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May 13, 2010
A customized combination of our treatments for men, including a Swedish Massage, Gentlemans Facial and a Sports Buff manicure and pedicure. Spa lunch included.
Sometime a little guidance is needed. A great date he won’t forget.
A Shiatusu Massage Thrown is a perfect place to reward him with this invigorating, exfoliating and aromatic treatment for hard-working hands and feet. He will enjoy movie with wireless headsets while enjoying the royal treatment.
A customized facial that provides deep pore cleansing and toning to restore vitality to a man’s complexion.April 19, 2010
THE DARK SIDE: Fight the forces of those dark circles around the eyes.
There is nothing that will accelerate the appearance of aging faster than dark circles under the eyes. But what really causes those lower eyelid shadows. The cause of your dark circles may not be the cause of your friend’s dark circles. Let’s take a look a little closer at these nemeses.
How did I get these dark spots?
- Allergies produce inflammation around the eyes causing fluid to leak from fragile vessels under the eyelids. The chronic rubbing brought on by allergy sufferers reacting to itchy, watery eyes can lead to true skin color changes.
- Sun exposure increases pigment changes to the fragile skin.
- For some men and women it’s hereditary and has strong links to ethnicity are the cause.
- The normal maturing changes in facial anatomy add to this problem. The fatty layer located just above the cheek bone and below the eye in some may thin producing a sunken appearance. While others have this fatty layer protruding forward creating a bulge underneath the eyes. Light reflects off these hollows creating the illusion of shadowy circles.
- Veins in the area are an important factor in the development of dark circles. Factors may include heredity, and the natural aging process. The thinning of the fat pad and skin brings them closer to the surface increasing their visibility.
- Loosing the fight against gravity and the loss of skin elasticity causes those dreaded bags. Add any of the above problems to those bags and they get heavier and heavier.
Okay now how do I get rid of them?
- Eliminating dark circles begins with camouflage. Therapy options to improve dark circles don’t work overnight. Hiding them provides immediate gratification and restores radiance to the eye area. Yellow counter acts blue so this is the color of concealer to look for.
- Proper evaluation and medical treatment of allergies can improve the under eye hue and fluid collections. Avoidance of inflammatory agents, antihistamines and/or allergy shots not only will improve your appearance, but your overall health.
- Sunscreen provides potent protection. Photo-protection agents repair skin with antioxidants to reduce free radical damage. This is the source of photo-damage induced dark circles.
- Skin brightening/lightning is accomplished with careful prescription pharmaceutical agents.
- Treatment of venous concerns has traditionally been the domain of topical Vitamin K products.
- Antioxidant treatments help shrink bags. Reducing fluid build-up and bagginess beneath the eyes makes the face look fresher, more rested and youthful. Microdermabrasion and superficial chemical peals are excellent options for sun damaged and wrinkles of the lower eyelid. This is done in the office with no downtime.
- State of the art procedures by experienced facial plastic surgeons can remove excess fat pads without any incisions on the face. Fillers are used to fill up deficits. Resurfacing techniques instantly tighten excess skin.
What can I do now?
For those who need a quick fix lets go to the kitchen. Tea bags (the caffeinated ones) slightly boiled and cooled are place on the eyes. The tannic acid from the tea helps shrink dilated vessels minimizing their appearance. Cucumbers (seen placed on client’s eyes in spa advertisements) produces the same effect. The effects are temporary but they do improve dark circles caused by excess fluid.
Nothing is more noticeable than dark circles. They steal your beauty and alter your facial expression. Dark circles prematurely age the face, create a tired, haggard appearance and cast a deceptively disinterested expression. Don’t tolerate dark circles one minute more. Be careful of the agents you choose there is a difference between marketing and science. Ensure products are pharmaceutical grade vs. supplements added to products as an afterthought. Counteract them and reclaim the wide-eyed dazzling look you deserve.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. For questions or future article requests please contact. laurap@capefearaesthetics.com or 910-323-3757.
April 17, 2010
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This soothing facial uses both the natural Antioxidant powers of Green Tea and the soothing effects of Cucumber to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. 
Join The Brilliant Distinctions™ Program
The Brilliant Distinctions™ Program is an exciting new program that offers a multitude of great rewards when you visit your physician for BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments. By joining today, 200 points will be deposited into your account, which is equal to $25 off your next treatment! As you have additional treatments, you will earn more points. As you earn points with Brilliant Distinctions™, you can redeem them for dollars off treatments or products. PLUS! As a Brilliant Distinctions™ member, you’ll also receive a monthly eNewsletter full of all the information you need about your account, including tips, articles, and ideas we think you will like. You will also get treatment reminders and find information about exciting events in your area, opportunities for charitable giving, and stories designed for you, all in one user-friendly communication. We hope you take advantage of the great offer. Don’t forget to invite your friends. Call 323-3757 for you appointment. Thank you for your continued support.
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Instantly
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Call for your activation code today!
910.323.3757
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I REFUSE TO GROW OLD GRACEFULLY…pass the BOTOX!
Worried about loosing your “WOW” appeal? Let’s talk about BOTOX®. Dramatic results than are safe, naturally noticeable within a week and without any downtime. BOTOX® is the only FDA approved treatment of this type. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery ranked BOTOX® Cosmetic as the most popular of all physician-administered cosmetic procedures. What about the procedure? A thorough history and cosmetic evaluation should be done by a physician. A 10 minute procedure, a few small injections, and within 3 days a gradual resolution of the wrinkles is noticed. Discomfort is usually minimal and brief. Your physician may choose to numb the area with a cold pack or anesthetic cream. Many people return directly to work or normal activity following treatment. How does it work? Botulinum toxin Type A (Botox Cosmetic) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in a medial setting it blocks the signals that would normally tell your muscle to contract. The effects of the treatment have been reported to last anywhere from three to eight months. By injecting the toxin directly into a certain muscle or muscle group, the risk of it spreading to other areas of the body is greatly diminished. What about other procedures? Wrinkles of the upper face are due to facial muscle movement and expression. BOTOX® reduces the activity of the muscles that cause those frown lines to form over time. Wrinkles of the lower face are to gravity. They are best treated by proper skin care (i.e. microdermabrasion exfoliation, cleaning etc.), wrinkle fillers (i.e. Restylane®), or cosmetic procedures (i.e. facelift). BOTOX® is a great alternative for those who do not desire surgical treatment. It also allow the prospective surgical candidate to “test drive” the results for future Endoscope eyebrow lift (upper facelift), or blepharoplasty (removal of eyelid skin due to hooding). Buyers beware of the latest creams and ointment claiming “…just as good as Botox.” Do Men do BOTOX®? A man who has pronounced lines between his brows, or heavy laugh lines may be perceived as angry or stressed—and he doesn’t want to look that way. A man who goes to the gym to work out and cares about his clothes and grooming is a man who not only cares about his appearance, but what it says about him personally, as well as in business. This discrete procedure gives us the opportunity to rejuvenate, revitalize and recapture some of our youthful appearance. Will my facial expression change? If you greet your friends and coworkers with a heavy, harsh eyebrow look, or smile witht extensive resting crows feet, then yes! You will transform into them more rested, awakened appearance that welcomes the world. The ability to express emotions will not be compromised. Is BOTOX® only used on the wrinkles? It has been used to treat patients with uncontrollable blinking (blepharospasm) and misaligned eyes (strabismus), muscle spasms, excessive sweating of the underarms, hands and feet. It has also been seen to work on certain patients who suffer migraine headaches. How long does BOTOX® Cosmetic last? Results from treatment can last for up to 4 months. If you discontinue treatment, the frown lines between your brows gradually will look like they did before treatment. With repeated use these muscle loose there activity thus prolonging the effect with continued use. Medial Information • Be sure that a qualified/certified doctor performs the procedure. • Make sure that the doctor is trained and qualified in cosmetic skin surgery of the face. • Ask questions and be informed about the benefits and risks involved in the procedure. • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued statements warning of the possible hazards of “Botox® parties.” Injection of alcohol around the time of injection could worsen any bruising. • Choose a medical setting using sterile techniques.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa here in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. For questions or future article requests please contact
ANTI-AGING SKIN: You can’t stop the clock but you can keep the parts looking and feeling new.
You ARE in control of our aging
A recent study found that there are attributes that are vital to successful aging:
•The ability to anticipate, to plan and to hope.
•Life with an attitude of gratitude, forgiveness and optimism.
•The ability to imagine the world as it seems to other people.
•The ability to reach out to other people, to want to interact with other people positively.
Lets take a few minutes to review some myths and tips of facial Anti-aging.
MYTHS
Alpha-Hydroxy acids thin the skin.
NOT TRUE. AHAs exfoliate the top layer of dead skin cells, but within a day or two your body replaces what they’ve removed with new cells. The removal of the stratum corneum layer (the dead dry outer skin cell) enables therapeutic agents (toners, antibiotics and moisturizers) to penetrate the lower layers of the skin to treat the skin before is becomes visable to the outer layer.
Exercising face muscles helps prevent wrinkles.
WRONG. Strong facial muscles won’t re-create the support structure of collagen that has been weakened by the sun damage or aging, which are the two main causes of wrinkles. Excessive facial muscle exercising can actually worsen the appearance of facial wrinkles.
To keep skin from sagging, massage moisturizer into your neck in an upward motion.
It doesn’t work. As soon as you stop rubbing upward gravity pulls it back down toward the earth. Unfortunately gravity is a tough force. Wrinkles of the top halve of the face are do to wrinkles of motion and facial animation. Wrinkles of the lower half of the face are due to gravity. Upper facial wrinkles are best treated non-surgically with Botox that inhibits the muscles that form the wrinkles. Wrinkle fillers like Restalyne, and Hylaform are use for lower half of the face treatment.
Greasy foods make your skin break out.
Your thighs, waste line heart and arteries may have an effect from greasy food but your skin won’t. Sudden breakouts are most likely the culprits of stress, hormone changes or impure topical agents. These factors stimulate the secretion production from the pilosebaceous glands. The secretion thickens as it travels from below the skin surface it plugging the pathway. This enclosed channel makes an ideal environment for bacteria growth. The bacteria cause inflammation and in the glands resulting in the red, raised, secretion filled structure commonly referred to as the comedo or pimple.
Caffeine causes acne.
One or two cups of coffee will not cause acne. It is entirely possible, though, that someone who are wired on caffeine and drink 5-6 cups a day can break out from the physical stress of it.
A pat of butter a day helps to moisturize your skin.
You don’t need to create oil in your body by eating oil. Your body makes oil naturally from carbohydrates and proteins. Exercise and a healthy diet at the best first line of defence in the anti-aging war.
TIPS
•Regular professional facials ensure proper skin care maintenance and provide your aesthetician to educate clients of ongoing skin changes. The massage offered with most professional facials helps increase the skin’s circulation, and improve lymphatic drainage creating a healthy glow. The power of touch is always a positive reinforcement and reward for taking the time to promote self wellness.
•Firming masks and hydrating treatments with mild exfoliation will also help to rejuvenate the skin’s appearance. Removing the top layer of dead skin cells allows your skin regiment products to penetrate the youthful skin cells below the surface.
•Consistent use of moisturizers and products containing anti-aging staples like retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids and antioxidants, help to reduce the signs of aging skin on the face and neck, and the negative effects of hormone loss.
•Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day to keep your body hydrated inside and out. Think of it a keeping the skin cells plump and juicy versus thin and flat.
•Make reducing stress a priority. When you are stressed your body produces large amounts of cortisol, a steroid hormone that causes you to produce excess oil, which clogs glands and can lead to acne.
Dr. George E. Vaillant, the director of a Harvard study, points out seven keys to aging well. People who had four or more of these seven factors by age 50 were one-third less likely to be dead by the age of 80. People with three or fewer of these factors by age 50 were three times as likely to die during the following 30 years.
Here are the seven factor to aging well:
1. Not smoking, or quitting early: “Smoking is probably the most significant factor in terms of health.”
2. The ability to take life’s ups and downs in stride: Adapt a coping style that let’s you roll with the punches. Keep your sense of humor, learn new things and have fun, give of yourself and make friends with people who are younger than you are.
3. Don’t abuse alcohol: over indulging in alcohol can destroy your physical and mental health.
4. Maintaining a strong marriage: the study showed that, if people are willing to work through their problems, marriages improve over time and contribute to a long and happy life.
5. Maintain a healthy weight: being over weight is a risk factor to good health.
6. Physical activity: The Harvard study showed that even doing some exercise improves both mental and physical health.
7. Continued education: People seek education because they believe it is possible to control the course of their lives. People who are interested in self care and perseverance are more likely to continue their education.
Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV, M.D. is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa here in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
April 13, 2010
A leopard can’t change his spots, but you can!
Hyperpigmentation is a common clinical condition for which many people seek remedies because they view it as being cosmetically displeasing. It can affect people of all skin colors and races, and tends to increase as we age. For example, almost all African-American infants become darker shortly after birth. Hyperpigmentation is not a medically harmful condition. However, it always is advisable to have new brown spots checked by a physician to make sure they are not skin cancers.
HOW SKIN COLOR IS FORMED?
Normal skin color is formed by melanin, a natural pigment that also determines hair and eye color. The pigment in our skin is formed by the process of converting the amino acid tyrosine into melanin with the help of the enzyme tyrosinase.
WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION?
Hyperpigmentation occurs when too much melanin is produced and forms deposits in the skin. When too much melanin is produced, deposits are formed and hyperpigmentation appears in the skin. Age spots or liver spots are small, mottled or darkened patches of skin which appear in older adults — especially on the face, the backs of hands, and arms in individuals who have been exposed to the sun. The medical name for this condition is solar lentigines. Hyperpigmentation also results from inflammation orother skin insults. For example, skin diseases such as acne or shingles may leave darkened spots. Scars from skin injury or surgery also may become hyperpigmented.
HOW DOES HYPERPIGMENTATION SHOW UP?
Age or “liver” spots are a common form of hyperpigmentation. They occur due to sun damage, and are referred to by doctors as solar lentigines. These small, darkened patches are usually found on the hands and face or other areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Melasma or chloasma spots are similar in appearance to age spots but are larger areas of darkened skin that appear most often as a result of hormonal changes. Pregnancy, for example, can trigger overproduction of melanin that causes the “mask of pregnancy” on the face and darkened skin on the abdomen and other areas. Women who take birth control pills may also develop hyperpigmentation because their bodies undergo similar kind of hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Changes in skin color can result from outside causes. For example, skin diseases such as acne may leave dark spots after the condition clears. Other causes of dark spots are injuries to the skin, including some surgeries. Freckles are small brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the face and arms. Freckles are an inherited characteristic.
Freckles — small, flat tan-to-black spots that can be anywhere on the body — also become more permanent during the first or second decade of life. Often hereditary, freckles also can darken with sun exposure and fade with less sun exposure. This happens because melanin absorbs the energy of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays in order to protect he skin from overexposure. The usual result of this process is skin tanning, which tends to darken areas that are already hyperpigmented. Wearing a sunscreen is a must. The sunscreen must be “broad spectrum” (i.e. it blocks both ultraviolet A and B). A single day of excess sun can undo months of treatment,
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR TREATMENT?
Effective skin care products are formulated to interfere in the process excess melanin formation and discoloration.
Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in skin lightening products. It is available over the counter in concentrations up to 2 percent, and can be prescribed in concentrations up to 8 percent. However,
hydroquinone can be very irritating at high concentration, and should be used under the care of a physiciancan.
Arbutin is a natural plant extract that helps prevent additional brown spots from occurring by stopping the production of melanin. Uva-Ursi also contains three strong antioxidants: ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid. These antioxidants neutralize oxygen free radicals that can damage skin. The three
acids also help in the production of which help protect skin.
Kojic acid is a skin lightener produced from fungus. Discovered in Japan in 1989, it has been used with excellent results to lighten skin and reduce brown spots. Like arbutin, it blocks the formation
of melanin pigment in skin cells.
Thyme, an herb plant indigenous to the Mediterranean, is known for its antiseptic and soothing properties. Thyme extract contains thymol, which has strong antiseptic and antioxidant properties, and helps to prevent future oxidative breakdown of cells. Thymol stops the production of melanin.
Cucumber Extract, the bitter part of the cucumber plant which contains curcubitacin known for its emollient and soothing properties. Traditionally, cucumber slices have been used to remove dark circles from the area underneath the eyes.
Whether it is a medial concern or a cosmetic question please see your physician for expert answers. Timely and effective treatment are the keys to obtaining you skin care goals.
Writen by Dr. Edward E. Dickerson, IV, M.D. is the Medical Director of Cape Fear Aesthetics Medical Spa here in Fayetteville. He is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.
