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

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Is Laser Treatment Good for Your Skin?

Woman with smooth skin after laser skin resurfacing

The short answer is, yes. Laser skin treatments can help refresh the skin and improve many skin conditions, including age spots, veins, wrinkles, scars, sagging skin, unwanted hair and tattoos. Lasers can target different structures in the skin. Pigment in the outer layer of the skin is targeted for treating sun spots caused by sun damage. Redness and veins are improved by lasers selectively treating veins. Wrinkles and scars are enhanced by the treatment of deeper dermal tissues with lasers. Tattoos are lightened and cleared by selective absorption of laser energy that reaches the tattoo ink particles below the outer layer of the skin. Unwanted hair in various areas is also selectively targeted by lasers that impact the root of the hair deeper in the skin.

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Renuka Diwan has more than 25 years of experience using lasers to help address her patients’ skin issues. She is committed to delivering natural-looking results that give you the confidence that comes with ridding yourself of wrinkles, unwanted veins, discoloration, tattoos, and hair.

Dr. Diwan is dedicated to helping her patients. This blog explains the benefits of laser treatments and is intended to help patients make informed decisions about the procedures they’re considering.

How Do Laser Treatments Work?

The number of lasers manufactured has multiplied.  Any given skin problem can be treated by lasers made by different vendors for the same problem. Each vendor has its own brand name for the laser, which is said to be the best.  This is a source of confusion for patients looking for a specific laser.  It’s better to ask if the physician has a laser that treats the particular problem you want to have treated.  It’s important to remember that it’s not the laser that takes care of a problem but the specialist physician who knows how to use the laser who treats the problem. What patients need to know is the specialist’s training experience and skin as demonstrated by results.

Just as there are multiple lasers that can address a given problem, there is no single laser that can treat all problems. Dr. Diwan has invested in five lasers, intense pulsed light, and other devices for treating different skin problems, giving her the right tools to address various issues.

Resurfacing lasers are used to carefully remove layers of the skin. Fractional resurfacing lasers treat a fraction of the skin surface. Fractional resurfacing lasers create microscopic injuries to a controlled depth.  The microscopic columns of treated skin are eliminated (seen as peeling) and are replaced by new healthy skin with more elastin and collagen. The new collagen and elastin cause an improvement in wrinkles and scars.

Preparing for Laser Skin Treatment

Many laser treatments are performed after simply cooling the skin or after numbing the skin with an anesthetic cream.  Anesthetic injections and oral medications are needed for deeper laser resurfacing. Before your treatment, these steps can help set you up for success:

  • Tell Dr. Diwan if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth. These can be activated by laser treatments around the mouth and need to be prevented with an antiviral medication started before your laser procedure.
  • Stop taking any medications or supplements that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, 10 days before a laser resurfacing procedure.
  • If you smoke, quit smoking at least two weeks before and at least two weeks after a deeper laser resurfacing procedure.
  • Avoid a tan before your treatment by using adequate sun protection. Sun protection is essential after all laser treatments to ensure the success of the procedures and prevent complications.

What to Expect from Laser Skin Treatments

Depending on the problem being treated, the treated skin may be pink and slightly swollen, have darker pigmented spots, have peeling, or crusting. The skin needs to be handled and cleansed gently and treated as recommended.  After laser tattoo removal, the treated area is covered with a bandage.

To get the best results of Laser Skin Treatments

Laser skin treatments are incredibly safe and effective, in the right hands and especially with the appropriate specific precautions and post-laser care. After laser resurfacing, follow these steps to maximize your results:

  • Avoid picking any crusting or scratch your skin. Apply icepacks to help reduce any discomfort or swelling.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise during this recovery period, as well.
  • Cleanse your skin two to five times per day using a cleanser recommended by Dr. Diwan.
  • Practice sun protection methods daily including the application of a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and a minimum SPF 30. This is important after any laser treatment.

Contact Our Westlake Dermatologist Today

Dr. Diwan strives to give her patients elegant results that give them back their self-confidence. She relies on her extensive experience and continuing education and recognizes every detail and nuance that can help give you a natural, age-appropriate look. Dr. Diwan serves Westlake, Cleveland, and nearby areas of Ohio. Call (440) 871-9832 today to schedule a consultation.

Microneedling for Crepey Skin and Acne Scars

Aging is inevitable. Showing its visible signs doesn’t have to be. Many people live with unsightly issues such as crepey wrinkles and acne scars without knowing that a simple, minimally invasive treatment with no downtime is within reach. Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Renuka Diwan is proud to offer microneedling to her northeast Ohio patients to help reduce the visible signs of aging.

Dr. Diwan has more than 25 years of experience helping her patients attain more vibrant, youthful-looking skin. Her attention to detail is immaculate, and she is dedicated to giving you elegant, nuanced results. Read on to learn about how Dr. Diwan can use microneedling to deliver the look you desire.

What is Microneedling?

Microneedling is a minimally invasive office procedure that creates barely visible punctures in your skin, to stimulate its natural healing processes. By doing so, microneedling induces your skin to repair issues that have developed over time. Microneedling is beneficial for:

  • Fine crepey lines and wrinkles
  • Acne scars
  • Stretch marks
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Hyperpigmentation

Microneedling works equally well and is safe for all complexions.

How Can Microneedling Treat Crepey Wrinkles?

Crepinessimplies skin that looks like crepe paper. It’s finely wrinkled and is most common under the eyes.

Crepey wrinkles can be caused by sun damage and aging. The sun’s ultraviolet rays lead to reduced collagen and elastin, which are responsible for your skin staying firm, supple, and wrinkle-free.

Collagen and elastin production also naturally decline as you age. On average, your body produces about 1 percent less collagen and elastin starting in your mid-20s.

When Dr. Diwan or her trained nurses treat the skin with the microneedling device, its tiny needles will create tiny wounds that trigger a healing response with the production of collagen and elastin. Hence, microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” The new collagen and elastin will then improve the appearance of crepey wrinkles and rejuvenate your skin, making it look smoother.

How Can Microneedling Treat Acne Scars?

Inflammation which results from acne destroys healthy skin tissue and causes acne scars.

Microneedling can treat these scars by the same mechanism that improves crepey wrinkles. Tiny punctures created in your skin with the microneedling device cause your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, helping to reverse collagen loss that caused acne scars.

Schedule Your Cleveland Microneedling Consultation Today

Dr. Diwan’sskill, attention to detail, and compassion have helped her create a loyal patient base over her 25-plus years practicing cosmetic dermatology. She is confident that you’ll feel the same way when you see the results she can deliver.

Dr. Diwan serves Westlake, Strongsville, and nearby areas of Cleveland. Call (440) 871-9832 today to schedule a consultation.

BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Juvederm®

Woman getting Botox and dermal fillers
If you want to reduce the visible signs of aging, BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvederm® can deliver fast, efficient results in different ways. BOTOX® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles that cause wrinkles through repeated, daily contractions. Juvederm is a dermal filler that restores volume and replenishes naturally occurring, skin-healing compounds.

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Renuka Diwan has nearly 30 years of experience helping her Cleveland patients attain radiant, youthful-looking skin. She can help diminish the visible signs of aging that you’re unhappy with. Read on to learn about the differences between BOTOX® Cosmetic and Juvederm, as well as how Dr. Diwan can use them to help you. Continue reading BOTOX® Cosmetic vs. Juvederm®

When Can I Work Out After Liposuction?

Smiling woman exercising by jogging on the beach after liposuction


Liposuction is a minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure with a relatively short healing period. Most patients can return to work after just a few days, and you can resume light exercise after just one week. You can gradually increase the extent and difficulty of your workout over the next month, taking care to push yourself only as far as you feel comfortable.
Continue reading When Can I Work Out After Liposuction?

Mini-Facelift or Dermal Fillers: Which Do I Need?

Woman With Wrinkles Touching Face
Time and gravity can take a toll on your face, leaving you with wrinkles, creases and sagging skin. Facial aging is a concern for many of Dr. Diwan’s patients, but how they choose to address it varies. While some patients prefer a mini-facelift, others find that dermal fillers are the better option. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, we strive to provide you with both surgical and non-surgical solutions so you can choose a treatment option that best meets your needs.
Continue reading Mini-Facelift or Dermal Fillers: Which Do I Need?

Get a Head Start on Your Beach Body With Liposuction

Woman with a flat torso after liposuction wrapped in a flowing sheet

If you’ve been working on a better body contour by making diet and lifestyle changes but aren’t quite there yet, liposuction can help you reach your goals. Winter is the perfect time to have liposuction, allowing time, as the weather warms up, for the final results to show and reveal your new body this summer. If you’re interested in having liposuction done this winter, don’t hesitate to contact Cleveland cosmetic surgeon Dr. Renuka Diwan at 440-871-9832 to schedule your consultation today.
Continue reading Get a Head Start on Your Beach Body With Liposuction

Love Your Lashes with Latisse®

Diwan, Latisse - Image

Do you long for longer eyelashes? Naturally, Latisse is your solution. Latisse is an FDA-approved prescription product in the form of a solution. By using Latisse your own lashes become longer, fuller and darker. Because they’re your own, your lashes look very natural and you’re free to do as you please without your lovely lashes coming off.

You can forget about the hassle of extensions and synthetic lashes which fall off and look fake, especially as they come off, and need to be replenished with monthly appointments. With simple at-home application, Latisse will gradually enhance your lashes so they’re beautiful and natural-looking.

How it works

Latisse prolongs the growth phase of eyelash hair allowing them to grow longer. It also keeps more of your lashes in their growth phase, rather than the resting phase, adding to the number and thickness of your lashes. It takes about 4 to 8 weeks to start noticing the enhancement. As you continue to use Latisse your lashes continue to lengthen. Once your lashes are long and full, continue applying Latisse to keep them looking that way. Come back and get more before you run out of Latisse, or your lashes will gradually revert back to their original appearance over the next 2-3 months.

As Latisse enhances your own lashes, you don’t have to worry about them coming off, like glued lash extensions, when you rub your eyes, swim or simply wash and dry your face.

Does this have you wondering if Latisse can have the same benefits for thinning eyebrows? In fact, even though Latisse has FDA approval to be used for enhancing eyelashes only, it has been successfully employed (off-label) for enhancing eyebrows as well. Even more benefits of Latisse may become apparent in the future! Latisse is being evaluated in trials for its effectiveness for thinning scalp hair.

Latisse comes with applicator brushes and a package insert that details how it should be applied and its possible risks. At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Diwan will give you detailed instructions on how to get the most out of the product and your investment in your lashes. For your convenience, at your next visit, you can take home a bottle of Latisse from our office!

Enhance Your Eyelashes with Latisse in Westlake, OH

Let Dr. Diwan help you have the lovely lashes you’re wishing for, with Latisse. To learn more about this treatment in the Cleveland area, please contact us to schedule your initial consultation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center today.

Get Rid of Your Double Chin with Kybella®

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Fat underneath the chin is not always easily removed. You can be healthy, exercise regularly, eat right, and still have that dreaded “double chin.” Perhaps you’ve been looking for a solution to this dilemma but are hesitant to have a surgical treatment. Now there is a non-surgical solution for submental fullness (aka fat underneath the chin). Kybella® is a popular treatment option at Dr. Diwan’s Westlake office because it helps men and women improve their double chin and gain back their confidence–all without surgery.

A Closer Look at Kybella

Kybella is an FDA approved injectable treatment that destroys submental fat cells for good! During your treatment session, Dr. Diwan will inject Kybella into the targeted areas underneath your chin. The active ingredient in Kybella – deoxycholic acid – works to break down and destroy fat cells.  Once these cells are broken down, the fat cells will then be naturally eliminated from your body.

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Diwan will meet with you to discuss your goals and concerns about treatment during your initial consultation. Together, you will create a personalized plan to achieve your new look. Dr. Diwan understands that this personalization is extremely important for Kybella treatments because no two necks are the same and the goals differ from patient to patient.

Kybella Results

As your body removes these destroyed fat cells, you will begin to notice your newly streamlined and contoured chin and neck! Thankfully with Kybella, there is no downtime from work. You go in for your Kybella treatment, then return back to your regular routine, and just wait for your results.  (The initial swelling can be hidden with a scarf.)  Typically, Dr. Diwan’s patients begin to see these brag-worthy results within 4-6 weeks.  Just in time to put away those turtle necks and scarves in Ohio!

More exciting news about your Kybella results is that they are long-lasting!  Additional treatments can be performed for more improvement! Once these fat cells are naturally removed from your body, they cannot return under your chin again. Dr. Diwan reminds her patients that for best results it is essential to continue to live a healthy lifestyle to make sure fat does not reaccumulate in remaining fat cells from weight gain.

Double the Confidence with Kybella

One of the reasons why Dr. Diwan loves what she does is seeing how these results change her patients’ lives. It is amazing to see how a contoured jawline can give a man confidence and how a slim neck will encourage a woman to take control of her wardrobe! With zero downtime and simple treatments, Kybella helps men and women achieve self-confidence.

If you want to learn more about Kybella or you are interested in getting rid of that double chin, please schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Diwan today. She looks forward to partnering with you on this Kybella journey!

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