Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Finding a Good Doctor Can you recommend a good office in Southern California for Thermage?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2012 on Jan 18, 2012 | Permalink I'm interested in Thermage treatment and live in Souther California. Can you recommend a couple of providers in the Santa Monica California area who are Thermage experts?
Thank you.
I'm giving you two links on the site - the first to our Regional Guide, and the second, to the article on how to find a good doctor! These should help. Dr.... more
Is there a good doctor for aesthetic services in Anchorage, Alaska?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2012 on Jan 15, 2012 | Permalink Okay - I have to confess I accidentally deleted your question but I remembered it! I truly wish I knew absolutely great and trustworthy board certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons for cosmetic services in every area. I'm sure there are wonderful doctors out... more
A Sculptra complication - what can I do?Posted in Sculptra, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Filler mistakes, 2011 on Dec 26, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr.
I am russian with a naturally round face, rather flat, and prounounced cheeks. I had Sculptra injections in July this year in the cheek hollows and above the cheekbones, I was badly overfilled the day of injection that I hardly recognized myself. I hate the new volume in my face, it does not suit my face at all. I look so different, it has completely changed the natural anatomy of my face (now the widest point is above the cheeks up to the temple, which makes my face more angled, before or naturally the widest point was just below my cheekbones, having no angles and a round face). My former sweet and young looking face looks harsh and older. The high and overly pronounced cheekbones make me look almost agressive, and my eyes look smaller and more sunken, while the lower cheek next to the mouth look like a chipmunk. A lot of projection and volume next to the mouth and nose. My face feels almost stiff when smiling due to the huge volume and thikness increase. I am crying a lot, before i was a very good looking woman now I became invisible. I am really depressed and stoped going in public. How long I have to live with this? Will my face ever get back to what it was? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process?
Mny thankd for your answer
First of all, I am so, so sad that this happened at all. Sculptra can be lovely when it's done gradually over a period of months and the doctor doing it has a good "aesthetic eye." ... more Who performs Fraxel an aesthetician or an MD?Posted in Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, 2011 on Oct 24, 2011 | Permalink Who performs Fraxel an aesthetician or an MD?
I know this is really confusing to consumers because the use of cosmetic lasers are governed by laws and statutes controlled by the states in the United States. In other countries, legal... more Overwhelmed by information at a consult - how can I sort it out?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2011 on Sep 17, 2011 | Permalink --------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Dr. Irwin,
I'm in my early 30s and went in for my very first consultation with a reputable cosmetic dermatologist to find out what I could start doing now to keep myself looking great through my 30s and into my early 40s- My goal was to prioritize treatments for now and find out what to save up for over the next few years. I'm writing because I came away overwhelmed and ended up not booking any treatments- I felt like they threw the kitchen sink at me! You name it; fillers, botox, thermage, fraxel- and all in the near future. I'm definitely starting to show some signs of aging, but I'm still often mistaken for being in my late 20s and show few signs of sun damage, thanks to religious sunscreen use.
Is it common for someone as young as me to have all those procedures or is it up to the patient to prioritize what treatment they have to do? I've consequently booked a consultation with another dermatologist to get a second opinion, but I'd love to hear your thoughts- How do you know when a dermatologist is being too aggressive?
Thanks!
I think this is a frequent problem and I've heard this from many other women too! So a couple of things - no - at your age you do not need all these treatments. If you're in your early... more Is there a SkinTour office near me?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2011 on Sep 11, 2011 | Permalink Hello Dr. Irwin, I was wondering if there was a Skin Tour office in San Jose Ca.?
You are so kind - thank you for the compliment. No, unfortunately there isn't but here a link to some good dermatologists in your area. Dr.... more
Alternative Help For Severe Acne?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, Acne, 2011 on Aug 18, 2011 | Permalink I’ve been suffering from severe acne for the past 13 years! I’ve tried everything from Diane-35 birth control pills to Accutane. Nothing helps, the Accutane did helped when i was on it. But once i stop, my acne came back as well. Not as severe as before but my skin is not totally healed. Because of the severe ance i had in the past & now, i have severe pitted holes scares all over my entire face. I undergo laser - C02 Fractional Laser which most Dermatologist advised me to do to help smoothen my scars. I’ve already done it 8 times but i see no improvement. And now I’m starting to doubt if this laser even works. The scars are still deep & ugly. I am at the end of the knot, i don’t know what to do anymore. The acne, the scars is just tearing myself esteem down. Please advise. Thank you My heart goes out to you. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot and the acne problem still isn’t solved. I’m not sure why all the different treatments you’ve done aren’t... more Dermatologist In Denver?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2011 on Aug 18, 2011 | Permalink Dr.Irwin,
I heard you on Paula’s radio blog and would love you to direct me to a skilled derm in Denver for fillers and even an excellent plastic surgeon for a possible future mini-lift. i would really appreciate some direction.
Thanks.
Miro I highly recommend dermatologist Dr Joel Cohen, who has an office just outside of Denver in Englewood. His website is www.aboutskinderm.com or call 303-756-7546. Dr Cohen is very renowned... more For men, is there a way to avoid looking feminine when work is being done?Posted in Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Botox, 2011 on Jul 24, 2011 | Permalink Dear Dr. Irwin,
I've found your website very informative. I appreciate all your posts and articles, they have been quite helpful. I have one question I would like to ask though. I am a man and I have been considering fillers and a good maintenance program so that I can stay looking as young and fresh as possible for as long as possible. So my main concern is going to a qualified doctor that knows the appropriate way to administer fillers to a masculine face and keep it looking masculine and not "enhanced" or "feminine". I say this because I see men that look like they have been overdone and that isn't the look I'm going for. I'm guessing you are informed about the medical community and who does good work with men in keeping them young and fresh so I had to ask who you might recommend me to go see to have these procedures, or Botox and dermal fillers. The goal for me is to retain my natural features and prevent further wrinkles and restore the fullness to my face lost from years of exercise and of course sagging from age. Any suggestion on a doctor in the Orange County or Los Angeles area that is qualified and known for working well with men and keeping their facial features masculine would be greatly appreciated. Doctor, thank you again for your informative and educational articles and I look forward to hearing your input.
In Health,
M
You raise a good point. There are some facial characteristics that are culturally labelled masculine or feminine traditionally. So if the doctor doing your work isn't sensitive to... more How to find a good doctor in Kansas?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2011 on Jul 24, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin,
First of all, thank you so much for putting this website together. It's very helpful and much appreciated! I saw your list of recommended dermatologists, however, Kansas wasn't on the list. I'm currently residing in Kansas and need to see a dermatologist, but I'm scared I will not pick a "good" one. I have been researching and researching, but I haven't had any luck finding a dermatologist that stands out amongst the rest, which to me doesn't seem like a good sign. I don't want to just trust anybody with my skincare, so if you know of any respectable dermatologists in the Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence or Kansas City areas, I'd really appreciate your input. Thank you so much. Keep up the fabulous work!
I really wish we had great doctors in all areas to put on the site. I know there are many out there that we just don't know about. We try to add good docs as we find out about them from... more
Anyone know a doctor in Chicago who's an artist with lasers and injectibles?Posted in Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Botox, 2011 on Jun 04, 2011 | Permalink I live in chicago and am trying to find and "artist" who is good with all fillers, botox etc. I am a redhead and I have had a fat transfer where placement is not ideal. It is important to have someone who can help with volume and poor skin tone(large pores, fine lines etc.). I am 48 and my skin looks much older than it should. I have had some great things done and some bad things done and would like to just find one person to work with in all areas. Thank you
This is such a tough one and I know women all over the country/world are struggling with this right now. I think demand for high quality services in this "new beauty" area has outstripped... more Can I come see you if I live somewhere else?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2011 on May 25, 2011 | Permalink I live in India and would like to schedule an appointment with you for December 2011,and as per your recommendation would like to go through a cosmetic procedure as per my little research its the latest version of Thermage that i am looking at for my entire face and neck.I am 40 years of age and would like to know how long should i plan this trip to U.S. for and how much will this cost me?
You are very kind and I am honored that you would consider this. But...... I really think you can find someone excellent closer to home. Also, please remember that any good office... more
How can I sort out all the different laser technologies and find a good doctor?Posted in Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Brown Spots, Blotchiness, 2011 on Apr 16, 2011 | Permalink I am considering a laser treatment for my face to just rejuvenate and even out the skin tone. I would also like to fix some broken blood vessels. I have no idea what type of laser procedure to look for and how to make sure the doctor is qualified to perform it. Is it a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon that I need to find? Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.
Okay - to start, read my articles on lasers to learn what type of results each laser can provide. Also, look at my directory of excellent cosmetic dermatologists in the U.S. to help you... more Do I travel to other places?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Oct 17, 2010 | Permalink Some MD's travel to different places to offer their services. Is there any chance of coming to Califorinia? I would love to make an appointment with you. Are the md's that you recommend on your site ones that you highly recommend as an alternative to yourself?
Dear Maggie - Thank you for the compliment and you are kind to ask. Until my 3 high school age children go to college, I'm really staying in Seattle. You can understand why! I DO... more Botox, Fillers and FaceliftPosted in Sculptra, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Finding a Good Doctor, Botox, 2010 on Oct 09, 2010 | Permalink Should one wait until your Botox has relaxed and all fillers out when you decide to have a facelift, so that the doctor can tell how much skin to lift?
I think it makes sense to let the more temporary fillers like Juvederm/Restylane/Perlane - all the hyaluronic acid fillers - wear off so you can get the optimum result from the surgery. ... more Problems with Sculptra.Posted in Sculptra, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Oct 03, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1) DR Irwin I lost weight I was reccommended sculptra by a doctor I trusted she didnt tell me about side affects she injected sculptra under my eyes I have lumps nodules its been 12months volume is too much under eyes and temples its not depleting the doctor who disfigued me has no duty of care she doesnt want to deal with it how long before this goes back to my normal self I had erbium laser for nodules didnt help. the doctor who did this dr angela richardson in kenmore brisbane clinic called cozmetics. I hope you can give me advise
I'll be back to you on this. I'm working with the company, Sanofi Aventis, to try to find a resource for you. Dr.... more
I'm having difficulty finding a good cosmetic dermatologist where I live.Posted in Skin Care, MedSpa, Lasers, IPL, Fraxel laser, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Sep 26, 2010 | Permalink I am trying to find a cosmetic dermatologist in Vancouver, BC. I have discovered in my research that most of the clinics have technicians doing the laser procedures rather than the dermatologist. In addition, many of the anti-aging clinics are headed by medical doctors that have "a special interest in cosmetic procedures." Is this the norm?
Thanks,Lisa
Okay so good questions! I'll try to clarify. Many good dermatologists or plastic surgeons will delegate procedures. I don't have a problem with this as long as the laser provider has a... more Good dermatologists and plastic surgeons?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink Dr. Irwin-
Could you please recommend a cosmetic dermatologist and/or plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX. We have so many that it is overwhelming to review. You and Paula Begoun recommend asking someone who looks good for their source - Hello - if the work is done well how would you know? And it would be a bit rude to ask them.
Your website is very good! Its been a huge help.
Thank you Dallas, TX
See my regional guide to good dermatologists, there are a few great doctors in Texas. Also, here are some more tips on finding an expert cosmetic dermatologist. Dr.... more
I've had 4 Botox appointments with the same doctor and the problem still isn't solved?Posted in Finding a Good Doctor, Botox Mistakes, Botox, 2010 on Aug 17, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I- I had Botox on the bunny lines and under the eyes. I have been back four times for the follow up because my left side hasn't really changed at all. One side/right side is great-smooth and wrinkel free after the 2nd treatment. The doctor said I had strong muscles on the left side and thought #4 would do the trick. It's been 7 days since that treatment and it looks the same. Is that normal? I plan to make another appointment but why would one side require so much more than the other side????
Since I don't know what you looked like before and I don't know exactly what was done, I can't really comment. But as a general rule, it doesn't make sense to me that one side is... more
Is there anyone in VirginiaPosted in Skin Care, MedSpa, Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Botox, 2010 on Aug 10, 2010 | Permalink Dr. Irwin,
I have been a regular visitor to your website since hearing you on Paula Beguon's radio show. I feel like I can't go wrong having the both of you in my corner. I'd really like to pursue getting dermal fillers. However, you have not included any Virginia cosmetic dermatologists on your 'trusted' listing. I did take a virtual tour of the Washington D.C. 'trusted' facility because I reside in Northern Virginia. What makes me hesitant about the D.C. facility is that they list so many things they specialize in. I've read almost every blog you've responded to and what stays with me the most is your insistence that it all goes back to the injector and his/her skill. I don't see how anyone can be skilled in so many procedures?
Any suggestions? Linda
Thank you!!! As you all know, I am revising the regional guide but it's SLOOOOW because I feel like I need to check possible additions with several different sources. In Virginia, I'm... more What can I do about problems with irritation from tretinoin?Posted in Pigment problems, Hair Removal, Hair, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Jun 01, 2010 | Permalink I was in India for a vacation till end of march and two weeks later went to a hair removing laser clinic, and started developing red patches on my skin and continued applying tretinoin on top of that, then the Dr gave me desonide to apply for a week and started on tretinoin again, my skin started peeling (more irritation, could see some pink skin underneath), then stopped tretinoin, how long can i stay without it, i have been on it for 7 years and it was going very well (0.05%). Can i ever go back to it?
I think I have this straight. You were using the tretinoin without problems until the India vacation, the laser hair removal (assuming on the face?), and then the desonide. It takes the... more Who should I see - a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon?Posted in Lasers, Finding a Good Doctor, Fillers, Botox on Apr 12, 2010 | Permalink The advice I usually here is to see a "cosmetic or plastic surgeon" rather than a dermatologist for many of the procedures you recommend. Besides being more costly, why wouldn't I see what seems to be a more skilled physician when I'm thinking about altering my face. I know that they do do botox, and laser resurfacing, etc. I'm quite confused about the best physician.
Thanks,
Janis
I think this is very confusing for people. Dermatologists are specialists who are experts in the care of skin, hair and nails. We do 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, 1-3... more Finding a good dermatologist.Posted in Finding a Good Doctor on Aug 18, 2009 | Permalink Hi. I wish your office wasn't across the country from my PA location. Do you ever come to the East coast for consultations? I'm wondering if you could recommend a good cosmetic dermatologist in my area. I would consider a location within a days drive. I'm specifically looking for someone who specializes in Thermage for my sagging jawline and double chin. I would appreciate any input you may have. Thanks for your time.
Best, Noelle Meske Nicolle - Thank you for that nice wish. I really don't do consultations elsewhere partly because I have 3 children (all teens now) and I really like to be with them (most days)!! Did you... more
Finding a Good Dermatologist for ThermagePosted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Finding a Good Doctor on Jun 18, 2009 | Permalink Can you recommend a dermotologist in the Sarasota, Florida area who does Thermage? Thank you. Eleana Hall Gregoryahall@verizon.net Elena - If there isn't someone on our website, it's because we don't know anyone there we can truly vouch for. That doesn't mean though that there aren't good Derms there who do Thermage... more |
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