3 Ways Lip Fillers Can Enhance the Cupid’s Bow
Can you change the shape of your Cupid’s bow? Our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas commonly meets with patients who want to give their lips a more defined appearance by enhancing this specific area.
The Cupid's bow is the prominent V-shaped dip that sits above the center of the upper lip that comes to two distinct points, giving the lip a heart-like shape. The double curve is said to look similar to the bow of Cupid, the Roman god of love. This feature is considered to be one of the defining characteristics of a youthful and aesthetically pleasing lip shape.
The Cupid’s bow is a significant feature that has a subtle but important impact on the overall shape of the lips. However, as we age, the skin and underlying tissues of the lips can start to lose volume, causing the Cupid's bow to become less defined and prominent. In other cases, patients may naturally have less defined lips.
In either case, lip fillers can be used to enhance the upper area of the lips, helping to create a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Want perkier lips? If you want subtly fuller lips, you should consider focusing on one area to define the lip shape without enlarging the entire area.
Here's a closer look at how lip fillers can be used to enhance the Cupid's bow:
Adding Volume
By adding volume to the upper lip, lip fillers can help to create a more pronounced and defined Cupid's bow. This can be especially useful for individuals with thin or aging lips, since the added volume can help to restore a more youthful and revitalized appearance.
Contouring
Lip fillers can also be used to contour the Cupid's bow, helping to create a more defined and pronounced shape. This can include adding volume to specific areas of the Cupid's bow, such as the peaks or dips, to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Improving Symmetry
In some cases, the Cupid's bow may not be symmetrical, with the lack of symmetry causing an uneven appearance. Lip fillers can help to improve the symmetry of the upper lip, creating a more even and proportionate appearance.
Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team can tell you more about the Cupid’s bow, lip aesthetics, fillers, and other treatments. Call us at 501-227-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation.
When Can You First Expect to See the Effects of a BOTOX® Treatment?
How long does it take BOTOX® to work? Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team knows that questions like this—“Why are my BOTOX® results taking so long?” and “Why doesn’t BOTOX® work right away?”—are familiar to many people who are considering wrinkle injections.
The primary ingredient in BOTOX is a neurotoxin derived from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. Used in very small, purified doses, it relaxes facial muscles as a way of making moderate to severe facial wrinkles less noticeable. The injections are very shallow, made just beneath the surface of the skin in the target muscle. One of the main advantages of this procedure is getting fast results. However, the results for this treatment won’t show instantly. The effects will begin after a couple of days, and then the maximum effects are typically seen 10 to 14 days later. Most patients will notice some improvements within around three to four days after their injections, but the timeline for results will vary depending on several factors.
The results for botulinum toxin treatments will show up faster when they are used for finer lines, such as crow’s feet at the corners of the eyes and small forehead lines. The medication may work more slowly on deeper or more etched-in lines, like wrinkles on the forehead or between the eyebrows. The concentration of the product and the way it is injected into the muscle will influence the final results.
The reason for the “wait” is because it takes time for the muscle to absorb the neurotoxin, after which the chemical will stop or weaken the muscle contractions causing the wrinkles. It takes a short while before the protein tells muscles to “shut off” and the chemical acetylcholine is silenced. The area that was treated will soon appear to be smoother and more refreshed.
If at first you don’t think the treatment gave you the results you want, wait for the full 10 to 14 days for it to settle in.
Our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas will explain more about how injectable treatments can soften wrinkles—and what to expect in terms of timelines. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation.
What are Symptoms of Melanoma Other Than Moles?
“How does melanoma make you feel?” Our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas fields all kinds of questions from patients seeking our help, but this may be one of the most important.
Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. When it comes to this form of the disease, patients can benefit from knowing what to look out for so that they can treat it early and have a higher chance of a successful cure.
Of course, everyone should always be on the lookout for moles and spots—especially those that appear unusual. The ABCDE rule is a great thing to remember when examining your skin for signs of cancer. This refers to A for Asymmetry, B for Border, C for Color, D for Diameter, and E for evolving. Any mole that is asymmetrical, has a blurred or scalloped border that isn’t well defined, has an unusual colour, is larger than the size of a pencil eraser, or is constantly changing and showing new symptoms (such as bleeding and itching) may be a cause for concern.
The Ugly Duckling rule, which refers to examining the skin for any mole that looks especially different from the others, is another helpful tool.
All of this is important to remember because the first sign of melanoma is often the presence of a new mole or changes to an existing mole. However, moles aren’t the only symptoms associated with this cancer. It’s important to know about other, less common signs as well:
Other Changes to the Skin
More symptoms associated with melanoma include scaly, discolored patches that look like warts or scabs, irritation, open sores, skin craters, discoloration, and redness.
Non-Skin-Related Symptoms
If you have advanced melanoma, the cancerous cells may spread to other areas of the body and cause non-skin-related symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, and fatigue.
The types of symptoms you may experience can vary depending on the location of the melanoma. For example, if the cancer is close to the lungs, you may experience shortness of breath.
If you have any of these warning signs and want professional guidance, contact the Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you would like to discuss diagnosis and treatments for skin cancer.
Does Sunscreen Completely Protect You from Harm?
Chances are good that you already know how too much sun exposure can be highly damaging to your skin. This is because it accelerates premature aging while increasing the risk of skin cancer. But is sunscreen the best form of protection? Our Little Rock-based team recommends that patients wear sunscreen during all times of the year—even when it’s cloudy or they’re spending most of their time indoors. However, sunscreen does have its limits.
Sunscreens are ideal for preventing painful sunburns, spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and the breakdown of the skin’s collagen. Just like cleansers and moisturizers, sunscreen is an essential part of a good skin care routine. Sunscreens should be broad-spectrum, meaning that they provide protection against the most dangerous types of ultraviolet radiation, and have an SPF of at least 30.
With this in mind, you should also remember that there’s no type of sunscreen that blocks UV radiation 100 percent. In fact, studies show that sunscreens only block about 55 percent of the free radicals produced by UV rays. Furthermore, your sunscreen won’t provide enough protection if it’s expired, you don’t use enough of it, you miss certain areas on your body, or you don’t apply it frequently enough. Sunscreen also won’t provide unlimited protection against sun exposure.
Instead of solely relying on sunscreen, it should be part of a multifaceted plan to protect your skin against sun exposure. To get the best protection for your skin, you should combine sunscreen with these other measures:
One way of enhancing the effects of your sunscreen is by pairing it with an antioxidant. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that’s excellent for your skin. Sunscreen and vitamin C work in tandem to boost each other’s effectiveness. Vitamin C also helps to counteract the damage caused by ultraviolet light and unstable molecules called antioxidants. It brightens the skin while reducing fine lines and brown spots. Combining this ingredient with sunscreen will be more effective for sun protection than just using sunscreen on its own.
Furthermore, stay in the shade or under an umbrella if you can, and use physical barriers like hats, sun-protective clothing, and sunglasses.
Get more advice on sun protection from the team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you would like to discuss cosmetic treatments.
What Is Collagen and Why Does Our Skin Need It?
Chances are good that you may have seen the buzzword “collagen” mentioned frequently in the beauty and wellness circles, especially in relation to anti-aging products and treatments. The question that’s probably on your mind is: What does collagen do to your face? Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team sees many patients who want to give their skin a plumper, more youthful and radiant appearance. To put it simply, having plenty of collagen is good for your skin, but being deficient in collagen isn’t. Collagen plays an important role in the health and appearance of our skin.
Our body naturally creates its own collagen. The protein keeps your skin full, supported, and sculpted—and is one of the main building blocks of our bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
When we’re younger, our skin has an abundance of collagen, which is what gives it that plump, lifted appearance. This prevents the skin from sagging. Unfortunately, our natural supplies of collagen start to dwindle early in life. Luckily, however, all hope isn’t lost, since there are techniques we can use to slow down the loss of collagen and help to build more collagen in the skin.
Sciton’s SkinTyte™ is an infrared light-based device that’s highly effective for improving skin firmness. It improves mild to moderate sagging skin, loss of elasticity, and wrinkles with minimal downtime and without the need for surgery. The energy that’s delivered by this device promotes contraction of the skin while also triggering its natural healing processes. The gentle heat given off promotes collagen production in the targeted areas, and the collagen layer in the skin gradually becomes stronger.
Additionally, there are also topical skin products that are scientifically proven to boost collagen production, such as retinoids that encourage the growth of this protein. Laser skin resurfacing and microneedling are two other cosmetic procedures that help to add volume to the skin by supporting collagen development.
If you want more answers to questions about skin care, our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas team can provide answers and explain about how to enhance your skin’s appearance. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422, or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you would like to discuss cosmetic treatments.
Can Laser Resurfacing Treatments Help with Rosacea?
The intense summer months can often be particularly stressful for people who have rosacea, a common skin disease that primarily affects the face and is associated with flushed skin and visible blood vessels. Hot weather, sun exposure, and humidity are known to trigger flare-ups of this condition. Do laser treatments work for rosacea? Our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas often gets this question from people who are searching for ways to manage the chronic skin problem.
Laser and light-based therapies may often be part of the treatment plan for many individuals who have rosacea, especially for those who have visible blood vessels and thickened skin as a result of the disease. Lasers are effective for reducing lasting redness on the surface of the facial skin (along with other acne-like blemishes), can reduce or get rid of visible blood vessels, and can also address thickened skin.
Moxi™ laser treatments can often be ideal for improving skin problems such as acne and rosacea. This gentle laser treatment reduces pigmentation and boosts new cell growth. It’s an ideal choice for improving cosmetic concerns such as textural issues, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone.
Moxi™ is a fractionated, non-ablative laser that’s safe for all skin tones and can be used in any season of the year. Its fractionated approach creates thousands of microscopic columns in the skin without breaking the surface. These tiny injuries encourage the skin to create new collagen that makes the skin plumper and smoother. The light energy also damages red-pigmented cells, causing them to break down and lead to a more even appearance.
This skin revitalization treatment has less downtime compared to many other skin resurfacing treatments. In addition to treating rosacea, Moxi™ is ideal for those who want a light touch up or younger patients who hope to reduce the earliest signs of aging skin or skin damage.
Contact Dermatology Group of Arkansas for answers to questions about rosacea and any other questions you may have relating to laser skin resurfacing. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit out a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you want to learn more about cosmetic procedures to enhance the skin.
How Can You Make Your BOTOX® Results Look Natural?
Do you look normal after BOTOX®? That’s what Little Rock-area patients who are having the injectable treatments for the first time to reduce dynamic wrinkles often ask us. While there are many topical skincare options and minimally invasive treatments for addressing wrinkles, botulinum toxin injections are still considered to be the most effective method for reducing moderate to severe expression lines on certain areas on the face.
In addition to wanting to reduce pesky wrinkles around the eyes and forehead, patients also hope that the results will look as natural as possible on their face. Basically, they want to enhance their natural beauty rather than looking like someone else—or worse, a robot. Due to some common misconceptions about BOTOX®, patients are sometimes worried that the results from wrinkle injections will cause them to look “expressionless” or “frozen.”
The truth is that this is far from the case. Experienced injectors are trained to administer BOTOX® in a way that relaxes key muscles, but preserves the patient’s ability to continue making the wide range of facial expressions.
In other words, the answer is yes: Your results will look normal. BOTOX® only affects specific muscles in the face and won’t prevent you from showing emotion. However, it can sometimes seem as if some people’s results look more subtle than others. If your goal is to make your results look as natural and attractive as possible, here’s what you should know about getting wrinkle-relaxing injections.
The key to a natural-looking result is choosing an injector who uses the correct techniques and has a deep knowledge of facial anatomy. Be sure to start slow and ask us for subtle results that won’t look obvious. Tell us what your ultimate goal will be from the treatment. Our injectors have the experience to create customized results that suit your face, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Still wondering about how you can look “normal” after BOTOX®? Our Little Rock-based team at Dermatology Group of Arkansas can provide a detailed answer to this question and explain everything involved in the treatment process in detail. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit out a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you’re interested in finding out more.
Can Mohs Surgery Treat Skin Cancer on the Lips?
The lips are often a neglected area when it comes to sun safety, which is dangerous, because they tend to take as much of a beating from sun exposure as the rest of the face—but have thinner and more sensitive skin. Overexposure to natural or artificial sunlight, heavy alcohol use, and smoking are the three main risk factors for skin cancer in this area. So how is skin cancer removed from the lips? Our Little Rock-area patients are often curious about this, as well as treatments for skin cancers that develop on other sensitive areas such as the eyelids, nose, cheeks, ears, neck, and fingers, where the patient may wish to preserve as much normal, healthy tissue as possible.
Most skin cancers that form on the lips occur on the lower lip. Mohs surgery may be the best way of treating this form of cancer so that as much of the function, sensation, and healthy tissue of the lips as possible is kept intact, without changing the appearance of the face too drastically.
The best treatment method for you depends on the extent and depth of the cancer. During Mohs surgery, all the cancerous cells will be removed, layer by layer, from the treatment area. The process is very methodical and precise.
Detecting skin cancer on the lips early increases the chances of it being successfully cured. Some of the most common symptoms to look out for include a sore on the lips or inside of the mouth that doesn’t heal, a lump on the lips, noticeable thickening, pain, numbness, bleeding, or a red or white patch on the lips.
To minimize the risk of skin cancer, you should always protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat and broad-spectrum sunscreen, wear lip balms that contain SPF, minimize exposure to sun during peak UV hours, reduce alcohol intake, avoid tanning beds, get regular dental check-ups, and quit using tobacco—or don’t start in the first place.
The team at the Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas can guide you on Mohs surgery for lip cancer or for treating skin cancer on other areas. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit out a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you’re interested in finding out more about this surgery.
Who is a Candidate for Chemical Peels?
Does a chemical peel make you look younger? Our Little Rock-area patients ask us this question all the time when they’re seeking cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate their skin.
Acne, scars, an uneven complexion, wrinkles, visible blood vessels and other skin imperfections may develop on your skin or elsewhere on the body as you go through life because of genetics and environmental conditions. Each patient’s situation is unique, and everyone will have different types of stressors that affect the appearance of their skin.
Sometimes you will lose that healthy glow that can be seen on younger skin. Skin rejuvenation strategies like chemical peels can restore that glow and treat various aspects of skin damage. Peels enhance the look of wrinkled skin and blemishes through the application of various types of chemical solutions to shed the damaged outer layers of the skin. By diminishing signs of aging and making your skin smoother and brighter, they can make your complexion look more youthful.
During your consultation, we may carry out a physical examination to assess the skin that will be treated. We will ask about your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. Our team will also evaluate the tone and thickness of the skin. Chemical peels are effective for a wide range of skin types and tones, but they usually work best on people who have fairer skin tones and lighter hair. If you have a darker complexion, there is a higher risk of having an uneven skin tone due to hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation after having a chemical peel.
Those who have a history of abnormal scarring, naturally have a dark skin tone, are likely to have extra pigmentation on their scars, have used certain types of acne medications within the last year, or have extremely sensitive skin because of skin conditions and medications may not necessarily be good candidates for chemical peels. Note that peels may not be effective for skin sagging and more severe wrinkles.
The best way to determine if a peel is right for you is to schedule a consultation. Contact our Little Rock-based Dermatology Group of Arkansas for answers to this and other questions about chemical exfoliation treatments. Call us at 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422 or submit a contact form online and schedule a consultation if you’re interested in learning more about this procedure.
What Can You Do to Improve Skin Elasticity?
When we think of skin aging, one of the first things that often comes to mind—in addition to lines and wrinkles—is skin sagging. It’s common for loose skin to develop around the eyes and on other areas such as the cheeks and around the jawline. The main cause of this reduced elasticity is a loss of collagen that occurs as we age. Weight loss fluctuations or pregnancy may also cause stretched skin because of damage to collagen and elastin fibers. Sun damage can also break down fibers that are important for providing structure and strength. The resulting loose skin can be frustrating and have a negative impact on self-esteem. Want to counteract sagging and obtain firmer, tighter-looking skin? Patients often come to our practice searching for options for skin tightening. Here’s what our Little Rock-based team recommends for enhancing skin quality without the need for invasive cosmetic surgery.
Use Retinols and Retinoids
Retinoids represent one of the most potent anti-aging ingredients available. Many over-the-counter products such as facial serums and creams contain these derivatives of vitamin A. These products encourage your skin to produce increased amounts of collagen, which can have a tightening effect.
Exercise
For certain areas of the body, such as the arms and legs, building muscle mass through regular exercise may be one of the best ways of making the skin look firmer. Even though exercise on its own won’t tighten skin, increased muscle can “fill in” the space below the skin. Exercise may be particularly effective if your loose skin occurred due to weight loss. Sometimes resistant fat below the skin may make it appear loose, so exercise can help you to shed this weight and make the skin appear tighter.
Skin-Tightening Procedures
Non-invasive skin tightening treatments may produce modest improvements for skin laxity. SkinTyte™ is an infrared-based procedure that delivers heat to provoke a healing response from the body and generate increased levels of collagen and elastin in targeted areas.
Skin Rejuvenation Treatments
Treatments such as chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, and microneedling encourage collagen production to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. As collagen levels rise, skin can appear firmer, tighter, and smoother.
For more advice about treatments for skin tightening at Dermatology Group of Arkansas, contact us by calling 501-227-8422 or 1-800-225-8422, or fill out a contact form online to arrange a consultation.