Don't put too much emphasis on the technology. Evaluate the operator.

Dr. Graham makes periodic contributions to online patient information websites. RealSelf.com is one such site where many people write questions for panels of cosmetic physicians.

One of the most frequently misunderstood topics concerns patients choosing the right laser or other device for a skin condition such as wrinkles. "Should I chose Brand X or Brand Z for my laser treatments?"

Our humorous response to this question for a long time has been, "you need to consider more carefully the witch or the warlock, than which brand of wand they use." You will obtain the best results with the best diagnosis and proper treatment(s) regardless of the brand of laser your surgeon uses. It matters how the device is used and the selection of the appropriate devices. Of course, sometimes the answer from an experienced surgeon may be that lasers won't give you the results you expect, but that facelift or other surgery is your best answer.

Pillow to Prevent Wrinkles? Come By And See the "Save My Face! Pillow"

O.K., everyone knows that Dr. Graham and his staff offer a number of ways to treat facial wrinkles (professional skin care, Botox & Dysport, HA fillers, laser peels and facelifts).

But did you knoe there is a "pillowette" marketed to avoid the squeezing and compression of you facial skin while you sleep? It's called the "Save My Face! pillow. It is designed to cradle your face while sleeping on your back or sides in a way that reduces the pressure pushing your skin forward and down towards your mouth area.

Erin, one of our Skin Care Specailists, found this product and we're offering them to our clients and patients. Come by and see the "Save My Face!" pillow.

Learn more at www.SaveMyFace.com

Laser Resurfacing: How to Smooth Rough Skin

Medical lasers do a wide variety of things, depending on wavelength, power delivery, etc. We have a number of lasers available to treat conditions ranging from acne, roseacea, unwanted hair, to skin looseness. One impressive thing they accomplish is to smooth the surface of rough, coarse, wrinkled skin. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/laser.html#laser-skin-resurfacing

Dr. Graham and our certified nurse practitioner (Janice Sasser, RN, NP-C) both offer laser treatments, from minor to extensive, under safe conditions and appropriate anesthesia.

More superficial lines will be treated with an anesthetic cream and surface cooling devices. Eye protection is always used. The recovery time is a few days. These treatments are good for mild-to-moderate lines, short recovery times, and patients considering staged treatments. Deep lines will be treated with local or general anesthesia. Recovery time is several days to two weeks. These treatments give more effects and have more recovery.

We will often suggest that laser skin resurfacing be done in conjunction with other helpful procedures. Active muscles contracting skin in areas like the "crow's feet" should be diminished by neurotoxin (Botox, Dysport) to enhance your laser wrinkle treatment. Lines around the mouth can also benefit from hyaluronic acid fillers (Perlane, Juvederm) or fat grafts, (and maybe a little neurotoxin). Chin lines can also benefit from HA filler. Lines beyond the corners of the mouth may benefit, if other indications exist, from a facelift. Finally old, deep acne scarring in some adults can be helped by both laser and facelift. These options are discussed during your consultation. We are always happy to inform.

If you have more questions, call us at 864-676-1707
Or E-mail through our web site or at info@expertplasticsurgeon.com

Our Skin Care Specialists and Obagi Prescription Products

Our experienced Skin Care Specialists have the knowledge and understanding that are important to help you get the best looking skin.

Erin and Stacy are both licensed estheticians who carefully evaluate your skin history, medical history and prior products. They suggest the most appropriate treatment program for your concerns; whether it is blotchy pigmentation, diffuse hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, fine lines, crinkly texture, etc. They see you periodically to evaluate the progress and adjust the program so you'll get the best results.

Obagi Nu-Derm works in and below the dermis of the skin, something department store non-prescription products can't do. It increases epidermal cell turn-over, allowing new cells to reach the surface quickly giving the skin a smooth, even texture. It distributes melanin evenly to reduce brown spots, and increases collagen and elastin in the dermis for firmer, more supple skin. Finally it increases blood flow for a healthy glow. Therefore you get firmer skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, fewer brown spots, and less acne.

Dysport is new Botox alternative. More news

Since my recent post (June 13th) about the new FDA approval of Dysport as an alternative to Botox, I found another media mention in the Washington Post. My website discussion of neurotixins applies equally to Botox and Dysport. http://www.expertplasticsurgeon.com/html/injectables.html#botox

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/22/AR2009052202257.html