Cosmetic Dermatology

Overview

This outpatient procedure consists of an acidic solution applied to the skin, which removes the outermost layers of cells and allows the skin to rejuvenate.

Medium peels are commonly used to treat acne scars, fine wrinkles, blemishes, and pigmentation problems, and often work well for patients with darker complexions.

Preparation

Before the peel, facial skin is cleansed and sterilized.

Medium peels may be performed while the patient is lightly sedated, and can be used on the entire face or on selected portions of the face.

Procedure

A chemical solution is carefully applied by the dermatologist to select areas of the face, and is usually left on the skin for less than 1 hour.

The solution is then gently washed away with water, after which, a soothing ointment may be applied.

Recovery

After a medium chemical peel, the skin will be sensitive, and may be swollen and red for about a week. The outer layer of skin will then begin to flake off, revealing fresh skin beneath.

The entire process takes about two weeks. In some cases, more than one treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired result.

Overview

Botox® is a chemical protein complex produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum that is used cosmetically to diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

How it Works

Botox® essentially relaxes the contraction of muscles by blocking nerve impulses

Procedure

Facial skin is first cleansed and sterilized. The dermatologist then injects the protein using a fine needle to minimize discomfort.

Botox® injections do not require anesthetic, and take just a few minutes to perform. Patients will begin to see the results within 48 hours, and full effect in about a week.

Recovery

Patients may experience some tenderness and swelling at the injection point immediately after the procedure, which usually subside within 48 hours.

Patients can usually return to their regular routine immediately after the procedure.

Overview

Because moles can become cancerous, it's important to be aware of the characteristics that can signal skin cancer. Dermatologists use a handy mnemonic device to remember these characteristics: ABCDE.

With early detection and treatment, most cases of skin cancer can be cured.

A. Asymmetry

Normal moles generally have a regular shape. If one half of a mole is unlike the other half, the mole is suspicious.

B. Border

Normal moles have smooth, even borders. Moles that have irregular, poorly defined, notched, or scalloped borders are suspicious.

C. Color

Normal moles are a single color, usually brown or black. Moles that have different shades of color, multiple colors, or atypical colors such as white, blue, or red are suspicious.

D. Diameter

Any mole that has a diameter larger than a pencil eraser is suspicious.

E. Evolving

Normal moles generally do not change appearance. Any mole that is growing larger, changing shape, or changing color is suspicious.

Professional Care

A mole that displays one or more of these characteristics should be evaluated by a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Skin cancer can be deadly, and postponing an evaluation can allow a cancerous mole to spread to nearby areas or to other parts of the body.

Overview

Scars are the body's way of healing the skin after injury. A scar's appearance depends on the type of wound and where it is on the body, but other factors such as age, sex, ethnicity, and heredity can also play a role.

Scars may fade over time or with treatment, but they will never completely disappear.

Causes

When the thick layer of skin, called the dermis, is damaged, the body repairs it with collagen, eventually forming a scar.

Scars are caused by trauma to the skin from incisions or burns, and can also be caused by conditions such as acne or chickenpox.

Appearance

Scar tissue looks different than normal skin, and typically appears flat and paler than surrounding skin. Scars can vary greatly in appearance depending on location, cause, age, and skin type.

Acne scars can form deep pits, while burn scars often have a wavy, stretched appearance. Young, and dark-skinned persons may develop raised scars.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on the type of scar, and may include topical applications, steroid or collagen injections, laser resurfacing, or surgical removal.

Scars cannot be completely removed, but treatment can help make them less noticeable.

Overview

This nonsurgical procedure is used to treat blemishes on the skin's surface.

Ablative laser resurfacing can smooth fine wrinkles and scars, and promote the growth of healthy new skin.

Ablative laser resurfacing can have dramatic effects after just one treatment.

Preparation

Before the treatment, facial skin is cleansed and sterilized.

Anesthesia or sedation may be administered, depending on the type and extent of treatment.

Procedure

The dermatologist directs a handheld laser over the surface of the skin at the treatment area. The laser vaporizes the skin's surface, exposing the fresh new skin underneath.

Laser resurfacing can be effective for targeting fine wrinkles, blemishes, uneven pigmentation, loose skin, and burst blood vessels.

Recovery

When the procedure is complete, the dermatologist may apply a topical medication and dress the skin.

After the procedure, the skin will be red, swollen, and sensitive. The skin will scab over and heal over the next few weeks, leaving fresh new skin in its place. The entire process takes between 6 and 12 weeks.

Overview

Dermal fillers are used to smooth facial wrinkles and creases, plump lips, and enhance shallow contours.

Common dermal filler brands include SCULPTRA®, Belotero®, and Juvederm®.

how it works

Also known as “injectables” or “soft-tissue fillers”, dermal fillers essentially fill areas under the skin resulting in a plumper, more youthful appearance.

Procedure

Facial skin is first cleansed and sterilized. The dermatologist then injects the dermal filler in selected areas using a fine needle.

Dermal fillers are most often used on lines around the mouth, to plump the lips, to fill wrinkles or creases, plump cheeks, and contour the jaw line.

Recovery

Patients may experience some tenderness and swelling at the injection point immediately after the procedure. In most cases, the patient can return to their regular routine immediately.

It is recommended to avoid sun exposure for 24-48 hours after the procedure.