Skin Care and Treatments at Every Age

As the years pass, our skin undergoes many structural and biochemical changes.  For example, epidermal cells don’t turnover and exfoliate as easily, the production of collagen and elastic tissue proteins slows, and these proteins also weaken becoming less supportive.  Our oil glands don’t produce as much oil causing our skin to become drier, and our skin doesn’t retain as much moisture as it did when it was younger.  These biochemical and structural changes allow gravity to take its toll and result in signs of skin laxity and aging.  Early signs of aging include the development of fine lines, particularly around the eyes and lips, deepening of expression lines in the forehead and around the mouth, brittle nails, thinning hair, and even bone loss.  The following tips can help you slow the signs of aging at every age.

Any and All Ages

Since sun exposure is the single biggest cause of damage to skin, the most important thing one can do to protect your skin is to reduce sun exposure.  Use sunscreen daily, wear sun protective clothing, and limit time outdoors when the sun is the strongest, typically between 10AM and 2PM.  Chronic sun exposure causes fine and coarse wrinkles with a leathery appearance in addition to brown spots and broken blood vessels.

Treat your skin gently and keep it moisturized and hydrated.  Always use gentle products, avoid harsh ingredients, and don’t scratch, squeeze, or pick at your skin.

Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke. Smoking decreases blood flow in smaller vessels, thereby damaging connective tissue which leads to loss of skin elasticity and the formation of wrinkles.  Smokers also suffer more damage from sunlight than nonsmokers.

Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds can be 10x more powerful than the midday sun!

20s-30s

Prevention is key! In your mid to late twenties, collagen and elastic tissue production starts to slow down, and small signs of skin aging slowly become visible. The following treatments and skin care tips can help slow down the process.

Neuromodulators such as Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Xeomin are much more popular with patients in their 20s and early 30s.  Younger people do not want to wait for lines to form before they start having neurotoxin treatments.  Dr. Isaac recommends that patients in their 20s and early 30s get treated before the expression lines are etched in the skin and apparent at rest.

Start (and stick with) a quality skin care regimen that includes a retinoid, topical antioxidants, a moisturizer, and, of course, sunscreen.  Dr. Isaac emphasizes that the single most important thing one can do for prevention of fine lines and wrinkles is sun protection.  Use sunscreen daily, even when it is cloudy and during the winter as ultraviolet light penetrates through clouds.  Dr. Isaac prefers broad spectrum sunscreens that contain physical particles like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they don’t rely on a chemical reaction to reduce sun damage on the skin. She suggests a daily sunscreen of an SPF30 or greater, and for holidays or more prolonged sun exposure, bump the SPF to 50+ and reapply every two hours. Wear a wide brimmed hat, use lip balm with SPF 30 or greater, and sunglasses with ultraviolet light protection.

Skin doesn’t retain as much moisture and produces less natural oils as it did when it was younger. A good moisturizer soothes dry skin, makes wrinkles less noticeable and allows for better tolerance of topical retinoids. Vitamin A, or retinoids, also increase collagen production and improve cellular turnover and improving skin color. Other vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, ferulic acid, and Coenzyme Q10 reduce free radical damage and minimize photodamage. Dr. Isaac suggests that you look for these ingredients in serums, lotions or creams.

Laser Hair removal, chemical peels, intense pulsed light (IPL) and procedures that address unwanted hair, skin texture, acne along with acne scarring treatments are extremely popular treatments among men and women in their 20s at MI-Skin Dermatology and Laser Center in Washington DC.

30s-40s

The skin becomes more delicate, with lines on the eyes and forehead common. In addition to normal aging processes, harmful environmental influences are now more noticeable. The cell activity decreases and the barrier layer of the skin becomes more compromised or vulnerable. In other words, the skin reacts to these changes with irritation or allergy and redness. With a coordinated care system including supportive anti-aging products and treatments, light lines can be corrected with ease. Night care is particularly important to promote skin suppleness and regeneration during sleeping hours. In addition to her staples of retinoids, antioxidants and sunscreen, Dr. Isaac starts to implement products that contain peptides and growth factors into one’s skin care regimen during this age.

Botox, Xeomin and Dysport treatments continue to be a mainstay in wrinkle care and further prevention.  Now, Dr. Isaac artfully injects resting lines and improves facial contours by injecting soft tissue fillers such as hyaluronic acids.  Juvéderm, Restylane, Beloterro, Radiesse, Bellafill and Sculptra are tools in her toolbox to fill lines and restore facial volume that occurs during this time. Fillers also have a role in preventing further deterioration of appearance because fillers stimulate the body’s own collagen.

Microneedling and Laser treatments, such as Fraxel, stimulate collagen production, smooth fine lines and improve texture are popular with patients in their 30s and 40s.  IPL and lasers to reduce sun damage, brown spots and redness also are also popular requests.  Rosacea treatments continue to climb in both men and women patients.

45+

The skin becomes thinner and drier slowly. Due to low moisture content in the skin of both men and women, skin loses more elasticity and strength. Wrinkles are now more prominent. There is more significant loss of facial volume, necessitating the use of injectable fillers for youthful restoration. Hormone fluctuations of the menopause make women more prone to blackheads, pimples and texture changes. Hormonal changes also lead to vaginal dryness and “Mommy Makeovers” are popular consultations.  Dr. Isaac urges essential skin care regimens that help rid the skin of dead skin cells, and she prescribes creams that firm and tighten skin. Her prescribed, coordinated skin care systems can make the skin radiate again.

Lasers and Devices that tighten and lift are extremely popular as skin starts to sag due to increased laxity and volume loss.  Ultherapy, Excilis Ultra, Infini Radiofrequency microneedling, to name a few, are regularly recommended at this age.  UltraFemme 360 treatments helps restore vaginal moisture and stress-induced urinary incontinence caused by sneezing, exercise and laughing.  Lasers and devices that improve skin texture and smoothness are implemented frequently.  Dr. Isaac and her team at MI-Skin Dermatology and Laser Center may recommend and use Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to restore your skin’s youthful appearance.

Dr. Isaac routinely recommends thread lifts, otherwise known as suture suspension, nonsurgical facelifts, during this age. Thread lifts work well for mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in the jowl area.  The suture material also stimulates collagen production because the thread is made of a material that acts as a foreign substance to the body in order to stimulate collagen growth. Some threads have changes in the surface of the material (barbs, cones or knots) that will catch onto the skin, allowing Dr. Isaac to place the thread, position it into the skin in such a way to cause a long-lasting lifting effect that looks great immediately and over time.

 

Botox and other neuromodulators remain as an essential antiaging treatment, although Dr. Isaac now injects them in more anatomic areas including the neck and jawline.

55+

The skin becomes more complex and generally drier. Lines develop into deeper wrinkles, especially around the nose and mouth. The activity of the sebaceous and sweat glands is restricted, so the skin cannot store enough moisture. The care system must now be optimized and maintained well. Anti-aging products with retinoids, vitamin C, sunscreen, hyaluronic acids, growth factors are essential.

Dr. Isaac strategically uses and combines different modalities to deliver her best signature treatments. According to Dr. Isaac, procedures must be used in combination as no single treatment will restore youthful appearance.  Skin will continue to age. Implementing these treatments in a skilled way makes Dr. Isaac’s approach to a patient unique.  She strives to achieve age appropriate, natural looking results in her patients. Artfully injecting Botox and soft tissue fillers in addition to performing state of the art skin resurfacing, skin tightening and lifting procedures separates Dr. Isaac from other physicians.

Schedule a consultation today by visiting www.mi-skin.com or calling (202)393-7546.

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Combination Therapies are Essential for Optimal Results

Improved technologies are now available to shape, tighten, lift, and generally rejuvenate the skin. From body sculpting to fat freezing, innovations in noninvasive procedures offer patients a multitude of options to meet their desire for self-improvement. Expert dermatologist and founder of MI Skin Dermatology, Dr. Melda Isaac, typically combines numerous treatments to achieve optimal results.

One of the newer rejuvenation treatment combinations performed in her office includes the combination of a skin tightening device with a filler.  Exilis Ultra and Ulthera, both radio-frequency and ultrasound-based devices, work well to tighten slack skin, in all skin types. However, when combined with injections of Sculptra, we can expect better results for firming and improving the skin quality of the sun damaged décolletage, loose, crepey skin on the upper inner arms, anterior thighs, and abdomen.  Sculptra alone can be safely used to boost volume in the buttocks and when combined with Ulthera or Exilis can give a better lift to the derriere! Sculptra injections combined with skin tightening treatments can even improve the appearance of mild to moderate cellulite on the backs of thighs which has been extremely challenging to treat.

It is now commonplace in Dr. Isaac’s office for a patient to have CoolSculpting to freeze unwanted fat, then immediately have Ultherapy over the same area to tighten the skin. This combination is particularly effective and popular to reduce the double chin and better define the jawline. Dr. Isaac feels the combination contributes to improving tightness and better skin quality compared to either treatment alone. This dual treatment combination is also helpful to tighten and improve the sagging skin and laxity on the thighs and upper arms.

Another hit combination is the implementation of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for an uptick in collagen building, cell growth and even better hair health when injected into the scalp. PRP is used after ablative laser resurfacing and microneedling procedures with or without radiofrequency to expedite healing, reduce downtime and improve results.  Dr. Isaac feels that when PRP is combined with microneedling, radiofrequency or laser treatments, the addition of PRP improves the appearance of acne scarring and photodamaged skin better than the results that can be achieved with only having the device or laser treatment performed.

For a safe, nonsurgical lift to reduce skin laxity, Dr. Isaac adds a Thread Lift procedure to any of her rejuvenating laser or device treatments.  Threads are made from suture material and are safely used for lifting lax skin, particularly in the face and neck. Placing threads or sutures to lift the skin is also used in combination with Botox and dermal fillers. Results from the threads compliment all other rejuvenating treatments. Threads work well because they stimulate collagen since the material of the thread is made from a material that acts like a foreign substance to the body which stimulates collagen growth.  Threads or suture materials are also manufactured with changes in the surface of the thread (barbs, cones or knots) that will catch onto the skin and anchor the thread into the dermis to hold it in place.  As Dr. Isaac places the thread and positions the skin over it, lifting results are seen immediately and continue to improve over time.

For years Dr. Isaac has combined different lasers on the same day of treatment, always striving to achieve better results in skin rejuvenation.  For example, Dr. Isaac will sequentially perform an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment or use one of her many lasers to reduce broken blood vessels, and brown spots caused by sun damage, aging, or acne scars. Then, she will use a resurfacing laser such as Fraxel or CO2 to improve the skin’s texture and then use a Radiofrequency or Ultrasound device for even better tightening and lifting.

We haven’t even touched on adding Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin along with the myriad of other injectable filler treatments to further complement the results from the lasers and devices. Dr. Isaac always reminds her patients that a youthful face is three dimensional. “Don’t underestimate volume,” she often reminds her patients. Restoring facial volume with fillers must be subtle for natural results. Placing filler strategically for its best lift and to improve a contour is what distinguishes Dr. Isaac from other injectors. It is essential for patients to remember that it is not the device, but the artistry, expertise and experience of the operator that gives the best results.

Contact MI Skin Dermatology to schedule your skin treatment consultation today or call (202) 393-SKIN (7546).

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CoolSculpting Noninvasive Fat Reduction

You can only achieve so much with diet and exercise to obtain your desired body shape as we can’t control our genetics! Thank goodness for CoolSculpting noninvasive body contouring treatments.

CoolSculpting works by effectively and painlessly freezing unwanted fat cells, a process called cryolipolysis.  The cold temperature kills the fat cells and your body naturally eliminates them through your lymphatic system over the span of several weeks to months following treatment.

Coolsculpting can be used to treat your upper, lower abdomen and love handles to create a sculpted waistline or a defined six-pack abdomen. CoolSculpting can also be applied to slim your arms, inner and outer thighs, in addition to that “banana-roll’ or fat bulge between your buttock and thigh.  CoolSculpting can even improve that dreaded “double chin” or even back fat.

Double chins and “bra-fat” are nearly impossible to get rid of through diet and exercise.  CoolSculpting is one of the most popular treatments in our office so we have every size applicator and own multiple units to individualize your treatment needs to meet your goals in an efficient manner.

“Dual-sculpting” allows us to treat two areas during the same 45-minute treatment session.

We also offer complimentary Z-wave treatments following every CoolSculpting session to optimize your results. Z-wave therapy replaces manual massage by using precise regulated pulsed therapy. Z-wave treatments improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to expedite fat removal.

You can expect up to a 30% reduction of fat from a single session of CoolSculpting.

The majority of our patients treat the same area twice for even further fat reduction.  Nearly all of our patients treat multiple body areas because they are pleased with their treatment results and there is no recovery or downtime.

Schedule a complimentary evaluation to learn more about CoolSculpting and to see if CoolSculpting is right for you. Contact MI-Skin Dermatology at (202) 393-7546

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These 3 Non-Surgical Alternatives Make Liposuction a Thing of the Past

Liposuction is often considered the crème de la crème of body contouring and fat reduction procedures because its results are dramatic and often unsurpassed. Yet, liposuction is not for everyone. As it is a surgical procedure, it’s invasive and requires a significant amount of downtime.

For many patients, an invasive fat reduction procedure is not appealing, which is why liposuction alternatives are trending these days. For fat reduction without surgery, Washington, DC dermatologist Dr. Melda Isaac of MI Skin Dermatology Center offers several effective alternatives to liposuction without the invasiveness, discomfort, and downtime.

In fact, 3 non-surgical fat treatment and skin tightening options are so effective, especially when combined with proper diet and exercise, that they might make liposuction a thing of the past! These liposuction alternatives are not mutually exclusive and are often combined for optimal results.

#1 – “Freeze the Fat” with CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting is FDA-approved to destroy fat cells and contour your body using the scientific “fat-freezing” technology cryolipolysis. Essentially, the procedure super-cools the fat cells in the targeted area until the cells crystallize and burst. Your body then processes the shattered fat particles until flushing them from your system.

This non-surgical fat reduction procedure is designed for patients who are relatively healthy and close to their ideal weight yet have several areas where the fat stubbornly clings. It’s intended to supplement an otherwise healthy lifestyle to give Washington, DC patients that last bit of fat loss or body sculpting that you desire.

CoolSculpting is minimally invasive, so there are only a few potential side effects, which commonly include the following:

• Pain or soreness
• Tenderness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Bruising

The side effects are usually mild and vanish within a week.

The final fat treatment results depend on your keeping a proper diet and exercise routine. Optimal results and reaching your body sculpting goals are more readily reached if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

#2 – Kybella – Eliminate a Double Chin in 2-3 Sessions

Kybella is an FDA-approved, profile-improving injectable designed to correct a double chin. It is considering one of several effective liposuction alternatives because of the main ingredient, deoxycholic acid, which synthesizes well with your body due to the fact that it’s a naturally occurring substance in the human body. This allows your body to more easily break down and flush the treated fat cells from your system.

Kybella injections offer the following body sculpting benefits:

• Permanent fat destruction
• Visible results in a short amount of time
• More defined jawline and neck

What to Expect During the Session

No anesthesia is required for the injections due to the ultra fine needles used to inject Kybella into your chin, especially when administered by a skilled, experienced Washington, DC doctor with a delicate, precise touch. However, patients with an aversion to needles can have a topical numbing agent applied to make the chin fat reduction procedure more comfortable.

With or without the numbing agent, this liposuction alternative takes only about 30 minutes and there is no downtime from the injections – patients can immediately carry on with their day after a session. The number of injections and half-hour sessions that will be necessary to reach your goals will depend on the amount of fat under your chin, which can be determined during a consultation with Dr. Isaac at her practice in Washington DC.

Results usually become noticeable in about a month, although you could notice improvement beforehand. By exercising regularly and eating well, your body sculpting results will appear natural. Additionally, there may be a few side effects following the fat reduction treatment, which could include the following:

• Soreness and tenderness
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Bruising
• Numbness

Learn more about Kybella’s active ingredient and why it is considered one of the best liposuction alternatives at Wikipedia.com.

#3 – Exilis – Tighten Skin and Melt Fat with Radiofrequency

Exilis is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that corrects loose skin and dimpled fat on the face and body. This non-surgical treatment uses innovative radiofrequency technology to target deep tissue and fat cells without affecting the surrounding skin or tissue. The radiofrequency waves penetrate deep into your skin to help improve your body’s collagen producing abilities and strengthen your skin structure as well. This revolutionary technology achieves tighter, firmer skin and subtle fat reduction.

Exilis is most effective for moderate amounts of sagging tissue that stubbornly resist diet and exercise. With the radiofrequency technology, the deep tissue is heated up in order to trigger a tightening effect, achieving tighter, reinvigorated skin and a rejuvenated appearance.

What Areas Does Exilis Treat?

The heat energy from the radiofrequency technology shrinks and tightens skin in the following areas:

• Neck
• Upper arms
• Muffin top
• Stomach
• Thighs

Exilis can also tighten the cheeks, neck, jowls, upper arms, upper back, thighs, and abdomen. As a result, your skin looks and feels smooth and supple. In many cases, patients who undergo a fat reduction treatment, such as CoolSculpting or Ultherapy also follow up with Exilis to treat the sagging skin that may remain when the fat cells dissipate.

Are There Side Effects of Radiofrequency Treatments?

Finally, the fat reduction and skin tightening procedure is safe and may only result in a few mild side effects. An innovative safety mechanism monitors the radiofrequency energy and will automatically shut off if an issue arises, reducing the risk of complications. Mild, temporary side effects from this non-surgical skin tightening treatment include tenderness, inflammation, and soreness.

Contact MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC

With the rapid evolution of technology, cosmetic dermatological treatments are also regularly improving, offering treatments with less downtime and fewer side effects yet delivering longer-lasting, more effective results. To learn more about these liposuction alternatives, contact Dr. Isaac and the rest of the staff at MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC for more information. Call us today at 202.817.2249 or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation.

Next, read Considering Botox? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

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Considering Botox? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions

The decision to undergo Botox treatment should not be taken lightly. Yes, it is immensely popular in the form of forehead injections and wrinkle treatments that can take years off your appearance. However, there are scores of misconceptions about its safety and efficacy.

The reality is that Botox is as safe as aspirin and as effective as (if not more than) any other cosmetic dermatology treatment on the market. If you’re looking to restore your youthful appearance and are considering these injections, contact Washington, DC, dermatologist and skin expert Dr. Melda Isaac of MI-Skin Dermatology Center with your questions to determine if Botox is right for you.

What You Should Ask About Botox

In fact, before asking Dr. Isaac about Botox as an effective wrinkle treatment, ask yourself the following four questions:

Question #1 – Is Your Botox Injector Qualified?

This is the most important question. If you don’t get an adequate answer to it, then consider another doctor.

Be very careful when selecting a practitioner to administer your treatment. Botox injections are not considered a major medical procedure, which means that many injectors are not medical professionals. Do your due diligence and verify the credentials and qualifications of your practitioner.

We strongly recommend having a medical professional like Dr. Isaac do your cosmetic dermatology treatment, but you still want to ask questions about their experience, training, and techniques. Ask specific questions, such as how he or she can give you a natural arch in your brow or how he or she would treat or even prevent unwanted side effects, should they occur.

To separate those in Alexandria with expert Botox injections skills from those with so-so ones, ask about the specific muscles affected by injections and what to expect. You also should ask how much you’ll actually need and where you’ll be injected. For example, getting injections to augment your lips requires a delicate, skilled touch in the precise location(s) on your face. Only after you’ve talked to your doctor and discussed your goals and expectations can it be determined how much of these Botox injections is required for effective wrinkle treatment.

What you’re looking for with these questions are answers that show knowledge and experience. Although we know everything has a first time, this is not the time to be someone’s first Botox patient in Alexandria.

Question #2 – Do the Benefits Outweigh the Risks?

This is probably a question you ask when making any significant choice or decision, and it’s no different in this case, either. If you’ve chosen your doctor well, she can give you very specific answers about your unique circumstances. But only you can decide whether the risks, such as unwanted side effects or complications, are enough to cancel out the positives.

Some Botox patients have experienced post-procedure headaches, bruising, nausea, redness, or unsatisfactory looks. Ask your doctor to show you several Botox before and after photos of her patients to see for yourself how others have fared. Do they look plastic? Or are the effects beautiful and natural-looking?

Your reaction to the wrinkle-erasing injections will obviously be unique and not related to what others have experienced (good or bad). You should be aware of the risks, however, so that you’re mentally prepared going in for a wrinkle treatment.

Question #3 – Are You Prepared for Regular Upkeep & Maintenance?

As beautiful as they are, the effects of Botox injections are not permanent. Depending on your goals, as well as the results from your first treatment session, you may have to undergo injections every three to six months to maintain their youthful effects. For this reason, the Botox cost can become considerable and, for some, prohibitive. Furthermore, continued wrinkle treatment takes time from your busy schedule. Is this something you can afford?

The good news about undergoing regular maintenance is that, as time passes, less and less Botox is injected in a given session. Plus, the effects often surpass the expected duration as you continue.

Many patients in Alexandria consider injectable wrinkle treatment an investment in themselves, which might be something to consider for yourself, as well. In other words, is it the right decision for you going forward, not just this one time?

Question #4 – Should I Get Fillers Instead?

This is actually a question of if you’re undergoing these wrinkle treatment injections for dynamic wrinkles or static wrinkles. Simply put, if dynamic wrinkles are causing you angst, Botox is your choice. If you’re concerned about static wrinkles, then dermal fillers (such as Juvederm or Restylane) are your best bet.

Dynamic wrinkles are those caused by the facial muscles used when smiling or frowning. Botox is effective wrinkle treatment in these cases because the injections block the nerve impulses that cause muscle movement, relaxing your muscles and smoothing out your facial wrinkles and creases. Conversely, static wrinkles, such as nasolabial lines, are those seen when your face is at rest, for which dermal fillers are usually the better choice because they “fill in” those lines for a smoother looking face.

In some cases, the answer is a combination wrinkle treatment of Botox and a dermal filler in one session at our Washington, DC practice, which can enhance the effects of both.

It’s essential that you ask questions about Botox if it is the wrinkle treatment you are considering to help restore your youthful looks. It’s your face – indeed, your entire appearance – that’s on the line, so make sure to ask these four questions (and any more you have) when considering Botox injections.

Learn about other aesthetic uses for Botox at WebMD.com.

Got More Questions? MI-Skin Dermatology Center Has the Answers

If you’re thinking about getting Botox injections for cosmetic or medical reasons, Dr. Isaac and the rest of the Washington, DC staff at MI-Skin Dermatology Center not only can provide answers but also administer the safest, most effective wrinkle treatment you can find. For a consultation, call us today at 202.393.7546 or contact us online.

Next, read 5 Botox Myths that are Completely False

 

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5 Botox Myths that are Completely False

Botox injections are one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market, and it doesn’t look as if the momentum will be stopped anytime soon. It has a verifiable history of effectiveness in easing wrinkles, softening stubborn facial lines, and generally giving you a more youthful appearance.

Yet, for various reasons, misconceptions abound about what the injections do and don’t do or about the safety and efficacy of treatment. No doubt you’ve seen Botox before and after pictures of people who’ve had a mishap resulting allegedly from treatment.

The truth is that Botox injections have a history of transforming lives and is considered one of the greatest advancements in cosmetic dermatology of the last century, yet only you and a skin expert like Washington, DC, dermatologist Dr. Melda Isaac of the MI-Skin Dermatology Center can determine if Botox injections are good for you.

Five Neuromodulator Myths Debunked

Myth #1: Botox Is Botulinum

Although Botox cosmetic is derived from botulinum toxin, it does not cause the botulism food poisoning that you hear horror stories about. While there is a substantial risk from the bacteria that causes botulism, this particular type is formulated differently, which provides you the cosmetic improvements that you’re anticipating.

This unique formula consists of an isolated protein, a purified portion of the bacteria onabotulinumtoxinA. It is this derivative that is used in manufacturing the cosmetic Botox.

Myth #2: Neuromodulators are Unsafe

Botox has a safe track record going back to 1989 when it was first approved by the FDA for specific medical purposes. And since 2002, when it was first approved for cosmetic purposes, the safe track record has been maintained. In fact, years of testing and commercial use have yielded such safe, outstanding results that, in some circles, it is referred to as the “aspirin of the 21st century.”

However, there’s a caveat – for lip injections or other treatment to have its intended effect and for you to suffer no ill effects, it must be administered by a trained, experienced, board-certified doctor who can treat you with the correct doses and inject you in the proper places. In fact, it would take a dose 100 times stronger than the average Botox cosmetic treatment dose for it to be fatal.

Myth #3: My Face Will be “Frozen”

Perhaps you’ve heard or read stories about the “frozen” look that you might suffer from a wrinkle treatment injection, but those have usually been sensationalized. The truth is that any such complications from Botox usually occur due to an unqualified practitioner, unapproved usage, or an improper combination treatment.

Botox affects only “dynamic” muscles, those that you use when making facial expressions, such as smiling, frowning, or squinting. It does not impact other muscles. At the point of injection, those targeted facial muscles are relaxed, but the surrounding muscles are unaffected. So, if you have Botox injections for wrinkles, troublesome lines, crow’s feet, deep creases, or forehead furrows, other muscles will not be touched and you’ll still be able to display your expressions. In fact, you might notice that your expressions are enhanced. Learn more about neuromodulators at WebMD.com.

Myth #4: Only for Your Face

The original uses for Botox included treating neurological disorders and helping relieve strabismus (crossed eyes). While today the injections are known more for what they can do to improve your face, it is used to treat a multitude of medical conditions, as well. The injections are ideal for loosening muscle tension, reducing the strain on your nervous system, and blocking certain glands in your body. Accordingly, Botox medical treats migraines, cervical dystonia (uncontrollable neck spasms), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), upper limb spasticity (uncontrollable arm spasms), depression, writer’s cramps, and overactive bladder.

Myth #5: The Injections Hurt

Because Botox is injected using ultrafine needles, most patients report feeling only a slight pinch during the procedure. However, it must be noted that the number of Botox injections differs from person to person, so a number of injections could prove more uncomfortable than a mere one or two, even if the discomfort lasts for only a few seconds. Anesthetic is not normally used, but if you have a serious aversion to needles, talk to Dr. Isaac in DC about it so she can make your treatment as comfortable as possible.

Learn More about Neuromodulators at MI-Skin Dermatology Center

Botox injections have spawned countless myths and misconceptions, but the reality is that they are neither mysterious nor dangerous. However, your practitioner must be qualified and experienced. If you’re thinking about this treatment for cosmetic or medical reasons, rest assured that in the hands of Dr. Isaac and the rest of the staff at MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington, DC, you’ll get the safest and most effective Botox treatment you can find. We’ll discuss the Botox price and other concerns that you might have, as well. Contact them today for a consultation 202.393.7546 or visit them online.

Next, read Five Things You Didn’t Know About Botox

The post 5 Botox Myths that are Completely False appeared first on Washington DC Dermatologist | MI-Skin.

Skin Care Tips Southern Women Swear By

Southern women learn from a very young age to take care of their skin. We've had great role models with smooth, healthy, glowing skin. Yes, we're looking at you, Mother and Grandmother. We've rounded up a few of our favorite, easy-to-follow tips for keeping our skin looking beautiful.

ALWAYS: Start With Sunscreen

While we've heard it a million times, we often forget this important step. The Southern sun is extremely hard to hide from, so slathering on a high-quality sunscreen is the best way to prevent imperfections and signs of aging. Fill the hollow of your palm with SPF 30 or higher, and coat your face, neck, and ears.

ALWAYS: Avoid Heavy Foundation

Southern heat and humidity will have that heavy foundation melting off faster than a Popsicle dropped on the driveway. Don't believe us? Just step outside on an August morning. We suggest using a good primer, concealer, and light powder.

NEVER: Hate on the Humidity

Yes, we mean it. If you love our summers, you're actually grateful for high humidity levels, which can leave skin supple, glowing, and soft. (And if you're like us, you like to look on the bright side.)

Read the full article here:  http://www.southernliving.com/fashion-beauty/beauty-makeup/skin-care-regimen