|
Q:
Why is my skin sagging?
|
|
|
Brian D.
Zelickson
|
|
M.D.
|
Edina,
MN
|
|
With age our skin naturally loses adipose, a fatty tissue which gives our skin volume. In addition, as our skin is exposed to the sun, the elastin in our skin becomes damaged, losing its elasticity. As our skin loses its ability to stretch and recoil, it will sag and become lax.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What are GAGs (Glycosaminoglycans)?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
GAGs are Glycosaminoglycans, complex sugars often connected to proteins. GAGs are one of the three main components of skin.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is Adipose?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
Adipose is the loose connective tissue we call "fat". Its role is to store fat in the body and it also adds volume to skin.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is non-ablative laser?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
Non-ablative lasers are a class of lasers which do not remove the upper layer of the skin but rather treat the deeper tissue.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is the Dermis?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
The dermis is the layer of the skin underneath the epidermis. It is formed by connective tissues. Within the dermis are the nerve endings which sense heat and touch.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is the Epidermis?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
Lying above the dermis is the epidermis which is entirely comprised of skin cells.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What are granulomas?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
A granuloma is a small inflammation caused by tissue injury. Often they are caused by fungal infection, but may also be caused by disease.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is botulinum toxin?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
Botulinum toxin is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium clostridium botulinum. It is used in very small doses for medical purposes to paralyze muscles. It is among the most poisonous substances on earth.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What are dermal fillers?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
"Dermal fillers" refer to a class of treatments which all involve the injection into the skin of a substance to correct a deficiency in the skin. Sculptra®, Restylane® and Juvederm® are examples of dermal fillers.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is Hyaluronic acid?
|
|
|
Eric F.
Bernstein
|
|
M.D.
|
Marlton,
NJ
|
|
Hyaluronic acid, also called hyaluronan or hyaluronate, is a form of non-sulfated GAG [link to FAQ what is a GAG] which is found widely throughout our bodies. It is a major component of our extracellular matrix and contributes to cell migration and development.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Q:
What is the difference between Botox and Dysport?
|
|
|
Roy G.
Geronemus
|
|
M.D.
|
New York,
NY
|
|
These are similar products that are manufactured by two different pharmacutical compaines. Botox is the long time standard from Allergan while Dysport is the newcomer to the field from Medicis.
|
| |
|
|
|