Blog
“TREAT Yourself to Our Bag of Beauty TRICKS”
Fall is officially upon us! As we bid farewell to summer and usher in a new season, it’s wise to take inventory and ask yourself what needs to change, along with the weather. Whether you’re thinking of how to plan ahead for the winter, what you can do to correct the summer sun skin damage, or if you’re just looking for a few simple adjustments to weave into your daily skin care routine, we’re here to “treat” you to our bag of beauty “tricks” that will get you ready for the season ahead.
Update Your Daily Beauty Habits
As we depart from the humid, sticky heat of summer weather, there are changes to your skin care routine that should be made to give your skin the optimal care it deserves. It’s important to remember that everyone’s skin care routine should be customized based on their specific needs and concerns. Even still, there are some popular adjustments we often see this time of year including supplemental moisture to maintain adequate hydration. With the drop in hydration, your skin will need more moisture to maintain a glow. In addition to the need for hydration, brown and red spots from time in the sun can be relieved by adding in a topical skin bleaching cream to your daily routine. With products like these, spots can be reduced, making a more even complexion.
While we offer a wide assortment of medical grade skin care products that you could benefit from, booking a consultation with Dr. Biesman will ensure you’re using the proper products specific for your skin to address these concerns. Call our office today to schedule your appointment: 615-329-1110
Quick Fixes For Reversing Summer Sun Damage
Beyond what you do at home to care for your skin, there are some great procedures we offer at our practice that can serve as a “quick fix” to damage done by the sun (all with minimal recovery). Curious about a few options you might benefit from?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Treatment: This is used to improve the appearance of sun-damaged skin, particularly red discoloration and darker brown spots. Most commonly used to counteract the redness that occurs in patients who have acne, rosacea and the red and brown changes that occur with extensive sun damage, IPL can be used on the face, neck, arms, hands and even the chest, back and legs.
V Beam Laser: This technology directs the laser at targeted blood vessels in short pulses to treat sun and age spots, facial redness and flushing, wrinkles, acne and more. While most people see results in a single treatment, some patients require or desire a second or third treatment.
Fraxel®: Looking to improve the quality of your skin tone, texture and radiance after the damage done this summer? Fraxel® is a non-invasive treatment for patients who want to look younger without dramatic changes or extended downtime.
Chemical Peels: Peels are a technique used to improve and smooth your skin’s texture to improve brown sun spots and achieve an overall glow. These are a good way to shed the outermost layers of the skin and jump-start your skincare regimen leading into Fall and the holidays.
Plan Ahead For Winter Treatments
Winter is a time when we cozy up indoors, and it’s also a great time to schedule those procedures that require more downtime and can take a bit longer before you see the full results.
Ultherapy: This treatment is used to lift and tighten mild/moderate laxity to the face. While downtime is minimal, it takes about 3 months to see full results. In order to enjoy the best results in time for your holiday events, you should schedule treatments now!
Thermage: Thermage® is a noninvasive skin-tightening treatment that can be used on the face, neck, eyelids, or body. It uses electrical energy to carefully heat the skin in a way that causes collagen to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in a tighter, firmer appearance. Similar to Ultherapy, downtime is minimal, however it can take several months for the full results to take full effect.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: During this procedure, heat is delivered to the skin to create microchannels of controlled “damage”. In response to this stimulus, the skin undergoes a healing process that results in elimination of discolored, sun-damaged areas, producing fresh, new skin. Post treatment recovery times are often a full two weeks, followed by a period of a few more months when the skin can have a pink or red color. It’s good to plan ahead for when you’re able to recover.
Surgical Removal (Excision) of Acne Scars: If treating your acne scars is something you’ve always wanted to do, why not do so this winter? When treating the deep and narrow ice pick scars, surgical excision is usually required. As the scars are removed, sutures repair the skin and convert the deep ice pick scar to a much smoother, less depressed scar. Typically, only one to two stitches are required at each surgical site and the stitches stay in place for one week.
Eyelid Surgery: Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery is a great procedure to do during the winter months when you’ll be spending a lot of time indoors. During this procedure, Dr. Biesman makes a small incision hidden within the eyelid’s natural fold to remove or reposition the sagging tissue. The result is a more youthful and well-rested look.
Dr. Biesman’s schedule always fills up as the year comes to a close, so be sure to call our practice as soon as possible to book your desired appointments!
HOLIDAY PREP STARTS NOW
Seeing premature holiday decor being sold in the stores can naturally spark a bit of annoyance (it’s not even Halloween yet!) With that said, there are certain measures that need to start happening now in order to be ready when the holidays start rolling around such as cosmetic procedures that can help you look and feel your best. Whether you’ll be attending a corporate party, festivities with friends, or simply gathering together with your extended family, there’s no question that this is a popular time of year to be seen by those you love. If you’re looking to beautifully enhance your appearance as you prepare for those events this holiday season, here are some procedures we offer at our practice that can do just that.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO REDUCE STUBBORN AREAS OF FAT…
CoolSculpting® is a completely noninvasive, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body fat, which is an especially popular concern as we move to a season of over-indulgence! Ideal candidates are within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight and have stubborn areas that simply don’t respond to diet and exercise. This treatment is performed in our office without the need for anesthesia or sedation. Best results are usually seen three months after treatment, hence why it’s important to start now!
Additionally, our practice is proud to be one of the few with the CoolTone™ Beta System. During this procedure, CoolTone’s Magnetic Muscle Stimulation, or MMS technology, delivers energy through the skin and fat to target only the underlying muscle, inducing intense contractions (far more than you could ever achieve with exercise). The body’s response to these contractions is strengthened and enlarged muscles with resultant improvement in muscle conditioning. CoolTone may be used on the abdomen (belly) or the buttocks. Following treatment of the abdomen, patients often note better strength, posture, and aesthetic improvement in the appearance of the midsection. The combination of CoolTone and CoolSculpting is the ultimate combination to noninvasively improve the appearance of your abdomen. CoolTone treatment of the buttocks can produce lifting, tightening and enhanced contour. CoolTone treatments are performed in the office without anesthesia or sedation. The recommended treatment series is 2 treatment per week for 2 weeks (4 treatments in total). Touch up treatments are typically performed every 4-6 months. Book a consultation with our practice to learn if you’re a candidate for this exciting new procedure!
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO TIGHTEN AND LIFT YOUR SKIN…
As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. Thermage® is a non-invasive, skin-tightening treatment that carefully heats the skin and creates a contouring effect while stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production process. Immediately following treatment, the treated area may be slightly pink for a short time, but patients can resume normal activities immediately. As with any procedure, results vary from patient to patient but final results cannot be judged for six months after the treatment with final effects typically last 1-2 years!
Another great option for skin-tightening is Ultherapy®. This is a noninvasive treatment that delivers heat to the skin using focused ultrasound to produce tightening and lift sagging skin. There is minimal to no recovery period or down time after treatment, although both Ultherapy® and Thermage® produce best results if a series of at least 2 or even 3 treatments are performed. Treatments ideally would be performed approximately 1 month apart, so it’s best to plan ahead to schedule your treatments in the lead up to your holiday events.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO REDUCE RED OR BROWN SPOTS…
Intense Pulsed Light (or IPL) treatments can correct the red and brown skin tones resulting from sun exposure and aging. The face, neck and chest are the most commonly treated areas although the arms, legs, back and shoulders respond beautifully to treatment as well. A few treatments are often required for best outcomes so you will want to begin several months before the holiday season. Downtime after IPL is minimal, but even still, this isn’t a treatment to have performed within a few days of important photos or events.
V beam is another treatment that’s great for treating redness (including rosacea, acne and red scars). Similar to IPL, downtime is minimal but also isn’t a treatment to have performed within a few days of important photos or events.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO REDUCE WRINKLES OR IMPROVE SKIN QUALITY…
Laser skin resurfacing rejuvenates tired, wrinkled skin producing a fresh, youthful appearance. Whether you are young and have fine wrinkling or have earned your deeper wrinkles over time, there is a resurfacing procedure that is right for you. Skin resurfacing clears brown discoloration caused by sun damage, tightens skin along the jawline, eyelids and other areas, smooths wrinkles, and improves the texture and appearance of scars. Depending on the treatment that is best for you, some recovery may be required after skin resurfacing so explore this option at least several months before your first holiday event rolls around.
Looking for another great way to improve the quality of your skin tone, texture and radiance after the damage done this summer? Fraxel® is a non-invasive treatment for patients who want to look younger without dramatic changes or extended downtime. We recently started offering this treatment again and are excited about the results we’re seeing. Book a consultation with our practice to see if you’re a suitable candidate.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO REDUCE FINE LINES, UNDER EYE CIRCLES
Injectable products such as neuromodulators (Botox® and similar drugs) and soft tissue fillers (Restylane®, Juvederm® and others), can enhance or restore your natural beauty while keeping a natural appearance. While facial injectables are widely available, our office prides itself in having some of the most highly experienced professionals who can listen to your concerns, determine your needs, select the proper products, and administer them safely and effectively. Ideally, facial injections should be performed at least 1 month before any major event.
With a bit of planning ahead, Dr.Biesman can use a comprehensive approach to help you look your absolute best for whatever you have on the agenda this holiday season. Call our office today to make sure you schedule your desired procedures with ample time. We look forward to seeing you!
AUGUST IS “ALL ABOUT EYES”
With August kicking off a new school year, chances are your calendar is brimming with activities once again. We know that busy schedules often lead to less sleep, and less sleep can lead to tired eyes. If your eyes tend to suffer the consequences from all that “go go go” you’re in luck. Dr. Biesman is an award-winning oculofacial plastic surgeon, which means the eye area is his specialty.
This month, we thought we’d address a few common issues that contribute to tired eyes, and share some great options we offer at our practice to address each one. Thanks to procedures like tear trough correction, eyelid surgery and forehead & eyebrow lifts, your eyes can look healthy, well rested and more youthful.
KICK DARK CIRCLES WITH TEAR TROUGH CORRECTION
Nothing is more of a dead giveaway from too little sleep than the dark circles under your eyes–it’s the thinnest layer of skin! A common trouble area we treat patients for is tear trough correction, which smooths the area that creates the appearance of dark circles. Some people are born with deep hollowing and others gradually experience this due to aging. No matter why you have tear trough issues, the result means eyes that always look tired, even when you’re not. To correct and create a more well-rested look for our patients, Dr. Biesman carefully injects soft tissue fillers to fill in the hollow area for a smoother transition with little to no pain. The process typically takes less than 30 minutes, patients can drive themselves home after their appointment and there is very little aftercare required.
FIGHT AGING AROUND THE EYES WITH BLEPHAROPLASTY
The proverbial “eyes are the window to the soul” may be true, but eyes are also one of the first places we see signs of aging. As gravity takes its toll, excess tissue in the eyelids begins to sag and can add a heaviness to the eye area and a lack of sleep can accentuate this even more! One possible solution to this problem is Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Biesman makes a small incision hidden within the eyelid’s natural fold to remove or reposition the sagging tissue. The surgery usually takes between 60-90 minutes and can be performed either in an outpatient surgery center or at our office. As you can see from the before and after photos, this procedure helps to rejuvenate the eyelid area and create an overall more youthful appearance.
FIGHT AGING WITHOUT SURGERY
Looking for another way to fight aging around the eyes that’s not surgery? Did you know that laser skin resurfacing can be done on the eyelid area of your skin? This treatment heats the layers underneath to promote collagen production, which stimulates the skin to heal in a more smooth, even appearance. This is a great option for patients who are wanting to reduce eyelid wrinkles and improve the appearance of their eyes overall.
COUNTERACT GRAVITY WITH FOREHEAD AND EYEBROW LIFTS
Sometimes the culprit of our heavy eyes isn’t actually caused by the eye area itself. Often, sagging eyebrows can contribute to the appearance of weighed-down eyelids. In fact, patients will often come to Dr. Biesman inquiring about eyelid surgery when they actually are in need of a forehead or eyebrow lift. In this procedure, Dr. Biesman uses tiny telescopes, inserted through small incisions hidden behind the hairline to elevate the eyebrows and eliminate deep forehead or frown lines. The best way to determine whether you’re a better candidate for eyelid surgery vs. a forehead or an eyebrow lift is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Biesman so he can assess your needs and advise what’s best for you.
Looking for some more tips to give your eyes a little TLC this season?
- Try sleeping on your back and using two pillows so that fluid doesn’t pool overnight, leaving you with dark, puffy bags.
- Minimize sodium intake. Similar to how sodium can cause bloating in the body, it also can cause puffiness under your eyes.
- Be gentle while removing your makeup. While it’s tempting to scrub it off with washcloth or towel, try to use gentle strokes in the same direction instead of pulling back and forth with force. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, you should always treat the eye area incredibly delicately.
- If you can’t get more sleep, cut back on alcohol. No real surprise here, but it only leads to inflammation and dehydration.
- Looking for an immediate solution to minimize tired eyes? Applying something cool to your eyes (like a cold washcloth or cucumbers) can help reduce constricting swollen under-eye blood vessels.
Whatever goals you have in mind to improve your eye area, Dr. Biesman is here to help. Call our practice to schedule a consultation, or visit our website to learn more about the services we offer at our practice. But also…try to get some sleep!
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY
Photo:The Everygirl
Cue the sunshine, warm temperatures and days out of the office. Summer is officially upon us! This mid-year mark usually seems to usher in space for all of us to take a break from our typical routines and enjoy a little down time. So whether you’re planning to use this season to lounge by the pool, jet away for a vacation, or just curl up indoors with a book to escape the heat, here are a few ways to make the most of your summer holiday.
GIVE YOUR SKIN SOME TLC
It’s no secret that your skin is really put through the ringer this time of year. While we certainly don’t want to stop any of your fun, just don’t forget to give your skin some extra TLC along the way too! Following these simple steps can help keep your skin in tip-top shape, even in the heat of the summer:
With sticky humidity, sweat, dirt, oil and other impurities constantly invading your skin this season, be sure you’re following a medical grade skin care regimen. If you don’t already have one, let our physician-supervised staff treat and assess your skin according to Dr. Biesman’s recommendations to ensure you’re using optimal products to keep your skin healthy and maintain a youthful appearance.
- SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN!
It may sound obvious, but we can’t stress the importance of sunscreen enough this time of year! To be clear, you should be wearing a daily SPF year-round and with increased sun exposure in the summer months, this is extremely crucial. Because sunscreen requires daily application, and sometimes even multiple times throughout the day, be sure you’re using a quality product. Also, make sure your sunscreen is both Safe and Effective. The Food and Drug Administration recently issued a ruling in which nearly two thirds of available sunscreens do not meet FDA standards. Let our professionals help you choose the sunscreen that is best for your skin.
Your face likely isn’t the only skin people will be seeing this season! If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of cellulite without undergoing an elaborate procedure, our practice carries CelluliTx: a breakthrough topical solution for those seeking to combat the appearance of cellulite
USE YOUR TIME OFF WISELY
With the downtime that’s required for some of our more extensive service offerings, Summer is a great time to consider undergoing surgical procedures.
Dr. Biesman is a specialist in oculofacial plastic surgery, which means he is an expert in performing surgery of the eyelids and upper face for rejuvenation and reconstruction. Whether your eyes appear aged and tired or you have had eyelid surgery that did not go as well as you had hoped, Dr. Biesman can help you get your best result. Eyelid surgery typically takes between 1- 1.5 hours and involves some down time.
Sagging eyebrows can contribute to the appearance of heavy eyelids. In fact, patients will often come to Dr. Biesman inquiring about eyelid surgery when they actually are in need of a forehead or eyebrow lift. In this procedure, Dr. Biesman uses tiny telescopes, inserted through small incisions hidden behind the hairline, to elevate the eyebrows and eliminate deep forehead or frown lines. Bruising and swelling will vary among patients for this procedure, so it’s good to allow for a couple weeks of down time to recover fully.
While it will rarely feel convenient to block a couple weeks out of your schedule to recover from a surgical procedure, summer is often a time when more offices are flexible with working remotely, or when schedules are traditionally more flexible and some choose to take a staycation. Why not recover in a shaded hammock in your back yard or escape the heat with some AC and a good book indoors?
STRATEGIZE YOUR TREATMENT TIMES
Many patients are often concerned about receiving skin treatments this time of year due to their increased sun exposure (and rightfully so, because often the two don’t mix!) With that said, we do offer some treatments that are colorblind and work well regardless (two great examples of this are Ultherapy™ and Thermage®).
Thermage® is a noninvasive, skin-tightening treatment that can be used on the face, neck, eyelids or body. It uses electrical energy to carefully heat the skin in a way that causes collagen to contract and stimulates the production of new collagen, resulting in a tighter, firmer appearance. Following the procedure,your skin may be slightly pink, but patients can resume normal activities immediately.
Ultherapy® is a completely noninvasive treatment that delivers heat to the skin using focused ultrasound to produce tightening and lift sagging skin. Ultherapy exerts its effects deeper beneath the skin’s surface than Thermage and is the only treatment FDA approved for noninvasive lifting of the skin. Ultherapy may be used on the upper face to lift the eyebrows, on the lower face and neck to contour and lift lax skin and on the chest to improve skin quality. Ultherapy treatments are performed in the office and have minimal to no associated downtime.
If you’re interested in Ultherapy, you have great timing! On Tuesday – July 30th, our practice is hosting an Event Day Savings with 20% off of qualifying Ultherapy Treatment Plans. Call to schedule your evaluation from 8:30 – 3:30
with our Certified Ultherapy Specialist Tammy Holton, RN (Restrictions Apply)
Dr. Biesman and his staff consider a number of factors including treatment goals and expectations when deciding which of these noninvasive skin tightening methods to recommend. Whichever is best for you, both of these procedures are great to start now, because they require no downtime, so you can still use your summer take that vacation! They do take about six months for the full results to show- which is right around the holidays.
As subsequent treatments can provide added benefit, we offer package pricing for multiple treatment sessions when performed one month apart.
Regardless of how you plan to spend this season, we’re here to help you take care of yourself and your appearance most efficiently and effectively.. Visit our website or book a consultation with our office to learn more about any procedures you’re interested in.
CELEBRATING THE MEN IN OUR LIVES THIS FATHER’S DAY
A lot of the procedures we offer at our practice are often associated with women. Yet, the reality is, our male patients benefit greatly from these procedures and the rate at which men are opting in is projected to continue growing. So, with Father’s Day just around the corner, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to speak to all the amazing men in our lives and show them that they too deserve to look and feel like their best self. Here are some ways that we can help.
EYELID SURGERY
Aging, and the excess eyelid tissue that can occur as a result, doesn’t discriminate based on gender! Dr. Biesman treats a wide variety of both male and female patients who can benefit from a blepharoplasty: an eyelid surgery where sagging tissues are removed or repositioned to create a bright, more youthful look.
Often, there is a misconception that plastic surgery creates a noticeable or extreme alteration to one’s physical appearance, which can deter patients, especially males, from exploring these procedures. On the contrary, Dr. Biesman prides himself in finding ways to correct trouble areas in an effective, yet subtle way. A blepharoplasty surgery is performed using a fine incision hidden in the eyelid’s natural fold or inside of the eyelid to avoid visible scars.
Not only do these procedures create a more youthful appearance, they can also be life-changing in regards to overall vision improvement.
COOLSCULPTING
Another procedure our male patients frequently undergo is CoolSculpting®: a noninvasive form of body contouring designed to reduce fat layer thickness in a safe, effective way. It is ideal for patients with stubborn fat in the abdomen (belly), flanks (“love handles”), back or even under the chin. We’ve seen that women aren’t the only ones susceptible to the pressures from society to be slim and toned, thus men are frequently interested in this service as well. CoolSculpting® has been used for more than 10 years and is continuing to gain recognition among male patients, including press from Men’s Health and Men’s Journal. Is one of the safest and most predictable procedures performed today with over 9 million cycles having been performed worldwide to date.
ACNE SCAR TREATMENT
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Even if you’ve moved past this stage of impact, chances are you could still be left with the scars. While products and makeup can sometimes help camouflage these trouble areas for women, we often see men being more bothered by their scars for this very reason.
Dr. Biesman has worked with acne scarring patients for more than 25 years, and can provide a treatment plan that’s customized and most effective for your needs. Using a variety of treatments, he combines everything from surgery to lasers and other medical procedures to treat each patient with the unique customization they require for optimal results. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution and results are typically seen over time and multiple visits.
INJECTABLES
Injectable drugs like Botox, Dysport and Kybella aren’t just for women anymore. In fact, Allure recently reported an increase in trends like “Brotox”. Dr. Biesman has long seen both males and female patients using these types of products and understands the intricate anatomical differences to properly treat each patient. While men generally have larger muscles and can often require larger doses of each product, their reason for wanting these treatments is almost always the same as their female counterparts: to look and feel like the best version of themselves.
Men looking to easily treat fine lines and wrinkles often do well with products like Botox, Dysport and newly released Jeuveau™ (#NEWTOX) which all temporarily soften those signs of aging. For those looking to rid unwanted fat beneath the chin, Kybella is a popular solution that Dr. Biesman frequently performs on male patients as a less invasive alternative to surgery.
Regardless of your gender or what cosmetic concerns you may have, Dr. Biesman is committed to helping all of his patients look and feel their best. No stigma. No judgement. Contact our office to book a consultation today.
A GUIDE TO MOTHER’S DAY
Photo: @hunterpremo & @melissadschleicher
While moms deserve to be celebrated every day of the year, Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to take full advantage of expressing your love. We realize that nothing feels adequate enough for all the thanks our moms deserve. Even still, we’re here to share some inspiration of ways you can make this Mother’s Day a special one.
PAMPER HER
Photo: The Everygirl
Even if her kids are all grown up, being a mom is no relaxing task. Sometimes it takes someone she loves to stop her in her tracks so she’ll pause and take some time for herself. Our practice offers a robust range of aesthetic services that will not only allow her to relax, but will also pamper her and her skin. Treat her to a procedure like dermaplaning, which is a safe and painless treatment where we use a sterile surgical blade to exfoliate dull skin and gently shave off the dead skin cells for a natural glow. We also offer other aesthetic treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or facials that use medical grade skin care that’s tailored to her unique needs.
Some other fail-safe ways she’ll love to be pampered? Consider treating her to a massage, a manicure or a pedicure!
GIVE A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Subscriptions or gift cards are a great way to keep giving long after Mother’s Day comes and goes. A handful of treatments we offer aren’t a “one and done” approach and often require follow up visits. Purchasing gift cards to use toward these type of treatments is a great solution to keep giving to mom again and again. While Dr. Biesman can develop a customized plan best suited for your mom’s needs, some popular examples among moms that require multiple visits include:
As we age, our skin begins to lose its elasticity. Thermage® is a non-invasive, skin-tightening treatment that carefully heats the skin and creates a contouring effect while stimulating your skin’s natural collagen production process. This treatment can not only help mom look her best, but can also play a preventative role to help her maintain her appearance as she ages.
Injectables
With aging, our faces often lose volume or develop unwanted lines. A great solution to restore a more youthful appearance is with injectable fillers like Juvederm®, Restylane® or Radiesse®. Regardless of which is best for your mother, Dr. Biesman can develop a customized plan to fit her needs.
Other gifts that keep on giving? Consider subscription services that suit her interests, whether it’s a magazine, cosmetics or a wine of the month service!
SURPRISE HER
Photo: The Everygirl
Regardless of what you plan for Mother’s Day, try to find a way to include an element of surprise. If you plan a brunch together, perhaps you have flowers sent to arrive that she’ll find when she comes home. If you live in different cities, maybe you coordinate with other family members a way you can surprise her with a visit. Or, if she’s a patient at our office, let us help you secretly cover the bill for her next appointment on your behalf. Even if it’s not a grand gesture, surprises are a sweet reminder that you love her and were thinking of her.
BE NOSTALGIC
Photo: Danielle Moss
If you have memories from your childhood that you remember sharing with your mom, chances are she values and remembers them even more. If you always planted her rose garden together, maybe you bring her roses with a photo of you all in the garden. Or if you had a favorite film to watch together, pop some popcorn and cozy up on the couch together for a trip down memory lane. Whatever it was, find a way to be nostalgic about those moments and show her that you cherish your memories together.
TELL HER YOUR FAVORITE THINGS ABOUT HER
Moms are often culprits of loving everyone else better than themselves. Use your words this Mother’s Day to remind her why she is your superhero. Whether you tell her face to face or you write it out in a card, it’s bound to carry more meaning than you probably even realize.
Some of our favorite things about moms? We have countless patients (and staff!) who are mothers, and they are some of the most incredible women we know. Generous, hard-working, and never hesitating to put the ones they love first, these attributes barely scratch the surface of what it means to be a mom. It is a privilege to serve all of you everyday and to offer some much-deserved care that is so often given to others first.
Wishing all of the moms in our life a very happy Mother’s Day!
ACNE SCARRING
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. It usually begins in puberty with approximately 85 percent of those between the age of 12 and 24 experiencing minor acne. Even if you don’t struggle with this condition still today, chances are you may still have scars to show from when you once did.
Whether your scars are sharply dimpled “pock marks,” a “rolling” scar, firm and elevated, or just persistent red spots, there are lots of ways to approach treatment. A combination of surgical, laser, and medical procedures can be used to achieve ideal outcomes over the course of time and while there have been quite a number of effective technologies and surgeries used to treat acne scars over the years, it’s imperative to remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution and best results are typically seen over time and multiple visits. Every patient with acne scarring is unique and different, and we believe their treatments should be treated accordingly. Dr. Biesman has worked with acne scarring patients for more than 20 years, and can provide a treatment plan that’s customized and most effective for your needs. Here are a few possibilities:
SUBCISION TREATMENT METHOD FOR ACNE SCARS
Subcision is a procedure which releases acne scars that are depressed so they become more level.This is a common approach when scars are not deep enough to require removal, but are too deep to respond well to filler or laser treatment alone. Our practice is one of the few in the country that performs subcision in the specific, strategic way that we do. In this procedure, a tiny blade is used to release the scar from the underlying deeper tissues holding the scar, allowing the depressed area to become somewhat shallower. While bruising and swelling may occur, stitches are not required.
LASER TREATMENTS FOR ACNE SCARS
Another method for improving skin texture from acne scarring uses newer laser and energy-based technologies including non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing and eMatrix skin resurfacing. Some treatments may have more downtime than others, and some require multiple sessions while some are single treatment. Nevertheless, these approaches can beautifully improve the appearance of scarred skin.
MICRO-NEEDLING FOR ACNE SCARS
Micro-needling is an interesting treatment that has been around for a long time, yet recently, has become an important part of our acne scar treatment. Originally in a clinical trial which Dr. Biesman helped lead, the goal was to use micro-needling (which uses tiny, sterile needles to repeatedly puncture the skin) to inject a filler into the scar. Even before using the injectable filler, patients were reporting favorable improvements in their scars, with micro-needling alone, which lead to this discovery. There are many different types of micro-needling and various degrees of aggressiveness, and Dr. Biesman can evaluate which might be best suited for you if you’re a candidate.
SURGICAL REMOVAL (EXCISION) OF ACNE SCARS
When treating the deep and narrow ice pick scars, surgical excision is usually required as lasers or technology-based approaches aren’t the best method for correcting these types of scars. Removal of these type of scars is performed in the office with the aid of local anesthetic injections, meaning no sedation is required. As the scars are removed, sutures repair the skin and convert the deep ice pick scar to a much smoother, less depressed scar. Most often, ice pick scars are found on the cheeks and temples and a large number can be removed during a single visit. Typically, only one to two stitches are required at each surgical site and the stitches stay in place for one week.
INJECTABLE FILLER FOR ACNE SCARS
When acne scars create divots in your skin, we can often simply inject a filler to counteract that effect. Bellafill is a FDA approved filler that uses collagen and medical-grade plastic beads to fill depressed acne scars.
Dr. Biesman began developing his unique approach to acne scarring some 25 years ago, well before he relocated to Nashville, Tenn. He’s extremely passionate about carefully assessing not only each unique patient, but each unique scar to provide an optimal treatment solution. We know how concerning it can be to live with acne scars, and we’re committed to helping you along your journey to achieve skin quality that you’re proud of. To learn more about how we can help, call our office to book a consultation: 615-329-1110.
WAYS TO PREPARE FOR YOUR BIG EVENT
Event season is officially upon us! This time of year tends to be filled with all sorts of celebrations: everything from galas, to award shows, to nuptials of couples publicly proclaiming their love. Whatever important event you have on the horizon, it’s never too early to start thinking about preparation. We offer lots of common procedures at our practice to help you look your best in photos and in person! Furthermore, we’re aware there are other solutions beyond just what we can offer. To simplify your planning process, we’ve compiled a list of tactics that we’d recommend, along with a timeline for each so you know when to schedule appointments accordingly!
If you want an even, glowing skin tone…
–ESTABLISH A SKIN-CARE REGIMEN (ASAP!)
Regardless of whether you have a big event or not, it is imperative to find the right skin care routine in order to maintain optimal skin health. But with countless products on the market today, how do you know which are the best for your unique needs? Booking a consultation with our office will allow Dr. Biesman and his team to carefully assess your skin and the appropriate prescribed medical grade skin care products to address your concerns.
–IPL: INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (6+ WEEKS OUT)
If you struggle with red or brown discoloration around your face, neck, and/or chest, you may benefit from Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL treatments can correct the red and brown skin tones we often see as a result of sun exposure or aging. The face, neck and chest are the most commonly treated areas although the arms, legs, back and shoulders respond nicely to the treatment as well. A few treatments are often required for best outcomes, so you will want to begin several months before your event. Downtime after IPL is minimal, but even still, this isn’t a treatment to have performed within a few days of important photos or events.
-CO2 LIFT MASK (24-48 HOURS OUT)
The CO2 lift is a facial mask that provides a “pick-me-up” to make your skin glow and look its best. It may be applied in our office or at home and takes roughly an hour or so to complete with results lasting 5-7 days.
If you want to reduce your wrinkles…
–INJECTABLES FILLERS & BOTOX (1 MONTH OR MORE OUT)
Injectable products such as Botox and soft tissue fillers can enhance or restore your natural beauty while keeping a natural appearance. Whether your concern is unwanted wrinkles, sagging cheeks, a tired or sad-looking mouth, jowling or generally not looking your best, both Botox and soft tissue fillers can provide a quick restoration. Ideally, facial injections should be performed at least one month before any major event. There can be minor bruising, and we like to follow up with you two weeks after the procedure in case any fine tuning is necessary for optimal results.
–LASER SKIN RESURFACING (SEVERAL MONTHS OUT)
Deep and fine skin wrinkling is a common complaint. To address this concern, we often recommend laser skin resurfacing, which rejuvenates tired, wrinkled skin to produce a fresh, youthful appearance. Whether you are young and have fine wrinkling or have earned your deeper wrinkles over time, there is a resurfacing procedure that is right for you! Skin resurfacing clears brown discoloration caused by sun damage, tightens skin along the jawline, eyelids and other areas, smooths wrinkles, and improves the texture and appearance of scars. Depending on the treatment that is best for you, some recovery may be required after skin resurfacing, so explore this option at least several months before your event.
If you’re looking to make your eyes pop…
–UNDER EYE INJECTABLE FILLERS (1 MONTH OR MORE OUT)
Some of us are born with deep hollowing under our eyes, which gradually descend even more due to aging. This can make you appear to be sad or tired even if you’re happy and rested. To correct this, we’ll often use injectable soft tissue filler to fill in that hollow area, resulting in a more bright-eyed and rested appearance. Similar to other injectables, this should be performed at least one month before any major event. There can be minor bruising, and we like to follow up with you two weeks after the procedure in case any fine tuning is necessary for optimal results.
-LASH EXTENSIONS (1 MONTH OR MORE OUT)
This beauty service is becoming incredibly popular, but especially for events! If you’ve never tried lash extensions before, it would be wise to have the lashes attached a full month out before the event to ensure your eyes don’t have an adverse reaction and give you a chance to get the length and volume just right. Then, a few days before your event, you can have them filled in so they’re in tip top shape. Locally, our friends at Parlour 3 offer this service and do an incredible job. In fact, they have an entire dual-purpose salon, Hunter-Paige, which is dedicated to helping you get “event ready” with everything from blowouts, to updos, to makeup!
If you’re looking to trim down…
COOLSCULPTING® (3-4 months out)
If you have unwanted, stubborn bulges of the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, arms, under the chin or other areas, you may be a candidate for CoolSculpting®: a completely noninvasive, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body fat. Ideal candidates are within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight and have stubborn bulges that simply don’t respond to diet and exercise. Treatment is performed in the office without anesthesia or sedation. Best results are seen three months after treatment. Using the latest techniques and technology, CoolSculpting® can transform your body.
-ESTABLISH A FITNESS ROUTINE (NOW)
Having a regular fitness routine is always a key component of optimal health, but especially leading up to a special event if you want to look and feel your best! Our friends at Wil Power Sports Training can help you establish a workout routine that’s sustainable for your lifestyle and will leave you feeling like your best self.
While some of these recommendations may not serve you in time for this particular event season, it’s inevitable that there will soon be another one just around the corner. We hope this serves as a helpful resource to plan so you can look and feel your best for any important occasion you may attend!
LET US HELP YOU GET “SPRING READY”
Every year, winter seems to take a harsh toll on us all. As we seek refuge indoors from the frigid temperatures, it’s far too easy to overindulge during our hibernation (why go exercise when you can curl up and watch Netflix on the warm sofa?). When we do brave the cold, our skin takes a beating from the cruel winds and dry air, leaving us robbed of moisture. So if you find yourself scrambling for ways to shake the winter blues as spring slowly begins to take bloom, we’re here to help. Here are some procedures we offer at our practice that will have you walking into the season ahead with confidence and feeling like your best self.
GET BATHING SUIT READY WITH COOLSCULPTING
If you’re hoping that “shedding winter layers” means more than ditching your sweater and coat, CoolSculpting® is a great way to reduce those unwanted, stubborn bulges of the abdomen, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, arms, under the chin and other areas. This completely noninvasive, safe and effective way to eliminate unwanted body fat is perfect for candidates who are within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight. Furthermore, Dr. Biesman has served as an advisor to the company that developed the CoolSculpting technology for many years and remains a member of the company’s Medical Advisory Board. Best results are typically seen 3 months after treatment, so now is the time to book your consultation!
PREPARE FOR SPRING EVENTS WITH INJECTABLES
Whether you’ll be attending a gala, a wedding or another special event, ideally your facial injections should be performed at least one month prior. Regardless of what you’re looking to treat (unwanted wrinkles, lines in the upper and lower face, deep circles under the eyes, sagging of the cheeks, a tired or sad-looking mouth, jowling, unwanted fat under the chin, etc.), we offer a wide range of injectable products such as Botox®, soft tissue fillers and Kybella®. These products are simple adjustments that Dr. Biesman specializes in and can provide subtle, yet incredible results to help you look and feel your best!
GET RID OF RAZORS WITH LASER HAIR REMOVAL
If you’re looking to head to a warm weather destination anytime soon or simply preparing for warmer weather here in Nashville, you’ll likely be wishing you had laser hair removal at some point. While a series of treatments is required in order to achieve the best outcomes, it’s always a great time to start so you can get closer to saying “farewell” to razors (and more importantly, razor burn)! The most common areas treated with laser assisted hair removal are the face, underarm and bikini area in women (but we treat everything from cheeks, upper lip, sideburns, chin, legs, the chest and back depending on your needs).
NURTURE WINTER SKIN + PREP FOR THE SUN
As previously mentioned, our skin usually needs a lot of TLC this time of year. Between the lack of moisture from the dry winter air and heading into seasons of extra sunshine, there is plenty you can do to not only fix what winter has done, but also prepare for what’s ahead. For starters, having medical grade skin care and proper sun protection as part of your daily regimen is the foundation for healthy skin. Our team is highly skilled and knowledgeable on this topic and can help custom tailor a routine that fits your skin’s needs. If you’re looking to take things a step further and address some red or brown discoloration on your face, neck, and/or chest skin, you might consider Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL treatments can correct the red and brown skin tones resulting from sun exposure and aging. The face, neck and chest are the most commonly treated areas although the arms, legs, back and shoulders respond beautifully to treatment as well. Finally, if you’re looking to address more severe skin wrinkling or discoloration, we also offer varying intensities of laser skin resurfacing, which can result in regenerated skin that is smoother in texture and appears more youthful.
Regardless of what concerns you may have as we approach a new season, we’re confident our wide range of services can provide viable solutions for you. Contact our office by calling (615) 329.1110 to book a consultation and learn more.
LOVE YOURSELF THIS VALENTINE’S SEASON
As we approach the season of Valentine’s Day, we felt compelled to divulge on the topic of self love. You see, plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures in general often have a bit of a negative connotation, but we think it’s time those stigmas are unpacked a little. Research shows that when people feel good about the way that they look, they are often more willing to try new things, take risks and take charge of their lives in new ways.
The goal at our practice is never to change who our patients are. On the contrary, our hope is that we can equip you to feel like the most authentic version of your very best self. Similar to how we style our hair, whiten our teeth or put thought into an outfit that we wear, many of the minor enhancements we offer are intended simply to help our patients put their “best face forward.” So whether you talk to a member of our staff, one of our patients or to Dr. Biesman himself, you’ll hear a resounding unity supporting this sentiment. In fact, we asked a few patients and staff members to share what “self love” means to them.
“To me, self love is allowing yourself grace. It is acknowledging your weaknesses and embracing them along with your strengths. Self love is determining and then working towards what makes you the best version of yourself. With self love you need self care (AKA… treat yo-self)!”
Lauren, RN – Clinical Nurse
“Our practice provides a safe and caring space to help patients look and feel their best. Our job is not to judge, but to educate our patients so they can make the most informed decisions to get optimal outcomes. It’s so rewarding to help a patients address a concern so they can leave our office feeling more confident in their everyday lives.”
Cara, RN, FNP – Clinical Nurse
“Accepting the way our faces and bodies look as we age is a struggle that many moms face. While I smile at the memories that caused my laugh lines and I’m proud of the babies that caused my abdominal skin to droop, it doesn’t make my sagging skin more appealing to me. Understanding that my skin and body change as I age isn’t an excuse to give up, it is motivation to preserve the skin I have now. In just a few visits with Dr. Biesman, I have corrected a few minor things through non-surgical techniques that greatly improved the overall appearance of my skin. Injectables helped to correct the loss of elasticity in my jawline while Botox helped with my crow’s feet. The heated Thermage procedure assisted to tighten the skin around my jawline and neck which seemed to age and fall prematurely. Dr. Biesman’s conservative techniques really helped me to feel a bit more comfortable in my own skin. While I can’t recapture what I once was, I am determined to work graciously with what I have now!”
Jenny Reimold @jennyreimold – Patient
“Self love means the freedom to take care of yourself! Whether it’s exercising, visiting Dr. Biesman, eating better, getting your nails done… or anything else that makes you look and feel your best. For me, practicing this has been a total game changer. Additionally, positive self talk is a big one for me. I have many mantras and phrases that I repeat to myself daily that help me practice self love. But at the end of the day, it’s about realizing your potential and working on bringing that to life – because you are worth it!”
Mallory Ervin @malloryervin – Patient
However you choose to practice self love this season, we’re in full support of it! And if you need some inspiration, here are six simple ways we suggest giving yourself a little TLC this month:
1.GO FOR A HIKE
Moving your body and breathing in the fresh air is a great way to feel alive (especially if the sun is shining). Just don’t forget your sunscreen!
2. TAKE A BUBBLE BATH
In today’s world, we tend to default to time-saving tactics, which means simple luxuries like a bubble bath are often overlooked. Put on some relaxing music and let yourself have a good soak.
3. SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE
Looking to rid any “extra steps” in your self-care routine? You might consider booking laser hair removal this season to finally rid unwanted hair once and for all. Contact our office to learn more.
4. SIGN UP FOR A CLASS
We often romanticize the idea of learning a new language or mastering a new skill like sewing. So why not finally invest in yourself and your goals by signing up for a class? USN is offering a variety of classes this winter, including everything from cooking to watercolor landscape painting.
5. PAMPER YOUR SKIN
Your skin is your largest organ, so why not do something to say “thanks” for all it does for you? Contact our practice to learn more about booking a service like a chemical peel, non-invasive skin tightening or a laser skin treatment.
6. CURL UP WITH A BOOK
Not only is it nice to get lost in a story, but there’s something wonderful about the stillness that accompanies reading. Cozy up and soak in that tranquility!
We realize that self love isn’t a “one size fits all” practice. Everyone is going to have a different approach to being their best self and doing what makes them feel more fulfilled. Whatever that looks like for you, we support you exactly where you are. If we can ever help you achieve any of your personal development goals, know that we’re always here to help.
