COSMETIC PROCEDURES

MICRODERMABRASION

Indications - Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures performed today. Over time, factors such as aging, genetic factors, sun damage, acne, scarring, and enlarged pores can contribute to the formation of facial wrinkles and a rough skin texture on the face. Most commonly used to treat the face and the neck, microdermabrasion can successfully reduce the appearance of superficial wrinkles and scars, large pores, acne, and age spots, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Technique - During microdermabrasion, fine crystals usually remove the superficial or uppermost layer of the epidermis, known as the stratum corneum. Depending on the extent of skin damage, deeper treatment may be necessary; however, treatment rarely extends beyond the epidermis. As a result, microdermabrasion is not appropriate for the treatment of deeper wrinkles and scars, or extensive discoloration as these conditions likely extend into the dermis. In these instances chemical peels and laser resurfacing may achieve more desirable results. As microdermabrasion only causes superficial injury to the skin, the risk of scarring and pigmentation anomalies following microdermabrasion is extremely low, when compared with other resurfacing techniques. Therefore, microdermabrasion can be safely and effectively used on individuals of all skin types. As the new skin cells are revealed, the skin will have an improved texture and overall appearance. It is important to realize that in order to maintain the results from a microdermabrasion, approximately five to ten treatments are necessary, depending on the severity of skin damage. Initially, treatments are done every one to two weeks. However, over time the frequency of treatment may decrease to once a month, and later to twice a year. Although multiple treatments are required, microdermabrasion is a simple, fast, effective method of reducing superficial skin damage to restore a refreshed and youthful appearance.

INJECTABLE FILLERS

Indications - Injectable fillers are one of the most popular facial rejuvenation techniques. As we age, the underlying tissues that keep our skin looking youthful and firm begin to break down due to the effects of gravity, sun exposure, diet, genetic factors, and years of facial muscle movement. Over time these factors contribute to the development of lines, wrinkles, and folds in the face. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring complex sugar molecule that forms large matrices in the connective tissue of the body, such as skin and cartilage. Much like a sponge, its primary function is to bind and absorb water molecules, which creates volume in the face. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally used to treat facial wrinkles and folds and to enhance the appearance of the lips.

Technique - One of the fastest growing dermal filler treatments available, hyaluronic acid fillers work by replacing the hyaluronic acid in the body that has depleted over time, which restores the volume beneath the skin’s surface. Hyaluronic acid fillers are generally biocompatible, which means allergy skin testing is not required prior to treatment. Depending on the extent of treatment, hyaluronic acid injection procedures typically last between fifteen and sixty minutes. Prior to the start of your procedure, the treatment areas will be cleansed, usually using an alcohol based cleaner. Unlike collagen injections, hyaluronic acid injections do not include an anesthetic agent. Therefore, a local or topical anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area during the procedure. Using an ultra fine needle, hyaluronic acid is injected into the dermis at several points along the edge of the treatment area. After approximately two to three injections, the treatment area is massaged. The injection of the filler along the length of the wrinkle or fold continues until maximum correction has been achieved. While hyaluronic acid molecules attract and bind water molecules, the volume beneath the skin will increase, restoring a smoother, more youthful appearance. Immediately following the injections, some redness, slight stinging, minor swelling, or bruising may be observed in the treatment area. Tiny scabs may also form at the injection sites. These symptoms typically disappear within two to three days. Bandaging is not necessary and most patients are able to resume normal activities immediately following treatment. The body will eventually metabolize and absorb the injected hyaluronic acid over time. Therefore, while the effects are immediate, hyaluronic acid injections do not provide the same long-lasting results that may be gained from cosmetic surgery. Although the longevity of results varies by patient, results from hyaluronic acid injections are typically maintained for six to twelve months.

BOTOX

Indications - BOTOX® Cosmetic is the most popular minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure performed. Used to treat facial lines and wrinkles such as forehead lines, frown lines, crow's feet, and lines around the neck, BOTOX® Cosmetic is the registered product name for Botulinum toxin, Type A. Botulinum toxin is produced by a bacterium known as "clostridium botulinum", and is normally responsible for causing the bacterial infection known as botulism. However, in small doses, botulinum toxin can be used safely to reduce the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles. With little downtime and almost immediate results, BOTOX® Cosmetic can help restore a smoother, more youthful appearance to the face.

Technique - Prior to the procedure, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed, usually with an alcohol-based cleanser. As the procedure is typically not very painful, an anesthetic is not usually administered. However, if the patient is especially sensitive to pain, a topical anesthetic will help him stay comfortable and relaxed during the procedure. Before performing the injections, the patient contracts his facial muscles in the desired treatment area in order to determine the precise injection sites. The entire procedure typically takes approximately ten to fifteen minutes, but may vary depending on the number of desired treatment areas. Using an ultra fine needle, the physician will inject small amounts of BOTOX® Cosmetic into the facial muscles along the treatment areas.
In addition to factors such as age, sun exposure, and heredity, one of the primary causes of facial lines and wrinkles is repetitive muscle contraction. Nerves release neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that send signals, or impulses to other nerves, muscles, or the brain. Nerve impulses are what trigger muscles to contract, or move. When injected into facial muscles, the toxin in BOTOX® Cosmetic injections blocks the transmission of these nerve impulses, which temporarily paralyzes muscles and prevents them from contracting. Under normal conditions, a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine is released by the nerve cell. Acetylcholine vesicles must be able to bind to the nerve membrane, in order to release the acetylcholine and transmit a signal to the muscle. Once released, acetylcholine triggers the muscle to contract. This repeated muscle contraction causes facial lines and wrinkles to form.
Once BOTOX® Cosmetic is injected into the treatment area, the toxin enters the nerve and cleaves a special protein along the nerve membrane that is necessary for acetylcholine to bind properly. As a result, acetylcholine cannot bind to the nerve membrane and is not released. Without the release of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, facial muscles are unable to contract and are temporarily paralyzed, giving the face a smooth, less wrinkled appearance. The patient will typically be able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure, but may notice some redness, minor swelling or bruising, or numbness around the injection sites. However, these are generally minor and should resolve within a few days following the procedure.  As the muscles in the treatment area are unable to contract, the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles will decrease. The results from a single procedure last approximately three to four months after which the patient can receive subsequent injections to maintain the desired results. Although the results are temporary, BOTOX® Cosmetic can safely and effectively help to restore the smooth, more youthful appearance to the face.