MAIN SITE BLOG HOME

Posts Tagged ‘IPL’

Ways To Achieve Remarkable And Beautiful Skin Characteristics

Saturday, May 5th, 2018

While sitting in a small room in a Champaign office recently, I over-heard an elated young lady boasting about the beautiful diamond she received over the holiday. Her gushing excitement was infectious. I found myself feeling almost as excited as she, yet I couldn’t even see the diamond!

I then began to wonder “what it is that makes diamonds or other precious gems for that matter generate that type of admiration.” I would guess most of us regard diamonds as a thing of beauty… but why? What specifically is it that makes girls go gaga over diamonds? Is it the number of carats? Could it be the shape of the stone that is so enchanting?

To me, it is the clarity and color of the stone. I would much prefer a petite diamond with such superior color and clarity that it shimmers and dances in the light, and highlights every curve and contour, to a cloudy, three carat diamond that lacks life and luster. Would you agree? Now, don’t get me wrong. I am absolutely a fan of big rocks. I’m not trying to fool anyone here. Size does matter! It just falls short without superior color and clarity.

So why am I even talking about diamonds in a skincare blog?

Well, the characteristics that make a diamond sparkle and radiate beauty are very similar to the characteristics of beautiful skin. I mean is there anyone out there who would not be flattered to have their skin compared to a radiant, flawless diamond? Just as clarity and color are mandatory characteristics of a beautiful diamond, clarity and color are also key factors in creating beautiful skin.

Achieving superior skin color means that your skin is free of brown spots, freckles, redness, broken vessels and melasma. Skin clarity refers to skin that is free of rough texture, flakes, dull skin, large pores, acne, keratoses and moles. Superior color and clarity can be achieved through treatments such as traditional CO2 Full Face Laser Resurfacing , CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing, IPL, medical grade bleaching agents such as Castillo MD Skin Science  Advanced Skin Lightening Complex or Spot Light, medical microdermabrasion, chemical peels and medical grade skincare products.

I would say that most people who are bothered by facial aging are focused on wrinkles. When they look in the mirror, they see an aging face with a custom set of lines and wrinkles that have formed after years of abuse, mainly by sun exposure, and other factors. However, most often, removing wrinkles is only half the battle. It is the brown spots, broken vessels, rough texture and dull, flaking skin that create a less youthful appearance.

The concept of color and clarity is an important concept to understand. One must realize that if you treat only the lines and wrinkles of an aging face whether it be though a facelift, forehead lift, fat grafting, Botox or dermal filler such as Restylane Lift,  you are likely to find yourself feeling more like cubic zirconium than the real thing.

Here’s to wishing you the kind of admiration only superior color and clarity can generate.

 

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)

DSC_0040

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Skincare & Aging | 4 Comments »

New Exclusive & Informative Interview With Skincare & Laser Specialist, Roxanne – Question #2

Tuesday, September 1st, 2015

Question: What makes patients so loyal to Dr. Castillo’s  skin rejuvenation suite?

Roxanne: Dr. Castillo’s Skin Rejuvenation Suite at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center is a place of peace, pampering, privacy and professional, progressive treatment options.”

  • “As the Skincare and Laser Specialist there, I get truly excited at the opportunity to help patients reach their skin rejuvenation goals and I think that shows through to our patients. Helping people look and feel their best is energizing and that energy is contagious! We have interesting, appreciative patients from all walks of life and again that energy just creates an atmosphere people want to be a part of.
  • “Going to a surgical facility headed by a triple-board certified cosmetic plastic surgeon with a stellar reputation and more than 30 years experience with skin rejuvenation rather than going to a salon or spa gives our patients peace of mind.”
  • “I think the thing you will notice right away is our emphasis on patient education. I spend a great deal of time with each patient during a consultation to make sure that they have a clear understanding of the skin rejuvenation procedure(s) or products they are considering. I believe there is nothing more important during that time than making sure they understand all the facts so they can make an informed decision that is right for them. “
  • “Our focus in on quality, not quantity. It is important that our patients do not feel rushed through their experience in the skin rejuvenation suite and that they know what to expect each step of the way. Because we only offer the most proven-effective treatments, rather than every new fad that pops up, our patients see consistent results that they can count on. It allows our patients to recommend Dr. Castillo’s skin rejuvenation suite  at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center to their friends and family with confidence and assurance.”

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Ask Our Expert, BOTOX® Cosmetic & Dermal Fillers, Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments, Patient Advocacy, Products, Skincare & Aging | No Comments »

Ask Our Expert – Advantages of an Outpatient Surgical Facility Verse a Hospital

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

 

Question: Why do you prefer to perform surgery in an outpatient facility rather than the hospital?

Dr. Castillo’s state-of-the-art outpatient surgical facility.

Answer : Dr. Castillo: Actually, about 90 percent of cosmetic plastic surgical procedures are now done in outpatient surgical facilities for the following reasons:

 

•    Safety

The surgical procedures done in an outpatient surgical facility are done by a staff which is dedicated to doing only outpatient surgical procedures, so they are better focused, the staff is better experienced and dedicated to a single task.  This increases safety and provides the patient with knowledgeable people that are experienced in state-of-the-art outpatient surgical procedures.

*    Infection

The rate of infections in hospitals varies anywhere between 2 to 12 percent.  The rate of infection in outpatient surgical facilities is much smaller.  In fact, in our outpatient surgical facility, infection is a nearly non-existent problem and we say that because it only presents itself every few years.  That is, the rate is so small that it is difficult to quantify.  You may ask yourself, why?  The reasons are multiple but for the most part it has to do with carrying out procedures that are done in patients who are healthy and not suffering from disease and/or infection.  Also remember that in our facility, we do not do what is referred to as a “dirty case,” that is, procedures that involve entering the intestine, colon or areas that typically have bacteria.

*     Cost

The cost of care in a hospital facility is often unknown and extremely high.  The reasons have to do with hospitals having fees that are much higher than the real expenses to be able to cover the uninsured and establish artificially high rates that can then be applied to different insurances.  The reason why this is possible is that generally insurance have no choice but to pay a fee while in our facility, the choice is yours.  That is, you are the patient and you elect whether to pay or not pay the cost you know beforehand to be – that is, you approve of that cost.  What this results in is a great competitiveness and a much reduced cost for the surgical procedure.

*      Scale

When you go to a hospital, you immediately become part of literally hundreds or even thousands of people who may be at the hospital for one reason or another.  That makes you one of many and the services are going to be diluted, meaning you are not likely to have individual care.  In comparison, an outpatient surgical facility like ours has staff that is dedicated to only you and no other business to take care of during the time that you are at the facility.  Consequently, you have a staff member that remains with you throughout your surgical procedure.  There are no delays and this results in expedient care and a much reduced level of anxiety.

*     Comparative Services

Are the outpatient surgical facilities like ours able to take care of you in an emergency?  The answer is yes.  Our facility is equipped to respond to an emergency in the same manner as a hospital would be.  The level of response, equipment, drugs and supplies is par with a hospital.  What the outpatient surgery facility has that the hospital does not, is the experience to deal with the type of surgical procedure, that is, cosmetic surgery, which you are going to have.  This is an area, like in most areas, where expertise is not only important but is often the determinant for the degree of satisfaction and success that the procedure has.

So regarding the question, are you better off having your surgical procedure in a dedicated outpatient surgical facility doing cosmetic surgery only?  The answer is a qualified yes for the above reasons.

 


G. D. Castillo, M.D. FACS
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM   
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Ask Our Expert, Body Procedures, Breast, Facial Surgery, Patient Advocacy, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Barefoot Beauty: How To Succeed With An Effective Skincare Regimen

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

There are two things a girl should never miss; a great shoe sale, and her nightly skincare regimen.  My most prized possession on earth, without a doubt, is a serious collection of must have heels. There is just something about shoes…oooh…they are just so good for my soul! (I didn’t say “sole,” as that’s a whole other story) I find that even on the worst of days, I can walk in to my shoe closet and find something to put a little sass in my step. As Marilyn Monroe so eloquently put it… “give a girl the right pair of shoes and she can conquer the world.”  So true!

However, if I ever had to choose between giving up my skincare regimen and giving up my beloved shoe “investment,” I would be going barefoot; sad, but barefooted;  And…well…shorter.     ….But I’d have beautiful skin!!

Now I know we’re all inundated with cosmetic commercials telling us that all we have to do is apply their make-up and “wha-la,” you will have flawless, radiant, model-esk skin and everyone will sit up to  take notice as you enter the room. But the reality is flawless radiance doesn’t begin with cosmetics.  It begins with skin and how we take care of it. Proper care and maintenance is the only path to achieve that. The best make-up in the world won’t give you the flawless, smooth complexion you’re looking for if you’re battling dull, dry, flaky, sun-abused skin. A consistent, daily skincare regimen will improve the texture of your skin, getting you yet another step closer to your goal.

So start with the basics … And remember… success can ONLY be accomplished if the basics are part of your DAILY routine…

  1. Cleanse – Clean your skin with a cleanser for your skin type.  The right cleanser should not leave your skin feeling dry and tight. It should feel fresh and clean.  I know this next part is tempting after al one day but – do not go to bed with your make-up on. Pinky swear?!
  2. Exfoliate – Proper exfoliation is a must.  If you develop a dead skin build up, your skin will look dull and develop a yellow tinge. Lines, wrinkles and poor texture will become more noticeable and your make-up will not lay properly on your skin.  You can accomplish this task in several ways.  I recommend monthly medical microdermabrasion treatments to remove dead cells and brighten your skin along with a nightly application of Retexturing Complex  or Retinol Serum PM by Castillo MD Skin Science.  I also love, love, love  to use a weekly application of the Dr. Castillo’s Microdermabrasion Scrub.  It leaves my skin so smooth.
  3. Hydration – Choose a moisturizer for your skin type.  Proper hydration is imperative when it comes to creating smooth, fresh, supple skin.
  4. Protection – The first three steps on your path to sensational skin will mean nothing without providing UVA/UVB sun protection, 365 days per year.

I referred to steps 1-4 as the basics.  That is because in some cases, you may need to add a treatment to your skincare regimen as well.  This may be in the form of particular active ingredients to enhance your basic routine such l. It could also include of series of IPL (Intense Pulse Light), Medical Microdermabrasion or even CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing, just depending on the severity of your skin concerns and your goals.

For more information on this an similar topics, check out my other blog posts  regarding skincare and treatment options.

Taking your skin to new heights!

 

Yours truly,

DSC_0040

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)

 

 

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments, Products, Skincare & Aging | 4 Comments »

Laser Hair Reduction

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

 

Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist

HAIR REDUCTION

 

What is laser hair reduction and how does it work?

Imagine never having to shave, wax, bleach or pluck again!  Feel relieved just thinking about it? Imagine the amount of time you could save and painful skin irritations that could be prevented with the simple flash of a light.  Imagine spending a week at the beach and being able to leave your razor at home; no embarrassing shaving bumps or rashes, no vacation time spent grooming or griping onto the edge of the waxing table in pain while paying someone to rip the waxing cloth away from skin.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery,  we utilize a very safe, effective technology called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) .  IPL uses highly controlled flashes of light that are selectively absorbed by hair follicles lying below the surface of the skin.  The light energy damages the hair follicle, which disrupts the follicles ability to produce hair.  More advanced systems such as ours, allow us to customize your treatment according to your skin type, hair type and body location.

Laser Hair reduction be used on any body part.  The most popular locations for women are the face, underarms, bikini area and legs.  The most popular locations for men are the back, neck, shoulders and upper arms.  This treatment can provide significant improvement for those who suffer with ingrown hairs (follicular barbi)

How many treatments will I need?

It depends on several variables such as your skin type, hair color, and the percentage of hair follicles that are in the Anagen stage (growing stage) at the time of treatment.   It’s important to understand that hair reduction is a process.  It is not a one-time treatment, though it can provide very satisfying results.  Not all hair follicles are producing hair at the same time.  There are three different cycles; Anagen (growing stage), Telogen (dormant stage) and Catagen (the stage in between Anagen and Telogen).  Only the hair follicles in the Anagen stage are disrupted by the hair reduction treatments. A very high number of follicles are in the Telogen stage where there is no hair present to treat.  Because of this growth cycle, it will require several treatments to assure that we are treating each Anagen hair growth cycle.   Depending on the body location, this typically means 6-12 treatments.

How often will I need a treatment?

This depends on the body part being treated.  Hair grows in different areas of the body in a stochastic (probable behavior) process. In general we would treat the face, underarms or bikini area once every 6 weeks.  The back, shoulders, upper arms once every 8-10 weeks, and the legs once every 12 -14 weeks.

Where are the treatments performed?

Hair reduction is performed in the privacy and comfort of our skin restoration and laser suite.

Does it hurt?

Most patients find this procedure to be easily tolerated.  Most patients describe the procedure as feeling prickly or like a quick rubber band snap.

What is recovery like?

Some patients experience a mild sunburn sensation for about an hour after the procedure.  Your skin may appear red, pink or mildly swollen for 48-72 hours.  You are able to return back to normal daily activities immediately following your procedure. Avoid hot water, steam and high aerobics until redness is gone and skin sensation is back to normal, typically 2-4 days.

How can I find out more information or discover if I am a good candidate for hair reduction?

Call our office at 217-359-7508 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Castillo or Roxanne.  During your consultation, it will be determined if you are a good candidate and we can answer any additional questions you may have at that time.

 

Roxanne, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Surgery Center

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)

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Hair Reduction | 4 Comments »