760.610.5558

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:

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:

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.

Thanks to constant developments in the cosmetic care industry, the facelift is no longer the only solution to facial skin sagging – welcome NovaThreads, or the thread lift.

An increasingly popular procedure, NovaThreading provides a non-invasive solution to loose, sagging skin as a result of the aging process.

A hallmark sign of getting older, loose skin in the lower face results in jowls, undefined facial features, and a sunken appearance – all commonly undesirable physical features.

Traditionally, you would have needed to get this loose skin removed surgically. Although effective, a facelift is an invasive operation that requires significant recovery. However, a thread lift requires minimal downtime and changes to your schedule.

Here, Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation discusses precisely how to prepare for your NovaThreading procedure, and the best post-procedure practices to maximize your results.

What Is NovaThreading?

NovaThreading involves a doctor inserting micro-stitches with tiny hooks on them into the skin, which pull the skin tighter and higher.

Advances in suturing technology and materials have made this progressive procedure possible. The stitches effectively anchor and pull up sagging skin in the lower third of the face, which isn’t possible with other products such as injectables.

The chief concern with healing from the procedure is bruising – standard for any damage to the skin – and, as such, pre- and post-NovaThread care revolves around minimizing bruising and maximizing comfort while healing.

Pre-Treatment Care

Pre-treatment care is simple:

These steps will prepare your body to heal as fast as possible after the treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

Patients should expect some swelling, bruising, and redness for two to four days following the treatment, which will disappear quickly. Other post-treatment care includes:

NovaThreads in Palm Springs With Dr. Maya Kato

NovaThreads are an ideal choice for those concerned about loose facial skin, but who don’t want an invasive surgery like a facelift.

By following this pre- and post-care advice, patients can minimize their downtime with NovaThreads, while maximizing their results and satisfaction from the procedure.

As you consider NovaThreading in Palm Springs, reach out to an award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeon by calling us at 760-610-5558 or by filling out an online consultation form.

The most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., over 7.5 million Botox appointments are made annually.

With so many people opting for Botox, however, there is bound to be some misinformation associated with the procedure.

From what Botox can do, can’t do, and everything in-between, here, Dr. Maya Kato of Aesthetic Art Facial Rejuvenation aims to clear the air surrounding Botox injections and clarify any hampering questions you may have regarding the procedure.

Botox, Briefly

Botox is a manufactured product. Derived from the botulinum bacteria, Botox is a neuromodulator that temporarily weakens the muscles that cause facial wrinkles.   By weakening muscular contractions, wrinkles in the forehead, between the eyes and crow’s feet are eliminated for a period of time, generally four-eight months.

Some of the most common myths surrounding Botox injections include:

1. Botox is a Dangerous Procedure 

Botox has been medically approved for over thirty years, first receiving FDA approval to treat medical conditions such as muscular spasms and excessive sweating in 1989. In 2002, Botox was approved for cosmetic applications, after which time millions of patients have safely obtained gratifying results with Botox injections.

Of course, Botox should be handled and administered by a trained, experienced, and qualified doctor.

2. Botox Can Cause Permanent Paralysis and Botulism

This myth stems from how Botox is produced. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by botulinum bacteria.

In its natural, unpurified and non-derived form, this toxin direct from the bacteria can induce botulism food poisoning – a serious type of poisoning that affects the body’s central nervous system and, in some cases, can lead to death.

However, Botox Cosmetic, a purified, controlled substance, only works on a localized scale at the injection site and causes temporary superficial musculature paralysis.  Moreover, the dose of Botox Cosmetic is extremely dilute, which makes it safe, when administered by a physician properly trained in its use.  The effects of Botox are reversible and non-permanent.

3. Botox Will Freeze My Face Expressionless 

The results patients experience with Botox does depend on the skill and experience level of their doctor. However, Botox injections, when properly administered to the treatment sites, will not affect other muscles in the face and will allow for a full range of expression.

Injections sites for Botox include:

4. Botox Can Solve All My Signs of Aging

As we have discussed, Botox works by paralyzing the muscles responsible for causing dynamic wrinkles. There is another type of wrinkle, static wrinkles, which Botox cannot address.

Static wrinkles are caused by lines being etched into the skin due to repeated movement, the skin losing its elasticity, and sun exposure. In order to solve these wrinkles, fillers such as Juvederm, Voluma, and Volbella can be used in conjunction with Botox to give the entire face a fresh, rejuvenated, youthful appearance.

Next Steps

Undoubtedly, Botox is a highly useful, safe, and effective anti-aging treatment. Botox can provide anti-aging results to a vast majority of patients concerned about the effects time is having on their appearance. To have any remaining questions answered, or to book your consultation with Palm Springs award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Maya Kato, call (760)-610-5558 or fill out her online form.

“You look tired.”

We’ve all undoubtedly heard this phrase at one point or another when we have bags under our eyes. In some cases, it can be the result of a miserable night’s sleep.

In other instances, particularly as we move past our mid-thirties, bags, and dark circles under our eyes can become more of a permanent look. For many patients treated by Dr. Maya Kato, bags under the eyes are a source of self-consciousness and mental discomfort.

Here, Dr. Kato offers her expert insight into what causes under-eye bags, and offers tips on reducing their appearance naturally and also suggests a highly effective, minimally invasive cosmetic solution to the problem.

What Causes Under-Eye Bags?

In our youth, our skin is given its smooth texture and tight complexion largely by a compound called collagen.

Over time, due to the aging process and exposure to the sun, collagen production in our skin naturally begins to reduce. This reduction in collagen, combined with years of the effects of gravity, is what gradually leads to our skin loosening and losing its structural integrity.

When the skin underneath our eyes relaxes and loosens like this, it forms a pouch under the eyes. This pouch can collect excess fluid, and fatty pads just under the eyelids slip into the pouch, causing a permanently swollen, puffy appearance – or under-eye bags.

Natural Remedies for Under-Eye Bags

Most noticeable in the mornings because fluid has had all night to drain into the pouches, under-eye bags are largely a purely cosmetic issue.

Elevation

One way to reduce their appearance naturally is to sleep with the head elevated, which reduces fluid pooling in the pouches.

Avoid Fluids Before Bed

By keeping properly hydrated throughout the day, you won’t need a glass of water before you go to bed. This reduces the amount of excess fluid in your system overnight, meaning there is less fluid to pool in the pouches under your eyes.

A Minimum of Eight Hours Sleep

Getting enough sleep is also a highly effective way of reducing swelling, redness, and puffiness around the eyes.

If these natural remedies prove ineffective in reducing your under-eye bags, Dr. Maya Kato highly recommends the use of cosmetic fillers.

Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Intervention 

As under-eye bags are caused by a loss in volume and skin laxity, one way to solve the issue is to administer dermal fillers, such as Juvederm or Voluma.

These products consist of compounds that replenish skin volume and tighten the skin over a certain area. As such, they reduce the loose appearance of the skin under the eyes and removes any space available for excess fluid to pool.

A fast and cost-effective procedure, dermal fillers can help you look your best all day long. To have any questions about the procedure answered, or to book your consultation in Palm Springs, CA, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Maya Kato on (760)-610-5558 or fill out her online form.