Chemical Peel

Chemical peels improve the overall appearance of your facial skin by removing the damaged outer layer, and as a result, facial blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin pigmentation are virtually eliminated. A variety of peeling agents and formulations can be used, but the most consistent and commonly used agents are alphahydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol.  

Laser Treatments

Laser techniques, in principle, produce younger looking skin in a similar way as chemical peels. Lasers are used to remove areas of damaged or wrinkled skin, minimize the appearance of fine lines, and are also effective in treating facial scars or areas of uneven pigmentation. The procedure may be performed on the whole face or in specific regions, and is often done in conjunction with another cosmetic operation, such as a facelift or eyelid surgery.

There are two types of lasers that we offer - CO2 and Fraxel.

CO2 laser resurfacing uses a beam of energy from a carbon dioxide laser through which the surgeon vaporizes the upper layers of skin. This allows new, less blemished, smoother skin to emerge. While this laser is the most aggressive of the lasers, it is not without recovery. The procedure is performed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia and requires an initial seven to ten day recovery period. During this time, there is swelling and discomfort. After the initial healing process, pink skin will persist for several months. This redness can be covered with makeup.

For years, patients have desired a breakthrough aesthetic approach with many of the benefits of ablative laser skin resurfacing (performed with a CO2 laser), but without the downtime, side effects and lengthy recovery period. The solution: Fraxel™ Laser Treatment.

Fraxel™ Laser

This laser treatment repairs aging and sun-damaged skin -- pixel-by-pixel, spot by spot. Think of your skin as a family portrait or digital photo in need of high-quality restoration or touch-up. Imagine how the portrait would be delicately restored, one small area at a time. That's the principle behind the Fraxel. The laser is currently FDA cleared for skin resurfacing procedures, to treat fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, to improve acne scarring, and for treatment of pigmented lesions, including age and sunspots.

It is the only laser device specially designed to resurface a fraction of skin at a time without breaking the skin's protective outer barrier. Fraxel can also be used to treat non-facial skin such as sun damaged hands, neck and chest. Treatment takes about one to one and a half hours including the application of a topical anesthetic, depending on the size of the area being treated. Patients can resume routine activities and apply makeup right after treatment. The skin will have a pinkish tone for 5-7 days. Swelling is minimal and generally resolves in about 2 days. For additional information on Fraxel including before and after photos, visit www.fraxel.com.

BOTOX^®

Botulinum Toxin Type A (BOTOX^® Cosmetic) is a protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. When used in a medical setting as an injectable form of sterile, purified botulinum toxin, small doses block the release of a chemical called acetylcholine by nerve cells that signal muscle contraction. By selectively interfering with the underlying muscles' ability to contract, existing frown lines are smoothed out and, in most cases, are nearly invisible in a week. The results can last up to five months.

Injectables 

Full and vivacious lips have always been recognized as aesthetically important features. Some of us however, are born with thin, ill-defined lips. But the appearance of our lips is now within our control. During this procedure, one or both lips can be augmented with tissue from one's own body or with other naturally occurring substances, depending on circumstances, such as availability of graft material, and on individual preference. 

The advantage of fat grafting is that the fat comes from your own body. Your body naturally accepts the injected fat. The fat is processed and re-injected into the area using a fine needle and syringe. The most common areas of fat graft placement are the lips and the nasolabial fold lines of the face (laugh lines). 

Another option is Restylane, which is a crystal-clear, non-animal, biodegradable gel based on a natural substance (hyaluronic acid.) The gel is injected into the skin in tiny amounts with a very fine needle. The result is instantaneous and produces a long-lasting, natural enhancement, gentle and safe to your skin. One of the great advantages of Restylane is that it is long lasting, but not permanent. Unlike permanent treatments or implants, Restylane always leaves you with the option of re-evaluating your needs when the initial effect has worn off. With Restylane, you will always have the option of continuing or changing the combination of treatments. A follow-up can be performed at any time you like after the previous treatment. http://www.restylane.com/consumer 

During your individual consultation, you can learn about these products and decide if one of them would be a good choice for you.