Many people know the name. Juvéderm represents a large family of dermal fillers, though the selection of various products is often simply known by the name of the brand itself. When people discover that their needs may best be met by one or more products in this family, they often express surprise. If all Juvéderm products are classified as hyaluronic acid soft tissue fillers, why is there a need for so many options? Here, we discuss the basics of Juvéderm as well as the details of each of the common products to help you understand which may be right for your needs.

As a whole, Juvéderm is designed to introduce hyaluronic acid particles to the skin. Hyaluronic acid is a vital, naturally-occurring chemical that attracts and traps water molecules in tissue. It is necessary for the lubrication of joints, eyes, and for the moisture that plumps and smooths the skin. Hyaluronic acid restores water volume to the skin and, in so doing, can enhance the face in several ways.

JUVÉDERM ULTRA XC

The traditional Juvéderm filler is made with structured particle formation that reinstates a smooth foundation for the skin. This product has been used for years to eradicate moderate to severe nasolabial folds, the smile lines that form around the nose and mouth. It is also used to plump marionette lines that run from the outer corners of the mouth to the chin. The density of ULTRA XC is also advantageous in lip enhancement where more volume is needed in the body of the lips.

JUVÉDERM VOLBELLA XC

Volbella XC is a more recent development in which hyaluronic acid particles are cross-linked to achieve a particular consistency. This is referred to as Vycross technology. Vycross technology is also used to make Voluma XC and Vollure XC, which we will discuss here also. For Volbella, cross-linking modifies the molecular weight of the product to make it smooth and supple for natural-looking lip enhancement. Why choose Volbella when ULTRA XC is also for the lips? Because the two products have unique consistencies that make them good for particular concerns. Where ULTRA XC is used to add volume to the lips, smooth, silky Volbella is used to add definition to the edges of the lips. This product is also suited to the thin lines that form around the mouth.

JUVÉDERM VOLUMA XC

Another cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel, Voluma has a denser consistency that allows it to stay put in the deeper tissue beneath the skin. Voluma, as the name suggests, is made for noticeable volume in the midface. It can be inserted into the right areas of the cheeks to restore natural contour. In the area of the upper cheek, Voluma can smooth tear trough lines to reduce the appearance of undereye bags.

JUVÉDERM VOLLURE XC

Vollure XC is used much the same way as Juvéderm ULTRA. However, this product, with its Vycross cross-linking technology, is known for its moldability and flexibility beneath the skin. ULTRA is by no means stiff, but Vollure is simply smoother, providing elasticity and movement to areas around the nose and mouth.

Dermal filler treatment doesn’t have to be difficult to figure out. Our experienced injector can help. Schedule your consultation and treatment in our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.

It is sometimes frustrating to see the labels that are given to everyday problems. For the average woman, reaching orgasm can take monumental effort. So much effort, in fact, that “faking it” sounds like a better alternative than trying to force climax that just doesn’t seem to be forthcoming. Living with dissatisfying sexual experiences is bad enough. To then slap the label of “female sexual dysfunction” on top of the physical let-down of sex can inhibit a woman’s motivation to talk to her doctor even more.

We understand that it can be difficult to talk about a lackluster sex life, especially if you take full responsibility for this. And how can one not do this if her sensual sensations refuse to come along for the ride between the sheets? Listen, the clitoris may be one of the most highly innervated areas of the human anatomy to ever exist, but that doesn’t mean it’s always ready for action. Sometimes all it needs is a little help. We’ve got it in the form of the O-Shot.

The O-Shot insinuates orgasm, and that is exactly what it is meant to facilitate. The brief office treatment stimulates an increase of circulation and cellular activity right where it is needed most. Developed by Dr. Charles Runels, the O-Shot helps generate tissue and increase the sexual sensitivity. Until this treatment was developed, most protocols were devoted to men’s sexual function. However, more than 40 percent of women struggle with adequate sexual stimulation. In a 20-minute treatment process, this can all change.

How the Treatment Works

O-Shot treatment can be performed by Dr. Claytor or our nurse injector who has been fully trained. To determine where the injection would make the most impact, the doctor or nurse “maps” the vagina and clitoris.

We know what you’re thinking. Getting a shot of anything in the vaginal area must be painful. As sensitive as this area seems, it is generally easy to numb with only a topical anesthetic. The patient may sit with numbing cream in her clitoral area. By the time injections begin, the nerves are nicely desensitized. Most patients feel nothing at all. Some feel a tiny pinch but nothing more.

The results of the O-Shot may begin to manifest right away. Patients can drive home right after treatment and resume all normal activities, including sex. Initially, the clitoris may feel slightly swollen (not a bad thing in the least). As this fades, tissue regeneration and circulation work synergistically to enhance physical sensation. Sensation can increase so substantially that women report having orgasms when they couldn’t previously.

Sexual health is an important aspect of life that we shouldn’t be afraid to discuss. If you would like to know how the O-Shot could help revive your sexual enjoyment, call our Bryn Mawr office at 610.527.4833.

laser skin resurfacingWe give so much attention to the signs of aging on the face that we may overlook the appearance of the chest. For many people, this could be a mistake. When we conduct treatments to keep the face looking fresh and young, we do a disservice by leaving wrinkled, sun-damaged chest and neck skin alone. The problem with chest wrinkles and sun damage is that these problems have been notoriously difficult to correct. The skin here is not only susceptible to hyperpigmentation and sun damage but it also gets thinner with age, making it appear crepey.

Recently, we’ve come across several ways that the chest and neck skin can be supported and also corrected when necessary. On the store-bought end of the spectrum, consumers offer rave reviews for professional-grade silicone pads that adhere to the skin during sleep. As soothing and replenishing as these products can be, they are not capable of correcting the damage that has already been done. But there are other options, and we’ve got them.

Lasers

Doctors used to use strong CO2 laser devices to obliterate the top layers of a patient’s skin. The rejuvenation achieved with this practice was substantial but so was downtime and risk. We prefer a gentler approach. While patients with minimal sun damage may benefit from IPL treatments on the chest and neck, more significant improvements are achieved with fractional laser resurfacing. Fractional lasers spread energy out into tiny pinpoints rather than one concentrated beam of light. This disperses energy across the skin for a gentler but no less effective resurfacing process. A few treatments may be needed to achieve dramatic results, depending on the degree of damage that has occurred. However, patients can resume most normal activities right away after fractional laser treatment.

Radiofrequency

Where lasers are often used to address issues like sunspots and tissue thinning, radiofrequency is often a go-to for tissue laxity. Like laser treatments, a radiofrequency treatment sends precision energy into the dermis. In the case of radiofrequency, the energy that gets absorbed heats collagen strands to the point of contraction. Additionally, cells are stimulated to produce more collagen and elastin, proteins that replenish the skin’s foundation. A series of radiofrequency treatments can smooth and firm the skin to look healthier and younger.

Remember all the parts of you that could give away your age. For more information about facial rejuvenation and treatments for the neck and chest, call 610-527-4833.

Ah Aging! The biological process of getting older sure doesn’t come easily to most people. Not only does aging cause the skin to get loose, but the older we get, the more fat we lose from the face, too. At some point, the bones around the eyes and cheeks even start to decrease. These changes affect appearance in many ways. One is to cause jowls to form. Jowls are the sagging bits of tissue that form at the jawline on each side of the face. Once we see them in the mirror, they are difficult to ignore. At the same time, they seem impossible to treat.

What Causes Jowls

We get jowls because we age, yes. But there are a few factors related to this problem.

Vital Skin Proteins Break Down

For the skin to stay smooth, firm, and elastic, it needs a steady amount of collagen and elastin. As it turns out, the body doesn’t produce as much of either of these chemicals when it reaches adulthood. Some studies suggest that this has to do with a lack of vitamin C, which is involved in collagen synthesis. Others suggest that sun exposure breaks down the matrix of fibers in the skin. Whatever the cause, collagen and elastin breakdown are inevitable for most of us.

Our Genes are At Play

Our genetic makeup dictates quite a lot about how we may age. If you look back through your family line, you may notice that your parents and older relatives have the same, sagging skin that you’re beginning to notice. This could have something to do with the influence genes have over skin thickness (thinner skin will sag more quickly) and collagen production.

Lifestyle

It should be said that, even with a healthy lifestyle, jowls may develop. However, we know that certain factors contribute to loose skin and loose skin means jowls. These factors include smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

While a few factors may be difficult to control, there are several that can be. These include lifestyle factors such as:

Now for the Good News

Jowls have historically been difficult to treat because we cannot infuse the skin with collagen. Well, we sort of can thanks to treatments like microneedling and laser resurfacing, but those provide subtle results. Today, one of the best ways that doctors can treat jowls is to left them using absorbable, biocompatible sutures. We do this with the Silhouette InstaLift procedure.

The Silhouette InstaLift is performed in the office with a local anesthetic to achieve complete comfort. Every treatment is customized to address specific concerns, including jowls and nasolabial folds. By inserting coned threads, Dr. Claytor installs a foundation to hold the skin in a tighter, higher position. The threads dissolve over time, but not before stimulating increased collagen remodeling.

Revive your look without surgery. Call 610.527.4833 to schedule your InstaLift consultation in our office near Philadelphia.

Premier Skin and Laser Center Bryn Mawr PAAs we inch ever so close to the holiday season, we may be looking at the weeks ahead more than the present moment. There are gifts to buy, which means malls to visit. There are parties to attend, too, which means we may be slightly more aware of our appearance. As it would go, what this means is that we may become more self-conscious about the problems we see with our face or body. It is because looking good translates to feeling good that we suggest a pre-holiday beauty treatment for anyone who wants the brightest possible month ahead.

Holiday gatherings mean lots of pictures. They give us the opportunity to dress up more than we would on a normal day. Holiday obligations, though, can also run us somewhat ragged. Many people forego the sleep that they need so they can keep up with the added tasks on their to-do list. Therefore, there’s a stronger chance of looking tired coupled with a stronger desire to look fabulous. Here’s what can be done about it.

Revive the Eyes

The eyes are one of the biggest indicators of how we feel. The eyes are also the first part of the face to age and the first sign that we aren’t sleeping as well as we should be. The good news about the eyes is that they can be easily revived with minimally invasive treatments like:

  • A few injections can smooth frown lines, making the face friendlier. Botox can also lift the brow so the eyes look more open and energized.
  • Dermal fillers. The most common dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid. They draw water into the skin, which increases plumpness. Used under the eyes, dermal fillers can correct both hollowness and puffiness.
  • Fractional skin resurfacing is the treatment that smooths away the ultra-fine lines that appear when we smile.
  • Want long-lasting results? Schedule blepharoplasty now to be fully rejuvenated before the holiday season kicks off.

Our Bryn Mawr practice offers several nonsurgical treatments that can be great for pre-holiday pampering. Learn more about them and which would serve you best this holiday season. Call 610.527.4833.

Weddings have a way of making us want to look as good as we feel. On the happy day, whether you are in the spotlight or in the front row, you want your face to reveal the happiness and energy you feel on the inside. Often, wedding planning takes up so much time that those in or close to the wedding party (Hello, Moms and Dads!) believe they’ve missed their chance to correct those stubborn cosmetic flaws before the big day. This isn’t so. Here, we want to point out how easy it can be to feel like a star at that Summertime wedding.

Refreshing the Eyes

The eyes are one of the first places on the face to start looking old and tired. Lines and creases around the eyes tend to be more noticeable in pictures, which is one reason why so many brides get Botox treatment before their special moment. Lines are only one problem that may need to be addressed, though. To refresh the eyes, it may be necessary to correct:

Our team has the skill to address each of these problems within a short time. You may be surprised to know that it’s possible to have eyelid rejuvenation surgery, blepharoplasty, just a few weeks before a Summertime wedding. The downtime in which bruising and swelling gradually subside is typically 10 to 14 days. If surgery sounds like too big a leap, most of the issues that affect the eyes can be addressed with injectables like Botox and dermal fillers. Much less downtime, still great results.

Fitting into That Dress (or Suit)

Summertime weddings are an invitation to put on a little something special that you might not wear on normal occasions. A tummy pooch, spare tire, or jiggly thighs can interfere with feeling as good as you’d like. Here again, you may be surprised at what is possible with only a few weeks left before the special event. Excess fat can be expertly removed in our Bryn Mawr office utilizing the SmartLipo technique. This minimally-invasive procedure does not require general anesthesia, only a local. Because SmartLipo melts fat cells, extraction is simplified and downtime is limited to one to two weeks. And when we say downtime, we mean that there will be slight swelling and bruising.

The countdown to wedding day may have begun, but you’ve got time to address your cosmetic concerns. Call 610.527.4833 to explore the numerous ways in which we can help.

Think the man in your life isn’t interested in looking his best? Think again. According to data from the American Society for Plastic Surgery, an increasing number of men are seeking cosmetic treatments. Today, surgical and nonsurgical procedures alike are popular among women and men, and we can’t think of anything better for Father’s Day than to suggest a few treatments Dad may love.

At Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr, we offer services that address a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Here, we can help Dad manage:

His Dad Bod

Busy Dads may sweat it out on the playground with the kiddos rather than in a gym, and this may leave a bit to be desired in the area of physical fitness. If love handles have gone soft around the edges, Dad may love the help that comes from non-surgical modalities. Liposuction, as well, has become much more streamlined and less invasive than ever before. Liposuction is a popular fat-reducing procedure that is commonly sought by men interested in either a flatter midsection or a more sculpted jawline. That’s right, this technique can permanently eliminate a double chin!

That Aging Face

An aging face can affect a man in similar ways that the signs of aging affect women’s faces. It isn’t that the appearance of lines and wrinkles makes the face appear older; that alone we may be able to tolerate. What happens when facial structure changes over time is that the eyes begin to look tired or angry. Men often develop deep creases on their forehead and, truth be told, those worry lines don’t do much to support a professional, competitive image. Facial laxity, loss of volume, and undereye bags are all problems that men face. Fortunately, they are all also problems that can be dealt with easily and, often, without surgery.

After a thorough consultation and skin assessment, our team can make the best recommendations to bring out the best in Dad’s skin. From Botox to dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing to chemical peels, we’ve got the treatment modalities that get fast and lasting results.

Learn more about the unique gifts available for the man you love. Call our Bryn Mawr office for more information.

Male skincare, Bryn Mawr, PA Historically, women have had a reputation for being more mindful about how they take care of their skin. The efforts that have been made through centuries of time are well-known, including Cleopatra’s beloved rose-water skin treatments. Today, skin care has gone much more high-tech. It is also a concept that more men are incorporating into their lives. It isn’t as though our male ancestors didn’t care about their skin, they just may not have taken the same opportunity as women to care for their skin. Here’s why the modern man should and how he can.

Male aging affects the face in various ways, and all can be concerning. While society tends to be more lenient about a man with frown lines or worry lines on his forehead, men themselves express a desire to look as young as they feel. What men may miss is the way in which their skin becomes dull over time. This is a simple issue of cellular buildup. From lines and wrinkles to sagging neck skin and a double-chin, the team in our Philadelphia area office can help men feel their best with non-surgical rejuvenation.

Treatments to Rejuvenation the Modern Man

Cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments have become more popular among men in recent years. Treatments that do not require much, if any, downtime include:

  • Chemical peels. Men should not overlook the value of good, controlled exfoliation. Chemical peels are a gentle way of removing debris that includes dead and damaged skin cells. Treatment does not have to involve dramatic peeling and flaking to restore a more vibrant tone to the skin.
  • Chin sculpting. Double-chin fat is problematic for many men and may not relate to fat at all. Many people develop a double-chin as the skin and connective tissue on the lower face lose firmness. Laxity allows the fat layer to protrude, making the neck and face appear fat when it is not. Kybella and liposuction are both popular ways for men to sculpt their jawline.
  • Silhouette InstaLift. The InstaLift goes beyond injectables because this treatment doesn’t just fill lines and enhance volume, it mechanically secures muscle, fat pads, and skin in a more youthful position. Treatment typically takes less than an hour and results last up to two years.

There are so many ways to improve the aging process that one only needs to choose which they prefer. To learn more about facial and body rejuvenation for yourself or someone you love, call 610.527.4833.

Non-Surgical Procedures Philadelphia - Dr. Claytor offers non-surgical procedures. Our practice serves Bryn Mawr and surrounding areas.If you’re like many of us, you may have somewhat of a love/hate relationship with New Year’s Resolutions. It’s been a few weeks now since millions of goals have been established, which means there are thousands of people already feeling the sting of disappointment. The thing about resolutions is that they can be incredibly hard to keep. Change, however, doesn’t have to be impossible. If you have resolved to feel better about your appearance this year, change can come quicker than you may imagine. Here, we want to point out a few ways in which we can help you look like your best self in as little as thirty minutes.

Fast Fixes for the Signs of Aging

There are several ways to address the signs of facial aging. Some of the most popular approaches include injections of some sort. In our office near Philadelphia, we focus on first identifying areas of concern. Facial aging doesn’t just include the development of lines and wrinkles. To truly rejuvenate the face, it is necessary to look at the bigger picture.

Often, what lies behind facial aging is a degree of atrophy. The fatty tissue beneath the skin starts to deteriorate at some point, and collagen fibers lose their resiliency to hold tissue in place. Everything starts to drop and droop. Fortunately, injectables can handle most of the problems that relate to the change in facial structure.

  • Botox can be used around the eye to reduce small wrinkles and also to lift the brow.
  • Botox can also be used around the mouth to upturn the corners of the lips.
  • Dermal fillers placed at the upper cheek can reduce or completely eliminate undereye bags and dark circles.
  • Dermal fillers are routinely used around the nose and mouth to diminish line and creases caused by smiling and other facial expressions.
  • Dermal fillers can lift jowls by increasing the contouring in the cheek area.

Got a Little More Time?

Cosmetic surgery can achieve beautiful results when conducted by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Procedures that beautifully refresh the face without more than a week to two weeks of downtime include:

  • Blepharoplasty eyelid rejuvenation can focus on upper or lower eyelids for long-lasting correction of undereye bags, hooding, and a generally fatigued appearance.
  • Facelift surgery is customized to reposition tissue across bony structure for better contouring and smoother skin.
  • Fat grafting is a minimally invasive technique that harvests fat cells from one area of the body to naturally restore volume in areas such as the cheeks and temples.

Your most beautiful self is within reach. All we need to do is reveal what’s already there. To schedule a consultation for facial rejuvenation, call us at 610.527.4833.

Every year at this time, hundreds of thousands of people give in to the urge to set new goals. If you’ve done this year after year and are tired of falling short of the outcome you really want, this may be a great time to rethink your overall strategy. We’re talking about getting the body you really want. Yes, it can take work to lose weight and tone muscle, but, more often than not, this seems to be nearly impossible. Here, we want to discuss a few ways in which a little help from your plastic surgeon near Philadelphia can boost you to new beauty heights.

The Standard Practice

The standard practice that most people ascribe to when trying to achieve a certain shape is to get fit. This can look different for all of us, and it should. What it shouldn’t look like is hard work. When we recognize the bigger goal as feeling good about how we look, we open the door to new possibilities. These include surgical procedures that beautifully slim and tone the body.

  • SmartLipo is our liposuction technique of choice. Why? Because it achieves an excellent outcome without unnecessary disruption to tissue we wish to keep intact. SmartLipo is a laser-assisted liposuction protocol that applies controlled laser energy before fat cells are extracted. By heating these cells, we liquefy them so they separate more readily for removal.
  • Abdominoplasty may be a more complex procedure, but it is one that offers undeniable benefits. Men and women who have lost a substantial amount of weight and are still carrying around remnants of their former selves in the form of saggy tissue love what a tummy tuck can do for them. Say goodbye to flab; say hello to a flat tummy. It’s also a typically a key part of a full mommy makeover—a customized set of procedures, such as breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction—that can help you restore your pre-pregnancy shape this year.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in all our years serving patients in the Philadelphia area, it’s that the majority of people who want a better body don’t want surgery. We are pleased to accommodate these people by offering non-surgical body contouring treatments.

Now’s your chance at a new beginning with a beautiful body. Get the full details regarding surgical and non-surgical body contouring at 610.527.4833.