All About Skin and Dermatology

Dysport is a new alternative to Botox that has been shown to be extremely effective in smoothing frown lines and forehead wrinkles. It contains the same botulinum derived protein as Botox, that reduces wrinkles by relaxing muscles.

Compared to Botox, the cost is lower – and for many people the results are visible more rapidly and last longer – up to four months. Side effects are rare and mostly mild.

If you’d like to try Dysport or discuss the choice between this new option and Botox, please schedule an appointment.

You can also learn about Dysport at our upcoming Halloween party on October 29th from 4-7pm.

You’re invited!

Open House - Announcing the new Dysport
Halloween Theme, Costumes Welcome

Date: October 29, 2009
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Sponsored by Obagi and Medicis
Food and drinks provided

There will be discounts on Obagi products purchased that evening and discounts for Restylane, Perlane, and Dysport when you book your appointments that evening as well. Guests must be present to book appointments to receive discounts. There will be representatives on hand from numerous product lines to answer any questions you may have. In addition, there will be various discounts offered on Esthetician services. This is also a celebration of our one year anniversary in this office which we hit in July. We have since transferred to a paperless office and our proud to be converting to a greener office! This will create faster, more accurate services, reduced costs, and quicker access to information. Document security, easy information sharing, and electronic prescriptions right at our fingertips give ultimate patient satisfaction.

Please come and join us out our office at 360 Post Street, Suite 1005 on February 5th from 3-6pm for our Valentine’s Day Open House.  We will be launching several new products and procedures including Latisse, the new Allergan product which is the first FDA approved medication to grow longer, fuller and darker eyelashes! 

Also we are introducing ColoreScience mineral make-up.  Joining us for the open house will be a ColoreScience make-up artist to train on the correct use of the products.  In addition to the above launches, we will be adding new products from SkinMedica and Revale.  There will be discounts on all of these new products at the open house. 

Finally we will be offering discounts on Botox and Juvederm, as well as introducing new esthetician services. 

Beverages and appetizers will be catered.  Please come and join us.  To attend, kindly call 415-217-3880 to RSVP.

Please watch for Dr. Kwan on Comcast Newsmakers during the month of January.  The program is a 5 minute public affairs segment which is running on Comcast CNN Headline News at :24 and :54 every hour (except 4-11pm weekdays).  Dr. Kwan is speaking on the importance of patients to carefully select a provider to do laser skin treatments. 

Decorative tattoos have a history dating back at least 5000 years. The desire to remove them has probably existed for just as long. Early attempts to remove tattoos have had less than desirable results. The use of dermabrasion, saltabrasion and Argon or CO2 lasers have left behind scars in place of the tattoo.

The advent of Q-Switched lasers has permitted the removal of most tattoo inks with a very low risk of scarring. The Medlite Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser is the laser of choice in this class of laser. The Medlite can significantly lighten or remove a wide variety of tattoo inks.

How does the Medlite laser remove the tattoo?
The Medlite laser removes tattoo ink with the energy of light. A laser is a device which is designed to produce one or more specific wavelengths of light. Tattoo ink is removed by using this specific wavelength of light which passes into the skin, but is absorbed by the ink.The rapid absorption of light energy causes the tattoo ink to break into tiny particles which can then be removed by the body?ުs natural filtering systems. The Medlite laser provides maximum tattoo removal while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.

What type of tattoos can be removed?
The Medlite laser can remove professional, amateur (homemade), traumatic and surgical tattoos.

How many treatments will it take to remove a tattoo?
On the average, professional tattoos require 6-8 treatments, while amateur tattoos require 4-5 treatments, all spaced approximately 6-8 weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the amount and type of ink used, and the depth of the ink in the skin.

Does the laser remove colored tattoos?
Dark (blue, black) and red inks will resolve the best. Oranges and purples usually fade as well. Green and yellow inks are the most difficult to remove, and additional treatments are needed to produce significant fading.

Will the tattoo completely disappear?
In many cases, yes. Greater than 95% fading of the tattoo may be accomplished. However, it is important to know that there are many, many types of tattoo inks in use worldwide today, none of which are regulated by the FDA. Not knowing which tattoo ink was used, or how deeply it was applied, makes it impossible for the physician to predict the degree of removal on any given tattoo.

Is the process painful?
The Medlite laser emits light in very short pulses. The impact of the energy from the powerful pulse of light is similar to the snap of a small rubberband on the skin. The majority of patients do not require anesthesia, depending on the size and location of the tattoo. Anesthesia creams are available if needed.

What type of post-treatment care is necessary?
An antibacterial ointment and a dressing will be applied to the area immediately after treatment. Occasionally, there will be pinpoint bleeding associated with the treatment. The treated area should be kept clean. Follow your physicians instructions exactly as to what to do during the days following the procedure. A shower can be taken the next day, although the treated area should never be scrubbed. If a scab forms it is vital that you do not pick it or scratch it.

By Dr. Kwan

Almost everyone has a birthmark. Generally, birthmarks are small, and often located in inconspicuous areas covered by clothing. However, some birthmarks are clearly disfiguring, especially those that appear on the face and neck. These birthmarks can be a source of great psychological and social pain.

There are two basic types of birthmarks. Red or vascular birthmarks are caused by an irregularity in the blood vessels and are the most common type of birthmarks. Pigmented birthmarks, known as nevus (singular) or nevi (plural), are brown in color and may be very large. Many birthmarks fade before children reach school age, but more commonly, they remain if untreated.

Treatment can be accomplished with the Lasorscope laser system designed for Birthmark Removal. This procedure includes the treatment of light and dark skin tones, resulting in a higher level of patient satisfaction.

What to Expect:
(Immediately afterTreatment) Blanching/graying of the tissue immediately following laser application.

Expected Final Outcome:
May not be fully resolved. Requires multiple treatments. This procedure can be done on a lunch break and requires no recovery.

Please come and attend our Halloween Open House this Thursday the 23rd of October.  It will run from 3:30 til 6:00 pm.  We will be here to answer questions about all the cosmetic procedures that we perform in the office.  Representatives from several companies like Obagi, Medicis and Cynosure will be in attendance to also answer questions. 

This is our kick-off event for the holiday season.  Food and beverages will be catered by Premier Catering.  All are invited.

Plus we will be passing out $50 certificates that can be applied to any cosmetic service that Dr. Kwan performs.  And if you bring a friend, you and your friend will receive a $75 certificate. 

Hope to see you all here at the new office!!

Laser Skin Rejuvenation For Wrinkles & Acne Scars

Laser skin rejuvenation is one of the latest and most exciting cosmetic procedures available. This treatment is perfect for those looking for a safe, quick procedure to rejuvenate and revitalize the skin. Laser skin rejuvenation has become the procedure of choice among top celebrities, as well the working population who cannot afford time away from work to recover from more intense procedures, or who want a better solution to sun-damaged, aging or acne-scarred skin.

How does laser skin rejuvenation work?
Collagen provides the support network to our skin. As we age, the collagen breaks down causing lines and wrinkles. The laser works by stimulating collagen production. As the new collagen is generated, lines and wrinkles are decreased. Additionally, years of sun exposure can cause discoloration, large pores, and pigmented or red areas on the skin. Patients report, and studies have confirmed that this procedure achieves a more refreshed appearance, smoother skin texture, and even skin tone, and a decrease in pore size. Those with difficult acne scarring will also notice a marked improvement.

Why should I choose this procedure?
Because the action of laser skin rejuvenation is nonablative (does not remove any skin) there are many benefits over other traditional laser procedures. The laster treatment is quick and offers no downtime, you can immediately return to your normal activities. There is minimal discomfort, and a very low risk of any complications. Patients will experience progressive improvement over several months for fresh, natural look. Laser skin rejuvenation is compatible with a whole host of other cosmetic procedures so that maximum results can be achieved.

Is the procedure safe?
The Medlite laser used for skin rejuvenation is one of the safest lasers on the market today. In the hands of trained medical professionals, the Medlite laser offers a safe and effective treatment with very little risk of complications. Patients of all skin types can be safely treated, including tanned skin.

What body areas can be treated?
The laser can be used to rejuvenate many body areas including the face, hands, neck and chest.

How many treatments will I need?
Laser skin rejuvenation is a gradual process. Usually patients need 4-6 treatments spaced at 3-5 weeks apart. Many patients choose to return for touch-up treatments after the initial treatment session ends.

What does the procedure feel like?
Laser skin rejuvenation is not painful. Many describe the feeling as a tingling sensation. Anesthesia is usually not necessary, but you may request a topical cream depending on your own experience.

What can I expect after the treatment?
This procedure eliminates the recovery associated with other ablative laser skin resurfacing treatments. Laser skin rejuvenation does not remove any surface skin or cause any visible effect beyond a mild to moderate redness, which usually fades within an hour after treatment. No specific ca re is needed after treatment, you may be asked to avoid sun and some skin products for a period of time after the treatment. It is important follow to you physicians instructions exactly.

Botox is non-surgical and can dramatically smooth and reduce wrinkles in minutes. It is so quick that some people receive the treatment over their lunch hour and still have time to eat. Botox (a purified protein produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria) has been used safely by doctors for many years. This drug is used in tiny amounts and is injected into your muscles thereby weakening them so that they can’t cause wrinkles.

Botox - Wrinkle Treatment

BEFORE

Botox - Wrinkle Treatment

AFTER

Many wrinkles are actually creases that have been worn into the skin by making the same expression thousands of times. Repeated squinting and frowning can cause expression lines or dynamic wrinkling of the skin. Typical dynamic wrinkles include “frown lines” between the eyebrows, “crow’s feet” around the eyes, and forehead lines. Botox works by relaxing the muscles that cause these wrinkles. A small amount of Botox is injected right into the muscles that are responsible for creating these wrinkles. Botox effectively inactivates or relaxes these muscles, allowing your skin to rest, thereby causing lines to disappear or diminish. Your skin can then re-establish it’s youthful appearance.

Botox Video
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Botox History
It has been used for wrinkle therapy since the early 1990’s with no serious side effects documented. Botox is the fastest growing cosmetic procedure worldwide - women and men alike - who want to take control of their appearance and look as good as they feel. Botox has successfully been used for over ten years to treat other medical conditions such as blepharo spasm, spasticities in children and ophthalmic conditions such as muscle overactivity.

Can everyone do this?
Botox can be used by almost anyone. But patients who are pregnant, breast feeding or who have some neurological diseases shouldn’t use Botox.

Side Effects
Typically the amount of Botox and side effects and Botox danger remains low. Any Botox side effects can typically only last 6 months at a maximum, because Botox treatments are temporary. People with neuromuscular disorders should consult with their physician carefully before having a Botox injection treatment, as cardiovascular problems may arise. Likewise, those with cardiovascular disease should also pay special attention.

It is a natural response to assume there is some Botox injection danger with a prosuct derived from a toxin, but it is in fact very safe, and has been is use for some time. It is always prudent to review the Botox injection side effects and procedure so that any Botox injection danger is know and understood.

Some patients have been known to experience the side effects of Botox of bruisng at the site of the injection. The most common Botox side effects following the use of Botox Cosmetic for glabellar lines are headache (13.3%), respiratory infection (3.5%), temporary eyelid droop (3.2%), nausea (3.0%), and flu syndrome (2.0%). Blepharoptosis is consistent with the pharmacologic action of Botox Cosmetic and may be technique related. In rare occurences Botox cosmetic can spread into neighboring muscles and cause temporary paralysis. In less that 1% of patients, this can cause drooping of the eyelid.

Less frequently side effects of Botox occurring (<3%) adverse reactions included pain in the face, erythema at the injection site, and muscle weakness. These events are thought to be associated with the injection and occurred within the first week.

A proper daily skin care regimen can keep your skin appearing healthy, while protecting it from damaging elements such as pollution and ultraviolet radiation.

Your skin care regimen should include:

Daily Cleansing - both morning and evening to remove pollutants, excess oils and make up.

Moisturizing - applying a moisturizer directly after washing will replenish moisture loss and ease the appearance of aging.

Sunscreen - limiting your exposure to the sun and using a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher is an essential step to any healthy skin care routine. Individuals with melasma need to be even more aware of their exposure to sun. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of preferably SPF 30 or higher is recommended - and don’t forget that wide brim hat to shade your face.