Barbara Schell, MD

I have been seeing Dr. Schell for several years, she is a joy to be around and beyond that she is a great doctor. Dr. Schell always takes the time to discuss several options with me and the pros and cons of them all. I always feel very well taken care of and love the results.

As a member of the Puget Sound medical community, I highly recommend this practice— In 2015, Bell’s palsy found its way into my life, and though not life threatening, it took its toll on my confidence, self-esteem, and ability to express emotion and speak in public. It left me with unresolved sagging facial features on one side, including paralyzed lip depressors. At the age of 35, I slipped from being a young, confident healthcare professional to someone who struggled with confidence issues. This really tested my abilities both as a professional, and also in my personal life. Moving forward I prevailed, and with help from Ageless, I was able to rebalance my facial features with minimal amounts of Botox and Juviderm. The first time this happened, I looked at myself in the mirror and balled. My only regret was not finding them sooner. Absolutely exceptional, talented, and professional people here. - Mike Brunn

Dr. Schell always puts me at ease, and my last appointment was no exception. She is a guide in the best sense, and is not driven to up-sell. She always gives me what I consider the straight scoop, and I have a lot of trust in her advice. Plus she always makes me laugh, which is a "bonus" personality quality that adds to the over-all good experience.

I think this says it all: After Dr Schell's treatments, I met my boyfriend who 16 years younger than me and a handsome entertainer in the music business. Dr Schell has kept me looking great for over 10 years. I trust Dr Schell completely to recommend the best treatment for my skin and aging problems.

Since the treatment i realized I am looking in the mirror and had not been doing that for many years. My skin had lots of pre cancer spots and damage from the sun. The CO2 treatment given by Dr Barbara Schell, has improved my skin so dramatically and I am no longer avoiding the mirror, because i really like what i see now. This was the best decision for my skin and my well being.

About a year ago I had an important Skype interview and when I saw myself on the screen, I realized that my under-eye hollows had gotten so bad that I looked like I had been tortured for months (I ended up doing the interview with about a pound of concealer under my eyes and 4 lamps pointed at my face from every direction in an attempt to flood my face with light and eliminate shadows in the eye hollows from any angle). After this interview, I knew it was time to do something about the hollows.

I was attracted to Sculptra because of the semi-permanent results and also because the filler stimulates new collagen production and then dissolves from the body (so all that is left is your own collagen). Because the procedure is essentially irreversible, I went to a physician with the most experience in Sculptra injections and who trains other doctors to use Sculptra, and was religious in following the instructions of the after care.

I was swollen for the first 2 days, but just wore make up and, in fact, went out to dinner the same evening. The swelling for the first 2-3 days was noticeable and had anyone asked about it at work, the plan was to say that I had seasonal allergies - but no one ever asked. The after care instructions are to aggressively massage the injected area for 5 minutes 5 times a day for the first 5 days. I was repeatedly told that failing to follow these instructions would result in palpable lumps underneath the skin which would then have to dissolve on their own (this could take years to happen). Not wanting lumps under my eyes, I massaged like a fiend! Because the massaging has to be aggressive, it was a bit painful especially during the first day - [it helped that my partner did the sadistic duty of massaging:) ] - but considering the results, it was totally worth it!

Even though Sculpra ads say that change will be seen after a few months, I saw almost immediate results. I am also a minimalist and even though the physician highly recommended that I come back for a second set of injections a month later, I was very happy with the result that I was seeing and did not feel it was necessary to have an additional injection. The hollows underneath my eyes kept filling in throughout the next several months. I had a friend who had seen me 3 months after the procedure and then at 8 months and thought that my eye hollows had filled in even more since the last time I saw him. Overall, I don't ever think about my eye hollows anymore. I still have dark circles under my eyes (I've always had them) but even the dark circles look not as dark because there is now no "shadowing" to accentuate them.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with the results. I understand that there are a few people that have not had good results with Sculptra; and having read some of their stories now, I do not know if I would have gotten Sculptra had I read these stories before my procedure - I probably would have gotten too frightened and opted for the much more expensive autologous fat injections. If you do decide that Sculptra is right for you, please go to the most experienced physician in your area. Sculptra has a physician locator and even highlights the doctor who is a "trainer" for other doctors in the proper use of Sculptra. This is one procedure where the experience of the physician and meticulous after-care will really make a big difference.



Updated on 17 Dec 2012:
Sculptra for eye hollows still going strong after 16 months. Some people whom I told about my Sculptra experience sounded surprised that I had such good results with only a one time half of a vial injection; I was 33 years old when I had the Sculptra injected. From what I have read, the younger patients may have benefits with less Sculptra.

Also, I forgot to mention that I took Arnica montana pills immediately before and after the injections and massaged with vitamin K cream - my bruising was minimal, presumably due to these measures. To anyone considering Sculptra, please read the aftercare notes regarding massage firmness (it has to be a very firm/painful massage!), which I wrote in conversation below this post.

Also, I read one of the ladies on RealSelf has had persistent infections because of Sculptra and is recommending that people consider taking antibiotics right before and after the Sculptra injections. I occasionally take doxycycline for acne flare-ups, but I do not remember if I was taking this antibiotic at the time of my Sculptra injections. However, if I had read this RealSelf member's review before I had my injections, I would have taken antibiotics just for prophylactic purposes. Best of luck to everyone!

I had the more intensive version of this treatment, to both face and neck/chest areas. The treatment coordinator told me that it was essentially no big deal to do this with some numbing cream and oral meds. THEN I asked the doctor her opinion...

The doctor, who I have seen over the past six years and trust, said that probably 80% of patients opt to use the topical/oral pain relief approach.

I'm now a veteran of various treatments. I have had IPL laser treatments twice using numbing cream, and I have undergone Thermage face and abdomen twice with general anesthesia and once without. I would never again do that procedure without a general anesthetic!

Since I've had the various treatments and know about the pain levels involved, I asked where Fractional Laser falls in the spectrum. Her opinion was that is is more painful than IPL and maybe less painful than Thermage. That sealed the deal, I switched to general anesthesia (with associated cost.)

The afternoon that I was released, my face was oozing and weeping lymphatic liquids. My eyes were swollen and I was a mess. I propped my head up on pillows to elevate the areas, took hydocodone and went to bed. When I woke up during the night (twice) I took more hydrocodone.

By morning, I felt much better. Less swelling, but still very puffy. I stayed home all day, but did not need any more pain medication. Took antiviral and antibiotics to prevent a herpes flare-up and infection. Also took Sinecch (oral arnica for swelling) and took vitamin C and other supplements for healing. Was also advised to eat extra protein for healing.

Today I was able to head out to the bank and the grogery store. No pain, though the skin is darking up as if I had a sunburn turning to tan. The texture of my skin right now is odd. I can feel the small spots there the grid of lasers penetrated my skin. The skin is tight and I'm keeping it moise with MD Forte Replenish Hydrating Cream and aquaphor.

So far, so good!

Updated on 29 Mar 2011:
On day 5 my skin had mostly flaked off the face but still felt raw and itchy. I took benadryl for the swelling itchyness and didn't like Eucerin. The Aquaphor felt too thick and unbreathable.

Switched to a topical ointment "Wound BE Gone," which I had from earlier this year when my son scraped his face. This stuff is like magic - it forms a non-absorbant seal on the skin. Nothing like it. Used it for 2-3 days, but it is sticky. Stopped when my skin no longer felt raw. I had tried MD Forte, which seemed to irritate my new skin ever so slightly. On day 6 I felt that I needed something moist on my skin, but non of the "products" felt right - so I tried extra virgin olive oil, which felt great. My stray hairs didn't stick to it as with Acquaphor or Wound Be Gone. Works very well. On Day 8 I began using my Pevonia Rose Moisturizer. Back to normal on my face, neck and chest are still itchy.



Updated on 7 May 2011:
The end result is very good. I had the procedure because I wanted to remove sun damage. It did that, and even removed a small bump that I had intended to have cut off if necessary later this year.

It's been almost two months now and I can see a reduction in fine lines...especially those pesky upper lip lines. Didn't expect this, so it's a nice bonus. I think that I will get more skin plumping over time, which is fantastic.

Was advised to wear sunscreen as my skin healed, but at just about a week I went out for a short (20 min) walk...with a hat...in the rain. I now have two spots with a bit more pigment. I had a check-up with the doctor immediately after the walk and she was alarmed to see some pinkness. I would have never thought that so little exposure would make a difference, but it has. I hadn't wanted to wear sunblock while my skin was so very tender, as my skin is somewhat reactive to sunscreens. Turns out that I should have done it anyway or should have skipped the walk.

The doctor would re-do these spots for me, but I think that I am the only one who will notice. I'm having a problem using sunscreen. I have several brands and my pores get clogged unless I use a very light one.

What is worse...some sun spots or breakouts?

one other thing...the texture of my skin is now different. Not as silky smooth as it used to be...but in exchange, fewer lines. Again, I am the only one to notice the texture change. Outward appearance is improved.

I have had Thermage treatments three times over the past year and a half.  I expect to have about one every year or two going forward, because it really works.

I saw the doctor for a consultation, and asked what she would recommend if price were not an issue, something that would have stayiung power and not include a knife.

At 46, my skin was just beginning to sag here and there around my jaw, and I wanted to improve the texture around my mouth.  I ended up having thermage on my entire face and neck.

It did take several months for the results to be apparent, but my before and after pictures show significant improvement.  I have the beginnings of jowly spots and a pouch under my chin, both are GONE.  Overall skin texture is improved. 

A new friend confessed that he and a female relative had speculated that I might be in my 30's!  I know logically that I don't look under 40, but I do like the appearance of my skin better.

I'm told that I respond particularly well to this treatment, and for that I am thankful!

An aside- I opted for a light general anesthesia, so it didn't hurt a bit!



Updated on 25 Mar 2011:
I have photos on file at my dermatologist's office (this is my 4th cosmetic dermatologist, any the only one who takes confidential photos for comparing before/after.)

At 47, my skin was beginning to sag on my neck under my chin, my skin had hollowed out below my mouth, I had sun spots, and two small scars from basal cell removal by another doctor.

At 53, I can say that I actually look a bit better than 6 years ago. My skin tone is more even (no sun damage spots), no drooping in the neck, no sign of the scars, and the hollow spots have filled out.

I attribute my progress to having made an effort to have annual treatments, and to eating right and exercise...and being happy! I'm currently lagging on botox/dysport, as the effects have worn off, and would dearly like to try lipodissolve to combat the beginning of jowls - the softening of my jawline began showing 6 years ago, dissapeared for a while and are now sneaking back. I am told that this is because fat deposits in my cheeks have migrated down to live in the curve of my jaw. Apparently the procedure is reasonably inexpensive, but the temporary swelling is significant.