Injectable treatments can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases, remove wrinkles and improve the appearance of recessed scars. With little to no recovery time and impressive results, injectables are a valuable alternative to more invasive cosmetic surgeries. If you’re considering your first injectable treatment, you may be wondering which is right for you. Learn more about the two main types of injectable treatments available and how they work.
. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team
Here at The Derm Institute we see many acne patients with wide variations of acne scarring. There are five common types of acne scars: ice pick acne scars, boxcar acne scars, rolling acne scars, hypertonic acne scars, and keloid acne scars. Ice pick scars are among the most common types of acne scars and are narrow scars that form pits in the skin. Boxcar scars are similar to chicken pox scars and have angular, well-defined edges that make them appear like a box. They create an indentation in the skin and are most often found on the temples or cheeks. Rolling scars create an indentation in the skin that looks like a wave, due to its wide size and shallow depth. Hypertrophic scars create a raised area on the skin within the boundary of the original wound. Unlike most acne scars, these can diminish in size and appearance over time. Keloid scars create a raised area on the skin that extends beyond the boundary of the original wound. Keloid scars are rubbery, firm and sometimes itchy. In many instances, they grow to be larger than the original inflamed blemish.
Dermal fillers are a great way to treat and potentially get rid of certain types of acne scars, being particularly effective for rolling scars and some less defined boxcar scars. They are safe and well tolerated, with great results to fill the depression associated with scars. They are excellent for volume loss caused by acne scarring.
Considering Dermal Fillers
The dose required for acne scar filling varies and is dependent on the patient’s facial anatomy, the scarring and where the patient wants to get to in terms of desired results. There are also many types of dermal fillers that you want to go through with your dermatologist. At the Derm Institute we recommend to our patients hyaluronic based fillers such as Belotero, Juvederm, or Restylane.
The dermal filler gives great results immediately and also continues to modify over the next few months. This modification and improvement occurs as a result of the technique of injection of the filler breaking up some scarred down bands, and because the product and technique stimulate collagen modification due to the stretching of the fibroblasts with the dermal filler.
How this works
A topical numbing cream is usually applied to the skin to alleviate any discomfort. Ice is always used to decrease pain and to reduce the risk of bruising. So if you are concerned of feeling any pain from this procedure, you do have relief options.
What to expect during the procedure
First the doctor and patient will have a discussion about which scars will be filled. Often patients have certain scars in particular that disturb them more than others. We want to make sure we focus on these. After the discussion of which scars will be treated, the skin will be cleaned with alcohol, ice will be applied to the area briefly before treatment, the doctor will inject using a very fine needle and then pressure with gauze will be applied.
After the doctor has filled all of the scars which seem suitable for treatment, the patient will be shown the mirror, and then the patient is offered the opportunity to point out further scars that bother them. These will then be filled.
After your treatment
We will give you a personal ice pack to hold in the areas that are treated. Treated areas may be red, swollen, and bruised for the first 2-7 days. DO NOT get a facial or massage for 1-2 weeks after your dermal filler procedure. AVOID strenuous workouts and alcohol for the 24 hours if possible. If bruising occurs, Arnica supplements or applying arnica gel have been shown to decrease bruising. *Another trick, drinking pineapple juice, and/or take Bromelain supplements is suggested to help bruising resolve faster. Bruising can be covered by make-up. The Derm Institute recommends Dermablend (available at CVS or Macy’s) or the Colorescience Corrector Palette.
Other Methods for Acne Scarring to Consider
Here at The Derm Institute we offer a 360 degree approach to acne scarring. This is why it is very important to go see a board-certified dermatologist to assess your skin type and your specific type of scarring. Punch excisions, TCA cross technique for icepick scars and fractional non-ablative laser are other great option and we often combine different treatments for the best results.
Icepick or pitted scars can be treated with the “TCA CROSS” trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS). TCA Cross is a skin care method in which a very high percentage of TCA is applied to the acne scar tissue only. The TCA Cross method needs to be repeated every 1-2 months so that dermal thickening and collagen production occurs inside the acne scars. After 3-9 months, you should see a great improvement in the appearance of your acne scars!
Fractional non-ablative laser offers both superior results and a little to no downtime! This laser has a hand piece that delivers light in an array of narrow, focused microbeams to create columns of coagulation within the skin. These columns initiate a natural healing process that forms new healthy tissue. This results in an improved skin appearance! Downtime is milder than other lasers, and typically resolves in 3-5 days.
Dermal Fillers show great results and improves the appearance of acne scars by lifting the depressed scars. Their effect is temporary. The results can last from between a few months to a year using fillers such as Belotero, Restylane, Juvederm, and Perlane, etc. However, with a combination of laser treatments such as the fractional non-ablative and very effective chemical peels, this can help dramatically reduce the appearance of acne scars with improvement in overall skin texture and healthy, happy skin.
Dr. Chiu and her medical team are personally involved in every treatment here at The Derm Institute. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about any of the procedures. To learn more about treatments at The Derm Institute or to schedule a free consultation, contact us by phone or email today.
. . . Shared by Dr. Chiu and The Derm Institute Team
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 just 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.
Like 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.
Juvederm 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 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?
Volume 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
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.
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!
Dr. 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.
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.
Dr. 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
just a baby! 3-dimensional 
Like 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.
Juvederm 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 
Dr. 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.
