Category Archives: Cosmetic Treatments

Who Is a Good Candidate for Juvederm® Volux™?

Dermal Fillers, , , ,

Although you may have heard about this revolutionary new facial filler, you may be wondering: “Am I a good candidate for Juvederm® Volux™?” Our Albuquerque, NM-based The Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants is now offering this filler for jawline contouring—and is at the frontline of the new treatment for New Mexico.

A person’s jawline has a major impact on their appearance. Juvederm® Volux™ is the newest addition to the family of Juvederm® fillers and the first injectable hyaluronic acid filler to receive FDA-approval for enhancing the jawline area specifically.

Plenty of people wish that their jawline had a more chiselled appearance, but—due mostly to genetics—they may have a weak or recessed bone structure in the lower face. Aging can also cause the jawbone to lose volume. Alternatively, some people already have a fairly defined jawline, but want to give it a more sculpted look.

Volux™ has been approved for addressing moderate to severe loss of jawline definition. Some of the ways Juvederm®Volux™ can enhance your look include:

• Improving harmony by altering facial proportions

• Giving the jawline a more sculpted or defined appearance 

• Making the facial structure look more masculine

• Lifting the jawline to achieve a more youthful appearance

• Adding more definition to a chin that is “weak” or recessed 

• Addressing the appearance of jowls

Almost anyone over the age of 21 could be a good candidate for this filler, though those who are allergic to ingredients in Volux™ or who have a history of allergic reactions to other hyaluronic acid fillers may need to explore other options. 

One of the characteristics of Juvederm® Volux™ that sets it apart from other fillers is that it has a greater level of structure, cohesivity, and lift capacity. This makes it ideal for achieving a more chiselled jawline. In fact, Volux™ is significantly firmer than Voluma™, which used to be the thickest filler in the collection.

Our certified nurse injector Bianca Meza was part of an exclusive group of nurse injectors nationwide who were given early access to training in Juvederm® Volux™.

Interested in Volux™ and what this new filler can help you to achieve? The team at The Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants can explain more. If you have questions or would like to find out more about how this jawline filler works, call us at 505-855-9267 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation. 

3 Myths About BOTOX®

BOTOX, Cosmetic Treatments,

It’s often impossible to fully avoid wrinkles—even if you do all the right things, like vigilantly applying sunscreen. All the small movements we make with our faces each day while talking to others, communicating our emotions through facial expressions, and other activities will eventually result in the development of expression wrinkles. There’s a simple way to temporarily soften these wrinkles and restore a younger appearance—BOTOX®—but there are also many myths circulating about this treatment. Because of the rumor mill, it can often be difficult to know what’s true and what’s false. One of the biggest questions many patients have is: Will I look frozen with BOTOX®? Our Albuquerque, NM-based patients frequently ask us this when they’re considering injectables to reduce facial wrinkles.

With that in mind, here’s what you should know about the myth of BOTOX® making you look expressionless—as well as other common myths about this treatment. 

Myth 1: BOTOX® Gives You a “Robotic” Look 

There’s a common misconception that your face will look “frozen,” “unnatural,” or “tight” after you’ve had wrinkle injections. When BOTOX® is performed by a skilled, experienced injector who does it correctly, the results can actually look very subtle. It may even be difficult for others to tell that you’ve had it, even if they see that you look refreshed or even younger. It’s important to use small amounts of BOTOX® and have it injected into the right areas so that the face is still able to move normally. 

Myth 2: Wrinkles Will Get Worse if You Stop Using BOTOX®

It’s true that your wrinkles will come back if you stop using BOTOX®, but you don’t need to worry about lines developing faster and worse than they were before. This isn’t the case. In fact, consistent long-term BOTOX® use may even “train” your muscles to relax more, making wrinkles less visible even if you eventually stop treatments.

Myth 3: BOTOX® Injections Will Be Painful

BOTOX® is injected with a very fine needle, and most patients say it causes less discomfort when compared to most other cosmetic treatments. Some patients say they feel a slight pinching or stinging sensation during injections, but the solution itself is not painful. There are only mild, temporary side effects as well.

Our team at The Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants will take all of the steps to ensure that your results from wrinkle injections look as subtle and natural as possible. Call us at 505-855-9267 or submit a contact form to request a consultation if you’re searching for the most effective techniques to soften facial wrinkles. 

How Do You Prevent Sleep Wrinkles?

Cosmetic Treatments, Dermal Fillers, ,

Injectables are commonly used for targeting different types of wrinkles, which leads many people to wonder: Can fillers help sleep lines? Our Albuquerque, NM-based team at Western Dermatology Consultants explains that hyaluronic acid facial fillers such as the Juvederm® collection—and other treatments—can be helpful for softening sleep wrinkles on the face. Here’s what you should know. 

Chronological aging causes wrinkles to develop on the face and elsewhere, but there are also some lesser-known, more recently discovered causes of lines and creases in the skin that patients should be aware of. Too much unprotected sun exposure is one of the most likely causes of premature aging, since the ultraviolet radiation burns the skin, causing lasting damage that can result in the development of wrinkles and pigmented spots. 

The constant movements of the skin during facial expressions—such as frowning, smiling, squinting, and blinking—also stretch the skin and can cause certain types of wrinkles called dynamic wrinkles to form.

Sleep wrinkles, however, are caused by constant pressure when you press your face against a solid surface while you’re sleeping. In fact, skin care professionals now believe that the “way” you sleep is the second-most external cause of wrinkles, after sun exposure.

Sometimes when we wake up in the morning, the first thing we notice is “pillow face.” These lines and creases result from the position we slept in the night before, and they usually fade within a few moments. Over time, however, wrinkles can get etched into your skin. We spend thousands of hours asleep each year, during which our faces are squished into pillows or moved around, creating friction when the skin can’t glide easily against fabrics. 

To address these sleep wrinkles, injectable fillers plump the tissue beneath the skin, making it smoother and more even. Chemical peels promote collagen production and skin cell turnover to soften wrinkles.

Focusing on prevention is also important. Since sleep wrinkles occur due to the position of the skin and pressure from high-friction fabrics, use silk or satin pillowcases that slide easily against the skin rather than gripping it. You should also sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your hands. 

Learn more from the Albuquerque, NM-based The Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants. For more information about reducing wrinkles with facial fillers, call us at 505-855-9267 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation with us. 

3 Interesting Facts about Facial Fillers

Blog, Cosmetic Treatments, Dermal Fillers,

Many of the visible changes that occur in the skin as you age—such as wrinkles and hollowed or flattened areas in the midface—develop because of a loss of volume. In addition to a decline in collagen over time, our skin also loses moisture and a significant percentage of facial fat as we age. Dermal fillers—one of the most well-known options for temporarily improving facial contours and lines—are injected beneath the skin’s surface to essentially “replace” the volume that has been lost. These small injections are ideal for enhancing the appearance of the skin. They can also be used to maximize the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections when combined. Considering all of this, the first thing on your mind when you’re thinking about having a cosmetic treatment may be a common question: Is it worth getting fillers? Our Albuquerque, NM-based team believes that these injectable treatments can be highly beneficial for many patients, making them well worth the effort.

See below for some of the most fascinating facts about fillers you may not have heard before. These interesting tidbits can help you understand the treatment better, as well as inform you as you consider your options for facial rejuvenation.

1. Dermal Fillers Can Be Natural or Synthetic

Many of the most common facial fillers contain naturally derived substances. For instance, most formulas contain hyaluronic acid, which is a version of the same molecule your body produces to regulate moisture in the skin and lubricate tissues in the body. Hyaluronic acid can hold onto 1,000 times its own weight in water. 

2. Results Are Visible Right Away

Everyone wants fast results from cosmetic treatments if possible. Unlike botulinum toxin injections, which can take several days to start having a visible effect, the impact of facial fillers is visible almost as soon as the injections are finished. Patients may sometimes experience swelling that can initially obscure the results and make the treatment area look slightly overinflated, but this will resolve on its own after a few days and reveal more pleasing contours.

3. They Produce Natural Looking Results 

Since many fillers are made of naturally derived substances, this means your skin will look and feel natural after a treatment session. Our experienced injectors used advanced techniques to make results look subtle. 

Is it worth it getting fillers? Our team at the Albuquerque, NM-based Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants is available to answer any of the questions you might have about these treatments. Call us at 505-855-9267 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation. 

Trick Your Fat and Treat Your Body at Our Special CoolSculpting® Elite Event on Oct. 19

CoolSculpting, Cosmetic Treatments, , , ,

Do you have a bulge or pocket of fat so resistant to diet and exercise that it’s practically scary? Make it disappear once and for all this spooky season with the most effective fat reduction techniques available at the Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants. It’s wicked easy to get rid of fat you don’t want on a “problem area,” using fat-freezing technology designed to target, then flush out unwanted fat cells, leaving you with slimmer, more defined contours. The treatment, known as CoolSculpting®, recently got an “upgrade” with CoolSculpting® Elite. But is CoolSculpting® Elite better than CoolSculpting®? Our Albuquerque, NM-based team invites you to learn the answer and discover more about the advanced form of CoolSculpting® by RSVPing for our special CoolSculpting® Elite Event to be held shortly!

The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. at our practice. Guests will be offered free consultations with our CoolSculpting® specialist, free treats will be provided for everyone, PatientFi financing will be available, and every purchase of eight CoolSculpting® treatments will come with a free Firm & Tone lotion ($200 value). 

CoolSculpting® Elite is FDA-cleared for the reduction of visible (pinchable, below-the-skin fat) that doesn’t respond to dietary changes and exercise. The treatment is approved for nine areas of the body, including under the jawline, under the chin, the upper arms, back, bra areas, flanks, abdomen, thighs, and below the butt. CoolSculpting® Elite features two applicators per machine, so it treats twice as much fat at one time when compared to the traditional approach. Its applicators also have an innovative C shape to increase the amount of fat they can treat. Applicators are available in different sizes and shapes for an improved fit and comfort 

Even if you’re active and in great shape, resistant fat can be a problem. Treat yourself to noticeably slimmer results with CoolSculpting®. Register now for our CoolSculpting® Elite Event, since limited spots are available. 

For more information about the event, fat-freezing treatments, or other body contouring options, the Western Dermatology Consultants team can explain more. Call us at 505-855-9267 to RSVP for the CoolSculpting® Elite Event or contact us to schedule a consultation if you would like to visit and develop a personalized plan.

CoolSculpting® vs. CoolSculpting® Elite: What’s the Difference?

CoolSculpting, Cosmetic Treatments, , ,

Given recent advances in the fat-freezing technology, the question many of our patients have been asking is: What is the difference between CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite? Here’s what Albuquerque, NM, patients should know about these treatments if they’re trying to determine which one is best for them. 

CoolSculpting® is a non-surgical body contouring technique that solves the problem of localized fat bulges by killing fat cells in isolated areas of the body—without affecting surrounding tissues. A newer version of the treatment is called CoolSculpting® Elite.

The two procedures work the same way: by cooling fat cells beneath the skin to a temperature that causes them to freeze. Once the cells have been killed, they are flushed out of the body by natural metabolic processes. 

This is an effective treatment strategy because even after losing weight and reducing that number on the scale through healthy lifestyle changes, it can still be difficult to get the body shape you’ve always wanted. Spot reduction—which is the theory that you can target fat loss on specific body parts by doing exercises, such as crunches to get flat abs—has been disproven. Doing exercises on specific areas can indeed enhance the shape and build muscles on those areas, but when we lose fat by creating a calorie deficit, energy is drawn from the body as a whole rather than only the areas you’re working on. That means you’re not guaranteed to lose fat from those areas.

Both types of CoolSculpting® do help to reduce this type of fat. There are some differences between the treatments, however.

CoolSculpting® Elite offers enhanced fat reduction results when compared to traditional CoolSculpting®. This is because of the more compact and efficient design of the machine. The newer design features C-shaped cup applicators as opposed to the U-shaped applicators of traditional CoolSculpting® devices. The C shape provides better tissue contact, increased suction, more even cooling, and faster treatment times. In fact, the C-shaped applicators can treat up to 18 percent more surface area at one time. Additionally, due to the dual applicator capacity of CoolSculpting® Elite, two areas can be treated simultaneously during a single treatment to double the results in half the time. 

Want to know more about the difference between CoolSculpting® and CoolSculpting® Elite? The team at the Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants can explain more about how these treatments work. Call us at 505-855-9267 or submit a contact form to schedule a consultation. 

Why Facial Exercises Don’t Help with Wrinkles

BOTOX, Cosmetic Treatments,

The concept of “exercising” the face to reduce signs of aging has become very popular in recent times and has been promoted by many celebrities. As our skin loses elasticity over time, it can be challenging to maintain a youthful appearance, so many people are searching for new ways to maintain supple, smooth skin. Those people also tend to prefer solutions that are as natural as possible. Certain facial exercises are supposedly designed to slim the cheeks and reduce wrinkles, and supporters of this method believe that by strengthening muscles you add definition to the face to counteract the deflation of skin. In reality, there is little to no scientific evidence showing that these exercises help you achieve any improvement. The truth is that these facial exercises should not be thought of as a replacement for wrinkle relaxers. As our Albuquerque-based team puts it: They’re ultimately just a fad. In fact, dermatologists know that these exercises won’t have any benefit—and can actually do more harm than good.

We know that regularly exercising other areas of the body keeps us fit and looking younger. For people who want slimmer, more defined cheeks, however, repetitive muscle movements won’t be of any help. While exercise strengthens muscles and burns calories, we can’t control where those calories come from. In other words, we can’t determine from where we lose fat. As spot reduction isn’t possible, exercising the face won’t make the cheeks smaller. Even if the muscles temporarily become bigger, the effect is only temporary. 

When it comes to wrinkles, facial exercises may also have the undesirable effect of making the face look older. Facial muscles are attached to the skin and stretch it in various directions. Since muscle movement is what causes many wrinkles to form in the first place, the repetitive contractions from movements such as frowning, smiling, or pursing the lips may only cause wrinkles to develop at a faster rate or make existing lines deeper and more visible. 

The better thing to do is find your most relaxed facial expression and focus on maintaining that. Moisturize, apply sunscreen each day, and use BOTOX® to relax overworked facial muscles. 

For more information, contact The Spa @ Western Dermatology Consultants. Call 505-855-9267 or submit a contact formto meet with us.