Although most of us associate hollows and dark circles under the eyes with lack of sleep or ill health, they’re actually — sadly — a normal sign of the changes that come with aging. Over time, skin succumbs to the forces of gravity, beginning to sag or droop. This is most commonly seen first with the skin around the eyes, which is very thin. Another consequence of time and gravity is the shifting of fat cells under the skin, leading to a loss of volume and accentuating the natural hollows of the bone structure under the eyes. Skin’s inherent moisture is affected by aging and environment, too, drying out the tissues and making them more susceptible to wrinkling, sagging, and darkening. Finally, age and UV exposure deplete the skin’s natural undercarriage of collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide definition and youthful plumpness.

Now you know why undereye bags form. The solution to unpacking them is to pack the area under the eyes (sometimes called the tear trough) with all the hydration and plumping structures it’s missing. Treatment with Restylane^® — an injectable filler — is one of the safest, most effective ways to rehydrate and plump undereye tissues.

Restylane^® is a silky fluid composed of hyaluronic acid, the skin’s own natural moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid hydrates from the inside, and injection with Restylane^® also stimulates the formation of your own natural collagen and elastin, providing the flexible, youthful underlying structure that keeps gravity at bay. Undereye treatment with Restylane^® generally offers results that last 6-9 months, with no downtime.

Because the area around your eyes is more complicated and sensitive than other parts of the face, it’s important to seek Restylane^® undereye treatment from physicians with lots of experience in administering the injections. At Comprehensive Dermatology Center of Pasadena, our doctors are experts is unpacking your undereye bags. Contact us today for your complimentary cosmetic consultation. And take advantage of our July special on Restylane^® undereye treatment. Then you can pack your bags for your summer vacation — but leave the ones under your eyes behind!

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When we were kids, we loved finding a fallen eyelash to make a wish on. We should have been wishing for eyelashes that never fell! Over time, though, even the flirtiest lashes grow sparser, thinner, and lighter, losing their ability to provide a youthful frame for our still-sparkling eyes.

The traditional solutions include cosmetics and false eyelashes. Both have come a very long way from the days of clumpy, harsh black mascara or unnatural doll-like fake lashes that came unglued and looked like stray caterpillars. Today’s lash-lengthening mascaras, applied correctly, can enhance less-than-lush lashes and endure both workouts and tears without clumping. Artificial lashes, applied hair by hair by a professional cosmetician, can be a natural-looking stopgap.

But Allergan’s LATISSE, the FDA-approved liquid formula that promotes the growth of longer, fuller, darker lashes, has fast become the solution of choice for many. LATISSE–available through your cosmetic dermatologist–is applied with a special wand to the upper lid line only. It can be safely used by most women (check with your doctor if you take medication for the regulation of internal eye pressure). Occasionally, LATISSE may cause darkening of the eyelid skin, which may be reversible; this side effect is uncommon when the product is applied correctly. (See this video for a how-to.)

If you’re looking to try LATISSE, or want to stock up for yourself or as gifts, this is a great time. Through March 31, we’re featuring a manufacturer’s special. Purchase one 5mL Kit of LATISSE and receive a coupon for a $40 mail-in rebate! This offer is good for up to three 5mL Kits, for a total savings of $120! Call or stop by today and we’ll give you WAY more than 20 lashes, and not the pirate kind!

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SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum is at the top of our list when patients ask for powerful anti-aging in a single product. Here’s the pitch for this true essential, just in time to take advantage of an exciting manufacturer’s promotion!

What does TNS Essential Serum do? The real question is What doesn’t it do? When applied morning and evening to the face–plus the neck and chest, if you wish–TNS Essential Serum renews and rejuvenates all skin types, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing skin’s texture and tone. Results are visible at 30 days, and optimal at 90 days.

Why is TNS Essential Serum described as an “all-in-one” product? One pump dispenses two separate products from side-by-side chambers: TNS Recovery Complex and APS Corrective Complex. Blend with your fingertips and apply, for a revolutionary combination of a naturally secreted growth factor protein, peptides, antioxidants, skin brightener, and hyaluronic filling spheres that trap moisture on the surface of the skin like tiny sponges.

Just what is TNS? The secret of SkinMedica’s TNS Essential Serum is Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media (TNS), a physiologically balanced, naturally secreted and stabilized growth factor that doesn’t just cover up wrinkles–it actually stimulates the growth of younger, healthier skin cells. In studies, 92% of users rated their skin as healthier and younger looking.

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