Acne Scarring: How to Heal Deep Blemishes Safely and Effectively

Acne Treatments in Portland, ME

Acne Treatments in Portland, ME

If you have scarring from acne on the face, neck, chest or other areas, you already know it can be difficult, or even impossible to treat with over-the-counter products.

Acne scarring happens just like any other scarring; after the skin heals following an acne outbreak, the site where the wound was located can bump up, darken or pit in response to the collagen deposited during the healing process. Inflammation and repeated picking or popping of pimples further damage the skin, increasing the likelihood. Those with a history of severe acne have a greater likelihood of dealing with acne scarring through adulthood.

Acne scars and pitting can be harder to treat than other scars, because the collagen buildup can also be found underneath the skin, where the acne originated. Our team of physicians and medical aestheticians help patients struggling with acne scarring by treating the problem at its root cause, using the eMatrix System with the Sublative Rejuvenation™ Treatment. Below, we’ve answered some common questions about acne scarring and the eMatrix.

So, what is the eMatrix?

The eMatrix is an FDA approved Sublative Rejuvenation Treatment proven safe and effective on all skin types. The eMatrix system delivers sublative rejuvenation with fractionated bipolar RF energy, safely penetrating surface skin to correct existing blemishes in the deeper, dermis skin layer. With this treatment, skin appears smoother and noticeably more regular.

One of the most exciting things about the eMatrix is that, unlike many previous laser or dermatology treatments for acne, it works equally as well on darker skin tones as it does on light ones. Often, dermatologists have to be wary of hyperpigmentation or even discoloration problems with darker skin after laser and other similar treatments. The eMatrix utilizes lower radio frequency (RF) energy, which does not activate pigment-producing cells in the skin.

Is the eMatrix the best choice for me?

At CEC, we design each patient’s treatment plan individually, and the eMatrix may not be the perfect solution for all acne scarring problems. Our other options include the Total FX Co2 fractionated laser, the V-Beam laser, collagen treatments, or even dermal fillers in some cases.

What if I still have acne?

It’s not typically as effective to treat acne scars when there are still existing acne flare-ups. We would prioritize getting the current acne under control and cleared up before removing older acne scars, as that will produce the best results and lead to lasting, smoother skin. However, in the meantime, there are things you can do to prevent future scarring, such as avoiding picking and popping, and treating your acne with a regular acne management program, which may include topical creams, microdermabrasion, medications, and other treatments we offer.

Let us help you develop a plan to get rid of acne and acne scarring, with the help of our expert dermatologists. We serve patients all across New England and welcome you to contact us anytime for a consultation.

Enjoy Beautiful Eyelashes with Latisse

Latisse® in Portland, ME

Latisse® in Portland, ME

There’s an exciting new product available for those who are unhappy with the appearance of their eyelashes — Latisse®. In clinical studies, 78% of participants saw significant overall eyelash improvement.

Latisse® is a prescription solution applied topically to eyelashes to help them grow longer, darker and fuller. Originally, it was approved to treat the medical condition hypotrichosis, which is the inability to grow eyelashes, or not having enough eyelashes. Latisse®, or bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03 %, causes eyelashes to gradually grow longer and darker over a treatment course of 16 weeks. It is an FDA-approved treatment and is now available to our Portland-area patients.

In the studies, patients reported an average of 25 % increase in eyelash length, 106% increase in fullness, and 18% increase in darkness of lashe, so if you have issues with thin, pale or short lashes, Latisse® can help with those conditions.

What to Expect

At Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England, we prescribe Latisse® after an appointment with one of our doctors, as it is a medical prescription and we want to be sure you are under a doctor’s care while using it. Some medical conditions or other prescriptions may also interfere with using Latisse®, and we want to keep our patients in the best possible health!

Once you’ve been approved to start applying Latisse® to your eyelashes, have patience. The treatment works gradually, with the first results not typically seen for 4 to 6 weeks. The entire course of treatment — when you can expect to see full, dramatic results — takes up to 16 weeks.

Application is easy, but must follow certain guidelines. Latisse® shouldn’t be applied to lower lashes, and precautions against infection should always be taken with fresh applicators and solution with each daily use. It’s important to use daily if you want to follow the course of the treatment for your best results. We also recommend applying the solution at night, as part of your regular nighttime routine. Contact lenses shouldn’t be worn while applying Latisse®.

Results

The first thing that happens is that eyelashes begin to show changes in length. Over time, you’ll see thicker and darker lashes as well. If you are pleased with your results by week 8 of treatment, don’t discontinue the application; your results at 16 weeks will be even more spectacular!

If you stop using Latisse®, lashes do return to their original appearance over time, in several weeks or even months. Results also can differ from eye to eye and person to person, with variances in eyelash length, thickness, darkness and number of lashes. Some people who use Latisse® report darkening of their irises, eyelid skin darkening, or stray eyelashes growing outside the treatment area.

There can be side effects, which you should always consult with our doctors about. Common complaints include itchy or red eyes, but careful application can help mitigate those problems.

Ask our doctors at Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England about the possibility of ongoing use of Latisse®, or call us with any other questions about this exciting treatment.

Tighten and Lift the Face and Neck Naturally with Ultherapy

Ultherapy® in Portland, ME

Ultherapy® in Portland, ME

Ultherapy® is an FDA-approved ultrasound treatment to lift skin on the neck, face, chin, brow and décolletage, which can complement laser treatments or stand on its own. It can lift skin that’s sagging, and smooth out lines and wrinkles.

Good candidates for the treatment are patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, with noticeably less firmness. Specific issues that can be addressed are a lowered eyebrow line, loose neck skin, sagging under the chin, or wrinkles on the chest and face. Our medical staff at Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England, led by medical director Dr. Maria Atkins, can help you determine whether you would benefit from Ultherapy®.

Ultherapy® is the only cosmetic procedure that uses ultrasound energy, and also the only treatment cleared by the FDA to lift skin that has sagged or wrinkled on the neck, chest and face. Practitioners such as our trained medical staff also use ultrasound imaging during the procedure to safely and directly target layers of tissue beneath the skin, to make sure Ultherapy® is applied just where needed.

Why Ultherapy® Works

It uses ultrasound imaging to bypass the skin’s surface and deliver a precise amount of targeted ultrasound energy at the right depth and temperature to trigger the skin’s natural response and produce new collagen from underneath the skin, using the body’s natural rejuvenation processes. The result is tighter, younger-looking skin that actually tightens and shrinks itself using its own regenerative powers.

Benefits of Ultherapy®

  • Non-surgical and non-invasive
  • No downtime
  • Measurable results after a single treatment

What To Expect

The procedure can be uncomfortable so a topical numbing cream is applied for one hour prior to your treatment. The length of time the actual treatment can take 20 minutes to one hour and will depend on the areas being treated.  It’s not an immediate effect once you walk out the doors at our office; results will take up to three to four months as the body naturally regenerates collagen in the treated area. The individual and their natural aging process determine how long the results are visible, but that’s something that’s great to discuss at a free consultation with our medical staff.

Ultherapy® isn’t a substitute for a facelift, but if you don’t want to undergo surgery, or are looking to extend the effects of previous cosmetic surgeries, the treatment offers a safe, effective means of rejuvenating your appearance. If you have questions or want to find out more information about whether Ultherapy might benefit you, please contact us at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England.

Dermal Fillers: Which is Right for Me?

Dermal Fillers and Injectables in Portland, ME

Dermal Fillers and Injectables in Portland, ME

One of the unfortunate side effects of aging is what it does to our face. Wrinkles begin to appear; the skin doesn’t bounce back as quickly as it used to, our cheeks begin to sink, and the skin in our lips begin to thin out. What makes this even worse is that the face is one of the few places on our body we can’t hide.

This exact reason is why dermal fillers were created.

Dermal fillers are a natural, non-surgical, solution for facial wrinkles. With dermal fillers, results can be seen practically right away. Dermal fillers are same-day appointments that feature practically no downtime. There may be some swelling or bruising around the treated areas, but these effects are short-term and manageable. There are a variety of dermal fillers to use, that solve a variety of issues, and you can find each of them right here at the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England.

Dermal Fillers for the Lips

Juvederm – A world leader in dermal fillers, Juvederm has been a go-to name for lip enhancement. A stellar track record gives you the confidence to know that if you’re using Juvederm, you’re using one of the best.

Juvederm Volbella® – Volbella is widely considered the leading name in lip enhancement. This HA-based dermal filler will give your pouty lips the boost they need to go from limp to luscious.

Restylane SILK®: Much like Volbella is the lip injectable for Juvederm, so is SILK® the lip injectable for Restylane. By naturally plumping your lips, SILK® is one of the most popular lip enhancements on the market

Other Dermal Fillers

Restylane: Restylane is an HA- based dermal filler that uses the body’s natural ingredients to bring your face a tighter, brighter look.

Juvederm Voluma: This FDA-approved dermal filler is the first and only one specifically created for the cheeks. Restore your face to the bright, plump cheeks of your youth with Voluma

Belotoro Balance®: This HA-based dermal filler is perfect for fine lines and wrinkles including vertical lip lines. It’s FDA approved, and results can last for up to 9 months.

Restylane LYFT®: LYFT adds extra volume to the cheeks to eliminate sagging skin and clear up wrinkles. LYFT is one of the few cheek enhancement procedures that is FDA approved for cheeks.

Radiesse®: Radiesse® works to replace the lost collagen in your face by naturally boosting the body’s ability to create it. It’s an FDA-approved treatment with results that can last an entire year.

These are just a handful of the dermal filler options the Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England can offer you. Dermal fillers have the ability to transform your face and create a brand-new you.  These treatments are safe, effective and popular for people of all genders and ages.

If you want to give your face a refresh, contact the Portland, ME office for a consultation on these great products.

Rejuvenate Your Appearance with a Vampire Facelift

Vampire Facelift® in Portland, ME

Vampire Facelift® in Portland, ME

A couple of years ago, celebrity/actress/reality TV star Kim Kardashian had a little-known treatment done to her that’s supposed to help get rid of wrinkles, loose skin, uneven pores and a variety of other facial inconsistencies. Since then, this treatment has exploded in popularity and is one of the hottest beauty trends around.

This innovative procedure is called by the creepy-sounding moniker “The Vampire Facelift.

The Vampire Facelift gets its creepy name because it’s main ingredient, your blood, is used to stimulate your body’s natural healing factors to clear up wrinkles, fine lines and a host of other issues on your face.

The key process is taking a small sample of your blood, much like if you were donating blood or getting it tested by your general practitioner. This sample is then put into a centrifuge where it is spun around quickly, and the components of the blood are all separated. One of these components is plasma, and this plasma is what allows Vampire Facelifts to work their magic.

Plasma has some of the highest concentration of platelets in your body, and it’s these platelets that allow your body to heal quicker from injury. The goal of the Vampire facial is to take these platelets from your blood and reintroduce them to your face to stimulate the growth of newer, healthier skin.

The procedure starts by shaping your face via an HA-based dermal filler. This HA-based dermal filler, such as Restylane or Juvederm, provides your body with a boost of hyaluronic acid, a key ingredient to keeping your face youthful and looking and plump. Once the dermal filler has been administered, the PRP is injected in the same areas. The plasma works with the dermal filler to increase blood flow and encourage the growth of new facial cells.

The results of the Vampire Facelift are stunning.  You can begin to see the results immediately after treatment, with the best results happening a couple of months later. You will eventually see your wrinkles and fine lines practically disappear before your eyes. To see the greatest results, it’s best that we perform a few treatments spaced a few weeks apart.

One of biggest advantages to the Vampire Facelift is that is can used by practically everyone. Because the only ingredient is your own blood, it’s virtually impossible to develop an allergy to the procedure, or have your body reject the new platelets. The only reason we would be hesitant to recommend this procedure for you will be if you have blood clotting issues or other blood-based diseases. However, this is something we would determine during your consultation.

If you have any further questions about what a Vampire Facelift can do for you, or if you are interested in having this treatment done for yourself, call the Portland, ME office and schedule a consultation today!

Correct Skin Concerns with Obagi Medical Products

Medical Grade Skincare in Portland, ME

Medical Grade Skincare in Portland, ME

In a world filled with easily accessible skin care products, it can be particularly difficult for patients to select products that actually work well and promote the overall health and wellness of their skin. At Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England, we seek to make this process easier by providing our clients with access to some of the top quality physician-approved skin care products available today. We are proud to offer Obagi® Medical products as part of this scientifically tested-selection of skin care solutions. These products can help patients correct a wide range of both medical and aesthetic conditions while promoting long-term skin health.

Why Choose Obagi® Medical Products?

Obagi® Medical products are currently the #1 physician-approved skin care products available today. The specific formulations offered to our patients have all been rigorously tested and refined using the latest in scientific advancements and skin care science.

While the way that each Obagi® Medical product works varies depending on the specific condition or element of skin care that it is addressing, most of these products work together towards the same purpose: they all help balance the skin’s pH level and repair accumulated damage on the cellular level, tackling skin care concerns at their source and bringing long-term improvements to skin health.

This skin care line offers patients a broad range of products that can be used to tackle a wide breadth of skin concerns. These include acne, age spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, loss of skin elasticity, sallowness, signs of aging, rosacea, and other forms of redness and discoloration.

How can I Purchase Obagi® Medical Products?

Licensed Obagi® Medical products should only be purchased through a physician or a health care provider to ensure authenticity and quality. At Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England, we are proud to offer our patients quick and easy access to an extensive array of Obagi® Medical products that can correct both aesthetic and medical concerns in individuals of all ages.

If you’re interested in feeling the wide range of benefits from Obagi® Medical products, we can help! Contact Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England today to schedule a consultation appointment with our skin care specialists. During this appointment, our specialists will carefully examine your skin and help you determine which combination of Obagi® Medical and other physician-approved skin care products will work best for you.

Enjoy a more Youthful Appearance with Juvederm Volbella

Volbella® in Portland, ME

Volbella® in Portland, ME

Have your lips begun to lose some of their definition or fullness as you’ve grown older? This is a common problem that many women face. Now, patients can achieve elegant lip enhancement with Juvederm Volbella®. This new injectable treatment can provide patients with correction to loss of lip definition as well as wrinkles and fine lines near the mouth. It involves minimal downtime, few side effects, and brings patients beautiful results that can last up to a year.

What is Juvederm Volbella®?

Juvederm Volbella® is a cutting-edge new injectable lip enhancement product that was recently FDA approved in June of 2016. This product is different from traditional lip enhancement injectables because it can be used both to subtly improve the volume, texture, and shape of the lips and correct fine lines and wrinkles near the mouth.

This is made possible by the VYCROSS™ technology that Juvederm Volbella® is formulated with. This method uses a combination of both low and high molecular weight technologies to improve the way that the hyaluronic acid chains that comprise this product link together. This allows for less product to be used, making Juvederm Volbella® the perfect product for individuals looking for natural looking lip enhancement that is both subtle and impactful.

What are the Benefits of this Injectable?

  • Lip enhancement and wrinkle correction that can last up to one year
  • Beautiful, natural-looking lip shape, symmetry, and fullness
  • Quick, easy treatment
  • Minimal downtime and few side effects

How can I Find out if I’m a Candidate for this Treatment?

Nearly anyone over the age of 21 that is interested in undergoing enhancement to the appearance of their lips and the surrounding skin is a potential candidate for a Juvederm Volbella® treatment. However, before receiving Juvederm Volbella® injections, interested patients must first schedule a consultation appointment to see if this product can help them meet their cosmetic needs.

Are you interested in learning more about this exciting new treatment? Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is proud to provide patients in Maine with access to this cutting-edge injectable product. If you’d like more information about Juvederm Volbella® or are interested in scheduling a consultation appointment to see if this product is right for your cosmetic needs, contact our practice today!

CoolSculpting Applicators for Specialized Fat Reduction

CoolSculpting® in Portland, ME

CoolSculpting® in Portland, ME

CoolSculpting® has long been one of the least invasive, most effective ways for people to eliminate excess body fat using controlled cooling. Because of this treatment, countless patients have been able to achieve fat reduction without the need for a surgical procedure.

Now, Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is proud to offer our patients access to specialized CoolAdvantage™ and CoolMini™ applicators that can be used to eliminate fat from the abdomen, flanks, inner thighs, and chin faster and more comfortably than previous CoolSculpting® methods. These new applicators allow us to optimize fat reduction to address a broader variety of body shapes, sizes, and patient concerns.

Sculpt the Abdomen, Flanks, and Inner Thighs with the CoolAdvantage™ Applicator

The abdomen, flanks, and inner thighs are some of the most common areas where people carry excess fat. Even individuals that are at or near their ideal body weight can struggle to get rid of fat in these parts of the body.

The CoolAdvantage™ applicator makes the already efficient CoolSculpting® device even more effective at addressing excess fat in the abdomen, flanks, and inner thighs. This applicator uses three interchangeable contours to carefully, comfortably, and precisely target each of these three specific areas of the body.

When compared to treatments performed with the original CoolSculpting® applicator, CoolAdvantage™ treatments take less time for a single treatment session.  

Eliminate Stubborn Chin Fat with the CoolMini™ Applicator

Clinically referred to as submental fullness, excess fat in the chin area can leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearances. Even worse, this fat can be particularly difficult to combat through diet and exercise practices alone. Previously, CoolSculpting® treatments could not be used to address fat in this hard-to-reach area.  

The new CoolMini™ applicator takes our CoolSculpting® treatments to the next level by allowing us to now use CoolSculpting® to combat fat in this frustrating problem area. Using the CoolMini™  applicator, our treatment providers can utilize the benefits of CoolSculpting® technology to bring patients up to a 20% reduction in the chin area. This helps patients achieve the slim profile they desire without having to experience significant downtime or discomfort.

Are you interested in seeing the benefits of our new CoolSculpting® applicators for yourself? Our practice is proud to serve patients in  all areas of Maine. Contact Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England today to schedule a consultation appointment and see if this treatment is right for you.

Achieve a Smooth Décolletage with Ultherapy

Ultherapy® in Portland, ME

Ultherapy® in Portland, ME

The décolletage is one of the most delicate areas of the body. Because it is so sensitive, the skin there is particularly susceptible to accumulating damage from the passage of time and exposure to the environment. If you’ve noticed wrinkles, fine lines, or other signs of aging beginning to develop on your décolletage, you may want to consider undergoing a simple, non-invasive Ultherapy procedure.

How Can Ultherapy Rejuvenate the Décolletage?

Because the décolletage is such a delicate area of skin, it can be difficult for patients to find effective, non-invasive procedures that can address the signs of aging there. Fortunately, Ultherapy now provides patients with a safe, effective way to rejuvenate the skin of the décolletage. This FDA-approved procedure can tighten and smooth the skin of the décolletage after just a single treatment session.

The secret to both how effective and how gentle Ultherapy is lies in the kind of energy used during treatment — ultrasound energy. During an ultherapy procedure, gentle ultrasound energy passes through the uppermost layer of the skin and is absorbed by its inner tissues at the optimal temperature and depth.

This energy is strong enough to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, but gentle enough that it doesn’t cause downtime. This natural healing process includes the production of new collagen and elastin, two of the skin’s most important structural proteins. Over time, this results in skin that is smoother, tighter, and more youthful looking. Ultherapy treatments take between 30 and 90 minutes to complete depending on the areas to be treated and can be undergone in the comfort of our office in Portland, Maine.

Am I a Candidate for Treatment?

Ultherapy is such a safe method of skin rejuvenation that nearly anyone interested in achieving a smoother, more elegant-looking décolletage is a potential candidate for treatment. Additionally, Ultherapy can also be utilized to help patients interested in improving the appearance of skin on their brows, chin, and neck.

Interested in learning more about what an Ultherapy treatment can do for you? Cosmetic Enhancement Center of New England is proud to provide our patients in the Maine area with access to this exciting new skin rejuvenation treatment. If you think you could benefit from the renewing effects of an Ultherapy procedure, don’t hesitate; contact us today to schedule a free consultation appointment and see if Ultherapy is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you!