Author: drkelley

Nurture fibroblasts for beautiful skin

Fibroblasts and stem cells are unique as they are the only cells capable of regenerating new tissue in the body. This means that reactivating or stimulating these cells can set tissues to a healthier, more youthful state.

Fibroblasts are essential for producing key skin components such as collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Their productivity, however, depends on their environment; exposure to inflammatory substances can hinder their ability to generate healthy collagen.

Historically, skin rejuvenation methods like lasers, peels, and RF microneedling have been used to stimulate collagen production through controlled injury and procedures that cause inflammation. These procedures traumatize the fibroblasts and their environment to attempt to reactivate them.

In contrast, the Regenerative Aesthetics approach focuses on nurturing fibroblasts with hydration, nutrition, and protection, minimizing tissue trauma and inflammation.

Our clinic is excited to introduce a new line of products from Toskani of Barcelona, featuring microneedling with biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, polynucleotides, and essential vitamins and nutrients.

These products employ liposomal technology for enhanced absorption, allowing for gentler microneedling without compromising effectiveness. This means we do not have to be aggressive with our microneedling resulting in much less irritation and redness.

This approach is aligned with our Whole Body Wellness therapies—which include nutritional IVs, targeted supplementation, and subtle energy therapies like the X39 patches.

Here is a link to Toskani’s US website==> https://toskani.com/us/

This regenerative approach has shown excellent results.

To learn more about how our innovative treatments and products can benefit you, please Call or Text 770-649-0094 or email us at drkelley@cwaesthetics.com, or appointments@cwaesthetics.com.

Collagen- an important protein for beautiful skin

The Importance of Collagen for Healthy Skin as We Age

Collagen, the most abundant protein in our bodies, plays a vital role in maintaining skin health and elasticity. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to common signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of firmness.

Collagen acts as the building block of our skin, providing structure and support. In our youth, it ensures that our skin remains smooth, firm, and hydrated. However, after the age of 25, collagen levels begin to decrease, at a rate of about 1% per year. This reduction can be accelerated by factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet.

In addition to collagen, we want to protect the extra cellular matrix where the collagen fibers reside. The extracellular matrix (ECM), constituting over 70% of the skin, is the central hub for repair and regeneration of the skin. We do not often think of treatments which help the ECM but there are skin care products and in-office procedures like Microneedling that address the health of the ECM, including collagen.

To combat these effects, it’s essential to focus on ways to boost collagen production. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C, amino acids, and antioxidants can help support collagen synthesis. Foods like citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and fish are particularly beneficial. Additionally, collagen supplements, available in various forms such as powders and capsules, can provide a direct source of this essential protein.

Incorporating skincare products containing retinoids, peptides, and hyaluronic acid can also stimulate collagen production and improve skin health. By taking these steps, we can help maintain our skin’s youthful appearance and resilience as we age, keeping it healthy, vibrant, and glowing. Give us a call or text at 770-649-0094 to get started.

Hyperdilute Radiesse

Radiesse is a filler that is made of CAHA (calcium hydroxyapatite in a gel matrix. When Radiesse is thinned out and injected, it can stimulate collagen and elastin formation in the face and body. Popular areas of treatment include the midface, lower face, neck and chest. We have injected the skin above the knees and seen great results.

These injections are done with a cannula resulting in less swelling and bruising. 2-3 treatments are required to see the best results.

Sculptra BLT ™

As we age, we often focus on our face and not our bodies. Just like we lose collagen in our faces, we lose collagen in other areas. Sculptra BLT ™ may be your solution.

Sculptra is a unique filler. It stimulates YOU to make collagen. We love it for the face, restoring volume to the cheeks, temples and other areas of the face to give more youthful contours.

Sculptra is now being used to tighten skin in problem areas that can be difficult to treat. The chest, knees, abdomen, arms and hands.

Sculptra when used in these areas requires a different dilution. It is injected in a technique that has been trademarked by Nurse Injector Leslie Fletcher. Dr. Kelley is one of a few practitioners trained in this technique.

Contact us at 770-649-0094 to Learn More.

Exilis and Sculptra-The 1, 2 Punch

As we age we lose bone, fat and collagen. This can result of youthful facial contours. The youthful face is heart shaped with more volume in the upper face and less in the lower face. I love the combination of Sculptra and Exilis skin tightening for rejuvenating the face. Exilis uses radiofrequency to heat the skin stimulating collagen and elastin production. Sculptra is injected where volume has been lost- the temples, the cheeks, in front of the ears and the lower cheeks. Combining these two treatment modalities creates a synergy. Both procedures require the body to make collagen. The results occur over time and are very natural in appearance.  A series of 3 or 4 Exilis treatments is recommended and 2-3 sessions of Sculptra. The result is more gradual, less obvious to others but can restore the heart shape to the face and firm up the skin.

Kybella Atlanta update

Now that we have added Kybella to our office procedures, I want to give you an update on what we are seeing with our patietns. Kybella double chin treatment destroys fat cells under the chin. Our patients are complaining of minimal discomfort with the injections. I have found that using a numbing cream before the procedure makes it more comfortable. Also, using a small needle size helps with comfort. The next day there is swelling, but it typically can be camouflaged and patients are able to go back to normal activity. Most of our patients are seeing results after the second treatment. It appears that the fat destruction process may continue for longer that the 4 weeks. Combining this procedure with Exilis skin tightening helps improve the tone and texture of the skin. I also recommend a neck firming cream be used to enhance results.

Kybella is another tool in our tool box of injectable facial rejuvenation procedures. An overall plan for your face may include fillers for your cheeks, Botox for wrinkles and PRP for skin rejuvenation. 

Kybella Double Chin Treatment

We are excited to announce that we now offer the Kybella treatment that targets that dreaded double chin. Kybella works by targeting and destroying fat cells.  During this procedure injections of the fat burner medication are performed. For comfort, we offer numbing cream prior to the injections.  The procedure does not take more than 15 minutes. There is no downtime and this is a nonsurgical procedure. Because there is destruction of fat cells, there is some swelling. Typically, two treatments are needed, spaced 6 weeks apart. Here are some results.

Botox boosts elastin production

Botox is a purified protein that has been used for years to reduce wrinkles associated with facial expression. One of the most common areas Botox is injected is between the brows to soften frown lines. A new study published in the journal JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery finds that botox may improve the pliability and elasticity of skin for up to 4 months.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 6.5 million Americans underwent botox in 2012. The procedure involves injecting the drug in certain areas of the face in order to temporarily relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.

For their study, Dr. James P. Bonaparte, of the University of Ottawa, and Dr. David Ellis, of the University of Toronto – both in Canada – set out to investigate the effects of botox on the skin.

Specifically, the researchers wanted to find out how botox affects two features of the skin that weaken as we get older: pliability (stretchiness) and elasticity (the ability to recoil).

“As one ages, these biomechanical properties change,” note the authors. “Of these age-related changes, the loss of skin elasticity appears to be the most prominent.”

Dr. Bonaparte and Dr. Ellis enrolled 48 women to the study with an average age of 55 who underwent botox injections to reduce the appearance of mild wrinkles of the forehead and around the eyes.

Among the 43 women who completed the study, the team found that the botox injections increased both the pliability and elasticity of their skin for up to 4 months – a duration similar to that of the muscle-relaxing effects of botox. After this time, the skin properties returned to baseline levels.

We have noticed an improvement in skin quality in our Botox patients. We offer advanced Botox techniques including the Nefertiti lift which helps the jawline to appear more defined. Our doctor also performs a procedure called Microtox which helps the skin to appear more lifted and tightened around the eyes and the neck. Botox can also be use to soften wrinkles around the mouth and help turn up the corners of the mouth.

Call (770) 649-0094 for more information.

Kybella, the breakthrough ‘double chin’ treatment,’ available NOW at Cobb Wellness & Aesthetics

KYBELLA IS NOW AVAILABLE AT OUR OFFICE.

Kybella is the first injectable treatment for submental fat to get the FDA’s nod of approval. It was originally made by Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. a company based in Westlake Village, California, which has been acquired by Allergan, the manufacturers of Botox.

Why Choose Kybella? It is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve your chin profile. The treatment can be done in-office in less than 30 minutes. While most patients will experience a noticeable reduction in under-chin fat within 2 treatments. Up to 4 treatments may be required. Importantly though, you don’t need to undergo any anesthesia or invasive surgery to remove the fat beneath your chin.

Kybella must be administered by physicians with the requisite experience in handling injectables, and Linda Kelley, MD, has over 14 years’ experience in anti-aging medicine. Give Cobb Wellness & Aesthetics and Dr. Kelley a call today to learn more.  If you are unhappy with the fullness under your chin we can help! Simply fill out the form in the top right corner or call 770-649-0094 to see if Kybella is right for you.