Fillers & Laser Resurfacing VS. Surgery

One of the most common questions I get is whether the non surgical options, such as fillers and lasers, really can offer visible, lasting results, or if cosmetic surgery is inevitable. To answer, it is important to at least have a general understanding of the main modalities of facial rejuvenation. Many factors play into whether someone can get very good results with lasers and fillers, and not need to resort to surgery. It is a topic I’ll discuss further in this week’s blog.

No Discomfort and Down Time

I couldn’t start without addressing the reasons to even consider fillers and lasers before surgery, of which there are many. Many people don’t want to go through the pain and time that it takes to recover from cosmetic surgery. Fillers and most lasers are in and out treatments with minor to no discomfort. Any side effects such as mild redness, tenderness or swelling diminish quickly and can be covered with mineral makeup so that there really isn’t any down time.

Instant Gratification

Result times from surgery can vary based on the kinds of surgery and its necessary recovery time, but most certainly it’s in the weeks to months time frame rather than days. Fillers, such as Juvederm and Juvederm Voluma XC, provide instant results that can last a year or 2. The rejuvenating changes from laser treatments are immediately visible, but increase over a few weeks, as the body is stimulated to produce more collagen. Lasers, such as Fraxel DUAL and Fraxel RePair actually empower skin to act younger again.

What Lasers and Fillers Can Do

Lasers and fillers are a great option when skin still has some elasticity, but needs help with firmness and wrinkles. You’d be amazed that you can look 10 years younger without drastic measures. Lasers stimulate collagen production, which produces a tightening effect on the skin. They also improve skin tone, smoothness, and correct pigmentation problems. As long as there’s still some skin elasticity, a successful alternative to an eye lift is the Fraxel RePair laser to lift and tighten sagging eyelids.

Fillers can be used in a variety of ways to improve wrinkles and restore volume to the face. A cheek augmentation with Juvederm Voluma XC creates a mini face lift. By adding volume to the cheeks, it can tighten the skin around the mouth and nose to decrease marionette and smile lines.

When Surgery is Necessary

As skin gets to the point where it doesn’t have elasticity and is literally hanging, it is time to consult a surgeon. Fortunately, with a great maintenance plan of skin care, Botox, fillers and lasers, your skin can stay younger looking for much longer.

Visit www.DrCovey.com to find out about all the alternatives to surgery with the youth restoring laser and filler treatments available.

Sincerely,

Dr Covey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top 4 Fixes for Fabulous Eyes

Rejuvenating the eye area is one of the most effective ways to bring back a youthful appearance to the whole face. When I search online for the top concerns you have about the aging appearance of your eyes, I see a lot of the same questions I get in my office. Rest assured that you’re not alone in your desire for your eyes to look bigger, brighter, and youthful. Having smooth, alert, and cheerful eyes will boost your confidence. This reflects positively in your career and personal life. So here are some answers to a few of the most asked questions about getting fabulous eyes:

1. How can I lift my drooping brows & eyelids without surgery, like a facelift? THERMAGE/THERMAL LIFT to the rescue! It is the best non surgical face lift that can correct droopy brows and eyelids. It is FDA approved and has been used thousands of times successfully. THERMAGE/THERMAL LIFT empowers the body to rejuvenate itself by creating more collagen that can have the lasting effects of smoother, tighter skin for years.
2. What can I do to get rid of under eye puffiness or sunkeness? Besides getting a good night’s rest and staying hydrated, there are a couple of methods we can use depending on your unique situation. THERMAGE/THERMAL LIFTwill also help reduce the appearance of puffiness under the eyes and the hollow tear troughs by lifting and firming the skin. RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM, and BELOTERO are all dermal fillers that use natural injectable hylauronic acid to instantly plump and smooth under eye hollows.
3. How can I lessen the appearance of crow’s feet and other wrinkles around my eyes? Laugh lines are better than frown lines, but no lines are best of all. Tell those wrinkles to “relax” with BOTOX or DYSPORT. They are both FDA approved botulinum injections that can be a great choice for those stubborn, deep set wrinkles. BOTOX or DYSPORT smooth out the lines by blocking nerve impulses to the muscles that cause the creases. You can have visibly more youthful eyes in as early as a week.
4. Is there a cosmetic procedure to treat dark circles under my eyes? While there isn’t a cosmetic “concealer” treatment to replace your makeup, there are non-invasive treatments that can reduce the causes that make the dark circles more apparent. These dark circles are usually accentuated by the shadows from space between the bulge or ‘puffiness’ that can occur immediately under the lower eyelid and the under eye hollows coming from the tear trough. By addressing both the bulge and the hollow tear troughs, there will be less of an appearance of dark circles. THERMAGE/THERMAL LIFT will lift the eye area and help reduce the distension and then hylauronic acid fillers RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM, and BELOTERO will instantly restore fullness and smoothness to sunken or hollow tear troughs.

With all the attention to the eyes throughout July, I hope you can now feel completely confident knowing that I have many options to help your eyes look big, bright, and youthful. Visit www.DrCovey.com or call to make your appointment for fabulous eyes today!

Sincerely,

Dr. Covey

Revolutionary LaserTechnology for Precision Body Sculpting…Get the Body of Your Dreams!

SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX^TM …Revolutionary Technology for Precision Body Sculpting

Body Sculpting, Body Shaping and Body Contouring all refer to one of today’s top cosmetic procedures.  It involves removing unwanted fat from body areas that have resisted even the strictest diet and most rigorous workouts.  Men and women come to me asking him to define and refine their figures by removing  unwelcome bulges, while sculpting stream lined figures that are healthier, smoother and more aesthetically pleasing. 

SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX^TM  is the newest, most advanced body sculpting system. It replaces the original SmartLipo technology.  SmartLipo Triplex is less invasive and actually melts fat, stimulates skin tightening and encourages collagen renewal.  This laser system (Triplex ) employs three wave lengths of light and a tiny cannula the size of a small ballpoint pen tip.  These advances allow for precision fat removal and body sculpting/contouring in small, hard to get to places that could not be effectively treated with older methods.  Look at the tremendous benefits:

•     Minimally invasive means less swelling, bruising and shorter downtimes

•      Precise high definition body sculpting like waistlines/abs

•     Fat is liquefied and removed resulting in lump free contouring

•      Triplex laser stimulates skin tightening effect 

•    Multiple, intelligent delivery systems ensure safest, maximum laser strength

•      Treatments are done in office using local anesthesia

SmartLipo Triplex offers better results, more effective fat removal, tighter skin and amazing high definition body sculpting at the hands of a specially trained and experienced plastic surgeon.  See:  www.drcovey.com.

IS SMARTLIPO TRIPLEX^TM BODY SHAPING RIGHT FOR YOU?  Men and women of all ages, stages and ethnicities are having their bodies defined and refined!  Treatments require that you be in good general health, have realistic expectations, be close to normal body weight (within 20 lbs or so), live an active, healthy lifestyle and have a strong desire to have body sculpting.  These areas are commonly treated:  neck, jawline, inner arms, mens’ breasts, abs and love handles, women’s bra fat (overhang) inner/outer thighs, inner knees, chin, hips, buttocks, pubic mound, back of neck.

Often, patients decide to have a combination of treatments to achieve optimal results.  I’ve had many years experience in guiding patients and tailoring a treatment plan that achieves their goals.  No “cookie cutter”plans here…every patient is a unique individual.

Treatments often used in combo with liposuction/lipolysis include Thermage CPT, Mesotherapy or Cellulaze etc.  During the consultation, your surgeon should be able to discern your real needs and recommend the treatment(s) that are right for you so that you can restore or create the well sculpted body of your dreams.  Yes, I do six packs for men using SmartLipo! 

BABY BOOMERS and today’s GEN X OR MILLENNIALS  line up for “in and out” anti aging cosmetic treatments.  Careers demand they be in good health and they must look good.  So they come to get Botox, Filler Facelifts, Chin Augmentations, Body Sculpting and much more because they see the amazing anti aging benefits, the career boost and because they want to look good!  

I have many tools in my chest to help you get the body you’ve always wanted!

Best to You and Yours,

Dr. Covey

 

 

CELLULAZE LASER to finally eliminate your cellulite!

Cellulite is relentless.  It shows up on the thighs, buttocks, stomach, upper arms and other body areas.  Diet, rigorous exercise, weight training and high intensity exercises are great for weight loss, weight control, strength building and muscle tone but they do not eliminate cellulite.  Women with dreaded cellulite constantly seek ways to be rid of it.

CAUSES of the BULGES of Cellulite include poor circulation, connective tissue and fibrous bands that push against fat. Aging, hormones, genetics and weight fluctuations, a build up of toxins, and enlarged fat cells play a role in how the hills and valleys of cellulite form within the layers of the skin.  Cellulite attacks 85% of women over age 20. 

TWO TYPES of CELLULITE:  1) Primary cellulite is due to enlarged or swollen fat cells that bulge through the tight fibrous septa bands that connect to the skin.  This is the classic cellulite that most women complain about. It’s mostly occurs on the thighs, buttocks and saddlebags.   2) Secondary Cellulite is caused by loose skin that makes the cellulite visible. Sun damage, extreme weight loss and aging skin are the causes. This type is harder to treat due to skin laxity.

Weak muscles have poorly developed muscle fibers and can impact how skin lays.  The stronger and more toned your muscles are, the better your body is at burning off excess fat and increasing circulation which may help limit the look of circulation. So, yes exercise is important to minimize cellulite…but it’s not the ultimate solution.

LUMPY POCKETS, magic creams, lotions and potions, SPA Treatments…none of them make cellulite disappear. But the revolutionary Cellulaze Laser dramatically reduces cellulite in one treatment!

CELLULAZE^tm LASER is the world’s first minimally invasive way of attacking cellulite where it begins…under the skin!  You can have smoother skin on your abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and arms, or anywhere cellulite appears, with just one treatment.

·      Cellulaze is a simple, in office treatment with brief downtime

·      It melts excess fat under the skin

·      Removes the fibrous band that pulls the skin into a dimple

·      Cellulaze stimulates collagen production which thickens skin

·      Uses a very small cannula with Sidelight 3D^tm technology

·      The technology directs laser thermal energy into the treatment zone

·      Lumpy fat pockets are diminished, skin depressions released and skin elasticity and skin thickness improves

·      Some results are seen immediately with ongoing improvement

My patients love Cellulaze^tm Laser treatments because they get results! Cellulaze is another method of body sculpting and contouring.  Visit my website for more info: www.drcovey.com.

TRIED ALL THE REST?  WHY NOT THE BEST… CELLULAZE LASER treatments to eliminate your cellulite!  Now is the time to start getting into shape for Spring events…graduations, weddings, family reunions and more. Let’s talk soon!

Best to you and yours,

Dr. Covey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juvederm Voluma XC for youthful cheeks again…The choice of “ageless celebs”

Instant gratification is the anti aging war cry of today’s generations, both senior and everybody else!  In fact, the new beauty economics (tagged by the Millenials) includes cosmetic procedures as part of their normal health care routine, with the requirement that treatments be “in and out” with no downtime as much as possible. The bottom line is that men and women of all ages and stages in life are having “quick fix age defying, cosmetic treatments.“

My constant goal is to help my patients achieve their individual goals to restore/maintain health and youthfulness. I offer the most advanced yet safest options available today. 

Juvederm® Voluma XC injectable filler is now FDA approved and I am proud to be among the first in my area to offer it.

JUVERDERM® VOLUMA XC…the next stage in advanced dermal fillers.  It is specifically formulated and approved for cheek augmentation for adults 21 and older.  Besides “instant gratification” it offers long lasting results that provide a more youthful appearance by reducing sunken, sagging, wrinkled skin through volume replacement.  With Juvederm Voluma XC you get immediate results… minus 10 years of facial aging.

BREAKTHROUGH SCIENCE and JUVEDERM® VOLUMA XC

·      Voluma XC is truly set apart from other dermal fillers.  Here’s what it offers:

·      Extra volume gel fills and gently lifts the cheeks

·      Nose and mouth lines and wrinkles are eliminated due to fuller midface contour (a mini lift!)

·      Results are instant with no downtime and long lasting youthful results

·      Skin looks and feels naturally smooth due to special formulation

·      Juvederm Voluma XC is safe and effective for all ethnicities

·      Lidocaine (part of the formulation) ensures comfortable injections

·      Two formula strengths: Xc and Ultra XC allows for versatilite treatments: mouth and nasolabial folds contouring (from volume replacement) and/or extra volume replacement for deeper wrinkles/folds using the Ultra XC formula

·      Treatment takes about 30 minutes and many patients return to normal activities

Men and women today are having injectable filler treatments.  They are starting younger (30’s) and maintaining regularly to keep looking good. Injectable fillers often stave off invasive procedures and keep you looking several years younger!  We’ve learned from the “Celebs” who start small treatments early and then maintain to continue looking ageless. Juvederm® Voluma XC is a top choice among “ageless celebrities.”

VALENTINE’S DAY and GORGEOUS, LIPS!  

Act now if you want soft, supple, red hot lips by Valentine’s Day.  Lip Enhancement is a top treatment this time of year.  We can restore the sexy lips of your youth with injectables and a few habit changes. Website: www.drcovey.com.

Aging lips lose collagen thus causing the lips to become thin, flat, loose their pucker ability and their beautiful curves.  Collagen is replaced using HA fillers (hyaluronic acid) injected into pre targeted areas around the mouth.  Results can be instant and long lasting.  Lip Enhancement using Juvederm, Perlane, Restylane etc. is a  “quick fix” with beautiful, youthful results.  Let’s talk now!

I’m excited about the wonderful results we’re getting with Juvederm® Voluma XC!  You will be too once you’ve tried it!

Next blog will cover Body sculpting and contouring to get back into shape or to create your ideal body shape.

Alexander Covey, M.D.

2014 Age Defying Injectable Treatments

Well, we’re already half way through January, 2014 and my patients are still seeking ways to recover from the Holiday’s. In addition to my last two blogs discussing Glow N’Go Post Holiday Skin Rejuvenation and Clear+Brilliant Fraxel Laser treatments, this blog is a brief look at Botox Cosmetic, Dysport and Belotero.  All three of these are injectables used to slow down the visible results of aging and restore many years of “youthfulness” to the face. 

BOTOX and Brotox

We all develop worry lines, frown lines, laugh/smile lines and Crow’s feet referred to as “dynamic lines and wrinkles” caused by  muscles in motion.  These lines and wrinkles become more deeply etched into grooves as we age. 

 Botox® Cosmetic has been used for about two decades worldwide in medical treatments and was developed for cosmetic use in more recent years.  Botox is injected into pre targeted areas to block the nerve impulses to the muscles.  simultaneously it smooths out facial wrinkles.

Botox is safe, effective, non invasive (non surgical) and can be done over a lunch hour.

 Brotox is so named for male Botox treatments using the same formula.  Today’s men are having “in and out” cosmetic treatments for career reasons and to look good and be as healthy as possible.

 DYSPORT® is a first cousin or twin to Botox  Dysport is an injectable form of botulinum toxin type A, the same as Botox.  Dysport was first developed in the United Kingdom to treat neurological, ophthalmic and neuromuscular disorders. It was further developed for cosmetic purposes like wrinkle treatments.  It too is one of today’s safe, effective anti aging options.  Here are some of Dyrport’s benefits:

·      No downtime “in and out” lunch hour treatment

·      Results are visible within 2 or 3 days, results are clinically proven to be longer lasting

·      Dysport may be right for you

BELOTERO BALANCE® …for youthfulness that is uniquely you!

Facial youthfulness is lost as we age due to reduced production of HA (hyaluronic Acid) which affects the underlying facial support structure. Belotero is a highly effective injectable that restores these structures naturally.

Belotero is made from non animal based hyaluronic acid and is similar to other fillers such as Restylane® and Perlane®.  Belotero is uniquely formulated to integrate smoothly with your skin for more natural results.  It’s unique properties make it more versatile in correcting deep wrinkles and superficial lines.  It can plump up your lips and smooth out laugh lines, upper lip lines, crow’s feet and marionette lines…discreetly.  With Belotero, people will see a naturally younger looking you that will keep them wondering! 

  www.drcovey.com.

The goal for my blogs is to educate you, update you and encourage you in your quest for a healthy, more youthful aging process.  At East End Laser Care I offer only safe yet advanced alternatives to plastic surgery. My patients have learned that they can “Forget the Knife” by using my preferred treatments.  You can too!

EXPERT INJECTORS  

It is most important to choose a trained, certified expert injector for all of your injectable/Botox/Filler treatments.  Please know that more than 100,000 doctors are allowed to perform injectables in the U.S. but only 3% are qualified to do so.  Expert Injectors are endorsed by the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  Buyer Beware!

 

Best to You and Yours,

Dr. Covey

Clear + Brilliant Laser Skin Treatment is Clearly Effective!

PROVEN LASER POWER – PRECISE and GENTLE AGE DEFYING TREATMENTS

If you’ve tried all the creams, lotions, soaps and scrubs and you’re looking for a simple yet effective treatment to restore natural glow and youthfulness to your skin…Clear + Brilliant Laser Skin treatments may be right for you.

CLEAR + BRILLIANT has become the perfect, powerful complement to beauty regimens of scores of patients everywhere.

 My patients know that adding Clear + Brilliant Laser Skin treatments to their regular skin care regimen can be effective at any age. Gen Xer’s are leading the charge with today’s “In and Out” procedures to address the early signs of aging.  In fact, most start anti aging treatments during their 30’s as part of their regular healthcare program.  They know, as we do, that “Celebrities” start early with age defying treatments, they maintain them and they always look several years younger.  Many of them are adding Clear + Brilliant laser treatments to their Armamentarium.

WHY CHOOSE CLEAR + BRILLIANT?

Here are just a few reasons:

1)   Prevents and treats the signs of aging

2)   Unique technology addresses existing and prevents future signs of aging

3)   Illuminates your skin tone

4)   Corrects photo damage, sun damage, fine lines/wrinkles, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture and large pores

5)   Newest, gentlest laser for skin treatments

6)   Also treats face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs and back

7)   Enhances the effectiveness of your regular skin care regimen

8)   Recovers the glow, luminosity and smoothness for the healthy, glowing skin you deserve!

9)   Treatments require about 30 minutes, are comfortable and get real results!

Advanced, precision smart-tip technology delivers unparalleled results at the hands of an expert laser user.  Dr. Covey and select staff are trained, experienced, certified and trustworthy laser experts.  KNOW BEFORE YOU GO…WHO’S SHOOTING YOUR LASER.

 IS CLEAR + BRILLIANT RIGHT FOR YOU?

Well, I get asked this question many times every week.  My answer is this:  If you are seeking dramatic correction for skin problems, then no, it probably is not for you.  I would recommend Fraxel® or Thermage®.  But, if you like the way your skin looks; don’t require much correction, and want to “boost” your existing program…with little added time involved, this treatment could help you keep a fresh, youthful appearance for years. See my website for complete info:  www.drcovey.com/new york.

A FEW TIPS FOR HEALTHY SKIN:

·      Don’t smoke

·      Eat nutritious living foods

·      Drink plenty of pure water

·      Minimize alcohol consumption

·      Wash your skin gently

·      Moisturize skin regularly

·      Use sun protection

·      Get enough sleep…regularly

 Today’s lasers have taken skin care to a new level. It is one of today’s most popular non invasive treatments because advanced technology is comfortable, safe and effective unlike older laser technology.   Questions?  Contact me and let’s chat.

 My goal for my blogs is to update and educate you about today’s non invasive (non surgical) anti aging beauty options.  At East End Laser we are proud of being able to offer our patients the newest, most advanced and safest yet most effective options.

Best Wishes for a Beautiful, Healthy 2014 to You and Yours, 

Alexander Covey M.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLOW N’ GO EVERYDAY…Post Holiday Skin Rejuvenation

WELCOME to the 2014 blog from Alexander J. Covey and East End Laser Care!

My goal is to inform, educate and encourage you throughout this new year.  I will write about our tried and proven procedures and some “late great ones.”  I’ll educate about each one and the benefits seen at any age and stage in life.  It’s never too late to get started with an age defying – anti aging program.  But, we’ve learned from Celebrities (who never seem to age) the great benefits of starting early (20’s) with small procedures and regular, periodic maintenance in order to remove early signs of aging and to always looks years younger! 

At East End Laser we offer advanced options that achieve “Natural Good Looks…Without Surgery!”

TIPS for HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN

Cold temperatures. harsh winds, indoor drying heat and more can wreak havoc with your skin making it feel tight, scaly and uncomfortable. Cold air is drying due to lack of moisture found in warm, humid air. Winds cause skin moisture evaporation, thus drier skin during the cold months. Indoor heat pulls moisture out of the skin causing it to dry.  Below are some helpful tips to get through the “drying season.”  Rich, sugary Holiday foods undermine the immune system and contribute to problem, dull skin.  The New Year is here and we are here to guide you into being your very best self ever!

1. Use a gentler cleanser in winter months to avoid stripping the skin’s natural oils and helping to preserve the fragile outer skin barrier.

2.Winter Glow from Daily serum compliments your daily moisturizer.  Serums penetrate and hydrate cells in the deeper dermis allowing them to rise to the outer skin level – plump and healthy.

3. Exfoliation removes dead, damaged skin cells and impurities.  Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. We can tailor  an At Home Skin Care Regime, using products best suited to your needs in order to accomplish Glowing Skin after the all year long.

4.  Drink plenty of pure water every day!  There is no substitute for water to keep the body well hydrated, the skin plump and clear and to flush out impurities.

5.  Love your lips!  Your sensitive lip skin needs regular attention to stay youthful sexy and gorgeous.  Lips should be gently exfoliated weekly to remove dry, dead skin.  Ask us for our recommendations for “gorgeous, sexy lips!”

6.  Avoid hot baths.  The intense heat of hot baths or showers can actually break down the lipid barriers in the skin leading to moisture loss.

7. Sunscreen is for Wintertime too. Winter sun and snow glare are equally damaging to the skin.  Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outdoors.

8.  Treat Your Body like Your Face.  Skin is the largest body organ and demands constant attention. Keep your Decolletage looking radiant.  Ask us how.

9.  Eliminate Dull Eyes!  Avoid dull looking eyes during dull winters by using an eye cream or serum to keep the skin around the eyes taught…thus making you appear more radiant.

10.  Our clients love Microdermabrasion to resurface dull, tired skin.  Our gentle Clear and Brilliant Laser treatments enhance aging skin and restore a “natural” glow and much more…. see www.drcovey.com for info on many other innovative, age defying treatment options.

11.  Get back on a healthy nutritional program and avoid sugar.  Tips on beautiful skin foods in my next blog.

Best Wishes for a great 2014!

Alexander Covey, M.D.

East End Laser Care.. we create natural good looks without surgery!