Archive for August, 2011

Teen Acne and Rosacea

Monday, August 29th, 2011

Starting school is challenging for our teens and adding skin acne or rosacea to the stress of this new experience can effect self-esteem and school performance. SSH Laser and Skincare Center can help your teens educate themselves and manage their skin problems. We have a complete acne skincare line which is less drying than over the counter brands and all medical grade quality. The other great thing is the entire kit is $49.!

Acne is a skin problem that affects almost all teenagers and is occasionally associated with rosacea. (a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing redness especially on the cheeks) Acne results from the action of hormones on the skin’s oil glands (sebaceous glands). The sebaceous glands make an oily substance called sebum that empties onto the skin surface through the hair follicle opening (pore). The mixture of oil (sebum) and cells allows bacteria that normally lives on the skin to grow in the follicle openings. This causes the pores to become clogged and pimples to develop. Using proper skincare can help keep acne breakouts in check.

 

Sun Damage: What’s True and What Isn’t

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

There are a lot of myths and rumors surrounding sun exposure and what it does to your skin. Here are three truths and three un-truths related to sun damage. Are there any habits that you need to change to start protecting your skin?

True: Sun damage can age your skin

Yes, it’s true. That same golden sun that provides you with that beautiful summertime tan can actually cause your skin to age prematurely. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of the visible signs of aging are actually caused by sun exposure. Wrinkles, crows’ feet, age and sun spots, unevenness in color and texture: these are just a few of the skin conditions that come as a result of sun damage.

Not true: Most sun damage happens before age 18

Sun exposure is cumulative, meaning that the more sun you get the more at risk you are for skin damage and even cancer. Only about 20 percent of sun exposure happens before age 18, so it is still important for adults to guard against sun damage.

True: Using a good sunblock can help your skin stay healthy

Sunblocks and sunscreens are designed to block the sun’s harmful rays and allow you to stay in the sun longer. When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that is SPF 15 or higher. SPF 15 will block 93 percent of the sun’s rays, while SPF 30 will block 97 percent. This may not seem like much, but if you are sun-sensitive it can help a lot. Make sure to reapply your sunblock every two hours.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that many sunscreens do not protect against UVA radiation, since SPF is only a measure of the sunscreen’s UVB-blocking abilities. UVA is just as damaging to the skin, and so it is important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA blocking ingredients like zinc.

Not true: People who never burn don’t get sun damage

Again, sun damage is caused by cumulative sun exposure. While people who burn easily are certainly more susceptible to sun damage, aging and cancer is caused by ongoing sun exposure, not necessarily by one bad sunburn.

True: You need sunscreen even on cloudy days

Clouds block some UV rays, but certainly not all. You will still need to wear sunblock and take precautions to protect yourself from the sun even on the rainiest of days.

Not true: You can erase sun damage with a moisturizer

Unfortunately, there is no way to turn back the clock on sun damage with a moisturizer, no matter how expensive. While a good moisturizer has other benefits for your skin, it will not help treat or cure sun damage.

 

Breast Surgery: Determining What Procedure Best Fits You

Thursday, August 4th, 2011
If you are considering breast surgery, we understand that you may have a lot of questions. If you are wondering which breast procedure is right for you, the following information will briefly outline what each surgery entails and what we look for when determining whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure.

Breast Lift

Pre Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Post Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is performed in order to firm and raise breasts that may have lost volume due to aging, weight fluctuations, or childbirth. A breast lift will not significantly add to or reduce the size of your breasts, but it can be used in conjunction with other procedures to produce the desired results.

A breast lift is performed by lifting and reshaping breast tissue as well as removing excess skin. During the procedure, the nipple and areola are lifted to a more natural height. What incisions are necessary for your case will be determined by one of our qualified surgeons, but typically incisions are made around the areola and down vertically from the areola to the breast crease.

The result of a breast lift is a more youthful profile without excess sagging. If you want to return your breasts to a more natural shape, you may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Pre Breast Augmentation

Post Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is what most women typically think of when they think of breast surgery. In this procedure, implants are inserted behind the breast tissue either above or below the pectoral muscle. Breast augmentation can create fuller breasts or fill out breasts that have lost volume.

You will have a choice between either saline or silicone implants. Both are FDA approved and safe for most women. Incisions are made to minimize scarring and vary based on the size and type of implant and your body. Typical incision sites are around the nipple, in the breast crease, or in the armpit.

Candidates for breast augmentation may choose the surgery in order to increase breast size, make breast size even, or make their breasts more proportional to the rest of their body. If you are considering San Diego breast augmentation, our surgeons can discuss which options best fit your goals.

Breast Reduction

Before breast reduction

Post breast reduction

breast reduction is performed when a candidate’s breasts are too large. They may cause discomfort in the form of back or neck pain, poor posture, or rashes beneath the breasts. Because the procedure is often performed to relieve pain, breast reduction surgery is covered under many insurance plans.

You may choose to undergo a breast reduction in order to correct uneven breast size, make finding clothes that fit easier, and increase your enjoyment of everyday activities and recreation. Breast reduction is used to create smaller, more proportional breasts and relieve breast-related pain.

During the procedure, incisions are normally made beneath the breast and around the areola so that our surgeons can remove fat, excess tissue, and extra skin. The nipple and areola are then moved upward to achieve a natural-looking height.

Deciding on the right breast procedure is not easy, and that’s why our surgeons and staff are always available to provide information and answer questions. If you live in the San Diego area, schedule a consultation to discuss a plan that is customized to meet your goals.