Cosmetic Dermatology

As time passes, our skin shows the natural, inevitable signs of aging – wrinkles, sagging, sun damage. With cosmetic dermatology you may not have to live with those effects anymore. Non-surgical cosmetic procedures available at our practice allow you to smooth lines and wrinkles, raise sunken areas, reduce blemishes and scarring, tighten sagging skin, treat spider and varicose veins, and generally produce fresh, glowing skin so you can look as young and rejuvenated as you feel.

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.

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. 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.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels remove damaged outer layers of skin on the face to smooth texture, reduce scarring, and remove blemishes and pre-cancerous growths to produce healthy, glowing skin. Peel formulas and strengths are tailored to each patient. Peels can be combined with other procedures such as face lifts for a younger look. They may be covered by insurance if they are performed for medical rather than cosmetic reasons.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing, commonly called a laser peel, removes the outer, damaged layer of skin to reveal a smoother, younger look. Laser resurfacing can reduce the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, uneven pigmentation and superficial scarring, usually on the face. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser beam of precisely focused light vaporizes the surface skin and reveals the undamaged layer beneath. Procedure time varies depending on the size and condition of the area being treated.

Laser Hair Reduction

Hair removal is a constant worry for many men and women alike. For patients who are tired of the hassle associated with shaving, waxing and other temporary hair removal techniques, laser hair reduction may be the solution for you. Laser hair reduction exposes specific areas of the body to beams of laser light that disable active hair follicles and delay or prevent re-growth.

Laser hair reduction is ideal for patients with dark hair and light skin. This procedure can be performed on the lip, chin, neck, back, arms, legs, bikini area and more.

After laser hair reduction, patients may experience redness, puffiness and sunburn sensations for the first few days. You may return to work and other regular activities as soon as you feel comfortable. Three to seven days after treatment, patients may notice what appears to be a re-growth of hair, but is actually a shedding of the treated hair, which will fall out and not grow back. Since hairs grow at different times, multiple treatments will be needed for all patients at intervals of four to six weeks.

Scar Revision & Reduction

Scar revision is performed to reduce the appearance of scars caused by injury or previous surgery. Scars are by definition permanent, but surgery can narrow, fade and otherwise reduce the appearance of severe or unattractive scarring, which is especially helpful in areas of cosmetic importance such as the face and hands.

There are many surgical methods of scar revision, only some of which may be appropriate for a particular type of scar or its location. These include surgical excision, skin grafts, flap surgery and Z-plasty (repositioning a scar so that it aligns with the face and is less noticeable). The effectiveness of scar reduction depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the injury, your body's healing mechanism, the size and depth of the wound, how much blood supplies the area and the thickness and color of your skin.

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