LHR: We Got It!

March 4, 2013 | Posted in Medical Spa, Orlando

Laser hair removal, now available at many plastic surgery centers and med spas in Orlando, has become a growing aesthetic desire among women and men as well. Regardless of location, it seems as though that pesky hair comes more often than we like, thus the shaving—if not every day, maybe every 2 days. Ugh! Who has time for that? Because cell turnover for hair is very fast, growing an average of about ½ inch per month, it can be frustrating keeping up by just shaving or tweezing.

Since melanin is only produced in the growth phase of the hair, the laser must target the hair follicle during this cycle. At any given time, only 10% to 20% of the hair in a particular area may be in a growth phase. Therefore, more than one treatment is required every 3 to 4 weeks. Some patients will require touch-ups every few months.The laser’s job is to heat up the hair follicle, causing the follicle to stop working or slow down without damaging the surrounding tissue. This does not mean that the hair is gone forever. What you will notice is less hair and the frequency at which the hair grows back.

“But I have dark skin and was told that I could never have laser hair removal.”

That’s because you have not been to Dr. Spence. Dr. Spence has successfully and safely reduced hair on all skin types. It’s important to understand lasers, skin and how they work together. Without this understanding, you are less likely to receive a safe and effective treatment.

“OUCH!”

Laser hair removal has been compared to a rubber band snapping the skin.

“EUREKA!”

To help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable, a topical anesthetic is applied 20 to 30 minutes prior to the treatment. We also use a cool roller that reduces the heat felt from the laser.

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BUDGET:The New ‘B’ Word

February 22, 2013 | Posted in Orlando, Skin Care

Cleansers, anti-oxidants, serums, eye creams, skin lighteners, tretinoin, moisturizers, sun blocks and whatever else we can add to the shopping cart all sound like things we should be using daily. However, with the unpredictable economy, who can afford all that? With this understanding, Dr. Spence, a specialist in skin care in Orlando at Hillcrest Aesthetic Institute, has developed a list of “must haves” to help everyone regardless of budget or financial freedom.

It’s important to make sure that the skin is clean, exfoliated and protected. Otherwise you’re just throwing your money and time out the window. Here is a simple, budget-friendly regimen that will aid in improving your skin:

  1. Clean: Cleanser
  2. Strengthen: Vitamin C (antioxidant)
  3. Exfoliate: Tretinoin
  4. Protect: Sunblock

    Actual Patient - Before

    After

When the budget will allow for it again, it’s always advised to add skin care products one item at a time, such as a nice exfoliating moisturizer or eye cream. And let’s not forget about peels. Even a nice papaya or pumpkin peel every 3 to 6 months will give your skin care regimen a boost.

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Good Fat, Bad Fat

February 5, 2013 | Posted in General Plastic Surgery, Orlando

Patients come in all the time joking, “Dr. Spence, I just want to move the fat from my thighs (or buttocks) to my breasts.” Well, joke no more. Fat grafting has become a popular and effective cosmetic procedure and Dr. Spence is among a handful of plastic surgeons in Orlando to offer it. Fat can be harvested from almost anywhere in the body and injected to areas such as the face, breasts and buttocks.

Fat grafting for breast augmentation has proven to be a viable and pleasing solution for a natural look for patients desiring a modest breast augmentation. No risk of nipple sensation loss or hardening of the breasts exists. Even more good news: your own fat never has to be changed out.

On occasion, this procedure may require 2 operative sessions (which may be performed under local anesthesia) to prevent a prolonged recovery. Fat grafting is most often done under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure with little to no downtime. Best of all, there’s no breast incision and no visible scarring.

For patients plagued with implant rippling, fat grafting is an excellent option. For the patient who wants a fuller bust, a modest implant can be combined with fat grafting. This reduces tissue stretch for a better long-term result. Finally, correction of breast asymmetry is an excellent indication for fat grafting.

So, what are we going to do with all that fat? Now you know!

    Actual Patient - Before

    After

View our Photo Gallery for before-and-after photos to get a better sense of possible outcomes following surgery.

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Meet BOTOX®’s BFF

January 9, 2013 | Posted in BOTOX® Cosmetic, Orlando

If you are a fan of BOTOX in Orlando (and who isn’t?), then you will love dermal fillers.

Creating a treatment plan that combines BOTOX Cosmetic with dermal fillers can give your entire face a younger, smoother appearance without surgery. The dermal fillers I use at Hillcrest Aesthetic Institute include JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, Perlane®, RADIESSE® and Sculptra® Aesthetic. Wrinkle treatments such as BOTOX, and Dysport®, and the individual dermal fillers address different areas and rely on distinct mechanisms for correction.

For example, a comprehensive treatment plan for non-surgical facial rejuvenation may include the following solutions:

  • BOTOX – For smoothing the forehead, softening crow’s feet, and lifting the brows
  • Restylane – For creating fuller, more youthful lips
  • JUVÉDERM – For correcting wrinkles and folds around the mouth and nose

Some women and men may also wish to include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser and light therapies to achieve even greater renewal. And some of these treatments serve as excellent complements to facial plastic surgery.

In essence, women and men have a wide range of options available to them. An array of combinations can be used to create an extremely personalized plan for optimal results.

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