Cosmetic Dermatology

About Chemical Peel

What is it?

A chemical peel is a procedure in which a solution is applied to the top layer of your skin to remove dead, flaky skin cells. This allows the fresh, new layer of skin underneath to develop and grow, leaving you with a radiant and brightened complexion. There are three types of peels, each characterized by how deep they penetrate, which depends on the type and strength of the solution. These include superficial peels, which penetrate only as far as the outermost layer of the skin (epidermis), medium peels, which treat the top layer of the dermis (not to be confused with the epidermis), and deep peels, which treat the bottom layer of the dermis. Chemical peels offer numerous benefits, some of which include the following: erasure of fine lines and wrinkles, reduction of age/sun spots, smoothing of rough skin texture, faded shallow scars (including those from acne), improved skin tone, and balanced pigmentation.

What to expect

Chemical peels are safe for a variety of skin colors, although the lighter the skin, the more effective the treatment will be. To get the results you want, talk to the specialists at our dermatology center, as we’ll help you decide which type of peel is best and tailor the treatment to fit your specific needs.

After the procedure

Downtime and side effects will vary depending on the type of peel you undergo. For example, a superficial peel has no downtime, with only redness and minimal peeling for side effects. A medium peel typically requires 2-3 days of recovery, and common side effects include swelling, redness, and peeling for 4-7 days after the procedure. Finally, a deep peel can entail 1-2 weeks of downtime, more pronounced redness, and swelling for 7-10 days–perhaps longer. Regardless of which type of peel you undergo, you can expect smoother, fresher-looking, and radiant skin once the results are finalized.

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About Microdermabrasion

What is it?

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive treatment that gently removes the thicker, damaged top layer of skin. Once the dead skin cells are removed, they are then vacuumed so that new skin cells can grow. This treatment also stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen, leaving your skin smoother and tighter. Microdermabrasion is great for a variety of skin-dulling issues, including sun damage, fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, enlarged pores, light scarring, skin discoloration, stretch marks, clogged pores, and poor skin texture.

What to expect

Microdermabrasion sessions are quick and convenient, usually lasting about 30 minutes, giving it the nickname the “lunchtime facial.” Since this is a minimally-invasive procedure, there’s no surgery involved and it’s virtually painless, allowing you to get right back to your daily schedule. Microdermabrasion is safe for all skin colors and types, and it often delivers dramatic changes after a single session. By exfoliating your skin and allowing a new layer of skin to emerge, your skin will look radiant and refreshed.

After the procedure

Results are natural-looking and long-lasting, but it usually takes 5-8 sessions to see optimal results. Side effects include swelling, redness, tenderness, and/or bruising for 5-7 days. Special skin moisturizers can speed up healing, and our dermatology experts recommend frequent sunscreen applications in the days following the procedure.

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About IPL Photofacial

What is it?

• Hands
• Arms
• Neck
• Chest

• Reduces pigmented spots
• Minimizes facial wrinkles and fine lines
• Shrinks pores
• Eliminates spider veins
• Improves skin redness and flushing
• Stimulates collagen production
• Smooths skin texture

The overall result of an IPL treatment is firmer, brighter, more resilient skin.

What to expect

An IPL photofacial requires almost no downtime and results can be seen within a few days post-treatment. While there are minimal side effects with an IPL treatment, some patients may experience swelling, redness, tenderness, and discomfort, but this should resolve in 1-2 days. Dark spots may crust up with a coffee grounds appearance. However, these will gently exfoliate from the skin surface over 4-7 days.

After the procedure

Immediately after an IPL photofacial, you can expect some skin redness, though this usually subsides within the first week. Patients can expect to see full results a month after their last IPL treatment.

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About Dermal Fillers

What are they?

Dermal fillers are substances injected just below the skin to help restore a more youthful appearance. A natural substance like hyaluronic acid is the main ingredient in most dermal fillers because it easily synthesizes with your skin and body. Hyaluronic acid binds to the body’s natural moisture reserves for a natural-looking improvement to your appearance.

What to expect

Our practice is happy to provide both the Juvéderm and Restylane line of dermal fillers. The Juvéderm line includes Juvéderm XC (to reduce lines around your nose and mouth), Vollure XC (to minimize deep nasolabial lines), Volbella XC (to improve fine lip lines), and Voluma XC (to enhance and volumize cheeks). Meanwhile, Restylane is used to soften nasolabial folds and lip lines, while Restylane Defyne treats sturdy support deep facial lines and Restylane Refyne treats of moderate facial lines and creases. Regardless of the dermal filler used, the treatment is quick, pain-free, and results in no downtime.

After the procedure

Depending on your specific treatment area, dermal fillers can provide you with the following benefits: diminished frown lines between the eyes, reduced smile lines around the nose and mouth, enhanced shallow lines around the lips, plump lips, volumized cheeks, and a reduction of wrinkles and facial creases. Overall, your skin becomes firmer and more resilient because the fillers help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, important elements in your skin that help you look youthful.

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About Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is it?

Laser skin resurfacing is a skin rejuvenation procedure that gently removes the top layers of your skin, allowing for the newer, fresher layers underneath to rise to the surface. This stimulates the production of new collagen, which leads to reduced superficial blemishes, diminished wrinkles (such as deep frown lines or laugh lines), smoother skin texture, improved pigmentation, and the reduction of scars from acne or chicken pox.

What to expect

Our dermatology experts have the experience and training to perform laser skin resurfacing that matches your aesthetic goals and rejuvenates your overall appearance. Our practitioners carefully and skillfully pass the laser over the targeted areas of your skin in a precise, uniform pattern to deliver customized results that leave you looking refreshed and glowing. Laser skin resurfacing can be done with one of a variety of lasers, all of which are safe and effective for use on many areas of your body, including the eyelids, forehead, nose, mouth, neck, décolleté , and hands.

After the procedure

After you undergo laser skin resurfacing, it typically takes 1-2 weeks to fully heal, but it is important that you follow an aftercare routine that includes applying healing ointment to expedite your healing. If you properly follow aftercare instructions, the procedure will allow for your body’s natural healing properties to flourish, making your appearance look healthy, natural, and rejuvenated.

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About Brown Age Spots (Sunspots)

What is it?

Also known as liver spots or sunspots, brown age spots are not always uniform; they can be tan or black, can differ in size and shape, and usually appear on areas commonly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, arms, and shoulders. Although normally a cosmetic issue, brown age spots can develop into a medical issue if the spots rapidly enlarge, bleed, or change into unusual colors. If you notice these, please see your neighborhood board-certified dermatologist immediately.

What causes it?

Brown age spots are primarily caused by years of exposure to the UV rays of the sun (or to those of indoor tanning), which is why you may associate them with aging; however, brown spots can develop in younger people, as well. To be more specific, the spots result when the UV rays cause the buildup or clumping together of melanin in a localized area. Although brown spots can develop on any skin color, if you have light skin, you’re more susceptible. This is also the case if you have a history of sunburns or have spent a lot of time in the sun during your life.

Common treatments?

We understand that aging and years of fun in the sun can bring about changes in your skin, particularly brown age spots (or sunspots), which can have an effect on your self-esteem. As your community skin experts, we’re here to offer encouragement, answer questions, and provide solutions regarding this issue. Our skin experts offer a variety of treatments for liver spots, but they are based on your overall health and aesthetic goals. Options include prescription oral medications, prescription-strength creams, laser treatment, IPL therapy, dermabrasion, cryotherapy, and chemical peels.

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Our skilled dermatologists have the knowledge and experience to provide treatment options tailored to suit your needs and meet your goals. We’ll be with you throughout the process, providing compassionate advice and support. Your healthy skin is our passion. Contact us today if you notice brown age spots so that we can help you look your best.