Monthly Archives:

Dermal Fillers

shutterstock_116911600Injectable dermal fillers have emerged as one of the most popular anti-aging non-surgical treatments for the face. The treatment involves almost no downtime, and produces desired aesthetic results in a simple, outpatient procedure.

Dr. Landon D. McLain provides proven and effective FDA approved dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm.

Aesthetic Treatment around the Eyes

Eyes are the most delicate and sensitive external organ of the body. Therefore, any aesthetic treatment around the eyes must be performed with great care by an experienced professional. Eyes can appear old and tired with age or due to other factors, and it can impact the overall appearance of the face.

Fillers for Treatment below the Eyes

Dermal fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm are approved by the FDA for cosmetic reduction of wrinkles, fine lines and folds in specific areas on the face. Most of the dermal fillers are effective in the reduction of naso labial folds. Juvederm Voluma is specially designed for volumizing of cheeks. However, there is no specific dermal filler that is designed just for eye rejuvenation.

Only Restylane is a dermal filler treatment that is considered to be tremendous, remarkable, and salient for aesthetic rejuvenation below the eyes. Applying stronger or longer lasting dermal fillers under the eyes may not be advisable, considering the risk of potentially negative results.

Restylane

Many cosmetic experts are of the opinion that Restylane is the only injectable facial filler that can be used safely and successfully in the tear trough area. The outcomes with Restylane are more natural, more consistent and more predictable compared to other fillers. The safety profile of Restylane is quite high. However, it is important that the Restylane injectable treatment must be administered by an experienced healthcare professional. Results with Restylane in the tear trough region can last for about six to 12 months.

The key to success with Restylane lies in proper injected of the filler in the targeted area under the eye. With proper injecting of the gel at the appropriate depths in the skin and within the anatomical safety boundaries, the results can be very effective and last longer. Restylane is based on hyaluronic acid, which is biocompatible in nature, and does not pose any risk of allergic reactions.

The outcomes with hyaluronic acid based gel of Restylane will closely resemble the natural skin tissue. Tear trough area is sensitive because the skin is very thin here, and any lumping will show easily. The treatment provider must have the expertise in filler injections and an outstanding knowledge of the eye area anatomy.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Acne Scar Treatment

shutterstock_87265087In the United States, about 40 to 50 million people are affected by some form of acne. While a majority of these people are in the age group of 11 to 30, but many people, particularly women, can have acne breakouts even in their late 30s, 40s. and 50s. Sometimes, the acne condition can end up with acne scars that can last for a very long time.

Appearance of Acne Scars

Acne scars typically emerge in areas where cystic blemish lesions were previously present. These scars can be atrophic in nature, which are usually shallow scars. But some of the acne scars can also be boxcar-shaped or ice pick-shaped, which are deeper and narrower. Patients with darker skin tones may also develop hyper pigmentation within the scars, while patients with lighter skin tones may reveal redness within the scars.

Preventive Steps

Dr. Landon D. McLain will advise his patients who suffer from acne problem to follow a few important steps to prevent the scar formation as far as possible.

The first preventive step is to protect the acne condition or scars against direct sun exposure. Sun exposure can cause the scars to darken and prolong the healing process. Patients should wear a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher before going outdoors in the sun. Time in the sun must be limited, particularly during 10 am to 2 pm when the UV rays are the strongest.

Picking on acne or acne scars can lead to further damage to the skin as well as inflammation. If the patient tries to squeeze or pop a pimple, it will cause pus and bacteria to go deep into the skin, and cause more collagen damage. Over the counter treatments such as topical Vitamin E creams should be avoided because some studies suggest that such a treatment may actually hinder the healing process.

Effective Treatments

Medicated Creams

If the scar is swollen or red, the skin care expert at the med spa may recommend the use of cortisone cream to make the skin calmer. Cortisone will be absorbed by the skin cells and reduce inflammation. Hyper pigmentation caused by the acne scar can be lightened with the use of a skin lightener or fading cream as advised by a medical spa expert.

Laser and Filler Treatments

If the acne scars are stubborn, the med spa may suggest one or more treatment sessions of laser skin resurfacing using mild fractional laser techniques. Non-ablative lasers will not cause damage to the skin’s surface, and will stimulate the production of natural collagen.

Dermal filler injections are also used to fill up the indentations left behind from severe acne scars. This treatment is simpler because it only involves injections. However, the treatment may have to be repeated once the effect of the filler gel is over.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.

Laser Hair Removal

shutterstock_125384789Laser hair removal is a highly effective medical procedure to get rid of unwanted hair. It is important that the procedure must be performed by a trained professional only. Dr. Landon D. McLain is fully equipped to provide laser hair removal and other non-surgical aesthetic solutions.

Important points for a patient to remember while planning to undergo laser hair removal is to stop other hair removal treatments such as waxing, plucking, and electrolysis for at least a period of six weeks prior to treatment. This will ensure that the hair roots remain intact for long-term removal through laser. Sun exposure should also be avoided even before treatment for about six weeks.

Choosing the Right Medical Spa

The patient should choose the most appropriate medical spa that is reputed and reliable for advanced hair removal procedures involving laser technology. Ideally, the med spa must be led by an experienced physician who has thorough knowledge and training in the area of laser hair removal.

The actual procedure may be performed by a medical assistant or licensed nurse, but this must be done under a doctor’s supervision who should be available on-site during the treatment sessions.

Initial Consultation

Prior to the laser hair removal treatment, the initial consultation process will usually include the following:

  • The doctor will review the patient’s medical history, including any current use of medications.
  • The doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks, and try to ensure that the patient has realistic expectations from the laser procedure.
  • The doctor may show before and after photos of previous patients, and also take the patient’s photos for long term review and before and after assessments.

During the initial consultation, the patient should discuss the treatment plan, estimated recovery time, and the estimated costs of the procedure. The procedure is usually not covered under health insurance.

Preparation before the Procedure

Just before the procedure is set to begin, the patient’s hair in the targeted areas will be trimmed to a few millimeters over the skin surface. The laser expert will adjust the equipment in accordance with the color, thickness, and location of the hair that will be treated. The color of the skin will also be taken into account to adjust the laser equipment. Appropriate eye protection may be provided to the patient, depending on the laser or light source used.

The treatment provider will also protect the outer layers of the skin with a special cooling device or apply a cold gel. Multiple laser treatments will usually be required to achieve the desired aesthetic results. The patient will have to avoid direct sun exposure consistently during the entire period of treatment to ensure that the skin does not receive any sun damage. This is not the time to go to the beach on a sunny day!

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.