Make Your Jawline Filler Last

You just arrived home from your first jawline filler appointment. You can’t stop admiring your side profile in the mirror and are eager to show your new look to the world. Not so fast! If you want to enjoy the maximum benefits of the procedure and maintain your new look, Mona Dermatology recommends some important aftercare steps.

Be Cautious For 24 Hours After Jawline Filler

Our experienced providers will be meticulous while placing your filler to ensure you receive the safest treatment and best possible results. Everyone’s facial structure is different, so precision is key when it comes to building the jawline of your dreams. However, applying pressure to the treated area during the healing process may cause the filler to migrate to other areas around the neck and jaw. Be aware of habits, like resting your chin in your hands or sleeping on your side, for the first 24 hours as this may put too much pressure on the treated area.

Stay Hydrated

Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers work by attracting water molecules from nearby tissues to create a plumping effect in the desired area. Drinking plenty of water after your appointment will maximize the results of your filler, ensuring you get the most out of your treatment. Additionally, the topical numbing applied to the skin during the procedure may cause dryness, so it is important to hydrate your skin with your favorite moisturizer during the recovery period.

Avoid Excess Salt and Alcohol

Alcohol products and food high in sodium increase water retention and cause systemic swelling — think of the dreaded bloating and facial swelling the morning after dinner and drinks with friends. While fluctuation in water retention is normal, higher-than-average swelling is not ideal after a filler appointment. Your jawline will already be sore and irritated from the treatment, so it’s best to avoid the extra puffiness until the area heals. Instead, drink plenty of water to flush out the excess salt.

Use UV Protection & Avoid Excess Heat

Although you should be applying sunscreen to your face daily, UV protection is especially important post-filler, since excess UV rays can affect the longevity of your dermal fillers. The damage and inflammation caused by overexposure to the sun stimulates your skin’s healing process. As you shed dead skin cells, the molecules in the filler can be broken down, too. Make sure to wear a topical sunscreen and consider adding a wide-brimmed hat to your daily wardrobe, as well as staying indoors during peak UV hours. You’ll also want to be cautious to avoid extensive heat exposure for 72 hours after your treatment, as it could negatively impact your results or cause excessive swelling.

Schedule a Combination Treatment

It’s good practice to schedule a follow up appointment for two weeks after your initial treatment. That way, your provider can evaluate how the filler is settling into your face, even out any asymmetry, or add more product if needed. Many clients also choose to pair filler with other anti-aging treatments — like Botox, microneedling, or chemical peels — to boost their results.

What Is a Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses affect us all at one point or another. What are these skin growths, how do you identify them, and what are your next steps if one appears? Whether you’re wondering about the unfamiliar spots popping up on your skin or just want to be prepared, our well-trained providers are here to answer all your seborrheic keratosis questions.

What is a seborrheic keratosis?

A seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin lesion. This means they are not at risk of developing into a cancerous lesion. If you see one, don’t panic! These spots are common, like a mole or sun spot, so plenty of patients have them. While they sometimes can look suspicious, or in some cases even look like skin cancer, they are harmless. Doctors don’t all agree on what causes them to appear, but new research has linked seborrheic keratosis growth to genetic mutations, changes in estrogen levels, and sun exposure. While more research is needed to understand their cause, we know they are epidermal tumors. This means they are made up of excess clumps of cells in the skin’s outermost layer.

Am I at risk for developing seborrheic keratosis?

Although people of all ages are susceptible, a seborrheic keratosis appears most commonly during middle to late adulthood. More than 90% of people over the age of 65 have at least one. These growths affect men and women equally, but other demographic factors — like skin tone — play a role. Generally, you are more likely to develop a seborrheic keratosis if you…

Have a family history
Have fair skin
Are pregnant
Have taken hormone therapy
Have a FGFR3 or PIK3CA genetic mutation
Spend a significant amount of time in the sun

How can you identify a seborrheic keratosis?

Seborrheic keratoses come in all shapes and sizes. In part one of her series on benign skin growths, Jessica, PA-C teaches us that these particular growths can be any shade of brown, ranging from light tan to black. As for shape, they can be raised or flat, and their texture ranges from rough to waxy. It’s important to note that location can vary depending on skin color: for those with darker skin, seborrheic keratoses usually appear around the eyes, while those with fair to medium skin usually find them on the torso, neck, face, or scalp. They never appear on the palms or soles of the feet.

What should you do if you have one?

The trickiest thing about a seborrheic keratosis is that it can resemble other cancerous and benign tumors, including melanoma. We recommend scheduling a skin check with an experienced provider who is well-trained in distinguishing between different types of skin growths. That way you can feel comfortable knowing that your skin is healthy and has no potentially dangerous spots, lumps, or bumps.

Seborrheic keratoses are not going to harm you, so there is no medical reason for a removal. However, if removing your spots will give you a confidence boost or minimize discomfort in a high-friction area, our providers can help! There are three common treatment avenues:

Gently scraping them off of the skin’s surface
Lightly burning them with an electric current
Freezing them with liquid nitrogen

Mona Dermatology’s experienced team usually employs the freezing method. Click here to schedule a cosmetic appointment and discuss a treatment plan with one of our providers!

How to Remove Age Spots | Featured In Body Network

Dr. Mona expands upon the insights she shared in her recent Body Network feature: 10 Quick Remedies for Age Spots.

“Age spots” are small, flat, brown patches that typically appear on areas of the body that have been exposed to a lot of sunlight over time. Common areas include the face, hands, shoulders, chest and arms. If you are wondering how to remove age spots, Dr. Mona is here to share her top tips.

Some quick remedies that you can do to make the spots less noticeable include:

Applying over-the-counter skin-lightening creams and lotions
Using physician-prescribed topical creams
Undergoing laser or light treatments
Cryotherapy
Microdermabrasion
Chemical peels

In addition, sunscreen and some skin cafes can help prevent age spots from coming up.

Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions

There are numerous skin-brightening options available in drugstores, retail stores, and doctor’s offices that can be used to minimize the appearance of age spots.

Your first line of defense should be a good broad-spectrum sunscreen. This can help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. One of my favorites is Colorscience Sunforgettable ® Total Protection ® Face Shield Flex SPF 50 a mineral-based sunscreen that magically autocorrects to your skin tone. A great 2-in-1 product that combines antioxidants with a sunscreen is SkinMedica Total Defense + Repair SPF 34.

A second line of defense should be antioxidants such as Vitamin C serums and retinoids. You could splurge for Skinceuticals Phloretin or choose a more affordable option with La Roche Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum l La Roche Posay. Retinoids are well known for their anti-aging benefits but can also help with brown spots. RetrinAL Advanced Correcting Serum is a good over-the-counter choice because it combines retinols, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.

My third line of defense is to use a pigment brightener. This helps to not only lighten brown spots but also prevent brown spots from forming.

To prevent more brown spots from coming to the surface, look for creams that contain tranexamic acid, niacinamide, or kojic acid. Splurge on SKinMedica’s Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment. It’s important to keep in mind that consistent use of creams for weeks or months is necessary for them to be effective on the skin.

Physician-Prescribed Medication or Remedies

If you have already tried over-the-counter products in your search for how to remove age spots, it may be time to consider prescription options. Some patients might require special formulas or creams that are stronger than drugstore options. In such cases, physicians can prescribe more effective remedies, such as hydroquinone or retinoids to treat age spots.

Hydroquinone is a bleaching cream that can be effective at treating superficial age spots, but it should not be used for more than 8-12 weeks at a time without taking a “hydroquinone holiday” for 8-12 weeks before incorporating it back into your skincare routine. It is not recommended to use anything higher than a 4% hydroquinone cream since this can actually cause more brown patches to form, a condition called ochranosis. As mentioned above, retinoids are well known for their anti-aging benefits but can also help with brown spots. Prescription Retin-A, or tretinoin, can be an effective way to treat some age spots.

Age spot procedures

If you want to get rid of dark spots quickly, opting for a procedure that eliminates layers of discolored skin may yield better results compared to using a lightening cream. These techniques include light and laser-based treatments, cryotherapy (freezing), microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. It’s important to note that procedures typically entail higher costs than creams and carry additional risks.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatment, also known as laser therapy or laser resurfacing, is a medical procedure that uses concentrated light beams to target and treat various skin issues. Narrow beams of light are used to get rid of the cells that cause age spots without damaging the rest of the skin. Treatments such as picosecond lasers have minimal to no downtime, whereas resurfacing lasers may require some preplanning. Depending on the treatment chosen and the amount of sun damage or age spots, desired results may require one to multiple sessions. Initially, laser treatments may lead to skin crusting or darkening of spots, yet these temporary side effects typically go away quickly.

Intense Pulse Light Treatments

IPL or BBL (Broadband light) is a great way to treat both brown age spots and redness from sun damage. Filters are used to isolate the correct wavelength to target either redness or brown discoloration inyour skin. You can treat the face as well as other areas of the body that have age spots. This is a very popular treatment because it has minimal downtime and is not painful. You will need multiple sessions to achieve the best results.

Chemical Peel

In a chemical peel, a solution containing acids is applied to the skin to eliminate layers where age spots are present. Peels can range from superficial glycolic or salicylic acid peels, which cause dry flaking skin for a few days, or stronger medium-depth peels, such as TCA or phenol peels, that are done by a done by a medical professional and cause more significant peeling with over a week of downtime. Fresh skin will subsequently regenerate, resulting in a more even skin tone. Achieving desired outcomes may necessitate multiple sessions. Although generally considered safe, deeper chemical peels have risks, including scarring, infection, or alterations in skin pigmentation.

Freezing (Cryotherapy)

Cryotherapy is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold temperatures to treat various skin conditions or lesions. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin for a few seconds to freeze the areas where the spots are. As your skin heals, it will develop a small crust revealing lighter skin underneath, but the treatment can cause irritation, swelling, blisters, or redness.

Cautery

Electrocautery can be used to treat some age spits. In this treatment, an electric current is used to create injury to the superficial layers of skin. This causes an age spot to crust and scab and fall off. This is a controlled injury using very low energy and should only be used by an experienced health professional. It can be a more effective way to treat some age spots in people of color.

Dermabrasion

For this procedure, a rapidly spinning brush is used to sand down the spotted skin area so new skin can replace it. Multiple sessions may be necessary for this procedure to be effective. Potential side effects include redness, scabbing, and swelling. Additionally, it may take an extended period for your skin to fully heal and regain its normal appearance. This is not a common way to treat most age spots.)

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion uses tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin instead of a spinning brush. It’s gentler on the skin compared to dermabrasion. However, achieving the desired results for age spot reduction may require multiple treatments spread over several months. This treatment will only treat the most superficial age spots and will not go below the surface of he skin. One advantage is it will leave your skin feeling more smooth and allows your skin care products to penetrate better. Possible side effects include temporary redness or flakiness of the skin.

Microneedling

For this procedure, fine needles are used to create small, evenly distributed punctures in your skin. Your body reacts to these minor wounds by producing new collagen and elastin. These are essential components for youthful skin, to facilitate healing. Although this is a great way to rejuvenate the skin and improve overall skin texture and quality, it is not the best way to target age spots.

Age Spot Prevention

Prevention can be the most effective way to address age spots. First and foremost, avoid excess sun exposure and tanning beds from a young age. Incorporating proper skin care early can also be a great defense.

To maintain lighter age spots and prevent the formation of new ones, try to minimize sun exposure. This is particularly important during peak hours of intensity. Apply a high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading outdoors and reapply it frequently. Using gloves, hats, or other clothing on age-spot areas can help shield them and prevent new ones from forming.

The Best Neck Firming Cream | Featured in Vogue

Dr. Mona Foad and Dr. Alexandra Bowles were recently featured in Vogue! They are expanding upon their insights in the article, The Best Neck Creams for Hydrating Skin and Smoothing Fine Lines.

Our #1 Choice for Neck Creams

SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream – This product is one of Dr. Mona and Dr. Alexandra’s favorite products that they recommend daily! This product is easily absorbed and non-greasy. This cream features shiitake mushroom extract for skin elasticity and rice protein to strengthen the skin barrier. Additionally, it contains green microalgae extract for environmental protection and skin firmness. It also includes paracress extract, which helps to reduce the appearance of platysmal bands. It also contains hyaluronic acid to ensure hydration, improving texture and softness. These powerhouse ingredients make Neck Correct a great choice for a neck firming cream.

Dr. Mona’s Other Reccomendations

SkinCeuticals TriPeptide R Neck Repair Cream – This cream is packed with retinol to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tripeptides to boost collagen, and a glaucine complex to firm up the skin. It’s great for the neck, tackling sagging, crepiness, and wrinkles. Plus, it has hydrating ingredients to moisturize and improve skin texture. Additionally, this neck cream touts a 27% average improvement in neck skin crepiness as well as a 16% average improvement in the appearance of horizontal neck lines.

Alastin Restorative Neck Complex with TriHex Technology – Loaded with peptides and active ingredients, this product has a patented TriHex Technology® which helps to clear out damaged collagen and elastin, making way for the stimulated production of new, healthy elastin and collagen. It’s perfect for the neck, addressing fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, redness and discoloration. It also contains niacinamide and phytoene, which help hydrate and firm up the skin for a youthful look.

Nécessaire The Neck Serum – Formulated with high-quality ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to calm inflammation, peptides to support collagen production, and hyaluronic acid to provide hydration. This serum also improves skin elasticity. It is a great combo for maintaining a smooth, toned neck at a lower price point.

RoC Multi Correxion Chest, Neck & Face Cream – This multi-tasking cream targets the chest, neck, and face, addressing anti-aging concerns and simplifying your routine. It tackles discoloration, sagging, dryness, dull skin, and wrinkles. Vitamin E and glycerin hydrate and nourish the skin, while SPF 30 protects against sun damage and premature aging. Although I have not used this product and do not recommend it to my patients, it is an affordable option with a sunscreen for photoprotection.

Dr. Alexandra’s Other Reccomendations

NeoStrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream – This cream is a great option for those patients looking for firming and improvement in neck complexion. It is packed with potent ingredients like neo glucosamine to reduce uneven pigmentation and fine lines. It also contains pro-amino acids to support collagen production. Additionally, it targets sagging, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, firming and lifting the neck area while improving texture and clarity.

Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced – This innovative formula features Diglucosyl Gallic Acid to brighten the skin and enhance tone, peptides to boost collagen and improve firmness, and Red Microalgae Extract for lifting and tightening. It also contains lingonberry extract, which provides potent antioxidant protection against environmental damage.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Neck & Décolleté Cream – This dermatologist-formulated cream contains premium ingredients like purslane, a powerful antioxidant for calming inflammation and promoting skin health; glutamine, an amino acid supporting natural repair and improving firmness and elasticity; and hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. It also includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.

The 12 Best Sunscreens | Featured In Everyday Health

Dr. Mona Foad expands upon the insights she shared in her recent feature in Everyday Health: The 12 Best Sunscreens for All Budgets, Skin Tones, and Skin Types.

What are the best active ingredients to look for in a sunscreen?

Some of the best active ingredients that you can find in sunscreen include Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These ingredients provide protection into the UVA spectrum. As mineral sunscreens, they are also less likely to cause allergic reactions when applied. If you don’t want to use mineral based sunscreen but still want UVA protection, look for Avobenzone as an ingredient.

Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen that protects against UVA rays. It is often used in combination with other chemical sunscreens that protect against UVB rays. Zinc Oxide is my favorite because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens are divided into physical blocks and chemical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, protect the skin against UVA and UVB rays by deflecting the sun’s rays. They also provide instant protection against sun damage to the skin and preventing sunburn and sun damage in the process. Avobenzone, a chemical sunscreen ingredient used as a UV filter, helps to protect the skin from harmful rays by absorbing the UVA rays. Octocrylene, a chemical filter, helps stabilize Avobenzone and absorb UVA rays and is often included to make a sunscreen more water resistant.

Which sunscreen ingredients should I avoid?

The most concerning sunscreen ingredient is oxybenzone because it is easily absorbed through the skin even after sunscreen has been applied. This increases the risk of skin irritation and long-term health effects. Oxybenzone has been shown to be systemically absorbed 50-100 times higher than other sunscreens. Both Oxybenzone and octinoxate have both been banned from use in Hawaii.

What should I look for when buying a sunscreen?

When trying to select the best sunscreen for your skin, make sure the label says “Broad Spectrum,” meaning the sunscreen can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays and “SPF 30 or higher” to provide better protection. You do not necessarily need a sunscreen that is higher than spf 50 because the percentage increase in protection is minimal past that.

I would choose a sunscreen that works with your skin type. If you are oily, you may want to choose a lighter weight sunscreen or one that is water based, whereas one that is more moisturizing may be better if you are more dry. If you have sensitive skin or have rosacea, I would stay away from chemical sunscreen and use mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Finally, if you have melasma, I would use a tinted sunscreen because the iron oxides can protect your skin from infrared as well as the UV Rays. If you are going to be in the water or more sweaty, you may want to look for one that is more “water resistant”.

Dr. Mona’s Top Sunscreen Recommendations:

Best Tinted: Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
- This lightweight tinted sunscreen combines mineral sunscreens and antioxidants to protect your skin against UV rays, Infrared and Blue light with their patented EnviroScreen® Technology. This sunscreen comes in 4 shades, fair, medium, tan and deep, and magically adapts to your skin color. This sunscreen is safe for all skin types.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- This is a fan favorite for people who want protection but do not want to feel like they are wearing sunscreen. If you are acne prone, you may opt for a lighter weight product such as the Elta MD UV Clear formulated with 9% zinc oxide and 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin. This broad spectrum sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide to protect your skin from damaging UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It is fragrance-free, paraben-free and non-comedogenic.

Other Recommendations:

Best Reef Safe: Stream2Sea EcoStick Sunscreen Sport SPF 35+
- Hawaii has banned many chemical sunscreen components such as oxybenzone and octinoxate due to their deleterious effect on the coral reef. This lightweight, water resistant stick has been formulated with EcoSafe Zinc™, a non-nano, naturally-coated, USP grade certified zinc oxide that has passed rigorous aquatic safety testing to be reef safe. It is fragrance free, great for sensitive skin and has the added benefit of having an antioxidant blend to help further protect your skin.You can use this and feel good that you are protecting your skin as well as the environment.
Best Body and Best for Children: Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 50
- This is a great non greasy mineral based sunscreen that uses a non nano zinc oxide and non nano titanium dioxide to protect your body and face. Approved for use 6 months and up, this lightweight sunscreen is easy to rub in and does not leave a messy white cast all over your body. I love that it is reef safe as well and is good for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Best Tinted: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
- This mineral based sunscreen uses patented Cell-Ox technology with titanium dioxide and an antioxidant blend to protect against UV rays. Titanium dioxide is well tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin, and the iron oxide in titanium dioxide protects against infrared and creates a nice tint for extra coverage.

Does the form of sunscreen make a difference?

In some ways, the form of sunscreen does matter, as it can impact its effectiveness, application, and coverage. The most common forms of sunscreen are lotions and creams, which are best for full-body application. They are easy to apply, and their density ensures better skin coverage and protection.

Sprays are a more convenient option because they are quick and easy to use, especially for children. The disadvantage of spray sunscreens is the lack of even application. To ensure proper protection, spray a very generous amount of sunscreen and rub it into the skin. It would also be better to apply a spray sunscreen indoors as opposed to outside. When applying outside, the wind may disperse an aerosolized sunscreen spray.

Stick sunscreens are great for sensitive areas around the eyes, face, ears, and lips. As long as the sunscreen is chemical-free, it should not cause skin irritation. Brush on sunscreens can be a great way to touch up sunscreen during the day without disturbing makeup. Brush on sunscreens are also a favorite among golfers, because they do not leave any residue on your hands. Sticks and brush on are convenient, mess-free, and easy to apply. Ultimately, whatever your preference for sunscreen may be, you must apply sunscreen generously and consistently to ensure that your skin is protected from UV radiation.

Is it okay to go outside without sunscreen on?

Generally speaking, if not applying any form of sunscreen, try to limit exposure to 5-15 minutes at a time, 2-3 times a week. Walking to your car from your office or getting your mail might not require you to apply sunscreen, but if you know you will be outside for more extended periods of time, especially during peak sun hours, applying sunscreen is crucial.

Also, certain medications, a history of skin cancer, or sensitive skin can increase sun sensitivity and skin reactions. It’s equally important that individuals who fit into these categories use sunscreen generously when outdoors.

What are common mistakes people make with sunscreen?

I think one of the biggest mistakes people should avoid when applying sunscreen is using too little. Most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount of sunscreen. To ensure full body coverage, most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen.

Another common mistake to avoid is applying sunscreen only in sunny weather. The sun emits harmful UV rays all year. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate your skin. To protect your skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer, apply sunscreen even on cloudy days.

The effectiveness of sunscreen decreases over time and when exposed to high temperatures or sunlight. As a result, make sure you are not using an expired sunscreen. Most sunscreens expire within 1 year. For this same reason, it is also important to reapply sunscreen regularly when outdoors, in the water, or doing an outdoor activity.

Skincare Hacks

Skincare is more than just a routine; it’s how you practice self-care and make yourself feel good. In our busy lives, finding quick and effective skincare methods is essential. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, skin breakouts, or early signs of aging, skincare hacks can be a game changer. Jessica, PA-C, has just the tips for you! Explore these skincare hacks and see how small changes can make a big difference in your daily routine and make things easier.

Double Cleansing 101

What is double cleansing?

You may have seen the double-cleansing trend on social media. Jessica, PA-C, shares why it’s a great habit to add to your routine. A gentle cleanser is the best choice for most skin types, but on its own, it may not be enough to remove makeup and excess dirt, pollutants, and oil that your skin may be exposed to during the day. By double cleansing, you can ensure you are removing all of these impurities while still treating your skin with gentle products.

How do I double cleanse?

Jessica, PA-C, recommends starting with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water. Your second cleanser will vary depending on your skin type. For example, if you have more oily skin, Jessica, PA-C, recommends a foaming cleanser, and if you have dryer skin, she suggests trying a cream or water-based cleanser. If you aren’t sure what skin type you are or which cleanser will be best for your skin, take our cleanser quiz! If you want a deeper dive into the right products for your skin, schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

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Sunscreen Application Made Easy

Are you someone who dreads putting on your sunscreen? Jessica, PA-C, understands your pain and has just the tip for making daily sunscreen application more enjoyable. As we know, wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging. Jessica loves using a foundation brush instead of her hand to make sunscreen application easier. Her favorite sunscreen to pair with this tip is ColoreScience Glow! She puts the sunscreen on the brush and then applies it to her face for a smooth, even application. ColoreScience Glow, or any tinted facial sunscreen, is the perfect lightweight substitute for traditional foundation makeup with the added benefit of extra sun protection!

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Prevent Wrinkles As You Sleep

Could the way you sleep be causing your wrinkles?

Can the way you sleep cause wrinkles? Jessica, PA-C, shares her insights on this trending topic and why the way you sleep could be causing those pesky vertical lines on your face. If you commonly sleep on your stomach or side, you may be more prone to these wrinkles. Sleeping this way squishes your face, creating vertical wrinkles over time.

How to prevent wrinkles when sleeping:

Jessica, PA-C, encourages you to sleep on your back instead of your side or stomach. She recommends this because it prevents your face from being compressed by the pillow and, in turn, helps prevent the vertical lines from appearing on your face. If you have difficulty sleeping on your back, Jessica, PA-C, suggests using a trainer pillow. These specialty pillows will help you learn how to sleep comfortably on your back over time. Another option is wearing silicone patches to sleep to help minimize creases. Jessica, PA-C’s favorite silicone patches are Frownies, Sio, and Wrinkles Schmickles.

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Sun Protection From Within

Did you know there are other ways to protect your skin from the sun beyond sunscreen? Everyone has that fear of missing a spot when applying sunscreen. Adding Sun ISDIN as a supplement will help neutralize the free radical damage from the sun and boost your protection. However, it is essential to note that it is not a substitute for sunscreen! Sun ISDIN is a great supplement or a layer of protection in addition to still applying your daily sunscreen.

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Vitamins for Improved Skin Cancer Prevention

You may be someone who has had multiple skin cancers, or you may know someone who is commonly treated with skin cancers every time they visit the dermatologist. Jessica, PA-C, understands your struggles and has a safe and effective way to help reduce your risks. Consider adding a simple B vitamin into your routine, which can help. When this is taken twice a day, vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, has been shown in multiple studies to decrease the risk of skin cancers. Check with your doctor and get approval before adding vitamin B3 to your routine. This supplement is very well tolerated for most patients with minimal to no side effects.

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Our Passion for Skin Cancer Prevention

As seen in the May 2023 issue of Cincinnati Magazine.

Dr. Mona S. Foad and Dr. Alexandra Bowles from Mona Dermatology in Kenwood share how they found their passion for preventative care and why you should be getting your skin checked annually.

Dr. Mona Foad

I remember it like it was yesterday. I walked into the patient room, where I was greeted by a friendly middle aged man with a big smile. He was a little nervous because he had never had a complete skin exam before and was worried about a spot on his back he was told had changed. I started looking at his skin, but my heart sank once I got to his back. Immediately, I biopsied the red, black and brown 1 cm growth staring at me, and hoped that this was not the melanoma I suspected. I wish I had been wrong.

Over the next year, I saw him every 3 months for skin exams and read the reports from his oncologist. I know he fought this disease, but in the end, it was a fight he could not win. Melanoma can be a fatal disease, but with yearly skin exams, we can catch atypical moles, melanomas and other skin cancers before they have a chance to evolve and cause devastation. I may not be able to bring him back to his family and loved ones, but I hope I can encourage people to get yearly skin exams and be aware that early detection is the key.

Dr. Alexandra Bowles

Knowing the signs and symptoms of skin cancer is vital! Living and training in Miami, Florida strengthened my passion for skin cancer prevention. It provided me with intense exposure to the diagnosis and treatment of various skin cancers. I love seeing my patients learn and embrace new habits to be more sun safe, especially after a skin cancer diagnosis. Educating my patients on how to be sun safe is one of my favorite parts of dermatology!

Regardless of skin type, everyone can benefit from learning how to care for our skin properly. It always begins with protecting it from the sun. Wearing sunscreen, utilizing SPF protective clothing, getting annual skin exams, and limiting sun exposure during the time of day with the highest UV index are a few great ways to be sun safe. I can’t wait to bring my experience and passion for dermatology to the patients of Cincinnati!

Fast Facts:

1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk of melanoma
When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%

*Facts via Skin Cancer Foundation

Visit monadermatology.com to schedule your yearly complete skin exam or learn more about skin cancer prevention.

Lip Filler vs Lip Flip | Which is Right For You?

What is the difference between lip filler and a lip flip?

Lip filler is a hyaluronic acid injectable that adds hydration or volume to your lips. It is a fantastic enhancement treatment that will leave you with noticeable results. A lip flip, on the other hand, involves a Botox injection into your upper or bottom lip, or both. Botox is used to help relax the muscles, allowing the lips to ‘flip’ outward and appear fuller. While lip fillers add physical volume to the lips, a lip flip enhances the shape by relaxing the muscles around the lips, creating a subtle outward curl.

How do you know which treatment is better for you?

Megan, PA-C, suggests that if you are unsure about getting a lip filler treatment, begin with a lip flip. A lip flip creates shorter-term and more subtle results. For these reasons, a lip flip could be a good place to start if you aren’t sure if lip enhancements are right for you. If you wish to add hydration or volume to your lips, Megan PA-C suggests getting lip filler because it provides both these enhancements with longer-lasting results. Additionally, lip fillers can be more versatile in achieving different looks, from subtle enhancement to more enhanced volume, depending on your preferences and goals.

How long do the results last?

Our providers typically utilize hyaluronic acid-based fillers, such as Juvederm or RHA, for lip enhancement procedures. These fillers generally last between 8 and 18 months; however, it is important to note that everyone metabolizes filler at different rates, causing variations in the duration of results. Lip filler touch-ups may be necessary after approximately one year. Alternatively, some fillers, like Bellafill, can last significantly longer (2-5 years). However, these types of fillers are not dissolvable and are used less commonly for lip filler treatments.

A lip flip treatment, on the other hand, typically lasts for about 3-4 months. Since Botox is used to relax the muscles around the lips, the results are temporary and will gradually diminish as muscle movement returns to the area. Some patients may notice their results lessening sooner, as it is a high-movement area with strong muscles.

What do the results look like?

Lip filler results can vary from subtle to dramatic based on the amount of filler used and the patient’s specific goals. Generally, patients can expect plumper, more hydrated lips with enhanced shape and definition. The results are immediately visible, though there might be some initial swelling that subsides within a few days.

A lip flip results in a more subtle enhancement compared to fillers. The lips will appear slightly fuller and more defined due to the relaxed muscles, but without the added volume that fillers provide. The effect is often described as a gentle, natural-looking enhancement. For this reason, it is perfect for those seeking a less invasive option or a trial before committing to fillers.

Lip filler

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Lip flip

BEFORE AFTER