Welcome to the Skinwell Dermatology Experience
Your Premier Dermatologist in the Los Angeles, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Bel-Air, Tarzana area
Wrinkles Happen(don't worry, we got your back)
Wrinkles Happendon't worry, we got your back
"wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been"- Mark Twain
Lifestyle, genetics, environment and skincare routines all play a part in how your skin ages over time. Wrinkles will always be a part of life, but luckily they are correctable. Properly dealing with wrinkles over the long term requires a multifaceted approach. At Skinwell, this is our philosophy to wrinkles and aging.
Every consultation and treatment begins by gaining insight into the underlying reasons for your wrinkles, guidance on skincare routines and a discussion about current injectable and topical treatments.
We often use a different mixture of methods to treat wrinkles depending on your particular circumstances.
Our goal is to give you the most natural results possible. In the end, we want you to say to your friends: "I woke up looking like this!"
To correct wrinkles, we use a four prong strategy 
Toxins
Skin Care Management
Peels
Micro-needling
Toxins
That's right, toxins! You probably know these toxins by their trade names such as Botox®, Dysport® and Jeuveau®. They are actually purified version of botulinum-toxin. They are designed
to block the nerves that contract muscles.When used carefully and in the right dose, these toxins stay in the muscle and have a relaxation effect. By relaxing muscles, the wrinkles in the overlying skin become more smooth and less obvious. The effects of these toxins are not permanent, allowing us to use them only when desired.
Common areas we treat include:
- Frown lines
- Crows feet
- Forehead
- Under the eyes
- Lip Lines
- Lip Flip
- Neck bands
- Masseters (for TMJ or teeth grinding)
- Gummy smile correction
- Armpits, palms and groin (for excessive sweating)
Now you see me
Now you don't.
Now you don't.
Forehead Lines
Frown Lines
Crow's Feet
FAQ
What's the difference between the various brands?
For the most part, they are the same.Differences are mainly in how much toxin is within a dose, how long the effects last and cost.
During your consultation, we will weigh these factors and your personal preferences and help you chose the one that's best for you.
Does it hurt?
To minimize pain, we pride ourselves on using the smallest needle possible, called a BD or Becton Dickinson needle. Even with this needle, there still may be a small pinch of pain. If pain remains an issue for you, we can also apply local numbing or ice before the injections.
The other benefit of this needle is that it leaves behind no marks on the skin.
The other benefit of this needle is that it leaves behind no marks on the skin.
How much downtime should I expect?
The injections themselves will only take a few minutes. Otherwise, there is no downtime after the procedure. In fact, we often see people during a work break and then they immediately return back to work.
Minimal bruising is possible, but not common.
How long will the results last?
After your first treatment, results should last for 3-4 months.As you receive treatments more consistently results may even last longer. Of course, results will vary.
I have formed frown lines, will they go away?
If you are consistent with your injections, getting toxin every 3-4 months, they will soften after about 1 year.What happens if I decide to stop, will wrinkles get worse?
NO!If you stop, then everything will return to normal. If your wrinkles were softened as a result of the injections, the benefits will remain.
However, with your muscles contracting again, new wrinkles may form over time.
Why is everyone getting toxin at a young age?
Why form the wrinkles to begin with? Getting treatment early avoids wrinkles in the first place and adds years to your appearance
Skin Care Management
Proper skin care is an essential long-term component of not only wrinkle management, but your overall skin health. But with so many creams and products out there, knowing which ones are effective and right for you can be confusing. We'll do a run down of what you use, find gaps in your skin care regimen and make suggestions on what's best for your skin type.
Generally speaking, we believe in four essential components to skin care management.
Sun Protection.
We can't stress this one enough.But this doesn't mean you can't go outside or be in the sun. During your visit with the doctor, we will discuss proper sun protection and advise you on which type of sun screen is best for your skin type.
Retinol.
We encourage everyone to start using this one. If you are already using it, we'll make sure you are at the correct strength and formulation for you.The benefits are immense, from increased cell turn over to decreased breakdown of vital collagen, two key factors in the prevention of wrinkles and line formation.
Moisturizer and Serum.
The right moisturizer for your skin type with the right boosters are key. Boosters range from Vitamin C to Hyalauronic Acid and other types of creams.We have the scoop on the latest and greatest and will individualize a plan for you.
Glycolic Acid.
Glycolic Acid helps give your skin a beautiful natural glow. It does this by exfoliating the skin to remove dead skin cells and residue that builds up on our skin everyday.Adding an acid product to your routine is a must!
Peels
A chemical peel is a procedure where a skin specific acid derivation or a combination of acids are applied to the skin. This acid is chosen and applied in a way which is safe for your skin. This acid will cause your skin to peel with the goal of freshening your skin in several ways.
First they resurface the skin. By removing a layer of dead and damaged skin cells, a younger and newer layer of deep skin is revealed which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Peels also stimulate collagen production, our body's own natural material that gives skin a firm and youthful appearance.
Depending on the strength of the acid used in the peel, a few days or weeks of skin peeling can be expected.
Light Strength.
Salicylic Acid Peels. This is the go-to peel for acne prone skin and is especially helpful for removing acne pigmentation. It is formulated using salicylic acid with an overall light intensity.With this peel, you can expect some mild dusting or peeling of your skin for about two days.
Medium Strength.
Glycolic Acid Peels. This peel is mainly for people who want a relatively effective peel, but need minimal downtime.This acid comes in different strengths, and depending on the body part and how much downtime is required, we decide which strength to use. We recommend this peel for the face but also the back and buttocks.
Medium-Advanced Strength.
Melange Peel. This is one of our most popular peels. This is not only an in-office peel, but more of a system which includes ongoing treatments after you leave.Once the peel is applied, you are given a kit to take home. This kit includes post-care products to help manage your peel. It also includes a brightening cream containing Vitamin A and Arbutase to be used nightly.
Perfect Peel. This is our heavy-duty work-horse peel. It is safe on every skin tone. You should expect significant sheet like peeling for 2-3 days, but be prepared for glowing skin afterwards!
Advanced Strength.
TCA (trichloroacetic acid) Peel. This high strength peel is a favorite. It often time requires pre-treatment with a brightening cream before performing the peel.
You should also strictly avoid the sun before this peel. Depending on what strength we use, expect significant peeling at at least 1 week of downtime. TCA Cross. This is a technique we use to treat ice-pick acne scarring using 100% TCA. This super strong acid is applied to the scars using a small tip. The acid causes a remodeling of the scars over time allowing them to fill in. We recommended doing this monthly.
Micro-needling
Micro-needling involves using a small device containing several very small and fine needles. These needles prick at the skin at various depths. The purpose of pricking at the skin is to create areas of micro-injury which then promotes new collagen development.
Collagen in turn reduces the appearance of wrinkles by making skin more smooth, firm and toned.
We build muscle the same way, we injure our muscles a little at a time which forces them to grow and become more healthy. Think of micro-needling as a workout for your skin!
It has become very popular, replacing many laser procedures because of minimal downtime and discomfort.
Where can I have micro-needling done?
It is mostly used on the face and neck, but could be used anywhere you have wrinkles or scars or want to have more toned and younger looking skin.Why do people add growth factors or PRP (platelet rich plasma) to micro-needling?
The microneedles can actually be used to inject growth factor or PRP under the skin itself. These factors further help the production of collagen, giving a boost to the micro-needle procedure.What should I expect during a micro-needle procedure?
After cleaning and preparing the treatment area, a topical numbing is given about 10-15 minutes before the procedure. The procedure will take about 25-30 minutes and involves rolling the needle device over your skin. When the device is placed on your skin multiple very small needles will poke into the skin. Most people report a tingling sensation with the needles.
What should I expect after the procedure?
The day of the procedure you will be very red. However, that will subside significantly within 24 hours. Areas which need longer treatment may remain red for a longer time. Creams and makeup can be applied 24 hours after the procedure.