More Botox FAQ’s

Posted on May 2, 2012 by admin

Although I have written extensively about Botox in this blog, I still receive many questions about Botox and its use.  Here are some of the questions I have been asked over the past several weeks:

I understand what Botox is, but how does it work?

Botox is a protein which works by temporarily blocking a nerve ending, stopping the signal, between a nerve and a muscle, that causes muscle movement.  This nerve blockade results in a relaxation of the offending muscle and typically lasts about 3 months.

Is Botox safe?

Botox has been used for eye, nerve and muscle treatments.  For over ten years now, doctors have injected Botox hundreds of thousands of times.  In fact, Botox injections have been consistently ranked as the most common cosmetic medical procedure in the world.  I personally have injected Botox in several hundred people every year with minimal side effects.  The most common side effect is usually local bruising at the injection sites, which clears up in a few days.

Are the Botox injections painful?

Botox injections are administered into the skin through a very small needle about the size of needles diabetics use to inject insulin.  Many people feel a mild sensation, similar to a bug bite, followed by pressure.  Redness at the site is usually short-lived and easily covered by makeup.  I frequently call it the “black fly bite look”.

Will Botox help my headaches?

Botox is FDA-approved for the treatment of migraine headaches, although I have yet to find an insurance company that will cover this therapy.  Many migraine patients who receive Botox for cosmetic reasons between the eyes notice a significant drop in the intensity and frequency of their migraines.  Many others who have tension headaches and headache from eye strain also notice substantial improvements with Botox therapy.

Will Botox make my face look frozen?

When I inject the usually recommended doses of Botox to the facial muscles, contraction of muscles that produce wrinkles is prevented, but the person is still able to make natural facial expressions.  My goal is always to use minimal dosage of Botox, which will allow natural appearance but will avoid the frozen look of some Hollywood stars.  Most of my patients say that very few people will ever spot the fact that they use Botox, mostly they are told that they look relaxed.

What actually causes my frown lines, forehead lines, and smile lines or crow’s feet?

These types of wrinkles or lines are called dynamic wrinkles.  Lines on the upper face are caused by overuse of certain muscles that are used to make facial expressions.  Squeezing the muscles between the eyes can cause “scowl lines” to appear, which makes people look angry even when they are not.  Repeatedly raising your eyebrows can cause horizontal forehead lines and make people appear older.  “Crow’s feet” due to repeated smiling and animated facial expressions radiate from the corners of the eyes and also contribute to appearing older.

Can Botox be used to prevent new wrinkles from forming?

When Botox is used to target muscles of facial expression, it can be considered a preventive measure.  Many people frequently tell me that everybody older than them in their families have certain lines between or around the lines.  In those cases, I can target the offending muscles as soon as the earliest sign of lines begins to appear with appropriate injections.  Also, if Botox is consistently injected every 3-4 months or as soon as the effects of Botox begin to wear off, the facial expression muscles will become weaker and the deep furrows caused by the muscles will fade away.  Preventing facial lines will promote a younger and more relaxed look.

 

I know there are more questions about Botox, and I would be happy to answer them not only during office visits, but also on the comments section of this blog, and on our Facebook page.  Thank you, and I look forward to reading your questions and comments.

Posted in Botox, Facial Health | Leave a comment

Say Goodbye To Crow’s Feet

Posted on April 11, 2012 by admin

Crow’s feet (also known more kindly as smile lines) are those fine lines that develop at the corners of the eyes and can radiate out as far as the temples.  Contrary to popular belief, they are not caused solely by smiling too much.  They really result from collagen loss around the eyes, and are even more aggravated by smoking, squinting, sun damage, and the overall aging process.

Fortunately, you know by now that if there were no treatment for crow’s feet, I would not go through the trouble of writing this blog post about the subject.  Advances in skin care technology allow Maine Laser Skin Care to combat crow’s feet in a variety of ways:

1.)  Injectable Treatment- Physical movement caused by squinting and smiling can cause crow’s feet to develop in people’s faces even as early as in their 20′s.  One technique to prevent lines from forming is by halting or impeding the movement of the orbicularis oculae, which is the circular muscle around the eye.  Botox is the gold standard treatment for slowing this muscle with very predictable results and at relatively small doses.  The Botox effect lasts at least 3 months.  You will still be able to smile, but since the muscle is weakened, the lines do not persist.

2) Laser-  Laser techniques can stimulate collagen production in the thinning skin around the eyes. Since collagen provides the supporting structure under the skin, new and more abundant collagen creates a more youthful appearance.

3) Radio Frequency-  The newest addition to the fight against crow’s feet is a technique that uses radio frequency waves to tighten collagen around the eyes.  Recently approved by the FDA, Pellevé uses the heat produced under the skin by radio frequency to treat existing collagen and stimulate new production reducing the appearance of crow’s feet.  I will be writing more about the advantages of Pellevé soon, but the most exciting benefit is that I can treat much closer to the eyes than ever before to reduce both the bagginess and dark circles under the eyes, as well as smile lines.

I hope that this summary helps gives you hope about the battle against the aging process, especially around the eyes.  Give Becky or Denise call at (207) 873-2158 to set up a consultation and you can see how Maine Laser Skin Care can help you look better and feel better too.

Posted in Botox, Facial Health, Laser Treatments, Pellevé, Youthful Appearance | Leave a comment

Fighting Acne Using Light

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

For those of you who regularly read these e-newsletters or our blog, you probably already know that acne plagues adults as well as teenagers.  You probably also read that many over-the-counter creams and ointments don’t work as well as advertised.  Well, what if I told you that Maine Laser Skin Care can combat acne using artificial light?

Sound too good to be true?  Keep reading.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) therapy is the latest non-invasive treatment for acne.  We have now introduced this cutting edge treatment to the armamentarium of strategies that Maine Laser Skin Care offers to keep you looking your best.  I have been looking into this therapy for some time, and have obtained the gold standard of LED light therapy in OMNILUX.

What exactly is OMNILUX light therapy for acne?  OMNILUX BLUE is a light source that is specially tuned to activate natural chemicals found in the acne bacteria that cause the skin redness associated with acne.  When stimulated by the (guess what color) blue wavelength, these chemicals will naturally destroy the bacteria.

OMNILUX REVIVE is a red wavelength light with a less-obvious name.  It is used in combination with OMNILUX BLUE and stimulates cells in the body that will help the healing process and reduce the inflammation around acne lesions.

Both OMNILUX BLUE and REVIVE are safe and harmless to the skin.  These wavelengths of light work naturally with your body to destroy acne bacteria and promote the healing response.  The only safety measure needed is to wear goggles to protect your eyes from the light intensity.

The actual treatment is relatively simple.  First, you must remove all makeup and sunblock before the treatment.  Then, you will lie down on the treatment table with safety goggles in place.

The light emitter will then be positioned close to your face and you will be treated for 20 minutes.  Alternating treatment of blue and red LED light therapy will work in combination to destroy acne causing bacteria and reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne.

The treatment protocol calls for two treatments per week for four weeks with alternating BLUE and RED light therapy.  Optimal results will be seen four to eight weeks after the completion of 8 treatments.

The light received during the therapy stimulates natural processes that continue to promote anti-inflammatory effects and healing well after the treatment is stopped.  The patients we have personally treated so far have experienced considerable decreases in acne breakouts and reduced oiliness and redness of the skin.

We are proud to offer the latest in light therapy, especially for the treatment and prevention of the stubborn and common problem of acne.  Give Becky a call at (207) 873-2158 to discuss the cutting edge addition to our skin care, and our introductory packages and prices.

Posted in Acne, Facial Health, News | Leave a comment

Stretch Marks Should Not Strain You

Posted on March 28, 2012 by admin

Millions of people, male and female, have stretch marks.  It’s safe to say, however, that no one wants them.  Stretch marks, or striae as they are known by their proper medical term, are a form of scar caused by the skin stretching beyond the normal limits of its natural flexibility.  They occur as a result of abrupt changes in the skin.

Stretch marks are most commonly associated with pregnancy aftermath, but can really form anytime the skin adjusts to accommodate any person’s weight gains and losses, from puberty to muscle formation and reduction.  Understanding the cause and nature of stretch marks, let alone the normality of them, does not change the embarrassment people feel about these repugnant skin transformations.

Despite advertisements to the contrary, topical treatments in the form of creams and ointments simply do not work.  Topical therapies do not address the fact that stretch marks involve scarring through multiple levels of the skin.

The one treatment that is FDA-approved to treat stretch marks is fractional resurfacing lasers such as Fraxel.  Fraxel works through each skin layer to change the superficial discoloration appearance of the scars, and stimulate the collagen layers to tighten and heal them.

Here at Maine Laser Skin Care, I have performed numerous Fraxel treatments on stretch marks with excellent and very satisfying aesthetic results.  Stretch marks on any part of the body, from abdomens and thighs to upper arms and shoulders, are treated by Fraxel with minimal downtime.

Color and texture of the skin in the striae areas are also improved.  By delivering an array of highly precise microbeams of laser to create deep but narrow columns of coagulation into the epidermis and dermis, the Fraxel combats all of the scarring elements that make stretch marks look unsightly.

If you or someone you know and love have embarrassing stretch marks, call us at (207) 873-2158 to make an appointment for a free consultation.  We can discuss all aspects of treatment and outcomes and deal with this stubborn problem for good.

Posted in Laser Treatments, Scar Removal, Youthful Appearance | 1 Comment

When Adults Break Out

Posted on March 21, 2012 by admin

Everyone knows that pimples and zits are common among teenagers, with some having it worse than others.  Unfortunately, acne does not really go away after the high school prom or the graduation gown is turned in.

Up to 50% of adult women will have to deal with acne at some time in their post-teenage years.  Treatment of acne as an adult presents different challenges because adult women are also dealing with other skin issues including wrinkles, sun damage, and dryness.

Teenage acne is driven by the hormonal surges of puberty.  Adult acne is also affected by hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout a woman’s reproductive life.  Even during menopause, skin changes can increase oil production and cause outbreaks.

While there is no cure for adult acne, at least not yet, it can be treated and kept under control.  No matter what your age is when you break out, the most efficacious and cost-effective treatment is the Burke Stop-Adult-Acne Plan:

Step 1: Gently wash your skin with the “right stuff”.  Washing your face too aggressively can make acne worse by irritating and inflaming already sensitive skin.  I generally recommend a salicylic acid wash, which loosens up dead skin clogging pores and frees up sebum, or skin oil, that can be trapped underneath.  Since salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, it can break the cycle of skin reaction and help prevent future breakouts.

Step 2: Don’t forget to moisturize.  Many acne treatments, especially over-the-counter products, can dry out the skin.  Older skin also tends to become dryer anyway, and use of the typical teenage products on older skin can lead to excessive dryness and irritation.  I generally recommend light formulations that can hydrate the skin without increasing oil, such as Clarifying Moisturizer.

Step 3: Get rid of that spot.  Sometimes, there is just one or a small number of pesky spots that break out with monthly hormonal changes, even if you are doing all the right things for the rest of your skin.  In these cases, I highly recommend our Overnight Spot Treatment, which some patients have described as “almost miraculous”.  Treat that active pimple, or that spot that feels like a pimple is brewing, before bedtime.  A localized drying will occur overnight, which will make the treated area look better in the morning.

Step 4: Do not (under any circumstances) pick or pop those pimples!  I know it is tempting, but popping pimples causes scars to form.  While zits are bad, you don’t want to live with unfortunate permanent reminders of those temporary cosmetic inconveniences.

Step 5: Sometimes you need to see the doctor.  If none of the above measures work to your satisfaction, you may need a professional evaluation.  Being upgraded to prescription strength treatments or light-based therapy (laser and/or new LED blue light therapies) may be necessary in your case.  In fact, Maine Laser Skin Care is about to roll out the latest in LED therapy for acne, and I will discuss this advancement further in a future newsletter once we have finished staff training.

I hope this information helps with your choices in acne therapy for yourself or someone you know and love.  Click on the links above to order specific products, or call Becky at (207) 873-2158 to discuss further details or ask specific questions.

Posted in Acne, Facial Health | Leave a comment

Breaking Down Rosacea

Posted on March 7, 2012 by admin

While I have written several previous posts regarding rosacea, new groundbreaking research that may affect future treatment is ongoing.  As a reminder, rosacea is a chronic skin disorder of the face, characterized by flushing, persistent redness, development of pimple-like areas and permanent visible blood vessels.  This is a very common condition affecting up to 10% of the U.S. population, with three times more women affected than men.

New research has uncovered some of the possible causes of rosacea, which will hopefully lead to new treatments to prevent the pattern of acne-like lesions and visible blood vessel formation.  The most interesting area of research relates to the immune system and its effects on the skin.

We all have a physical and chemical barrier within our skin that prevents pathogens, such as bacteria, from invading the skin.  If a pathogen penetrates the barrier, a genetic pattern recognition system kicks in and activates an immune response, consisting of inflammatory cells, and production of what are called antimicrobial peptides, or AMPs.

These AMPS can act directly on bacteria like a natural antibiotic, or can signal to other parts of the immune system that a response is needed.  One particular form of AMP called cathelicidin generates the growth of blood vessels in an affected area of skin.

According to one current theory, rosacea may be caused by an overactive response of the immune system with increased cathelicidin production.  The more catheliciden that is produced, the more blood vessels are created, and the redder the face becomes as a result.

An active area of new research will be to find a treatment for this overactive skin immune response.  It will probably entail targeting the production of these AMPs, specifically cathelicidin.  However, no such treatment yet exists, and may not be able to undo already-existing blood vessels that are present.

Physical interventions such as lasers will still be necessary to resolve pre-existing facial blood vessels, but at least there is hope for prevention if this line of research pans out into treatment.  As always, I will be try to keep you up to date on areas new developments on this and other areas of skin care.

Posted in Facial Health, Rosacea | Leave a comment

Botox Treats Excessive Sweating

Posted on February 15, 2012 by admin

As many of you know, Botox is a very versatile medication for treating facial wrinkles.  Not as well known is that Botox is also used to treat an excessive sweating condition called hyperhidrosis, which occurs in the area under the arm, including the armpit.  In fact, in 2004, the FDA approved Botox for use in the underarm or axillary areas for patients unable to obtain relief using even the strongest antiperspirants.

Very soon after Botox’s FDA approval for treating hyperhidrosis, I became certified to administer Botox by the International Hyperhidrosis Society.  I remain one of only two doctors in Maine who have earned that certification.

Research has shown that treating the underarms and even the hands, feet and face for excessive sweating with Botox is safe and effective.  In one clinical study involving 322 patients with severe underarm sweating, 81% experienced reduced sweating by more than 50% for at least 3 months after receiving Botox injections.  Half of all the patients in the study showed improvement lasting up to 7 months.

This phenomenon was initially noticed by people receiving Botox treatments for facial wrinkles.  As it turns out, these same people also had a problem with facial sweating.  After Botox, both problems became resolved, and researchers began implementing another use for Botox.

So how does Botox reduce sweating?

Botox appears to block a protein in the nervous system that “turns on” the body’s sweat glands.  For some reason yet to be discovered, certain individuals inherit a tendency to produce excessive amounts of this protein, thereby producing more sweat than necessary.  By blocking that protein, Botox “turns off” sweating in the area where it has been injected.

A very fine needle is used to inject small amounts of Botox (usually 1 or 2 units per injection) just under the skin near the sweat glands responsible for excess perspiration.  A typical treatment involves multiple injections, averaging 25 injections (or 50 units or Botox) per underarm area.  Hands and feet can also be treated.

However, because the hands and feet contain more nerves than the underarm, the injections are understandably more painful.  Usually, when treating these areas, I will administer a nerve block in addition to the topical anesthetic gel I use under the arms.

Botox will not cure excessive sweating, but will help control it.  Sweating will eventually return to the treated area, and follow-up injections will help to maintain dryness.

On a personal note, I have observed some positive life-changing results from patients after receiving this treatment.  You don’t realize how disabling excessive sweating can be socially and psychologically until you meet and talk with some of the hyperhidrosis sufferers.

Unlike cosmetic Botox injections, underarm Botox is treating a serious medical condition.  Although you have go through a lengthy approval process, most health insurances do cover these treatments.  We can help you through this, however, and are always available for any questions you may have.

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The Great Age Betrayer

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

What is the “great age betrayer” to which nobody pays attention?  Well, to answer that question, it is best to first know what a “great age betrayer” is.

A “great age betrayer” is the most visible part of your body that makes you look older.  So you would think that the “great age betrayer” would be your face, right?  After all, in the course of daily skincare, everyone pays attention to their face.

It is hard to ignore, as it is right there looking back at you in the mirror.  Your bathroom cabinet is probably full of cleansers, toners and moisturizers for your face.  People are even paying more attention to their own neck and decolletage (the lower part of the neck closer to the shoulder area).

So while the face, neck, and decolletage all qualify as “great age betrayers”, they are obviously not the ones to which nobody pays attention.  Despite everything you do to reverse the clock from the chest up, the dead giveaway to your real age lies in your hands!

Truthfully, if you take a good look at your hands, they show more signs of age you don’t notice when looking at yourself in the mirror.  They may have pesky age spots (also commonly known as sun spots or liver spots) caused by harmful UV rays.  However, hope is not lost on getting rid of such spots.

There are plenty of skin lightening or bleaching products on the market, but they only slightly work.  The bleaching agents will not convert a spotted aged hand into a youthful hand, no matter how expensive the product or how long you use it.  Such over-the-counter antidotes are meant for very minor or faded spots that are just starting to appear, or to maintain the effects of a previously-applied, more aggressive treatment that actually was effective.

The fastest and best way to remove age without using a time machine is laser.  It rarely takes more than 15 minutes to treat the backs of both hands, and it is relatively painless.

The back of the hands contain few pain fibers because most of the nerve endings are on the palm and fingertips.  As a matter of fact, I have treated the backs of my own hands using a laser without any problems. It was fast, there was minimal discomfort, and my hands looked great after only two treatments.

Since the skin that covers the surface of the hands is relatively thin, the dark pigment left by sun damage is fairly shallow.  After the first treatment, the spots look immediately darker, but many of them will literally flake or peel off in the first several days.

In the next few weeks, the skin will gradually continue to lighten, but less dramatically than the first few days.  In most cases, a second treatment will result in a significant improvement from the baseline appearance.  From then on, over-the-counter skin illuminating agents should be tried and will be more effective.

As we age, the skin on the backs of our hands can also lose volume.  In fact, many people, especially women, are bothered by the increased appearance of bones, veins, and tendons in such areas.  To decrease this look, fillers can work wonders.  Use of topical numbing cream makes the procedure relatively painless.  Also, only one injection is generally needed.

The fillers that we also use on the face can be injected into the hands.  One injection is made of a syringe of Juvederm.  Then, the filler is massaged throughout the back of the hands which creates a layered and natural effect turning back the volume loss of the hands by at least 10 years.  The fillers last at least one year and up to 18 months before retreatment may be needed.

As always, prevention is the best medicine.  After you have invested in your hands’ improved appearance, or if you want to halt their further aging, protect your investment and stop further sun damage with daily application of sunblock.  If you are applying sunblock on your face and neck everyday anyway, simply squirt a little extra on the backs of your hands, rub it in, and you’re done!

Posted in Facial Health, Laser Treatments, Sun Protection, Youthful Appearance | Leave a comment

Reducing Facial Redness (Even Rosacea)

Posted on January 12, 2012 by admin
Not all facial redness is rosacea.  In fact, most facial redness is caused by the dilating of thousands of tiny blood vessels or capillaries on the face.
A variety of things can cause blood vessels to dilate, including exercise, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, spicy foods, and even embarassment (That’s not a joke, either).  While it is easy to say that you should avoid these dilating influences, some are obviously harder to do without than others.

As I have discussed in pr blog posts, there are several specific treatments for rosacea which have varying degrees of success depending on the extent and severity of the rosacea.  This post will inform you on the best products you should use to reduce the extent of facial redness of all types, and how to keep the redness away with these treatments.

First, cleansing the face without irritating the skin is very important.  When you do wash your face, do not scrub.  Use your fingertips to gently work the cleanser into the skin.  I recommend the Chamomile Facial Cleanser for both morning and evening use.  It is a very gentle but effective cleaning agent, especially for the face.  After washing off the cleanser, gently pat your face dry with a face cloth and don’t rub.

Second, while the face is still moist, apply Vita Soothe also both for the morning and evening.  Vita Soothe helps to reduce inflammation and tighten pores while hydrating the skin.

Third, never leave the house without protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun (yes, even in the winter).  Many of the non-rosacea forms of facial redness are as a result of blood capillaries migrating to the surface of the facial skin from sun damage. I recommend Daily Replenishing SPF 30+ Sunblock as it is an excellent sunblock but also very gentle.
Many commercial-grade sunblocks (the ones you buy in stores) unfortunately contain agents such as forms of alcohol which will cause excessive dryness and irritation.  In case you haven’t guessed what dryness and irritation cause, I’ll tell you:  redness!
Finally, in the evening, after washing up and applying Vita Soothe, I recommend applying Vitamin K Creme to the areas of redness especially around the nose, cheeks and chin where the capillaries are usually the most prominent.  Vitamin K Creme is very effective at strengthening capillaries so that they do not spread elsewhere on the face and that deeper capillaries do not migrate closer to the surface, becoming more visible.

All the products above help to soothe and protect sensitive skin and prevent facial redness from spreading and worsening.  At Maine Laser Skin Care, I also employ laser technology to treat and remove facial capillaries and blood vessels already present from rosacea and other damages.

Click on any of the products highlighted above to go directly to the appropriate order page on this website.  If you have any other questions about facial redness and its treatment, please give us a call at (207) 873-2158 or email us at info@mainelaserskincare.com.
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Healthy Skin Regimen

Posted on January 4, 2012 by admin
One of the most frequently asked questions I get from people is: “Dr. Burke, I don’t have a specific problem with my skin, but I want to maintain my healthy skin.  I want to keep my skin looking young and vibrant.  What do you advise?”
You may be asking yourself that very same question as you are reading this, although maybe not in those exact words.  Fortunately, it is possible to maintain healthy skin as a precautionary measure instead of reactionary.  Waiting for one wrinkle to appear or acne to begin forming is time-consuming and foolish.  Cultivating healthy skin is simple, and can be done in just four steps.

First, it’s important to begin and end your day with a clean canvas.  Having a clean face starts with washing off the grime of the day, which you may think can be done using hand soap.  However, the face contains a top layer of dead epidermal cells waiting to be exfoliated that hand soap can’t treat.  For both purposes, Salicylic Face And Body Wash is the best product to use both in the morning and evening.

Second, I recommend following the face wash by applying Dual Action Toner to tighten the skin tone.  Again, it should be used twice a day following each time you wash your face.

Third, every morning skin regimen needs to include and end with liberal application of Daily Replenishing SPF 30+ Sunblock to protect and defend the skin from the daily assault of ultraviolent rays.  As I have stressed before, sunblock should not exclusively be used in the summer.  Skin damage from the sun happens in the winter as well.

Finally, this last step is to be done only once a day, as opposed to the other three steps.  After washing and toning the skin before bedtime, Multi-Complex Night Creme will moisturize the skin overnight and maintain all the best effects of the previous products of the day.

This is a fairly simple and easy-to-follow regimen to conserve healthy skin at any age.  I recommend all these products personally and I have seen them all in action over the past five years.  It is no exaggeration to say that my wife gets very upset if she runs out of any of these products, especially the Multi-Complex Night Creme.

I hope this information helps you, but please forward and pass it on to any friends and family whom you know want a simple but effective approach to skin care.  As always, all of these products can be ordered on our brand new, completely revamped Maine Laser Skin Care website or by calling Becky at (207) 873-2158.

Posted in Acne, Facial Health, Youthful Appearance | Leave a comment