We are excited to announce that The Appearance Center now offers Sylfirm X, a minimally-invasive radiofrequency (RF) treatment that is safe and effective on all skin types.

What is Sylfirm X?

Sylfirm X improves both skin texture (fine lines, scarring) and skin tone (brown spots and redness).

It is the first and only FDA approved RF microneedling device featuring dual wave settings. One setting increases collagen production treating skin wrinkles or acne scarring. Another setting evens out redness and dark spots associated with sun damage.

Amazingly, it does all this with minimal pain and downtime. Downtime typically involves 1 day of redness.

Sylfirm X is effective in treating a variety of skin issues, including:

• Fine lines

• Wrinkles

• Skin laxity

• Acne scars and other types of scarring

• Stretch marks

• Hyperpigmentation

• Enlarged pores

• Mild to moderate sagging skin

• Skin redness

• Vascular issues like rosacea

 

How it Works

Sylfirm X uses microneedles and radiofrequency technology to transmit thermal energy deep into the skin. This system administers an accurate amount of energy at a specific depth during the treatment. Unlike other devices, Sylfirm X reacts ONLY to abnormal blood vessels and tissue to selectively treat increased pigmentation and vascular lesions. It is the only RF microneedling device approved for hard-to-treat conditions like rosacea and melasma.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Sylfirm X is safe on all skin types, including darker skin tones. The best candidates are healthy patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, fine lines, stretch marks, acne scars, and/or pigmentation concerns.

How Long Do Results Last?

You can see significant improvement with three sessions. Because it is a collagen producing treatment, the results do not “wear off” after any amount of time.

Obvious results are normally seen after just one treatment. However, to help achieve the maximum benefit, a three-treatment series is suggested, with each treatment four to six weeks apart.

As we age, our temple areas lose fat, leading to a “hollow” look with a decrease in natural volume. Injectables such as hyaluronic acid dermal fillers or Sculptra can help fill in these areas and restore volume to the temple and brow area.

Injectables in the temple provide immediate results with little to no recovery time. It is a relatively quick, in-office treatment and does not require anesthesia. A topical or injectable anesthetic may be used to reduce pain from the injection.

Injectables are temporary but typically last 1-2 years in the temples before needing to be redone. These procedures are largely considered safe when administered by a skilled injector.

Dermal fillers we offer include Voluma, Restylane Contour, and Restylane Lyft. We also offer Sculptra, which is a biostimulatory injectable that stimulates collagen production. Each product has its own benefits. Consulting with a provider allows us to select the best product based on your goals and anatomy.

 

 

Gary McKnight is the head basketball coach at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. At his time there he has become the winningest high school basketball coach in California history. See a video about his story HERE.

Coach McKnight has led Mater Dei to more than 1250 victories, including a National Championship and 11 California State Titles. He has coached nine players who have gone on to play in the NBA.

More recently, he has faced a different battle. “At a regular checkup, my doctor saw a spot on my face and said, we’ve got to get you to the best, and referred me to the SCARS Center. I went in there and they said it required Mohs surgery. Two Mohs surgeries and big reconstructions on my face.”

McKnight had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) on his cheek, neck and ear.

Dr. Adam Aronson and Dr. Matthew Goodman performed the Mohs surgery, followed by Dr. Simon Madorsky reconstructing the defects. “They all took good care of me. There is no guesswork. They get you in right on time, they explain what they need to do. I went in the morning and I walked out in the afternoon, cancer free and reconstructed.”

“I had four skin cancers­—the first two didn’t require plastic surgery, the last two did. It was major surgery. Dr. Madorsky was really caring and I’ve still got my good looks.”

At first, his students were worried about him, but his current students don’t even know it happened because he healed so well.

Coach McKnight is now an advocate for skin health and getting regular skin checks. “I really encourage people to go and get checked and stay on top of it. Especially here in Southern California where the sun is beating down. Probably being a basketball coach instead of a baseball coach saved my life, because I wasn’t out in the sun all the time. 

He is in charge of 86 young men and consistently reminds them about protecting their skin. 

“I talk to the kids all the time about wearing sunscreen when they go to the beach and surf. I say ‘put it on your ears, your nose, your forehead. Wear a baseball cap. You all know what happened to me.”

We are offering a new product that is the first of its kind. SkinVive is often referred to as a “skin booster” rather than a filler since its job isn’t to rebuild volume like other fillers, but rather to hydrate your skin and give you a glowy look.SkinVive, developed by Juvederm and approved by the FDA in May, is now available to our patients. This new treatment can add long-term hydration to the skin and smoothness of the cheeks. These injections also stimulate collagen production, helping to correct lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity. Following treatment, skin quality is vastly improved with patients reporting skin that feels and appears more radiant and refreshed.

SkinVive is a minimally invasive treatment with little to no downtime. It works synergistically with other cosmetic treatments like Botox, lasers, and dermal fillers. SkinVive can easily be added to your Botox treatment and it takes only about 10-15 minutes.

How is SkinVive Unique?

Unlike traditional dermal fillers that replace lost volume or define facial features, SkinVive’s tiny microdroplets are injected near the skin’s surface, enhancing skin hydration and smoothness.

What are the Benefits of SkinVive?

• Improves skin smoothness
• Increases skin hydration from within
• Reduces lines and wrinkles
• Stimulates collagen production
• No downtime following treatment

What Facial Areas can be Treated with SkinVive?

SkinVive is currently FDA approved to improve skin smoothness of the cheeks.

How Does SkinVive Work?

Aging leads to a loss of collagen, elastin, and hydration, resulting in lines and wrinkles. SkinVive’s hyaluronic acid replenishes hydration and combats aging effects, leaving the skin plump and hydrated.

How Long Does SkinVive Last?

Most patients experience improved skin hydration and smoothness for up to six months. Individual results may vary based on skincare routines, genetics, and other treatments.

Is SkinVive Right for Me?

During your consultation, your provider will assess your aesthetic goals. If you suffer from dry skin, fine lines, or loss of elasticity, SkinVive could be an excellent choice.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

We are also a Center for Skin Cancer. The Appearance Center is under the same roof and the same leadership as the Skin Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery Center. Our Appearance Center physicians also treat skin cancer patients, performing complex cancer reconstructions, and addressing post-cancer cosmetic issues.

We want ALL of our patients to know about an exciting new technology to help with the diagnosis of melanoma. We are excited to provide Nevisense, a novel tool for detection of melanoma. This FDA-approved, non-invasive, and highly accurate device allows for early detection of potential melanomas without the need for skin biopsies.

 

Nevisense: A Groundbreaking Approach to Early Detection

Nevisense is a cutting-edge technology designed to address the limitations of traditional melanoma detection methods. Developed by SciBase, a Swedish medical technology company, Nevisense employs Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to non-invasively analyze the electrical properties of skin lesions. This innovative approach allows for a more accurate and objective assessment of melanoma risk.

 

How Nevisense Works

Nevisense works by measuring the electrical impedance of the skin at different frequencies. The device sends a painless, low-frequency electrical signal into the skin, and the resulting impedance data is analyzed by an AI algorithm. The impedance patterns produces by melanomas are different from those of benign moles. 

 

Key Advantages of Nevisense

1. Non-Invasive and Painless: Nevisense is a non-invasive procedure that does not require the removal of tissue for analysis. This makes it a more comfortable experience for patients compared to traditional biopsy methods.
2. Objective and Quantifiable: The electrical impedance measurements provide an objective and quantifiable assessment of skin lesions, reducing the subjectivity associated with visual inspections.
3. Early Detection: Nevisense has demonstrated a high sensitivity for detecting melanoma at its earliest stages, allowing for prompt intervention and improved treatment outcomes.
4. Complementary to Visual Inspection: Nevisense is designed to complement traditional visual inspection methods, offering a comprehensive approach to melanoma detection.

Schedule a skin check at the SCARS Center to see if you are a candidate for this groundbreaking diagnostic tool.

Whether you’re looking to reduce wrinkles, minimize scars, or improve overall skin texture, CO2 laser treatment could be the answer.

What Does Fractional CO2 Laser Do?

Fractional CO2 laser is a cosmetic procedure that improves skin texture, tone, and overall appearance. The laser ablates the top layer of skin removing sun damage as well as creates microscopic channels in the skin, known as microthermal zones. These processes stimulate the body’s natural healing response, which promotes collagen production and triggers the replacement of damaged skin with new, healthier tissue.

Key Benefits of Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment

• Wrinkle Reduction: especially of lower face
• Scar Improvement: acne scars and surgical scars
• Pigmentation Correction: uneven pigmentation, sunspots, and age spots
• Treats superficial sun damage

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Fractional CO2 laser is a versatile treatment suitable for patients of various ages and skin concerns. Ideal candidates include those looking to improve fine lines/wrinkles, scarring, and/or dark spots. It is safest for patients with lighter skin tones (Fitzpatrick I-III).

The Procedure

A fractional CO2 laser procedure can be performed in the clinic or operating room. Here’s what you can expect during the treatment:

• Consultation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with a qualified practitioner to discuss your concerns, assess your skin, and determine if fractional CO2 laser is the right option for you.
• Day of Treatment: Topical Anesthesia: a topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort
• Pre-Medication: Your clinician may prescribe some medications to make the process more relaxing and comfortable. 
• Nerve Blocks: You may receive lidocaine injections to further numb the sensitive areas of treatment 

The laser treatment is customized based on skin, treatment areas, and goals. The laser can also be performed in the OR setting and combined with additional facial rejuvenation procedures such as eyelid surgery or facelift surgery.

Recovery Process

• Immediate Recovery: The treated area will likely be red and swollen after the procedure. It may feel similar to a bad sunburn.
• Peeling and Flaking: Over the next few days, the skin will begin to peel and flake as the damaged outer layers are replaced with fresh, new skin. It’s important to avoid picking at the skin to prevent scarring.
• Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from sun exposure is crucial during the recovery period. Sun exposure may lead to increased hyperpigmentation.
• Total recovery time depends on intensity of treatment 

Please contact the Appearance Center to consult with a qualified practitioner.

Not only are we wrapping up the summer, but September is Skin Care Awareness Month. We of course remind you to remain vigilant about sunscreen, but we also want to help you to start taking even better care of your skin with some of our in-office procedures.
 

Here are our three favorite ways to improve skin texture and appearance, from least to most invasive:

PEEL

Indications: Pigmentation, active acne, sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles.

How it works: Chemicals penetrate layers of the skin and promote rapid cell turnover and collagen synthesis. It also clears dead skin cells and oils. This helps create brighter, more even, and smoother skin. Select ingredients also work to reduce dark spots or treat active acne lesions. Best results are achieved with a series of peels. 

Recovery: You will likely have significant peeling, especially 3-4 days after the peel. Most peeling resolves by about a week. 

Cost: Varies by area, $

MICRONEEDLING

Indications: Acne scarring, surgical scars, loss of collagen from aging.

How it works: Small needles puncture the superficial layers of the skin, inducing collagen and elastin production. This results in brighter, tighter, and younger looking skin. A growth factor serum is simultaneously infused into the skin punctures, enhancing collagen production.

Recovery: For the first week you will experience redness. Avoid sun exposure for one week after treatment. 

Cost: Varies by area, $

 

FRACTIONAL CO2 LASER

Indications: Sun-damaged skin, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars, lighter skin tones.

How it works: Fractional CO2 laser creates micro punctures in the skin while also delivering thermal energy. This removes damaged tissue and stimulates tissue shrinkage while inducing collagen production. Collagen remodeling continues for 3-6 months. Best for lighter skin types not prone to dark spots.

Recovery: This will depend on how aggressive your treatment is. You could have redness for up to a month during healing. Depending on your healing, you may be able to wear makeup after 1 week. 

Cost: Varies by area, $$ – $$$

 

The fractional CO2 laser creates tiny “columns of thermal destruction” in the skin that stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace old, damaged cells. This procedure treats wrinkles, discoloration, sun damage, age spots, and acne scars. Instead of removing skin layers with chemicals, the CO2 laser removes skin layers by vaporization. 

 

During your treatment, one of our physicians will apply the Fractional CO2 laser to the area chosen for resurfacing. The laser will eliminate surface damage, while concurrently heating the underlying tissue, causing it to increase collagen production. Depending on the scope of the treatment area, your laser session may take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours.

 

WHAT DOES THE CO2 LASER TREAT?

The Fractional CO2 laser is used to address a wide range of skin conditions, including:

• Fine lines (including around the eyes)
• Deeper wrinkles around the forehead, mouth, or nose
• Sun damaged skin
• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation

In addition, the Fractional CO2 laser can be used to treat other visible areas of the body, such as the neck, chest, or hands.

BEFORE & AFTER IMAGES

 

Bruising is common after surgery and filler injections. It usually peaks around 48 hours after intervention and then slowly resolves over 10 days. While most patients expect bruising after surgery, it is less accepted by patients after minimally invasive treatments such as filler. 

Bruising from filler can be minimized by injecting with a cannula instead of a needle. Cannulas have blunt ends (unlike a needle which is sharp) and cause less trauma during the injection. Because there is less trauma, there is usually minimal, if any, bruising.  However, some areas are likely to bruise because of anatomical reasons, even with the cannula technique. 

At the Appearance Center, bruising can be promptly treated with VBeam. Our V-beam pulsed dye laser has been extremely effective at eliminating early bruising. It is typically performed 24-48 hours after initial treatment (ie filler or surgery), and significantly reduces the bruise within 24 hours. In the event of significant bruising, we are pleased to offer complimentary v-beam treatment. As a result, patients can enjoy their results, bruise-free, as quickly as possible. 

Fun fact: Whether the bruise is from a procedure or just an accidental trauma, the v-beam can speed up the recovery and get you looking good to go!