Cosmetic Dermatology

Botox
Purified botulinum toxin (Botox) is used to soften facial lines and wrinkles and to treat excessive sweating under the arms or on the palms of the hands. Botulinum toxin works well for forehead lines, crow's feet, and frown lines. Purified botulinum toxin is injected into the muscle in these areas and works by weakening the muscle, which in turn lessens the lines of facial expression. The results last 3-6 months.

Fractional Laser Resurfacing
Using patented fractional technology, light is delivered as an array of small beams deep into the skin. This initiates a restorative, natural healing process, resulting in an improved skin appearance. This breakthrough technology is useful for the treatment of fine wrinkles, acne scars, traumatic scars, stretch marks, and melasma. Fractional laser resurfacing plays an essential role in non-surgical facial rejuvenation (along with Botox, dermal fillers, and "photofacial" treatments). Generally, four to six treatments are required to achieve maximal benefit. Patients can expect about 48 hours of redness and swelling after treatments.

Juvéderm
Juvéderm is a smooth consistency biodegradable gel made of hyaluronic acid – a naturally occurring substance in your skin that helps to add volume and hydration to deeper wrinkles mainly, the smile lines and to enhance the lips. Approved by the FDA, Juvéderm injectable gel is a dermal filler that instantly restores your skin's volume and smooths away facial wrinkles and folds, like your "smile lines" or "parentheses" (nasolabial folds – the creases that run from the bottom of your nose to the corners of your mouth). Juvéderm injectable gel is the first FDA-approved hyaluronic acid dermal filler that is proven to be safe and effective for persons of color. The results last up to 12 months.

Restylane
Restylane is the first and only cosmetic dermal filler made of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that already exists in the human body and is used to provide volume and fullness to the skin. The hyaluronic acid in Restylane is crystal-clear gel called NASHA, or Non-Animal Stabilized Hyaluronic Acid. NASHA is biodegradable and completely biocompatible with human hyaluronic acid. Unlike other hyaluronic acid-based products, such as those made from rooster combs, only Restylane is non-animal-based. This quality virtually eliminates any risk of animal-based disease transmission or allergic reaction. Restylane is completely degraded, leaving absolutely no traces of the injected material in the body and can last from 3-8 months.

Radiesse
Radiesse is a new injectable product for filling the nasolabial folds. The advantage of this product is the potential for a long lasting effect with results lasting in some patients up to two years.

Radiesse consists of calcium hydroxylapatite suspended in gel (carboxymethycellulose). Because calcium hydroxylapatite is a normal constituent of bone, it should not elicit a chronic inflammatory or immune response. Additionally, the gel carrier doesn't require allergy testing such as required with other injectable fillers such as some collagens.

Calcium hydroxylapatite has been used in humans for a long time in prosthetic implants in dental, facial, and orthopedic surgery. Animal studies and use of the injectable product in vocal cords and bladder neck areas have shown that the product remains soft without new bone formation when injected into soft tissue. The longest term studies come from Italy and suggest that Radiesse shows promise as a new agent for facial contouring with no serious side effects and reasonable efficacy and durability.

Photofacials
(Photorejuvenation for Pigmented and Vascular Lesions)
Our photorejuvenation process uses the optimal wavelength of light to clear vascular and pigmented lesions by targeting hemoglobin (for vascular lesions) and melanin (for pigmented lesions). Once the light is absorbed as heat by the lesion, the lesion disappears. Photorejuvenation is effective on the face, arms, chest, and other large body areas. There is little or no patient downtime. Our process can remove damage caused by years of sun exposure and thus minimize the effects of aging.

Permanent Hair Reduction
Permanent hair reduction is achieved when the cells responsible for growing new hair are disabled. Light at specific wavelengths can target the pigment in hair follicles which absorb this light energy as heat. We can use specific wavelengths to target both finer and coarser hair as well as lighter hair on all skin types. We can treat large areas (i.e. back, chest, legs) as well as smaller areas (underarms and bikini lines).

Chemical Peels
A solution causing chemo-exfoliation is applied to the skin. Peels can be a useful adjunct in treating acne, "liver" or sun spots, lessening fine facial wrinkles, and improving skin texture.