Have you ever felt that everyone seems to look flawless online? Even at the grocery store or a football game, at first glance it looks like a sea of perfect faces. It’s only when we look closely that we notice the imperfections: the scars and birthmarks that set us apart from each other.

Some of those imperfections tell a story — they help make us who we are. But others can be distractions. Two of these kinds of “imperfections” are lesions that are quite obvious: lip hemangiomas and venous lakes. What are they, and should you treat them or not?

What is a Hemangioma and How Common Is It?

Hemangiomas are a type of vascular tumor that shows up as red or purple growths anywhere on your body, but frequently (in more than half of cases) on the head and neck. One type that’s particularly concerning is lip hemangiomas, because they’re so visible. They’re benign, but they can be uncomfortable or simply annoying.

While roughly 75% of people aged 75 and older have cherry hemangiomas, the general category of hemangiomas is most common in infants and children. Given that a hemangioma can actually look like other kinds of issues, it’s always best to ask a professional dermatologist who has seen hundreds of cases.

Although they’re called tumors, hemangiomas are benign. The term tumor simply means an irregular mass of tissue. That’s what hemangiomas are: irregular, abnormally dense groups of blood vessels that occur near the surface of the skin.

Hemangiomas aren’t hereditary and they’re not anyone’s fault. The good news is that lip hemangiomas can resolve on their own after a few years, especially with younger children and babies.

What Are My Treatment Options for Hemangioma?

You might want to look into treatment for hemangioma if it interferes with your child’s vital functions, like breathing, seeing, hearing, or going to the bathroom. In an adult patient, it completely depends on your level of comfort. Many patients may elect to have the mark removed simply due to the lesion attracting too much attention or interfering with their social life.

Options include:

• Beta blocker medicines. If the hemangioma is small, your doctor may recommend applying a gel containing a beta blocker like timolol, or taking a liquid medication called propranolol. This treatment does have potential side effects, including high blood sugar, low blood pressure, and wheezing.
• Corticosteroid medicines. Another option is corticosteroids, which can be given via an injection or applied topically. In either case, side effects can include thinning skin in that area and/or a lack of growth.
• Laser treatment. Removing a hemangioma can be done by a board certified dermatologist using a laser treatment. This can be done in a fairly short appointment, with no lasting side effects.  Laser types include pulsed dye laser (PDL).

Venous Lakes

Venous lakes consist of just one dilated blood vessel, compared to hemangioma, which is a cluster of blood cells. Venous lakes show up more often on the lips, and specifically the lower lip. They’re more often blue than red, because they consist of deoxygenated blood. Confusingly, they can be either flat or domed.

“While venous lakes are typically harmless, it’s important to consult a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options if it becomes bothersome or changes over time,” advises Dr. Hakimi. “Any change or new lesion should be evaluated by a professional.”

In contrast to hemangiomas, which aren’t specifically caused by any one action, venous lakes can result from:

• Sun exposure and UV damage
• Aging and weakening of blood vessel walls
• Trauma or injury to the area
• Smoking

Sometimes venous lakes just appear, with no clue about their origin. Venous lakes tend to occur in people over 50, with more cases in people over 70. In terms of how common they are, one study found them in less than 4% of dermatology cases.

Venous lakes differ from hemangiomas in that they rarely go away on their own. You’ll need to look into treatment options to remove a venous lake if it is bothering you.

Treatment Options for Venous Lakes

• Laser Treatment: Lasers are now the most common and effective treatments, with minimal scarring or side effects. The pulsed dye laser has been the most commonly used.
• Sclerotherapy: This option involves injecting a sclerosing agent like 1% polidocanol. Like lasers, this can be both effective and efficient.
• Surgery: This is less common now, because of the risk of scarring, but a small surgery is still an option.

While both hemangiomas and venous lakes are benign, they can be bothersome. As with any skin concern, if you have doubts or questions, book online or call us at (916) 646-3376 to schedule a consultation. The best treatment comes from an accurate diagnosis.

Do you have lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, or skin that’s lost its volume? Are you looking for something that will make a significant difference, but provide natural-looking results?

Although these concerns are often a result of the normal aging process, it doesn’t mean you have to live with them. Sculptra is a revolutionary treatment that reverses these signs of aging, leaving you feeling younger, revitalized, and more confident.

Keep reading to learn more about Sculptra and how it’s different from other fillers.

What Is Sculptra?

Sculptra is an FDA-approved injectable filler made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biodegradable and biocompatible synthetic material. Poly-L-lactic acid is injected deep within the layers of the skin, where it activates new collagen production in the treatment area.

Increasing collagen production adds definition and volume, delivers a subtle lift, and smooths wrinkles and lines. Sculptra offers excellent outcomes when used to treat:

• Chin creases
• Temple hollows
• Skin depressions
• Loss of volume in the face
• Sagging around the jawline and chin
• Marionette lines, which are wrinkles at the corners of the mouth
• Smile lines or nasolabial folds, which are deep creases that extend from the nose to the mouth

How Does Sculptra Work?

Sculptra addresses the root cause of aging skin: a loss of collagen. Once your dermatologist at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates injects Sculptra into the dermis or the middle layer of skin, microparticles of poly-L-lactic acid stimulate collagen production.

Collagen then gradually tightens the skin, softening the appearance of wrinkles and lines and restoring lost volume.

Meghan Hession, MD, a board-certified dermatologist explains:

“What many patients don’t realize is that Sculptra’s effects can be customized through injection technique. By adjusting the dilution and placement of the product, we can target specific concerns like deep folds or overall facial volume. This flexibility allows us to create a tailored treatment plan that evolves with a patient’s needs over time.”

When Can You Expect Results with Sculptra?

Sculptra works slowly over several treatments. After receiving Sculptra injections, your body requires time to create new collagen in the treatment area.

Most patients require three injections to achieve optimal results. However, how many sessions you need will vary depending on your age and desired aesthetic goals.

Sculptra results begin deep in the dermis, where collagen starts to disappear, resulting in sagging or drooping skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. As the body creates more collagen, the new collagen gradually firms the skin and fills in any wrinkles and lines.

This process takes place slowly, naturally correcting the signs of aging. Collagen production can take about four to six months, but patients often notice improvements in their appearance sooner, usually within six weeks.

What Is the Difference Between Sculptra and Other Fillers?

The primary differences between Sculptra and commonly used and known fillers include:

Composition

Sculptra is made of poly-L-lactic acid, a bio-stimulator that naturally increases collagen production. The most common ingredient in other dermal fillers is hyaluronic acid, which adds volume to the skin and helps retain moisture.

Fillers using hyaluronic acid provide immediate volume because they attract volume where the filler is injected. However, fillers with poly-L-lactic acid like Sculptra stimulate your body’s ability to produce collagen over time, giving you more gradual and longer-lasting effects.

Action

Sculptra’s collagen-stimulating capabilities are what set it apart from other fillers. Sculptra activates the body’s natural production of collagen.

High collagen output gives the skin a smooth, firm, and youthful appearance. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers temporarily replace lost volume, making the face look fresher and younger.

Results

The effects of Sculptra are gradual and progressive because it takes time for the body to produce collagen. Patients experience a natural, gradual transformation over several weeks that complements their unique facial features.

The results from Sculptra will last two years or more after finishing your final treatment. The volumizing or lifting effects of dermal fillers are visible immediately and fade over time, with results lasting between 6 to 12 months.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sculptra?

If you love the idea of looking your best thanks to Sculptra, you may be wondering if you could be a good candidate. Most people are candidates for Sculptra.

Good candidates should:

• Be in good health
• Want to achieve natural-looking results that outlast most conventional fillers
• Not have a history of keloid scars
• Have realistic expectations about what Sculptra can achieve
• Understand that Sculptra takes time to achieve final results because they are not immediate like other fillers

Dr. Hession advises,

“In my experience, Sculptra is particularly beneficial for patients in their late 30s to early 50s who are starting to notice a loss of volume in their face but aren’t ready for more invasive procedures. It’s also an excellent option for those who prefer a gradual, subtle change rather than an immediate, dramatic difference. However, it’s crucial to discuss your skincare routine and health during the consultation, as these factors can influence the treatment’s effectiveness.”

Why Should You Consider Sculptra?

Sculptra offers many benefits, including:

Comprehensive Rejuvenation

Sculptra is a versatile solution offered at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates that addresses various concerns, from sunken cheeks and marionette lines to nasolabial folds, chin creases, and more. The treatment promotes collagen production, which improves skin tone and elasticity and significantly diminishes fine lines, folds, and wrinkles.

Collagen also restores youthful contours in the face in areas that have started to thin and become hollow.

Natural-Looking Results

You don’t have to worry if you don’t want anyone to know you’ve had fillers or other procedures. After Sculptra, the body gradually produces more collagen over time.

The slow onset of the effects of Sculptra will make you look completely natural compared to many other fillers. You’ll have a refreshed and glowing complexion without looking like you had any work done. Instead, you’ll still look like you, just better.

Lasting Beauty

The effects of Sculptra don’t wear off after a short time. Sculptra revitalizes collagen production for longer-lasting results.

Collagen gradually improves the skin from the inside out. It works from deep within to restore the skin’s inner structure, promoting lasting firmness, elasticity, and a radiant, younger complexion.

The remarkable results of Sculptra will stand the test of time, with many patients noticing results lasting two years or more before you need filler again to maintain your results and keep you looking young and radiant.

Experience the Sculptra Difference

Sculptra at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates allows you to shave years off your appearance and achieve stunning, natural-looking results. Our experienced dermatologists will customize your treatment based on your desired results for personalized outcomes.

Are you ready to look and feel more beautiful? It’s time to book your appointment at Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates and restore your youthful, natural beauty.

Lots of odd things can show up on your skin. How do you know what to be concerned about and when to treat the issue yourself? Eczema is a good example of something that can look like many other things:

• Dry or itchy skin
• A rash or bumps
• Flaky or thick patches of skin
• Swelling
• Discoloration

To make it more confusing, eczema can show up anywhere on your body, at any age. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 31 million Americans suffer from this condition, so if you have it, you’re not alone.

Is your skin dry, cracked, and itchy? You could have eczema.

If you’re among the over 30 million Americans suffering from eczema, you may know that dry skin leads to increased eczema flare-ups. Fortunately, you can help your skin retain moisture and find relief from the symptoms of eczema.

Keep reading to learn more about eczema and how to banish dry skin from eczema with these 3 tips.

Great hair gives you confidence, impacts your mood, and affects how you interact with the world around you. That’s why thinning hair can be incredibly stressful and frustrating.

While losing up to 100 strands of hair daily is considered normal, losing more hair every day can be a sign of hair thinning. Fortunately, you can regain your luscious mane and self-esteem.

Keep reading to find out why you can stop worrying about thinning hair with treatment for fuller and more lush locks!

Skin cancer affects more Americans than all other cancers. The good news is that most skin cancers have a high cure rate when detected and treated early.

Mohs surgery is one of the most effective treatments with the best outcomes for skin cancer. Keep reading to learn more about Mohs surgery and why it is the gold standard for skin cancer treatment.

Do you have lines, wrinkles, or an uneven skin tone? Has acne or too much time in the sun left your face with visible scars or sun spots?

You can reverse skin irregularities with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing. The state-of-the-art treatment can help your skin look more vibrant, healthier, and younger again.

Keep reading to learn how to get beautiful results and resurfacing with CO2.

Remember when your mom told you, “Don’t make that face or it will stay that way?” She was right. Lines of facial expression form from repetitive facial movements like frowning or lifting our eyebrows. As we age and our skin loses elasticity, these lines can be noticeable even at rest. That’s where Botox comes in.