• Injectable Fillers Using fillers to volumize and solutions such as Botox or Dysport to treat the underlying tight muscles is a good course of action for deep wrinkles.  Factors such as where they are located and how deep the wrinkles actually are will play a role in the type of treatment that may be most successful.

    The best course of action is to schedule an exam with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, allow him or her to examine your condition, and then discuss the best treatment options available based on your particular needs.

  • Injectable Fillers “Smoker lines” are actually possible whether you smoke or not.  Smoking breaks down the production of collagen which increases the appearance of wrinkles, so it’s good to avoid smoking altogether.  But it’s not the only cause of these lines.  Time, age and sun damage can also contribute to these wrinkles.

    For the small, vertical lines above the upper lip, a filler such as Juvederm may be a good option.  Because of this filler’s smooth consistency, it works well to fill these lines in and improve the appearance.

    Sometimes a combination of fillers and treatments like Botox or Dysport are a better option depending upon your situation.  Botox relaxes the muscles underneath, which is part of the cause of the wrinkles in the first place.  However, either Botox or Dysport should only be injected into the lips by someone who is highly experienced in this treatment.

    Another option would be to have a surgical dermabrasion procedure to this area.  The dermabrasion procedure works by modifying the deeper layers of the skin, which then become smoother.  You can then plump up the lips with a filler to volumize and achieve very pleasing results.  As always, consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and allow him or her to advise you as to the best treatment options based on your unique situation.

  • Botox It’s been said recently that a proprietary dietary supplement makes Botox injections more effective.  My opinion currently is that data is inconclusive, but let’s discuss it further.

    First here’s what we do know about zinc and Botox injections to date.

    Botox actually does require a bit of zinc to work properly.  Botox is part of the enzyme family zinc metalloproteinases, so zinc works as a sort of catalyst. It’s been shown that too much or too little zinc can prevent optional function of the Botox protein in lab studies.

    It’s also been shown that Botox, when treated with an agent that removes zinc entirely, doesn’t work.  These agents are called chelators.??And finally, phytase by itself can help a person with a zinc deficiency, as it helps with the absorption of dietary zinc.

    However none of those facts proves that Zinc does in fact help Botox perform better.

    The sudden stir has been caused by a recent study done by a Dr. Charles Sopakar at Methodist Hospital in Houston.

    This study suggested that Botox can be made more effective when combined with a tablet of zinc.  Alternatively it can also be combined with zinc and the enzyme phytase.  In the study, both combinations were shown to make Botox effective in 41 of the 44 people tested.  The test was performed in 44 blepharospasm patients, and the supplements were used for 4 days prior to injections.

    So… can zinc really help Botox injections perform better?

    Perhaps.

    My opinion is that these results are pretty inconclusive thus far.  I think if the study is repeated in a controlled way, in patients suffering the normal cosmetic wrinkles rather than patients who have abnormal neuromuscular issues happening, we might become better informed as to whether or not this supplementation really helps much.

    So my thoughts are if you want to take a zinc supplement a few days before treatment (not long term) then go for it and you can let me know if it seems to help your treatments work better.  In the meantime, I’ll be following the developments of this theory, and keep you posted once there are some really definitive results.

  • Brazilian Buttock Lift In a sense, yes.  The Brazilian Buttock lift utilizes the technique of injecting fat into the buttocks. The Brazilian Buttock Lift procedure involves Liposuction to areas of the body where tissues can be harvested and then micro-fat grafted to the Buttocks to create a natural, long lasting result of rounder, higher, and more shapely buttocks.   Micro fat grafting is the key, as regular fat grafting will not get results that are as dramatic or long lasting.

    Keep in mind that you must have sufficient ‘spare’ fat in other areas of your body, such as the abdomen, hips, or thighs in order to Liposuction it for placement in the buttocks.

    The most important thing is to be sure that your surgeon is very experienced with micro-fat grafting because regular fat grafting can lead to more loss of volume than micro fat grafting.

  • Juvederm Augmentation We all have sebaceous glands in our lips. It is a natural occurrence and they are there for a reason. They may look a little yellow to white in color and be smooth to the touch. Although this is most likely just the natural texture of your lips being pushed to the surface by the filler, it is always wise to discuss your result with the physician or nurse who initially injected you.

    They can then decide if the bumps are normal or if it is something that needs to be addressed. If the spots are bumpy to the touch, and clear or blue in color, this may be caused by the filler and can be fixed by your doctor by smoothing or draining them. Always see your doctor if you have questions or concerns.

  • A Rare Opportunity: Ensure results with the Artefill Assurance Program
    The makers of Artefill are offering a rare perk to patients considering the dermal filler through the Artefill Assurance Program. If a patient does not receive optimal results full correction from the first 3-syringe Artefill treatment to correct smile lines, then he or she may be eligible for additional product free of charge providing there is room for improvement.

    This is the first time Dr. Mosser has heard of a company standing behind their product’s commitment to full correction in this way.

    As an expert injector, teaching physician for several filler companies, and the Northern California Consultant for Artefill, Dr. Mosser is one of a select group of doctors in the country to be a part of the Artefill Assurance Program.  Please contact us for further details on this offer.

    To take advantage of this offer, call for an Artefill Consultation and Skin Test by November 15.
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    $50 off Botox for Express to Success
    Express yourself as much as you like this holiday season without any evidence of the lines. Botox can help you maintain a rejuvenated appearance long after the last cookie is decorated by treating frown lines, forehead creases, and crow’s feet. Minimally invasive, Botox delivers safe, predictable results.

    In further celebration of the giving season, Allergan, the maker of Botox, will donate a portion of the proceeds on your behalf to the “Express Success” campaign through the end of 2009. The campaign, which benefits not-for-profit organization Dress for Success, aims to helps disadvantaged women succeed in the workforce by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

    Call now through Dec 31 to schedule an appointment for $50 off and a charitable donation in your name!
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    Lusting for lashes with Latisse
    In many societies, eyelashes are considered a symbol of grace, beauty, and power. If you currently use false eyelashes or extensions — or are considering new ways to enhance your lashes — then Latisse may prove beneficial. Latisse is the first and only FDA-approved prescription treatment to promote eyelash growth. Most clinical trial participants noticed significant improvement in lash growth and fullness after two months, with full results occurring at 12 or 16 weeks. Prospective users are encouraged to partake in a short visit with Dr. Mosser to make sure Latisse is right for them.

    Previous and new users: Take $20 off your purchase of each box of Latisse through November 30th.
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  • Botox The big news: 20% off all injectables (a savings of anywhere from $100-200 per syringe) through September!

    Usually reserved for patients new to the practice, we are extending our 20% off welcome to all patients in the practice for the month of September. Read below to see what additional news might be helpful for you!

    Botox/Juvederm Duet Dividends for $200 in Savings!
    Dedicate some time to yourself this fall with a highly reputable and minimally invasive treatment in facial rejuvenation. Botox and Juvederm, two of the most widely trusted injectable fillers, have been shown to smooth facial lines and restore skin volume.

    Allergan has recently partnered with Dr. Mosser to launch the Botox/Juvederm Duet Dividends program.* The Dividends program is applicable when both Botox and Juvederm are used for treating a patient at the same visit.

    Program savings include:

    • $50 Rebate on Juvederm immediately
    • $50 Rebate on Botox immediately
    • $50 Rebate for a Botox treatment in 3 months
    • $50 Rebate for a Juvederm treatment in 9 months

    * The Duet Dividends program cannot be combined with other Allergan rebate programs or specials. However, the Duet Dividends program can be combined with the September 20% off welcome special mentioned above.

    Call now for an appointment to take advantage of this offer: (415) 398-7778! To learn more about these injectable treatments please click on the links below:
    Juvederm™
    BOTOX® Cosmetic