How is it that some women look as radiant and young today as they did 10 or 15 years ago? It could be natural beauty. It could be exercise, eating right and living a healthy lifestyle. It could be all of the above combined with the latest skincare technology and treatments. I asked two women from two of the Bay Area’s top medical spas. Which are the most effective and popular cosmetic procedures now?
Plastic surgeon and founder of Serenity MedSpa, Dr. Lisa Kang and co-founder of Epi Center MedSpa Margaret Mitchell both suggested three things for fast and great results: Microneedling, Threadlift and a bit of Botox.
Microneedling
What does it do? Microneedling improves fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth, and cheeks, reduces pore size, acne scars, and stretch marks. It can offer similar results to aggressive resurfacing laser procedures, but with significantly less discomfort, downtime and risk for hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin types.
Dr. Lisa Kang is one of just a few local doctors that offers Secret RF microneedling. RF microneedling stimulates new collagen and elastin in the deep layers of the skin. The procedure bypasses the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin, which is also the most prone to side effects and prolonged downtime.
Margaret Mitchell recommends combining microneedling with Epi Center’s signature PhotoFacial for optimal results. Epi Center MedSpa co-founder and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Patrick Bitter introduced the lasers for the PhotoFacial to the world in 1998 and he continues to improve upon and update the treatment today.
Thread Lift
A PDO Thread Lift is one the most effective ways to lift loose skin around the eyes, face, and neck without surgery and with minimal downtime. You can get literally a facelift and neck lift and recover over a quiet weekend.
PDO threads leave no scars or cuts at all. The threads act more like a dermal filler but leave an invisible thread in the skin rather than an injectable solution.
Dr. Lisa Kang recently started using the new Korean MINT PDO threads with great results. “I attended a special training with a doctor from Korea who taught advanced Korean Threadlifting techniques that achieve better results than I have seen with US techniques.”
Botox
Botox can diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, neck and around the mouth. The treatments can lift the brow which makes the face look less tired, and gives a more youthful appearance. Botox combined with an under eye filler and lip line filler can take 10 to 15 years off the way a person looks.
Author Marybeth La Motte is the founder of Red Carpet Bay Area
