General, Products, Services    |    1 comment    |    January 28

The Fill on Injectable Fillers

These days noninvasive anti-aging options are becoming more mainstream. In fact, soft tissue fillers were one of the top five minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in 2009(according to NewBeauty). Procedures known as “liquid lifts,” are administered to volume-deficient facial areas for a rejuvenated, younger look.

Adding facial fullness while curtailing the onset of wrinkles, injectable fillers are a great alternative to surgery. Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group encourages you to learn more about this cosmetic procedure, including all the different types of fillers currently on the market.  If you feel like you may be an ideal candidate for injectable fillers, visit Medi-Spa for a consultation.

About Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers can plump thin lips, enhance shallow contours, soften facial creases and wrinkles. The appearance of recessed scars can also be improved with the aid of injectable fillers.

Areas that can be injected include: temples, tear troughs, forehead, jaw line, cheek area, around the eyes, around the mouth, and lower nasolabial folds. At these areas, injections are made under the muscle to lift and add volume. Areas in the face will appear full, making facial features look softer and more defined. Furthermore, injections made around the eyes such as between the brows, diminish horizontal lines before they develop.
How Long Results Last
According to NewBeauty, injecting fillers deep into the muscle, as opposed to superficially gives a longer-lasting result.  Most of these results last about six to 12 months. Moreover, since injections are made under the muscle, the body does not metabolize the product as quickly.
Results are not permanent and the continued aging of your face and variables in the absorption of fillers will affect how long your results last.

Types of Fillers

  • Collagen- A natural protein that supports the skin, this popular filler may last 2 to 4 months.
    Cosmetic Injectable: Radiesse® reduces appearance of any wrinkles around the nose and mouth. It also fills in existing scars and stimulates the body to produce more collagen.
  • Hyaluronic Acid-Naturally found in our bodies, this is best for plumping thin lips and filling facial creases. Also recommended to treat surface wrinkles and concave scars. Results may last 6 months or more.
    Cosmetic Injectable:JUVÉDERM® XC; JUVÉDERM Ultra®, JUVÉDERM Ultra® Plus; Perlane®; Sculptra™;Restylane® is best for lip augmentation, face contouring and wrinkle correction. It can also be used in conjunction with BOTOX® Cosmetic.

Proper Skin Care
The key to diminishing the signs of aging is maintaining healthy skin. Dermatologists recommend glycolic acid, vitamin C, Retin-A and hydroquinone to incorporate in an existing skin care regimen if you are considering the procedure.



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General    |    0 comments    |    January 19

7 New Year Resolutions for Healthier Skin

As we welcome the New Year, we also welcome the challenge of rejuvenating our mind, soul and body.  “Getting in shape” is the most common New Year’s resolution and as a result, it takes an additional ten minutes to find parking at the gym!  Interestingly, a boost in fitness and push for overall wellness can dramatically improve the largest organ of our bodies, skin!

Many external causes of aging or problematic skin are determined by health and lifestyle decisions made every day. Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group understands the key to healthy, beautiful skin is making the right decisions, whether it is related to diet, fitness or environment.  Below are several tips to add to your “action plan” for 2011.

1)      Avoid Cigarette Smoke
Smoking depletes the body of Vitamin C and accelerates the rate at which collagen and elastin are broken down, according to the Winter 2011 issue of New Beauty. Smoking causes unhealthy skin because chemicals found in cigarettes suck moisture out of skin. Furthermore, skin is more likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles.
Some researchers believe that exposure to cigarette smoke (if you’re not smoker) is as damaging to aging skin as ultraviolent rays from the sun.

2)      Avoid Sun Exposure
The sun is a major cause of unhealthy skin.  Not only does repeated exposure deplete collagen and elastin, but it contributes to skin discoloration. Brown spots, red spots and wrinkles are a few examples of its damaging effects.  Moreover, neglecting proper protection from ultraviolent rays can lead to skin cancer.

3)      Increase Exercise
Exercise tones your muscles and stimulates blood flow. Proper blood flow is crucial for a natural glow and overall health. Even if you can only exercise in small increments each day, every little bit helps!

4)      Limit Exposure to Cold Weather
Winter weather is harsh on skin. Skin dryness is perpetuated by freezing temperatures outside and use of heaters inside. Staying vigilant about moisturizers and adding humidifiers to your home is good defense.

5)      Limit Alcohol Use
Alcohol dilates small blood vessels in the skin and increases blow flow near the skin’s surface. Unfortunately, these blood vessels become damaged over time and give you that lovely “flushed” appearance.  In addition, alcohol can dehydrate skin, causing overall skin color to be flat and feel dry and inflexible.

6)      Stress Less
If you’re tired and frazzled, your skin will certainly relay the message! Fight back frown lines and wrinkles with an activity you find relaxing. Yoga, pilates and/or meditation are calming forms of exercise good for mind, body and soul.

7) Get More Rest
Besides mental acuity, sleep is crucial because it rejuvenates the body, namely the skin. Research shows that adults function best with 8-9 hours of sleep each night. Establish a regular sleep routine with these hours in mind. Limit caffeine consumption only during the day and avoid eating at least 2 hours before bedtime. Not only will this boost your skin’s natural glow, but your overall energy.



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Products    |    0 comments    |    January 12

The Eyes Have It!

If you want thicker, fuller eyelashes without the messy mascara or frustrating “falsies,” then grow them with OBAGI® ELASTILash Eyelash Solution!

The non-allergenic formula which has been Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist tested includes Pentapeptides as a key ingredient to stimulate hair growth. Furthermore, there is no evidence of side effects such as eyelid darkening or change in iris pigmentation.

ELASTILash works for all eye and skin colors, but ideal for those with light eyes and skin. Best results occur with consistent use within 4 to 6 weeks.  Simply apply 1 generous brush stroke along the upper eyelash line every night.

Skin around your eyes is very sensitive and prone to show signs of aging. That is why it is so pertinent to protect that skin with a gentle eye cream like OBAGI ® ELASTIderm Eye Treatment Cream. The key ingredient Glycerin boosts the skin’s natural protection by adding moisture and retaining hydration for the skin. Also, the product includes Vitamin E -a strong antioxidant and excellent natural moisturizer.

ELASTIderm reduces the effects of aging by jumpstarting the collagen and elastin production in the skin around the eyes. 

No prescription is needed for OBAGI® ELASTILash Eyelash Solution or ELASTIderm Eye Treatment Cream.

Visit Medi-Spa at Knoxville Dermatology Group before the end of January and purchase OBAGI® ELASTIderm & ELASTILash duo for $125 (Regular price $160).



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