Cincinnati Doctors

Opinion Of Collagen or Hyaluronic Acid Supplements/Tablets For Wrinkles?

Is there any evidence that taking OTC collagen or hyaluronic acid supplements/tablets is effective in reducing wrinkles?

I don't think oral supplements work at reducing wrinkles. The molecule is fairly large and unable to incorporate into the skin's structures, which is why they don't work topically either.  I recommend a sunscreen with SPF 30 used daily to help prevent solar damage which is the leading cause of wrinkles.  Some people think taking oral antioxidants may be beneficial, but data is fairly limited on this .  Wear Sunscreen!  Lana Long, M.D.

Lana Long, MD

Cincinnati Dermatologic Surgeon

Safest Treatment for Sun Damage and Broken Capillaries in Sensitive Skin?

I was diagnosed with mild Rosacea 3 years ago. After being on a low-dosage Isotretinoin for 9 months my skin stabilised. I have some sun damage and brown spots/patches, I have several broken capillaries around my nose, my pores are enlarged and skin looks rough. I am currently using Obagi Nu derm with Tretinoin 0.05 which seems to even out the skin tone but I would like to get treatment for the redness and roughness. Which is safest: Sciton BBL or Pulsed Dye Laser?

   I would be a little cautious using almost any laser 9 months post Accutane.  There are scattered reports of hypertrophic scarring associated with various lasers.  Most people advise to wait at least a year of being off Accutane, before doing lasers,dermabrasions or chemical peels  If you decide to get treated, I would have your doctor do a small test area first.  I have had good luck with an IPL and sometimes combine it with the Varilite KTP laser in  treating rosacea.  The PDL iis also great for vascular lesions, but will not help the brown patches.  Lana Long, M.D.

Lana Long, MD

Cincinnati Dermatologic Surgeon

When Will I See the Benefits of Smartxide?

Hello, I had Smartxide DOT 7 weeks ago on full face, neck and undereyes. I am 43 with good skin. I mainly wanted to have this done for the crepyness under the eyes. It has been a rollercoaster of thinking at the beginning things looked tighter, firmer and then weeks later everything looked like it did before if not worse. I have read the literature regarding collagen rebuilding, but it is really hard at this stage to convince myself I will suddenly be please with the results.

I have been overall very pleased with the results I get with the DOT laser.  I usually tell people to wait a few months for optimal results as it takes some time for the collagen to remodel.  If the disired effects are not achieved, a second treatment can be done.  Sometimes I will use a higher setting or do some stacking in the problem areas.  Dr Katz in NY described the Madonna Lift for the eye area.  He uses less power, with 3 days downtime, and does the procedure every 2 weeks for 3 times.  I hope this helps.  Lana Long, M.D.

Lana Long, MD

Cincinnati Dermatologic Surgeon