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Common Myths About Lip Fillers Debunked

Lip fillers are a cosmetic treatment to give you a youthful, fuller pout. However, despite their widespread use, myths and misconceptions abound. Learn the truth about lip fillers and set the record straight by debunking common myths.

The Laser and Skin Surgery Center, led by board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Renuka Diwan, offers expert lip filler treatments almost daily, ensuring natural and personalized results for each patient. With over 35 years of experience, Dr. Diwan combines her artistry and advanced techniques to enhance her patients’ natural beauty safely and effectively.

Myth 1: Lip Fillers Always Look Fake

One of the biggest fears is that lip fillers will make the lips look unnatural or “duck-like.” The truth? When performed by a highly trained professional, such as a board certified cosmetic dematologist, with a trained eye and extensive experience, lip fillers enhance but do not distract. The results are subtle and natural-looking and are in balance with the rest of your face. Dr Diwan’s filler techniques prioritize enhancing not only your lips’ natural shape and symmetry, but rejuvenating your whole look, leaving you with a refined and balanced appearance.

Myth 2: Lip Fillers Are Permanent

Lip fillers are not permanent, which is why they are so popular. Most fillers are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance your body naturally metabolizes over time. Depending on the product and individual factors, fillers typically last between 6-12 months, allowing you to adjust your look if you wish. The filler can also be adjusted with hyaluronidase enzyme, if desired.

Myth 3: Getting Lip Fillers Is Painful

While some people worry about the pain associated with injections, we instuct patients on using numbing creams, and offer other techniques in our office to minimize discomfort. Patients often describe it as tolerable. The procedure is quick, and any tenderness afterward is mild and temporary.

Myth 4: Fillers Are Only for Younger People

Lip fillers aren’t just for people in their 20s or 30s. Many older individuals choose fillers to restore volume lost due to aging or to smooth lines on and around the lips. Lip fillers are a versatile treatment tailored to various cosmetic goals.

Myth 5: Once You Start, You Can’t Stop

Contrary to popular belief, your lips won’t look worse if you stop getting fillers. Once the product dissolves, your lips return to their natural state, with no long-term negative effects.

Get Your Perfectly Plump Pout in Westlake, OH

Don’t let social media falsehoods keep you from achieving the look you desire. Call us today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan. She will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for a lip filler injection. In her hands, lip fillers can be a safe, effective way to enhance your confidence and overall appearance, and ensure you have the enhancement you desire.

Mini Facelift: Recovery Tips for a Youthful Holiday Look

With the holiday season coming soon, now is a perfect time to consider a mini facelift for a youthful look. Mini facelifts are less invasive than full facelifts, offering natural-looking results with shorter recovery times, making them ideal for those with a modest degree of sagging seeking a holiday-ready refresh.

The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, led by Dr. Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, offers advanced cosmetic dermatology services emphasizing natural-looking results and patient safety. Dr. Diwan, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon with over three decades of experience, specializes in less invasive techniques for a refined and youthful appearance.

Here’s how to ensure a smooth recovery and maximize your results just in time for the festivities!

Plan for Optimal Recovery Time

A mini facelift generally requires a couple of weeks for initial healing, so plan your procedure at least a month before major holiday events. This allows time for swelling and bruising to subside, giving your skin the chance to settle into its new, youthful appearance.

Elevate Your Head for Faster Healing

To reduce swelling, keep your head elevated as much as possible during the first few days post-surgery. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated on extra pillows or a wedge pillow can help reduce swelling, reduce any puffiness around the surgical area, and speed up healing.

Stay Hydrated for Glowing Skin

Drinking plenty of water supports your body’s natural healing process, helps you feel better and recover fasrer. Aim for at least eight glasses a day, and consider herbal teas or electrolyte-infused water to help you hydrate.

Use Cold Compresses Sparingly

Cold compresses can reduce swelling and discomfort. Lightly apply a cold pack wrapped in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with your skin, and limit sessions to 10-15 minutes at a time.

Follow a Gentle Skincare Routine

Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and moisturizers post-procedure. Avoid harsh scrubs or retinoids until you have the go-ahead from your doctor. Applying a recommended post-care cream can also soothe the skin and accelerate healing, keeping your complexion smooth and radiant.

Avoid Strenuous Activities

While light walking promotes circulation, refrain from more strenuous exercising or lifting for at least two weeks. Overexertion may increase blood flow to the face, prolonging swelling and bruising.

Look Radiant with a Mini Facelift in Westlake, OH

Following these recovery tips will allow you to celebrate the season with renewed confidence and a youthful look. Consider a mini facelift as a gift to yourself, allowing you to greet the holidays looking and feeling your best. Call us today at 440-871-9832 to schedule your consultation.

How to Choose the Right Laser Treatment for Your Skin Tone

Laser treatments are popular for skin rejuvenation, treatment of blood vessels in the skin, hair removal, and pigmentation correction. However, choosing the right laser treatment for your skin tone is essential to achieve safe and effective results. Darker skin types (like FItzpatrick skin types 4, 5, and 6) which include darker Asian and African American complexions require specialized approaches to avoid complications.

Understanding Skin Types 4, 5, and 6

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin tones from type 1 (very fair) to type 6 (highly pigmented). Skin types 4, 5, and 6 are characterized by medium to deep tones, often found in individuals of Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African, and South Asian descent.

These skin types have more pigment (melanin) which protects against UV rays. However, it can also make them more sensitive to laser treatments that are not specifically designed for darker skin. This is why choosing the right option among different laser types is important.

The Nd YAG Laser

The Nd YAG laser is often the safest choice for darker skin tones because it has a wavelength that has very little absorption by the melanin in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). By bypassing the melanin in the epidermis, it reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation, making it an ideal option for darker skin types 4, 5, and 6. An Nd YAG laser can be used to treat discoloration, tattoos as well as blood vessels in darker skin types.

Diode Laser

The Diode laser is another laser which is an excellent option for hair removal in medium to dark skin tones. It offers a good balance between safety and effectiveness. It can target the hair follicles without excessively heating the surrounding skin and causing discoloration.

Picosecond Laser

A picosecond laser is a non-ablative laser that uses extremely short pulses that are a trillionth of a second long. A longer wavelngth picosecond laser can be effective for pigment issues, acne scars, and overall skin rejuvenation in Asian skin and other darker skin types. Its super short pulses minimize heat damage, reducing the risk of pigmentation changes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Laser Treatment

Always consult a board certified dermatologist experienced in treating darker skin tones, for a recommendation of the most suitable laser treatment for your skin type and specific concerns, to achieve the best outcome with the least risk.

Request treatment of a test area before undergoing full treatment to see how your skin reacts. This helps identify potential risks and ensures the laser is safe for your skin.

Book Your Laser Treatment in Westlake, OH

Choosing the right laser treatment for your skin tone will help you see the best results in the safest way. If you want to enjoy the benefits of laser treatments, call us at (440) 871-9832 and book an appointment with Dr Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a straight forward, simple surgical procedure for improving the appearance of the eyes by removing excess skin, and fat if needed, from the upper eyelids. This office surgery treats both cosmetic and functional concerns associated with drooping eyelids.

Before the Procedure

The preparation phase for upper eyelid blepharoplasty begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Diwan. Dr Diwan is a fellowship trained board-certified dematologic surgeon experienced in upper eyelid blepharoplasty. During this meeting, she will evaluate your medical history, examine your eyes, and discuss your goals and expectations.

In the weeks leading up to surgery, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow the pre-surgical instructions to get the best results. It’s also a good time to plan and prepare for some downtime for your recovery, as you’ll need to limit your physical activities for several days after surgery. One week before surgery, you will need to have blood tests to screen for blood clotthing disorders. You will be given prescriptions for any medications needed.

During the Procedure

On the day of surgery you’ll arrive at our office, where the staff will prepare you for the operation. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is normally performed comfortably with local anesthetic. A medication to help you relax can be provided, if preferred. The operation normally takes about one to one and a half hours.

The incisions lines and the excess skin to be removed are marked and mesaured precisely to achieve symmetry. The tissues are gently numbed with local anesthetic injection. The incisions are made along the pre-marked incision lines so that the final scar is hidden in the natural creases of your upper eyelid. The excess skin on the upper eyelid is removed. Any underlying protruding fat is carefully reduced. The incisions are then closed with fine sutures. The same procedure is performed on the opposite side.

After the Procedure

Immediately following surgery, icepacks are placed on the eyes and you’ll be monitored until you are ready to go home. Your eyes may feel tight, and you can expect ro have some swelling and bruising.

You’ll be given specific post-surgical care instructions before being discharged to your ride.

The initial recovery period typically lasts about a week to ten days. During this time, you must apply cold compresses for three days, keep your head elevated and rest.

Perfecting Your Look in Westlake, OH

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty not only revives the appearance of your eyes it rejuvenates your overall facial appearance, opens up your eyes creating more room for eye make up and takes the weight off your eyes. Refresh your appearance with the trusted expertise of Dr Diwan. Call us today at 440-871-9832 to schedule your consultation and start your journey to rejuvenation. You can look your best for the holidays, and enjoy your refreshed look everyday. Dr. Renuka Diwan is here to provide personalized care and expert guidance every step of the way.

Top Reasons to Consider Mole Removal

Common skin growths that can form anywhere include moles or nevi. While the majority of moles are benign, some could raise questions because of their location, look, or chance of turning into skin cancer.

Mole removal is a relatively simple procedure that addresses these concerns and offers several benefits. Here are the top reasons to consider mole removal:

Cosmetic Concerns

For many individuals, the primary reason for mole removal is cosmetic. Moles can be unsightly, especially when large, raised, or located in visible areas such as the face, neck, or arms. Removal can improve appearance and boost self-confidence.

Potential for Malignancy

While most moles are benign, some can develop into melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. Moles with irregular borders, varying colors, or changes in size, shape, or texture may be indicators of malignancy. Removing suspicious moles can help prevent the potential spread of cancerous cells and aid in early detection, which is crucial for successful treatment.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Certain risk factors, such as a family history of melanoma, multiple atypical moles, or excessive sun exposure, can increase the likelihood of moles becoming cancerous. Mole removal can be a proactive measure for individuals with these risk factors, reducing the chance of future complications and providing peace of mind.

Discomfort or Interference

Moles can sometimes cause discomfort or interfere with daily activities, mainly if they are located in areas that experience frequent friction or pressure. For example, moles on the soles of the feet or in areas prone to chafing from clothing may become irritated or bleed. Removing these troublesome moles can alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.

Enhance Your Skin’s Health and Beauty in Westlake, OH

At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, specializes in addressing your skin concerns, including mole removal. Whether you’re looking to improve your appearance or take preventative measures against skin cancer, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at 440-871-9832 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve healthier, more beautiful skin.

Mini Facelifts Provide an Alternative to Significant Plastic Surgery

A mini facelift is similar to a traditional facelift in that it addresses sagging skin on the lower face and upper neck. However, unlike a full facelift procedure, the mini facelift is a more limited surgical procedure that is best suited for those with less advanced sagging of the lower third of the face, to tighten and remove sagging skin (jowls). It’s a corrective procedure with smaller adjustments at the hairline to restore a youthful and natural appearance to the face.

If you’re interested in less aggressive cosmetic surgery to enhance your jawline, keep reading to learn more about mini facelifts.

Targeting Concerns on the Lower Face

The results of a mini facelift are noticed mostly at the jaw and upper neck. Ideal patients for this procedure are those looking to correct early to moderate skin sagging at the jawline and upper neck.

The procedure utilizes a shorter incision and far less surgery. However, it is still a surgical procedure with the related post-surgical recovery and follow-up to ensure everything heals properly.

As with other types of surgery, there can be side effects. Dr Diwan and her skilled team at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center are aware of the risks associated with this procedure and take the proper precautions for the safety of our patients.

Credentials Matter and Influence Results

The expertise of the surgeon makes a big difference in the results. Generally, mini facelifts are performed by a dermatological surgeon. Dr Diwan is board certified and she is a fellowship trained dermatolgic surgeon. She has the requisite training and years of experience to perform the procedure skillfully and deliver great results. The procedure is performed in the office with local anesthesia. Patients typically need a week of downtime away from work and daily routines but improvement continues, usually, for a few weeks.

Schedule a Mini Facelift Consultation in Westlake, OH

If you’re considering a mini facelift, our Laser and Skin Surgery Center team can help. We can answer all your questions and explain the full process of a mini facelift – what’s involved for a patient, and what to expect. Call us today at 440-871-9832 or connect with our office online at our website.

Explore the Benefits of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Due to the skin around the eyes being thinner than other areas of the face, it can display signs of aging sooner than other regions. Some concerns may include sagging, crow’s feet, and “bags” forming around the eyes. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can lift the skin above the eye and minimize sagging and signs of aging. This procedure can also help improve vision by addressing skin descending down over the eyes and obstructing your eyesight. If you’re interested in an upper eyelid blepharoplasty, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of the procedure.

Benefits of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty

Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a simple and effective procedure that can be beneficial for various goals. Consider the following:

It Provides Long-Lasting Results

If you’re interested in a long-term solution, upper eyelid blepharoplasty provides long-lasting results. This means there is no need to return for future procedures or follow-up treatments. Many patients may prefer this over other treatments, which may require repeated appointments to maintain results.

It Can Improve Eyesight

With age, the forehead and upper eyelids can begin to sag and droop down over the eye, obstructing the vision. Not only is this frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can remove this excess skin and open the eye area up. This improves eyesight and is also much more comfortable for the patient.

It Can Help the Eyes Appear More Youthful

An upper eyelid blepharoplasty can also tighten the skin around the upper eyelid, effectively lifting the eyelid and opening the area around the eye. When the eyes are open and “awake,” it gives the person a refreshed, rejuvenated look. This can make the eyes appear brighter and more youthful. It can also minimize any lines and sagging skin that may have been contributing to signs of aging.

It Improves Confidence

One of the biggest benefits of this procedure is that it can improve confidence. Many of the major concerns an upper eyelid blepharoplasty addresses, such as drooping eyelids and signs of aging, can lead to feelings of insecurity. By providing a long-term solution, patients can receive a long-lasting solution and a boost of confidence in their appearance moving forward.

Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation

If you’re interested in an upper eyelid blepharoplasty in Westlake, OH, schedule a consultation with Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center. Dr. Diwan can discuss your concerns and help you decide if you are a candidate for the procedure. Contact the office today at 440-871-9832 or request an appointment online.

Mole Removal: What You Need to Know

Moles are common, usually benign growths on the skin that develop throughout a person’s childhood and teen years. In fact, many people develop between 10 and 45 moles throughout their childhood. They’re often pink, tan, or brown in color and may be flat or raised on the skin. Most moles are harmless; however, you may want to have a mole looked at by a doctor if its appearance changes or it begins to itch or bleed. Despite being relatively harmless, some patients may be interested in mole removal for cosmetic purposes.

Why Do Patients Opt for Mole Removal?

Most patients are likely familiar with mole removal in the form of a biopsy, which is when a mole is removed to test for cancerous or precancerous cells. If it is found to be cancerous, the mole will likely be removed to prevent it from spreading.

However, you can also have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, a person may be unhappy with the location or appearance of the mole. This may cause them to feel concerned about the attention that may be given to the mole. Removing the mole can help patients receive a boost of confidence. Furthermore, in some cases, the mole may be located in a region where it is easily irritated, causing discomfort. For example, if a mole is located on the shoulder, bra straps, tank top straps, and purse straps can rub against it.

No matter the reason, if you’re unhappy with a mole, then mole removal may be the solution for you.

How Is a Mole Removed?

At the Laser Skin and Surgery Center, we remove moles through a quick, simple procedure. We can apply a local anesthetic and carefully remove the mole while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. We can also use a laser to remove the mole. The procedure used depends on the location and size of the mole.

Does Mole Removal Leave a Scar?

Mole removal may leave a scar depending on the mole’s size. However, our team will do their best to remove the mole without harming surrounding tissues. This means it’s affecting as small of an area as possible. With the proper care, any scarring should fade and become minimally visible.

Schedule a Consultation

For patients interested in mole removal or the treatment of other skin growths, schedule a consultation with Renuka Diwan, MD, FAAD, today. You can contact our Westlake, OH, office at 440-871-9832 or request an appointment online.

Who Can Benefit From Earlobe Repair?

Earrings can provide beautiful decoration to the ears. However, in some cases, the earlobes can become damaged and elongated due to injury or years of wearing heavy earrings. Sometimes, the ears can even become split if an earring is tugged out of the ear. With earlobe repair, Dr. Renuka Diwan can correct split or elongated ears, restoring confidence and the ear’s natural shape. Keep reading to learn more about who can benefit from this procedure.

How Is the Earlobe Repaired?

Dr. Diwan approaches each earlobe repair based on the trauma it has experienced. During your initial consultation, she can examine your ears to evaluate the damage and determine how to repair it.

If the earlobe has split, we can apply a local anesthetic, ensuring you’re comfortable during the procedure. Then, both sides of the split are reopened and sewn together to help them heal as one again.

We take a different approach if the earlobe has stretched and become elongated. A local anesthetic will be used to improve comfort, and then Dr. Diwan will remove any excess skin and tissue to shorten the earlobe to fit the natural shape of the ear. The area is then sutured closed to heal.

Who Can Benefit From Earlobe Repair?

Earlobe repair can be beneficial for patients who have experienced many different types of ear trauma, including:

Earring holes that have stretched too much for earring studs
Earlobes that have become stretched due to gauges and other large jewelry
Earlobes that have become elongated or split due to an ear injury, such as ripped-out earrings.

Some patients may also experience earlobe elongation due to age, in which case earlobe repair can help the ears appear more youthful.

Can I Pierce My Ears After Earlobe Repair?

After the ears have fully healed, around six to eight weeks following your procedure, you can have your ears pierced again. However, you should speak with your doctor beforehand to ensure it is okay to proceed with piercings. If you opt to have your ears pierced, wear small earrings to prevent repeat damage and injury.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Earlobe repair is a simple, quick procedure to restore the natural shape of the ears and help patients increase confidence. To learn more about this procedure, schedule a consultation at the Laser Skin and Surgery Center in Westlake, OH, by calling 440-871-9832.

Types of Scars That Can Be Corrected by Scar Revision

Scar revision treatments offer many individuals a second chance at regaining the confidence they once had before acquiring their scars. Here are some of the most common types of scars that are treated at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, OH.

Common Types of Scars

Keloid Scars

A keloid scar is a thick, elevated scar that may be noticeably redder or darker than the normal skin around it and is larger than the injury that caused it. A keloid develops when cells and connective tissue in the skin are over-produced in response to an injury.

Injections of cortisone are the first line of treatment for keloid scars; however, keloids may also be surgically removed if injections don’t work.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars resemble keloid scars but develop only inside the established borders of the injury. Redness, thickness, and elevation are all characteristics of these scars.

Hypertrophic scar revision treatment includes laser surgery and corticosteroid injections. These injections are also often used in combination with surgery to permanently heal the scar.

Acne Scars

Scarring from acne can be challenging, and no single method works for everyone. Boxcar, ice pick, and rolling scars are just a few examples of acne scars. Depending on your acne scar type, skin type, and the degree of the scarring, one or a combination of different methods may help enhance the look of your skin. For the best results, many individuals usually opt for laser resurfacing with other treatments.

Surgical Scars

Surgical scars can be improved by starting early ( in a month after surgery) with a series of three laser treatments to remodel the scar collagen fibres before they are mature.

Accident scars

Scars left by accidents such as cuts or other injuries that lead to a cut in the skin can be revised surgically to change the direction of a scar or break it up to make it less noticeable than a straight line scar. These techniques are called Z-plasty or W-plasty and are performed in the office with local anesthesia.

Explore Scar Revision Treatments in Westlake, OH

Scar revision procedures may be customized to meet the needs of patients of any age. It’s best if you’re in excellent health overall and can put in the time and effort to follow post-treatment care guidelines.

If you have a scar that you would like to correct, find out if you’re a good candidate for scar revision by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan at The Laser & Skin Surgery Center. Contact (440) 871-9832 today.