November 2020

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What Can I Do about Dark Circles Under My Eyes?

There are a few complaints that we hear frequently from patients of our Denver office. One of them is dark circles under the eyes. This is right up there with undereye bags. Both issues can make the face look tired and generally unhealthy. Both problems are nearly impossible to hide. For this reason, people sometimes spend years looking for ways to feel more confident in their appearance. Here, we discuss why dark circles may develop and what we do to help our patients address this problem.

Why You Have Dark Circles

Dark circles may be related to the thickness of the skin. In most areas of the body, skin thickness is about 2 millimeters. The thickness of the skin around the eyes is only about half a millimeter. That’s a big difference! This is why the skin around the eyes is the first to show the signs of aging. It is also why this area is more prone to darkening. Because the skin is thinner around the eyes, the blood vessels beneath the surface may be more visible. They aren’t visible as tiny veins, though. They are visible as diffuse discoloration. We all have thinner skin around the eyes. However, according to studies, certain genetic factors make it more likely for some people to develop dark circles than others.

What to Do about Dark Undereye Circles

Seeing that dark circles are not caused by dehydration, lack of sleep, or other issues, but by blood vessels beneath the skin, we know there is no way to lighten the discoloration with creams or other topical solutions. In recent years, it has become very common to treat dark circles under the eyes with dermal fillers. The reason that dermal fillers can work for some people is that this treatment increases the volume of the skin. Where there is more volume, there is more of a buffer between the skin’s surface and the underlying blood vessels.

Dermal fillers used under the eyes increase volume with hyaluronic acid. This naturally-occurring substance binds to water molecules beneath the skin, creating a cushion effect. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers have been used for many years to reduce dark circles, undereye bags, and a host of other cosmetic concerns. The treatment takes only a few minutes. There is no downtime, and results can last several months.

Don’t let dark circles get you down. Contact our Denver office at (303) 839-1616 to discuss your treatment options.

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CoolSculpting: Before, During, and After

We may be entering the cooler part of the year but that does not mean we aren’t still getting numerous requests for CoolSculpting treatments! A survey recently conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons even revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic has not made a significant impact on people’s interest in body contouring procedures. After injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, body contouring surgeries are still leading the pack. We could think of several reasons for this but, really, that isn’t what matters. What matters is knowing what your choices are when you want to feel better about your body. We are proud to offer a proven, non-invasive option in our Denver office. Here, we discuss what to expect before, during, and after CoolSculpting treatment.

Before CoolSculpting

It may not seem as though much needs to be done before CoolSculpting. We’d say this is accurate. The most important thing to do before treatment is to consult with an experienced provider. In our office, we take time to sit with each patient and talk about what they want to accomplish. The last thing we want to do is overpromise and underdeliver. While we know what CoolSculpting can do, we know it may not be right for everyone. This procedure will not achieve weight loss. It will not achieve immediate results. It leads to the gradual elimination of fat cells and the progressive improvement of a person’s shape.

The CoolSculpting Procedure

CoolSculpting is a relatively quick procedure. The average appointment lasts only about an hour, with treatment often completed within 45 minutes. It is possible to target unwanted fat cells in this short amount of time because over 10 years of research has gone into developing the technology behind CoolSculpting. To begin treatment, the provider places a gel sheet over the skin to protect it. The applicator is applied over the sheet. This small device uses suction to secure the selected area of tissue for the duration of the procedure. The device is set to the precise temperature and tissue is cooled.

At first, patients will feel the cold temperature. Sensations then may range from tingling to stinging to aching to numbness. This transition happens in just a few minutes, after which the patient sits or lies back comfortably.

After CoolSculpting

CoolSculpting works by causing crystals to form inside if fat cells. This damages the membrane and leads to the cells being flushed from the body. Even weight loss doesn’t accomplish this. Studies indicate that the area targeted by freezing temperatures may be reduced by up to 25% in a single session. After CoolSculpting, patients may resume normal activities immediately. Side effects of treatment include numbness, tingling, redness, swelling, cramping, aching, and tenderness. Not every patient experiences every side effect. When these do occur, they can last up to a few weeks. The results of fat reduction may begin to appear as soon as two weeks after treatment.

You deserve to feel your best all the time. For more information or to schedule your CoolSculpting consultation at our Denver office, call (303) 839-1616.

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