Meet Dr. Monica
Dr. Monica's Monthly Recommended Products
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Get Ready for Warmer Weather
Spring and summer are the perfect times to focus on your skin and refresh your appearance! With the warmer weather and outdoor activities, it's important to protect and nourish your skin. Here I’ll discuss some popular non-surgical procedures and skin care products that can help you look your best for the upcoming seasons.
Non-Surgical Procedures
Chemical Peels: Peels are a great non-surgical treatment that can improve the texture and tone of your skin. They can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage. The procedure involves applying a chemical solution to your skin, which causes the top layer to peel off, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. There are different strengths of chemical peels available, ranging from light to deep, depending on your skin type and concerns. Keep in mind, your skin will literally peel and slough off, so plan accordingly! At my office, I offer light chemical peels with minimal to no downtime, and medium depth peels that require about one week of healing. If you want to start with a very light peel at home, try Sanitas Skincare Brightening Peel Pads, it contains a potent combination of AHA and BHA to gently exfoliate your skin.
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Using energy derived from wavelengths of light, lasers target certain layers and parts of the skin, which can soften the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and acne scars. They can also stimulate collagen production, which can help improve skin texture and elasticity. There’s a device for pretty much any skin concern out there – I always recommend a comprehensive assessment to take into account your specific skin type. Downtime can vary depending on the intensity of the laser used. I always recommend ALASTIN Regenerating Skin Nectar after a laser treatment – it really speeds up the healing process!
Dermal Fillers: Fillers are one of my favorite in-office treatments! They can help restore volume and smooth out wrinkles and fine lines. The treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance (typically hyaluronic acid) into the targeted area to add volume and plumpness. They can be used almost anywhere on the face, but most patients request to enhance their lips, cheeks, jawline, and under-eye area. Results can last up to a year or more, depending on the type of filler used. To prevent brusing and swelling after injections, I love ALASTIN INhance Post-Injection Serum.
Skin Care Products
Vitamin C Serum: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help brighten your skin, even out your skin tone, and protect against environmental damage. Using a vitamin C serum regularly can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promote collagen production. Not all vitamin C serums are equally effective though! Look for a concentration of at least 10%, and make sure the product is protected from light, air, and heat as these can cause oxidation, decreasing potency. Some great ones to try are MDAiRE Vitamin C-FK Brightening Complex, SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF, and AlumierMD EverActive C&E + Peptide.
Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that's found in your skin and helps retain moisture. As we age, our skin produces less hyaluronic acid, which can lead to dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Using a hyaluronic acid serum can help hydrate your skin and plump up fine lines and wrinkles. What I love about this ingredient is that it’s great for all skin types and is not at all irritating! Look for a serum that contains at least 1% hyaluronic acid and apply it before moisturizing, such as AlumierMD Ultimate Boost Serum and Clinicians Complex Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
Exfoliating Scrub: An exfoliating scrub is a great way to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. This will improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent breakouts. To prevent irritation from over-exfoliation, look for an exfoliating scrub that contains gentle exfoliants, and use just 1-2 times a week. COSMEDIX Purity Detox Scrub and AlumierMD MicroDerm Polish are both really gentle!
About Dr. Monica Kieu
Monica Kieu, D.O., FACS is a board-certified specialist in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. She has a passion for making her patients look as good as they feel.
A native of Southern California, Dr. Kieu received her medical degree, with honors, from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona. She completed her residency in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Michigan State University/Detroit Medical Center, where she was chief resident. In addition, she completed a prestigious fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Toronto. She has authored numerous papers and presentations for peer-reviewed medical journals and conferences. As a leading expert in her field, Dr. Kieu frequently lectures and demonstrates her aesthetic techniques to other physicians and health care providers. She was recently named one of LA’s Top Docs by Los Angeles Magazine.
As a Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kieu is well-versed in the assessment and treatment of skin issues such as aging, pigmentation, vascular conditions, and texture irregularities. She firmly believes that good skincare is the foundation for healthy, youthful skin. An appropriate skincare regimen can augment and maintain results of any surgical or non-surgical procedure, and Dr. Kieu is thrilled to be able to partner with SkinTruth.com to offer the very best skincare products available on the market!
Appointment & Contact Information
Non-surgical Procedures: Botox, fillers, injectable rhinoplasty, platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, RF microneedling, CO2 laser
Surgical Procedures: rhinoplasty, facelift, neck lift, browlift, eyelid surgery, chin liposuction, buccal fat removal, lip lift, otoplasty (ear reshaping), mole removal, scar revision
Newport Beach Office
361 Hospital Road Ste 522
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 645-5179
MONDAY: 9:00am-5:00pm
TUESDAY: 9:00am-5:00pm
WEDNESDAY 9:00am-5:00pm
THURSDAY: 9:00am-5:00pm
FRIDAY: 9:00am–5:00pm