tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:24:19 +0000Alexander Z. Rivkin M.D. is a Yale trained facial cosmetic surgeon and UCLA faculty member who has focused his practice exclusively on providing his patients with the latest in non-invasive, non-ablative cosmetic treatments in Southern California. He understands that no one relishes the thought of “going under the knife,” and believes modern medical technology can provide today's patients with superior alternatives to invasive, painful surgery that requires a long recovery time.http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/blog.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)Blogger193125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-11821543768066704Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:23:00 +00002008-11-20T12:24:19.643-08:00Hi Dr. Rivkin, I'll be getting a THIRD round of Artefill for my NL and marionette lines next week. Hopefully this will do the trick. The lines are improved but could be better. Even my doctor said he wishes there was 'more bang for the buck' with Artefill. My question is, could Artefill be used for the vertical lines between the eyes (frown lines?)? I'm beginning to get a deep one near my righthttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/artefill-between-brows.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-7057781121434860681Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:09:00 +00002008-11-20T12:10:05.987-08:00What is the downtime for the CO2 laser. I hear one week. Does that mean I will look like nothing has happened to me in one week? When can I wear make-up? When will I be presentable? When can I return to people I know and not have them ask what I have done? What is the downtime for restayline in the tear troughs? I have seen photos of nasty bruising. What is your rate of bruising? I am coming tohttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/downtime-for-active-fx-and-tear-troughs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-6169407108234621801Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:02:00 +00002008-11-20T12:03:43.365-08:00Hi Dr Rivkin, I had botox for the 1st time about 4 weeks ago for the lines between my brows. Left side had the bigger/deeper line. It felt like a nerve was maybe hit with the first injection. Felt it from the brow to the left side of my nose. Anyway a lot of my left side is numb (my upper left side on my forhead, left eye (but I can open and close eye, however it does feel dry and a little http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/numbness-after-botox.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-207114719262787594Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:49:00 +00002008-11-12T16:54:27.523-08:00I have had about four fraxel treatments. There are improvements, although small, with each one. Will Active FX give me better results, or Fraxel repair? Could you rate all three in terms of effectiveness for acne scarring? Thanks. Last question - what should I expect to pay for Active FX from the eyes down, i.e. under eyes, all cheek area and around the mouth? Thanks. hi gita, i think that yeshttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/acne-scarring-and-active-fx-vs-fraxel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-7432448603517667760Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:11:00 +00002008-11-04T10:11:59.634-08:00Hello doctor: I am scheduled for a mini facelift as well as fat transfers for undereye hollows and wrinkles. My surgeon feels that the result with fat is superior to other fillers as well as giving a longer lasting result. Have you seen good results with fat as a filler when used under the eye area. He will also be injecting around the orbit as I do have a bit of atrophy there as well. Any http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/under-eye-fat-transfer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-5098087223523170272Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:06:00 +00002008-11-04T10:07:39.165-08:00Hello Dr. Rivkin. I thank you for reading my question. I have lost weight and have hollow-ish cheeks now (I want look of higher cheekbones). I had radiesse but did not last very long, and towards the end it became slightly uneven. I have recently read about Sculptra. How is this product? Will I get immediate results or a couple of sessions? Can it be used under eyes too? hi, if you're speakinghttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/11/cheek-enhancement-with-radiesse-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-5707472850736531397Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:07:00 +00002008-10-31T10:09:23.488-07:00What is the best treatment for undereye lines? I get botox for crows feet, but it doesn't help with lines under the eyes. I was told by a plastic surgeon that surgically it is a very difficult area to treat. I'm wondering what is the best treatment non-surgically. Thank you. hi, i agree. these fine lines are tough to treat, and surgery is not the way. i have had some success injecting botox http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/under-eye-lines-profractional-vs-active.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-6186020152292774644Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:27:00 +00002008-10-29T13:28:53.600-07:00What is the best treatment for undereye lines? I get botox for crows feet, but it doesn't help with lines under the eyes. I was told by a plastic surgeon that surgically it is a very difficult area to treat. I'm wondering what is the best treatment non-surgically. Thank you. hi, i agree. these fine lines are tough to treat, and surgery is not the way. i have had some success injecting botox http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/under-eye-lines-active-fx-or-botox.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-5869530515465567106Mon, 27 Oct 2008 23:35:00 +00002008-10-27T16:36:21.343-07:00Hi DR. Rivkin, I just read a thread on horror stories as a result of Thermage. Do you have any other suggestions for non surgical face lifts? I especially need it for my jowls and loose neck. Thanks! hi, most of the thermage horror stories are about the older version of the machine. people were running the settings too high or they were putting their patients under anesthesia and causing damagehttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/thermage-concerns.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-2374698446892249267Sat, 18 Oct 2008 19:32:00 +00002008-10-18T12:36:09.512-07:00Dear Dr. Rivkin, I have a questions and hope that you find the time for a reply. 1) Do creams, tonics, lotion and so on really make younger or prevent aging? 2) If some of that works, what does? 3) Are there any real results or is it marketing and our hopes that they work? 4) And... do face exercises make a face look younger or prevent or slow aging or do these exercises rather cause wrinkles? http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/creams-potions-and-cat-poo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-4889622393395485760Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:35:00 +00002008-10-16T15:36:25.488-07:00Hello, I hope that you can answer my question. Some background info: I am 38 years old and 2 days ago I had my 2nd round of IPL Photofacial . I want to reduce the size of my pores, reduce facial redness and improve my skin texture on my inner cheeks (it's coarse). My dermatologist said I have mild sun damage and that I should see improvement from 3 Photofacials. I also have mild acne and will http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/active-fx-vs-ipl-photofacial.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-8325484969679959906Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:04:00 +00002008-10-16T15:05:41.215-07:00I've been told there's some risk with using filler between the eyebrows for the lines there. I've botoxed there but it doesn't do anything for the lines.I've also used a small amount of Juvederm but not enough to see a difference as we used most of the vial of my marionette lines. What would you suggest and could you address any risk associated with fillers there. Thx. hi, you're right - http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/juvederm-in-glabellar-lines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-7245915013526412369Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:44:00 +00002008-10-08T15:45:42.194-07:00Good morning Dr Rivkin - I have a few more questions for you before I decide on a specific treatment. I was going to try the active fx and then I saw my estetician for a foto-facial and she recommended a chemical peel from obagi vs the active fx treatment. I don't have any deep lines just a few fine lines - what do you think? The down time is the same but the pricing is significantly different. http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/fillers-which-ones-go-where.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-8179528148854825636Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:29:00 +00002008-10-07T11:30:23.366-07:00Dear Dr. Rivkin, Was wondering what your thoughts were on permanent fillers to the nose and aging. I believe the nose droops with age and that cartilage can still grow. How will this affect a permanent filler ? Also is a permanent filler injected deep to the bone ? for example if one has a dent and the filler fills it up, is that filler fell like it's part of the underlying structure or more thehttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/permanent-non-surgical-nose-job.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-184095957136720730Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:56:00 +00002008-10-06T16:57:46.448-07:00I have a schnoz issue that I want fixed...but I don't want surgery because I hate being put under. It really freaks me out. I am thinking about having a non surgical nose job, but I am wondering what type of dermal filler is normally used for this. Do most doctors use the same fillers or does it vary? What are the options? Thanks much! Hi, Well, your options will depend on your schnoz http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/10/non-surgical-nose-job.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-1489329437193640498Tue, 30 Sep 2008 22:23:00 +00002008-10-06T11:45:10.353-07:00Is Juvederm best injected deeply or just under the surface of the skin for the hollows under the eyes/tear trough area? Is one less likely to created a baggy look? Is a numbing cream sufficient for painless injections or are numbing injections necessary too? I'm trying to locate a doctor in Orange County who won't create undereye bags but with a minimal amount of pain. This is a procedure that Ihttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/non-surgical-blepharoplasty.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-7178366930810967598Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:38:00 +00002008-09-26T09:45:17.974-07:00 I think my face would look better with a bigger chin. Filler chin augmentation is quick, easy, immediate and essentially painless. There is minimal swelling and hardly any redness after the procedure. You can go back to work within an hour of getting it done. It is a bit difficult to tell from this picture whether augmenting your chin would give a significant aesthetic improvement. It would http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/radiesse-for-chin-augmentation.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-703441002886857333Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:45:00 +00002008-09-24T13:47:29.944-07:00good morning doctor rivkin, if possible, i would like to ask you another thing about radiesse for a no surgical nose job: 1. i wear glasses, are there any problem with the filler? is it possible that radiesse will migrate o move with the little weight of the glasses? 2. i've some red capillars on my nose. could i remove it with the radiesse on or the filler could give me some problem? 3. the http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/non-surgical-nose-job_24.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-712358740336619937Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:32:00 +00002008-09-22T17:33:36.074-07:00I am getting fraxel re:pair next week. I am getting my face and neck done. I am curious to ask you how long the general recoup time is of your patients? Also my doctor said tylenol will relieve the pain afterwards along with the vinegar soaks, pea bag packs and aquaphor. Does OTC tylenol adequately relieve the pain? I guess just looking at the after pictures makes me cringe and think the pain http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/fraxel-repair-active-fx-aftercare.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-5316935389407954529Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:40:00 +00002008-09-22T17:32:21.536-07:00hey doctor i have two questions 1. Does the soprano diode laser work in skin types 2, 3(light skin) or just dark skin because i heard gentlelase is better for ligher skin. will you get the same results? 2. Does Photodynamic acne treatmeant clear acne 100% or just for a couple of months? ive been on accutane twice and my acne keeps coming back. Hi, 1. soprano works very well for light and dark http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/soprano-and-pdt-questions.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-629556443657036662Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:09:00 +00002008-09-16T12:10:20.716-07:00Is there a way for the non-surgical nose job to make your nose bigger or wider? I ask this because as a man, I feel my nose looks weak for my appearance, and I am wondering if this procedure can help me out. The non-surgical nose job procedure can make your nose bigger and wider, in a subtle way. It may be your best option, but it depends on what you are looking for... So, what it will come http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/non-surgical-nose-job.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-4362320301352972359Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:00:00 +00002008-09-16T12:01:17.174-07:00Dear Dr Rivkin Can you tell me about this enzyme? Is it completely safe when used as an antidote to HA's? Does it distinguish between the synthetic HA's of eg Restylane and the natural HA's present in the body? Or can it dissolve those too? If it does affect the natural HA's, what are the consequences and will they replenish themselves? Many thanks for your advice, Anna hi anna, i have used http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/dear-dr-rivkin-can-you-tell-me-about.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-7714905518931230872Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:49:00 +00002008-09-11T12:50:08.898-07:00I have very dark circles underneath my eyes. I don't think that it is hyperpigmentation just heredity (I am white). Is there anything that might work to take some of the darkness away. I bought something called Dermalex but that didn't fade them at all. Would Vitamin K cream help reduce the darkness? I am so tired of people asking me if I am tired! hi, the first question i would have is whetherhttp://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/under-eye-hyperpigmentation-vs-tear.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-8600522436544203775Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:09:00 +00002008-09-09T11:10:31.924-07:00Is there a way to improve the appearance of the aging of the lips or minimize the lines actually on the lips (not just the ones around the lips) without making the lips fuller? hi, sorry, i was on vacation for a few weeks. yes, i would do very small amounts of botox to relax the muscles of the lips just a bit. 4 units per lip divided into 4 injections of 1 unit should smooth out the lines http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/aging-lips-lip-lines.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1658600325062932011.post-5107442330301610242Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:39:00 +00002008-09-02T02:44:47.736-07:00Hi Dr. Rivkin, I have a higher crease and some fat loss in one upper eyelid after granuloma and suture cyst removal. I have been told it would be easy to correct with a filler such as restylane. What filler do you prefer for the upper eyelids? My main hesitation is that I am concerned about safety. If I inject the eye with temporary fillers every 6 months or so, I may have some bad luck one http://www.westsidemedicalspa.com/2008/09/juvederm-for-upper-eyelid-contour.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Dr. Alexander Rivkin)0