I had lots of permanent damage to my cheeks from using the tanning booth after Accutane. So i tried every kind of topical product out there and nothing worked. I wanted to go the best dermatological laser surgeon in the world. My online search led me to this place and after two 4 hour drives back and forth, 2 procedures. It worked!!! And im Italian so these lasers usually aren't for my skin type. He was very flexible and understanding, oh and he did subsicion for free!! Oh and the waiting room was like out of a resort spa. Best skin care money can buy.
I went to NY from RI hoping this procedure would work or at least give me the 70% improvement that his "clinical" more like professional sales staff promised. They also uphold me $1200 for plasma injections. What a waste. After many weeks of downtime and then waiting the required 6 months to see improvement, I am left with the same exact acne scars and it didn't even improve texture, discoloration or tighten my skin at all. They also said I didn't need subscission work, which after seeking the help of a plastic surgeon I found out was exactly what my type of rolling scarring needed. I ended up spending $1800 to have subscission with dermal grafting on both cheeks and saw excellent, truly noticeable results. Please do not waste your money with this office. Seek a facial plastic surgeon. Don't make the same costly mistake I made by trusting these people.
I've been going to Dr. Schweiger's office for over a year now- I travel all the way from Virginia to see him! And I would say that it is DEFINITELY worth it. Dr. Schweiger is kind and took his time addressing my concerns. Overall, I felt like the whole office was set up to be extremely comfortable for patients. I was offered water, a blanket, and a hand to hold while I was having my procedure done. As far as scheduling goes, the receptionists are always very professional and timely in setting something up. I was very impressed by the overall service that I received. My concerns were dealt with in a way that was satisfactory for me, and I felt the whole experience was very positive. Dr. Schweiger's office is a definite "YES" for me! I would recommend it to anyone!
I had bad acne in high school and they went away but I had many ice-pick scars, box-car scars, and rolling scars over my cheeks and temple. I'm East Asian and light-skinned so they scar easily. I previously had done 2 treatments of eMatrix and subcisions but those procedures only helped 5 - 10%. I had previously gone into a consultant at Spring Street Dermatology but the Dr. there told me that they didn't have the ablative CO2 laser that would help me the most. I got the impression that Spring St. Dermatology mainly catered to the young yuppie hip crowd and didn't do any of the heavy-duty stuff like subcision (uses needles and is bloody) or powerful lasers (like CO2 ablative). I researched and found that Dr. Schweiger was the foremost expert on laser Acne scar treatment. I need to still wait several months to see the full results but I can tell my scars will have improved a minimum of 30% to possibly 40% which is a huge improvement for severe acne scarring.
I'm a 22 year old caucasian male who has struggled with acne for almost 10 years. It left some obvious scarring on both of my cheeks and temples. I underwent the Mixto laser in early December of last year, and then opted to do a Fraxel treatment (my dermatologist offered me a deal) two months later, in early February of 2013. I've waited till now to post so that I knew I was seeing the full effects of the treatments. Overall, I am very pleased that I did it. My skin stil has some scarring, but it is lighter and less noticeable. I also started using retin a (tretinoin gel) - though not right before or right after the procedure - and I think the retin a really helped my skin continue to produce collagen and soften the scars. I definitely recommend Retin a to be used in conjunction with this treatment (though again, not during, directly before or directly after). I also recommend PATIENCE. I wasn't satisfied until fairly recently, and this is more than 5 months after my initial laser treatment. So wait. Be kind to your skin. Stay hydrated, and wear quality sunscreen religiously. and hopefully your results will be as good as mine.
I've been thinking about doing this forever but a few things were making me hold off, mainly the cost and pain experienced by some. However when I saw a Lifebooker deal (340 per area, large or small) I couldn't resist. I decided to have my mid-stomach and one flank done. Sounds a bit weird, I know, but one side is slightly bigger than the other. I also wanted to use it as an experiment. If there's a marked difference, I'll do the other side. The nurse was helpful, answered all my questions. Told me it was highly unlikely I'd experience any pain whatsoever afterwards (which I didn't quite believe based on some of the reviews on here). She did my stomach first. The sucking was a bit uncomfortable, and a bit painful for the first few minutes, especially round the belly button (the nurse said 7 minutes at the most, I timed it on my phone and she was right). It made me laugh at the sight of my fat being sucked into the machine, I didnt realise there was so much there. For the rest of the procedure I felt nothing, except for a very light dull ache (similar to menstrual cramps, maybe a 3 out of 10 on my pain scale). I watched a movie in the office which was nice. I wasn't particularly cold either (which also suprised me), I couldnt even really feel any cold on my stomach. My flank was even less painful. I live quite close to the office so decided to walk home (which I didnt think would be possible either!). I slept fine and didnt really need the Tylenol I took it as a precaution. The areas a bit swolen and tender, but I had no problem sleeping. Not sure if it will get worse but will keep you updated. As of now, if I get the results, I'd definately recommend it :) Updated on 9 Apr 2012: Starting to get cramps in my stomach, kind of like menstrual cramps...its unpleasant, but not unbearable :/ Just booked to get my other flank done (no pain whatsoever from that). Updated on 15 Apr 2012: The cramps etc have pretty much gone. I'm going for my inner thighs and other flank doing tomorrow :) Updated on 3 May 2012: Six weeks now...and I can feel a difference in my stomach. When I squeeze the fat on my stomach it looks smaller. Still get the odd light "bee sting" but its otherwise good. My flank I dont see a difference (I think the photo might exaggerate the improvement a bit because of the jeans I'm wearing). Updated on 13 Jun 2012: Went back for a follow-up visit yesterday. I'm happy with the results so far. The best results I think have been on my stomach. I started seeing it after only a couple of weeks. It doesnt show so much in the pictures but when I squeeze my stomach (around my belly button), it honestly feels like 50% of the fat has gone (compared to previously). My flank I feel has shrunk a little, especially on the top. I just booked in for a second session on my flank and stomach. Thighs I don't really feel like there's been much of a difference at all. Still definately worth it for my stomach alone - all the exercise and dieting, nothing would reduce my stomach fat. Totally worth every dollar :)
After much research, I decided to give Zeltiq Coolscultpting a try. I desperately wanted to get rid of my lovehandles and I wanted a procedure that was fairly painless and non-invasive, so Coolsculpting seemed perfect. Add in a 50% off groupon coupon, and I was sold! A little background on me.... I'm 6'4", early 30s, 195lbs. I have had an issue with my lovehandles for a very long time, and no amount of sweat and tears could make them go away! About 13 years ago, I lost over 50 lbs (I used to be a bit chubby), but gained 20 lbs back in muscle (a good thing!). I have kept the bad weight off, and I work out 4-5 times a week, lift weights, regularly run races, eat healthy, etc. But even when I was at my lowest weight and I looked emaciated, my lovehandles were still there. The procedure itself was fine. The pain wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be based on others’ review. The quick massage afterwards hurt the most (pain and burning), but really not that bad given that it was less than a minute. Post procedure, my lovehandles were somewhat numb for over 3 weeks, but the pain was minimal. In fact, I would say that the pain was barely noticeable. The numbness was not very annoying, and on a scale of 1-10 (10 being bad), I would rate the annoyance only a 2. On pain, I would rate it a 1. Yes, the level of pain I felt was that low! It was much lower than I had expected based on what others have said, and I am happy about that! Overall, I am somewhat pleased with the results. After almost 2 months (50 days), I have noticed a slight difference (see pics), but I was expecting a more dramatic change. I’ll update my review at the 90 day mark, so hopefully I’ll see even more improvement. Is it worth it? I’m not sure. For $800, I’ll say yes. For $1500, probably not. Then again, maybe I’ll need second treatment to see optimal results. Hopefully I can find another discount out there! Updated on 10 Mar 2012: So, 3 months post procedure and I definitely can see some results, but like I said in my review, they were not as dramatic as I had hoped. Fortunately for me, I found another groupon so I will be doing the procedure again next month. Updated on 10 Mar 2012: Additionally, if anyone is wondering, I weigh the exact same amount today as I did 3 months ago, so I don't believe that any of the fat loss was due to weight loss from exercise or dieting. Updated on 4 Apr 2012: So, as I mentioned earlier, I found a groupon and decided to do the love handles again and also this time my small pooch of a belly. I did the belly two days ago, and will re-do my love handles in three weeks. Coolsculpting in the ab area definitely hurt more than the love handles, primarily because there is just more fat to suck up into the machine! But overall, the procedure was not too painful. The day after, my stomach was a little sore (kind of like doing situps) and a little numb, but overall not bad at all. Today is day 2, and most of pain has gone away. I'll update everyone next week if the pain situation drastically changes. Many reviews mention the pain/ bee stings that happen roughly a week after the procedure. Like I said in my earlier posts, I felt almost no pain after doing my love handles, so I hoping for the same with my belly area! Updated on 19 Apr 2012: So I had my tummy area done, and the experience in the week or two following was definitely worse than with the love handle areas, but honestly, not by much. I had some of the bee sting feelings that many have mentioned (between days 5 - 10). Yes, sometimes I would get that weird feeling, and usually I would just grab the roll of fat and squeeze and that would make the odd feeling go away :) Overall, the pain was minimal and the bee sting feel was really only a slight annoyance. It didn't affect my day to day activities at all. I'm getting my love handles done again tomorrow and I'm very excited. I'll post those pictures in a few months. I'm also updating the cost to include the two sessions for my love handles, since the pictures will ultimately reflect what I spent in total. Updated on 30 Jun 2012: I've posted a pic now that it's been a little over 2 months post my second love handle procedure. Honestly, I'm disappointed in the results. Although I can see slight improvement, overall there doesn't seem to be much difference than after the first procedure. Additionally, this second time around, I also had a procedure done on my lower abs. I took no pictures, but it barely looks like any change happened. I went to a different doctor this second time around and the front desk assistant did the procedure on me. Everything felt the same as the first time, so I can't believe that the doctor's office had anything to do with the results (although maybe I'm wrong). Also, I still exercise regularly and have weighed the same for the past 6 months, so I definitely did not gain any fat over the time period. I'll post updated pics in a few months -- I know sometimes it takes longer than 2 months to see results. But honestly, for the amount of money it costs, I would have expected better results. If I had paid full price, Zeltiq would have cost me over $3K for just the love handles alone! For that price, it would have definitely not been worth it. Updated on 18 Aug 2013: I decided to re-do my lower abs about a month ago, and I can honestly say that I definitely see a difference only after one month (granted I have also been working out a lot more, but my weight has not changed). I will post pics in a few months. Two things to note this time, which I think makes a big difference: 1. The size of the applicator - I went to a new doctor for this instance, and the doctor used a very large unit on my lower ab. I am pretty sure that the last time I did this, the unit was much smaller. This makes a big difference. 2. Having a doctor actually do the procedure. The first time I went to Dr. Schweiger and I saw results. I went to a new doctor for this third time and am also seeing results. Both actually measured the area to determine the right size applicator and drew on my body with a marker. The second doctor I went, the front desk receptionist is the one who actually did the procedure. I believe she just used the standard small applicator and put it on where she saw fit. And I saw little results. Updated on 25 Oct 2015: I posted my coolsculpting results a few years back, and I still stand by the title of my review, "Works, but don't expect miracles." The first time I saw the most results (see first 2 pictures), but all the subsequent times I went, I saw little results. And although it works, I am not sure the value is really there for what you get. That is why I am back on here to tell all of you that you should reconsider spending all this money on something that will give you minimal results, and instead focus on something that will surely give you better results, albeit it will take more work to get there. I am talking about diet and exercise! Now, I know many of you will say that you exercise regularly and there is just that pooch you can't get rid of.... I know what you are saying because I used to say the same thing! And I really did workout a lot, regularly lifted weights, did a lot of cardio (including running many half and a full marathon!), and I ate healthy. But, unless you are a guy under 10% bodyfat or lady under 15%, that "pooch" is just excess fat that you can lose on your own. And 30 mins on the elliptical is not the way you will lose it! Look at the last picture I sent. My dreaded love handles have almost disappeared! The thing I spent thousands on trying to remove I finally did it on my own. How? Through "leangains" type of diet and exercise -- lifting heavy weights three times a week, reducing cardio to only a few times a week and keeping it very light, intermittent fasting, and carb-cycling (high carb on workout days, low/no carbs on rest days, high protein on all). There is a ton of info out there on this. Yes, this is more work. You will have to track your calories daily, and you will have to pay close attention to your diet. Time wise, three lifting sessions a week at the gym is really all you need, and maybe some walking the other days. Do this for a few months and you will see amazing results --- better than any coolscultping results will give you. You will thank me later!
I've tried lots of different things and this is the only non surgical procedure that actually works. I did my lower abdomen 6 weeks ago and have seen results and just did my love handles as well. The office staff is great. You watch apple tv while you sit there so you are not bored. It's not painless. The first 7 minutes are the worst. And after its numb for a couple of weeks and it stings randomly. But, worth it.
My acne sucked so I went there and got several expensive prescriptions. The doctor there spent only about 5 minutes with me and DIDN'T EVEN LOOK AT MY SKIN! I could have had a cancerous mole for all they knew!!! Their own brand of face & body wash works VERY well though and it was only about $10-$15. Just buy their facewash and leave. when i went for my follow-up appointment the doctor who was treating me (forgot her name) and the receptionist were VERY rude to me for no reason! The place seems more image-oriented than patient-oriented.
I hate to be so negative but I got this procedure done recently a few times as part of a package deal. I'm 25 and I've had cystic acne all my life. I am getting married next year so I was trying to fix my bad skin. Isolaz is only good for extracting whiteheads/blackheads (I learned this through several other leading dermatologists in NYC I went to see after I got this done). but if you have cystic/more sever acne, it's NOT right for you. My dermo told me to get it done and my cysts ended up imploding during the procedure b/c of the vacuum force and causing an infection. There were also black burn marks on my face afterwards b/c the laser light came into contact w/ some blood under my skin. I wish my dermo was responsible and ethical enough to dissuade me from this procedure given it clearly was not appropriate for the type of acne I had but instead, the office pushed it. I left the office looking like someone punched me several times - I had blood oozing out of my blemishes. PLEASE.....don't bother with this. Go for antibiotic oral treatment + other topicals. Not the right procedure for anyone w/ cystic acne. I went back a month later and the office was trying to get me to buy other packages that were over $2000 and pushed their line of products on me like there was no tomorrow. Lesson learned - stick to your guns and dont let doctors push unnecessary procedures. There are so many treatments out there that patients get desperate to try new things but in the end, experimenting w/ diff treatments can bite you in the back. I ended up going to see another dermo after this experience. I was put on oral antibiotics and a topical ointment. My skin is much better now.
Botox injections are often injected both into the 11 lines as well as the forehead lines because these two areas complement each other well. If you had a good result in the 11 lines and are unhappy with the forehead results, I’d recommend a follow up with the provider who did the injections. Botox lasts for approx. 3-6 months so if you really don’t like it - it’s not permanent.
Chemically, these neurotoxins should be the same in terms of how they interact with the muscles and take effect. Therefore, in theory they should work the same. Dysport, however, is often mixed with a greater amount of saline than Xeomin or Botox, which is one way the results can be affected. Generally speaking, if you keep all other variables the same (injector, timing, site etc), if a certain product seems to work I would continue with it. I often take the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, as changing too many variables can make it difficult to decipher cause and effect. So, if you are changing one variable that could affect results (cosmetic provider,) I would definitely recommend sticking with Dysport if you’ve been pleased with the results in the past.
Most dermal fillers are FDA approved for the nasolabial folds but are commonly done for the other areas you mentioned, as an off-label use. Botox is FDA indicated for the treatment of the lines between the brows and the smile lines, although we often inject it other places as well. You can look at the website for a specific injectable to find out what it’s on-label uses are.
Of course the usual caveats apply – the hair must not be blonde or white, the patient must shave prior to treatment and it will require at least six treatments. The patient must be very certain about how they want the hairline to look since once it is gone, it won’t grow back. After each treatment the area may remain red for about an hour. It may look unusual during the treatments as thinner hair will be growing back in between the treatments. Of course the patient may continue to shave the area during the treatments. It is very important to see a laser professional in order to get the proper treatments for this very sensitive area.
Having a benign (noncancerous) mole shave excised (a process of removing that which grows on or just below the skin’s surface) can be an effective method to remove a mole with minimal scarring. However, in some cases portions of the mole can be left behind leaving the possibility of regrowth. This regrowth does not necessarily signify anything dangerous. Having a trained practitioner in dermatology re-evaluate the mole in this case can provide you with the reassurance that this is not something that warrants further action.
