Hyperpigmentation describes a common skin condition where patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding skin. When the complexion is spotted or mottled, it can have a dull and worn out appearance. Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin, the brown pigment that produces skin color, forms deposits in the skin. The epidermis is made up of mainly skin cells, but about every eighth cell is a melanocyte--a cell that makes melanin. A few factors can encourage an a

Have you heard about PRP yet? Practitioners of aesthetic medicine can now take a small sample of your blood and harvest the platelets in it for powerful collagen stimulation. Platelets are rich in growth factors, which are protein molecules that regulate cellular growth and reproduction, make collagen and elastin, and repair and regenerate damaged tissue. PRP has a long history of use across several fields of medicine. In more recent years it has become very popular for facia

Nature Versus Nurture Identical twins have identical genetic programming. If lifestyle had no impact on aging, twins would age at the same rate. Differences in lifestyle and environment have long been suspected of influencing the pace at which we age, and a study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by Guyuron et al. (2009) confirms this. Researchers surveyed and photographed 186 sets of identical twins, and an independent panel analyzed the photos. Several factors

Striking the right balance The key to a beautiful face is balance. Did you know that a more prominent or projected chin can make your face look slimmer and your nose look smaller? The use of a little dermal filler can enhance the shape and size of the chin and jawline, restoring a sense of harmony and proportion to the face. Dermal filler can correct the appearance of an asymmetrical or pointy chin, help sharpen and define the jawline, and even disguise the look of jowls. May

The symptoms of aging can show up anywhere on the face and body, and there are a few different non-surgical treatments to address them. Let’s discuss how different parts of the face change with time and how they can be improved. The Eyes A few things happen to the eye area with age that can lead to a tired, sunken, dark, or puffy, appearance. Dynamic wrinkles like crow's feet form around the eye due to repeated movements over time, and the eyelids thin due to a lack of collag

Freckles, sun spots, age spots, redness, scars, acne: Any of these factors can take away from the beauty of our complexion. Whether sun damage is to blame, hormonal fluctuations, or a skin disorder, the Aerolase LightPod may significantly improve the appearance of these concerns. The Aerolase LightPod is FDA approved for a variety of concerns including hyperpigmentation, melasma, lax skin, broken capillaries, cystic acne, rosacea, scars, wrinkles, and more. Aerolase can also

In the 1820s, Dr. Justinus Kerner was tasked with finding a cause of death for several dozen Germans. It turned out that all the victims had eaten from a batch of improperly prepared sausages. Dr. Kerner ran experiments that eventually led to a better understanding of the neurological symptoms of Botulism. His work laid the foundation for how botulinum toxin is used therapeutically today. During World War II, the U.S. wanted to use botulinum toxin as a chemical weapon. One su