Microneedling with PRP

Microneedling with PRP is a cosmetic procedure that combines two different techniques to improve the appearance of the skin. Microneedling involves using a device with small needles to create tiny holes in the skin. This causes the body to produce collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give skin its strength and elasticity. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and it is a concentration of platelets taken from the patient's own blood. Platelets contain growth factors that can help to speed up the healing process and improve the appearance of scars and other skin damage.

Microneedling with PRP is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Acne scars

• Stretch marks

• Wrinkles

• Fine lines

• Sun damage

• Hyperpigmentation

• Scarring from surgery or injury

The procedure is performed at Dr. Charlie Chen’s office. The patient's blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelets are then mixed with a carrier solution and applied to the skin. The microneedling device is then used to create tiny holes in the skin. This process takes about 30 minutes.

After the procedure, the patient's skin may be red and swollen. This is normal and should go away within a few days. The patient may also experience some bruising. It is important to avoid sun exposure for at least two weeks after the procedure.

Microneedling with PRP is a safe and effective treatment with few side effects. The most common side effects are redness, swelling, and bruising. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. In rare cases, microneedling with PRP can cause more serious side effects, such as infection or scarring.

Schedule a microneedling appointment please call or text 858-255-1538, or email info@charliechenmd.com

Qwo Injectable Cellulite Treament

What is cellulite? 

Cellulite is a localized alteration in the contour of the skin that has been reported in approximately 90% of adult women. 

What causes cellulite? 

Fat cells get larger, skin gets thinner and a little looser and the fibrous bands under the skin’s surface get thicker, leading to a dimpled appearance. 

Can weight loss help get rid of cellulite? 

Weight loss might reduce the appearance of cellulite but won’t get rid of fibrous bands under the skin’s surface. Weight loss can actually make cellulite look worse because of resulting skin laxity.

Treatment options?

QWO is the first and only FDA-approved injectable for moderate to severe cellulite in the buttocks of adult women is now available. Women received 3 treatments 21 days apart. The injections target and release the fibrous bands under the skin which cause dimpling. 

Contact our office for a free consultation with Dr. Charlie Chen, and to learn more about QWO (858)-255-1538.

What to expect from a Hydrodermabrasion treatment?

Painless and non-invasive, hydrodermabrasion is different from microdermabrasion. The handheld tool contains a saline solution and oxygen, which helps to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, add hydration to the skin, boost blood flow and minimize pores. Additionally, the hand held tools will heat the skin to open up the poors, exfoliate, and clear your skin. A firming serum will then be placed, and a cooling tool will help close pores.

Hydrodermabrasion procedure exfoliates and hydrates your skin. ZO® Firming Serum Accelerated is used following the procedure. It supercharges the skin’s rejuvenation process, restores hydration, and works to improve the appearance of sagging and skin laxity.

Hydrodermabrasion will remove any dead skin to rejuvenate the outer surface of your face. You’ll have to avoid applying makeup after the treatment. Protect your skin from the sun for 5-7 days since your sensitive skin can easily get damaged by the strong sun rays.

Contact Dr. Chen’s office to schedule a consultation or treatment, 858.255.1538.

Resting “B!+CH” Face? turn that frown upside down with a corner lip lift

Corner Lip Lifts elevates the drooping outer corner of the mouth. Patients often complain of constantly looking angry which can worsen as they age. Young patients can also have downward turning.

Candidates for a corner lip lift often include:

1. Patients who want a more permanent result than temporary fillers to improve corner mouth drooping,

2. Lips that are thin, shapeless or inverted,

3. Lips that make you appear angry.

A depressor anguli oris-dao releases maybe an option to help improve your frown. The procedure is done in the office under local anesthesia. The surgery divides a small muscle through an incision on the inside of the cheek. The procedure takes 30 minutes and all sutures are dissolvable.

This is reserved for younger patients or for those with drooping outer lip corners but no folding, wrinkling or skin sagging below the corner of the mouth. The surgery divides a small muscle through an incision just inside the cheek. All sutures are dissolvable therefore none need be removed. All healing and scarring are not visible because the procedure is performed inside the mouth.  Contact our office for a free consultation to see if a corner lip lift is right for you, 858-255-1538.

Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are great for treating melasma, fine lines, aging skin, large pores, acne scars, sun damage, and dull, uneven skin. The peel exfoliates your skin, stimulates your cellular function, enhances collagen at a deep level, and reduces and repairs skin damage. Peels can be done on any area of skin: neck, arms, legs, chest and hands.

Every chemical peel is different, but most peels included ingredients such as lactic acid, TCA, salicylic acid, and retinol. 

The chemical is applied to the desired area in the office. This application usually takes about 10-15 minutes.  By day three or four, your skin will start to feel dry and deal skin will begin to slough off. After all the dead skin has fallen off, we will provide you with a moisturizer to help keep the new skin hydrated. By day seven, you should have a new, rejuvenated facial skin. Your skin will start to feel tighter, brighter and smoother after just one peel. Some patients desire a second or third treatment depending upon the severity of their problem area. 

Dr. Chen offers complimentary consultations to discuss if a chemical peel is right for you. Please contact our office at info@charliechenmd.com, or 858.255.1538.

What you need to know about calf implants

Calf implants are used to increase the size and improve the shape of the calf. Patients seek calf implants to provide a toned and defined lower leg.  Many people have difficulty achieving calf definition with exercise alone.

When to seek calf implants? Both men and women are candidates for calf implants. Implants can range from more refined shape to more muscular sizes. Both are used to improve anatomical proportions of leg to thigh relationship.  Both men and women turn to calf implants to also improve lower leg appearance due to injury or birth defects.

What are the pros and cons of calf implants? The advantages of calf implants are to reshape, add definition, and provide improved leg proportions with one single procedure. Things to consider when seeking calf implantation is temporary swelling, bruising and discomfort following the procedure. Also, full physical activity should be refrained for 4 weeks after surgery.

What happens during the procedure? The day of surgery you will be put under anesthesia. Dr. Chen would make a small incision behind the knees and place a silcone implant into the space above your existing calf muscles. He would then close the incision with absorbable sutures.

You can see improvement in shape and definition immediately after surgery.  Dr. Charlie Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon and one of the few surgeons in Southern California with the training and expertise for safe placement of male implants. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Chen to discuss if calf implants are right for you. We can be reached at info@charliechenmd or 858.255.1538.

The labiaplasty experience

Labiaplasty is a reshaping or resizing the vaginal lips or labia. Labiaplasty modifies the size, shape or symmetry of your labia. In addition, it can help reduce discomfort from clothing, exercise or intercourse.

Is Labiaplasty right for you? If you feel the size or shape of your labia affects your confidence or causes discomfort during your daily activities, then labiaplasty may help improve those symptoms for you.

What to expect from your consultation with Dr. Chen? During the consultation, Dr. Chen will exam the structure of your labia and determine your goals and expectations. He will then tailor a treatment plan to assist with the process.

What should you expect during the procedure? Labiaplasty is a procedure that can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in a surgery center under general anesthesia. There are two areas that can be addressed during a labiaplasty. A labia majora reduction reduces the size and shape of the outer lips of your vagina. A labia minora reduction reduces the size and shape of the inner lips. One or both procedures can be done safely as a same-day procedure. During the procedure, you may also add vaginal tightening treatments. This may be discussed with Dr. Chen during your consultation.

After the procedure, Dr. Chen will prescribe medications to help manage pain and discomfort. Recovery varies from person to person, but most women are able to return to sexual intercourse 4 weeks after your procedure.

Avoid exposure - emergency laceration repair services

Amid the current COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and emergency departments are overwhelmed by the influx of sick patients. We would like to do our part in offering emergency services to the community by providing plastics laceration repairs at our facility. We want hospitals to focus on COVID-19 patients and keep healthy patients from being exposed to the virus during this time.

Dr. Charlie Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon who also trained in trauma surgery. He has the knowledge and training to perform evaluations and treatments for skin injuries and lacerations. At this time, he will be providing complimentary virtual evaluations of wounds via video chat. Services will be performed via appointment at our facility.

The pricing will be a flat rate fee for treatment and post-procedure care and will be determined during your virtual consultation.

Please contact our office via phone at (858) 255-1538 or email us at info@charliechenmd.com.

Let us do our part to flatten the curve by avoiding exposure and overwhelming emergency rooms.