ASK DR. AVA

Q: Is mineral make-up really better than department store make-up?

A: Absolutely. Mineral make-up actually gives thicker coverage, but still looks more natural and feels lighter than commercial make-up. Most mineral make-up contains no talc, preservatives, binders or fillers, which are usually the ingredients leading to blemishes and clogged pores. Even more appealing, mineral make-ups usually contain titanium dioxide and zinc, both of which are natural sunscreens. Not to mention, mineral-based make-ups are longer lasting and very water resistant! As for brands, we prefer GloMinerals, available in our office, but other brands are on the market.

Q: What treatments are available for acne scarring?

A: The development of the Fraxel Laser is really a breakthrough for non-invasive treatment of acne scarring. The Fraxel produces many of the benefits of an invasive treatment, such as laser skin resurfacing, but without the lengthy recovery period and side effects. The Fraxel laser is gentle enough to be used on delicate skin areas like the neck, chest, and hands. Recommended as a treatment series, three to five Fraxel treatments are a safe approach to addressing wrinkles, melasma caused by aging, sun damage, and scarring.

Although the record high temperatures of summer may soon be only a distant memory, are you still struggling to stay dry? Are you tired of ruining expensive clothing? Excessive underarm perspiration doesn’t have to impede you from social activities, wearing certain fibers and colors, participating in athletics, or impact any other aspect of your life.

If you suffer from excessive underarm sweating, otherwise known as severe primary axillary hyperhidrosis, and topical agents are not working for you, there is an answer. FDA-approved for severe underarm sweating, Botox® injections actually can control hyperhidrosis by temporarily blocking the chemical signals from the nerves that stimulate the sweat glands. Interrupting chemical signals from reaching the sweat glands, the glands will not produce sweat.

Most widely know for cosmetic use, Botox® is successfully used for treating cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, strabismus, migraines, and primary axillary hyperhidrosis with considerable success.

The procedure is quite simple. A small amount of Botox® solution is injected into the affected underarm area through a very fine needle. You will notice a significant change within four weeks of your first treatment.

As always, we stand behind any FDA-approved treatment that improves the quality of life for our patients. Never let them see you sweat!

SARA TURBEVILLE