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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 »

Doctor Approved: How To Minimize Bruising After Dermal Filler Injections

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014

Create balance with dermal fillers. Lasts upto 18 months.

Dermal fillers such as Voluma, Perlane, Juvaderm, Restylane or Radiesse are one of the most popular non-surgical solutions to improve aging skin. Dr. Castillo’s patients choose dermal fillers because it is a great way to increase volume in areas where the aging process has deflated their lips, cheeks, temples, or lower lids.  It is a quick way to fill in unwanted lines around the mouth and face to restore a more smooth, youthful appearance.

Though this treatment is not a facelift by any means, dermal fillers have made a place for themselves in the world of beauty enhancement and anti-aging.  Even though dermal fillers cannot provide the results of a facelift, they are at the height of their popularity today and their use is growing by leaps and bounds.

I think their increase in popularity has much to do with the idea of how they are marketed.  They are often referred to as a “no down-time” treatment in comparison to a facelift which does require a brief down time.You can have this treatment done on a free afternoon.  Dr. Castillo typically injects a local anesthetic to assure that you are comfortable during the procedure. You will be numb and have difficulty speaking for 2-4 hours after the treatment due to the localized numbing. Most people are ready to be seen socially by the next day.

While some patients can experience minor bruising or swelling, these side effects can be minimized or avoided with a little bit of preparation before their treatment.

     •  EXPEREINCE is Key!

Here is where preparation begins.  Do your homework.  Injecting dermal fillers within or under the skin is not as easy as it seems and far from a cookie cutter treatment.  You will be best served seeking a board certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon’s office.  They have the detailed training, expertise and experience to achieve your desired results.  Also keep in mind that on the rare chance that an adverse reaction could occur, you want to choose an injector who is qualified and experienced enough to recognize and treat your reaction. There is a multitude of decisions to be made and you want to make sure your injector is qualified to make them…

1.    Is this patient a good candidate for dermal filler?

2.    Which type of dermal filler should be used?

3.    How deep should the filler be placed?

4.    Which anatomical areas should be avoided?

5.    Which is injection technique is best or this case?

  • DISCONTINUE “BLOOD THINNERS” one week prior to your treatment.

Dr. Castillo recommends discontinuing all aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), NSAIDS / blood thinners one week prior when possible, for his patients.  This will significantly reduce your chances for bruising. Blood thinners delay the coagulation process that would normally occur after an injection. This may result unwanted bruising. Over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprophen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin would fall under this category along with a number of vitamins and supplements such as fish oil, Vitamin E, St. John’s Wart and Primrose oil.  If you need to take mediation for discomfort, OTC Tylenol can be used.

  • AVOID STRENUOUS EXERCISE

Strenuous exercise can prolong your symptoms and is best avoided for the first 48 hours after your dermal filler.

  • APPLY A COLD COMPRESS

If swelling occurs, applying a cold compress to the treated area can help reduce swelling more quickly. It can help for the first 12 hours after treatment, but should not be used beyond 24 hours after your treatment.

If you have further questions about dermal filler solutions, schedule an appointment with Dr. Castillo 217-359-7508 or leave your questions in the blog comment box.

 

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 BOTOX® Cosmetic & Dermal Fillers, Facial Surgery, Non-Surgical Treatments, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Teaching Your Children How To Protect Their Skin From The Sun

Tuesday, July 16th, 2013

Now that summer sun is in full swing and the kids are out of school it’s time to make sure we as parents and caregivers are doing everything we can to protect them from the sun’s damaging rays while allowing them to still enjoy the great outdoors. 

I know that my kid’s summers were always jam-packed with activities from swim club to day camps and softball games.  We could hardly catch a breath.  Daycare providers, coaches and camp counselors do their best to ensure the safety of our children and that includes applying sunscreen. But with all the commotion that goes on with a group of rambunctious kids, it’s easy to see how remembering to re-apply at the proper time could get over-looked.

That is why I like the recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation  which says you should use sun protective clothing as the first line of defense. This is a good suggestion as sunscreens break down every two hours and must to be re-applied. Even the best sunscreens like the ones we carry here at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery will eventually break down, even more quickly if your child is sweating, spending time in a pool or other water source this summer. Now this doesn’t mean it is safe to skip the use of sunscreens. You definitely need both forms of protection. Purchase UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing with a UPF + 50 rating. Garments with a UPF + 50 rating will block about 98% of both UVA & UVB rays.

Sunglasses and hats will give additional protection as well.  When shopping for sunglasses, there are two important factors.  First, choose a pair that not only wraps tightly around the face so that harmful UV rays do not burn your child’s eyes and peri-ocular skin. Second, sunglasses with a protective UV rating of 400 will block approximately 99% of the sun’s ever harmful rays.  Remember baseball caps only provide coverage for one side of the head / neck. This leaves your child’s ears, neck, chest, shoulders and the sides of his or her face exposed.  To provide good protection look for a wide-brim hat with a brim that is 3inches or more.

Trying to choose the sunscreen that will best protect your child is where it gets a little tricky. It can feel like you need a Ph.D. in “sunscreenology.” There are so many choices that most parents just simply look for the one with the highest SPF on the label.  Unfortunately that can be misleading.  We like to share with our patients that the most important qualifier is choosing a good sunscreen is to look for two ”physical sunscreen” ingredients; titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Once you have the right sunscreen, apply it liberally! And then re-apply it – liberally!

Don’t be afraid to talk with your coaches, camp staff and daycare providers about your sun exposure concerns, and ways they can help protect your child. It is important to recognize that sun damage is cumulative.  What does that mean for an unprotected child?  Well the amount of UV radiation they a child is exposed to from the day they are born until present impacts his or her risk of developing a skin cancer and pre-mature aging.  Both of which are preventable with education and the proper development of sun protection habits.

 

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, Products, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »