Ageless Forever - Age Management and Longevity Treatment

Aging Process - Ask Dr. Pierce Archives

Questions and Answers

A friend of mine is 64 and got botox in his crows feet and forhead .I was surprised to notice that his evebrows seemed lifted. He did get botox in the forhead for wrinkles , but it seemed to raise the eyelid ( like an eyelift almost) I didnt realise that botox did that !!! It seems like an easy way to lift droopy lids rather than surgery, since boxtox just take a few minutes. is this a normal result , or was he the exception , and is it different with men ,because of heavy brow?Im a 56 year old women and really dont have crows feet and only slight 11 between my eyes My eyelids are not what they use to be an if botox could lift them it would be worth it every six months. Thank you for your input ! Lori
Answer: It depends where the injections are placed, but yes one can achieve a lifted appearence of the brows with Botox injections. Remember that it lasts only 3-4 months, and then has to be redone. JJP 9/04/08
your probably someone that works there to write that, correction made i said laser treatments are waste of money
Answer:
PLASTIC SURGONS = WASTE OF MONEY
Answer: patients with unrealistic expectaions, PRICELESS! JG 9.2.08
PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!! ANYONE OUT THERE THAT IS CONSIDERING TO GET LASER OR PEELS DONE TO THEIR FACE ITS WASTE OF MONEY AND MORE DAMAGING TO YOUR SKIN!!! JUST TAKE YOUR VITAMINS DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND STAY OUT OF THE SUN AND IF U ALREADY HAVE THE DAMAGE TO YOUR SKIN WEAR SPF SOME OF THE DAMAGE WILL REVERSE ITS SELF AND ALWAYS EXFOLIATE DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON LASER TREATMENTS... ITS ALL BUSSINESSS ANYTHING YOU HAVE DONE ITS ONLY TEMPORARY ANYWAYS SO WHY WASTE YOUR MONEY.. AND NOW ONLY THAT BUT YOU GET HYPERPIGMENTATION.. GO ON GOOGLE AND SEARCH BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES!!! THE RESULTS ARE ONLY LIGHTER NOT 100% SOLVED INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY BUY UR SELF A NICE NATURAL FADING CREAM
Answer: I do agree with yopur suggestions but I think it depends greatly on the type of laser used, how deep they go, your degree of sun damage, and the expectations. JG 9.2.08
Hi Dr , i just got a nuskin galvanic device , it was a gift.It is supposed to help product (like serums) penatrate the skin better and also tone the face. What do you think of this product? Will it do any good or is this just hype? Thanks
Answer: give it to somebody else and don`t waste your time. JG 8.25.08
Hi Dr. Can I use Retin A all over my face (for winkles)? Do I apply it like I would a moisturizer or apply to small areas? What about the eye and lip areas (which are my biggest concerns). Thank you!
Answer: it can be used on the entire face, and yes, just a small amount evenly spread out. As long as you do not get it in the eye region or in your mouth it is OK in those areas too. JG 8.22.08
if i go to the beach and tan and have sunscreen on am i still damaging my skin?
Answer: Yes, but to a lesser degree. JJP 8/20/08
dr garcia i had 3 ipl treatments for my freakles im 23 yrs old i got hyperpigementation its already 3 months it looks more like a burn to me?? anyways i dont want to use any bleaching creams because i was on obagi and that destoryed my skin, my skin has been so sensative since then.. my question is will these marks be there forever or only temporary and if i go on the sun with the post hyperpig always come back? soooo sad(
Answer: well, after three months they will likely not get better without some topical treatment at least, like Retin-A or hydroquinone. JG 8.20.08
dr garcia i had 3 ipl treatments for my freakles im 23 yrs old i got hyperpigementation its already 3 months it looks more like a burn to me?? anyways i dont want to use any bleaching creams because i was on obagi and that destoryed my skin, my skin has been so sensative since then.. my question is will these marks be there forever or only temporary and if i go on the sun with the post hyperpig always come back? soooo sad(
Answer: will likely not get better without some topical treatment like Retin-A and hydroquinone if they are stil there at this point. JG 8.20.08
Hi Dr, MY daughter has acne scars and has had several series of gylocic acid peels and is using a vit c serum daily. Her skin is better than it was, she was told that a Jessners peel may improve it even futher . What is your feeling about this peel, will it be better than the gylocic peels and is it too harsh? thank you
Answer: I do not think that once the swelling is gone from the peels there will be much improvement in the scars, although they might help control the break outs. JG 8.20.08
alot of people in europe dont know about sunscreen meanwhile they have flawless skin and always in the sun,,, how is that possible
Answer: good genes, and maybe they use sunblock and you are not aware they do, they have long used sunblock there. JG 8.18.08
can you get freakles if you tan or only burn?? i know alot of ppl that actually tan and put oil on and never get and freakles or brown spots...
Answer: yes, tanning alone can do it. JG 8.20.08
can you get freakles if you tan or only burn?? i know alot of ppl that actually tan and put oil on and never get and freakles or brown spots...
Answer: yes, you do not have to burn to get freckles. JG 8.18.08
can you get freakles if you tan or only burn?? i know alot of ppl that actually tan and put oil on and never get and freakles or brown spots...
Answer: yes, you can get them if you only tan. JG 8.20.08
Dr. What do you think of a product called Go Smile .It is a teeth whitener you can buy on line or at Sephora. Im sure its not as good as what you can have done by a dentist but perhaps better than the one at the drug store. i know our teeth yellowing can really give away our age.Any advice. thank you lori
Answer: Sorry we do not endevour in dentistry. Please ask your dentist. JJP 8/14/08
Hi Dr.Garcia, I am a very young 49 yr old woman,my face and neck are handling aging well, its my hands that are not. I am afraid of needles. Is there anything you recommend to soften the creping and veiny look? I am very petite, small bones, hate the hands... thank you, love your site!
Answer: sorry, but all I would suggest involves needles. JG 8.12.08
Dr,why do you think that Sculptra is better to use on sunken cheeks than radiesse. Does it last longer? thank you
Answer: It does last longer and it stimulates your body`s production of collegen in the area it is injected. JJP 8/13/08
Dr, do you inject Radiesse to fill sunken cheeks,below the cheekbones?thank you
Answer: yes but I prefer Sculptra. JG 8.10.08
ive gone to 3 different dermotologist office and they have said once freakles and brown spots are removed they are removed for gone.... if u go out in the sun witout protection you get new spots not the once u already removed? is this true
Answer: nope, the skin cells have memory and the old ones coem back as well as developing new ones. JG 8.8.08
What is Dimericine-i heard alot abot this lotion where it can overtime change the exposed sun damaged DNA back to normal and grow healthy skin!!! what is this i heard its in research!!!!!!
Answer: seems to have lots of promise of reversing some DNA damage, I am not sure if it is freely available as the FDA had fast-tracked it last year. I am not sure it will give your skin a glow though, albeit improving the DNA damage as they are not totally related. JG 8.8.08
Hi Dr. Could you tell me the difference between retin A and retin A micro ? IF they are both the same strength , which one would be most effective for wrinkles ? I want to use the most effective , now i am using renova and you said retin A 1% will have more of an effect. thank you Lori
Answer: not much difference in effectiveness, the micro some people feel is a little less irritating. JG 8.7.08
Red light phototherapy, can that reverse sun damage torwards your Body, Im only 20 and i start tanning excessively for the past 4 yrs, im really concerned of developing skin cancer, and im offically retired from tanning but it scares me are their anyways to reverse the sun damage that I have while im still young, im also doing IPL treatments on my face!!! but what about my BODY!!!!
Answer: no, will not do that, or much of anything else. Just stay out of the sun. JG 8.7.08
I was just wondering is it possible to have permanent damage done to one face after 15minutes in the sun w/ mineral make-up on. I ask because After 15 minutes of sun on me both me cheeks (apples) gots spotty (freckles) and red (like 2 circles). Thank you
Answer: I do not think so, no. JG 8.5.08
I wanted to know if I am using Retin-A; do I apply your skin care products after the retin=A? Currently, I only use Retin-A at night. Does your eye cream work for puffy eyes?
Answer: my creams will not help puffy eyes and you can apply a moisturizer on the area ten minutes after the Retin-A. JG 8.2.08
Hi Dr Pierce, I am using a product called AlpaDerma CE from JANSON BECKETT I really love what it does for my skin.It is a 10% Argireline formulation with alpha lipoic acid vit c ester & dmae . I know you recomended some of these . What do you think of Argireline and is this a high enough % ? What do you think of this line ? Thank you lori
Answer: really not a fan of Argireline as the science behind it is pretty scarce. I like and recommend the other ingredients though.JG 8.20.08
Hi Dr Pierce, I am using a product called AlpaDerma CE from JANSON BECKETT I really love what it does for my skin.It is a 10% Argireline formulation with alpha lipoic acid vit c ester & dmae . I know you recomended some of these . What do you think of Argireline and is this a high enough % ? What do you think of this line ? Thank you lori
Answer: I am not a believer in the Argireline, at least as far as the claims they make for it. JG 7.31.08
Hi Dr.Pierce, i have a series of glycolic treatments about twice a year and one every 6 weeks of so. I want to know if retin A would be too strong to use at night , i am now using renova and not having any problem. i would like to use the best one for results however. I do like my glycolic treatments and what they have done for my skin and want to continue but also add nightly retin A or Renova ?? your advice ??? Thank you Lori
Answer: I think if you are tolerating the Renova trying to step it up to the Retin-A is certainly a reasonable idea. JG 7.31.08
I`d like a one off Botox treatment for my wedding day for crows feet, frown & forehead lines. I don`t want to be expressionless. Can you please advise how long before the wedding I should have this done and what I should be asking for and is there any risk of droopy eyes etc? Also do you have an opinion on Skin Doctors Cosmeceuticals Instant Facelift? Thanks so much.
Answer: I think droopy eyes are rare as long as you follow the instructions, I think it might take up to 10 days to have it kick in so I suggest having it done 2-4 weeks before, that way if you need a little more then they will have time to do it for you. I have no personal experience with the Skin Doctors Cosmeceutical, sorry, and congrats on the wedding too. JG 7.30.08
Which is the most effective...Renova or Retin-A to be used with Obagi Blender? Also, does Copper help to firm the skin? Does it come in pill form? Thank you
Answer: Retin-A, I do not think Copper helps tighten skin,it helps skin heal after a superificial burn or laser or other injuries. JG 7.29.08
Hi Dr, im 56 years old and am currently using renova every other night.im going to start every night soon.Its .05 strength ,is this the stongest i can use and will it give me the same benefit as using retin A ? i heard on older skin renova is the way to go. however if retin A is more effective i will switch . thankyou lori
Answer: That is the strongest Renova and the increase will help some over what you already see. I do not think it will be as good as 0.1% Retin-A though. Renova is just better tolerated as it does not cause as much irritation. JG 7.27.08
Hi Dr, im 56 years old and am currently using renova every other night.im going to start every night soon.Its .05 strength ,is this the stongest i can use and will it give me the same benefit as using retin A ? i heard on older skin renova is the way to go. however if retin A is more effective i will switch . thankyou lori
Answer: it is easier to tolerate and many people can use it more consistently as it irritates one`s skin less but it is not as strong or effective as Retin-A cream 0.1%.JG 7.25.08
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER TO MY QUESTION REGARDING NUFACE DR PIERCE. IF IT CANNOT HELP WITH FACIAL MUSCLES, HOW ABOUT WITH INCREASE IN COLLAGEN ECT? DOES MICROCURRENT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON THIS ? PEOPLE SEEM TO SEE A BIG DIFFERENCE. IS THIS JUST HYPE ? BECAUSE IF IT COULD HELP BY PUTTING OFF AN EYELIFT OR MINI FACE LIFT FOR A WHILE IT WOULD BE WORTH THE $$ . THANK YOU LORI
Answer: it wil not have any effect on collagen production and in fact, since wrinkles form from repetitive folding of the skin, if the machine causes the muscles to twitch you will create more new wrinkles than if you had never used it. I think it is a lot of hype, before and after pictures can be manipulated in many ways I am afraid. JG 7.22.08
On the DPL Therapy Treatment...you said, save your money . Please explain why you feel this way. Do you not think it works at all? I would really like for you to explain better. This is why I`m asking your professional opinion. Thank you
Answer: the science is shaky at best, no long term studies, no sense of how reproducable the improvement might be in the sense of one patient getting alot and others nothing at all. I would not perform it or endorse its use. In short, save your money. JG 7.22.08
I would like to know what you think about the DPL Therapy Deep Penetrating Light to be used at home. I`ve read these treatments are done in a doctor`s office, but can be very expensive. I know improvement is not overnight, but in time do you think it`s worth it. Thank you
Answer: save your money. JG 7.21.08
Dr. Pierce, What do you think of a microcurrent device called nuface ?? im thinkinking of buying one after reading about it. if it truly helps return the facial muscles to what they used to be and increases the collagen and elasin it sounds like a way to put off a facelift! Im 56 and have taken good care of my skin . i feel the only place i may need help is my eyelids . IF this device could be used to lift the brow and perhaps the the jaw it would be well worth the money !! Can microcurrent do any of these things ?? thank you lori
Answer: save your money, muscles of the face, unlike muscles of the body do not atrophy.JG 7.21.08
dr garcia what do you think about Meladerm??? my plastic surgon told me its actually better then hydroquinine
Answer: certainly not as strong or effective as prescription hydroquinone, 4%. JG 7.21.08
tanning your skin with spf regarles damages your skin correct?
Answer: yes. JG 7.27.08
tanning your skin with spf regarles damages your skin correct?
Answer: correct. JG 7.27.08
tanning your skin with spf regarles damages your skin correct?
Answer: correct, just less than if yo did not use any SPF. JG 7.14.08
I am currently using Kinerase ultra rich eye repair (Professional strength), and Neutrogena Healthy Defense (45 SPF) daily moisturizer in the morning. In the evening retin-a micro 0.1% and olay daily regenerating serum. I have good skin but I have freckles, therefore I was thinking of using obagi blender. Can I stop using one of the products that I am currently using and replace with obagi? Is there a difference with your eye cream and top rated eye creams and serums shown on tv? What are your opinions on Dr. Denese Firming and Resurfacing Eye Pads? Thank you for your time.
Answer: just add the blender at night, they will not all go away, most will fade, but there is nothing you can do to make them all go away on a permananet basis. I cannot comment on tnhe creams you ask since I do not know what concentration of the ingredients is in the creams, but I will say that my creams have the largest amount of active ingredient that can be dissolved in the cream and not irritate the skin too. JG 7.13.08
Hi, i have just read about a procedure called radiage, can you tell me how effective it is and is it the same as thermage etc thank you in advance
Answer: I do not feel it is worth the time or money, that technology has been tried by many others and has not proven reliable. JG 7.12.08
Hi Dr. Garcia, I`m a 48 year old woma since I love to fish, I have suffered sun damage. I also have been on hormone therapy for about 26 years. I`ve noticed that my arms, hands and minor damage on my legs are sun damaged, older looking, with sun spots and wrinkles. I`ve noticed that aging has increased on my face in the last 4 years, due to stress, so I have been contemplating surgery and or other options, for the sun damage. Other parts that haven`t been exposed are still soft. What alternatives do I have? Or do you suggest? I would appreciate you opinion, since I`m new to all of this. Thank you for your time.
Answer: hard to say without seeing you but likely light lasers or chemical peels might improve much of what bothers you. JG 7.11.08
at 23 i have mild sun damage how can i reverse this what products should i used for face and body?
Answer: sunblock, topical Vitamin C and DMAE and Retin-A and no smoking are the best bets. JG 7.12.08
if i get red from the sun but no blisters or peeling is that still considered a burn? would u consider that a ild burn? pr severe or it doesnt matter as long as its a burn
Answer: it is still a burn. JG 7.27.08
if i tan and put spf on am i still damagin my skin?
Answer: Not as much as the SPF will protect it. JJP 7/10/08
what damages your skin more a tan or a burn?
Answer: Burn. JJP 7/10/08
is sun damage reversable?
Answer: to a degree, the less of it there is,and the younger you are the more can be reversed. 7.10.08
my skin is always burning me even thought i dont go out in the sun at all i feel like i awlays have sunburn is this normal?
Answer: no, I suggest you go ot see a dermatologist to see what is happening. JG 7.8.08
since im 22 and u said my skin is damaged is it to late to reverse the damage thats caused?? and wuts a good copper pepdide u reccomend brand?
Answer: I like NeoCutis. JG 7.8.08
IS Copper Peptides good for skin healing? after obagi my skin tears easily and this hasnt gone away im 22 yrs old and its really bothering me. If copper peptides is good for healing skin wat brand do you suggest? Thank you and GOD bless
Answer: I feel it is, yes. JG 7.7.08
ive gotten at least 30 times sunburned but my face and shoulder turns red never peels? so u still consider this a sunburn and im 22 does this mean my skin is damaged? and wen will it loose its collegen
Answer: yes, it is damaged. As to when it will show wrinkles, that varies from person to person and is based on genetics too. JG 7.7.08
how long does it take for sun damage to show? is it years decades?
Answer: it can show up as soon as you get a suntan, a suntan is by definition sun damage. JG 7.7.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, thank you for your response to my retin-a question below. a follow-up... do you think there`s a chance that now that I`ve already done the laser genesis treatments rather than just let my under-eye area heal, the retin-a damaged area won`t heal at all? have I caused permanent damage by doing too much to that area??? the wrinkles are very bad in the corners near my eyes, and I`m very frustrated as I`ve been encouraged by two different doctors to do these laser treatments to heal my damaged skin! to think that just leaving it alone and NOT spending $2000 was the right path makes me want to cry.
Answer: I have never seen Retin-A cause permanent damage, give it some time. JG 6.30.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, the area under my eyes became very wrinkled, puffy and hyperpigmented due to overuse of retin-a there. I`ve been off retin-a for two months and my eyes are still bad! I`ve had a series of 6 laser genesis treatments, the last one about three weeks ago and they didn`t help. I`ve been recommended the affirm laser and understand it may not work, either, but I can`t take any time off work for rhytec. is there any risk of side-effects having fractional laser treatments so soon after the 6 laser genesis treatments? also, if my skin is slightly tan are there additional risks?
Answer: I think the Laser Genesis has prolonged the time to resolution, you need to leave the area alone and let it heal from the irritation caused by the Retin-A. Do not do the Affirm either. JG 6.26.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, I want to take care of loose, wrinkled skin under my eyes without the downtime of rhytec plasma. I have been recommended the affirm fractional laser procedure. is there any chance this will cause more damage to the fragile skin under my eyes? or that it could cause it to be a different color than the rest of my face? and I`ve heard it could cause only a 26%-50% improvement. what are your thoughts? thanks!
Answer: small chane of it doing harm, small chance of you seeing any improvement too, there is no free lunch, if you want to see a worthwhile improvement, there needs to be downtime. JG 6.24.08
whats a good product for loss of collgen at my age 24 ?? does Vitmain C help? is so do you recommend Dr Perricone vitamin c or skin ceuticals pleaes ans all my questions... god bless
Answer: Vitmain C, DMAE and Retin-A are good for collagen, as to Perricone, I think they are way overpriced. SkinCeuticals is a fair price though. JG 6.24.08
Dr Garcia i wrote to you a couple of months ago Re: my face after obagi and some mild chemical peels, anyways my skin is constantly Red and burning ive stopped obagi in February 08, i visited another plastic surgon and he did 3 ipl treatments witch didnt help at all only got hyperpigmentation 2 questions,,, will the hyperpigmenation be there permantly?? and will the redness be there permantly im really depressed over it,
Answer: the pigmentation should get better, as to the redness, without fully knowing what has caused it within the Obagi system I cannot say if it will be permanet. All the best. JG 6.24.08
im 24 trying to reverse sun damagE? question is sun damage reversable? any body wash i can use so i can get brown spots and dry dull skin off?
Answer: some of it can be, the earlier you start it the more you can get off. I think glycolic acid washes should help your skin. JG 6.24.08
I am a 36yr. old female with a recent change in skin tone and slight sagging. I am in perfect health and weight and stay out of the sun at all times. I have developed forehead wrinkles and slighty drooping eyelids(which are slightly crepey). I also have a deep line on my left lower cheek area. Do I need a facelift or brow lift already? I feel like I am aging rather quickly and I`m doing all the right things. I know botox will help the forehead but my eyes I know I cannot correct w/ a injection. Can you please offer some advice. Thanks, Suzette Armenta
Answer: might be able to get away with a laser at your age. JG 6.22.08
I am a 36yr. old female with a recent change in skin tone and slight sagging. I am in perfect health and weight and stay out if the sun at all times. I have developed forehead wrinkles and slighty drooping eyelids(which are slightly crepey). I also have a deep line on my left lower cheek area. Do I need a facelift or brow lift already? I feel like I am aging rather quickly and I`m doing all the right things. I know botox will help the forehead but my eyes I know I cannot correct w/ a injection. Can you please offer some advice. Thanks, Suzette Armenta
Answer: I really would need to see you in person but might be better off rigth now with a laser due to your young age. JG 6.22.08
from what im reading on google sun damage is not reversable? is this True
Answer: some of the recent effects can be reversed, some recent changes can be slowed, and some older effects cannot be reversed. JG 6.5.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, Is Rhytec the best treatment for under-eye wrinkles on the inside corners of the eye? If it is, what are the risks (hyperpigmentation, sun-sensitivity?) If not, what is? There are so many different kinds of lasers, creams, chemical peels, etc., and there are so many stories from women who had no results or ended up with complications, it`s hard to know which is truly the best option for this sensitive area...
Answer: I think it gives good results with small risks. Chemical peels will not do it. JG 6.4.08
Dr, do you feel botox treatments are safe and has enough research been done on the long-term effects? I am somewhat nervous about botox because putting a toxin in your forehead does not seem prudent. It would be an awful thing to see a dramatic increase in brain cancer (for example) because of our vanity. I did have one botox treatment about 3 months ago, and it did do subtle differences and I liked the result even though I had a pretty severe headache for about one week. Would do it again, but don`t want to take health risks. Your thoughts?
Answer: It is an FDA approved medication, for whatever that is worth. It has not been associated with any brain cancer to date. There were some problems associated with its non-cosmetic use in children, but nothing in the cosmetic world. Non-cosmetic use calls for a much higher dose to treat different things like pain. We use much less. The best part of the whole thing is, Botox is completely elective. If you like it then feel free to find a qualified practitioner and have it done. If you are apprehensive then stay away. JJP 5/30/08
Dr. Garcia You didnt say how bad my sun damage is for my age 23 Please respond thank You
Answer: there is no measurement for that I am afraid. JG 5.30.08
How long is juvederm supposed to last in the marionette area? i had it done and its been 2 weeks and i cant see any improvements. Am i suppose to massage it myself because my ps already did that once. Is there another type of filler that can treat it the longest time? is Aquamid good for this area for a long result?
Answer: 2-6 months is average, if it has been only two weeks either it was injected too deeply or you have too much laxity of the cheek to be a good candidate for a filler. Aquamid is not a filler I recommend, you could try Artefil though. JG 5.29.08
dr garcia i send you an email, with my pictures please respond when you get a chance thank you
Answer: will do. JG 5.29.08
is IPL considered plastic surgury??
Answer: not really, just skin care, more dermatology than plastic surgery. JG 5.29.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, I`m the one who asked the retin-a question below. Just want to be sure I understand. I started retin-a 3 months ago and overused it under my eyes for 5-6 weeks with terrible wrinkling, puffiness, lots of itching and redness, etc. I stopped using it under my eyes 2 months ago, and stopped using it altogether about 5-6 weeks ago. My eyes are still wrinkled - I`ve tried kinerase and cp`s and they seem to increase the looseness, puffiness, and wrinkling even with very conservative use. I think my skin must be very thin and damaged. is it safe to try retin-a again, to reverse the damage the retin-a did, if I use it sparingly, combined with moisturizer, say 2-3 times per week? Also, any chance of pigmentation change under the eyes with rhytec? THANK YOU.
Answer: I would not start it again until your skin has totally recovered, try some squalene oil from the health food store and lets see how it does. JG 5.27.08
Hi Doctor Pierce, thank you so much for all your helpful advice on this site. I have several questions. First, can you please explain the difference between the lux 1540 laser and laser genesis, and why you recommend the lux 1540 over the laser genesis? second, is it possible to have the lux 2940 or rhytec portrait treatments for just the under-eye area, and what is the down time? And finally, over-use of retin-a under my eyes has caused very distinct and obvious wrinkling under my eyes, especially in the corners near my nose. I haven`t used the retin-a in about 6 weeks, and the wrinkles are not improved though the rest of the damage (puffiness, dark circles, visible capillaries along lashes) has nearly healed. When the skin seems a bit thicker, would it be stupid to try to use retin-a (a lot more conservatively) to reverse the damage done by the retin-a? I`ve been using copper peptides for the past few weeks very conservatively (every other day, very lightly over emu oil) and they increase the puffiness and I think the looseness and wrinkling are worse when I use them, too...
Answer: I do not recommend either the Lux 1540 or the Laser Genesis, I like the Rhytec and it can be used only over the eye region if desired. Downtime depends on depth used, the most would be 10-11 days or so if done deeply, which would be most effective. The Retin-A will typically dry the skin out ands it is common for the skin to look worse at the begining, but it gets better in time, reducing the frequency until you can tolerate it is OK to do though. JG 5.26.08
Dr. Garcia, whats a good Whitening product that i can use every day for my face and body any brand u reccommend clarines?? i do not like hydroquoine
Answer: I am sorry but I do not have anything I can recommend. JG 5.26.08
after having 5 treatments of IPL to remove brown spots?? How often should i go back to maintain the results??
Answer: 4-6 weeks. JG 7.27.08
after having 5 treatments of IPL to remove brown spots?? How often should i go back to maintain the results??
Answer: 4-6 weeks. JG 7.27.08
after having 5 treatments of IPL to remove brown spots?? How often should i go back to maintain the results??
Answer: 4-6 weeks. JG 7.27.08
after having 5 treatments of IPL to remove brown spots?? How often should i go back to maintain the results??
Answer: probably every 6-8 weeks at least. JG 5.22.08
how long does it take for sun damage to show? when will the brown spots come to the surface??? how many yrs or months??
Answer: well, a sun tan is sun damage, so it can show up in hours, in terms of cancer problems it can take years. JG 5.22.08
For the fine facial lines that come with aging and perhaps too many for injections,is there a topical cream one can use with very good results?There are many products on the market that claim to help these lines.
Answer: for that it would be Retin-A. JG 5.21.08
Dr. Pierce, I did not start my period until I was 16 and a half years old. My question is, Does this mean I will be older when I stop my period? I hope so. I just turned 40 and I want to continue menstruating because I understand this is what keeps us young...?? Also, What is the best way for me to keep my body menstruating for as long as possible? I don`t need to be on any contraceptive b/c my husband had had a visectomy. I was on Yasmine for my skin but I was wondering if I should continue to take it or will it cause me to stop releasing eggs quicker? Please give me your advise. I work with a Doctor that gives herself HGH shots. What is your view on this as well please. I just want to stay fertlile as long as possible. I hope you can answer all my questions. Thank you so much, Claire
Answer: No one can tell you when you will go into menapause. It will happen when it is supposed to happen. There is no way to stop it from happening to my knowledge. What we do is leesen the severity of peri-menapause. hGH can be very beneficial, if you are deficient. Take the time to visit our site as it is explained in greater detail there. JJP 5/21/08
I read a reply that you wrote, regarding single use botox bottles. I am poaitive that my MD uses a multi-dose vial bottle because I only get 8 units at a time, and the bottle looks like it holds more than that. Shouldn`t the company that makes botox, make small vials so that there isn`t a waste? I feel awkward asking my MD about her sterility practices.
Answer: the company could make the bottle smaller but they have chosen not to do so. What your physician is doing is not correct and is in direct violation of the labeling on the Botox label and is a reportable issue to the board of health, if he were in Nevada he would potentially lose his license. I am sure the doctor will be defensive about the sterile process, and in fact I am sure they are doing it as sterile as they can, but I think it is still a violation due to he issues that have come to light in the recent past. The company has known about this since 2002 and has chosen not to do anything about it, nor have they told the physicians that how they were taught by the company was incorrect. You can likely figure out why as they have not competition from any other company. I think your doctor just should start following the rules now that they are common knowledge. Once you know it has n o tbeen done the right way the correct thing to do is to follow the rules. JG 5.20.08
I read a reply that you wrote, regarding single use botox bottles. I am poaitive that my MD uses a multi-dose vial bottle because I only get 8 units at a time, and the bottle looks like it holds more than that. Shouldn`t the company that makes botox, make small vials so that there isn`t a waste? I feel awkward asking my MD about her sterility practices.
Answer: that is not the proper way, the company has known about it since 2002 and knows they taught the doctors incorrectly but now that it is well known, the doctor needs to stop and do it the correct way. In Nevada, if a doctor is found doing it that way, he can lose his license. JG 5.20.08
can botox cause headaches? Thanks, Pam..
Answer: Yes it can. Usually they are mild and short lived. JJP 5/20/08
can you reccomend a good mostirizer that has vitmain C in it?? age 22 thanksss so muchhhh
Answer: Skinceuticals. JG 5.20.08
does IPL cause any damage to the skin in the future???
Answer: none reported in the medical literature. JG 5.20.08
Dr garcia youve heard from me many times, i have done light chemical peels obagi nu derm now IPLs my skin seems very thin now and sesative i did all these for the brown spots, how can i get my skin back to wat it was any cream i can use ??
Answer: use ProCyte`s copper peptide creams and avoiding all products with any acid in them until the skin has gotten back to normal. JG 5.20.08
is vaseline good as a moisteriser for fine lines?x
Answer: no, it plugs pores. JG 5.19.08
Hi Dr.Garcia. I recently had botox to lift my eye brows and reduce wrinkles in my forhead. Initialy looked like a vulcan, my Dr. raised them to high. He gave me more botox and now they are too low. He also gave me an injection to decrease the wrinles between my eye brows and lift them a little more. It has been a week and my eyes are lower then peviously and I look angry. Will futher Dosages help? I look like a cave man. So far I am at 60 something as far as dosage. How much is safe? How long between injections is safe? Thanks, Pam...
Answer: I think further dosages will not help and I think it best to let it all wear off and then start over in a few months. I think doses of more than 60 units are safe. One more thing about Botox. It has come out that the education that injectors were given since the beginning of Botox release was incorrect. The bottle is to be used for a single patient. That means that a bottle should not be shared between multiple patients. The company that makes Botox has known about this but has never issued an alert to doctors or patients. The risk is that of the bottle becoming contaminated and passing a communicable disease like HIV or hepatitis from one patient to another. There are no known reports of disease transmission in the use of Botox, but it has not been looked at yet in order to determine that issue. For that reason I strongly urge you to demand that a new bottle be used when you are treated and then observe the injector destroy the remainder of the bottle. If that is not done I urge you to contact the local board of health for the violation. Ask to look at the box it comes in and you will see the single patient, single use wording. JG 5.19.08
Hi Doctor: I`ve been using Retin-A cream, the .05%, for about 8 months now. I`m 49. I like it, but have difficlty with it near the eye area. Is that a huge mistake to put Retin-A there? Wrinkles appear more pronounced. Is that because skin is thinner? Do I avoid eye area. And what do you think of Retin-A for skin rejuvenation? And can I use Glycolic peels on different days?
Answer: well, it is not a mistake, but the eye region is very sensitive and might need a weaker strength or less frequent application. It can dry the skin out there and make it look like there are more new wrinkles. I like Retin-A in general and you can use the glycolic acid on the off days. JG 5.19.08
DOES IPL REMOVE OR FADE BROWN SPOTS??
Answer: yes, they are faded. JG 7.27.08
DOES IPL REMOVE OR FADE BROWN SPOTS??
Answer: yes, in time and with multiple treatments, but not permanently. JG 5.19.08
your reply was Answer: it is a slight reaction to the IPL, it usually takes a series and they can get darker before they fade. JG 5.16.08 IS THIS A BAD THING THE SLIGHT REACTION OR NORMAL??? IM LOST!!!
Answer: it is a normal reaction to the IPL in darker skinned individuals when the energy is a little higher. The person treating you should have explained all this to you. JG 5.19.08
i did IPL and my spots seem even darker he said he did a very light treatment since i have sensative skin its been 2 weeks and my spots are still very dark???
Answer: it is a slight reaction to the IPL, it usually takes a series and they can get darker before they fade. JG 5.16.08
With CO2 laser, is it necessary to do the whole face, or it possible just to do the under-eye area? What are the risks?
Answer: the lower lids can be done alone but then that area will be pink for a long time and can be difficult to hide with make up, in a certain number of cases where there is a large amount of sun damage, using the CO2 in a section can remove it there and only there so sometimes there can be a color differnce if the damage was severe. JG 5.16.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, What do you think of CO2 laser or a medium chemical peer for a crepey under-eye area?
Answer: CO2 laser, yes, chemical peel will be a waste of time. JG 5.15.08
Hi Dr. Pierce. Can laser genesis cause red spots to form on the skin, or cause rocacea? Have you ever heard about that, or any other negative impact of laser genesis? Also, in your opinion, what is the best way to reverse under-eye crepiness? Finally, is restylane effective for forehead lines, or does it have to be used in conjunction with botox in this area? Thanks.
Answer: possibly, yes. For the lower lids I typically use a Rhytec Portrait treatment. As for the forehead, the Restylane will last longer if Botox is used at the same time. JG 5.14.08
I have freckles on my face and i am thinking about getting IPL i was going to a skin and laser clinic but have been told by alot of people to go 2 a dermatologist. Did i do the right thing about cancelling the skin and laser clinic? I am most worried about my face scabbing up and getting blisters and worried they will not go away. What should i do? Is there any fading or skin brightening cream i can try first?
Answer: the dermatology office will likely give you the most effective treatmtent. I do not think fading cremas work well on freckles unless they are very recent. JG 5.12.08
I have freckles on my face and i am thinking about getting IPL i was going to a skin and laser clinic but have been told by alot of people to go 2 a dermatologist. Did i do the right thing about cancelling the skin and laser clinic? I am most worried about my face scabbing up and getting blisters and worried they will not go away. What should i do?
Answer: I think the dermatologist will likely give you a more effective treatment than a laser center. JG 5.12.08
hello dr garcia
Answer: hello to you too. JG 5.12.08
Hello dr. Garcia, my husband bought me a Beautiful Image facial sculting machine for Mothers Day... It says Microcurrent causes the following: *500% increase in ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate, the chemical fuel of energy), *35% increase in blood circulation, *40% increase in Gluconeogenesis (production of new glucose), *45% increase in the number of elastin fibers in the dermis, *50% increase in the length of the elastin fibers, *10% increase in collagen thickness in the connective tissue, *35% increase in the number of blood vessels, *28% increase lymphatic drainage What are your thoughts on this???... even it it helps a little I`d like to try it as it was thoughtful anyway! :) Thanks so much!
Answer: waste of money, sorry. JG 5.11.08
I have gone for an initial treatment using the Perfector which uses nano technology to tighten and lift the skin. I can`t find much info about the effectiveness of this method on the web except what is written by the company that manufactures the machine. No dermatologists or cosmetic surgeons in my area seem to use it. It was on Oprah and showed amazing result though. What do you know about it re effectiveness and safety? After my first treatment my skin was a bit sore- like a sunburn on one side. I got different responses from different clinics about the frequency of treatments required to maintain results and no response re comparing it to laser effectiveness. Thanks for your time. Denise
Answer: I think it is over hyped with no legitimate science behind it, Oprah is a great marketer but she has certainly promoted many things over the years that have not panned out. Save your money. JG 5.10.08
When I drink much water my body seems to hold water, what can I do to prevent this. Do I need to take some pills for fluid retention. I take hormonal supplements, CLIMODIEN 2/2 which is Estradiol (= estrogene hormone) en dienogest (= progestagene hormone) is it because of this. Is this a good supplement ?
Answer: Sorry, you don`t give enough information to answer your question. You should see your doctor for further work up of this issue. JJP 5/09/08
Oraceaf or roscea
Answer: please repeat the question. JG 5.7.08
I had 5 Smoothbeam laser treatments for under eye wrinkles. It now actually looks like I have more wrinkles than when I began. Is it possible for Smoothbeam to make wrinkles and the ones I already had to look worse.
Answer: while dehydrated, it will look worse, but it will not improve wrinkles overall. JG 5.7.08
Do you think I still can expect some improvement on my face after a MACS lift which left me with a much more hollowed look then before. It is now six months after the facelift. Is my face more hollowed because of the lift being too tight? Should I expect some improvement ? What is your experience with this? Thanks.
Answer: at this point the changes will be slight. Sorry. JG 5.6.08
How long before going on summer vacation, sunny place, should i stop retinol and glycolic acid creams to not have any skin irritation when swimming and going to the beach. Thanks
Answer: 7-10 days. JG 5.6.08
Dr. Garcia, I lost about 20 lbs a year ago during a stressful period. I lost it in about a month. I have sense gained it back (I was never overweight)but now have wrinkled saggy knee skin. Exercise doesn`t help. I`m told there really isn`t anything I can do because the skin was stretched and with my age (45) it will probably stay that way. Knee lifts aren`t really recommended from what I`ve researched. I have always had nice legs and still have great calves but the knee skin is really bothering me. Can collegan injections, fillers, fat transfers etc..be used in this area? If not , any suggestions?
Answer: all I can say is hopefully over time the skin wil shrink back since it was not a problem for very long. Not much else I can offer though. JG 5.4.08
post inflamotorry hyperpigmentation from IPL?? will it evenually go away on its own? and if so will it always come back if ur out in the sun?
Answer: should go away, might need a bleaching cream, if it goes away soon after you should stil use sunblock when out in the sun, it can come back. JG 5.4.08
I recently found out that my chicken appearance aspect of my skin, especially on arms and lega, is due to solar elastosis. I live in a sunny climate and was too much exposed to the sun in the past years. I am not really having much sagging skin but the it is more the chicken texture of my skin that bothers me. Is there anything I can do to reverse this condition. Even when I lift up the skin on my arms this aspect does not go away, so I dont think it is due to sagging or too much loose skin. In winter months I tried some tretinoine cream on arms and legs but my skin seems to be so thin, visible veins etc... that I dont know if it is a good idea, and in summer time I dont want to use this creme. I have not seen improvemwnt with the tretinoine , maybe it has to be used for longer time,. I really want to do something to reverse this condition, Any solution is welcome. Thanks.
Answer: not much besides avoiding sun and good moisturizers, the Retin-A, retinols and glycolic acids might make it smoother but will likely not tighten it, and the non-invasive technologies out there are unreliable. JG 5.1.08
Hi Dr. Pierce, Have you ever heard of laser genesis making crepiness below the eye worse, for example if the setting`s too high? thanks.
Answer: it could, possibly. JG 5.1.08
Hi Dr. Pierce. If I`m 41 and I`ve got crepey expression wrinkles and other damage (puffiness, dark circles, visible capillaries and veins, milia) under my eyes from two months of overuse of Retin-A and Kinerase Under Eye Rescue, is there an approximate amount of time I can expect it to take for the damage to be undone? I understand that everyone`s different...
Answer: it might take double the time it took to get it, use some copper peptide creams and stay away from sun and topical ittitants like hydroxy acids or retinols. JG 5.1.08
is photo facial IPL?
Answer: yes. JG 4.30.08
Dr. Garcia what do you think about Photo Laser Facial? that is wat i got done today the plastic surgon said i dont really need a yag laser... any risks of photo laser facials thank you and God Bless
Answer: low risk, they are effective, less downtime than other stronger lasers, but if it does not resolve the issues, the other laser might be needed down the road. JG 4.30.08
I`m not overweight, nor overfat. I weight train & have a body fat percentage of 17. However, I have lose skin -- not hanging -- just not taut, on my abdomen & thighs. I know you`re not a fan of Titan & Cool Lipo, but short of surgery, is there any chance of improvement by some other method?
Answer: I do not think so, sorry. JG 4.29.08
Studies show that if you apply sunscreen every day, your skin will begin to repair itself.. is this TRUE
Answer: depends on your age and other health factors like smoking and diabetes. JG 4.29.08
Dear Dr. Garcia, My niece is scheduled soon for excision of excess, loose skin from her lower buttocks and upper thighs. She is a rather small woman (5`6 , 108 pounds) and has only a relatively small amount of redudant tissue. She is not a candidate for a circumferential lift, or even just a buttocks lift (with the incision at the lower back), as neither would really help the isolated problem she is seeking to fix. (She had liposuction in that region about a decade ago, and as she has aged--she`s now 40--the skin has simply begun to hang. It looks like a pre-op abdominoplasty, but from behind!) Her plastic surgeon plans to make the incisions in the creases below her buttocks, excise a modest crescent of skin from each side, and then suture the margins together. Although it is a relatively straightforward process, like other plastic surgeons, he rarely does this procedure, favoring incisions above the buttocks for the obvious reason that there will be great tension on the incisions below the buttocks, potentially causing them to widen and migrate; but he thinks he can`t really correct this particular problem in any other way. He has told her that this is a common, if now rarely used, surgical strategy, but I`m not sure about that. Before she does this, my questions for you are: 1) Have you ever heard of a surgery like this? 2) Have you yourself ever performed this particular procedure in cases like my niece`s and, if so, have your patients healed successfully? 3) What questions would you want a patient of yours to ask you before doing this? 4) What would you want to tell such a patient before proceeding? I just don`t want to see her make a mistake with potentially grave consequences. Thanks so much for your help and generosity, Dr. Garcia! Greatly appreciated!
Answer: I have heard of it but have not seen it done for many years, the results show a flattening of the buttocks and not a good shape in most people. I have done it once, about 18 years ago. Scars there can never be erased or hidden, in many cases the traditional buttock lift should correct that problem, including the thighs. JG 4.28.08
I have use a buffer TCA COMPLEX Peel at home. I swipe the solution once over my cheek and spot treat in areas. The spot treated areas frost and next day have dark red/brown spots. Will this fade away when it peel in 3-4 days Or I need to do hydroquinone? Thank you. Yen
Answer: it should fade on its own. JG 4.28.08
will Q-swithced YAG laser completely remove or lighten brown spots??? and wuts the risk of scaring??
Answer: complete or almost in most cases, the risks are of reactive post-inflammatory pigmnet problems on a temporary basis. JG 4.28.08
JG 4.27.08Hi, I;m currently using Tazorac cream 0.1% for acne and it is doing an amazing job...does this cream help to fight wrinkles???can it be used on the eye area where there is crows feet? Can it improve smoothness to face? Thanks Dr.!!!!
Answer: it can likley help wrinkels too, yes. It can be applied around the eyes as long as it does not get into the yes, that area is also more sensitive so the skin can get more red and dry. JG 4.27.08
I had botox one week ago in forehead, crows feet and between the eyes, now I have droopy eyelids, what can I do about it and how long will it last. Thanks for answer
Answer: Not much to do at this point. Next time, you should make sure to see a trained physician to have the procedure done. This wil last 3-4 months. JJP 4/27/08
what are HGH injections about? there was a discussion on tv last night
Answer: Please read our web site. We explain all about hGH replacement therapy. If someone has adult onset growth hormone deficiency, then growth hormone therapy is an option. JJP 4/26/08
I notice in older women there hands lack so much subcutaneous fat and actually that seems to be the worst part of aging. Why is that and what can be done, if anything/ Thanks
Answer: it is due to normal aging and loss of the fat, Resytylane injections can help though. JG 4.26.08
damage at a young age will the damage evenually repair its self since im still young or will i need treatments??
Answer: if young enough your body should hea itself as long as the dmage was not too severe. JG 4.26.08
at my age (20) do you think im doing to much to my skin obagi microdermabarion gycolic peels mild chemical peels??
Answer: unless you have skin discolorations I think peels are not needed at your age. Microdermabrasions are OK every 6 weeks or so if you have oily skin. JG 4.26.08
what do you think about the visia tesT?? is it accurlate and all the spots that show on the visia and not in person will they evenually show later on??
Answer: no experience with any patients that have used it, sorry. JG 4.26.08
Dear Dr Garcia, I am 27 years old and the doctor put me injections in my frown lines, crows feet and forehead, he used 85 U in total ...I don�t like the results, it changed my facial expression completely...my questions are: When do you start to get rid at least a little bit of the effects? is it progressive since the injections? or is only after the 3 or 6 months that you start to note an improvement? with that dossage, in how many months do you think the botox will wear off? the location of the injections influences in the duration of the effect?...I mean, in some places it will go faster than in others? thanks a lot Dr Garcia! and sorry for my english...
Answer: nothing you can do to reverse or speed it up, it is a matter of time, usually 3-4 months in most cases. In areas that move alot the injections wear off faster. JG 4.23.08
Hi Doctor, i just purchased your neuropeptide cream and hope it delivers. Can I use it in the mornings and at night and can I use it with Retin-A at night. Just need some good advice on the best way to use it to help keep me looking as young as possible. Thanks
Answer: yes, it can be used twice per day, if you would like to mix it with Retin-A, apply the Retin-A first at night then wait ten minutes before applying the peptide cream.
What do you think of the proffesional dermaroller with vitamine A coming deeper into the skin, done at PS office for crepy sun damaged skin around mouth and neck. There were three treatments adviced with 4 weeks in between. Further once or twice a year to maintain.
Answer: I think it is a waste of time. JG 4.23.08
First of all, I can`t believe what a helpful site this is. If only you were my doctor! I have three questions. One, have you heard of any long-term risks for Laser genesis? Two, provided there are no long-term risks, can Laser Genesis help with dark circles and visible capillaries under the eyes? And three, you mentioned the damage done to my eyes by Retin-A is probably reversible because I used it for only 5-6 weeks. Over what length of time could the damage become permanent in your opinion? Is 5-6 weeks on the borderline of being long enough to cause more permanent damage? Thanks so much.
Answer: no negative long term effects from Laser Genesis. I do not think it will help with dark circles nor with visible capillaries on the eyes though. It would take months of use with an inordinate amount of irritation for it to cause long term problems but peopel heal well from chemical peels and they are much more irritating than Retin-A, it varies from person to person. JG 4.23.08
after obagi my skin got irritated red and painful i visisted a dermatologist and prescribed me Locoud Lipocream will this solve my problem?? and will the irritation be there forever?? or is it temporary???
Answer: it should help the irritation and it will not last forever. All temporary. JG 4.23.08
dr garia im 22 used obagi witch irritated my skin and causes broken cappilaries. and brown spots didnt improve now im always sad... im 2 young to be doing laser is wat i was told and uve said yag laser because its not not peeling the skin and wat i see on google yag laser is resurfacing?? so wuts the yag laser u reccomend called??? theres many different types thanks a million and god bless
Answer: I suggest a Q-swithced YAG laser for the brown spots and complete sun block too. JG 4.23.08
Hi Doctor, what can peptide cream do for me that retin-a can`t do. I have used retin-a for years should i maybe purchase a peptide cream to help with lines and some unevenness under the eye area. Thanks
Answer: it will stabilize cell membranes and assist in the creation of new collagen, but it does not irirtate the skin the way Retin-a does. JG 4.23.08
Hi Dr. Garcia, I used retin-a underneath my eyes for 5-6 weeks (my doctor told me to) and ended up with excessive vascularization, dark circles, and crepy, criss-crossed wrinkles that appear to be expression lines. Is this damage reversible, and if so, how do I reverse it as quickly as possible? Thanks, Sandra
Answer: stop the cream, use a copper peptide cream for healing and use sunblock when you go out, it should all get better if you used it for such a short amount of time. JG 4.23.08
dr garcia wat do you think about prevage MD??? the one sold in a derm office
Answer: overpriced and not much science to back up the claims. JG 4.23.08
Hi doctor, i have been using retin-a for 10 years and have never took a break from using it. Should i stop for a while and use something else and if so what? I am 43 yrs. old and have some fine lines under my eyes and some mild rosaesa also large pores. Some unevenness under one eye too. Thanks for your help!
Answer: I think just use sunblock and a good moisturizer is all. JG 4/22/08
A follow-up to the question I just posted, is that the retin-a also made the skin under my eyes very thing - the capillaries are visible and there are dark circles under my eyes. is this reversible?
Answer: all of that should reverse itself as it was short exposure. JG 4.23.08
Hello Dr. Pierce, I used retin-a under my eyes for 5 weeks on doctor`s instructions, and my under-eye area is now very crepy. My doctor offered me free botox to fix it - I think he believes it might be permanent. Could it be? He said it looks like expression wrinkles to him, and I am very concerned. They were not there before I used retin-a there. Thanks in advance for your response.
Answer: Botox will certainly not fix it and stopping the Retin-A and and using a good quality hydrating cream will fix what the Retin-A has caused. JG 4.23.08
Dr. at 45 although I have very few wrinkles to speak of, none around the eye area...I am perplexed when people say you look tired . This being the case, what would be the procedure recommended. I would like to avoid surgery if possible. I have noticed some shifting in the eyelid, kind of moving downward, and some small bags under the eyes.
Answer: well,looking tired can be caused by many different things that can happen as one ages, I really cannot say as it varies from person to person as to what is wrong and what can or needs to be done. JG 4.21.08
I am a 53 year old female and my neck is sagging (turkey gobbler) and I`d like to find the least invasive procedure to fix this. What do you suggest?
Answer: all non-invasive procedures for a turkey gobbler neck I think will leave you disappointed, sorry. JG 4.21.08
Dr. Garcia, I posted a question last night that I don`t see - perhaps it did not go through. I am wondering if there is anything that can be done to counteract dark skin around the eyes. I don`t have dark circles beneath my eyes, but the skin from the inner corner of each eye to the bridge my nose is noticeably darker. I notice some people have this, and in my case it is so pronounced that someone commented on it once in a negative way. I was just wondering if there was anything I could do other than cover it with makeup.
Answer: injections of fillers can at times help but it is temporary. JG 4.20.08
Dr. Garcia, I don`t have dark circles under my eyes, but the skin between the bridge of my nose and each eye is noticeably dark. I read somewhere that this is due to capillaries leaking blood near the skin`s surface, which turns more bruisish as the blood begins to oxidize. Is this true, and is there any way to counteract dark skin near the eyes? Thanks for this wonderful site.
Answer: it is true but there is not much you can do to stop it from happening. JG 4.19.08
hello dr. pierce. great to have you here! how much does a lazer treatment cost if only done on marionette lines. thankyou
Answer: laser will not help marionette line, sorry. JG 4.21.08
dr garcia, i hope i can explain this right. i am a 57 year old fair skin, and blond so i have alot of zig zay type of wrinkles around my mouth and marionette lines, so that when i pull back my skin, the vertical wrinkles still show in my marionette lines and it looks stretched. what can i do . it seems like nothing can make them disappear. desperate for your advice. thanks so much
Answer: might need a combination of laser resurfacing followed by some fillers. JG 4.19.08
wen i strech my skin i see cappilaries is that normal if i dont strech it they dont show?? wat does this mean
Answer: normal part of aging. JG 7.27.08
wen i strech my skin i see cappilaries is that normal if i dont strech it they dont show?? wat does this mean
Answer: normal part of aging. JG 7.27.08
wen i strech my skin i see cappilaries is that normal if i dont strech it they dont show?? wat does this mean
Answer: yes, that is normal, does not mean anything bad. JG 4.18.08
do you reccommend to stay out in the sun without protection in order to get Vitman D??
Answer: NO!!!! You can still get vitamin D with sunscreen on. JJP 4/16/08
dr garcia i would like to know why does the skin look worese after laser treatments i see some before and after with brown spots and i dont see a big difference besides little bit of lightning of the brown spots?? isnt laser used to remove brown spots ???
Answer: well, if the laser is too light, the degree of improvement is not very noticeable. It might require a stronger laser to be more effective. JG 4.16.08
how many fruits do you reccommend for a patient to eat a day???
Answer: I do not think that there is a specific number to eat. Suffice it to say they make great snacks in between meal and as a replacement for traditional desserts. JJP 4/16/08
Hi Dr. Garcia,please tell me if polaris laser treatment is effective for minor skin laxity in the lower face region and neck area for skin tightening and if you disagree then what have you heard about that works better, thank you
Answer: I do not think it is. I have not found any non-invasive technology to be uniformly effective for the lower face or neck. JG 4.15.08
good day Dr. Pierce, i`m sure you`ve heard about LASIK.. my question is , is the result from LASIK permanent .. i mean won`t the prescription of your eyes still change after getting a 20/20 vision from the LASIK procedure. Also, is your eye`s prescription changes after LASIK , can it be redone or you can only have one LASIK procedure in your lifetime
Answer: You should consult an opthomologist with this question. JJP 4/14/08
hi Dr. Garcia , i am nearsighted for quite some time now .. my left eye always changes prescription / grade ( it gets higher ) while my right eye`s prescription has been constant for over a long period of time .. my questions are , what causes the prescription of the eyes to change . Is it okay if the difference between the left eye and the right `s prescription is like -1.00 ( my left is -2.25 and my right is -1.25 )
Answer: I am sorry but you need to see an opthomologist for that information. JG 4.14.08
Hi doc!! regarding Resveratrol..Will I SEE results or will I feel them inside? How long will it take for this? What should I expect? thank you!!
Answer: I do not think you will feel anything from taking resveratrol. I do not. The changes that take place are internal and will show up on your annual physical lab work. JJP 4/14/08
i have crows feet more to the side of my eye and on upper cheek)))) I have tried botox and it makes a my cheek look puffy under my eye when I smile and does nothing for the crows feet. Does botox not work on some peoples crows feet or are they putting it in the wrong place? If it doesn`t work on me then would the next step be Portrait or surgery.
Answer: Botox will never correct crows feet in the relaxed pose. It only works on dynamic wrinkles. It also does not work as well in the crows feet compared to the area between the eyebrows. JG 4.13.08
im 20 yrs old want to remove my freakles and sun damage do you reccomend yag laser or fraxel laser??
Answer: YAG. JG 4.14.08
from what i searched on google indoor tanning is safe and that its heathy by producing vitmain D??
Answer: Everything in moderation. Too much of anything can be problematic. JJP 4/14/08
Sorry, forgot to clarify... or do theses salts not cause a problem if their concentration is low? Can it be safe if used sparingly in low concentrations??
Answer: not sure what previous question you are relating too. JG 4.10.08
Dear Doctor, I am not sure I am asking in the right forum... if not, forgive me. In my country now a product called Grecian is being sold, for gray hair dyeing . I wonder if it is safe, considering the ingredients: aqua, menthyl pyrrolidone, mineral oil , stearyl alcohol, glyceryl sterate, ceteareth-20, bismuth citrate, parfum , sodium triethanolamine, sulfur, zinc pyrithione, linalool, benzyl salicylate, d-limonene , hexyl cinnamaldehyde, armyl cinnamal , citral, geraniol . As caution they mention only Caution - Keep away from children. Avoid all eye contact Do not use to colour moustasches For external use only Do not apply to cuts or abraded scalp What do you think? is it safe? It seems to be sold in many countries. If this is not the board to ask that, can you refer me to someone I might ask about this? Hugs
Answer: it has bee nused for many years and works fairly well, it is cost effective. JG 4.9.08
Dear Dr. Pierce, What is the best treatment for vertical lines around the lips and is there any laser that helps to make hands look more youthful. Thanks, Bev
Answer: Verticle lines around the lips can be treated with Rhytec Portrait system. They can also be slightly reduced with dermal fillers in the lips. The Rhytec system is also indicated for treatment for the hands. JJP 4/09/08
is yag laser safe?? anyside affects will it thin the skin for a 20 yr old with brown spots or do you think its iam 2 young?
Answer: it is safe and is an effective method to remove brown spots at any age, even in children. JG 4.9.08
is yag laser safe?? anyside affects will it thin the skin for a 20 yr old with brown spots or do you think its iam 2 young?
Answer: safe at that age. JG 7.27.08
sorry its me again so now its been 4 months that i stopped obagi and my skin is still like that from obagi will it ever be back to normal??? i think its burned
Answer: I do not think it is burned but I think you need to see the plastic surgeon or dermatologist who prescribed the Obagi to you to see what has occurred, what you are describing is very unusual. JG 4.9.08
Me again!! sorry Im bothering you.. What kind of resveratrol have to be in order to be pure and better. recommended intake? mg? I didn`t know there is more than one..
Answer: Life extensions makes a good Resveratrol. Doses range from 20 mg to 400 mg. I personally use 200 mg a day. There is a large theraputic index, therefor it is very safe. JJP 4/08/08
Recently I noticed that after sleeping, a lot of lines all over my body from sheets, pillow and night cloths, are staying visible printed in my skin for a long time, also after wearing jeans, stich lines are printed in my skin. I did not have this before at least not in such a way and not for that long. What can be done, is this normal, thanks for answer.
Answer: It sounds to me as though you are holding water. Try decreasing you sodium intake. More exercise also improves the lymphatic flow, which will help to reduce edema(water retention) JJP 4/08/08
after obagi i see my skin got much thinner that i can see cappilaries but there not broken just if i stretch my skin i see them is this normal??
Answer: it might be due to the Retin-A. It happens in thin skin where one must be careful not to use too strong of a cream. JG 4.8.08
Hi Doc!! What do you think about Resveratrol? Thank you!!
Answer: good supplement in high enough doses and in pure form. JG 4.8.08
Hi Dr Pierce. What is you opinion of the Palomar TriLux Lazer? I understand that it is a 3 step treatment which uses the Lux G for pigmentation, the Lux 1540 for non ablative skin resurfacing and the Lux Deep I/R for skin tightening. I was told that I would probably need 5 sessions (1 for pigmentation, 2 for resurfacing and 2 for tightening). I am 53 years old and I am considering laser treatment but was interested in the least amount of down time, but really wanted results too. Since it is non ablative, does this mean it does not have the same success or favorable outcome as the CO lazer? The total cost is about $3,500.00 for the 5 sessions and I was worried if it was worth it. Thanks for your time.
Answer: I am not a fan, I will say that you desiring the least amount of down time is understandable, but that will seriously limit your degree of improvement. That laser will never give you the results that the CO2 will, but it will have shorter healing time and less potential issues with pigmentation. JG 4.8.08
hi, am 57 and female, can i look less wrinkled if i stop tanning? does tanning make you look older and more wrinkled if you are wrinkled? thank you much for your time.
Answer: to a certain degree yes as the skin will not be as thinned and dehydrated. JG 4.7.08
once you do laser and get purpura is this permant??? or does it evenually go away??
Answer: it is temporary. JG 4.7.08
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT Electrodesiccation for broken cappilaires?? side affects??
Answer: might leave white spots, it works though, they might come back in time. JG 4.7.08
Hi Dr Pierce. This is a great website. I just bought a NuFace device which is a hand held device that delivers gentle microcurrent impulses to the face. The product claims to reduce the appearance of minor facial lines and wrinkles as well as tones the face. I was wondering if you knew anything of this, and whether it will do as it says or if I just wasted my money. Thanks so much.
Answer: I have heard of the product. We are waiting to get some evidense based literature as to the efficasy. So no opinion as of yet. JJP 4/07/08
but from what i was told from you or your staff laser doesnt damage the skin.. and now your saying it does and once you have pixel scabs are they permant?? so whats the point of removing brown spots when your going to have red onces form???
Answer: it causes reversible damage, not permanent, if all goes well, that is how the laser causes its effect. Especially in pixelated laser cases where millions of little holes are made in the skin. The red spots should not be permanent, they should fade. JG 4.7.08
Recently, a local medical cosmetic spa has been touting the effects of PRP Skin Treatment which uses the patient`s own blood to form a gel. Also, they are advertising Dermasweep. What are these and are they at all effective? Thanks.
Answer: I do not feel PRP will help unless all of the top layers of skin are removed and the advantage is small, as to Dermawand, not very different from other microdermabrasions out there. JG 4.5.08
Recently, a local medical cosmetic spa has been touting the effects of PRP Skin Treatment which uses the patient`s own blood to form a gel. Also, they are advertising Dermasweep. What are these and are they at all effective? Thanks.
Answer: PRP could be used for procedures when the top layers are removed but the benefits are small and DermaWand is no better than microdermabrasions. JG 4.5.08
from what i know pixel scabs are from laser its beacause laser damages the skin.... is this true
Answer: correct. JG 4.5.08
what do you reccomend for a 20 yr old female to remove brown spots with a laser that doesnt affect the skin??
Answer: all lasers, in order to remove a brown spot, have to have some effect on the skin. JG 4.5.08
what do you think about fraxel laser and the risks?? for brown spots
Answer: might improve brown spots, they wil come back in time, do not feel it will do much else though. JG 4.3.08
Laser Treatment Lasts In general we find that laser removal of age spots is permanent, however people do sometimes see new spots appear as they go back out into the sun. These are new spots forming as a result of age spots, not a recurrence of the old, removed spots. Good sun-avoidance is key if you wish to see your skin free of sun spots. IS THIS TRUE?
Answer: the only thing I aggree with is heh sunblock, skin cells have melanin and it has memory, so once a spot is there, sun exposure will allow it to return to the same degree. Will you get new ones with time, yes, will the old ones come back, yes to that too. JG 4.2.08
DOES OBAGI REVERSE SUN DAMAGE? AND AFTER USING WHAT CAN I USE TO MAINTAIN THE RESULTS?BROWN SPOTS
Answer: yes, it does. Afterwards use sunblock. JG 4.2.08
the plastic surgon that i went to said to do obagi also under my eyes and now it looks like i got bags under my eyes that wont go away?? also where my mouth ends on both sides it seems a lil saggy im only 22??
Answer: most likely from the swelling, should all go away in time. JG 4.2.08
wen removing brown spots with retin a or laser does it lighten the brown spots or completely remove them
Answer: in most cases they are lightened. JG 4.2.08
I have been using a 12 % lactic acid cream that I get at Costco on my arms and legs for my dry skin for years and my skin definitely looks better at 70 than it did at age 60. Can I use it daily on my face? Gotta tell my friends about your site and column as it would save them a lot of money.
Answer: I think it is likely OK, it needs to be started slowly and then see if you tolerate it, but that is a pretty mild alpha hydroxy acid, thanks for visiting. JG 4.1.08
As I am recently went into menopause at age of 46 my skin changed completely, on my arms and legs , my skin always looks like chicken skin. I am always cold. I take already some hormonal supplements which helps with headaches and other symptoms but not with my skin problem. Do you have any solution for this how to improve my skin. Thanks in advance.
Answer: You should have your thyroid looked at. This may be the root of your issue. JJP 4/1/08
if i remove my brown spots with yag laser? how long will the results last if i dont tan any longer? months yrs? explain thanks and god bless
Answer: if you avoid sun and do not tan and use sunblock it should be months and possbly years. JG 3.31.08
how long in the sun would equal this long in a tanning bed? hours?
Answer: no way to tell, it depends on the tanning bed and where in the world the sun exposure comes from. JG 3.31.08
any risks on yag laser?? and is there permanent lightning of the skin??
Answer: risks of blisters and reactive hyperpigmentation, I have not seen a permanent lightening of the skin though. JG 3.31.08
Dr. Garcia Thanks so much for what you do, much appreciated!
Answer: it is my pleasure, all the best. JG 3.30.08
Do you think mesotherapy is a wate of money? When I was younger I did once a 12 time session on the stomach area, and finally noticed a bit improvement in firming the skin there, with no additional work outs. Of course after one year the results where gone. Do you think it would work for arms and legs to make the skin firmer and help with the crepiness. What else would be recommanded for crepy skin on arms and legs ?
Answer: yes, I think mesotherapy is a waste of money. JG 3.30.08
4 months ago I hade three ipl treatments, the first one was ok, the dr. said I could use Retin a with hydroquinone which I did. I deed not peel and it was right after the second IPL that i immediately started to peel, not even but in patches on one side. Around the patches I was left with hyperpigmentation. So I started to use the Retin a hydroquinone creme again, and applied more of the creme on the patches. Result became worse. I then did a 30% glycolic acid home peel. Result even worse dicoloration and inflamed skin. I stopped all treatment and went to the derm again. He then performed a tirth IPL to remove the hyperpigmentation wich it did but the red spots ( I dont know if it is burned) with the white discoloration is still present. The red patches are also different in skin structure, more rough. Now after more then four months since the first treatment, there is no improvent with the red and white spots and patches. I stopped all irritant treatment, except normal day and nightcreme and sunblock. Do you think it is permanent. What can I do to improve this discoloration, red and white. Thanks for reply, dont know any more what to do. I have to cover my face with make up all the time. Should I do a peel at a doctors office ? I am very afraid, it is permanent, especially the white part. Thanks for reply
Answer: I think you should not do any more peels at home, I think you will likely need a long series if IPL treatments to improve things, but you will need to be patient with the degree of improvements. JG 3.30.08
I am left with burn marks after my PS cleaned my face with alcohol based product, 5 months ago. The burn marks whre treated with IPL together with my complete face but the marks are still there, besides my eye. They are rough in texture and nothing seems to work to improve . Do you have any suggestion, is this permanent. Thanks for advice
Answer: might need a Rhytec to tighten and smooth along with brown spot removal. JG 3.30.08
ive tried obagi nu derm, gycolic peels microdermabartion and mild chemical peels for brown spots nothing works, since im young dr said he would not perform laser on my face due to my age and he said therse alot of risks
Answer: low risks of lasers in exeperienced hands, I do not think you need a resurfacing laser though, I think you need spot treatments with a YAG laser. JG 3.30.08
are lotions with urea good for crepy skin on arms and legs? Do they thin the skin and make it more crepy? What else can be used to restore crepy body skin? Thanks.
Answer: some people find urea to be a smoothing agent, but very temporary. JG 3.30.08
On the dr. Lam question forum about facial fat grafting, he writes that fat loss can be due to continious sun exposure. Do you think someone can lose fat from the sun? If this is true, is it because of the heat, then also IPl or other lasers can produce loss of fat. Thank you for your opinion.
Answer: I do not believe that is true, sorry. If it did there would not be any fat people with suntans JG 3.30.08
dr garcia thanks for everything that youve answered god bless you! Can you please suggest me any good products that will help my skin be more firm and glowy im 22 yrs old i have brown spots and wont irritate broken cappilaires?? my skin seems a little loose
Answer: might want to try hydroquinone 4% and use sunblock all the time, and no more sun. JG 3.29.08
can you please suggest good copper peptide creams??
Answer: we use NeoCutis brand.
how can i buid collegen to my face??
Answer: Retin-A, Rhytec Portrait or CO2 laser are the most effective. JG 3.29.08
is it true that some people have more collegen then others? is this genetic
Answer: yes, it is genetic. JG 3.29.08
Hi Dr, Thank you for this forum. The honesty is refreshing and appreciated. Im a 40 year old man who has slight joweling and loose skin along my jawline and under my chin. I tried a couple of mesotherapy treatments and a PSR3, but no luck in tightening skin and reducing the slight jowling. Any suggestions on how to treat those conditions? Will facial exercises help?
Answer: facial exercises will maake it worse. I suggest maybe Sculptra to fill in the cheeks and lift the skin a slight amount, otherwise it is surgery. JG 3.28.08
you didnt explain if new brown spots and cappilaries come out or the once you removed??
Answer: yes, they do, they are part of sun exposure and the aging process and once you have brwon spots and they are removed, they will always come back in time and the blood vessels will come back as the skin ages and thins. JG 3.27.08
i hear that laser caues fat loss and collagen loss to the face is this true???
Answer: not true.JG 3.27.08
sorry to write so many times, i was on obagi im 22 yrs old its been 3 months since im off it... reason i used it was for freakles now my skin is so sensative extremely thin and always sore and red... please suggest me any good products that would bring my skin back to the way it was
Answer: might try copper peptide creams. JG 7.27.08
sorry to write so many times, i was on obagi im 22 yrs old its been 3 months since im off it... reason i used it was for freakles now my skin is so sensative extremely thin and always sore and red... please suggest me any good products that would bring my skin back to the way it was
Answer: copper peptide creams are a good option. JG 7.27.08
sorry to write so many times, i was on obagi im 22 yrs old its been 3 months since im off it... reason i used it was for freakles now my skin is so sensative extremely thin and always sore and red... please suggest me any good products that would bring my skin back to the way it was
Answer: squalene or copper peptide creams and no alpha hydroxy acids. JG 3.27.08
ive been done with obagi now for 3 months my face is still sore and red and always burning please suggest something to use
Answer: migth want to use copper peptide creams or squalene oil to let it heal. And stop all alpha hydroxy acids too. JG 3.27.08
when you remove brown spots and broken cappliaries, do new ones come out or the ones your removed??
Answer: eventually, yes. JG 3.27.08
Will these capillaries come back? Once a capillary is treated ,it will never come back, however new ones may appear. IS THIS TRUE???
Answer: ys, they will come back. JG 3.24.08
my friends do IPL and there skin always seems thinner and loose does IPL have those effects?? do IPLs make your skin thinner
Answer: I have not seen that happen. JG 3.24.08
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT BROKEN CAPPILAIRES TO COME BACK AFTER REMOVING THEM?
Answer: sorry, but nothing, they will come back. JG 3.24.08
from what i was told by my plastic surgon i can remove broken cappilaries and they wont come back ?? but uve said they do come back what causes them to come back
Answer: they come back because anything done to clot the blood vessels off will eventually allow the vein to open once again. JG 3.24.08
from what i was told by my plastic surgon i can remove broken cappilaries and they wont come back ?? but uve said they do come back what causes them to come back
Answer: yes, they will come back, ask you surgeon if he removes them will he keep treating you for free if they reurrn and see what he says. JG 7.27.08
can you give me a good vitmains C topical that you reccomend that wont irriate the broken cappilarires?
Answer: I think that risk exists for them all. JG 3.24.08
after obagi i got lots of broken cappilaries im in my twenties.. the reason i used obagi was for my brown spots, now im left with broken cappliares and brown spots? what can I use to remove them besides laser?? an every day remedy??
Answer: nothing topical, sorry, will need at least an IPL. JG 3.23.08
what do you think about skincetucials C E Ferulic for broken cappilaries and sun damaged skin?
Answer: unimpressed with their ability to remove those things. JG 3.23.08
and how long does it take for sun damge to show? how many yrs would you say?
Answer: it can show up in weeks in severe cases, once you have a sun tan there is damage, the lines might not show up for a few years though. JG 3.23.08
THanks for your reply okay you say that sun damage is reversable with topical vitamin a and C but you also said once you stop using these products your skin goes back to what it was so how is that reversable? your saying only temporarly so basically thats not reversable Thank you
Answer: since the aging process never stops, all we ever do is temorary, but if you never do anything to reverse or slow it then the skin will be even worse without it. JG 3.23.08
Hi Hope you are well..Ive posted before I havent been well thought id had a stroke but still being investigated as apparently it wasnt I seeing rhuematology next as one sided weakness, allergies seizure etc. Meanwhile its destroying me seeing the state of my skin. I have crepe like tiny lines on my cheek when i smile which happened all of a sudden when i went back to eating food allegic to and came off the pill..I also lost about half a stone qute quick and have noticed een wheni put weight on my face is different i think loss of fat beneaththe skin or sagging.. I have pcos with insulin resistance which may be why i react to sugar carbs i dont know and I am so sick of waiting.. I am seeing a facial reconstruction consultant about my right side facial droop next month and the creepeness is worse on the right side.. Ive sold my car to get my confidence back do you think i should wait til after facial reconstruction? I am looking into accent, scupltra etc for the crepe appearence on my cheeks..but also all of a sudden got sunken eyes particuarly on the right side with two lines underneah my eyes i think where skin has sagged. Can you give me the best advice on something i can use while I am waiting your products please? I will order them from you i just dont know what to orer. I am not sure if ihave fat loss or musclke wasting eitherso i know i need to wait but want something to treat it in the meantime. Sorry this is so long isnt it and Iam a very complicated case..I dont even like going out as i look so awful I look ike a young girl in an old body.. Thanks soooooooooo Much Mandy Ive sold
Answer: I really think you are past the point of creams, surgery is what is needed and that likely will need to be followed by a resurfacing of some sort. You must get all of the medical issues fixed first in order to get through the surgeries safely though. JG 3.23.08
im 22 yrs old my i used to do alot of indoor tanning and i always wanted the red look so my face can look fresh not knowing thats a burn i must of done it at least 50 times what can i do to reverse this or is this to late
Answer: some of it is too late, it will show signs of premature aging in time, but not rigth away, fot now, I suggest no more sun or tanning beds, using mild Retin-A and topical Vitmain C too. JG 3.21.08
Dr. Garcia you said sun damage is reversable and is this permanent
Answer: some of the damage is reversible but not all. JG 7.27.08
Dr. Garcia you said sun damage is reversable and is this permanent
Answer: if you reverse some of it but continue the sun exposure it will eventually become irreversible. JG 3.21.08
Dr. Garcia you said sun damage is reversable and is this permanent
Answer: no the damamge is not totally reversible and some degree of the damage will be permanent. JG 7.27.08
from what i read on google sun damage is Not Reversable? and you said it is can you explain this
Answer: some parts of sun damage are reverible, the earlier you treat it, it can be reversed with Vitamin C and Retin-A, once long standing it might not be able to be repaired though. There are may things that sun damage does, and some are certainly treatable, like dermal thinning and excess skin keratinization. JG 3.21.08
Dr garcia what do you think about silk peel? at what age should a person get this done and any side affects damaging the skin?
Answer: do not think it will do much, it is a very light superficial procedure. JG 3.20.08
what can be done for aging hands: Loss of fat and veiny hands? Thanks!!
Answer: fillers for the fat loss and lasers for the spots. JG 3.20.08
**what can i do to make my hands appear more youthful? Laser? Fillers? I have loss of fat and veiny hands.
Answer: both can help in some cases. JG 3.20.08
Hello Dr. Garcia, Is there any cream/ointment/gel in the market to use topically to burn some of the face fat?
Answer: sorryy but no, there is not. JG 3.19.08
I am left with a stripe of hyperpigmentation of what it looks like as the result of a hematoma, blood collection under the skin after a facelift on one side of my face before the ear. I tried already three times ipl which improved a bit the color but the stripe is still visible. I was told it is very deep under the skin and more ipl or bleaching cremes neither retin a will help. Is there something I can do to get rid of this brown stripe ? Also the texture of the skin is more rough, ticker then before, maybe because of the ipl. Thank you for answer.
Answer: might want to try a YAG laser, it is much stronger, the texture should also get better in time once you stop the lasers. JG 3.20.08
hello i was using obagi i didnt get good results instead im left with dry skin. also my face is always really sore and tender what can this be? its been like this for a long time now almost a yr
Answer: it is from the Retin-A and that will get better if you stop, it is part of the process, and in most cases the skin adapts after 4-6 weeks or so. Your skin might just be too sensitive and not able to tolerate the program. JG 3.20.08
Dr. Garcia, What is your view of the combination of Matrix IR (wrinkle reduction), ReFirme (tightening) and Skin Rejuvenation with elos (pigment)in a series of 5 treatments, with each treatment a combination of all three?
Answer: a waste of money. JG 3.19.08
i do have brown spots can i go to the beach still and wear and spf 50 and not get brown spots or will i still get more?? im in my twenties i want to enjoy my youth
Answer: yes, but it will limit the number in the future, but you will still get some more. JG 3.20.08
i do have brown spots can i go to the beach still and wear and spf 50 and not get brown spots or will i still get more?? im in my twenties i want to enjoy my youth
Answer: well, you need to reapply it every two hours at least and I think because of sweating, there will be some more that will come but less than if you did not wear the sunscreen at all. JG 3.20.08
DR GARCIA AT THIS POINT I HAVE BROWN SPOTS.. I WILL PROTECT MY SELF FROM GETTING MORE BUT MY QUESTION THE TIME I DIDNT PROTECT MY SELF WILL I GET BROWN SPOTS WEN IM OLDER??
Answer: most likley more will come in time. JG 3.20.08
Dr garcia please help me remove my brown spots and how can i make this last forever without the spots comming back im really young and always ashamed of my skin please help me
Answer: all the treatments such as YAG lasers, chemical peels or hydroquinone prescriptions will help but there is nothing permanent I am afraid. JG 3.18.08
im 22 and im assuming my damage is long standing so i guess its to late to reverse my sun damage??
Answer: well, some of it can/ could be, but not all, the more damage you had the less can be removed. JG 3.17.08
im 22 yrs old with brown spots and remedy?? im trying to reverse my sun damage you think its a good age to start?? and fropm now on i will be wearing spf all the time
Answer: It is a perfect time to start. You will be ahead of the game. JJP 3/15/08
when you say not long standing damage?? how many yrs??
Answer: anything past a few weeks becomes long standing if not treated. JG 3.16.08
How can retin A work to correct sun damage skin texture when I do not peel from it. Even the 1% tretinoine cream does not cause peeling on my skin. Altough I have very thin skin. It does make the skin crepery but even after use of three months every night , no peeling. There is no improvement either , just more crepy. Not dry, since I take hormone supplementation, that makes my skin more oilier. thanks for reply
Answer: the damage to the skin from the sun is deeper and the peeling is only the epidermis and not the dermis where the Retin-A is doing most of it`s work. If your skin is crepey it is working. JG 3.16.08
you said sun dage is reversable but im assuming only temporarly whats done is done correct??
Answer: recent damage should be able to be repaired but not long standing damage. JG 3.16.08
Dr. Garcia Obagi ruined my skin.. i got more spots and its winter here were i live and im always using spf 30 but my spots seem more and more.. now i got broken cappilaries anything i can use that can get the brows removed without causing broken cappilaries besides laser
Answer: plain hydroquinoneor kojic acid I think is worth a try. JG 3.16.08
Dr. Garcia please help im in my twenties i used obagi and i got lots of broken cappilaries on my face? i heard about the Vbeam? how long until the broken cappilaries return?? and i need something that helps with my broken cappilaries and brown spots??
Answer: no way to tell how long before they return but the VBeam is a good option.JG 3.10.08
does retin a make you get broken cappilaries???
Answer: it can, yes. JG 3.10.08
does retin a remove brown spots?
Answer: Yes, but nothing does it permenently. JJP 3/10/08
my face seems pretty loose my skin im only 23 anything i can do to make my skin tighter??
Answer: Difficult to tell with out seeing you in person. JJP 3/10/08
I am 66 years old and am showing a lot of wrinkles when I laugh. Otherwise, my face looks very good for my age. I recently began using the Obagi system to prepare my skin for a Blue Peel. Do you think this is what I need or would I see more results with Rytech? A friend had that procedure recently and my husband doesn`t want me to do something that drastic. Pat
Answer: I think the Blue Peel wil do little for wrinkles and the Rhytec will do more. JG 3.10.08
What proven and tested methods re lifestyle changes, supplements, nutrition and exercise, can be taken to stem the growth of the male prostate gland. HH 03/05/2008
Answer: I do not know if anything has been proven in that specific area. I would reccomend a healthy low glycemic index/load diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise and proper supplementation. Saw Palmetto, nettle and zinc are all healthy for the prostate.JJP 3/07/08
Dear Dr. Garcia, Other than sunscreen/sunblock, diet and good hydration, what are other arsenals to have to help fight the aging process? Can you give us some good examples for both sexes that are affordable, known to work and you would use as well? Thanks in advance for those of us journeying through the process and want to be well educated.
Answer: please see adjacent answer. JG 3.5.08
Dear Dr. Garcia, Other than the obvious things like sunblock, good diet and hydration,what other things would you condsider to be the utmost items in our arsenal against the aging journey? This could be for men or woman and internal and/or external and affordable to the average person as well. What do the anti aging soldiers need the most???
Answer: no smoking, maintian good body weight, orally I think CoQ 10, Vitmain E,C, B complex, Omega 3 fish oils,topical DMAE, topical Vitamin C. JG 3.5.08
im in my early twenties and my skin seems really thin anyhting i can do?
Answer: sunblock, no sun exposure or smoking, light dose of Retin-A. JG 3.5.08
my plastic surgoen said he cant do ipl on my face because of my skin type but i m dark at all im pretty fair? what does this mean
Answer: not really sure why he said that,sorry. It is typically used in most light to medium skin types. JG 7.27.08
my plastic surgoen said he cant do ipl on my face because of my skin type but i m dark at all im pretty fair? what does this mean
Answer: You are not giving me enough information. If you are of African American desent even partially, then you are a skin type 6 by definition. It does not matter how fair your skin is in this situation. You run a greater risk of complications. JJP 3/5/08
im 22 yrs old and my skin seems really thin and i seem to gain weight everywhere but my face is there anything i can do to gain weight on my face??
Answer: Unfortunately, No. JJP 3/5/08
ive gotten many broken capillaries on my face from obagi ipl laser can remove them but is this permanent? if not Y?
Answer: nothing is permanent for that condition. The blood vessels will reopen again in time most likely as once established, they cannot be removed without causing a scar. JG 3.4.08
i want to use ipl to remove some brown spots how long will the results last?
Answer: as long as you avoid sun and flourescent lights, a long time. JG 3.4.08
In response to Paula Begoun`s statement about DMAE, I believe that almost any skin product can have adverse effects in certain individuals. I for example can not tolerate AHA`s or BHA`s. However Miss Begoun pushes these products, because she sells them through her own skincare line. These acids can be harmful if over applied, or if not used in conjunction with a proper sunscreen. Paula Begoun also admits to having Botox injections. I am not against the usage of Botox, but Botox is a drug that can carry some serious side effects! But she has yet to tell her viewers not to use the product!
Answer: anything, even recognized safe products,if used improperly can have bad effects, even water. JG 3.2.08
In regards to the face and eye cream that your office sells, how much of the product should I be applying? Can I apply the eye cream below the eye brow area on the upper orbital bone? I also have a vein on the upper orbital area, what causes this? Can it be treated? Sometimes when I apply your face cream, the marionette lines around my mouth, even though they are very faint, become more pronounced after using the DMAE face cream. It seems as if there is too much of a tightening effect. Am I using too much product, or should I just apply the product at night?
Answer: all you need is a very small amount of cream, just a thin layer is all. The vein has alwys been there but with the aging process, the subcutnaeous fat dissolves and the vein becomes more visible. I do not suggest it be removed for fear of residual swelling. The cream might be settling in the crease, may want to back off on the amount you out in that area around the marionette lines. JG 3.2.08
hello dr Garcia. i have hundreds of tiny skin tags on my neck and chest area. is there any treatment i can remove it? why did i get those? thank you.
Answer: they can be snipped off with scissors by your dermatologist or plastic surgeon, you will get more in time. JG 3.1.08
43 year old female with nice facial skin but I`ve got neck bands! What can I do to get a smooth neck again?
Answer: neck lift to tighten and repair the muscles. JG 2.29.08
how can i remove freakles they are making my face look so dirty?? I tried the Obagi seems like i got evenmore freakles and my skin is much more irrited and dehydrated now?? please help
Answer: might consider some IPL treatments or YAG laser, and then sunblock because the sun will make them all come back. JG 2.29.08
I am 55 and considering Refirme and Velashape (refirme for face; velashape for crinkly arms following lipo). I understand the technology is similar for both. Are these RF like Thermage with the same risks of fat loss and subsequent worsening of the sagging? Also, are you familiar with Isolaz, which I understand can be useful for broken capilaries and large pores? I`m trying to get the most bang for my buck and don`t want to undergo useless or potentially damaging procedures. Thanks for your help.
Answer: they both use RF technology and I think the results from either will be unpredictable. I have not had any patients have the Isolaz so I cannot speak on that. JG 2.25.08
Regarding my previous questions about the ipl, do you think I can start again with the retin a creme but without the hydroquinone , but it seems I dont peel from the retin a creme even applying every night for a long time, it is sometimes irritating but I d not peel, why is that?
Answer: I think you cna, and not all people peel with the Retin-A,especially people with oily skin. JG 2.24.08
I still have red brown and white discoloration months after the final ipl treatment, bleaching cremes do not work to even out my skin color, I want to get rid of these patches, is it possible that the patches came there from use of hydroquinone retin a creme after the ipl treatment, it feeled inflamed at the time and now it feels a bit better but still the patches. Would it be safe to do another ipl treatment after these problems. They dont have YAG lasers here. Thanks fr answer.
Answer: I think if there is no YAG or VBeam laser, the only thing is the IPL,I do not think the bleaching creams caused the loss of pigmentation, best of luck. JG 2.24.08
I am 49 and was diagnosed with rosacea 8 years ago. I have the redness and bumps under control with a topical however my pores are getting larger as I age. What type of treatment (laser, peel or any others) do you recommend for shrinking the pores on my cheeks? Thank you for taking your time to answer all our questions.
Answer: I think IPL. YAG or VBeam lasers will help with that, but nothing permanent. JG 2.21.08
I`m the 42 year old who posted today about the cystic acne, etc. My doctor plans to check my hormones next week, however, will he be able to tell any sort of imbalance if I`m on the BC pills? I`m sure this is a silly question but I really want to get to the bottom of all this termoil going on in my body!!
Answer: If he is trained in hormone balancing then he should have little difficulty. JJP 02/21/08
Dear Dr. Pierce, I kept my appointment yesterday and went ahead with one Candela Gentle YAG SRT. Laser treatment. I am not unhappy with the result, it has slightly lifted the bit of loose skin under my chin area on the neck. It wasn`t that uncomfortable, and i didn`t expect a dramatic result anyway because of it being a less invasive treatment. Paid $250 for treatment on the face and neck area, and can go for follow up treatments if i feel the need, and the girls at the facility where i had it done recommend that. They told me this particular Laser works better on more mature skin than younger people. As i said i am not unhappy with the result, definitely not as disappointed as i was with a more costly Thermage treatment. I thought i would just like to share my experience with you, and i guess the fact is that everybody is going to react differently to these things, and i guess by reading your questions and answers column, we can get a good idea also of what doesn`t work for most. Sicerely, Karin.
Answer: Thank you for your post. JJP 02/20/08
I`m 42 and for the past 2 years I`ve had severe cystic acne in the chin area. My dermatologist had me on Doxycycline, Minnocycline, Retin-A, Tazorac and everything else under the sun but no improvement. My GYN put me on YAZ birth control pills 3 months ago and the acne cleared up.(This is the only reason for taking the BC pills as I had a tubal ligation after the birth of my second child 4 years ago.) Now, I`m dealing with weight gain and severe cellulite in the mid-section and thighs. I eat healthy and run approx. 3-4 miles every other day but can`t seem to get this weight to move. So I can only assume it`s because of the BC pills. What is your recommendation as far as supplements/creams to take instead of the BC pills? If I had to choose between the acne and weight gain, I`d choose the weight gain. The acne was painful and very embarrassing. Thank you so much!
Answer: You should first have all of your hormone levels checked to ensure they are balanced. A transdermal estrogen cream is better for you, in my opinion. Less potential problems with transdermal than orals. If the FDA had not just taken Estriol off the market for no apparent reason, then that may have been a great additive to a face cream to control the acne. JJP 2/20/08
Dear Dr. Garcia, Again I want to thank you for all of your help. I trust your opinion implicitly after reading so many questions that others have submitted-your are honest and do not take unnecessary risks. I just wrote you yesterday-the 46 year old with premature aging changes. I live in New Jersey outside of New York City. If it is at all possible, I would love to have a personal consultation with you at your office. I`m not sure I can yet, but I want to try. I was wondering if beforehand I could send you some pictures I took of myself on my webcam to show you what I look like and what my complaints are--may I do that-your opinion would be much appreciated-at 46 I would like to try to avoid a facelift, but I will trust you if you feel it is necessary. Do you accept pictures? How may I send them to you. Thank you so much for all your help.
Answer: sure, please send them to drgarcia@lvcosmeticsurgery.com JG 2.19.08
Dear Dr. Garcia, Thank you so much for your incredibly quick reply--it means so much to me-i am the 46 year old woman who had been in 2 accidents 6 years ago and am recently experiencing accelerated signs of aging-you said it was probably a combination of my shifting hormones, past smoking and stress-I did stop smoking 7 months ago, thankfully. You said I should balance my hormones, so I need your advice-my doctor is hesitant to put me on hormones because for 2 years I have had elevated CA 125 blood tests, the test that is a cancer marker for ovarian cancer. Thank God nothing malignant has been found--but I have fibroids and benign cysts that may be responsible for the blood test elevation. Do bio identical hormones increase the risk for developing cancer? In my case, would you recommend I go on them? About some of the facial changes I am upset about, the beginning of laxity in the jawline and downturn of the mouth corners with slight lines at the corners--I know the 3 factors I talked about could have cau