Expert Contributor
HydraFacials to Facelifts By Timothy M. Rankin, MD MS, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery
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s a plastic surgeon, I am relatively new to the community and thrilled to have joined the practice. I enjoy meeting ‘neighbors’ and would welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you have about skin care, facial rejuvenation or other cosmetic procedures. Our faces age in three ways. These include surface changes associated with sun damage, volume loss, and the loss of skin elasticity over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to rejuvenate your skin and appearance. Management of surface spots is best started with topical products. Daily cleansing can reduce inflammation and a periodic HydraFacial treatment can really get your skin on track and back to a healthy glow. Creams containing Vitamin-A, also called retinoids, have been shown to improve skin tone, collagen production, cell turnover, while reducing superficial lines and wrinkles. There are other options for achieving healthier looking skin if creams alone are not generating desired results. For the upper part of the face, Botox is a safe and effective way to help smooth lines and creases by weakening, not freezing, the facial muscles that can make us look worried. For the middle part of the face, I often recommend fillers. The most common fillers such as Restylane and Juvaderm are made of hyaluronic acid and provide a temporary increase in volume. Cheek and eye fillers typically last 12 months or longer, while lip fillers usually last 4-6 months since our lips are moving all the time. For the lower part of the face, including the neck and jaw, surgical procedures are often the best option, although I have many patients that see great results with other non-surgical treatments. One of my favorites is Vivace, a radio frequency microneedling that stimulates the body’s production of collagen, and results in improved skin elasticity. There are, of course, many other options for improving your skin health and appearance. If you are interested in learning more or getting a no-cost facial or skin consultation, please call 925736-5757 and say “Dr. Rankin referred me.” And as a gift to anyone who signs up for our MedSpa Beauty Club, I’d like to offer a complimentary HydraFacial. I promise… you will not only enjoy, but also see immediate benefits from this relaxing and refreshing treatment.
16
MARCH 2020
