Q&A WITH MODERN DERMATOLOGY
I’m beyond excited to announce I’ve partnered with Modern Dermatology on a quest to reverse my skin to my pre-mama/pre 30s days.
I wanted to find an office that had the latest technology, were very up to date with current trends and studies, and something else that was important to me was that my doctor was a mom! Trusting someone with your skin is a big deal. I wanted to not only be able to express my concerns but I really wanted to feel like I was seeing someone who really “got” the changes I felt I was going through due to #momlife. Both women that founded Modern Dermatology are moms of…….wait for it…..FOUR KIDS EACH. What are the chances that I find an office that exceeds all of my concerns and between both of the dermatologists they have eight children.
Dr. Robinson pictured above. How are you a mom of four?!
Dr. Klein and Dr. Robinson first met during their residency at Yale, where they received top-tier training from leaders in medicine. They each went on to gain experience in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, while participating in cutting edge research, and presentations locally and around the world….YUP! I knew I found the right spot! You can check out their website, HERE.
Soon after the birth of my second baby I noticed an extreme jump in aging when it came to my skin. It wasn’t gradual by any stretch of the imagination. I felt as though I went to bed one night and woke up the next with large pores, some acne scars, wrinkles, and an extreme lack of any glow. Maybe I’ve been too busy to notice but it felt like an overnight change. It’s been three years and counting that have been full of pregnancies and breastfeeding with no break in between and I was left with skin I didn’t recognize.
Now that I’m 33 years old I’ve decided this year was the year to really focus on restoring my skin. I’ll be sharing more about the specific treatments I will be doing but they include multiple treatments of the PicoSure laser and vampire facials. Dr. Robinson took a look at my skin and told me exactly what I needed to reverse the signs of aging that I was concerned with. I realized the average facial at the spa was not cutting it. I needed something that had longterm benefits but was also breastfeeding friendly.
After sharing my my feelings around my mama skin I had such a huge response online. So many of you agreed and had so many questions. It can get confusing around what you can & can’t do pre baby, during pregnancy and post baby. Here were the most common questions. Dr. Robinson answers all of them below. The most popular being BOTOX.
Is botox safe while pregnant and/or breastfeeding?
It is not safe to treat while pregnant or nursing as the toxin does enter our blood stream, albeit briefly, and has not been tested on pregnancy/nursing women.
What are your thoughts around light therapy? Low frequency stimulation...
Laser and light therapies are great options for needle-shy patients who are looking for skin rejuvenation. The light therapies available in our office are stronger versions of the “at home” devices on the market, which offer low-level stimulation. These devices activate receptors in your skin, and stimulate cells to regenerate – and when we increase the cadence of cell turnover it can help calm existing issues like acne, while boosting collagen production, which will lead to a decrease in visible fine lines and wrinkles.
What can you do to treat wrinkles while breastfeeding?
I recommend HydraFacials for patients looking to treat their skin while nursing. Just be sure to tell your aesthetician you are nursing so they can customize which products are used during the treatment.
What should our daily skincare routine consist of? Serums, toners, collagen...
1) Cleanse with a gentle cleanser like Alastin Gentle Cleanser
2) Toner (if you use one, but they really aren’t necessary and I generally advice against them)
3) SPF if you’re using a chemical blocker. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV energy into the skin, so for it to work it needs to be on top of clean skin so it can be absorbed and do its job.
4) Prescription or Topical if you have one (e.g. an Rx Acne topical)
5) Antioxidant Serum
6) Oil Free Moisturizer
7) SPF if you’re using a physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens work by reflecting the UV rays off of the skin, so it should be the last thing on your skin.
If you start botox what happens if you stop? Do you have to keep getting treatments forever?
Botox generally wears off in 3-4 months. Nothing “happens” it just wears off and your muscle movement returns. You can choose whether or not to re-treat, it’s not an “all-in” commitment.
I am pregnant with my third and I really want to get the broken/ruptured blood vessels on my face removed. How do I go about doing this and can I do it while pregnant?
During pregnancy blood volume in your body increases, which can worsen this issue and can lead to new broken blood vessels (along with other conditions like varicose veins). I would suggest treating after delivery with a series of Vbeam Pulsed-Dye-Laser treatments.
What is the injection procedure for smile creases?
It always depends on the anatomy of the specific patient’s concerns, but in general a combination of light toxin and a small amount of filler. The toxin would help prevent the wrinkles from worsening, especially lines above the upper lip, while the filler provides instant plumping of the sunken area where the wrinkle currently sits.
Are there any retinol products (like a daily serum) that are pregnancy safe?
Retinols and retinoids are NOT safe during pregnancy. Alternatives to retinols to build collagen such as petpides, can be used safelty.
Should you wait until you are done having babies to start getting botox?
You certainly don’t have to. Many of my patients like to treat between pregnancies.
What negative side effects does botox have?
If you’re treated by an inexperienced injector you may be over-treated and left looking “frozen.” While botulinum toxin injections are easy in terms of comfort time for the patient, the treatment still needs to be done by a trained and experienced medical professional. If the injections are too deep, too low, or in the wrong spot, you could have negative side effects, like a droopy eyelid or forehead or asymmetry. It’s important to see an experienced, board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for botulinum toxin injections .
What can I use to help the 11 lines between my eye brows?
botulinum toxin, as it stops the muscles from contracting. Stopping or softening the muscle contractions in the glabella ( muscles between the eyebrows) leads to a softening of the 11 lines. ]
Best skincare products that are breastfeeding safe AND effective?
I love peptides based products as they are retinol/retinoid free but can have a great effect on collagen and elastin production. My favorite is Alastin Restorative Complex. I also find that a great morning antioxidant with vitamin C complexed with safe but effective topicals acids is imperative. My favorite is Pure BioDerm Super Antioxidant
Is botox safe to get in between pregnancies? (If you are planning on having another baby but you are not pregnant yet)
YES!
Can you really get rid of stretch marks via laser treatments?
Stretch marks come in two varieties, red and white. Red stretch marks can be treated with a series of PDL or VBeam laser which helps dimish the redness. In addition, white stretch marks can be lessened with a series of fractional resurfacing, such as the Fraxel Dual, as it helps to build collagen and reduce the depth of the stretch marks.
Any easy ways to help Melasama spots?
There are a few options including laser treatments, as well as peels. The Cosmelan peel is a great option for most patients. The peel targets hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production. The mask stays on for 6-8 hours, is rinsed off with a gentle cleanser and within 1-2 days the skin becomes red and swollen, then 3-5 days later peeling begins. In addition, as series or lasers such as the Pico and Revlite can be helpful for reducing melasma. Just remember though, when exposed to the sun, the melasma can return, so great sun protection is the key.
What safe treatments (pregnant) should we be doing to help keep our skin looking youthful (Since botox is out)?
During pregnancy a series of light treatments can help reduce inflammation, redness, and the occasional breakout. This paired with gentle peels and facials can keep your skin glowing and looking great while waiting for baby
What's the best treatment for post pregnancy melasma that can be used during a new pregnancy?
Many chemicals and treatments for melasma can’t be used during pregnancy. Also, as melasma is the “mask of pregnancy” and is linkled to the pregnancy hormone status, it makes sense to wait to treat until after delivery. But again, sun protection and topical antioxidants are key.
My skin is so loose on my face and neck after my baby. What is this happening?
What can I do thats natural and safe? (34 years old) Sounds like part of your issue might be dehydration – which is common for new moms, especially if you’re nursing – so start with some water and try a hydrating treatment like HydraFacial.
What in office treatments result in that youthful glow I feel like this tired mom is lacking?
There are SO many options – the best first step is a consult to evaluate what is the best for your concerns. We can customize a treatment plan based on your skin and your comfort level with needles, lasers, pain…etc.
I've been working out non stop and feel like I have pockets of fat I just can't get rid of. What can I do?
We have a few options…Kybella is an injectable solution for the pouch of fat under the chin, other options include SculpSure (heating fat) and CoolSculpting (freezing fat). These are all permanent fat reduction treatments.
I'm still struggling with diastasis recti 12 months post-delivery. Did you struggle with this at all? Any advice?
Diastasis recti can be really tough. Targeted therapy can help to rebuild the abdominal wall muscles. Somestimes, surgery is needed to put the muscles back together and it is best to consult with a plastic surgeon for more information.
What are the best ways to age well?
At the core it’s all about prevention. That starts with daily use of sunscreen SPF 30+. The sun – specifically UVA rays – is the biggest “bad guy” when it comes to aging. Second to that are our lifestyle choices – eating a healthy diet and getting exercise. From there we are fortunate to have many advances in cosmetic medicine from injectables and laser treatments to skincare products and body sculpting.
Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., FAAD
President, Modern Dermatology
I found Modern Dermatology through my friend and fellow blogger Lindsay Blackinton. We will be teaming up together for a great giveaway with Modern Dermatology! stay tuned.