The Liquid Lift

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Sculptra® and Juvéderm VOLUMA™ to restore “baby fat” on the face . . . the Liquid Lift

Now that the season is changing to chillier days, complement your natural winter flushed rosy cheeks with restored voluminous cheeks.

Let”s go back to our roots…when we were getty_newjust a baby!  3-dimensional Liquid Facelift via volumnization on the face is an ongoing sensation for restoring a youthful look.  At a younger age, facial fat contributes to volume and lift, and gives you a vibrant, youthful appearance.

Over time, there is overall loss of fat on the face, as well as gravitational changes.  Studies show that skin aging is only 20-30% genetics, the rest is due to environmental factors.  This should be good news if you are wearing your daily sunscreen protection!  But what is the key contributing factor for that youthful look that we want to maintain?  As we age, we start to lose facial volume and plumpness across the face.  When we age or even just lose weight, we tend to look older with sunken or hollow cheeks. Sunken cheeks and a sagging chin are both key points on the face that gives away our age and could even cause us to look older then we really are. People, who are very active, such as runners, also have increased facial volume loss.

liquid-lift-manhattan-beachLike a balloon, our cheeks will begin to deflate and lose plumpness with time.  As we age, the first area to show this deflation and droop is the mid face area.  Dermatologists call youthful faces the “triangle of youth”.  Which means if you connect the highest point of the cheeks from the ear to ear, then finish the triangle connection at the chin, the widest part of the face would be the cheeks for a heart-shaped face.  However, with age, the triangle reverses, and the widest part is now the chin.  Restoring volume in the cheeks lifts the face and defines youth.

Sculptra and Juvederm Voluma are both great fillers to restore volume and gift your face with a youthful sparkle and are keys to obtaining a Liquid Lift.

Sculptra slowly replenishes the collagen lost from aging or even weight loss. It works beautifully and naturally for sunken cheeks and to boost overall skin texture. Collagen is an essential ingredient that gives our face form, volume, and glow.  At around age 25, production of collagen decreases by 2% each year, which means collagen is broken down faster than our skin is able to replenish. Sculptra is a collagen stimulator which gradually helps bring back lost collagen and volume.  This water based collagen stimulator is injected in the skin to create natural volume and restore lift:  lifting the cheeks, softening nasolabial folds, reduce jowls, and improving texture via collagen stimulation.  Sculptra is normally used for adding volume to temples, cheeks, and chin, and can be used to rejuvenate the chest as well.

Sculptra Manhattan BeachJuvederm Voluma targets the specific areas of the skin that make us appear older.  It helps restore our cheeks, cheekbone, and chin. Juvederm Voluma is especially designed for volume loss for the midface area. Juvederm contains hyaluronic acid, a casino online complex sugar, known as glycosaminoglycan found throughout the body. This naturally occurring sugar molecule in our skin helps restore lost facial elasticity and supports volume and contours to the face and chin.  It rejuvenates volume loss and restores the mid face area. Juvederm Voluma aids in creating a natural, and elastic looking skin.  The results are instant, and last for up to 18-24 months.

What our patients love about Juvederm Voluma and Sculptra is that it is a “lunch time” treatment, meaning there is no downtime! You could apply makeup right after and go to work.

So which fillers should I choose? And what”s the difference?  You should choose your filler based on the amount of lift needed, and the desired length of duration for the product. Call for a free consultation and Dr. Chiu will guide you through the subtle differences in all the fillers for your “Perfect Airbrushed Lift”.  If a smaller amount of volume/filling is needed then we suggest Juvederm Voluma. If more lift or overall improvement of skin texture is needed, then Sculptra is more cost friendly for a longer period of time.

Everyone ages differently and is working with a different budget, so there is no one solution that fits all. At the Derm Institute we firmly believe in finding the right mix between aging naturally while maximizing and enhancing your natural beauty.  Contact the Derm Institute today for a complementary cosmetic consultation.  Dr. Chiu and the Derm Institute team would love to help you get that perfect balance for your youthful sparkle!  Let”s put your best face forward for this holiday season and the upcoming New Year!

 

. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team

Juvéderm VOLUMA™ XC FAQ

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What is Juvéderm VOLUMA™?

Voluma pix 1Juvéderm VOLUMA is a safe injectable gel that is made from a natural complex sugar called Hyaluronic acid (HA). Found within the tissues of living cells including human skin, HA assists in the skin hydration by attracting and holding water. It also combines with collagen and elastin to help provide skin structure and elasticity. Over time, aging faces show changes and shifts that make us look more tired. The cheek area loses volume, causing skin to sag, droop and drag. Juvéderm VOLUMA adds lift and volume to the flattening and descending mid-facial region, reversing the deflated, sunken look and restoring a more youthful appearance.

The Procedure?

Treatment for volume restoration with Juvéderm VOLUMA is a non-surgical procedure. It is administered through a number of injections. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to perform. The treatment area will be cleaned, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to improve maximal comfort.  Dr. Chiu will personally will then inject Voluma into the treatment site as defined by each person’s individual facial contours and needs using a very fine needle or cannula. After the treatment, you will be able to return to your normal activities. Any visible side effects, such as bruising or discoloration, should be minor and can be easily concealed with makeup.

Is it painful?

The treatment is very effortless. With a fine needle or microcannula (an advanced technique that Dr. Chiu specializes in), VOLUMA is injected under the skin, specifically in areas where volume has been lost. Because VOLUMA contains a small amount of numbing agents premixed into the filler, in addition to a topical numbing cream that is applied to the treatment area. Most patients can easily tolerate the treatment and do not report significant discomfort.

Treatment Results & Longevity?

voluma-4-before-afterVolume rejuvenation treatment with Juvéderm VOLUMA gives instant results. Most people can resume normal daily activities immediately following the appointment.slotseeingHowever, for the first 24 hours following treatment, it is recommended that patients minimize strenuous exercise and exposure to sun and extensive heat. The efficient cross-linking in Juvéderm VOLUMA slow HA metabolism so that you can expect to see natural-looking result for up to TWO YEARS (!), after which VOLUMA is metabolized naturally by the body.

Possible side effects?

Juvéderm VOLUMA is a safe, FDA-approved non-surgical injectable gel that is made from a natural complex sugar call Hyaluronic acid (HA) found within the tissues of living cells including human skin. HA dermal fillers have been used and clinically studied for many years and is well tolerated and very safe. Because the HA in Juvéderm VOLUMA is naturally present in the skin and not derived from animals, there is no need for allergy testing before treatment.

While you may experience no side effect at all, there is a chance you could experience redness, pain, firmness, swelling, lumps/bumps, bruising, itching or discoloration. These effects are generally temporary, however they may last up to 7-10 days.

It is recommended that you avoid massaging and/or applying pressure to the treatment area for a few days following treatment.

Am I a good candidate for Voluma?

Dr. Annie Chiu, M.D. is a board certified Dermatologist and has extensive experience with non-surgical procedures facial contouring and volumnizing treatments. She can determine if Juvéderm VOLUMA XC or if another volumnizing agent is right for you, based on your individual needs, appearance, skin type, age, and medical history. To, make an appointment for a personalized complementary cosmetic consultation with Dr. Annie Chiu, M.D. at The Derm Institute today, contact us at The Derm Institute @ (310) 939-9800 or fill out an appointment request here.

 

 . . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team

Juvéderm VOLUMA™ XC … Now Available!

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Voluma-juvederm

The Derm Institute and Dr. Annie Chiu always offers the latest advances in filler technology, treatment, and expertise in our practice.  Dr. Chiu is the first Dermatologist in the South Bay to offer this brand new treatment in the cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Palos Verdes.  We are currently exclusively offering early availability of Juvéderm VOLUMA™ XC!

Juvéderm VOLUMA is the newest and the most robust of the Juvéderm family of products.  Also made of Hyaluronic Acid, it is used for global volumnization and lift in the face.  This product is designed to achieve a subtle lift, helping to restore and contour, giving the appearance of a more youthful, rested appearance for many years.

voluma-4-before-after

Juvéderm VOLUMA is designed for maximum lift as it targets volume loss and lifting and is FDA approved to last for up to 2 years! With age, our skin, fat, muscle and bone tend to lose volume, resulting in a thin or hollow appearance around the chin, eyes, cheeks, and cheekbones. This can be a result of the natural decrease in collagen production within our skin, weight loss, or age-related facial fat, soft tissue and even natural bone loss that occurs with time. Our folds and jowls become more prominent as volume loss and gravity shifts the cheeks downward. Youthful faces are full (think less dramatic version of baby fat), and dermal fillers help restore the hollowing that occurs over time by restoring youthful contours in the cheeks, temples, or even earlobes.

Treatment with Juvéderm VOLUMA combats these effects by restoring volume to the face, providing natural contouring, and smoothing out the appearance of wrinkles. The results of Juvederm are immediate and can last for up to 24 months!

Voluma pix 1Dr. Chiu specializes in global facial volumnization, lift, and contour as the most natural way to soften the appearance of aging.  She utilizes the latest combination of advanced techniques and products Dr. Chiu including Juvéderm VOLUMA, Radiesse®, or Sculptra® Aesthetic to three-dimensionally sculpt a natural, more rested and glowing version of yourself.

Dr. Annie Chiu is a leading expert in global non-invasive rejuvenation for the face, hands, neck, and chest.  She is a training injector for multiple companies, and applies her sense of beauty and knowledge of the aging skin for a natural, beautiful result.

Juvéderm VOLUMA XC is available now, so if you are as excited about it as we are, feel free to give our office a call at 310-939-9800, or send us a message through our website by clicking here.

Please refer to our Pre and Post Filler directions for best results and what to expect after the procedure.

If you aren’t sure which product will give you the results you’re looking for, the best strategy is to schedule a free cosmetic consultation at The Derm Institute to meet with Dr. Chiu and go over your options.

Common Questions:

How is Juvéderm VOLUMA different then Juvederm Ultra or Ultra Plus?

Juvéderm VOLUMA is different than in that it works on a different area of the face and is indicated for a longer duration of up to two years. Juvderm Voluma adds volume to the mid-facial, cheek, and lateral upper face areas, while Juvéderm Ultra and Ultra Plus XC smooths moderate to severe wrinkles and folds around the nose and mouth, like parentheses, and is also commonly used to rejuvenate the lips.

Does it hurt?

Juvéderm VOLUMA has a numbing agent premixed. To insure maximal comfort, we also use numbing cream on the face prior to the procedure. Most clients find fillers to be a fairly comfortable procedure.

When will I see the results and can I go out right after?

Results are immediately seen!  There may be swelling or bruising for 2-7 days after the procedure. Redness in the areas treated can last a few hours on the first day. Tinted moisturizer or light cover-up typically can cover any minor redness.

How long will the results last?

Duration of results depends on the area injected, but ranges from 18-24 months.

Is it reversible?

Very, very rarely are patients unhappy with their Filler treatment. However, at The Derm Institute, we are the experts in Fillers and sometimes need to help patients who come in to see us after a Filler is injected poorly or too superficially by an outside clinic with inexperienced practitioners. Hyaluronic acid fillers including all Juvéderm products, Restylane®Beloter Balance®, and Perlane® can be easily corrected and dissolved in 24-48 hours and your skin will return to baseline. Radiesse and Sculptra are not reversible, but we can help evaluate problematic cases and work with you to find the best resolution.

What happens if I don’t get retreated?

Gradually, your body will reabsorb the filler (with the exception of Sculptra) and your wrinkles and folds will return to baseline. It does not worsen any wrinkles with use.

 

Laser and Light Treatments FAQ

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anti-aging-laser-treatments

People ask a variety of questions about laser and light and treatments, most of the answers to these questions depend heavily upon the individual and the type of treatment.
A single answer will not cover all possibilities. In this post Dr. Chiu answers some frequently asked question about laser and light treatments. To learn more about laser and light treatments and to find out what is the best treatment for you contact us to schedule a consultation.

1. Which laser treatment is best for facial rejuvenation and skin tightening?

There is no magical single laser for this question. Lasers are incredibly target specific. If you are looking to even color, an Intense Pulsed Light treatment may be all that is necessary. For acne scarring, pore size, and coarsening, a fractional non-ablative laser can be very effective. The best treatment for overall skin tightening and treatment of deeper wrinkles is the fractional ablative laser resurfacing.

2. Do laser treatments stimulate collagen production?

Laser-light technology has been shown to stimulate collagen production through remodeling of collagen and deep heating of collagen fiber. Post treatment skincare products can also help the collagen synthesis process. We recommend products containing retinoids and growth factors to maintain your investment.

3. What is the best time of the year for laser skin resurfacing?

True resurfacing lasers are often best done in the Fall or Winter, when the skin is not quite as susceptible to sun exposure immediately after the procedure. However, nowadays, with awareness of sun protection, the best time is whenever you may have a few days to a week of “down-time”, depending on the procedure.

4. What is the best laser treatment for scars and large pores?

Fractionated non-ablative lasers can be quite effective for surgical scars, acne scarring and enlarged pores. The treatments are typically done in a series, spaced about one month apart. Fractionated technology leaves very small “islands” of normal skin intact, dramatically decreasing downtime and improving safety in darker skin types.

fraxel

5. Which treatment is better for chin and upper lip lines: Fractional Laser or Dermabrasion?

A multi-modal approach using both fine line fillers, tiny drops of Botox, fractional ablative laser, and/or deep chemical peels are great ways to improve vertical lip lines, otherwise commonly known as “smokers’ lines”.

6. Which laser is best for neck tightening with minimal downtime?

The laserlift utilizing a minimally invasive technique of removal of fat under the chin area and heating of the skin at the same time from under the skin can produce dramatic results in a single session. This is a new technology that allows a previously difficult to address area to be treated with minimal downtime.

7. What are the potential side effects of laser skin resurfacing?

As with any procedure, laser treatments have certain risks, especially if the treating provider is inexperienced. Potential side effects include burning, bruising, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Darker skin types including Asians and Hispanics are more prone towards discoloration post laser, so it is important to seek physician level care with someone who is experienced with these skin types.

8. How long should I wait between laser•light treatments?

With experience in how to push settings in a safe manner, some procedures require only a single session. Stretch marks, acne scarring, and surgical scars can require 3-4 sessions, and we recommend doing them about one month apart.

9. Laser skin resurfacing •pros and cons?

Patients considering laser resurfacing for scars should discuss the pros and cons with Dr. Chiu or your dermatologist before proceeding to decide on a plan. This often depends on your specific concern and skin type.
The more invasive the laser, the more dramatic the results can be, however it also comes with greater downtime. Ablative laser resurfacing can produce dramatic smoothing of wrinkles and tightening, but there are also more potential side effects. New fractional technologies has definitely decreased the potential “cons” associated with laser treatments, but realistic expectations, sun protections, and a thorough discussion with your physician is key.

10. What is the best skin aftercare following laser resurfacing?

Generally, after laser treatments, the most important thing you can do for about a week is to make sure the skin stays moisturized and protected from the sun. About a week or two after the treatment it is important to start up with a skin health regimen that maintain and further improve the results from the laser treatment. Products that contain retinoids and growth factors can improve long-term results of laser-light treatments.

. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team

Transforming Health and Beauty Everyday

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dr-chiu-thumbDr. Annie Chiu, Board-Certified Dermatologist and Owner of The Derm Institute, welcomes you to her Boutique Style Dermatology practice, where we believe that healthy, beautiful skin should be attainable for every patient.  Serving Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes, our uniquely friendly and compassionate team is committed to delivering superior service and results in an intimate, comfortable, and relaxing setting.  We are dedicated to making our patients feel special, glowing, and happy with their skin every day. At our practice, Dr. Chiu personally consults with every patient, providing physician quality care.

Dr. Chiu specializes in a results-driven approach to skincare and cutting-edge advanced technique cosmetic procedures. Her use of artful, subtle cosmetic rejuvenation with multiple techniques including Botox, fillers, chemical peels, the latest lasers, radiofrequency skin tightening, CoolSculpting for body contouring, and tailored cosmeceuticals, is well known throughout the South Bay and Greater Los Angeles Area. Dr. Chiu is a nationally recognized Master Injector and Advanced Trainer for all your Botox and Filler needs. The Derm Institute also provides the Beach Cities community with a full range of medical dermatology, including a multidisciplinary approach to acne, skin cancer diagnosis, and surgical treatments for benign and malignant growths. Throughout her career, Dr. Chiu has been honored with various top doctor and patients’ choice awards. Read More