Luminous Dermatology

Injectable fillers (sometimes called dermal or cosmetic fillers) are solutions injected into the skin to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and to plump up areas of the face, including the cheeks and lips, where volume has been lost due to aging. Fillers can also be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and other scars. Many fillers also stimulate the production of natural collagen to help skin feel and look firmer and more resilient.

Prior to treatment, the doctor will assess the patient’s objectives and their facial anatomy and aesthetics to determine the best choice of filler as well as the optimal sites for injections. The injection sites will be carefully cleansed and an anesthetic can be applied to minimize discomfort, depending upon the area being treated. Multiple injection sites are used to treat larger areas to ensure the material disperses for a consistent, natural-looking result. Following injections, there may be some mild redness or swelling in the injection sites, but these issues will quickly resolve. Cool compresses can be used to reduce temporary discomfort and swelling.

We offer a range of the most advanced, most effective cosmetic fillers to address wrinkling, loss of volume and other issues throughout the face, including:

Yes; in fact, many women and men opt to have both fillers and BOTOX® to treat wrinkles and other issues in all areas of the face so they can enjoy the benefits of a “mini facelift” without surgery.

That depends on the type of filler that’s used, the issue that’s being treated and where the fillers are being injected. Most fillers last from a year or more, and “touch-up” treatments can help results last much longer.

Luminous Dermatology is a top-provider of laser treatments in the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria area, offering a comprehensive array of state-of-the-art laser skin treatments for many cosmetic issues, including:

Lasers emit energy, and that energy is absorbed by hair. By targeting the hair follicle and root, the laser energy heats up and destroys the root, reducing or preventing future hair growth. Because hair grows in cycles, most patients need multiple laser treatments to ensure each follicle and hair is treated at the appropriate time to halt growth. The number of treatments depends on the patient’s hair type, skin type and other factors.

Lasers use very highly-focused beams of energy to target tissue damage below the surface of the skin, resolving damage while promoting the development of collagen so skin looks and feels firmer, more resilient and rejuvenated.

Laser resurfacing begins with a careful evaluation of the skin to create a custom treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs. During treatment, the laser handpiece will be passed over the treatment area and the laser energy will be emitted at precise intervals. A topical anesthetic may be applied first to reduce any potential sensations of stinging or mild discomfort. As the laser passes over the skin, the energy penetrates the surface of the skin to reach areas of damaged tissue. The length of treatment will depend on the size of the area being treated and other factors. Once treatment is complete, a soothing gel may be applied to reduce redness and discomfort and to help condition the skin. Many patients experience mild redness (similar to a light sunburn) that resolves within a few days.

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, for hair loss is a treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to regenerate hair growth. This well-established therapy has been used to treat various orthopedic conditions and sports injuries for years. More recently, this technique has gained popularity in aesthetic medicine. You may have heard of PRP from its skin-rejuvenating role in the Vampire Facial Kim Kardashian made famous. PRP comes from your own blood, which your provider at Luminous Dermatology collects in a simple blood draw. This small blood sample will be processed in a centrifuge isolating the PRP enriched cells. Your provider will then injects the PRP into the affected areas of your scalp with tiny needles. Since PRP consists of essential proteins created by your own body, there’s little to no risk of adverse reactions or side effects, such as those you may experience from medications that treat hair loss.

Platelet-rich Plasma injections contain your body’s own growth factors that have been shown to stimulate and enhance hair follicle production. Just as PRP rejuvenates your skin in a Vampire Facial, or promotes healing an injured joint, it restores natural hair growth function when injected into your scalp.

Several clinical research studies conclude that PRP is a simple, safe, and cost-effective treatment for hair loss. The Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery published a study that found significant improvement in hair regrowth among many patients with various types of hair loss. The patients in this study still showed positive results at a six-month follow-up, which suggests that PRP treatments are a smart investment for long-acting hair regrowth.