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Cleveland's Laser and Skin Surgery Center
Westlake, Ohio 44145

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What Are Dermal Fillers and How Do They Work?

A glamorous young woman wearing a low-cut off-shoulder white top with styled long brunette hair poses with a serious facial expression and her hand to her chin Dermal fillers are injectable gels that smooth wrinkles, define facial contours, plump thin lips, and restore lost volume beneath the skin. They are some of the most popular cosmetic treatments today because they are convenient and involve little to no downtime. 

What Dermal Fillers Are Made Of

Dermal filling is most often the result of treatment from one of the following:

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular and commonly used injectables. Hyaluronic acid, or HA, is also found naturally in your body, in the joints, eyes, skin, and elsewhere. HA binds with water molecules and keeps tissues supple and lubricated. Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers.

Hyaluronic acid adds volume when it is administered into the skin as a dermal filler. This volume not only smooths creases and wrinkles, it can also improve depressed scars.  When injected under the skin, the appearance of various hollows and shadows caused by the natural age-related loss of tissue under the skin is improved. In this way, fillers restore a refreshed, more youthful appearance. 

Am I A Candidate?

You may be a great candidate for dermal fillers if you want to address any of the following:

  • Nasolabial crease (extending from the outer corners of the nose down to the corners of the mouth)
  • Marionette lines (creases reaching from the corners of your mouth down to your chin)
  • Vertical creases above and below the upper and lower lips
  • Thin lips
  • Hollows and shadows across the face, especially around the cheeks, temples and chin, and dark circles under the eyes.
  • A weak chin
  • Stronger jawline

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a good option if you are interested in immediate results without surgery or downtime. For most of these injections, you will be able to get right back to your day after the appointment is complete. Many people like the convenience and simplicity of injectable dermal fillers.

Even though fillers are non-surgical, it’s really important to choose an experienced, qualified provider to minimize injection risks. Dr. Renuka Diwan has an extensive understanding of facial esthetics, anatomy and aging, and how the loss of volume changes the overall appearance of your face. She tailors results to your face and your goals, and makes sure the final results look naturally beautiful, never artificial or overdone.

Schedule a Dermal Filler Appointment

If you are interested in dermal fillers and want to schedule an appointment in Westlake, please call Cleveland’s Laser and Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832. Dr. Renuka Diwan will listen to your goals, examine your face, and describe all of the treatment options available to you.

When Can I Work Out After BOTOX Injections?

Many of the guests of our practice lead active, healthy lifestyles. As such, they often wonder how cosmetic treatments will impact their exercise routines, and for how long. Although BOTOX® Cosmetic is known for its minimal downtime, it is advisable to postpone certain physical activities for a little while after the injections.

Exercise may involve pressure on Botox injection sites causing the effect of Botox to spread to other muscles in the region and unintended effects.  Dr Diwan recommends avoiding pressure on the eyebrows after Botox injection of muscles that create the vertical creases between the eyebrows (commonly known as “elevens”).  Pressure on these muscles can lead to Botox spreading to other nearby muscles that help to raise the upper eyelid or eyebrows and create unintended effects.  Such pressure can be the result of swim goggles or ski goggles that press on the eyebrows.  There is no clear evidence to recommend avoiding exercise after Botox. 

On the other hand, exercising the injected muscles for an hour can lead to quicker effects of Botox.  

Other  movements during exercise could also create unintentional stress on injection sites.  Your consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan will include a discussion of do’s and don’ts.  Once Dr. Diwan knows exactly what activities you like to do, she can provide customized precautions. 

Ready for Your BOTOX® Appointment?

To learn more about BOTOX® Cosmetic at our Westlake, OH, practice, please call the office of Dr. Renuka Diwan at 440-871-9832. Millions of people have used BOTOX® Cosmetic to soften the signs of aging and restore a refreshed look. The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to discuss your options with Dr. Diwan. The downtime is very minimal and you will be able to get back to your routine very quickly.

Does Scar Revision Really Work?

Rear view of attractive young woman trying on her sun hat and smiling while looking in the mirror at home
When it is wounded, the skin has an incredible ability to heal itself. The skin produces growth factors that influence skin cells to grow new collagen that mends and repairs the site of the injury. Unfortunately, depending on the depth and severity of injury, the result of this process can be an unsightly scar. Depending on its location, a scar can make a person feel really self-conscious. If you have a scar in an obvious place, you may spend time every day considering how you can conceal it with clothing or cosmetics. Not only can this affect your confidence, but thinking about your scar on a daily basis is frustrating and tiring. Fortunately, there are treatments to help reduce and revise scars.

How well scar treatments work depends on the proper assessment of the scar and selection of the best suited treatment for the particular scar, the severity of the scar, and your end goal and expectations. There are many different types of scars. Scars can be raised, flat or depressed, pink, skin-colored, lighter than your natural skin tone or darkened; large, small, etc. The treatment for each type is different. The first step is to consult Dr. Diwan, who can give you an idea of which treatments should be considered, the nature of the treatments, recovery and care, and what the scar(s) can be expected to look like after a given treatment. In general, scars improve significantly but may or may not completely disappear after treatment, and may require multiple treatments or a combination of treatments over time for best results. It really depends on the circumstances. Because individual results vary, it’s best not to speculate but to consult Dr. Diwan so she can examine the scar. She may recommend:

Dr. Diwan has extensive experience with scar treatment and will help you choose the right approach for the type of scar you have, taking your skin’s unique healing response into account, and prepare you for the treatment process.

Most people who are bothered by scarring report high rates of satisfaction with scar revision. Whether the scar is eliminated or dramatically reduced in appearance, scar treatments are often the key to reducing the effort and time needed to cover a scar, changing how you feel about yourself and improving your quality of life.

If you are interested in learning about scar revision in Westlake, Ohio, please call Dr. Renuka Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center by dialing 440-871-9832. We look forward to providing clear and honest answers about your scar reduction options!

Pre-Wedding Planning for Cosmetic Treatments

Beautiful bride in a long white dress. Handsome groom in a black suit.
Whether you are the bride, mother-of-the-bride, or a member of the bridal party, you want to look your best on the big day. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you look and feel your best for the wedding with a variety of treatment options depending on your timeline. Like other aspects of the wedding, it’s best to plan ahead. Here’s a guide to give you an idea of how much time it may take for various treatments.

4 Days

If you are looking for a quick way to exfoliate dry, rough skin, remove peach fuzz for soft, smooth glowing skin or improve uneven skin tone, dermaplaning is a great choice. This non-invasive treatment rejuvenates your skin with no downtime. For a flawless red carpet-ready finish that celebrities have before big events, Dr. Diwan offers Aquagold microneedling with microinfusion. Make time for this at least 3 days (preferably 7 days) before your big day.

2-4 Weeks

For those who are on a short timeline and want to reduce the appearance of oiliness, pores, wrinkles or scars, we offer AQUAGOLD® microneedling treatments and dermal fillers like Juvéderm®.

6-8 Weeks

If you have a couple of months to prepare, there are a few more options. Non-invasive facial treatments that provide best results with a series of 6 treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. BOTOX® for wrinkles and excessive perspiration is ideal in this time frame, allowing time for a second visit for any touch up.

For longer eyelashes, we recommend Latisse®, which helps stimulate hair growth. Finally, if you want to address loose skin, Dr. Diwan can perform a mini facelift. A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended for planning a mini facelift.

3-6 Months

If you have a few months before the wedding day visible veins or sunspots can be significantly reduced with laser treatment, IPL treatment, or sclerotherapy. Excess skin on your upper or lower eyelids, can be removed with a blepharoplasty. Laser resurfacing or a series of microneedling treatments

can provide significant improvement of wrinkles and skin texture and allow time for complete recovery.

6-8 Months

If you’ve started planning even sooner, you’ll have enough time for body sculpting options. Dr. Diwan recommends either liposuction or CoolSculpting® for stubborn fat. Kybella® injections improve a double chin and fullness of jowls.  If you’re going to bare your legs, we highly recommend Apollo Radiofrequency TriPolar treatment and other treatments for cellulite.

1-2 Years

Patients who plan far in advance can address most, if not all of their needs. You have enough time for laser hair removal, and tattoo removal.

If you need help preparing for a wedding, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan. We welcome patients living in or around Westlake and Cleveland, Ohio.

How Can I get Rid of Brown Sun Spots on My Face?

A beautiful woman with glowing skin raises her fingers to her jawline
Oh, the dreaded sun spot! These flat brown imperfections can be really frustrating to deal with. You may find them difficult to fully conceal with makeup, and they tend to stand out when you aren’t wearing makeup. State-of-the-art non-surgical treatments offered by Dr. Renuka Diwan can help reduce or eliminate the appearance of these brown spots.

Sun spots are a common cosmetic issue for people who want an even complexion but sometimes they may be pre-cancers or early skin cancers, or other benign brown spots. It’s best to consult Dr Renuka Diwan, a board-certified dermatologist, first to confirm that the brown spots on your skin are in fact only sun spots. Also called “liver spots,” true sun spots are harmless and won’t affect your health. There may be a few treatments that are a good match for lightening your sun damage. One of the most common for brown spots is intense pulsed light (IPL). Pulses of high-intensity light absorbed safely by the skin destroy the excess melanin causing the sun spot. The IPL treatment is non-surgical and causes little to no discomfort. A numbing cream is applied to the skin beforehand. Right after the treatment the brown spots will appear darker and may have some redness and swelling but you’ll be able to get right back to your day afterward.

Other options include:

  • Chemical peels (causes the surface skin cells containing pigment to peel off, and are replaced with fresh skin cells)
  • Microdermabrasion (an abrasive tip is used to whisk away surface skin cells)
  • Laser resurfacing (safely vaporizes skin cells to remove the brown spot)
  • Topical treatment regimens that lighten brown spots after a few weeks of consistent use.

Sun spots are caused by sun exposure, so remember to wear sunblock if you’ll be outdoors. Use an SPF-30 or higher sunscreen generously. A wide-brimmed hat is an important addition on sunny days.

Are you unhappy with the appearance of brown spots, redness or other sun damage on your face, hands, neck, chest or other sun-exposed parts of your body? If so, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you find a treatment plan that works for your goals. To learn more, and to arrange a consultation in Westlake, Ohio, please call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832.

Skin Care for the Ohio Winter Season

Close-up portrait of blonde beautiful young woman smiling wearing winter jacket, gray knitted hat and pink scarf, posing outdoors in the park on snowing winter day.
Brrr! The extended forecast predicts chilly, snowy weather ahead for the Westlake area. As we turn up our heaters to stay toasty warm indoors, that hot, dry air can take a toll on your skin. Dryness, flakiness and the dreaded “winter itch” are common.

At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan offers a wide array of non-surgical and surgical facial treatments, as well as premium skin care treatments. Hydrating facial treatments are a great way to boost skin hydration and get a youthful glow. But there are also steps you can take at home to combat the drying effects of winter:

  • Drink water to keep your body hydrated. It will show up in the appearance of your skin. Dull, dehydrated skin looks lackluster. Avoid overdoing it on alcoholic beverages, because they will dehydrate you.
  • Avoid stripping natural moisturizing substances from your skin. Long, hot showers – which feel like such an obvious solution on a chilly day – tend to strip your skin of its natural moisturizing factors and lead to flaky, dry skin. Don’t max out your shower time, and keep the temperature warm to lukewarm.
  • Lock in moisture. Use a lotion, body oil or other moisturizer after you get out of the shower and towel off. Doing so will lock moisture into your dewy, shower-fresh skin.
  • Bundle up! Gloves, hat and a scarf will act as a protective barrier when you go outside in cold temperatures and wind.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen. It’s easy to think you can skip sunscreen in the winter. It’s cold, often cloudy, the sunshine is less intense, but it’s still important to protect your skin from UV radiation. If you plan to be outside for an extended time, apply an SPF-30 or higher sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage.
  • Point heating vents in your vehicle away from your face. You get in the car in the morning and what’s the first thing you do? Probably fire up the heat to get warm. Direct the vents away so they aren’t pointing at your face. The steady blast of dry, hot air can definitely lead to dry, itchy skin.

Ready for a customized hydrating skin treatment? Please contact the practice of Dr. Renuka Diwan. Call our team in Westlake at 440-871-9832.

To Our Patients – Coronavirus Protocols

(updated 3/19/2020)

To Our Patients,

The Laser and Skin Surgery Center is closed for two weeks starting on 3/19/20, in compliance with orders from the Governor of Ohio to delay all non-essential surgeries and procedures to conserve personal protective equipment that is in short supply for those at the front lines of care in the COVID epidemic. During this time, Dr Diwan is available for virtual visits and emergencies at 216-513-9334. We will have further updates as dictated by this quickly changing environment. We regret any inconvenience this causes. We are pleased to offer any rescheduled cosmetic patients affected by the above, gift certificates for your next treatment at a 20% discount. We are also offering a 20% discount on all skin care products to patients affected by our temporary office closure.

Best,
Renuka Diwan, MD

(original post 3/17/2020)

To Our Patients,

Due to the changing circumstances with the spread of the coronavirus in Ohio, we are being proactive in reducing the spread of the virus.  We are following guidelines from the CDC and Ohio State Medical Board.  Aggressive social distancing will have the biggest impact now.  To achieve this, we have adopted new measures to limit potential exposure for our patients and staff.

Any new or established patients who do not need to be seen in person are able to schedule a virtual consultation (via Skype, Whatsapp video, or photographs along with a phone call).  Please call 440-871-9832 to schedule a virtual visit.  We are still seeing patients in the office as medically necessary.

Starting on March 16, 2020 we are encouraging patients, to whom any of the following applies, to postpone their in-office appointments:

  • Returned from a cruise within the last one month.
  • Traveled internationally and returned within the last month. (Please call us if you have traveled domestically).
  • Had contact with anyone diagnosed or suspected to have coronavirus.
  • Have a runny nose, sore throat, fever or shortness of breathe.

We are asking patients to wash their hands with soap and water upon being placed in an exam room.  We will check a patient’s temperature on arrival and, if elevated, we will suggest the appropriate course of action.

We recommend minimizing companions for your office visit and when waiting, patients and companions who prefer not to wait in the waiting room, may wait in their car / cafeteria or first floor lobby instead.

These measures will create some inconvenience but by taking these steps we can help to change the course of the pandemic.

As guidelines issued by the CDC and Ohio State Medical Board of Ohio are updated, our procedures will be adjusted to remain in compliance with evolving recommendations.  Please don’t hesitate to call our office to be aware of any new updates that may affect your visit. 

We hope that everyone can stay healthy and we can return to our normal procedures soon.

 

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