Are sun spots on your skin becoming unwelcome reminders of aging? Today there are treatments available that can help you get rid of them.

Sun spots usually start appearing after the age of 30 and are common in people with light skin. They start spreading more once you cross 50. Long hours or days spent in the sun during your early years are one of the most likely causes of sun spots.
While sunspots are medically harmless, many people seek to hide sun spots for cosmetic reasons.
Sun spots can occur both in males and females, but women are more likely to opt for a treatment to get rid of them. Today, a wide variety of remedies, including peels and laser therapy, are available to treat sun spots.
Laser treatments are one of the most effective. After the treatment it’s necessary to avoid the sun by wearing protective clothing and using sunscreens in order to prevent these spots from reappearing.
At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we want to teach patients about proper skincare and help them regain the healthy skin tone that they desire.
Join us this Fall and Winter for Skin Rejuvenation

  • For those who want the best possible results before the holidays, purchase our Ultimate Laser 360 treatment; a combination of Fotofacial, skin tightening and laser resurfacing. $3,000 for 3 treatments or $1,100 for 1 treatment.
  • For the time honored effective treatment for sun spots and discolorations, with the added benefit of eliminating broken capillaries, buy a package of 4 IPL Fotofacial treatments and get 2 FREE.
  • To help you achieve that perfect glow try out our SkinCeuticals Chemical Peels. Prices range from $100-$250 depending on exact treatment
  • Our VI Peel is a facial peel for ALL complexions.  It helps improve the appearance of acne, unwanted pigmentation and melasma.  It is the only peel of its kind to contain synergistic blend of TCA, Retin-A, Salicylic Acid, Phenol, and Vitamin C.  It gives great results in as little as one treatment.
  • For people who want skin rejuvination with no downtime, smoother and softer skin and a reduction of fine lines tryMicrodermabrasion treatments. Buy 4 for $255

Call 817-473-2120 today to make an appointment

In the quest for youth—or at least a more youthful appearance—women and men are seeking treatments to minimize laugh lines, crow’s feet, and forehead furrows. A popular treatment involves injecting cosmetic wrinkle fillers into the face.  At Dr. Mark Bishara’s office in Mansfield and Southlake- we offer injectables for our patients.
Injectable cosmetic wrinkle fillers are soft tissue fillers approved as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These devices are injected into the skin to help fill in facial wrinkles, restoring a smoother appearance. Most of these wrinkle fillers are temporary because they are eventually absorbed by the body.
Some people may need more than one injection to achieve the wrinkle-smoothing effect. The effect lasts for about six months or longer.
Successful results depend on:

  • health of the skin
  • skill of the doctor
  • type of filler used

Uses

FDA has approved absorbable injectable cosmetic wrinkle fillers for correcting soft tissue contour defects, such as moderate and severe wrinkles and folds. Some absorbable fillers are approved for restoring or correcting the signs of facial fat loss in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
FDA has also approved two absorbable injectable wrinkle fillers for lip augmentation in patients over the age of 21.
The only non-absorbable FDA-approved injectable cosmetic wrinkle filler is for correcting facial tissue around the mouth.
FDA-approved cosmetic wrinkle fillers should not be used for

  • increasing breast size (breast augmentation)
  • implanting into bone, tendon, ligament, or muscle
  • implanting into blood vessels

Filler Materials

Wrinkle fillers are made of various types of materials, and some include a combination of products. Some products also contain lidocaine, which numbs the skin at the injection site.
The materials used in injectable cosmetic wrinkle fillers include
Temporary (absorbable) fillers

  • Collagen injections are made of highly purified cow or human collagen. Collagen is a natural protein that is a major component of skin and other tissues in the body.
  • Hyaluronic acid gel is a protective lubricating gel, produced naturally by the body, that binds with water to plump the skin.
  • Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral that is a major component of bone. Calcium hydroxylapatite is a well-matched (biocompatible) material that dissolves in the body (biodegradable) and is implanted in the form of a gel.
  • Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible, synthetic material from the alpha-hydroxy-acid family that has been widely used for many years in dissolvable stitches and bone screws.

Permanent (non-absorbable) filler

  • Polymethylmethacrylate beads (PMMA microspheres) are tiny round, smooth plastic particles that have been tested to be biocompatible. They are not absorbed by the body.

Risks

Getting injected with cosmetic wrinkle fillers is an elective procedure. As with any medical procedure, it poses risks. Most side effects occur shortly after injection and go away within seven days.
You should not use cosmetic wrinkle fillers if any of the following applies to you:

  • severe allergies marked by a history of anaphylactic shock
  • allergy to cow collagen or eggs
  • allergy to lidocaine
  • inflamed or infected skin
  • prone to form excessive scarring (keloid) or thick scarring (hypertrophic scars)
  • bleeding disorder
  • active inflammatory condition (cysts, pimples, rashes or hives) or infection; you should postpone treatment until the condition is controlled.

Tips for Consumers

Before deciding to get injected with a cosmetic wrinkle filler:

  • Be aware that the safety of these products is unknown for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in patients under 18 years of age.
  • Be aware that the safety is unknown when these products are used with Botox or other wrinkle therapies.
  • Be aware that the safety of these fillers has only been studied when used in the face.
  • Know the type of product that will be injected and all of its possible side effects.
  • Discuss fillers with a doctor who can refer you to a specialist in the fields of dermatology and aesthetic plastic surgery.
  • Select a doctor who is trained to do the procedure.
  • Have realistic expectations about the benefits you want to achieve and discuss them with your doctor.

What About Botox?

Botox Cosmetic is an injectable drug, but it is not a wrinkle filler. Instead of filling the wrinkle, it keeps muscles from tightening so the wrinkles don’t show as much. FDA has approved Botox Cosmetic only to treat wrinkles between the eyebrows.
At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we offer both injectables, such as Botox, as well as fillers.  Dr. Bishara is a cosmetic surgeon and also performs the injections for all patients.  Please call our office to schedule an appointment at (817) 473-2120.
 

Sun safety is never out of season. Summer’s arrival means it’s time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach—and a spike in the number of sunburns. But winter skiers and fall hikers should be as wary of the sun’s rays as swimmers. People who work outdoors need to take precautions, too.  Dr. Mark Bishara- with offices in Mansfield, Southlake and Dallas- focuses on educating patients about skin protection and wants to help patients restore or achieve their ideal appearance.

The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years. Studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, and “leathery” skin.
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People recognize sunburn as a type of skin damage caused by the sun. Tanning is also a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but often not enough—protection against sunburn.
Whatever our skin color, we’re all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have:

  • pale skin
  • blond, red, or light brown hair
  • been treated for skin cancer
  • a family member who’s had skin cancer

If you take medicines, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions; some medications may increase sun sensitivity.

Reduce Time in the Sun

It’s important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.

Dress with Care

Wear clothes that protect your body. If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available. However, FDA only regulates such products if the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim. Consider using an umbrella for shade.

Be Srious About Sunscreen

Check product labels to make sure you get the following:

  • a “sun protection factor” (SPF) of 15 or more. SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn.
  • “broad spectrum” protection—sunscreen that protects against all types of skin damage caused by sunlight
  • water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet. Reapply water-resistant sunscreens as instructed on the label

Tips for Applying Sunscreen:

  • Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
  • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
  • If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
  • Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
  • Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.

Protect the Eyes

Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.
Tips for eye-related sun safety include:

  • When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
  • Eyewear should be labeled “sunglasses.” Otherwise, you can’t be sure they will offer enough protection.
  • Pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.
  • Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you don’t know their level of UV protection.
  • People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
  • Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection.
  • Children should wear real sunglasses (not toy sunglasses!) that indicate the UV protection level.
At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we want to help you take care of your skin and rejuvinate it as needed. Most people already have some sort of sun damage for improper sun protection.  Please contact our office to ask about our Skinceutical skin care line and sunscreens, as well as our Paragon Med Spa services.  We offer many treatments that can help you rejuvinate your skin.  Call (817) 473-2120 for more information on click on the button below.
skincare
laser 360
minimally invasive cosmetic procedures

 

Good Skin Care in Your 20’s, 30’s and 40+

20’s: The Issue- Dullness

In-Office Fixes: Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels
When you’re young skin cells turn over, exfoliating every 28 days.  But as you move into your mid to late 20’s, that process starts to slow, and a natural decrease in skins sloughing ability. You’re left with a layer of dead skin that doesn’t evenly reflect light. Lunchtime procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels take less than and hour and leave behind only mild redness. During a microdermabrasion treatment, an aesthetician buffs away the top layer of skin.  For maximum results, consider a series of 3 treatments, spaced apart- followed by a chemical peel. Microdermabrasion removes any build up and then the chemical peel makes skin look brighter and more toned evening out skin discoloration and tightening pores.


30’s: The Issues- Fine Lines, Redness and Sun Spots

In-Office Fixes for Fine Lines: Injectables such as Botox
Those little lines that used to disappear as soon as you stopped smiling or frowning are suddenly here to stay.  Movements that cause skin to repeatedly crease in the same place eventually wear down the underlying collagen, creating lines that remain after muscles relax. Injectable muscle relaxers containing botulinum toxin A, such as BotoxDysport and Xeomin, temporarily paralyze muscles so you can’t make those wrinkle-causing movements. Expect smoother skin 72 hours post-injection and results last 3-4 months on average.  If you have no lines to speak of yet, these injections can be used as a preventative measure.  Small doses can prevent muscle action so you’ll never get the creases to begin with.
**6.1 million people had Botox treatments performed in 2012**


In-Office Fixes for Redness and Sun Spots: Laser Procedures
A rosy glow can be a sign of good health, but a constant ruddy complexion is a red flag. For some it’s a sign of sun damage. Excessive UV exposure weakens blood vessels until they no longer constrict after dilating.  For others redness stems for rosacea, a condition marked by flushing, broken blood vessels and acne-like bumps. Other issues like brown spots are a sign of chronic sun damage triggered by overexposure of UV rays. Unlike freckles these marks don’t fade after reduced sun exposure- but they will get darker with even more.
An IPL-Fotofacial will target and treat unwanted discoloration, pigmentation, broken capillaries, age spots and sun damage.  It also lessens the appearance of rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles. At The Paragon Med Spa our medical microdermabrasion also includes a chemical peel. Our Laser 360 treatment offer 3 technologies in 1 visit.  The Laser 360 is meant to be done in a series of 3 treatments and produces optimal results.  During this treatment a fotofacial, skin tightening and laser skin resurfacing are combined to offer the most comprehensive correction and rejuvenation.  Bonus:  Your skin will look tighter and feel smoother.

40+: The Issues- Sagging, Deep Creases and Hollowed Cheeks

Genetics and the effects of sun damage really start to show in this decade, as skin’s elasticity takes a nosedive.  Sagging skin and crow’s feet that showed up in your 30s are probably more pronounced now. And due to natural volume loss, you may be noticing new wrinkles especially around the lips and in between the nose and corners of your mouth. With age, skin loses fat, exposing folds and creases.
In-Office Fixes for Sagging and Deep Creases
Fillers such as Juvederm instantly plump indentations.  JUVÉDERM® Ultra Plus is used to treat deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds, and provides results that last up to one year. Injections take about 15 minutes to administer and do not require any anesthesia. Patients should avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sun exposure for the first 24 hours after treatment, but can otherwise resume normal activities right away.
In-Office Fixes for Hollowed Cheeks
Injectables such as Radiesse, reign supreme here too.  Thicker fillers are ideal for filling out hollowed cheeks. Radiesse is a stiff material, so it’s good for replacing volume as well as lifting the skin.  Radiesse provides an immediate fill plus long-term collagen stimulation for 18 months to two years.
Dr. Bishara provides a wide range of cosmetic procedures to help patients look and feel their best. These procedures are designed to improve the appearance of the face and body through minimally invasive techniques that provide highly effective results. Many of these procedures can be combined in order to achieve your desired appearance. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at (817) 473-2120 or click on the button below.

 

If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, laser hair removal may be an option worth considering.
Laser hair removal is one of the most commonly done cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It beams highly concentrated light into hair follicles. Pigment in the follicles absorb the light. That destroys the hair.  At the office of Dr. Mark Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we offer Alma Laser Hair Removal, which offers a pain-free to become hair-free.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal

Lasers are useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, leg, arm, underarm, bikini line, and other areas.
Benefits of laser hair removal include:
Precision. Lasers can selectively target dark, coarse hairs while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
Speed. Each pulse of the laser takes a fraction of a second and can treat many hairs at the same time. The laser can treat an area approximately the size of a quarter every second. Small areas such as the upper lip can be treated in less than a minute, and large areas, such as the back or legs, may take up to an hour.
Predictability. Ninety percent of patients have permanent hair loss after an average of three to six sessions.

How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is more than just ”zapping” unwanted hair. It is a medical procedure that requires training to perform and carries potential risks. Before getting laser hair removal, you should thoroughly check the credentials of the doctor or technician performing the procedure.
If you are planning on undergoing laser hair removal, you should limit plucking, waxing, and electrolysis for 3 weeks before treatment. That’s because the laser targets the hairs’ roots, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking.
You should also avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks before and after treatment. Sun exposure makes laser hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely.

What to Expect During Laser Hair Removal

The night before or the morning of the procedure, you will need to shave the area you would like to be treated. The laser equipment will be adjusted according to the color, thickness, and location of your hair being treated as well as your skin color.
You and the technician will need to wear appropriate eye protection during the procedure. It will also be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the laser light penetrate the skin.
Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to the treatment area and watch the area for several minutes to make sure the best settings were used and to check for bad reactions.
You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later. You’ll get treatments until hair stops growing.
Since hairs grow at different times, multiple treatments will be needed for all patients at intervals of four to six weeks. Virtually pain-free, safely and visibly reduces unwanted hair over a series of treaments.  We offer laser hair removal for the following areas:

  • Lip
  • Face
  • Arms (Full)
  • Arms (Upper or Lower)
  • Legs (Full)
  • Legs (Upper or Lower)
  • Chest
  • Chest and Abdomen
  • Chin
  • Underarms
  • Brazilian Bikini
  • Bikini
  • Neck
  • Face and Neck
  • Back
  • Buttocks
At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa, we offer many laser treatments, including laser hair removal. To schedule an appointment please contact our office directly at (817) 473-2120.