INDULGENCES health lab by dr. joel Despite the May Gray, two months of playing flag football and softball have my
farmer’s tan going nicely. I’ve always loved getting a little bronzed in the summer, but as I’ve gotten older, my excitement has been increasingly tempered by the wrinkles that I know are coming. Okay, some are already there. And, of course, the legitimate concerns about cancer risk—but I covered those last summer. One of my colleagues, Dr. Atousa Brandish, performs cosmetic procedures at the
Cosmetic Laser and Skin Rejuvenation Clinic in La Jolla. She’s not a plastic surgeon, but is trained in internal medicine and has additional training in the procedures she performs and products she uses. Fortunately, she was more than willing to help bring me up to speed on some of the facial care options form men. The first thing I found out was that even outside the gayborhood, you won’t be the
only man in the clinic. More men are choosing to have cosmetic procedures, particularly laser hair removal from the chest, back, neck and even the face. An increasing number are also looking at things like Botox and filler procedures. In general, men tend to like one-time procedures with quick results. [Insert mock
surprise here]. Except for specific problems, like rosacea and hyperpigmentation, they tend to stay away from things like photo-facials and intense pulse light (IPL) that subtly fix things with repeat procedures. “Only about five percent of my IPL clients are men,” says Dr. Brandish, “but they make up 25 percent for some other procedures, like Botox.” In fact, there is a new product called Dysport that she expects some of her male clients may like. Similar to Botox, which can take two weeks to have its full effect, Dysport can work in three to four days. It can’t get you ready for a party tonight, but maybe for one at the end of the week. It’s been used for years in Europe, but was only recently approved by the FDA for use in the United States. “Filler” procedures are also becoming more popular with men, particularly for chins,
cheeks and to fix pock marks from acne. These things were originally done with prod- ucts like Juvederm, a product made from hyaluronic acid, something naturally found in your body. The changes from these products are immediate, and can often be reversed
if you don’t like the result. But they might only last for a few months. Newer products actually stimulate collagen production where they are injected.
One example is Sculptra, which has traditionally been popular for men with HIV dystrophy. “Providers are now becoming more comfortable using Sculptra for facial augmentation for anyone wanting a longer lasting filler,” Dr. Brandish told me. Changes made with these products tend to hold up longer, but some require multiple visits, and the changes take place over time. Dr. Brandish prefers to be able to see the changes right away, so she doesn’t work with Sculptra, but uses Radiesse, and plans to work with Artefill, a filler that can last for up to five years. In this case, though, lasting longer is not always better. Particularly if you are new to
cosmetic procedures, or working with a new clinic, it’s sometimes better to start with a product that doesn’t last as long. “If for some reason you’re not happy with the results, it’s better if they can be reversed, or at least will be gone in a year, instead of five,” recom- mends Dr. Brandish. One other procedure popular with men is Botox injection for severe underarm sweat-
ing, also known as axillary hyperhidrosis. This is not for everyone who’s danced through a shirt at your favorite nightclub (assuming you wear one), but meant for people whose perspiration affects their daily life, even when using prescription strength topical antiperspirants. Botox is also tried by some to decrease sweating in the hands and feet, but it’s not approved by the FDA for these uses. These procedures are generally safe, but they are not without risk. People can be al-
lergic to the products, some can cause pain and sometimes they don’t turn out exactly how you wanted. It’s probably best to find a pretty friend who is willing to admit they had some work done, get a recommendation and start with a consultation to make sure the provider can do what you want. And bring your checkbook, because most cosmetic procedures aren’t covered by insurance. Dr. Brandish and the team at Cosmetic Laser and Rejuvenation Clinic can be reached through their website:
skinclinic.us or at 858.587.7067.
Saving FACE
60
RAGE monthly | JUNE 2010
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