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The fountain of youth: collagen!

Published September 30th, 2025

These days, everyone is searching for the elusive Fountain of Youth.  But dermatologists know what the real secret to youthful skin is-- collagen!  Collagen is one of the main proteins that makes up the connective tissue in our bodies.  It's found in our cartilage, bones, tendons, ligaments, and SKIN!  Collagen is what makes skin look smooth, tight, and healthy.  But over time, collagen starts to degrade.  And environmental factors like too much sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, smoking, and pollution all contribute to its demise.  So what can be done to stimulate collagen?  Turns out, quite a bit.  At Premier Dermatology, MD, Dr. Bilu Martin uses a variety of procedures to amp up production of this precious protein.

Sculptra is a biostimulatory injectable made of poly-L-lactic acid.  Dr. Bilu Martin injects Sculptra in the temples, cheeks, jawline, and chest.  1-2 vials are injected 6-8 weeks apart in 2-3 sessions.  Unlike hyaluronic acids that fill and lift with immediate results, the visible effects of Sculptra take time because it stimulates the body to create collagen in the areas injected.  This is an especially great option for the wrinkles in the decolletage (often in combination with laser treatments).  

Dr. Bilu Martin loves her Cynosure Icon non-ablative fractional laser, which uses a 1540 wavelength to create tiny controlled zones of thermal damage.  The surrounding normal skin sends in fibroblasts, which create collagen to repair the tissue.  The result?  Improvement of fine lines, texture, acne scars, and surgical scars.  Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be applied while channels in the skin are open and injected into the skin after the laser. PRP contains growth factors to further stimulate collagen.  Laser treatments are recommended 4-6 weeks apart and have minimal downtime.

Aquagold microneedling is another fantastic treatment performed at Premier Dermatology, MD to stimulate collagen.  Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and neurotoxin (Dysport) are put in the Aquagold and Dr. Bilu Martin microneedles on the face, neck, and chest.  The 24 karat microneedles penetrate the skin, depositing PRP and microdoses of toxin.  PRP can also be injected afterwards.  Immediately post procedure, the skin looks taut and glow-y.  One week later, when the toxin kicks in, pores appear smaller and skin looks fresh.  Treatments can be performed every 4-6 weeks. 

Finally, the right skincare is essential.  UV rays from the sun degrade collagen, causing sun exposed skin to appear dull and wrinkled.  A broad spectrum sunblock that blocks both UVA and UVB rays should contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  Applying enough and frequently are key.  A retinol cream at night helps to lighten sun spots, increase cell turnover, and stimulate collagen.  Ask us about it at pdmd.

Ultimately, the battle to keep and stimulate collagen is an every day one.  Luckily, we have a variety of treatments available to keep skin looking healthy and youthful!

No hair? Don't despair!

Published March 7th, 2025

Donna Bilu Martin, MD is a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.  She practices at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida. 

Hair, glorious hair!

Published September 5th, 2024

It happens to millions of women and men.  It's so frequent, in fact, that there's a billion dollar industry of "solutions" to the problem.  We're talking hair loss, and it's no laughing matter.

Normally, our hair grows in a cycle.  When hairs are in their growth phase, they are called anagen hairs.  When they are resting (not growing), they are called telogen hairs.  Catagen hairs are transitioning from growth to rest.  Anagen hairs grow for about 3 years on average (the range can be between 2-6 years).  The transition phase lasts about 1-2 weeks, and then hairs rest for 3-5 months.  They shed, and the cycle starts all over again.  At any given time, if you pluck a number of hairs from the scalp, about 85% will be in the growth phase and 10-15% will be resting.  Less than 1% will be in the transition phase.  We can tell this by the shape of the hair and follicle when it's examined under the microscope.

It's normal to shed 100-150 hairs daily.  Think about it- that's a lot of hair.  And even more so on days that you shampoo.  But sometimes, that number increases, and the hair starts thinning or revealing bald patches.  So let's look at some reasons why people lose their hair.

Pregnancy.  During pregnancy, the anagen (growth) phase is often prolonged and many women enjoy thicker, fuller hair.  On delivery of the baby, however, many follicles change into the telogen phase, and then are shed simultaneously, resulting in thinning/loss of hair 3-5 months after baby comes.  This process is known as telogen effluvium.  And it's one more reason to give your mom a hug-- she brought you into this world and then endured hair loss!

Iron Deficiency.  Low iron levels (seen in a blood test), sometimes caused by mensturation or gastrointestinal blood loss, can also cause a telogen effluvium.  Nutritional deficiencies are often treated with vitamin supplements and a varied, healthy diet. 

Thyroid Deficiency.  Variations in thyroid levels can often cause telogen effluvium as well.  Levels can be checked with a simple blood test.  Thyroid medications, usually monitored by an endocrinologist (doctor who specializes in hormones) can help. 

Medications.  Lots of medications can cause hair loss.  Drug-induced telogen effluvium has been reported with amphetamines, blood pressure medications (captopril, metoprolol), antipsychotics (lithium), retinoids (etretinate), and more.  Changing/discontinuing medications may help.

Androgenetic alopecia is another term for male-pattern and female-pattern baldness.  In this condition, a hormone called dihydrotestosterone affects the androgen receptor gene to cause hair loss.  There is likely a genetic component.  Men tend to show a receeding hairline with loss of hair on the top of the scalp.  Women tend to get thinning along the middle part of the hair in a "Christmas tree pattern."  Several treatments are available, such as minoxidil (both topical and oral), and for men, finasteride (propecia) is FDA-approved. 

Other conditions that can lead to hair loss include fungal infections, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or alopecia areata), psoriasis, bacterial infections, and syphilis.  Trauma to the hair from tight ponytails, frequent relaxer and hair color use, and overstyling can also lead to hair loss.  Often blood tests and scalp biopsies are useful to find the cause of the hair loss. 

At Premier Dermatology, MD, PRP is injected in the scalp for hair loss.  PRP stands for platelet rich plasma.  Your blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge.  The plasma separates from the red blood cells.  The plasma contains growth factors to help stimulate hair growth.  Dr. Bilu Martin injects the PRP into the scalp in a series of treatments.  For more information, call Premier Dermatology, MD at 305-521-8971. 

Dermatologists are expert in skin, nails, and hair, and can help!

Full body checkup? Here's what to expect:

Published July 11th, 2024

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses what to expect at a full body skin exam at Premier Dermatology, MD.

The best kept beauty secret: Light and Laser!

Published February 27th, 2024

Donna Bilu Martin, MD discusses laser and light treatments at Premier Dermatology, MD in Aventura, Florida.  Dr. Bilu Martin is a board certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology. 

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The fountain of youth: collagen!
Published September 30th, 2025

These days, everyone is searching for the elusive Fountain of Youth.  But dermatologists know what...

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