•  Fat Transfer

    The word chemical in chemical peels often leads to assumption that this popular skin care treatment is incredibly harsh on the skin, prompting those who are mildly interested in peels to avoid the treatment altogether. But is it really?

    The reality is that chemical peels have been used since the days of Cleopatra!

    Now that we’ve cleared the air on whether or not chemical peels are abrasive, below are 4 common skincare issues that can be effectively addressed with chemical peels.

    1. Wrinkles and creases

    Chemical peels containing phenols penetrate deep into the superficial and middle layers of the skin. When these two layers are effectively treated with peels, the appearance of wrinkles and folds are reduced.

    Phenol peels should only be performed by a highly experienced provider such as Dr. Mosser and his highly-skilled staff, and may not be repeated as frequently as more superficial peels.

    2. Acne scars

    While the acne itself  may disappear, acne scars are another story altogether. They’re just simply there, making it way too obvious that your face was once dotted with acne.

    The good news is  chemical peels such as salicylic acid can lighten  acne scars or any lingering skin pigmentation issues caused by acne.

    3. Sun damage such as the appearance of sunspots, melasma, freckles, and blotchiness

    Superficial peels like glycolic acid are ideal for sun damage issues. These peels can be done as a series of six treatments with minimal downtime.

    Individuals with actinic keratoses (the appearance of crusty or scaly lesions from too much sun exposure) also benefit from Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels. This type of peel is best suited for skin issues requiring deeper peel penetration.

    4. Rosacea

    Beta hydroxy acid (BHA) or salicylic acid peels are ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin. At our practice, we highly recommend BHA peels to clients with mild to moderate cases of rosacea. Often, it’s best to experiment with a product containing salicylic acid first before deciding on a BHA peel if you have rosacea.

    Your Trusted Chemical Peel Provider in San Francisco

    Although chemical peels are undoubtedly effective, you  need to find a chemical peel provider who has your best interest to heart. Look for a team who is genuinely concerned for your safety and would make chemical peel recommendations based on your current skin care issues, skin tone, and skin sensitivity.

    Do you suffer from the skin problems we just mentioned? Call (415) 398-7778 to schedule an appointment with us today or get in touch with us over at our Facebook page! We look forward to helping you choose the best chemical peel!

  • halo-logo

    Let’s face it, nothing is far more attractive than skin that naturally glows!

    However, the chronic war against enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and age spots make the quest for healthy, radiant skin a struggle for many of our wonderful clients at our San Francisco laser rejuvenation practice.

    Often, no matter how much preventive measures you’ve done to keep those imperfections at bay — from getting enough sleep to skin-nourishing diets to seaweed creams, the occasional sign of premature skin aging will almost always resurface.

    Good thing there’s Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser for patients looking for optimum results but would love to have least amount of downtime possible!

    Optimum Results with the Shortest Downtime Possible

    Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Halo’s specifics, let’s take a quick look of what laser facial rejuvenation is like before Halo was introduced in the laser rejuvenation scene.

    In a nutshell, laser skin rejuvenation can either be ablative or nonablative.

    The ablative type eliminates blemishes by removing your skin’s superficial layers, and triggering collagen (the primary component of supple, youthful skin) production in the process.  You can expect a dramatic difference from ablative laser but downtime may be longer due to swelling post-procedure. You may have to skip work for a couple of days to a week to allow your skin to properly heal.

    In contrast to its ablative counterparts, the non-ablative laser treatments provide less dramatic outcomes but its downtime is not as long as ablative. There is less redness and swelling involved because it’s relatively less invasive. In hindsight, a boost in collagen production is still in the works but unlike the ablative type, the majority of the upper layers of the skin remains unharmed. The best part though is you don’t have to apply for a quick vacation leave at work.

    Between the two, there is no best laser. By and large, it mainly depends on the specific skin issues you’re experiencing.

    Ablative lasers work wonderfully for deep wrinkles and acne scarring while non-ablative treatments are the best choice for your pigmentation woes, rosacea, and unwanted spider veins.

    Now, imagine reaping the full benefits of ablative laser but with the minimal downtime of non-ablative treatments.

    So you think it’s impossible? This is what Halo is all about!

    Why Not Have the Best of Both Worlds

    What used to be done separately (deciding between ablative or nonablative) is now easily accomplished with Halo’s Hybrid Fractional Laser technology. In an interview with the lovely folks from Examiner, Dr. Mosser succinctly explains the powerful technology behind Halo.

    “It sounds simple but it requires a huge amount of advanced technology to get a great result with a minimal recovery. HALO is actually two different lasers that are activated at the exact same moment. One laser creates the changes in the tissue and the other laser actually creates hundreds to thousands of microscopic band-aids out of one’s own skin to make healing much more rapid. Every laser spot from the first laser gets one of these tiny coverings from the second laser,” says Dr. Mosser.

    Although downtime can vary from one client to another, depending on the issue being treated and the extent of laser treatment, Halo has the shortest recovery time among laser rejuvenation procedures. By days 3 to 5, your skin will lightly flake, making way for the healthy and even-tones skin underneath.

    The 3 S’s of Halo Laser Treatment

    To help you figure out if you should opt for Halo, a quick rundown of its benefits through the 3 S’s:

    • best for Sun-damaged skin
    • significant improvements in acne Scarring and uneven skin tone
    • it has the Shortest downtime possible

    Your Halo Laser Treatment Consultation

    As always, Dr. Mosser is a staunch advocate of making informed decisions before trying out treatments for the first time. We’re thrilled to help you discover and weigh in if Halo is the ultimate treatment of choice to bring out your natural glow!

  • It’s that time of the year again to commit to improving certain aspects in your life such as being proactive with how you look and present yourself.  After all, your physical appearance will have a profound impact on how you feel about yourself and how you interact with the people around you. If you’re contemplating about a head-to-toe makeover to start the year minus the downtime and costs of plastic surgery, we recommend the following non-surgical options:

    • CoolSculpting – Are you frustrated with those stubborn pockets of abdominal fat that do not respond to diet and regular exercise? You might want to consider CoolSculpting, a non-surgical approach to removing fat. Due to its less invasive nature, there is no significant amount of downtime involved.
    • Sclerotherapy – Banish leg veins for good with a series of sclerotherapy treatments. A treatment could last between 10 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of leg veins being treated.
    • Chemical Peels – If your main skin concerns have to do with light freckling, skin discoloration, or anything that has to do with hyperpigmentation (brought about by prolonged sun exposure), you might want to turn to chemical peels. There are various types of chemical peels out there and it is best to talk to your chemical peel provider about your goals to figure out the type and strength for you. 
    • Facial Fillers – Losing volume and elasticity is a part of aging itself which in turn leads to unsightly folds, jowls, and creases. If you’re currently experiencing the aforementioned and would want to add some plump and youthfulness this holiday season, facial fillers are your best bet. These fillers vary in their content — from naturally occurring substances such as collagen and hyaluronic acid to synthetic materials that fill in areas that have lost volume. 
    • Botox – Who wouldn’t want to give the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure a try? Although this injectable is popular in reducing the appearance of crow’s feet, it is also approved by the FDA in diminishing the appearance of those pesky vertical lines in between the brows and horizontal lines in your forehead. Since Botox is quite popular, we encourage everyone to exercise caution when choosing a Botox provider. 

    An initial consultation with Dr. Mosser is your first step to looking and feeling great in 2015! Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to your visit!

     

  • image-botox Poet Kahlil Gibran may have once said thatbeauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.” However, no matter how we look at it, the face will always be one of the determinants of beauty. In fact, several researchers have been made to define and measure physical attractiveness.

    In this 2009 study for example,  the researchers defined the golden ratio of female facial beauty. It turns out that beauty is not exactly in the eyes of the beholder but rather when the vertical distance between their eyes and the mouth was approximately 36 percent of the face’s length, and the horizontal distance between their eyes was approximately 46 percent of the face’s width.”

    You don’t have to go to great lengths in achieving the so-called golden ratio in order to appear naturally youthful. Here at our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice, a face lift procedure can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, folds, and sagging jowls and create a more youthful appearance. If you’ve been considering a face lift procedure for a while, it pays to carefully examine the details of surgery as well as contemplate on  whether or not it is the procedure you’re looking for.

    We answer the most common face lift questions that might help you make an informed decision below!

    Am I too old to have a face lift?

    On a whole, age is not a huge factor in influencing your candidacy for a face lift procedure. Instead, the specific determinants of whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a face lift include the severity of your wrinkles and facial sagging, skin elasticity, and the state of your general health. By and large, smokers are advised to quit smoking months before and after surgery as smoking can significantly delay healing and increase one’s risk of complications.

    What if I don’t want to have a complete face lift procedure?

    A traditional face lift procedure has 3 basic components: removal of fat, tightening of slackened facial muscles, and removal of excess facial skin. If you want to improve only a portion of the face or only reduce one aspect of facial aging (like removal of excess fat), a limited incision lift or a mid-face lift might be an alternative to the traditional face lift.

    In addition, there are also facial rejuvenation procedures that may be done in conjunction with a face lift such as a brow lift, eyelid lift, and injectables.

    How long will the results of a face lift last?

    Generally, you can expect the results to last for a decade or so. However, this is just an estimation as there are certain factors that can influence how long the results will last such as your lifestyle (smoking habits, anyone), sun exposure, skin type, genetics, and overall health.

    How do I find a good face lift surgeon?

    A successful surgical outcome in a face lift procedure is largely influenced by your choice of plastic surgeon. First of all, it pays to find someone who has solid experience in performing the procedure. You can do this by personally asking for referrals from friends as well as checking the surgeon’s credentials. In addition, the surgeon should be able to answer all of your questions concerning the procedure. Moreover, you should be totally comfortable with the surgeon and the rest of his or her team during the consultation. Lastly, a good plastic surgeon should not force you to undergo a procedure unless you have made an informed decision.

    Is it safe?

    All types of cosmetic surgery, whether invasive or minimally invasive,  have its own set of possible risks and complications. Bleeding, infection, and delayed healing are the most common risks associated with a face lift procedure. However, these complications can be easily prevented by sufficient preparation on your end and by choosing a highly experienced face lift surgeon who is adept in the procedure’s surgical technique and has excellent aesthetic sense.

    Planning for Your Face Lift with Dr. Mosser

    Dr. Mosser is a highly experienced plastic surgeon who has helped improve the lives and confidence of his patients through surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Moreover, he will help you come up with a personalized face lift surgery plan to help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted.

    Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you get the most of life through cosmetic surgery!

  • Facial Rejuvenation You are not alone, you know that perfect triangular face your mom always said you had, and age has flipped that over for you. When you chin and neck appear larger than the rest of your face, it’s time to consider what choices are out there.

    Research the options available, you won’t need all of them but it will help you pick the ones that you think will help. Then, get a consultation and don’t act surprised when they recommend something entirely different. Their experience gives them the edge, they see how it all turns out, so let yourself to be persuaded.

    The Choices

    Fillers and line erasures are all the rage, surgery if any is minor and the results last a fairly long time. The bruising and down time is shorter than ever too. The type of filler you need may depend on the place its put. Be sure to ask the pros and cons of each suggestion, and then make an informed decision at the end.
    You can get your eyebrows and eyelids redone, your chin, cheeks replaced, and your nose honed to a fine sculpture. You can even get those elephant ears reshaped and reduced and your forehead shortened. Heck, you might need to put on a nametag so you’ll know who you’re looking at in the mirror.

    Cheeks or No Cheeks

    While one line is forming to have cheeks implanted, another is to have theirs reduced.
    Does it ever fail, we all see ourselves differently than others do. Let’s face it – we have had more time to pick out the worst points and they seem to be getting larger.
    In the end, your goals have to be reasonable and tolerable physically and financially.
    You don’t want to look great and then be too sick to strut your stuff, so be cautious.

  • Facial Rejuvenation Although aging is inevitable, there are numerous cosmetic procedures to reduce the appearance of the hallmarks of physical aging — from sagging jowls to the dreaded crow’s feet. Whether you’re looking into restoring your natural beauty or wanting to make subtle changes for dramatic results, our San Francisco cosmetic surgery practice is committed to helping you discreetly erase years off your face and body.

    By and large, the following signs of aging will almost always give away or real age (or make you look older than your real age!):

    1. Turkey Neck

    This refers to sagging skin just below the chin making you think twice about posting that bathroom selfie you just took. The appearance of turkey neck can be attributed to flaccid muscles and excess accumulation of fat. A neck lift may be done for those who wish to choose the surgical route. Unfortunately there are very few non-surgical methods that help to a significant degree with a sagging neck.

    2. Crow’s Feet

    Crow’s feet refers to fine lines and wrinkles on the outermost corners of your eyes. Generally, their appearance is a result of repeated muscle contractions in the area when you squint and blink. Since you can’t stop yourself from squinting or blinking as a means of preventing them from appearing, Botox is the perfect choice to subtly erase them for a more youthful appearance.

    3. Sagging jowls

    Have you heard about the Triangle of Youth? It actually refers to the three components of how a youthful face should look like — full cheeks, high cheekbones, and a well-defined jawline. However, once aging has taken its toll, the Triangle of Youth slowly becomes the Pyramid of Age — sunken cheeks, nasolabial folds or parentheses, and the appearance of jowls in the lower third of the face. A face lift, chin liposuction, and certain dermal fillers can help make sagging jowls less noticeable.

    4. Sagging brows and upper eyelids

    Both the upper eyelids and brows are located close to each other and one will most likely assume that it only takes one surgical cosmetic procedure to improve their appearance. However, sagging brows can actually be remedied with a brow lift while loose skin in the upper eyelids will benefit from an upper eyelid lift. If both concerns are present, an eyelid surgery and a brow lift can be done at the same time. Botox can also help improve horizontal lines between the eyes.

    5. Spotted and/or wrinkled hands

    Your face may be youthful and flawless but your hands may convey an entirely different story with the appearance of wrinkles and brown spots. Laser therapy can significantly reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation spots while collagen-based fillers will help smoothen out those wrinkles.

    Let us help you put your naturally youthful face and body forward! Call us at 415.398.7778 or fill out this contact form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you improve your life through cosmetic surgery!