How Belotero Balance® is Different Than Other Dermal Fillers

/in /by

Many dermal fillers and injectable treatments are available to address nearly every effect of aging around the face. Each of the treatments works best when treating specific aesthetic conditions and changes.

From injections like BOTOX® that temporarily block muscle contraction to others that restore lost volume with hyaluronic acid (HA), these treatments are safe, easy, and provide excellent results. With so many options, there are not a lot of specific formulas that stand out among the others in the same category.

Belotero Balance®, however, takes the benefits of HA and is created with a proprietary Cohesive Polydensified Matrix (CPM) process, which can provide even better results than other HA treatments available.

Although our bodies naturally create HA, this production decreases around age 20. Along with the decrease in collagen production, this can create sunken areas on the face where decreased volume does not push outward on the skin. This can lead to lines and wrinkles and even larger creases to form.

Belotero Balance® restores this lost volume with its HA that absorbs nearby water molecules and increases volume from below the skin. And with the specific formulation, Belotero Balance® blends much better into the skin than many other HA treatments. This can lead to a more even and natural-looking enhancement to the aesthetics of your face.

Not only does Belotero Balance® give exceptional results, it blends in with the surrounding skin tissue, making it safe and successful at addressing many areas around the face, including the nasolabial folds around the nose, chin wrinkles, and creases around the lips.

Like other HA treatments, however, the results are not permanent, and as the body metabolizes the HA, you may notice a decrease in volume. However, since this special formula blends well with your skin, the results generally last at least a year.

The doctors and aestheticians at Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI, have the experience and knowledge needed to select the best dermal treatment from all the options available to help best meet your aesthetic goals. Visit www.maeharaeyes.com or call 808-955-3937 to schedule a consultation and get started on your aesthetic journey.

How Restylane Can Smooth Lip Wrinkles

/in /by

As a non-surgical procedure that can give you the fuller and more voluptuous lips you want with almost no recovery needed, lip fillers are a great solution. Using the state-of-the-art injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) Restylane, you can smooth wrinkles around your mouth and increase lip volume.

Restylane, as well as Juvederm can be used as lip enhancement to treat several potentially unflattering lip shapes, including thin or small lips, uneven lip shapes, a flat cupid’s bow, etc. During your consultation, the doctor will work with you to create a plan based on your wishes. The improvement can be small or minor refinements or a more robust treatment plan to perfect your mouth shape.

With either product, the HA, which is also naturally found in your body, binds with nearby water molecules to add volume and hydration to your lips. This creates a smooth and natural-looking enhancement to flat or thin lips.

Not only are these proven safe and effective, they are also FDA-approved fillers for lip augmentation. Both fillers can also be incorporated into a more comprehensive facial treatment for a complete cosmetic plan to give you the look you want. Since there is nearly no recovery period needed, you can enjoy the results almost immediately, with little inconvenience.

At Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser, we know that not every patient is the same in their expectations and recovery. Regardless of the procedure, the expert staff will combine state-of-the-art technology and years of experience to provide you with the best care possible while meeting your expectations.

The doctors at Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser know that no two procedures are the same, even of the same type. Your doctor will use their artful eye to guide precise surgical operations to meet your specific aesthetic goals. You will receive warm and compassionate care from the entire team, as well as a board-certified doctor who understands the importance of creating results that are both elegant and natural-looking.

Call Maehara Eye Surgery and Laser in Honolulu, HI at 808-955-3937, or visit www.maeharaeyes.com to schedule a consultation, today.

beauty woman clean skin and hairstyle brunette

How does Radiesse work to remove lines and wrinkles?

/in /by

Cosmetic injectables are increasingly popular ways to turn back the hands of time on your face. Botox is a household name for smoothing out lines and wrinkles in the upper third of the face, but doesn’t correct all lines and wrinkles. That’s where dermal fillers come into play. One of the most popular fillers is called Radiesse.

Read on to learn what makes it a great option to help you achieve a more youthful appearance.

  • Radiesse is an FDA-approved injectable filler for reducing moderate-to-severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth. Is specifically improves the appearance of nasolabial folds, which run from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth, marionette lines, which run downward from the corners of the mouth, downturned corners of the mouth, jowl pre-sagging and chin wrinkles.
  • Radiesses is composed of microspheres in a water-based gel that are made of calcium hydroxylapatite. This substance stimulates the production of collagen and, when injected into lines and wrinkles, smoothes out the lines and wrinkles and adds volume to the skin to give you a more youthful appearance.
  • If you are between the ages of 35 and 60 and have developed folds and wrinkles around your mouth and nose, you may be an ideal candidate for Radiesse treatments. If you have experienced fat loss in your face due to HIV infection, Radiesse may work for you as well.
  • One of the reasons why cosmetic injectables like Radiesse are so popular is the fact that you can get treatment in about 15-30 minutes, with no required downtime. Most patients return to their normal activities right after treatment.
  • The results from Radiesse treatment are immediate and can last up to 1-2 years. As it works, it also stimulates the collagen production beneath the skin. Since results are temporary, you will want to return for touch-up treatments to prolong the effects of the filler.

If you’d like to learn whether Radiesse or other cosmetic injectables are right for you, call 808.955.3937 for an appointment with Dr. Maehara.

Botox vs. Xeomin: Which is best for me?

/in , /by

It’s no doubt that Botox is a household name as it’s the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment around. Xeomin is a similar injectable made from the same botulinum toxin, but it’s important to know which one is best for your needs as they have some differences. Here we break down the differences between both. 

Botulinum toxin type A

Botox and Xeomin are made from the botulinum toxin type A, which is the same bacteria that cause botulism. While Botox and Xeomin both relax muscles in the treatment area, Xeomin is made only with the botulinum toxin and no other ingredients, thus getting the name “the naked injectable.” Botox contains additional proteins.

Blepharospasm

Some people have a condition called blepharospasm, in which they experience involuntary muscle spasms and contractions of the muscles around the eyes. Xeomin is an effective treatment for blepharospasm. It is injected into the muscle, blocking the signal from the nerve and effectively stopping the spasms. Treatment takes about 15-30 minutes and starts to work within a few days after injection. Effects or results last for up to three months, at which point you may need to return for treatment. 

Lines and wrinkles

Botox is the worldwide choice for the temporary reduction of lines and wrinkles on the upper third of the face, but Xeomin may be substituted for patients who have a reaction to the proteins in Botox. 

Botox works on dynamic wrinkles that form on the skin when the muscle beneath the skin contracts. These wrinkles are caused by repeated expressions such as laughing or frowning. Forehead lines, frown lines or 11 lines between the eyebrows and crow’s feet around the eyes can all be successfully treated with Botox. Similarly to Xeomin, treatment only takes 15-30 minutes, results appear in a few days and last for about 3-4 months. You may need additional treatment to maintain results. 

To learn more about cosmetic injectables and how they may help you with your cosmetic concerns or functional needs, call 808.955.3937 today to schedule an appointment.

How Belotero Balance works to rejuvenate the lower third of the face

/0 Comments/in /by

So much attention has been paid to the upper third of the face with all the mask-wearing over the last year. But the lower third of the face shows the signs of aging and can make you look older than you are. Between the loss of collagen and elastin as you age, and repetitive expressions such as smiling and laughing, all contribute to lines and wrinkles around the lips and mouth. A cosmetic filler called Belotero Balance will help smooth out lines and wrinkles and help you appear more youthful.

What is Belotero Balance?

Belotero Balance is an injectable gel that is used to temporarily smooth out and fill moderate-to-severe nasolabial folds and other moderate-to-severe lines and wrinkles around the lips and mouth. It’s made of a substance called hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in the skin. It’s formulated into a uniquely smooth and cohesive injectable gel that blends into the natural structure of the skin to fill in those unwanted lines and wrinkles.

Is treatment painful?

There may be some slight pinches as with all injectable treatments, but your doctor can help you with any discomfort you may feel. There is no downtime, so patients can return to their normal activities right after their treatment.

How is Belotero Balance different from other fillers?

It is a hyaluronic acid filler that is designed to integrate into facial skin tissue. Once injected, the soft, cohesive gel fills the skin to smooth out lines and wrinkles. It’s designed for moderate-to-severe lines, but also can treat delicate areas such as etched-in smile lines and vertical lip lines, which are thin lines above and around the lips.

When will I see results?

Like many fillers, you will see results upon treatment. While individual results will vary, it should last about six or more months. Repetitive movement such as eating, talking and smiling may affect how long results last.

Cosmetic injectables can temporarily smooth out lines and wrinkles and help you look more youthful. If you’re interested in learning more, schedule an appointment by calling Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser at 808.955.3937.

Cosmetic Injections Honolulu, HI

Shower Your Skin With HydraFacial MD®

/0 Comments/in /by

As they say, “April showers bring May flowers,” and the same holds true for your skin. Like the little blooms of spring, your skin relies on hydration and nutrients to stay healthy and beautiful, and HydraFacial MD® is one of the best ways to give your skin exactly what it needs!

What is HydraFacial MD®?

HydraFacial MD® takes an innovative approach to skin resurfacing. Two of the most common techniques that are used for skin resurfacing are dermabrasion and microdermabrasion. These treatments remove dead skin cells and layers of damaged skin to reveal younger, healthier skin. Compared to these treatments, HydraFacial MD® gives you superior results.

Why is HydraFacial MD® Unique?

The HydraFacial MD® treatment relies on water rather than crystals to remove the damage. The water is infused with special serums to address any specific problems that you have, such as acne and dry skin. Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion cannot provide these benefits. The treatment is safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and it may delay the effects of aging.

What Can Be Treated with HydraFacial MD®?

  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Acne and blemishes
  • Sun damage
  • Dryness
  • Rough skin
  • Dull complexion
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Age Spots

The HydraFacial MD® Treatment

Just 45 minutes is all it takes to exfoliate, cleanse, hydrate and protect your skin with HydraFacial MD®. You simply relax and enjoy the cooling sensation of the treatment. Four steps are followed for the procedure.

  1. Exfoliation to remove the damaged outer layer of glycolic and lactic acids
  2. Loosening dirt, oils and dead skin cells inside the pores with glycolic and salicylic acids
  3. Deep cleaning the pores with a unique extraction mechanism
  4. Infusing the pores with a serum of hyaluronic acid, vitamins and more

Your skin looks refreshed and healthy after the treatment, and you can have a HydraFacial MD® treatment up to two times each month to keep your skin beautiful.

Learn More About HydraFacial MD®. Contact Potozkin MD Skincare Center.

To learn more about HydraFacial MD®, CoolSculpting®, treatments for men and our other services, contact Potozkin MD Skincare Center to schedule a consultation. Our office is located in Danville, California, and you can contact us directly at (925) 838-4900.

JUVÉDERM® XC Honolulu, HI

How to Prepare for Juvederm Injections

/0 Comments/in /by

JUVÉDERM® XC Honolulu, HIIt used to be that as soon as you started to show signs of aging, you had just to embrace it and move forward. However, although it’s still good to embrace your age, you can now do so while looking younger. As a popular way of softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth and nose, and adding volume to your cheeks and lips in the process, injections like Juvederm can last the upwards of a year. Made of hyaluronic acid, Juvederm injections are safe and effective. But before you come into see Dr. Jeffrey Maehara for injections, make sure you use the following tips to prepare. Read on to learn more.

Drink Pineapple Juice

This may sound like a bit of voodoo, but the natural enzymes in pineapple juice can help prevent you from swelling and bruising after your Juvederm injections. Try drinking one full cup of pineapple juice for three full days before your appointment— just make sure it’s not from concentrate.

Avoid Ibuprofen or Aspirin

Both ibuprofen and aspirin may be good at getting rid of pain and headaches, but they are also blood thinners— which are dangerous to take before getting injections. We encourage all of our patients to avoid these over-the-counter blood thinning medications for about five days before the procedure.

Avoid Herbal Supplements

In addition to avoiding ibuprofen and aspirin, we encourage all of our patients to avoid taking herbal supplements like Vitamin E, fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba, Garlic, Ginseng, and St. John’s Wort for about one week prior to your procedure. Although these supplements have many health benefits, they can also be natural blood thinners.

Preparing for Juvederm injections is easy and straightforward. By using the three tips listed above, you can have a more enjoyable injection experience. To learn more about Juvederm or to schedule a consultation appointment, contact Dr. Jeffrey Maehara today!