I agree, this is a rather unusual head shot (although the little cap does add a certain charm). I chose this photo because it represents a basic tenet of my practice. My longstanding rule is that I am the guinea pig for any new cosmetic procedure. Before I administer any treatment to my patients, I first try it on myself. So yes, I have had all three forms of commercially available botulinum toxin, all of the fillers offered at our office, (as well as a number that are not), and a wide variety of chemical peels. V beam laser? Sclerotherapy? Fraxel? Ultherapy? Yep, I’ve had them all.
There are currently several treatments available for body reshaping. I tried three of them at the same time in three different areas and then compared the results before choosing Coolsculpting as the best alternative. (This involved three months of photos and comparing each site to the others in the mirror, a process my husband found most entertaining to watch.) My staff and I are also continuously evaluating new topicals, cherry picking the best products from a number of manufacturers.
There have been many rejections over the years. Two years ago I spent two and a half hours weekly for three months, testing a treatment for cellulite. The marginal improvement I saw lasted perhaps two weeks. Needless to say, that procedure garnered a resounding “no.” I still have not found a consistently effective treatment for cellulite but I keep looking. So why take this approach? It is a given that any treatment I offer needs to be safe and effective. But I also want to know what the experience is like as a patient. What does it feel like? If any healing is involved, how long does that take? When are results seen and how long do they last? Is there any down time or restrictions on activities? Is there a better time of year? What’s the whole process really like?
The world of cosmetic dermatology has grown tremendously in the last ten years. I am committed to continue the process of evaluating new and innovative technologies, striving to offer the best treatments available to my patients. As my furry little friend illustrates, there’s always a new cap to try.
Lydia M. Evans, M.D.
Board Certified in Dermatology and Internal Medicine
In Business Since: 1993