After seeing Kathie Lee and Hoda get lasered and lifted, live during the fourth hour's special "Needles, Knives or Nothing" show, you had many questions on our Facebook page about Botox, age spots, scars and more. Here, Dr. Susan Taylor, a dermatologist and plastic surgeon Dr. Sharon Giese, whose specialties include Botox, give you some answers.
Lisa: What is the best treatment for fine lines above the upper lip?
Dr. Taylor: Lisa, fine lines above the lip are often a result of smoking. If you do smoke, I urge you to talk to your doctor about ways to help you stop. A cream like tretinoin (Retin-A) can help minimize lines above the lip. If you would like to be more aggressive, there are several lasers that can improve the lines. Finally, some of the deeper chemical peels (such as Obagi) may also minimize the upper lip lines.
Susan: Why am I getting pimples in my late 30s? I never even had it this bad when I was a teen?
Dr. Taylor: Susan, it sounds like you have adult acne. Acne may begin in your 20s, 30s or 40s and and you may not have had a history of teenage acne. Although it is difficult to determine the exact cause of your acne, possible factors include stress, hormones, certain cosmetics or skin care products. If the problem continues, your dermatologist has many effective treatments.
Sara: What is the best topical product to help with Melasma (pregnancy mask), that is safe to use when breastfeeding?
Dr. Taylor: Sara, until you deliver your baby and finish breastfeeding (if you decide to do so) then you should not use acne medication (unless it is prescribed and approved by your ob-gyn doctor). Until that time, continue your cleansing and moisturizing routine and don't forget to cleanse your skin very gently.
Terry: What’s the best over-the-counter product to get rid of dark age spots? Can freckles be lightened? I seem to get more and more as I get older!
Dr. Taylor: The best OTC products for dark/age spots is an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. It does not matter if you use products that contain retinol, glycolic acid, peptides or vitamin C (all of which can help these spots) unless you use sunscreen daily and re-apply it every 2 hours if you are in the sun.
Patty: I had a breast reduction and a tummy tuck, done in 2002. I was allergic to the dissolving stitches, and it made my scars very wide. How hard would it be to fix the scars?
Dr. Taylor: Patty, I would suggest that you have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to see how easily your scars can be revised. A scar revision involves cutting the old scars out and then closing the area again with stitches. The difficulty of the procedure depends upon the size and location of your existing scars. In some cases, it is an easy procedure so I would encourage you to speak with a plastic surgeon.
Michael: I have facial lines all around my mouth, eyes and chin. How can I get them to disappear, even if it’s temporary? I’m a stay-at-home mom and definitely can’t afford any surgery!
Dr. Taylor: Michael, although it is unlikely that you can erase your facial lines, there are some treatments that may help to minimize them. The first step is to use an SPF 30 sunscreen everyday and reapply it every two hours. OTC products that contain ingredients such as retinol and peptides, if used consistently for six months, can make a big difference.
Jackie: How long does Botox last for and does hair removal work for a long time once treatment is done?
Dr. Giese: Botox lasts three to four months. Laser hair should see 75% hair reduction for at least 18 months following five treatments. Some patients need more.
Maryellen: What is the difference between Juvederm and Botox?
Dr. Giese: Juvederm is a filler for wrinkles. Botox is a neurotoxin modulator that relaxes wrinkles, typically between the brows and forehead.
Kelly: Is there a vegan Botox? Plant-based? I don’t want to inject any dead animals into my body, if I don’t eat them either.
Dr. Giese: Botox is manufactured from bacteria, not an animal.
Stacey: Is it true that Botox is helpful for migraines?
Dr. Giese: Yes, Botox can be helpful for migraines.
Elizabeth: I am currently under treatment with my neurologist for migraines, using Botox. I am about to get my third treatment, and so far the results are very good. Now I want to get something to get rid of the wrinkles under my eyes to match my smooth forehead (I am 51). What is recommended?
Dr. Giese: Try a neurotoxin modulator, such as Botox, Dysport, or Xeomin and Dermapen
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