Category: Skin Care

With summer on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reassess your skincare routine to keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and protected. Warmer weather and increased sun exposure can lead to clogged pores, dehydration, and premature aging, so adjusting your regimen can help maintain a clear and radiant complexion. Cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Renuka Diwan and the team at The Laser & Skin Surgery Center offer the following tips:

Switch to Lightweight Moisturizers

Heavier moisturizers that work well in winter can feel too thick in the summer, potentially leading to oiliness. Instead, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that provides hydration without clogging pores. Look for formulas with ingredients like hyaluronic acids and glycerin, both of which are absorbed into the skin, and attract moisture without adding heaviness. If your skin tends to be oily, consider using ahydrating serum for a refreshing, breathable feel.

SPF for Skin and Lips: Why It’s Essential

Daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable for preventing sun damage, especially in the summer when UV exposure is at its peak. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for your face and body, and reapply every two hours when spending time outdoors. Don’t forget your lips—sun damage can cause dryness, irritation, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. A lip balm with SPF 30 or higher will keep them soft and protected.

Retin-A in the Summer: Keep or Pause?

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a powerful ingredient for improving skin texture and acne, stimulating collagen regenration and reducing signs of aging, but it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. You don’t need to stop using it in the summer, but you should practice sun protection including application of sunscreen during the day.

Protecting & Nourishing Your Skin

Hydration is key in warm weather, both inside and out. Drink plenty of water to support skin elasticity and moisture levels. After sun exposure, use soothing ingredients like aloe vera or niacinamide to calm redness or irritation. For added protection, incorporate antioxidants like Vitamin C into your routine to help prevent free radical damage caused by UV rays, and pollution from a ariety of sources.

Schedule a Consultation

If you want to take your summer skincare routine to the next level, professional treatments can help. The Laser & Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, Ohio offers a range of treatments to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate your skin, from customized facials to advanced laser therapies that address sun damage. For your convenience we also sell top-of-the-line skin care products backed by scientific research. For expert advice contact us at 440-871-9832 to make an appointment.

CoolSculpting is a popular, non-invasive body contouring treatment designed to target and reduce fat in stubborn areas. At the Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan, a board-certified dermatologist with years of experience in cosmetic dermatology, leads our team in providing exceptional care and customized treatment plans. With her expertise, patients can trust they are in capable hands as they work toward achieving their aesthetic goals.

CoolSculpting works by freezing fat cells, a process called cryolipolysis, which gradually eliminates them from the body. But how soon can you expect to see results?

What to Expect After CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting doesn’t provide immediate results, as it relies on the body’s natural healing processes to remove the treated fat cells. After your treatment session, the frozen fat cells are gradually broken down and eliminated by your lymphatic system. This process takes time, so patience is key when evaluating your results.

Timeline for Results

Most patients start to notice subtle changes about three weeks after their CoolSculpting treatment. However, more significant results typically appear around the two-month mark. The body continues to flush out fat cells for up to six months, providing a gradual improvement in contour and shape. The exact timeline can vary depending on factors such as the treated area, your metabolism, and how closely you follow any post-treatment instructions provided by our team.

Enhancing Your Results

To maximize your CoolSculpting outcomes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine can support your body’s fat-elimination process and help you sustain your improved figure. Dr. Diwan and our team are available to provide personalized advice on how to enhance your results. We recommend at least two CoolSculpting treatments to achieve the desired results.

Learn More About CoolSculpting

If you’re considering CoolSculpting and want to know more about how it works or whether it’s the right option for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, OH. Dr. Diwan’s commitment to safety and offering treatments that are most effective rather than “trendy” make her one of Cleveland’s most trusted aesthetic doctors.  Contact us at 440-871-9832.

Aging affects every part of the body, including the neck. While the face often gets the most attention in anti-aging treatments, the neck can reveal the passage of time just as prominently. Fortunately, Dr. Renuka Diwan, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, specializes in solutions for a more youthful neck. Here are five ways your neck changes as you age—and how a neck treatments can help rejuvenate teh appearance of your neck.

1. Skin Laxity Develops

Collagen and elastin production decrease with age, causing the skin to lose its firmness and elasticity. This often results in loose, sagging skin on the neck, which can progress to a “turkey wattle.”

2. Neckbands Become Visible

The platysma muscles, which run vertically down the neck, weaken and separate over time, creating prominent vertical bands. These bands can make the neck appear older and less defined.

3. Fat Accumulates or Shifts

Age-related fat changes can lead to a double chin or uneven contours around the jawline and neck. These changes even affect individuals at a healthy weight.

4. Sun Damage Impacts Skin Quality

Years of UV exposure can lead to wrinkles, discoloration, and rough texture on the delicate neck skin, further contributing to an aged appearance.

5. Jawline Definition Diminishes

As the skin and underlying tissues lose support, the sharp line between the chin and neck may blur, affecting the overall balance and harmony of facial features.

How Non-surgical Treatments Can Help

A simple treatment like Botox Cosmetic injections can relax platysmal (muscle) bands that stand out when you are animated such as when talking. Botox, injected with the Nefertiti lift technique, can also improve the appearance of sagging skin on the neck and jowls. Injection of HA filler Juvederm Volux, FDA approved for the jawline, can create noticeable reduction of the appearance of jowls. Another simple treatment is injection of Sculptra to improve collagen and skin thickness. We offer other techniques such as microneedling with or without radiofrequency, and painless no-recovery, tripolar radiofrequency treatments to gradually tighten the skin as well. Specialized medical grade skin care products developed for looseness of neck skin will also enhance rejuvenation. Laser treatments help to rejuvenate the neck by treating discoloration caused by sun damage. Tumescent liposuction, an office procedure, is very helpful in reducing fullness of the double chin, neck and jowls and redfining the contours of the neck and jawline. A combination of treatments, individually customized, can provide the best results in appropriate patients.

Schedule a Consultation for More Youthful Neck Contours
Dr. Diwan uses advanced techniques to achieve natural apppearing improvement of the neck for her patients. She listens to each patient’s specific goals during the consultation so that she can craft a customized plan that best addresses these requests.

If you’re ready to address the signs of aging in your neck, the team at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center led by Dr. Diwan can help. Contact us today in Westlake, OH at 440-871-9832 to schedule your consultation.

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.

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.

Summer is a favorite time of year for many of us, but the hot temperatures and blazing sunshine can put your skin at risk. That is why skincare is such an important topic as outdoor temperatures start to rise. For many of our patients, summertime means spending more time outdoors, at the beach, or poolside, where you will undoubtedly be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays for extended periods. 

Dr. Renuka Diwan works with individuals to assess and design the skincare routine for their unique skin. The right warm-weather routine can keep your skin healthy, protected, and glowing all season long. 

Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

While it might seem obvious, sunscreen should be a cornerstone in your summer skincare regime. UV rays from the sun are harmful to your skin and may cause premature aging, wrinkles, skin cancer, and sunburn. It’s essential to protect your skin with SPF 30 and above. Sunscreen should be applied every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

The warm weather is also the right time to swap out your winter creams for lighter formulas. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer is best suited for summertime. Heavy formulas can clog pores and trap heat beneath the skin’s surface, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.

Caring for Your Body as a Whole

Summer heat and humidity strip the natural moisture from your skin, so it’s essential to keep hydration levels up by drinking lots of water. Dehydration can lead to wrinkles and make your skin look tired and dull. Drinking plenty of water assists in maintaining your skin’s natural elasticity for that fresh, vibrant, and healthy glow.

Dr. Renuka Diwan also discusses how important it is to care for your body as a whole. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains all provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that help protect your skin from sun damage. 

Developing Your Summertime Skincare Routine

Everyone has unique skin with very different needs. Taking care of your skin, and your body as a whole, is an essential part of maintaining that youthful, vibrant glow that so many of our patients are seeking. 

Schedule your skincare consultation with Dr. Renuka Diwan in our Westlake, OH, office to explore your perfect solution. Call our office at 440-871-9832 or visit us online at www.laserandskinsurgerycenter.com today!

Almost everyone has scars. Scrapes on the knees and elbows are common during childhood and often turn into scars shown off like a badge of honor. While some scars can be a rite of passage and come with a great story, that’s not true for all of them. Some scars can negatively affect your self-esteem, especially when they are on your face and neck. Men and women turn to the Laser and Skin Surgery Center for scar revision for problem scars.

What is Scar Revision?

Scar revision treatment at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center may include fillers, cortisone injections, surgery or laser treatments. Different types of scarring require customized approaches. The treatment plan is designed to address your unique scars. 

Dermal fillers and microneedling can improve and minimize the appearance of depressed scars. Red and raised scars are often treated with cortisone injections and laser treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Diwan will review your best options to improve the appearance of your scar(s) and confidence.

Scar revision treatments are typically performed in the office. How long a treatment takes depends on the specific procedure. Dermal fillers typically only take a few minutes, while laser treatments can take over an hour. Your recovery time is also dependent on the type of treatment, but could be minimal.

Are You a Good Candidate for Scar Revision Treatment?

Scar revision options are available for most people, regardless of age. The various options available at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center allow treatment for almost everyone.

Contact Laser and Skin Surgery Center Westlake, OH, for a Consultation

You don’t have to be embarrassed by your scars. Dr. Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center can create an effective scar revision treatment plan to improve them. Contact the office online or call 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation.