Plastic Surgery Blog from La Jolla, CA

2010-07-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Visit us in our New Office!

Well, we are pretty much settled in and enjoying our new environment. We've gotten lots of positive feedback from our patients, too. The atmosphere is serene and the exam rooms more spacious. And for our entertainment, we have a great view of the college boys practicing below on the UCSD baseball team diamond.

We are so enjoying our new office mates, as well. Dr. Nisha Bunke is an amazing Vein Care Specialist, so bring her your spider veins and varicose veins and she will restore the beauty (and comfort) to your legs. You will meet her delightful assistant Lisa at the front desk. Our reception desk is straight back from the entrance and you can proceed there to check in with Cindi. Diane will still be helping me in the back office as well as assisting Dr. Bunke with her procedures when I am out of the office on surgery days.

We hope you will stop in soon to visit and take advantage of our half-price special on Vi-Peels to celebrate our move.

Wishing you all a great summer!

and Number Ten....

2010-02-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

10. Erbaviva Organic Deodorant

I always feel a little overwhelmed at the drugstore when I am trying to purchase a deodorant. I want it to be deodorizing, anti-perspirant and completely clear (I wear a lot of black!) There are also those lingering issues about aluminum hydroxide. The gels are often sticky and the solids seem too hard, and the soft stick type sometimes seem a little messy. Some are unscented and don't seem to do as good of job as removing odor. Many are fragranced and are too strong or conflict with your expensive fragrance.

A product I have enjoyed using is Erbaviva Organic Deodorant. This company specializes in USDA Certified organic products mostly for Baby and Mommies to Be. They use essential oils and an alcohol base in an easy to use pump spray bottle. The natural ingredients kill odor causing bacteria and give a pleasant non obtrusive scent. They are quite effective, but if you have been using traditional deodorant allow a 2 week breaking in period for your arm pits to fully rid themselves of the pore-blocking aluminum hydroxide varieties.

The deodorant comes in two fragrances Lemon Sage (which can be used by men) and Grapefruit Jasmine. There is a travel size for $6 and the regular size for $18.

We also carry their lovely bath salts. Awaken enliven the senses with lemongrass, melissa, and rose. Embrace is a romantic blend of grapefruit, jasmine, and orange. $26 for 24oz. There is also Balance containing lavender, bergamot, clary sage, geranium, and rose which is helpful for emotional imbalances from hormone shifts associated with PMS and peri-menopause. $30

9. on the Top Ten List

2010-02-09T08:42:00.000-08:00

9. SkinCeuticals Face Cream

This is an excellent moisture cream for dry, mature skin. " SkinCeuticals Face Cream -Rehabilitative Cream for Aging Skin", while not having a very sexy name, packs a punch.
It is specifically formulated to counter moisture loss, collage breakdown an damaging free radical effects. It contains isoflavones, vitamins, botanical nutrient oils for powerful firming and stimulation of collagen and moisture. It is very pleasant to use and comes in an attractive pump bottle. 1.67 oz. $135

Number 8 on the Top Ten List is.....

2010-02-08T14:23:00.000-08:00

8. Latisse

Allergan's Latisse is a perscription solution applied nightly to the base of the upper eyelashes. It lengthens the growth phase of the eyelashes causing them to grow thicker, darker and longer. Results can be seen after a few weeks and optimizes in 2-4 months. See my website www.centerforbeauty.com or www.latisse.com for some before and after photos. Once the lashes have achieved the effect, the product can be used periodically to maintain the effect. A bottle of Latisse is made to last one month, but using it carefully can extend it to 2 months or longer. The pharmacy price is $120-140. Please contact the office if you would like a free consultation to see if Latisse is right for you and to get a prescription.

Number Seven...

2010-02-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

Number Seven on the Top-Ten List is:

7. Olivella Shampoo and Conditioner

We all have different hair texture, levels of dryness or oiliness, length, and degrees of damage from coloring, treatments, or styling. Some of us, through trial and error, find a reliable and dependable shampoo/conditioner that satisfies us. Others, bounce from one line to the next, as it seems the possibilities are endless. So, with that being said, Olivella may not be the best for everyone. I, however, found it to be a nice change of pace from my regular favorite of Pureology products. Cindi, my assistant, came to the office recently remarking on how much she was enjoying these new hair care products she had tried. Her hair felt very soft, full, and was shiny and manageable. I tried them and agreed. I have to admit I am a little biased. Being Sicilian, I am partial to this Made in Italy hair care containing pure Extra-Virgin Olive Oil. I am sure
Rachel "EVOO" Ray would be proud.

Olivella has an innovative formula made with natural ingredients and extracts from the leaf and the fruit of the olive. It works well on dry or color-treated hair and cleanses while providing the added benefits of antioxidants to enhance strength, vitality and luster. It is paraben free, free of dyes, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and not tested on animals. 8.45 oz Shampoo and 8.45 oz Conditioner, $9 each

More Top Ten

2010-02-06T19:06:00.000-08:00

6. Chanel Hydramax + Active Serum

I generally like Chanel products. Although they tend to be a little pricey, they usually deliver on results, are enjoyable to use, and, of course, their packaging is very elegant. I particularly like Chanel Hydramax + Active Serum. It is a water based, lightweight, hydrating serum with an antioxidant carob fruit extract. The main hydration ingredient is hyaluronic acid.

The serum is a lovely blue-green and has an appealing fragrance. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin with an excellent soft, smooth , fine surface which provide an excellent base for additional products or make-up. Hydramax gives your skin an instant moisture surge that feels great and is long lasting. For the larger size 1.7 fl. oz., about $120.

More of the Top Ten List!

2010-02-05T18:39:00.001-08:00

5. Eminence Lemon Cleanser

The Eminence Line of skin care products made in Hungary features organic fruits, vegetables and herbs.. My particular favorite is their Lemon Cleanser, a gentle face milk with lemon and herb oils. It contains natural antioxidants, vitamins A,C, and E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic acid as well as other natural ingredients. It has a yummy "awakening" lemon essence that makes it a treat to use. It washes off easily and leaves skin soft and hydrated. The convenient 8 oz. pump bottle is long lasting and sells for $36.

Top Ten List - continued

2010-02-04T14:41:00.000-08:00

4. Vi Peel

The Vi Peel from Kalil Medical is a very nicely put together product which borrows the best features from peel ingredients that have been around for decades. It treats signs of aging, sun damage and can improve acne as well. It is effective while being very safe. This peel can be used not only on the face, but also on hands, neck, and chest - and is safe for all ages and skin types. Recovery is very low maintenance with minimal inconvenience during the active peeling phase ( 5-7 days after the treatment). Excellent instructions and post-peel products are included. You can read a little more about the Vi Peel on my blog from December 14, 2009 and my assistant Cindi's comments on a subsequent blog. At $45o, this is a much more cost effective option compared to microdermabrasion series and laser treatments that can cost thousands and in many cases are not as effective.

Top Ten List - continued...

2010-02-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

3. Tru Face Essence Ultra

Another stellar Nu Skin product is Tru Face Essence Ultra. Little ampules of "the good stuff" for your face (and neck, decollete and hands for that matter). It contains antioxidants including Tegreen 97 and colorless carotenoids derived from algae. It contains the powerful antioxidant CoEnzyme Q10 which promotes cellular energy. But most importantly it features Ethocyn, a clinically proven anti-aging ingredient clinically proved to improve skin elastin content. Elastin in the skin gives elasticity and firmness. Our staff has noticed visible improvement in a short time of use. It is easy to use morning and night and a little goes a long way. About $165

Top Ten List continued

2010-02-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

2. Renova

Anyone who knows me or has been to my office knows I love Renova. Renova (Tretinoin
0 .02% Cream) is a vitamin A derivative in an emollient base. It is the only prescription cream proven to reduce certain clinical signs of photodamage and aging when combined with good basic skin care, moisturization and sun avoidance. Renova exfoliates, removes hyperpigmentation thickens the skin and improves texture and bloodsupply. A very small pea-size amount used nightly on clean dry skin is all that is needed. It can be used on the neck, decollete, and hands as well. It is important to use sunscreen of at least spf 15 while using Renova. But , of course , everyone should be using sun protection anyway.

Most aging and sundamaged skin is dry, so the emollient base is soothing. If your skin is oily or the Renova feels too rich for your skin, Retin-A microgel can be used instead. This formulation is used for the treatment of acne. Some people are sensitive to the tretinoic acids and may experience some redness or flaking. This may be normal and acceptable in the initial period of treatment, but if it persists, or is bothersome adjustments can be made. The Renova can be decreased to every other night or three times weekly, or one can use over the counter Retinol which is a milder form. Skinceuticals has a very effective Retinol in 0.5% and 1.0% strengths which can be obtained in our office.

Renova comes in a tube or very convenient pump bottle which dispenses the appropriate amount ( It can last 2 - 6 months depending on how you use it) The approximate price is $150

2010-01-31T13:34:00.000-08:00

Okay - Here we go on the Top Ten List

1. NuSkin's Age LOC Transformation Kit

A friend of mine, Barbara Freundt, and NuSkin distributor extraordinaire has been keeping me apprised of NuSkin products for some time. I've always known they were good products and the company certainly does their homework, but I am always a skeptic that needs hard proof. Not only scientific evidence but I have to love using it myself. I have to love how it feels, smells, looks and most importantly how it works.

Their newest product, literally released a week ago is the AgeLOC Future Serum, Foaming Cleanser/Toner, Radiant Daycream spf 22, and Transforming Night Cream. These products target the ultimate sources of aging to preserve the look of youth and reduce the appearance of aging. The proprietary patent pending technology developed at Purdue and now being researched at Stanford targets the ultimate sources of aging on the skin cells themselves. (age-related SuperMarkers). The product also contains Equol which reduces the production of damaging enzymes like MMP3 which can destroy skin structure. This ingredient improves cell renewal and skin structure giving a more youthful resilience, glow and smoothness.
Pea extract, bamboo extract and glucosamine reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and increase cell turnover resulting in more youthful appearing skin. A lightening complex helps reverse and prevent discoloration of the the skin. Pore size is reduced, hydration is enhanced and the skin is more radiant.

After using this regimen, I noticed significant improvement in the appearance of my skin even in the first few days. Their research shows users of the serum rated an average of 51-73% improvement in 8 areas after 12 weeks of use. I recommend trying the whole system, but if you are not ready to do that, at least try the ageLOC Future Serum. These products are available in our office or we can order them for you and have them mailed to your house. Transformation Kit (cleanser, serum, day cream and night cream) $410. AgeLOC Future Serum $224.

2010-01-30T12:42:00.000-08:00

It is a gorgeous sunny day in San Diego! I hope everyone is enjoying their Saturday. I was recently going through and re-evaluating my assortment of skincare products on my own bathroom sink and the products we have for sale at the office at Center for Beauty in La Jolla. While most everything I have and sell are very good--I thought: it is time to take a fresh look at these products. I am committing to using and promoting those products that 1) scientifically, but more importantly, visibly really make a difference in my skin , and 2) are pleasing to use and make me want to be consistent with their use. Also, 3) for products available in my office, to offer a range of price points.

So, in concert with the New Year, and the soon to be Lunar New Year (February 14, 2010) I have put together "Dr. Sardo's Top Ten List for 2010". This is the short list of products that have particularly impressed me and my staff recently. These are treatments and products that we feel enthusiastic about and that provide real tangible results and benefits. Most of these products are available through our office or we can tell you how to get them.

The Top Ten List follows. Over the next ten days I will blog about each item in detail and tell you why you may love these products, too!!

1. NuSkin's AgeLoc Transformation Kit
2. Renova
3. Tru Face Essence Ultra by Nu Skin
4. Eminence Lemon Cleanser
6. Chanel Hydramax +Active Serum
7. Olivella Shampoo and Conditioner
8. Latisse for Eyelash Enhancement
9. Skinceuticals Face Cream
10.Erbaviva Organic Deodorant

2010-01-03T16:35:00.000-08:00

A short testimonial from Cindi, my assistant and patient coordinator about the ViPeel:

" I'm so pleased with the results of the ViPeel. With only minimum discomfort during the application, and just a week after the peel, my face has a smooth and softer appearance. The peel has softened fine lines and my dark age spots have literally disappeared! My skin looks amazing! " --Cindi

Ask to see her before and after photos if you are at the office.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is ready to have the best year ever. Here's to 2010!

2009-12-14T09:36:00.000-08:00

I want to tell you about a new peel we tried out a few weeks ago-- the Vi Peel fron the Vitality Institute Skin Care System. It is very similar to a TCA chemical peel in that it takes about a week for it to completely peel, but it seems to have some definite advantages. But first what is it for? It improves the tone, texture and clarity of the skin. It reduces agespots, freckles and hyperpigmentation and it softens fine lines and wrinkles. It can also stimulate collagen and help some acne conditions.

The peel takes about 20 minutes to do and requires virtually no down time. But the real advantages are:
* minimal discomfort with the application (far less than with a TCA peel)
* in addition to the face, the neck, hands and decollete can be treated
* all skin types oily to dry, fair to dark or olive can be treated
* the price is almost half of the price of a TCA peel

The peel comes with good care instructions and aftercare products. No pre-peel preparation is required.

Cindi, my office manager, was the first to try it in our office. I was impressed with her results and lightening of pigmentation. I will have her write about her experience soon.

October 22, 2009

2009-10-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share my thoughts on this beautiful October day. The weather is spectactular and life is good. I had a wonderful morning doing one of my favorite things-- surgery. It is so gratifying to be able to help people achieve their goals while really enjoying the art and science of the process. I love working with the surgery center staff and anesthesiologists - they are a great group of people who are not only highly skilled but really care about their patients.
Back to work, hope to start writing more regularly and getting my staff involved as well.

2009-09-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

I was recently creating a new practice brochure and had a little space for a quote. I really couldn't find a suitable quote about beauty so I wrote a little poem. I ended up not using it at all, but for you, dear reader, my little haiku:

Lovely spring blossom
Become your inner beauty
Quiet confidence

2009-09-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

I recently visited the site awfulplasticsurgery.com. It was very entertaining and very sad at the same time. Being in my own small corner of the aesthetic medicine world, I was reminded that there is a large segment of patients choosing to do outlandish, unnatural looking things to themselves and a large group of trained and untrained doctors and nurses of all types of backgrounds doing surgical and nonsurgical treatments to people with unpleasant intentional and unintentional consequences. Of course, board certified plastic surgeons, while not all good, have long emphasized the need for proper training and certification for doing a host of cosmetic procedures. It turns out that the scope of people doing cosmetic procedures has widened far beyond well-trained and sensible plastic surgeons, dermatologists and facial ENT surgeons.
With that said, and taking into consideration physician and patient spectrums of what is considered natural and attractive rejuvenative enhancements of the physical form, I make a plea for restraint and tastefulness. It is the physicians responsibility to say to "no" to an insistent patient when they are requesting procedures that will be detrimental or damaging to their countenance. No matter how persuasive ( or moneyed) that person might be. Case in point, Michael Jackson. People who are requesting services that are harmful must not be placated and taken advantage of - they need psychological counselling.
Unfortunately there will always be professionals who possess less than desirable skills and aesthetic judgment. Always ask to see photos of your doctor's work. It will be a good indicator.
Plastic surgery does not come with a guarantee of results- there are a lot of variables between physician/procedure/and a patient's individual anatomy, healing qualities, genetics, etc.
It is important to optimize all factors and have as an important goal to not look operated on.
Strive for natural, freshening results. Being extreme can lead to very unpleasant outcomes.
And as we all learned in medical school- Primum non nocere (First, do no harm)

8/31/09 Launch!

2009-08-31T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hello, all!
I've never thought of myself as a potential blogger, but here I am launching my very own blog. In recent years, I've found so much more of my practice involving communication via email, website and internet. I feel that perhaps between my website www.centerforbeauty.com and my other procedure related sites, facebook and this blog I can perhaps enhance my dialog with patients- former, present and future. I hope to be more available and more real-time with my interactions. I plan on blogging on topics that are of current interest to me, but I also hope that readers will comment and request information and discussion that I may offer opinions, thoughts and perspectives based on my expertise and experience in the plastic surgery field.
Best to you
Dr. Sardo