So you’ve invested in a fractional laser rejuvenation procedure and want to optimize healing and comfort in the days following. Dr. Mitalee Christman has been performing these procedures for years, but only recently got her first fractional laser herself. Here’s what she recommends to feel better after. Immediately after your procedure, you will feel a sensation of heat or stinging that can last 45 minutes to an hour – during this time you will cling to your ice packs which will bring you sweet relief. If you’ve applied numbing cream, remember to take breaks to avoid a cold injury: I … Continue reading »
The acronym BFF stands for “best friends forever,” a term used while instant messaging on the computer or sending a text message on cell phones. It’s also been the name of a reality television show, a comedy series, an online game show, and an episode of South Park, but now Dr. Arndt of SkinCare Physicians often refers to it when speaking with patients when discussing options and approaches for a variety of aesthetic treatments. Both his colleagues and he often see people who come in with appearance related concerns. They are interested simply in “looking better” and want information about … Continue reading »
Many individuals are self-conscious about their stretch marks, including teenagers, adults, men and women. While not harmful to the health, nobody enjoys seeing them in the mirror. Unfortunately, once stretchmarks appear they don’t go away. The good news is that cosmetic dermatology practices, such as SkinCare Physicians in Brookline Mass, have effective laser treatments that can significantly improve their appearance. But first, let’s understand what causes stretch marks. Why do stretch marks appear? Stretch marks are distinct lines on the skin that can occur after any relatively quick stretching of the skin. Causes include teenage growth spurts, weight gain, pregnancy … Continue reading »
For over a decade, the Fraxel family of lasers has been a mainstay of skin rejuvenation treatments at SkinCare Physicians. These lasers are superb at improving fine lines and wrinkles, removing brown spots and pigmentation, and creating an overall improvement in skin texture and quality. However, one of the limiting aspects of Fraxel laser treatments has been recovery, in some cases up to a week. Our patients are universally pleased with Fraxel results, but often comment that the procedure would be so much easier if we could only shorten the recovery time. Well, in our never ending quest to improve … Continue reading »
Upper lip lines and wrinkles, also known as perioral rhytids or smoker’s lines, are a major cosmetic feature of the lower face. A recent survey found that over 50% of women with appearance-related concerns selected the skin around the mouth as “the most likely to treat area” of the face. Know that you don’t have to live with these lines. There is more your dermatologist can do to help than you may have thought possible. But first let’s look at what triggers these annoying lip lines and wrinkles. The first culprits to come to mind are sun, cigarettes and straws. … Continue reading »
Everyone at SkinCare Physicians was shocked and saddened when we heard about the bombing at the Boston Marathon and the severe injuries that so many had suffered. We wanted to be able to contribute something helpful to those who were injured and launched Boston Marathon Project Heal, an initiative that allows our doctors to provide free laser treatments of scars to victims of the Boston Marathon. Boston Marathon Project Heal: A long term commitment to the victims Since the time in late April that we announced our Boston Marathon Project Heal program, we have seen 15 of those who were … Continue reading »
The Boston Marathon bombings have left many people injured, with scars that will need care and treatment over the coming months. A few days after the tragic event, it struck us at SkinCare Physicians that our dermatologists could help by offering state of the art laser treatment to anyone injured in the Boston Marathon attack without charge. We have so many new devices and techniques available to improve scars. The Boston Marathon Project Heal was born! Breakthroughs in the last few years have dramatically improved the treatment of scars from burns and traumatic injuries. New technology and techniques have been … Continue reading »
Stretch marks can be a common result of weight change, rapid growth, or certain inherited conditions. While not of a medical concern, their appearance can cause significant emotional and mental distress. While there are many topical agents that are marketed for stretch mark improvement, the results are minimal, at best. However, non-invasive laser treatments are available for both newer pink-red stretch marks, as well as older skin-colored or pale ones, and are effective on all body sites and skin types. Treatments for new stretch marks New or pink-red stretch marks can be efficiently treated with a series of treatments using … Continue reading »
During discussions about treatments for facial rejuvenation, patients regularly ask me for advice on how to improve the look and feel of their hands. Our hands are as vulnerable as our face to aging and the effects of the sun and the environment, but they are often overlooked. Common manifestations of aging and sun exposure include wrinkles, skin thinning, and brown spots. Below are seven tips that can help your hands look younger.
Fraxel® laser treatments have revolutionized our ability to improve skin texture and color. Our experience shows that a series of 6 treatments usually performed every 4 weeks with the 1550 nm device produces dramatic improvement in fine to moderate wrinkles, while the 1927 nm device is especially helpful for sun-induced skin discoloration. The biggest downside is that the treatments are uncomfortable and they leave patients red and a bit puffy for about 3 days. Typically, individuals have these done either early in the week so they can be ready for the weekend, or on a Friday afternoon so they can … Continue reading »
