Aesthetic Skin Care Specialist Q&A

Aesthetic skin care is used to describe the specialties that focus on altering the cosmetic appearance of the skin, and typically treats conditions such as acne scarring, skin laxity, wrinkles, moles, age spots, excess fat, unwanted hair and hyperpigmentation.

The field of facial aesthetics includes a wide range of services, the most commonly known being injectables (Botox®), dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm), chemical peels (VI Peel, Lactic acid, Glycolic acid) and Lipolysis injection (Kybella). More information on these procedures is as follows:

Botox®, the trade name for Botulinum Toxin, is a neurotoxin that, when injected into the facial muscles, works by blocking the transmitters between the motor nerves that “work” the muscle. The toxin doesn’t actually harm the muscle itself. Once the motor nerve endings are interrupted, the muscle is unable to contract, causing wrinkles to appear less obvious. The effects last approximately three to four months, at which time the patient may decide to have more treatment.

Restylane is a biodegradable filler gel, composed of hyaluronic acid, used for cosmetic injections into facial tissues beneath the skin. Age, sun exposure and years of muscle movements can result in the breakdown of tissue and loss of volume in the skin. Restylane adds volume to the skin using tiny injections while smoothing facial folds and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes. The treatment takes an average of 10 to 20 minutes per session and the downtime is minimal, allowing patients to return to work and normal activities following treatment. Side effects are rare but include; allergic reaction; bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site; numbness; or discoloration. Results last from a few months to over a year, depending on the area treated.

Juvéderm, like Restylane, is a hyaluronic acid injectable filler and is used on the mid to deep levels of the skin. It temporarily smooths moderate to severe facial wrinkles and replenishes volume almost instantly. A Juvéderm treatment is quick (about 15 minutes) and as the downtime is minimal the patient can get right back to their day. Side effects are rare, but may include tenderness, bruising, swelling and redness at the injection site and generally resolve within a few days.

Chemical peels are used on the face, hands, and neck to improve the appearance or texture of the skin. Solutions are applied to the area being treated which cause the skin to exfoliate and peel off resulting in new, rejuvenated, skin underneath. Chemical peels are used to treat, among other things, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars and hyperpigmentation. They are classified as superficial (those using lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid), medium (such as a VI Peel, and those using trichloroacetic acid, or TCA) and deep (using carbolic acid (phenol) or TCA). Side effects can vary greatly between the treatments so be sure to discuss these with your provider.

Kybella® is used to improve a person’s appearance and profile by removing sub mental fat (fat below the chin) sometimes called a “double chin.”  KYBELLA® destroys fat cells, resulting in a noticeable reduction in fullness under the chin; it is not known if it is safe or effective on any other areas of the body. Once the desired goal is reached further treatments are not anticipated as once the fat cells are destroyed they are no longer able to store or accumulate fat.

Anyone seeking an improvement in the appearance and/or texture of their skin is a good candidate for aesthetic skin care. Some treatments may only approved for adults over 18 years of age, and different treatments have different side effects that vary in severity from (mostly) mild to more serious (in the case of a deep chemical peel), so it is important to seek advice from a medical professional before deciding which course of treatment is right for you.

We are conveniently located at 3470 Waialae Ave Ste 6, Honolulu, HI 96816.We are privileged to serve patients from Honolulu HI and the surrounding areas and look forward to meeting you! We serve everyone on Oahu, and neighbor island, or anyone who would like, that can come in 1-2 weeks for check ups (certain treatments), or at least do a video call appts, which by the way is also possible for some urgent care needs.