So many people complain of dark circles under their eyes, in particular, in this geographic area as seasonal allergies render almost no remission of this problem. In fact, there has been, heretofore, no solution to this difficult problem, until a certain filler was modified for this purpose. Restylane is well suited to be placed carefully just beneath the skin, forming a layer to hide the dark, highly vascular muscle, beneath. With proficiency and expert technique, this filler does the job that nature forgot. In fact, the job is so well done that your lower lids never return to the thin-skinned pre-treatment state. There is always some product left to thicken the skin and treat the problem. That is not to say that there need be no repeats; in about 6 months more may be needed to restore the original correction.

In my practice, I see many patients, men and women, in their 20’s and older, who are very effected by the appearance of dark circles. Not everyone will receive a near perfect result, as in our photos, but given the proper selection and indications, these results should be typical. It is especially important to select a well-trained, experienced plastic surgeon who can document results you would like to achieve. Although this procedure is small, relative to surgery, it is very important to your appearance and self-confidence.

Now compare the results of the filler added to a 31 year old male who was constantly being accused of looking tired, with a 42 year old female for whom I performed a lower lid surgery of removing fat and tightening the skin and muscle. Her complaints were the exact same as his, but her problems were entirely different. She had bulging orbital fat, while he had a vacant, sunken orbital contour. It really takes an expert to diagnose the problem and then to render treatment. That is why it is so important to take the time to interview your surgeon and to establish a relationship. You may find that there are other areas of your appearance that you would like to change and with a good relationship, you will have no problem coming to a wise decision for your future. I like to think of my patients being with my practice for their entire lifetime. Even if many years elapse, when it is time to make a change you always have someone you trust with whom you will consult. I take a full hour conversing with any patient considering a procedure, even as small as filler. Both you and I benefit from getting to know each other in moving forward to the most attractive you that is possible.

The tangible benefit to plastic surgery is the removal of visible barriers to your ability to see yourself as beautiful and talented with valuable gifts to develop and offer the world. It brings me great joy to keep in touch with my patients, as they move through their lives, shining with their brilliant contributions.

Please contact Annapolis Aesthetic Surgery for more information on treatments to improve the appearance of dark circles under the eyes and other conditions.

The beautiful brown skin

That tanned skin can be considered very attractive, is undeniable, but what most people do not understand, is that tanning may actually constitute an addiction. Like smoking and drinking, research has recently revealed that the good feelings generated by exposure to the sun or the tanning booths produce a need for more. That sense of well-being and calm is tough to refuse in our stressed and anxious society. Habitual tanners crave that relaxation and mood enhancement; those who quit abruptly will experience symptoms of withdraw, which do tend to be more severe in youth. These addiction patterns have not however, been observed in the casual or infrequent tanner.

How the skin becomes brown from radiation

When the radiation from the sun or tanning bulbs, interacts with special cells in the skin, called melanocytes, a process of melanin production begins. That melanin is the pigment that results in tanned skin. It takes several days for the tan to appear as the melanocytes must begin production, and then eject the melanin for it to change the skin color. Humans all have the same number of melanocytes in their skin, but naturally dark skinned people just have more active melanocytes, and therefore more melanin.

During embryogenesis, or during the development of an embryo into an infant, we know that these melanocytes developed in the brain and migrated into the skin, thereby rendering our skin with its characteristic color. Since the cells producing pigment came from the brain, it stands to reason that activity within those cells would be able to communicate with our brain. Endorphins are neuroactive substances, stimulating parts of the brain that are responsible for a feeling of well being. This neurostimulation of melanin production is probably mediated by an endorphin like neurotransmitter from which we experience mild euphoric sensations.

The consequences of over tanning the skin

But we are facing a potentially harmful exposure to radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum, which may be damaging our skin, setting the stage for cancers, such as deadly as melanoma. Research has shown that skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are much more prominent in sun damaged skin. The deadliest skin cancer is melanoma; it is also more common in sun-exposed skin. Melanomas are difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat, so the best advise is to use extreme moderation in sun exposure and to use a sun screen of 30 block or more, applied every hour during sun exposure. Since tanning booths are largely unregulated, we don’t know what rays our skin is receiving. Our advise is to totally avoid tanning booths and to ensure that our children receive this important message.

Protect your skin

There are tanning lotions, which stain the skin to appear tanned. These lotions have improved over the years and have become easy to apply with natural effects. The popularity of the lotions has increased, so the cost has come down, making them largely affordable to anyone interested. They are safe and constitute an effective alternative to the damaging rays of the sun. Please bring your questions about sun screens, skin cancers, and skin care to our office or click our website with question, or call us 410-224-1144. We are waiting to help you to be the glowing, beautiful self you deserve.