Sun Smart

As area residents continue to bask in the summer sun, Dr. Allison Holzapfel of Mangat, Holzapfel & Lied Plastic Surgery always reminds her patients to take care of their skin before enjoying summer rays.

Sun damage is one of the leading contributors to premature aging, and at worst can be the catalyst for future skin cancer diagnoses. Even one sunburn can double the risk of melanoma, basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, the most common forms of skin cancer.

When patients come to the office for help to slow or reverse the premature aging process, Dr. Holzapfel asks if they’re using sunscreen daily and applying an anti-aging product at night. Those two practices alone can make a significant difference in preserving skin health, she says.

Although Dr. Holzapfel emphasizes preventive care, Mangat, Holzapfel & Lied Plastic Surgery offers an array of outpatient and inpatient treatments for potential patients who want to reverse the signs of existing damage.

Tretinoin, the generic name for the prescription drug Retin-A, is a Vitamin A-based treatment that promotes skin cell turnover, which helps smooth the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Holzapfel offers this option to patients looking for a preventative approach that also addresses existing skin issues caused by past damage. As with any skin care product, she advises patience – the products won’t provide a quick fix or instant results, but over time, users will notice a significant difference in the look and feel of their skin.

For clients looking for a stronger approach, a variety of fillers are available to help augment areas such as the chin, cheeks and lips, in addition to smoothing lines and wrinkles. Juvederm and Restylane are the most common fillers, but other brands continue to enter the market to offer even more choices for clients.

"Fillers have radically changed our profession," Dr. Holzapfel says, noting that some can last a year or more after injection. "We can do so much more now than we could even 15 years ago."

Gone are the days when collagen was the only injectable substance available to address sagging skin and wrinkles, or when implants had to be inserted in one’s cheeks or chin to provide a boost. Today’s fillers can be injected with a small needle during an outpatient visit with patients going home right after it’s done.

"You can do a little at a time if you’re unsure of how much you want done," Dr. Holzapfel says. "Space it out, take baby steps."

She says patients are often unsure of the exact treatment they would like to try, only knowing they want to address premature aging often accelerated by sun damage. For some, treatment in the office’s full-service skin and laser care medical spa with licensed estheticians and nurses is enough. The staff provides education on products and their correct use. Patients are even encouraged to bring their current product regimen for tips and advice about proper use.

"Many people start doing just that," Dr. Holzapfel says. "Then if they decide they need more, they can get a referral to a doctor."

That’s when Dr. Holzapfel and the team at Mangat, Holzapfel & Lied Plastic Surgery are more than happy to help clients achieve the renewed look they desire.

Mangat, Holzapfel & Lied Plastic Surgery is located at 8044 Montgomery Road, Suite 230, Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513.984.3223); 133 Barnwood Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017 (859.331.9600); and Vail, Colorado. For more information, visit www.renewyourlooks.com.