Skin Rejuvenation with the Croton Oil Peel

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Woman's Hands on Her Face

In the 1980s Dr. Bock and other physicians performed what was called the phenol peel. Originally invented by lay peelers it was adopted by physicians in the early 1960s. The results were so dramatic that when Dr. Bock showed before and after patient photos, he could hear audible gasps from the audience. While the results were exceptional, significantly better than anything that can be achieved today with lasers or other peels, problems developed due to marked whitening of the skin developing in the second year after the peel.

Although the patients who had been peeled were not bothered by this, many physicians, including Dr. Bock, were dissatisfied and stopped performing this procedure. This state of affairs remained unchanged for years until the year 2000 when Dr. Gregory Hetter published his work showing that the primary active ingredient in the peel was not phenol, as had been thought, but was croton oil. Dr. Hetter also showed that by modifying the original formula, it was possible to get excellent results without experiencing the problems of the original formula.

The Croton Oil Peel is a moderately deep to deep controllable chemical peel that produces the best facial skin resurfacing available. It produces very long lasting and dramatic improvement of fine and deep wrinkling as well as sun damage. Lip lines can frequently be erased and the skin looks smoother, with better texture and tone. The skin is actually healthier since there is reason to believe that the peel reduces the incidence of the more common skin cancers by removing the damaged cells that give rise to these conditions.

Another advantage of this treatment is that there is very little pain associated with the treatment. There is some oozing and crusting, but this is manageable. The link that follows is a description by a Belgian plastic surgeon, Dr Alexis Verapele, of his own experience with the croton oil peel performed around his eyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKq115kBwDQ. Dr. Bock has trained with both Dr. Verapele and Dr. Bensimon.

If you would like more information about the most effective skin resurfacing treatment, schedule a consultation at 209-956-4260.

 

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Roll back the years with chemical peels for sun damage in Stockton

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Woman with white background

When you look in the mirror and see freckle here or a broken capillary there, know this is your skin’s way of defending itself.

As a form of protection from the damaging UV rays, your skin makes more melanin. Extra amounts of this dark brown pigment show up as that coveted tan, which in and of itself is a sign of damage no matter how “healthy” it may look to you. This reinforces the notion that the only healthy tan comes in a bottle or a spraying system like Mystic Tan. This defense mechanism can also result in uneven areas of skin color, such as bigger splotches and smaller age or brown spots, and freckles. You may notice as you get older those freckles that only stuck around in the summer never go away. It’s now a year-round problem.

Sun damage can also show up as:

  • Vertical creases
  • Deep wrinkles
  • Loose, saggy skin
  • Rough, scaly precancerous patches known as actinic or solar keratoses

Chemical peels may treat many types of sun damage. A chemical solution is applied to your skin to create controlled damage. Unlike damage from UV rays, this is a beneficial injury in that the skin revealed post-healing looks and feels better, free of the likes of red or brown spots and patches.

Dr. Gerald Bock uses the Vitalize Peel® for mild to moderate skin imperfections caused by prolonged, cumulative sun damage. These imperfections may include fine lines and rough texture. Compelling results may be attained within three to six peels, though you may notice a difference after just one peel.

Dr. Bock may also determine Obagi Nu-Derm® is the best choice for your discoloration, roughness, redness, sallow complexion, and other conditions. Unlike so many other types of peels, you are not limited to chairside appointments. This protocol may be safely applied from the convenience of your home. Morning and evening routines differ slightly, but generally include cleansing, toning, clearing, exfoliating, hydrating, and shielding (from sun’s effects) with a number of products.

Dr. Bock will prescribe the protocol and frequency of treatment, but generally you can expect to see visible improvements in a month and a half. For some concerns, such as deeper lines and wrinkles, Dr. Bock offers a Croton Oil peel. Modern-day deep peels remain a powerful treatment but are safer, partly because they may be better customized to a patients’ needs and skin type.

California Skin & Laser’s facial peel options are also not limited to chemicals. Dr. Bock and his team may identify laser peels or laser rejuvenation is the best option for you and your specific areas of concern. To find out if chemical peels for sun damage in Stockton is best for you, call 209-751-4292 to schedule a consultation.

 

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Considering facial peels in Stockton? Options transcend chemicals, thanks to advanced technology

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Woman With Gray Background

When you hear the word “facial peel,” chances are the application of chemicals comes to mind. While California Skin & Laser’s Vitalize peels and Obagi Nu-Derm System fall under the “chemical peels” category, Dr. Gerald Bock and his team provide additional options that may be better for you.

Thanks to advanced technology, device-driven peels have been introduced to produce superior results. Also known as laser resurfacing, these are generally considered to be a safer alternative to the chemicals on the market today.

Consider that some chemical peels, with time, have been phased out due to health concerns. Perhaps the most controversial of these is the phenol peel. The deepest of peels, it can only been done once in most cases for good reason. It has been associated with many complications, the most troubling of which are heart, liver, and kidney failure.

Some of the laser options we offer include:

  • MicroLaserPeel®
  • Arctic
  • Photofacial
  • Superphotofacial
  • Fraxel

Treating everything from mild wrinkles to freckles, the MicroLaserPeel® uses a laser handpiece to remove a thin layer of damaged skin, and to improve texture and restore a more youthful appearance. Unlike some chemical peels, there is little to nothing to heal from because only the outermost layers of skin are affected by energy from the laser beam.

Also known as the “lunchtime peel,” the Arctic Peel™ gets its name from the use of a cooling device to keep you comfortable during treatment. It, too, involves the removal of superficial layers of skin to reveal a smoother, softer complexion underneath. Its nickname comes from the fact that it can be done quickly (over lunch) with minimal discomfort and, in turn, minimal healing times and recovery needs.

A peel that contains Croton Oil will affect the deeper layers of the skin. It can produce tremendous results for those patients with severe lines and wrinkles; however, unlike traditional deep peels, this option is highly customizable by characteristics such as skin type and clinical need. This flexibility minimizes complications such as hypopigmentation.

photofacial (or photo rejuvenation) uses intense-pulsed light delivered through a handheld device to treat sun damage, broken capillaries, facial redness, and other concerns. A super photofacial is generally a laser peel used in conjunction with another type of treatment. For example, Dr. Bock offers the Levulan super photofacial, a light therapy preceded by microdermabrasion. By abrading the skin in this manner, it actually improves the skin’s uptake of Levulan, which is used to enhance the effect of light energy in treatment areas.

Fraxel works below the skin’s surface, using light energy to stimulate the production of collagen, which slows down as we age. Creases and pockets may be smoothed, effectively eliminating wrinkles and scars.

For more information about the many advanced technology facial peels offered in Stockton, call 209-751-4292 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bock.

 

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Why patients in and around the Stockton, CA area may consider skin peels

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Smiling Girl

Over the course of many years, the skin can take a beating. No matter how great of a skin care routine patients may have, their skin may become damaged by the sun and experience dull and uneven tone and texture of the skin over time due to the exposure to the elements. When this happens, many patients visit the practice of Dr. Gerald Bock of California Skin & Laser Center to learn about the many ways they can rejuvenate their skin and make it look healthier and younger. One way patients can do this is with the use of skin peels in Stockton, CA.

Dr. Gerald Bock of the Stockton, CA area suggests skin peels—also known as chemical peels—for a wide variety of reasons. Chemical peels are a minimally invasive treatment used to resurface the skin using a special combination of chemicals on the skin. This helps remove the upper layer of damaged skin and allow more youthful, beautiful skin to surface from underneath. In many cases, patient may require a day or two of healing or even longer depending on how aggressive of a skin peel they choose.

Chemical peels can be used in many instances. They are used to treat:

  • Sun spots
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Sun damage
  • Freckles
  • Age spots
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Acne blemishes
  • Acne scars
  • Poor texture
  • Scarring

Dr. Gerald Bock is excited to offer patients a way of reducing unhealthy skin and transforming it to look and feel better. Patients can use these skin peels to address a variety of concerns at once, instead of choosing treatments for each specific need. Chemical peels provide an effective way of addressing many problems with just one treatment.

If you want to learn more about renewing the skin with peels such as these, contact Dr. Gerald Bock of California Skin & Laser Center today. During an initial examination, our team can determine if skin peels are appropriate or if other treatments may be more desirable for the specific desires of patients.

 

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Skin Rejuvenation with the Croton Oil Peel

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Smiling Woman Side Look

In the 1980s Dr. Bock and other physicians performed what was called the phenol peel. Originally invented by lay peelers it was adopted by physicians in the early 1960s. The results were so dramatic that when Dr. Bock showed before and after patient photos, he could hear audible gasps from the audience. While the results were exceptional, significantly better than anything that can be achieved today with lasers or other peels, problems developed due to marked whitening of the skin developing in the second year after the peel.

Although the patients who had been peeled were not bothered by this, many physicians, including Dr. Bock, were dissatisfied and stopped performing this procedure. This state of affairs remained unchanged for years until the year 2000 when Dr. Gregory Hetter published his work showing that the primary active ingredient in the peel was not phenol, as had been thought, but was croton oil. Dr. Hetter also showed that by modifying the original formula, it was possible to get excellent results without experiencing the problems of the original formula.

The Croton Oil Peel is a moderately deep to deep controllable chemical peel that produces the best facial skin resurfacing available. It produces very long lasting and dramatic improvement of fine and deep wrinkling as well as sun damage. Lip lines can frequently be erased and the skin looks smoother, with better texture and tone. The skin is actually healthier since there is reason to believe that the peel reduces the incidence of the more common skin cancers by removing the damaged cells that give rise to these conditions.

Another advantage of this treatment is that there is very little pain associated with the treatment. There is some oozing and crusting, but this is manageable. The link that follows is a description by a Belgian plastic surgeon, Dr Alexis Verapele, of his own experience with the croton oil peel performed around his eyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKq115kBwDQ. Dr. Bock has trained with both Dr. Verapele and Dr. Bensimon.

If you would like more information about the most effective skin resurfacing treatment, schedule a consultation at 209-956-4260.

 

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Doctor in Stockton offers facelift surgery and alternatives

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Smiling Woman wears Hat

Facelift surgery is readily available at the California Skin and Laser Center in Stockton, as well as other options for patients with mild to moderate signs of aging.

Dr. Gerald Bock is a dermatologist in the Stockton area who consults with patients every day who want to improve the health and appearance of their skin and body. He knows that the signs of aging, including skin laxity, may take a toll on one’s appearance. It can make patients look tired and years beyond their age because of the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and folds. The team of the California Skin and Laser Center work closely with men and women who are interested in turning back the hands of time with procedures such as facelift surgery.

Patients in the Stockton area visit with Dr. Gerald Bock and his team because they know he offers quality, comprehensive services for new and existing patients in his state-of-the-art practice. He works closely with individuals to help them improve their appearance and feel more confident with how they look. For some patients, this is achieved with facelift surgery. Facelift surgery is often done in a discreet manner with minimal invasiveness. However, it is still surgery and all the standard risks apply. Our practice takes all precautions to ensure safety and offers a variety of alternatives to the traditional facelift for patients who want a less invasive option.

Facelift alternatives often include the use of cosmetic injectables. Cosmetic injectables include neuromodulators such as Botox® and Dysport™, which are used to reduce muscle tension and smooth the skin. They are injected directly into the muscles of the face and they can improve the skin for approximately nine months. Additionally, patients also have the option of dermal fillers, which can add volume to areas where volume loss has occurred, including the cheeks. By injecting directly into fine lines and wrinkles, they can be significantly reduced in just one appointment. Reinjections are necessary to maintain the results and to slow the overall signs of aging.

If you live in or around the area of Stockton and are interested in learning more about the benefits of injections or traditional facelift surgery, contact the team of the California Skin and Laser Center today to book a consultation visit with Dr. Gerald Bock.

 

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Surgeon in Stockton offers cosmetic brow lift surgery

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center close up of Beautiful young woman smiling face with health teeth. Isolated over white background

Brow lift surgery is an effective option for patients in Stockton who want to reduce the look of being tired or angry that results from lowered brows.

Dr. Gerald Bock of California Skin and Laser Center is a dermatologist who offers many plastic surgery options to patients in and around the area of Stockton. When patients are faced with forehead lines, wrinkles, and other imperfections of the face, they often turn to experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons to learn about the options available for them in enhancing their appearance. Those with low, sagging brows and hooding of the upper eyelids may want to speak to a professional about their options, including brow lift surgery.

Brow lift surgery, also referred to as a “forehead lift,” is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to reduce the sagging of the eyebrows and lift the brows upward, while also reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds across the forehead. Instead of a traditional face lift that addressees both the upper and lower portions of the face, this treatment is dedicated to improving the upper area. Horizontal creases along the forehead and vertical folds between the eyebrows are greatly reduced with this particular procedure.

Brow lift surgery is one way for patients to improve their appearance dramatically. However, brow lift surgery is not the only option for patients who are faced with fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead area. In some instances, Dr. Gerald Bock may suggest a less invasive procedure that can help temporarily improve the appearance. This may include injectables.

Cosmetic injectables are commonly used in dermatological practices to address the unwanted signs of aging. When patients are specifically concerned about the glabellar lines (lines between the eyebrows, sometimes called the “elevens”), and forehead folds, Botox® and Dysport™ are two injectables that may be recommended. These neuromodulators reduce muscle contractions and can provide many months of improvement for mild to moderate forehead and eyebrow folds. They are definitely options for patients to consider as an alternative to surgical intervention.

Either neuromodulators or brow lift surgery can be used to enhance one’s overall appearance. If you want to find out if either option is the best choice for improving your appearance contact Dr. Gerald Bock and his professional team today to book a consultation appointment.

 

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Stockton dermatologist offers MACS lift

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Woman Touching Her Hair

Dr. Gerald Bock of the Stockton area enjoys providing a wide range of services to enhance patients’ appearance and help them look their absolute best. At the California Skin and Laser Center, our patients can achieve a more attractive look in a variety of ways. When they have problems with significant loose skin on the neck and jowls the MACS lift may be the best answers for their problem.

The MACS lift is a modified facelift procedure, often referred to as a short scar facelift that provides impressive results without the extensive risks and downtime typically associated with full facelift procedures performed by plastic surgeons. While the MACS lift is less invasive, the results achieved are far from minimal. Patients have noticeable improvements without looking as though they have had “work done.” This procedure is done a little differently from a traditional face lift, producing a lift that is primarily directed upward resulting in a more natural appearance.

Many patients like the idea of having a procedure done while not being under general anesthesia. The MACS lift is done under local anesthesia and patients are awake yet comfortable throughout their treatment. Patients who are interested in what they can expect before, during, and after their procedure are welcome to contact Dr. Gerald Bock to discuss the process. Patients will learn about what they can do before the procedure for optimum results, what they may experience during their procedure, and then discuss after-care instructions to produce optimum healing. All of this can be covered during the initial consultation appointment with our staff.

Dr. Gerald Bock is proud to offer minimally invasive procedures for turning back the hands of time and addressing excessive skin laxity in his state-of-the-art practice. He encourages patients to contact the California Skin and Laser Center of Stockton to book a consultation appointment to learn about MACS lifts and other cosmetic treatments readily available in his practice. He wants to help men and women feel better about the way they look in a way that is affordable, effective, safe, and as conservative as possible.

 

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Those looking for the area’s best facelift dermatologist are in luck with pioneering surgeon in Stockton

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Woman Touching her Mouth

Thanks to medical advances, the California Skin & Laser Center can frequently achieve results comparable or superior to more invasive procedures with noninvasive techniques.

When you lose definition in the lower part of your face and neck and find your cheeks and lower jaw are droopy, Dr. Gerald Bock and his experienced, compassionate team may suggest a surgical option to achieve the results you desire.

The modern, minimal lift

Today’s facelifts are a departure from the time-consuming, painful and “windswept” look so frequently associated with the “conventional” facelift.

Minimally-invasive facelift procedures such as the MACS lift require less extensive and less obvious incisions. Since these procedures are not as extensive as the traditional facelift procedure, the time commitment associated with both the surgery itself and recovery is much shorter.

The idea of Minimal Access Cranial Suspension is to lift sagging facial features in the middle part of the face, jowls and neck by using a short incision in front of the ear. These features are lifted in a vertical fashion, so when the skin is repositioned it looks natural. The face doesn’t look as if it’s been pulled back from behind due to how the technique elevates the tissues.

Another procedure affecting less tissue than the traditional facelift is the temporal brow lift. As we age, gravity and loose skin on the forehead and around the eyebrows can make us look perpetually tired or angry. The youthful arch is lost. The brow may flatten out. Tissue can hang over your eyes, impeding facial expressions and even interfering with vision.

Dr. Gerald Bock can make tiny, hidden incisions at the hairline above each brow. These incisions are needed to loosen the tissue. Deeper layers are then tightened and the skin is repositioned to elevate the brow and correct crow’s feet and “hooding.”

Since less tissue is involved with these types of limited facelift procedures, they are generally safer than the traditional lift with less risk of bleeding and nerve damage.

A superior procedure, a skilled practitioner

All surgeries carry some risk that may be further minimized by selecting a doctor who specializes in dermatologic surgery. Dr. Bock is a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. As such he has the proven knowledge and experience to safely administer both minimally-invasive treatments and surgical procedures.

Dr. Bock is also distinguished from other dermatologic surgeons in the region as he brought now commonplace cosmetic advances such as liposuction to the Central Valley. For the best facelift dermatologist in Stockton, call 209-751-4292 to book an appointment at the California Skin & Laser Center.

 

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Stockton residents enjoy new look with MACS Lift, avoid time and cost of traditional facelift option

Dr Gerald N. Bock, MD California Skin & Laser Center Smiling Woman

In the past two decades there has been a strong trend toward less dramatic facial rejuvenation surgery. Dr. Gerald Bock is a big proponent of procedures that make patients look better, not different.

Alternatives to “traditional” facelifts are more popular than ever. These alternative treatments include the Minimal Access Cranial Suspension lift. Also known as the MACS, S-Lift or Short-Scar Facelift, the length of the incision is minimized. Since the incision is made in front of the ear and doesn’t extend behind the ears or run up to the temples, it is inconspicuous, hidden by natural contours.

A University of Florida College of Medicine study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery June 2014 found that, at slightly more than two hours in length, the MACS lift surgery required roughly half the time of a “conventional” lift. Less extensive cutting and fewer hours on the operating table converge to result in less healing and downtime. You may be back to normal activities in about a week.

With a traditional facelift, bruising may linger for three weeks and swelling for four weeks. You may miss work for two to four weeks and be advised to wait at least four weeks before resuming exercise.

Time equals money, especially when you consider missed work. In addition to less downtime and fewer side effects, the MACS lift is also more affordable than a traditional rhytidectomy procedure.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average surgeon/physician fee for the conventional facelift was $2,400 to $3,400 more than less invasive facial lifts listed in the 2013 ASPS report.

The facelift was the most expensive of nearly 30 cosmetic surgical procedures listed. Only the “lower body lift” costs more.

Generally, you may be a candidate for a MACS Lift if you have a minimal to moderate amount of excess neck, jowl and mid-face skin and have retained good bone structure and some elasticity. After board-certified dermatologist Dr. Gerald Bock determines this procedure is right for you, he and his expert team can go over details regarding cost of the MACS Lift in Stockton. Call California Skin & Laser Center on 209-751-4292 to schedule a consultation.

 

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