Torrey Pines Dermatology – La Jolla

Cosmetic Procedures: TotalFX, IPL, Laser Hair Removal

By Tyler on August 24, 2010

TotalFX

Active FX is a high energy fractional laser that interacts with the skin’s surface causing the upper layer to peel off and regenerate a layer of new, healthy skin. The laser beam uses a fractional pattern technique making the healing process much faster, enabling you to get back to normal activities sooner. This laser targets fine lines, sun damage and improves tone and texture.

Deep FX uses fractional CO2 laser microbeams to precisely target the deep dermal layers of the skin. The deep laser pulses lead to tissue regeneration and new collagen formation throughout the entire treatment area, ultimately resulting in long-term collagen remodeling. Deep FX targets deeper wrinkles and scarring and provides remarkable results with minimal downtime.

The Total FX laser treatment is a combination of Deep FX and Active FX. When used together they are capable of offering the full range of fractional resurfacing: Deep FX offers a deeper micro-ablative treatment to target deeper wrinkles and scarring, while Active FX offers a large superficial spot treatment targeting sun damage as well as, tone and texture. With Total FX we are able to achieve maximum results in collagen production and skin resurfacing in one single treatment.

Click on photos below to enlarge

IPL (PhotoFacial)

An IPL®, or intense pulsed light, Photofacial is a milder alternative to other skin renewal options, such as the Fraxel® system. Utilizing intense pulses of light, the IPL® photofacial treats areas of red, blotchy skin, can help patients achieve a smoother, more attractive complexion. IPL® Photofacials can even treat wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage or aging.

Click here to view video about IPL® Photofacials.

Click on photos below to enlarge

Laser Hair Removal

We perform laser hair removal treatments to reduce the appearance of excessive or unwanted hair on most areas of the face and body. Laser hair removal offers our patients the chance to achieve dramatically reduced hair growth that lasts, often eliminating the need for shaving, waxing, and other temporary hair removal techniques.

Laser hair removal is a relatively quick and non-invasive procedure. For the best results, it is important to shave the area being treated a few days before the visit. Your skin care expert at our La Jolla clinic near Del Mar will apply an anesthetic cream before beginning the laser hair removal treatment to ensure that there is no discomfort.

During the laser hair removal procedure, your skin care professional will use a handheld device to focus laser energy on hair follicles in the area being treated. A series of these treatments is often required to remove the hair as thoroughly as possible, because hair grows in cycles.

Click here to view video about laser hair removal.

Click on photos below to enlarge

Posted in Dermatology, Laser Treatment |

Do Vitamin D Supplements Provide the Same Benefits?

By Tyler on August 19, 2010

For decades doctors have known that Vitamin D is essential for normal bone growth and maintenance. In infants and children, for example, Vit D deficiency may cause rickets, a deformity of the long bones, and, in adults, Vit D deficiency may increase risks for osteoporosis (decreased bone density) and hip fracture.  More recently, studies have documented much broader risks for Vit D deficiency.  Low levels of Vit D are associated with increases in cancer – especially colon, breast, and prostate – as well as increases in juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.  Evidence suggests Vit D supplementation reduces the incidence of these diseases, but to date, it has not been clinically proven.

Vit D is formed by the action of Ultraviolet B (UVB) on precursor molecules in the skin.  From skin, these molecules travel via the bloodstream to the liver and kidneys, where they are metabolized into active Vit D.  There are two major forms of Vit D – Vit D2, formed mostly in fungi, plants, and invertebrates, and Vit D3, formed in vertebrates.  Vit D3 is more active in humans. In addition to the synthesis of Vit D by the action of UVB on skin, there are some natural dietary sources such as oily fish – mackerel, salmon, sardines.  For vegetarians, mushrooms provide a small amount of Vit D.  Several foods are fortified with Vit D, including  milk, cereal, and bread.

Recent data document an “epidemic” of Vitamin D deficiency in some populations, especially breast-fed infants, housebound seniors, and darker-skinned individuals who form less Vit D in response to sunlight.  For dermatologists, a serious concern is whether recommended sun protection may result in Vit D deficiency.  While there is some controversy, most studies have concluded that sunscreen use is not associated with Vit D deficiency. 

Current recommendations for Vit D supplementation are generally considered to be too low, and are scheduled to be revised this year.  These earlier recommendations are as follows:

200 IU (international units) daily       Up to 50 years old

400 IU (international units) daily       Ages 51-70

600 IU (international units) daily       Age 71 and older

In advance of the publication of newer guidelines, many doctors are recommending 1000 IU of Vit D supplementation daily for most adult patients. Unfortunately, it is difficult to get adequate supplementation with foods alone – an egg provides only 20 IU, a glass of milk 100 IU, and a serving of salmon 360 IU.  Concerns regarding overdosing with supplemental Vit D, a fat-soluble vitamin, have been raised, but are generally unfounded with doses of 1000 IU per day.  There are select circumstances, however, that require precaution: Parents of infants and small children should check with their pediatrician.  Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their obstetrician before taking vitamin supplements.  Patients with hypercalcemia or kidney disease should check with their internists before taking Vit D. 

While sun exposure increases Vit D, ultraviolet rays in sunlight are a known carcinogen and the principal cause of photoaging – dry, mottled, wrinkled, old-looking skin.  So the best advice in 2010 for most of us is this: use sun protection and take oral Vit D supplementation.

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Posted in Dermatology |

Cosmetic Dermatology Options in San Diego

By Tyler on July 19, 2010

Cosmetic dermatology offers powerful, non-surgical skin care treatment. Injectables and fillers, laser skin renewal, and laser hair removal all provide pain-free solutions for skin imperfections. Here are some cosmetic dermatology services we offer at Torrey Pines Dermatology to help manage your skin.

Dermal fillers and other injectable products, including BOTOX® Cosmetic and Restylane®, offer cosmetic dermatology patients a convenient solution to wrinkles, fine lines, scars, sun spots, and a host of other skin imperfections.

Laser skin renewal, also known as laser skin resurfacing, is an exciting cosmetic dermatology treatment that allows our patients to achieve smoother, younger skin without relying on chemicals or surgery. During laser skin renewal, light energy is used to remove damaged and weathered skin. New, healthy skin cells subsequently grow and which generates collagen, resulting in vibrant, glowing skin. The cosmetic dermatology professionals at Torrey Pines Dermatology in the San Diego area use the ActiveFX™ laser system because it offers excellent results with fewer complications than competing laser systems. The ActiveFX™ system employs “fractionated” resurfacing, similar to the Fraxel® system, treating only small portions of the skin at a time, leaving areas that do not need treatment unaffected. We also offer skin renewal treatments using the IPL® photofacial, Vbeam™ laser, and laser tattoo removal.

Our cosmetic dermatology professionals perform laser hair removal treatments to reduce the appearance of excessive or unwanted hair on most areas of the face and body. Laser hair removal offers our patients the chance to achieve dramatically reduced hair growth that lasts, often eliminating the need for shaving, waxing, and other temporary hair removal techniques. For most, laser hair removal is not painful. Some describe the sensation as stinging or tingling. It is generally accepted as being far less painful than electrolysis or waxing.

Our team of board-certified dermatology experts is committed to providing exceptional care with maximum comfort. For example, the Zimmer cooling system was specifically designed for superficial cosmetic, laser and medical procedures. Unlike other methods of cooling such as cryogen spray and use of ice packs during your treatment, the Zimmer cools the skin without interfering with your procedure and is controlled by the patient for total pain management.

Learn more about our cosmetic dermatology services for residents in the San Diego area.

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Posted in Dermatology, Laser Treatment |

We’re Fanatic About Our Fans!

By Tyler on February 25, 2010

 We’d like to thank everyone for reading our blog and interacting with such positive comments! To keep you even more up to date with news, facts, and tips for healthy skin, become a fan of our new Facebook page   or Follow us on Twitter   using the links throughout the website. On these popular sites you’ll find bios of our renown doctors, interesting notes about skincare, as well as photos and descriptions of many of our great products. We’ll be keeping the notes section supplied with discounts on featured products so be sure to take advantage! Once on the page, click  to allow Facebook to update your feed with all of our most recent posts. It also allows loyal fans like you to post a comment about how Torrey Pines Dermatology has helped you!

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Posted in Dermatology |

Congratulations!!

By Jennifer on February 16, 2010

We are so excited to announce that Dr. Kristen Richards has had a brand new baby boy!! Dr. Richards and her new baby are both doing well and are home resting and bonding. All of us here would like to wish her and her family many wonderful memories in the future. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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Posted in Dermatology |

New Physician at Torrey Pines Dermatology

By Jennifer on December 8, 2009

 It is our pleasure to introduce Dr. Maria Bonilla as our newest Physician here at Torrey Pines Dermatology. Dr. Bonilla has returned to her home town of San Diego to join our quality team of Dermatologists. Her enthusiasm for medicine and concern for patients is a natural fit for our patient-centered practice. Dr. Bonilla focuses on Comprehensive Dermatology, Surgical Dermatology and has a special interest in Pediatric Dermatology.

Posted in Dermatology |

Welcome to the Torrey Pines Dermatology Blog!

By Jennifer on April 13, 2009

 Welcome to the Torrey Pines Dermatology Blog! 

Our blog will be updated routinely and will offer a variety of medical, surgical and cosmetic information for patients.  This will be the place you can go to stay informed of the latest advances in dermatology.  Our focus has always revolved around clinically proven approaches to the myriad medical and cosmetic skin conditions, and this forum will help both existing and prospective patients to make informed treatment decisions based on science – not hype. 

My name is Jennifer and I look forward to facilitating the Torrey Pines Dermatology Blog.  I am happy to respond to both medical and cosmetic questions or concerns and encourage you to submit a blog post.  Our goal is to make this a forum for patients – so we need your input! Check back often for educational posts from our four board-certified dermatologists and our medical esthetician.  Remember…proper skin care and sun protection is the best way to prevent future skin problems.

What’s new at Torrey Pines Dermatology?  

Our physicians are very pleased to offer the ZIMMER CHILLER – the latest technology for pain free procedures.  The Zimmer cooling system was specifically designed for superficial cosmetic, laser and medical procedures. Unlike other methods of cooling such as cryogen spray and use of ice packs during your treatment, the Zimmer cools the skin without interfering with your procedure and is controlled by the patient for total pain management.  Patients experiencing the Zimmer are thrilled when they finish a procedure and have little or no pain –  something very few physician practices can offer.  So stop suffering through procedures.  There is a better way to manage pain.  It’s called the ZIMMER CHILLER and it is now available at Torrey Pines Dermatology!

Check back frequently and  let Torrey Pines Dermatology facilitate the transition to a healthier you.
Have A Great Day!

Posted in Dermatology |