Blog with Dr. Irwin

Nodules From Fillers – This Time It’s Radiesse
Hello Dr. Irwin, I had Radiesse injected into my lower cheeks in June. In November, I developed nodules in both cheeks. On one side, it is more of a golf ball sized mass and on the other, several large, hard bumps. I went back to the nurse and she injected a small amount of diluted steroid and it showed no improvement. I am beside myself. I saw a plastic surgeon who said he has not seen this late-onset immune response before but has scheduled me to come in for an aggressive treatment of steroid injections and has prescribed antibiotics. Does this sound like it will help or what else can you recommend be done? I am 61 years old.
Will steroid treatment help treat nodules that developed after Radiesse injections?
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The Perfect Botox/Dysport – is there such a thing?
Hi - I am 50 years old (female) and I got Botox for the first time in November 2022, about 9/10 weeks ago. The injector did my forehead, between my eyes, and crow's feet. Approximately 2 weeks later, maybe slightly less, under my eyes (a bit lower though, closer to the top of my cheek) became quite puffy (and very noticeable) and it has remained that way ever since. This is an area where I have never had any puffiness or swelling before - totally bizarre and horrible! The swelling has decreased slowly over time, so it has been improving, to the point where a few days ago I thought they were almost gone. However, I had an RF Secret treatment on my face and neck just 2 days ago (for other reasons, not for the bags) - and now they appear a bit worse. Help! I have been so hopeful that they would go away given they have been improving, and I was assuming once the Botox wears off, they will go away too. But now I am fearful they won't! Last question - would this likely have been a mistake on the injector's part, or would it simply be my reaction to Botox (meaning I should not do it again). I was VERY happy with the forehead/between the eyes results (but interestingly did not notice a big change on the crow's feet). Thank you! D.
Why did my Botox treatment not turn out the way I imagined?
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Very Dry Skin Strategies
Hi! Thanks for all your great advice over the years. I’m struggling with very dry skin this winter. It just doesn’t seem like my skin is absorbing products effectively. Specifically, I wondered what you think of hydrating serums. I’ve used Revision hydrating serum in previous winters and I think it helped. I’m also hearing a lot about facial oils, especially Prevent by Thriving and Naked. What do you think of these products? How would I use them (what order)? Any other brands you prefer? Thanks again, Jennifer
What hydrating skincare products help with dry skin?
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Body Skin – Ways to Improve It – Part 2 of 2.
Dear Dr. Irwin, I have recently retired after being an RN in Iowa for 45 years - my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying caring for our infant grandson. We recently took a trip to Florida to celebrate and I had the time and space to really take a good look at my 66 year old body and face! I have fair skin with red hair and freckles, and recently had knee replacement surgery - I have noticed my arms and legs look older than I would like. A lifetime of sun damage and some poor leg circulation issues. I heard of your site and have been trying to educate myself more about skin care. I have devoted myself to caring for others I think to the detriment of self-care, and I wonder if you could advise me how to move forward. I thank you in advance. Take care, Diane
We all have a tendency to take better care of the skin on our face and neglect the skin on the rest of our body. So, how do you improve it?
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Body Skin – Ways to Improve It – Part 1 of 2.
Dear Dr. Irwin, I have recently retired after being an RN in Iowa for 45 years - my husband and I are thoroughly enjoying caring for our infant grandson. We recently took a trip to Florida to celebrate and I had the time and space to really take a good look at my 66 year old body and face! I have fair skin with red hair and freckles, and recently had knee replacement surgery - I have noticed my arms and legs look older than I would like. A lifetime of sun damage and some poor leg circulation issues. I heard of your site and have been trying to educate myself more about skin care. I have devoted myself to caring for others I think to the detriment of self care, and I wonder if you could advise me how to move forward. I thank you in advance. Take care, Diane
We all have a tendency to take better care of the skin on our face and neglect the skin on the rest of our body. So, how do you improve it?
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What Causes Premature Aging and How to Reverse It
Hi, I have moved to New Zealand 4 years ago and have now noticed that I have received a terrible amount of sun damage compared to when I first arrived here. My skin has become full of pores and is leathery. Is there anything that can be done to get back my smooth peachy skin that I had before, or at least improve my skin a bit to fix the damage, or is my skin just permanently aged now?
Thanks a lot in advance, Michael, Male 33
Is there anything I can do to reverse sun damage to my skin?
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Implants, Metals, Stents, Lasers and RF/Sound Waves
Can I use radio frequency skin tightening or cavitation on my stomach/back/ arms if I have a titanium rod in my femur bone? Or is that too close? I also have screws/pins in my hand as well. I am a 5'4" 110 lbs. 73 year old in good health with no prescribed medications, don't smoke, rarely drink, and can hike 12 miles easily. Question: I have 3 narrow plates (approx. 1/4" under my eye socket, along my cheekbone diagonally, and my nose) and am considering a CO2 Laser procedure on my face. Due to the heat aspect of the procedure, is it safe to have this procedure done?
Can I use radio frequency skin tightening or cavitation on my stomach/back/ arms if I have a titanium rod in my femur bone?
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Is low dose Minoxidil a good idea for hair loss?
Hi Dr. Irwin. I’ve been reading a lot about low-dose oral Minoxidil for female hair loss. What are your thoughts? Does the oral Minoxidil work well enough on its own or should it be paired with another treatment, such as PRP, for optimal results?
Is low dose Minoxidil a good idea for hair loss?
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