Sunny Southern California is known for beautiful weather year-round. While other states struggle with humidity and snow, we’re pretty lucky in that nearly every day is a balmy 75. However, the constant sun and dry heat can take a toll on our skin’s wellbeing and even accelerate the aging process.
If you live in the desert, try these tips for keeping your skin smooth, supple, and protected all year long.
Moisturizer is Your Best Friend
While the dry heat can be a welcome change for snowbirds from wet, snowy climates, those of us who live here year-round know how drying the Palm Springs weather can be on your skin daily. Without proper care, skin can quickly turn flaky or crack, making you look older than you are. Investing in a high-quality skin cleanser and lightweight daily moisturizer can help keep your skin hydrated and supple even on the hottest summer days.
Keeping your body well hydrated is another important step in desert skincare. If you want to enjoy beautiful, healthy skin, be sure to drink plenty of water during the day as well as limiting alcohol intake to the weekends or special nights out.
Protect Your Skin from the Sun
Did you know that Palm Springs boasts nearly 350 days of sunshine year-round? While a day spent tanning and reading by the pool is one of the top relaxing activities for visitors and residents alike, this leisurely activity can also take a toll on your skin if you don’t take the right steps to protect yourself. Regular sun exposure can accelerate the aging process by slowly destroying important elastin – the protein that keeps skin looking smooth. Over the years, this can cause fine lines and wrinkles, leading to the appearance of premature aging. Furthermore, sun exposure can increase the likelihood of developing skin cancer such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma.
Rather than risking serious damage to your skin and health, we strongly recommend that all our patients wear SPF every day, even the occasional cloudy one. Even if you’ve never burned, a good quality broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher can help protect your skin from fine lines, burns and reduce the risk of skin cancer. In addition to sunscreen, packing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help keep your skin protected.
Smooth Away Dead Skin Cells with Exfoliation
What do dust, oil, and sun exposure all have in common? Each of these environmental factors can accumulate on your skin, increasing acne development and premature aging. In drier, hot climates, the skin can over-produce oils that can clog up pores and create unsightly blemishes across an otherwise clear face. Likewise, dust and dried or dead skin cells can cling to your skin throughout long days, keeping your face from looking clear.
Regularly booking professional deep exfoliation treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels can help kickstart your skin’s natural healing process, remove dead skin cells and blemishes, and reveal healthy skin. Likewise, adding a daily or weekly exfoliation treatment to your at-home skincare routine can help keep these environmental stressors from accumulating.
Keep Your Skin Beautiful with Dr. Kato
Whether you’re visiting the desert for the first time or are a desert dweller like the rest of us, our team is here to help you keep your skin clear and ageless. In addition to consultations for creating your perfectly personalized skin care regimen, our Palm Springs dermatologist Dr. Kato can help you build a long-term treatment strategy that helps keep your skin looking younger for longer. To learn more about your options, call our team at (760) 610-5558 to schedule your next visit.
A thread lift is a facial rejuvenation procedure that is similar to the facelift, but it is less invasive and requires less downtime. The procedure lifts and secures sagging skin using absorbable sutures called Nova Threads. Read our infographic below to find out why you should choose a thread lift.
If you’re interested in a thread lift, contact us today.
Over the last few decades, Botox popularity has skyrocketed, becoming one of the top non-surgical cosmetic procedures for men and women as well as an innovative solution for a number of physical health problems. However, frequent use can leave some long-time patients with Botox immunity, the plateau at which their muscles are no longer as responsive as they once were. Learn more about this increasingly common condition as well as some of Dr. Kato’s recommended alternatives for keeping a smooth appearance even after your last treatment.
What is Botox Immunity?
As most patients know, Botox is a highly refined version of the Botulinum toxin, a form of neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When injected into fine creases and wrinkles, this toxin freezes the muscle in place, keeping it from moving for several months at a time and thereby preventing these lines from deepening and more from developing. As the body begins to process the toxin, the paralysis fades unless retreated.
For patients with Botox immunity, the injection gradually loses its potency over time, leaving patients with results that are less effective for shorter periods of time. Once individuals reach this plateau, most are required to get larger doses of the injection each session, look for an alternative, or stop cosmetic treatment altogether.
New research has suggested that there are several potential causes of Botox immunity. For starters, new studies have shown that true immunity develops when continuous injections lead to the natural development of Botox-resistant antibodies. For these individuals, repeat treatment sessions allow the body to slowly build up a tolerance to the toxin to the point where they no longer achieve the same results as they used to.
Not all cases of Botox immunity are the result of true resistance. In some instances, the amount used, injection depth and even age of the Botox material can all prevent the treatment from being as effective as possible. In these instances, choosing a highly experienced practitioner with access to high quality Botox is especially important when making the decision to receive cosmetic procedures.
Solving Botox Immunity
While the idea of Botox immunity can be overwhelming, true Botox immunity is extremely rare, occurring in about 1-3% of patients. As with anything else, moderation and accurate application by a specialized cosmetic surgeon or specialist are the best preventive steps for avoiding true Botox immunity. A trained specialist will know exactly how much to administer, where to administer the injection, and when to recommend touch-ups as well as the frequency of follow-ups. This personalized treatment development will help ensure that your results remain effective after each visit.
Although Botox immunity is rare, there will always be a small percentage of patients facing resistance. For these individuals, there are non-surgical solutions that can help you achieve similar results without having to resort to surgery. One such solution is Dysport, another botulinum-based injectable that uses smaller molecules of the toxin than Botox. This change in the molecular structure of Dysport allows it to bypass any antibodies that may have developed in response to the Botox while still providing the same results. While traditional Botox lasts a touch longer than Dysport, the two options provide incredibly similar results and are FDA-approved for traditional cosmetic needs as well as some physical health problems.
Start Your Botox Treatment Journey at Aesthetic Art Today
Whether used to keep wrinkles at bay or address temporomandibular joint disorder, Botox has proven itself to be a highly effective solution for diverse cosmetic and health issues. Enjoy the full potential results of this treatment and avoid immunity by scheduling treatment with an experienced cosmetic specialist like Dr. Kato. At her Palm Springs practice, the entire Aesthetic Art team is committed to helping all patients make the most of their treatment by creating personalized treatment strategies for all individuals. To learn more about Botox and Dysport treatment, call 760-610-5558 to schedule your treatment consultation.
When it comes to some cosmetic treatments, the sooner you have them performed, the better. This is especially true for procedures that offer gradual results and may take some time to realize such as Kybella. Kybella is perfect for patients who struggle with a persistent double chin. Luckily, Kybella can help these patients reduce their double chins gradually and discreetly. Electing to have your Kybella treatment started this season, can ensure an improved neck contour in 2019. Why not start on making next year your best one yet?
Why Double Chins are So Persistent
Also described as submental fullness, double chins are the excess fat that develops right below the lower jawline. While the cosmetic condition is commonly associated with age and weight gain, submental fat accumulates on patients even in their 20s or 30s. Furthermore, factors like genetic predisposition, skin laxity and posture can all worsen the appearance of double chins.
Compared to other accumulations of fat cells, double chins cannot easily be targeted with diet and exercise. Traditional treatments for removing excess tissue include the facelift, necklift, and submental liposuction. While these are popular permanent options, the surgery requirement often makes these options less attractive to patients who are not eligible for surgery or prefer not to undergo the knife. For these patients, surgery-free options like Kybella are an excellent and effective alternative.
Kybella: Add Definition without Surgical Intervention
Kybella is an FDA-approved prescription medication designed specifically to target submental fullness and add definition to the jawline. Much like traditional surgery, this innovative injectable permanently eliminates the fat cells accumulated below the jawline, creating long-lasting results. Unlike surgery that physically removes cells, Kybella uses deoxycholic acid, a compound similar to a fat burning substance naturally produced by the body. When introduced via injection to the double chin, this active ingredient destroys the excess fat cells. Over the course of several injections, more and more cells are destroyed and naturally removed from the body through the lymphatic system.
Why We Recommend Kybella
The non-surgical nature of this solution offers several important benefits to patients. For starters, while Kybella treatment is completed over the course of several injections, each treatment session is completed in quick 15-minute visits. As the medication is administered using an ultra-fine hypodermic needle, there is minimal discomfort during and after each session. Most patients are able to come in for treatment during their lunch breaks, making it a simple and discreet solution that fits every hectic schedule.
Discretion is another important benefit many of our patients appreciate. As these injections use a natural-based compound to destroy fat cells, the results are gradually noticeable. Combined with the negligible downtime, Kybella is an excellent option for patients who want to improve their appearance without looking like they’ve undergone treatment.
Among its many benefits, Kybella offers the distinct advantage of providing patients with surgical-like results without having to go through with traditional plastic surgery. While the overall treatment time is slightly longer due to the several treatment sessions, once Kybella injections are completed and the unwanted fat cells are permanently eliminated, patients don’t need to worry about their double chin ever returning. For patients young and old, this is a critical advantage.
Don’t Spend the Holidays Hiding – Schedule Your Kybella Consultation Today!
At Aesthetic Art, our team is dedicated to helping you feel comfortable and confident in your appearance. If your double chin is keeping you from feeling your best, call Dr. Kato to schedule your consultation. During your visit, our team will conduct an in-depth evaluation and determine if Kybella injections are the best way of helping you regain facial definition. Call 760-610-5558 and get started today!
Cosmetic procedures are growing in popularity amongst male patients in the U.S. There are many non-surgical treatments that can help men address a variety of cosmetic concerns, including hair loss as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Read our infographic below to find out more.
If you’re interested in male non-surgical treatments, contact us today.
Not all wrinkles are the same. While some are the result of repeated motions like smiling or laughing, others are caused by changes to collagen production and lost skin elastin. Knowing the difference between facial wrinkles and their causes can help you get the right care at the right time, helping put the aging process on pause.
What makes Different Wrinkle Types Different?
Different causes call for different solutions. While certain creases can be treated effectively be one cosmetic treatment, that isn’t to say that another type of facial wrinkle treated with the same dermal filler or injectable would be reduced as effectively. As a result, identifying the type of facial wrinkle you’ve developed as well as how to pick up on the early signs of aging can drastically change the effectiveness of any future treatments.
Static, Dynamic, and Wrinkle Folds
Based on the different possible causes, wrinkles have been traditionally categorized as static or dynamic.
Static Wrinkles: Environmental Impacts on the Skin
Do your wrinkles appear even when completely relaxed? Chances are you have static wrinkles. Static wrinkles can be thought of as the result of environmental effects, such as sun damage, poor diet, and smoking as well as genes. These factors impact the skin’s collagen production, causing areas to become deficient and lose their elasticity. Combined with the natural slowing of collagen production as patients age, increased exposure to damaging UV rays or smoking can ultimately cause patients to lose skin elasticity and experience sagging skin.
When it comes to treating static wrinkles, a dermal filler is your best bet for restoring supple, natural-looking volume to your face without surgery. Options like Juvederm Voluma and Restylane are each designed to help restore missing volume and treat sagging skin in different parts of the face. These non-surgical cosmetic solutions are developed using hyaluronic acid, a naturally-occurring compound that helps skin retain much-needed moisture as well as temporarily stimulate collagen production.
Dynamic Changes Call for Dynamic Solutions
In contrast, dynamic wrinkles develop in response to repeated muscle contractions. Crow’s feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles and lines between the eyebrows are common types of wrinkles that fall within this category. One distinct difference between dynamic and static wrinkles is that dynamic wrinkles only appear following muscle contracture. For example, if you smile and small lines appear next to your eyes and remain in place for several moments after your smile, chances you have dynamic wrinkles.
If left untreated, dynamic wrinkles can become permanent facial features by deepening into deeper static wrinkles. As a result, treating the underlying muscle early is an important step in putting the aging process on hold. At Aesthetic Art of Palm Springs, Dr. Kato has found that patients showing signs of dynamic wrinkles enjoy the best results with Botox treatment. When strategically injected, Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscle, preventing it from future contractions and ultimately keeping existing wrinkles from further creasing. Preventive injections are especially helpful in helping soften the development of new lines without restricting facial movements.
Considering Wrinkle Treatment? Visit Dr. Kato Today
Whether you’ve just noticed your first rhytid or are looking to correct long-standing creases, Aesthetic Art offers the customized care you deserve. Starting with your first consultation, our experienced Palm Springs cosmetic specialist is dedicated to ensuring you understand your face’s unique needs and have access to the highest quality care available. Learn more about available wrinkle treatment options by calling (760) 610-5558 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Kato today!
Familiar with anti-aging products or skincare treatments as a whole? Chances are you’ve come across collagen as wither a product or the tagline of a product. However, what exactly is collagen and what role does it play in determining your facial appearance?
Collagen is a naturally-produced protein found in the skin and connective tissue. Hair, bones, muscles, ligaments, and skin rely on collagen and the amino acids that make up collagen for their health and structural support. In terms of skin, collagen keeps skin supple and taut by providing important elasticity and density.
As we age, collagen production gradually slows. The skin begins to lose volume across the face, including the lips and cheeks. In combination with the skin’s exposure to the environment and genes, slowing collagen development can quickly lead to the development of fine lines and eventually wrinkles across the face. Furthermore, lost collagen or limited collagen production can negatively impact the tautness of skin. It doesn’t take long for the aging process to begin diminishing the skin’s elasticity, causing facial sagging and increasing the fragility of skin.
Kickstarting Collagen Production with Sculptra
With these consequences in mind, replacing lost collagen is an important step in halting the effects of aging on your appearance. Over recent years, a number of dermal filler products have hit the market. Many of these options are highly effective in restoring volume to areas where collagen production has visibly slowed. However, these solutions tend to be temporary and require multiple touch-ups in order for patients to stay on top of the aging process.
For individuals looking for a more permanent answer to aging, Dr. Kato may recommend Sculptra, a non-surgical cosmetic solution designed to kick slowing collagen generation back into high gear. The secret behind this treatment option is poly-l-lactic acid, a biocompatible compound commonly used in medical devices to stimulate healing around pins, screw, and implants. When used as a cosmetic enhancement, this key ingredient helps stimulate the receptors responsible for generating more collagen. This helps rebuild the underlying collagen structure, allowing additional protein to develop in the targeted area. Thanks to the precise application of the compound, cosmetic specialists like Dr. Kato can uniquely address deficient areas without over-treating the face.
Precise, pinpoint application makes Sculptra ideal for a broad range of patients. Whether you’re just noticing the development of fine lines or have lived with skin laxity problems for years, the targeted injection makes it possible for all patients to restore their former youthfulness. Perhaps most importantly, the treatment continues to work long after the injections are over. By re-engaging key collagen production, patients enjoy up their results for up to two years.
Ready, Set, Transform at Aesthetic Arts
With Sculptra treatment, keeping your skin voluminous is simple. To learn more about this innovation in anti-aging technology, contact Dr. Kato and schedule your cosmetic consultation today!
Short for polydioxanone, PDO has grown in popularity with the rise of Nova Threads non-surgical facelifts. Whereas traditional facelifts have required surgery to successfully tighten sagging skin, this new option allows patients to avoid the preparation, downtime, and recovery associated with surgery.
The use of PDO threads contributes substantially to the success of this treatment. Just like surgical sutures, PDO threads can be safely inserted into the skin and are absorbed by the body during the healing process. Rather than being used to seal surgical incisions, this medical suture is used as a means of creating tiny injuries in the skin in areas that have seen the effects of aging. As the injuries heal, the body produces collagen to help heal the treatment site, by which the area looks fuller and smoother.
Part of the advantages of Nova Thread or PDO thread therapy is the versatility of the treatment. Depending on a patient’s problem areas, different threads can be used to achieve distinct goals. In particular, barbed threads and smooth threads offer unique advantages to different patients.
Barbed Threads: Convenience of a Facelift without Surgery
While the idea of barbed anything near your face can sound less than appealing, barbed PDO threads pull their weight (quite literally). The unique nature of these sutures allows the thread to latch into tissues during implantation. This results in a smoother physical lift, allowing the thread to efficiently pull loose, sagging skin that can accumulate in the lower parts of the face such as the jawline and eyebrows. As a result, many patients who choose this type of PDO thread enjoy results like that of a facelift without the complications of undergoing surgery.
Another key advantage of barbed PDO threads? The prongs on the threads help in stimulating natural collagen production and tighten skin, providing a natural looking facial enhancement. As the threads are made of polydioxanone, they eventually dissolve and leave results that last up to two years.
Smoother, Plumper Lips with Smooth Threads
Not all PDO threads are alike. While some patients may need the significant support offered by barbed threads, other individuals are simply looking for a lasting way to improve their skin below the surface. Stimulating natural collagen regeneration is a particularly effective means of bringing back youthful, smooth facial appearance without running the risk of looking over-treated. While kickstarting this important process can be done with dermal fillers, these solutions require retreatment throughout the year. For these individuals, smooth PDO threads offer a long-term answer.
Much like their barbed counterparts, smooth PDO threads are renowned for their ability to stimulate elastic collagen synthesis. In the months following insertion, the body starts to repair and heal the tissue surrounding the absorbable threads. This process is what triggers the production of new collage and elastin in the treatment areas. As smooth PDO threads do not have barbs to pull back skin, they are ideal for stimulating the production process in areas that have deflated or creased over time such as the lips or cheeks.
Ask the Experts at Aesthetic Art in Palm Springs
Whether you’re still exploring your treatment solutions or are committed to Nova Thread cosmetic therapy, Palm Springs cosmetic specialist Dr. Kato is here to help you find the best solution for your needs. Ready to say goodbye to sagging skin and deflated lips? Contact Aesthetic Art in Palm Springs today and schedule your consultation.
At Aesthetic Art of Palm Springs, our goal has always been to provide our clients with world-class care. This holds true even after you’ve experienced cosmetic treatments with our cosmetic specialist. To enjoy the full potential of your treatment, keep reading and learn about some of Dr. Maya Kato’s favorite products recommended for her patients.
SkinMedica®
Founded by physicians, the brand was developed to provide all patients with advanced skin care products supported by years of research. SkinMedica® products are specifically recommended based on the patient’s dermatological needs. Likewise, products within the line contain clinically tested ingredients that work in tandem with your skin to comprehensively improve it from the inside out. Within the product line, Dr. Kato recommends the HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator and the TNS Eye Repair.
HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
Designed to immediately smooth fine lines and wrinkles throughout the face, SkinMedica® HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator contains the company’s proprietary Vitiscensce® technology. This contains a combination of five forms of hyaluronic acid, a naturally-produced acid that helps the skin retain moisture. With this at-home treatment, you can enjoy smooth, lasting hydration that keeps your skin supple and looking fantastic all-day long.
TNS Eye Repair
Improve the alertness of your appearance without a dozen cups of coffee. TNS eye repair is an all-in-one treatment that contains the SkinMedica® Tissue Nutrient Solution, a proprietary formula that improves fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, and texture. This gentle, yet highly effective, combination helps support the delicate tissue surrounding the eyes and improves the look of stubborn dark circles that can appear with age.
Glowbiotics MD
Another product line supported by scientific evidence, GLOWBIOTICS MD, is the first medical grade skincare brand to bring the benefits of probiotics directly to skin. These products stimulate the skin’s ability to repair itself as well as promote collagen growth by tapping into the skin’s immune system. Among the brand’s extensive product line, Dr. Kato regularly recommends the probiotic revitalizing cleanser.
Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser
Perfect for all skin types, the GLOWBIOTICS MD Probiotic Revitalizing Cleanser relies on smart biomimetic peptide technology to trigger increased cell regeneration. Made with highly refined essential oils and free of sulfates, phthalates, and parabens, the cleanser is strong enough to remove makeup and other impurities without damaging delicate skin. For clients recovering from facial cosmetic treatments, we recommend this option for its ability to brighten, tighten, and hydrate skin.
PCA Skin®
Over the years, PCA Skin® has developed a reputation for staying at the forefront of innovation in skin care products. In addition to the company’s line of highly effective professional-grade treatments, the company is well known for the wide range of daily care products individuals can use at home. At Aesthetic Art, our team recommends several of the daily use products for our medical spa patients, including C&E Strength and Sheer Tint Sunscreen.
C&E Strength by PCA Skin®
This potent formula delivers pure vitamin C and vitamin E directly to the skin, helping correct irregularities while protecting skin from damage and aging. Ideal for all skin types, this antioxidant formulation is especially useful for tackling the visible signs of aging as well as discoloration.
PCA Sheer Tint Sunscreen
Damage from the sun can accelerate the aging process as well as increase the risk of skin cancer. Avoid unnecessary harm to your skin by investing in a lightweight, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Made with a universal tint, the PCA Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45 delivers light, water-resistant coverage that doubles as a sheer makeup. Great for all skin types and concerns, this product was awarded a Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Stock Up on Your Favorite Skin Care Products in Palm Desert
Investing in high-quality skincare is an investment in your health and long-term appearance. At Aesthetic Art, Dr. Kato is here to help you find the products that ensure you maintain your best appearance well into the future. Contact our Palm Desert cosmetic specialist at 760-610-5558 today and schedule a consultation!
Wedding season is approaching, and several of our non-surgical procedures are becoming bridal shower favorites. If you are a bride looking to undergo a few quick facial rejuvenation treatments before your big day, we have good news for you. Read our infographic below to find out what we recommend to help you get wedding ready.
Schedule a consultation and see if you are a candidate for these benefits.