I’ve always been very fit and healthy. However, due to my genetics, I could have abs and then look overweight from the back. I have had love handles for as long as I can remember. No one would believe me about how bad they were. I was just really good at hiding them. Anyway, fast forward to 2018-2019, I’m now 30 years old and had a baby. I gained over 50 pounds while pregnant and my love handles were out of control. I lost all the baby weight, but the love handles stuck around — even worse. I was in a hurry the day of surgery, so I didn’t get a day or before surgery, but I do have a picture from a few weeks before. I was a tad bigger in the pictures than the day of the surgery. Regardless, you’ll get the idea! I love that Dr. Calkin uses local anesthetic instead of general. That way she can ask you to move and shift to ensure she gets every area needed. And, while sore, you leave still feeling like yourself instead of groggy and out of it. I don’t know for sure, but maybe your body heals faster without having to go under general anesthetic. Dr. Calkin explains what is going to happen and what is happening during the entire process. Her demeanor is calm and relaxed, which makes you feel relaxed as well. They do prescribe a relaxant to help if you’re feel anxious, which I did take. Dr. Calkin staff is also extremely friendly and caring. They make sure that you’re well taken care of before, during, and post surgery. I went back the day after the surgery and received a z-wave treatment to help blast any remaining fat and to help soften the treated areas. I have gone back for 2 more z-wave treatments that helped with some of my areas that felt a little stiff. I was advised at my 1 month post op, my surgical incision scars will be treated via laser. I wasn’t aware this was included prior, but even if it wasn’t, I would still be thrilled with my results. I’m two weeks post op and beyond thrilled with my results thus far. I finally feel like I have a shape that I’m confident of regardless of what I’m wearing. My underwear, my jeans, my skirts, dresses, everything fits so much better. I finally feel like I have my little waist that goes into hips instead of little waist - love handles - then hips. No more donut at the top of my jeans! If you are hesitant about lipo for a problem area, just go for it. You won’t regret it. Updated on 8 Sep 2019: I’ve still had some issues with my left side having a weird swelling line. We think it may have been caused by my garment and who I sat/slept. Anywho, I’ve been getting zwave treatments and I saw my massage therapist again. She worked the area and used wooden tools to breakup the swelling. She said she was going light, but it freakingggg hurt!! She said she could have gotten all of it in one sitting... but that I’d hate her afterwards. So I made another appointment for this coming week. Updated on 14 Sep 2019: I’ve lost 4.5in on my love handles and 1inch on my waist. We didn’t do too much to my waist and upper back, but still... an inch! I’ll take it. And, I was told I’ll likely lose .5-1in more. That information came from my massage therapist, not my doctor though. And, I had another massage treatment to breakup the hard spot on my left. Hurts soooo much when she uses the wooden tools to break it up, but makes a world of difference for the hardness and swelling. If you haven’t planned on going to someone for a drainage massage, you should!! Updated on 21 Oct 2019: Just posting another update! And, wanted to share the info for my message therapist that broke up the hard spots on my side. She totally helped balance it out. My left side (my left/ right side in the picture) still a little higher, but I believe that is due to my shape. I was much bigger on that side prior and from weight training for years before, I may have gained muscle off balance. Jungle & Grace 1029 H St, Sacramento, CA 95814 Updated on 17 Dec 2019: Just wanted to show another post op picture. 4 months post op — I’m actually a few pounds heavier since I was sick for about a month and eating poorly! But you can see my sides have come in even further. I’m about 136 pounds right now. Updated on 17 Dec 2019: Helps seeing the comparison! Left is my before and right is my 4 months post op. And I’ve even gained a couple of pounds. Eeek!! I can’t believe I waited so long for this surgery. If you’re having doubts, look at this picture. Lol
Very happy with my treatment. The procedure was virtually pain free. Rachel and Sue explained everything they were doing. If I had any discomfort they would stop until I was ready to begin again. I am seeing the results now and I am happy with what I see. I would definitely recommend this procedure to my friends.
In preparation for my 30-year reunion, I had recently scheduled a consult with Dr. Calkin. After listening to my concerns, and going over options, she recommended Ultherapy. I've been a patient of Dr. Calkin's for 15 years and trust her implicitly! There's something to be said of a relationship that spans throughout the years...she's seen me age, and has a baseline to work off of. She knows my likes & dislikes, especially when it comes to staying as "natural" as possible. That's where Ultherapy comes in. This non-invasive treatment helps build your own collagen & elastin for that "natural" look! It's been 3 months post-treatment, and to say that I'm happy with the results would be a gross understatement! I've noticed the most improvement around my brow-line, eyelids, and neck. I'm truly happy with the results and would highly recommend Ultherapy and Dr. Calkin's trusted advice, knowledge and experience!
She’s an artist. If you want perfect lips and the best botox and filler work this is your doctor. I’ve had the same work done by highly rated PSs and I won’t go anywhere but here now. If you’re not ready for surgery or just want a touch up she’s going to make you look your best. She’s thorough and has an eye for what works with your face. She’s a perfectionist when it comes to her work. I would give her 10 stars if I could!
I have been seeing Dr Calkin for over 10 years , she is truly “ the best “ very knowledgeable,honest and with amazing bed side manners , I can’t really say enough about how great she is . If you’re looking for the best dermatologist in town ,don’t think twice and make an appointment with Dr Calkin , I promise you she will meet all your expectations and then some .
Dr. Calkin is an excellent Dermatologic doctor. I am always delighted at the extent she goes through to make me feel and look better. She is passionate about her work and knows how to leave your skin feeling vibrant and not bruised. This is a hard skill to acquire. I always look forward to seeing her. Thank you.
Great office! Very friendly and knowledgeable from procedures that are offered to the products best for your skin! Had ultherapy done and couldn’t be happier with results so far. Also was recommended for the obagi line and my skin has never looked better!
Dr. Calkin is an amazing dermatologist, and happens to be extremely nice. She wants you to be happy with the services you receive at her office, and to be sure you get the best possible results. She's gone out of her way and has been able to help me with the facial redness that I was definately losing hope of ever being able to fix. I just want to hug her! I've been paying her office for some Vbeam laser treatments to be performed by their laser RN, to alleviate the redness on my face; but unfortunately my blood vesels have turned out to be particularly resistant to the two Vbeam laser treatments her office had provided me. When Dr. Calkin was informed of my minimal results, she personally stepped in and spoke with me and examined my skin issue, and then wrote me some prescriptions, made some adjustments to the Vbeam, and also had me additionally treated on one of their other lasers (I don't remember the name of), and all at no extra charge. And in fact, she waived the ENTIRE cost of my laser treatments for that day! Now that's professionalism at the highest degree, and a doctor who wants her patient to be happy and to be satisfied with the services of her office. Because of her actions that day, I finally got some of the results I've been desperately hoping for.And then when I came in the following month for another treatment, she personally stepped in again to examine me, and to make some further adjustments on the lasers to help me even more, and then even performed one of the laser treatments on me herself. And I've been getting this extra exam & consultation with her, and the use of two of their lasers now, all at the same price they had been charging me for just the one Vbeam laser performed by their laser RN. Now that's what I call service!This office and Dr. Calkin will forever have my business, trust, and respect.
I am always iced & numbed in the face, prior to injections. I've heard that this is not always done at many other offices. I recently went in for Botox & brought up a concern re: hormone related acne on my neck & chin. I was leaving for a trip in just 4 days & needed to look my best. Dr. Calkin had the perfect solution & was able to inject the breakouts, and had me sit under a blue light for 16 mins. The acne has cleared up perfectly, just in time. I trust Dr. Calkin with the fragile eye area, as this treatment is something you only want done by an experienced physician. She will be my Physician of choice for life!
Best Doctor Out There - Sacramento, CA
I’m assuming since you are starting Accutane soon that your antibiotics are for acne. If this is true, and the antibiotics are not being prescribed for an acute infection, you may absolutely proceed with filler injections. Additionally, filler prior to starting Accutane is NOT a risk for scarring. Many doctors do not like to perform these procedures while you’re on the medication, however, again, prior to starting should not present any problems at all. Best to you.
Form your photos, it looks as if you would be an ideal candidate for undereye filler. I expect it would correct the subtle asymmetry you have very nicely. Of course, to be certain, you need an in-person consultation. Be sure to seek the services of a Board Certified Dermatologist who specializes in advanced filler techniques. Best to you.
Given that your skin is lovely and not lax, I would not recommend a skin tightening procedure. I would start with Botox, Dysport, Xeomin or Jueveau injections to soften the platysmal bands. Many doctors believe that doing this regularly can prevent the chronic distortion of the skin in the neck, much like it prevents the dynamic wrinkles of the face from becoming etched in. Remember to always protect the skin of your neck with high quality sunscreen. Once laxity begins, Ulthera is a good option, especially if begun early.
A photo would really help. It’s quite possible that microneedling RF will help, but I would seek a second opinion before jumping in. Are the “dots” hyperpigmentation, depressions, petechiae? All these things would require a different approach. Please see a board certified dermatologist who specializes in laser treatments to see what is going on. They can then recommend the best course of treatment. Best to you.
A combination of non ablative and very low density ablative fractional laser treatments is best for scarring. I would start with Fraxel laser treatment monthly and every third treatment is with the fractionated CO 2 laser. Vbeam laser treatments may also help. Be sure to see a dermatologist who specializes in treating scars. Best to you.
