Sun vs. Skin: An Uneven Battle

Most people know that sun screen is a key component of summer skin care, but Swing explains that many people don’t understand some basics about this common product. “Most products out there are what we call chemical blockers,” she says. “These chemicals absorb the sun’s rays, but studies show that physical blockers that contain zinc oxide do a better job.”

Swing says consumers should seek out sun screens with zinc oxide; the higher the strength, the better. Dr. Mandell-Brown’s private line includes a carefully crafted, moderately-priced option, Sheer Physical Sunscreen, which contains 13.5 percent zinc oxide and an SPF of 50, as well as Vitamin C, an antioxidant beneficial for sun protection.

When it comes to SPF, Swing says many consumers think this number refers to the strength of the product, but in reality, it’s about longevity. “This number is a gauge to how long it will last,” she explains. “SPF 50 might last for half a day, for instance.” This is true for makeup products containing SPF as well – an area many women overlook. Swing recommends trying a sun screen mist or sun screen powder. These products can be applied on top of makeup without affecting the look.

In addition to Sheer Physical Sunscreen and Triple Antioxidant Cream, the product line includes Restorative Moisturizer, Firming Retinol Body Lotion, Green Tea Antioxidant Moisturizing Lotion, Retinal Plus Smoothing Serum, Gentle Antioxidant Soothing Cleanser and Firming Neck Cream. Mandell-Brown’s highly trained staff can explain how to use the products and make recommendations based on a client’s specific need.

For people who have already experienced skin damage, all is not lost. Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Centers offer several procedures that can improve and repair the skin. Swing says she treats many patients successfully through the use of chemical peels. As a medically-licensed facility, Mandell-Brown offers peels at higher concentrations than clients are likely to see in spa settings, allowing clients to receive treatments tailored to their unique skin condition. “I see many people who have been in the sun their whole life,” Swing says. “Prevention is much easier, but procedures like chemical peels are effective, especially for brown spots and discoloration.” Over the course of several treatments, many patients see a remarkable difference in the health and appearance of their skin.

A relatively new procedure, microneedling, can help improve skin that has lost some elasticity through sun damage or simply the general wear and tear of life. Swing says this procedure uses tiny needles to puncture the skin, creating micro-injuries. This causes the skin to go into shock and repair mode, building new collagen and elastin, which can heal fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall look of skin.

Mandell-Brown is unique in its use of the VISIA Complexion Analysis System to give technicians an up-close look at the skin’s condition before, during and after the course of treatments. Swing says the high-resolution photos the computer takes allow her to compare a client’s skin condition to that of their peers, giving her more insight into the best treatment plan. “This technology really sets us apart,” she says. 

Services Offered at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center

• Abdominoplasty
• Arm Lift
• Belt Lift
• Botox
• Brazilian Butt Lift
• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Lift
• Brow Lift
• Cutera Laser – red vessels, brown spots
• Ear Reshaping (Otoplasty)
• Earlobe Repair
• Eyelash Extensions
• Eyelid Surgery
• Facelifts
• Facial Peels
• Fat Transfer
• J Plasma Skin Tightening
• Labiaplasty
• Laser Hair Removal
• Laser Skin Resurfacing
• Liposuction
• Mandell-Brown Private Skin Care Line
• Microdermabrasion
• Microneedling with PRP
• Mole Removal
• Neck Lift
• Permanent Makeup
• Rhinoplasty
• Soft Tissue Fillers
• Thigh Lift
• Venus Legacy & truSculpt – non invasive Hot Sculpting'
• Waxing

Micro-Needling and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

We often combine micro-needling treatments with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, to give clients enhanced results over micro-needling alone. Used to encourage the skin’s natural healing and rejuvenation process, micro-needling with PRP uses the body’s own platelets to enhance the results of micro-needling. These platelets contain growth factors which are released to accelerate the body’s healing process by promoting the production of new collagen and elastin. The addition of PRP with micro-needling is an ideal treatment for clients looking to soften signs of aging including wrinkles and fine lines, and superficial scars such as acne scars.

Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center is located at 10735 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For more information, call 513.984.4700 to set up a consultation or visit www.mandellbrown.com.