Dermal Fillers: Sculptra vs Radiesse

by | Aug 31, 2023 | accent aesthetics, Cosmetic Dermal Filler

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers have become one of the ultimate cosmetic solutions for anti-aging without going under the knife. Some fillers produce instant results, while others take time to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Sculptra and Radiesse fall into the latter.

Both products initially came to market as a treatment for HIV patients to reclaim lost volume in their face due to lipoatrophy. With such great results in the HIV population, these products were then introduced into the aesthetics industry for age-related volume loss.

Radiesse

Radiesse is a thick injectable filler whose main component is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, a mineral with the same chemical composition as the material found in bones and teeth. The injected calcium hydroxylapatite particles function as a scaffold for new tissue growth. Radiesse instantly volumizes the treatment area because the injectable consists of calcium microspheres that provide an immediate support structure beneath the skin. They dissolve after several months, just as the newly formed collagen and tissue appear, resulting in a smoother, rejuvenated look. Radiesse results typically last about one year, with some patients enjoying younger-looking skin for much longer.

Before & After

radiesse logo
Gallery, AdvaTx, Hyperdilute Radiesse dermal fillers, Intracel, Ultherapy, Neurotoxins, chemical peels, IPL, Genesis, microneedling

Sculptra

Sculptra is made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a synthetic material that triggers the body’s inflammatory response and stimulates increased collagen production. It provides delayed but longer-lasting results. Sculptra provides gradual results because the PLLA particles act as a foreign body that stimulates increased collagen production. The effects become apparent after several weeks, with the skin’s tone and texture gradually improving in the following months. Sculptra provides the longest-lasting results of all dermal fillers – up to 24 months.

Before & After

sculptra logo
gallery, sculptra dermal fillers

In conclusion, both products are a phenomenal choice for volume restoration. Radiesse can provide immediately results, is safe and effective for most people, with results lasing around a year. Scupltra’s results are delayed and gradual, not an option for individuals with autoimmune diseases or take an anti-inflammatory medicine regularly, lower maintenance, and lasts about 2 years.

Laser Hair Reduction: It’s Time….

by | Aug 14, 2023 | accent aesthetics, Laser Hair Reduction & Removal, skincare colorado

The quest for smooth, hair-free skin has led to a variety of hair removal methods, each with its own pros and cons. laser hair reduction

There are many forms of hair removal. Shaving, waxing, sugaring, tweezing, depilatories and laser.

Most of us throughout our lives will try some or all of these methods.

If you are still struggling with unwanted hair, laser hair reduction is the clear choice!

How Laser Hair Reduction Works

The laser sees the pigment in the hair, for this reason hair must be dark in color for the treatments to be successful. Treating blond or white hairs will result in very little reduction if any. The laser sends its heat and energy into the hair shaft, destroying the bond it has with the follicle. As a result the hair detaches and falls out. Over time and a series of treatments, the follicle ceases to grow more hair.

Now because the laser sees color, it must be done in experienced hands. Many skin types have varying levels of color or pigment. If treated incorrectly or too aggressivly, the laser will disperse it’s heat into the skin instead of the hair follicle causing burning, blistering and possible scarring. It is VERY important that you get treated by someone with knowledge and experience with all skin types.

Preparing for Your Laser Treatment

The root of the hairs need to be in the follicle for treatment, therefore do not wax, tweeze or remove the hair root in anyway. The hair should not be above the skin line though, this will result in burning of the hair and possibly the skin. This will place heat in the hair above the skin and not to the root where it is needed for best results. We recommend shaving the day before or day of treatment.

After Laser Hair Reduction

To avoid possible side effects, all patients need to protect their skin from the sun. After laser hair removal, you should avoid direct sunlight from hitting your skin and avoid using tanning beds.

You may see some redness and swelling after treatment. This often looks like a mild sunburn. Applying a cool compress can help reduce your discomfort. We may recommend applying a topical hydrocortisone cream to help reduce any irritation. These side effects are normal and resolve quickly. Most clients are able to return to their daily activities with no downtime

The Results

You will likely see the results immediately after your laser hair reduction treatment. The results vary from patient to patient. The color and thickness of your hair, area treated, type of laser used, and color of your skin all affect the results. You can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment.

To remove the hair, most patients need 4 to 8 laser treatments. All of our laser hair packages come in a series of 6.  After finishing the treatments, most patients do not see any hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. When the hair regrows, there tends to be less of it. The hairs also tend to be finer and lighter in color.

We recommend follow up treatments a few times a year, especially for more stubborn hair.

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laser hair reduction
laser hair reduction

All about the NEW Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum!

by | Jul 25, 2023 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

Breakthrough Innovation Boosts Skin’s Age-Defying Energy and Optimizes Skin Appearance

Revision Skincare, a leading medical-grade professional skincare brand,  launches its newest innovation in their D-E-J Age-Defying Power Regimen: Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum. Designed to improve the healthy function of the skin’s Dermal-Epidermal Junction (DEJ), a critical factor in skin aging, this energizing serum visibly improves radiance and skin firmness while reducing the appearance of fine lines and overall photodamage.

When skin is functioning optimally, it produces all the energy it needs, but over time these levels decline, and due to both intrinsic and extrinsic stressors, skin becomes fatigued. When fatigued skin is unable to behave as it once did, skin can recapture its youthful vitality with the support of an age-defying, cellular energy boost. Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum is formulated with patented Sunflower Sprout Extract Technology that is proven to boost skin’s cellular energy, so skin can act younger

“Our unique Sunflower Sprout Extract contains vital molecules that were shown to have an important role in neurobiology. Knowing that the brain and skin develop from the embryonic ectoderm, the Revision Skincare Research and Clinical Development team hypothesized that Sunflower Sprout Extract would be equally important in skin health,” explains Dr. Alisar Zahr, Director of Research & Development, Revision Skincare.” We performed preclinical studies to test this hypothesis and found that Sunflower Sprout Extract was able to light up genes associated with skin barrier health as well as improving cellular mitochondrial energy.”

In addition to Sunflower Sprout Extract, the serum contains a robust antioxidant blend, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, and other efficacious ingredients to help protect the skin’s energy source, support skin’s natural collagen and elastin, improve noticeable wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, rough skin texture and uneven skin tone, all while strengthening the skin barrier*.

Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum works quickly to deliver visible results, with significant improvements in skin appearance over time, according to clinical studies that show:

Immediately after use (within 15 minutes*)

  • 83% of study participants agreed their skin looked hydrated
  • 75% felt their complexion was vibrant and skin appeared plump

After just 7 days* D-E-J Daily Boosting Serum is clinically proven to increase skin radiance, smooth skin texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Additionally:

  • 100% of study participants agreed that their overall skin appearance was improved, and their skin’s youthful vitality was boosted

After 12 weeks*, the following average improvements from baseline were seen:

  • 41% average improvement in the appearance of skin roughness
  • 28% average improvement in the appearance of skin firmness
  • 22% average improvement in the appearance of fine lines (crow’s feet area)
  • 20% average improvement in the appearance of skin tone evenness (redness)

“From our inception, Revision Skincare has been focused on launching industry-first technologies generating clinically-validated results, and D-E-J Daily Boosting Serum is no different,” adds Maria Carell, CEO and President, Revision Skincare. “We’re excited to continue offering our customers efficacious products that offer results for their overall skin health, both in the short and long term.“

Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum joins Revision Skincare’s powerhouse DEJ Age-Defying Power Regimen consisting of DEJ Eye Cream ®, DEJ Face Cream ®, and DEJ Night Face Cream ®. The regimen is available at revisionskincare.com, Dermstore, or your local dermatologist’s office.

Before & After Revision DEJ Daily Boosting Serum

Revision DEJ daily boosting serum
Revision DEJ daily boosting serum

Benzoyl Peroxide vs. Salicylic Acid: Which is Right for Your Acne?

by | Jun 26, 2023 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to treating acne, chances are you want results and you want them fast. Luckily, the skincare market is flooded with products that promise to clear skin, fight pesky pimples, and reach deep within the pores for quick—and long-lasting—relief. But not all acne fighters are created equally, and when it comes to ingredients, two tend to rise above the rest: benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid.

Both have been widely heralded as acne-clearing wonder treatments—and for good reason, their long, documented histories are impressive to say the least. But how exactly each fights acne—and the type of acne they target—are two different stories.

What is benzoyl peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide mainly functions as an antibacterial ingredient, though it also has some exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells. It targets the bacteria that causes acne, and, unlike with other antibacterial agents, bacteria cannot grow resistant to benzoyl peroxide, making it a popular choice amongst dermatologists and other experts.

Benzoyl peroxide is perhaps the most effective ingredient we have in treating red, angry pimples. Think of it like a fire extinguisher, putting out inflammation in the skin and lowering levels of acne-causing bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide doesn’t come without its risks. Namely, it can be fairly irritating depending on the concentration. And no matter how well-formulated, benzoyl peroxide is notorious for bleaching clothing, towels, and any other fabrics it comes in contact with. For this reason, opt for bright white towels and pillowcases that won’t be affected.

What is salicylic acid?

Meanwhile, salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that chemically exfoliates the skin, helping remove excess oil and dead skin cells from the surface.  It does this by breaking down the bonds between skin cells and penetrating deep into the pores.

Salicylic acid is usually derived from aspirin, so it does have some anti-inflammatory benefits but works best on dry, comedonal acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. Also, for this reason, if you have an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin, you should not use salicylic acid.

Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid runs the risk of irritation, as well as redness and sun sensitivity. So while it’s always important to wear sunscreen everyday, it’s doubly so when using salicylic acid.

What is the difference between benzoyl peroxide vs salicylic acid?

Benzoyl peroxide effectively targets inflammatory acne like red pimples, pustules, and pesky cysts. Meanwhile, salicylic acid fights more mild acne, like blackheads and whiteheads (commonly referred to as comedonal acne), as well as prominent pores and oily skin.

While the two ingredients function differently, they’re actually quite complementary. We regularly recommend using both ingredients as part of a full acne-treatment regimen.

While the two ingredients function differently, they’re actually quite complementary. We regularly recommend using both ingredients as part of a full acne-treatment regimen as a lot of patients have several different types of acne at once.

Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are stellar first-line, over-the-counter treatment options for acne. That being said, if you’re not seeing any improvement after a few weeks of use, We will recommend you see one of our Dermatologist at Accent Dermatology for further options and treatment.

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid, Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

Our Recommendations:

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

PCA BPO 5% Cleanser

A gentle and effective cleanser formulated with 5% benzoyl peroxide for antibacterial properties, and a host of botanical extracts to clear, soothe and calm acne and breakout-prone skin.

Benzoyl Peroxide vs Salicylic Acid

PCA Acne Gel

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this treatment gel helps clear existing breakout and prevent future acne. A unique botanical blend helps control daily oil production.

Welcome to Jett Plasma Medical Lift!

by | Jun 15, 2023 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado

We’re excited to introduce a new treatment: Jett Plasma Medical Lift

This Jett Plasma treatment uses plasma energy, which has been used in other devices in recent years. However, we are very excited because this device is able to use the plasma energy differently, decreasing risks for adverse side effects.

The Benefits:

    • Significant increase in collagen 1 & 3
    • Proven increase in migration of fibroblasts, which increases micro-circulation resulting in improved nourishment and oxygenation of cells
    • Increase cell communication and physiology
    • The phenomenon allows water to penetrate cells and leads to their recovery and regeneration

By using the plasma technology in a non-thermal (no heat) setting, we are able to stimulate a normal biological process, which we then see:

    • Stimulated epidermal growth factors
    • Reduced wrinkles
    • Tightened skin
    • Improvement in skin tone, texture and elasticity
    • Active ingredients are able to be forced into deeper layers of the skin
    • Restores and facilitates microcirculation
    • Improved structure of reticular dermis

All of this helps in producing an environment of youth in the skin!

With the Jett Plastma treatment, we are able to do treatments with no down time, on all skin types, all year round.

The device can also be used for more aggresive Jett Plasma treatments when appropriate. This more aggressive treatment uses the plasma energy in a more focused setting, delivering the plasma energy to the top of the skin, causing a “shrink wrapping” effect. It’s excellent for tightening loose, lax skin on the eyelids, around the mouth, etc. The more aggressive treatment does include some healing down time and clients must be evaluated to make sure they’re a good candidate.

    jett plasma
    jett plasma
    jett plasma

    Learn more about Jett Plasma Medical Lift or Schedule a consultation today!