Looking for Christmas gifts for the women you love? Mona Dermatology’s provider team shares what skincare treatments and products they’re adding to their wish lists for this upcoming holiday season.
Dr. Mona S. Foad
“I would love to be gifted a tightening treatment to slow down my aging, like Sofwave, and a facial treatment to give me that immediate glow for the holiday season, such as Diamond Glow.”
“If I could give someone a skin gift, it would be the gift of bright and smooth skin! Combining a good skin care regimen of sunscreen, vitamin C, and retinol with regular Botox treatments can do just that.”
“I would love to be gifted injectable treatments like Botox and filler to get ready for the upcoming holiday season. These treatments have little downtime and help create a more balanced and refreshed look.”
“A gift I would love this holiday season would be a Skinvive treatment to keep my skin hydrated and glowing all winter long, especially for the holidays! And don’t forget about skin care stocking stuffers like HA5 or a favorite moisturizer to give an added boost.”
“Skinvive would be my perfect gift around the holidays. It’s a new microdroplet injectable that increases hydration to improve smoothness, providing a lasting glow. Also, winter break is also a great time to do a laser treatment such as Halo, so you can allow for some downtime.”
Micro-coring technology reduces loose skin and wrinkles without surgery, but what is it? The board-certified provider team at Mona Dermatology answers all your questions about this revolutionary treatment.
Who is Ellacor a good treatment for?
Ellacor micro-coring is good for anyone with fine lines and wrinkles in the cheeks or lower face, as well as for people who have moderate lower face and neck laxity. It is also a great treatment for acne scarring because it actually removes some of the scars. This is a great alternative to traditional acne scarring treatments, such as lasers or microneedling, that typically just build collagen.
How is this different from microneedling?
Micro-coring may sound like microneedling but they are very different treatments. Microneedling uses small needles to create a small injury in the skin, whereas micro-coring uses hollow needles to actually “core” out a percentage of skin. This is an innovative and unprecedented alternative to surgery.
How is this different from a laser treatment?
Ellacor is most similar to a fractional laser resurfacing where a “fraction” of the skin is treated so that the untreated skin helps to heal the treated area faster. The difference is that Ellacor actually cores out and removes a percentage of skin without delivering heat to the treated area. Laser resurfacing is still a great option for treating sun damage, texture, pore size and general full face rejuvenation but Ellacor will deliver more compelling results for concerns such as loose skin and wrinkles.
When is someone a candidate for surgery vs. Ellacor?
Ellacor micro-coring removes anywhere from 1-8% of loose skin on the lower face and neck without the downtime of surgery. It is a great treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity, but if you have more severe loose skin, surgery may be a better option. It is always best to have a consultation to determine which option is best for you.
What is the downtime?
You will be swollen for 2-3 days and can see stamp marks from the micro-coring for anywhere from 1-3 weeks. Makeup can be applied to the treated area after a week. It is very important to avoid sun exposure and use approved skin care products during your healing process.
When will you see results?
Your skin will become firmer and tighter over the next 3-6 months as collagen builds leaving you with firmer and smoother skin. Some patients may see best results after having a series of 3 treatments.
Quick Facts:
Ellacor has been recognized in the Innovation Category for Best Non Surgical Skin-Removal Procedure by NewBeauty.
Mona Dermatology is the first office in the Tri-State area to offer Ellacor
90% of patients showed improvements in moderate to severe wrinkles
How It Works:
The internal diameter of each needle is less than 0.5mm, which is below the threshold for scarring.
The device precisely moves these needles across the treatment area, removing micro-cores of skin as it goes.
A 10mm square area can be treated in less than three seconds, which means the entire procedure is typically finished within in less than 30 minutes.
After the procedure, the body’s natural healing response goes into effect as the skin quickly realigns to close the cores, improving skin architecture in the process.
As the Spring weather brings us warmer days, you may be wishing that you could skip (or lighten up) your makeup routine. For many of us, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, or spots may make us feel less than ready to go bare-faced. Mona Dermatology’s provider team shares their favorite treatments and products for revealing a youthful, even complexion before summer is here.
Mona S. Foad, MD
Other than daily skin care, I love tightening procedures that help to build and lift the support structures of the skin. A yearly treatment with radiofrequency or ultrasound works to build my own collagen and elastin. In addition, EmFace, the newest facial muscle stimulation device, goes deeper to lift and tighten my cheeks and forehead. I call it “putting money in your aging bank”. I love these procedures because they help reverse and prevent the inevitable sagging around the eyes, jawline and neck that we all get as we age. And the best part is there is no down time!
Makeup is most commonly used to give the look of an even skin tone, however in recent years highlighting and contouring using makeup has become increasingly popular. While makeup is one way to define your facial features, I love to use fillers so that my patients don’t even need makeup contouring. By adding filler to the areas of the face where light is reflected such as the cheek, jawline, and under eye, you can create a healthy, rejuvenated look.
This winter I did a Fraxel laser treatment on my face to help with texture and pigmentation. It is absolutely one of the best things I have done for my skin and plan to repeat this every year to maintain an even skin tone and a youthful appearance. After this treatment I also started the SkinMedica Even & Correct System to limit pigment production and to prolong the results of the Fraxel. My own skin is now my flawless filter!
I like to maintain my skin by doing a laser treatment annually during the winter months. IPL is my go to treatment for redness and brown spots. This year I also tried a Fraxel for the first time and loved my results! I had no idea I had so much sun damage. Not only does it treat pigment, but it helps with anti-aging. My skin has a nice glow and I don’t feel like I need makeup to leave the house.
One of my favorite ways to maintain healthy looking skin is by getting Botox injections every 3 months. This is a quick and easy procedure done in the office that helps smooth out wrinkles. Don’t forget to pair this treatment with medical grade skincare to ensure optimal and long lasting results. I suggest SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum and retinol. Both of these products help to address the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, and texture on the surface of the skin.
When stubborn fat doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may consider turning to treatment options. Mona Dermatology’s body contouring providers break down the differences between the two top non-surgical weight loss options, CoolSculpting Elite and EmSculpt Neo. The good news: both treatments can deliver results by summer, without downtime. While no treatment is able to guarantee weight loss, both options are able to target fat loss and sculpt the body to help you reach your goals.
How do both treatments work?
Emsculpt Neo stimulates muscle contractions using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, and reduces fat using radiofrequency heat. Thanks to the radiofrequency, some skin tightening may also occur. CoolSculpting Elite uses cooling technology to cause apoptosis, killing unwanted fat cells in the treatment area. When a trained provider performs your treatment, both are FDA-approved and very safe when performed by a trained provider.
How many treatments are needed and how long are appointments?
Most commonly, a CoolSculpting appointment will last around 1-2 hours. The applicators are placed on the treatment area, and the cooling process in each area takes from 35-75 minutes. At our office, thanks to having the Elite technology and multiple devices, you can treat multiple areas of the body at the same time!
Emsculpt Neo treatments, on the other hand, are spaced apart once a week for four weeks. They last 30 minutes each. For both technologies, the number of treatments needed depends on your desired results and how many areas of the body you want to focus on. The best way to get an estimate is by schedule a free consultation, where your provider can help create a plan that’s right for you.
Will both treatments give similar results?
Both treatments are eliminating fat cells through heating or cooling technology. However, each technology offers a slightly different approach that can affect your overall outcome. Emsculpt Neo’s combination of muscle stimulation and fat reduction will help with overall tightening and abdominal toning in addition to targeting stubborn fat. CoolSculpting is excellent for those who want to solely focus on fat reduction. It is also a great choice for targeting a specific, “pinchable” pocket of fat. For example: inner thigh fat or bra fat. If you have a BMI over 35, EmSculpt Neo is not the right choice. This is because the HIFEM technology will not be able to effectively reach the muscle fibers. In that case, CoolSculpting Elite may be best, or a combination of the two.
Is there downtime?
Both treatments allow you to return to normal activities such as work or social commitments the same day as your treatment. After an EmSculpt Neo treatment, you may experience soreness for the next day, similar to after a challenging workout. After a CoolSculpting Elite treatment, you may experience swelling or tenderness. In rarer cases, you may also experience bruising for about a week after treatment. All CoolSculpting treatments result in numbness in the area where you were treated. How long this lasts may vary from person to person.
Which treatment is best?
Ultimately, this depends on your goals! At our Kenwood-based office, we perform hundreds of treatments of both EmSculpt Neo and CoolSculpting Elite each year. The best way to decide which treatment (or combination of treatments) is right for you is by coming in for a free consultation.
Which Facial Treatment Is For You? | Facials Cincinnati
Learn about available facials in Cincinnati and get tips for getting glowing this fall.
Meet Your Providers
Chloe Hegge, RN BSN: “It’s never too early to start a retinoid! Retinoids help with cell turn over which helps keep the skin looking young. Some benefits include helping to treat active acne as well as help with acne scarring, improving discoloration, as well as overall texture of the skin. I suggest starting with a pea sized amount two to three times weekly and increasing to nightly as tolerated. If your skin seems irritated, try mixing with a moisturizer to help decrease the irritation. Starting a retinol is not a sprint, it’s a marathon so be patient and keep pushing through the ‘retinol blues’, you won’t regret it!”
Amanda Schmidt, LME: “Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen! Wearing a daily facial sunscreen is the most important thing for your skin’s health. The sun is the number one cause of premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, brown spots, and skin cancer. I recommend a broad spectrum sunscreen with an spf above 30. Broad spectrum sunscreens are pretty much the standard in sunscreens now, but double check that yours says so. This type of sunscreen protects against both UVB and UVA rays which penetrate deeper and cause long term sun damage. The wonderful thing about facial sunscreens now is that they are not thick and greasy feeling, so you don’t have to worry about them causing breakouts or feeling heavy on your face. My favorite sunscreen has a slight tint to it so I can just throw it on and still feel like I have some coverage without wearing makeup.”
Kylee Finn, RN BSN: “Anyone can benefit from adding antioxidants into their skin care routine. Antioxidants are an umbrella term for different vitamins such as vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide and more. Antioxidants have many benefits to your skin but the main benefits are to keep your skin cells healthy by helping repair damage from the sun, preventing cellular damage and calming inflammation. When your skin cells are functioning properly your skin cell cycle can run smoothly, making it easier to produce collagen and elastin. By simply adding this topical into your skin care routine you can correct signs of aging, prevent sun damage, and overall brighten your skin!”
Diamond Glow exfoliates, extracts, and infuses customized serums all at the same time to plump skin by up to 70%. This no-downtime treatment is appropriate for all skin types.
Choose from 5 targeted treatments includingAnti-Aging TNS Advanced+, Hydrating HA5 Hyaluronic Acid, Skin Brightening, Vitamin C Antioxidant, and Pore Clarifying
Whether you have rosacea, sensitive skin, or just want to look refreshed before an important event, the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial is a great choice. It is like giving your skin a big drink of water
Treat: Dry Skin, Redness, Rosacea
Benefits: Relaxing, No downtime, Great for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin
Chemical peels range from gentler treatments that will refresh your skin and cause no peeling at all to deeper peels that will improve more advanced concerns. Your provider will help choose the treatment that is right for you.
Treat: Texture, Sun Damage, Fine Lines, Acne Scarring, Brown Spots
Benefits: Can treat all skin types, Great for skin maintenance and aging prevention
Glacial Rx is the first and only facial treatment that uses precision cooling to treat redness, melasma, and brown spots. Fight inflammation, exfoliate skin and normalize melanin, with this relaxing and soothing facial that helps to brighten your skin.
Treat: Redness, Melasma, Brown Spots
Benefits: Minimal to no downtime, Fight disorders of inflammation, Cooling and soothing treatment
These next-generation peel-off masks are made primarily from seaweed and kelp algae combined with the latest in electrolyte technology. Each of the potent electrolyte formulations balance skin to combat dryness, fatigue and irritation.
Treat: Dryness, Skin Fatigue, Irritation
Benefits: Gentle & soothing, Immediate results, Free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and talc
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy (CIT), rejuvenates skin, treats fine lines and wrinkles, and improves acne, scars, and stretch marks.
Treat: Fine Lines, Wrinkles, Scarring
Benefits: Stimulate collagen & elastin production, Minimal downtime, Great for skin maintenance
Doctors have used onabotulinum toxin A (or better known as “Botox”) since 1978 when it first received FDA approval to treat crossed eyes in the ophthalmology community. It was not until 1992 that reports of cosmetic use appeared. Botox has since become a household name with nearly 4 million people receiving cosmetic Botox treatments each year.
Why is this such a popular treatment and why are more and more people doing it? Botox and other neurotoxins are quick, no-downtime procedures that work by stopping muscle movement. They help to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming and are a popular way to prevent aging. Although the most common areas patients treat are the lines between your brow, your forehead lines, and your crows feet, providers also use neurotoxins to enhance lips, lift up marionette lines, soften your neck lines, and treat a host of other areas.
Although there are several brands of neurotoxins on the market, Botox Cosmetic is the most well-known and has the longest track record with FDA-approved since 2002! Recently, the medical community has introduced a new product that can last longer than other neurotoxins. Daxxify has a patented peptide technology that allows it to set in faster and last longer than traditional toxins. Mona Dermatology is proud to be the first Dermatologist in Cincinnati to offer Daxxify.
When deciding if neurotoxins are right for you, it is important to choose a licensed and trained medical professional who understands facial anatomy, such as a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. In the hands of the right injector, you can achieve beautiful, natural results.
If you are interested in learning more about anti-aging injections such as Botox & Daxxify, schedule a consultation with the board-certified team at Mona Dermatology by visiting monadermatology.com.
Mona Dermatology in Kenwood is the first practice in Ohio to offer a revolutionary new treatment, Glacial Rx, for melasma and rosacea. This patented technology harnesses the power of cold to reduce redness, accelerate exfoliation, fight inflammation, brighten skin, and decrease hyperpigmentation.
“I am so excited to offer our patients the first and only treatment that can actually decrease inflammation to treat concerns such as rosacea and melasma. My first GlacialRx treatment was such a soothing and calming experience that I was looking forward to my next one and I know that you will love it too.” – Dr. Mona
How does it work? Glacial Rx improves your skin both on the surface level and deep into your cells. At the surface, the treatment will exfoliate to clear away dead skin and promote the generation of new skin. But below the surface, the cooling technology within the treatment helps to both fight inflammation and decrease stubborn pigment. In our skin, we have proteins that “tell” (or signal) our cells to either create or reduce inflammation. The Glacial Rx works by actually reducing the inflammatory signals and increasing the anti-inflammatory signals within our skin. In addition, the treatment also prevents the production of melanin, which produces pigment that causes the sun spots on our skin we begin to see as we get older. The combination of these two actions results in reduced redness and brown spots, as well as overall brighter and younger-looking skin.
Patients will begin to see improvements in their skin after just one treatment with progressively improving results over one to two months. Dr. Mona recommends a series of 3 treatments for best results. To learn more about Glacial Rx for melasma and rosacea, visit monadermatology.com or call 513.984.4801.
Fast Facts:
92% of patients saw improvement in their skin
100% of patients rated the treatment as “worth it” (via RealSelf)
87% spots removed at 3 months
CoolSculpting 101 | CoolSculpting Near Me
How does CoolSculpting Elite work?
CoolSculpting Elite is an FDA-Approved treatment that uses a cooling technology that causes apoptosis, killing unwanted fat cells.This targets the areas of your body that are resistant to diet and exercise or to debulk areas of resistant fat.
How many treatments will you need and how long does it take?
Typically you can expect your appointment to last anywhere from one to two hours. To start your treatment your provider will begin by placing the applicators in the area being treated, then the cooling process will begin. Each area takes anywhere from thirty-five to seventy-five minutes. At Mona Dermatology, we are able to treat multiple areas of the body at the same time, thanks to having two devices.
How does CoolSculpting Elite feel?
First, your trained provider will attach the applicator and you will feel a slight suction. Once the treatment begins you may feel a cool tingling feeling that will last for about five minutes. The area you are having treated will go numb, amking the rest of the procedure is pretty comfortable. Overall the treatment is fairly comfortable. Commonly patients will read a book, watch a movie, or work on their phone or laptop, depending on the position they are in.
Is there downtime?
After your treatment is finished you may experience numbness in the treated area. How long the numbness lasts is patient dependent. You may also experience swelling, tenderness, or in rare cases bruising for about a week after your treatment.
Your CoolSculpting Journey
When you choose Mona Dermatology for your CoolSculpting treatment, you choose unmatched
care and quality. Our skilled providers will guide you through a personalized consultation,
explaining the process and answering any questions you might have. From your first
appointment to your last, expect a seamless and comforting experience that is aligned with your
wellness and beauty goals.
Click below to watch Kylee, RN share the different applicators we offer for CoolSculpting Elite.
As we begin to age you may start to notice volume loss in your face; this is due to the decrease of your collagen and elastin production. When you begin to lose volume in the face you may notice areas tend to hollow out or your skin may begin sagging. At Mona Dermatology, we use filler treatments to help with areas where you may be experiencing volume loss such as the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes. Filler allows us to replace lost volume and restorethat youthful shape to your face in a natural-looking way.
WHY DOES VOLUME LOSS IN THE FACE OCCUR?
Volume loss is unfortunately a part of our natural aging process; you may notice changes to your facial shape as you begin to age. While this is a normal process of aging, injectable treatment options such as fillers are great for targeting these concerns. At Mona Dermatology, we start every treatment with a full-facial assessment. Whether you are treating one area or multiple, we will assess your facial anatomy in the same way. Though injectables will not be able to treat everything you may be concerned about, they are still an amazing tool to help give your face that youthful look.
HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?
Typically most patients’ filler results will last anywhere between 8-18 months. This is patient dependent, though, as everyone metabolizes filler differently. We love filler treatments because you are able to see instant results right after treatment. Your results will continue to improve over the next few days as the filler settles in and attracts water.
VOLUME LOSS BEFORE & AFTER
We used a combination of Juvéderm Voluma XC & Vollure XC to restore lost volume to her cheeks, chin, lips, and mouth.
We used 1 syringe of Juvederm Voluma XC to her temples & piriform, 1 syringe of Voluma XC to her cheeks & chin, 1 syringe of Volbella XC to her chin, mouth corners, & necklace lines. As well as 1 round of Kybella treatment to her jowls and chin.
SCHEDULE A FILLER CONSULTATION
Anyone can be a candidate for a Filler treatment! To learn more, schedule a consultation online or give us a call at 513.984.4800.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Waxing: Digging Deeper into Dr. Bowles’ Byrdie Feature
Expanding on her insights revealed in the interview with Byrdie, Dr. Bowles is sharing the inside scoop on these two treatments and how you can choose which one is best for you.
What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser (also known as concentrated beams of light) to remove unwanted hair. The laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (or melanin), found in the hair follicles, which in turn delays future hair growth.
What Is Waxing?
Waxing is a semi-permanent hair removal method that is easy and efficient, leaving the skin feeling smooth and soft. Waxing allows for a more effective removal of the entire hair with the root, from the follicle, as opposed to shaving. There are different types of wax such as:
Soft wax, also known as strip waxing
Hard wax, which is directly applied onto the skin, cooled for a few minutes, and then pulled and removed in the opposite direction of the hair growth
Fruit wax, which works well for sensitive skin
Chocolate wax which works well for skin prone to irritation and redness
Sugar wax, a more natural option for hair removal for people with sensitive skin
What results to expect for both?
The most major difference is that laser hair removal is semi-permanent or in some cases permanent. Waxing must be performed regularly as the hair regrows. Each process of hair removal has its own benefits and drawbacks in terms of lasting quality, effectiveness, and potential side effects.
Laser hair removal offers a long-term reduction in hair growth and precision targeting of unwanted hair. Plan for several treatments, typically 5-8, for optimal reduction; and maintenance treatments every year or so. Laser hair removal has minimal discomfort and temporary redness or swelling in the treated area. In some cases, skin pigmentation or scarring can occur during and after the procedure. However, seeing a well-trained provider will reduce this risk as they will be able to choose the proper laser and settings for your skin tone. They can also perform a spot test when necessary.
Waxing on the other hand provides immediate results, with smoother skin right after the procedure. However, the results from waxing are temporary in that hair usually grows back within a few weeks. Waxing can be painful, especially with sensitive skin. It can cause side effects such as redness, skin irritation, and ingrown hairs.
What skin or hair types are best for laser hair removal vs. waxing?
People with lighter pigmented hair such as blonde or red, are not a candidate for laser hair removal. This is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle and lighter hair types lack the pigment needed for the laser to work. Waxing or plucking is a good choice for people with this hair type. Individuals with darker hair are good candidates for laser hair removal. It is very important to note that plucking or waxing hair prior to a laser hair removal session is not recommended. This removes the hair follicle entirely, so there is nothing for the laser to target. Dermaplaning or shaving prior to laser hair removal is recommended though, as treating an area with long hair can impede the laser’s ability to get into the follicle.
In contrast, waxing comes in different forms that can be used for hair removal, depending on an individual’s preference. Soft wax, also known as strip waxing, is ideal for removing tiny, fine strands of hair you can’t see. It is usually used on larger areas of the body, applied directly to the skin, and removed by a strip of cloth. Hard wax is used for smaller and more sensitive areas like the upper lip, underarms, and bikini area. This form of wax is applied warm and directly on the skin, and once hardened, is peeled off. Fruit wax is similar to hard body wax but is recommended mostly for people with sensitive skin.
What is the pain level for both treatments?
When it comes to laser hair removal, the pain level or discomfort is usually tolerable for most individuals. Most people feel a mild stinging or tingling sensation during the procedure. Sometimes we will use topical numbing cream in certain areas to provide more comfort. Waxing, on the other hand, is generally considered more painful. This is especially true in areas of the body like the bikini area, underarms, and upper lip that are more sensitive.
What is the cost for both treatments?
The cost of a laser hair treatment really depends on two factors, treatment area and permanence. Typically, larger treatment areas like the back or legs can cost more than smaller areas. While laser hair removal is a more permanent option than waxing, you will still have to get some maintenance treatments. If you follow your complete treatment plan, including maintenance, this could last between 6 to 12 months or longer. This can cost more initially, but can end up being a worthwhile investment down the road. Waxing, on the other hand, is less costly than laser hair removal per treatment. However, waxing is not a permanent hair removal solution. The cost of getting routine wax treatments for several years can end up being more costly than laser treatment in the end.
What is aftercare like for both treatments?
The aftercare for laser hair removal requires individuals to avoid being exposed to the sun, heat, and irritants. This includes hot baths, steam rooms, and saunas. It is also recommended to resist the urge to scratch or pick at the treated area. Similarly, for waxing, individuals are encouraged to avoid sun exposure to prevent sunburn and minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Exfoliating gently, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding tight clothing around the waxed area are also ways to reduce the risk of irritation, redness, and dryness of the skin.
What is the frequency of treatment for both?
Most patients have laser hair removal sessions once every 4 to 6 weeks. This varies depending on the rate of hair regrowth and also on the treatment area. The hair growth cycle for the face is usually faster so patients might start with a visit every 2 weeks. The body, on the other hand, is typically every 4 weeks. Similarly, for waxing, hair growth is faster in areas like the eyebrows, bikini line, and underarms. For these areas, you will require a wax session every 2-3 weeks. The time between sessions allows for the hair to regrow to a waxable length. In contrast, legs will typically require a waxing session every 3 to 5 weeks.
Final Thoughts: Which treatment does Dr. Alexandra recommend?
I would recommend laser hair removal as I feel it is a safe and effective way to provide long lasting hair reduction. While it is an investment upfront, the time and money you would save from years of waxing is something important to consider. I also feel that over-waxing some areas can cause permanent discoloration, while laser hair removal does not do this if the treatments are performed properly. It’s very important to get a consultation with a knowledgeable provider who has treated patients with your skin type and to do a test spot if there is a concern of hyperpigmentation. All in all, laser hair removal is a great choice for everyone!
