The Beauty of the Girl with the Pearl Earring

Have you seen the Girl with the Pearl Earring exhibit at the deYoung museum in Golden Gate Park?  This Vermeer masterpiece is on loan from the Mauritshuis, The Hague, while that museum is undergoing renovations. The portrait's young subject exhibits the 'triangle of youth,' -- the aspiration of many Cosmetic Dermatologists. And she is beautiful! Her skin is flawless and luminescent.  This draws attention to her eyes, as flawless skin always does.  As I always say, 'the secret to true beauty is having great skin.'  If you have not visited this exhibit at the deYoung, hurry!  It will only be here until June 2nd.

The Aesthetic Show 2013

Greetings from Las Vegas!  We are all at the Aesthetic Show 2013 learning about the latest in Cosmetic Dermatology.  This is the largest aesthetic show of the year, with conference topics in Skincare, laser devices, injectible filler and body contouring.  We will have more to share with you when we return to the office!

Up in arms on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to our patient moms near and far!

Today I read a statistic from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons who reports a 4,473% increase in upper arms lifts between 2000 and 2012.  This supports the latest trend we are seeing with SmartLipo laser liposuction: arms.  The advantage of using a laser system with liposuction for arms is excellent lift, less scarring, a reduction in arm fat and tightening of the skin. Raise your arms up!

New Coolsculpting Applicator for thighs!

Are you ready for summer?  We are excited to announce the introduction of a new Coolsculpting applicator for inner thighs, that will help you prepare for summer shorts and bathing suits.  Coolsculpting is non-invasive and removes fat by freezing it in targeted areas of the body that have not responded to diet and exercise. Our new applicator has a larger cooing plate for longer fat bulges in hard-to-reach areas such as inner thighs!  This means more fat frozen and removed. You will benefit from noticeable and natural-looking results, giving an overall slimmer body contour. Feel strong, powerful, and confident this summer by preparing with Coolsculpting now.  

Tax Relief: Free Sculptra promotion! 20% off Osmosis!

Greetings!  While we await the arrival of spring (and tax returns), we have a special Buy-Three-Get-One-Free Sculptra between now and Tax Day, April 15^th.  Sculptra is a natural facial volumizer.  Injection of this fruit-acid derivative causes your body to create its own collagen. This softens wrinkles, fills out crepe-y skin, and volumizes thin or aging faces.  Sculptra lasts much longer than traditional fillers, up to 2 years!

If you have ever considered Sculptra to soften lines, enhance cheeks or for overall facial volume and rejuvenation, please take advantage, as this is the only time Sculptra will be discounted this year.  We recommend injection with 2 vials per treatment session and you have up to 6 months to use all purchased vials with this special. Please call us for more information on whether this injectable might be right for you.

We also are featuring 20% off Osmosis MD skincare until April 15^th.  Osmosis products include facial conditioners, cleansers, and hydrators and are paraben-free, fragrance-free, cruelty-free and are ideal for sensitive skin.  Dr. Brozowski’s favorite cure for dry winter skin is the Osmosis ionized water spray topped with Quench, a clear hyaluronic gel from her eponymous skin care line. 

Osmosis MD Color includes mineral foundation, brow gel, lip gloss and concealer – perfect for covering an injection bruise or blemish.  Our Patient Coordinator, Hanan, will match your skin to product for a flawless complexion. Treat yourself to an anti-oxidant color this spring!

Wishing you Happy Returns!

New Year, New (& Better) You

Happy New Year!  Each New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the past and set new goals for yourself, including health, body and diet.  You know that sugar and high fructose corn syrup contribute to obesity and heart disease.  But did you know they also cause premature aging?  Sugar in the bloodstream attaches to protein-forming harmful molecules known as advanced glycogen end products (AGEs), in a process called glycation, that damages collagen and elastin.

Collagen and elastin keep the skin taut. Excess sugar makes collagen more fragile, leaving the skin less firm and supple. AGEs also neutralize the free-radical fighting power of antioxidant enzymes, causing skin to lose its natural protection against the sun.  

High fructose corn syrup is even worse, as it causes a spike in cortisol (a stress hormone) and blood sugar. This leads to digestive issues as well as acne, sun sensitivity, premature wrinkling, hyperpigmentation and under-eye circles.

What to do?  Obviously, limit these products.  If you know you have a sweet tooth, consider an AGE protection cream.  Of course, wear sunscreen to protect the collagen you already have. If you are challenged by excess weight or have fat bulges, consider body contouring with Coolsculpting or SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Lipolysis. Then stick with a good diet and exercise routine to maintain these changes.

We wish you a safe and healthy New Year! 

Coolsculpting and SmartLipo videos online!

We are pleased to share with you a presentation given by Dr. Brozowski that discusses the body contouring procedures of Coolsculpting and SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Liposuction, including results and ‘Before’ and ‘After’ pictures.  Her talk is presented in four videos:  Part I discusses Coolsculpting and is found on our home page, as well as the Coolsculpting page.  Part II reviews SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Lipolysis, and is found on our SmartLipo page.   Part III details Dr. Brozowski’s personal experience with Coolsculpting.  Part IV is a video of the Q&A session following her presentation, which addresses commonly asked questions about these procedures. Both III and IV are found on our Coolsculpting page.  Watch some or all, and feel free to bring up what you learned, or still want to know, with Dr. Brozowski herself.

We wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season.  We look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving!  At this time of year we are reminded to reflect on all there is to be grateful for. We are especially appreciative that Monday, November 19th is the 11th year Anniversary of our practice! I am fortunate to practice such a dynamic medical specialty, always changing and expanding with new procedures, new technologies and new treatments we can offer patients.  I enjoy both solving skin care problems as well as getting to know patients and being part of ther lives.

Also, congratulations to the winners of our skin care give away contest!  All winners received a gift-bag filled with skin care products from our office, including SkinCeuticals, Obagi, EltaMD and OsmosisMD, a new line of all-natural paraben-free cosmeceuticals. Thank you for being part of our patient community.

Belotero Injectible Filler

We are pleased to introduce the newest hyaluronic acid filler product, Belotero.  Especially for fine lines of the lip, eyes and face, Belotero provides a soft, smooth look.  As supple as collagen, but with a longer last and no cross-reactivity, Belotero has been used in the U.K. & Europe for several years, and will be introduced into the U.S. market this fall.  As Dr. Brozowski has extensive filler expertise, we have been using Belotero since the spring, and our patients have been enjoying its silky smooth result.  Please call us to determine if Belotero would be right for you.

Injectibles promotion!

From May 1^st- June 30^th, 2012, save $40 per syringe of Restylane* and $50 per syringe of Perlane (*2 syringe minimum).  Fillers are used to restore volume and fullness to the face and lips, and to correct wrinkles and lift cheeks, giving a more youthful countenance.  Recent studies suggest that much of facial wrinkling and hollowing of the face is the result of a loss of facial volume, rather than sagging of the skin.  Filler therapy will fill in wrinkles to restore volume to face and lift cheeks for a younger look and to enhance facial features.  Additionally, you can save $50 on a treatment with Dysport, an injectible wrinkle treatment similar to Botox, from May 1^st – June 30^th.

We recently added an acne spot treatment to our skin care line.  Called ‘Heal & Conceal,’ it has two parts – a medicated stick to dissolve acne lesions, and a medicated concealer to hide the blemish while it is resolving and aid in healing. A sophisticated alternative to drug store acne products that dry the skin, it's great for women in their 30s and 40s.

New! Patient Loyalty Cards & 15% off Sunscreen

We are pleased to now have Patient Loyalty Cards for skincare purchases in our office.  Get a stamp for each $50 product purchase.  For every $500 spent on products, you will receive $50 towards your next product purchase!

Summer is coming…  save 15% on Sunscreens during the month of May.  We have the perfect SPF for your skin type:  we offer sunscreens for skin that is oily, dry, acneic, or sensitive, as well as having tinted and waterproof options, AND you will be eligible to use your stamp card on this promotion.

Win a free CoolSculpting treatment!

Zeltiq Aesthetic, the company which developed CoolSculpting, is hosting a 'New Me in NYC Sweepstakes.'

You can enter to win a free CoolSculpting treatment, as well as a trip to New York City.  
Enter from March 7th - May 31st, 2012 online at http://get.coolsculpting.com/newyou/

The winning package includes:

A free CoolSculpting treatment
Round trip tickets for two to New York City
A shopping spree

A day of beauty treatments from head to toe
Dinners at the finest eateries in the city
Accommodations at one of the city's chicest boutique hotels
$1,000 American Express Gift Card

Call us to see if CoolSculpting might be right for you, or to answer any questions or schedule a consultation.

New All Natural Lip Balm with SPF!

I recently added an All Natural Beeswax Lip Balm to my eponymous skin care line.  My Lip Balm has Vitamin E and Grape Seed antioxidants, and soothing Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil and Rosemary Extract. Best of all, it has natural sun protection to prevent damage from the sun and lip lines. You’ll never use chapstick again! Receive one FREE with the purchase of any skincare product in our office!  

Remember, you do not need an appointment to learn about skin care products and tips, or to have a skin care consultation with our front office staff. Feel free to stop by the office for skin care products during any of our office hours.  See you soon! 

New year, new you.

Join us on January 26^th, 2012 for our New Year’s event at the Claremont Resort!

“Stick With Your New Year's Resolution for...

...a Cool New You”

Enjoy drinks & hors d'oeuvres as you learn about Coolsculpting, a new non-surgical treatment to remove stubborn fat, to help you maintain your resolution of a fitter, healthier new you. Dr. Brozowski will also discuss SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Liposuction, and perform complimentary consultations at the end of the presentation.

Admission is free but space is limited, so RSVP by January 20^th by calling us at 510.549.3333 or emailing RSVP@doctorofbeauty.com.

Event Details:

Thursday, January 26^th, 2012 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Road in Berkeley

6:00 pm Reception

6:45 pm Presentation

7:15 pm Consultations

Free Consultations and special pricing for attendees only.

Enter a raffle towards a Coolsculpting treatment! We look forward to seeing you there!

Body contouring - what's new?

We are the first in the East Bay to offer Zeltiq CoolSculpting, the latest innovation in non-invasive fat removal. CoolSculpting reduces fat cells in problem areas with no downtime. Patients benefit from noticeable and natural-looking results, giving an overall slimmer body contour. CoolSculpting is most effective in removing fat from the abdomen, love handles (flanks) and back. Please see the CoolSculpting tab above for more information on cryolipolysis.

We are also proud to introduce SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Lipolysis. SmartLipo is one of the fastest growing techniques for liposuction in the U.S., because of less downtime, pain and anesthesia risk compared to traditional liposuction. An additional benefit of the use of laser energy to stimulate collagen production is skin tightening. This reduces sagging skin, especially important for the neck, under the arms, and for those with skin laxity of their abdomen after pregnancy.

Xeomin is here!

Xeomin is here! Xeomin is the third botulinum to come to market. It will be available to the U.S. market beginning in spring of 2012. Due to our experience and volume of botulinum use with Botox and Dysport, we have had the opportunity to receive Xeomin five months before it is available elsewhere. Xeomin is similar in function to Botox, and is highly purified. From now until it is available on the market, we are receiving Xeomin at an introductory price, and we are passing the savings along to you. Call us for pricing or more information regarding Xeomin.

"Dr. Christine Brozowski Skincare" line launches

At long last, we have received the first of the skin care products I have been formulating. This project has been several years in the making, as I have studied active ingredients and products available on the market vs. skin care needs. My skincare products are prescription-strength. Some are even stronger than are available at the pharmacy. Therefore, you must be a patient of this practice to be able to purchase them.

My signature product is a compound lightening agent with 6% hydroquinone. This is a higher concentration than Triluma or the Obagi products, which are 4%. This compound also contains a Retinoic acid and a mild steroidal ingredient to soothe the skin and help it tolerate such a strong product. I work with a local formulator to insure quality and accuracy in dosing. My goal is to provide the highest quality skincare at a better price than the larger corporations, as well as serving a need in the market for prescription-strength products that accompany in-office procedures. Please try and let us know what you think!

Liquid facelift

A new way to look at volumizing and fillers. Previously the Cosmetic Dermatologic Community addressed wrinkles by filling in lines, similar to using spackle on a crack in the wall. With a better understanding of bony skeletal changes in the cranium and mandible, physicians are changing their approach to filling. Instead, we are volumizing, the facial equivalent of scaffolding. The two filler agents with the strength to do this are Sculptra and Radiesse. Please read more about these products under the procedure tabs above.

Select previous entries, formerly listed as 'Latest News'

Dr. Christine Brozowski has been featured on local television and radio programs as a medical expert in Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Medicine. She has also been featured in articles in the East Bay Monthly and the Oakland Tribune.

Dr. Brozowski appeared on the Channel 7 ABC news with Dr. Dean Edell. When KGO.TV broadcast a story on laser hair removal on women, Dr. Brozowski was consulted as the laser expert, as she has performed the most laser hair removal procedures in the Bay Area. This news story emphasized the safety concerns for women seeking laser hair removal and outlined the complications experienced by some young women who are treated at spas or salons - not at a physician's office - where the risk of infection and burns is far greater. Since the laser field is unregulated, laser spas with little or no on-site medical guidance or supervision result show an increase of complications, infections and burns. Seeking the advice and treatment from a physician is recommended for safety and results.

Click here for the Channel 7 archives:

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=edell&id=3672736

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=edell&id=3672541

Dr. Brozowski also appeared on the Joan Kenley radio program, on KQKE 960AM "The Quake" as the Cosmetic Dermatology specialist on a women's talk show discussing aging naturally. An archive of the program may be heard at: http://www.joankenley.com/20071006.html

Dr Brozowski has served on the Physicians' Advisory Committee for the Iridex laser corporation, because of her knowledge and extensive specialty experience in the field of laser technology and technique. She is a member of the National Society of Cosmetic Physicians, the Pacific Dermatologic Association, the Intermountain Dermatologic Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM), and the Alameda Contra-Costa Medical Association (ACCMA).