Category Archives: General Skin Care

Body Contouring

September 18, 2016Body Contouring, Uncategorizedbody contouring, dermatology, fat, Kybella, Liposuction, skin, UltraShape, VelaShapeNina Copeland

Dr. Sandy is joining us to talk about body contouring. This is the word we use to describe the non-invasive devices and procedures that dissolve fat, treat cellulite and tighten the skin.

Thank you Nina for allowing me to share my thoughts with your blog readers again. Most of you know that I love to exercise, especially run. Yet despite trying to do all of the right things, I still have annoying pockets of fat that will not go away. For years, I have been researching all of the available technologies for a non-surgical way to permanently get rid of fat. Earlier this year, Honey, Nina, Shelly and I really got serious in our exploration of these devices. This is really credited to Honey because she thought there were a few devices that really worked and had good science. We, especially Honey since she is such a research nerd, narrowed our focus to 3 devices—coolsculpting, sculpsure, and ultrashape/ultrashape power. We read a lot, talked with peers across the country, experimented with the various devices and finally chose Ultrashape. Our diligence in research has paid off because after a few months, the results that we and our patients are achieving have surpassed our expectations.

In addition to adding the Ultrashape to our practice, we have also offer Kybella, Velashape and subcision to enhance our figures. Here is the “skinny” on these 3 treatments.

Kybella—Kybella is an FDA approved treatment to permanently dissolve the fat under the chin. It is used to treat “submental fullness”. Since we were one of the first 10 clinics in Arkansas approved by Allergan to inject kybella, we have a lot of experience and are loving the results allowing patients to put their best chin forward. FYI, even Nina and her husband Jarrard have been treated with kybella. If you are interested, we have many videos where Nina and I inject kybella on the Johnson Dermatology Facebook page.

Velashape—Velashape is a wonderful adjunct to Ultrashape Power offering our patients (and us) a way to reduce circumference (the size of my thighs) and cellulite.

Real Johnson Dermatology patient results!

Subcision—Subcision is a minor surgical procedure we offer in clinic independently or in combination with sublative or velashape treatments. As opposed to the newer treatments and technologies we offer, we have been offering subcision since I graduated medical school 20 years ago. It is a tried and true treatment.

Johnson Dermatology patient after one subcision and sublative session.

In case you were wondering how we compared the fat busting devices, here is a chart that we used. I would like to give one more shout out to Honey and Shelly for putting in so much time and energy for allowing us to make the no brainer decision to add Ultrashape Power to our clinic. My jeans and I thank you.

My before and after 1 treatment with Ultrashape versus Nina’s before and after 1 treatment with Sculpsure

Dr. Sandy after only one Ultrashape treatment.

Nina before and 3 months after the one recommended Sculpsure treatment.

Thank you Dr. Sandy for sharing your knowledge with all my blog readers. I know everyone enjoys learning from you as much as I do. Please join us live on Johnson Dermatology Facebook tomorrow evening to watch a live Ultrashape procedure and participate in Q&A.

If you have any questions or would like a consult for any of the body contouring techniques please e-mail dani@johnsondermatology.com or call the clinic at 479-649-3376. Have a great week everyone!

Stay skintastic, Nina

Dr.Sandy Says

September 11, 2016General Skin CareNina Copeland

Thank you Nina for allowing me to share some thoughts on your blog. I have been thinking a lot lately about my top tips for the skin. I have really been enjoying the regular snap chat skin tips that you are sharing. We all know that the skin is the largest organ of the body. It is the first organ that people look at when they look at us and judge us. The skin is very important when making first impressions. We all want to take great care of our skin. We want healthy, happy and beautiful skin. It is also advantageous in professional relations and business to have beautiful skin. Did you know that attractive people earn an average of 3 or 4 percent more than people with below-average looks? This is published information in the book “Beauty Pay: why attractive people are more successful” written by Daniel Hamermesh. The trouble is, who do you trust when it comes to the health and beauty of your skin? I think the answer is simple—your dermatologist, but then again I am biased. Dermatologists study the skin for at least 4 years in residency after medical school and college. We love skin. We look at skin all day. We promote healthy skin. Etc. I plan to give you my top practical solutions not just for beautiful skin but also for increased business success. These are some practical solutions to stay skintastic.

Be a nerd. Use science. Trust someone who loves skin. Trust someone who has read the textbooks.

Make good choices. Eat well, Drink water, Exercise, keep stress low, get enough sleep, pray. All of the habits that are good for our body are also great for our skin.

Keep your sunblock next to your toothbrush so you remember to use it daily. Good habits matter. Also choose a product that truly protects against UV radiation and environmental toxins as well as repairs damage.

Invest in a good bikini. Protect your skin.
Get your skin checked at least yearly by your dermatologist. Skin cancer affects 1 in 5 people. At Johnson Dermatology, we not only provide comprehensive skin care but we also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

Put your moisturizer in the shower. It is much easier to stay greasy when you apply a thick cream after you pat dry in the shower. Dry skin becomes unhappy skin.

Ingredients matter. White petrolatum is a great moisturizer and treatment for irritated skin. Vaporizing rub is great for treating unhappy toenails and fingernails as well as many other conditions. Science, not cost, is what matters when maintaining skin health.

Again, ingredients matter. I personally chose ingredients that I believe in to apply to my skin. I use retinol to reverse the damage I cause as well as to build collagen which in turn prevents wrinkles and skin cancer. I apply TNS growth factors to help keep my skin juicy and firm. I apply HA5 which helps my skin produce more hyaluronic acid and appear less red and scaly.

I feel naked without a great lip color. I admit it that I like accessories. I chose a lip color that accentuates my skin and my mood.
Most people will tell you the eyes are the window to the soul. There are many tricks to keep your eyes, and soul, looking young. Check out the April 17, 2016 edition of theskinnyonskin.net for practical ways to keep the eyes looking skintastic.
Finally, we all need a little work every now and then to stay skintastic. Think of all of the previous suggestions as ways to keep your skin/car running and looking good. However even with great daily maintenance, we all need a little tune-up every so often. I personally rely on a regular schedule of laser treatments as well as injections of Botox Cosmetic, Juvederm ultra plus and Voluma to keep up my skin health and beauty.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your skin, please contact us at Johnson Dermatology for an appointment or for a free consult with one of our skin care educators. I am so excited that our clinic team, technologies offered and buildings are growing. We now have 6 providers Dr Brad, Dr Amy (our dermatopathologist), Dr. Nelson, Honey, Nina (of course) and myself. We are here to help you and your skin. We would love to help you earn that extra 3-4% of income. Stay skintastic.

Thank you so much Dr. Sandy for being the best mentor. Thank you for always sharing your knowledge with all of us! You always have the best guest blog post!

Sunburned?

September 6, 2016General DermatologyNina Copeland

Labor Day is always the perfect 3-day weekend to say Good-Bye to Summer. I’ve already had my first pumpkin spice latte of the season and since college football has started I think we are all feeling Fall approaching. I saw lots of you celebrating outdoors this weekend. People were experiencing the Unexpected tour in Fort Smith (so cool if you haven’t checked it out), enjoying the lake, attending football games, spending time in the pool and barbequeing in backyards. Along with all this outdoor fun I’m sure some of you got a {insert gasp} sunburn. Here are some tips for taking care of your skin after sunburn.

Hydrate. Drink extra water. Hydrate your skin too. Use lots of moisturizer. More than usual. I recommend a plain thick white cream that comes in a jar. Think cream not lotion, jar not pump, plain not fancy. I like Cerave, Cetaphil and Vanicream brands.
Avoid gimmicks. Every year I see some new over the counter miracle sun burn reliever. “If it sounds too good to be true it probably is” is a famous saying for a reason. Avoid high fragrances, colors (including green and pink) and other additives that can dry out the skin or irritate it.
Use hydrocortisone. If you want an over the counter to rub on I usually recommend hydrocortisone to decrease the inflammation. Just be careful about putting it on the face- extended use can cause acne, thinning of the skin and even stretch marks.
Cool showers and ibuprofen for pain. People are often tempted to use over the counter lidocaine or benzocaine creams for the pain but these can actually irritate the skin. Cool showers help decrease the heat in the skin.
Leave blisters alone. Don’t pick and pull off blisters. Let them heal and protect you from infection. If you peel off the roof of a blister it can put you at increased risk of infection.

If you feel sick or dizzy you may need to seek medical help. I hope you all followed all my sun protection advice previously given and don’t need these tips but if you did get a sunburn I got your back (or shoulders or face or wherever you burned). There is so much going on at the clinic this month that you can’t miss out on! If you don’t follow us on snapchat-go now (jdermatology) because I’m doing a morning show series with Bridgett (cosmetic coordinator assistant) giving skin tips daily and it’s really fun. Thursday evening we are having live Kybella injections and if you come watch you are entered to win a year of Botox or Voluma! We are going to have a HUGE loop giveaway on Instagram (jdermatology) this month so go follow us there too! Oh and we are giving away a skin make over to one deserving person on Facebook live Thursday so follow us there too and watch the magic happen!!!

Happy Labor Day everyone! Can’t wait to see you all this September because it’s going to be the best yet!!!

XOXO, Nina

My Fave 5 for UNDER $15!

August 21, 2016ProductsNina Copeland

Obviously I put effort into my skin looking good and my skin care regimen. I invest in products that change my skin (HA5, Retinol, TNS, etc.). I also have some favorites that are less than five bucks. The key to skin care on a budget is that you need to know where to splurge and where to skimp while still giving your skin the best. With that in mind I thought I would share with you guys my favorite products that I personally use, all under $20!

Jane Iredale Magic Mitt- This is a mitten that quickly and gently removes make-up. It’s $15 (available at the clinic) plus you can save on a “make-up remover” because you only need to use water! This is cheaper than a clarisonic (which I love too) and gentler than a wash cloth, loofa or rough make-up remover towelette that could cause your skin damage.
Antidandruff shampoo- You can get classic head and shoulders here for $12.17. This is not just good for dandruff. It helps with “heat rash” and “yeast acne” or as some may say “backne” that you get after working out and sweating. I’m currently using it for a body wash instead of plain soap during these hot Summer days.
Vaseline- Here is a jar for $1.62. The possibilities with vaseline are endless. I open my jar and let the hot water run over it and heat it up while I’m taking a shower. Then I pat dry and rub it all over as my body moisturizer. Your skin will be softer than ever. I also use it on cuts/scrapes to prevent scab formation for prettier scars and to prevent infection. Replace expensive triple antibiotic ointment with vaseline and get the same results with less chance of allergic reaction.
Vicks Vapor Rub- You can grab a bottle for $5.75 here. People use it for toe nail fungus and warts. I personally inherited hobbit feet. To fix that dry, cracked, thick foot skin problem I apply a layer of vicks vapor rub to my feet, put on socks and sleep like that. This will soften that skin without using tools that can spread infection and cause irritation.
Sunscreen. I use a more high end facial sunscreen from SkinMedica called Total Defense and Repair daily (it’s life changing if you haven’t tried it). But my frugal self doesn’t take it to the lake or pool with me. My family goes through an entire spray bottle in a weekend EASILY! So this spray mineral sunscreen from BareRepulic found at Target is my go-to. It’s 30 SPF and a mineral sunscreen. It goes on white so you can see where you have covered well which is helpful for me(drives my husband crazy looking white) out on the boat. Remember an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Help save your skin from wrinkles, brown spots and skin cancer.

Don’t forget that August is our 10 year Anniversary and we are giving tons of gift with purchases. Free skin care consults and cosmetic consults the rest of the month so stop by and say HI!

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.” -John Ruskin

Peace, love and the best skin care, Nina

Body Contouring is HERE!

August 8, 2016Body Contouringbody contouring, devices, fat, fat cells, UltraShape, VelaShapeNina Copeland

Remember when you were a kid and you got your allowance and you could not wait to spend it? My parents would always say “it’s burning a hole in her pocket”. In the adult life I get the same anticipation waiting to see my kids faces on Christmas morning or waiting for my order from Nordstroms to arrive so I can try that new handbag on. It’s that exciting, exhilirating anticipation that makes new things so great! Well that’s pretty much how we feel right now at Johnson Dermatology about the UltraShape and VelaShape. They are new devices at our clinic that took ALOT of research and time to decide on so now that they are finally here, it’s like Christmas morning. Here is the down low:

UltraShape

What is it? Nonsurgical bodyshaping treatment that uses pulsed, focused ultrasound to eliminate fat cells without pain or downtime. Get a 25% fat reduction(up to two clothing sizes) in the area treated (thighs, abdomen, arms-wherever you have an inch to pinch).

Who is the best candidate? Ideal for people with stubborn fat or genetically acquired problem areas that maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise. In other words this isn’t for weight loss, be at your goal weight then treat for contouring into the shape you desire.

How many treatments do I need? Three sessions 2 weeks apart and the results are permanent.

When will I see results? 4 weeks after your last treatment. So if you have your first treatment today then in 10 weeks you will have your final result.

VelaShape

What is it? A combination of infrared light, bi-polar radiofrequency energy and vacuum which cause deep heating of the fat cells and their surrounding connective tissue and the underlying dermal collagen fibers. This results in skin tightening and an overall improvement in cellulite.

Who is the best candidate? Once again, this isn’t a weight loss device. Must have a BMI of less than 30. Great for that post baby belly, neck, flanks, buttocks, thighs and arms.

How many treatments do I need? We will plan to treat you with the initial 3 sessions two weeks apart but this machine’s results require commitment just like exercise and diet. We recommend one session for up keep every 3-6 months.

When will I see results? As early as 2 weeks after first treatment!

At Johnson Dermatology we recommend using both devices together for best results. You won’t believe some of the before and after pictures. If you have ever considered body contouring devices now is the time! We researched over 6 devices personally and weighed all the pros and cons at great lengths so we know we have the best device for our patients. If you want to get awesome results and still have money in your wallet for that new outfit you need to flaunt your results when you’re done then these are the pick for you.

Remember there is a special on these devices for the rest of August so you need to call for your free consult with Dani ASAP! Or e-mail her at dani@johnsondermatology.com if that’s easier! **Hint:the specials are $400 and up in savings**

I’m so excited for another week celebrating our 10 year anniversary at the clinic. We have special gifts, a new dermatologist, new devices and we can’t stop the feeling of excitement and celebration!

The Skinny on Skin

A skintastic blog