Cosmetic Dermatology

In-Office Cosmetic Procedures

• New technologies and products that are entering the growing market of cosmetic procedures are enhancing dermatologists' abilities to fine-tune treatments.
• Advances in the use of lasers, wrinkle fillers and botulinum toxin are allowing dermatologists to better refine and customize treatments based on each patient's specific cosmetic needs.
• Fractional resurfacing is one of the newer laser technologies that gives dermatologists the option to safely treat patients with more extensive skin damage. The main benefits of this procedure are increased collagen production that creates more dramatic results to improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and acne scars — with considerably less downtime than other invasive laser technologies.
• The Intense Pulse Light (IPL) laser rejuvenates the appearance of the skin, by removing skin imperfections caused by sun damage and age spots, and improves the uneven skin tones created by brown spots and red spots. It also treats broken capillaries and fades the redness associated with rosacea.
• The Refirme Skin Tightening Procedure, via wrinkle reduction, achieves a more youthful, tightened, and toned appearance by stimulating collagen production and producing a firming effect in lax skin. Fine wrinkles are reduced, noticeable lifting can be observed and the texture of the skin becomes smoother, more luminous and toned.
• Laser hair removal is the most effective and permanent method for removing unwanted hair. New technologies have allowed for the treatment on all skin types and all different hair colors.
• Dermal fillers, including Restylane and Perlane, restore volume and fullness to the skin to instantly correct moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds, and shapes and sculpts areas that show signs of aging by treating laugh lines (nasolabial folds), marionette lines, lipstick lines, the corners of the mouth, fine lines around the eyes and sunken cheeks.
• Botulinum toxin is a prescription medicine that is injected into the muscles and used to improve the look of moderate to severe frown lines and wrinkles on the upper face. It works by reducing muscle activity that causes persistent lines to form. With significant, noticeable results, no surgery and no recovery time, there are many reasons to get treated.

At-Home Treatments

• Many of the at-home cosmetic treatments such as microdermabrasion kits and chemical peel solutions that can be purchased at drug stores can be safe when they have been thoroughly tested for this type of self-use. The concentration of the active ingredients in these products is much lower than that used by dermatologists. Therefore, most at-home treatments do not produce results as dramatic or long-lasting as the cosmetic procedures performed in dermatologists' offices.
• There still are safety concerns if these at-home treatments are used improperly or if any of the active ingredients cause an unforeseen skin reaction. That is why it is important for a consumer who is considering any at-home cosmetic treatments to first discuss these products with his or her dermatologist.
• For example, a person who is using a retinoid could be at risk for an adverse skin reaction from a chemical in an at-home product that should not be used simultaneously.
• Do-it-yourself laser hair removal devices are popular at-home cosmetic procedures that offer a temporary remedy for unwanted hair. However, they can pose a safety concern for people who are tan or who have darker skin.
• The concern for people who use an at-home laser hair removal device or for those who opt to receive cosmetic treatments outside of a dermatologist's office, such as a spa or mall-based establishment, is that many factors can adversely affect the outcome of the procedure and can have unforeseen side effects.
• For example, the improper use of a laser hair-removal device on an individual who has darker skin or who has a tan could result in scarring or hyperpigmentation, which is darkening of the skin.
• To ensure the highest level of safety and efficacy, see your dermatologist for all your skin-care needs.

For more information about cosmetic procedures, please speak to our staff and call for an appointment.