By Maakan Taghizadeh, MD
With so many skincare treatments available, how can U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics help you choose the right one? Should you opt for FaceTite, BodyTite, or injectables like Botox or fillers? Below, you’ll find an overview of popular skin treatments and tips on how to decide which one may work best for you. If you’re near Owings Mills or the greater Baltimore area, Dr. Tag can help you find the approach that supports your skin’s health and appearance.
Common Skin Concerns
Before you start looking at treatments, it helps to know what you want to address:
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- You may be dealing with early signs of aging if you see little creases around your eyes or mouth. A variety of treatments—like injectables or laser resurfacing—can soften these lines.
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- Spending time outdoors can add up over the years. You might notice spots or a dull look..
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- As you age, your skin may begin to sag or appear less elastic. You might see this around your jawline, neck, or even your upper arms.
- Acne Scars or Other Marks
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- Scarring can stay with you long after blemishes fade. Treatments like microneedling may reduce the appearance of these marks.
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- Large pores, rough patches, or bumps might make your skin look uneven.
A Look at Popular Treatments
What are some of the treatments Dr. Tag can help you with?
ZO Skin Health
- How It Works: ZO Skin Health uses medical-grade ingredients, developed by Dr. Zein Obagi to support healthier skin at home. Their products focus on strengthening your skin’s barrier and addressing concerns like uneven tone, breakouts, or early signs of aging.
- Targets: Many issues, including fine lines, discoloration, and dullness. If you’re looking to improve texture or tackle trouble spots, there’s likely a ZO formula that can help.
- Recovery: Because it’s a topical system rather than an in-office procedure, you won’t have the downtime you’d expect from something like a peel. Some products may cause mild flaking or redness as your skin adjusts, but you can usually go about your day as usual.
- Why Consider It: ZO Skin Health gives you a simple, at-home approach to caring for your skin. When combined with your in-office treatments, it can help you see a more balanced, brighter complexion over time.
2. Morpheus8
- How It Works: Dr. Tag uses a handheld device that combines microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy to boost collagen production beneath your skin’s surface. Tiny needles create micro-channels, allowing the RF energy to reach the layers that need it most.
- Targets: Morpheus8 addresses fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and mild sagging. It can also improve acne scars and refine pores.
- Recovery: You may notice slight redness or swelling, but most people return to regular routines quickly. Depending on your treatment plan, you might take a short break from certain skincare products.
- Why Consider It: By blending microneedling and RF energy, Morpheus8 helps smooth and tighten your skin with minimal downtime. It’s a versatile way to refresh your look, especially when you maintain a good at-home skincare routine.
3. Microneedling
- How It Works: Our team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics uses fine needles to create tiny microchannels in your skin.
- Targets: Acne scars, minor wrinkles, enlarged pores, and general dullness.
- Recovery: Your face might appear slightly red or feel sensitive for a day or two, but most people return to normal activities quickly.
- Why Consider It: Microneedling taps into your body’s own ability to heal.
4. Injectables
- How They Work: Smooths wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. Common areas include forehead lines and crow’s feet. Add volume to areas like cheeks and lips, or fill in deeper lines around your mouth.
- Targets: Dynamic wrinkles (formed by muscle movement), thinning lips, hollow cheeks, and folds around the nose or mouth.
- Recovery: Many people see immediate or near-immediate results with little to no downtime.
- Why Consider It: Simple, quick appointment and you can usually go back to your normal routine right after treatment.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Let’s look at some of the most common questions our U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics team gets about skincare procedures.
- What’s Your Main Goal?
- Do you want to soften wrinkles, brighten your complexion, or tackle stubborn scars? Zero in on what bothers you most; we’ll help narrow your choices.
- How Much Downtime Can You Handle?
- Some treatments, like injectables, require very little downtime.
- What’s Your Budget?
- Treatments come with a range of costs. Sometimes, a series of smaller, less intense sessions adds up, while a single, more powerful treatment may be more budget-friendly in the long run.
- How Quickly Do You Want Results?
- Injectables can offer fast changes, while treatments like microneedling or lasers may show their full impact after a few months as collagen rebuilds.
Combining Treatments
Sometimes, you don’t have to settle for just one procedure. For example, you might pair injectables with laser therapy to smooth out lines and address sun damage.
When you combine treatments, you can often target more than one concern at once. However, it’s wise to space them properly so your skin has time to recover and benefit from each session. A trained professional, like our team at U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics, can map out a plan that matches your schedule and goals.
The Role of an Expert Consultation
Dr. Tag can spot the difference between a good fit and a poor match. When you meet with a board-certified physician or aesthetic specialist from our Owings Mills team, we’ll examine your skin, ask about your history, and suggest options.
This might also involve:
- Skin Analysis: We’ll look closely at your texture, pores, and any discoloration.
- Discussion of Medical Background: If you’ve had past procedures, allergies, or conditions like rosacea, share those details.
- Goal Setting: Be honest about what you expect, whether it’s a subtle improvement or a more noticeable change.
During your consultation, don’t hold back on questions. You might ask:
- How many treatments are needed to see results?
- What kind of preparation is necessary?
- Will I need maintenance sessions?
- Are there any temporary side effects?
What to Expect on Treatment Day
How should you get ready for your treatment with Dr. Tag?
Preparation
You might need to skip certain skincare products (like retinoids) a few days in advance. We will tell you exactly what to do to get ready.
Procedure
Many in-office treatments take less than an hour. You’ll settle into a comfortable chair or table. Our team will explain each step so you know what’s happening as they work on your skin.
Post-Treatment Care
Following your session, you’ll likely receive instructions such as staying away from direct sun or using gentle cleansers for a short time. If you need to return for repeat treatments—like a series of laser sessions—you’ll set those appointments.
Common Misconceptions
Still have questions about the best skincare option for you? Here are some common misconceptions Dr. Tag hears.
“I Only Need One Treatment to Fix Everything.”
While a single session may be enough for mild concerns, deeper issues might call for a series of visits or a combination of treatments. It’s important to have realistic expectations.
“All Treatments Hurt.”
Some options are quite gentle. Others can be more intense, but numbing creams or local anesthesia can help you stay comfortable.
“I Can Skip Sunscreen Afterward.”
Protecting your skin from sun exposure is always wise, but it’s even more crucial after a procedure. Post-treatment skin is often more sensitive, so sun protection is key.
“Cheaper Is Always Better.”
You might see bargain deals online, but remember that quality and safety count more than saving a few dollars. It’s safer to trust a licensed professional who has the right training.
Choose Your Best Treatment With Dr. Tag
U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics has a conveniently located office that serves Owings Mills and the Greater Baltimore Area. Get in touch with Dr. Tag to find the best skincare treatment for you.
