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These are just some of the procedures we do.
Chemical Peels, Collagen, Microdermabrasion, Hydro-Assisted Dermabrasion, Sclerotherapy
Botox Information
What is Botox therapy and why is it done? Botox is an injected substance that temporarily relaxes forehead and eyebrow wrinkles as well as crow’s feet. It is indicated for cosmetic treatment of wrinkles, migraine headaches and excessive sweating. When injected into the facial muscles there is temporary weakening of the muscles leading to reduced wrinkling.
What are the risks of Botox therapy? This substance has been in medical use since 1980 for disorders of the eye muscles and has been used cosmetically since 1986 and has been found to be very effective and safe. The risks of treatment include, but are not limited to pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, lack of response, and eyelid swelling. Less common side effects include prolonged headache, drooping of the upper eyelid or eyebrow. If you have a disease of the nerves and/or muscles or are pregnant or lactating, you should not receive treatment.
What are the alternatives to Botox therapy? No other therapy is currently in use that can achieve the effects of Botox. Other available treatments for wrinkles include topical creams, chemical peels, laser peels, face-lift and surgical destruction of the muscles responsible for wrinkles.
How is it done? The areas to be treated will be cleansed with alcohol, and then injected with small amounts of Botox. After your treatment, do not massage treated areas or lie down for several hours. Frown as much as possible to enhance the onset of the effect.
How long does it take to work; how long does it last? The effect takes about two weeks to be fully developed and can last up to 4-6 months. No guarantees about the duration of therapy can be made. If the desired effect is not achieved after two weeks, you may return to the office for a touchup for an additional fee. For the first year, you should return every 3-4 months for re-injection. After that, you may return when you feel you need the treatment.
How much does it cost? Botox therapy is not covered by medical insurance. Our office charges $12 per unit of Botox except on days that we train other physicians. Clients who come in for treatment on those days will receive a discount.
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Chemical Peels:
Superficial Chemical Peels
What is a superficial peel and why is it done? This is an in-office procedure designed to treat acne and to minimize fine lines, shallow scars, dull-rough skin, brown and white spots and large pores. It does not treat dilated blood vessels, deeper wrinkles, contour irregularities or loss of fat from the skin. These peels are generally done in a series for best results. We do glycolic acid and beta-hydroxy acid peels in our office.
What are the alternatives to a superficial peel? Other available treatments for sun damage, wrinkles and/or scars include Botox, medium depth chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser peels, face-lifts and surgical destruction of the muscles responsible for wrinkles.
What are the risks of a superficial peel? These are generally well tolerated but you can expect pink skin immediately and for several days after. Brown spots may occasionally worsen especially if you are not careful to use sunscreen (and for some, topical pigment reducing agents) before and after the procedures. You should not have a peel if you have active herpes, open sores, inadequate sun protection, pregnancy, or any unstable medical condition.
How is it done? In general, you should be on a good home program (pigment reducing agents, retinoids, sunscreen) for at least 2-6 weeks before you start your series of peels. Peels are repeated on a schedule to add to their benefit and to maintain results. They may be alternated with acne facials or microdermabrasion.
What care does the skin require after a peel? Before you leave our office after your peel, we will apply a sunscreen or a moisturizer. You will need to re-apply moisturizer 2-3 times per day until peeling stops. You may resume your retinoid and pigment reducing agent as well as makeup when the skin is smooth to the touch.
How much do these cost? These therapies are not covered by medical insurance. An individual peel is $150. A series of six peels is $650.
What is a medium depth peel and why is it done? This is an in-office procedure designed to treat acne scars, sun damage and wrinkles. It does not treat dilated blood vessels, deep contour irregularities, ice-pick scars, or loss of fat from the skin. Sometimes more than one peel or other complementary procedures may be necessary to achieve your goals.
What are the alternatives to a medium depth peel? Other available treatments for wrinkles and/or scars include a series of superficial peels, a series of microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, or laser peels.
What are the risks of a medium depth peel? These are generally well tolerated but you can expect pink-red skin immediately and for several days after the procedure. Peeling usually starts on day 5 and may continue until day 8-10. Redness may persist even longer. Brown spots may occasionally worsen especially if you are not careful to use sunscreen (and for some, topical pigment reducing agents) before and after the procedures. You should not have a peel if you have active herpes, open sores, inadequate sun protection, pregnancy, recent isotretinoin use or any unstable medical condition.
How is it done? If you decide to have a medium depth peel, you will need to return for a pre-peel consultation. In general, you must be on a good home program (pigment reducing agents, retinoids, sunscreen) for at least 6 weeks before you have your medium depth peel. If you are prone to cold sores, you will need to start an oral antiviral medication on the day before your procedure. Depending on the depth of the peel and your tolerance, you may be given a prescription for a relaxant before your procedure. You must have a driver to and from your procedure. You will need to be off work and resting at home for 7- 10 days.
What care does the skin require after a peel? Before you leave our office after your peel, we will apply a sunscreen or a moisturizer. You will need to re-apply moisturizer 2-3 times per day until peeling stops. You may resume your retinoid and pigment reducing agent as well as makeup, when the skin is smooth to the touch.
How much does this cost? These therapies are not covered by medical insurance. A price quote and written fee agreement will be provided for you. In general, a medium depth peel costs ~$350.
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Collagen:
Collagen Information
What is collagen therapy and why is it done? This is an injectable implant composed of highly purified bovine dermal collagen that is combined with a salt-water solution and lidocaine, a local anesthetic. These implants (Zyderm and Zyplast) are indicated for the correction of contour deformities of the skin. These implants have been used successfully in many areas of the body to correct wrinkles, scars, and sagging. Indications include: distensible acne scars; thinning of the skin caused by disease or trauma; frown lines; skin graft or other surgically-induced irregularities; and other soft tissue defects. You will experience immediate, visible results after one session.
What are the risks of collagen therapy? Rigorous clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of Zyderm and Zyplast collagen implants were conducted from 1976 to 1981. The FDA cleared Zyderm and Zyplast implants in 1981 and 1985 respectively. Risks include but are not limited to pain during injection, bruising and swelling at injection sites, over correction, and allergic reaction to the implant. Before treatment can begin, a collagen skin test must be done. If no reaction to the skin test is noted in 8 weeks, treatment may be performed.
What are the alternatives to collagen therapy? Other options include, Botox injections (especially for forehead, eyebrow and crow’s feet wrinkles), fat implants, and implantation of other tissue fillers. A new type of collagen derived from human foreskin will soon be available.
How is it done? Eight weeks prior to the procedure, a Collagen Test Implant is injected into the skin of the forearm to determine if you have sensitivity to the implants. This is then repeated 2 weeks before your treatment. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of men and women tested can be treated with Zyderm and Zyplast implants. If you are eligible to receive treatment, Zyderm and Zyplast implants are implanted into the skin through a very small needle. Most patients return to their normal routine immediately following the procedure.
How long does it last? An ongoing series of customized treatments is needed preserve the look that is desired.
What is the cost? This is not covered by medical insurance. The fee depends on the amount of collagen used to achieve the results . One syringe of collagen costs $275. We will provide you with an estimate at the time of your consultation based on your evaluation and goals of treatment.
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Microdermabrasion:
Microdermabrasion Information Sheet
What is microdermabrasion and why is it done? This is an in-office procedure designed to treat acne and to minimize fine lines, shallow scars, dull-rough skin, brown and white spots and large pores. It does not treat dilated blood vessels, deeper wrinkles, contour irregularities or loss of fat from the skin. These procedures are generally done in a series for best results.
What are the alternatives to microdermabrasion? Other available treatments for sun damage, wrinkles and/or scars include Botox, medium depth chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser peels, face-lifts and surgical destruction of the muscles responsible for wrinkles.
What are the risks of microdermabrasion? These are generally well tolerated but you can expect pink skin immediately and for several days after. Bruising or swelling may occur especially if you are taking aspirin or other blood thinners. Brown spots may occasionally worsen especially if you are not careful to use sunscreen (and for some, topical pigment reducing agents) before and after the procedures. You should not have microdermabrasion if you have active herpes, active inflammatory acne, open sores, inadequate sun protection, pregnancy, or any unstable medical condition.
How is it done? In general, you should be on a good home program (pigment reducing agents, retinoids, sunscreen) for at least 2-6 weeks before you start your series of microdermabrasion. Treatments are repeated on a schedule to add to their benefit and to maintain results. They may be alternated with acne facials or chemical peels.
What care does the skin require after microdermabrasion? Before you leave our office after your treatment we will apply a sunscreen. You may apply makeup over the sunscreen before you leave our office. You may resume your retinoid and pigment reducing agent as well as makeup when the skin is smooth to the touch.
How much do these cost? These therapies are not covered by medical insurance. Treatment of the face is $150. A series of six treatments is $650.
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Hydro-Assisted Dermabrasion:
Hydro resurfacing Information
What is Hydro resurfacing and why is it done? This is a procedure that involves mechanical abrasion of the superficial and middle layers of the skin. Indications include: hyperpigmentation, acne, especially comedonal and superficial acne, shallow scarring, photoaging and wrinkles, and rough textured, dull surfaced skin.
What are the risks and side effects of Hydro resurfacing therapy? Discomfort, bleeding, oozing, bruising, and transient swelling are seen in all patients after the procedure. Risks include hyperpigmentation, infection, linear streaking, herpes simplex, eye injury, and scarring. Dilated blood vessels and redness may be worsened by this procedure. Any disorder associated with hyperpigmentation may be worsened especially if the skin is not pretreated with pigment reducing agents and scrupulous sun avoidance is not done. Contraindications to this procedure: active inflammatory acne, atopic dermatitis, skin cancer, active herpes labialis, oral blood thinners, pregnancy, and uncontrolled diabetes.
What are the alternatives to Hydro resurfacing therapy? Other options include chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
How is it done? You will return for a pre-operative consultation where we will discuss all the details about the procedure. We will give you pre-operative instructions, prescriptions and post-operative information as well. The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia sometimes with topical and oral anesthesia. It usually takes less than one hour. You will need a driver and someone to take care of you for the first 24 hours.
How long does it take to heal? It can take up to 7 days for the skin to heal. Redness can take longer to improve.
What is the cost? This is not covered by medical insurance. If you decide to proceed, you will be provided with a price quote. A full-face procedure costs $1500.
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Hydro-Assisted Dermabrasion |
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Sclerotherapy:
Sclerotherapy Information Sheet
What is sclerotherapy and why is it done? This is a technique where a medicine (usually salt water) is injected into blood vessels to damage them. It is performed for the treatment of spider veins and reticular veins. These tiny vessels often develop due to heredity, pregnancy, weight gain, hormone therapy, and aging. Although they are connected to the vein system they do not perform an essential function.
What are the risks of sclerotherapy? Serious medical complications are extremely rare. The risks of treatment include, but are not limited to discomfort, lack of response, inflammation, blood clot formation, skin injury with scarring, pigmentary abnormality or matted blood vessels.
What are the alternatives to sclerotherapy? Compression stockings may limit worsening of spider veins but they will not make them go away. Some spider veins will respond to laser treatment but sclerotherapy is usually the best initial treatment for these veins when they occur on the legs.
How is it done? You will need to follow pre operative instructions carefully and purchase compression stockings to bring to your treatment. Under some circumstances, one leg will be treated per session. The sites to be treated will be cleansed with alcohol then injected with a tiny needle. After injection the sites will be compressed with cotton and tape. At the end of your session we will help you to put on your compression stockings. You may return to your normal duties. You will keep your stockings on until the next day. You will want to wear your stockings daily to get the best results for several weeks after your procedure to get the best results. You will need to follow post sclerotherapy instructions carefully to get the best results.
How long does it take to work; how long does it last? The effect of each treatment takes about 6 weeks to be seen; in general treatments are repeated at least twice to have the best effect. Unfortunately, these treatments will not prevent new vessels from forming.
How much does it cost? Sclerotherapy is not covered by medical insurance. Prices range from $150 and up depending on how many areas need to be treated.
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