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WISHING FOR ATTRACTIVE, YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN? FIND SATISFACTION HERE WITHOUT COSMETIC SURGERY

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020

Look Younger With CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing:

Finding non-surgical ways to look younger isn’t exactly a novel idea, in fact it’s growing by leaps and bounds. Men, women, scientists and clinicians alike are seemingly on a constant search the latest answer to aging.I’m not sure I would put to much stock in most of the options being presented today but there are indeed a few good options for looking younger in situations when surgery is not necessary.

Although dermal filler may get all the media hype, I would say the biggest non-surgical development  came along over a decade ago and is holding strong as the front-runner for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

“CO2 MICRO-FRACTIONAL LASER RESURFACING”

I have performed well over 700 CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing procedures at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center in Champaign and have yet to have a patient who doesn’t walk away looking younger at their one week appointment and even younger yet at their 3 month appointment. It really is a tiny little bit of magic when it comes to looking younger fast.

CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is my favorite procedure to perform because I know I will put a smile back on my patient’s face when they look in the mirror and see a reflection looking back at them that they are happy with and can feel confident with. That makes what I do very rewarding on a personal and professional level.

CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is a non-surgical treatment for:

•lines      •wrinkles               •blotchiness          •brown spots        •builds collagen

•acne scarring      •rough texture     •Aging skin           •dull, lifeless, sun damaged skin

You will notice more light reflectivity within a week after treatment which creates a softer, more radiant, youthful appearance. CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing even continues to increase more collagen and elastin formation for up to year. That doesn’t mean that you lose results after one year, I’m saying that the treatment actually continues to produce more and more results for up to a year. Now that’s a treatment that keeps on giving!

The beauty of this treatment (sorry, no pun intended) is that BOTH the epidermis (outer layer of skin) and the dermis (middle layer of skin) can be treated and affected at the same. The epidermis is where the damaged, color producing cells are located that are responsible for the unwanted appearance of brown spots and tone changes. The dermis is made of elastin and collagen which provides the skin with structure; in other words, they make up the skins pliability, strength, form… When sun exposure and natural aging compromise the dermis; collagen and elastin break down and those dreaded lines and wrinkles start to form.

CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing is performed while you are awake in the privacy and comfort of Dr. Castillo’s state-of-the-art skincare and laser rejuvenation suite. It is available in two levels.  Level 1 is used for more superficial lines and brown spots while level 2 is a deeper, more extensive treatment used for those with more advanced signs of aging. Most patients are ready to re-apply cosmetics with in about four days after treatment. Some more aggressive treatments may take a few days longer.

If you are thinking about non-surgical facial or body rejuvenation for any of the above signs of aging, I would definitely recommend considering CO2 Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing. I think you will find that you get a great return on your investment!

 

 

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 Laser, Non-Surgical Treatments, Skincare & Aging | 1 Comment »

Absolutely Everything You Need to Know About Our Popular Microdermabrasion Treatment

Thursday, January 16th, 2020

Microdermabrasion:

If you are feeling disenchanted with the texture and appearance of your skin, you might check with your local cosmetic plastic surgeon to see if they offer Microdermabrasion.  It can be a simple, even relaxing way to revitalize your complexion.

What is it?

Microdermabrasion is an in-office skin treatment that is used to treat sun-damaged skin, signs of aging, acne-prone skin, acne scarring, mild pigmentation, rough texture and lines. It increases circulation and exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking brighter, much like a buff and polish process.

How does it work?

There are two basic types of microdermabrasion:

  1. Crystal Microdermabrasion – This is the original form of microdermabrasion. It was first used over in Europe and then came to the United States by the early 1990’s. In this version, crystals (usually made of aluminum oxide) are sprayed over the skin to exfoliate, then the crystals and skin cells are suctioned back through a tube suction system.

Personally, I am less of a fan of this type of microdermabrasion though it is widely used.  It can sting when the crystal hit the skin, making it a less enjoyable experience.  The crystals can be messy and there is potential for crystals ending up in places they should not. For those who are more sensitive, breathing in aluminum oxide can cause temporary breathing difficulties.

  1. Diamond Tome Microdermabrasion – This version utilizes interchangeable diamond-tip wands with varying degrees of abrasiveness to gently exfoliates and loosens the dead cells which are then suctioned away through a sterile vacuumed system. There is no debri or crystals making this system a healthy choice for both the operator and the patient.

If you have never had Microdermabrasion (or skin treatments such as Micro-Fractional Laser Resurfacing) then it is generally best performed in a series of treatments as each treatment results in more improvement. On average, you can anticipate having about 6 treatments to get your skin back in shape; of course, this depends on the condition of your skin to begin with.  Once your initial series is completed, you may want to consider a microdermabrasion treatment every 4-6 weeks to maintain your results. While microdermabrasion is most often used to treat the face, it can address skin concerns of the neck, chest, hands, arms, legs etc.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, we take microdermabrasion a few steps further. We offer “Medical Microdermabrasion,” which is a 5-step process.  We begin by exfoliating the skin with microdermabrasion with a Diamond-tome system as described above but we don’t stop there!  We follow with a glycolic application, an oxygen-nutrient mist, a mini facial massage, and finally an application of premium medical grade skincare products.

What improvements could I expect?

With recurring treatments, you can expect to see diminished appearance of lines, rough texture, and acne scarring.  You can expect a more even skin tone, fewer break-outs, a softer feel, and a radiant glow. Microdermabrasion can also help maximize the benefits of your at-home skincare product routine.

 Am I a good candidate?

Microdermabrasion is safe for all colors of skin.  It is best utilized for those with minimal to moderate lines, rough texture, dull, dry or lifeless skin, sun damage, clogged pores / black-heads, acne-prone skin, mild pigmentation concerns.  Microdermabrasion can also be an alternative solution for those with melasma (condition usually due to hormonal changes that results in brown or grey-brown patches on the skin) that becomes aggravated with other forms of treatment.

Those who have Rosacea and those who have active cold sores should avoid this treatment. Those who have waxed, had a chemical peel or other facials treatments should avoid microdermabrasion in the same area for a few weeks.

How will I look after my treatment?

The good news is there is no down time for this rejuvenating treatment.  Your skin may look slightly flushed 10-30 minutes after your treatment. When more advanced ranges of abrasiveness are used, it can result in cat like scratches that will resolve quickly.  Your skin will look and feel smoother after the first treatment and will continue to improve with each additional treatment. You can apply cosmetics right away.  You can return to work, go out for lunch, or carry out any of your daily activities immediately.

Microdermabrasion or exfoliation of any kind will make you skin more sun sensitive for a few weeks. Be sure to apply quality broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen daily and reapply as needed.

 

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 Microdermabrasion, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

What To Expect After Level III Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing

Friday, August 26th, 2016

Recovering from Level III CO2 Laser Resurfacing can be an exercise in patience and faith; but if you’re concerned by wrinkles, rough texture or acne scars, it can also be one of the most rewarding decisions you will make for yourself. Knowing what to expect in advance is key to having a more peaceful recovery.

Day 1-7

It’s start with most prominent question first –

WILL I BE IN PAIN AFTER MY SURGERY???

This surgery is not particularly “painful.” You will experience a sunburn sensation that comes and goes over the first few days and your skin will be tender to touch. You can expect some swelling as well. With in 7 days, these sensitivities should be resolved.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE FIRST 7 DAYS OF MY RECOVERY?

Once your surgery is complete, you will spend about 1/1/2 hours in the recovery room with your personal recovery staff member (that’s me). You will find yourself in a very comfortable recliner with warm air system to keep you cozy. We will go over your at-home instructions in detail with you and your caregiver and answer any questions you may have.

You will leave Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center in a facial bandage with opening for your eyes, nose and mouth. You will be sent home with a special post-laser ointment. You will apply this ointment to any areas where your skin is not covered by your bandage such as around the lips, nose and eyelids.

24 hours after your surgery you will return to our office to have your bandages removed. We will apply an ointment to your skin and apply a new bandage for another 24 hours.

48 hours after your surgery, you will return to our office for the second post op visit. At this visit Dr. Castillo will remove your bandage permanently. Now that your bandage is off, your main job at home is to keep your skin covered with a special post-laser ointment for the next 5-6 days and of course to avoid ALL sun exposure. We will review your post op instructions again and answer any questions you or your family may have. And remember we are always here if you have a question.

On day 6 or 7, you will return to our office for your third post-op visit. You will be healed at this point but your skin will still be red or pink. But that’s okay… Get ready to feel like a new person!! It’s camouflage day!!!DSC_0465. After visiting with Dr. Castillo, you will be escorted back to our skincare suite – the fun room!!   Here you will meet with me, the skincare and laser specialist at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center. This is an important step in feeling more like yourself! It’s tough hiding out for a week but by the time you leave the office today you will be ready for a lunch date! You will be amazed at how easy it can be to cover any signs of redness with the proper cosmetics and technique. Don’t worry; we will get you set up with everything you need to look fabulous at your next social event!

DSC_0568During this camouflage appointment, you also learn how to prevent future sun damage and how to properly maintain your new radiant, smooth skin in the short term and in the long term. It will be imperative that you avoid sun exposure for the next 6 months, as your skin will be very sun sensitive. This means we recommend you always use a wide-brim hat, UV protective sunglasses and apply Castillo MD Skin Science Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense sunscreen when going outside or traveling in your vehicle. When applying sunscreen, apply one layer, let it dry, then apply an additional layer before going out.

HOW WILL I CARE FOR MY SKIN AT HOME?

Day 7-15:

  1. MORNING –
  • Moisturize: Remove any Elta, Aquaphor or Bacitracin remaining on your skin from the night before.
  • Apply the moisturizer Dr. Castillo has selected for you (Restore or Calmative Cream by CastilloCalmative Cream MD Skin Science). This product is a moisturizer. You will need to re-apply it to the lasered areas a few times during the day to avoid getting dry.
  • Protect: Before going outside or traveling in your vehicle, apply Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense Sunscreen, let it dry for 3 minutes, then apply an additional layer.

You will need to re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours if outside or traveling. You will need to apply every 80 minutes if sweating or if your skin becomes wet.

2. NIGHT-

  • Cleanse: Apply Gentle Cleanser by Castillo MD Skin Science to damp skin with your fingers. Then wet your sponge and cleanse in a circular motion, removing any dead skin or yellow/green exudate. Rinse, and pat dry.
  • Moisturize: Apply the ointment Dr. Castillo has selected for you, (Elta, Bacitracin, or Aquaphor) to the lasered areas.

When you are ready, generally within 3-5 weeks, I recommend scheduling a skincare check up with me. This allows us to customize your daily skincare routine to your specific skin needs. From here on out, simple maintenance is key!

DSC_0475Roxanne 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, Laser, Skincare & Aging | No Comments »

Want Irresistible and Timeless Foundation? Exciting New Liquid Diamond Powder Mineral Foundation

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

“Drape Yourself With Diamonds This Holiday”

Get your wish list out ladies and make room at the top for the new LUXE FOUNDATION!!  If you haven’t tried it yet, stop into Dr. Castillo’s Champaign office and get a sample BEFORE your first holiday event.  Trust me, you will thank me for this later!

The creators of this beaming beauty in a bottle couldn’t have picked a better time to unleash their new liquid foundation; right before the holiday season.  You will never guess their secret ingredient (well it’s not really a secret) – “ it’s diamonds.”  That’s right, I said diamonds!  You will feel the power, elegance and glamour of diamonds every time you walk into a gathering wearing this age-defying, flaw hiding foundation.

Glo LUXE Foundation is formulated with light-diffusing diamond powder. It utilizes the unique way light passes through a diamond to achieve a visible softening effect on the skin, because light behaves differently when it enters the face of a diamond than when it passes through air. The diamond powder is ultra-fine so it’s ability to bend light decreases the appearance of lines and wrinkles and softens the appearance of your skin! Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend!

 

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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Budgeting For Beauty – Part 3

Friday, April 3rd, 2009
Roxanne Hammond

Skin Care & Laser Specialist for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Roxanne, Skincare & Laser Specialist

Botox Cosmetic® -If you’re still under the impression that Dog is man’s best friend, then you haven’t experienced Botox Cosmetic®. Botox Cosmetic® is the most performed cosmetic procedure in the United States for a reason. It works! Better yet, it takes 5 minutes and then you are off to drop the kids at soccer practice. No one wants to be the oldest looking mom or dad at play group, but taking time out for ourselves can sometimes be a challenge. Botox® is a great solution that requires no down-time, little investment and offers great improvement.Over the years, the media has wrongfully mislead the public about Botox®. I think it would be best to start by discussing the facts about Botox®. Botox® has been FDA approved and utilized in the US and Canada for over 18 years.Botox® was first used to treat muscle spasms. Canadian ophthalmologist, Dr. Jean Carruthers noticed that it had a side effect of reducing wrinkles. She and her husband, a dermatologist, began using Botox® off label for wrinkle reduction with impressive results. In2002 the practice of utilizing Botox® for wrinkle reduction became widespread in the US when the same formulation received FDA approval for the treatment of facial lines.Botox Cosmetic® is purified protein that is injected with a very small needle directly into over-active muscles. It relaxes the muscles, creating a smoothing out of lines created by repetitive expressions or motions.Botox can be used to improve the appearance of frown lines, forehead lines, and crow’s feet. Injected properly, it can even raise the eye brow, giving the patient a bright-eyed, well rested look. Because the needle so small, there is very little to no pain involved. These injections to do not require down-time and you can return to your daily activity without any visible signs of treatment. Treatment performed by a trained professional should never create an “expressionless or “frozen” appearance. That being said, please do not receive Botox injections at a Botox party at your girlfriend’s house. Authentic Botox is ONLY available through a physician’s office. The effects of Botox lasts 3-4 months. In my opinion, the biggest downside to using Botox is once you see the results, you will want to continue using it!In our office, Botox Cosmetic ranges from $300 – $400 per visit. This is a very low cost way to obtain a more youthful appearance. We offer additional discounts to established patients making it even more affordable.I would like to leave you with this thought today. When your budget is forcing you to make tough decisions how to best invest you money and you are trying to decide whether to purchase a new outfit with shoes and accessories to match or invest in a skin care treatment, remember this:(coming from a fashion enthusiast!! ) while you may get a couple season out of your wardrobe purchases, but your skin will stay with you through out every season of your life.Continue to check back with us, as we will continue to review technologies available, letting you know which ones are worth your investment. https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/botox.cfm

 

Roxanne Hammond, RMA

Skincare and Laser Specialist

G. D. Castillo, M.D.
COSMETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
Become a Facebook Fan of CPS @  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cosmetic-Plastic-Surgery/65943304419
https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com
800-252-7123 (within IL)
217-359-7508 Savoy (Champaign-Urbana)

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