From the Corner Office
As an aesthetically inclined person, I view my professional life as an opportunity to express my creativity with the goal of positively enhancing the lives of my patients. I view my work as a visual art form and as such, I am drawn to the work of other visual artists. For those of you who have visited my office, you may have noticed the many objects d’art that are found throughout. Each one of these has a personal story and a connection with me. I would like to highlight one painting in particular, which hangs in my consultation room, in recognition of the recent passing of the artist and my friend, Michael Madzo.
I first had the pleasure of meeting Michael at a dinner party hosted by my cousin Jay, a master chef and the most interesting man I know. Jay is a collector of Michael’s artwork and has more than 20 pieces in his collection. I was always taken with Michael’s unique artistic vision and skill as a painter, so when the opportunity arose to acquire one of his paintings for my office, which spoke to me aesthetically and as a plastic surgeon, I jumped at the opportunity. You see, Michael’s trademark technique of cutting his canvas into pieces and then sewing them back together before he paints is a metaphor for the work I do.
The painting shows a woman emerging from a just-hatched egg, incubated by a blackbird still sitting on top, which symbolizes for me birth and creation. The woman’s face is both beautiful and slightly off, highlighting the beauty and asymmetries that are found in every human face. Her eyes are captivating and the vibrant colors capture one’s attention, almost challenging you not to stare. I can’t help but see faces as a composition of color, shape, form, texture and proportions, and I feel Michael’s paintings, which often focus on the face, capture this well, while expressing his imaginative and whimsical interpretation of the world. His attention to detail includes making a custom frame, a piece of art unto itself, for every one of his framed paintings. I take inspiration from his artwork and his positive energy and creativity. He will be missed.
On a completely different note, while I rarely revisit a topic I previously addressed, one of my patients recently raised a concern that social media influencers have pronounced that getting hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers will lead to a puffy, unattractive look, frequently referred to as “pillow face.” In last month’s newsletter, I explained that deeply placed HA fillers do not move over time. Reshaping the face with these fillers provides me millimeter control to reshape and rejuvenate a face non-surgically or as part of a comprehensive rejuvenation plan which may include additional interventions such as laser skin resurfacing or surgical procedures. As I explained, it is never the HA fillers that are to blame. It is the artistry, judgment, technical expertise and technique of the injector that determines the aesthetic outcome. Again, I want to return to an important injection technique detail. As many of you know from personal experience, my Injecta-Lift procedure places HA fillers deeply on the facial bones, while most injectors today are taught to inject superficially just under the skin, with the false belief that it is a safer plane of injection. Deep injection has many benefits including longevity of the results, which are measured in years, a smooth natural appearance since the filler lies deep to all of the soft tissue layers, and safety while injecting, with the caveat that the injector must be intimately familiar with facial anatomy. Yet another benefit that I did not stress in my previous newsletter is the fact that deep injection is a safeguard against creating a puffy, distorted appearance, with the predicate that it is always the artistic vision and skill of the injector, not the HA filler that is paramount. Think of the soft tissue layers of the face (skin, fat, fascia, muscle) as a shelf protruding from a wall made of bone. If filler is injected just beneath the skin, it will add additional weight to the furthest edge of the shelf which can lead to the shelf sagging over time, while also distorting any subtle contours below the layer of filler. This can lead to a puffy, heavy, drooping facial appearance. Juxtapose this with injecting on the bone, elevating all of the soft tissues as a unified unit away from the boney wall. When I inject, there is no additional soft tissue weight or distortion, only an improved facial contour that does not shift, sag or distort the beautiful, nuanced facial contours that we are accentuating. I am obviously passionate about my profession and am extremely proud of the consistently beautiful, long-lasting Injecta-Lift results I create for my patients. So, thank you for allowing me to share with you some of the important details of my work. Millimeters matter, especially when it is your face.
At Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center, our goal is to help keep you looking naturally more beautiful! Thank you for trusting our team with your aesthetic care.
Seth A. Yellin, MD, FACS
Founder & Director, Marietta Facial Plastic Surgery, Laser & Aesthetics Center
From the Aesthetic Team
The Rise of the Moxi Laser – What It Can Do for You
Hello, Beautiful!
As we step into the cozy, fall season, it’s time to think about how you can get that beautiful, luminous skin ready to shine through the colder months. This month, we’re diving into one of the latest and most buzzworthy advancements in skincare technology: the Moxi Laser. Known as the “pre-juvenation” powerhouse, the Moxi laser is here to transform your skincare routine—whether you’re a beginner to laser treatments or looking to maintain your radiant glow.
What is the Moxi Laser?
Moxi is a gentle, non-ablative laser treatment designed for those seeking a light, quick rejuvenation option. Developed by Sciton, the same company behind the popular Halo laser, Moxi delivers targeted laser energy to the skin, treating early signs of aging, discoloration, and uneven texture. It’s been touted as the ideal “pre-juvenation” treatment, meaning it works to prevent visible signs of aging before they even start.
Key Benefits of Moxi Laser Treatments:
- Minimal Downtime: One of the most appealing aspects of Moxi is that it offers a low-downtime option for skin renewal. Unlike some other laser treatments, Moxi allows you to get back to your daily activities the same day or the next.
- Versatile and Customizable: The Moxi laser can be used on all skin types and is suitable for patients of all ages, making it a versatile choice for treating a variety of skin concerns. With customizable settings, Moxi treatments can be adjusted to target your specific skincare needs.
- Gentle and Preventative: Moxi treatments are mild enough for people who might be new to laser treatments or who want to start a preventative skincare routine. Think of it as a “gateway” laser that helps keep skin youthful without the intensity of more aggressive options.
- Effective for Many Skin Concerns: From sun damage to rosacea, Moxi works to reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone, sun spots, rosacea, and fine lines. It also promotes collagen production, leaving skin looking plumper and fresher over time.
- Year-Round Glow: Unlike some laser treatments that are best reserved for specific seasons, Moxi can be done year-round, allowing you to maintain your glow no matter the time of year.
The Moxi Treatment Process
The treatment itself is typically quick, lasting about 15–30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Patients describe it as a gentle warming sensation, and a numbing cream can be applied for extra comfort. After treatment, your skin may appear pink and feel a bit rough to the touch, but within a few days, you’ll notice smoother, more radiant skin emerging.
Here’s what to expect:
- Day 1: Post-treatment, you may notice a slight sunburn-like pinkness.
- Day 2-4: Your skin might feel a bit rough and have a light “sandpaper” texture as it exfoliates.
- Day 5 and Beyond: Your glow will start to show! Most patients report softer, more even skin tone and a visible radiance by the end of the first week.
Ideal Candidates for Moxi:
Moxi is perfect for anyone who wants to be proactive in their skincare routine, but it’s especially beneficial if:
- You’re in your 20s and above and want to prevent early signs of aging or correct unwanted damage.
- You’ve already invested in skincare and want to keep signs of aging at bay.
- You want to improve sun damage, fine lines, or pigmentation with minimal downtime.
Aftercare Tips for Best Results:
To get the most out of your Moxi treatment, we recommend:
- Sunscreen: Daily application of SPF 30+ is essential, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV exposure post-treatment.
- Hydration: Hydrating your skin will support the healing process.
- Avoiding Active Ingredients: Avoid products with retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs for a week after your treatment to give your skin time to adjust.
Skincare Products to enhance your MOXI Treatment:
Pigment-correcting serums are an ideal choice to maintain and extend your MOXI results, helping you protect your investment. These serums are specifically designed to reduce the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Formulated with powerful ingredients like Vitamin C, Niacinamide, and Alpha Arbutin, they work to brighten the complexion, fade discoloration, and promote a more even, radiant skin tone. Consistent use of a pigment-correcting serum can diminish the visible effects of sun damage, aging, and acne scars, revealing a smoother and more luminous complexion over time. For optimal results, pair with daily sunscreen to prevent new pigment concerns.
Amy Coker, Sr. Medical Aesthetician & Licensed Laser Practitioner
From the West Cobb Office
A common complaint that I seem to be addressing regularly in my clinic is the concern of “smoker’s lines” around the mouth. These are the vertical lines that form around the mouth, particularly on the upper lip. This is a notoriously stubborn area that many women find themselves focusing on. It is important to recognize that there are many reasons why these lines appear and therefore there may be multiple treatments necessary to correct the issue. Decreased lip size with aging, sun exposure, muscle movement, and genetics all play a role here. As a non-surgical treatment, we may need to put some filler in the lip for structure and add Botox or Dysport for muscle movement. If your lines are very deep, I may refer you to Dr. Yellin for CO2 laser resurfacing of the area. I have been having great luck with using Skinvive as a skin booster here to hydrate the area and make the lines appear softer without adding volume. So, if this is an area that you feel needs a little help, schedule a consult and we can put together a plan that works for you!
On another note, this is the time of year to work on your skin quality and dark spots! I cannot stress enough how keeping our skin quality youthful slows the aging process. Pop in with one of our lovely aestheticians for a MOXI or chemical peel to work on some of those sun spots that appeared over the summer.
And finally, my schedule will be changing slightly this month with the addition of one day a week in the Marietta clinic. Thank you for your patience in the transition and I hope that by offering appointments in both our Marietta and West Cobb locations I can reach more of your beautiful faces! Wednesdays in Marietta will begin on November 13th. I will also be in the office for Botox Day on November 20th, so don’t miss your chance to save some money on one of everyone’s favorite treatments!
Kelly A. Houmand, MMS, PA-C
