Monika Soni, MD

It is important to note the timeline.  When did you get the cold sore.  There may still be residual inflammation at the area which may resolve.  This explains the tenderness.  Give it another 1 to 2 week.  A second possibility, although less likely, is that any HA fillers can cause a delayed inflammatory response although what you describe is most likely secondary to the cold sore. In the future, it may be wise to take an anti viral such as Valtrex prior to any lip injections or any laser procedures on the face

Thank you for your question! After a thorough skin prep with Melarase AM and Melarase PM; we would recommend the Covalent peel to help exfoliate the skin and improve the melasma.  Best of luck!

Thank you for your question! Dermabrasion is a highly effective treatment for the nasal area.   Nasal skin is quick thick, especially in the tip region, and responds well to dermabrasion.   Nasal scarring can be reduced nicely as long as the proper depth of treatment is performed by the plastic surgeon.  Nasal skin thickening is also treated well.  Conditions such as rhinophyma, or thickening of the skin due to sebaceous gland enlargement, is also treated successfully. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question! There is some data that suggests that Hydroquinone is unsafe as a skin Lightener. I have used the product for 20 years and have found it to be the best way of controlling hyperpigmentation: I use Hydroquinone in the following ways:

• For resistent pigmentation problems, I first perform a BBL treatment and then place the patient on a low dose of Hydroquinone for maintenance. The concentration of the product is slowly reduced over a years time to avoid and unwanted side effects.
• One must understand that hyperpigmentation problems are worsened during summer months and are more difficult to control  because of excessive sun exposure.
• During any type of pigmentation control program one must be aware of the importance of using sunblocks. Therefore there are potential issues with the continuous use of Hydroquinone at high doses but in any maintenance program I feel a loss dose usage with solar protection is a safe and effective way of controlling excessive hyperpigmentation. Best of luck!

Thank you for your question! Wrinkles located around the eyes require a careful and delicate approach due to the thin and fragile nature of under-eye skin. Thankfully, many different types of treatments exist that all specifically target and eliminate this common concern. Intense pulsed light (IPL), fractional radiofrequency (RF) rejuvenation and Venus Freeze treatments can all remodel skin and increase collagen production to help your skin look younger, smoother and rejuvenated. To discuss all of your available treatment options, schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck!