Improved technologies are now available to shape, tighten, lift, and generally rejuvenate the skin. From facial contouring to fat freezing, innovative noninvasive procedures offer patients a multitude of options to meet their desire for self-improvement. Dr. Melda Isaac, a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. and founder of MI Skin Dermatology, uses her expertise to combine numerous treatments and create optimal results.
One of the newer rejuvenation treatments performed in her office includes the combination of a skin tightening device with a filler. Exilis Ultra and Ulthera, both radio-frequency and ultrasound-based devices, work well to tighten slack skin, in all skin types. When combined with injections of Sculptra, we can expect better results for firming and improving the skin quality of the sun damaged décolletage, loose, crepey skin on the upper inner arms, anterior thighs, and abdomen. Sculptra alone can be safely used to boost volume in the buttocks and when combined with Ulthera or Exilis can give a better lift to the derriere! Sculptra injections combined with skin tightening treatments can even improve the appearance of mild to moderate cellulite on the backs of thighs which has been extremely challenging to treat.
Fat Reduction and Skin Tightening
Another common combination at our D.C. office is having CoolSculpting to freeze unwanted fat, and then immediately have Ultherapy over the same area to tighten the skin. This combination is particularly effective and popular to reduce the double chin and better define the jawline. Dr. Isaac feels the combination contributes to improving tightness and better skin quality compared to either treatment alone. This dual treatment combination is also helpful to tighten and improve the sagging skin and laxity on the thighs and upper arms.
Thread Lift and Injectables
For a safe, nonsurgical lift to reduce skin laxity, Dr. Isaac adds a Thread Lift procedure to any of her rejuvenating laser or device treatments. Threads are made from suture material and are safely used for lifting lax skin, particularly in the face and neck. Placing threads or sutures to lift the skin is also used in combination with Botox and dermal fillers. Results from the threads compliment all other rejuvenating treatments. Threads work well because they stimulate collagen since the material of the thread is made from a material that acts as a foreign substance, which stimulates collagen growth. Threads or suture materials are also manufactured with changes in the surface of the thread (barbs, cones or knots) that will catch onto the skin and anchor the thread into the dermis to hold it in place. As Dr. Isaac places the thread and positions the skin over it, lifting results are seen immediately and continue to improve over time.
IPL and Laser Resurfacing
For years Dr. Isaac has combined different lasers on the same day of treatment, always striving to achieve better results in skin rejuvenation. For example, Dr. Isaac will sequentially perform an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment or use one of her many lasers to reduce broken blood vessels, and brown spots caused by sun damage, aging, or acne scars. Then, she will use a resurfacing laser such as Fraxel or CO2 to improve the skin’s texture and then use a Radiofrequency or Ultrasound device for even better tightening and lifting.
We haven’t even touched on adding Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin along with the myriad of other injectable filler treatments to further complement the results from the lasers and devices. Dr. Isaac always reminds her patients that a youthful face is three-dimensional. “Don’t underestimate volume,” she often reminds her patients. Restoring facial volume with fillers must be subtle for results that look natural. Placing filler strategically for its best lift and to improve a contour is what distinguishes Dr. Isaac from other injectors. It is essential for patients to remember that it is not the device, but the artistry, expertise, and experience of the operator that gives the best results.
Contact MI Skin Dermatology to request a consultation today or call (202) 393-7546.
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