Clearing Up Questions about Aesthetic Medicine

Pacific Dermaesthetics’ Dr. Jason Rivers shares expert insight to the ever-evolving world of cosmetic dermatology

A new technology seems to pop up every week promising some sort of aesthetic improvement, but it’s hard to know what (not to mention who) to trust. Pacific Dermaesthetics’ resident expert, Dr. Jason Rivers, helps to distinguish the best from the better not.DON’T: Think cosmetic dermatology means a frozen face.According to Dr. Rivers, the most common misconception is that the face will appear unnatural after treatment, with other top concerns pertaining to the pain and recovery time of going under the knife. “Much can be accomplished safely with minimal or no downtime and without the need for surgery,” Dr. Rivers explains. “Traditional procedures such as facelifts and liposuction are decreasing, while the use of fillers and non-invasive body contouring devices are steadily growing in popularity.”DO: Start young. Dr. Rivers suggests starting aesthetic treatments in childhood, but he isn’t talking about lasers or surgery. “A good sunscreen will protect against sunburn and the development of skin cancer, while helping to reduce the damage caused by the sun on the skin,” he says.DON’T: Trust just anyone. Whether it is to improve the clarity or quality of the skin, reduce the angry appearance of frown lines, or increase the volume of the face after deflation or sagging, Dr. Rivers believes that almost everyone can benefit from aesthetic medicine. However each person’s needs are specific so it is imperative that they be assessed and treated by a physician with advanced training and extensive experience. “It is imperative that you check the credentials and experience of the clinic and the physician, as well as the evidence and science of a new device or technology before undergoing any treatments.”DO: Choose a multi-faceted approach.“Each device or procedure may be used on its own, but we often combine therapies to enhance the benefits,” explains Dr. Rivers. He breaks down four common treatment types that can complement each other or stand alone.Neuromodulators (ie: Botox)Primary Use: reduce and soften lines, shape and lift the browOther Uses: reduce gummy smiles, re-contour the lower face, provide migraine relief, assist with excess sweating, prevent inevitable lines on younger patients (in low dosage)FillersPrimary Use: replace volume loss in the skin and deeper tissuesOther Uses: correct depressed facial scars, improve neck lines, rejuvenate handsRadio Frequency Skin Tightening (ie: Thermage)Primary Use: prevent and correct laxity on the lower face and neckOther Uses: tighten skin around the eyes, abdomen and thighsLaser resurfacing (ie: Fraxel)Primary Use: minimize fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, scars and stretch marksOther Uses: rejuvenate the skin, reduce pre-cancerous skin lesionsRegardless of the personalized treatment program at Pacific Dermaesthetics, the goal remains the same: to make each patient look and feel rested, healthy and youthful. If you want to get a head start at home, follow Dr. Rivers’ basic skincare tips:1. Always apply sunscreen2. Use a topical retinoid (vitamin A derivative)3. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or cleanser4. Don’t smoke! It damages the elastic tissue and collagen, prematurely aging the skinFor more information on the services Pacific Dermaesthetics offers, please visit their complete profile here