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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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Posted in Facelift, Facial Surgery, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

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 »

Not All Sunscreens Are Created Equal: New Complete Guide On How To Pick A New Favorite

Friday, August 25th, 2017

NOT ALL SUNSCREENS ARE CREATED EQUAL

Today, most of us are aware that we need to apply sunscreen when we are headed to the beach or going to be outside for an extended period of time on a hot July day but have you considered the effects of incidental sun exposure?

The principal reason our skin ages is not our age itself, but rather recurring sun exposure from birth onward. Studies indicate that approximately 80% of our lifetime sun exposure comes from incidental sun exposure, not from a day at the beach. Incidental sun exposure refers to the UV exposure you get while walking your dog, walking to your car, sitting in front of a window in your home or a restaurant, driving to work, etc.

While there is no question that you need to apply and re-apply sunscreen when you are at the beach, it’s also failing to apply a sufficient amount of “proven-effective” broad-spectrum UVA / UVB sunscreen 365 days per year that will speed up your aging process and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. So if you are concerned about looking younger longer, protecting yourself from incidental sun exposure is paramount.

The difficult part of choosing a sunscreen is knowing which ones really offer you the protection you need. Not all sunscreens are created equal.  Some sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, while some do not. Some sunscreens are considered physical sunscreens (our preference) and some are considered chemical sunscreens.  More-importantly, some sunscreens are “medical-grade” and must be FDA regulated to prove it’s effectiveness, strength, ingredient content and stability while OTC sunscreens do not have to be regulated.  Chemical sunscreens can cause irritation or stinging when applied to sensitive skin types while physical sunscreens will not.

Sunscreens work by either using titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to physically reflect the sun’s rays or by use of absorbent ingredients referred to as chemical sunscreens, which absorb and break down the UV radiation. Some sunscreens use a combination of both. When choosing a sunscreen, there are some very important elements to look for. Look for labels that say “broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection” and check the ingredient label to make sure it contains micronized zinc oxide and / or titanium dioxide at sufficient levels.   For example, Physical Defense Sunscreen by Castillo MD Skin Science contains 10% Zinc Oxide and 5.5% Titanium Dioxide and Sun Defense Sunscreen contains 12% Zinc Oxide and 7.5% Octinoxate.

For years the media has drilled the importance of “SPF” into our heads.  It is used on labels with cosmetics, moisturizers and sunscreens, but gives us a false sense of protection. SPF (sun protection factor) actually refers only to UVB, a shallow ray that causes skin burns / tans & skin cancer. It is of great importance that we are protected from daily UVA exposure as well. UVA rays are deeper penetrating rays known as “the aging rays.” They are responsible for pre-mature photo-aging and hyperpigmentation, along with some skin cancers.

At Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we recommend using a medical-grade physical sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens for optimal protection. I prefer Physical Defense, Prime Defense or Sun Defense for the face and Body Guard for the body. Theses sunscreens by Castillo MD Skin Science are medical-grade and all contain high levels of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and some contain Octinoxate as well. These medical-grade sunscreens contain important physical (mineral) components we find necessary to provide effective protection:

  1. Finely Micronized Zinc Oxide – 10% -12%
  2. Titanium Dioxide – 5.5% – 8%
  3. Tint (iron oxides) – tinted sunscreen reflects the sun’s powerful rays as an added source of protection.
  4. Antioxidants – to provide future protection against UV and environmental sun damage.
  5. Water resistance (up to 80 minutes). There is no such thing as truly “water-proof,” as all sunscreens will break down within about 80 minutes when exposed to water or perspiration.

I recommend these sunscreens for a few reasons. They are formulated with the highest percentages of Titanium Dioxide and / or Zinc Oxide that I have used to date. I also like that don’t don’t feel like sunscreens. They are not sticky or smelly and actually enhance the appearance of your cosmetics and your bare skin. The cosmetically elegant formulation found in these sunscreens makes them perfect for daily use. Whichever sunscreen you choose, be generous with your applications.  If you are good to your skin, it will be good to you!

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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 Skincare & Aging, Sun Protection, Uncategorized | No Comments »

The New Coca-Cola Tanning Trend – And Why We Don’t Recommend It

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

There is newer trend in tanning appearing on social media that involves putting “Coca-Cola” on the skin as a way to enhance a tan. Quite frankly, I cannot wrap my head around the thinking process or lack there of when it comes to this Cola-Cola” tanning trend. It is beyond comprehension. This is absurd on so many levels, unless of course the objective here is to find the fastest direct route to damaged, sun-burned, wrinkled skin with an increased risk of skin cancer.

First, take a look at this list of Coca-Cola ingredients directly from the Coca-Cola website:

“Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color,

 Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine. 

I guess the thought process here is to use the Carmel Color to stain the skin, giving the appearance of a tan. Believe me, there are definitely better, healthier options out there for achieving a fake bake look from body bronzers to spray tans. Check out my last two blog entries for my latest experience and lessons learned with airbrush spray tanning.

The Phosphoric Acid alone is enough to stamp “recipe for disaster” all over this one! Phosphoric Acid is a corrosive. This means it can remove the enamel off your tooth or polish old metals and coins. And… people want to put this on their skin? Nooo thank you!   Remember even simple exfoliation increases your risk of burning and sun damage when exposed to UV radiation.

Second, Thirty years ago we didn’t have the scientific support to enlighten us about the dangers of UV radiation. People used to apply baby oil and tanning oil and lay out on silver reflectors to get the deepest, darkest tan they could. But, the days of ignorant bliss are over! We now know that ultraviolet radiation from the sun and tanning beds is a HUMAN carcinogen! Say it with me…, “HUMAN carcinogen!” – That’s bad! Not even a tan can make that look good.

Third, if corrosive material and skin cancer isn’t deterrent enough, then for beauty’s sake, please! There are safe ways to get glowing skin! According the Skin Cancer Foundation, “an estimated 90% of skin aging is caused by sun exposure. “ Going outside unprotected is a sure fire way to develop an earlier onset of wrinkles, lines, rough texture and blotchy skin.

And Fourth, it’s gross! You will be a walking feeding frenzy for flies and other sugar seeking creatures like one of those sticky fly strips… a corroded, wrinkled, walking, sticky fly strip.

I rest my case.

 

Sincerely,

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 Patient Advocacy, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Looking For A Healthy & Irresistible Tan? Consider a Quality Airbrush Tan

Tuesday, July 11th, 2017

Unless you’ve been avoiding television, magazines, newspapers and social media for the last decade, I think it’s safe to say you’ve heard that UV radiation from both sun exposure and tanning beds are known to cause pre-mature skin aging, skin cancer, even death.

Tanning beds are known carcinogens!

The three things that skincare patients will always here from me are:

  1. “If you do nothing else for yourself or for the health and beauty of your skin; wear medical grade, physical sunscreen every single day, 365 days a year, for the rest of your life.
  2. Re-apply your sunscreen often and generously.
  3. Avoid sun exposure whenever possible.”

If you’ve spent anytime in consultation with me at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Center, then you know I am a proponent for healthy skin. I spend my days helping others turn their sun-damaged skin into a smooth, clear, healthy canvas featuring their natural skin tone, free of pigmentation with a high level of light reflectivity and smooth texture.

Signs of sun damaged skin: brown spots, lines, wrinkles, sagging, dullness, rough texture

UV radiation from both tanning beds and the sun will rob that natural beauty by leaving it’s unflattering signature behind in the form of unwanted pigmentation or brown spots, lines, wrinkles, sagging, broken vessels, facial redness, rough texture and sometimes cancerous skin lesions. These signs may not show up right away but if you are not protecting your skin, they will catch you off guard at some point, no matter your skin type.

Through the use of Castillo MD Skin Science skincare products, sun protection and in-office skin rejuvenation treatments, our patients are seeing for themselves that well cared-for, clear, even toned, smooth, radiant skin can be more beautiful than tanned skin and is worth protecting!

 

If you are one of those people who think tanned skin is more attractive than natural-toned skin, a spray tan is a way to accomplish that look without putting your skin’s health at risk. Many past sun worshipers are now searching for alternative ways to appear sun-kissed when they have a special event coming up. They frequently ask for recommendations for self-tanners or spray tans for upcoming weddings, vacations, and class reunions.

I decided to investigate to options of self-tanners on the market and spray tans available in our area. Truthfully, once I researched the self-tanners for at home use, I couldn’t bring myself to try them. It seemed WAY too complicated with lots of opportunity for error considering my inexperience! I didn’t want to risk being blotchy or streaked, or umpa-lumpa orange.

That left spray tan booths and airbrushed spray tans to consider. In recalling my single experience with a spray tan booth about 15 years ago, I was reminded why I never opted for another spray tan. I was in a spray booth, cold, naked and alone without professional direction. It is impossible to hold your breath the whole time, so breathing in some of the solution is unavoidable, unless maybe you’re a fish. As I gasped for a quick breath, I got a mouth full of spray tan solution! Not good! My “tan” was blotchy in areas, which may have been a result of improper exfoliation in certain areas were my skin was drier (between fingers, ankles, the underside of my writs) but also on my lower legs which was not expected :-(. So… I ruled out volunteering for a duplicate of that experience, even though I realize it’s quite possible booths have improved over the years.

Airbrush tan it is then! I spoke in depth with Kristen, the owned of Body Bronze in Champaign. I decided to try a professional airbrush spray tan instead. I liked that the spray is controlled by a technician, similar to being spray-painted. They can give you direction along the way, “turn this way, hold your breath, breath now…” which put my worries to ease. I did not ingest any mist.

The rooms were equipped with ventilation systems to remove the mist immediately. Kristen explained that their FDA-approved solutions are all gluten-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic and come in different shades to meet the needs of each individual. Together we determined that the sun-kissed to light, quick dry application would best meet my goals.

It was a quick, easy, process, a little chilly. I was given a specific time to shower (which you will definitely want to factor in before making your appointment!) and away I went. I felt a little sticky afterwards and was alarmed (though Kristen warned me) by how dark I appeared as the solution was setting. She assured me that when I showered, the dark color would rinse off and it did. By morning, I had a nice, even sun-kissed glow just in time to catch my plane for Hawaii.

I was concerned about whether or not the tan would fade evenly as I would be on vacation for 10 days. Kristen recommended I take a small bottle of Body Blendz Touch-Up spray with me just in case. My tan faded quite evenly so I did not need to use it. However, it’s nice to know there is a touch-up spray available.

While I remain a firm believer that well cared for, protected, original skin tones (color) are most beautiful, it was fun to change things up and experience a sun-kissed glow for a few days.

Stay tuned to my blog as I will share the lessons I have learned during my adventure with spray tanning and discuss the things you should know before your next fake bake.

Sincerely,

 

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 Body Procedures, Non-Surgical Treatments, Products, Skincare & Aging, Uncategorized | No 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 »

Look At Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing For Exciting & Brilliant Results

Friday, August 5th, 2016

I once read that “wrinkles are the road map of one’s life,” but who wants a road map when you can have a GPS! In the field of cosmetic surgery, we would consider traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing the “GPS” of wrinkle solutions, providing a sleek, modern alternative to a wrinkly road map.

While Dr. Castillo offers 3 different levels of CO2 Laser Resurfacing, Level III Traditional CO2 Laser Resurfacing definitely offers the most dramatic anti-aging results available. This procedure is considered to be a surgical procedure and is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Castillo has performed thousands of these very effective procedures in his outpatient surgical facility. If you are looking for the best results possible for moderate to severe skin damage, you may want to learn more about this magnificent treatment option.4920

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LEVEL III TRADITIONAL LASER RESURFACING?

Ideal candidates for this procedure are men and women with advanced symptoms of aging,
skin damage or acne scarring. I am referring to moderate to severe lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, rough texture, brown spots, facial redness, spider veins, enlarged pores, skin laxity, loss of collagen, and acne scars. Their schedule will need to allow for week of down time before returning to work or social events.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

This is a one-time laser procedure. Of course, sadly, it cannot keep you from getting sun damage in the future. That part is up to you. But that being said, we are always here to guide you and educate you on ways to slow the signs of aging and protect your new, flawless skin from the sun.

 

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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 Facial Surgery, Laser | No Comments »

What Causes Wrinkles? Can Dermal Filler Really Help?

Wednesday, July 13th, 2016

Most of us grow up understanding that wrinkles are just part of life – at least until it happens to us. Youth has this way of making us feel energetic and invincible, like we can conquer the world. That’s pretty hard to give up. It seems only natural that looking our best makes us feel our best, and feeling our best encourages us to keep conquering whatever comes our way.

Assuming you are one of the millions, NOT welcoming wrinkles with open arms, then you’re probably looking for a few good options for your aging arsenal.

There are many viable surgical and non-surgical wrinkle smoothing solutions that can have you back to daily life asap.  These include anything from Botox to laser resurfacing or a facelift. Sometimes dermal fillers such as Restylane Lift, Restylane Silk, Juvaderm or Radiesse can be a good solution to combat those are earlier stages of aging.

 

So what causes those pesky wrinkles anyway?

  1. As we get older, we experience a breakdown in collagen and elastin in our skin. We begin to notice appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and textural changes. Of course, this can happen even sooner if you’ve live the life of a sun bunny. UV exposure is the number one culprit for pre-mature aging.4982
  1. As we age, we can loose some subcutaneous fat under the skin. Subcutaneous fat provides the volume needed to maintain a youthful appearance. (Think of dropping a wrinkled raisin into a glass of water, the water plumps the raisin, restoring its volume). This loss of volume creates loose skin, which results in sagging, wrinkles and eventually the desire to seek help from Dr. G.D. Castillo. You may begin to notice nasolabial folds or parentheses from the nose to the mouth, lip lines, marionette lines, sunken in lower lids and disappearing cheek prominence.
  1. As if reasons #1 & #2 weren’t enough of a blow to an aging ego, they are typically followed by the loss of boney structures and underlying tissue support. The loss of boney structure and tissue support creates more sagging and more wrinkling. As this occurs, skin moves downward with the help of gravity like that of a deflated balloon or wilting flower.

 

How can a dermal filler help improve unwanted facial aging?

Today, dermal fillers are not just used to give you a perfectly pouty lip, fillers can actually provide nice improvements to a mild to moderately aging face. They work by filling in lines and wrinkles and by providing much needed volume. Dermal fillers fill in lines around the mouth, or other areas of the face to create a smoother appearance. They plump up sunken in areas such as the lower eyelids, nasolabial folds and can restore or create a beautifully prominent cheek.

When patients first begin to notice

Create balance with dermal fillers. Lasts upto 18 months.

the signs of aging, they are often looking for a subtle change before they work their way up to a more dramatic change like facial surgery as the signs of aging progress. Some patients find dermal fillers to be an attractive choice because they can do it on a Friday and return to work on a Monday with no one being the wiser.

It is important to recognize that most people who are concerned about unwanted signs of aging will only benefit from fillers for a period of time. Fillers cannot take the place of having facial plastic surgery nor can they give you surgical results. They can only put a band aide on aging for a period of time. That being said, band aides are sometimes desirable. They can be a quick fix to mild lines and wrinkles, until the time is right for procedures like a facelift, a neck lift, or CO2 Laser Resurfacing.

 

2012 Castillo Knoblauch Studios 245b

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

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