Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery Blog

September 22, 2020September 5, 2025

5 Ways to Go from Scary to Supple

1. Dermal Fillers

One factor that contributes to the changes in our faces associated with aging is our facial volume. As we age, our facial volume descends. This is a normal part of aging, it happens with everyone. If we replace some of this volume with facial fillers, we can help to restore a more youthful, lifted shape to the face. For example, many people tend to notice that their nasolabial folds, or parenthesis around the mouth, become more pronounced with age. This is due to the descending facial volume of the cheeks and mid-face. By using a product such as Voluma to add some volume back to the cheeks, we can subtly create a lifted, refreshed look. Voluma was created for shaping and lifting the cheeks and it gives beautiful, long lasting results. A product such as Vollure can be used in the nasolabial folds to make them less noticeable. This product was designed to be used in an area with a lot of movement, such as around the mouth. When the right products are placed in the right place, it can really help to soften one’s appearance and give a more rested, refreshed look while maintaining a natural look.

2. Facelift

If you are looking for a permanent solution for signs of aging, a facelift can be the single most effective treatment for rejuvenating the appearance. During the facelift procedure, loose, excess skin will be removed and the remaining skin will be tightened to take years off of your appearance. After only two weeks of downtime, the facelift treatment will produce some of the most significant and longest-lasting cosmetic results.

3. Microneedling

Skinpen Microneedling delivers controlled micro injuries in order to stimulate the body’s natural wound-healing response. Skinpen is an effective remodeling modality that stimulates collagen production in order to minimize the appearance of acne scars and other textural issues on the skins surface.

4. Medical Grade Skincare

Neocutis Nouvelle stimulates the production of new collagen and supports existing collagen for a more firm youthful skin.

Neocutis Bio Serum Firm after just 6 days your skin will look smoother and feel lifted. Bio Serum Firm uses vitamins C and E + Arginine which plays a roll in cell proliferation and wound healing. A proprietary blend of peptides which helps with elastin formation and human growth factors that support collagen production and assist in wound healing. Let’s not forget our favorite ingredient Pullulan which provides tightening and lifting (Spanx for the face). There are many other ingredients that make this a must have in your medical grade skincare regimen.

Neocutis Neo Firm restores elastin and collagen to firm and tighten your neck and décolletage with regular use. This product also contains ceramides which helps to smooth crepey skin.

ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair with 1% retinol tightens and firms your skin. Do this advanced anti-aging at home peel once per month to achieve a youthful appearance.

5. Ultherapy

Ultherapy® is a new skin and muscle tightening treatment that uses ultrasound technology. This treatment delivers ultrasound energy deep within the skin, where collagen production will be naturally stimulated. The body increases its collagen production, which results in quick and long-lasting skin rejuvenation for the patient.

How Can I Get Started?

If you would like to determine if you are a good fit for any of these treatments, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. We’ll discuss your treatment goals so that we can find the perfect treatment solution for you.

August 27, 2020October 29, 2025

PRF Procedures – Using Your Own Blood for Collagen Stimulation

PRF stands for platelet rich fibrin. PRF procedures use your own blood to stimulate collagen production in the body and produce a wealth of other cosmetic benefits. Understandably, many patients are intrigued by such a natural procedure, as there is no foreign material to be allergic to, that offers cosmetic benefits. Below, we’ll take a look at how these PRF treatments work, and what you can expect from one of these procedures.

What Makes Blood So Effective?

Plasma treatments are possible thanks to the cells found in blood plasma. These cells are known as growth factors, and have the ability to stimulate healing and growth for the skin. When PRF is injected into the skin, the growth factors naturally stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. As a result, patients can achieve significant rejuvenation benefits.

How Do PRF Procedures Work?

PRF procedures begin with taking some of the patient’s blood. This blood will be placed into a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the components of the blood. When complete, the plasma will be separated completely from the rest of the blood. Then, this plasma is placed into a syringe so that it can be injected or microneedled into the areas being treated.

Where Can PRF Procedures Be Used?

The platelet-rich fibrin procedures are used for facial rejuvenation. One of the most popular treatments is a microneedling treatment. By topically spreading the PRF and microneedling it in, patients can achieve even greater results with less downtime. Additionally, the PRF is also effective as a filler via plasma gel. When injected into the face, the PRF can add instant volume where it is needed, while also stimulating collagen production for long-term benefits. When paired with synthetic fillers, the PRF prolongs the life of those fillers. It can be used to address volume loss, wrinkles, lines, making it one of the most versatile injectable treatments.

How Can I Get Started with PRF Procedures?

If you would like to learn more about PRF procedures or determine if these treatments are right for you, contact us today at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. We specialize in rejuvenating PRF treatments and can help you find the best treatment option to achieve your goals.

August 11, 2020September 5, 2025

Debunking the Stigma on Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are wrongly stigmatized with respect to their side effects and results. Many people believe that all chemical peels cause the skin to be red for weeks following a treatment. Some people also believe that chemical peels can negatively affect your skin pigment. There is much more to chemical peels, especially at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. Below, we’re going to break down various chemical peels and explain how each peel truly works.

Light Chemical Peel

Light chemical peels are also referred to as “superficial” peels because they only affect the outer layer of skin, known as the epidermis. Light chemical peels exfoliate dead skin cells that sit on the skin’s surface, revealing a brighter and more refreshed appearance. These peels yield little to no downtime and are associated with little to no redness.

Medium Chemical Peel

The medium chemical peel goes into the dermis and is ideal for skin tightening, minimizing wrinkles, and reducing hyperpigmentation, brown spots, and sun damage. A medium depth peel will also stimulate collagen. This peel can have a one to two-week downtime, depending on the percent used. Downtime usually consists of flaking and/or sheet peeling, depending on the type and percentage of the peel being used.

Deep Chemical Peel

Deep chemical peels are used for more serious wrinkles and sun damage. This peel is usually phenol-based and is always administered by a doctor as it requires an IV sedation. This peel is associated with a significant downtime.

Which Chemical Peel is Right for Me?

To learn more about these chemical peels and determine the type of peel that is best for you, contact us today for an appointment with Lori, aesthetician, at Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery. Lori is well-versed in chemical peels and all skin tones, with sixteen years of experience.

July 21, 2020September 5, 2025

What Can You Do About Wrinkles?

It’s no secret that wrinkles are one of the primary effects of aging. As we develop wrinkles, they might cause us to have a “tired” or “saddened” appearance. Fortunately, there are many options for treating wrinkles, many of which require no surgery whatsoever. Below, we’ll take a closer look at wrinkles and what you can do about them.

Dynamic vs. Static Wrinkles

Before addressing wrinkles, we must understand how they develop. Dynamic wrinkles are wrinkles that are formed due to facial movements and expressions. These develop due to the repeated motions of the face. Static wrinkles are wrinkles and lines that can be seen while the face is relaxed. These are caused by the natural aging process, and are typically an effect of aging skin.

Treating Dynamic Wrinkles

Most dynamic wrinkles can be improved using injectable treatments like Botox®. These treatments relax the facial muscles and alleviate dynamic wrinkles. The other technique for treating these wrinkles involves skin resurfacing. With skin resurfacing, the skin is exfoliated down to the level of the wrinkle, then as healthy skin grows in its place, the skin is younger and more radiant. This can be accomplished with treatments like chemical peels and dermabrasion. For dynamic wrinkles, patients will generally need to receive treatments that treat deeper layers of skin. As a result, there may be some downtime associated with treatment.

Treating Static Wrinkles

Static wrinkles are typically smaller and milder than dynamic wrinkles. For these wrinkles, patients may benefit from skin care products, microneedling, fillers, HydraFacials, and gentler chemical peels. These treatments are designed to rejuvenate and hydrate the surface of the skin, mostly through collagen stimulation. Most treatments for static wrinkles are mild and require little to no downtime, making them an excellent option for patients with busy lifestyles.

How Can I Get Started with Wrinkle Treatment?

If you’d like to address the appearance of wrinkles, contact us today to discuss your treatment needs and determine the wrinkle treatment that is best for you. Garcia Institute is proud to offer a range of treatment options to help patients achieve a youthful appearance.

July 9, 2020September 5, 2025

Summer Skincare

During summertime, protecting your skin is an absolute must. After all, too much sun exposure without protection can greatly damage the skin. Sun damage can cause sun spots, premature skin aging, and even skin cancer. While there are many ways to make sure you are enjoying the sun and summer weather safely, the simplest solution is to use sunscreen. Below, we’ll take a look at what you need to keep in mind when selecting and using sunscreen for summer skincare.

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen provides protection to the skin by covering the surface in various minerals and ingredients. The ingredients of a physical sunscreen reflect the UVA and UVB rays that reach the skin. A chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, absorbs UVA and UVB rays. Through a chemical process, the chemical sunscreen converts the sun’s rays into heat, which then dissipate off the skin. While each of these can be effective for protecting the skin from the sun’s rays, it is important to take a closer look at how these sunscreens affect the body’s melanin (the cells that create pigmentation in the skin).

When to Use Physical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen should be the go-to sunscreen product for most people. However, since it relies on skin coverage to be effective, it is important that you apply an even layer to any part of the body that is exposed to the sun. Physical sunscreen is the ideal solution for patients who have pigmentation or hyperpigmentation concerns.

When to Use Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen is best for those who do not experience pigmentation issues or have sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you swim, play sports or sweat a lot, you may choose a chemical sunscreen because it absorbs quickly. Always apply a chemical sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure so that it can bond with your skin.

Which Sunscreen is Right for Me?

The best type of sunscreen for you will depend on your skin type as well as your outdoor activities. If you would like to discuss your needs and get a recommendation on the best sunscreen for you, contact us to schedule a consultation with Lori, aesthetician at the Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery.

June 23, 2020September 5, 2025

Could Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Be For You?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a non-laser cosmetic treatment that helps rejuvenate the skin. It is proven to be an effective procedure to correct and improve skin tone. It is particularly effective in treating:

Age spots
Sun damage
Irregular pigmentation
Broken capillaries
Fine lines
Rosacea

How IPL Works

Different from a laser which delivers only one wavelength of light, IPL emits a wide spectrum of light onto your skin’s surface. This allows it to enhance a broader area of damaged skin cells with each pulse. IPL treatments typically require multiple sessions, and with each session, your skin will begin to take on a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance. The number of treatments needed will vary for each patient, depending on the level of skin damage.

Benefits of IPL

IPL treatments are safe and effective, do not require any anesthesia, and in most cases, offer almost immediate results. We are also able to customize this procedure to effectively treat each patient’s individual skin issues. Additionally, there is no downtime associated with this treatment, minimal pain, and each session is typically less than 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. There is a low risk of side effects, and IPL can be safely used to treat virtually any area on the body.

Best Candidates for IPL

IPL is ideal for those with mild to moderate skin blemishes, such as sun spots, age spots, large pores, acne scars, wrinkles and freckles. IPL can help with acne as well; the heat destroys the bacteria causing the outbreaks.

Results Happen Naturally

Since IPL stimulates collagen remodeling and regeneration, you will be able to see a difference in your complexion within a few days, but it will take a few weeks to see the full results.

To learn more about IPL, schedule a consultation with aesthetician Lori. She will assess your skin and recommend the best course of treatment to help you achieve the radiant glow you’ve always wanted.

June 11, 2020October 28, 2025

Do Vitamin IVs Actually Work? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

What if you could boost your immune system, cure a hangover, get healthier skin and fight fatigue in just an hour? Vitamin IV drips work by providing you with a direct infusion of vitamins and minerals that bypass the digestive system. It is a fast and effective way to relieve stress, rid your body of toxins, balance hormones, boost immunity and make your skin healthier.

Why Consider IV Therapy?

Many people suffer from nutrient deficiencies and other imbalances that can be improved through IV therapy. The treatments are useful to provide a balance of daily supplements to support the immune system, weight loss, fatigue, exercise and surgery recovery, and skin health. Whether you want to improve your energy, enhance your overall health, maintain good health, work to prevent future conditions, IV therapy may be right for you.

At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer several formulations of vitamin IV drips that can be customized based on your needs.

Exercise Recovery

Exercise Recovery is offered to patients recovering from recent surgery. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is responsible for growth, development and repair of tissues in the body. It also participates in collagen formation. Magnesium is a cofactor in many enzyme systems in the body. It aids in protein synthesis for tissue repair and is involved in muscle and nerve function. Zinc is needed for repair and function of the body. It helps with immune function and tissue repair.

Surgery Recovery

Surgery Recovery is designed to aid in tissue repair and recovery after surgery. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It is considered the master antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals that cause inflammatory damage and is involved in the protein synthesis that is essential for tissue repair after exercise. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is responsible for growth, development, and repair of tissues in the body. It also participates in collagen formation. Magnesium is a cofactor in many enzyme systems in the body. It aids in protein synthesis for tissue repair and is involved in muscle and nerve function.

Immune Booster

This treatment is designed to augment the immune system and promote tissue repair and regeneration. Vitamin C or Ascorbic acid is responsible for growth, development, and repair of tissues in the body. It also participates in collagen formation. Certain immune cells use Vitamin C to augment their function. Zinc is needed for repair and function of the body. It helps with immune function and tissue repair. This immune booster is a great hangover IV to consider for the morning after.

Skin Restoration/Protection

Skin Restoration/Protection is designed to minimize the inflammatory damage caused by free radicals and to promote skin tissue repair and protection. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is responsible for growth, development and repair of tissues in the body. It also participates in collagen formation. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and skin tightener. It is considered the master antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals that cause inflammatory damage to the skin. It is effective in minimizing age spots, wrinkles and melasma. Selenium increases immunity and defends the body against free radical damage and inflammation.

Energy Boost and Weight Loss

Energy Boost and Weight Loss is designed to increase fat breakdown and improve the metabolism. Methionine helps the liver maintain the optimal ability to process fatty acids and Choline stimulates the mobilization of fatty acids and prevents their deposition in a given part of the body. Inositol aids in the transport of fat into and out of the liver and intestinal cells, acts synergistically with choline, exhibiting more lipotropic (fat binding) activity than when administered alone. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It is considered the master antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals. B complex (Riboflavin) helps the body break down and use carbohydrates and fats. It helps metabolize food into energy and helps keep the lining of the gut healthy.

Anti Aging

Anti Aging is designed to slow down the aging of the skin that is created by free radical damage. It is also designed to augment tissue repair and regeneration. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is responsible for growth, development and repair of tissues in the body. It also participates in collagen formation. Magnesium is a cofactor in many enzyme systems in the body. It aids in protein synthesis for tissue repair and is involved in muscle and nerve function. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and skin tightener. It is considered the master antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals that cause inflammatory damage to the skin. It is effective in minimizing age spots, wrinkles and melasma.

Ask about IV Therapy

If you live in Jacksonville and are interested in learning more about IV Therapy, feel free to contact us to book a consultation with Dr. Garcia. Dr. Garcia is a double board certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who is open to discussing your health goals and any questions you may have regarding this valuable therapy.