Uncategorized Archives - Cleveland, Ohio | The Laser & Skin Surgery Center

Microneedling for Texture Changes: When a Peel May Work Better

Microneedling can be a strong non-surgical option for improving uneven texture, mild scarring, and early signs of aging by stimulating collagen production beneath the skin. However, not every rough or uneven surface concern requires collagen remodeling. In some cases, a chemical peel may be a more direct way to refresh the skin.

At Laser and Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, OH, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon Dr. Renuka Diwan evaluates the type and depth of each concern before recommending treatment. The right choice between microneedling and a chemical peel depends largely on whether the problem begins at the surface or extends deeper into the skin.

When Microneedling Makes Sense

Microneedling uses very fine needles to create controlled microchannels in the skin. This process encourages new collagen and elastin formation, which can gradually improve concerns involving the skin’s structure.

Microneedling may be useful for:

Mild acne scars
Enlarged pores
Fine lines
Uneven texture
Early loss of firmness
Certain superficial scars

Because collagen production develops over time, results generally appear gradually rather than immediately after treatment.

When a Chemical Peel May Work Better

A chemical peel removes damaged outer layers of skin using a carefully selected solution. This can make it especially effective when the main concern is closer to the surface.

A peel may be a better fit for skin affected by dullness, rough patches, uneven pigmentation, superficial discoloration, or mild sun damage. Depending on the peel type and strength, treatment can range from light exfoliation with minimal downtime to deeper resurfacing.

For patients whose texture changes stem largely from built-up or damaged surface cells, a peel may provide more targeted exfoliation than microneedling alone.

How Downtime and Treatment Goals Differ

Recovery can vary significantly with either treatment. Mild microneedling commonly causes temporary redness and sensitivity, while deeper sessions may require additional healing time.

Chemical peel recovery depends heavily on peel depth. A light peel may involve mild flaking, while stronger peels can cause more noticeable peeling, redness, and downtime.

The desired result also matters. Microneedling focuses more on collagen remodeling, while chemical peels emphasize exfoliation and renewal of the skin’s outer layers.

Can Microneedling and Chemical Peels Be Combined?

Some patients may benefit from using both treatments as part of a broader skin care plan, although they are not necessarily performed during the same visit. Timing depends on skin sensitivity, treatment strength, and the concern being addressed.

Professional evaluation is especially important when treating acne scars, pigmentation changes, or sensitive skin.

Compare Skin Resurfacing Options in Westlake, OH

Microneedling and chemical peels can both improve skin texture, but they work at different depths and address different causes of unevenness. Laser and Skin Surgery Center offers personalized treatment planning for patients in Westlake, OH.

Call 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation and determine which approach best matches your skin.

Why Liposuction Results Depend on Skin Elasticity, Not Just Fat

Removing stubborn fat can improve body shape, but the amount removed doesn’t tell the whole story. How skin responds after liposuction can matter just as much, especially in areas where laxity or reduced firmness is already present.

At Laser and Skin Surgery Center in Westlake, Dr. Renuka Diwan brings training in both dermatology and dermatologic surgery to cosmetic treatment planning. Looking closely at skin quality before liposuction helps determine whether the treated area is likely to contract smoothly or whether loose skin could limit the final contour.

Why Skin Elasticity Matters After Liposuction

Once fat is removed, the skin needs to adapt to the smaller volume underneath it. Skin with good elasticity is more likely to contract and conform to the new contour.

When elasticity is reduced, the skin may not tighten as effectively. This can leave some looseness even when the underlying fat has been successfully reduced.

Factors that can affect elasticity include:

Age
Genetics
Sun damage
Significant weight changes
Pregnancy
Overall skin quality

Liposuction Does Not Remove Loose Skin

Liposuction is designed to reduce localized fat, not remove excess skin. That distinction matters when both fullness and sagging are contributing to the appearance of an area.

If laxity is significant, removing fat alone may not create the smoother outline a patient expects. In some cases, another procedure or a combined treatment plan may be more appropriate.

Who Tends to Get the Best Liposuction Results?

Liposuction results are often more predictable when unwanted fat is localized, and the surrounding skin still has enough firmness to retract after treatment.

Stable body weight also matters. Liposuction is intended to refine contour rather than serve as a weight-loss procedure, so candidacy depends more on proportion and tissue quality than on how much fat can be removed.

Can Skin Quality Be Evaluated Before Treatment?

Yes. A consultation can assess skin thickness, firmness, stretch marks, laxity, and the way tissue sits over the treatment area.

That evaluation can help clarify whether liposuction alone is likely to create the desired shape or whether loose skin needs to be addressed separately.

Set Realistic Expectations for Liposuction in Westlake, OH

A good liposuction result depends on how fat reduction and skin response work together. Paying attention to both before treatment can help avoid disappointment and lead to a more realistic plan for contour improvement.

Patients considering liposuction in Westlake, OH can contact Laser and Skin Surgery Center at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan and discuss how skin elasticity may affect the outcome.

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.

Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

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Liposuction is a very popular fat reduction and contouring procedure that helps many people every year achieve their body goals. It helps get rid of the stubborn fat that’s been haunting you around your double chin and neck, stomach, back, love handles, legs and arms. However, liposuction isn’t the right procedure for everyone. Men and women come to consult with Dr. Diwan at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center curious if this life-changing procedure is the right procedure for them. If you are curious if liposuction is for you, check our list of criteria below, that makes one a good liposuction candidate.

Liposuction Candidates

A good candidate for liposuction at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center meets the following criteria:

Healthy individual above the age of 18 years
Stubborn areas of fat on the body that refuse to leave despite regular exercise and a healthy diet
At or close to ideal body weight.
Realistic expectations from liposuction
Committed to maintaining healthy weight through diet and exercise
Interested in a procedure that achieves results with a single treatment
Prioritizes a procedure performed with local anesthesia so you can be awake for the entire liposuction process
Requires a short recovery time (liposuction patients are back to work in just 3 days )

Liposuction In Cleveland

At the Laser & Skin Surgery Center, liposuction is performed with an emphasis on your safety, with local anesthesia (and oral medication to help you relax) to ensure a comfortable procedure. Dr. Diwan will make numb the skin to make an entry incision for a cannula to suction out the unwanted fat from the chin, chest, stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, legs, and arms. Once the fat in the targeted area is removed, a couple of stiches close the incision and the liposuction procedure is complete. Removing the stubborn fat and improving your contour is as simple as that!

Liposuction can help boost your confidence in your appearance by streamlining your form, and improving the quality of your life with a simple, safe office procedure, that promotes a quick recovery.

It is equally important to understand what liposuction does not achieve. Dr. Diwan wants you to know that liposuction is:

Not going to make you skinny (it will help give you better proportions, but not make you thin)
Not for weight loss or a treatment of obesity (liposuction is best to get rid of pockets of fat on your body that cannot be reduced with diet and exercise)
Not for improvement of Diabetes control
Not for reduction of cardiac risk factors

Begin Your Liposuction Journey Today

We know how frustrating it can be when fat persists in problem areas despite your best efforts to lose it. Strict diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle often aren’t enough to get rid of that double chin, muffin top, tummy fat or love handles. Now, you don’t need to live feeling discouraged any longer. We have seen how liposuction can help men and women in the Cleveland area look great and feel confident.

If you believe you are a good candidate for liposuction and would like to begin your liposuction journey today, call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan today.

Skincare Tips for the Colder Weather

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Summer has come and gone. In Ohio, it has left telltale signs of sun damage on the skin of many. As the chill of fall arrives it presents a great opportunity to focus on repairing sun damage. It’s also a great time to prepare for the colder weather ahead by adjusting your skin care regimen. At the Laser & Skin Surgery Center, we offer a number of skin care treatments and skin care products (skincare lines and treatments) to restore the health of your skin and keep it looking its best. Continue reading Skincare Tips for the Colder Weather

3 Tips to get a Safe and Healthy Summer Glow

Protect and pamper your skin

May is Skin Cancer Awareness month and The Laser & Skin Surgery Center strives to highlight effective skin care products that will not only protect your skin during the sunny months of summer, but have it looking youthful and ready to take on the beach. The Laser & Skin Surgery Center offers antioxidants to combat aging skin and to prevent sun damage, as well as Jane Iredale’s cosmetic line that is designed to nourish and enhance your skin during these sun-filled days.
Continue reading 3 Tips to get a Safe and Healthy Summer Glow

Three Ways Your Lips Change as You Age

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Men and women come to The Laser & Skin Surgery Center worried that their crow’s feet creases, forehead furrows, and under eye hollows are making them look older than they really are. What they fail to realize is that their lips can also give away their true age. It’s true—the lips can single-handedly make you look older. Here is how—and what you can do about it!
Continue reading Three Ways Your Lips Change as You Age

How to Reverse Sun Damage with a Chemical Peel

As we say goodbye to summer, it is time to think about how to reverse any unwanted sun damage that may have accrued over the past few months. Think of fall as your post – summer recovery period—with sun damage still fresh, now is the time to restore your skin’s health.

Chemical peels are a great antidote to summer sun damage. Chemical exfoliation encourages your skin to purge the dead and damaged cells. By replacing dull and lackluster cells with new, robust, and vibrant skin cells, your skin’s health as well as appearance are improved.

Spring Forward: 3 Reasons Spring is the Perfect Time for Your Laser Treatment

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As we spring forward, we ready ourselves for the warmer season ahead. With the hope of a sunny summer, men and women prepare to bare a lot more skin. In fact, along with Dr. Diwan, we, at The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, encourage you to take advantage of this time to prepare your skin for the coming summer.

Continue reading Spring Forward: 3 Reasons Spring is the Perfect Time for Your Laser Treatment