By Clyde Noel
Town Crier Staff Report
Some people, both men and women, like to “turn back the clock” because their skin is aging.
Aging can be one factor causing lines and wrinkles in skin. But, exposure, pollution, heredity and lifestyle also contribute. A return to healthy skin means a trip to a dermatologist.
“Call them what you like, smile lines, crow’s feet or wrinkles, people are constantly coming in the office to preserve their youthfulness,” said Dr. Jean Gordon, aesthetic and general dermatologist. “They are sick of looking in the mirror and checking their lines, so they come here for help.”
Gordon examines the patients and assesses their problem. She determines what bothers them and what they want to improve, maybe brown spots or uneven pigmentation. Either way, Gordon will probably put the client on a complete home-care skin program.
When you call the first time, Gordon’s assistant, Linda Fagundes, a patient-care coordinator, will evaluate the skin condition and give an explanation of what treatments are available. Fagundes calls herself a “medical esthetician.”
Gordon offers many services that run from Botox and collagen to laser and chemical peels.
One of Gordon’s treatments is the Obagi Blue Peel. It’s an in-office procedure designed to improve the appearance and health of the skin. The doctor controls the depth of the peel, and the number of coats applied is tailored to specific needs. After the procedure, there is light swelling and the skin will begin to peel within two to three days.
“You come in every two weeks to monitor the response and the use of the product,” Gordon said. “Of course, you have to continue using sunscreen.”
Gordon has been doing the Botox procedure for years. It’s a simple cosmetic treatment that smoothes the deep persistent lines between the brows that develop over time. One 10-minute treatment of tiny injections relaxes the muscles that cause the lines to form and keeps them relaxed.
“I also use Botox for sweating. Executives who shake hands often use Botox,” Gordon said. “They even come in here for excessive perspiration under the arms.”
Another popular form of treatment is collagen. It’s a natural protein that supplies structure and keeps skin looking young, firm and smooth. It’s a replacement therapy that offers dramatic results and is used to pump up lips and fill in scars.
“It doesn’t mean you have to look like Goldie Hawn, but collagen will improve the vertical lines above the upper lip,” Gordon said.
Laser treatment for unwanted hair is one of many client’s requests for Gordon. It’s a noninvasive approach to permanent reduction and long-term hair removal by removing the hair follicles in seconds. The treatment is also used to remove warts on the face and arms.
“Baldness is permanent,” Gordon said, “but men come in for Propecia. They take one pill a day, and 85 percent of the men will grow hair. It has no side effects, but it’s best to start young, and once you stop treatment the hair disappears and baldness reappears.”
“No matter what treatment program meets your individual needs, I am sure the option you choose will provide the look you want,” Gordon said.
Jean Gordon’s clinic is located at 2660 Solace Place, Suite C, in Mountain View, directly across from El Camino Hospital.
For more information, call 938-6559.
