Procedures :: Skin
BOTOX® Cosmetic
BOTOX® injections are the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure used to reduce or eliminate the appearance of facial wrinkles through minimally invasive injections. These injections are made from botulinum toxin A, a therapeutic muscle-relaxing agent approved by the FDA for several different uses. When injected into the muscle, it can block the nerve endings that are responsible for the repetitive actions that cause fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing them away for a younger and more refreshed appearance.
After treatment, the appearance of your wrinkles begins to improve within 24 hours, with full results developing gradually over the next seven days. Most patients achieve their desired results after just one injection, although additional treatment sessions may be required in the future. The results of BOTOX® injections typically last up to four months, with some patients reporting results lasting up to a full year.
Restylane®
Restylane® is an FDA-approved dermal filler made of hyaluronic acid that restores volume to the skin, lifting and smoothing out wrinkles and other fine lines. This procedure is most commonly used to treat the glabellar lines (between the forehead) and the nasolabial folds as well as the marionette lines at the corners of the mouth, the vertical lines in the lips, the hollow circles under the eyes overlying the orbital bone, and the hollow areas that develop over the jaw line in front of the jowls. It can also be used to add volume and shape to the lips.
Since Restylane® is made from a natural substance found in the body, no pre-testing is required. The results of this procedure are visible right away. Because Restylane® has a unique ability to bind with water and remain in the skin, the results will last for several months or sometimes up to a year, depending on the condition of the individual patient's skin.
JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel
JUVÉDERM® Injectable Gel is a safe, effective gel that restores volume to the skin and smoothes away moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds. JUVÉDERM® is the first FDA-approved dermal filler proven safe and effective for persons of color. The JUVÉDERM® gel is made of hyaluronic acid with a smooth consistency, allowing for easy injections and instant, natural-looking results. There is no pre-testing needed for this procedure.
Topical or injectable anesthesia may be used during this procedure to numb the treatment area and minimize any potential discomfort. The results of this procedure are visible right away and can usually last for up to a year.
Radiesse®
Radiesse® is a synthetic injectable filler that has been approved by the FDA to reduce moderate to severe wrinkles, folds and creases around the nose and mouth by stimulating the natural production of collagen in the skin. This product is made of microspheres composed of calcium hydroxylapatite within a water-based gel and is made from minerals similar to what makes up our bones. Radiesse® can be injected directly into the skin with no need for pre-testing.
Radiesse® is most effective in reducing the appearance of smile lines, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and other wrinkles around the nose and mouth. The results of this procedure are visible immediately after the injection and can last for up to a year or even longer. With continued treatment, patients will require fewer and fewer injections.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face, hands, neck and chest to smooth texture, reduce scarring and remove blemishes and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. There are three different types of chemical peels: alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), tricholoroacetic acid (TCA) and phenol. They range in strength from mild to strong and are each designed to provide different results, depending on a patient's skin condition.
A chemical peel can also be used to effectively reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, freckles, and blotchiness. This procedure is also now performed on younger patients looking to prevent the signs of aging from appearing too early. A chemical peel can be combined with laser treatment for optimal results.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion removes a layer of surface skin to improve the appearance of facial scarring due to acne, chicken pox, injury or other causes, as well as uneven pigmentation, wrinkles, sun damage, tattoos, age spots and certain kinds of skin lesions. The skin is frozen, typically with a spray, and then abraded with a high-speed rotary instrument for a dramatically smoother, fresher look. After the procedure it is normal to feel a sensation similar to sunburn for a week or so, at which time most patients are able to return to work. The newly revealed skin will likely appear pinker than usual for two to three months. Patients should be sure to adequately protect skin from sunlight.
Laser Treatment of Vascular and Pigmented Lesions
Telangiectasias, or facial spider veins, is a common skin condition that develops as you age. They can also develop as a result of sun damage, rosacea, pregnancy or birth control use. These veins appear on the skin of the face or the legs as small, red veins on the nose, chin or cheeks, and are considered to be permanently dilated blood vessels. Although telangiectasias do not spur any medical concerns, many patients are bothered by the appearance of these veins, and seek treatment to reduce them.
Laser treatment, commonly in the form of pulsed dye and pulsed green lasers, are effective in reducing the appearance of vascular and pigmented lesions and restoring skin to a smoother look and feel, by sealing off the targeted veins. During this procedure, patients may experience a mild sensation of a pinprick, and can choose to have a topical anesthetic applied if necessary.
After laser treatment, some patients may experience redness, tenderness, bruising and pigment changes. These side effects are often mild and go away on their own within a few days. Patients should avoid wearing makeup until the following day, but can resume work and other regular activities immediately following treatment.
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