Skin Rejuvenation

Laser Skin Resurfacing | Thermage | Microdermabrasion | Treatments

Our skin is an organ just like our heart and lungs,and must be taken care of for optimal performance. Smoking, drinking and sun exposure are the three main enemies of our skin. Sun exposure can create premature aging with skin thickening, pigment irregularity and wrinkles. Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 should be incorporated in our daily routine and can go a very long way in lessening the effects of the sun on our skin. Smoking affects the skin by causing the tiny blood vessels that nourish the cells to narrow, robbing them of their nutritional support. Excessive alcohol intake can cause dehydration of the skin and over dilation of the tiny blood vessels leading to spider veins.

Despite our best efforts, over time, we all begin to see little signs of aging in our skin. Fortunately in this day and age, there are a number of excellent options to effectively combat this process. These range from home treatments to office procedures to surgical intervention.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

CO2 laser skin resurfacing is ideal for patients with excessive sun damage and deeper facial wrinkles. Additionally, it is an excellent treatment for the multiple deep vertical furrows seen around the mouth and lips, particularly found in smokers. This procedure, typically performed under general anesthesia, precisely vaporizes the skin layer by layer. Thus the upper layers of skin containing irregular pigment and dead cells are completely removed while the deeper layer containing collagen is stimulated to thicken and reorganize causing a markedly smoother consistency.

Candidates for CO2 laser resurfacing are those with:

• Deeper wrinkles and lines
• Moderate to severely sun damaged skin
• Irregular, splotchy pigmentation
• Brown age spots
• Acne or other facial scars
• Benign lesions of the skin

Immediately following CO2 laser treatment, the skin is raw and is occluded with a protective ointment. The length of recovery depends on the depth of the laser treatment and the patient’s skin type but new skin is usually related within seven to ten days. At this point, the new skin is typically pink and can be covered with camouflage makeup.

Many other lasers are used for cosmetic treatment of the skin. Abnormal blood vessels, from tiny spider veins to large congenital vascular lesions are treated by lasers. Abnormal pigmentation of the skin such as brown age spots as well as tattoos can all be removed without scarring using various laser treatments.

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Thermage

One of the more exciting developments in the last few years is the use of radio frequency energy for skin tightening and rejuvenation. This device, called ThermaCool TC ™ is used in an office setting requiring no incisions or recovery time. The radio frequency energy is delivered to the dermal layer of the skin through the touch of a sophisticated microchip treatment tip. This energy stimulates the collagen layer of your skin to thicken and tighten causing visible reduction in wrinkles and actual tightening of the skin. Results begin slowly within a few days and gradually appear in two to six months. Studies have shown that these changes can last several years depending on the rate of the aging process.

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Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a gentle sanding treatment that helps restore a more youthful look and feel to your skin. Using aluminum oxide crystals propelled onto the skin while simultaneously being vacuumed, this process removes the outer layer of dead flaking skin and stimulates the production of fresh skin and collagen. It can soften fine wrinkles, acne scars and skin pigmentation with a series of treatments. It is safe for all skin types and there is no recovery time.

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Treatments / Skin Care Products

Alphahydroxy acids or "fruit acids" are naturally occurring and have been around since the time of the Pharaohs. When applied topically, they gradually remove the outer layer of dead skin and stimulate the rebuilding of the deeper, healthier skin cells. This keeps the outer layer of skin looking smoother and tighter due to the fresh, plump new skin cells.

Topical Vitamin C therapy is an excellent antioxidant that combats “free radicals” which are produced by our body as we age. These "free radicals" cause breakdown of your skin cells leading to fine lines and wrinkles.

We carry a number of excellent skin care lines including:

• BioMedics
• MD Forte
• Obagi
• Skin Ceuticals

Our skincare experts can select the products that are best for your skin type. Though Retin-A, alphahydroxy acids and topical Vitamin C are available over the counter, a skincare specialist can recommend products specifically to your personal skin type. These skin care specialists, working under the direction of a physician, have access to products of higher concentration which are much more effective than those purchased over the counter. Our specialists can recommend a variety of home care regimes including combinations of cleansers, toners, moisturizers and home peels. More advanced treatment can be provided by alphahydroxy acid or Obagi peels in our office. These office peels utilize stronger products and can provide better results for fine wrinkles and skin tone improvement. The deeper the wrinkles or more advanced the skin damage, the more aggressive one must be in treating them.

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