As 2012 winds down, it’s normal to reflect on this past year. For some of us, it may feel as though nothing has changed — except that we’re another year older and it’s starting to show.
Why not ring in the New Year with a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance? It’s safe and easy with Dr. Sheena Kong, who offers a range of non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures at her medical spa in San Francisco. Here are the top five ways to look younger in 2013.
1. Botox
Botox is an FDA-approved injectable toxin which temporarily weakens or paralyzes the muscles that cause wrinkles. It is commonly used to smooth frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet. Dr. Kong may also use Botox on vertical neck lines (known as the platysma bands), lines on the nose (also called “bunny lines”) and lines on the upper and lower lips.
Botox is administered in Dr. Kong’s office. She will use a very thin needle to inject small amounts of the product into specific muscles around your face. The number of injections will depend on the severity of your wrinkles. Anesthesia is not needed, but Dr. Kong may apply topical anesthetic to eliminate any discomfort.
Many of Dr. Kong’s San Francisco Botox patients notice the injectable works quickly, with results appearing in as little as 72 hours. The effects of Botox treatment last three to four months, and can be maintained with repeat treatments.
2. Latisse
Rejuvenation of the eyes should always include the eyelashes, which get sparser and thinner with age. Latisse is a topical product to make lashes longer, thicker and darker. It is FDA approved and available at Dr. Kong’s practice.
Latisse should be applied to the base of your upper lashline every day. You’ll probably notice a difference in your lashes within about two months of starting Latisse treatment. Full results will become apparent at three to four months. Once you have attained your desired results, Dr. Kong may recommend using Latisse less frequently. If you stop using the treatment, your eyelashes will return to their normal appearance.
3. Fraxel Laser Skin Resurfacing
Fraxel laser skin resurfacing is a great way to reverse years of sun damage and restore a more youthful look to your face, neck, chest and hands. Approved by the FDA to treat acne scars, wrinkles, pigmentation and precancerous skin lesions, Fraxel creates visible improvement in your skin without significant downtime.
During a Fraxel session, Dr. Kong directs the laser at the treatment area; it delivers tiny columns of light that penetrates to the deep layer of your skin. This triggers your body’s natural healing response system, prompting a remodeling of collagen and elastin. Because of the fractional pattern of the laser — which targets a fraction of the skin at a time, leaving surrounding areas of tissue intact — your skin recovers more quickly than it would after an all-over ablative treatment.
Softer, fresher skin is noticeable even after the first treatment. Dr. Kong usually recommends four to six treatments to see complete results.
4. Smartlipo TriPlex
The Smartlipo TriPlex laser liposuction system is perfect for the changes our bodies go through as we age, including the accumulation of excess weight around the love handles, abdomen, thighs, chin and arms. Smartlipo can compensate where diet and exercise fail.
Smartlipo offers the benefits of traditional liposuction with less of the risk. Smartlipo is minimally invasive and performed under local anesthesia. The Smartlipo laser liquefies fat cells, coagulates the tissue and tightens the skin for an overall slimmer silhouette. There is little to no bruising, and most Dr. Kong’s Smartlipo San Francisco patients take only two days off of work.
5. Thermage CPT
A hit among Hollywood’s elite, Thermage is an effective non-surgical skin tightening and lifting system. Dr. Kong commonly uses it to reduce nasolabial folds (i.e. “smile lines”), improve the neck and facial contour and correct droopy eyelids. It can also be used on your abdomen, thighs and arms to help you look younger.
During a Thermage session, Dr. Kong applies the handpiece to the treatment area. It emits radio frequency waves which heat up the deep layers of your skin, stimulating your body’s existing collagen-producing cells and promoting new collagen growth. Collagen helps your skin to become tighter and look more youthful.
Thermage is a non-surgical solution which requires no downtime. You are able to return to your normal, everyday routine right after treatment.
According to the manufacturers of Thermage, the treatment can be should be repeated every year or every other year for more dramatic results. However, some celebrities opt for repeat treatment every six months.
If you would like more information about Thermage or any of these procedures, please contact the office of Dr. Sheena Kong by calling 415.673.7600. A member of our staff will be happy to answer your questions or schedule a personal consultation for you to meet Dr. Kong.
