Latisse has been available since 2008 to improve the thickness, length, and density of eyelashes. It contains bimatoprost, the same active ingredient in an ophthalmology eyedrop used to treat glaucoma (Lumigan). Patients using Lumigen for glaucoma found that their lashes were fuller, darker, and longer. Which is very noticeable if you only have glaucoma in one eye!

The active ingredient in Latisse, bimatoprost, is a synthetic prostaglandin that prolongs the growth phase of the eyelash hair cycle and increases the number of eyelash hairs that grow, making lashes thicker and longer. When applied along the base of the upper eyelashes, Latisse gradually improves the appearance of the lashes by making them longer, thicker, and darker over time. Most patients begin to see results after 8-12 weeks of daily use, with full results visible after 16 weeks.

Latisse can also be used for the eyebrows! Anywhere hair follicles are present (except in cases of alopecia or other hair loss conditions) Latisse can stimulate hair growth. Many of my patients are using Latisse to stimulate their brow hairs as well. That said, it is imperative to be quite specific about where you place it, as ALL hair follicles will be stimulated where it is placed!

It’s essential to follow the application instructions provided by your healthcare provider carefully to achieve the best results and avoid potential side effects such as redness, itching, or darkening of the skin around the eyes. There is no need to apply Latisse to the lower lash line, as transference will happen when the product is placed along the upper lash line. I typically recommend patients use Latisse every other day for the first two weeks to acclimate to the product and to reduce the potential irritation that can result from the initial use.

While there are over-the-counter products purportedly claiming to create lash growth, the active ingredient used is not FDA-approved and their safety and effects are not well documented. Latisse is only available by prescription, so must consult with a licensed healthcare provider before using it. Additionally, if you have other eye issues and are being supervised by an ophthalmologist, you should have their clearance before using Latisse.

We carry Latisse in our office, so contact our office at 415-624-3922 to schedule a consultation with Jennifer Schaefer-Fick, FNP to discuss starting Latisse today!

So you’ve gone to great lengths to research and purchase quality skin care products.  You made sure to purchase from your medical skin care provider or a legitimate retail vendor. Now that you’ve assembled your skin care routine, how do you apply everything, and in what order to ensure you are maximizing the benefit of each product?

There are a few basic principles to applying skin care products to maximize the benefits, and also to allow each product to shine! Not all of these steps apply to every skin care routine depending on what products you use.

First step: Cleanse

Cleansing the skin before applying other products removes surface impurities, including makeup, sunblock and moisturizer, dirt, and oil that can build up on the skin. Certain cleansing products such as those with glycolic or salicylic acid can also exfoliate dead skin cells, preventing them from clogging pores and causing acne breakouts. Most importantly, the skin is now prepared to receive and absorb the skin care products you use next.

Second step: Tone/Exfolliate

Using a toner may or may not be necessary, depending on your skin, the products you are using, and any skin conditions you may have. Some toners work to restore the skin’s natural pH levels, while others may contain glycolic, salicylic, or liphohydroxy acids that dissolve oil and sebum reduce the appearance of blackheads, and improve acne.

Third step:  Active/AntiAging

Active products, including serums and other treatments, should be applied when the skin is fully clean and prepped. This allows them to penetrate active ingredients more evenly and effectively, thus enhancing their action. These products are used to treat specific skincare concerns. It is important to allow these products to penetrate before applying moisturizer and sunblock.

Fourth step: Hydrate

Moisturizers hydrate the skin and can prevent or reduce transepidermal water loss. This is a measure of the water that is lost from our skin and can cause flakiness, and dryness, and increase the appearance of fine lines. Moisturizers can be in the form of a cream, lotion, or serum and contain various humectants, emollients, and ceramides to hydrate and create a barrier to retain your skin’s moisture and prevent water loss.

Fifth Step: Protect

Sunblock, sunblock, sunblock! Its importance cannot be overemphasized to protect your newly exfoliated, anti-age serum-covered skin. Sunblock prevents the UV rays from penetrating and causing sun damage, freckling, and premature aging. Sunblock also is a preventative agent to reduce the risk of skin cancer. The best sunblock contains a physical blocking agent, such as titanium or zinc. These molecules actively block the sun like a small shield, reflecting the UV rays off of the skin.

There are other skin care steps that can be integrated into your skin care program, so ask your skin care provider for guidance if you are adding products to your routine to ensure the optimal use and timing of each.

IPL (intense pulsed light) is a form of light therapy used for non-surgical facial rejuvenation. Powerful light energy is used to target a variety of skin conditions, including rosacea and pigmentation caused by sun damage and other factors. The results can last for a year or more with proper maintenance to protect the skin from future damage.

What is an IPL Photofacial?

The IPL Photofacial uses non-invasive light energy in varying wavelengths to rejuvenate aging skin on the face and body. Intense pulses of light target spots and blemishes caused by excess melanin, the dark pigmentation in your skin and hair. Overproduction of melanin is responsible for sun spots, melasma, brown spots and other forms of skin discoloration. IPL can also target broken capillaries or visible blood vessels on the skin to improve skin redness and uneven skin tone associated with rosacea.

As the light energy heats the skin, collagen production is also stimulated. Collagen is a protein in the skin that gives it elasticity, firmness, volume, and a youthful appearance. New collagen growth resurfaces the skin with healthy tissues for a smoother, glowing complexion. This makes an IPL Photofacial an effective treatment for improved skin tone and texture.

What to Expect During IPL Photofacial Treatment

Before receiving an IPL Photofacial, patients will consult with our board-certified aesthetic nurse practitioner, Jennifer Fick. We utilize the Lumenis M22 IPL system with settings customized to

each patient’s Fitzpatrick skin type and the specific concerns they wish to treat.

The IPL treatment takes 20-30 minutes, and a topical numbing cream will be applied to minimize discomfort during treatment. The handpiece emits emits pulses of light energy and you will feel a pulse of heat and see a flash of bright light. Once your treatment is completed, you can resume most of your normal activities immediately.

Maintaining Your IPL Photofacial Results

After IPL treatments, the treated spots will gradually darken and flake off about 7-10 days after treatment. To protect your healing skin and maintain optimal results, follow these recommendations:

Don’t Pick at Your Skin

As the pigmented lesions darken and flake off, you might be tempted to pick at them. Doing so could damage your skin and increase the risk of scarring. Apply a generous layer of moisturizer to prevent uncomfortable dryness and help your skin heal. Let the skin flake at its own pace and the wait will be worth it.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of hyperpigmentation and early skin aging. After an IPL Photofacial, your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and direct exposure could cause

post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While your skin is healing (and after), it is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30-50 to protect your skin.

Use Medical-Grade Skincare

Medical-grade skincare products have a higher quantity of active ingredients than

over-the-counter products. This means that they are more effective for intended uses like skin brightening, firming, hydration, and other anti-aging benefits. Using medical-grade skincare after an aesthetic treatment is a great way to maintain results and preserve youthful-looking skin.

Schedule a Consultation

At The Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S, offers cutting-edge technology and treatments to help our patients improve and maintain the quality of their skin. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your personalized treatment plan and learn more about how you can benefit from an IPL Photofacial.

There are many non-surgical treatment options for rejuvenating your skin – but there are fewer options that can effectively stimulate new collagen and achieve a brighter, more youthful appearance. If you’re considering your options with skin rejuvenation, then ResurFx is one technology worth knowing about. As one of the leading aesthetic experts in the greater San Francisco area and around the country, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S can help you explore the best ways to rejuvenate your look and love your skin. Here’s what to know about ResurFx and what it can help you treat.

What is ResurFx?

ResurFx is a non-ablative, fractional energy device. “Non-ablative” means that it doesn’t damage the skin but rather creates gentle heat to stimulate the deep tissues of the skin. This process is aided by a fractional pattern which means it only affects certain areas of the skin, leaving the rest untouched. The device creates tiny “channels” in the skin that allow the energy to reach the deeper layers, all while maintaining an advanced cooling mechanism to prevent damage. This reduces downtime and allows you to get back to your daily activities faster. Over time, your skin will form new collagen and elastin fibers, increasing the skin’s thickness and quality with a tightening effect.

What Can ResurFx Treat?

ResurFx is a great option for improving the overall look and feel of your skin. Many common skin concerns that arise from a loss of collagen, aging, or sun damage can be treated with ResurFx. Some of the most common include:

• Hyperpigmentation (discoloration)
• Age spots or sun spots
• Surgical scars and acne scars
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Loose skin
• Stretch marks

It can be an effective way to treat specific concerns, or it can be a great maintenance treatment for reducing the effects of aging. Our team can help you explore the best way to incorporate ResurFx into your skin rejuvenation treatment package.

ResurFx for Stretch Marks

ResurFx is one of our most recommended treatment options for stretch marks. Stretch marks are a natural product of things like weight fluctuations or pregnancy and tend to appear on areas like the stomach, thighs, hips, or buttocks. Stretch marks occur when the deep layers of the skin stretch and break down. They are famously hard to get rid of, despite the many products you may see that promise to fade them. ResurFx is an excellent treatment option because it stimulates collagen to repair and fade the appearance of these stretch marks – an effect that can’t be achieved using creams or lotions. If you have stretch marks that are still new (as in, reddish or purplish) ResurFx can be key in fading visible lines before they become more permanent.

Schedule a Consultation

At our world-class clinic in San Francisco, our team can help you explore many ways to achieve a higher level of confidence. Our professional aesthetic expert, Jennifer Fick, M.S.N., F.N.P-C, C.A.N.S, offers only the most advanced technologies and can help you develop a personalized treatment plan during a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

Making the decision to undergo gender-affirming surgery can be exciting and daunting all at once. Although our world-class team led by Dr. Deschamps-Braly will support you and offer knowledgeable guidance at every step of the way, it can be helpful to know what to expect from the process. In order to ease any anxieties, here is a quick guide to preparing for gender-affirming surgery at our renowned San Francisco clinic.

Meet with a Facial Feminization or Facial Masculinization Expert

Dr. Deschamps-Braly is one of the world’s leading experts in facial gender-affirming surgery. As a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon, he has trained under some of the foremost experts in facial gender confirmation surgery in the United States and around the world. During a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, you’ll discuss your goals for undergoing facial plastic surgery and learn more about the specific procedures that can help you look and feel like your truest self. As one of the most prominent clinics for transgender individuals around the country and the world, our knowledgeable team will help you establish a surgical plan, an appropriate timeline, and learn ways in the meantime that you can achieve a more feminine or masculine facial appearance.

Seek Support

Gender-affirming surgery can be a long process, and it’s important to have support along the way. We encourage you to partner with a mental health expert to provide support and help you along your emotional journey. Additionally, we encourage you to learn more about the gender reassignment process from our patient stories so you can understand what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Finally, because your surgery will require downtime, it’s important to speak with a trusted, responsible adult who can help you during the first few days of recovery. If you’re flying in from outside of the San Francisco area, our team can recommend the best accommodations for your stay.

Follow Pre-Surgical Instructions

Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our team will provide detailed instructions on how to get ready for gender-affirming surgery. This typically includes having any blood or lab work performed, adjusting medications, and submitting necessary paperwork. It’s also recommended to prepare for your recovery by filling prescriptions and running any errands ahead of your surgical date. Finally, if your procedure will be performed with general anesthesia, you’ll need to avoid food and drink the night before your surgery. Our surgical team will provide a detailed checklist for preparing for gender-affirming surgery and it’s essential to follow instructions for a smooth and successful procedure.

Schedule a Consultation

At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we are the foremost experts in transitional surgery and can help ensure your experience elevates your confidence and brings you closer to your true self. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Deschamps-Braly where you can learn more about the unique ways to achieve a more feminine or masculine appearance using facial plastic surgery. Contact our renowned San Francisco clinic today by calling or filling out our contact form.

The outward appearance of a person offers important hints to others regarding one’s gender identity, personality, and more. Because of this, obtaining a more masculine facial appearance is an important treatment goal for many trans men. While some trans men are able to achieve traditionally male facial features with the use of hormone therapy alone, facial masculinization surgery (FMS) may be an effective option for those who would like to achieve a greater degree of masculinization.

While the decision to undergo FMS is a very personal one, trans men who do choose to undergo this procedure often experience improved self-esteem and improved self-image. At Deschamps-Braly Clinic, we perform a large array of facial masculinization procedures to help our patients meet their personal aesthetic goals. Read on to learn more about what procedures are often included in FMS.

Forehead Reshaping

The forehead is a vital facial feature, as it frames the entire face. Forehead reshaping, contouring, and reduction are effective solutions for adults who wish to achieve a more masculine facial appearance. Female foreheads are typically shorter than male foreheads, so lengthening this area to create a larger, more angular forehead can help patients to achieve the male appearance they desire. Surgical incisions will be created in the hairline to avoid visible scarring, so patients do not have to worry about unwanted visible scars.

Cheek Enhancement

Female and male cheeks also have various differences. Male cheeks are often more angular and chiseled, while female cheeks are more rounded and soft with prominent cheekbones that project further from the face. To create a more masculine appearance, the overall shape of the cheekbones will be shaped with cheek augmentation, cheek reduction, or fat transfer injections to become more angular. Dr. Deschamps-Braly also takes into account each patient’s ethnicity, as some ethnic groups tend to have larger cheek sizes, for the most natural-looking results.

Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty is a nasal procedure to aesthetically enhance, shape, reconstruct or correct the form of the nose. To create a more masculine-looking nose, your nose may become larger and/or wider. However, this procedure is very individualized since the right size and shape of the nose also depend on the overall facial structure.

Chin Contouring

Male chins tend to be longer, wider, and have a squarer shape to them. Because of this, chin recontouring is a very effective way to create a more masculine, angular appearance. Dr. Deschamps-Braly will speak with you regarding your surgical options to achieve a more masculine chin.

Jaw Augmentation

Jaw augmentation, or mandibular augmentation, is a procedure to balance the appearance of your jaw with the rest of your face. To create a more masculine facial appearance, the overall width of the jaw is increased and more definition is provided between the lower face and neck. During jaw augmentation, an incision is created within the mouth through which implants are placed. Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.

Adam’s Apple Surgery

Female-to-male transgender individuals may expect to grow an Adam’s apple following testosterone therapy. However, this is not the case. If you do not already have an Adam’s apple, it will probably not grow larger with testosterone therapy alone. Adam’s apple implant augmentation is performed by creating a natural implant from cartilage taken from the rib cage. This new implant is then attached to the appropriate position to create a noticeable Adam’s apple.

Schedule a Consultation

If you would like to learn more about our offered masculinization facial procedures, please contact Deschamps-Braly Clinic in San Francisco, CA today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Deschamps-Braly.

Although facial feminization surgery remains the most effective way for trans people to achieve a more feminine look, you may have started exploring non-surgical options like fillers and Botox in the meantime. Injectable treatments can actually be a great way to simulate the effects of facial feminization surgery before you decide to undergo your operation. However, it’s important to know that injectables can sometimes have an impact on the effectiveness and final results of your surgery. Here’s what to know about getting injectable treatments before your facial feminization surgery with Dr. Deschamps-Braly, one of the foremostly trained and most sought-after facial gender confirmation surgeons around the world.

Can Fillers and Botox Impact Facial Feminization Surgery?

Firstly, it’s important to understand how fillers and Botox work. Fillers work by depositing hyaluronic acid gel in the skin to provide volume and contour to the face. Botox works by blocking nerve signals in the muscles to prevent movement and smooth wrinkles. Generally, Botox and fillers don’t negatively impact facial feminization surgery regarding changes in skeletal structure. However, fillers (because they change the shape and appearance of the soft structures of the face) can impact the results of fat grafting surgery, which is sometimes a key part of facial feminization.

Facial Fat Grafting and Fillers

Fat grafting is a long-term solution to areas of low volume, thinness, or more angular facial appearance, similar to fillers. The problem with getting fillers before facial fat grafting is that they serve a similar purpose, so they can change the projection of your long-term results. It can create a “moving target” during surgery where it becomes more difficult to determine what volume is currently created by the filler, and what your result will look like after the filler has dissolved. This means it can create the potential that your final results aren’t what you intended – requiring you to either undergo another procedure or continue to get fillers to maintain your look.

Can I Get Botox or Filler Before Facial Feminization Surgery?

It’s perfectly fine to get Botox or filler before facial feminization surgery, but you should take a few precautions when exploring your non-surgical options. Firstly, it’s best to make sure that your filler has mostly dissolved by as much as one year at the time of your surgery. For most trans people, their surgical timeline can extend as far as 12-36 months out (which is a realistic timeline for allowing fillers to dissolve). So, it is possible to begin exploring non-surgical facial feminization as you wait for your surgery. Secondly, it’s important to take a moderate approach to your fillers. The more filler you have, the longer it takes for it to fade – if you opt for too much filler, it may negatively impact your results by the time your surgery date comes up.

If you’re considering getting filler ahead of your facial feminization procedure, it’s always best to consult Dr. Deschamps-Braly and our aesthetics team. That way, you can achieve good results with your filler but still ensure it won’t impact the results of your surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

There are a variety of options available to bring out your true feminine beauty, and it’s important to partner with an exceptionally trained craniofacial and maxillofacial surgeon like Dr. Deschamps-Braly to ensure you get the best results possible. To learn more about planning ahead for your facial feminization surgery, contact our renowned San Francisco clinic by calling or filling out our online contact form.

January Skin Recovery

The holidays are over and now what? You are likely looking at the year ahead, booking your calendar with important social occasions and celebrations. The beginning of the year is an ideal time to think about reversing some of the effects of the celebratory previous months. Maybe too little sleep, a bit lax on your skin care program, and a possibly a bit more celebrating than you planned?

Is Your Skin Dry?

Your skin needn’t participate in Dry January! This is the perfect time to rejuvenate, hydrate, and restore your skin’s natural balance and recover from the holiday shenanigans. Given that you have a lighter social calendar, planning procedures that have some downtime, such as IPL/laser or micro needling treatments can be less challenging. Typically, you should plan for 2-4 days of social downtime for these procedures, depending on which procedure you and your provider choose, and the degree of intensity you wish to pursue. A more intense treatment will have somewhat more downtime, while a less intense treatment will give your skin a boost and you won’t miss a beat (albeit with a touch of concealer)!

Tips For Skincare

We generally recommend a series of three treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart for the best improvement in redness, pigmentation and collagen stimulation. We offer a package discount of 10% off three treatments when purchased together. The treatments don’t expire, and often patients will schedule two treatments sequentially, and then plan the final treatment 3-6 months later as a booster.

Time To Help Your Skin

This is a GREAT time to resume using prescription topicals, such as tretinoin (Retin-A) and hydroquinone to brighten the skin, exfoliate, and prepare and maintain the results of other skin treatments. Although we are less sun exposed during the winter months, it is still very important to wear sunblock daily and to reapply if you participate in winter outdoor activities. Sunblock protects your skin not just from UV rays, but also preserves the effects of medical grade treatments and prescription skin care topicals. Your sunblock should contain a mineral blocking agent, such as titanium or zinc for the best protection.

When you’re looking for facial masculinization or feminization surgery, a crucial part of creating the right facial contour that’s affirming and proportional is creating well-defined cheeks, which can require augmenting them in certain areas. In addition, cheek augmentation or reduction can also be beneficial for people who simply want to look like a better version of themselves.

There are multiple cheek enhancement surgeries provided by leading craniofacial surgeon Dr. Deschamps-Braly, and the one that’s right for you will depend on many factors, including the degree of volume enhancement required as well as which parts of the cheeks could benefit from increased volume. However, due to its many benefits and more natural results, Dr. Deschamps-Braly typically uses fat grafting for many patients. Here’s what to know about your options for cheek enhancement surgery.

Use Cases for Cheek Implants

Dr. Deschamps-Braly can use multiple cheek enhancement techniques because no single procedure serves our inspiring patients equally well. In some circumstances, cheek implants serve specific purposes that create great results. Ideally, cheek implants (which are made of silicone or silicone gel) are used for people with noticeable cheek asymmetry. Each implant can be customized for sizes that correct such an imbalance for very long-lasting results with a relatively simple invasive procedure.

However, one of the reasons Dr. Deschamps-Braly only uses implants in special cases is that people who need revolumizing treatment for their face will not experience the best results with implants. This is because implants can be easily felt and even seen when used in patients with littler natural cheek volume – the implants sit right beneath the surface of the skin in the cheeks, and even the most “natural” feeling silicone still isn’t real tissue. In these cases, cheek implants tend to look and feel artificial.

Cheek Fat Transfer Enhancement

Whereas implants are artificial, there’s nothing artificial about fat transfer to the face. With fat transfer, a patient’s own body fat can be moved to their face, adding natural volume that will last a long time. Beyond a much more natural feel, the advantages of fat transfer include a versatile placement method, with fat being able to be placed at various depths in the skin and in places like the temples or other areas of the face that could also benefit from additional volume.

Which is Right For Me?

Based on these insights, you might already have an idea of which procedure is more appropriate for your concerns and goals from facial surgery. However, the best way to know exactly what’s right for your surgical plan is to talk to the expert. Dr. Deschamps-Braly is a pioneer in craniofacial and gender-affirming facial surgery who can examine your facial structure and provide an expert opinion on the techniques or specific procedures that will help you achieve a face that accurately portrays who you are inside.

Cheek Enhancement in San Francisco, CA

To learn more about your best options for cheek implants or cheek fat grafting, call our office to schedule a consultation today. You can reach Dr. Deschamps-Braly by calling our office or requesting your consultation online today.

We are very excited to announce we have upgraded our micro needling technology! The SkinPen® was the first FDA approved micro needling device and has been a leader in the industry, setting the standards for safety and efficacy. The SkinPen® developed the first FDA approved treatment protocol, ensuring consistent, replicable results that have been proven with clinical trial data.

What is Microneedling?

Micro Needling is known as “percutaneous collagen induction therapy” (PCIT), and is a non-invasive treatment utilizing serial micro-punctures to induce the body’s own endogenous collagen production. The SkinPen® is a ‘Class I FDA-approved medical device that is ideal for non-surgical treatment of various skin conditions such as aging (wrinkles and fine lines), scarring (acne and surgical scars), stretch marks and hyperpigmentation. There is also a new indication for the SkinPen® for the treatment of neck wrinkles.

Clinical Studies for Microneedling

Clinical studies have shown that micro needling can be as effective as ablative and non-ablative treatments like fractional laser treatments and intense pulsed light (IPL) in stimulating collagen and elastin production. Therapeutic effects include reduction in the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and pore size and overall improving the general appearance of the skin.

What is the Downtime?

We encourage patients to plan for two to three days of social downtime to account for facial redness and swelling, followed by some dry flakiness. In a few days, the skin will look and feel softer, smoother, and more toned. For most patients, a series of three treatments are scheduled approximately four weeks apart to ensure optimal collagen stimulation and to yield the best possible aesthetic outcome. In cases where acne, surgical scars or stretch marks are targeted, more treatments may be necessary and often prescription topical creams such as tretinoin are used to prepare the skin and enhance treatment results.

Special Notes on Microneedling

SkinPen®  is the first FDA approved micro needling device and the first FDA approved micro needling protocol.

SkinPen®  Efficacy:

• The device’s power, ability to maintain a consistent skin penetration speed
• Maintain sharpness of the needles for a consistent time
• Climically proven to improve wrinkles

SkinPen® Safety:

• Validated to prevent backflow from the cartridge to the handpiece
• Has a disposable bio-sheath to protect the handpiece from fluid transfer
• Single use lockout feature, cannot allow reuse