Cosmetic Dermatologist NYC

Laser Scar Removal

Schweiger Dermatology — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:18:57 +0000

Surgical and traumatic scars can often end up being much bigger or more prominent than expected. Dr. Schewiger explains that, “For patients who want to improve the appearance of their scars, there are two options: surgical scar revision and laser scar treatments.” Surgical scar revision involves surgically removing the scar in a manner that will improve the final appearance. Laser scar treatments improve the appearance of the color and texture of the scar without surgery.

Fractional resurfacing lasers are the most effective laser treatments for improving the appearance of scars. Since fractional resurfacing lasers do not leave a scar behind, this is the closest possible treatment to “scar removal.” The Fraxel and Fractional CO2 lasers can be used to improve the appearance of these scars. These resurfacing lasers work by poking tiny microscopic holes into the skin, which stimulaties the production of healthy collagen to replace the scarred area of the skin. This process allows the scar to look more like the surrounding healthy skin.

Click here to read more about laser scar removal.

Top Skin Care Ingredient You Need to Know About: Micelle

Melissa Schweiger — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:45:20 +0000

If you are religious about keeping your skin clean, then you should know about micelle, an ingredient that helps gets complexions squeaky clean and debris-free. Micelle is a cluster of molecules that attracts and repels water at the same time. When micelle is applied to the skin, it instantly attracts any dirt, debris and makeup and grabs it away from the skin’s surface. For this reason, cleansers that contain micelle are ideal for removing makeup.

For optimal results, we suggest removing makeup with a micelle cleanser and then using an anti-aging or anti-acne (depending on your skin type) cleanser with a Clarisonic brush.

Want to try? Here are some of our favorite cleanser containing micelle: La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution, Bioderma Sensible H2O Micelle Solution and Lancome Eau Fraiche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water.

Best Eye Cream Ingredients

Schweiger Dermatology — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:49:49 +0000

With so many beauty choices in the department store, it is tricky to know what works and what doesn’t. Eye creams are no different. There are many “of the moment” ingredients that have yet to prove themselves, but these must be separated out from the effective ingredients scientifically proven to make a difference in your eye cream. Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Your eye cream should be moisturizing, the thin skin in this area can dry out quickly. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides help the skin to retain moisture. In addition to purely moisturizing, eye creams should have anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol, peptides and antioxidants. The eyes tend to lose fat and volume earlier than other areas, so it is important to do everything you can to keep your eyes looking great.”

Here is a quick list of ingredients to seek out when you are purchasing a new eye cream:

Hyaluronic acid: HA draws in moisture from outside of the skin and can hold onto a great deal of moisture in the skin.

Ceramides: Ceramides help to repair the barrier of the skin, to prevent moisture from leaving the skin.

Retinol: Retinols, and their prescription cousin retinoids, increase skin cell turnover. This allows increased production of collagen, which decreases fine lines and prevents future wrinkles. Retinol can be drying, so not everyone will be able to tolerate it in the eye area, but those who can tolerate the ingredient will benefit from its use.

Peptides: Peptides also stimulate collagen production, but are not as drying as retinol. Even patients with very sensitive skin will be able to tolerate peptides, and therefore see a decrease in fine lines.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants block free radical damage to the skin. This results in decreased collagen breakdown and improved skin quality.

Click here to read more about what to look for in your skin care products.

New Anti-Aging Treatment to Know: Laviv

Melissa Schweiger — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:56:11 +0000

There’s a new dermal filler on the market that fights wrinkles by using your own skin cells. Laviv is the first FDA-approved therapy to clone your skin’s collagen-producing cells to treat the nasolabial folds (aka laugh lines). The dermatologist takes a sample of your skin cells from behind the ear and sends them to the lab where the fibroblast cells (the cells responsible for producing collagen) are cultivated from your skin’s sample. The remaining cells are frozen for future use. Laviv labs send the doctor back a personalized treatment after about three months. The therapy is then injected into the wrinkles in three different sessions, time about three to six weeks apart.

Find out more information about booking an appointment for Laviv.

How To Treat Red Marks After Acne

Schweiger Dermatology — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:37:16 +0000

The most frustrating thing about acne is often the red mark left behind after the acne clears. Even our patients with very mild acne can experience this red acne mark left for months after a pimple clears. Dr. Schweiger explains that, “This phenomenon is called post-inflammatory erythema. Erythematous patches can be left behind after any inflammatory lesions; even our patients who have very mild acne are frustrated by the mark that the acne leaves behind.”

Post-inflammatory erythema tends to lighten over time, but it can take many months or years for it to clear on its own. A laser called the KTP Laser targets the hemoglobin (red cells) in the skin, which decreases the appearance of these unwanted red marks more quickly. Two to three treatments with the KTP Laser is generally sufficient to clear post-inflammatory erythema from recent acne marks. There is no downtime after the KTP Laser treatment; some patients have mild redness afterward, but no long-lasting downtime. All patients can return directly to work or social engagements after their KTP treatment for erythematous (red) acne marks.

Click here to read more about the KTP laser for red marks after acne.

What to Expect During: Botox Injections

Melissa Schweiger — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:06:14 +0000

Many patients wonder and imagine what the actual procedure will be like before they commit to a specific treatment. Whether you’re nervous about the needle itself or are concerned about the downtime, these factors can play into whether you decide to get a treatment or not. Here, a glance at what you will experience during a Botox injection:

Before: The dermatologist will discuss with you the areas that you feel would benefit from Botox injections. A good dermatologist will look at your face and figure out exactly where they will administer the injections. The doctor will either apply an anesthetic cream or give you an ice pack to gently numb the area. Many patients do not receive a numbing agent, as the needles used to inject Botox are very tiny and virtually painless.
During: The doctor will inject the muscles causing the wrinkles you want to get rid of several times. The injections themselves feel like little pin pricks.
After: There is usuallyy slight swelling at the injection site, which disappears after about 30 minutes. But there is no downtime. You can head back to the office or out to dinner.

Natural Lip Enhancement

Schweiger Dermatology — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:27:58 +0000

Many of our female patients want to have lip augmentation, but they are nervous that they will look “done” or that the lip enhancement will be obvious. The truth is that lip enhancement can be very subtle and still have a a positive effect on your appearance. Dermal fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm, are injected into the lip in order to improve the appearance of the lips. These fillers are sometimes used to correct uneven lips, but often they are used to improve the appearance of thin lips.

Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Dermal fillers, for example Restylane and Juvederm, can be injected very subtly into the lips to enhance their appearance without looking fake. Many young women wish that their lips were just a little bit plumper; Restylane or Juvederm injections can help them to get the look they desire.” Both Restylane and Juvederm are composed of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin. Lip enhancement lasts between 6-9 months.

Click here to read more about lip augmentation.

Anti-Aging Ingredient Focus: Epidermal Growth Factor

Melissa Schweiger — Fri, 11 May 2012 08:03:29 +0000

There has been a lot of recent buzz about a the anti-aging ingredient Epidermal Growth Factor. What is it exactly and how does it work? Epidermal (meaning skin) Growth Factor is naturally found in our bodies and stimulates cellular growth, which is important for obtaining young and glowing skin. As we get older, the skin does not renew itself as often and therefore loses its suppleness and elasticity leading to wrinkles, fine lines and dull skin. Some skincare companies have found a way to topically deliver EGF to the skin.

We believe that the best way to keep skin looking its healthiest is by a combination of topical treatments and in-office procedures such as laser, Botox and dermal fillers.

Want to check out Epidermal Growth Factor on yourself? Try the new Bioeffect Serum from Iceland has fast become a favorite of skincare junkies and celebrities.

What is the Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant?

Schweiger Dermatology — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:06:56 +0000

Deodorant and antiperspirant are often confused. It is importance to know the difference, especially for patients with excessive sweating. Antiperspirants prevent sweating, while deodorants prevent odor from sweating. Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Antiperspirants contain an aluminum-based ingredient, which causes the sweat ducts to close. Deodorants contain ingredients that neutralize the odor of sweat. Many patients experiencing hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, find that deodorants and antiperspirants are not enough to control their sweating. These patients can benefit from treatment with prescription antiperspirants, such as Drysol, or Botox treatment.”

Botox injections for the treatment of hyperhidrosis works by blocking the neurotransmitters that stimulate the sweat glands to produce sweat. One treatment can control excessive sweating for up to 6 months.

Click here to read more about Botox treatment for excessive sweating.

Anti-Aging Solutions: A Younger Looking Jawline

Melissa Schweiger — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:01:51 +0000

As we age, our faces begin to change shape. We lose volume in some areas of the face, such as the cheeks and under the eyes, while other areas become fuller. One area that falls prey to aging is the jawline, which becomes less defined and starts blending into the neck area and starts to look like a double chin. So how to remedy the problem without undergoing a full-on neck lift, which is incredibly invasive and costly? Schweiger Dermatology suggests Thermage, which utilizes radio frequency to tighten and tone the skin. This treatment works best when done on skin that is not yet fully sagging. Thermage is an effective preventative measure.

Another route to take is Botox injections on the jawline. When used on the jawline, Botox works to freeze the muscles that are pulling the skin down while the muscles that keep the skin up become strengthened.