Cosmetic Dermatology
As time passes our skin shows the natural, inevitable signs of aging - wrinkles, sagging, sun damage. But you can counteract those effects with several cosmetic procedures available at our practice, including BOTOX® and injectable fillers such as collagen and Restylane® to smooth lines and wrinkles and raise sunken areas; chemical peels and microdermabrasion to generate fresh, glowing skin; laser hair removal for unwanted hair; and sclerotherapy for the treatment of spider veins.
BOTOX®
BOTOX® Cosmetic is commonly used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles. It is injected under the skin into areas surrounding the eyes, forehead and mouth to smooth crow's feet, frown and worry lines, and lines on the neck. Made from a purified protein, BOTOX® injections block nerve impulses, weakening muscles to relax wrinkles and give the face a rejuvenated look. BOTOX® may also be useful for excessive sweating of the underarms and hands.
Restylane® and Collagen
The most recent and exciting development in wrinkle reduction is the introduction of Restylane® and other dermal fillers. These naturally occurring substances can be used to fill in unwanted facial lines but have the potential to last much longer than the first generation collagens.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three types of chemical peels, ranging from mild to strong - alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol - and formula strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as facelifts for a younger look.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion improves mild to moderate sun damage, scarring, wrinkles and other superficial skin problems. A gentle stream of tiny particles exfoliates the outer layer of skin and provides a fresh, glowing, younger appearance. The particles scrape away the surface layer of aging or damaged skin, which is then brushed off with the microdermabrasion vacuum tool with no need for anesthesia. Only a small amount of skin is removed, so sensitive areas such as the face, chest, neck, arms and hands can be treated. Results are comparable to a light chemical peel and should be immediately visible. Microdermabrasion is often performed in conjunction with other skin renewal procedures, such as laser treatment and chemical peels. Multiple treatments are recommended for full effect.
Laser Hair Removal
Whether for hygienic or cosmetic reasons, the patient who is tired of temporary, often painful methods of removing unwanted hair may welcome laser and intense pulsed light hair removal with relief.
Lasers produce highly focused, intense beams of light that are absorbed by dark pigments in the hair follicles beneath the skin's surface and converted to heat, destroying the follicles and preventing hair growth for up to two years. Multiple treatments are required for complete hair removal -- the follicle must be "active" at the time of treatment, and not all follicles are active at the same time. Treatments are needle-free and do not require anesthesia. Most patients feel nothing more than a slight sting like the snap of a rubber band.
Sclerotherapy
Although leg veins can now be treated with lasers, sclerotherapy remains the gold standard. Sclerotherapy involves injections into the veins to reduce their intensity and number. Our practice offers both laser and sclerotherapy to eliminate these unsightly blood vessels.
Scars
Scars from a variety of causes are effectively treated with the pulsed dye laser. Those that are thick and/or red typically show the best results.
Sunspots- Face, Arms and Chest
Sunspots and other pigmented lesions are effectively treated with the Alexandrite laser. Two or three gentle sessions are usually required for dramatic improvement.
