Plastic Surgery Blog

Tara’s Experience – Collagen Induction Therapy

For those of you that have struggled with acne in the past and have the scars to prove it, Collagen Induction Therapy may be an option for you!  Our very own Front Desk Coordinator Tara tells us about her journey with acne, the residual scarring, and her current treatment plan.  Photos to be uploaded soon.

Acne has proven to be a constant (not so friendly) companion since early adulthood for me. I can remember blemishes plaguing my face as far back as 7th grade. By high school, my acne was a constant struggle. My blemishes were not restricted to whiteheads or blackheads; a large portion of my acne was cystic. Not only were the cysts painful, it felt at times they were taking up permanent residence on my face.

By end of freshman year, I started seeing a dermatologist who put me on an oral medication along with a topical regime. Although the names of said medications escape me now, I do remember that they worked for a while. When my skin started to become angry again, despite my intense regime, the doc tried to tweak a few things. With little to no improvement, I became frustrated, as I assume most adolescents and adults become when their skin isn’t behaving the way they want it to. Instead of sticking with the program, I decided to go my own route. In retrospect, I wish I would have continued going to my dermatologist instead of taking matters in my own hands. Then again, being a stubborn 16 year old, I doubt I would have even listened to future Tara. Needless to say, over-the-counter acne products took over my cabinet space. At times, the products did seem to help. On other occasions, my face was outraged with the over-drying and constant extractions. I was constantly picking at my face which made matters even worse. I think there is something in all of us that makes us want to extract a whitehead or squeeze at a blackhead despite knowing better. After years and years of this vicious cycle, my skin has finally started to settle down.

I began seeing an aesthetician a few years back who advised me on certain products and suggested chemical peels. The peels definitely helped with my active acne. I noticed less and less cystic acne, and my other blemishes, although I still had them, were fewer in number and happened less frequently. As most college students can attest to, money became tight and I ended up having to break ties with my aesthetician. A few years later, I started to see another aesthetician at a different location. Again, chemical peels were recommended. This time, their purpose was less to clear up acne but more so to help with the scarring my acne had left me with. Although not as noticeable to an outside eye, the ice pick and boxcar scarring is all I can see upon looking at my reflection. It is a constant reminder of the acne that resided on my face for the better part of a decade.

Now, that I have the opportunity of working for Dr. Frank Barone and Evolv Medical Aesthetics, I am presented with the opportunity to try new methods to help with my “unhappy reminders.” Not to mention, I have an amazing aesthetician, Rachel Hanus, who has helped with my new skin regime that is not only manageable but effective. I very rarely get breakouts, and I have less redness than ever before. The SkinMedica Tri-Retinol Complex I have been using easily ranks as one of the top five best products I have ever used. I have even noticed textural improvements.

Now that you have a brief history, and are probably bored to tears, I want to tell you about the plan of action that my aesthetician, Rachel, has in store for me. Thus far, I have done one chemical peel while working for Dr. Barone. It was a Vitalize SkinMedica peel which is good for patients with mild to moderate skin conditions such as my own (acne and acne scarring). The peel definitely helped with clarity and slightly improved the texture of my skin. Although the results were minimal after only one peel, I welcome any improvements with open arms. Due to the deeper scarring on my cheeks, Rachel also recommended a treatment known as Collagen Induction Therapy. This treatment uses a dermal roller with micro fine needles to create channels in the skin which, in turn, releases growth factors stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. This treatment also aids in product absorption which will allow them to work to full capacity. Mind you, I am not an aesthetician, and this information is coming from the information pamphlet available in our office along with my aesthetician. I look forward to seeing results from this treatment, and I will keep you posted with updates on how my skin is doing. Until next time!

Day 1 (1/3/12) – Treatment Rachel explained to me fully what to expect from the Collagen Induction Therapy. She explained that the actual method can cause some discomfort, and the results may not be noticeable until after the third treatment. For best results, she wants me to come back four weeks from the first treatment and another month after that for the third. The numbing agent that Rachel applied was cool and tingly. I sat for about twenty minutes before Rachel removed that and prepped my face for the collagen induction therapy. Due to the numb, certain areas of my face felt little to no discomfort from the treatment. Other areas, however, were slightly uncomfortable. Specifically, areas around the nasal labial folds and upper lip seemed more sensitive. The entire process was definitely tolerable; however, and I would not hesitate to continue in the future with additional treatments. Upon completion of the rolling, Rachel applied SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum to my face. Due to the recently formed channels in my skin, the product would be able to absorb into my skin with more efficacy. The serum felt cooling and wonderful, and the benefits it provides are numerous. It has peptides, antioxidants, growth factors, and other powerful ingredients that help not only with skin texture, tone and elasticity, but the serum also aids in the process of skin regeneration. After the TNS Essential Serum, Rachel applied a peptide mask to my face that provided even more of a cooling effect. The process was new and different, and I can’t wait to see results!!!!

Hot Topics in Skincare for January 2012

Ongoing education is a top priority for our entire staff, especially the skin care team. One Saturday each month, Dr. Barone and our aestheticians meet to discuss evolving trends in advanced medical skin care, as well as revisiting the fundamentals such as skin anatomy and physiology. 

What does this mean for you, the patient?  Our very knowledgeable staff can provide exceptional patient care, with a focus on two very important things:  safety and results!  Topics that were up for discussion this month: Recognizing Common Skin Conditions and Essential Knowledge of Chemistry for Aestheticians.

One of the benefits of having your skin care services at evolv medical aesthetics is the close working relationship with Dr. Frank Barone.  Sometimes patients visit us for a treatment and they have a question regarding a suspicious spot.  While your aesthetician cannot diagnose the spot, she can refer you to Dr. Barone, who is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon that can reccommend proper medical treatment if necessary.  Sometimes we can take care of your needs here, or you may need to be referred to another physician, such as a dermatologist.  Our aestheticians can also can help you manage symptoms of certain conditions such as acne, rosacea, contact dermatitis, etc., and can work with your other physicians’ treatment plans if needed.

Our other topic for January is Essential Knowledge of Chemistry for Aestheticians.  This may seem boring to most, but important concepts such as pH really come in to play when giving treatments and building our patients’ home care regimens.  The skin is slightly acidic, a pH of about 5.5, so essentially, we want many skin care products we use on it to also be slightly acidic.  Some products, such as cleansers for oilier skin types, may be slightly alkaline to help unclog pores and cut through oil.  This isn’t knowledge that the average patient would need to know, but is important when customizing skin care regimens.  One popular question that comes up often is “Do I really need to use a toner?”  The answer, it’s probably a good idea, since most cleansers are slightly alkaline.  Ideally we would like to return the skin to a lower pH, which is best for the skin and also helps the rest of your regimen absorb properly.  And by the way, that plain old bar soap you use?  Definitely alkaline, which can overdry the skin. 

Stay tuned for more skin care knowledge in February!

Toledo Liposuction

Many people, men and women alike, are dissatisfied with an area of their body that has been resistant to the effects of diet and exercise. Genetics can play a large role in where we gain and hold on to weight. If you are in good health, but have localized pockets of fat, you may be a good candidate for Toledo Liposuction.

Liposuction is a procedure in which tiny incisions are made in the troubled area, and a long, skinny tube, called a cannula, is inserted which vacuums out the excess fat cells. Liposuction can be performed on virtually any area of the body from the face and neck to the arms, stomach, “love handles,” and thighs. Often a Liposuction procedure may be performed in conjunction with other Body Contouring procedures like a Tummy Tuck.

Contact our office today to learn more about how you could benefit from the effects of Liposuction.

Toledo Thigh Lift

Everyone has different trouble areas or parts of their body which are difficult to tone. For many people this area is the thigh and buttocks. After dramatic weigh loss, excess sagging skin can occur in the thighs, buttocks and elsewhere which can only be removed surgically. Genetics can also play a huge role in where we have difficulty losing weight. For whatever the reason, Dr. Barone may be able to achieve the results you seek through Toledo Thighplasty.

A Thighplasty, or Thigh Lift procedure, is a procedure which removes the excess hanging skin from the thigh. Often this procedure may be performed in conjunction with a Buttock Lift and/or Liposuction, which is used to removed any excess fat deposits. It is important to note that a Thighplasty procedure is not a weight loss solution, nor is liposuction. These are body contouring procedures best designed to help patients who are already in the healthy weight range.

To find out if a Thigh Lift may be right for you, contact our office and schedule your consultation with Dr. Barone today.

Hot Topics in Skin Care – evolv’s Team Approach to Learning!

Ongoing education and is a top priority for our entire staff, and especially the skin care team. One Saturday each month, Dr. Barone and our aestheticians meet to discuss evolving trends in advanced medical skincare, improving patient safety and results as well continuing education. Two topics were up for discussion this month: Dry Winter Skin and Hormonal Changes in the Skin.

Our first topic for December is combating dry skin and the common “winter itch” many experience because maintaining moisture in the skin can be difficult during the cold winter months. As a skin care professional, it is important to understand how the skin functions, along with how to maintain its natural hydration level. Exfoliation is a key component to help with hydration in the skin, and is best used in conjunction with certain moisturizers, such as ceramides to help restore the barrier function of the outer most layer of skin. Our featured product to help during these months is our Body Hydrating Kit. The rich, creamy Exfoliating Body Wash smoothes dry flaky skin, and the Green Tea Body Hydrator, which is a staff favorite, absorbs quickly, restoring skin’s natural barrier and keeps moisture locked in. The kit also comes with a Body Buffing Cleansing Cloth that helps with physical exfoliation of the skin.

The second issue up for discussion is Hormonal Changes. We first see the effects of hormones as teenagers, which continue all throughout our adult lives. The most common – yet frustrating – effects hormones can have on skin are acne, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. The evolv team are constantly researching ways they can help manage these changes in the skin, and we offer a range of products and treatments that can help target these bothersome issues.

If you have certain skin care questions, concerns, or topics that you would like to learn more about, submit your questions to us via facebook or e-mail amy@frankbaronemd.com.

Toledo Nose Surgery

Many men and women are unhappy with their nose. This dissatisfaction can come from either aesthetic or functional issues, but many times, it is due to some combination of both. While some people find their nose is too large, others find their nose is too small for their face. Further dissatisfaction may come from bumps or indentations in the profile of the nose or a desire to change the shape or size of the tip of the nose or the nostrils. Functional issues would include difficulty breathing due to things like a deviated septum. Dr. Frank Barone has helped many people achieve a better looking, better functioning nose through Toledo Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty, also known as Nose Surgery or a Nose Job, is a procedure to improve the size, shape or function of the nose. It can also be done to repair a nose after trauma or injury or even to repair a previous Rhinoplasty, which is known as Reconstructive Rhinoplasy. If you are dissatisfied with your nose for any reason, contact Dr. Barone to schedule a consultation and begin your path to a more balanced, harmonious and better functioning nose.

Forehead Woes? Brow Lift Toledo Can Help!

These days there are many varying kinds of facial rejuvenation procedures available on the market. Dr. Frank Barone offers his Toledo patients many options for improving the signs of aging prevalent to parts of the face like the forehead, cheeks and eyes. For patients who have a wrinkles, creases or a sagging, heavy brow, a Brow Lift procedure may be the best way to take off the years and create a smoother, more alert appearance.

There are a couple of types of Brow Lifts, each designed to benefit various patients individual needs. These types of Brow Lift include an Endoscopic Brow Lift, Conventional Coronal Brow Lift, and a Temporal Brow Lift. Often these Brow Lift procedures are performed in conjunction with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as Blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) or a full Face Lift.

The first step in determining the best treatment for you is through a one on one consultation with Dr. Frank Barone. He will asses your options and help create a plan with you to help you achieve the results you desire. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.

Ultherapy – Non-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation!

Toledo Ulthera takes the 50+ year technology of the Ultasound to the next level by identifying the loose tissue below the skin, then sending those sound waves, or energy, to the specified area. This energy heats to lifts and tightens the loose skin without disturbing the quality of the surface skin, but this initial tightening is just the first effect of the Ulthera treatment, the second of which is that it stimulates your body’s creation of new collagen which will continue to help your skin achieve and maintain that smoother, more youthful appearance.

A relatively quick treatment, the procedure takes only about 30-60 minutes with initial results visible immediately and final results visible in the following months as your body responds to the collagen growth. Ulthera cannot replace the major transformations surgical treatments offer, but for those experiencing the earlier signs of aging, Ulthera can be a wonderful treatment which requires no recovery period and can rejuvenate your skin to keep it looking healthy and beautiful.

Toledo Tummy Tuck

Men and women who have recently undergone a dramatic weight loss, women who’ve had multiple pregnancies, as well as people who have a difficult time losing weight in their mid-section may be good candidates for Abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty, also known as Tummy Tuck, is a procedure in which the excess skin and fat in the mid-section is removed and the muscles of the abdomen are tightened. When the muscles of the abdomen become loose or separated, the abdomen sticks out, but once they have been sutured closer together, the abdomen lies flat. The remaining skin is then closed over the newly flattened abdominal muscles to create a more contoured, flattering mid-section.

Often Abdominoplasty may be done in conjunction with other procedures such as Liposuction, Breast Lift, or Thigh Lift. If you are ready to discuss your options for a more finely contoured waist, contact our office to schedule your confidential consultation.

Toledo Breast Enhancement

Literally thousands of women every year undergo a Breast Augmentation to enhance the size of their breasts in the United States alone, making it one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures today. The skilled and experienced, board certified Dr. Frank Barone has helped countless women achieve larger, more satisfying breasts through Toledo Breast Augmentation.

The first decision to make in the Breast Augmentation process is the decision of who will perform the procedure. This is the most important decision. You want to find a plastic surgeon who is has the proper accreditation, training, experience and skill to create the outcome you desire. Equally important is that you feel comfortable with them and confident in their ability. A consultation is the best way to determine if you have found the plastic surgeon for you and also at that time, your plastic surgeon will walk you through the pros and cons, educating you of your various Breast Implant options. Everything from size and type of implant to texture and shape of implants will be discussed.

If you feel ready to learn more about how breast augmentation can enhance your life, contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Barone. Take a look at our online Before and After Gallery to get an idea of the kind of results some of our previous patients have enjoyed.