat layer reduction compared to its predecessor, Vanquish. The Derm Institute is one of the first to offer the Vanquish ME. This is the ideal treatment if you’re looking for an overall reduction in your waistline or thigh width fat. This is designed to “melt fat” in as little as 30 days!

Cellutone

The Derm Institute aims for superior results, and to accomplish that we have uniquely added Cellutone acoustic wave therapy to our practice to aid you in your journey towards a sculpted you. Cellutone adds a new dimension to our fat elimination treatments. Dr. Chiu and her team combine Cellutone with CoolSculpting+ and Vanquish ME to achieve optimal results. Cellutone is a vital part of our fat elimination treatments because it successfully accelerates fat reduction results and is a reliable method for tightening skin and eliminating cellulite. Post-treatment manual massage according to a study has showed a dramatic 66% increase in fat reduction. The powerful massage component of Cellutone takes your treatment here at The Derm Institute to the next level. You will have faster and better enhancement to achieve your body goals. The Derm Institute is one of the few practices that offers this specialized technology to optimize your treatment.

Kybella

Kybella is a cosmetic injectable used to permanently reduce any difficult or stubborn fat. This process of fat destruction mimics a natural chemical produced by the body. The Derm Institute is a Kybella Center of Excellence, and Dr. Chiu is a national recognized master injector who not only addresses areas like the double chin, but also specializes in treating stubborn fat bulges like “bra bulges”, arm pit pooches, fat above the knee, and abdomen shaping with Kybella.

Let The Derm Institute help you achieve that slimmer body with our variety of non-invasive fat elimination procedures. We can formulate the highest level of innovative non-invasive fat elimination. We combine Vanquish ME and Coolsculpting to provide the “fire and ice” powerhouse approach to effectively reduce unwanted fat and overall sculpt your body. Our dedicated team takes the time to assess you and create your ideal treatment plan. Cellutone and Kybella are just expansions of our wide selection of options available to you to achieve your total body transformation. The Derm Institute can get you ready for any occasion, so don’t sweat swimsuit season, banish the bulge now!

…Shared by Your TDI Team

Getting the Perfect Pout for Valentine’s Day ♥

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and now is the best time to make your lips look completely kissable!  A study from the University of Southern California found that men actually spend more time looking at the mouth than any other facial feature of a woman.
Thankfully there is a simple way to get your lips looking luscious, natural, and sexy. Here at The Derm Institute, we offer lip filler treatments that can give your lips a glossy, “just kissed™” look.

What are Lip Fillers?

Lip fillers, like  Belotero, Juvederm, Restylane, Restylane Silk, and Volbella, are injectable treatments that are comprised of cross-linked Hyaluronic Acid that smooth, plump, and hydrate the lips for a natural appealing pillowy pout. Dr. Chiu specializes in natural glossy TDI “Just Kissed Lips™”…never duck or trout like. It will be our secret!

Lip rejuvenation with lip fillers does not always only involve injecting the lip directly. Total lip rejuvenation is often achieved with injections in the lip for volumization, and additional treatment to the fine lines around the mouth. These lines are often referred to as “smoker’s lines”.

Lip filler treatments usually last between 9-12 months and are naturally absorbed by the body. Repeated treatments at recommended treatment intervals can actually improve the duration of your filler.

Why get lip fillers?

  • To make vertical lip “smoker’s lines” or “lipstick lines” disappear
  • To give crinkly lips a glossed appearance so they look dewy
  • To better define the cupid’s bow, or M portion of the lip
  • Define the lip borders
  • Upturn the corners of a downturned mouth

How to get your ideal lips

The best lips have to have great shape. Great shape and definition is achieved by one main factor, your expert injector. Dr. Annie Chiu is a nationally renowned master injector, who is well recognized for specializing in natural, plumped, gorgeous heart shaped lips. Just ask our staff, everyone’s lips have been treated by Dr. Chiu. Also, Dr. Chiu is has perfected her TDI “ Lip Glossing” technique with lip fillers. This is to get that “just kissed™” look. Where the lip is slightly plumped with a glossy appearance. All looking completely natural, with just a hint of desire.

What you NEED to Know about Lip fillers

    • 10 Days before treatment avoid pain medications, fish oil, aspirin, vitamin E. These tend to make the blood thin and cause increase your risk of bruising and swelling.
    • There is practically ZERO downtime.
    • Chiu specialize in a bruise free, no touch minimal discomfort lip injection technique with a microcannula.
    • Don’t expect Angelina or Kylie lips. Trust that Dr. Chiu will decide what is best to beautifully frame your face. You can expect to increase the size of your lips gradually over time with treatments, not all at once, for the best natural looking results.

Cherish your lips, just like you cherish you skin! Let The Derm Institute help get you simply irresistibly kissable lips this Valentine’s Day. Call us today to reserve your spot and feel sexy all year long. #justkissed™

Intrigued by more kissable luscious lips?  Check out our Valentine’s Special!

 

…Shared by Your TDI Team ♥

15 Things That Hurt Worse Than Botox

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15 Things with More of an Ouch…

1. Monday mornings

2. Razor burn

3. Getting Shampoo in your eyes

4. Bikini waxes

5. Pinching your eyelid with a lash curler

6. Blind dates

7. Sunburns

8. Wearing 4 inch heels

9. Not knowing there is food stuck in your teeth

10. Getting a papercut

11. Waiting in line at the post office

12. Burning your mouth on coffee

13. LA traffic

14. A Bad haircut

15. Not getting Botox and looking wrinkled

…Shared by Your TDI Team

Kybella | Non-Surgical Treatment For Double Chin

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Kybella is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment for submental fat, also known as “double chin”. Dr. Chiu created this helpful infographic that includes facts on Kybella, such as the cause of submental fullness, who it affects, treatment times, and results. For more information on Kybella, or to schedule a consultation, contact The Derm Institute.

  • Americans spent more than $13.5 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2015.
  • 42% was spent on non-surgical procedures.
  • Injectables overall saw a 21% increase in 2015.
  • Kybella is the very 1st FDA-approved injectable treatment for submental fat.
  • 6.6 million injectables treatments were performed in 2015.
  • 67% of people surveyed by the ASDS said they were bothered by “double chin”.
  • Causes of submental fullness include aging, genetics, and weight gain.
  • “Double chin” affects both men and women.
  • 90% of injectable treatments were performed on women in 2015.
  • Kybella has an 87% RealSelf.com Worth It rating.
  • You can expect results after 2-4 treatments that last 15-20 minutes each and are spaced 1 month apart.