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While we may live in the desert, winter weather can bring a new type of dry climate to Palm Springs. With that often comes unpleasant and sometimes painful dry lips. Rather than reaching for another tub of lip balm, hyaluronic fillers may be a better long-term solution to finally putting chapped lips to rest.

Why Winter Weather is Damaging Your Skin

During the rest of the year, humidity helps to add extra moisture to the skin. During the winter, dry cold air has a drying effect on skin cells. While one would think that staying inside could help mitigate some of the damaging effects of winter weather, blasting the heater to stay warm as well as taking hotter than usual showers can have the opposite effect. As a result, skin becomes dried out and requires additional moisturization.

Lips are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by changes in the weather. While other skin cells can counteract dry air quality by increasing oil production, the lips don’t have oil glands. As a result, the tissue dries out faster than other parts of the body.

In addition to changes in the weather, behavioral changes can also increase the risk of lips becoming dry or chapped. While rich comfort foods may be a go-to for cold winter nights, these meals are often salt-heavy, drying out skin further. Not drinking enough water can also increase the likelihood of lips becoming chapped.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

While most people know of hyaluronic fillers as an anti-aging solution, few are aware that the product has also been successfully used in the treatment of chapped lips for the same reason.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout skin cells across the body. The substance plays an important role in keeping skin looking ageless by helping the cells retain moisture. While hyaluronic acid production doesn’t slow like collagen and elastin, environmental factors and the natural aging process can certainly outpace production. This causes the skin to lose its ability to hold onto much-needed volume and accelerates the appearance of aging.

Unlike other dermal fillers, hyaluronic-based injectables rely on the naturally-produced substance to add volume to the target area. When applied to fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face, this type of filler helps rejuvenate skin cells, giving them the ability to retain moisture as well as stimulating collagen production.

Repairing Your Smile with Hyaluronic Dermal Fillers

The same concept comes into play when HA fillers are used to repair dry winter lips. By strategically applying fillers to the mouth, patients can rejuvenate lip skin cells, helping them retain much-needed moisture during the driest months of the year.

There are several advantages that come with the use of hyaluronic dermal filers. For starters, the ease of treatment and longevity makes the option highly attractive to patients looking for a no-fuss, effective answer to chapped lips. Dermal fillers can usually be applied in just one visit to our Palm Springs office, making it easy to schedule an appointment during an extended lunch break. As most HA fillers last up to six months, most patients are able to come in at the start of the cold season and can enjoy their results without needing touch-ups during the busy holiday season.

Longevity and consistent results present another reason why many patients are choosing to use hyaluronic dermal fillers as their lip repair treatment. As the filler material is applied discreetly, the results look very natural, alleviating fears for many patients concerned about having too large lips. Best of all, the material gradually and safely dissolves into the skin, meaning that if patients choose to not go through with touch-ups after winter, they can easily slide back into their former appearance.

Repair Your Smile with Dr. Kato

At our Palm Springs cosmetic practice, our team is committed to providing patients with the highest quality care in a state-of-the-art practice. When helping our patients overcome their struggles with dry chapped lips, our in-depth consultation and personalized approach to care ensure that all individuals receive the long-term results they’re looking for. Call 760-610-5558 today to learn more and schedule your visit today!

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Adaptation is a hallmark characteristic of the human species, and 2020 has given us more than enough opportunity to show our adaptability and resiliency. Wearing a face mask in public is now part of our daily reality.

The benefits of face masks in curbing the spread of COVID are well documented. However, this doesn’t make wearing a face mask is always comfortable or good for your skin. In fact, daily use of a face mask can lead to skin complications and acne outbreaks. This doesn’t need to be the case, though.

By following these actionable under-mask skincare tips, you can wear your mask knowing that you’re making your contribution to the pandemic-containment effort while ensuring your skin stays as healthy and radiant as ever.

Use a Cotton Mask

The point of a mask is to act as a barrier between your airways and the external environment. By preventing contaminants from entering your body, and preventing droplets leaving yours, we do our part to protect each other.

This doesn’t mean the mask should be awkward to breathe through. The fabric of a cotton mask is woven tightly enough to act as an effective barrier while also allowing air to flow freely. Surgical masks do this as well, but they can be expensive and should be left for those who really need them.

Use clean masks daily

One of the best practices in using a face mask is to treat it like your underwear – change them daily. This prevents any grime or substantial build-up.

Clean your skin gently and frequently

The face mask can attract dirt and oil. In particular, oily secretions from our own skin may build up on the mask, which can lead to clogged pores – not good.

To avoid this, you should use a gentle, pH-neutral facial wash as often as you need to keep your skin smooth and oil-free. Be aware that overly frequent washing will lead to dehydration, so finding a balance and using a hydrating cleanser is the way to go. We offer only the top-of-the-line clinical skincare products and can help you select the best products for your skin and circumstances.

Choose your makeup wisely

Foundation and concealer also catch dust and oil – which is precisely what we are trying to avoid. It might be prudent to be selective as to where you apply your make up – carry on as usual with your eyeliner and mascara, but being conservative with makeup in the masked region is a great way to mitigate any build-up that may occur.

There’s no doubt that these are challenging times, but adapting with best practices to protect ourselves and others is our only way to carry on.

If you have any questions at all about your skincare, or would like support in developing your ideal skincare routine in Palm Springs, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Maya Kato at 760-610-5558 or fill out her online form here.

As time goes on, everybody begins to notice signs of aging. This is because our bodies slow down the production of vital structural proteins as we age. Mainly, people start to see a loss of volume and skin tightness in their face, which results in fine lines, a sunken appearance or sagging, and wrinkles.

In the past, injectables and dermal fillers have been aimed at volumizing areas of the face to smooth out wrinkles and plump up the cheeks. While many people still experience outstanding results with these products, which include Juvederm and other fillers, a new wave of cosmetic products aim to stimulate the body’s natural mechanisms to enhance our looks as we age.

One product leading this natural approach to anti-aging treatments is Sculptra. Here, Palm Spring’s top cosmetic surgeon, Dr Maya Kato, explains how and why her patients are enjoying long-lasting results with Sculptra and identifies the areas of the face best treated with the product.

What Sculptra Does

Sculptra works by enhancing our bodies’ natural production of collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in the body, and it is responsible for the structure of bones, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Yet as we age, collagen production slows substantially. In fact, by the age of 45, our bodies have about 25% less collagen than we did in our youth.

This is why our skin no longer snaps back into place, and wrinkles begin to form – because there is less collagen to support our skin’s structure.

Our patients benefit from Sculptra because it is a powerful stimulator of collagen production, creating plumper, smoother skin by natural means.

How Sculptra Works

The active ingredient in Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid. When precisely injected into an area of the face, that area increases its collagen production. As a result, the underlying elasticity of the skin is increased and volumized, resulting in smoother, plumper skin.

Which Areas are Best Treated with Sculptra?

Sculptra works particularly well in specific regions of the face. Regions best treated with Sculptra include:

• Hollow cheeks and softening high cheekbones
• Hollow temples
• Lines forming around the nostrils (nasolabial folds)
• Midface

Sculptra for the Body

Initially FDA approved for the face, Sculptra works well to rejuvenate other areas of the body as well.  Other applications include:

• Butt enhancement and lifting
• Saggy underarm skin
• Wrinkly skin above the knee
• Crepey skin of the decollette

Many patients are also concerned about fine lines and wrinkles surrounding the eyes and on the forehead. While Sculptra is highly effective in treating the mid to lower face, creases of the eyes and forehead are best treated with neuromodulators such as Botox and Dysport, filler, or fine meshing threads.

Sculptra injections in Palm Springs, CA

Dr. Maya Kato offers comprehensive advice on the best and most suitable anti-aging treatments. As you consider your anti-aging options, be sure to reach out to Dr. Kato at 760 610 5888 or fill in her online form for your personal one-on-one consultation with a leading cosmetic surgeon.

“Too much of a good thing” couldn’t be more applicable than when it comes to exposing our skin to the sun. The science behind the benefits of sunlight is well documented – increased vitamin D, dopamine, circadian rhythm synchronization, and sheer enjoyment of being outside in good weather.
However, if proper precautions are not taken before we venture outside, we run the risk of severely damaging our skin and compromising our health.
While prevention IS ALWAYS better than cure when it comes to sun-damaged skin, platelet-rich plasma treatments offer a natural and highly effective method of treating skin that has had too much sun exposure.

How to Protect Our Skin In The Sun

The suns’ rays contain certain wavelengths of light that are harmful to our skin in high doses. The damage caused by these rays can be purely aesthetic, in the forms of sunspots and wrinkles. However, they can also be more insidious and develop into skin cancers.
When going outside, even for short walks, it is best to wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose, comfortable long sleeves to cover your arms. Adding sunscreen to your skincare routine is also highly beneficial in reducing the negative impact the sun has on our skin.
What’s more, the higher the sun is in the sky, the more intense these damaging rays are. Particularly between 11 AM and 2 PM, when the sun is highest in the sky, staying indoors or taking extra protective measures mitigates some of the damage done.

How To Reverse Skin Damage Caused By The Sun

The sun damages skin and often results in hyperpigmentation, sunspots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) facials are a well-documented treatment for damaged skin and are an increasingly popular procedure.
Platelets occur in our blood and are rich in growth factor proteins – i.e., they stimulate cell production. By harvesting a platelet serum from your blood, Dr. Kato can create a natural, personalized anti-aging potion that stimulates cell regeneration and regrowth.
Taking a small blood sample, Dr. Kato refines the platelet serum from your blood then injects it into the areas of your face you want to be treated. The procedure is short, taking roughly an hour, and downtime is very minimal.
PRP treatments are non-surgical and have been shown to improve skin texture, tone, and complexion naturally. While some patients enjoy the volumizing effects of other anti-aging treatments such as dermal fillers or Botox, PRP provides completely natural-looking results without needing repeat treatments.

PRP for Sun Damaged Skin in Palm Springs, CA

You should first and foremost strive to protect your skin from sun damage. But we all know how difficult this can be to do all the time. If you have experience with sun-damaged skin and want a natural solution, consider PRP treatments in Palm Springs, CA.
The developing trend in the aesthetic and cosmetic industry is a desire for natural results. To achieve naturally smoother skin, patients are looking for anti-aging solutions that do not show any visible signs of “having work done.”
PRP facials offer this opportunity. With no foreign bodies or materials introduced to the body, the results are entirely natural and safe. To consult with a leading surgeon in Palm Springs, contact Dr. Maya Kato at 760 610 5558 or fill out her online form here.

As the popularity of injectable cosmetic treatments continues to rise, patients sometimes need help understanding which product best addresses their unique needs.

Restylane and Botox are both anti-aging products, but with quite different properties. Over 7 million Botox injections and 2.6 million Restylane and other soft tissue fillers are administered by cosmetic surgeons each year in the U.S. But which is best? The answer is that it depends on what you hope to achieve with your treatment. Quite simply, the reason that someone would choose Restylane over Botox lies in the aesthetic concerns of the patient.

Some patients are concerned with lines and wrinkles on their forehead or between their eyes – others find the encroaching signs of crows’ feet on the outsides of their eyes more disconcerting. Lines and wrinkles forming around the nose and around the lips are also common problem areas. And, some patients have a combination of concerns and receive more than one type of treatment.

When to Use Botox

Botox is synonymous with plastic surgery and anti-aging – and for good reason. The anti-wrinkling benefits of precisely-administered Botox have been documented for decades, and as plastic surgeons improve their techniques and refine Botox products, the results keep getting better.

Acting as a neuromodulator, Botox interferes with the muscular contractions which cause wrinkles in the forehead and between the eyes. As such, patients experiencing more advanced and deeper wrinkles often get the best benefits of Botox treatments. An added benefit of Botox is that regular use can help prevent the formation of new and deeper wrinkles, as it reduces the muscle contractions that cause the wrinkles to form.

On the other hand, parts of the face such as surrounding the eyes, the nose and the lips accrue fine lines which are less due to muscular contraction but caused more by a loss of skin elasticity and volume. It is in cases such as these that dermal fillers, particularly Restylane, are particularly useful.

When to Use Restylane

Unlike Botox, Restylane doesn’t affect the underlying muscles of the face. Instead, it provides volume to the layers of the skin above the muscles.

This acts to smooth out creases in the skin and eliminate the appearance of wrinkles while also adding contour and definition to the face.

Restylane injections last for approximately six to eight months, which is usually a bit longer than Botox.

As such, patients with more elementary, earlier signs of aging generally benefit most from Restylane, whereas those with more advanced stages of deeper forehead wrinkles find Botox offers ideal results.

Using a combination of Restylane and Botox can create more dramatic enhancements – smoothing out deeper wrinkles of the upper face while eliminating the finer lines of the lower portion of the face.

While a relatively straight forward procedure, Botox and Restylane injections do carry some associated risks when done by an untrained, uncertified individual. For the best results, patients should always seek an accredited, certified and affiliated surgeon. It’s also good practice to ask to see your surgeon’s portfolio of before and after work – this shows you the standard of work they do and gives you an idea of the results you can expect.

To consult with a leading surgeon in Palm Springs, contact Dr Maya Kato at 760-610-5558 or fill out her online form here.

Fun in the sun is one of the best ways to spend our days. 

Whether it is a day trip to the beach, a weekend hiking and camping trip to the great outdoors, or simply a Sunday afternoon picnic in the park, these experiences are best enjoyed with excellent weather. 

But when we venture outside into the unprotected rays of the sun, more than tanning happens to our skin if we don’t take the proper precautions. The UV rays emitted by the sun can cause us serious harm, resulting in aesthetically non-pleasing sunspots and freckles, or, far worse, the consequences of dangerous skin cancers.  

Fortunately, a cheap and readily available barrier exists that protects our skin when we enjoy the sun – sunscreen. Most of us use it, but surprisingly, most of us misuse it and don’t get the maximum benefits from sunscreen. 

Here, Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation covers the five most common sunscreen mistakes and how to avoid them so that you can get the best out of your outside playtime. 

Infrequent Application

Sunscreen works by using active ingredients– titanium dioxide and zinc oxide– that sit on top of the skin and block the sun’s UV rays from coming into contact with our skin cells. This prevents damage to the cells, but only for as long as the ingredients are there. 

Most sunscreens wear off after two hours and require reapplication to remain active. So, be sure to lather up at least every two hours that you are outside. 

Not Using Enough

Most people don’t use enough sunscreen to provide maximum sun protection. 

Every part of skin that is exposed to the sun should be covered. For an average adult wearing swim shorts or a bikini, the necessary amount of sunscreen to adequately cover their whole body is around 30ml, equivalent to a shot glass worth of sunscreen. 

Not adequately covering your skin is akin to not having sunscreen on, so err on the side of caution and use more sunscreen than you think you need. 

Using Old, Expired Products

Once sunscreen is past its used by date, the SPF (sun protection factor) drops rapidly. Because of this, it might not provide any protection.

Be sure to check your sunscreen; if it’s out of date, get a new bottle. It is possible that using out of date sunscreen can lead to early aging by over-exposure to the sun. If you are concerned that you may have existing sun damage, perhaps consider our skin products or a liquid facelift to restore your skin.  

Not Making it a Habit

Always be prepared to enjoy the sun with maximum safety. Even your daily fifteen-minute walk from your office to your favorite café can be enough for the sun to damage your skin. 

We recommend habitually applying sunscreen to your face, the backs of your hands, and other exposed skin. If you make sun protection part of your skincare routine, you will drastically reduce the aging process. 

Its Cloudy – No Need for Sunscreen

This is a prevalent, and bad, mistake. 

Many think that clouds work as an effective sun-blocker, but this is not the case. Cloudy days can amplify UV rays by the “broken cloud” effect, which is caused by the refraction of sunbeams.   

Learn More

Dr. Maya Kato offers industry-leading advice on sun care, along with some of the best procedures to reverse the sun’s adverse effects on the skin. Reach out to our award-winning surgeon at 760 610 5558 or arrange a virtual consultation from the safety of your own home today.

Are you missing your once thick, strong, and healthy hair? You can grow it back with PRP restoration therapy. Say goodbye to weak and thinning hair now.

Contact us online or call our office now to schedule your consultation – (760) 610-5558.

Injectable dermal fillers provide exquisite aesthetic results almost overnight. By adding volume, definition, and contouring to your facial features, dermal fillers offer an ideal solution for patients concerned about the encroaching effects of age. The pleasing results from fillers, however, often may feel too short-lived. 

Indeed, dermal filler products are designed to be broken down by your body over time, so patients should expect multiple visits to their plastic surgeon every year to maintain the aesthetic benefits of dermal fillers. 

While a well thought out filler schedule is the best way to look and feel your best year-round, there are several considerations to be made when looking to prolong the effects of dermal fillers. Patients can consider different formulas, injection locations, diet, lifestyle, sun protection, and hydration, all of which contribute towards filler longevity. One factor influencing filler duration that is hard to control, however, is a patients’ metabolism. 

Beyond Our Control

Our metabolisms are set according to a multitude of factors, including diet, exercise, and body weight, but mainly our genetics. The metabolism is responsible for chemical reactions occurring in cells in the body; the faster the metabolism, the quicker the body will break down dermal fillers. 

But having a high metabolism, achieved by regular workouts, proper eating timings, and having a close to ideal body weight, is highly beneficial in terms of having a healthy, good-looking body. So, the metabolism conundrum is one that people wanting to look their best with dermal fillers must face. 

Fortunately, experienced surgeons can place fillers in strategic locations that optimize the lifespan of fillers. 

Move It and Lose It 

The more an area moves, the shorter a filler will stay in that area. 

For this reason, fillers in our lips, nasolabial folds, and foreheads often experience shorter lifespans than those in our cheeks or under the eyes, purely because these areas of the face are essential in facial expressions. 

This injection location depends on the patient’s desired aesthetic results and the skill of the surgeon. One thing that patients can do daily to help prolong filler duration is to not put them under undue stress or pressure.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Sunlight directly onto areas with dermal fillers will cause a more rapid breakdown of the products. Using sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats while outside will prevent the sun from beating down on the fillers. This will contribute to significantly longer-lasting fillers. 

Keep Hydrated

Hydrating your body and skin with moisturizer and drinking plenty of water will enhance and maintain the water-absorbing effects of hyaluronic acid-based fillers (which most of the best fillers consist of). Fillers actually work by absorbing and holding water, so keeping your body and skin well-watered will prolong the fillers’ effects. 

Let the Fillers Rest

The more you manually touch or move an area of filler, the faster it will break down. As fillers are generally injected into the face, learning to sleep on your back is a great way to prolong their lifespan. Sleeping right means that the fillers are not moved around and pressured while you sleep. 

Avoid touching and poking your fillers, as this will speed up the breakdown process. 

Maintain a Filling Schedule for Best Results

To avoid any unwanted side effects from getting dermal fillers, it is advisable to consult an experienced, accredited, and respected surgeon. Doing so will usually result in the formulation of a yearly schedule where you can receive touch-ups at specific intervals to help results from fillers last as long as possible while still providing pleasing aesthetic results. 

Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation specializes in guiding patients towards sustainable, highly satisfying filler plans. Contact her on 760 610 5558 or fill out her online form here to arrange your virtual consultation today, wherefrom the safety and comfort of your own home, you can consult and book an appointment with the leading plastic surgeon in Palm Springs.  

 

Unfortunately in this difficult time in history, many of our favorite spas, salons, hairdressers, and beauticians remain closed.

While at-home treatments will never replace the service, companionship, and gossip we get from our pampering parlors, there are several ways to maintain some level of beauty standards without access to our pedicures, root touch-ups, and massages.

Until we can safely enjoy our favorite beauty services again, follow this expert advice from Dr. Maya Kato to make the best of a bad situation and look as good as you can.

Dial-in Your Skincare Routine

Staying at home brings its advantages – no rushing to get out the door in the morning. With some extra time on your hands, you can refine your morning and evening routines to perfection and enhance your self-care approach.

Morning and evening facial care differ, according to the needs of your skin. In the morning, you need to clean oils secreted during sleep, rejuvenate your eyes, moisturize the skin, and protect it for the day ahead with a gentle sun-protection lotion, generally SPF 30. A morning routine like this will shake any morning cobwebs, lock in moisture for the day, and serve as an anti-aging and protective measure against sun damage.

Evening skincare involves removing everything from the skin, including products, grit, grime, and dust gathered throughout the day. Do this with a pampering cleanser, then possibly use some acne prevention or antioxidant serum to help replenish and restore your skin after your day.

Try Face Masks

In lieu of salon facials, face masks at home are a great alternative. Decide which purpose you want the mask to serve, and purchase accordingly. Some masks offer delicate chemical peels which are very effective at removing dead skin cells, while others are deeply moisturizing.

Maintain Facial Hair

Brow maintenance can be done during this time to prevent any creeping mono-brows. Dr. Kato suggests first brushing the brows up, then using a magnifying mirror pluck outliers below the brow line and above the nose.

Don’t over-pluck. Just maintain and don’t try to shape your brows – just keep them in check until you can get your professional to do it for you once again.

You can also temporarily handle peachy fuzz on the cheeks, chin, and upper lip with topical hair-removal creams and micro razors. While these won’t replace a Dermaplane session, you can work to maintain some level of pride in your appearance until the salon doors are open once again.

Pamper Your Nails

It is essential to use a not-too-coarse file, and file slowly file your nails from the outside towards the center.

To fix cuticles, soak your fingers in warm water for five minutes, then using a q-tip, gently push the cuticles down and back.

Dedicate Time to Your Teeth

With time on your hands, we can follow the dentists’ advice and floss daily. Consider over-the-counter whitening products and also putting a little bit of toothpaste on your floss to help remove any stains between the teeth.

For people who wear retainers, consider wearing them around the house, as this way, they will realign your teeth around the clock.

Hair Care

This is also an excellent chance to try out different things with your hair. One common mistake we see is people cleaning their hair far too often. Instead, try increasing the time between washes and applying a dry-moisturizer two to three times a week.

You will be amazed at how healthy and vibrant your hair feels, and how much shorter your showers can be!

Next Steps

No doubt about it, we’re facing challenging times. But you can make an effort to keep looking and feeling your best with this advice from Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation. If you have any questions on how to improve your stay-at-home beauty routine, reach out to us at 1-(760)-610-5558 or contact us online for your consultation.