How SLK Generates PRP
SLK’S PRP PURIFICATION PROCEDURE, STEP-BY-STEP There is a ton of variability in how different clinics harvest and purify their PRP. At SLK, we don’t just buy a PRP system and follow a cookie-cutter recipe, we spend a LOT of time researching and studying the best ways to purify your platelets so that they have the highest viability and efficacy. That said, we wanted to share with our patients our process for generating PRP so they can become better informed about the PRP process. At SLK we use the following method to purify our PRP because it has proven to be the best method for eliminating inflammatory red blood cells and white blood cells. Failure to eliminate red blood cells during the PRP purification process may result in inflammation, cell death, free radical formation and impaired healing. Presence of white blood cells will also lead to inflammation, free radicals, tissue damage and impaired healing. Book Now STEP 1: GEL SEPARATION A collection tube containing a physical gel separator is obtained. This is a key step in ensuring platelets rise to the top of the tube, while larger inflammatory cells like granulocytes and red blood cells are filtered to the bottom of the tube. Many clinics use PRP systems without gel separators but we find it is critical to ensuring plasma quality. STEP 2: BLOOD DRAW A SLK nurse or nurse practitioner with many years of phlebotomy experience draws the blood into the collection tube. The collection tube is pH balanced so the PRP does not produce a burning sensation when injected into the patient’s skin. STEP 3: CENTRIFUGATION The collection tube is then placed into a centrifuge where it is spun for several minutes to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. STEP 4: SEPARATION INTO LAYERS The nurse removes the collection tube from the centrifuge. The red and white blood cells are now located below the gel separator so they cannot contaminate the upper layer of plasma. The plasma layer is now yellow or straw-colored. This matrix provides a scaffold to keep platelets in place and to support prolonged growth factor release, resulting in prolonged stem cell activation. The PRP remains liquid for approximately 10 minutes before forming the matrix. STEP 7: INJECTION The platelet-rich plasma is now ready for injection. Small needles or cannulas will be used to inject the PRP into the subdermal layer of skin where the platelets may now release significant levels of growth factors while being securely retained in the fibrin matrix. Book Now
An Intro To Trusculpt ID From A Nurse Practitioner
TRUSCULPT ID: THE SOLUTION FOR STUBBORN FAT WHAT CAUSES STUBBORN POCKETS OF FAT? There seems to be a common theme when it comes to weight loss and that is the dreaded trouble spots that always come back, no matter how much your exercise, or how long you diet. As metabolism slows down with age, certain pockets of fat become even more resistant. Everyone has an individual way that they put on weight. This is largely pre-determined by one’s genetics. Some people struggle with abdominal fat whereas others tend to gain weight around their hips and thighs. Sometimes a combination of hormones and genetics makes it very difficult to lose weight in certain areas. Common trouble spots include under the chin, lower abdominal, flanks (love handles), and inner thighs. Unfortunately, there is no way to reduce these fat pockets for good, unless the fat cells are permanently destroyed so that they can no longer try to store energy in the form of fat. Book Now WHAT IS TRUSCULPT ID? truSculpt iD is the most effective non-invasive fat burning device on the market. It was approved by the FDA in 2018 for its ability to induce lipolysis (kill fat cells). Trusculpt ID utilizes radiofrequency waves to penetrate thick sections of fat and heat them to a specific target temperature. The fat cells must stay at this target temperature for at least 10 minutes to achieve permanent cell death. The body then metabolizes and removes the dead fat cells over a period of 12 weeks. A patient can expect to see 24-29% of fat removed in a treated area per treatment. The radiofrequency heat also has the effect of collagen remodeling and skin tightening. The skin tightening effect can be very beneficial in areas such as under the chin, back of the arms and abdomen. HOW MANY TREATMENTS OF TRUSCULPT ID ARE REQUIRED? The average treated area will require three treatments for best results. However, required treatments will vary based on the size of the patient and the area treated. For example, the abdomen or inner thighs may require more treatments than beneath the chin. A larger area of fat typically requires more than three treatments. IS TRUSCULPT ID PAINFUL? truSculpt iD kills the targeted fat pocket by gradually heating the area until a specific temperature is achieved. Once the temperature is achieved, it is maintained for ten minutes. The gradual heating process can feel like a hot stone massage but is not painful. A patient can expect some mild redness, tenderness, and swelling after the procedure. These results are completely normal and are to be expected. Any redness typically resolves within one day. Tenderness and swelling are normal for a few days after the procedure and will resolve within a week. AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR TRUSCULPT ID? Anyone that is living a healthy lifestyle and exercises regularly is a good candidate for truSculpt iD. The only patient contraindications for treatment are pregnancy, significant metal implants in the treatment area, and implanted electrical devices such as an insulin pump or a cardiac pacemaker. BOOK YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CUSTOM-FITTING WITH A LICENSED NURSE: Book Now LEARN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUSCULPT AND COOLSCULPTING (FAT-FREEZING) DISCOVER HERE
What Causes Large Pores?
THE SCIENCE BEHIND LARGE PORE FORMATION: In the past, enlarged facial pores were regarded as an irreversible aging process rather than a correctable cosmetic problem. However, with significant advances in dermatologic devices, we are now able to treat them. But, how are these nuisances formed in the first place? Read to find out: Book Now 1. HIGH OIL PRODUCTION Both facial pore size and sebum production are linked to the genetics we inherited from our parents. Variation in pore size is also correlated with ethnicity. Asian women have smaller pore sizes when compared with other racial groups. African Americans demonstrate substantially larger facial pores than any other racial group. 2. GENETICS If your main goal of the treatment is to improve superficial concerns like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles then the microneedling pen may be the best course of treatment. Vivace is an excellent option for desired goals of skin tightening, lifting, contouring, and severe acne scarring and wrinkles. The right procedure should be chosen based on treatment goals. SLK Clinic offers both the microneedling pen and RF microneedling. Need help deciding? Book a complimentary consult to help you learn more: 3. GENDER Females are predisposed to larger pore size than males are. Why? This is believed to be a result of the monthly menstrual cycle when hormones influence sebum production. Sebum output level becomes elevated during a woman’s period and thus the pore size becomes larger in the ovulation phase. 4. SUN DAMAGE Repeated exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun will damage the collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, which will decrease collagen density, damage the elastin structure, and increase the size of pores. NOW, HOW TO SHRINK PORES: No pore strip, face mask, or facial will ever minimize pore size; these modalities simply disguise the appearance of pores. To truly shrink pores, follow these steps: 1. USE A RETINOL Use a retinol or retinoid such as tretinoin every day or every-other-day. This will increase collagen synthesis to minimize pore size. At SLK we recommend the Neocutis Nouvelle retinol to our patients because the slow time-release microsphere formulation is the most gentle form of medical-grade retinol and won’t result in redness or skin flaking. 2. RADIOFREQUENCY MICRONEEDLING Pores before and after 3 Vivace RF Microneedling treatments Undergo periodic radiofrequency microneedling to shrink pores rapidly. The energy waves will stun the sebaceous glands into producing much less sebum, resulting in smaller pore openings. Treatments every 8-12 weeks (4-6 times per year) will keep the sebum at bay all year long. Our favorite RF microneedling device is Vivace because it has the least amount of pain and downtime. 3. MICRONEEDLING PEN WITH PRP TREATMENTS Microneedling will rebuild collagen, plus the channels can be used as an entryway for PRP which will rebuild elastin fibers which are essential for elasticity and to keep pore openings tight. 4. SUNSCREEN Use SPF 50 (Better yet PA+++) or higher every morning to block UV radiation from further widening of pores due to collagen degradation. We recommend keeping a Colorescience sunscreen brush or two at your desk or in your car to re-apply throughout the day. To purchase the Neocutis Nouvelle retinol or Colorescience brush, or to speak with a SLK expert about microneedling, PRP, or Vivace, contact us for a complimentary consultation now! Book Now
6 Problems You Didn’t Know Vivace Radiofrequency Microneedling Could Treat
You’ve heard about the incredible power of Vivace for skin tightening and acne scars, and you’ve read the rave reviews, but have you heard of these 6 additional benefits of Vivace treatment? Book Now 1. ACNE The oil-producing glands in our face, called sebaceous glands, are very sensitive to heat. Vivace is able to use microneedles to delivery energy directly to these glands. A single session of radiofrequency microneedling,can result in a reduction in sebum (oil) secretion of 70-80%. 2 treatment sessions have been shown to result in a up to 50% reduction in blemishes, and 3 treatment sessions have been shown to result in up to a 76% reduction in acne blemishes. How long do these results last? Radiofrequency microneedling keeps acne at bay for up to 8 weeks, at which time another maintenance treatment should be performed. 2. SECOND AND THIRD DEGREE BURNS Radiofrequency microneedling has shown to be incredibly promising for 2nd and 3rd degree burns (watch the video below to learn more.) Unlike laser treatments, RF microneedling does not carry the risk of side effects associated with light-based therapies like fractional or CO2 laser, and it is much less painful than these laser treatments as well. The healing process is also much faster than laser, and with minimal downtime. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vT4TDaCEOrE&ab_channel=SipersteinDermatology 3. STRETCH MARKS Stretch marks form when collagen and elastin fibers tear during puberty, pregnancy, or significant weight gain or loss that occurs in a short period of time. Vivace penetrates to the middle layer of skin (the dermis) to rebuild collagen, improving the texture and color of the marks. Stretch marks occur in up to 90% of women, making Vivace an excellent option for nearly every woman. 6 sessions of Vivace are recommended for treating stretch marks. 4. C-SECTION SCARS C-section scars can be minimized in a 30 minute treatment every 4-6-weeks for 6 sessions. Vivace creates controlled thermal damage in the dermis and stimulates a wound healing response which initiates collagen remodeling of abnormal scar tissue. C-section scars are some of the deepest scars because they penetrate the entire thickness of the skin, however, Vivace needles are able to release heat directly into the skin that diffuses to the deeper tissue. 5. UNDERARM SWEAT Vivace is able to treat hyperhidrosis safely and comfortably. 2 treatments (spaced 4 weeks apart) can effectively reduce underarm sweat long-term. It is recommended, however, that sessions be repeated after 1 year, particularly in overweight patients with high BMIs. 6. REDNESS Studies have shown that radiofrequency microneedling reduces redness in as little as 3 treatments. Vivace prevents hemoglobin, the brightly colored protein in red blood cells, from presenting itself at the surface of the skin, reducing overall redness. COMPLIMENTARY VIVACE CONSULT NOW Wondering how many treatments you would need, or how much this would cost? Gain an answer quickly and free of charge when you book a consult with us: Book Now
How To Fix Coolsculpting Dents, Shelves, And Other Uneven Side Effects?
SLK OFFERS CORRECTION OF COOLSCULPTING DEFECTS USING THE PRECISION FAT REMOVAL DEVICE, TRUSCULPT ID Uneven results from non-invasive body contouring can be devastating, especially after such a large investment on your part. Our nurses have seen many the lump, sharkbite, and indentation and they are here at any time to offer support, answer your questions, and point you to the best solution for you. (Learn why fat-freezing even causes indentations and defects in the first place: the disadvantages of suction-cup based methodologies) Book Now Scroll down for three options to correct defects, or, if you prefer, book a consult now to tell us your fat-freezing story and discuss how Trusculpt iD can help you. 3 WAYS TO CORRECT COOLSCULPTING DEFECTS: 1. LIPOSUCTION. Many plastic surgeons will tend to recommend this corrective option first, especially because surgery is their specialty. However, liposuction requires incisions and stitches that result in scars, which is not ideal when all you really want is just for your skin to look normal again. 2. KYBELLA. Even though a fat lump may look small, Kybella can use between 5 and 15 vials to treat even the tiniest of fat pockets, making it even more expensive than liposuction. (Kybella typically costs between $300 and $600 a vial). So although Kybella placement is very precise, this will probably run you the most amount of money. For this reason, we only recommend this method for extremely tiny defects. 3. TRUSCULPT ID. Trusculpt iD, released in 2018, is the newest generation of Trusculpt which has been around since the early 2010s. This new device is fully customizable to the shape and size of the fat defect you would like to remove. It also lays or glides on top of the skin, so there is not the risk of variability like you have with a suction-cup based device. It can target an area as small as half the size of your credit card, resulting in a more precisely measured treatment zone. The best part is there is no scarring, incisions, pain, or downtime. SLK: THE BEST PLACE TO FIX PAST COOLSCULPTING IN NASHVILLE Call us or follow the link below to fill out a form below to speak to one of our expert staff. We realize how upsetting any defects may be to you and one member of our incredible team will contact you within 24 business hours. Book Now
What Causes Uneven Results From Coolsculpting?
UNEVEN COOLSCULPTING SIDE EFFECTS Uneven results from fat-freezing devices like Coolsculpting are not uncommon. You may have experienced it personally, or seen reviewers on Realself lamenting their negative experience. Why does this happen? Sometimes it could be user error, however, even the most experienced Coolsculpting providers have witnessed the unsightly dents and bumps that can arise from Coolsculpting. Read below to learn about the 2 main reasons for these uneven side effects: Book Now 1. Coolsculpting is vacuum-based making it an inexact science. It is virtually impossible to precisely control whether the skin sucked into the Coolsculpting cup get pulled from the right, left, up, or down. Coolsculpting uses a vacuum to pull the skin away from the body in less than a second. Once the skin is vacuumed into the cup, its position cannot be moved or adjusted without stopping the machine and starting over again. 2. Coolsculpting suction cups come in only 3 fixed sizes despite the fact that no two bodies are exactly alike. This makes it extremely difficult to treat areas like the inner thigh, for example. If the length of the inner thigh fat does not exactly match the length of any of the cups, the patient is at risk for uneven removal of fat. Coolsculpting cups come in 3 sizes: CoolAdvantage Plus, CoolAdvantage, and CoolAdvantage Petite. Although Coolsculpting is truly effective at removing fat, it does have its cons, as described above. However, the beauty of aesthetic dermatology is that the industry is booming and technology is always improving. Coolsculpting was FDA-approved in 2010, which is a long time ago in tech-based fields such as aesthetics. (Can you imagine still using the cell phone you had in 2010?) Since then, the FDA has approved new fat-removal technology, Trusculpt iD, which lays flat on the skin, eliminating the problem of unpredictable vacuum effects. The smooth, flat panels of Trusculpt iD can be placed wherever desired on the skin, and their position can be adjusted down to the millimeter. Trusculpt panels can also be reduced or expanded to match the size of the skin needing to be treated. All in all, this device allows us at SLK to make our patients much happier than they would be with Coolsculpting. Talk to us about how we can use Trusculpt iD to achieve your aesthetic goals today!: Book Now
Why SLK Offers The Best Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) In Nashville & Chattanooga
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN CHOOSING A PRP PROVIDER PRP (platelet rich plasma) has received significant attention in the fields of tissue engineering, wound healing, bone grafting, and trauma surgery in recent years. This is because PRP contains up to 30 times the amount of growth factors your blood normally contains, making it the liquid gold of tissue regeneration and restoration. When combined with microneedling, PRP can virtually stall the aging process, making this procedure one of the greatest developments in dermatology of our time. However, not all “PRP” facials are the same, and it is important to know what you need to look for when selecting a provider in order to see maximum results. Book Now Human platelet containing alpha-granules, which are vesicles full of growth factors. 4 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO BE AWARE OF WHEN CHOOSING A PRP MICRONEEDLING PROVIDER: 1. THE CONCENTRATION OF THE PLASMA You should always receive your plasma treatment from a professional who has had formal laboratory training, for example a nurse or doctor who took chemistry and biology laboratory classes as a pre-req for their medical/nursing classes. The effectiveness of your PRP treatment is directly dependent on the concentration of PRP. Therefore, it is critical that your provider possess the technical training and correct equipment to generate a well-prepared sample. The wrong device, or the wrong lab technique could result in improper dilution of your blood sample, rendering your treatment ineffective. 2. BLOOD SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Blood carries diseases like Hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV, so you want to ensure the provider’s facility has the proper protocols in place for containment of blood waste, and disposal of dirty needles. At SLK clinic, our nurses have been trained in infection control since year one of nursing school. We use hospital-grade disinfectant to clean each room and all equipment in between every patient. Additionally we are serviced by a bio-hazard collection agency regularly to safely dispose of all needles. 3. MULTIPLE HANDLERS OF YOUR BLOOD SAMPLE Most medspas do not operate like a hospital where every patient blood specimen is carefully labeled and barcoded with the patient’s information. Thus the chance for medical error can potentially be higher in a medspa setting. For example, if an aesthetician is performing your microneedling procedure (which, by the way, is considered legally problematic, read why here), they will first have a nurse draw your blood because because aestheticians do not have a license to do so. Ultimately, this results in your blood sample passing through multiple hands which is not ideal because of the well-known fact that every “hand-off” is an opportunity for to accidentally mix up one patient’s lab sample with another’s. Thus it is best to ensure the person drawing your blood is the same person performing your PRP injections. 4. THE PROVIDER At SLK, only nurses and nurse practitioners will perform your treatment from beginning to end. No other healthcare professional is taught to handle needles, inject medicine, and draw blood as early on as nurses are. Additionally, no healthcare professional is as well-versed in cleanliness, aseptic technique and infection control as nurses are, ensuring you have the safest treatment possible. Ready to make an appointment with one of our top board-certified nursing staff? Please call us or submit your contact info below and a representative will reach out to you very shortly! Book Now Before (left) and after 4 sessions of microneedling with platelet-rich plasma
Hyperpigmentation Part III: 3 Dermatology Procedures That Eliminate Dark Spots
Jennifer Stieber Our last post (Hyperpigmentation Part II) focused on prescription creams that reduce dark spots. Although these creams are extremely effective, they do take months to see final results. To accelerate dark spot removal, we can turn to elective in-office procedures. Book Now 1.IPL IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It is often referred to as a laser, which is a misnomer, since IPL uses bright flash lamps, rather than isolated beams of laser light. IPL is very effective at removing brown spots like freckles and sun spots, however it is not safe for anyone with tan skin because the device cannot differentiate between the melanin in a dark spot and the baseline melanin that makes up someone’s skin color. Due to this limitation, many offices have shied away from using IPL in recent years, or sold off their devices. 2. PEELS: Whereas topical therapies such as retinoid creams can be very slow-acting, chemical peels rapidly lift all types of hyperpigmentation in a matter of days, including freckles, sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne scars. Chemical peels can also be tailored to be safe on all skin colors, and they can be used all over the body- including the chest, arms, legs, and back. Unlike IPL which is better for “spot treatments” and cannot evenly treat large areas of skin, chemical peels can be spread evenly over large stretches of skin. It is important to recognize, however, that the results of peels completely depend on the frequency and quality of topical skincare (See our past posts for more on this) used before and after treatment. If your provider does not have a thorough discussion with you about pre-care and after-care, this is probably a red-flag that they do not have a deep knowledge of how the peeling process works. Peels also have the added benefit of inducing the repair mechanisms of the epidermis and dermis, resulting in brighter, thicker, more overall glowing skin. Our favorite Peel is Revepeel because it is the safest for all skin colors. ViPeel is another effective, commonly used peel. 3. MICRONEEDLING. Although chemical peels and IPL have been in use for decades, only recently has microneedling been studied as a way to remove pigmentation. About 6 clinical studies since 2011 have shown the benefits of microneedling, and that these benefits are augmented when used in conjunction with excellent pre-care and after-care, or when alternated with chemical peels. In particular, microneedling is a very safe technique for dark skin types, where risk of side effects is very high with techniques that are light or laser-based. Some of the most commonly used microneedling devices include: MDPen, Skin Stylus, and Skin Pen. Book Now
Hyperpigmentation Part I: 3 Over-The-Counter Ingredients That Are Clicinally Proven To Reduce Unwanted Dark Spots
HOW TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION FROM SUN, SCARS, AND HORMONES Melanin, the brown molecule that gives skin its tan color, plays an important role in protecting our DNA from the harmful effects of UV sun radiation. However, it tends to accumulate over the summer months, often in the unwanted form of sunspots or freckles, and it can even darken pre-existing skin conditions like melasma or hyperpigmented acne scars. Without treatment, these dark spots may take months to years to resolve. Read on to learn 3 nurse-recommended over-the-counter ingredients to look for on skincare labels. Book Now A NOTE ON HYPERPIGMENTATION Before we discuss the following 3 ingredients, it is important to note that hyperpigmentation is one of the most complex and stubborn conditions to treat in aesthetic dermatology, sometimes requiring several adjustments to the treatment plan. Thus, if over-the-counter therapy doesn’t appear to be working for you (which is common), you should begin a patient-provider relationship with a licensed professional who can review your progress every 1-3 months. 1. KOJIC ACID Kojic acid is one of the most effective over-the-counter skin-brightening ingredients on the market. This molecule was first isolated in Japan from steamed fermented rice (called “Koji” in Japanese.) Clinical studies have shown that kojic acid acts by inhibiting the principal enzyme in melanin synthesis. This action is the same as that of hydroquinone, the gold standard in prescription-grade hyperpigmentation therapy (see our “Hyperpigmentation Part II” post for more thoughts on hydroquinone). While kojic acid has long been the most popular skincare ingredient in Eastern Asia for treating melasma, it has more recently gained popularity in the US for all types of pigmentary conditions. It is important to note is that kojic acid has been known to cause skin sensitivity in some individuals, and should be decreased or discontinued if redness or irritation occur. 2. NIACINAMIDE Clinical trials using 2% niacinamide have shown that it significantly reduces the total size of hyperpigmented areas and lightens baseline skin color after 4 weeks of treatment. Niacinamide’s action is to block the transfer of melanin from the base skin layer where it is synthesized by the body, to the superficial layer that gives us our skin color. Niacinamide also has anti-inflammatory properties, prevents water-loss from the skin, and is very stable in formulation, so overall it is considered very useful by skincare chemists and can be found in a wide array of cosmeceuticals. 3. LICORICE EXTRACT Licorice extracts, derived from the roots of licorice plants, are the safest over-the-counter pigment-lightening agents with the fewest side effects. The active agents in licorice extract are known as glabridin and liquiritin. Glabridin acts similarly to kojic acid, in that it inhibits the principal enzyme in melanin synthesis, and liquiritin facilitates dispersal and removal of melanin by the body. Additionally, licorice extract has anti-inflammatory properties which aid in reducing any redness or irritation. Tatcha Deep Brightening Serum containing licorice extract-$185.00 These 3 ingredients are all well-studied with superb safety profiles, hence why they are all available over-the-counter at your local sephora or department store. However, these ingredients cannot be compared to prescription grade ingredients which are by far the most clinically-effective at reducing pigmentation. See our next blog post for part 2 of 3 on hyperpigmentation: “3 of the Best Prescription-Strength Dark Spot Creams According to a Nurse”. Book Now DISCLAIMER : THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF JENNIFER STIEBER, NP WHICH MAY DIFFER FROM THE OPINION OF OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. IT SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFSSIONAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.
Hyperpigmentation Part II: 3 Of The Best Prescription-Strength Treatment Creams According To A Nurse
1. HYDROQUINONE Hydroquinone is the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation in dermatology. Its effectiveness and safety is so well-documented in clinical studies that almost all dermatology providers will recommend 4% hydroquinone as a first step for anyone with significant pigment concerns. This ingredient works by interrupting the same step of melanin synthesis that kojic acid and licorice extract do (2 ingredients mentioned in our previous blog post: Hyperpigmentation Part 1) however on a much more significant, medical-grade scale. It is important that anyone using hydroquinone consult regularly with a nurse practitioner or physician, because very rare cases of overuse or misuse have resulted in unsightly side effects. Oftentimes, your nurse practitioner will schedule you for a “hydroquinone vacation” during which you take time-off from using the drug. Book Now 2. RETINOIDS Retinoids like tretinoin, tazarotene, and adapalene, are powerful synthetic versions of retinol which is a naturally-occurring vitamin that plays a role in maintaining many organs in the human body, including the skin. Numerous clinical studies have shown that when applied to the skin, retinoids are very successful at reducing freckles and sun spots. The effectiveness of retinoids results from their ability to interrupt multiple steps of melanin production. Furthermore, retinoids are an excellent choice for treating hyperpigmentation because they increase skin cell turnover and shedding, allowing for greater penetration of other active melanin-suppressing ingredients like hydroquinone. Although there are a handful of FDA-approved retinoids on the market, the most studied and well-vetted of all is tretinoin, which is why it is the prescription retinoid cream of choice for many dermatology providers. Topical over-the-counter retinol is also effective, however these formulations are not as stable and have a short shelf-life. 3. TRI-LUMA Now that we’ve discussed retinoids and hydroquinone, this brings us to another favorite tool amongst dermatology providers, Tri-Luma, a combination cream of hydroquinone, tretinoin, plus a small dose of fluocinolone which is a steroid anti-inflammatory. As we mentioned above, retinoids like tretinoin have the ability to act as a penetration-enhancer, augmenting the effectiveness of hydroquinone. Although this combo is quite powerful, both tretinoin and hydroquinone have the undesirable side effects of redness, irritation, and dryness. This is why the added anti-inflammatory is important – it counters these unwanted side effects, increasing patient comfort and convenience. Even with the use of prescription-strength creams, improvements in pigmentation can take months, and not all pigmentation will always resolve. For more rapid improvement, in-office elective dermatology procedures are a wonderful supplement to any topical therapy. In fact, when high quality topicals are used in conjunction with procedures like chemical peels or microneedling (discussed in our next blog post Hyperpigmentation Part III), dramatic improvements in pigmentation can successfully be achieved. Book Now DISCLAIMER : THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS SOLELY THE OPINION OF JENNIFER STIEBER, NP WHICH MAY DIFFER FROM THE OPINION OF OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. IT SHOULD NOT BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFSSIONAL DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT.
