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Want To Look Your Best For Valentine’s Day? Here’s How:

Monday, February 7th, 2022

Preparing Your Skin For Valentine’s Day:

Naturally, Valentine’s Day is a day when we want to present our best selves. Not too mention it’s a valid excuse for us make up enthusiasts to go all out. Whether it’s a subtle, natural, bold or seductive look you desire, to achieve your ideal look, you must first start by making sure your skin is a smooth, fresh, blemish free canvas for which you can create your make up masterpiece. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner and harsh winter elements in full swing here in central Illinois, you might find you skin is needing a little tender loving care before the big night.  Here are a few tips that can help assure your skin is fresh, smooth and supple:

Assess and Address Any Skincare Concerns Now

Don’t wait until the day before Valentine’s Day, hoping for a miracle from your new facial mask or skincare product. Stay faithful to your skincare regimen, especially when it comes to nightly cleansing and moisturizing.  If you haven’t already established a consistent skincare regimen then just focus on the following basic skincare needs for the short term to assure your skin looks its best for your  special Valentine’s Date.

 

 

THE BASICS:

  1. CLEANSE
  • Cleanse both in the morning and before bed. Do not skip your night-time cleansing. Going to bed without removing your make-up can clog pores, create blackheads, acne break outs, inflammation, and textural issues. While you are fast asleep, your skin is regenerating, rejuvenating & renewing itself!  Cleansing your skin improves cell turnover and even stimulates circulation. Even if you do not wear make-up, it’s one dirty world out there.  By day’s end, your skin’s surface contains dirt, grime, debris, bacteria.  You need to cleanse away the day’s collection and allow your skincare products to effectively penetrate and do their intended jobs.
  1. TREAT TEXTURE / BLEMISHES
  • Exfoliation will help improve rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles and clarity. Exfoliation is often needed to keep aging skin looking fresh and smooth because as we age, dead skin cells to do not slough off as rapidly as they once did. This can result in dull, rough texture and more apparent lines and wrinkles. A build up of dead cells not only makes it difficult to achieve a flawless make-up application but dead cell build up also reduces the effectiveness of your skincare products and steals your radiance!  During dry winter months, try to avoid harsh scrub type exfoliants if you have acne-prone skin or if your skin is dry.   Exfoliating with gritty facial scrubs or buff puffs when your skin is already extra dry from dried winter weather conditions or inflamed with an acne breakout will compromise your protective barrier, creating further dryness and skin irritation. Instead for dry, dull skin tones select a pumpkin enzyme exfoliating mask to exfoliate, brighten and hydrate or seek a professional, light glycolic acid application at your cosmetic surgeon’s office.
  • Stay proactive if you are prone to acne breakouts. Clear Skin Pads like those from Castillo MD Skin Science containing a 5% glycolic, 2% Salicylic Acid (for exfolation) & lactic acid (for hydration) can be particularly helpful in preventing new breakouts and decreasing cellular build-up without irritations caused by more abrasive options.
  1. MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE
  • Whether your goal is a flawless make up application or a natural, radiant, no make-up look, supple, hydrated skin is key. Dry skin leads to dull, flaky skin, and increases the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.  Remember to pay extra attention to the skin around your eyes. The eye area needs moisture formulated specifically for that delicate eye area. Radiant skin and a flawless makeup application is dependent on well hydrated skin.

4. PROTECT

  • Apply a medical-grade, UVA/UVB physical sunscreen every day. If you are new to my blog, you might be thinking, sunscreen… in the winter? What sun?? Is that really necessary? Don’t fool yourself. I assure you, UVA (the aging ray, you know the one responsible for lines, wrinkles, sagging, unwanted pigment…) is just as prevalent in the winter as in the summer so be sure to continue to protect your skin each day throughout the year.

Wishing you a Valentine’s Day full of love, laughter and luminous skin!

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

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Posted in Make-up, Non-Surgical Treatments, Products, Skincare & Aging, Sun Protection, Sun Protection, Uncategorized | No Comments »

How Should I Care For My Skin After My Chemical Peel?

Wednesday, November 24th, 2021

CHEMICAL PEEL POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS: 

Proper maintenance of your skin after a chemical peel will facilitate and enhance your rejuvenation process. It is important that you follow a few easy steps to achieve the maximum benefit from your peel.

What To Expect:

You will receive written instructions and a post-peel skincare kit with all the products you will need to care for your skin following your peel. During your recovery period, we request that you use only the products provided in your kit unless instructed otherwise. These products will keep your skin hydrated, protected and nourished.

For the first few days after your peel, your skin will look normal with some possible redness similar to a sunburn. In approximately 48 hours, your skin may feel tight and will begin to flake or peel.  Some patients will peel mildly while others will peel more dramatically.

It is important not to pick at your skin, which could potentially introduce bacteria, or cause scarring. Do not attempt to help the skin peel off.  Let this process occur naturally to avoid exposing immature skin and irritation.

Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-3 days after your peel as sweat my cause irritation or burning.

SUN BURN ALERT: The peel solution contains a blend of ingredients that may increase your skin’s sensitivity level to the sun, especially for the first TWO weeks following your peel. Please use the medical-grade, UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sunscreen provided in your post-peel kit (Castillo MD Skin Science Sun Defense SPF 45).

Post-Peel Instructions:

A.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a facial cleansing sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Apply the selected Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit and re-apply liberally as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and re-apply as needed.
  4. Avoid sun exposure.

P.M.  Regimen for the first 48 hours (or until you begin to peel):

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and Pat dry.
  2. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin.

A.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has ceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.
  3. Apply medical grade sunscreen liberally and avoid sun exposure.

P.M Regimen days 3-7 (or until peeling has deceased)

  1. Apply the Castillo MD Skin Science Gentle Cleanser using a sponge to cleanse in a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Liberally apply the Castillo MD Skin Science moisturizer provided in your kit. Re-apply as needed to maintain well hydrated skin. Frequent applications of this emollient moisturizer will keep your skin feeling and looking better.

To extend the life of your beautiful results, I recommend beginning a medical-grade skincare program designed specifically for your skin needs.

 

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

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Posted in Instructions / Recovery Tips, Non-Surgical Treatments, Recovery: What to expect, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Peeling Your Way to Perfection: More Clarity on Exciting Chemical Peels

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021

Chances are if you are exposed to any type of media and who isn’t, then you’ve noticed that chemical peels are getting a little more media attention these days.  In today’s world of cosmetic medicine there are many options when it comes to improving the skin’s surface and complexion.

  • CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing
  • Intense Pulse Light
  • Medical Microdermabrasion
  • Chemical Peels

While CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing typically makes more sense when treating acne scarring, heavier forms unwanted pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles in lighter skinned patients, effective chemical peels are an excellent option for those with active acne and darker skinned patients who are not good laser candidates.  Chemical peels can offer a nice value for the savings conscious consumer.  They are multi-function tools that provide solutions for acne, sun damage, fine lines, poor texture and dyschromia.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Dr. G. D. Castillo offers several  Chemical Peel options. For most skin issues the Vitalize Peel is my preferred peel of choice followed by its more aggressive counter-part, the Rejuvenize Peel.  I favor the Vitalize Peel because our patient’s do not have to suffer through a harsh recovery of irritated, weeping or scabbing skin as with many of the peel formulas that are being utilized. This peel is self-regulating which means it does not require a neutralizing agent to stop the peeling action, creating a safe, consistent result.

You will notice smoother, clearer skin and a softening of lines and wrinkles and will have little downtime.   The Vitalize Peel is a quick 20 minute treatment and is often referred to as a “lunchtime” peel. You can cover with mineral make-up immediately and return to work.  Because Retinoic Acid is used in conjunction with this peel, you will begin to peel within about 48 hours and will need to discontinue cosmetics until the peeling has deceased.  You will see improvements after your first peel and those improvements will continue to increase throughout the treatment series until a new radiant, clear skin is revealed.

While the Vitalize Peel / Rejuvenize Peel is an excellent choice for those with acne, those who do not wish to undergo laser procedures, and those with darker skin types, not all patients are candidates for chemical peels. Those with active warts, Herpes Simplex or cold sores in the treatment area should not have this chemical peel as it could cause spreading of those conditions.  Patients with allergies to any of the ingredients such as salicylates (aspirin), those who have used Accutane, had chemotherapy or radiation within the last year as not candidates for the Vitalize Peel.

Schedule a consultation if you would like more information about the chemical peel options available at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center.

Yours Truly,

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

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Posted in Non-Surgical Treatments, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Friday, September 24th, 2021

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP TO DISCOVERING IF A FACELIFT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

One might think the first step is to call your local facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon or cosmetic surgeon and schedule a consultation appointment. That’s not a bad option, but I recommend doing a little homework first.  By that, I am not suggesting to waste hours and hours online reading about facelift preparation, recovery etc., as much of the information out there is not correct or not cohesive with the instruction you will get with from your future surgeon.  That information is ultimately much better gotten straight from your actual surgeon.

Instead, decide how far you are willing to travel for your surgery. Consider that there will be several appointments involved over the course of this journey. Then research the Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons or Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeons in that area. Look at their CV (curriculum vitae). What are their qualifications? What are their professional appointments (Example: Dr. Castillo is the Past President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery…)? What type of experience do they have? How long have they been practicing? Look online at their before and after photos.  Do their before and after photos look natural? Do their photos look the way you envision looking after surgery? Once you feel comfortable with your research, schedule one or more consultations.

CHOOSING YOUR SURGEON

Choose a Board-Certified surgeon whom you feel comfortable with and one who has decades of experience! You want a surgeon who takes the time to listen and time to explain the risks, benefits, alternative treatment options, recovery and result expectations. Evaluate the staff as well.  How did they make you feel?  Were they warm, welcoming, knowledgeable, attentive, helpful? How long as Doctor’s clinical staff worked for him? Is there a lot of staff turn-over? Staff members tend to stick around longer if they are working for a skilled, trustworthy, genuine human being.

MAKING THE DECISION

Electing to have a facelift or any cosmetic procedure is a very personal decision. In the final analysis, remember that choosing to have a facelift impacts one person alone – and that person is you. It  should only be carried out if it is what you truly desire.

After your consultation, you may need time to digest all the information you gathered.  I would encourage you choose a facility that does not apply pressure or a timeline to your decision-making process.  Having a facelift can be an amazing experience.  Choosing the right (or wrong) surgeon, can be a life-changing one.

 

Spread Love & Sunscreen

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Posted in Facelift, Facial Surgery, Neck Lift, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Can a Facial Cream Make Me Look Just as Amazing as a Facelift?

Thursday, July 22nd, 2021

 

Someone once said, “inside every older person is a younger person just wondering

“what the hell happened!”

They were so right!  What happened? Well… Stressors happened. Metabolism changes happened.  Sun exposure happened. Menopause happened. Health issues happened. Prioritizing the needs of others over our own happened; not making time for self-care happened. Time happened.

 

This year, as I stared down all the candles on my birthday cake, I began to wonder what people wish for in 50+ crowd. After thinking about all the conversations I’ve had with patients and friends over years, I would imagine those wishes to include:

 

  • “I wish… I didn’t have these jowls and a turkey neck.”

 

  • “I wish… that when people tell me I look hot, they weren’t referring to my flashes!”

 

  • “I wish… for a face cream that will tighten my skin and make me look 10 years younger without having a facelift.”

 

 

 

 

Now, if you have limited your sun exposure and consistently used a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB sunscreen throughout your lifetime then you might just sail through your 50’s, maybe even your 60’s looking pretty darn good. BUT, if you and sunscreen have not been life-long friends, you’ve notice of a few signs of aging.  You may have started to entertain the idea of doing something about it or at the very least you’ve probably stood in front of the mirror and pulled back your facial skin to mimic what you might look like after a little nip and tuck. Maybe you have even started to research a facelift or neck lift or skin resurfacing.

And truly, there are worse ways to spend money than on finding new empowerment at this new stage of life through surgical intervention …like on a facial cream marketed as a “facelift in a jar.”

 

Myth buster…  facelifts do not come in jars.

 

There is no cream that will give you facelift-like results.  Nope, nope, nope! A facelift is a highly technical procedure that requires repositioning your muscle structure to create a tighter, more youthful appearance. It involves removing excess skin and fatty tissue, and it requires years of dedicated training and experience to give you the look you desire. A cream, no matter what marketing tells you… cannot do that!  So, if you are showing enough signs of aging to warrant a facelift, then a facelift is the only thing that will give you the results you really want. An effective, at-home skincare regimen plays a vital role in maintaining the health and appearance of your skin. But, if you are expecting a cream or any other topical application to reposition, tighten and lift you back in time, then you will be disappointed.

While skincare products are not a replacement for a facelift, they are a necessary daily accompaniment. Medical-grade skincare products are known to improve the tone, texture, brightness of your skin. They can replenish the skin with antioxidants, create cell turn-over, improve barrier function, increase hydration and most importantly, they can provide protection from future sun damage.  Don’t under-estimate the damage caused by sun exposure. It’s the reason you were standing in front of the mirror wishing a facelift in a jar in the first place!

Unlike marketers, our job at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center isn’t to tell a patient what they want to hear; it is to evaluate their degree of aging then match the severity of aging signs and the patient’s goals of improvement to the proper treatment plan. For a patient is in their 20’s, an anti-aging plan often just includes daily medical-grade, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen (which by the way, sunscreen is the closest thing you will get to a facelift in a jar, via prevention), along with a good cleanser and moisturizer and a discussion about lifestyle, unprotected sun exposure and how taking care of you skin in your 20’s will determine how you look in you 40’s and beyond.

For that 30 something patient, we might recommend adding a topical Vitamin A product, and anti-oxidants to their at home regimen along with a few micro-dermabrasion treatments or a light chemical peel and a reality check about the effects of unprotected sun exposure.

A patient in their 40’s may need to add a CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing treatment to reduce brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and rough texture or a few IPL treatments to take care of broken capillaries.

For those patient’s over 50, the signs of aging become more difficult to minimize with at-home efforts alone.  Gravity really begins to flaunt its superpower and drives everything south. There is a more substantial breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers along with bone and tissue loss.  The result is loose, sagging skin, shadows, hallows, wrinkles, drooping jowls, and a turkey neck.  Skin becomes drier and thinner. Facial redness, visible, broken capillaries / spider veins become more difficult to conceal.

With each passing decade, maintaining a youthful, fresh appearance usually calls for a new plan of attack and after a certain degree of aging, there are no quick OTC fixes, certainly no effective facelifts in a jar. But there are several effective options to help you look and feel your best!

 

Spread love & sunscreen,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roxanne Grace
Skincare and Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

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How Can I Protect Myself From Melanoma?

Thursday, April 29th, 2021

If we have learned anything over the past year, living life “unprotected” can have serious consequences.  Since the pandemic has decreased our social options, many of us are spending more time than usual outside; this means more opportunity for sun exposure.  With the potential for removing masks in the very near future, I expect the time outside to continue to increase as we are able to loosen the social reins. It’s important to think ahead about protecting our skin from UV rays.  Skipping this simple step will not only cause pre-mature skin aging but can also lead to a devastating diagnoses of Melanoma.

Use multiple tools to help decrease sun exposure like applying and re-applying broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen every 2 hours, seeking shade, wearing a wide-brim UV protected sun hat and sunglasses, and limiting high-sun exposure time because it’s easy to over-look your next sunscreen application and end up with unintended sun exposure, especially when you are working outside or  having a great time with friends.  Did you know, according to the CDC, the occurrence of melanoma has doubled within the past three decades in the United States? One person now dies of melanoma every hour of every day.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month. Melanoma Month was put into place to encourage efforts to increase awareness about melanoma, the dangers of UV exposure, how to identify suspicious skin changes, and how to protect yourself and your family. UV exposure cannot only cause pre-mature aging such as wrinkles, lines, rough, uneven texture, brown spots and spider veins, but it primarily responsible for all forms of skin cancer.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is the most-deadly form of skin cancer.  It develops in pigment producing cells called melanocytes. While basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are more common forms of skin cancer, melanoma takes more lives because it can quickly spread to other organ if it is not diagnosed and treated in the early stages.

 

What does melanoma look like? What should I look for?

  1. A spot, lesion, bump or mole that becomes painful, tender, itchy, or bleeds and doesn’t heal.
  2. Visual changes on the skin such as shape, color, size, flaking or bleeding of a new or existing spot.
  3. A spot, lesion, bump or mole that looks shiny, waxy or pale in color.
  4. Red bumps that become crusty and / or bleed.
  5. Red, flat spot that has a rough texture, is dry or scaly.
  6. One half of a mole or a pigmented spot that is an uneven shape (asymmetrical) or has irregular or ill-defined borders.

***This is just a list of SOME of the signs of melanoma, but it could appear differently on a case to case basis. See your doctor with any suspicious signs.

Which factors can put me at a higher risk for melanoma?

  1. Sun / UV exposure – Skin cancers are mostly the result of UV exposure, that includes both sun exposure and UV exposure from tanning beds and other tanning devices.
  2. Family history – If you have a family history of skin cancer, visit your dermatologist for frequent skin checks. 
  3. Skin type – while skin cancers are diagnosed much more frequently in lighter skin types, it often proves more deadly in darker skin types as the signs of skin cancer often do not appear on dark skin types until the later metastatic stages.

How can I protect myself from melanoma?

  1. Make UV protection a priority! Apply a broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB physical sunscreen generously every day of the year. Re-apply every two hours as needed when exposed. If you are swimming or sweating, re-apply every 80 minutes. Be generous with your sunscreen applications.  It takes one shot glass of sunscreen to cover the average body appropriately.
  2. LIMIT your sun exposure time. Applying sunscreen is not meant to be a free ticket to all day exposure.
  3. Wear GOOD UV protective sunglasses! UV exposure has also been linked to cataracts and other eye conditions.
  4. Wear a wide-brimmed, UV protected sun hat and seek shade.
  5. Wear UV protective clothing.
  6. Avoid sun exposure between 11am-3pm.
  7. Do frequent self-checks and visit your dermatologist with any suspicious changes.

Help us improve community knowledge about the dangers of UV radiation and decrease the number of lives effected or lost to melanoma by sharing this post on your social media platforms and sharing this knowledge with your friends and family.

 

Roxanne,

Skincare & Laser Specialist for

G.D. Castillo, MD, FACS

Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center

https://www.facebook.com/DrCastilloCosmeticPlasticSurgery

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Pre & Post Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions

Friday, April 17th, 2020

MICRODERABRASION

To maximize your results and recovery, please adhere to the following Microdermabrasion directives: Post-treatment instructions will be reviewed with you and may be modified depending on your individual situation.

Pre-Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions:

  • Please discontinue all Retin-A, retinoids, tretinols, Alpha-Hydroxy Acids, Beta-Hydroxy Acids, exfoliating creams, lotions or treatments, skin lighteners, or topical acne products 5-7 days prior to treatment.
  • Please keep skin well hydrated prior to treatment. If your skin is too dry, your appointment may be rescheduled.
  • Please avoid unprotected sun exposure prior to treatment. If you arrive with too much sun exposure (e.i. – sunburn), your treatment will need to be rescheduled.
  • Avoid waxing of the area to be treated for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Please refrain from chemical peels, or other skin procedures for 2-4 weeks depending on the procedure.
  • Please inform us of any outside or at-home skin treatments prior to treatment or in-between treatments.
  • If you have an active cold sore or suspect you may be developing one, please reschedule your appointment. If you have a moderate history of cold sore, you may consider beginning a prophylactic dose of prescription Valtrex, 3 days prior to your treatment to help avoid a break-out.

 

Post-Microdermabrasion Treatment Instructions:

  • Skincare products such as antioxidants, moisturizers and sunscreen will be applied at the end of treatment so you can immediately apply make-up if you choose to.
  • You can begin to cleanse your skin the evening of your microdermabrasion treatment. Avoid using cleansers that are drying to your skin or contain AHA’s, BHA’s, abrasives or exfoliants.
  • Keep your skin well moisturized.
  • Apply and re-apply the medical-grade sunscreen recommended for you each day. You will be more sensitive to the sun for at least 14 days. Avoid direct or unprotected sun exposure.
  • Please refrain from using OTC or medical-grade retinols, tretinols, benzyl peroxide, topical acne products, AHA’s and BHA’s for 3-4 days post-treatment or as instructed at your treatment.
  • You can typically resume the use of topical prescription Vitamin A products such as Retin-A, or Renova, or topical prescription acne productions such as Differen, Clindamycin, Epiduo, Tazorac etc. within 7 days after treatment or as instructed at your treatment.
  • Please refrain from picking or scratching of the treated areas as it can cause unsuspected injury or irritation.
  • In the event that flaking occurs, keeping the area well moisturized will reduce the effect.

 

Please call our office to get clarification for any questions or concerns you may have. (217) 359-7508.

 

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare & Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM

800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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Want To Know What To Expect During Your Comprehensive Microdermabrasion Consultation?

Wednesday, February 12th, 2020

When you arrive to your consultation, you will be greeted by our patient coordinator and asked to fill out a brief form regarding your skin.  It will cover topics such as your skin type, current medications, allergies or sensitivities, past skin treatment history, and your current skincare regimen.

Then you will meet with me for a full skin evaluation. We will discuss your skincare concerns, current regimen and your goals.  We will then determine whether or not you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion.  Microdermabrasion is often a good choice for those with minimal to moderate aging changes, rough texture, lines, blotchy skin tones, or minimal acne scarring, for those who want improvements in the way their skin looks and feels but do not want a more invasive treatment or those who have a busy schedule that does not allow for down time, and for those want to maintain their skin after having a surgical and laser procedure.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions.  We want you to have all the information you need to make an educated decision. Once the evaluation is completed, if microdermabrasion is not an appropriate treatment option for you, other treatment alternatives may be recommended instead.

If it is determined that you are a good candidate for microdermabrasion, we will review the benefits, risks, expected out-come and contra-indications.  Should you decide to move forward, we will create a treatment plan. The plan will include the number of treatments anticipated and how far apart you should schedule each treatment.  You will also leave with a formal, written cost quotation.

We will also discuss your current at home skincare regimen, if you have one.  We will look at which ones will enhance your results and which ones we may want to discontinue.  Maximum results are obtained by consistently and simultaneously participating in an at-home medical grade skincare program.

What To Expect During Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

Your appointment will last 35-45 minutes. We will begin by reviewing the condition of your skin, any changes since your consultation and your at-home skincare program if you have already begun one.

We will begin treatment by cleansing your face. I will then physically exfoliate your skin with the diamond-tome wand.  As we progress further into your treatment plan, we may increase the abrasiveness of the exfoliating tip as your skin dictates. This is followed by a glycolic application.  You can expect some light tingling for 1-2 minutes. Then we finally reach everyone’s favorite part…the soothing oxygen-nutrient facial mist!  The treatment ends with an application of Dr. Castillo’s premier line of medical grade skincare products and mini-facial massage. You will leave the office feeling relaxing, refreshing and ready to face the world!

Depending on your treatment plan, you are likely to schedule the first 3-6 treatments 2 weeks apart if this is your first experience with microdermabrasion.  Our maintenance or monthly club members are more likely to seek treatment every 4-6 weeks.

Working as a team is the best way to support your results.  I am available to answer questions, deliver information and education as it pertains to your goals. I will routinely review and evaluate your treatment plan and perform effective, thorough in-office treatments.  Keeping your regularly scheduled appointments, consistently following an at-home skincare product regimen and limiting unprotected sun exposure will assure that we are both investing in the same goal of obtaining the best outcome possible.

Does It Hurt?

The old saying “no pain, no gain” does NOT apply here.  There is no pain involved in Diamond -tip type microdermabrasion.  You can feel a slight tugging of the skin due to suction, with abrasiveness similar to a buff puff.  You can feel a light tingle during the glycolic application and just might fall asleep during the mini facial massage.

What To Expect After Your Microdermabrasion Treatment:

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There is no-downtime after microdermabrasion. You will immediately notice that your skin feels smoother and looks refreshed. You may experience slight flushing of the skin for 10-30 minutes post treatment. As we increase the level of abrasiveness in future appointments, it can occasionally result in small cat-like scratches that will resolve quickly. Microdermabrasion is a quantitative procedure.  This means you will see more results after each treatment.

You can apply make-up and carry-out all of your normal activities immediately following your treatment. Microdermabrasion, like any exfoliating treatment will make your skin more sun sensitive for a few weeks.  Be sure to apply the recommended medical-grade, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily.

 

Roxanne Grace Hammond
Skincare & Laser Specialist
G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY http://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com

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800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

 

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